Love at First Sight Chapter 10: The Assassin (Part One)

Late autumn had come, and the courtyard was carpeted with fallen leaves. The weather was growing colder, and as dawn broke, Liu Yi was already directing the household servants to begin their sweeping.

Wen Yueqing had taken to rising early these days. She found that such a regular life, though dull, was far healthier than her previous days spent filming, when she often stayed up late and played on her phone into the night. After nearly two months of recuperation, her health had fully returned. Even with her bare face each day, her cheeks were rosy and bright, no longer showing the exhaustion she’d carried when she first arrived in this world.

Every morning, she performed a set of calisthenics—a habit she’d always kept, once for maintaining her figure, now simply to pass the time. At first, Tong’er merely watched her with curiosity, but soon joined in, and the two enjoyed their carefree exercise together.

All who passed the small pavilion regarded them as oddities, yet couldn’t help but sigh, remarking that in the entire Prince’s residence, only Miss Wen lived so freely. She had no chores to do, her own personal maid to attend her, and though called the Prince’s chief maid, she was half a mistress herself.

In recent days, she would bring Tong’er to the front courtyard to attend the Prince. Matters of honor she left to Tong’er, and the Prince seemed to accept this arrangement, no longer chatting and laughing with her as before. The proud young prince had begun his cold war.

Liu Yi was the first to notice the growing awkwardness. Ever attentive, he kept a close eye on the Prince’s moods and alone recognized that the change had begun a few days prior, on the second day after Lady Li had spent the night.

Another evening came. The Prince had already retired. Wen Yueqing turned and yawned; seeing her weariness, Liu Yi felt she should not remain standing any longer. Someone bold enough to spar with the Prince deserved to be treated kindly.

“Miss Wen, His Highness has gone to rest. You should return early as well. There are other maids here,” he said.

Wen Yueqing nodded, bowed as usual, and spoke softly, “Thank you for your care, Eunuch Liu. I’ll be here early tomorrow.”

“Alright, take your time on the way.” Having seen her off, Liu Yi retired to the side room, himself a little tired.

Tong’er carried a lantern ahead, Wen Yueqing leisurely followed, occasionally looking up at the sky. Tonight, the moon was radiant, the stars brilliant; the ancient night sky was truly beautiful.

The white rabbit pounds medicine, autumn returns to spring, Chang’e lives in lonely exile—who is her neighbor?
People today do not see the ancient moon, yet this moon once shone upon those of old.
Ancient and modern, like flowing water, all gaze upon the same bright moon.
May the light shine long upon our golden cups as we sing and drink.

Wen Yueqing felt this poem was perfect for the moment. She truly wished to drink, to lose herself in wine. She sighed, thinking the ancients had such literary grace; modern poetry always seemed to lack that charm and atmosphere.

Yet as she thought this, a strange melancholy crept in. If only she could travel back—she missed the bars, the dancing.

“Qing Sister, why does His Highness no longer smile lately?” Tong’er remarked, remembering how cheerful the Prince once was when he saw them.

“Perhaps there’s much court business,” Wen Yueqing answered with a bitter smile. “Or maybe... he’s simply in a bad mood.”

But how good could her own mood be at this time? She knew she would eventually leave the residence, perhaps after turning twenty-five, or maybe the day the Prince grew tired of her.

Thinking on this, Wen Yueqing lowered her head and quickened her pace. Suddenly, a hand reached from behind, covering her mouth. Startled, she opened her eyes wide, tried to cry out for help, but no sound escaped. She grasped the hand, struggling to break free.

“Don’t make a sound,” the stranger whispered, arm tightening around her waist, then dragged her into a nearby storeroom.

Tong’er, walking ahead, was unaware of what had happened behind her. She was still saying, “I think Sister Qing hasn’t been smiling much lately either. You used to be so happy after coming back from the front courtyard.”

“Sister, are you tired too?”

Receiving no answer, Tong’er stopped and turned to look—only to find no one behind her. She was dumbstruck.

“Qing Sister, Qing Sister, where have you gone?” She dared not shout, only softly called as she retraced her steps.

“Qing Sister, don’t frighten me at night,” she pleaded, nearly in tears. She searched for a long while, but saw no sign of Wen Yueqing.

Lost and anxious, she was nearly back at the front courtyard when panic overwhelmed her, and she began to circle helplessly.

At that moment, Kang Qi, stationed in the front, noticed her. Curious, he walked over and asked, “What are you doing out here at this hour?”

When Tong’er saw him, her tears could no longer be held back. She sobbed, “Our mistress has disappeared. She was right behind me, but when I turned, she was gone.”

Kang Qi lowered his eyes, unable to bear seeing girls cry. “Don’t worry, don’t cry. Tell me carefully what happened.”

Once he understood the situation, he realized it was no simple matter. No matter the reason, it was late, and even if Wen Yueqing had simply lost her way, Tong’er’s calls should have reached her.

Kang Qi quickly ordered a few people to search. He knew His Highness cared deeply for Miss Wen—this must be reported.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find her. Come, let’s go tell His Highness,” he comforted Tong’er.

“Alright.” Tong’er wiped her tears and followed Kang Qi to the Prince’s chambers.

They spoke first with the gate maid, and Liu Yi, who was a light sleeper, heard the commotion.

Liu Yi emerged from the side room and descended the steps ahead of them. “Oh, what brings you two here together?”

Kang Qi and Liu Yi were old friends, so Kang Qi spoke bluntly. “Miss Wen has vanished.”

“What? How can that be? She was fine when she left just now,” Liu Yi said, incredulous. But the Prince was already asleep; disturbing him would be unfortunate.

“Look at this—His Highness just went to bed,” he said, spreading his hands. Yet he reconsidered; if it were anyone else it might not matter, but Miss Wen was special. Though the Prince had been cold lately, if he truly didn’t care, there would be no sulking.

“Ah, I’d better report this,” he decided.

“Thank you, Eunuch Liu,” Tong’er said, grateful.

The Prince, roused from sleep, was irritable—who dared disturb his dreams? But hearing Wen Yueqing was missing, he sobered instantly.

“What? Gone? What happened?” His first thought was that Wen Yueqing might have run away. She often spoke of leaving, but she was just a woman and knew no martial arts—how could she escape the residence? He hurriedly dressed.

“Search the front courtyard, turn the residence upside down if you must, but bring her back to me,” he ordered, striding out himself.

“Your Highness, let the servants search. You should stay inside,” Liu Yi cautioned, worried for his health.

“No, I’m not at ease. Kang Qi, come with me.”

He was truly worried for Wen Yueqing, forgetting entirely that he was still angry with her. He only wanted her safe.

Everyone lit their lanterns and began searching in all directions.