USWHC -Chapter 485 The Imperial Examination (Part 5)

“Master, the princess’s book chest has been returned!”

Inside a dim, tightly shut room, the air was stifling and heavy. A man sat rigidly on a chair, his expression dark as he stared ahead.

His face was deathly pale, as if he had hidden in the shadows for far too long. Yet even darker than the room was his gaze—sinister and cold, flickering with a chilling light. He let out a snort through his nose and spat, “So now he’s playing hard to get!”

His voice seemed to crawl up from the depths of hell itself, carrying a bone-chilling tremor. “I don’t want to see him again. Go… give him a proper send-off.”

“Yes, sir!” A figure in the darkness bowed respectfully before turning and leaving.

No sooner had the man gone than a sharp crash rang out behind him, followed by a muffled curse: “Do they all take me for a dead man?”

Stepping onto grass still fragrant with dew, bathed in bright morning sunlight, it was clearly going to be a fine day. Ji Yi walked out with satisfaction, carrying his proud little shabby book chest, ready to embark on his grand journey toward marrying a wife.

But the moment he turned out of Princess Alley, a carriage rolled to a stop right in front of him. He paused, slightly surprised. It was just a dark blue oilcloth carriage—nothing remarkable at all. He immediately broke into a knowing smile.

“You guys really—coming to pick me up again!”

Just then, a man jumped down from the carriage. He was dark-skinned, roughly dressed, and looked to be in his thirties or forties. Upon seeing Ji Yi, he bowed respectfully.

“Young master, Princess Lanxin has sent this old servant to escort you to the examination grounds!”

Not Uncle Ge?

Ji Yi was taken aback. Hadn’t he already refused? Was Princess Lanxin being a bit too enthusiastic?

Smiling, he declined politely, “I am deeply grateful for the princess’s kindness. However, the examination grounds are not far. I can go by myself.”

But the man paid no heed. He grabbed Ji Yi’s book chest and said warmly, “Young master, please don’t refuse. The princess was considerate and specially had this ordinary carriage prepared. Would you still be so formal with her?”

“Hey, hey—careful! Don’t break my book chest!” Ji Yi hurriedly protested. His shabby box was cheap and fragile—it wouldn’t survive such rough handling.

Yet the man gripped it even tighter, like he was holding a hostage, and forcibly tried to drag Ji Yi onto the carriage.

“What are you afraid of, young master? We’re both men, and this is the princess’s order. It’s not like I’m going to sell you!” the man said with a grin.

Ji Yi really couldn’t argue with him. And the man did have a point—if he truly intended to sell him, he probably didn’t have the ability anyway. Left with no choice, Ji Yi reluctantly followed him onto the carriage.

The moment he got on, the man urged the horse forward impatiently. With a sharp neigh, the horse surged into a gallop.

“Well… there’s still plenty of time, I’m not in a rush!” Ji Yi staggered, nearly thrown off balance.

“Sit tight, young master—don’t fall!” the man quickly said, pushing him firmly into the carriage.

Once seated, Ji Yi looked around. And sure enough—this carriage was far from “ordinary.” It didn’t even have windows. All around him were dark blue curtains, making the interior oppressively dim. There weren’t even proper seats—he had to sit cross-legged on the floor.

Could it be that this carriage was usually used by the princess’s residence to transport goods… and today it was being used to carry him?

Not long after the carriage left, another carriage arrived outside Princess Alley. Uncle Ge stretched his head out, staring ahead in confusion.

“Why did the young master get onto a prison cart?”

“What? Are you sure you saw correctly?” Shopkeeper Liao lifted the curtain, leaning out in disbelief.

“How could I be mistaken? That was clearly a modified prison cart—with mechanisms set up all around it!” Uncle Ge said confidently.

The very next moment, a heavy kick landed on him.

“Then why aren’t you chasing them yet? What are you waiting for—waiting for them to butcher him?!”

But by then, the carriage had already disappeared into the distance. Uncle Ge hurriedly whipped the horse in pursuit.

Who were these people? Daring to kidnap someone in broad daylight—this was outrageously bold!