The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Live Broadcast Site (12)

…In the back, Lie Ruyang frowned slightly and leaned forward to ask, “Is the wine that good?”

Bai Yao turned back to look at Lie Ruyang. “It tastes good while you’re drinking it, but it’s quite uncomfortable afterward.”

She paused, then stated with emphasis: “The more you drink, the more uncomfortable it is.”

Your friend Bai Yao is attempting to send a signal.

Hearing Bai Yao say this, Lie Ruyang frowned even more, subconsciously looking toward You Ruo. Then she softly “Tsked,” lifted her skirt, and stood up.

Your friend Lie Ruyang successfully received the signal.

Seeing Lie Ruyang finally take action, Luo Qi laughed softly.

The sound, as if naturally imbued with premium reverb, fell on Bai Yao’s ear, dangerously sweet.

Bai Yao rubbed her tingling back and looked up to ask, “What are you laughing at?”

Luo Qi said, “Yaoyao was deliberately provoking her just now.”

Bai Yao curved her eyes and smiled. “That wooden block needs a bit of tapping, doesn’t it?”

94

You Heng was currently enjoying the game.

Although You Ruo was already drunk, she still insisted on winning, which suited You Heng perfectly.

Seeing You Ruo lose another round, You Heng narrowed his fox eyes and reached out to refill You Ruo’s cup.

Pretending not to see the warning look from You Ze, You Heng handed the full cup over, saying, “Hahaha, come, come, drink quickly.”

You Ruo was half-slumped over the table. She let out a deep breath, struggling to lift her head, and frowned as she reached for the wine cup.

Before she could reach it, a hand stretched out and snatched the cup away first.

The cup suddenly vanished from her sight. The slightly dazed You Ruo asked “Huh?” in confusion, then looked down again, trying to find if the cup had fallen somewhere.

The game interrupted, You Heng looked up at Lie Ruyang, slightly displeased. “Hey, what are you doing?”

But after glancing at You Ruo nearby, You Heng narrowed his eyes and curved his lips. “What, Little Yang, are you feeling concerned for her?”

Lie Ruyang quickly said, “No.”

“Then what is the meaning of this?”

Lie Ruyang said, “I want to taste the wine.”

You Heng was stunned, then laughed. “If you want wine, do you need to snatch it from my hand…”

Halfway through his sentence, recalling that Lie Ruyang seemed to never drink, You Heng said, “Fine. If you’re not concerned but want to drink, then consider this wine poured for you. Go ahead and taste it.”

95

After searching for the cup on the ground for a long time, You Ruo turned her head in a daze, just in time to see Lie Ruyang look down at the cup in her hand, then flip her wrist and drink it all in one gulp.

Putting down the empty cup, Lie Ruyang frowned and coughed softly.

Seeing Lie Ruyang really chug it, You Heng said “Wow” with a laugh.

You Ruo, nearby, tugged at Lie Ruyang’s skirt, stood up, and said, “Are you… are you a fake Yangyang…”

As she spoke, she reached out to pull the veil from Lie Ruyang’s face. “My Yangyang, she never drinks…”

Lie Ruyang raised a hand to stop You Ruo. “…Princess, you are drunk.”

But You Ruo immediately reached out again to pull at her, looking like she wouldn’t let up.

“Forget it, forget it, no more playing.” You Heng pointed at the almost completely drunk You Ruo and said to Lie Ruyang, “You should take her back.”

Lie Ruyang nodded and began pulling You Ruo toward the exit. A palace maid nearby stepped forward to help, but You Ruo shuffled her feet and absolutely refused to cooperate.

Watching the group move like vacuum cleaners, Bai Yao was speechless and simply said, “Lie Ruyang, why don’t you just carry her? Are you muscle-weak?”

Lie Ruyang, who was currently being assaulted by You Ruo’s flying kicks: “?”

She didn’t quite understand what Bai Yao meant, but feeling that it was a challenge to her strength, Lie Ruyang bent down and lifted You Ruo horizontally into her arms. “I have plenty of strength.”

Bai Yao grinned and gave her a thumbs-up.

Lie Ruyang returned a raised eyebrow, carrying You Ruo out.

96

Shuiyan had always valued military strength over elaborate etiquette, and since You Heng was not a stickler for rules, the meal was very casual.

People gradually left in scattered groups. In the end, after Qin Wufang was also sent off, only You Heng remained standing in the hall.

