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CCP Ch 15: Han Xuan Haoâs Embarrassment
Darkness gradually descended as countless stars covered the night sky. Humidity infiltrated the air, creating a sentimental ambiance. Shang Wuxin stood by the bedroom window, looking up at the sky that was particularly clear. The distant stars glittered like broken tears.
Something suddenly disturbed the peaceful air. The guards of the Crown Princeâs residence got entangled in a fight with several disguised men dressed in black. Perhaps if Shang Wuxin hadnât received those subordinates today, the black clad people would have already slipped into the room undetected by anyone.
âCrown Prince!â Wu Juâs worried voice sounded from outside the bedroom. Since Wu Wei had recently been responsible for training the guards, she was often busy and out of the residence. However, she was steadily handing over the chores to Wu Ju. Wu Ju was also quickly adapting to taking good care of the crown princeâs daily life.
âMhmâŠâ Shang Wuxinâs indifferent voice came from within the bedroom. It seemed as if she didnât feel the slightest threat regarding tonightâs intrusion.
Wu Juâs initially agitated mind calmed down when she heard the serene voice. Then she picked up her weapon and stood in front of the bedroom door full of vigilance, wondering when Chief Hai would come back. As long as he came back, the crown princeâs safety would have an additional layer of insurance.
Listening to and watching the outside battle, Shang Wuxin didnât show a trace of fluctuation. Although Chief Hai had educated those guards well, their training and combat experience was still lacking. Suffering a few casualties today was a good thing for them. That way they would learn to be more alert from now on, and strive even harder. They would see the frailty of life first-hand.
As for those assassins, their martial arts was very good and they were well-trained. Shang Wuxin felt some admiration for their organization, that had managed to cultivate such outstanding killers. At that moment, sounds of a struggle between Wu Ju and someone else reached her from outside the door.
Wu Ju looked at the man who had suddenly appeared there. Even if she had a cold disposition, she was still shaken by his appearance, but she composed herself quickly after. With an anxious and scared voice, she exclaimed, âHanXing Houseâs lord!â
HanXing House was the worldâs number one assassin organization. Rumors said that the people of HanXing House killed without batting an eye, that their lord was fond of dressing in red, and that his looks were enthralling. However, those were all rumors that few had witnessed. But seeing this person now, Wu Ju was convinced he was HanXing Houseâs lord. Besides him, who would have the ability to break into the Crown Princeâs residence so easily. Furthermore, his martial arts was so excellent, she wasnât able to parry more than a few moves.
âCough!â The manâs hit sent Wu Ju flying, before she crashed into the sleeping quarterâs door. Yet Wu Ju immediately crawled up as she wanted to keep defending the entrance. But with the disparity between their strength, she was sent flying once more, and this time she remained on the ground.
The man glanced at the fallen Wu Ju a little intrigued. There was actually such a loyal person attending to the famously useless crown prince. No, even the people guarding outside were this loyal. It seemed like he wasnât as previously rumored. There might have been some truth to what the commoners were spreading around recently.
When Shang Wuxin heard Wu Ju exclaiming âHanXing Houseâs lordâ, she raised her eyebrows. It really was a case of âfate brings people togetherâ, huh. She hadnât
yet gone to find HanXing Houseâs Han Xuan Hao, but the man came to her on his own. After returning home that day, Shang Wuxin investigated a few things regarding HanXing House. Although no one knew the name of the organizationâs owner, she was already certain that the man called Han Xuan Hao was the owner. How could such a man bend his knees to act as someone elseâs subordinate.
âYouâve come.â A voice carrying a hint of a smile, yet completely humorless, reached the manâs ears. He looked at the crown prince, getting a shock in the process. Beside the window stood the thin figure of a youngster dressed in black brocade clothes, that were lined with gold and fastened with a jade belt. A golden coronet decorated with jewels held up his hair. His beauty was flawless, as if a craftsman had personally carved his face in jade. Even when he was standing there motionlessly, his charm and grace surpassed ordinary elegance. He gave off an impression of splendid poise.
âItâs you!â Han Xuan Hao couldnât control his surprise. Heâd never expected that the young man he had been painstakingly searching for, would turn out to be the countryâs crown prince, as well as the target he had to assassinate tonight. As he thought of that, Han Xuan Hao immediately sent out a signal, and the killers who were still locked in a fight within the residence promptly retreated, vanishing in the darkness of the night.
Shang Wuxin observed the man who had appeared in her bedroom. Perhaps no other man would be capable of looking as beautiful in red clothes as Han Xuan Hao. His face was uncommonly attractive, like a work of art. His long hair was pulled back with a white hair band, the silky strands loosely draped over his shoulders and reaching his waist. If Shang Wuxin werenât able to recognize the scent of blood coming off of him, she would have mistaken him for a regular playboy.
âThis Prince hasnât gone to look for your excellency, your excellency has actually come for me first,â Shang Wuxin stated in a cold voice as she stared at the dumbstruck Han Xuan Hao. âI donât know whether your excellency has come to repay a debt of gratitude or to take My life?â
Han Xuan Hao showed an awkward expression under the dim light. Ever since the day heâd returned from the mountain forest, he had inquired into the youngster who had saved him. He knew the boy would come find him eventually, since he still had to fulfill three wishes. That boy wouldnât let go of such a benefit. But he didnât know how long it would take before the youngster looked for him. What if it was a few decades later? Thus heâd sent some of HanXing Houseâs spies to carefully search for the boy. However, he didnât get anything, almost making him believe he had dreamed it all up.
