Chapter 97: Chapter 40: Lan Jue Disguised as a Woman

The person who came was dressed like her sister-in-law, with a somewhat similar figure and appearance, but Shen Ruoxi was well aware that she was not her sister-in-law.

“Who are you?” Shen Ruoxi asked in confusion.

“Shh.” The newcomer placed a finger on their lips and whispered.

Shen Ruoxi opened her eyes wide, surprised, then tentatively called out in a low voice, “Cousin Jue?”

Lan Jue cast a warm gaze at her and nodded gently.

“How could it be?”

She was indeed shocked. Her sister-in-law was so petite, while he, as a tall man with a stature as straight as a pine tree—how did he manage it?

Lan Jue lowered his voice and explained, “There’s a master in the mansion who knows Bone Shrinking Skill. I practiced it casually, but it’s quite strenuous and can only hold for a day or two.”

This was amazing. It was said that her cousin was a genius, and indeed, he could learn it with ease.

Because she knew well how difficult it was to practice Bone Shrinking Skill; it required intense and arduous training to succeed!

Therefore, there were very few in the world who knew this skill.

There was no time for amazement now. She suddenly grabbed Lan Jue by the sleeve and, before he could react, had already pulled him into her inner chamber.

The room was neat and tidy, a subtle fragrance lingering in the air.

The embroidered bed curtains hung lightly, and on the quilt, the mandarin ducks were vividly brought to life.

Only a single lamp was lit in the room, its light flickering, lending an air of mystery and intoxication to the elegant and pristine boudoir.

Lan Jue’s face flushed bright red, his heart racing, unsure where to place his hands and feet.

Shen Ruoxi, unaware, pulled him by the sleeve and sat him on her bed.

Shen Ruoxi explained softly, “Speaking outside is prone to being overheard, Cousin Jue, I have something important to tell you now.”

The flickering candlelight cast a delicate shadow on her exquisite features. Lan Jue clenched his hands, his throat moving, and struggled to maintain control over his compressed form.

“Cousin Jue, are you listening to me?”

What was wrong with Cousin today? Why was he acting so strange, seemingly a bit slow to respond?

Lan Jue took a deep breath, biting his tongue till the pain helped quell his restless heart.

“Cousin is listening! Say it!” Lan Jue managed to speak.

Perhaps considering that the Bone Shrinking Skill expended his inner strength, Shen Ruoxi didn’t think further and said softly, “Cousin Jue, I need to leave.”

Lan Jue struggled to ignore the subtle fragrance emanating from her, as well as the effect she had on him, nodding, “I am aware, the Emperor has already consulted the Astronomical Bureau to select an auspicious day, and you are to enter the palace at the end of the month. I came disguised this time specifically for this matter.”

It was already March 26th, which meant she had only a few days left and had to run away quickly!

However, Shen Ruoxi still had doubts, “Even Empress Dowager An isn’t stopping him, letting the Emperor have his way?”

“This time the Emperor is resolute, saying the Jun Family owes the Shen Family a son, and with the Emperor leading by example, it seems justified and reasonable!

Empress Dowager An, although somewhat old-fashioned, is a person of great emotion. What she considers inappropriate etiquette has been overturned by emotion, so she no longer intervenes.”

So that’s how it was, with their greatest reliance unchecked, Shen Ruoxi frowned, “Cousin Jue, you are always resourceful, how should I get out?”

Lan Jue fixed his warm gaze quietly on her face, watching her.

Shen Ruoxi suddenly felt a bit uneasy, “Cousin, why are you staring at me? Quickly think of a way for me to get out.”

Lan Jue’s lips curved into a smile, “You will be able to leave. But may I ask you a question, Cousin Ruoxi?”

“Of course.”

“When you leave, do you plan to head to the border city?”

Shen Ruoxi did not hide it, “Yes! Once I’ve earned achievements and returned, the Emperor will probably rescind the decree.”

Lan Jue’s gaze was deep, “No one can stop you, is that right?”

Shen Ruoxi pressed her lips and nodded.

Lan Jue relaxed his expression, “Ruoxi, Cousin agrees to you going to the battlefield, but you must come back alive, understand?”

Shen Ruoxi nodded seriously and replied, “Cousin Jue, don’t worry! I won’t let anything happen to myself.”

Lan Jue felt for the first time how powerless words could be; it was a while before he spoke softly, “Ruoxi, you must remember, your life is my life, because I’ve sworn in front of Aunt and Uncle’s memorial tablets that if something happened to you, Cousin would accompany you.”

Shen Ruoxi froze for a moment, incredulous, then said solemnly, “Cousin Jue, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Lan Jue smiled faintly, “I’m betting both our lives on your safety. Remember, your life is my life. Take good care of it; Cousin will wait for you to return.”

Shen Ruoxi looked at him quietly, a thought surfacing in her mind. She bit her lip and said, “Cousin Jue, why do you have to go this far?”

He was not Xiao Chengyi; he wouldn’t make false promises. Shen Ruoxi knew in her heart he meant what he said, and suddenly felt a heavy mountain-like pressure on her shoulders.

Lan Jue said calmly, “Do you think you’ll be in danger?”

Shen Ruoxi said resolutely, “Of course not.”

“Then what are you worried about? Just be fine. Cousin will be waiting for you in the Capital City.”

With that, he gently pressed her shoulder, emotions surging in his chest, making his eyes slightly moist.

Shen Ruoxi bit her lip until it broke, then looked at Lan Jue directly asking, “Cousin Jue, do you…”

“Like me?” interrupted by Lan Jue’s words, “We are cousins for life, Ruoxi. Just take good care of yourself, and there’s nothing else to worry about.

There are only seven days until the Spring Examination. Originally, Cousin wanted you to accompany me to witness the moment I became the top scholar. But clearly, that won’t happen now. You promised me that if I became the top scholar, you would prepare a gift for me.”

Shen Ruoxi let out a small sigh of relief; she had indeed been a bit impulsive earlier, revealing the matter wouldn’t benefit anyone, only leading to unnecessary trouble.

Her eyes reddened as she said, “I will.”

“Alright, let’s swap clothes. You disguise as the elder sister-in-law and leave the house, and I’ll stay impersonating you.

You ride Snow-Stepping and carry the token of the Prince Mansion in the south of the city, leaving overnight, and be extremely careful.”

Shen Ruoxi was momentarily stunned by his words, “Cousin Jue, no, what if the Emperor gets angry with you?”

Lan Jue smiled faintly, “My father is a prince of different surname, a founding minister of Dayi Country, even if the Emperor gets angry with me, at most, it would be house arrest or a minor punishment, he surely wouldn’t take my head.

Besides, the Emperor has always been a wise ruler, governing the country with benevolence and justice, don’t worry! Cousin will be fine. Let’s quickly change clothes and hairstyles so you can leave promptly.”

Shen Ruoxi knew well that this was the only opportunity for her to escape. She was extremely conflicted inside but ultimately took the token, nodded, and agreed, “Alright!”

The two changed clothes and applied their makeup; Shen Ruoxi crafted a look that closely resembled her sister-in-law. Since it was nighttime, no one should be able to see through the disguise before dawn.

Everything set, Shen Ruoxi hid the Dragon Roar Sword in her bosom and said to Lan Jue, “Cousin, I’m leaving, take care.”

Just as Shen Ruoxi was about to step away, she heard Lan Jue’s gentle voice, “Ruoxi, wait a moment.”

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