Ji Yanqing strolled into the hall, masked, his peach-blossom eyes still captivating, hazy and enchanting.
“Seniors, after returning to the Bronze Sparrow Chamber, I had someone investigate discreetly. The matter’s complex, involving not just Ji Province’s Zhechong Prefecture but likely General Guide, Zhang Ji. If you plan to flee, time’s running out.”
At the mention of General Guide, several escorts paled, their hands trembling as they held their teacups.
In the chaotic Spring and Autumn era, the Wei King’s army had many titular generals—opportunists mostly. But since Taizu unified the realm and performed the Fengshan rites, military ranks were streamlined: those deserving were ennobled, the unworthy stripped.
Now, third-rank generals were all battle-hardened legends, especially old General Zhang, who once held off thousands alone, crushing the Xiliang Chain Cavalry.
“Master Qi, is this truly tied to General Guide?” a Li-surnamed escort mustered the courage to ask, voice quivering.
Ji Yanqing nodded slightly. “Indeed. Who’d expect the esteemed General Zhang to collude with local thugs? Yesterday’s Xuanjie Captain, Zhang Hongyuan, is his second son.”
His words struck like lightning, exploding through the hall.
“Miss, my old mother’s eighty, my child’s three. I’m the only man keeping my family afloat. I can’t risk my life. Please understand,” the Li escort said, turning and striding off.
Seeing him go, other fearful escorts bowed and hurried out, fleeing for their lives.
In moments, most of the dozens of escorts vanished, leaving the hall desolate.
“Who’s behind this plot against Weiyuan?” Su Ningyue asked Ji Yanqing respectfully, her misty gaze revealing rare feminine resolve, radiant as starlight.
“West City’s Ma family,” Ji Yanqing said calmly.
Without his ivory fan, his hands felt empty. Waving them aimlessly felt odd, so he clasped them behind his back, adopting a lofty air.
Su Ningyue nodded silently, her suspicions confirmed. Only the wealthy, influential Ma family, with grudges against Weiyuan and ties to Zhechong, fit the bill.
But knowing changed nothing.
Unless the Wei King’s Heir took a sudden interest, Weiyuan had a sliver of hope.
Yet she’d never even glimpsed the notorious, brothel-frequenting heir. How could she sway such a noble?
Su Ningyue bent her knees, curtsying to the white-robed youth. “Today’s kindness, Ningyue will never forget. But the Ma family’s roots run deep in Ye City, and General Guide is far beyond Weiyuan’s reach. I urge Master Qi to leave quickly. I’ll bear the consequences.”
Ji Yanqing leaned forward, gently grasping her delicate hand, helping her up with a smile. “Miss Su, some burdens you can’t face alone.
Zhang Hongyuan was beaten by my friend—that’s my responsibility. If you trust me, please prepare a pot of tea.”
“But… this has nothing to do with you,” she protested.
“When injustice is seen, a blade must be drawn to aid. A friend of mine dreams of chanting those words,” Ji Yanqing said, glancing at Ji Qingyan.
She’d turned her head away, but her ears glowed red, like translucent ruby.
“If I abandon Weiyuan now, wouldn’t I break my friend’s heart?” he added.
Su Ningyue wavered, reluctant to involve others, but Qi Shu, a mere acquaintance, spoke so earnestly she couldn’t help wanting to rely on him.
“We’re strangers, Master Qi. Why go so far for me?” the girl in a light blue jacket whispered.
Ji Yanqing couldn’t admit he was hunting Xiao clan spies. After a moment’s thought, he leaned close to her ear, whispering mysteriously, “To be honest, Miss Su’s ethereal beauty and gentle nature stole my heart at first sight.”
Her heart skipped, a flush spreading across her jade-like face. As his cheek drew nearer, she stepped back hastily.
“I’ll prepare the tea,” she mumbled, fleeing in a flustered rush, leaving a faint fragrance in her wake.
Watching her retreat, the Heir smiled, shaking his head. This girl’s too easy to tease.
Yet something felt missing.
[The pure girl’s heart is already yours to sway. Now’s the time to press your advantage. In a secluded spot, you’ll taste the thrill of that first meeting…]
There’s the flavor.
“What did you just say to Miss Su?” Ji Qingyan, silent until now, asked, her phoenix eyes flashing with irritation.
“Just the truth. Want to hear, Heroine Ji?”
After hesitating, she nodded. Seeing the scoundrel Heir flirt with another girl stirred an indescribable feeling.
“Nope, not telling,” Ji Yanqing teased, humming as he headed outside. He’d left Su Ningyue’s gift on the horse and needed to fetch it.
Realizing she’d been played again, Ji Qingyan pursed her lips, gripping her sheathed sword, furiously cursing the Heir while pacing in circles.
Before Su Ningyue returned with the tea, Ji Yanqing was back in the hall, holding an ornate rouge box.
As a fan-favorite in Canglan Goddess Chronicles, Ji Yanqing knew Su Ningyue’s stats by heart.
Height: 167 cm
Weight: 48 kg
85, 59, 80… No surprise for a romance game heroine—her figure was impeccable.
Though Ji Qingyan knew Ji Yanqing had bought rouge for Ningyue too, her mood today was worlds apart from yesterday. Now, it stung.
But she was overthinking.
The flirtatious Wei King’s Heir gifting rouge to pretty girls was routine—no special affection involved.
Her eyes reddened, tears threatening. She tugged her veil higher to hide her distress.
Noticing her, Ji Yanqing meant to comfort her. His push-and-pull game was a bit harsh on a budding heart.
But just then, Su Ningyue returned with a purple clay teapot, her steps graceful, smiling at the Heir.
Tongyue, in her green skirt, trailed her miss, twin buns still adorably perky, her smile charming.
Yet, for some reason, Ji Yanqing sensed a chilling, dangerous killing intent from her.