The Princess Cannot Escape: The Cunning Prince Is Not to Be Messed With

Chapter 263 Wild Couple

Yin Quan smiled like a little fox, "We can find someone to impersonate Xiahou Ying and have him travel to the capital at a slow pace. If the Crown Prince dares to attack the imposter before he even enters the capital, then we can expose his hypocritical facade. If he fails, we can have the imposter wait outside the capital for us to switch identities. That way, we can achieve both goals without delay."

Xiahou Ying lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before saying, "It's not appropriate. Putting aside the fact that the person the Crown Prince sent to assassinate me is no ordinary person, with his current power, it would be no difficult task for him to find out that this person is not me. At that time, he can use this incident as an excuse to make a big fuss, and the world will rightfully belong to him."

Yin Quan continued, "He would love for a substitute to die in your place. If he knew it was a substitute, he would do everything he could to kill it. That way, your identity as Prince Duan would cease to exist in the world. So our biggest problem is how to find a substitute who can survive without being killed."

Xiahou Ying's eyes lit up, and he instantly realized what was happening. He couldn't help but stretch out his arms and hug Yin Quan tightly, even rubbing his head against hers. "When did my little fool become so smart?" Yin Quan rolled her eyes at him, clearly he had always treated her like a fool.

Gu Lounan felt a pang of sadness and coughed lightly, saying, "The Princess's idea is indeed excellent, but finding a substitute is quite difficult." Yin Quan looked at Gu Lounan innocently and said, "What's so difficult about it? The one who can handle this position is none other than you, the Imperial Advisor." Gu Lounan almost choked on his saliva.

"Xiao Quan Quan, are you really so heartless? I might really die a horrible death this time, and you won't even feel sorry for me?" Xiahou Ying said righteously. "Now is the time for the Grand Preceptor to sacrifice himself for the country. Besides, the Crown Prince is your former master, and you are the one who knows him best. You will definitely be able to handle things with ease. This matter is settled. Grand Preceptor, please set off tomorrow."

Seeing that Xiahou Ying couldn't wait to get rid of Gu Lounan, Yin Quan rolled her eyes at him. Don't think she didn't know his little schemes. She wondered how long he would keep up this jealousy.

Gu Lounan hurriedly said, "Your Highness and Princess Consort, if you want to obtain that Ancient Spirit Pearl, I'm afraid you really won't be able to do without my help." Yin Quan paused, "What did you say?" Gu Lounan smiled without saying a word, deliberately keeping him in suspense. Xiahou Ying glanced at him, "This matter need not be troubled by the Imperial Preceptor; I will find a way myself."

After saying that, he grabbed Yin Quan and was about to leave the dark room without looking back when Gu Lounan's voice came slowly. "Even if Your Highness really kills everyone in Qifeng Manor, Your Highness cannot take away the Ancient Spirit Pearl as long as they are unwilling. However, I have always had some connection with Qifeng Manor, so I am more confident in handling this matter if I step in."

Yin Quan pulled Xiahou Ying back and gently shook her head. Xiahou Ying frowned, but Yin Quan still managed to break free from his grasp and came to Gu Lounan. "Is the Grand Preceptor's word true?" Gu Lounan raised her chin, her phoenix eyes revealing a barely perceptible glint of shrewdness. "Of course, how could this humble subject dare to deceive the Princess?"

Yin Quan weighed the options for a moment and said, "Then let the Imperial Preceptor come with us." Gu Lounan suddenly looked troubled and deliberately asked, "But who will be the Prince's stand-in?" Yin Quan gritted her teeth. Damn it, everyone here is a fox in disguise. Gu Lounan had already figured out that the person she liked wasn't him.

“There are still people who can go into these mountains.” Gu Lounan nodded in satisfaction. “The Princess is indeed wise.” Although he was slapped for no reason, Gu Lounan was still humming a little song as he left, as if the person who was just beaten and vomited blood was not him at all. Xuan Qingzi did not want to get involved in court affairs, so he did not say much, only gave a few instructions and went to take care of Qin Nian.

Back in the room, Xiahou Ying remained hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't bear it any longer. Yin Quan pulled him onto the bed, looked him straight in the eye, and said, "If you dare to abandon me again this time, believe me, I really will just drag some random man to marry." Xiahou Ying raised an eyebrow, his voice rising several notches.

"You dare?" Yin Quan curled her lip. "Xiahou Ying, can't you trust me just this once? I'm not as useless as you think, and this time I'm determined to stay by your side. Do you think leaving me here will guarantee your safety? And how do you know the Crown Prince won't find this place?"

“I really don’t want you to… I don’t want you to get involved in that filthy place.” “With you here, I’m not afraid even if it’s hell. I had a terrible nightmare in the Six Paths of Reincarnation. In the dream, you died at the hands of the Crown Prince. I can’t believe it. What would I do if it were true? So I will never allow you to leave me for even a moment. If you are alive, I will accompany you through a lifetime of glory. If you die, I will accompany you into purgatory.”

Xiahou Ying's eyes trembled. Yin Quan's words were like a sapling that quickly took root and sprouted in his heart. With such a woman by his side in this life, what more could he ask for? He grasped Yin Quan's hand, his voice trembling slightly.

"You said it yourself, you can never leave me in this lifetime. Yin Quan, I will definitely give you a peaceful world." Yin Quan pursed her lips. There were many things she understood even if they weren't said. Even though their relationship was intertwined with lies, their hearts had never been far apart, hadn't they?

