Chapter 638

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

"Xingzhi"

"Yao Niang"

Shen Yao smiled and raised her hand to rub Lin Xingzhi's face; her body merely looked frightening, but in reality it was not all that dangerous.

"I have already reported to the Emperor; Yao Niang should rest at ease, and once the child is peacefully born, our family will return to the capital together."

Before his wife and child, Lin Xingzhi did not fear imperial power in the slightest.

Moreover, he had just finished a major matter in Floating Clouds City; whether out of consideration for public opinion or the feeble shred of familial sentiment the royal family still possessed, the Emperor would not do anything to Lin Xingzhi.

"You have worked hard, Xingzhi."

Shen Yao chose to accept; although the place where they were currently staying was somewhat troublesome, compared to insisting on setting off for the capital in a "feigned show of strength," remaining behind to rest at ease was still the best course.

Lin Xingzhi raised his hand to pull the quilt up over Shen Yao, then got up and went out to attend to business.

After all, this was not a place where they ought to linger, even though Lin Xingzhi held the noble rank of Prince Jing.

"Jiangning City — if I remember correctly, this is the place where the fox demon and the scholar met and fell in love."

Shen Yao curled the corner of her lips, thinking to herself that she had clearly done her utmost to avoid it, yet in the end she had circled right back here.

System: ……

The system opened its mouth to explain in a dry, perfunctory tone, but the words stuck at its lips and it could not utter them, because a causal relationship did indeed exist in all this.

They were merely passers-by in this world.

"How are they doing lately?" Shen Yao leaned against the soft pillow, her tone casual.

"Quite, quite well; the fox demon who became a courtesan has already met and come to know the scholar, and the scholar is determined to earn money to redeem her," the system recited the hackneyed plot Shen Yao had long since grown tired of hearing — after all, it was a romance story, with a protagonist, an antagonist, a climax, a twist, and an ending that even carried a cautionary significance.

Shen Yao: ……

"A Great Demon, becoming a courtesan?" Is the fox demon's head stuffed with nothing but romance storybooks?

What kind of flattering title is "courtesan"? Or is it because the impoverished scholars' storybooks are mostly set in brothels and pleasure houses, leading these unworldly Great Demons to fall into a trap?

The speechlessness in her heart seemed to materialize at this moment; Shen Yao shook her head. "Pinning hopes on patrons of brothels and pleasure houses to be affectionate and righteous" — the very words were riddled with bugs.

The system also found the story content somewhat strange, but it was a system; ever since arriving in this world, what it had seen the most were all manner of human-demon romances.

The fox demon and the scholar before it had a beautiful first encounter; when the fox demon was in difficulty, the scholar stepped forward, and even later when he gained the chance to be alone with her, he did not take the initiative to take advantage of the fox demon, but chose to sleep on a floor mat beneath the bed, fully respecting the fox demon's wishes.

Blah blah blah

The system listed the daily interactions of the fox demon and the scholar, striving to prove that their beginning was truly pure and beautiful love, only for human hearts to change later, turning it into a tragedy.

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao raised her hand and rubbed her forehead. "Don't you think the scholar is deep and scheming, feigning a gentlemanly posture to deceive the fox demon's true feelings?

He's a scholar who entered a brothel — what kind of upright gentleman is he pretending to be in there?

Besides, the fox demon is a courtesan; courtesans in ancient times earned a great deal of money."

Maliciously suggesting the system go check the financial dealings between the fox demon and the scholar when it had time; unsurprisingly, the scholar came from a poor background, possessing nothing but his looks and talent; studying at the academy and traveling to the capital for the examinations cost a fortune — how could a destitute scholar with no one to support him manage?

System: ……

"Everywhere here reeks of conspiracy and intrigue; pure beautiful love? It's sucking the marrow from the bones!"

Shen Yao let out a cold laugh and closed her eyes, letting the system in her mind scream away.