The total number of people was not just You Heng, as there was one person lying on the floor.

You Heng walked over and gently kicked Qin Shi An, who seemed to be fast asleep.

Dimly aware in his sleep that he was under external threat, Qin Shi An quickly responded—

He smacked his lips, turned over, and continued sleeping.

You Heng was silent for a moment.

If he were an assassin, he would have hit the jackpot.

Lifting his robe and squatting down, You Heng lamented, “Bro, your performance in every aspect is truly so bad it could cover an entire field.”

He really isn’t suited to be an emperor.

He pulled out a written note from his sleeve, wrapped it around a medicine bottle, and tucked it into the hidden pocket of Qin Shi An’s sleeve. You Heng said, “Since we met, here’s a small gift before I leave.”

97

The next day, everyone formally said goodbye and left Shuiyan.

Because Yun Yingnan suggested taking Yun Niao back to Shiyu for burial, You Ruo had people prepare a good coffin beforehand.

But when it was time to say farewell, everyone had gathered, but You Ruo had not appeared.

Bai Yao looked into the distance and said to Luo Qi, “Did she get so drunk yesterday that she hasn’t woken up yet?”

Luo Qi had just shaken her head when a figure appeared from the direction of the Princess’s residence.

Bai Yao blinked, trying to identify if it was You Ruo. The figure flew up, arriving in front of the crowd in a few steps.

Bai Yao paused, saying with a bit of surprise, “Lie Ruyang?”

Lie Ruyang fumbled slightly to adjust the veil on her face, then nodded quickly.

Glancing at Lie Ruyang’s slightly messy bun, Bai Yao asked, “Did you stay in the Princess’s residence last night…”

Before Bai Yao could finish asking, Lie Ruyang said urgently, “Let’s go!”

Le Zhao, who was nearby, sized up Lie Ruyang. “Little Yang, are you here to see us off?”

Lie Ruyang shook her head. “I’m returning to Shiyu with you.”

Bai Yao was stunned. “Huh?”

Su Mu Bai had decided to stay in Shuiyan for a while. Bai Yao had initially thought that Lie Ruyang’s protective actions toward You Ruo last night meant she was slowly figuring things out.

Lie Ruyang glanced at Bai Yao and Luo Qi. “Aren’t you two getting married soon? Anyway, I still have to return to Shiyu to see…”

Bai Yao was a little skeptical. “Then will you come to Shuiyan again in the future?”

Lie Ruyang froze slightly, then said, “Which horse… which horse should I ride?”

Watching Lie Ruyang deliberately walk off to the side to cover up, the few people remaining looked at each other, and in the end, they could only move to follow her.

Before turning to leave, Bai Yao said to Su Mu Bai, “I’m leaving for good this time. Don’t jinx it again.”

Su Mu Bai nodded. “Miss Bai is right. I’ve noted it down.”

After experiencing so many misunderstandings, he had gradually understood the meaning behind Bai Yao’s words.

Looking up at Bai Yao, You Ze asked, “What does ‘jinx’ (literally ‘poison milk’) mean?”

Bai Yao blinked. “It means that whatever good things he says, the opposite bad thing often happens.”

Bai Yao curved her eyes and smiled at Su Mu Bai. “So, you might as well say the opposite of what you mean in the future. It might have a good effect.”

Su Mu Bai whispered, “I already tried it.”

Earlier, in the valley, he forced himself to say “I don’t believe you” to You Ze, and nothing bad happened.

Figuring out the reason for that day’s events through this short dialogue, You Ze looked down at Su Mu Bai and smiled slightly.

Bai Yao didn’t know when Su Mu Bai had tried it, but since the reminder was given, she didn’t ask further.

Turning around, she mounted the horse with Luo Qi, settled Luo Qi’s hand on her waist for support, curved her eyes, waved her hand, and formally bid farewell.

98

Traveling to the Shiyu army’s station, Bai Yao saw Gu Sanmei waiting at the border pass.

At Black Cloud Stronghold, Gu Sanmei didn’t know that Luo Qi was actually a woman. Now that he finally understood, Gu Sanmei was even happier, constantly exclaiming, “Pretty girls should only marry pretty girls!”

Later, hearing that the two planned to marry, Gu Sanmei immediately declared that he would take care of both their wedding dresses and makeup.

