The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Live Broadcast Site (9)

…turned around and gradually pushed Bai Yao against the warm stone wall at the edge of the hot spring pool.

Bai Yao was dazed from the kisses, but didn’t forget her earlier words. She reached out with one hand to pull at Luo Qi’s clothes, which only resulted in the entanglement dragging on even longer.

The intense kissing, combined with the steam rising from the hot spring, eventually left Bai Yao utterly exhausted. She only recovered after Luo Qi pulled her out, put dry clothes on her, and carried her back to the room.

189

After this episode, the two advanced further into the ranks of deeply affectionate young lovers. Their various interactions caused Xiao Cha to shake her head and sigh repeatedly, also reminding Bai Yao to be careful with her arm.

In response, Bai Yao leaned happily on Luo Qi’s right shoulder and cheerfully accepted the small grape Luo Qi fed her.

190

The “him” Xiao Cha mentioned arrived earlier than expected.

The next morning, when Bai Yao walked out, she saw a man standing in the open space in front of the house. A cerulean inner garment showed beneath his snow-white robe. A long sword hung on one side of his waist, and a large wine flask was attached to the other.

The strange bird that Xiao Cha had released to find him was circling the man, eventually pecking at the wine flask on the man’s waist.

The man looked down, unhooked the flask, poured some into his palm, and offered it to the small bird. The bird landed on the man’s fingertip and lowered its head to sip the wine.

Then Xiao Cha pushed the door open, saying to Bai Yao, “Oh, good morning…”

Halfway through her sentence, she suddenly saw the man standing outside, paused, and quickly closed the door again.

When she pushed the door open the second time, she was already carefully dressed up.

191

Bai Yao silently walked to Luo Qi’s side and gave Xiao Cha a thumbs-up.

Xiao Cha grinned, then cleared her throat, acting as if she was seeing the man for the first time. “Li Shanfeng! Hey, why are you giving the little bird wine again!”

Hearing the man’s name, Bai Yao instantly understood Xiao Cha’s intention for calling him here.

In the book, Li Shanfeng was briefly mentioned at the martial arts conference that Three Returns (San Gui) had previously attended. He was a swordsman in the martial world who never parted with his wine flask. His martial skill was not mentioned, but he had the ability to be immune to all poisons.

The flowers at the bottom of the cliff probably wouldn’t affect him either.

While Bai Yao was recalling the character profile, Xiao Cha rushed forward, shouting, and snatched the wine flask from the man’s hand.

Allowing the girl to take the large wine flask, Li Shanfeng glanced at Xiao Cha and asked, “What did you call me?”

Xiao Cha’s boldness vanished halfway. She said, “Li Shanfeng…”

Li Shanfeng corrected, “Call me Uncle.”

Xiao Cha stiffened her neck. “I won’t.”

Narrowing his eyes, Li Shanfeng asked, “Why did you call me here?”

Xiao Cha said, “Two people accidentally fell down the cliff. They urgently need to go up, and I want you to help send them up.”

Upon hearing this, Li Shanfeng raised his long, narrow eyes and looked towards Bai Yao and Luo Qi.

Xiao Cha said, “These two are Miss Luo and Miss Bai…”

Before the word “Miss” was out, Li Shanfeng’s figure instantly darted forward, bringing with it a gust of wind.

When the wind stopped, Luo Qi was shielding Bai Yao, and the sword in Li Shanfeng’s hand was at Luo Qi’s neck.

Luo Qi said in a deep voice, “What is the meaning of this, sir?”

Xiao Cha was startled and quickly ran over to pull Li Shanfeng. “Li Shanfeng, what are you doing? They are my friends!”

Seeing that Li Shanfeng had no intention of sheathing his sword, Xiao Cha asked suspiciously, “Do you know them?”

Li Shanfeng finally put away his sword and said, “I don’t know them, but they are silver.”

192

Brother, you look handsome, but why does your eyesight seem poor?

Bai Yao was about to subtly ask Xiao Cha if Li Shanfeng had injured his head recently, but then heard Li Shanfeng say, “Wanted criminals, ten thousand taels each.”

193

Bai Yao and Luo Qi exchanged a look, asking, “Wanted criminals? Us?”

“Daughters of the General’s Residence, Yun Qing, Yun Niao.” Li Shanfeng said, “Yun Yingnan and Qin Wufang failed in their rebellion and have fled to Shuiyan with Prince Shui Yanzhe. Everyone from the General’s Residence is now in custody.”

