Chapter 294 - Broke Crossing (1/2)

Chun Hua opened her eyes and immediately frowned when she was faced with the tattered roof of the shack. She silently sighed and then glanced to the side to see Bao Zhun crouched down looking through the cracks of the window with a hand on the hilt of his sword, on high alert.

They had crossed into Zou kingdom four days ago and just when they had thought they were safe, they quickly discovered that they were also considered fugitives here. Not only were the posters of the Chun siblings all about, but there were also bounties on their heads.

Chun Hai quickly decided that they were going to return to Jiu country and he asked Bao Zhun to depart with his men. As long as Bao Zhun denied every knowledge of the affair, his father would help him, so he would be fine. Moreover, it would be easier for him and his sister to maneuver their way unnoticed, a crowd sought attention.

But Bao Zhun refused, saying he could not deny anything. After all, it was he who ordered his men to attack. More importantly, he felt that he could not leave Chun Hua stranded here. So Bao Zhun agreed to send his men away but insisted on escorting them to Jiu county.

The Chun siblings did not argue and the three stole some horses and rode nonstop south of the border disguising themselves as travelers from a northern tribe.

They then purchased horses and rode nonstop south of the border disguising themselves as regular travelers until they arrived at this port town where Chun Hai had connections and could get them on a ship departing for Jiu country no questions asked.

Chun Hua had tried to persuade her brother to find a way to contact Prince Houyi so he could help them. She also needed to tell him about the deal with Prince Yi. Even if she failed to kill the Long Emperor, it would not be considered a total loss, and most importantly, if she were a fugitive how would she marry a prince! - This last issue she kept to herself.

But her stubborn brother insisted that if she really ”needed” to, she could contact Prince Houyi once they had safely returned to Jiu country. He left the morning before to secure their ship passes, leaving orders for them not to leave this shack, saying he would be back by nightfall with food.

A whole day had passed and another was ending but he was not back and they had heard nothing. Chun Hua let out an irritated breath and sat up, she hated all this.

Bao Zhun promptly turned over to her with a smile, ”You're awake...Um, are you hungry?” He immediately frowned after asking that, there was no more food here and he was not comfortable with leaving her here alone.

Chun Hua sighed, ”I guess he got himself captured -”

”...I'm sure he's fine.” Bao Zhun responded with a reassuringly smile, even though he himself did not believe those words.

”If you think he's fine then why are you behaving as if you're expecting the army to come storming through? Have you even slept?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Bao Zhun awkwardly blinked and then sat down and relaxed, ”I'm just bored...”

The two sat quietly for a while, each with their own thoughts. It was not like Chun Hai to be late. Given the situation, neither of them were sure what to do if he really were captured.

Chun Hua finally broke the silence and said, ”If he's not back by tonight then we'-”

Suddenly there was a sound from outside and they both reached for their swords, ready to fight. But then the door opened and Chun Hai, the long-awaited son returned and swiftly apologized, ”Sorry about the delay. There was increased security around the town so I had to be careful...”

Chun Hua inwardly let out a sigh of relief but she frowned at her brother, still showing her disagreement with this move. Chun Hai glanced at her and simply ignored her, she had been pouting this entire time. If he had not threatened to kill himself if she left to go find Prince Houyi, she would have long left.

It was sad that this was what their relationship had come to but at the very least, it was good to know she still considered more important than her confused ”feelings” for Prince Houyi.

”See, I knew he would be fine. You had us worried...” Bao Zhun said with a little laugh, trying to cut the tension between the two siblings.

Chun Hai smiled at Bao Zhun and handed him parcel in his hand, ”I brought some food...eat up. There's a ship tonight so we need to move soon.”

Bao Zhun took the parcel and went over to Chun Hua with it. While, Chun Hai went over to the side, laid down, and closed his eyes to rest.

Bao Zhun crouched down next to Chun Hua, put the parcel down and opened it to find a roasted chicken and a few buns.

”I still think we should go to Houyi...” Chun Hua said growing at her brother.

”If he wants to, he can come to you in Jiu...” Chun Hai dismissively responded, turning his back to them.

Chun Hua glared at his back and Bao Zhun glanced between the two siblings and then said to her, ”Just eat for now...we can discuss after he's rested...okay?” He swiftly put a chicken leg and bun in her. Chun Hua sighed and then proceeded to nibble on it, she was not happy but definitely hungry.

As the evening came, Chun Hai got up and said it was time to move. Before they left he told Bao Zhun that he can still return home. There was no reason for him to leave his country. But as expected, Bao Zhun declined again.

Chun Hai inwardly sighed, wondering what his sister did to make this man so obsessed with her. He glanced over at Chun Hua, who read his expression and narrowed her eyes at him before walking past him. Bao Zhun quickly followed and Chun Hai sighed and went along.