The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Live Broadcast Site (5)

…the Fourth Chieftain is a court official.”

Si Qingyu smiled upon hearing this.

Seeing the conversation beginning to drift, Bai Yao quickly said, “Let’s save the pleasantries for later. What did you mean by your earlier remark?”

With the plot deviating so much, Bai Yao suspected that some other strange twist had been triggered.

But Si Qingyu looked at Luo Qi, who was standing behind Bai Yao, and hesitated to speak.

Luo Qi had been slightly frowning while listening to Bai Yao and Si Qingyu talk. Now, seeing Si Qingyu look at her, she instantly understood what he meant.

Luo Qi turned back to the two young maids and said, “Go over there and help us pick out some snacks to take back.”

The two young maids had a good impression of the new Miss Luo Qi and, suspecting nothing, walked toward a nearby stall.

Luo Qi then paused and began to walk away as well.

Realizing Si Qingyu’s intent a moment too late, Bai Yao immediately said, “No, there’s no need to hide from Luo Qi to talk!”

Luo Qi stopped upon hearing this and looked back at Bai Yao.

Si Qingyu still looked troubled and whispered, “It concerns your life and death.”

What matter involves her life and death?

After a brief thought, Bai Yao still insisted, “It’s fine, just say it directly.”

Lest Luo Qi misunderstand.

Seeing Bai Yao’s persistence, Si Qingyu first tentatively asked, “Do you know your relationship with Yan Yitao?”

Bai Yao was momentarily stunned.

Prime Minister Yan Yitao?

The first time she met Yan Hao, he also mentioned Yan Yitao to her, and he seemed quite resentful.

Bai Yao remembered that the book mentioned that Yun Niao was not Yun Yingnan’s biological daughter; Liu Ningyue had married Yun Yingnan while already pregnant.

Yun Niao, who was claimed to be premature, was actually born at full term.

However, the identity of Yun Niao’s biological father was never revealed in the chapters Bai Yao had read.

But carefully considering Yan Hao’s hostility towards her, Bai Yao had a bold guess.

Looking at Si Qingyu’s serious expression, Bai Yao tentatively said, “That… I’m guessing here, but is he my biological father?”

As Bai Yao spoke, Luo Qi, who was nearby, widened her eyes and looked at Bai Yao.

Noticing the change in Luo Qi’s expression, Si Qingyu was also surprised by Bai Yao’s frankness.

Thinking that Bai Yao was not a brainless person and wouldn’t easily reveal such a life-or-death secret to just anyone, Si Qingyu looked at Luo Qi again and instantly understood.

Seeing that Bai Yao was determined not to hide anything from Luo Qi, Si Qingyu replied, “Yes.”

Bai Yao nodded thoughtfully and listened as Si Qingyu continued, “Although Yan Yitao didn’t say anything, his prison cart was right behind us just now. Better safe than sorry.”

Bai Yao looked over, only to see a man with emerging grey hair sitting in the last prison cart.

Although a condemned prisoner, the man sat cross-legged in the cart, still maintaining a dignified posture.

That was Yun Niao’s biological father.

According to the description in the original book, Yan Yitao was considered a somewhat legendary figure.

He indulged his adopted sons in committing evil everywhere and maintained several huge corruption chains under his command. Yet, despite being a complete traitor, Yan Yitao himself always maintained a proper and scholarly appearance. The more arrogant he was in private, the more restrained he was in public.

It was precisely because of this that Qin Wu, the Emperor, was initially unable to deal with him.

Watching the prison cart disappear around the corner, Bai Yao withdrew her gaze, then heard Si Qingyu say, “Since we’ve encountered this, could you come into the palace with me?”

Bai Yao paused, then realized what it was about. It was probably to arrange a meeting with Princess Lezhao…

Bai Yao was thinking of how to decline, but Si Qingyu added, “She said she has something very important to discuss with you.”

…

Is she going to talk about how to rebel?

Bai Yao felt resistant, but she also realized that since the plot was hard to predict now, gathering information beforehand was better than blindly stumbling forward on her own.