Bai Yao: “…What are you talking about?”

She understood all the names and words, but put together, it made no sense?

Wasn’t Qin Dexuan allied with Yun Yingnan? How did it become Qin Wufang and…

Bai Yao suddenly realized. Could it be that Qin Dexuan pulled a surprise reversal?

Xiao Cha beside them also said, “Wow, so much has happened?”

Xiao Cha asked, “They fell down two nights ago. When did all this happen?”

“Two days ago?” Li Shanfeng said, “Then you probably don’t know that the former Emperor has already passed away.”

“What?” Bai Yao exclaimed, “Has the new Emperor ascended the throne then?”

“Mhm.”

Bai Yao was shocked. “Qin Dexuan is the Emperor???”

Li Shanfeng looked at her suspiciously. “No.”

No???

Bai Yao asked in confusion, “Then who is the new Emperor?”

“Who else?” Li Shanfeng said, “The Crown Prince, Qin Shi An.”

Bai Yao asked, “Then who is trying to arrest us?”

Recalling Qin Shi An’s behavior in the prison cell, Bai Yao felt the other party wouldn’t turn around and pull a dirty trick on her.

Li Shanfeng said, “I’m not sure.”

194

Bai Yao looked back at Luo Qi, speechless.

Luo Qi, having been told about this part of the original plot by Bai Yao, also slightly frowned.

Li Shanfeng asked, “So, do you still want to go up?”

Bai Yao was stunned.

If they ignored everything else and just hid at the bottom of the cliff, they could enjoy a period of peaceful life.

But…

Bai Yao looked up at Luo Qi.

Doing nothing also meant that they might have to hide forever, becoming existences that couldn’t see the light of day.

195

Bai Yao asked, “Luo Qi, what do you think?”

Luo Qi held Bai Yao’s hand. “Yaoyao, are you scared?”

Bai Yao nodded, then said, “But I don’t want to hide forever either…”

“Mhm.” Luo Qi smiled. “I feel the same way.”

196

The group decided to leave after eating.

Xiao Cha then wrapped up some clothing and silver for Bai Yao and Luo Qi and brought them over. After closing the door, she took out Li Shanfeng’s wine flask from behind her back.

Bai Yao waved her hand and said, “This… you don’t need to give this to us, right?”

Xiao Cha grinned and put a finger to her lips, shushing her.

Then she walked aside, opened the window, poured out the remaining wine in the flask, and turned back to pick up the teapot on the table. While pouring tea into the flask, she said, “He’s getting old; he shouldn’t be drinking all the time. I need to switch him to something healthy.”

Judging by Li Shanfeng’s appearance, he was at most under thirty years old, right?

Xiao Cha continued pouring tea, saying, “I used to switch it out for him every time we met, but later, I don’t know why, he was always reluctant to see me. Since I finally saw him this time, I have to quickly switch it out for him.”

Bai Yao: “…”

197

Tea, do you really not know why he’s reluctant to see you?

198

After eating their fill, Li Shanfeng picked up the wine flask full of tea on the table, glanced back at Xiao Cha, and put the flask back on his waist.

One stick of incense later, Li Shanfeng took Bai Yao and Luo Qi and flew up the Sealed Martial Cliff.

Standing at the cliff edge, Li Shanfeng was about to bid farewell to the two when a person dressed like a woodcutter walked out of the nearby woods. Seeing Bai Yao and Luo Qi from afar, he quickly ran towards them.

199

The woodcutter looked like an old man, carrying a basket of firewood on his back, his body hunched. But at that moment, he ran astonishingly fast.

Seeing this strange sight, Luo Qi and Li Shanfeng immediately prepared for a fight. However, the woodcutter straightened his back as he ran, then raised his hand and pulled off the white beard on his face.

Reaching them, the woodcutter loudly declared, “I was just about to go down and look for you!”

200

Immediately recognizing the familiar voice, Bai Yao exclaimed happily, “Lie Ruyang?”

“Why are you here?”

Lie Ruyang stopped and said concisely, “The situation has changed.”

Bai Yao nodded. “We’ve heard a rough idea.”

Lie Ruyang glanced at Li Shanfeng, quickly pulled out a medicine bottle from his sleeve, and handed it to Luo Qi. “This is the antidote for Transformation. Si Qingyu said it can neutralize the poison from the flowers down below.”

