The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Covert Plot (5)

 

… and let out A Song.

 

Su Mubai, who was about to leave with Bai Yao and the others, finally managed to change back into his original male attire.

 

However, Hu Jiu still looked at him mournfully, which made him quite uncomfortable.

 

But the group sat around a large table and enjoyed a harmonious meal.

 

Luo Qi was still busy picking food for Bai Yao. Seeing this, You Ruo followed suit and added things to Lie Ruyang’s bowl.

 

Only Youze seemed distracted, looking around everywhere.

 

Noticing Youze’s gaze sweeping over Luo Qi’s direction once more, Bai Yao nervously shoveled rice into her mouth while keeping an eye on Youze’s changing expression.

 

Then You Ruo said, “Brother, what are you looking for, instead of eating?”

 

Youze withdrew his gaze, “Nothing.”

 

That’s a lie!

 

Your subtle glances were clearly sweeping back and forth like a searchlight!

 

Bai Yao was highly suspicious, wondering if Youze’s affection for Luo Qi had already begun to develop.

 

246

 

The next morning, as they were about to part ways, Youze indeed said, “Wait.”

 

Then he walked toward Bai Yao’s group.

 

The warning bells went off in Bai Yao’s mind.

 

Character: Youze.

 

Approach Angle: 30 degrees.

 

Location Prediction: In front of Luo Qi.

 

Danger! Danger!

 

Watching Youze stop in front of Luo Qi, Bai Yao subconsciously gripped Luo Qi’s sleeve, only to see Youze look around at all of them and ask, “Where did the young lady who saved me go earlier?”

 

Bai Yao silently glanced at Su Mubai beside her. She saw Su Mubai’s movement of smoothing his clothes abruptly pause, and he frowned slightly in annoyance.

 

You Ruo, who was entangled with Lie Ruyang, asked, “Brother, why are you looking for that lady?”

 

Youze stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then replied, “I really like the color of the dress she wore that day.”

 

Bai Yao: “…”

 

Youze had the persona of a bold and eccentric male supporting character.

 

But he was also a color fanatic.

 

This “color” didn’t refer to complexion, but to the actual hue!

 

What color did Youze like the most?

 

Yellow.

 

Not the suggestive kind, but the genuine, actual yellow!

 

In the book, when Youze met Qin Mang, he even said that he felt the Emperor and Princes of Shiyu were very fortunate.

 

Qin Mang casually asked him why.

 

The assembled officials assumed this distant Prince was being highly complimentary and was about to praise the country’s prosperity and peace.

 

But Youze just smiled, saying casually and sincerely, “Because you can wear golden yellow clothes every day.”

 

He continued, “Unlike in our Shuiyan, once you are made a King, you can only wear black or blue.”

 

The officials looked bewildered, and Qin Mang immediately burst out laughing.

 

Thinking back, Su Mubai had indeed been wearing a dress of golden-yellow.

 

However, seeing that Su Mubai had no intention of answering, everyone else also kept silent.

 

Youze gave them a strange look, and then Lie Ruyang urged Youze and You Ruo, “It’s getting late. We should set off.”

 

247

 

Lie Ruyang, You Ruo, and Youze planned to return to the Imperial Palace together, while Bai Yao and Luo Qi would continue back to Siyi Manor.

 

Before leaving, You Ruo said to Bai Yao, “If you have time in the future, you must come to Shuiyan to visit me.”

 

After thinking for a moment, she added, “Or, I can come to Shiyu to visit you too.”

 

Bai Yao smiled, “Sounds good. We can play Five-in-a-Row together then.”

 

But You Ruo then asked, “But where will you go in the future? Where should I look for you?”

 

Bai Yao subconsciously looked back at Luo Qi beside her, and Luo Qi said, “Come to Jiangqi, Siyi Manor.”

 

You Ruo raised an eyebrow when she heard this and said, “Got it.”

 

After You Ruo got into the carriage first, Lie Ruyang walked a few steps, then turned back to look at Bai Yao.

 

Lie Ruyang then cupped her hands towards Bai Yao and called out with a smile, “Miss.”

 

Bai Yao saw her action and felt a sense of familiarity. She then heard Lie Ruyang say, “The jianghu road is long; we will meet again.”

 

Bai Yao was surprised and smiled, “Little Maid?”

 

No wonder Lie Ruyang recognized her.

