Chapter 35: A Thousand Insects, Ten Thousand Flowers

"Second sister!" I pushed open the unlocked door while looking around oddly, strange! Isn't Lan Yingyue here?

The person behind me flinched, I glared at him and said irritably, "Since you're already here, what are you still afraid of?"

A little further back, Second Brother and Xin Hui couldn't help but giggle.

Come to think of it, in the past few days, except when I went out with Feng Yinmo, I spent all other times with the three of them. We chatted, discussed poetry, and sometimes I messed around with Jin Hong and Xin Hui, watching Second Brother looking helpless and both angry and anxious beside us; in the end we even forgot what we were arguing about and all laughed at him together.

Quarreling as it may be, laughing as it may be. Jin Hong's admiration for me grew daily, almost to the point of obeying my every word. When Second Brother faces me, he basically no longer gets tongue‑tongued and shy. As for Xin Hui, after a few days of my tutoring she has become increasingly informal in front of them; the four of us laugh constantly throughout the Lan Residence.

Regarding this situation, Feng Yinmo showed no reaction, only his gaze at me often seemed thoughtful, as if plotting something. As for Second Mother and Lan Yingyu, according to Xin Hui, after that day they were severely reprimanded by Lan Junqing and are temporarily too afraid to act rashly.

The most troublesome is Lan Jianxia; when he sees me, his gaze grows more melancholy and deeper day by day. It's hard to say, but such a person might have a split personality and can be even scarier than Feng Yinmo, who cares more about profit than feelings.

But Xin Luo hasn't been rescued; besides trying to avoid him with a nervous heart, I have no other way. Moreover, now that Second Brother and Jin Hong are friends, I really can't bear to part with them and Xin Hui, Xin Luo, the four of us.

Sometimes Jin Hong and Second Brother discuss naval battles, looking worried and helpless. I just listen quietly beside them, never interjecting; of course, no matter how good their poetry is, they don't expect a mere woman like me to have any useful opinion.

From their conversation I gathered that Ting Kingdom's situation is very difficult now, forced to retreat and defend at Jin Sea's "Hukou Bay"; under these circumstances, without the aid of Yue Kingdom's Crown Prince Fu Junmo, the nation's fall is only a matter of time.

Actually, I do have a temporary solution to the naval crisis, but... I am unwilling to say.

Now I am quite clear that this world is in a chaotic era akin to the late Eastern Han, the Three Kingdoms period. A tiny island nation like Ting, situated in a strategic sea among three great powers, possessing excellent naval technology and abundant mineral resources, could never remain independent for long.

It's hard to say, but the war over Ting Kingdom is like the Sarajevo incident before World War I—a mere spark for a massive war. One strategy, one good general, can save a moment but can never change its fate.

So I simply pretended to be clueless. Fortunately, they didn't discuss this issue for long, otherwise I would have been suffocated.

Days passed another ten or so, and I finally couldn't help but suggest visiting Second Sister; Jin Hong initially flat‑out refused. But now he's increasingly at a loss with me, and after my gentle persistence, he finally agreed uneasily.

Thus the earlier scene unfolded.

Stepping over the threshold, a faint fragrance filled the room; just as I was about to call out, a woman's startled cry came from inside.

Before I could react, the person behind me rushed in like the wind. Hey! I quickly lifted my skirt to follow; how could I miss such a classic scene?

Sure enough, as soon as I entered, I saw Jin Hong anxiously supporting a delicate, exceedingly beautiful woman—undoubtedly Lan Yingyue.

I looked up, startled, and saw a white silk banner hanging from the beam, beneath it a overturned long bench. Could it be...?

"You're trying to commit suicide!" It seemed Jin Hong also noticed, having forgotten any modest decorum; his face turned ashen, and he roared furiously.

Lan Yingyue felt his anger in his arms, flinched, then lowered her head and whispered, "No... no, I... just wanted to tie a swing..."

I staggered, nearly falling to the ground. This Lan Yingyue... her mood is perhaps too cheerful? How could she look like someone locked away, wanting to live in solitude forever?

Jin Hong's expression softened slightly for a moment, then he realized he was still holding her, hurriedly let go, and muttered, "D..."

I stepped forward and glared at him fiercely.

His face flushed from the inside out, as if blood might drip, and finally he whispered inaudibly, "Yingyue."

Second Sister froze for a moment, stared at him blankly for a while, her expression rather complicated. It made me see two words—there's drama.

"Second sister," I greeted her with a smile.

"Fourth sister, you're back?" Second Sister was startled to see me, then exclaimed with delight, "Have you suffered these past six months? Was the outside fun?"

Whoa! That last sentence made the corner of my mouth twitch, then I laughed, "It's a lot of fun. Second sister, would you like to go with us?"