Luo Qi immediately took the antidote and circulated her internal energy.

Looking around, Lie Ruyang said, “There’s no time to talk now. Any further delay might lead to us being discovered. Follow me. Everything is already arranged along the way. The sooner the better.”

“Go?” Bai Yao asked, “Where to?”

Lie Ruyang didn’t answer, looking at Li Shanfeng beside them with some caution.

Li Shanfeng didn’t seem annoyed by the wariness. He raised his hands to Bai Yao and Luo Qi and said, “Farewell.”

Without further pleasantries, he turned and departed.

Lie Ruyang then put down the firewood basket on his back and brushed away the small piles of kindling on top. Beneath it was a pile of clothes, hair ornaments, and two human skin masks.

Watching Lie Ruyang select a mask and hold it up to Luo Qi’s face, Bai Yao asked, “Where are we going?”

While carefully applying the mask, Lie Ruyang said, “To Shuiyan.”

Shuiyan

In the distance were snow-capped mountains stretching for thousands of miles, under a sky as clear as a wash.

Palaces predominantly colored blue and white stood beneath the firmament.

Two carriages traveled all the way to the palace gate. The driver in front took out the token on his waist and said, “From the Jade Brocade Workshop. We’re here to deliver the latest sample clothing for the Princess.”

The gate guards examined the token and then sequentially lifted the carriage curtains to look inside.

The two carriages contained some clothes, and besides the two drivers, an middle-aged woman was seated inside.

“That one is the master tailor. If the Princess is not satisfied with anything, she can help modify it.”

The guard nodded and waved them through.

Sitting inside the carriage, Bai Yao breathed a sigh of relief and rotated her stiff neck once the carriage began moving again.

Along the way, Bai Yao finally understood what had happened in the past few days.

According to the original book’s plot, Qin Mang’s death occurred after the rebellion, interspersed with various confrontations between Qin Wufang and Qin Dexuan.

During that time, Qin Shi An and Qin Dexuan had both perished, allowing Qin Wufang to smoothly ascend the throne.

But now the timeline was chaotic. Le Zhao had been prepared early, and the news of Qin Mang’s impending death was sealed off, unknown even to the palace concubines.

At that time, Su Mu Bai, who learned about the “rebellion” from Bai Yao but not the details, quickly brought Qin Shi An into the palace and worked with Le Zhao, who was standing by, to help Qin Mang draft the imperial decree.

As the Crown Prince, Qin Shi An naturally became the new Emperor.

Qin Dexuan’s original plan was to release false information about his imminent rebellion, lure Qin Wufang into mobilizing troops, and then frame Yun Yingnan and Qin Wufang as traitors to be executed together.

As for Qin Shi An, Qin Dexuan had always underestimated his cowardly and brainless older brother. He had planned to find an excuse to deal with him later. Qin Shi An and Bai Yao delivering themselves to him only made Qin Dexuan feel that Heaven was helping him.

However, although his plan was proceeding smoothly, with Qin Wufang seemingly hooked, news of Qin Mang’s death suddenly came from the palace.

By the time Qin Dexuan received the news and rushed back, the imperial decree had already been read, and everything was finalized.

The fact that Qin Wufang and Yun Yingnan, who had been thrown into the death row, were rescued by You Ze was at the instruction of Le Zhao and Su Mu Bai.

Earlier, Qin Wufang, realizing he had fallen into Qin Dexuan’s trap, had deliberately created the illusion that Si Qingyu was righteously eliminating him to preserve Si Qingyu and his subordinates, leaving a capital for a future comeback.

Upon hearing the news, Le Zhao felt grateful and intended to save Qin Wufang from Qin Dexuan.

After careful consideration, Le Zhao suggested sending Qin Wufang to Shuiyan first.

You Ze often came to Shiyu and got along well with Le Zhao, having a relationship like half-siblings. With Su Mu Bai also speaking up, he agreed.

Su Mu Bai wanted to save Qin Wufang partly because of their previous interactions which had formed a friendship, and partly because he vaguely felt that Qin Wufang was perhaps the more suitable person to be the Emperor of Shiyu.

Also thinking of Bai Yao and Luo Qi, Su Mu Bai suggested rescuing Yun Yingnan along with him.

But how to execute it was a problem.

Si Qingyu initially wanted to use Annihilation again, but remembering Luo Qi’s incident, he felt it was too risky.

