Badlands Prefecture!
"Ah, so you're Sword Envoy Dan Xiaonan. I've heard so much about you!" Shui Qiudie gave a cold snort, smiling without warmth.
Dan Xiaonan wasn't angered. She said slowly, "Princess, these two are criminals wanted by the Hanging Sword Bureau. I'm about to take them back there. Besides, nothing can happen to them, or I'll have no way to answer to the Bureau Chief!"
Shui Qiudie said angrily, "This man actually said I don't understand the rules and know nothing of propriety. I've lived in the Divine Capital for over twenty years, and no one has ever dared say such things to me—not even the Sacred Emperor!"
"They're criminals either way. The Hanging Sword Bureau will kill them sooner or later. Why don't you let me lend the Bureau a hand right now?"
Shui Qiudie pressed her advantage mercilessly.
Dan Xiaonan said in a low voice, "These two are still of great use to the Hanging Sword Bureau. For now, I can't hand them over to the Little Princess."
Shui Qiudie said coldly, "Fine. Then tell me—when will the Hanging Sword Bureau be done dealing with these two?"
Dan Xiaonan shook her head. "I don't know that."
Shui Qiudie glared at Dan Xiaonan through clenched teeth. "You're determined to protect these two lowly commoners today, aren't you?"
Dan Xiaonan smiled. "If I tell the Bureau Chief about what happened today, I wonder whether he'll pay a visit to the Iron Sword Marquis Estate. When that happens, will the Marquis... punish the Little Princess?"
"You dare use my father to pressure me!" Shui Qiudie glared at Dan Xiaonan, her eyes bulging with fury.
At that moment, an elderly servant beside Shui Qiudie said in a low voice, "Little Princess, she's a Sword Envoy of the Hanging Sword Bureau. We