 

Lie Ruyang smiled and winked at Bai Yao, then flipped onto her horse, waved, and rode away.

 

248

 

Before they left, Gu Sanmei chased after them from the fortress and stuffed some jewelry into Bai Yao’s hand.

 

Gu Sanmei advised her, “A young lady should always be beautiful.”

 

Bai Yao smiled and accepted it, putting everything into her small cloth bag.

 

Hu Jiu walked up and handed Su Mubai an exquisitely styled small dagger.

 

Hu Jiu said, “Su Su, you must take good care of yourself when traveling alone.”

 

Su Mubai sighed helplessly and accepted Hu Jiu’s dagger. He said, “Brother Hu Jiu, although we are not fated, Mubai wishes you to find your beloved soon and grow old together.”

 

Then Su Mubai added, “Don’t worry. I, Su Mubai, am a grown man. I will surely reach my destination safely.”

 

Bai Yao looked at Su Mubai’s confident expression and silently offered a prayer.

 

249

 

Shangjing.

 

Xiao Ping, who had been traveling for days, finally arrived at the General’s residence, but he was roughly chased out as soon as he explained his purpose.

 

The steward stood at the door, spat at Xiao Ping, and said, “Where did this traveling charlatan come from? How dare you try to swindle the General’s residence?”

 

A young boy quickly ran down the steps to help his master, who had fallen, and Xiao Ping anxiously asked, “How am I a charlatan?”

 

The steward looked at him condescendingly and said, “Hmph, our young lady has passed away. Now get lost!”

 

“Passed away… died? How is that possible?”

 

Xiao Ping immediately counted on his fingers and quickly said, “Impossible! Her fate is not yet severed. She is clearly still alive…”

 

The steward was about to drive Xiao Ping away, but he looked up and saw a carriage stopping at the gate. He immediately stopped bothering with Xiao Ping and prepared to welcome the visitor.

 

Xiao Ping was still absorbed in his calculations, muttering, “She clearly isn’t dead,” when he heard a booming voice from behind him ask, “You said, she is still alive?”

 

250

 

On the banks of the Cheng River, the sky was clear blue.

 

Luo Qi stood on the bank, waving to the boatman.

 

After the boat docked, Luo Qi stepped onto the deck first, then turned around to help Bai Yao up.

 

Bai Yao safely boarded the boat, but after she stood steady, her cloth bag snagged on a wooden splinter, scattering some of the contents.

 

Bai Yao bent down to pick them up, and Luo Qi also reached out to help her.

 

Amidst the scattered jewelry, Luo Qi suddenly caught sight of a pendant and paused slightly, but Bai Yao had already collected everything back into the bag. Bai Yao then held her small bag and looked up at Luo Qi, “Let’s sit inside.”

 

Putting the thought aside, Luo Qi put her arm around Bai Yao’s shoulder and said gently, “Okay, watch your step.”

 

The two sat down inside the boat. Luo Qi looked up at the river surface, feeling a small hand gently grasp hers.

 

Luo Qi turned to look at Bai Yao and asked, “Yao Yao, what’s wrong?”

 

Bai Yao said, “When we get back, can you change back into women’s clothes and let me see?”

 

She wanted to confirm.

 

What was the source of that feeling of infatuation.

 

Luo Qi smiled when she heard this. She squeezed Bai Yao’s hand and replied, “Mm.”

 

[Volume Two · Unknowing Who the River Moon Awaits · End]

 

Human Ritual (Ren Li)

 

As summer approached, the oppressive heat gradually extinguished the cool air of late spring.

 

Fearing that the journey would be too tiring for Bai Yao, Luo Qi intended to rent a carriage.

 

But as the two walked into the carriage stable, Bai Yao was drawn to a horse.

 

The horse stood in the stable, completely snow-white with no mixed colors. Its side fringe was just the right length.

 

In particular, its bright, watery eyes looked directly at Bai Yao, its long eyelashes fluttering. It looked so spirited that it seemed to understand human emotions.

 

Bai Yao reached out to pet it and whispered, “What a good horse!”

 

The stable hand nearby saw this and immediately said, “Miss has excellent judgment! This horse is a new acquisition for us, a truly rare breed!”

 

Bai Yao asked, “Is that so? What breed is this horse?”

 

The stable hand paused, then replied, “White… White Jade Great Horse!”

 

?

 

Why does it sound like you just made that up?

 

However, Bai Yao looked closely and felt that the horse’s appearance truly made her heart skip a beat.