As the group was planning, Lie Ruyang flew down from the eaves and joined the plan.

After Qin Mang passed away, the few Dark Disciples were silent for a moment before each left the hall.

Lie Ruyang flew out of the hall and stood by the lotus pond Qin Mang loved most for the entire night.

When the moon faded and the sun rose, Lie Ruyang still hadn’t decided where he should go next, so he simply wandered around.

Then he saw Le Zhao and the others looking extremely serious.

Qin Mang was a person who admired strength and cherished talent. For his Dark Disciples, he didn’t just command and manipulate; he also cared for them with the mindset of a father watching over his children.

As Qin Mang’s exclusive Dark Disciples, Lie Ruyang and the other eleven each held a wooden token personally crafted by Qin Mang.

Once Qin Mang passed away, their constraints related to the royal family would be simultaneously lifted.

With this token, they could leave the palace smoothly, and even collect a significant sum of wealth from the bank designated by Qin Mang, thus regaining their freedom and living the life they wished for.

More importantly, Qin Mang had specified that with this token, they could bring one person out of the palace.

No matter who that person was.

As long as both parties were willing, they could walk out of the Imperial Palace unimpeded.

The Dark Disciples were always protected. Apart from Lie Ruyang, who was skilled at disguise, the other disciples covered their faces all day and rarely spoke. After leaving the palace, they could easily change their identity without worrying about being hunted by the court later.

Lie Ruyang found a fellow Dark Disciple who had not yet left the palace.

This Disciple was one of the people Lie Ruyang had protected and helped escape on Mount Gui Ming. Seeing Lie Ruyang ask, he immediately agreed.

Thus, the next steps involved Qin Shi An summoning Yun Yingnan and Qin Wufang into the palace, and Lie Ruyang and another Dark Disciple secretly taking them out. Then, You Ze secretly transported them to Shuiyan.

At this point in Lie Ruyang’s story, Bai Yao raised a question: “You said it was a secret, so how did Li Shanfeng know they went to Shuiyan with You Ze?”

Lie Ruyang also shook his head in confusion. “It was going very smoothly, but I don’t know why, Qin Dexuan suddenly figured out our plan and almost intercepted them midway. You Ze had to step in…”

“You know how unreserved his temper is, plus that fan of his, as soon as he acted, he was completely recognized.”

Bai Yao quietly nodded.

Lie Ruyang continued, “It’s truly amazing, though. I was hiding nearby, planning to cover their retreat, when I saw a person following Qin Dexuan. When they reached a fork in the road, Qin Dexuan asked that person which way to pursue, and that person actually pointed out the correct direction.”

Bai Yao was startled, suddenly thinking of Xiao Ping’s previous anomaly.

Bai Yao asked, “The person you mentioned, does he look like a fortune teller?”

Lie Ruyang thought for a moment and said, “More or less. Qin Dexuan seemed to call him Mr. Xiao…”

Bai Yao looked at Luo Qi upon hearing this. Luo Qi also realized and said, “It’s Xiao Ping.”

“His name is Xiao Ping?” Lie Ruyang said, “However, he vomited blood after pointing the way. He looked entirely frail and probably won’t live much longer.”

“Won’t live much longer?” Bai Yao muttered, “How could that be…”

She hadn’t expected Xiao Ping’s lifespan to be shortened so significantly.

Lie Ruyang asked, “You said he’s a fortune teller?”

Bai Yao nodded. “He’s a very skilled fortune teller.”

Lie Ruyang said, “That makes sense then. I used to hear the old man from the Bureau of Astrology say that things like fortune-telling and divination need to be done cautiously.”

“If you glimpse too much of the Heavenly Secrets consecutively, Heaven will think you’re in a hurry to get closer to it and will take you away sooner.”

Bai Yao: “…”

It sounds completely unreliable, yet it seems to make some sense.

Thinking of Xiao Ping asking her for a divination earlier, Bai Yao couldn’t help but sigh.

Perhaps Xiao Ping had the same concern, which was why he asked her to help him calculate his future.

The carriage stopped. Bai Yao gathered her thoughts, got up, and pulled open the curtain.

Luo Qi, disguised as a driver, stood beside the carriage and reached out to help Bai Yao down.

Bai Yao put an arm around Luo Qi’s neck and wickedly lowered her head to breathe a puff of warm air into Luo Qi’s ear. She was immediately given a gentle pinch on the waist by Luo Qi.

