The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Live Broadcast Site (7)

…Miss Yun Niao.”

Qin Dexuan asked, “Why calculate her?”

Xiao Ping shook his head. “I don’t know…”

“You don’t know?” Qin Dexuan glanced at Xiao Ping. “Then perhaps I should find a way to help you remember?”

Xiao Ping said, “It’s really nothing! He just asked me to help calculate Miss Yun Niao’s fate!”

Recalling the person who had smeared him with an anesthetic on Gui Ming Mountain, Qin Dexuan said, “What is so unusual about that Yun Niao that you need to calculate her fate?”

Xiao Ping said, “…Miss Yun Niao is a person of deep fortune.”

Not wanting to ask more, Qin Dexuan said, “I don’t care about her fortune. I have done what you asked.”

He looked at the sweating Xiao Ping. “You don’t need to worry. As long as you don’t lie to me, you will be well rewarded once the matter is concluded.”

Qin Dexuan walked out of the dungeon. The person beside him asked, “Second Prince, is this Xiao Ping credible?”

Qin Dexuan said, “The scheme itself is not a bad scheme.”

After thinking for a moment, Qin Dexuan said, “Just to be safe, go send a message to my Royal Mother in the palace. Ask her to help me with something.”

115

At the General’s Residence.

A group of young maids, adhering to the principle of avoiding trouble, intended to move away.

However, before they could leave the courtyard, they saw Miss Yun Qing holding Miss Yun Niao as she walked out and returned to her room.

The maids exchanged astonished looks.

“Heavens, was Miss Yun Niao knocked unconscious?”

“I told you, our Miss Yun Qing knows martial arts. How could Miss Yun Niao possibly win a fight?”

Xiao Ying, who was nearby, said, “I think Miss Yun Niao might just be drunk…”

The maids were silent for a moment, then pretended not to hear and continued to discuss their theories.

116

The full effect of the wine hit, and Bai Yao was indeed passed out.

Looking at the person soundly asleep on the bed, Luo Qi said helplessly, “Don’t forget again when you wake up this time.”

Then she curved her lips into a smile. “If you forget, I’ll just have to do it again.”

Luo Qi covered Bai Yao with a blanket and sat by her side for a while, but then she heard faint sounds of running outside.

Opening the door and seeing a few young maids huddled together, Luo Qi asked, “What’s wrong? What are you talking about?”

A maid answered, “Miss, someone came from the Second Prince’s side, saying that our Master suddenly fell ill while eating over there and needs to stay for a while. Steward Yun is about to take people to bring the General back…”

Luo Qi frowned upon hearing this. Then someone else walked into the courtyard and said to Luo Qi, “Miss, people from the palace have arrived. They say Consort Jing invites you and Miss Yun Niao to the palace. The carriage is already waiting outside…”

117

This time, Bai Yao was awakened soon after falling asleep. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Si Qingyu’s face.

“!”

Si Qingyu quickly covered Bai Yao’s mouth. “Don’t yell, it’s me.”

Bai Yao nodded, indicating she was awake. Si Qingyu then removed his hand and said, “Something has happened.”

Bai Yao sat up, feeling a headache, but the fear had sobered her up significantly.

Bai Yao asked, “What happened? Why are you here?”

She paused, then looked around the room with a confused look. “How did I get here…”

She remembered she was just with Luo Qi, doing…

Recalling the previous scene, Bai Yao’s face flushed suddenly.

Si Qingyu glanced at Bai Yao. “The maids in the residence said you were knocked unconscious while fighting with Luo Qi.”

Bai Yao: “…?”

What were those maids thinking?

“No…” Bai Yao said, “I just drank some wine and didn’t realize the kickback was so strong, so I got drunk.”

Si Qingyu nodded. Bai Yao pulled the conversation back. “Why did you suddenly come?”

Si Qingyu said, “We received news that Yun Yingnan is likely planning to rebel with Qin Dexuan.”

Bai Yao was startled. “They’re actually doing it? When?”

Si Qingyu frowned. “You knew about this?”

“No…” Bai Yao said, “I discussed it with Princess Le Zhao last time… Are they really rebelling?”