"Second sister."

At this moment Second Brother and Xin Hui also entered. Second Brother called softly, and Xin Hui smiled and greeted, standing beside me.

"Second brother," Second Sister smiled, then turned a gloomy expression toward me and said, "How could I possibly go out?"

I pursed my lips and said, "Don't worry, I have my own way."

Perhaps I sounded overly confident; the light in Second Sister's and Jin Hong's eyes gradually brightened. Their gazes met, then they hurriedly looked away, both flushed.

Seeing them like that, I grew worried. In fact... I might just be bragging.

The next day, Feng Yinmo and I still walked the streets on our own.

I took several deep breaths, silently encouraged myself, then stopped and gently tugged Feng Yinmo's sleeve.

He looked back at me in surprise, because it had been at least a month since I last went out shopping with him—if that counts as shopping—and we had each kept to ourselves, barely speaking.

I smiled awkwardly, stammered for a while, then said, "Young Master Feng... I would like to ask a favor of you."

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laughed, "You ask me for a favor? Could I have misheard?"

This guy... fine! For Jin Hong and Second Sister's happiness, I endure! Adjusting my expression, I plastered a smile and said, "In the past I was blind to greatness, and you, sir, overlook my minor faults..."

He couldn't help but laugh, a teasing glint in his eyes, and asked straightforwardly, "What favor?"

"This... is... that... and then..." I frowned, the words looping around my mouth, seeing his expression turn sour, I forced a smile that grew more strained, my voice softer.

Feng Yinmo's face hardened, he stared coldly at me, his voice could literally freeze me: "You want me to pursue your Second Sister..."

My face turned uneasy, I stepped back a foot, yet still nodded.

He stepped closer, expressionless, and said, "Then, help her have a secret meeting with that Liu?"

"There's no other way! Besides you, I truly can't think of anyone else who could make my father allow Second Sister to leave."

He sneered, and on the street he grabbed my jaw. This pervert, why does he always like that move?

"You actually came up with this method?" He smiled at the corner of his mouth, but there was no humor in his eyes, "On what basis do you think I... would help you?"

I forced myself to endure the pain and fear, forced a smile, and said, "This method is quite good! What's it called... right, 'Ming repair the road, An du Chen Cang'—such a simple, hand‑wave task, I trust Young Master Feng..."

I paused, and saw his icy face that had been staring at me suddenly freeze, his hand involuntarily dropping. He no longer looked at me, muttering, "Ming repair the road, An du Chen Cang..."

"Ha ha..." He suddenly burst into laughter, the laugh full of triumph, bravado, cruelty, suddenness... as if all complex emotions were present, "How could I not think of such a simple solution?"

Alas! It seems my words must have been one of the Thirty‑Six Stratagems that somehow inspired him. Seeing his smug look, someone is bound to suffer, I think. My mind is a bit chaotic, but it's none of my business.

"Ruo Er, you really are a treasure!" his lingering amused voice rang in my ears.

"Ruo Er?" This pervert, why does he suddenly call me so affectionately? I frowned, stepped back, looking at him gloomily.

He smiled unbothered, "Fine! I'll help you this time."

"But..." He stepped closer; I hurried back, unfortunately stumbling, nearly falling, but he caught me in his arms. Before I could struggle, he whispered in a slightly hoarse voice, "Don't forget you owe me this favor."

Having said that, he readily let go, turned and left.

The next day again, I sat in the room, watching Xin Hui busily, and suddenly said, "Xin Hui, stop for a moment, I have something to tell you."

Xinhui saw my solemn expression, looked a bit stunned, and slowly sat down.

I poured a glass of water, drank it slowly, and calmly said, "Lan Junqing has already agreed to let my second sister leave. After a few more days, once everyone gets used to her presence, Jin Hong can openly pursue her. Gossip is inevitable, but at least there is now a chance to resist…"

"Miss, you're truly amazing, to have come up with such a plan."

I smiled and continued, "When this matter reaches a pause…" I paused, my gaze calmly fixed on her, "I will then have to leave the Lan Residence."

"Miss!" Xinhui exclaimed.

"Xinhui," I sighed, "to this day you still refuse to tell me the truth?"

Xinhui's face turned pale suddenly, and she stared at me trembling.

It felt as if a sticky, soft lump blocked my heart, an indescribable discomfort. I was about to speak when a knock sounded.

Xinhui composed herself to open the door, startled, and said, "Young Master."

I was stunned—what was Lan Jianxia doing here? Then Xinhui's delighted voice rang out, "Xinluo!"

I was pleased and indeed saw Xinluo wearing a plain white robe, his face faintly following behind Lan Jianxia. When he saw Xinhui, his eyes brightened and he crisply called, "Sister."