Searching without results day after day, he grew more and more uneasy. It was a situation he had never experienced before â he found the youngster pleasing to the eyes, so he wanted to get to know him. Right around then, HanXing House received the task of killing the crown prince. At any other time, he wouldnât have gotten involved in such a job. But currently, there were many rumors flying around about the crown prince, most of them positive. Moreover, Han Xuan Hao was in a bad mood and needed to find someone to vent on, so he came in person. He didnât think Shangâs crown prince would in fact be the same youth who had saved his life.
Han Xuan Hao was glad he had come over personally. Heâd found the boy at last. But recalling his reason for coming, as well as the injured Imperial guards outside, he hesitated a bit. He was afraid that he would get resented for his deeds.
âMy apologies!â It was Han Xuan Haoâs first time to apologize in 18 years. âI wasnât aware you were the crown prince. HanXing House will take responsibility for todayâs losses. As for the guards, I will try to compensate the Crown Princeâs household as much as possible.â
Shang Wuxin didnât really mind about that. If she minded, she would have already gone out and prevented the guards from getting injured. In a way, todayâs attack could make the residence even more secure. It was the necessary price for their growth.
âWho was it that wanted This Princeâs life today?â Under the moonlight, Shang Wuxinâs face shone with an eerie glow. Even her words seemed to have an unclear meaning.
Seeing that Shang Wuxin wasnât blaming him at all, Han Xuan Hao relaxed at heart. His lips formed an enchanting smile as he thought of the person who had forked out quite a sum for Shang Wuxinâs life. âEven though she sent a palace maid in her stead, the one who wanted you dead should be Senior Consort Qin of the Imperial palace. Do you want me to help you get rid of her?â
Shang Wuxin found Han Xuan Haoâs offer a little unexpected. In the end, no matter how dazzling his smile looked, he was still a killer, as well as the lord of HanXing House. He wasnât a kindhearted person who would meddle into other peopleâs affairs.
âAs one of the three conditions?â Shang Wuxin asked with a faint smile.
Han Xuan Hao felt a little depressed at her heavily guarded heart. Why was it so difficult to show his good side?
âOf course not,â Han Xuan Hao said helplessly. âI wonât renege on those three conditions.â
Though she didnât understand why he would do that, Shang Wuxin didnât care. She separated the people around her into two groups. The ones who didnât mean her harm, like Han Xuan Hao right now. She would leave those alone. Then there were the people who obstructed her way and put her in danger. Their existence was unnecessary.
âNo need. This Prince wonât exhaust the revered lord over such a trifling matter,â Shang Wuxin said indifferently. A mere Consort Qin wasnât worth her attention for now. Furthermore, it wasnât yet time to deal with her.
Done speaking, Shang Wuxin walked behind the curtains intending to go to sleep, while leaving Han Xuan Hao standing on the other side in frustration. The corners of her mouth twitched when she heard him leave the bedroom.
After Han Xuan Hao came out of the residence, he found his subordinates waiting for him as they called out, âLord!â
âStarting today, any matter pertaining to the Crown Princeâs household will be reported to me. Also, if anyone else brings money to assassinate the Crown Prince, first report to me. If I learn that any of you have forgotten their duty, donât blame me for being ruthless.â Han Xuan Hao threw an overcast look at his black clad subordinates, no trace left of the enchanting appearance he had shown in front of Shang Wuxin.
âYes!â The men shook in fear. Although their lordâs outer appearance was exquisite, his heart was black. The number of subordinates that had died in HanXing House was countless.
Han Xuan Hao looked at the distant Crown Princeâs residence, feeling pleased. He finally knew who the boy was. It was unexpectedly Shangâs crown prince, Shang Wuxin. Hehe, in the future, he could come and see Wuxin. Shang Wuxin, Wuxin, Xinâer⊠Han Xuan Hao kept daydreaming, completely unaware of the gentle smile present on his face, that petrified the gathered killers.
Meanwhile in the Crown Princeâs residence, Wu Ju came to and entered the bedroom, but didnât go past the curtains. She heard the crown prince speaking from inside, âYouâre injured, go rest.â
Wu Ju felt relief as the crown prince was alright, but she wondered what had actually occurred between HanXingâs lord and him. Could it be that the crown prince had won? However, she was aware that it wasnât her place to pry. She quietly withdrew from the sleeping quarters, just in time to bump into Chief Hai, who was rushing over.
âIs the Crown Prince alright?â Chief Hai was about to burst into the bedroom, but Wu Ju blocked his path.
âChief Hai, thereâs nothing wrong with the Crown Prince. Heâs already resting and itâs inconvenient to disturb him.â Wu Ju was worried that the crown prince would get annoyed if Chief Hai really rushed in.
âThatâs good, thatâs good.â Saying so, Chief Hai went to handle everything. After all, the injured guards needed to be treated. He probably wouldnât get any rest tonight.
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