The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Live Broadcast Site (2)

Beautiful tragedy.

She was waiting for Su Mubai’s reinforcements, but she never expected it to be Qin Wufang.

According to the original plot, Su Mubai and Qin Wufang collaborated later. After Wei Siyu’s death, Luo Qi and Su Mubai met again and began the investigation alongside Qin Wufang.

But now, a large chunk of the middle plot had been skipped entirely.

After having a major achievement stolen from her at Black Cloud Stronghold, Bai Yao didn’t expect Qin Wufang to dive so quickly into securing his next accomplishment.

He truly was a resilient, workaholic male lead.

128

Bai Yao looked at Qin Wufang, silently swallowed, and forced herself to respond: “…Yes.”

Bai Yao then quickly turned and ran toward Su Mubai, using the excuse of checking his injuries to hide for as long as possible.

129

Fortunately, Qin Wufang temporarily didn’t have time to bother with Bai Yao. He turned around and opened the courtyard gate, and the official soldiers outside quickly rushed in.

Meanwhile, upon seeing Youze, Yan Hao had immediately covered his face and ran into the hidden door.

Bai Yao squatted down beside Su Mubai. Su Mubai’s face was pale, but he still dutifully said to Qin Wufang, “Thir… Your Highness, there is a hidden door inside.”

Hearing this, Qin Wufang immediately searched the room.

Seeing Qin Wufang chase after him, Su Mubai let out a sigh of relief. He then tried to support himself and stand up, but cried out in pain.

Youze stood to the side, frowning as he looked at the wound on Su Mubai’s back.

Seeing the frightening depth of the wound, Bai Yao urgently said to Youze, “Quickly, help him sprinkle some medicine to stop the bleeding.”

Youze frowned and shook his head.

Bai Yao asked, confused, “Don’t you people who travel the Jianghu usually carry hemostatic medicine?”

Youze was still focused on the wound on Su Mubai’s back and said, “I don’t carry any.”

Youze explained, “I’ve never been injured.”

Bai Yao: “…”

Okay, my apologies for interrupting.

I forgot your character setting had changed.

130

There was no hemostatic medicine, but there was another way.

Youze leaned down and supported Su Mubai, saying, “Miss, pardon my forwardness.”

As he spoke, he quickly applied pressure to a few pressure points to stop the bleeding.

Vaguely understanding that the person was helping him, but hearing the word “Miss,” Su Mubai’s face instantly darkened. “You…”

Before Su Mubai could object, someone approached and said, “Take him inside. His wound is very serious and needs immediate attention.”

Hearing the somewhat familiar voice, Bai Yao looked up and saw Si Qingyu standing in front of her.

Bai Yao immediately said, “Alright.”

She then reached out to help Su Mubai up, but her strength was insufficient.

Seeing this, Youze reached out and helped Su Mubai up, saying once again, “Miss, pardon my forwardness.”

Bai Yao silently stopped her movement and mentally inserted an ellipsis for Su Mubai.

Having read too many sage books, Su Mubai couldn’t find the words to curse Youze at the moment.

Su Mubai raised his elbow to ward off Youze and, unable to endure it any longer, said, “Do I sound like a young woman to you?”

Youze looked down at Su Mubai’s face, misunderstanding his meaning, and said, “Miss, your beautiful appearance makes up for the inadequacy of your voice. Don’t be self-conscious.”

Bai Yao and Si Qingyu exchanged glances, speechless.

Su Mubai took a deep breath, enraged, and said, “Sir, please let go. I am a man.”

Youze paused, seemingly finally understanding, and suddenly released the hand supporting Su Mubai, saying, “Oh.”

Su Mubai’s body swayed, and he frowned, intending to stand up on his own.

Watching this, Bai Yao couldn’t help but sigh for You Ruo.

No good, sister. It looks like your brother is straight…

?

131

Bai Yao was full of questions, watching Youze withdraw his hand, then wrap his arms around Su Mubai’s back and lift him up horizontally.

?

What are you doing?

Meeting Bai Yao’s bewildered gaze, Youze looked calm and explained, “Since you are both men, there’s no need to adhere to the rule of ‘no physical contact between unmarried men and women.'”

Bai Yao: “…”

Sister.

Though I feel your brother’s logic is a bit skewed from your thinking, the final result seems to inexplicably fit your taste.