Si Qingyu said, “Probably tonight.”

118

???

Isn’t this plot developing a bit too fast?

Si Qingyu said, “The Third Prince has countermeasures ready. He won’t succeed.”

“Then why are you telling me this now? Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Yun Yingnan?”

“It will be difficult for you to see him now,” Si Qingyu said. “I came to tell you to get out quickly.”

Si Qingyu said, “Once his rebellion fails, you will be implicated.”

Bai Yao understood. “So you’re telling me to use Annihilation?”

Si Qingyu nodded. “I’ve already arranged everything in the residence. Afterward, I can send you directly to Shui Yan.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Yao felt a sudden jolt.

This whole thing is far too sudden.

Looking around the room, Bai Yao asked, “Where is Luo Qi?”

Si Qingyu snuck in like this and wasn’t discovered by Luo Qi?

Si Qingyu said, “She went to the palace.”

Bai Yao was stunned. “The palace? Why?”

“Consort Jing wanted to see you both,” Si Qingyu said. “Perhaps Qin Dexuan wants to control you both, or perhaps Yun Yingnan requested it.”

Si Qingyu said, “She probably only called her because you hadn’t woken up. Fortunately, you were drunk. The carriage is still waiting for you outside, so quickly use Annihilation…”

But Bai Yao showed no relief, her eyes wide with shock. Bai Yao said, “Did you just say Consort Jing?!”

Bai Yao was horrified. She stood up, walking toward the bedside, and said, “How did this plotline come back?!”

119

In the original novel, the reason Luo Qi lost all her martial arts was because she drank the cursed wine made by Consort Jing on behalf of the male lead, Qin Wufang. She was then gradually consumed by the curse poison, leading to the complete loss of her martial skills.

Si Qingyu watched the expression on Bai Yao’s face shift from surprise to anxiety and asked in confusion, “What do you mean? What came back?”

Bai Yao urgently asked, “When did Luo Qi leave? What time is it now? Is it time for dinner?”

Not understanding the meaning of Bai Yao’s abrupt questions, Si Qingyu said, “She should have left not long ago. It’s still early; it’s not dinner time yet.”

Bai Yao slightly relaxed.

According to the original plot, the cursed wine should be served around dinner time. Now, she could only pray that this detail would also follow the plot.

Bai Yao said, “Si Qingyu, can you help me save…”

Si Qingyu said, “Luo Qi?”

“I knew you’d say that. But she has strong martial arts. As long as she can get out of the palace, escaping alone isn’t a problem. There’s no need to rush,” Si Qingyu said. “I will find an opportunity to let her leave later.”

Bai Yao said, “No, you can’t!”

In a little while, who knows if Luo Qi will still have her martial arts!

Si Qingyu looked at Bai Yao, realizing something. He asked, “Did you divine something? Is she in danger in the palace?”

Bai Yao nodded. “Yes, that’s why I have to go to the palace!”

“What good will you going to the palace do? You’ll just be two people trapped…” Fearing Bai Yao was too worried and losing her composure, Si Qingyu intended to persuade her, but saw Bai Yao’s determined expression.

Si Qingyu realized, “Are you perhaps planning to use Annihilation in the palace?”

Bai Yao nodded. “Yes.”

Bai Yao said, “If one of the General’s Residence’s Misses suddenly dies in the palace, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the other to take the body and leave, right?”

120

While quickly straightening her clothes, Bai Yao practically ran to the carriage at the gate.

As the palace maid led her toward Consort Jing’s residence, Bai Yao felt extremely anxious.

She didn’t realize that in her carelessness, the plot had moved forward.

Bai Yao could only pray repeatedly in her heart that Luo Qi would be alright.

121

After leading Bai Yao into the hall, the palace maid said, “Consort Jing is still with Consort Hui admiring the flowers. Please wait a moment, Misses.”

This is great. That means Luo Qi hasn’t interacted with Consort Jing yet.

Bai Yao’s suspended heart finally dropped.

Bai Yao walked to Luo Qi’s side and tightly held Luo Qi’s hand.

The palace attendants who saw this simply assumed the two were deeply affectionate sisters.

