Xiang Yu stood up gracefully, his movements fluid and deliberate. He reached for a handful of raspberries Baihe had brought for him, their vibrant red contrasting sharply with his delicate, pale fingers. As he rose to face Yi Nuo, the crowd’s murmurs grew louder, anticipation crackling in the air.
With a calm demeanour, he removed the chiffon cover-up that had been draped over his shoulders, revealing the intricate embroidery of his gown. He handed the cover-up to Baihe, who stood nearby. As Baihe took it, a chill crept up his spine. He glanced around, but everyone else seemed engrossed in the impending confrontation, their cheers and shouts filling the forest.
The source of the chill was coming from Han Xin, who was sitting under the shade of a tree a distance away. His eyes were fixed on Baihe, a storm of emotions brewing within. Every day, he had to watch Baihe attending to Peng Xiu’s every need while following behind her like a tail.
Baihe’s devotion was unwavering. He would fetch anything she desired without being asked, fan her when she was hot, wash her clothes voluntarily, and place food in her bowl with gentle reminders of its benefits. "Your Highness, try this," he would say. "Your Highness, this is healthy for you. Your Highness, this is good for your skin."
And each night he would come back to their carriage smelling like her. Han Xin had arranged for Baihe to stay with him and Han Zhan all in the name of keeping an eye on him, but in truth, he was afraid Peng Xiu would offer for him to squeeze in with the three of them. He wouldn’t put it past her.
Peng Xiu’s scent was like a drug to him. It was so intoxicating that Han Xin was starting to suspect that she was using her knowledge of poisons to create a scent that had the same effects as the substance she used to put in her letters to Xiang Yu.
After being assailed with that scent for days, he finally lost it, and using his rank as the general, he demanded that Baihe take a bath before returning here. Poor Baihe had no idea what riled up the general. Han Zhan had comforted him at the time, saying, "Don’t take it personally. It’s a him problem."
Han Xin’s frustration grew with each passing day. As a general, he knew he shouldn’t be consumed by jealousy. He had plenty of women to choose from but he couldn’t help it. Baihe’s perfection was infuriating. If Baihe was trying to win Princess Xiu’s heart, he would surely succeed. He was the perfect competition.
He subconsciously clenched his fist in his sleeve, his knuckles turning white. ’It’s just a faze. You will get over it,’ he said to himself but who could tell this general that he was already ensnared in her trap and there was no way out.
Xiang Yu, on the other hand, walked confidently into the circle, his presence commanding attention. Mei hurried to his side and whispered, "Master, don’t you want to change your clothes?"
Xiang Yu leaned in, his voice calm and reassuring, "Don’t worry. I will make it quick."
Lian, unable to contain her excitement, screamed, "Rip her head off and tear her apart, Master!" Her outburst drew several curious glances from the onlookers. Even Yi Nuo paused looking at Lian like she was looking at a little maniac.
Xiang Yu shook his head in disapproval. "No, no, no. There will be no ripping of heads or tearing anyone apart."
Lian pouted, lowering her hands, but her enthusiasm quickly returned. She threw her fists in the air and shouted, "Then, Master, kick her butt!"
Xiang Yu smiled at Yi Nuo, who stood ready across the circle. "Sister Nuo, don’t take her seriously. She likes to joke like that," he said only for Yi Nuo to yell again, "Make sure she won’t sit on her ass for days!" Xiang Yu’s smile faltered. Lian was like that one child that would always embarrass you after you defended them.
"Come when you’re ready," he said, his tone inviting yet firm.
Yi Nuo responded with a confident smirk. "Don’t worry, Your Highness, I will be gentle."
But Xiang Yu was not here to play. "Give me everything you’ve got," he challenged.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Yi Nuo replied, lunging forward with determination. But she soon found out that she had underestimated her opponent. Seeing how thin the Princess was she thought Peng Xiu would be weak and easy to handle. She was wrong.
To everyone’s astonishment, the princess moved with incredible speed and precision. Each of Yi Nuo’s attacks was deftly countered.
In a swift, unexpected move, Xiang Yu tackled her to the ground, a twisted smile playing on his lips. And within moments, he pinned her down. The soldiers fell silent, their cheers turning into gasps of disbelief. Yi Nuo lay on the ground, staring up in shock.
Han Zhan, who had instigated this was equally stunned. His mouth hung open as he tried to process what he had just witnessed. He stood up, amazement etched on his face. This woman was a beast in sheep’s clothing.
Han Xin’s brows furrowed slightly. He said nothing, but his mind was racing with thoughts. He had personally trained Yi Nuo, and this outcome was truly unexpected.
Xiang Yu stood up, a triumphant smile on his face. He stretched out his hand to help Yi Nuo up. Yi Nuo looked up at the princess with admiration, not at all embarrassed by her defeat. Instead, she felt a surge of eagerness to learn more.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Yi Nuo said, accepting the hand and rising to her feet.
"You were a worthy opponent," Xiang Yu replied with a smile. "Would you like to go again?"
Yi Nuo was about to enthusiastically agree when a brawny soldier, known for causing trouble, interrupted. "Lieutenant Yi, you must have gone easy on the princess," he scoffed. A few men around him echoed the sentiment, their voices rising in agreement.
Han Zhan, ready to command them to silence, was stopped by Han Xin. He leaned in and whispered, "Aren’t you going to help her highness? Cousin, this should be your time to shine. Be the hero that saved the damsel."
Han Xin’s expression remained unreadable. "Look at her face. Does she look like she needs help?"