Chapter 131: An Instant of Eternity

Hua Rong instinctively raised her hands to shield herself. As a loud metallic clang rang out, she couldn't help but let out a sharp, piercing scream: "Ah! Help me!"

The deafening sound was enough to unnerve anyone. The man in black, seeing the dart suddenly deflected, looked on with surprise. "Who goes there?"

Turning his head, he saw Jun Yecheng walking in from around the corner.

As their gazes met, the man’s eyes were filled with a biting, murderous intent and a flicker of suppressed rage. "You petty thief, to dare commit murder inside a prison—you must be tired of living! Surrender at once!"

With the sudden outburst, the assassin’s pupils trembled, momentarily at a loss. Gritting his teeth, he roared, "Impossible! She must die today!"

Driven by some inexplicable, iron-willed conviction, the assassin saw his sword lying on the ground, so he drew a dagger from his waist, intending to strike again.

However, Jun Yecheng did not give him another chance. With a swift movement, he grabbed the assassin’s wrist in a backhand grip and delivered a heavy kick that sent him crashing against the wall.

With a loud thud, the assassin collapsed to the ground, disoriented and desperate. "No!"

Watching as the assassin shook his head in terror, the sorrowful look in those eyes triggered a strange sense of familiarity. Suddenly, a figure flashed through Jun Yecheng’s mind.

"Liuli?" Jun Yecheng blurted out the name, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him.

Yet, given the assassin’s reaction and the way she looked at him, he knew he couldn't be mistaken.

Clenching his teeth slightly, Jun Yecheng felt a surge of annoyance. *Why would she be here?*

Just as he was lost in thought, Hua Rong seized the moment, rushing to Jun Yecheng’s side and clutching his arm for protection. "Your Highness, quickly, apprehend her! That woman just tried to kill me!"

Hearing this urgent plea, Jun Yecheng could hardly arrest her, or he would expose himself.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, he quickly offered comfort: "Rest assured, I won't let her escape. I must see who she is and why she is so reckless as to attempt such a thing!"

It was unclear who that remark was intended for, but Liuli felt a bitter sting in her heart, consumed by a jealous ache.

Gritting her teeth, she took advantage of their conversation to scramble to her feet and dash toward the prison exit.

Seeing this, Hua Rong shouted, "We can't let that wretch get away! She might be the very person who framed me for murder!"

Hearing this, Jun Yecheng nodded. "Don't worry, I will surely hunt her down. You go and rally the others; do not let her escape!"

This was merely for show. After throwing out these words, he strode away, chasing after Liuli’s retreating figure.

Two shadows darted through the night. Having been severely wounded and lacking the martial prowess of Jun Yecheng, the assassin was no match for him.

Jun Yeli, who had already heard the commotion, arrived with his men. Seeing the two figures in pursuit, he frowned.

"By my imperial order, surround them from all sides! Do not let that thief escape!"

After issuing the command, he spared a fleeting glance at the two figures before hurrying toward the prison cells.

Just then, Hua Rong emerged to seek help and collided right into him, still trembling with fright. "Who are you?"

"Do not be afraid, it is I!" Jun Yeli quickly pressed his hands onto her shoulders to steady her, stopping her from jumping around like a frightened rabbit.

Hearing his voice brought an inexplicable sense of relief. Hua Rong’s heart settled, and she looked up at him, her eyes still filled with the lingering trauma of the ordeal. Overcome with emotion, she buried herself in his arms.

"Why have you only come now? Do you know that someone just tried to kill me!"

She had fought so hard to survive; to die in a prison cell would be utterly humiliating, and she might even become fodder for malicious gossip.

Seeing her so vulnerable and aggrieved, his heart nearly melted. He patted her back soothingly, whispering, "It is alright, do not be afraid. With me by your side, I will never let anyone harm you. Once that thief is captured, I will have her shredded into a thousand pieces to avenge you!"

Hearing this, even amidst her lingering fear, Hua Rong felt her heart calm. She sniffled, assuming a pitiful, delicate posture, her pouting lips looking rather endearing.

Jun Yeli couldn't help but chuckle. "You little woman, usually so bold and spirited—I never expected you to be such a coward when it comes to your own life."

"What is so strange about that? Who wants to die? And to die so miserably in a prison cell at that? I haven't cleared my name yet; I cannot die like this!"

Hua Rong’s double entendre served as a timely reminder to Jun Yeli regarding the progress of her case, leaving him momentarily speechless.

He gave a light cough and managed to say, "Rest assured, I will not let you suffer any injustice. This matter will be thoroughly investigated to restore your innocence."

Those watching the scene might have mistaken them for a long-married couple; it hardly resembled the typical interaction between an Emperor and his concubine.

Realizing the stunned expressions of those around them, Hua Rong regained her composure. She straightened her posture, put on a stern face, and acting as if nothing were amiss, said, "What are you all still doing here? Why aren't you out catching the thief?"

"It is fine. They are here to protect us. What if the enemy came prepared and there is more than one of them?"

"Oh." Hua Rong nodded thoughtfully, allowing Jun Yeli to guide her back to her room with a hand on her shoulder.

"Drink some water. You must have been frightened. Take this calming pill and get a good night's sleep. Everything will be better tomorrow." Jun Yeli thoughtfully brought her a cup of warm water and a pill.

However, Hua Rong shook her head. "Forget it. Until that thief is caught, I cannot feel at ease. I want to know why she wanted to kill me."

In her memories, there was no such person. She wondered if she had offended someone before she lost her memory.

The long night stretched on. Jun Yeli silently kept Hua Rong company until she gradually drifted off to sleep in his arms.

As a sliver of morning sunlight pierced the window, Jun Yeli blocked it with his wide sleeve to keep it from stinging her eyes.

Watching her peaceful sleeping face, a ripple of emotion stirred in his heart. "You, oh you... if only you could always lie in my arms like this, how wonderful would that be?"

He did not know where the thought came from, but in that moment, he wished it could last for eternity.