Luo Qi felt the cold sweat on Bai Yao’s palm. Looking at Bai Yao’s anxious eyes, she vaguely realized something was wrong. Luo Qi subtly raised her hand, rubbed the top of Bai Yao’s head, and said softly, “Yaoyao, I’m here.”

Bai Yao nodded. She then sat down next to Luo Qi, reached out, and touched the teacup nearby. She said, “This tea seems cold. Could you please bring us some fresh tea?”

Bai Yao added, “I heard there is a White Jade Flower Tea in the palace that is very delicious. May we have that instead?”

Thinking that Bai Yao was a guest invited by Consort Jing, the maid nodded and went to change the tea.

While the maid was gone, Bai Yao whispered, “Luo Qi, we have to leave.”

Luo Qi asked, “Yaoyao, what happened?”

Bai Yao said, “There’s no time for details. Trust…”

Luo Qi said, “I trust you.”

Bai Yao was slightly stunned, then took the Annihilation (Mie Sheng) pill out of her sleeve. She said, “This is a medicine for temporary false death. I will drink it in a moment and look like I’ve died, but don’t be afraid. I will wake up afterward.”

“Then you take my ‘corpse’ and leave. Si Qingyu will handle the aftermath for us.”

Before the maid returned, Bai Yao raised her hand to pop the small pill into her mouth, but Luo Qi reached out to stop her. “This medicine…”

Noticing the worry in Luo Qi’s expression, Bai Yao said, “Don’t worry, there are no side effects.”

Luo Qi still held Bai Yao back. “I’ll take it.”

Luo Qi then pulled Bai Yao’s hand, directly taking the pill from Bai Yao’s fingertips and putting it into her own mouth.

Misplacement

122

Consort Jing rushed over after the palace attendant’s message.

When she walked into the hall, she saw Bai Yao sobbing uncontrollably, leaning over the “dead” Luo Qi.

Consort Jing whispered, “What happened?”

The palace maid next to her replied, “That Miss was sitting properly, but suddenly said she wasn’t feeling well, and then…”

The maid said, “We heard that Miss has a chronic illness since childhood and a weak constitution, which is why she was secretly raised in a temple for so long.”

This was the excuse Yun Yingnan had used to the outside world after bringing Luo Qi back.

Consort Jing frowned. “Did you send for the Imperial Physician?”

“We sent for Imperial Physician Guo. He should be on his way,” the maid whispered. “But that Miss seems to have no breath left…”

Consort Jing was startled. “No breath?”

Stepping forward, Consort Jing looked down at the person with closed eyes.

She was first struck by the transcendent beauty of the face.

Then, she saw the woman weeping beside her look up at her with red eyes.

123

Bai Yao noticed Consort Jing’s arrival early on.

While keeping track of Consort Jing’s footsteps, Bai Yao lowered her head and let her tears accumulate to the optimal state. When she looked up, her eyes held six parts grief and four parts helplessness, with a tear perfectly sliding down her cheek.

Consort Jing was momentarily taken aback. With Bai Yao’s earnest performance, most of the suspicion in her heart vanished.

Bai Yao sniffled a few times, her voice hoarse with tears, “Are you… Consort Jing?”

Consort Jing nodded, her voice naturally comforting. “I am.”

“Consort Jing!” Bai Yao urgently cried, “I beg you to save my sister! Yun Niao begs you!”

As if grabbing a life raft, Bai Yao reached out and grabbed the hem of Consort Jing’s robe, then, as if realizing her transgression, she let go in a panic.

Noticing Bai Yao’s actions, Consort Jing was slightly moved.

She had initially been suspicious as to why something happened as soon as the person entered the palace. But looking at Bai Yao’s current state, Consort Jing didn’t bother with further thoughts and said, “Why hasn’t Imperial Physician Guo arrived yet?”

Bai Yao lowered her head again, cooperating by contributing a few more sobs.

124

A moment later, Imperial Physician Guo rushed in.

After examining Luo Qi’s pulse, Imperial Physician Guo was stunned, then shook his head.

Consort Jing asked, “Imperial Physician Guo, how is she?”

Imperial Physician Guo said, “This Miss has no pulse whatsoever. She has already…”

Bai Yao beside them burst into tears again.