Smiling, she stopped her small action and obediently got out of the carriage. But after getting out, the first person they saw was not You Ruo.

A woman stood to the side, looking towards the three people disembarking.

The woman was dressed in luxurious clothing, exuding an elegant and graceful aura. Her face possessed a beautiful softness mixed with a sense of calm determination.

The woman then stepped closer, slightly curving her beautiful eyes. She asked, “Which one of you is Xiao Qi?”

Lie Ruyang raised his hand and gently pushed Luo Qi forward. “That’s her.”

The woman turned her gaze to Luo Qi, then nodded and smiled. She said, “Good. You must be tired from the journey. Come inside and rest.”

Bai Yao turned her head, blinking at Lie Ruyang in confusion.

Lie Ruyang whispered, “That is Princess Rong Ning.”

Princess Rong Ning.

Qin Shu.

Bai Yao suddenly remembered Gui An. Luo Qi also looked up at Qin Shu upon hearing the name.

Following Qin Shu into the hall, Bai Yao noticed that the palace maids all referred to Qin Shu as “Princess.”

As soon as they sat down, a cheerful voice rang out: “Are Bai Bai and Yang Yang here too?”

Then You Ruo ran in, holding up her skirt. After seeing the group, she paused and sniffed, then rushed over and hugged Lie Ruyang’s shoulder. “This is Yang Yang!”

Lie Ruyang’s expression stiffened. He said, “Princess is still so amazing.”

Qin Shu smiled at the group and said, “Xiao Ruo, don’t scare Yang Yang again.”

Then she stood up and said, “I have matters to attend to. You all chat.”

Watching Qin Shu leave with the palace servants, Bai Yao couldn’t resist asking, “Why did those palace maids call her ‘Princess’?”

Shouldn’t they be calling her Empress or something similar?

You Ruo smiled. “Aunt Qin is different. Although she is also Father Emperor’s concubine, she is not like the others who share his bed. In reality, she is more like Father Emperor’s strategist.”

You Ruo whispered, “My Father Emperor isn’t very clever, so he relies on Aunt Qin to support him.”

Bai Yao: “…”

Bai Yao understood.

The book had a brief description of Qin Shu, only mentioning her special relationship with the Shuiyan Emperor. Now it seemed this was what it meant.

Helping the group remove the disguises from their faces and heads, You Ruo said, “Aunt Qin has been very busy lately.”

Lie Ruyang asked, “Hasn’t he returned yet?”

You Ruo pouted and nodded. “He insists on staying at the temple and won’t come back no matter what.”

Considering the plot in the book, Bai Yao understood their conversation and said, “…He probably won’t come back.”

According to the original book, the Shuiyan Emperor You Gu suddenly lost interest in being the Emperor and devoted himself to Buddhism. After visiting a temple, he decided to stay there permanently and not return to the palace.

You Gu then passed the throne to You Ze, dedicating the rest of his life to the company of the ancient Buddha.

You Ruo was momentarily stunned, then realized. She said, “Oh, right! Bai Bai, you know the plot! Then… is my Crown Prince brother going to succeed the throne?”

Lie Ruyang, who had been informed by You Ruo about the transmigrating and traversing books, also looked at Bai Yao curiously.

Bai Yao said, “It should have been You Ze originally, but judging from the current situation, it will indeed be your Crown Prince brother.”

You Ruo asked, “Will Father Emperor still appear later? Like come back to the palace to visit or something.”

Bai Yao paused. “Probably not… After all, he didn’t return even when that incident happened in the book…”

You Ruo asked, “What incident happened?”

Bai Yao looked awkwardly at Luo Qi, wondering how to speak, when a palace maid ran in and said, “Princess, you must go and see!”

Seeing the little palace maid’s anxious face, You Ruo quickly got up and asked, “What’s wrong?”

The palace maid panted, “Prince Ze said he’s going back to Shiyu to find someone…”

You Ruo gasped. “Ah? Quickly stop him!”

The palace maid said, “The… the Prince didn’t leave!”

You Ruo sighed in relief. “That’s good. Then why are you so anxious?”

The palace maid said, “No… it’s not because we stopped him… The Prince didn’t leave because news just arrived that Shiyu has declared war on us!”

“Ah???”

Bai Yao was startled. She said, “The plot is moving so fast.”

