I'm competing with the male lead for a woman[GL]

Chapter 165: When I wake up, I'll go see her

Above the capital, thick and murky dark clouds descended.

Ye Ji, clad in armor, stood on the city wall, gazing up at the sky. There was hardly a trace of light to be seen. In front of the City Gate, the army was dressed in black, with helmets concealing their faces. They wielded swords engraved with a golden crow, casting a cold and stern shadow on the rain-streaked blue bricks.

Ye Ji lowered his gaze, observing the figure of a crimson-robed woman riding on a horse at the forefront of the army. Even in the midst of a palace coup, Xiao Shuang did not don armor today. The sky was filled with dense clouds, but her crimson robe remained vivid, the only striking touch of blood-red.

Xiao Shuang held a silver sword and looked up at Ye Ji, saying, "Open the city gate."

Ye Ji remained silent. He fixed his gaze on the sword adorned with golden red gemstones in the hands of Princess Zhao Yang, speaking slowly, "I thought you would no longer use this sword."

Years ago, Princess Zhao Yang had used this sword to pierce the chest of Zhin, a prince of Yao Country. Today, Princess Zhao Yang, now known as Xiao Shuang, also wielded this sword.

Xiao Shuang did not explain to Ye Ji why she chose to use this sword. She simply stated indifferently, "Having an injury on my wrist does not mean that I cannot wield a sword. This sword of mine is aimed at everyone in this palace. Admiral Ye, if you intend to block me today, I will also use this sword to clear any obstacles."

Upon hearing Xiao Shuang's words, Ye Ji and the archers on the city wall fell into silence.

Autumn wind stirred up fallen leaves.

After a while, Ye Ji asked, "Zhao Yang, is there no other way for you?"

Xiao Shuang met Ye Ji's gaze and replied, "No."

Ye Ji stared at Zhao Yang for a moment, then raised his hand and said to the vice general at his side, "Let them pass."

....

On the way from the City Gate to the Yangxin Hall, there were not many soldiers offering resistance. Blades swung, blood splattered, and heads fell to the ground. The entire process was conducted in absolute silence, without a single superfluous word. The only sounds were the frightened cries of eunuchs and the blood staining the white jade steps.

A strong and ominous stench of blood permeated the air, and Xiao Shuang sheathed her sword, ascending the steps. Tang Yu, by Xiao Shuang's side, raised her hand to wipe the blood from her face. She hurried a few steps to catch up and whispered, "Your Highness, there are no guards in front of the palace. Be wary of deception..."

"I know."

Xiao Shuang heard Tang Yu's words but continued walking forward without turning back or stopping her steps. She pushed open the door and passed through every familiar scene. Golden dragon curtains, bronze animal-headed incense burners emitting smoke. She arrived at the innermost layer of the bed and pulled aside the pearl curtain, pausing there, gazing at Emperor Qi lying within the bright yellow canopy.   

It was the first time she observed the monarch of Qi Country so seriously. He was thin and weak, with sunken eye sockets. His mouth opened, struggling to breathe, like a stranded fish on the shore, on the verge of losing his life.  

Xiao Shuang carefully observed him for a long time, then a faint smile curved her lips. There were not many emotions revealed in her smile, but one stood out clearly — mockery.  

Hearing footsteps, Emperor Qi turned his eyes towards the side of the bed and caught sight of the smile on Xiao Shuang's face. Despite his dwindling breath, he moved his lips and asked, "Imperial sister... What are you laughing at? Are you... mocking me?"