 

So, Bai Yao turned to look at Luo Qi, blinking expectantly.

 

Sensing Bai Yao’s thoughts, Luo Qi smiled and nodded, then paid a few ingots of silver and bought the white horse.

 

The tall white horse was led out of the stable. It looked extremely imposing but had a gentle temperament, allowing Bai Yao to lead it easily.

 

Bai Yao stroked the horse’s back and said with a beaming smile, “My little dear, I’ll call you White Dragon Horse from now on.”

 

She wouldn’t be making the journey west, but at least she had a horse named after the Western Pilgrimage.

 

As the two walked onto the road, Luo Qi swung onto the horse, then pulled Bai Yao up behind her. Luo Qi embraced Bai Yao from behind, and they rode the horse together.

 

Protected by Luo Qi, Bai Yao quickly got used to riding. However, the horse’s back was not as comfortable as she imagined, and the ride was bumpy.

 

But after several days of continuous travel, Bai Yao was truly exhausted. She eventually drifted off to sleep with the rocking motion.

 

Luo Qi saw Bai Yao’s head nodding. She quietly moved closer, cradled Bai Yao’s head against her chest, and wrapped an arm around her tightly to prevent her from falling off the horse in her sleep.

 

Children laughed and ran past on the street. Seeing the tall, beautiful white horse, they clustered around to watch.

 

Luo Qi looked down from the horse, smiled at the children, and put a finger to her lips, signaling them to be quiet so as not to wake Bai Yao.

 

They traveled on like this for a long time. As the sun began to set in the west, the color of the sunlight on her face deepened. Bai Yao groggily woke up.

 

Unsure of where she was, Bai Yao stretched her hand back, then lifted her head and saw a graceful line of a jaw.

 

Sensing that the person in her arms had woken up, Luo Qi looked down at Bai Yao and said softly, “Yao Yao, are you awake?”

 

Bai Yao blinked at Luo Qi, smiled, and said, “Mm, I’m awake.”

 

Her voice was slightly husky, with a short, lingering lilt, carrying an unconscious hint of a plea.

 

Luo Qi looked down at Bai Yao, her throat tightening involuntarily.

 

People hurried all around them. Some noticed the “young couple” on the horse and smiled kindly.

 

Her recently woken mind wasn’t entirely clear. Bai Yao lazily refused to move, simply nestling in Luo Qi’s arms, continuing to look up at her.

 

The pavilion, the great horse, the golden sunset, and the beauty in her embrace.

 

Ah.

 

This scene was so warm and beautiful it felt like a dream.

 

So Bai Yao slowly enjoyed it, letting the beautiful dream last a little longer.

 

Luo Qi watched the motionless Bai Yao, her eyes gradually deepening.

 

Before Bai Yao noticed, the atmosphere subtly changed.

 

Luo Qi’s hand around Bai Yao’s waist tightened, pulling her closer to herself.

 

But the large white horse beneath them suddenly stopped.

 

The halt was so sudden that it jolted the two people on its back. Luo Qi stabilized Bai Yao with her arm and pulled the reins.

 

“White Dragon Horse, what are you doing?”

 

Bai Yao turned around, looking confusedly at the white horse, which was continuously raising its head and neighing.

 

Bai Yao asked, “Luo Qi, can horses go crazy?”

 

Luo Qi frowned, pulling the reins tighter, her eyes showing a clear dissatisfaction at the interruption.

 

After a brief silence, she shook her head and said, “Perhaps it stepped on something.”

 

The white horse restlessly pawed the ground. Luo Qi put her arm around Bai Yao and flipped off the horse.

 

But after checking the horse’s hooves, there was no damage.

 

Bai Yao reached out to pat the horse’s head and asked, “White Dragon Horse, did a big mosquito bite you?”

 

The horse lowered its head to look at Bai Yao, then shook its head again, as if shaking its head to say no. Then it faced one side and neighed a few more times with its head held high.

 

It seemed to be trying to alert them to something.

 

Bai Yao turned around and looked in the direction the white horse was facing. She saw a crowd of people gathered there. Looking over the tops of their dense heads, she could faintly see some wooden edges.

 

It looked like a cage.

 

Bai Yao took the reins from Luo Qi’s hand and tried to lead the white horse a few steps in that direction. The white horse calmed down and followed her steps.

 

But as soon as she stopped, the white horse became restlessly agitated again.