With this thought, Bai Yao was about to agree, when Luo Qi suddenly grabbed her wrist.

The grip was unexpectedly firm. Bai Yao was slightly stunned. She looked back and saw that the recent coldness had vanished from Luo Qi’s expression. Her eyes were deep and complicated, hard to decipher.

Subconsciously struggling a bit, Bai Yao asked, “What’s wrong?”

Realizing her grip was too forceful, Luo Qi loosened her hand. She seemed to have a lot to say, but in the end, she only said, “I’ll wait for you to come back.”

Feeling that the sense of estrangement seemed to have faded, Bai Yao immediately smiled and said, “Okay.”

After walking a distance with Bai Yao, Si Qingyu said in a low voice, “Your mother was still in contact with Yan Yitao during her lifetime, which was later accidentally discovered by Yan Hao. After learning that Yan Yitao also got into trouble, Yan Hao revealed the matter in prison, intending to drag you down with him. That’s why the Prince took care of it.”

“But it couldn’t be completely covered up, so Yan Hao had to be silenced.”

So that was it.

That’s why Yan Hao became mute. No wonder Yan Hao had previously tried to make Yun Yingnan aware of the truth back then.

With that topic temporarily concluded, Si Qingyu asked, “Why do you trust Young Master Qi An so much?”

You even revealed a secret concerning your own life and death.

Struggling to describe it to Si Qingyu, Bai Yao thought for a moment and said, “She is the person I am most familiar with in this world, and the closest person to me.”

Si Qingyu was slightly surprised, then said, “You previously said Yun Yingnan wanted to kill you, so you couldn’t return to the General’s Residence. Are you taking this risk to return for her?”

Bai Yao nodded. “Mhm.”

Si Qingyu said, “That’s a bit foolish.”

But before Bai Yao could refute, Si Qingyu asked again, “Do you like her?”

“???”

Bai Yao choked on her own saliva, then said, “Can’t you ask more tactfully?”

Looking at the panic in Bai Yao’s eyes and the faint blush rising on her face, Si Qingyu withdrew her gaze and said flatly, “I understand.”

Walking beside Si Qingyu, Bai Yao, intending to score a point back, said, “Aren’t you the same way with Princess Lezhao?”

Si Qingyu replied, “Yes. I trust her just as much.”

But hearing Si Qingyu answer so straightforwardly, Bai Yao lowered her eyes.

Judging by this, Si Qingyu genuinely values Princess Lezhao.

But what does that princess, who prioritizes power, think of Si Qingyu in her heart?

Hidden Truth

Bai Yao followed Si Qingyu into the palace, but Si Qingyu stopped at a point.

After sending someone ahead to pass the word, Si Qingyu handed Bai Yao over to a maid who came to meet them.

Si Qingyu said, “You go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”

Thinking of Lie Ruyang’s earlier words, Bai Yao nodded.

It seems Si Qingyu and Princess Lezhao meet in private.

Led by the maid, she walked into the garden where the Princess resided. After winding through for a long time, they finally entered a palace hall.

As soon as Bai Yao stepped through the door, she heard a female voice say, “You all step back. I wish to speak with Miss Bai alone.”

The surrounding palace attendants withdrew. Bai Yao looked up and saw a woman in luxurious attire rising from the main seat.

Princess Lezhao exuded nobility. Her gold-threaded gauze skirt and the golden hairpins in her cloud-like bun fluttered, yet they were less beautiful than the captivating, smiling face she possessed.

Unlike Si Qingyu’s cold, alluring beauty, Lezhao’s beauty was brilliantly radiant, mixed with a hint of heroic spirit—an aggressive, magnificent splendor.

Lezhao enthusiastically welcomed Bai Yao, smiling, “Miss Bai, please sit here.”

Bai Yao thanked her as she took a seat. “Thank you, Princess.”

Maintaining a composed smile, Bai Yao sat up straight, looking at Lezhao, who had returned to the main seat, with eyes full of friendliness.

