“…” Staying silent, Qingge almost couldn’t bear to watch. Luo Momo’s words were practically slapping Cui Gugu in the face. Such a direct attack was… something else.
Cui Gugu’s expression darkened further, and she forced a stiff smile. “Momo must be joking. I’m just a mere court maid. In the palace, I was no more than a servant. How could I have ever used such precious rosewater? This is something reserved only for favored consorts and princesses.”
Luo Momo sighed, shaking her head as if in pity. “Is that so? What a shame.”
Cui Gugu glanced at the Wangfei, who remained lazily reclining on the couch, her demeanor delicate and tranquil—exactly like someone born and raised in luxury. A pang of bitterness rose in her heart as she was forced to respond to Luo Momo’s naked provocation, “No, of course not.”
Luo Momo, now adopting a tone of earnestness, said, “Everyone is born into their own station, and it’s a fate we must accept. My fate was to serve the Xiahou clan, and I’ve come to terms with that. As for this rosewater from the distant desert kingdoms—how could someone like me ever deserve to enjoy it? Naturally, only someone as esteemed as Her Highness is worthy of such a priceless treasure. Don’t you agree?”
Cui Gugu bit her lip, reluctantly agreeing.
Meanwhile, Qingge, munching leisurely on fresh fruit nearby, mused to herself. ‘This old woman sure knows how to hit where it hurts, huh?’ When Luo Momo was using indirect jabs to assert dominance, she was not only attacking Cui Gugu but also Qingge.
Still, Qingge wasn’t bothered. Whatever was hers, she would hold onto tightly. Even if she was being shameless, so what? Having a thick skin or losing face altogether—these were never an issue for her. A secret guard doesn’t need a face. She had four, after all, and this one was her least favorite.
…
It was a rainy night when Qingge finally had the chance to seek out Ye Min again. She went through the painstaking effort of slipping out via the inner yard, only to re-enter through the alley leading to Qianying Pavilion, which was located on the street-facing side of the manor. By the time she arrived at the gate, the night breeze had picked up, tugging at the edges of her dark hemp robes and sending a chill through her body.
The entrance to Qianying Pavilion was marked by a black-lacquered gate, modest and unremarkable among the many structures within Ning Wang Manor. The pair of red lanterns hanging on either side cast an eerie glow against the dark lacquered surface, creating an unsettling air. Qingge paused briefly, glancing at the tightly shut gate before leaping gracefully over it into the pavilion grounds. No one stopped her this time as she navigated the winding paths and rooftops, finally reaching the third floor of the main building.
As she landed lightly on the corridor eaves, a gust of wind swept in, carrying fine rain that hit the sheer curtains draped from the windows, making them sway in the breeze.
Through the curtains, she saw a small table inside the study, with a silver teapot placed upon it. Behind the table sat a man with his legs crossed—Ye Min.
His complexion was pale as usual, almost bloodless. Even his lips seemed devoid of color, like a field in late autumn, still and shrouded in frost.
When Ye Min first took over the Qianying Pavilion, Qingge was eight years old. From that time on, he had trained her personally. In front of him, Qingge had no secrets—she was entirely transparent. Now, as always, she approached him expressionlessly, knelt on one knee, and silently paid her respects.
Ye Min didn’t look up. “What have you been busy with these past few days?”
Qingge understood immediately. The last time she had come to see him, he had instructed her in code to return the next day, but she had delayed.
The cold, almost icy light of flickering red candles cast a faint glow over her face. Keeping her eyes lowered, she replied in a calm, unwavering voice, “When this subordinate came last time, I saw Master. Seeing him unsettled me.”
She avoided answering directly, instead subtly implying that her hesitation was due to fear of Ning Wang. After all, her current condition stemmed from the hundred lashes he had ordered.
During the ten years she was trained by Ye Min, Qingge learned to be obedient and submissive, as well as when to display just the right amount of vulnerability. Among the many secret guards in Qianying Pavilion, each had their strengths. Qingge wasn’t the most skilled, but she worked hard to stand out just enough, hoping to earn even a little bit of Ye Min’s favor. In moments of life and death, she didn’t want to be the one easily discarded.
Ye Min listened to her excuse in silence. After a while, he sighed lightly, “His Highness did not intend for things to turn out this way. I’ve spoken to him about it.”
Qingge’s eyelashes trembled slightly. She asked in an even calmer voice, “Did Master… say anything?”
“If your martial arts are restored, everything will be the same as before. If not, I will arrange a suitable place for you.”
“Understood,” Qingge replied respectfully. She didn’t voice it outright, but she, obviously, would rather have the second option. Still kneeling, her gaze remained fixed on the blue bricks of the pavilion floor.
Ye Min finally lifted his eyes. As his gaze fell upon her, the gauze curtains fluttered gently against the window frame as the slanted rain outside continued to fall. Though it wasn’t heavy, droplets slowly dripped from the upturned eaves, producing a crisp sound as they landed. “Stand up,” he commanded.
“Yes,” Qingge responded and rose silently to her feet.
“Give me your hand,” Ye Min instructed again.
Qingge hesitated briefly but still extended her hand.
His slender yet strong hands grasped her wrist, his cool fingertips pressing lightly against her pulse. The chill of his touch made Qingge pause for a moment, holding her breath as Ye Min lowered his eyes and closed them to focus on her pulse.
She tried her best to keep herself calm, forcing her heartbeat to remain steady. In order to survive, she now had to deceive this man—the one who had held absolute control over her for more than ten years.
She couldn’t afford to give him even the slightest reason to suspect her.
After a long pause, Ye Min opened his eyes and said, “The poison in your body has lessened slightly.”
“Lessened?” Qingge pondered. “Could it be because I soaked in the medicinal baths of Suiyun Mountain?”
Ye Min frowned in thought. “Have you used anything on yourself recently?”
Qingge considered for a moment and replied, “I only boiled some ginseng to replenish my strength.”
Ye Min’s tone suddenly turned sharp. “Who told you to use ginseng?”
“I…” Qingge hesitated, then said helplessly, “I thought it might help. If this continues, I won’t be able to use my martial arts, and I’ll become completely useless.”
Ye Min said nothing, his expression unreadable. Qingge looked at him earnestly, her voice carrying a hint of pleading. “Pavilion Master, I don’t want to remain like this. I want to recover. I—”
Ye Min met her gaze, seeing dependence and helplessness in her eyes. He had watched her grow up for the past ten years, transforming from a fragile child into someone resilient and sharp, gradually growing into the current cold and unfeeling woman. Only in front of him did she reveal such vulnerability.
Letting out a soft sigh, he released her wrist and grasped the handle of a silver teapot. He tilted it slightly, allowing its clear liquid to pour into a white jade cup.
“Open your mouth,” he commanded.
Despite her confusion, Qingge obeyed, parting her lips. She knew there was no room for negotiation with Ye Min. If he wanted her life, it would take nothing more than a flick of his finger. Her only options were to yield and comply, showing a complete submission.
As soon as she opened her lips, Ye Min’s cool, slender fingers brushed against them. At the same moment, something cold dropped into her mouth.
Startled, Qingge looked up at Ye Min. His expression remained calm and indifferent as he softly ordered, “Swallow it.”
< Previous | TOC | Advanced TOC | Next >
Wants more chapters?
Click this page for the status of sponsored chapters.
Click this page for advanced chapters TOC.
I knew he wanted that flower for her
Yes he did. I hope he tells her exactly what he gave her.