 

Bai Yao looked back and met Luo Qi’s eyes, saying, “Luo Qi, why don’t we go take a look?”

 

Luo Qi said, “Good.”

 

Luo Qi took the reins back from Bai Yao, and the two walked toward the crowd together.

 

The onlookers were several layers deep. Bai Yao struggled for a long time, finally managing to squeeze through with Luo Qi’s help.

 

She then looked up and saw a row of wooden cages. What surprised Bai Yao was that the cages were locking up people.

 

Bai Yao asked Luo Qi confusedly, “Are these all prisoners?”

 

Otherwise, why would they be locked in cages? Looking closer, they also seemed to be shackled at the hands and feet.

 

But as Bai Yao looked closer, she didn’t think so.

 

All the people in the cages were women. Although confined in the shabby wooden bars, these women were all wearing somewhat beautiful, though not extravagant, dresses, and their hair and makeup were carefully done.

 

However, their mouths were all gagged, and their expressions were mostly listless. A few were bowed with trembling shoulders, presumably crying.

 

Luo Qi scanned the women and said, “Not prisoners. They are ‘Human Rituals’ (Ren Li).”

 

Bai Yao asked, “What is a Human Ritual?”

 

Luo Qi said, “A type of trade in Lindan.”

 

Bai Yao understood, saying in surprise, “Then isn’t that human trafficking?”

 

“Oh, Miss, you shouldn’t put it that way.”

 

A person nearby heard their conversation and interjected, “Our Human Rituals in Lindan are all open, legitimate trades. Both parties are willing. Some of these girls were sold by their families for money, and some came on their own looking for a good family. None of them were tricked.”

 

Bai Yao frowned and countered, “Then why are their mouths gagged?”

 

The person paused, then said, “Perhaps they’re afraid the girls will be ignorant and say the wrong things, lowering their value.”

 

Bai Yao disagreed, “Then why do they have shackles on their feet? These girls probably aren’t here willingly, are they?”

 

The person who interjected stopped talking after being questioned by Bai Yao. But then another person came up and said, “Miss, you look like you came from a wealthy family and don’t understand how difficult the world is right now.”

 

“Some villages around Lindan have had poor harvests for the past few years and are so poor they’re almost eating tree bark. If they don’t sell a daughter to get some life-saving money, are they supposed to let the whole family starve to death?”

 

Bai Yao fell silent at these words.

 

No matter what, Young Master as Phoenix was set in an ancient world, and women living in such times were often powerless.

 

While they were talking, the white horse, which had been quiet for a while, neighed again, nudging its head towards one of the cages.

 

Bai Yao was startled and realized.

 

Could it be that someone it knows is trapped in one of the cages?

 

Bai Yao looked back at Luo Qi, who also guessed the horse’s intention.

 

She loosened the reins, and the two followed the white horse to search nearby.

 

A moment later, the white horse stopped in front of the easternmost cage.

 

Seeing two people who looked like buyers approaching, the merchant-like man immediately rushed over to greet them, saying, “This… Miss and Young Master, are you interested in buying a Human Ritual?”

 

Bai Yao looked down at the person in the cage. She saw the person was facing inward, with her back to the crowd. Her spine was straight, giving an impression of being untainted by the mud, with an air of dignified resolve.

 

Even without seeing her face, the jade-colored neck above the collar, contrasted with the dark, ink-like shattered hair, was enough to make one want to catch a glimpse of her beauty.

 

Seeing that Bai Yao seemed genuinely interested in buying, the merchant said, “However, this particular Human Ritual is a bit special. Allow me to introduce…”

 

Before the merchant could finish, a man with a protruding belly squeezed over, held up his silver, and said, “No need to talk to her anymore, I want this Human Ritual!”

 

As he spoke, the man slapped the cage door with one hand. The sudden vibration caused the little beauty inside the cage to tremble.

 

Bai Yao looked down from the man’s greasy face and immediately felt offended.

 

The white horse beside them became even more agitated.

 

Bai Yao raised her hand to soothe the horse’s back and looked at Luo Qi.

 

Understanding Bai Yao’s intention, Luo Qi smiled at Bai Yao, “Don’t worry, I have money.”

 

Player Bai Yao, Courage Value MAX.

 

Bai Yao stepped forward and said, “I’ll offer a higher price.”

 

The merchant was delighted and looked back at the large-bellied man.