125

The Crown Prince’s living quarters.

Seeing the young eunuch run in, Qin Shi An urgently asked, “What happened?”

Xiao Fangzi quickly caught his breath and said, “One of the Misses over there has died!”

“Died?!” Qin Shi An exclaimed in shock. “Yun Niao?”

“No…” Xiao Fangzi said, “It’s the one who only returned to the General’s Residence recently.”

Qin Shi An breathed a sigh of relief, then asked, “Are you saying Yun Qing died?”

Qin Shi An frowned. “Is she really dead?”

Xiao Fangzi said, “Yes, Imperial Physician Guo has examined her. The other Miss has been wailing for a long time.”

Qin Shi An frowned. “How did she die? That shouldn’t be…” Qin Shi An asked, “What is the situation now?”

Xiao Fangzi said, “They say they want to send the body back to the General’s Residence.”

Qin Shi An lowered his eyes in thought for a moment, then said, “Good!”

The young eunuch was startled. “Huh?”

Qin Shi An quickly walked back into the room, grabbed the things he had prepared earlier, and placed a letter on the table.

He then handed a small package to the young eunuch. “Xiao Fangzi, I’ve wronged you several times before. This time, make sure you live well.”

“What do you mean by this…” Xiao Fangzi looked at the letter and felt the silver coins in his hand. He asked, “Are you leaving?”

Qin Shi An nodded. “Yun Niao is the key to everything. I have to follow her.”

Qin Shi An mumbled, “Following her, perhaps things can be different…”

126

Bai Yao and Luo Qi rode back to the General’s Residence in the same carriage.

The coachman in front looked back at Bai Yao and helped draw the carriage curtains shut. Bai Yao stopped her crying and raised her hand to rub her aching eyes.

Actress Bai Yao, today’s character portrayal: Temporarily successful.

127

Sitting in the carriage, Bai Yao leaned against the carriage wall to prevent bumping, and supported half of Luo Qi’s body onto herself.

Looking at Luo Qi’s calm face, Bai Yao sighed softly.

In any case, they were finally out.

She just didn’t know how far Yun Yingnan and Qin Dexuan had progressed…

Bai Yao thought that once Luo Qi woke up, they would need to clarify everything and have a good discussion.

128

The sun was setting.

The carriage stopped at the gate of the General’s Residence.

Bai Yao lifted the curtain and saw several maids and servants already waiting at the gate, their faces anxious.

Bai Yao then looked to the side and saw Si Qingyu waiting as promised, nodding at her from a distance.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Bai Yao raised her hand, pinched her face, and was about to squeeze out more tears when she heard someone say, “What is going on here?”

Hearing the unfamiliar voice, Bai Yao paused.

She supported Luo Qi to sit sideways on the seat, then got off the carriage first.

The man outside the carriage wore armor and asked, “What happened?”

Uncertain of the man’s identity, Bai Yao had tear stains on her face and didn’t answer, wearing a look of panic.

Someone nearby said, “Miss, this is Commander Gu.”

Bai Yao was slightly startled.

Commander Gu in Shang Jing must be Gu You, mentioned in the book. According to the book’s description, this man was actually Qin Dexuan’s trusted aide.

Gu You was indeed here on Qin Dexuan’s behalf.

Following Qin Dexuan’s instructions, Gu You was arranging his men everywhere. However, when he saw the two General’s Residence Misses, who were supposed to be invited into the palace, suddenly return, he came over to find out what was going on.

Bai Yao immediately shed tears and said, “Commander Gu, my sister’s old illness suddenly flared up, and she passed away…”

The palace attendant who followed out said, “Commander Gu, please respect the deceased.”

Gu You stepped aside. A cold wind blew past, and something suddenly fluttered in front of his eyes.

Gu You paused, looking at the object that landed at his feet.

It was clearly a piece of hair-like material, or perhaps a…

Fake beard.

His sharp gaze shifted to the person sitting in front of the carriage. Gu You raised his hand to his sword, quickly stepped forward, and placed the blade across the coachman’s neck.

Before the coachman could react, Gu You reached out and ripped off the mask from the coachman’s face.