Then he turned to me, still with a faint smile, softly calling, "Miss."

I smiled, stepped before Lan Jianxia and bowed deeply, "Thank you, big brother."

Lan Jianxia stared at me deeply, his eyes melancholy, saying nothing.

My smile froze on my face, unsure how to react.

"Xinhui, take Xinluo out first." Lan Jianxia's low, unyielding voice sounded.

Xinhui was startled, instinctively shook her head; seeing Lan Jianxia's icy expression, her face turned pale, yet she stammered, "Miss… Miss cannot leave me… my service…"

A murderous intent flashed in Lan Jianxia's eyes as he glanced at the aloof Xinluo, his voice cold, "How dare you!"

"Xinhui." I smiled at her, "It's fine, you go out first. Also fetch something for Xinluo; he's been locked up so long he surely hasn't had a proper meal."

"Miss!" Xinhui cried out, her voice almost breaking into tears, "You… you…"

I laughed, patted her head, and said lightly, "Hurry out! The bill from earlier isn't settled; you still owe me a bowl of flower‑steamed brew. Also, Xinhui, no matter when, please remember—"

My face still smiled, but my eyes were calm and indifferent: "I am no longer the Lan Yingruo of the past!"

Ignoring Lan Jianxia's whole‑body tremor, I pushed Xinhui and Xinluo out. At the doorway, Xinluo suddenly lifted his pretty little face, stared straight at me and asked, "Miss, do you like my sister?"

I was startled, then smiled and answered earnestly, "I like her, she's my friend." Xinhui, holding Xinluo's hand, suddenly trembled.

He lowered his head, pondered for a moment, then lifted his face again and asked earnestly, "Then, Miss, do you like me?"

I brushed his silky hair and smiled gently, "I like you, Xinluo is also my friend."

Xinluo did not smile; his delicate, youthful face was solemn and sorrowful, his voice cold yet hopeful, each word saying, "Then can you protect us?"

To make a child's eyes fill with sorrow, to make a brother and sister lose hope, you… are ruthless.

I half‑kneeling, gently cradled him in my arms; my heart flowed like a babbling stream, my ruby lips parting, speaking slowly yet clearly into his ear, or perhaps planting a spell in his heart—a spell that desperately strives to bring happiness to him and Xinhui.

I smiled and let go, still half‑kneeling on the ground. He stared at me in shock, his beautiful eyes wide, lashes fluttering. "Don't worry, Xinluo, I will make you happy, I promise."

Xinluo's jade‑like delicate face, radiant as dew, gradually blossomed with brilliant light; his eyes were clear and sparkling, fixed on me. Then he showed an utterly innocent, yet dazzling smile.

The next moment, I felt a fleeting cool, soft touch on my cheek and stared, slightly stunned, at the boy before me…

A kiss softer than a feather, a face more beautiful than moonlight, eyes clearer than crystal—how could I possibly abandon such a boy?

"Miss." A faint smile in his eyes, he grabbed Xinhui with one hand and held me with the other, solemn as if pledging a lifelong oath, "Then we will be together forever."

—In this lifetime, I will never forget the boy who pledged a lifelong vow, walking with me through the season of falling blossoms.

My heart suddenly ached sharply.

Did we once also hope that such spring‑to‑autumn cycles could forever be walked hand in hand? Did we once also believe that the three of us could be together for a lifetime? If only I hadn't fled away so cowardly…

I always thought I wouldn't feel pain again! In fact, it's because pain had already taken root deep in my heart, like blood, flowing through every cell. I grew accustomed to its presence, as natural as breathing.

I closed the door and turned to look at Lan Jianxia; his refined, handsome face twisted with anger, resentment and lust into a ferocious mask, his eyes blazing at me, no longer showing any of the former tenderness or affection.

I smiled sweetly, a faint murderous intent radiating from me. Lan Jianxia, you think you can force me—by you… you're still unworthy!

Bang— the door was kicked open, and Feng Yinmo's anxious, murderous face appeared in the doorway. He was momentarily stunned by the scene inside.

Lan Jianxia lay on the floor, a thin line of blood on his neck. I, holding a teacup, sat at the table, smiling faintly at him.

It was only a brief shock; his mood quickly recovered, and he walked over to sit beside me, laughing self‑deprecatingly, "I never thought I'd worry about you."

That was a declarative sentence; I took a sip of tea and said nothing.

Feng Yinmo also poured a glass of water, his voice indifferent as he asked, "Is he dead?"

I shook my head, "I only administered anesthetic; he's just unconscious."

He set down his cup, "You knew I would come?" Though a question, his tone was certain.

I nodded, looked up at him, and said quietly, "Over the past month you've invited me out almost daily; actually, it was to scout the city's defenses, right? You chose me not out of interest, but because among the Lan Residence's ladies, only my whereabouts are under your control, correct?"