 

The man waved his hand and pulled out a small stack of bank notes, saying, “I’ll add five hundred liang!”

 

Hmm…

 

Isn’t that a bit too expensive?

 

Maybe I should just forget…

 

Just as Bai Yao hesitated, the person in the cage suddenly moved.

 

The beautiful back turned around abruptly, making a jangling sound with the iron shackles. She quickly lunged to the bars of the cage and loudly squealed at Bai Yao, “Ai wu hu!!!”

 

Bai Yao: “…”

 

Even though the person’s mouth was gagged, Bai Yao clearly understood what the other person meant.

 

That call was “Miss Bai.”

 

Silently looking at the person she had only parted with a few days ago, Bai Yao looked up at the sky without a word, raising a hand to her forehead.

 

Sigh.

 

Su Mubai.

 

Twin Butterflies (Shuang Die)

 

Bai Yao leaned against the wooden door, looking at Su Mubai through the bars.

 

Bai Yao sincerely asked, “Brother Mubai, I only knew before that wearing women’s clothes was addictive, but I didn’t realize being forced to wear women’s clothes could also be addictive?”

 

Su Mubai: “Wuwu ai wuhu!”

 

Bai Yao raised her hand, intending to remove the gag from Su Mubai’s mouth, but the merchant nearby said, “Hey, Miss, are you planning to buy him?”

 

The merchant said, “My Human Rituals are not like the casual goods elsewhere; we emphasize cleanliness. If you touch him, how can I sell him?”

 

As he spoke, the merchant reached out to push Bai Yao’s hand away, but before he could touch Bai Yao’s sleeve, Luo Qi pulled out a stack of bank notes and stopped the merchant’s action.

 

“Is this enough?”

 

The merchant saw the thin stack of bank notes and originally wanted to raise the price, but when he clearly saw the amount marked on each note, his eyes lit up instantly.

 

Quickly snatching the bank notes from Luo Qi’s hand, the merchant said while fumbling for the key to unlock the cage, “Done, done, done. This person is now yours.”

 

Luo Qi, however, said, “Not just him.”

 

The merchant paused his action of unlocking the cage and asked, “Young Master… what do you mean?”

 

Luo Qi looked back at the seven or eight girls locked in the cages. The girls noticed the movement on their side and all looked toward Luo Qi and Bai Yao through the bars, their eyes filled with deep expectation.

 

Bai Yao met their expectant eyes and understood Luo Qi’s meaning.

 

For these girls locked in the cages, it would probably be rare to encounter young, respectable buyers like them again.

 

It was rare for noble people to rescue people in the narratives of the book.

 

Bai Yao looked back at the large-bellied man who had wanted to buy Su Mubai and sighed inwardly.

 

10

 

“Young Master, you must be joking.”

 

The merchant pinched the bank notes in his hand and said, “You are generous with your money, but my Human Rituals are sold through bidding. The highest bidder wins.”

 

Bai Yao leaned her head in to look at the bank notes the merchant was holding, seeing that the top one was five hundred liang.

 

Bai Yao said, “Hey, don’t be too greedy. You know perfectly well how these girls were acquired, don’t you?”

 

The merchant glanced at Bai Yao and said, “Miss, I don’t understand what you mean. Everyone in the business knows that I, Qi Laosi, am a legitimate businessman. My business is clean. I won’t accept slander from Miss.”

 

11

 

Qi Laosi?

 

Bai Yao searched her mind and recalled the man’s identity.

 

In Young Master as Phoenix, there was no mention of Qi Laosi’s human ritual trade, but he was implicated in a major case.

 

Bai Yao thought to herself, It seems I’m about to run into a new plot.

 

But knowing the man was Qi Laosi, she was no longer afraid of misjudging him.

 

Bai Yao smiled, “Then let me ask you: if selling a daughter due to poverty is understandable, how is it that this healthy, grown man was also sold by his family? Or did he sell himself?”

 

Qi Laosi was momentarily speechless. He then forcefully retorted, “He sold himself!”

 

Bai Yao: “…?”

 

Su Mubai: “???”

 

12

 

No longer wasting words with Qi Laosi, Bai Yao untied the cloth gag on Su Mubai’s mouth. Su Mubai coughed a few times, then said, “I, I did not!”

 

Su Mubai said, “Miss Bai, someone forcefully tied me up. This person took fifty liang of silver from those two people!”