But after the human skin mask was pulled off, Gu You was stunned.

Under Bai Yao’s astonished gaze, Gu You said, “Your Highness the Crown Prince, why are you here?”

129

Who?

Bai Yao snapped her head around, only to see the coachman in the carriage lowering his head, silent.

And Gu You repeated, “Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

???

130

Seeing that he truly couldn’t hide, Qin Shi An cleared his throat, looked up, and said, “I was just bored and wanted to take a walk.”

Gu You squinted, then withdrew his sword and said, “Dressing up as a coachman to leave the palace and return with the General’s Residence Misses, what kind of act is this, Your Highness?”

Qin Shi An: “…”

Bai Yao: “?”

Gu You’s gaze shifted between Bai Yao and Qin Shi An, making him even more suspicious.

According to the Second Prince’s intention, Consort Jing was supposed to keep an eye on the two General’s Residence Misses to prevent any mishaps. But now, not only had the two Misses left the palace, but they were also accompanied by the Crown Prince.

Tonight was a crucial moment; not a single mistake could be tolerated.

131

Gu You’s eyes darkened. He reached out to lift the carriage curtain, but before he could, there was movement inside the carriage first.

The curtain was pushed open, and Luo Qi stepped out.

?

132

Bai Yao looked at Luo Qi, who had suddenly stepped out of the carriage, and was completely stunned.

???

That shouldn’t be. Why did Luo Qi wake up early?

And why did she just walk out?

After Luo Qi took the medicine, she clearly told her not to move even if she woke up…

Seeing the Miss who was supposedly “dead” suddenly walk out, the few young maids nearby instantly screamed. The rest of the brave ones also had their mouths wide open in astonishment.

133

Standing in the center of the crowd, Luo Qi looked up at the shocked people outside the carriage.

Bai Yao also looked at Luo Qi with great surprise, but then felt something was strange.

Although Luo Qi rarely looked panicked on a normal day, her expression was always calm with a hint of gentleness.

But the current Luo Qi’s expression was a tranquility touched with frost.

The setting sun fell upon her, but the warmth of the color was forcibly suppressed by the coldness in her eyes.

Gu You looked at Luo Qi with equal astonishment, then realized and said to Bai Yao, “Miss, didn’t you say she was dead?”

Bai Yao: “…”

Seeing Bai Yao remain silent, Gu You became more convinced that there was something amiss. Gu You reached out to grab Luo Qi, but Luo Qi looked back at him, quickly raised her hand, and stopped his action.

Luo Qi seemed to use very little force, but Gu You instantly retreated several steps.

Stopping his movement, Gu You looked at Luo Qi with extreme surprise.

This General’s Residence Miss’s internal energy is actually this profound?

After blocking Gu You, Luo Qi also paused. She looked down at her hand, slightly frowning.

Bai Yao looked at the clearly abnormal Luo Qi and asked in confusion, “Luo Qi, what’s wrong?”

Luo Qi looked up at Bai Yao. Some fragmented images flashed through her mind. A hand, holding some kind of medicine, fed it into her mouth.

The owner of that hand overlapped with the woman in front of her.

Before Bai Yao could get closer, Luo Qi raised her hand, drew the sword from Gu You’s side, and placed it horizontally against Bai Yao’s neck.

The cold blade pressed against her skin. Bai Yao abruptly stopped her steps and heard Luo Qi say, “Who are you, and why did you poison me earlier?”

134

?

Wha… what is going on?

Why does the look in Luo Qi’s eyes… seem different?

Did eating Annihilation make her stupid? Damn, she didn’t lose her memory, did she?

Bai Yao tentatively said, “Luo Qi… don’t you recognize me?”

Luo Qi stared intently at Bai Yao, frowned again, but then shifted her gaze away.

135

This turn of events happened too suddenly. Unsure of what was going on, and fearing for Bai Yao’s safety, Si Qingyu, who had been observing from a distance, quickly flew over.

Sensing the movement beside her, Luo Qi looked back. After finding Si Qingyu in the crowd, the coldness on her face receded, replaced by intense surprise.

Luo Qi then said to Si Qingyu, “Ling Long… you’re still alive?”