132

Snapping back to reality, Bai Yao looked at Su Mubai, who was held by Youze, and said, “But…”

Youze said, “Is this not allowed?”

Bai Yao: “No, but…”

Youze frowned, “He hasn’t said anything.”

The person in his arms was quite peaceful.

Bai Yao: “…I mean, you seem to be pressing on his wound…”

Youze: “?”

133

Su Mubai was not being peaceful.

Su Mubai had already fainted from the pain.

134

Youze quickly shifted his arms, momentarily looking a bit flustered.

Si Qingyu glanced at him and offered an explanation: “There’s no need for Your Highness Prince Ze to worry. Since he’s fainted, it conveniently saves us the need for an anesthetic.”

Bai Yao: “…?”

135

Finally, Su Mubai was moved inside, and Si Qingyu quickly began cleaning and treating the wound.

The knife wound was shockingly deep, almost to the bone.

Bai Yao silently reached back and touched her own back. If Su Mubai hadn’t intervened in time, that cut would have landed on her.

Looking at the still-unconscious Su Mubai, Bai Yao felt gratitude and a rush of emotion.

In Young Master Phoenix, the female lead suffered emotionally and physically for the male lead, entangled in love and hate. Su Mubai, as a male supporting character who dedicated himself to protecting the female lead, didn’t have an easy time either.

But despite the difficulty, Su Mubai mostly suffered emotional torment, never a moment as life-threatening as this.

Bai Yao silently glanced at Youze beside her.

At least in the chapters she had read, Su Mubai’s fate was much better than Youze’s.

But thinking carefully, perhaps this was a good thing?

Luo Qi wasn’t going down the painful romance path with Qin Wufang, and Su Mubai and Youze didn’t seem to have any feelings for Luo Qi. If everyone went their separate ways and found new partners, they should all be able to live better lives, right?

Bai Yao lowered her eyes, thinking seriously.

We’re like sisters, and I accidentally messed up their relationships and indirectly caused their characters to go down a strange path of cross-dressing.

Hmm…

Bai Yao decided that she should make some compensation.

In the original plot, were there any girls who admired Su Mubai? Otherwise, I can help set them up in the future…

Bai Yao hadn’t even finished the thought when Youze, who was supporting Su Mubai, frowned and said to Si Qingyu, “Use some anesthetic before continuing. He looks very uncomfortable.”

Si Qingyu looked up, seeing clear concern on the face of the man who usually seemed indifferent to everything.

Si Qingyu raised an eyebrow and nodded.

Youze simply sat down and carefully placed Su Mubai on his lap.

Si Qingyu looked up and silently exchanged a glance with Bai Yao.

We seem to have discovered something.

136

Bai Yao and Si Qingyu finished exchanging glances, feeling as if they were about to hold hands and step into a new world of BL. But they were interrupted just a few steps in.

Someone pushed open the door and walked beside Bai Yao, saying, “May I have a word in private?”

Bai Yao looked back at Qin Wufang, “…Yes.”

Following Qin Wufang into a side room, Qin Wufang turned back to Bai Yao and said, “Should I call you ‘Daddy’ or Yun Niao?”

Bai Yao muttered under her breath, “…If possible, it’s best not to call me either.”

Qin Wufang frowned, “Hmm?”

Bai Yao put on her professional smile, “Either is fine. Whatever you prefer. As long as you like it.”

Qin Wufang said, “You let them all call you Miss Bai. You seem to really like being called that.”

Qin Wufang asked, “Why Miss Bai?”

Bai Yao smiled, “To express my beautiful aspiration for my own skin tone.”

Qin Wufang silently glanced at Bai Yao and said, “What you told Si Qingyu came true. And because of your words, Lezhao is safe and sound.”

Bai Yao paused, then realized.

The Qingxia Festival had passed, and there had been no news of the princess’s assassination. Princess Lezhao’s ordeal must have been averted.

Qin Wufang said, “I was initially curious how you managed to persuade Si Qingyu to conceal your identity. I didn’t expect you to know about her and Lezhao’s relationship.”

?

Listening to your tone, it seems you know about them too?

But Bai Yao stuck to the principle of “say less, mistake less,” and just said, “…Yes.”

After a brief silence, Qin Wufang suddenly said, “How about we make a deal?”

Bai Yao: “…Hmm. Hmm???”

No.