 

Fifty liang of silver, and then turning around to charge a starting price of five hundred liang. This was a massive profit.

 

Bai Yao shook her head and advised, “Laosi, this person is not for sale, not for sale just because you want to.”

 

If you stop now, you might still live for a few more chapters.

 

But Qi Laosi’s eyes narrowed. He carefully scrutinized the people in front of him. After confirming that they were not officials or nobility, he took a step back and waved his hand.

 

Several men who looked like thugs stood up and began to surround them.

 

13

 

Congratulations, player, you have triggered the dungeon plot. Please prepare for battle!

 

Here we go.

 

Bai Yao quietly moved her steps, sticking close to Luo Qi.

 

Rookie player Bai Yao requests level one protection.

 

14

 

Sensing Bai Yao instinctively recoiling toward her, Luo Qi curved her lips. She pulled Bai Yao behind her, then looked at Bai Yao with smiling eyes and said gently, “It’s alright, Yao Yao, don’t be afraid.”

 

Luo Qi then dismissed her smile and said coldly to Qi Laosi, “While I’m still willing to pay, you had better take the money and scram immediately.”

 

Qi Laosi: “…”

 

This young master has two faces.

 

But Qi Laosi had not gotten to where he was by being easily intimidated.

 

Qi Laosi immediately retorted, “What audacity! Where are you from? Haven’t you inquired about what kind of person I, Qi Laosi, am in Lindan? Even the magistrate of Lindan gives me some respect. Do you dare tell me to scram?”

 

The effects of the Shapeshifting Potion had long worn off. Listening to the man’s shouting, Luo Qi lowered her eyes, quietly gathering strength in her palm.

 

The thugs also rolled up their sleeves and stepped forward. A fight was about to break out.

 

15

 

“Oh my! Young Master!”

 

Amidst the tense atmosphere, a call of extreme seductiveness suddenly came from the side.

 

Bai Yao followed the sound and turned around, seeing a figure fluttering over like a large flower butterfly, landing gently on Luo Qi’s shoulder.

 

Before Bai Yao could clearly see the newcomer’s face, she was met with a dense rush of floral fragrance.

 

The fragrance was extremely pleasant but overly intense. It immediately made Bai Yao’s head dizzy, and she sneezed several times in a row.

 

Luo Qi raised her sleeve, seemingly casually brushing it in front of Bai Yao, helping to disperse some of the scent.

 

Then she turned sideways, separating the newcomer from Bai Yao.

 

The person perched on Luo Qi’s shoulder noticed Luo Qi’s protective action. She lightly arched her eyebrows at Luo Qi, covered her mouth, and laughed, “Oh, who is this unfamiliar young woman behind you, making our Young Master so protective.”

 

Hearing this, Bai Yao peered out and clearly saw the newcomer’s face.

 

It was a woman. Her appearance was as charmingly alluring as her bone-softening voice, perhaps even more so.

 

Luo Qi looked at the woman and asked, “Rui Niang, why are you in Lindan?”

 

16

 

Rui Niang?

 

Bai Yao immediately recognized her.

 

In the original book, the only person Luo Qi would address in this manner was the Proprietress of the Xingyue Brothel in Jiangqi.

 

Rui Niang’s gaze lingered on Bai Yao, and she then said, “I came to Lindan to scout for talent, of course. A few girls in the Brothel have made a name for themselves recently, so I’m looking for some new recruits.”

 

Then Rui Niang gave Luo Qi a flirtatious glance and said, “And it’s not just me. Our little Flower Queen came too.”

 

17

 

The little Flower Queen of Xingyue Brothel?

 

Subconsciously, Bai Yao quickly recalled Si Qingyu’s face.

 

In the original book, Yu Linglong’s debut was as the new Flower Queen of the Xingyue Brothel.

 

But as Rui Niang’s voice faded, Bai Yao saw a large butterfly fluttering toward Luo Qi.

 

This new large butterfly brushed Rui Niang aside and said to Luo Qi, “Young Master, long time no see. Did Young Master miss Shuang Shuang?”

 

?

 

Shuang Shuang?

 

Bai Yao silently looked at the woman attempting to cling to Luo Qi’s shoulder.

 

The former Flower Queen of Xingyue Brothel, Chen Shuangshuang.

 

The original book mentioned that before Yu Linglong, Chen Shuangshuang was the immensely popular little Flower Queen of the Xingyue Brothel.