Cycle

136

Bai Yao vaguely felt that something was completely misplaced.

Facing Luo Qi’s strange expression and address, Si Qingyu was momentarily stunned, looking at Bai Yao beside him in confusion.

Luo Qi had already lowered the sword, reached out, and grabbed Si Qingyu. She said, “What is going on?” Then Luo Qi looked down at her hand again and mumbled, “Why did my internal energy return?”

Seeing Luo Qi’s appearance, Si Qingyu frowned and asked Bai Yao, “What’s wrong with her?”

Bai Yao stared at Luo Qi blankly. Gu You beside them said, “Miss Si? Why are you here again?”

Si Qingyu calmly said, “I just happened to be passing by.”

Gu You’s gaze swept across the few people. He said, “I ask Miss Yun Niao and the Crown Prince to come with me.”

Gu You said, “Poisoning someone is a serious crime. At the very least, you must be taken back for questioning.”

137

After being pushed into the prison cell, Bai Yao silently looked at Qin Shi An beside her.

Qin Shi An guiltily cleared his throat, then consciously took off his outer garment and placed it on the ground. “Miss Yun Niao, please sit.”

Bai Yao didn’t move. She said, “Qin Shi An, why were you following us?”

This was truly too strange.

She had never had any significant interaction with this Crown Prince, yet he followed them, and suddenly blew his cover, messing up the situation.

Seeing the annoyed look on Bai Yao’s face, Qin Shi An said, “I’m sorry, I thought… you could save me.”

Qin Shi An mumbled, “This time there’s finally a change. You could even say everything is different.”

Qin Shi An said, “It all changed because of you.”

Bai Yao was slightly stunned. “What do you mean?”

Qin Shi An said, “I have died three times already. Barring the unexpected, I’m about to die for the fourth time.”

Bai Yao was momentarily speechless.

Seeing Bai Yao remain silent, Qin Shi An smiled helplessly. “Does it sound unbelievable? Well, aside from Xiao Fangzi, no one in this world would probably believe me…”

Bai Yao raised her hand and smacked Qin Shi An on the back of his head.

Qin Shi An: ?

Bai Yao said, “I believe you. Stop with the emotional nonsense and tell me quickly, what exactly is wrong with you?”

138

Qin Shi An wasn’t reincarnated; he was stuck in a death loop.

The first time, he plunged into the struggle for the throne, but unfortunately, he wasn’t skilled in political maneuvering and was quickly eliminated and killed.

He thought everything was over, but he woke up, back a few months before the rebellion.

The second time, Qin Shi An acknowledged his true self and wished to be a carefree person who could abdicate early, but he was still poisoned and killed by Qin Dexuan.

The third time, Qin Shi An decided to cling to the powerful, siding with Qin Dexuan at the critical moment, but was still discarded when no longer useful.

Unlike Bai Yao, Qin Shi An died early every time. He didn’t know who the final winner was, nor which powerful figure was the right one to side with.

What made him even more desperate was that no matter how many times he cycled, every time he tried to change something, those events would inexplicably revert to their original state, pushing him toward the final choice.

Through these cycles, Qin Shi An was forced to accept his fate repeatedly, and repeatedly watch Xiao Fangzi, the young eunuch who grew up with him, die protecting him.

And yet, even though he knew the danger was imminent, he still couldn’t change his fate or save Xiao Fangzi.

But this time, a change occurred.

The major plotlines that never changed began to collapse, and the timeline showed clear variations.

Qin Shi An then discovered that all these changes started after the General’s Residence Miss, who was supposed to have died, didn’t die.

Thus, Qin Shi An gradually came to believe that Yun Niao was the key to unlocking this death loop.

Getting close to this key might be the only hope for starting a new life.

139

Bai Yao: “…”

After hearing Qin Shi An’s words, Bai Yao was momentarily speechless. Then, she thought of something.

The book “Young Master Becomes the Phoenix” had been revised a few times.

The author hadn’t changed other settings, only saying that she was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s plot, so she made several revisions. And those revisions… exactly matched Qin Shi An’s words.

So, Qin Shi An gained his own consciousness, which is why he thought he was trapped in a death loop?