Why does that sentence sound so familiar?

And why is it not coming out of my own mouth?

137

Looking at the astonished Bai Yao, Qin Wufang said, “The people in the hidden door all escaped. The men in black also committed suicide by poison.”

Bai Yao hid her astonishment.

The plot in the book was also like this: the people from Siyi Manor only found corpses, and Su Mubai and Qin Wufang failed to find solid evidence for a long time afterward.

That was why there was a later plot where Luo Qi, Su Mubai, and Qin Wufang investigated the case together.

But even when they finally tracked it down, the Prefect of Lindan they exposed was just a minor figure pushed out to take the blame.

While Bai Yao recalled the plot, Qin Wufang said, “Let’s make a deal. If you can help me divine the information I want to know, I will conceal your identity from Yun Yingnan.”

Qin Wufang added, “If your information is true, after the matter is concluded, I will have Si Qingyu send you a gift.”

Bai Yao looked at Qin Wufang and tentatively asked, “…Well, what if I don’t cooperate with you and refuse the deal?”

She really didn’t want to get involved with the male lead.

Hearing this, Qin Wufang curved his lips and said, “You knew beforehand that Lezhao was going to be assassinated. I have reason to suspect you are an accomplice of those assassins.”

Qin Wufang said, “Or, I have ways to make you an accomplice of theirs.”

Qin Wufang spoke with a smile, his tone ordinary, but Bai Yao felt a genuine chill run down her spine.

138

Damn it.

Everyone else’s character settings are branching off, but why is your scheming, ruthless persona still online?

Bai Yao looked at Qin Wufang, thinking quickly.

With the plot so chaotic now, and two of Qin Wufang’s major achievements having disappeared, Bai Yao couldn’t help but doubt whether Qin Wufang would still become the Emperor.

But isn’t it true that having more friends makes the road easier?

Qin Wufang was, after all, the male lead of this world. A skinny camel is still bigger than a horse.

So Bai Yao said, “Then what do you want to know?”

Qin Wufang said, “I want to know all the information related to this case. As for how much I can find out, that depends on your ability.”

Fine.

139

Bai Yao put her hands together, closed her eyes, and pointed to the sky.

She began her ritual.

140

While performing the ritual, Bai Yao remembered another thing.

In the original book, after returning to the General’s Residence as Miss Yun Qing, Luo Qi initially regarded Qin Wufang as an enemy after investigating the truth of the Gui Ming Mountain incident.

However, during a royal hunting party later, the two accidentally met at night, which led to a fight, and they accidentally fell off a cliff during the fight. The few days and nights they spent together rekindled their feelings.

During that time, Qin Wufang’s protection of her against the wild beasts completely shook the hatred in Luo Qi’s heart.

Below the cliff, Qin Wufang proposed a collaboration to Luo Qi: a partnership to oppose the Chancellor, Yan Yitao.

At that time, Luo Qi carried the burden of revenge for the people of Gui Ming Mountain, as well as Wei Siyu’s death. The former was ultimately caused by the Chancellor’s adopted son and stemmed from the Chancellor’s personal vendetta, and the latter resulted in the death of the Chancellor’s biological son.

Compared to Qin Wufang, who was ordered to suppress the rebellion, Luo Qi felt a deeper hatred for the Chancellor, Yan Yitao. Thus, Luo Qi reconciled with Qin Wufang and formed a united front.

Following that was the further growth of affection.

Ai, looking at it this way, Chancellor Yan Yitao is practically a walking, human-shaped master key.

Although this master key currently seems to pose no threat, he is still not a good person. If she could help Qin Wufang deal with him sooner, it would spare innocent young girls from suffering.

Having made her decision, Bai Yao put down her hands and said to Qin Wufang, “There’s a man in Lindan who sells people named Old Fourth Qi. If you follow him, you should find some things.”

“And then there’s the North Forest in Lindan. There should be a house there similar to this one. Since this place has been exposed, they might go there soon. Also…”

“The Tongyuan Gambling House in Shangjing has problems.”

Bai Yao knew that Qin Wufang should have long been suspicious of Yan Yitao.

Although Qin Wufang had intended to win over Chancellor Yan Yitao when he took on the task of suppressing the Gui Ming Mountain rebellion, Qin Wufang knew very well that if he wanted to reach the position above all others, winning over anyone else was less important than winning over Qin Mang.

