Chapter 325: Negotiation

Zing!

The sharp dagger swung above Rong Zhen’s head and landed hard on the ground, missing her by inches!

A lock of her silky hair fell before her eyes.

She could feel her heart thumping in her chest. If she were a second slower, she could’ve died!

Chu Liuyue watched Rong Zhen’s face turn deathly pale. “It’s over between Rong Jin and me. His matters are of no concern to me as well. Do you seriously think you can let me in on his secret in exchange for your life?”

“You will! I swear on my life! This particular secret of his will definitely interest you.” Worried that Chu Liuyue might change her mind, Rong Zhen rattled away without stopping to take a breath.

The latter’s words piqued the former’s curiosity. “Oh?”

As flustered as she was, Rong Zhen remained steadfast when she heard Chu Liuyue. “Please, hear me out! My life is in your hands. You can kill me at any time you deem fit, so why not hear what I have to say first? If you don’t like it, just kill me.”

Chu Liuyue raised her chin. “Start talking.”

Rong Zhen took a deep breath and forced the rising lump of bloody mucus back down her throat. The taste disgusted her, but she dared not do anything when facing an extremely serious-looking Chu Liuyue. “Have you heard the news? Father and the Emperor of Country Xing Luo intend to marry Situ Xingchen to Rong Jin.”

A dark look flashed across Chu Liuyue’s eyes when she heard the princess’s name. “I’ve heard no such thing, not even gossip. How do you know about this?”

The marriage alliance between the two kingdoms seemed to pique her interest.

Rong Zhen heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and continued, “I overheard my mother talking about it. Both she and Rong Jin didn’t know that I was eavesdropping.”

Chu Liuyue nodded in understanding. There was a possibility of this happening. Rong Zhen was the Empress’s biological daughter, and she used to be close to Rong Jin. Knowing this didn’t seem strange at all.

“Every man dreams of marrying the perfect lady. It would be Rong Jin’s good fortune to marry Situ Xingchen,” Chu Liuyue said.

She meant every word. Although she didn’t have a good impression of Situ Xingchen, the latter excelled in all aspects of her life. Not only did she have the looks, but she was also talented. On top of that, she was a more respectable princess than Rong Jin was as a prince.

The Crown Prince was born into his status. However, the recent string of events had jeopardized his status.

His father, Emperor Jiawen, seemed to run out of patience. Moreover, the other princes were outstanding too. Any one of them could replace Rong Jin, especially Rong Jiu.

The Third Prince had always been his nemesis, even if he was reclusive and quiet these days.

Chu Liuyue didn’t think the teenager—who was also a decorated war veteran—would admit defeat so easily. He was merely biding his time.

Some time ago, Rong Jin was suddenly placed under house arrest and deprived of many of his rights. That seemed to be related to the Third Prince.

On the other hand, as Country Xing Luo’s esteemed eldest princess, Situ Xingchen didn’t have to fight for the throne. She still held reputable status, which was something the Crown Prince could only dream of.

Rong Jin would simply benefit from the alliance.

“Country Xing Luo initiated the marriage alliance, not Rong Jin.” Rong Zhen enunciated each word seriously.

The revelation stunned Chu Liuyue. “Why?”

“This is the secret that I’m about to tell you.” Rong Zhen watched her anxiously. “Do you want to hear it? If you do, then… you must promise not to torture or kill me!”

Chu Liuyue’s lips curved into a smile. “Are you in the position to negotiate with me?”

Taken aback, Rong Zhen gritted her teeth. “I know I don’t. I will end my own life if you don’t agree!”

Chu Liuyue looked at her nonchalantly. “The dagger is right beside you.”

There was no hesitation. Chu Liuyue’s decisive reply left Rong Zhen dumbfounded. “Something major caused this alliance! D-don’t you wish to know?”

Chu Liuyue nodded honestly. “Of course, I want to know. However, I hate it when people try to bargain with me, especially someone like you.”

She looked at the sky. “It’s almost evening. If you’re going to kill yourself, do it fast. My father is waiting for me to have dinner.”

Rong Zhen blushed like a tomato as she felt a bloody lump lodged in her throat. “You!”

She furiously picked the dagger up and held it against her neck. “Chu Liuyue, I’m telling you! If you miss this, you’ll regret it!”

Unfazed, Chu Liuyue taunted, “Oh, that dagger is sharp, but you’re placing it at the wrong place—it’s too low. If you slit your throat at this angle, it’ll take a long time for you to die from blood loss. Move it higher.”

Rong Zhen’s expression darkened.

She was already hurt; every inch of her body was screaming in pain. Chu Liuyue’s words pushed her to the brink of self-destruction.

Her hands trembled as she ground her teeth. Suddenly, she recalled the confrontation with her mother from a few days ago.

The declaration pierced her heart like a sharp blade, and despair filled her eyes.

In the past, Rong Zhen had been exceptional and loved, but she lost everything when she became a cripple. Because of that, she could no longer help Rong Jin achieve anything. Thus, she became a thorn in her mother’s eyes.

Nobody would care even if she died today.

At this thought, Rong Zhen closed her eyes slowly. A tear slid down her cheek, and she moved her hand with determination.

Poof!

Chu Liuyue flicked a stone at her hand. It hit Rong Zhen’s wrist, and she dropped the dagger before she could slit her artery.

Rong Zhen stared at the fallen dagger on the ground, her hand numb.

Choo!

A thin red line appeared at her neck, but the cut wasn’t deadly.

She glanced at Chu Liuyue hopelessly. “What exactly do you want?”

Chu Liuyue looked at her with much interest.

Rong Zhen might’ve been arrogant and domineering and conducted many evil deeds, but she was more courageous than Rong Jin. Faced with the same situation, the Crown Prince would never have the guts to kill himself.

This alone proved that she was a better person than her brother.

“You can tell me that secret now.”

Taken aback, Rong Zhen eyed Chu Liuyue doubtfully. “Really? Y-you’re sure you won’t kill me?”