That is truly tragic.

In the original text, Qin Shi An was characterized as a harmless person who died because of his stupidity. He wasn’t a bad person, but he was absolutely unsuitable for the royal family.

But looking at Qin Shi An’s dejected appearance, Bai Yao suddenly thought of another point.

Bai Yao looked at Qin Shi An and asked, “In the previous plots, did you ever run out of the palace?”

Qin Shi An said, “No. I tried to escape early before, but I would always inexplicably return to the starting point.”

Bai Yao said, “Then this time is different. This time, you should be completely reincarnated.”

Not because of the author’s revisions.

Qin Shi An asked, “What do you mean?”

Bai Yao said, “It means that this time you can change the plot… fate, and you won’t necessarily die.”

Qin Shi An was delighted upon hearing this and asked again, “But how do you know?”

Bai Yao: “…”

“Can’t you tell me?” Qin Shi An realized. “It’s fine, it’s fine. If you can’t say, don’t say it. I knew it, you’re not an ordinary person!”

Then Qin Shi An said, “Then… I really dragged you into trouble this time. I’m sorry.”

Bai Yao said, “It’s okay.”

Bai Yao raised her hand and gave Qin Shi An another smack on the back of his head.

Qin Shi An: …?

140

On the other side, Gu You found Qin Dexuan and said, “I just intercepted the General’s Residence Miss and the Crown Prince at the gate of the General’s Residence.”

Qin Dexuan frowned. “How are they together?”

Gu You briefly explained the situation. He said, “So I used the charge of poisoning Yun Qing to temporarily take them back to the dungeon.”

Qin Dexuan asked, “What are they trying to do?”

Gu You shook his head. “I thought the matters here were more important, so I haven’t had a chance to deal with them yet. Should I send someone to interrogate them now?”

Qin Dexuan said, “No need for such trouble.”

“Poisoning, illicit connection, treason—any of these charges are possible. Committing suicide out of fear of these crimes is also highly possible.” Qin Dexuan looked back at Gu You and slowly said, “Do you understand?”

Gu You was slightly startled. He said, “I understand. I’ll make the arrangements now.”

141

Sitting in the cell, Bai Yao appeared expressionless, but her mind was swirling with activity.

Based on Qin Shi An’s words, the world she transmigrated into seemed more like a parallel world, or the “next life,” of the original book.

So, Luo Qi actually remembers Si Qingyu is Yu Linglong. Could it be that the Luo Qi from the book is back?

How could this happen…

Bai Yao lowered her eyes, feeling a bit helpless.

What should she do if this is true?

She had finally helped Luo Qi avoid those plotlines. Her Luo Qi was clearly still her gentle and lovely self. And if the Luo Qi from the book is back, what about her Luo Qi…

Thinking of the indifferent expression Luo Qi had given her earlier, Bai Yao felt a sudden sting in her nose.

Before Bai Yao could shed a tear, the cell door suddenly opened.

142

Looking at the cup of wine handed to him, and then at the obvious, undissolved powder in the wine, Qin Shi An’s face was extremely pale.

Qin Shi An then looked back at Bai Yao, his large eyes filled with confusion.

Qin Shi An conveyed with his eyes: Didn’t you say I would live?

Her previous tears were stopped by this sudden change. Bai Yao cleared her throat and looked up at the ceiling.

143

Qin Shi An’s pleading gaze was too intense. Watching Qin Shi An desperately resist the wine being pressed toward his mouth, Bai Yao couldn’t help but say, “Um…”

The jailer turned his head, glanced at Bai Yao, and grinned. “No need to rush.”

He then pulled another cup out of his clothes. “You have one too.”

Save me.

144

Seeing the wine already touching his lips, Qin Shi An struggled completely.

Perhaps the desperation ignited his potential. Qin Shi An temporarily broke free from a few jailers, and the wine spilled onto the ground.

The jailers immediately became furious and planned to forcibly restrain him again, but before they could act, they heard someone loudly say, “Minister Su, please come this way.”

The voice was very loud, intended to tip off the jailers. The men immediately cleaned up the mess, not forgetting to shoot a threatening look at Qin Shi An and Bai Yao.

