Escape and Encounter

With a calm expression, the Eighth Prince smiled, tapped his index finger against his younger brother's forehead, and said:
"I have truly wasted food and resources raising you. Having followed me for so many years, do you still not understand my character? Although marriage is a lifelong affair, it is also a tool to consolidate power. Although Shi Yi is willful and lacks manners, the Emperor dotes on her deeply. Furthermore, her mother, Noble Consort Li, was highly capable. During her lifetime, she recruited many talented individuals to serve the country. Many court officials owe her great favors. If anything happens to Shi Yi, who knows how many people will step forward to protect her? With her by my side, the power of the Wu Clan will grow even stronger."

"Besides, she is also very interesting. If she becomes my Princess, it wouldn't be..." Thinking of this, his face suddenly flushed, unable to hide his embarrassment.

As for Shi Yi, after escaping from Prince An's Estate, she found a ruined temple to take refuge. She walked with great difficulty. Once inside, she carefully checked her surroundings to ensure no one was there before closing the door. Leaning against a corner of the wall, she panted silently, her strength gradually depleting. The wound on her arm was seeping blood. She forced herself to grip her arm tightly, stopping the bleeding. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she encouraged herself:
"It's fine. This little pain is nothing. I've survived countless missions on the brink of death. This time will be no exception."

Then, she suddenly thought of something and muttered:
"Damn it, that guard was incredibly stubborn. Even after being beaten half to death, he still wanted to fight back. So headstrong. It's all because of that damn Prince that I got beaten! Wait... hold on. At that time, they seemed to call him General. Could he be General Anding? Oh my god, if that's the case, my future is going to be miserable."

Shi Yi could not think much more; she was exhausted. In a short moment, she felt her body grow heavy, her eyes drooping. And just like that, she drifted off to sleep before she knew it.

When she woke up, it was already late afternoon. Opening her eyes, she found herself lying on a small bed in a shabby room. Shi Yi bolted upright, looking around. Right at that moment, a kind-faced young woman walked in, leading a very adorable child of about three years old. The child had his hair tied in peach-shaped buns, with a cute face, rosy cheeks, chubby hands, and bright, sparkling eyes. Seeing her, the woman was overjoyed and quickly came over to ask:
"Young lady, you are awake? How are you feeling?"

Shi Yi asked in confusion:
"Sister, did you... save me?"

The kind-faced woman smiled and replied:
"Yes, I saved you. Seeing you fainted in the ruined temple, I shook you but you wouldn't wake up. Left with no choice, I brought you back here. Ah, right. You must be hungry. I cooked some porridge; let me bring it to you."

"Sister... there's no need for that."

Before she could finish her sentence, the woman had already quickly stepped out the door, leaving the adorable child behind. Shi Yi approached, picked up the child, gently touched his chubby cheeks, and exclaimed:
"So adorable. It's been so long since I've seen a child."

Suddenly, she paused, her face turning somber. Ever since she joined the global assassin organization, she had no time to care about such things. Her family had all died in a fire. At five years old, she was taken by the organization for rigorous training. By ten, she had begun her work as a cold-blooded assassin. Those she killed were all guilty of heinous crimes. Her hands had long been stained with fresh blood. Death surrounded her. Just hearing her name was enough to strike terror into anyone.

Yet, she never expected that one day she would live a new life. A completely different life. For the first time, she felt the love of others, especially from her older brother. She suddenly felt incredibly happy and fortunate. She thanked the heavens for giving her a chance to change. Now, she wanted to start over, to begin a different life. A life for herself, and for others.

In her moment of contemplation, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching. The footsteps pulled her back to reality. The woman walked in again, carrying a hot, fragrant bowl of plain white porridge, smelling of green onions. Her stomach rumbling with hunger, Shi Yi did not hesitate to take the bowl and eat heartily.
"Mmm~ This is delicious! Sister, your culinary skills are truly amazing," she praised warmly.

The sister looked at her with a smile and said:
"Eat slowly. There is more in the kitchen. You can have as much as you want, young lady."

"Thank you, Sister. You are so kind."

After eating her fill, Shi Yi held the woman's child in her arms and played with him happily. The two of them got along very well. The sister offered:
"Young lady, your health is still very weak. Why don't you stay here and rest for a few days? This place is small but has everything you need. If you don't mind, you can stay as long as you like."

Hearing this, Shi Yi wanted to decline, but the woman's warmth and hospitality made her unsure of how to speak. Her wound was not serious, but Prince An's eyes and ears were formidable; this place was much safer than an inn. After weighing the pros and cons, she decided to accept:
"Since Sister is so generous, then I shall respectfully accept."

The woman's face lit up with joy as she introduced herself:
"My name is Wei Linling. This is my son, Baobao. You can just call me Sister Linling. Judging by our ages, we probably aren't too far apart."