After their last separation, Si Qingyu reunited with the three leaders of Black Cloud Stronghold. They didn’t mention Si Qingyu’s previous role as a spy, but instead chatted about many past events as usual.

99

After returning all the way to Shiyu, Yun Yingnan did not take Yun Niao back to Shangjing but buried her on Yan Mountain.

It was said that Yun Niao had heard people speak of the beautiful scenery of Yan Mountain during her life and had mentioned several times that she wanted to see it.

After leaving Yan Mountain, Luo Qi and Bai Yao explained their plans to Yun Yingnan.

Although Bai Yao was now free from Yun Niao’s identity, they still preferred to return to the Carefree Tower to live, integrating into the freer jianghu, rather than staying at the General’s residence.

After hearing their words, Yun Yingnan did not try to make them stay, only nodded and reminded Luo Qi to return every year on Luo Qingfan’s death anniversary.

Luo Qi agreed, and the two said goodbye to everyone and turned toward Jiangqi.

Everlasting Knot

100

Life at the Carefree Tower was extremely comfortable—good food, good drinks, and so leisurely that they might grow mushrooms.

101

Initially, when everyone saw Luo Qi bring back another girl, saying they planned to live there permanently and hold a wedding, they were both surprised and delighted.

However, thinking that Luo Qi had quickly found a new lover, Xia Qian’s jaw nearly dropped.

Bai Yao simply explained that she had been wearing a skin/face mask before and that this was her real face, which finally brought Xia Qian’s twisted, shocked expression back to normal.

102

There were elderly people in the Tower who understood birth dates and the lunar calendar, and they immediately helped the couple choose an auspicious date, setting it for half a month later.

As the date drew near, everyone in the Tower prepared joyfully. Luo Qi supervised and helped out, while also dealing with some minor Jiangqi affairs. In contrast, Bai Yao, the other party involved, was completely idle.

Two major events happened during this time:

One was that You Heng, the Emperor of Shuiyan, disappeared again. He only took a parrot with him and left behind an imperial decree, relinquishing the throne to his beloved sister, You Ruo, stating that he would never return to the palace and would instead devote himself to nature.

The second was that Qin Shi An, the Emperor of Shiyu, suddenly succumbed to a fatal illness. The officials elected Qin Wufang as the new Emperor.

It was somewhat peculiar that Qin Shi An left behind a decree before his death. Aside from naming a young eunuch to be buried with him, he stated that all matters after his death should be simple, and all civilian mourning, wedding, and marriage activities should not be halted.

Thus, while the common people initially had little affection for this new Emperor who died too quickly and had no political achievements, they developed a sense of respect and gratitude because of this “thoughtfulness.” Some people even genuinely mourned him for a few days.

103

But those were other people.

While Wei Siyu shook her head and lamented the loss of a young life, Bai Yao looked down at the letter in her hand, feeling completely unbothered.

Because the recently deceased Qin Shi An had just sent her a letter.

The sender’s signature was Xun Bin, but the content was all Qin Shi An rambling.

He wrote that he had taken the medicine according to You Heng’s note and had successfully escaped the palace with Qin Wufang’s help. He was now with Little Fangzi, following You Heng’s directions, and had found Xun Bin.

He also mentioned that Xun Bin, being a famous Shiyu wealthy merchant, had some connection with You Heng, who was skilled in business, and had taken him in without much persuasion.

He then spent several large pages discussing his feelings about his past lives and describing his beautiful aspirations for the future.

Just when Bai Yao was about to fall asleep, the last few lines finally contained a few words of early blessing for her and Luo Qi.

Fortunately, along with the letter, he sent two sets of extremely precious jewelry, meticulously crafted by skilled palace artisans before Qin Shi An faked his death, which slightly improved the quality of the blessing.

Bai Yao immediately sent the jewelry to Gu Sanmei, who now managed the small shops under the Carefree Tower, so Gu Sanmei could see if any modifications needed to be made to match the wedding attire.

104

The day before the auspicious date, Bai Yao finalized the ultimate version of the wedding dress with Gu Sanmei, and then was pulled by Gu Sanmei to try on makeup.

Allowing Gu Sanmei to apply the makeup, Bai Yao said, “Luo Qi seems very busy these days. I wonder if her wedding dress fits.”

Gu Sanmei replied, “She already tried it on.”

Bai Yao was startled. “Oh?”

Gu Sanmei steadied Bai Yao’s head. “She came yesterday afternoon to try it. No problems.”