Watching the jailers quickly retreat and lock the door, Bai Yao stared at the cell door, feeling trapped in another dead end. Unable to think of a way to escape for a moment, Bai Yao stared intently at the door, as if trying to see through it.

Then, a white robe entered her line of sight, stopping at the cell door in front of Bai Yao.

Bai Yao was startled. She looked up and saw a familiar face.

Misty peach blossom eyes, long dark eyebrows.

“Su Mu Bai?”

Su Mu Bai nodded. “Miss Bai, it really is you.”

He then paused. “Or… should I call you Miss Yun?”

Bai Yao said, “I’m sorry for not telling you my identity all this time.”

Su Mu Bai said, “No, no. I didn’t mean to blame you, Miss. I just wasn’t sure what you would prefer to be called.”

Bai Yao smiled gratefully. “Just call me Miss Bai.”

Bai Yao whispered, “Su Mu Bai, is there any way you can let me out first?”

Qin Shi An quickly stood up beside her and said, “Me, me too!”

Finally noticing the Crown Prince behind Bai Yao, Su Mu Bai was stunned. “What happened here?”

During this time, Su Mu Bai was already greatly surprised when he heard about Bai Yao and Luo Qi’s identities. Then, while handling Yan Yi Tao’s case, he learned that Bai Yao was not Yun Yingnan’s biological daughter.

Consciously fitting Bai Yao and Luo Qi into the storyline of a tragic couple, Su Mu Bai felt that the real world was even more convoluted and bizarre than the book.

After arriving in Shang Jing, Su Mu Bai was appointed as an Imperial Commissioner due to his achievements to continue investigating the corruption of officials under Yan Yi Tao. He was busy and had no time to visit the General’s Residence.

But today, he happened to hear that a Miss from the General’s Residence was sent to the dungeon, so Su Mu Bai rushed over to see.

Thinking the matter was too complicated, Bai Yao briefly said, “We are definitely innocent and were framed. I can explain everything afterward.”

Bai Yao urgently said, “There will be a major catastrophe tonight. I must get out and find Luo Qi…”

“A major catastrophe?”

Bai Yao whispered, “Rebellion… perhaps after tonight, everything will be different!”

Su Mu Bai lowered his eyes and didn’t answer for a moment upon hearing this.

Assuming Su Mu Bai was hesitant, Bai Yao said, “I can’t explain right now how I know all this, but…”

Su Mu Bai said, “I’m not doubting your words, Miss Bai. I trust your character.”

Bai Yao asked, “Then is it too difficult to handle?”

“Not necessarily.” Su Mu Bai looked around. “There aren’t many guards here.”

?

What does that mean?

Su Mu Bai said, “Miss Bai, please wait.”

145

Watching Su Mu Bai turn and leave, Bai Yao assumed that “wait” meant he was going to find someone to help arrange things. To her surprise, a fight broke out outside a moment later.

Then, You Ze walked in, dragging a bruised and swollen jailer, and threw him in front of the cell door.

Watching the jailer tremblingly reach out to unlock the door, Bai Yao silently looked at You Ze, who wore a look of expecting praise, and the calm Su Mu Bai.

Su Mu Bai, your character design seems to have changed further. Was the sweet and innocent persona black on the inside all along?

Dream Seeking

146

Nevertheless, she was finally free.

Bai Yao quickly rushed toward the General’s Residence, only to see Si Qingyu standing alone at the gate.

Seeing Bai Yao return, Si Qingyu asked, “How did you get out?”

She was getting anxious.

Bai Yao looked back at You Ze and Su Mu Bai. “They saved me.”

Si Qingyu nodded. “Did something go wrong with Annihilation? Luo Qi’s memory seems to be problematic.”

She kept calling him Yu Linglong.

Bai Yao asked, “Where is Luo Qi now?”

Si Qingyu said, “For some reason, she said she was going to look for the Third Prince.”

???

Si Qingyu said, “However, I didn’t tell her where the Third Prince is, but she seemed very anxious and went to search for him herself.”

“Where did she go to search?!”

Si Qingyu shook his head. “She didn’t say. Her