Chapter Thirteen: Responsibility

Chu Suyi walked slowly toward the bridal chamber, wanting to see which unfortunate flower would wither this time in the maw of the son of Xiahou. With this thought, he knocked at the door. There was no response. Upon closer inspection, he realized the room was empty! What was going on—had the bride regretted her decision and fled right after the ceremony?

He pushed the door open and entered. The wedding dress and phoenix crown were thrown messily on the bed. It seemed this bride had some spirit!

Passing by the bridal chamber, Yinyao noticed someone standing by the bed, clearly surprised. Delight flickered in her heart: Ha! No need for me to take another step—it seems someone is eager to meet the King of Hell tonight!

She entered, but instead of red, the man was dressed in black! Yinyao hesitated—what was this all about? Just as she was deciding whether to stay or go, the man spoke.

“What’s wrong? Have you changed your mind, miss?”

Before she could react, a shadow flashed by and she found herself in someone’s arms—escaping the tiger’s mouth only to fall into the wolf’s den. A faint fragrance drifted over, different from the scent of Xiahou’s son—much more pleasant.

She raised her right hand, trying to pry away the arm encircling her neck, but the man spun her toward the bed with a swift movement—her martial skills were not in vain!

Feigning composure, Yinyao sat at the bedside and got a good look at the man—Chu Suyi! He truly wore many faces. To think she’d once believed him a paragon of virtue, hiding his true depths!

“Oh, so it’s the Serpent Maiden, Yinyao! What’s this, have you fallen for the son of Xiahou?” Chu Suyi’s gaze roamed over her, a half-smile on his lips.

Yinyao’s mouth curled into a playful smirk as she looked steadily at him.

Silent, Chu Suyi smiled and walked over, straightening the disheveled wedding garments. With a look, he indicated she should put them on. Reluctantly, Yinyao donned the dress—she was curious to see what game Chu Suyi was playing.

At the sight of Yinyao dressed as a bride, Chu Suyi paused—her bearing was extraordinary! If only she would remove that mask—it was a tempting thought, but only a thought.

He pulled Yinyao up, holding her in his arms; for a moment, he wished this instant could last forever. He didn’t know why he acted as he did—every move was instinctive.

Noticing the unclosed door, the son of Xiahou was surprised. He stepped inside, hoping he was in the wrong room—but this was the only bridal chamber.

“What’s this, Master Chu?” He gestured toward the red-clad woman, glancing at the new martial alliance leader—Chu Suyi.

Coming to his senses, Chu Suyi laughed awkwardly but seemed reluctant to let go of the woman in his arms.

“What are you doing?” Xiahou’s son pressed.

“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors, Master Xia. Since the two are not mutually willing, why not spare the lady?” Chu Suyi knew this woman was not the one she appeared to be, but he simply didn’t want her marrying Xiahou’s son, even if he believed she’d escape on her own.

“So you’re abducting the bride?!” Xiahou’s son ground out, teeth clenched.

“Well…” Chu Suyi only smiled, refusing to clarify.

“I want to see my bride!” Xiahou’s son demanded, retreating a step.

The bridal veil was lifted, revealing a mask beneath—adding only more mystery.

“Master Chu, isn’t this inappropriate?”

“Oh, but you’ve seen your bride. Now, I’ll take her with me!” Chu Suyi seized Yinyao and swept out the door, carrying her aloft with his lightness skill.

“You really are abducting the bride, Chu Suyi!” Xiahou’s son roared.

Hearing the commotion, Yinyao, still in Chu Suyi’s arms, muttered, “So the alliance leader is truly stealing the bride… I didn’t even get a chance to shout!”

With his right arm tightly around Yinyao’s waist, Chu Suyi wasted no time. In just a few swift moves, they landed in a small grove.

Yinyao wrenched the offending arm from her waist and strode forward with long, determined steps, not looking back.

Her teeth clenched, hands balled into fists, Yinyao cursed her rotten luck. She had no choice—she couldn’t win a fight, so flight was the best strategy.

Five paces on, with no sign of pursuit, Yinyao sprang into the air.

“What’s this? Is the famed Serpent Maiden Yinyao planning to disappear so easily?” Chu Suyi’s voice was unhurried as he looked up at her.

Frozen mid-leap, Yinyao was exasperated—of all times, why speak now!

Forcing herself to remain calm, she landed lightly and turned to him with a sweet smile. “Does Master Chu have some insight to share? I’m all ears.”

She stifled her anger—impulsiveness is the devil’s path, and devils win no hearts. Seeing her reaction, especially that smile, Chu Suyi was momentarily taken aback.

He laughed softly, then put on a pitiful look, drifting closer—close enough to hear her heartbeat, to feel its rhythm, so near their noses might touch.

“To save you, I didn’t hesitate to tarnish my reputation as alliance leader. After all, I rescued you on your wedding day—shouldn’t you take responsibility for me?” He feigned a sob, leaning forward for comfort.

Yinyao’s cheeks flushed. She shoved him away and took a step back, regaining her composure. With hands on her hips and a finger pointing indignantly at Chu Suyi, she cried, “What! Are you out of your mind? I should take responsibility for you? Ridiculous!”

“Mmm,” Chu Suyi nodded solemnly, looking almost innocent—no wonder some called him the adorable leader.

Yinyao silently sweated, a string of exasperation hanging over her head. The next instant, she found herself caught in a warm embrace. She looked up in helpless disdain at Chu Suyi.

“What’s wrong? Can the renowned Serpent Maiden Yinyao not shoulder a little responsibility?”

The teasing look vanished, replaced by Chu Suyi’s beguiling smile.

Speechless! Yinyao, for fear of internal injury, finally managed to choke out a single word: “You!”

“Me? What about me?”

“… ”

“How about this: I won’t make you take responsibility.”

Yinyao beamed with a brilliant, sunny smile.

“Don’t be too happy—how about this? I’ll be the one to take responsibility for you, even if it means some sacrifice on my part.”

Yinyao’s face fell at once, turning into a picture of woe.

“If you don’t speak, I’ll take that as your consent!” Chu Suyi scooped her up in his arms—a princess carry.

“Ah!” Yinyao struggled, but Chu Suyi only held her tighter, his captivating eyes fixed ahead.

Fine, escape was impossible, and she couldn’t risk exposing her identity. Yinyao resigned herself to fate.

And yet? She had to admit, Chu Suyi was actually quite handsome—a sharp jawline, flawless features, enviable skin, side-swept bangs that fluttered in the breeze to just cover his right eye, and that hint of a smile at his lips—altogether, he was perfection in her eyes.

Glancing down at Yinyao in his arms, Chu Suyi found her gazing at him, lost in thought. He hurriedly turned away, cheeks tinged with red.

“What, so dazzled by your own husband?” Chu Suyi teased, clearly in high spirits despite his blush.

Startled from her reverie and filled with anger, Yinyao snapped, “You!”

She shot him her middle finger in outrage.

“Mmm,” Chu Suyi’s tantalizing voice stretched out the sound. A spark flashed in Yinyao’s eyes as she buried her head against his chest.