Bai Yao nodded. “I see.”

Gu Sanmei added, “She has run over here many times. Many of the patterns on this dress were changed by her. She probably wanted to give you a surprise. Oh no, did I just give it away?”

Bai Yao paused, then curved her lips into a smile.

No wonder Luo Qi had been missing a lot recently.

105

Returning to the Carefree Tower from Gu Sanmei’s place, Bai Yao searched the Tower but couldn’t find Luo Qi.

Seeing Wei Siyu walking over from the corridor, Bai Yao called out, “Siyu!”

Wei Siyu’s footsteps paused, and she turned around as if she hadn’t heard anything.

106

?

Bai Yao’s Handbook: Deaf ears mean a guilty conscience; unusual behavior means trouble.

Before Wei Siyu walked too far, Bai Yao took a deep breath and repeated, “Wei! Si! Yu!”

The sound startled a few sparrows from the branches. Wei Siyu stopped, turned around, and forced a smile. “Oh, I heard you.”

Bai Yao walked over, sizing her up, and then looked at the small pastry in her hand. “Did you make that for Xia Qian?”

Wei Siyu nodded.

Bai Yao blinked, curving her eyes into a smile. “I figured. You didn’t stop when I called you. Are you afraid I’ll fight him for the food…”

Wei Siyu paused, then quickly nodded.

107

Ahem.

Your frequency of nodding makes you seem even more guilty.

108

Bai Yao looked at the item in Wei Siyu’s hand again, thinking that perhaps the young girl was just a little nervous about seeing Xia Qian. She changed the subject. “Where is Luo Qi? Do you know where Luo Qi went?”

Wei Siyu shook her head even faster. “No, no, no, I don’t know!”

Bai Yao: “…”

109

Friend, this quadruple negative basically means you know but don’t want to tell me, doesn’t it?

Before Bai Yao could ask again, a small kitchen helper passing by heard their conversation and said, “I know. The Young Master went to the Star Moon Chamber (Xingyue Fang).”

Luo Qi no longer showed herself in men’s clothing in the Tower, but everyone was so used to calling her “Young Master” that they couldn’t change immediately, so Luo Qi let them continue.

Bai Yao nodded. “Is there something…”

Is there something that needs to be handled there?

Bai Yao knew that whenever there was an issue in Jiangqi, people often came to ask for help from Young Master Qi An.

But Wei Siyu said urgently, “Miss Bai, please don’t overthink it! You are getting married tomorrow! Young Master definitely did not go there to see if there are any particularly pretty and talented girls one last time!”

Bai Yao: “…”

Wei Siyu abruptly covered her mouth.

Those words were jokes from the few gossiping boys in the kitchen. She had just argued with them for a long time, and the words had slipped out in her haste.

Bai Yao silently reached out and patted Wei Siyu’s shoulder. “…I’m going to take a look.”

110

The tower was built surrounding the lake. Several large and small boats were moored in the lake, all belonging to the same pleasure ground as the lakeside building, with the same star and moon patterns carved on the boat eaves.

Although it was still daytime, the sounds of music, lyrics, and melodies could be heard.

It was the Star Moon Chamber, the number one dance hall in Jiangqi.

Unlike ordinary brothels and dance halls, the Star Moon Chamber was a marvelous creation that combined both elegance and vulgarity.

There were performers who did not show their true faces, elegant talented women skilled in both lyrics and music, dazzling dancers with world-class moves, and even companions who exchanged their bodies for money and wine.

But everyone respected each other, sought fair exchange, had no need for shame, and prioritized pleasure.

111

Bai Yao came dressed in women’s attire.

According to the original book’s description, the Star Moon Chamber had both men and women. Those who came here were not just men but also many women.

When Bai Yao arrived beneath the building, she indeed saw women going in and out.

She smoothed her skirt, felt the plump small purse in her embrace, and walked into the building with her head held high.

112

Bai Yao couldn’t hold her head high for long. After walking for a while, she was attacked by a large butterfly.

The large butterfly raised her seductive phoenix eyes at Bai Yao. “Oh, Miss, are you here for some fun?”

Looking at the exaggerated dress, Bai Yao immediately recognized this butterfly person she had briefly met before: Chen Shuangshuang.

Chen Shuangshuang winked seductively at Bai Yao. “What kind of fun would Miss like to have?”

Bai Yao blinked. “Just browsing.”