In recent years, ministers had often complained about Yan Yitao, and Qin Mang was also somewhat dissatisfied, but several investigations failed to yield evidence, leading to their hasty conclusion.

If he could expose Yan Yitao, it would naturally be a great achievement. So, after discovering that the case of missing women in the Jiangqi area might be related to Yan Yitao’s son, Qin Wufang volunteered to come to Jiangqi.

However, he still couldn’t confirm it and lacked a clear direction. Concerned that investigating without a clear end would lead to failure, he could only bide his time.

Hearing Bai Yao’s words now, Qin Wufang’s eyes lit up.

Bai Yao said, “Feel free to investigate these places. There’s a lot of fishy business, and you won’t come back empty-handed.”

According to the original plot, Qin Wufang and Luo Qi eventually focused on these locations and successfully brought down Yan Yitao.

Qin Wufang darkened his gaze and said, “Really?”

Bai Yao imitated Qin Wufang’s tone and said, “Really. But how far you can investigate depends on your ability.”

Qin Wufang was slightly stunned, then broke into a smile.

Bai Yao let out a slight sigh of relief, believing she had passed another ordeal, but then she heard Qin Wufang say, “Are you truly Yun Niao?”

Focusing on Bai Yao’s face, Qin Wufang said, “I once met Yun Niao. Your appearance is indeed hers, but your demeanor is vastly different.”

Bai Yao silently swallowed and remained silent.

Sensing Bai Yao’s nervousness, Qin Wufang said, “Don’t worry, I don’t care who you are. I also don’t care how you obtained this information.”

Qin Wufang said, “I only care about the truthfulness of your information.”

Bai Yao: “…Fine.”

142

Thank the heavens, thank the earth, thank the male lead’s character setting of only seeking results regardless of means.

143

Seeing that the deal was concluded, Bai Yao was about to say goodbye and slip away when a commotion was heard outside.

Then someone said from outside the door, “Your Highness! Someone has broken in!”

Could it be Luo Qi?

Bai Yao’s eyes lit up, and she quickly pushed the door open and ran out.

Clearly seeing the figure moving gracefully like an immortal in the crowd, Bai Yao joyfully said, “Luo Qi!”

Qin Wufang quickly said, “Everyone, stop.”

The clanging of weapons ceased. Luo Qi looked back and saw Bai Yao. She swiftly sheathed her sword as she rushed over, stopping in front of Bai Yao. Luo Qi looked Bai Yao up and down and urgently asked, “Yao Yao, are you alright?”

Bai Yao smiled, “I’m fine! I ran into Su Mubai, and I have him to thank. I’m fine.”

Luo Qi let out a breath of relief, raised her hand, and pulled Bai Yao into her arms. “It’s good that you’re fine.”

Bai Yao hugged Luo Qi back, inhaling the reassuring scent of perfume, and gently hummed.

This scent was infinitely better than the one in that hidden door.

While Bai Yao was lingering in Luo Qi’s arms, enjoying the perfume, Luo Qi raised her eyes and saw Qin Wufang standing behind Bai Yao.

143

Bai Yao, having thoroughly enjoyed inhaling the scent like a cat, raised her head, only to see Luo Qi, who had been silent for a long time, staring intently behind her.

Bai Yao turned her head as well and found that Qin Wufang and Luo Qi were staring at each other.

?

??

???

No.

I’m still in your arms! Why are you starting to exchange meaningful glances with another man…

144

Embraced by the much taller Luo Qi, what Bai Yao couldn’t see was that Luo Qi’s gaze toward Qin Wufang was full of wary hostility.

And inexplicably receiving such a look, Qin Wufang didn’t hold back and glared back.

This resulted in what Bai Yao perceived as an “exchange of meaningful glances.”

145

Bai Yao pulled on Luo Qi’s arm, slipping out of her embrace, and said, “Let’s… go check on Su Mubai. He took a knife for me earlier.”

Can you please stop looking at him…

Luo Qi lowered her head upon hearing this and said gently to Bai Yao, “Alright.”

Bai Yao then turned back and said expressionlessly to Qin Wufang, “Goodbye.”

With this “goodbye,” Luo Qi’s gaze toward Qin Wufang intensified.

Finally sensing something, Qin Wufang slightly raised an eyebrow, let his gaze sweep over Bai Yao and Luo Qi, and then adopted a knowing expression, curving his lips.