You Ruo asked, “Is this part of the book’s plot too?”

Bai Yao nodded, contemplating. “There are some differences, but it’s close.”

The palace maid continued, “I heard the army is advancing, and Prince Ze immediately said he would go out to battle…”

Bai Yao urgently said, “Don’t let him go!”

You Ruo asked, “Is there a problem?”

Bai Yao said, “According to the plot, he will die.”

Looking at Luo Qi, Bai Yao said, “Although the conditions might not be met now…”

According to the original plot, after the rebellion, Luo Qi, who had lost her martial arts and suffered the Spirit Sealing Nail punishment, was secretly rescued by Su Mu Bai and sent to Shuiyan.

Luo Qi then met You Ze, who was on a private visit to Shuiyan, and was brought into the Shuiyan Imperial Palace by him.

After accidentally discovering Luo Qi’s whereabouts, Qin Wufang, who had become the Emperor of Shiyu, demanded her return without success, so he directly declared war on Shuiyan.

During the war, You Ze died at Qin Wufang’s hands, the cause of death being an ambush using Luo Qi as bait.

Sensing the worry on Bai Yao’s face, Luo Qi reached out and squeezed Bai Yao’s hand.

Squeezing Luo Qi’s hand back, and thinking about the unpredictable direction of the plot, Bai Yao still said, “It’s better to be careful.”

Hearing Bai Yao say this, You Ruo’s face turned pale. She quickly said, “Okay… I’ll go stop my brother right away!”

Personally Leading the Troops

Bai Yao and the others followed You Ruo and saw You Ze standing there with a frown. Beside him was a man, refined and elegant, wearing a pale blue robe with the same pattern as You Ze’s.

A blue jade crown adorned the man’s head. He was holding out his hand to vaguely block You Ze, dragging his voice with a lazy, smiling tone. “Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Fighting and killing is so unpleasant. Why don’t you continue telling me how you two met?”

The moment he spoke, he shattered the impression he made while static, adding a touch of a roguish air.

Looking at the unique jade crown, Bai Yao immediately guessed his identity.

The current Crown Prince of Shuiyan, You Heng.

As he spoke, he saw You Ruo rush over. You Heng retracted his hand and said, “Why did you take so long to get here? Come on, it’s your turn to persuade him.”

Then he saw Bai Yao and Luo Qi following You Ruo. He asked, “Are these the people you rescued from Shiyu too?”

You Ruo didn’t have time to say much and quickly nodded.

You Heng smiled and waved his hand, casually greeting them. “I’ve been persuading him for a while; my throat is dry.”

A nearby little eunuch quickly handed him the tea in his hand. You Heng took a sip, put it back, then waved again, retrieving the birdcage from another little eunuch and concentrating on teasing the small parrot inside.

Rolling her eyes at You Heng, You Ruo said to You Ze, “Brother, you can’t go to war!”

“What now?” You Ze frowned even more. “You won’t let me return to Shiyu, and you won’t let me fight a war either?”

He was bored and frustrated and wanted something to occupy himself.

You Ruo glanced back at Bai Yao, momentarily unsure how to convince You Ze.

You Ze looked at the indifferent You Heng beside him. “It’s our rule: when an enemy invades, the Emperor personally leads the troops. Since the old man isn’t coming back, and I won’t go, should I let him go?”

You Heng, who was teasing the parrot, twitched his eyebrows. He curved his fox eyes into a smile and slowly patted You Ze’s shoulder. “Thinking about it that way, I think it’s better if you go…”

You Ruo slapped You Heng’s hand away. “You can’t go! You’ll be in danger if you go. Miss Bai… Miss Bai can tell fortunes. She calculated it!”

You Ze asked, “Divination?”

You Ruo nodded confidently.

Fine.

Watching You Ze look at her, Bai Yao straightened her back, held her hands, and offered a deep, knowing expression that was not quite a smile.

Thinking of the previous cliff fall, You Ze said, “You certainly have a tough fate.”

You Ze asked, “When will Su Mu Bai come to find me?”

Bai Yao: “…”

You Ze looked somewhat doubtful. “Didn’t you say you can tell fortunes?”

You Ruo beside them looked at Bai Yao and quickly gave her a meaningful glance.

Bai Yao radio station successfully received sisterly airwaves.

Alright.

A customer has arrived. How can one possibly refuse… no, not refuse, but welcome them?