Tsk tsk tsk

This is what happens when endurance is too weak; but the system can probably digest it — after all, artificial intelligence is not human in the end.

She slept muddle-headed for a nap; when she opened her eyes again, the sky was turning dark.

Shen Yao threw off the quilt and got up; her round, bulging belly was like a ripe watermelon, making a pat-pat sound when she patted it.

"Host"

The system spoke up in a wilted, dejected tone, clearly struck hard by the truth.

"Look on the bright side; this isn't your fault," the fox demon misjudged people and ultimately paid with her life, the scholar harbored malicious intent and ultimately reaped what he sowed.

Neither of them got a good outcome — how is that not the workings of fate in the dark?

"Host, but" the system felt the scholar was too wicked, the fox demon too foolish; they clearly should not have reached this point, and there had been many chances to turn things back along the way.

"You can't expect a love-addled brain to possess rationality, just as normal demons wouldn't become courtesans"; the fox demon's naivety masks her own stupidity.

There were clearly many ways to integrate into human society, yet she chose the worst one; let go of the savior complex toward people and demons, respect the destinies of others.

Creak—

The door was pushed open; Lin Xingzhi entered in casual clothes carrying a nourishing soup.

Seeing Shen Yao about to get out of bed, Lin Xingzhi was startled and immediately came over to support her. "Yao Niang, from now on you must wait for me to return."

Shen Yao: ……

She was merely pregnant, yet he made it seem as if she were some fragile porcelain doll; she patted Lin Xingzhi's arm and stopped at the right moment, unwilling to live a life where clothes are handed to her and food comes to her mouth.

Lin Xingzhi: ……

Lin Xingzhi agreed verbally, but in action he absolutely refused to let Shen Yao touch anything; every single matter he insisted on doing personally, wishing he could even take care of eating, drinking, defecating, and urinating for her.

Seeing that words were useless, Shen Yao lay flat and enjoyed it — after all, she wasn't the one getting tired.

Besides, childbirth was not easy for her (not really), and as the child's father, it was only normal for Lin Xingzhi to contribute a little more in action.

"In a few days the prefectural office will hold a banquet, broadly inviting Jiangning City's scholars and students to attend; as a royal family member I must be present."

Lin Xingzhi weighed his words as he spoke, his expression worried as he looked at Shen Yao. "I will be away from the mansion the entire daytime; Yao Niang, your body—"

"Xingzhi, set your mind at ease. I am perfectly fine. Besides, several physicians reside in the mansion to diagnose my pulse regularly." She raised a hand to cover Lin Xingzhi's mouth corner, signaling that a man should prioritize his career. So many scholars and students are the pillar talents of Li Guo; as the King of Jing, Lin Xingzhi cannot miss this opportunity.

Lin Xingzhi gave an "mm" of acknowledgment and nodded. "The Court of Li Guo has been clear and bright for only a few years. Imperial Brother also lacks talent around him.

If I can discover one or two pillars among them, Xingzhi will not shame Imperial Brother's high regard."

Although he has been out for a long time, he has also accomplished the matter. Let's see what those people in Kyoto have to say now!

The vast Jiangning City became clamorous and lively because the King of Jing confirmed his attendance at this official banquet.

Regardless of what family background the scholars and students came from, they all took entering this banquet as their goal. After all, they had studied hard in cold windows for ten-odd years; the chance to soar into the sky was right before their eyes. Who could not be moved?

Jiang Sheng was one of the many scholars and students. Upon learning this news, he pondered how he could latch onto the King of Jing's line.

That is the King of Jing! The princes of the entire Li Guo number no more than a handful. After years of bitter study wanting to rise above others, his only option is to hug this golden thigh.

How can he make the King of Jing have an impression of himself? Jiang Sheng thought back and forth, and in the end still set his sights on Yue Niang of Jing Hong Guan.

Yue Niang is the oiran of Jing Hong Guan. Her appearance is peerlessly beautiful, and her speech and bearing are not vulgar.