Look at me. I’m a 100% harmless little sweetheart.

Lezhao said, “I told Qingyu I wanted to meet Miss Bai a long time ago. I’m finally seeing you today.”

Bai Yao said, “It is my honor to meet the Princess.”

Lezhao smiled, then said, “However, I have a doubt. Should I change my address to Miss Yun?”

Bai Yao said, “The Princess can call me… anything.”

Carefully observing the changes in Bai Yao’s expression, Lezhao smiled and said, “I think, let’s stick to Miss Bai.”

Bai Yao nodded. “Whatever the Princess prefers to call me.”

Lezhao said, “Miss Bai is indeed just as Qingyu described—easy to approach, an interesting and amiable person.”

Bai Yao smiled, further lowering her perceived threat level. “To be honest, seeing the Princess for the first time, I’m a little nervous right now. If I unintentionally offend the Princess with anything I say later, I hope the Princess can be lenient.”

Lezhao said, “It’s alright. Just treat me as a regular friend and speak freely, Miss Bai.”

“Thank you, Princess.”

She said to speak freely, but how could she really speak freely?

Bai Yao maintained her smile while pondering how to cleverly introduce a topic that would allow her to probe the plot development.

But Lezhao spoke first, saying, “In that case, I will speak freely first.”

Bai Yao nodded. “Please speak your mind, Princess.”

You can say whatever you want.

I’m ready.

Lezhao smiled at the response, then said, “Then let me ask a question first.”

It’s coming, as expected.

Bai Yao quickly drafted a few response templates in her mind for Lezhao’s possible questions, but then heard Princess Lezhao ask, “In this life, why didn’t you die?”

Question: In this life, why didn’t you die?

Come on, everyone, don’t panic. Take out your pens. Let’s carefully read the question three times and analyze it from different angles…

Analyze what, damn it!

Bai Yao mentally snatched the ink pen and quickly marked two key points.

One, this life.

Two, Lezhao knows she was supposed to die.

Bai Yao silently swallowed, looked up at Lezhao, and asked, “Um, let me ask something. Are you… by any chance, reborn?”

Seeing a look of confusion on Lezhao’s face, Bai Yao explained, “I mean… living again.”

At Bai Yao’s words, Lezhao’s eyes brightened, and she said, “I think so.”

Lezhao continued, “I was supposed to die, but when I opened my eyes, I had returned to the past.”

Hello?

Is there something wrong with this world?

I’m a transmigrator, You Ruo is a time-traveler, and now there’s a reborn person too?

On the other side, Lezhao said, “If I told anyone this, they probably wouldn’t believe it. Not just others; even I thought I was dreaming at first, and it took a long time to accept.”

“However,” Lezhao smiled, “after Qingyu told me about Miss Bai, I thought Miss Bai might understand me.”

No, that’s not it.

Lezhao, don’t look at me with that fervent gaze of finally finding a fellow kind. We are different…

Lezhao then said, “But I suppose it’s still somewhat different. I returned with the same soul to the same body, but I suspect Miss Bai’s soul, on the other hand, entered someone else’s body.”

“Otherwise, according to the time of Miss Yun Niao’s death, Miss Bai shouldn’t know about the Midsummer Festival incident.”

Bai Yao silently gave a thumbs-up.

As expected of the woman who dared to compete with the male lead for the throne.

Thinking that explaining she transmigrated into a novel was too troublesome, Bai Yao said, “Actually, I am a person from the future. The Princess getting into trouble during the Midsummer Festival is something I knew from historical records.”

Lezhao was slightly startled, then said, “So that’s how it is.”

Bai Yao looked at Lezhao and asked, “When did the Princess get reborn?”

Lezhao replied, “Just before the Midsummer Festival.”

At that time, she was sitting in the sedan chair. After roughly realizing what had happened, she felt that everything was too late.

According to her memory from the previous life, she would soon be attacked and severely injured.

However, the expected disaster did not happen. She saw that person she hadn’t seen for a long time standing in the crowd, who told her, “Don’t worry.”