Under everyone’s gaze, Bai Yao lifted her head, closed her eyes, and began counting on her fingers. She said, “The summer is deep, the days are long, and the night is short and hot. The tail of June is still Cancer. Last night, when I observed the stars, I saw a new star pass by in the distance, like a fish dragging its tail, approaching rapidly, as if it wished to arrive soon.”

Bai Yao said, “Simply put, it will be soon.”

You Ze raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. “Mhm.”

After answering, he took out the fan from his waist and walked off, saying, “Where did I put my saber?”

If he was going to the battlefield, that saber would be handier.

You Ruo quickly reached out to block You Ze. “Didn’t you say ‘soon,’ Brother? Why are you still looking for your saber?”

You Ze said calmly, “Waiting for him to arrive is too slow. I might as well fight my way to him.”

Excuse me, are you referring to fighting your way back to Shiyu?

Is this how grand ambitions are forged?

Seeing You Ruo, who couldn’t stop him, cast a pleading look, Lie Ruyang and Luo Qi exchanged a look.

But before they could intervene and stop You Ze completely, an imperial decree arrived first.

The elderly eunuch, with a trembling voice, finished reading the decree: You Gu stated that he would remain in the temple forever, immediately abdicating the throne and declaring You Heng as the new Emperor.

You Heng, having just heard the decree, didn’t accept it. He turned and tried to run out, but the old eunuch, with lightning speed, hugged his leg and said with a shake, “Your Majesty! Shuiyan relies on you from now on!”

The expression on You Heng’s face changed repeatedly. Seeing that the old eunuch looked like he would fall apart if touched, he couldn’t simply pull his leg free and leave.

Seeing You Heng accept the imperial decree with a complex expression, You Ruo let go of You Ze’s arm, walked closer, and bowed. “Congratulations, Emperor Brother. Please quickly prepare to lead the troops into battle.”

You Heng: “…”

You Heng held the decree in one hand, his face stern, and picked up the birdcage, turning to leave.

You Ruo turned back to You Ze. “Now, you absolutely cannot go.”

Quickly walking over to link her arm with Lie Ruyang’s, You Ruo said to Bai Yao and Luo Qi, “I’ll take you to see General Yun.”

Bai Yao and Luo Qi followed You Ruo, listening to her talk about the trivial matters of the past few days.

You Ruo said to Bai Yao, “I originally thought your dad was a very fierce person and was planning to play a trick on him for you. But seeing that he isn’t in very good health, I didn’t go through with it.”

After saying this, You Ruo realized Luo Qi was still present and immediately pouted apologetically.

Luo Qi didn’t show much reaction, only asking, “What’s wrong with him?”

You Ruo said, “Some chronic illnesses, plus he was poisoned before, and he hasn’t recovered well.”

You Ruo added, “But his mental state is okay, so I go and tell him stories every day.”

Bai Yao asked in confusion, “What stories do you tell him?”

You Ruo chuckled. “At first, it was about a domineering CEO falling in love with me. Later, considering I needed to clear some obstacles for you two in advance, I started telling yuri stories.”

Bai Yao: “…???”

Not understanding the meaning of this, Luo Qi looked down at Bai Yao.

Bai Yao whispered an explanation, “Um… it’s… for example, love stories between women, similar to you and me.”

Luo Qi nodded in understanding, then asked, “Then, does he like listening to them?”

Just as Luo Qi’s words fell, the group reached Yun Yingnan’s courtyard and heard someone inside say, “Is that You Ruo, the girl, who’s here? Come in. What happened to Little Hundred and Little Together? Hurry up and continue the story.”

Bai Yao: “?”

No one would have expected it.

Yun Yingnan, the Shiyu God of War General who had spent half his life on horseback, actually had a hidden heart that loved web novels.

Resting in bed, listening to You Ruo tell stories every day, Yun Yingnan was essentially in the state of chasing a serialized novel.

But linking it to Yun Yingnan’s previous delusion about the “blessing” and carrying a deceased person’s jade pendant with him daily, Bai Yao somewhat understood.

He seemed like a young man who loved fantasy from the very beginning.

The group followed You Ruo into the room. Yun Yingnan looked up and paused his movement.

“Qing’er?” His gaze fell upon Bai Yao. He frowned and remained silent.