 

But after Yu Linglong appeared at the Xingyue Brothel, Chen Shuangshuang’s popularity was completely eclipsed.

 

Since Si Qingyu had not appeared at the Xingyue Brothel now, Chen Shuangshuang naturally still held the title of Flower Queen.

 

Seeing Chen Shuangshuang being subtly pushed away by Luo Qi, Bai Yao closely observed the woman’s face.

 

Phoenix eyes, willow eyebrows, and a golden floral ornament shining on her brow. She looked both playfully annoyed and delighted, exuding natural charm.

 

Tsk, tsk.

 

Worthy of being a Flower Queen.

 

Hmm…

 

It’s just that her clothes, like a large butterfly, have slightly poor taste.

 

On the other side, Chen Shuangshuang, who had been distanced by Luo Qi, pouted her cherry lips. She noticed the woman protected by Luo Qi kept looking her over.

 

Chen Shuangshuang immediately tilted her chin up and said, “That young lady, you keep looking at Shuang Shuang. Is there something you want to say?”

 

As she spoke, she shifted her shoulder slightly, moving closer to Luo Qi, trying to show off her superior status.

 

Noticing Chen Shuangshuang’s action, Luo Qi subconsciously wanted to take a step back but paused when she heard Chen Shuangshuang’s question.

 

Stopping her movement, Luo Qi held a trace of vague expectation in her eyes and looked back at Bai Yao.

 

Chen Shuangshuang had noticed Bai Yao standing beside Luo Qi early on. She took Bai Yao’s appreciative gaze as a sign of hostility. Chen Shuangshuang was now staring intently at Bai Yao, fully on guard.

 

Rui Niang, on the other hand, saw through the situation on the spot. She half-covered her mouth and smiled, also looking toward Bai Yao.

 

18

 

?

 

Hello?

 

Why is everyone suddenly looking at me, the innocent supporting character?

 

Please, turn your heads and look. Qi Laosi and his little friends have been ignored for several sections now, haven’t they?

 

19

 

Under everyone’s expectant gaze, Bai Yao realized that she seemed obligated to say something.

 

After a brief thought, Bai Yao said to Chen Shuangshuang and Rui Niang tentatively, “My dears, fly slowly, beware of the thorny rose ahead?”

 

20

 

Contestant Bai Yao, singing live. Presenting “Two Butterflies” to everyone. Hope you like it.

 

The line finished. Bai Yao blinked, waiting for feedback.

 

Chen Shuangshuang: “?”

 

Rui Niang: “?”

 

Luo Qi looked at Bai Yao, paused for a moment, and then burst into laughter.

 

Her Yao Yao is always unpredictable.

 

Raising her hand to pluck a stray leaf that had landed on Bai Yao’s hair, Luo Qi said, “Yao Yao is still so adorable.”

 

Bai Yao’s heart skipped a beat from Luo Qi’s laughter. She turned sideways and covered her chest, secretly letting out a few breaths of relief.

 

21

 

Qi Laosi clearly recognized Rui Niang. Seeing her appear, he halted the thugs’ movements.

 

Now, seeing the group exchanging pleasantries, Qi Laosi finally couldn’t help but interject, “Rui Niang, do you know this Young Master?”

 

Rui Niang said, “Of course. This is Young Master Qi An of our Jiangqi.”

 

“Young Master Qi An?” Qi Laosi repeated the name, looking at Luo Qi in surprise.

 

Qi Laosi said, “I didn’t know you were Young Master Qi An earlier. I apologize for my offense.”

 

Then he said, “Since you are Young Master Qi An, I’ll be straightforward. Among my batch of Human Rituals, only that… Young Master was temporarily bought to make up the numbers. Besides him, the other girls were sold by their families, making their transactions with me completely legitimate.”

 

Hearing this ridiculous statement of “legitimate transaction,” Bai Yao couldn’t help but frown.

 

Luo Qi also frowned. She intended to reiterate her offer to buy all the girls, but Rui Niang extended her hand and pressed the back of Luo Qi’s hand.

 

Rui Niang said, “Young Master, don’t rush. Rui Niang wants to ask, what do you intend to do after buying these girls?”

 

Luo Qi said, “Return their freedom.”

 

Rui Niang smiled when she heard this and said, “Rui Niang understands. Young Master has always been kind-hearted. But this approach may not be a good outcome for them.”

 

Rui Niang explained, “Even if Young Master rescues them now and gives them money, they will still have to be sold again after the money runs out.”