?

Why did you suddenly start smiling seductively!

Seeing the change in Qin Wufang’s expression, Bai Yao instantly became nervous, but before she could pull Luo Qi away, she heard Qin Wufang say to Luo Qi with a smile, “Don’t worry.”

Glancing at Bai Yao, Qin Wufang continued to Luo Qi, “I have no such feelings for Miss Bai.”

Exposed

146

Still concerned about Su Mubai’s injury, Bai Yao ignored Qin Wufang’s words, pointed Luo Qi in the right direction, and walked back to Su Mubai’s room together.

Qin Wufang followed behind them and also walked in.

147

Si Qingyu looked up at them and said, “I’ve treated the wound lightly. We’ll take him back to the Jiangqi Government Office soon so he can rest for a while. As long as he doesn’t have a persistent fever in the next few days, he’ll be fine.”

Si Qingyu added, “But there will be a scar.”

Luo Qi looked down at the blood-soaked cloth nearby, getting a rough idea of how serious the injury was.

The hand around Bai Yao’s back tightened slightly, and Luo Qi said, “Siyi Manor has some high-grade medicinal products. I will have them delivered to the Government Office later.”

148

Youze helped put Su Mubai into the carriage. The black-maned horse, which had been waiting for its master outside the door for a long time, trotted over to the carriage, only to see that its master didn’t seem to be getting out again.

The black-maned horse whinnied a few times. Only then did Youze lift the curtain and say, “Follow behind.”

Hearing this, the horse actually stopped whinnying and fussing.

149

The group was about to part ways and return to their respective homes. Qin Wufang suddenly said, “Although we found this place today, we didn’t achieve much.”

Bai Yao turned around and saw that Qin Wufang was speaking to Luo Qi.

Qin Wufang said, “As long as we don’t catch them, it remains a threat to the Jiangqi area.”

Luo Qi looked up at Qin Wufang, showing no intention of leaving, but signaling for him to finish speaking.

Qin Wufang then said, “There were many misunderstandings before, and I hope Miss…”

Halfway through, Qin Wufang glanced at Luo Qi’s current disguise and corrected himself seriously, “I hope Young Master Qi An doesn’t take it to heart. I believe you, like me, hope for Jiangqi to return to peace soon.”

Luo Qi said, “Naturally.”

Siyi Manor had also long wanted to catch this group of people, but they vaguely sensed that there was some powerful force behind them.

Sensing that Luo Qi had the same intention, Qin Wufang said, “If that’s the case, why don’t we cooperate?”

Remembering that today’s incident had endangered Bai Yao, Luo Qi immediately said, “Alright.”

Qin Wufang said, “I hope we have a pleasant cooperation.”

He was still smiling as he said this, but he glanced at Bai Yao.

Bai Yao paused, then suddenly understood.

Qin Wufang wanted Luo Qi to join, firstly because he believed Luo Qi’s Siyi Manor could provide great convenience, and secondly, it was to keep her in check.

Everyone was in the same boat. If she dared to talk nonsense and frame Qin Wufang, he could drag Siyi Manor down with her.

Seeing the change in Bai Yao’s expression, Qin Wufang said, “Does Miss Bai have anything else to say?”

The subtext: If you told a lie just now, you still have a chance to amend it.

Meeting Qin Wufang’s confident smile, Bai Yao said, “I suddenly wish your character could break a little, too.”

Qin Wufang: “?”

Bai Yao put on a sociable smile and said, “I mean, I actually really want to hear you call me by my nickname. After all, Luo Qi and I saved you, so we are life-and-death friends. There’s no need to be so formal.”

Qin Wufang raised an eyebrow and, not doubting her, hummed an affirmation, saying, “Then… Daddy, farewell.”

Bai Yao smiled, “Farewell.”

She felt a little better.

150

Shangjing, General’s Residence.

A man in a bright purple robe sat in the main hall, accepting a new cup of tea served by a maid.

Waving away the tea, Qin Dexuan’s face was even more sinister, and he said angrily, “Are you planning to just fob me off with this tea today?”

With a cold laugh, Qin Dexuan said, “I didn’t know when the General’s Residence turned into a teahouse.”

The young maid serving the tea flinched upon hearing this and hastily put down the tea.