Thinking Yun Yingnan still couldn’t accept Yun Niao, Bai Yao didn’t mind. She was thinking of moving back a few steps to give Luo Qi space for a father-daughter reunion, but before she could move, Luo Qi gripped her hand tightly.

Bai Yao was slightly startled. Then the hand tightened again, pulling her back to her side.

Luo Qi reached out, put an arm around Bai Yao’s waist, and looked directly at Yun Yingnan. She replied, “Mhm.”

Seeing the sick and rapidly emaciated Yun Yingnan, there was a moment when Bai Yao was truly worried that Yun Yingnan might just pass out.

But the sharp gaze cycled between Bai Yao and Luo Qi. The mustache on Yun Yingnan’s lip twitched a few times, and in the end, he only said, “As long as you’re safe.”

The utterly bored You Ze called Qin Wufang outside for a sparring match. Over the sound of the fighting, You Ruo didn’t continue the story but explained the recent events to Yun Yingnan.

After listening to You Ruo finish explaining the war news, Yun Yingnan frowned and asked, “Who is leading the troops on Shiyu’s side?”

You Ruo: “…”

She hadn’t thought to ask that.

The palace maid who had brought the news earlier said, “It’s the new Emperor.”

Qin Shi An?

Bai Yao blinked in confusion.

According to Qin Shi An’s previous statement, although he had lived multiple times, he had been constrained by the plot’s character settings in the previous cycles and hadn’t changed much.

And even though he had changed this time, based on their last meeting, Bai Yao felt he still hadn’t improved much compared to the description in the book.

Although Yun Yingnan was once Shiyu’s strongest general, Shiyu wasn’t without capable generals besides him. At least there were many people better than Qin Shi An.

Pushing Qin Shi An out so hastily now was probably not Qin Shi An’s voluntary decision.

Bai Yao’s suspicion was correct.

Qin Shi An was entirely driven to the front lines by Qin Dexuan, along with a group of ministers, like a duck being herded.

Shuiyan had a tradition of the Emperor personally leading the troops in battle. And their Emperor, You Gu, was a formidable character that even a fully capable Yun Yingnan would have trouble with.

Qin Shi An clearly thought: If he went to the front, and the commanders-in-chief dueled as per custom, wouldn’t he be sending his head to be chopped like cabbage?

Qin Dexuan’s action was clearly intended to have him perish out there.

However, after several failed escape attempts, and feigning illness didn’t work either, Qin Shi An had no choice but to seek help from Le Zhao before departure.

Le Zhao couldn’t help either, only managing to find out that the Shuiyan Emperor had apparently gone to a temple and might not participate in this battle.

Finding a silver lining in misfortune, Qin Shi An, with a nervous heart, was sent all the way to the front.

“Someone has arrived from the Shuiyan side.”

“Who is leading them?”

“They say it’s their new Emperor, the former Crown Prince You Heng.”

Qin Shi An immediately let out two sighs of relief. The first was because Le Zhao’s news was correct.

The second was because the person who came was not You Ze.

You Ze frequently visited Shiyu, and Qin Shi An knew a thing or two about his martial skills.

You Heng, on the other hand, had a reputation for being “notorious,” allegedly considered the most aimless Crown Prince in Shuiyan. This had indirectly eased a lot of the pressure on Qin Shi An as Crown Prince.

When he was urged on horseback to the front of the formation, looking at the young man with the faint smile on his face, Qin Shi An let out a third sigh of relief.

The opponent looked slender, refined, and scholarly…

He faintly radiated the same good-for-nothing aura as himself.

Facing the young man, Qin Shi An put on an extremely friendly smile and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…?”

The few generals who could hear the conversation on both sides looked on with weird expressions.

On the other side, You Heng slightly raised an eyebrow, squinted his fox eyes, and returned a smile. “Mhm, a pleasure to meet you too.”

Qin Shi An asked, “May I presumptuously ask… Brother, are you good at fighting?”

You Heng smiled and shook his head. “Completely not. I don’t fight.”

Qin Shi An was completely relieved. He laughed, “Ahaha, that’s fine, I don’t either!”

The generals on both sides nearby: “…”

It seemed that conventionally, the trash-talking phase should last a bit longer. But there was really nothing more to say. Qin Shi An cleared his throat and said, “Your Shuiyan sky is truly blue.”

“Mhm.” You Heng looked up. “It’s alright, isn’t your Shiyu sky this blue?”

Qin Shi An: “It’s slightly…

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