Chapter 2 — Arrested on the night of the big wedding, I was reborn and killed him like crazy

I'm like a crazy person, running down the long hallway. I don't know where to go. Heaven and earth are vast, but there seems to be no place for us to live. A name suddenly burst into my head. Thuy Vuong, Tieu Giac. The man once stood under the peach tree and told me: "Tri Dien, if you are in danger, you can come to Thuy Vuong Palace to find me at any time." He is the only person in the capital who does not flatter me because I am the Grand Deputy's daughter, nor does he fear me because of my academic talent. When he looked at me, there was always a gentle smile in his eyes. That was my last saving straw. I ran out the side door of the Viceroy's Palace. Mustering up the last bit of strength, rushed towards Thuy Vuong palace. The guards of Thuy Vuong palace recognized me. Seeing my pathetic appearance, although they were scared, they still immediately went inside to report. Very soon, Tieu Giac dressed in a jet black civilian outfit and quickly walked out. As soon as he saw me, he was stunned. Right after that, he quickly walked down the steps and walked straight in front of me.

“Tri Dien?”

In his voice, there was a trace of urgency and disbelief. I look at him. Clearly seen in his eyes was worry and heartache. In that moment, the coldness of being abandoned by his father and the whole family seemed to melt away a bit. My tears finally couldn't be controlled anymore, like a dam bursting and pouring out. I couldn't say a word, I could only sob non-stop. Tieu Giac did not inquire. He took off his outer robe and gently placed it on my shoulder, covering my torn clothes and struggling appearance. His movements were very light, very gentle. He said softly.

“Go inside first, I'm here.”

I was half held and half hugged by him and taken into Thuy Vuong's palace. The servants in the palace all bowed their heads, no one dared to look at me with a strange look. This place, and our home... are two completely different worlds. He placed me in a warm living room. Not long after, a maid brought hot water and clean clothes. Tieu Giac retreated out the door, his voice gentle.

"You go take a shower first, I'll wait for you outside."

We soak in the warm hot water. The wounds were scratched by tree branches on his body, causing sharp pain. I looked at the face reflected in the water, pale and terrified. Is that me? Is it Tham Tri Dien, the person who once shook the capital and was praised as the number one talented woman? I don't dare think about what happened on the mountain. I don't dare to think about the white silk that my father threw away. I'm afraid... if I just think a little more, I'll go crazy. Changing into clean, soft clothes, I stepped out. Tieu Giac was still waiting in the hallway outside the door. Seeing me coming out, he gave me a cup of hot tea.

“Warm yourself up.”

I lifted the cup of tea, my hands still shaking slightly.

“King…”

I opened my mouth, my voice was so hoarse that I didn't even recognize it.

“There's no need to say anything.”

Tieu Giac interrupted me. He looked straight into my eyes, his eyes attentive and serious.

“Tri Dien, no matter what happened, it's not your fault.”

My heart was shaken. It's not her fault. This sentence is exactly what I want to hear the most right now... also what I don't dare to hope for most demanded.

“But… they all said I… said I was already dirty…”

"Clearness is not under the skirt, she does not need to prove herself."

His voice was as gentle as jade, but carried an unquestionable pressure.

"People use rituals to kill people, I won't."

"I'll go talk about your father's side."

"I will also think of a way to deal with her marriage."

“These few days, you can just stay here and rest in peace, don't need to go anywhere, leave everything outside to me.”

He arranged each sentence carefully. Like a gentle net, slowly lifting us from the depths of despair. I look at him. Look at this handsome yet gentle man. He is the younger brother of the reigning saint, the King of Thuy who has won glorious victories. He doesn't need to pay attention to a troublesome person like me. But not only did he accept me, he also thought so deeply about me. The gratitude in my heart cannot be fully expressed.

“Your Majesty, I…”

I want to say thank you, but I feel like those two words are too bland.

“Call me Tieu Giac.”

He smiled slightly, the smile in his eyes almost overflowing.

“Rest well, don't think too much.”

"No matter how big the story is, go to sleep, wake up and talk."

He personally took me back to the room, watched me lie down, and carefully covered me with a blanket. Only then did he turn around and leave. I lie on a soft bed. The tip of his nose still seemed to have the faint scent of sandalwood lingering on his body. There was also the warmth that belonged to him still remaining on his outer body. The fatigue of the body and the fear in the spirit rose up at the same time. I finally lost the strength to resist and slowly closed my eyes. Before the endless night completely falls, before consciousness is swallowed up, there is only one thought left in my heart. I used to think that... finally, I had found my own salvation. I don't know how long I slept. When I woke up, I wasn't awakened by the maid, but by a series of rapid footsteps. The door of the room was pushed open. The people who entered were not maids of the royal palace, but two guards wearing armor. Their expressions were cold as iron.

“Miss Shen, your Majesty has summoned you, please come.”

I was stunned. Your Majesty summoned? Instinctively, I turned my head to look out the door, looking for Tieu Giac's figure. But he wasn't there. The Forbidden Army didn't give me time to think, one left and one right grabbed me, almost dragging me out. A strong sense of insecurity arose in my heart.