Composing herself, Lezhao asked Bai Yao, “What kind of person am I described as in the historical records?”

Bai Yao was speechless for a moment.

Lezhao smiled and didn’t press the question, merely saying, “The winner is king, and the loser is a villain. I suppose there wouldn’t be anything good said.”

Bai Yao said, “What happened in the previous life isn’t important. The Princess has new choices now…”

Lezhao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and said, “Miss Bai is right.”

Lezhao continued, “In Miss Bai’s opinion, how should I choose in this life?”

Bai Yao looked up, unable to discern Lezhao’s intention, so she gave a safe answer, “Everything is possible, it all rests with the Princess.”

But thinking of Si Qingyu, Bai Yao’s heart moved, and she couldn’t help but add, “Miss Si is a very good person, and she is very devoted to the Princess.”

Hearing Bai Yao say this, Lezhao looked at her quietly, not speaking for a moment.

Seeing the silence stretch, Bai Yao wondered if she should say something more, but then heard Lezhao say, “I failed her in the previous life. In this life, I just want to protect her well.”

Bai Yao listened in slight astonishment as Princess Lezhao continued, and everything suddenly became clear.

In the original book, Si Qingyu let the female lead go, and then died. The book didn’t detail Si Qingyu’s death scene, so Bai Yao had just assumed that Qin Wufang was punishing Si Qingyu for disobeying his wishes.

She never thought there was this layer of hidden truth involving Princess Lezhao.

Lezhao curled her lips in a self-deprecating smile and asked Bai Yao, “Am I very self-defeating?”

Looking at the obvious pain in Lezhao’s eyes, Bai Yao shook her head. “There are too many choices a person has to face in a lifetime. There will always be times when one chooses wrongly.”

Bai Yao said, “More importantly, what will the Princess choose this time?”

Similarities and Differences

Bai Yao was quite unsure whether Lezhao was truly willing to completely give up power.

After all, according to the book’s description, the Princess’s craving for the throne was borderline obsessive.

But Lezhao once again clearly answered Bai Yao, “This time, I choose Qingyu.”

Lezhao said, “I have thoroughly figured it out. After everything is over, I will leave with Qingyu.”

Bai Yao was first happy for Si Qingyu, then asked, “What do you mean by ‘everything is over’?”

Lezhao said, “Miss Bai might not know. Although I don’t plan to approach General Yun this time, someone else has set their sights on the General.”

“The rebellion of the previous life might still play out.”

Bai Yao was surprised. “Someone is trying to perform the plot you refused to act out?”

Lezhao looked puzzled. Bai Yao lowered her voice and asked, “I mean… is it one of the Princes?”

Lezhao nodded. “It should be Qin Dexuan.”

How did Qin Dexuan get involved with Yun Yingnan?

Bai Yao couldn’t figure it out. In the original book, Yun Yingnan clearly looked down on Qin Dexuan.

Lezhao said, “I think Miss Bai must also feel that there have been too many changes in this life. For example, in my memory, Qin Wufang had several great achievements, but for some reason, he has only completed one so far.”

“Does Miss Bai know why?”

Bai Yao: “…”

Without waiting for Bai Yao to answer, Lezhao continued on her own, “I suppose you must also be puzzled by this.”

No…

Actually, I know…

Bai Yao cleared her throat and nodded in agreement.

Lezhao continued, “Since Miss Bai has read the history books, perhaps you also realize that among the four of us siblings, Qin Wufang is the most suitable person to be the Emperor.”

Lezhao added, “Of course, that’s when I am not an option.”

Bai Yao: “…Mhm.”

That was also the truth.

In the original book, Crown Prince Qin Shi’an was an upright person with a gentle disposition. Such a person was suitable to be a friend, but not to survive in the palace. He was later led by the nose by Qin Dexuan, used up, and then discarded.

