Chapter 64: The Blade Above the Word "Desire"

Sometimes, people are simply strange creatures. As Yang Feiyan fixed her gaze on Wanyan Chang, he seemed to sense her scrutiny and soon noticed her as well.

It must be said that beautiful women are born with a certain advantage, especially at moments like this.

When Wanyan Chang caught sight of Yang Feiyan, his eyes lit up involuntarily. He strode over, striking a pose he deemed particularly handsome, and said, “Miss, I am Wanyan Chang, the esteemed general of the Jin Empire. I have come to the Great Xia on a diplomatic mission, but I never expected to encounter such a lovely lady here.”

As she looked at Wanyan Chang, who wore a smile as radiant as a blossoming flower, a murderous intent surged in Yang Feiyan’s eyes. If not for Zhao Huan’s explicit orders, she would have struck down her enemy right then and there.

“I hope you don’t dwell forever in hatred. You should kill your enemy, yes, but after your vengeance, you must keep living. If you die with him, you would betray your departed sister.” Zhao Huan’s words before her departure echoed in Yang Feiyan’s mind. It seemed he had long known that Wanyan Chang would be the envoy sent to Western Xia.

Yang Feiyan drew a deep breath, glanced at the armed guards behind Wanyan Chang, and remembered the mission Zhao Huan had entrusted to her. She could only suppress her hatred for the time being.

Wanyan Chang, seeing Yang Feiyan lost in thought and glancing at his guards, assumed she was intimidated by their presence. He hurriedly reassured her, “Miss, you needn’t be afraid. These are my guards. They may look fierce, but they mean no harm.”

By now, Yang Feiyan had composed herself. The strict discipline of the Flying Feather Army reminded her of her true purpose here. Hearing Wanyan Chang’s words, she played along, saying, “Why are you blocking my way? I don’t even know you.”

Yang Feiyan was clever and knew precisely the kind of woman men found most alluring. The more indifferent she appeared to Wanyan Chang, the more she would stoke his desire to conquer her.

“From the moment I first saw you, I was utterly captivated,” Wanyan Chang confessed. “Forgive my boldness in stopping you. I hope you will not think ill of me.”

“Well then, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way,” Yang Feiyan replied.

As she expected, the less interested she seemed, the more eager Wanyan Chang became to pursue her. Seeing her turn to leave, he quickly called out, “Please, don’t go yet! May I at least know your name?”

“Step aside, or I’ll call for help!” Yang Feiyan clutched her shoulder, feigning alarm. “Don’t you dare misbehave—this is the Prince Xiao’s estate. If you try anything, the prince’s guards won’t let you off so easily.”

At her words, Wanyan Chang burst into hearty laughter. “Don’t worry, miss, I truly mean no harm. In fact, I was just on my way to the Prince Xiao’s residence myself.”

“Really? Hmph, I don’t believe you. Liar!” Yang Feiyan retorted petulantly.

When a beautiful woman acts coy, it can truly be fatal to a man. Wanyan Chang, usually a clever man, was now entirely oblivious to anything amiss.

He replied earnestly, “Even if I were to lie to anyone, I would never deceive a woman as lovely as you. If you don’t believe me, you can accompany me inside.”

Yang Feiyan’s delight was genuine. “I can go inside as well?” she asked, hope lighting her face.

Wanyan Chang was deeply gratified by her reaction. Smiling, he said, “Of course you can. Perhaps they wouldn’t let you enter alone, but with me, there will be no problem.” He assumed Yang Feiyan simply wanted to see the prince’s residence.

Secretly, Yang Feiyan cursed Wanyan Chang’s stupidity, but outwardly, she gazed at him with admiration. “Then may I really go in with you?”

He was all too pleased, gesturing gallantly for her to proceed. “After you, miss.”

Yang Feiyan suppressed her joy. She had spent half the day wracking her brains for a way to sneak into the estate and eliminate Li Baoji, only to find the opportunity present itself so effortlessly.

“Miss, are you from the Tangut tribe?” Wanyan Chang asked as they walked.

“Why do you ask?” Yang Feiyan shot him a suspicious look, as if still not entirely trusting him.

Her guarded expression only made Wanyan Chang more eager to win her over. “You needn’t be so wary. As you see, I can come and go from the prince’s estate at will. That should prove I mean no harm.”

Yang Feiyan nodded as if convinced. “Didn’t you say you’re from Jin? What brings you to our Great Xia?”

At this, Wanyan Chang’s expression stiffened.

“Hmph, if you don’t want to say, forget it,” Yang Feiyan huffed, her tone making her seem all the more like a young maiden.

“Please don’t be angry, miss. The matter touches on military secrets—I’m afraid I cannot share it with you,” Wanyan Chang replied, somewhat embarrassed.

“You don’t have to tell me, I already know. Your Jin Empire lost a battle and now you’re here in Great Xia seeking reinforcements, isn’t that right?” Yang Feiyan rolled her eyes.

Her gesture stunned Wanyan Chang. This woman was truly dangerous—her expressions, her manner, even seemed familiar. The thought flickered through his mind and was gone; after all, he had known many beautiful women, some of whom resembled each other, so it was nothing strange.

“Nonsense, those are just rumors spread by ignorant people!” Wanyan Chang responded with annoyance.

“Rumors? Then why are you visiting the Prince Xiao’s estate? Didn’t you lose to the Song army?” Yang Feiyan pressed on, fishing for useful information.

“Who told you that?” The Battle of Zhending remained the greatest humiliation of Wanyan Chang’s life. At her mention of it, he reacted as if his tail had been stepped on, growing agitated.

“You—you’re frightening,” Yang Feiyan thought gleefully to herself, but outwardly, she pretended to be terrified.

“Forgive me, miss, I lost my composure,” Wanyan Chang said, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.