Fortunately, the General’s Residence steward, Yun Gu, soon walked in. After saluting Qin Dexuan, he said, “Your Highness, I truly apologize, but our General caught a cold a few days ago and is indeed unable to receive guests.”

“Hah.” Qin Dexuan sneered, “General Yun, a dignified General, has to use a small cold as an excuse. Does he think I am an easy guest to treat disrespectfully?”

Yun Gu said, “Your Highness, our General has fought for the Emperor for many years, leading a life on the edge of a blade. He has numerous old injuries that have accumulated into illness. Now that he has a cold, all the symptoms are showing up.”

Sensing the implied meaning in Yun Gu’s words, Qin Dexuan’s expression darkened, and he said, “The General has worked hard and his recovery is naturally important. Then I won’t disturb him any longer.”

Waiting for Qin Dexuan to leave with a flick of his sleeve, Yun Gu straightened up and signaled the maids to remove the tea.

Qin Dexuan walked all the way to the gate of the General’s Residence, his steps increasingly agitated with anger.

He had come to the General’s Residence today because of Yan Hao.

Yan Hao and his brainless friends had gone too far and were now being targeted by Qin Wufang and the Jiangqi Government Office. Seeing that the truth was about to come out, Yan Hao sought out Qin Dexuan, hoping he could intervene and mediate the situation.

But Qin Dexuan’s visit to the General’s Residence was not for Yan Hao, but for himself.

After some investigation, Qin Dexuan discovered that not only Yan Hao but also Qin Wufang was already preparing to move against Yan Yitao.

Yan Hao and Qin Dexuan shared a superficial friendship, but Yan Yitao’s repeated statements in court over the years made Qin Dexuan aware that Yan Yitao belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction.

An enemy’s loss is one’s own gain.

Qin Dexuan naturally wouldn’t muddy himself for a trivial friendship.

However, this reminded him. Once Yan Yitao fell, there would be one less influential old minister in the court. The matter of winning over Yun Yingnan was once again put on Qin Dexuan’s agenda.

He hadn’t expected Yun Yingnan to be so arrogant as to blatantly disrespect him.

151

Irritated, Qin Dexuan walked quickly and then bumped into someone.

The person immediately knelt down and bowed upon seeing that he had run into Qin Dexuan. Qin Dexuan was in a bad temper, but he had no desire to get entangled with anyone from the General’s Residence. He swung his sleeve and was about to continue walking when he noticed a portrait lying on the ground under his feet.

Qin Dexuan was about to kick it away, but he stopped when he clearly saw the person’s face in the painting.

Bending down, he picked up the portrait and asked, “What are you doing with this portrait?”

Yun Gu, who had rushed over, answered on behalf of the person, “This clumsy oaf has offended Your Highness. I will take him away and punish him severely.”

Qin Dexuan glanced at the person, but then tentatively asked Yun Gu, “Is your General looking for the person in this painting?”

Yun Gu lowered his eyes, but before he could answer, Qin Dexuan said, “I have seen a person who looks very similar to the person in this painting.”

Yun Gu’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

Seeing this, Qin Dexuan turned his gaze and said in a low voice, “Whenever General Yun recovers from his cold and wishes to see me, I can tell him about that person.”

With that, Qin Dexuan turned to leave. But he deliberately slowed his steps, and then heard Yun Gu say from behind him, “Please wait, Your Highness.”

152

After about the time it takes to steep two or three cups of tea, Qin Dexuan, who had returned, was led into the reception hall.

Yun Yingnan wore a heavy cloak over his shoulders. He looked up at Qin Dexuan, stood up, and said, “I apologize for keeping Your Highness waiting for so long.”

Qin Dexuan looked at Yun Yingnan and found that Yun Yingnan’s complexion was pale and somewhat sickly, confirming that he was indeed unwell. With this thought, Qin Dexuan’s displeasure subsided, and he said, “I apologize for troubling the General while he is ill. It was inconsiderate of me.”

Qin Dexuan said, “Earlier at Gui Ming Mountain, I saw a woman who, though not exactly the same as in this painting, bore a seventy to eighty percent resemblance.”

Yun Yingnan asked, “Does Your Highness know who that woman is and where she is now?”

Qin Dexuan said, “I sent people to investigate afterward. That woman is someone of status and is currently in Jiangqi.”

Yun Yingnan frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Qin Dexuan asked, “Is something wrong?”