After the two made their decision, they quickly packed their things. Early the next morning, Xie Fo was reluctantly sent down the mountain. He originally didn't want to take on the task of impersonating Xiahou Ying, but for some reason, Gu Lounan used some trick, and Xie Fo actually went down the mountain happily.

As soon as Yin Quan and the others arrived at the mountain gate, they saw Qin Nian standing at the entrance with a simple bundle on his back. Frost enveloped him, making him look even more otherworldly, though his pale face indicated that his injuries had not yet healed.

"You should focus on recovering from your injury. Come back to us when you're healed."

"I'm not at ease." Qin Nian was stubborn, and Yin Quan had no doubts about this matter. Sure enough, no matter what Xiahou Ying said, Qin Nian still followed the group closely. In the end, they had no choice but to set off together as a group of four. Before leaving, Yin Quan asked Zhiyun for some poisons for self-defense, most of which were sleeping potions.

To make things easier, Zhiyun made a human skin mask for Yin Quan. Wearing the mask, Yin Quan looked every bit the dashing young master.

As soon as the four descended the mountain, they heard the news that a number of ministers in the court had been exiled, and most of those exiled were Xiahou Ying's cronies in the court. White doves were constantly flying along the way, and the situation in the capital was getting worse and worse. Although Xiahou Ying's body was being suppressed by Xuan Qingzi's pills, his relapse was truly frightening.

The four of them worked day and night and finally arrived at Qifeng Manor five days later. Chu Fenghua had come down the mountain early, wearing a black hood and followed by two maids. When she saw Gu Lounan, she smiled brightly and said, "I didn't expect you to come in person. If you have anything to say, just send someone to tell me."

Gu Lounan was extremely enthusiastic, his hands unconsciously wrapping around Chu Fenghua's waist. Yin Quan saw a blush creep up Chu Fenghua's face. Could it be that the unusual relationship Gu Lounan mentioned was an affair with the heir of the manor? Yin Quan felt a chill run down her spine and silently mourned for Chu Fenghua's feelings for three minutes.

The four of them followed the path up the mountain in great secrecy until they arrived at Chu Fenghua's boudoir. After Gu Lounan and Chu Fenghua went in alone, several maids led Yin Quan and the others to the side rooms. The three of them were arranged in three guest rooms. Just as Yin Quan was feeling uneasy, the wooden window creaked open and a nimble figure climbed in from outside.

Yin Quan reached for her waist, but before she could even throw the medicine powder, it was seized. Xiahou Ying smiled at her, "It's only been a few days, but your skills have improved considerably." Yin Quan glared at him, "You're already restless since you arrived. Aren't you afraid of being discovered?" Xiahou Ying shook his head, "Gu Lounan created such a good opportunity for us to sneak into the manor at night. How can we let him down? While the people in the manor aren't on guard yet, I'll take you to familiarize yourself with the terrain first."

After changing into their night clothes, the two made their way to the mountaintop under the cover of moonlight. Fortunately, the sky was exceptionally overcast that night, with no moonlight at all. Thanks to Xiahou Ying's agile movements, they made their way smoothly until they reached the secluded forbidden area behind Qifeng Manor. A woman's soft panting made Yin Quan and Xiahou Ying stop in their tracks.

The man's deep breathing mixed with the woman's moans made Yin Quan unconsciously swallow. Could she be so lucky as to have stumbled upon a pair of lovers? Xiahou Ying listened for a moment and continued walking forward. Yin Quan hurriedly shook her head. We still need to have basic manners. Although we are here to steal, it is too immoral to peep at people doing shameful things like this.

Unexpectedly, Xiahou Ying reached behind the artificial hill without batting an eye. Yin Quan didn't even dare to breathe, tightly gripping Xiahou Ying's hand. The sounds of the two from behind the artificial hill grew clearer and clearer. Yin Quan got goosebumps all over her body and couldn't control her curiosity. She peered through the cracks in the artificial hill.

A young man was seen embracing a woman who was at least twenty years older than him. Seeing this bizarre pairing, Yin Quan curled her lips. This woman was going too far, taking advantage of a young woman. Xiahou Ying saw that Yin Quan had stopped and was watching with great interest, so he gently tugged at her. Yin Quan walked away while looking back, and with a crack, she stepped on a tree branch and broke it.

The voice was exceptionally clear in the darkness, immediately alerting the two men. "Who? Who's there?"

Xiahou Ying sighed helplessly, grabbed Yin Quan by the feet, and instantly retreated along the same path. The woman behind the artificial hill put on her clothes and chased after them, only to see two black afterimages. The man said nervously, "Who is it? If people find out about our relationship... I'm afraid..."

The woman said sternly, "What are you afraid of? With me here, you don't need to be afraid. No matter who you see tonight, I will definitely find him. Just wait to become the master of your manor." A hint of disgust flashed in the man's eyes, but he immediately hid it when he turned to look at the woman.

Back inside, Yin Quan's heart was pounding in her throat. She grabbed a teacup from the table, gulped down a mouthful of water, and looked at Xiahou Ying, saying, "It's all your fault. I couldn't say no, but you insisted on going." Xiahou Ying raised an eyebrow. "I just wanted to avoid them and go into the forbidden area to see if the Ancient Spirit Pearl was there. I didn't peek at them. Wasn't it you who refused to leave?"