Volume One, Chapter 12: Song Qinghuan Was Covered in Wounds

"What?" Song Shuche could hardly believe his ears.

Although the Rongdi had been defeated, the royal family of the Great Yong Dynasty had always feared the consequences of a fallen nest—where there is no egg left unbroken. The Song family had already suffered setbacks in their previous battles against the Rongdi, which had forced the Great Yong Dynasty to send a hostage to the Rongdi to beg for peace. This failure had already caused the royal family to lose their former trust in the Song family.

But if he could present a bargaining chip regarding the Rongdi now, the Song family would surely regain the Emperor's favor!

At this thought, a glimmer of excitement flickered in the depths of Song Shuche's eyes. If he could truly restore his standing with the throne, then Song Qinghuan still held value.

Song Shuche narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Song Qinghuan as he demanded, "Where is it?"

"It is on me. Untie me, and I will take it out for you to see," Song Qinghuan said, lifting her head with an expression of feigned innocence.

Song Shuche’s eyes were filled with excitement. Just as he moved to undo her bindings, he was stopped by Lu Yumo. "Wait. What if she is lying to you? Besides, if the item is truly hidden on her, why would you need to untie her?"

Without further ado, Lu Yumo suddenly drew the sword at his waist and slashed, tearing through half of Song Qinghuan’s garment.

"Ugh."

The young girl’s body was partially exposed. The skin beneath was no longer the fair, flawless complexion of a noble lady of the capital, but was instead covered in layers of horrific scars. They were stacked one upon another, looking so gruesome that anyone who saw them could not help but gasp in shock. Though eyes of pity involuntarily lingered on her, the girl herself remained indifferent, as if she had grown accustomed to the wounds on her