As for Qin Dexuan, he was a completely ruthless villain. He had little interest in benefiting the common people. He sought the throne to pursue the ultimate enjoyment of power. Bai Yao felt that if he succeeded, he would likely become a tyrannical and incompetent ruler.

In the original book, after Qin Wufang ascended the throne, aside from the war with Shui Yan, the citizens of Shiyu did indeed live better lives.

Furthermore, Qin Wufang won that war decisively, swallowing up half of Shui Yan and adding it to Shiyu’s territory.

Thinking this way, Qin Wufang was indeed the most suitable person to be the Emperor of Shiyu.

Bai Yao nodded again, indicating her deep agreement. Lezhao said, “But I’m starting to worry that if things continue like this, Qin Wufang might not be able to ascend the throne.”

Looking at the worried Lezhao, Bai Yao roughly understood her concern.

In the original book, the male lead Qin Wufang had a low background. His concubine mother died young, and Qin Wufang, without relatives in court, relied entirely on himself.

According to the original plot, he should have gained merits all the way, gradually earning the favor and support of several court officials until he could rival Qin Dexuan, whose mother came from a prominent family, and eventually become the new Emperor.

But judging from the current situation, Qin Wufang had only managed to resolve the problem with the Prime Minister’s side after all this time…

Knowing that she was partly responsible for this situation, Bai Yao advised, “The Princess shouldn’t worry. There is still some time. Perhaps things will turn around later?”

At this point, she could only hope that Qin Wufang’s male lead halo would be useful.

But Lezhao said, “Time may be running out.”

Bai Yao: “Huh?”

Lezhao whispered, “Father’s physical condition is already not very good.”

“That’s not right,” Bai Yao said. “Isn’t it still summer now?”

Bai Yao remembered clearly that according to the original plot, Qin Wu’s health issues didn’t start until after winter.

It began as a common cold, but then lingered and worsened, eventually turning into consumption.

Lezhao frowned slightly. “I’m also not sure why there’s this change. I only heard from people in the palace that Father seemed to have left the palace for a period recently and caught a cold while away.”

“We initially thought it was a minor ailment, but it has been recurring, and recently, it has worsened significantly. His appearance… is very similar to the previous life.”

Did the plot accelerate again?

Leaving the palace…

Bai Yao quickly realized: It probably refers to the trip to Gui Ming Mountain.

Help me.

How could this happen?

Bai Yao abandoned her manners and fell into self-doubt.

Did the plot already deviate this much without me even realizing it?

Bidding farewell to Lezhao and walking out, Bai Yao was deep in thought, her steps unsteady.

Lezhao hoped to get Qin Wufang’s storyline back on track before leaving, hinting that Bai Yao should help persuade Yun Yingnan.

But how to persuade him?

In front of Yun Yingnan, her own safety was still a question…

Lost in thought, Bai Yao suddenly paused, looking at a patch of grass ahead that was subtly rustling.

It seemed like someone was hiding inside.

Lezhao had deliberately instructed the maid to lead Bai Yao along a secluded path that was usually empty to help her avoid the palace people. Seeing this sight now, the maid was also stunned.

Before either of them could react, they heard someone whisper, “Little Fangzi, are you sure this place has the fewest people?”

Another voice said, “Yes, Your Highness, if you really want to do that thing, walking this way is the best…”

“Mhm. Next time, you draw a map for… Ah!”

Finally noticing Bai Yao and the maid, the person originally hiding in the grass shouted as he stood up, “Who, who are you? What are you doing here!”

Bai Yao looked at the unfamiliar man. The maid beside her took a few steps forward and said, “Crown Prince, I am the Princess’s maid, Lü Yi.”

Lü Yi paused, then said, “This is the Princess’s garden…”

The implication was that it was normal for them to be here.

The man, who should not have “normally” been here, was speechless.

Looking down at the faintly visible imperial yellow peeking out from the edges of the man’s grey robe, Bai Yao was silent for a moment.

So this is the Crown Prince, Qin Shi’an.

Just as described in the original book, the man was thin, with a pale face and red lips, and clear, handsome features. His appearance was quite good, and his face exuded an approachable aura.