As she spoke, she saw Luo Qi walk out of the innermost room on the second floor, standing at the doorway, seemingly listening to something Miss Rui was saying.

Bai Yao raised her hand, about to call out, but Chen Shuangshuang, who noticed Bai Yao’s gaze, pressed Bai Yao’s hand down.

Chen Shuangshuang said earnestly, “Are you here looking for Young Master, too?”

Bai Yao nodded.

But Chen Shuangshuang pouted. “Sigh, forget it. It’s too late. Young Master is getting married tomorrow. She ignored us completely when she came today, and went straight to Miss Rui to discuss some matter.”

113

After complaining, Chen Shuangshuang wanted to pull Bai Yao into sighing together, but instead, she saw Bai Yao curve her eyes and smile.

“…Why are you smiling, Miss? Are you… mad with frustration?”

Bai Yao kept her eyes curved, watching Luo Qi finally notice her. After a slight pause, Luo Qi quickly walked toward her.

Upon reaching her, Luo Qi asked, “Yaoyao? Why did you come here?”

“I heard people in the Tower say you were here, so I came to find you.”

Seeing Luo Qi intimately take Bai Yao’s hand and hearing Luo Qi call her Yaoyao, Chen Shuangshuang was momentarily stunned.

“You… are also named Yaoyao?”

She had only heard that the person Young Master was marrying was named Bai Yao, and she thought it was the woman she had met once before, but she never expected it to be a different person.

But the name is still Yaoyao.

She had only heard of people liking the same face, but she didn’t realize people also liked the same name…

Noticing Chen Shuangshuang’s thoughts, Miss Rui walked over and smiled. “Is this Miss Bai’s true appearance?”

She then said to Chen Shuangshuang, “Don’t be silly. Miss Bai was wearing a mask last time.”

Chen Shuangshuang finally realized, nodding her head.

The two walked out of the Star Moon Chamber. Bai Yao asked, “Is there something you needed to do here?”

She only asked casually, but Luo Qi’s steps stiffened slightly. “Nothing.”

Luo Qi repeated, “…Nothing.”

Bai Yao blinked. But before she could speak again, a child rushed out from the side, holding a bowl of noodles. He stumbled while running and fell to the ground, splashing noodles and soup all over himself.

Luo Qi quickly pulled Bai Yao away, but some of the broth still splattered onto Bai Yao’s skirt.

Following this, the waiter from the nearby restaurant and his people chased after him, completely pinning the struggling child to the ground, cursing and threatening to hit him.

Luo Qi raised her hand to stop the strong thug, frowning. “Stop.”

The thug was about to curse at her for interfering, but swallowed his words after clearly seeing Luo Qi’s appearance.

Recently, Young Master Qi An had been showing herself in women’s attire, and the people of Jiangqi were gradually getting used to it.

The lead waiter said, “Oh, Young Master, we’re not bullying him. You don’t know, this little thief came to our area a few days ago, sticky-fingered, stealing things everywhere. He needs to be taught a lesson.”

Looking down at the bruises on the “little thief’s” wrist, Luo Qi said, “How much did he steal? I’ll pay for him.”

Hearing Luo Qi say this, the waiter also had his men stop. “No need, no need. But if Young Master is willing, why don’t you take him back to the Tower? It’ll save him from this, and it will be easier for us small workers.”

While the waiter was talking to Luo Qi, Bai Yao helped the child on the ground up, wiping away his string of tears, which also rubbed away some of the black smudges on his face, revealing a surprisingly fair small face.

…?

This face… why does it look a little… familiar?

115

Treated gently after a long time, the child sniffled, looked up, and met Bai Yao’s gaze, saying tearfully, “Thank you, ma’am.”

At this point, Luo Qi had nodded, planning to take him back to the Tower. The waiters walked away, and Luo Qi also turned back to look at the child nearby.

She also found him somewhat familiar.

Bai Yao asked, “Why are you here alone? Where is Xiao Ping?”

116

Bai Yao had now recognized that this battered child was clearly the one who had followed Xiao Ping that day.

It was just that at that time, she was in Yun Niao’s form, and Luo Qi was in men’s clothing, so the child didn’t recognize them.

“You know… my master?” The child shed another string of tears. “Master… Master is dead.”

117

The child’s name was Xiao Guo, given by Xiao Ping.

Presumably to commemorate his own birth name, Xiao Ping Guo (Xiao Apple).