Yun Yingnan said, “I sent someone to search in Jiangqi and have been searching for many days. But no one has seen a woman similar to the one in the painting.”

Hearing Yun Yingnan say this, Qin Dexuan smiled.

Yun Yingnan’s expression darkened and he said, “Your Highness, this is not a matter for jest.”

“I am not being gleeful,” Qin Dexuan said. “It is understandable that the General could not find her. That woman in Jiangqi is not a woman.”

“What does Your Highness mean?”

“Has the General ever heard of the Three Treasures of Jiangqi?” Qin Dexuan asked. “Beautiful Jade, White Tea, and Young Master Qi An.”

“The person the General is looking for is the first of those three treasures, Young Master Qi An.”

153

During the few days they returned to Siyi Manor, Luo Qi and Bai Yao stayed inside the building.

In the meantime, Su Mubai and Qin Wufang set up informants according to the locations Bai Yao provided, and Qin Wufang also began to investigate the matters in Shangjing.

Siyi Manor provided some manpower and its intelligence network, just waiting for the moment to spring the trap.

Later, Xia Qian said to Luo Qi, “It seems like the people from Shangjing have withdrawn, believing they have searched all of Jiangqi.”

Xia Qian said, “But are you really not planning to go back? After this search, they might just give up.”

Luo Qi, however, looked relieved, saying, “That would be best.”

Seeing Luo Qi’s reaction, Xia Qian knew she was truly planning to let go, and he also sighed in relief. He said, “By the way, someone from Gui Ming Mountain sent peaches over for you.”

Luo Qi asked, “Why send peaches?”

Given the distance from Gui Ming Mountain to Jiangqi, the peaches would lose their flavor even if they were delivered.

But Xia Qian said, “Thanks to that clever boy Xue Qi, the peaches were protected by ice all the way here. I checked them, and they are still perfectly fresh.”

Luo Qi immediately stood up upon hearing this.

Xia Qian asked, “Do you want to eat peaches that badly?”

Luo Qi smiled as she walked out and said, “Yao Yao loves them.”

154

Bai Yao stayed alone in her room for a long time and finally finished her task successfully.

Holding the item in her hand, Bai Yao was just about to go look for Luo Qi when she saw Luo Qi walking toward her.

Bai Yao hid the item behind her back, stopped, and waved her other hand at Luo Qi.

When Luo Qi approached, Bai Yao asked, “What happened?”

Luo Qi looked very happy.

Luo Qi smiled and held up a food box to Bai Yao. “Xue Qi sent peaches over. They were protected by ice all the way, and they still taste great.”

Bai Yao’s eyes lit up. “The big peaches from Gui Ming Mountain?”

Luo Qi smiled and nodded.

Bai Yao said, “That’s wonderful!”

However, despite saying this, Bai Yao didn’t immediately reach out to take the food box. She smiled at Luo Qi and said, “Look at this!”

As she spoke, Bai Yao brought the hand she had hidden behind her back to Luo Qi’s eyes.

Luo Qi looked down and saw a small wooden hairpin pinched between Bai Yao’s fair fingers.

The hairpin was smooth and delicate in color, with silver threads and a beautiful jade piece dangling from the end. Although a closer look revealed the craftsmanship was somewhat rough, the overall design was unique and beautiful.

Recalling how Luo Qi had previously looked at her pendant distractedly, Bai Yao thought Luo Qi must also like these small trinkets. Bai Yao later learned that Wei Siyu made small hairpins, so she pestered Wei Siyu to teach her how to make one, intending to give it to Luo Qi.

Luo Qi stared at the hairpin, suddenly realizing why Bai Yao had been repeatedly claiming she needed rest and staying alone in the room these past few days.

Her gaze shifted down to see a small cut on Bai Yao’s fingertip caused by a splinter, and Luo Qi’s eyes darkened slightly.

Standing in front of Luo Qi, Bai Yao saw her look at the hairpin for a long time without saying anything. Bai Yao feared that she thought the hairpin wasn’t pretty and said with some guilt, “I learned from Siyu and made it myself. But I’m too clumsy, so this hairpin is a bit…”

Luo Qi lifted her eyes and said softly and confidently, “No, it’s very beautiful.”

Bai Yao was relieved. “Really?”

“Yes,” Luo Qi nodded at Bai Yao.