During the silence between the two sides, the little eunuch behind Qin Shi’an finally climbed up too and anxiously said, “Our Crown Prince is just bored, so he’s just strolling around! It’s absolutely not because he had any other ideas!”

Bai Yao: “…”

Kid.

That ‘three hundred taels of silver are not buried here’ approach is truly giving your Crown Prince a headache.

Fortunately, Lü Yi seemed used to the Crown Prince’s less-than-proper behavior and didn’t find anything unusual. She just said, “Then, Crown Prince, please continue your stroll. We will be leaving now.”

Qin Shi’an, however, said, “Wait.”

His eyes passed over Bai Yao’s face, and Qin Shi’an asked, “Who are you?”

Lü Yi answered on her behalf, “This is Miss Yun Niao from the General’s Residence. She came to chat with the Princess for a while.”

Qin Shi’an was slightly stunned, then said, “Ah, so it’s you.”

Bai Yao looked at Qin Shi’an with some confusion, assuming he was about to say something else, but after glancing at Lü Yi nearby, Qin Shi’an said, “You may leave.”

Lü Yi escorted Bai Yao to the palace gate, bid her farewell, and turned back.

Bai Yao walked a few steps alone, but before she could find Si Qingyu, someone behind her said, “What are you doing in the palace?”

Bai Yao was startled. She turned around and saw Yun Yingnan walking toward her.

Yun Yingnan asked, “Didn’t you go shopping with Qing’er? How did you end up in the palace?”

Sensing the deep suspicion in Yun Yingnan’s tone, and knowing he would likely investigate later, Bai Yao simply answered honestly, “I came to see the Princess and chatted with her for a bit.”

Yun Yingnan frowned slightly and said, “I didn’t know when you became acquainted with the Princess?”

Without waiting for Bai Yao to reply, Yun Yingnan said, “Well, you certainly caused a lot of trouble during your time away.

“But you’re quite capable. You’ve managed to survive time and time again, including last night.”

Bai Yao stopped. She said, “General, can we coexist peacefully? Or, why are you so determined to kill me?”

In the original book, Yun Yingnan decided to kill Yun Niao along with Liu Ningyue mostly because he was momentarily overcome with rage and bloodlust.

According to the book’s description, after killing Yun Niao, Yun Yingnan sat down beside her corpse and didn’t sleep all night.

Although the book didn’t detail Yun Yingnan’s fatherly affection for Yun Niao, after more than ten years, as Yun Yingnan’s only daughter, and always being discreet and well-behaved, Yun Niao should not have been hated by Yun Yingnan; she was very likely even his favorite.

Therefore, Bai Yao believed that Yun Niao held a different status in Yun Yingnan’s heart than the other strangers from the Liu family.

Yet now, Yun Yingnan still seemed determined to kill her.

Driven by the desire to at least understand why she was dying, Bai Yao repeated, “I want to know the specific reason.”

Yun Yingnan looked at Bai Yao with lowered eyes and said, “Don’t you truly understand?”

Seeing the genuine confusion on Bai Yao’s face, a flicker of doubt crossed Yun Yingnan’s eyes, and he continued, “I once said that I was able to find Qingfan thanks to you.”

Bai Yao recalled that was what Yun Yingnan had said to her in the corridor.

Yun Yingnan said, “Little Jiu Lang. This address should only be known to me and Qingfan, yet you called me that the night you escaped, and it momentarily fooled me.”

“Qingfan was only a baby when she died. So I started to wonder if she hadn’t died at all. I immediately sent people to dig up her grave that night, and there was indeed nothing inside.”

“She was hidden in the Liu family, caged like a pet. She was such a proud and perfect person, yet she was tormented into that state.” Yun Yingnan spoke with hatred. “All of this is because of your malicious mother, and you, too, must have been involved. Otherwise, how could you have known that address, Little Jiu Lang?”

???!

So, did I put up a death flag the moment I debuted and escaped?

I thought I had escaped death with that method, but did saving my life also plant another landmine?

