Quick Transmigration: The Control Group in Sweet Novels

After turning the third gate, a stone staircase leading downwards appeared before her, with torches stuck on both sides. The flickering flames cast her long shadow on the steps.

Qi Yang tentatively stepped down.

This was her first time entering a dungeon in two lifetimes.

She held her breath, tightened her grip on the food box, and walked to the bottom of the stone steps. In front of her was a heavy iron door. Looking out, she could see two rows of cells inside. The flickering candlelight shone into the cells, and she could vaguely see dark brown marks on the floor and walls, like long-dried blood.

Qi Yang's breathing quickened, and she dared not look ahead any further, staring only at the dim light in front of her.

She vaguely heard faint conversations ahead, so she mustered her courage and went in.

A strong, pungent stench hit her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a dark figure curled up in a corner cell, groaning softly. Before she could get a closer look, she suddenly stepped into a puddle of slippery liquid and instinctively looked down.

A pool of dark red liquid was slowly flowing down the cracks in the stone slab, gleaming dimly in the light.

is blood.

Qi Yang's mind suddenly exploded.

She took several steps back, trying to get out of the dimly lit place as quickly as possible, the food box dangling in her hands. But when she turned around, she bumped into someone's arms.

The man was very tall with a broad and muscular chest. She bumped into him with considerable force, her forehead hitting his shoulder, and she was thrown back, almost falling over.

A pair of hands rested steadily on her shoulders.

Qi Yang froze. She didn't know if the person who suddenly appeared in the cell was a vicious ghost or a guard. By the faint light reflected from the torch, she looked at the other person's face.

The man was about twenty years old, with sharp features, a high nose bridge, and an aura of natural solemnity and nobility. Qi Yang glanced at his clothes with trembling hands. His black robe was embroidered with python patterns, and a translucent mutton fat jade pendant hung at his waist.

It's obvious at a glance that she's dressed in a sophisticated manner.

He lowered his eyelashes, looked at the pale-faced girl, raised an eyebrow, and demanded, "Who are you?"

Qi Yang hadn't recovered from her shock when she heard this. She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, she heard hurried footsteps behind her, followed by a familiar voice, tinged with surprise, "A-Yang?"

Qi Yang looked in the direction of the sound.

The person who arrived was walking hurriedly, with a hint of surprise on his handsome face.

It was Shen Hengzhi.

When Shen Hengzhi saw the postures of the two people not far away, he stopped abruptly. His usually indifferent eyes narrowed slightly, and the lines of his jaw tightened instantly.

His gaze lingered for a moment on the shoulders of Crown Prince Li Yao, which were resting on Qi Yang's shoulders, before slowly shifting to the Crown Prince's face.

Li Yao met his gaze without changing his expression.

Shen Hengzhi strode forward, grabbed Qi Yang's wrist lightly, and pulled her away from Li Yao, behind him.

Shen Hengzhi shielded the girl behind him, glanced at Li Yao with indifferent eyes, and said in his usual calm tone, "Your Highness, this is a maid from my household. She offended Your Highness, and I apologize on her behalf."

Prince?

Hidden behind him and with his view blocked, Qi Yang paused for a moment. Wasn't this the strongest assist in the original book?

It is common knowledge in the court and among the people that this heir apparent shares the glory with Crown Prince Li Yao, and is deeply trusted by the Crown Prince. Moreover, in the original book, Shen Hengzhi realized that he had fallen for Su Wanwan because of Li Yao's guidance. In fact, the two are cousins.

Aren't these two close friends?

Why does the atmosphere seem so tense right now?

Although it was an apology, Shen Hengzhi maintained a composed and respectful demeanor, carefully protecting the person in front of him, appearing quite protective of his own.

Li Yao raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze sweeping indifferently over the girl he was protecting behind him. He couldn't even see a single strand of her hair. A faint smile flickered in his eyes. "It's alright. I was in such a hurry that I didn't see that there was someone standing here. I did startle you, little maid."

Shen Hengzhi remained expressionless, completely ignoring the mockery in his words. His voice was even deeper than before, "Prison is a damp and filthy place, not suitable for staying long. I'll take her back first."

Li Yao nodded casually, "Then go ahead."

Before Qi Yang could react, Shen Hengzhi had already pulled her outside.

He took long strides, and Qi Yang initially jogged to accommodate him. But after a few steps, he seemed to realize the problem and gradually slowed down. The force with which he gripped her wrist was still very light, as if he was afraid of hurting her.

Shen Hengzhi led Qi Yang all the way to the front courtyard of the Dali Temple, away from the dark prison. Their vision suddenly brightened, and they stopped and turned around when they reached a secluded corridor.

The girl obediently stopped.

Perhaps she had just been frightened, for her eyes and nose were red, and her small body huddled in the corner, her pure deer-like eyes filled with confusion and uncertainty.

Shen Hengzhi's heart softened suddenly, and he asked in a gentler voice, "Who sent you today?"

Qi Yang held up the food box in his hand and explained, "Young Master, when Madam heard that you couldn't return to the manor, she specially asked me to bring you chicken soup to warm you up."

After saying that, Qi Yang noticed that Shen Hengzhi had changed from his usual white clothes to a vermilion official robe, which made his skin look even whiter and more like jade. He wore a black gauze official hat with a black satin face, which made his face look handsome, but less gentle and more cold and stern.

Qi Yang stared blankly for a moment, then stared for a while.

Shen Hengzhi took the food box from her hand, feeling comforted, and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

Qi Yang shook her head repeatedly and said softly, "This is my duty."

Shen Heng paused, unsure which word had struck a nerve, and the young man's expression softened slightly. "The Dali Temple imprisons only the most desperate and wicked people; it's not something ordinary people can endure. You don't need to bring them food anymore."

Qi Yang especially agreed with this.

The Dali Temple is truly terrifying; if it weren't for Granny Li's orders, she herself wouldn't have wanted to come.

But outwardly he still obediently replied, "I will obey your orders, Your Highness."

Having said all that needed to be said, Shen Hengzhi remained silent for a few seconds before speaking gently, "What happened just now, did it frighten you?"

Yes, a little.

But Qi Yang didn't dare to tell the truth, and simply shook her head, "No."

"That was the Crown Prince," Shen Hengzhi explained. "He's not a bad person, but he likes to play pranks. From now on, stay away from him when you see him."

He tightened his lips, recalling Li Yao's hand on the girl's shoulder, and a vague unease rose in his heart.

Qi Yang obediently agreed.

Seeing her quiet and gentle appearance, Shen Hengzhi unconsciously reached out and ruffled her fluffy head, his every move carrying a tenderness he himself was unaware of.

"I have a temporary place to rest here. You can have some chicken soup later, and we'll go back home together after I'm done with my work."

Qi Yang was taken aback. "Your Highness, this chicken soup is for you."

"It's fine, it'll be the same whether you drink it or not."