After Xiao Ping died, Qin Dexuan’s subordinates did not trouble Xiao Guo much, but they also didn’t arrange a way for him to live.

They simply tossed him out, leaving him to fend for himself.

Xiao Guo had nowhere to sleep at night. Once, he hid in a large cart filled with straw and ended up traveling with the cart to Lindan the next day.

He had nowhere to go. Initially, his clothes and appearance were somewhat decent, and occasionally people would give him some food.

But after some time, he slowly became a little beggar.

The leader of the beggar community in Lindan was a rather fierce, lame man.

He made the little beggars beg and hand over what they collected to him. If it wasn’t enough or not good enough, they would be beaten.

Xiao Guo was inarticulate and couldn’t beg for good things. He was beaten many times, and with no alternative, he walked all the way to Jiangqi.

Later, being desperately hungry, he started stealing food. When he was caught, he was beaten.

But the next time he was starving, he had no choice but to risk another beating to steal.

118

After Xiao Guo haltingly recounted his rather sad ordeal, Luo Qi frowned slightly, and Wei Siyu, who was helping to apply ointment to his wounds nearby, sniffled.

Bai Yao bent down, rubbed Xiao Guo’s small face, and said, “Tell me, why didn’t you just grab a steamed bun and run? Why were you so greedy, insisting on carrying a big bowl of noodles? Didn’t it burn your hands? Next time, remember to take something smaller.”

Wei Siyu: “…”

Xiao Guo was stunned by her words, unsure whether to nod or shake his head. After holding it in for a long time, he said, “It burned.”

Bai Yao couldn’t help but laugh. She took Xiao Guo’s small hand and gently massaged it, saying softly, “Don’t worry. You won’t have to do that anymore. Tell everyone what you want to eat. You don’t have to run away with it anymore.”

Xiao Guo’s eyes welled up with tears upon hearing this.

Bai Yao quickly waved her hand in front of his face. “Hey, you can’t keep crying! I’ll take you to eat fragrant, tender chicken drumstick rice in a moment. Smile, okay?”

Xiao Guo swallowed his saliva, held back his tears, and nodded forcefully. “Mhm!”

119

After comforting Xiao Guo and leaving the room, Luo Qi took Bai Yao’s hand. “Yaoyao, let me show you something.”

120

Bai Yao finally fully understood what Luo Qi had been busy with all these days.

The entire courtyard of goods was tied with large red silk ribbons.

Gold, silver, treasures, jade, silk, and cloth—all sorts of rich items, like a treasury, filled the entire side courtyard.

Luo Qi said softly, “Half of the eastern side is my betrothal gift for Yaoyao, and the western half is Yaoyao’s dowry.”

Bai Yao looked at the courtyard full of things, her eyes welling up. “Why did you prepare a dowry for me too? And so much…”

Luo Qi curved her lips. “Yaoyao cannot lack anything that others have.”

She paused, then added softly, “I also want to give Yaoyao things that others don’t have.”

121

The next day, before dawn, Bai Yao was pulled up by Wei Siyu and put through a thorough preparation process.

Afterward, the few people who were invited to the celebration arrived early.

With princesses and princes among the guests, the group walked into the Tower with great fanfare, scaring the residents of the Tower who thought something was wrong. It wasn’t until Xia Qian recognized Su Mu Bai that everyone relaxed.

You Heng and Qin Wufang did not attend but sent gifts.

When the congratulatory gifts from all sides were brought in one by one, they instantly filled several empty storerooms in the Tower.

122

Beautiful red silk ribbon wound for miles, connected with large red lanterns, tracing the path from the place where the two first met.

Cheerful music proceeded along the street, scattering wedding candies and red envelopes, creating ripples of congratulations among the bustling crowd.

There was no groom riding a horse, yet the wedding was grander and more joyous than any wedding with a groom in Jiangqi.

The banquet was held in one location within the Carefree Tower and another at the Huifeng Inn, where the two first met.

Yun Yingnan, Gui Wang, and Gui Lan sat at the main seats, watching with smiles as the two newcomers walked hand-in-hand and completed the ceremony.

Everyone celebrated and offered auspicious wishes. Following that was time reserved only for the two of them.

123

Inside the bridal chamber, red silk adorned everything, and the eye was met with joyous colors.

Luo Qi raised her hand to lift the veil, gazing at Bai Yao beneath it.

