At that moment, Jiang Xuan was looking as obedient and compliant as a well-behaved puppy, even his voice was so soothing it felt like a gentle spring breeze.
Noticing the change in Jiang Xuan, Leng Wu Shuang leaned close and whispered in his ear:
“Sweetie, as long as you agree to be my loving husband, I’ll give you anything you desire.”
“Really? The Empress’s affection is overwhelming! I need some time to think about this.”
Meanwhile, in the system space in Jiang Xuan’s mind:
“System, since the Empress gave me such an opportunity, what do you think would be the best way to escape? For example, I could use my cooking skills to win her over, maybe even slip something extra into her food to take her down with seductive noodles.”
“But if I play it safe, I could always put on a massage session for her and make her relax, leading to another peaceful slumber. In any case, sneaking around should keep the plan on track, but let’s hope not meeting again isn’t too much to ask.”
Hearing this, the System responded skeptically:
“Master, why don’t you just conquer her with the ultimate charm you have? Aren’t you always looking to become stronger?”
“As long as your Spiritual Root duplicates successfully, you’ve taken a big step towards becoming powerful.”
“System, thank you for caring, but duplicating that root has a mere 50% success rate! You’re not exactly giving me the best confidence booster here!”
“Forget it, System. If you were reliable, we’d all be pigs climbing trees by now.”
The System: “…..”
After dismissing the System’s proposal, Jiang Xuan decided to cook for Leng Wu Shuang. The massage approach had obviously failed before because she’d be more cautious this time.
Deciding to try a new tactic, Jiang Xuan suggested:
“Empress… uh, I’m rather peckish, so I’d like to whip up a meal for you. Would you, perhaps, care to taste what I’ve prepared?”
“Hmm? Didn’t know our humble husband was so skilled in the kitchen! Want to impress me? Good, I’m tired of imperial delicacies; a fresh taste might be just what I need. Okay, you have my approval.”
With that, Leng Wu Shuang slowly released Jiang Xuan.
“You may proceed. The kitchen is to the right outside your room. But I must advise you not to entertain any thoughts of escape.”
“If you think dressing up will work, guess again. Your tricks won’t fly this time.”
Jiang Xuan: “…..”
Inside, Jiang Xuan was elated:
“Even without disguising, she believes in me so little! Perfect!”
Jiang Xuan confidently replied:
“Your Highness, stay put. Your meal will be delivered shortly. I promise that you shall savor every bite and provide feedback.”
“As long as it comes from you, I love everything.”
“Thank you for the kindness, Empress. But you haven’t seen anything yet, my cooking is legendary!”
Once he heard this, Jiang Xuan slowly left the room and gently closed the door behind him. However, he didn’t head towards the kitchen on the right. He knew that the only way out was to the left. He figured that, at the rooftop exit, many guards would be standing by, and no one would be allowed to pass.
But these obstacles meant nothing to Jiang Xuan. He flipped his outer shirt inside-out, mussed his hair, then ran swiftly towards the rooftop exit.
When he arrived, five or six female guards blocked his path, including the Pavilion Master Mu Yun Xue.
Seeing Jiang Xuan’s out-of-breath state, Mu Yun Xue swallowed nervously.
“Little Ancestor, trying to run again? Please, return! You can never escape! Just don’t upset the Empress!”
Taken aback, Jiang Xuan pleaded:
“No, it’s not that! We need help. The Empress, uh, she… collapsed after I changed her clothes… and… and she’s bleeding… please look into it.”
Jiang Xuan, who appeared out of breath and flustered, had the guards worried.
“Please tell us, what happened to the Empress?”
Jiang Xuan, struggling through his words:
“The Empress… after tearing off my clothes… got so excited… she fell unconscious… and is bleeding… go check her!”
Mu Yun Xue and the guard squad rushed to the far side of the room. After watching everyone leave the rooftop, Jiang Xuan chuckled. With his great acting, he led them away, and now all that was needed was to blend in with the guests and disappear.
Inside, Jiang Xuan thought:
“Cooking for the Empress? Overrated. Better to go directly for the escape. Why make it complicated?”
“Weaker than expected – I win again.”
…
Arriving joyfully on the ground floor of Tianxiang Pavilion, he froze. All exits were sealed, and each guarded by watchful eyes.
Unbeknownst to Jiang Xuan, a “Closed for Renovation” sign hung at the pavilion’s entrance outside.
Soon, Leng Wu Shuang approached.
“My dear husband, weren’t you going to cook for me? Running to the first floor? Insulting me? That’s quite a surprise.”
“I should be thankful for alerting me. Otherwise, who knows where you’d be right now if I hadn’t stopped operations.”
“But, you clearly underestimated me. Twice the mistake, never the same twice.”
Leng Wu Shuang grabbed Jiang Xuan’s hand:
“Come along, back to my room. Since I missed your meal, I’ll feast on you.”
“That’s right, don’t think your guards’ descriptions—about me being indecisive—have me fooled. Soon you’ll find out if I falter.”
Jiang Xuan: “!!!!!”
With those final words, Jiang Xuan quickly pleaded:
“Empress, please, forgive me, and give me one more chance…”