 

Rui Niang said, “If not here, then somewhere else.”

 

This was the truth.

 

Luo Qi looked back and met Bai Yao’s eyes. The two then heard Rui Niang say, “So, why don’t I buy all these girls and take them back to the Xingyue Brothel to provide for them properly.”

 

Rui Niang said, taking the bank notes back from Qi Laosi and stuffing them into Luo Qi’s hand, “Young Master, you’ve helped me a lot in Jiangqi. So…” Rui Niang pointed to Su Mubai beside them and smiled, “Including that little… Young Master, I, Rui Niang, will buy him too. Consider it returning a favor to you.”

 

Underlying Cause (Qian Yin)

 

22

 

Standing with Luo Qi, Bai Yao silently watched Su Mubai, dressed in a skirt, stand with a group of girls and thank Rui Niang.

 

How to put it.

 

Although she suddenly saved a sum of money, she still felt something was amiss.

 

Why was Youze, who had an abnormal persona in the original book, becoming much more normal, while Su Mubai, who had a normal persona, seemed to be getting increasingly off track?

 

Seeing the blatant admiration in Rui Niang’s eyes as she looked at Su Mubai, she was just short of directly inviting him to join the Xingyue Brothel.

 

Bai Yao exchanged a glance with Luo Qi and finally couldn’t resist speaking up: “Perhaps, should we change our clothes first?”

 

23

 

Rui Niang was ready to depart immediately with the group of girls. Su Mubai decided to follow Bai Yao and Luo Qi first to retrieve his luggage.

 

The two groups said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

 

Seeing Su Mubai successfully freed, the White Dragon Horse neighed a few times nearby, seemingly expressing its celebration for his rescue.

 

The group returned together to look for the person who had tied up Su Mubai.

 

Bai Yao said, “Didn’t you say you were going to look for your Junior Brother? How did you end up like this?”

 

Bai Yao knew that according to the plot in the book, Luo Qi and Su Mubai would eventually meet again, but it should not have been under these circumstances.

 

Su Mubai sighed deeply. He frowned, smoothed his skirt, and recounted his recent experiences.

 

24

 

When Su Mubai bid farewell to Bai Yao and Luo Qi a few days ago, he was going to look for his Junior Brother, Xun Bin.

 

According to the book’s plot, after escaping from Black Cloud Fortress, Su Mubai first sought out Xun Bin, who then recommended him to go to Jiangqi, where he met Luo Qi again.

 

Young Master as Phoenix mentioned that Xun Bin was one of Shiyu’s top merchants.

 

Like Su Mubai, Xun Bin was also from the Spring Rain Pavilion. But unlike Su Mubai, who was dedicated to serving the country and the people, Xun Bin had no interest in officialdom. After leaving the Spring Rain Pavilion, he traveled around doing small business.

 

Though Xun Bin had not yet reached the point of rivaling the wealth of the state, he was already quite famous.

 

Even while at Spring Rain Pavilion, though Xun Bin’s nature and demeanor were completely different from the steady Su Mubai, the two got along very well. Su Mubai respected Xun Bin’s diverse choices, and Xun Bin admired Su Mubai’s gentlemanly conduct.

 

So, when Su Mubai came to visit, Xun Bin happily hosted him. When Su Mubai was about to leave, Xun Bin wrote a letter of recommendation and included ten thousand liang of bank notes for Su Mubai to take.

 

Su Mubai repeatedly refused, and Xun Bin, unable to persuade him, brought out the prized horse from his residence and gifted it to Su Mubai.

 

25

 

Bai Yao looked at the White Dragon Horse beside them.

 

It turns out it really is a precious horse.

 

The episode of Xun Bin gifting the horse was not in the book.

 

In the original book, the timeline was much later than now. At that time, Xun Bin was about to travel to Jiangqi to acquire goods and brought Su Mubai along.

 

But now, the plot had changed. Su Mubai traveled alone on his horse. As he rode through a mountain forest, he saw two men dressed in black blocking a young woman, apparently intending to tie her up and take her away.

 

Su Mubai was instantly indignant and shouted a warning.

 

The white horse gifted by Xun Bin was indeed a spirited, intelligent horse. Understanding Su Mubai’s intent, it immediately sped up and charged toward the two men.

 

After a long chaotic struggle involving the men, Su Mubai, and the horse, the girl seized the opportunity to run away…