He had originally paid a great deal to win Yue Niang's heart. Now is the time to send Yue Niang away in exchange for profit. Although doing this made him somewhat uncomfortable, thinking of a future holding power and full of high spirits, Jiang Sheng felt his current choice was not wrong.

"Not wrong? Jiang Lang, then what about me?"

Hua Yue looked at Jiang Sheng, who was telling her the opportunity was rare, with a face full of sadness, not understanding how it could be like this.

"Yue Niang, Jiang Sheng is in the wrong. This matter—" Jiang Sheng naturally understood Hua Yue's displeasure, but he could not let Hua Yue really throw in the towel.

"Yue Niang, please be understanding. Jiang Sheng swears he will never fail Yue Niang in this life. When Jiang Sheng succeeds in the imperial examinations in the future, he will certainly take Yue Niang as his proper wife through formal matchmakers and welcome her into the Jiang family gate."

As a scoundrel who gets something for nothing, Jiang Sheng is proficient in all kinds of pie-in-the-sky skills. Even though Yue Niang's status as an oiran makes it fundamentally impossible for her to marry into the Jiang family, the way certain words come out of Jiang Sheng's mouth, with a firm and convincing appearance, still moves Hua Yue's heart.

No wonder they say stupid fox, stupid fox. Stupid to the point of leaving people speechless.

Jiang Sheng's words are bewitching. Hua Yue's expectations of Jiang Sheng are too high. The causes planted earlier have already borne fruit. Hua Yue fundamentally cannot refuse Jiang Sheng's request.

"Yue Niang, everything Jiang Sheng said is true. If I go back on it, may I be struck by heavenly thunder and never be reborn for all eternity."

"Jiang Lang! Why be like this!"

Hua Yue raised a hand to lightly cover Jiang Sheng's mouth corner, shook her head, signaling him not to speak further.

"Yue Niang"

Jiang Sheng went along with the flow, steadily grasped Hua Yue's wrist, his expression sincere.

"Jiang Lang"

Hua Yue finally nodded. What can she do? She can only choose to believe.

…………

Lin Xingzhi felt it was somewhat strange. He merely went out to buy some things for his wife, yet that carriage draped in light gauze had already followed him for several hours.

"Go ask what exactly is the matter? This King went out today not on official business."

Lin Xingzhi frowned, waved his hand, letting Lin An step forward to handle it on his behalf.

He was somewhat worried it was a problem from the Government Office. If Jiangning City is similar to Floating Clouds City, this King of Jing might be forced onto the stage against his will.

Raising a hand to pinch his eyebrow center, Lin Xingzhi turned and had the shopkeeper pack up all the things he valued. Yao Niang is pregnant and unsuited to go out; what he can do is merely trivial minor matters.

Thinking of his pregnant wife and the unborn child, the smile on Lin Xingzhi's face increased.

"Wangye"

Lin Xingzhi lowered his eyes, only to see Lin An, whom he had dispatched to send the person away, standing before him with a face full of difficulty, hesitating and stammering that a young woman was sitting in the carriage, saying she had a matter to report to the Prince.

Lin Xingzhi: ……

"Absurd! Is this King someone she can see just because she wants to? If she has a grievance, let her go to the Government Office to file a suit. Following silently behind this King—what ulterior motive? Not seizing her and sending her to the Government Office, charging her with intent to commit impropriety—even that counts as Lin Xingzhi being kindhearted. Simply outrageous."

Lin An: ……

Lin An, scolded until his IQ returned, immediately regretted his loose tongue. No matter how beautiful that woman was, like a celestial fairy, would their Prince cherish the fair sex?

"Prince, this subordinate will drive the person away at once!"

Lin An turned and hurriedly ran back to that carriage. Seeing the city-toppling beauty revealed from inside, he took a deep breath and coldly, bluntly, made the words clear.

Hua Yue: ……

Her usually infallible beauty weapon lost its effect. Hua Yue looked back in panic.