His eyes showed a hint of unusual color, but his expression remained calm; he raised an eyebrow and asked, "When did you first find out?"

I smiled, "About a month ago. I discovered Xinhui knows martial arts, and, undeniably, I realized there was something wrong with her identity."

"At that time, my first thought was the people of the Lan Residence, but I dismissed that immediately."

"Why?"

"If the Lan Residence wanted to keep an eye on me, whether Lan Junqing or Lan Yingyu, it would only be about my marriage—something they could do openly. Moreover, placing such a person by my side would be a waste of talent. What finally convinced me, however, was the poison inside Xinluo."

Feng Yinmo was startled, his brows furrowing then relaxing, "The 'Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers' is colorless and odorless; few in the world know of it, and you managed to diagnose it?"

I gave a faint smile, "You have no murderous intent. Since Xinhui is your subordinate, you should know I am not the real Lan Yingruo. I have no interest in whatever scheme you're plotting."

"I want only one thing." I stared at him intensely, "the antidote for 'Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers'."

After a pause, "Not a catalyst, but the true antidote."

His eyes chilled, raising an eyebrow, "Why do you think I would give you the antidote?"

"Administering 'Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers' to such a child to force his sister to obey you, Feng Yinmo, you're ruthless!" I rose slowly, looking down from above, sneering, "Or perhaps I should address you as the Crown Prince of the Key Kingdom?"

Fu—Jun—Mo—!

Qi Ran once said that in the world there is only one drug whose toxicity can be compared to "Blood Gu". That is the royal family's secret medicine of the Key Kingdom—Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers.

The pain during his episodes is on par with Blood Gu; apart from taking the medicine guide on schedule, there is no way to ease the suffering. Moreover, the greater the emotional swings during an episode, the deeper the pain becomes.

The only difference from Blood Gu is that Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers is a medicine and has a true antidote, unlike Blood Gu which has none.

Feng Yin Mo—no, I should say Fu Junmo—kept his face calm, a faint cold smile on his lips, his gaze burning as if to scorch me through: "I already knew you were not a simple woman, but now I see I still underestimated you."

I gave a slight smile, about to reply…

"Ying Ruo! Ying Ruo!" Jin Hong's booming voice, fearing Quanxiang Residence might not hear, rang out from afar.

I gave a wry smile; it seemed today's showdown would have to be called off. This simpleton, when told to call out Ying Ruo, insists on shouting it for the whole world to hear?

Fu Junmo's gaze fell lightly on me: "So… what do you plan to do?" He was referring to the Blue Sword Hero lying on the ground.

"What to do?" I shrugged, pushed him out of the room and shut the door, then laughed: "No big deal! He has hands and feet; once he wakes, he'll walk away on his own."

He slightly furrowed his brows and said, "You'd better be careful; this person of his…"

I cut him off: "Don't worry! I even dare to provoke someone like you; are you still afraid of him?"

Jin Hong rushed to my side like a gust of wind, his face beaming, and shouted, "Ying Ruo, I didn't believe you when you said you could get Ying Yue out. I never imagined you could come up with a method like this… Ah! Young Master Feng, you're here too!"

He gave us both an ambiguous glance, then grinned mischievously, "As expected, your reputation still precedes you, Ying Ruo!"

I was speechless; this idiot is usually a bit dim, but at this moment his imagination was surprisingly rich.

"Calling him Young Master Feng is too formal!" Jin Hong punched Fu Junmo in the chest. I saw Fu Junmo's expression turn slightly sour, but he didn't react, and I couldn't help but grin maliciously. Jin Hong, still oblivious, kept saying, "Since you're Ying Ruo's… confidant, I'll call you Yin Mo! I'm truly grateful this time!"

Fu Junmo forced a smile: "You're welcome!"

"Ying Ruo!" Jin Hong faced me with eager eyes and hurried, "How about we go out for a walk today? Okay? Okay?"

I smiled helplessly, "As long as Young Master Feng agrees, it's fine."

Fu Junmo glanced at me, flashing a cold, proud smile, "I have no objection."

"Great!" Jin Hong leapt three feet high, shouting, "I'll go notify Jian Yun and Ying Yue right away!"

Watching him dash off again like a gust of wind, forgetting even to say goodbye, I couldn't help but chuckle. Honestly, living as simply as he does must be much happier.

I turned back and smiled at Fu Junmo, "Also bring Xin Hui and Xin Luo."

Today, let's temporarily forget our identities, forget Thousand Insects Ten Thousand Flowers, forget those bothersome and sad things, and just have a truly happy day.

He stared off, slightly absent‑minded, at my radiant smile, and after a while said lightly, "Whatever."

(End of Chapter)