Bai Yao smiled broadly at Luo Qi’s affirming expression. Luo Qi then lowered her head and gently kissed Bai Yao’s cut fingertip.

Bai Yao’s smile froze. The cold fingertip was touched by a warm, soft lip. The distinct sensation sent a wave of tingling numbness up her spine.

After a brief lingering kiss on the wound, Luo Qi stood up, looked at Bai Yao, whose cheeks were flushed crimson, and smiled, “I like it very much.”

Dream Kiss

155

Bai Yao sat in the room, quietly eating a peach.

The peach in her hand was pink and red, but Bai Yao suspected her face might have been redder than the peach just now.

Luo Qi watched Bai Yao finish the peach with a smile and said, “There are many peaches. I will make some preserves tomorrow. The flour from Huifeng Ju has also arrived.”

Bai Yao was delighted and heard Luo Qi say, “If you still want to eat steamed buns, I’ll make them for you tomorrow.”

Bai Yao said, “Yes! I’ll help you too.”

The two smiled at each other.

After their smiles faded, Bai Yao lowered her eyes and tentatively asked, “Luo Qi, how about we… keep things this way forever?”

After successfully concluding this matter, Siyi Manor would, barring any accidents, be able to step away from the main plotline.

As long as Luo Qi didn’t return to the General’s Residence, they could stay away from the remaining conflicts and live their own peaceful lives in Siyi Manor…

Luo Qi was slightly taken aback by Bai Yao’s words. She felt there was a certain message in the statement, but she didn’t dare to confirm if Bai Yao felt the same way she did.

Luo Qi nodded solemnly and said, “Alright.”

Bai Yao’s eyes completely curved into a smile at that incredibly resolute “Alright.”

After carefully considering it, Luo Qi couldn’t help but ask, “Yao Yao, I want to ask you something.”

Bai Yao asked, “What is it?”

Luo Qi gazed at Bai Yao, and her serious expression made Bai Yao nervous as well.

Vaguely sensing a change in the atmosphere, Bai Yao heard Luo Qi say, “Do you have any…”

Any affection beyond friendship.

But halfway through the sentence, someone rushed over from outside the door and knocked.

Putting aside her thoughts, Luo Qi responded, and Xia Qian pushed the door open, saying, “There seems to be movement in the North Forest of Lindan. Su Mubai said to prepare on our end. If the news is true, we need to help with the roundup tonight.”

Luo Qi said, “Alright. You go tell everyone to prepare in advance.”

Bai Yao asked, “Will Su Mubai go? Is his injury fully healed?”

Su Mubai’s injury seemed to have recovered well in the past few days. Even if he couldn’t move much, he wasn’t idle, having started researching routes and assigning personnel early on.

Xia Qian said, “He seems much better, but it’s still not suitable for strenuous activity. He’ll stay at the Jiangqi Government Office this time. However, Prince Shui Yan offered to help and seems to have already headed to Lindan.”

Bai Yao nodded at the information.

Oh. That’s one more major general on their side.

Bai Yao then asked Luo Qi, “Luo Qi, what were you about to say just now?”

Luo Qi lowered her eyelashes and said, “Nothing.”

Perhaps those words should be properly spoken only after the matter is resolved.

156

General’s Residence.

Yun Yingnan walked around the long corridor and entered a courtyard.

The maid in the courtyard saw Yun Yingnan approaching and gently opened the room door for him.

Yun Yingnan stepped into the room, his gaze fixed on the faintly visible figure within the curtain. He said in a low voice, “I am about to leave. Don’t worry, I will definitely bring Qing’er back.”

157

As night began to fall, someone sent back news that people had indeed gone to the North Forest in Lindan.

Bai Yao clicked her tongue at the news, having to sigh at how foolish and bold Yan Hao and the others were. However, this was similar to the setup in the original book.

Spoiled young masters, accustomed to arrogance and believing their family wealth allowed them to act recklessly, thought they could get away with their greedy opportunism, especially since nothing major seemed to have happened in the past few days.

They didn’t realize that a net had already been cast, just waiting for them to walk right into it.

158

Before leaving, Luo Qi turned back and asked Bai Yao, “Yao Yao, do you want to come with me?”

She was still somewhat frightened by the previous incident and felt that Bai Yao was safest when she was by her side.

Bai Yao’s thought…