The city gate was nearby. On this snowy day, she grabbed a handful of dirty snow, smeared it on her face, and mussed her hair. Running had splashed mud on her clothes, making her look unkempt and unassuming.
Ruan Ning nestled among a group of villagers returning from selling vegetables. As she approached the gate, she casually held onto the basket of the person in front. The gate guards, familiar with these villagers, didn’t check her. Holding her breath, she passed through the city gate.
Walking quickly in the crowd, the majestic city gate grew distant.
With no one calling or stopping her, Ruan Ning took a deep breath and ran, determined to be a proud undocumented person.
She chose routes with fewer people, exchanging her silk coat for coarse cloth, dry provisions, and hot water when passing by homes. As daylight faded, she became increasingly aware of her solitude.
Suddenly, the white light of the snow illuminated a cold, handsome man’s face. Despite having killed many, his countenance was unmarked by blood, only exuding a bloody aura reminiscent of the demon king. He stared at her indifferently, his gaze sharp with killing intent.
Ruan Ning shivered, tears welling in her eyes, their crystal-like forms clinging to her eyelashes.
To her surprise, the man’s killing intent dissipated, seemingly cleansed by her tears. His agitation faded, revealing a calm he hadn’t felt in a while, and his cold expression softened slightly.
Ruan Ning dared not move or speak. She remembered someone calling him “Your Highness,” but couldn’t grasp any further understanding.
His blood-stained fingers suddenly gripped her chin, and he asked coldly, “What is your name?”
Ruan Ning felt the blood on her hand touch her skin, making her nauseated, but she remained silent. A tear rolled down her pale cheek.
How tearful, the man thought, then released her, bending down to grab some snow to wipe the blood from his hands. He asked again, “What is your name?”
“Ruan Ning,” she replied, her voice trembling.
Her voice was hoarse yet had a unique charm that stirred his heart. He lifted her chin, examining her delicate face in the weak light. His fingertips caressed her smooth skin as he said, “You saw everything. Tell me, what should be done?”