Lin Xingzhi had already boarded the carriage. Hua Yue's face was covered with a thin veil. Charm unconsciously flowed from her every gesture and movement.

"Gongzi"

Hua Yue could only focus her attention on Lin An. Her identity made it somewhat difficult to contact the King of Jing, but Jiang Lang's matter could not be left undone. Therefore, she chose a chance encounter on the street.

Unexpectedly, this King of Jing Xingzhi has propriety and measure, his boundaries extremely strong. He simply did not give her a chance to meet.

"Miss, some words please speak with caution." Lin An hurriedly retreated two steps to pull distance from her, afraid he would commit an error of lust. "The Prince has already spoken clearly enough. Please, Miss, do not make things difficult for this lowly one."

Can't afford to provoke, can afford to hide!

After Lin An finished speaking, he turned and ran. He didn't give Hua Yue any chance to react at all.

Moreover, under the public gaze, even if Hua Yue had abilities, she couldn't use them.

Watching helplessly as Lin An left, the servant driving the carriage asked if they should follow.

Hua Yue shook her head without a word, her expression dazed as she sat back down. "Let's go."

Since the King of Jing warned her, if she still ignorantly pursued, wouldn't that ruin Jiang Lang's big plan?

Fortunately, the banquet hosted by the Government Office is still early. After returning to carefully scheme and plan, she refuses to believe there is anyone who can resist her city-toppling beauty.

"Heh, this is confident enough." Shen Yao, hearing the latest news the System brought back, always felt this pure love story's development was strange.

The System had its worldview shattered several times in a short span. It doesn't understand the fox demon's motives, nor the scholar's operations. Are those two really the protagonists in a storybook? They've departed from the ranks of truth, goodness, and beauty, haven't they.

"Outward glamour and brilliance are merely embellishments for the inner filth and squalor. How could there be groundless affection?" Even a stupid person knows what they're scheming for.

"Host, will the fox demon continue to seek out Lin Xingzhi?" The System asked carefully.

"Yes. She won't give up until she hits a wall. Unless the fox demon completely confirms Lin Xingzhi won't accommodate, she will only then choose to switch targets."

The System doesn't understand the fox demon's thinking. That Jiang Sheng is clearly a treacherous and cunning scoundrel. His words and deeds are unreliable. How is a dignified Great Demon still willing to cooperate and sacrifice?

"Sunk costs—too much invested early on, the harder it is to let go. Didn't you confirm earlier that the fox spirit gave the scholar quite a bit of silver money and wealth?" That all counts as investment, including feelings.

Shen Yao calculated the account for the System, saying the fox spirit and the scholar's fate was predestined from the start; from their very first meeting, it was a tragedy.

Shen Yao had no intention of stopping the fox spirit from putting effort into Lin Xingzhi; of course, she had also prepared a full set of countermeasures for this, to prevent Lin Xingzhi from being innocently implicated and injured.

The System's mouth was loose, nagging about what to do if Lin Xingzhi were bewitched by the fox spirit.

"Then I can only raise several children on my own, and by the way inherit the vast Jing Wang Fu and huge wealth."

Shen Yao smiled faintly, indicating she didn't mind the widowed-wife setup, even though she and Lin Xingzhi had not held a wedding, but the evidence of their marriage was right in her belly; presumably, as Jing Wang's widow and posthumous child, the Emperor would not mind recognizing them, mother and child, several people.

System:...

"Host, we're not at that step yet; absolutely must not be too impulsive."

Frog fun!

Never expected the Host to hide such a plan in her heart; it nearly scared a System to death!

"Rest assured, as long as my bottom line isn't trampled, some things won't happen in this lifetime," but once the drawn bottom line is shattered, Shen Yao would not harbor any luck-based hope.

Since the problem isn't easy to solve, then solve the person who discovered the problem. After all, Shen Yao's selfish nature still gained the upper hand.