Chapter 709

Yun Duo's eyes were a blank expanse, she stared blankly at Gu Ji Li.

Escape?

Yun Duo had indeed tried to escape before; this place was downright sinister, just like the puppets controlled by Bai Xiaosheng.

She had previously been confined here by Bai Xiaosheng; at first Bai Xiaosheng was still lenient with her, placing her in an extraordinarily elegant courtyard by the lake.

A two‑in, two‑out courtyard, with flowers and plants planted all around—this was nothing short of a luxury in the water‑starved desert.

One day Yun Duo seized an opportunity, knocked down two guards and fled, but she couldn't find a way out of this island, no matter how she turned.

In the end Bai Xiaosheng still caught her back; in desperation she stabbed a knife into his chest, hoping to die together with him.

From then on Bai Xiaosheng locked her up completely, throwing her straight into a cell.

Although she still possessed martial arts, these days Bai Xiaosheng had been feeding her medicine that suppressed her abilities.

She was now effectively a cripple, and the empress dowager had no martial arts at all.

For the two of them women to escape was nothing short of a fantasy, utterly impossible.

Seeing Yun Duo's worry, Gu Jiu Ling steadied herself, a flicker of guilt crossing her face as she looked at Yun Duo.

"I have a plan that could let us two try to escape."

Yun Duo froze for a moment, a glint flashing in her eyes.

She had followed her master for many years, knowing that her master always had many ideas, each time turning danger into safety.

"Master, what do you want me to do?"

Gu Jiu Ling said slowly: "I want you to first agree to marry Bai Xiaosheng."

Yun Duo froze on the spot.

Gu Jiu Ling hurriedly said: "Don't misunderstand, it's just an act, though there could be many mishaps—are you afraid?"

Thinking of Bai Xiaosheng now made Yun Duo feel nauseous to the point of being unbearable, let alone marrying him.

But looking into Gu Jiu Ling's eyes, she unconsciously nodded.

Not to mention marrying Bai Xiaosheng; even if Gu Jiu Ling lit a fire pit and told her to jump, she would do so willingly.

Not long after, Gu Ji Li sent someone to summon Bai Xiaosheng; Bai Xiaosheng was worried about Yun Duo and dared not go far.

Hearing that Gu Jiu Ling had summoned him, he hurried inside and faced Yun Duo, who was sitting on the bed.

Yun Duo lowered her head at this time, unable to see clearly the expression on her face.

Bai Xiaosheng stepped forward and seized Yun Duo's hand; she instinctively wanted to pull away, but recalling Gu Jiu Ling's words, she endured her nausea and let Bai Xiaosheng hold her tightly.

Bai Xiaosheng was a bit surprised; Yun Duo, usually cold‑tempered, had not expected Gu Jiu Ling's persuasion to make her so reasonable and understanding.

A smile flickered in his eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"How are you? Feeling better?"

Yun Duo nodded but said nothing.

Even that nod made Bai Xiaosheng's heart surge for a while, while Gu Jiu Ling coughed once beside him.

Only then did Bai Xiaosheng loosen his grip, while Gu Jiu Ling stared fixedly at him.

"Since things have come to this, and the Crown Prince harbors such feelings for Yun Duo, as her master I will also make the decision for her—you two may marry."

As soon as Gu Jiu Ling finished speaking, Bai Xiaosheng's brows knotted tightly.

He could have imagined Yun Duo softening her attitude, but he never expected things to jump straight to discussing marriage; for a moment it felt like a dream, and he hardly believed it was real.

Gu Jiu Ling sneered: "Why aren't you willing?"

"Exactly, you are the Crown Prince with imperial blood, while my Yun Duo is merely an orphan whose own origins are unclear."

"In terms of family background, she naturally is not worthy of you."

"But having said that, you forcibly took her from my side and brought her here, keeping her locked up for so many days; even if she later returns to Shang Jing, her reputation will suffer."

"I know you have her in your heart, but letting her follow you in such an ambiguous way is no solution, and my Yun Duo will not be a concubine."

"If you agree, then hurry up and hold a banquet to settle this matter."

"If you find it unacceptable, just release her; we can discuss our affairs later."

"If you insist on keeping her, should she later go on a hunger strike or encounter any mishap, I won't be able to intervene."

"After all, you can never wake someone who pretends to sleep, nor save someone who is determined to die."

Gu Jiu Ling said these words, and Bai Xiaosheng found himself momentarily unable to rebut.

Now Gu Jiu Ling's meaning is that Yun Duo must become his legitimate wife, or else she should die.

Bai Xiaosheng was stunned for only a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing: "This is easy to handle; I naturally will give him an explanation via the New Moon Movement, the proper position is none other than his."

"It's also a relief; the second date should be set as soon as possible, otherwise what is he doing staying at your mansion? Long nights bring many dreams; better to pick a day than to choose one—let's make it seven days from now."

Bai Xiaosheng had no time; discussing a seven‑day, seven‑day preparation for his wedding, the schedule was rather rushed.

I estimate you have no intention of giving him any concession, and added another sentence: "Besides, there will be night‑qin guests, so everyone in your circle will know that Yun Duo is your legitimate wife, not a woman you secretly cohabit with."

Bai Xiaosheng could hardly hold back this time, and said slowly: "This is something I cannot miss. My morning residence was originally a secret abode; if I invite guests, later I fear I won't be able to keep it…"

Gu Qiu Lin gave a cold snort. Refusing to speak further with Bai Xiaosheng, he gazed at the rain and said: "Dad, do you see clearly now? This is what men constantly proclaim—loving you—yet for your sake, others wouldn't even follow him when he first starts out."

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Bai Xiaosheng's timing, huh—Gu Qiu Lin, to his face, is stirring up trouble between him and Yun Duo; what is this? A matter, the lyrics—Yun Duo also lifted her head and gave him a cold stare.

"My affairs are decided by my master; if you don't agree to these conditions, from today onward we will never see each other again."

Not seeing each other again is as good as death—better not to see him at all. Bai Xiaosheng instantly switched guns, gritted his teeth, and said: "What's so hard about that? Night‑rest guests are just night‑rest guests; it's only that the seven days are too rushed. Guests before the festival probably can't come from afar; he fears he can't invite them. As for the people I know all around the desert, by then they can be made clear."

Bai Xiaosheng ultimately retreated, though he didn't dare retreat too much; some prominent figures from the desert vicinity were invited over to eat and drink, which also counts as night‑rest guests.

Gu Jiu Lin then let a smile cross her face, rose slowly, and looked at Bai Xiaosheng, saying: "Before a young lady marries, it's best not to meet her future father‑in‑law. I think that's fine for his dignity. Your Highness should be able to accommodate him, so these days he will stay with me; I'll help set up his dowry, make preparations, and when the time comes send the bridal gifts from my courtyard—what do you think?"

Bai Xiaosheng could indeed agree to that, after all he's still in his courtyard and can't escape.

On the contrary, Gu Jiu Lin living together with Yun Duo is convenient; he has seen it, and naturally nodded in agreement.

Just then, a subordinate of Bai Xiaosheng rushed in anxiously, half‑kneeling before him, his face tense as he shouted: "The Special Forces Unit—Second Prince of Bei Di has arrived."