Between the crimson lips and moth eyebrows were a pair of bright eyes that instantly dimmed all the pearl hairpins and jade ornaments. Her eyes held the expression Luo Qi was familiar with.

It reminded Luo Qi of their first meeting.

Caught and locked in the woodshed, all the other girls were terrified, but that little girl knew to stack firewood to dismantle the window bars.

The seemingly frail little girl, whose waist was so thin it seemed Luo Qi could snap it, looked silly holding the sash. Yet, when she turned to look at Luo Qi, her eyes held an unyielding stubbornness, full of spirit.

From the very beginning, what attracted her was not just the physical appearance, but that unique little girl who had unconsciously drawn her whole heart.

124

Fingertips traced over her brows and eyes. Luo Qi leaned in, gently kissing along the path her fingers had traveled, gradually pressing her down with tender movements.

Bai Yao followed the kisses and quietly settled into the soft bedding, so nervous that she was slightly holding her breath. Wrapped in gold-woven red silk, she was like a flower waiting to be picked.

Peeling away layer after layer of the flower’s petals, Luo Qi raised her hand to stroke Bai Yao’s collarbone and said softly, “Yaoyao has a mole here.”

Bai Yao was naturally fair-skinned, with a cool undertone that made her even whiter. The shallow mole nestled beneath her collarbone accentuated an even more alluring charm.

Luo Qi lowered her eyes, undoing the last constraints, taking in the enchanting beauty, and the tide of stars began to rise.

She said in a deep voice, “So beautiful.”

Warm breath scattered on her neck. Bai Yao laughed, her shoulders trembling, and said, “Don’t look anymore.”

She reached up, looped her arms around Luo Qi’s neck, pulling her down slightly, and mischievously ruffled her exquisite hairdo, letting the scattered black strands intertwine with the dazzling red silk, creating a sense of intoxicating chaos.

Bai Yao curved her eyes and said breathlessly, “Enjoy the pleasure while you can.”

As for how to enjoy the pleasure, Bai Yao, drawing on her knowledge as a former modern person, said, “I… I can teach you.”

Luo Qi didn’t argue with her, curving her lips and lowering her head. “Good.”

However, initially, Bai Yao still talked too much, thinking she was giving instructions, continually saying “More.”

But in the end, it all turned into: “Stop…”

Luo Qi, however, paid no attention, only leaning down to kiss the mole. Her movements forced the corners of Bai Yao’s eyes to turn red, and she looked up to lick away the tears that fell during the height of pleasure.

Then she said, “Yaoyao, I did some studying beforehand.”

“…Ah?”

“Le Zhao gave me a book. Afterward, I went to Miss Rui and observed a few things.”

“You…”

The unfinished words dissolved into the whimpers of the next round of delight.

Red curtains fell, candlelight flickered, illuminating the room with a fragrant, wondrous ambiance in the quiet night.

125

When I first set out, I knew the jianghu was dangerous and unavoidable, and only sought to survive.

But I was fortunate to have a wonderful person by my side, giving me friendship, trust, protection, comfort, love, and joy.

Granting me a joyful and peaceful life for the rest of my days.

—End of Main Story—

Part One: Yang Ruo (Lie Ruyang × You Ruo)

Extra Story / Lie Ruyang × You Ruo

The autumn night deepened, and the moonlight was cool like water.

Inside the palace hall, candlelight reflected off the golden patterns on the pillars, silently shimmering.

It was magnificent, yet empty.

The hall doors were wide open, allowing the night wind to sweep through. Only a few pages of paper on the table trembled in the wind, producing the only minute sound.

It was not entirely quiet, but it seemed to highlight the stillness even more.

A wolf-hair brush was lightly pressed onto the Xuan paper, held by a jade-like hand. A fair wrist gently flexed, sketching out elegant characters.

However, the writing became increasingly messy toward the end. The tip of the pen stained a small patch of ink on the paper’s edge, and the writer’s fingertips stiffened.

With one elbow propped on the table, You Ruo slightly tilted her head, watching the ink smudge spread further and further, then gradually stop expanding.

When the ink stain had barely changed anymore, You Ruo moved her sleeve and suddenly threw the brush violently onto the ground.

After a crisp sound, silence returned to the hall.

Then came the soft rustle of clothes nearby. The young eunuch waiting nearby knelt down calmly, uttering a mechanical, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger.”