Bai Yao, who had experienced too many surprises today, looked at Yun Yingnan, her expression gradually becoming blank.

Bai Yao said, “General Yun.”

Yun Yingnan was startled, looking at Bai Yao, who was unexpectedly calm. “Yes?”

Bai Yao took a deep breath and said, “Since things have come to this, I don’t intend to bear your anger any longer. I think I should make things clear to you.”

Temporary Peace

Bai Yao had previously considered what conditions she should use to negotiate with Yun Yingnan.

But now, she decided to take a different path.

In Yun Niao’s relational network, Yun Yingnan was distinctly different from everyone else.

He was the person who had spent more than ten years with the original Yun Niao, watching her grow up, and was arguably one of the people who understood Yun Niao the best.

Even though Yun Niao was just a quickly-killed cannon fodder in the book, to Yun Yingnan, Yun Niao was someone he raised as his biological daughter for over ten years. Others might not immediately notice the change, but Yun Yingnan would.

Bai Yao thought that, from another perspective, Yun Yingnan was the person alive who was most familiar with Yun Niao, and thus the easiest person to convince that she was not Yun Niao.

Having made up her mind, Bai Yao said, “The General once said that he felt I had changed. I have indeed changed. I am not Yun Niao at all.”

Yun Yingnan was first startled, then gave a cold laugh. “To get me to spare your life, have you gone mad again?”

Bai Yao said with a serious face, “It’s difficult for a person to fake their identity from childhood to adulthood for over ten years, even if they wanted to. Moreover, the Liu family never expected the General to find a flaw one day. So, Yun Niao had no reason to act in front of the General.”

Bai Yao raised her hand and pointed to herself, saying, “The General knows very well that the person standing in front of you now is vastly different from the former Yun Niao. This difference began the night you planned to kill Yun Niao.”

Yun Yingnan stared intently at Bai Yao and said, “You have indeed changed a lot, and I am also very curious why you suddenly underwent such a huge transformation. So, what do you mean?”

Bai Yao looked back at Yun Yingnan, stating clearly, “Because the body standing before the General is indeed Yun Niao’s, but the soul within is no longer Yun Niao.”

Yun Yingnan was slightly stunned, then said in a deep voice, “Are you trying to stage some soul-return drama in front of me again?”

Having fought on the battlefield for years, Yun Yingnan’s entire demeanor and voice commanded authority. Especially now, with him intentionally releasing his killing intent, the pressure was overwhelming.

But Yun Yingnan carefully observed the girl in front of him, seeing that Bai Yao met his gaze candidly, without any sign of backing down.

This bright, sharp-edged gaze was indeed something he had never seen in the eyes of the former Yun Niao.

Yun Yingnan remembered clearly that his former daughter was a well-behaved young lady who strictly adhered to etiquette.

Unlike Liu Ningyue’s flamboyant nature, Yun Niao was soft-spoken and frail since childhood. While not entirely pleasing to him, she never caused him any trouble, and he genuinely loved Yun Niao as a father.

It was only when he learned that the daughter he had raised for years was someone else’s child, combined with the extreme shock and anger over Liu Ningyue’s actions at the time, that he temporarily harbored the intent to kill Yun Niao as well.

Logically, that murderous intent should have vanished as he calmed down. But Yun Yingnan later carefully considered Yun Niao’s address for him that night, and was able to find Luo Qingfan from the Liu family.

Seeing Luo Qingfan, who had been tormented in the Liu family, Yun Yingnan not only slaughtered the entire Liu family in a fit of rage but also reignited his murderous intent toward Yun Niao. This was because he was convinced that Yun Niao was one of the knowing accomplices.

But looking at the “Yun Niao” in front of him now, the doubts in Yun Yingnan’s heart grew stronger.

Allowing Yun Yingnan to examine her closely, Bai Yao said, “When I say my name is Bai Yao, it’s not a new name I made up for myself on a whim, but the name I originally had.”

Yun Yingnan frowned.

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