Tan Hua - Chapter 93: I Can't Live Without You

Chapter 93: I Can’t Live Without You

Immediately, Jun Qiyu spoke loudly to Xiao Taizi.

“Xiao, you’ve been scheming like a rat in the northwest for so many years, yet you dared not raise an army. I thought you’d hide like a mouse for the rest of your life.”

Xiao Taizi’s gaze darkened slightly.

“Oh, so you noticed… What else do you know?”

Jun Qiyu replied, “Not much, just that you’ve created some kind of Zhenghuang Sect among the people, secretly amassing ill-gotten wealth, recruiting soldiers… You’ve sent up the signal, and now Loulan is probably on the brink of being taken.”

Xiao Taizi stopped hiding and confidently said, “In less than three days, Loulan will be mine. Since you know I’ve been plotting, you should understand that this time I will certainly succeed.”

Jun Qiyu said solemnly, “I’ve been in the northwest for so many years. If you had stayed hidden, I wouldn’t have found you. Haven’t you heard the saying from the Western regions? Once a mouse sticks its head out, it’s easy to catch.”

Xiao Taizi paused for a moment, then laughed.

“Jun Qiyu, don’t try to be clever with your tongue! Today is your death day. Very soon, the traitors of Jingguo will bow their heads in surrender! I can finally see the light of day again, and soon… soon, the world will worship me! No… I will be the emperor, the supreme ruler! Haha! No more hiding… this is so satisfying, hahaha!”

Xiao Taizi laughed maniacally, releasing years of suppressed resentment and frustration.

Jun Qiyu said, “Xiao Taizi’s plan is to first swallow Loulan, then… Pei Xingxu…” Song Liqing looked worriedly at Pei Xingxu. But Pei Xingxu seemed unconcerned, though his deadpan expression made Song Liqing even more uneasy.

Jun Qiyu noticed his thoughts and took the initiative to speak to Pei Xingxu. “Pei Xingxu, it’s not too late. Let’s break out together. Once we’re in Jingguo, we’ll be safe, and I’ll help you reclaim Loulan.”

Pei Xingxu glanced at Jun Qiyu coldly.

“Help me?” Pei Xingxu said indifferently, “I don’t need it.”

Then, with a single command, Pei Xingxu led his Loulan guards into battle against Xiao Taizi’s men. Despite being outnumbered, Pei Xingxu stood firm, not retreating a single step, even though he was clearly outmatched.

Jun Qiyu’s brows furrowed, and he said solemnly, “Why go to such lengths? You don’t want the people of Loulan to be trampled by outsiders, do you? What meaning is there in throwing your life away like this? Today, all the men you’ve brought will end up as sacrifices!”

Pei Xingxu remained unmoved, his expression resolute, as though determined to fight to the death.

“Ask my Loulan warriors if they fear death! Kill!!”

Song Liqing opened his mouth, wanting to say something to dissuade him, but knew that it would be pointless. He could only silently decide to stay with Pei Xingxu and fight for Loulan.

“Xing…”

At that moment, Jun Qiyu lowered his head and spoke softly, “Come with me, Liqing?”

“What?”

Song Liqing looked up in confusion. Jun Qiyu’s sharp jawline rested against his forehead.

“Come home with me, Liqing,” Jun Qiyu said earnestly. “Jingguo, our home.”

For a moment, Song Liqing resisted this statement and instinctively pushed him away. Jun Qiyu staggered backward, nearly falling. Song Liqing didn’t dare push him too hard.

Song Liqing glanced at the blood on his hands. Even though Jun Qiyu was like iron, he couldn’t endure this level of injury.

“Who wants to go with you?”

“You came to save me, didn’t you?” Jun Qiyu asked again. “You came because you care about me, because you love me, and that’s why you saved me.”

Jun Qiyu said stubbornly, almost childishly, as if refusing to let go.

Song Liqing avoided the sensitive word and refused to respond.

He could only try to clarify.

“I don’t want you to die because you’re the prince, and your life is important… It has nothing to do with anything else. I won’t go with you. I want to be with Xingxu, I’m his queen. We’re going back to Loulan.”

“Loulan is in danger now. Staying here won’t help you return.” Jun Qiyu said.

Song Liqing firmly replied, “Whether it’s dangerous or not, I won’t go with you. Do you think I’ll be safe if I leave you?”

“It’s me who can’t live without you.”

Jun Qiyu suddenly spoke in such a soft tone that Song Liqing was left speechless.

“I can’t live without you, Liqing.”

This might be the most humble thing Jun Qiyu has ever said.

Jun Qiyu had never imagined he’d speak to someone like this, but in this moment, it wasn’t as difficult as he’d expected because it was his true feelings.

Song Liqing fell silent, not fully understanding the deeper meaning behind Jun Qiyu’s words.

“I don’t have the ability to save you. Wherever Xingxu wants to go, I’ll go with him.”

Song Liqing turned to walk towards Pei Xingxu, but Jun Qiyu grabbed him and pulled him back.

“You do.” Jun Qiyu said earnestly, “Right now, I’m unable to act. Will you be my eyes? Let’s go to Jingguo to bring reinforcements.”

Song Liqing hesitated. Even though his mind was clouded, he knew that a dozen guards couldn’t defeat hundreds of trained soldiers. Pei Xingxu’s defeat was only a matter of time.

“Then… I’ll guide you. Once we shake off the enemy, I’ll come back. If you escape alive, send people to eliminate them. Even if I die, you must save Xingxu and the people of Loulan.”

Jun Qiyu, though unhappy that his focus was on others, knew the urgency of the situation and set aside his grievances, agreeing immediately.

“Alright.”

Jun Qiyu bent down.

“Liqing, get on my back. I’ll carry you.”

Song Liqing dared not delay and climbed onto his back. Jun Qiyu untied his belt and tied them together.

“Hold on tight.” Jun Qiyu reminded.

Song Liqing rested his head on his shoulder. Jun Qiyu’s back was broad, and though he didn’t appear muscular, he was surprisingly strong and solid, giving Song Liqing a sense of security.

“Left!”

An enemy charged at them, and Song Liqing shouted in advance.

Jun Qiyu moved like lightning, darting forward so fast that Song Liqing nearly fell off. He quickly wrapped his arms around Jun Qiyu’s neck to avoid being thrown off.

To prevent falling, Song Liqing had to stay close to Jun Qiyu. He didn’t notice Jun Qiyu’s subtle smile.

“There are seven or eight with spears on the left, more than ten with curved swords on the right… two cavalry behind us!”

The battlefield was ever-changing, and all Song Liqing could do was predict and give directions. When he couldn’t speak in time, he’d tap the side where there were enemies. Jun Qiyu understood without words. The two of them seemed to have an uncanny coordination, as though they knew exactly what the other was thinking.

Song Liqing directed him toward the less crowded area, and they managed to break through the encirclement, heading east.

Author’s Note:

The second update, goodnight.

Recently, my family member has been hospitalized, so the updates may be unstable. Please understand.