“Get up,” You Ruo said. “I’m not angry.”

There was another soft rustle of clothes as he stood up with a movement like a reversed slow-motion film.

Pulling her light blue outer robe tighter, You Ruo turned her gaze to the young eunuch standing with his head bowed.

The young eunuch stood in the shadow, barely touched by the candlelight, his features somewhat indistinct. He was likely a clean, presentable person, but not remarkable.

He was bland, unremarkable.

In the Shuiyan palace, the Emperor’s servants had to undergo rigorous selection, followed by specialized training.

Through layers of strict guidance, these palace servants dedicated to serving the Emperor were crafted into perfect objects, as if carved from the same mold.

Their movements and speech shared similar angles and tones, and even their makeup and appearance were similar.

You Ruo had been with them for several months, yet she still couldn’t tell who was who.

They were not just unremarkable; they were utterly boring.

You Ruo withdrew her gaze, quietly thinking, No wonder You Heng was so unwilling to take on this duty; he probably anticipated the situation from the start.

Yet he pushed this duty onto me.

What an annoying person.

Her gaze returned to the Xuan paper in front of her. You Ruo settled her thoughts and asked, “What is the date today?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is the twenty-first of November.”

You Ruo muttered in repetition, “The twenty-first of November…”

Several months had already passed since Bai Yao and Luo Qi’s wedding.

Staring at the paper filled with the name she had written over and over, You Ruo raised her fingertip and gently stroked the character “Lie,” which was the most satisfyingly written.

Several months had passed, but that person still hadn’t appeared.

Or rather, would never appear.

Frowning slightly, You Ruo stood up and walked out of the hall.

The little palace maid waiting outside saw her emerge and asked, “Is Your Majesty returning to the sleeping quarters?”

“Not yet.” You Ruo paused. “To the Lotus Pond.”

The palace maid looked at You Ruo and bowed. “Your Majesty, at this time of year, the lotus flowers in the Lotus Pond have wilted.”

“I know,” You Ruo said. “No need to prepare the sedan chair. I will walk.”

The lotuses had indeed wilted long ago. But it wasn’t just the lack of blooming lotuses; the size and decoration of this pond were ultimately too different from the one in her memory.

The first time You Ruo met Lie Ruyang was by the lotus pond in the Shiyu Imperial Palace.

That time, You Ruo had first accompanied You Ze on a trip to Shiyu, and Qin Mang had taken them to see his most prized lotus pond.

It was when the lotuses were in full bloom. Coupled with the grand construction of the pond, You Ruo stood on the covered bridge, sighing in admiration for a long time.

Just as she was about to step closer to look, joy turned into sorrow.

Assassins appeared in an instant, immediately knocking down the accompanying palace guards and swiftly closing in on the group.

Then, several figures in black appeared like phantoms, shielding Qin Mang and engaging in a battle with the assassins.

It was the first time You Ruo had faced such a scene of real swords, spears, and splattering blood. Although You Ze protected her at every turn, those assassins were clearly formidable fighters.

In her retreat, You Ruo backed into the low railing of the bridge, losing her balance and tumbling backward.

You Ze was entangled with several assassins and couldn’t stop it in time. Then, she saw the figure closest to You Ruo quickly react, striking down the assassin in front of him and flying toward You Ruo.

That person was Lie Ruyang.

You Ruo remembered clearly that when Lie Ruyang approached her, her bright eyes above the veil seemed to hold a smile.

It was as if the two of them were not in a life-or-death crisis but out for a stroll and fun somewhere.

Then, one of Lie Ruyang’s arms wrapped around You Ruo’s waist. She spun around, embracing her.

Maintaining that position, she held her tight and fell backward with her.

You Ruo came from a family of fragrance makers and had been sensitive to scents since childhood. After transmigrating, her sensitivity only increased.

When Lie Ruyang held her, You Ruo imprinted Lie Ruyang’s scent into her mind.

At that time, You Ruo was shielded in Lie Ruyang’s arms, prepared to fall into the water, but her heart inexplicably calmed down amidst the protective posture and the fragrant aura.

The expected fall into the water did not come. The two fell for a moment, and then the momentum stopped.

Several silver threads flew out from Lie Ruyang’s sleeve, tightly wrapping around the railing of the pond, pulling the two toward the side of the pond.

Finally, Lie Ruyang stepped onto the edge of the pond, completely steadying their position.