Chapter 83: Eavesdropping

Yin Kingdom border town — Bai Li.

Bai Li Town is neither big nor small. I walked alone down the street, and I could constantly feel the flow of people brushing past me, while snatches of vendors' cries drifted in and out of my ears.

After two steps, I paused, then absentmindedly glanced ahead while walking forward, and then… I turned back to glance at an inconspicuous small inn, let out a long sigh, and finally turned back.

Actually, I really wanted to wander around, but I ran out alone while Qiran was treating Bu Sha's injuries; if he couldn't see me for a moment, he'd probably worry.

I muttered to myself, and out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of a person's profile—side face? The drooping, dispirited appearance made me freeze.

Gray warrior attire, an iron mask covering the whole face—I smiled excitedly, opened my mouth, "Wu…"

My voice… caught in my throat, I couldn't get it out; I saw a refined, handsome young man smile and walk up to Wu Ye's side, seemingly casually pat his shoulder, then lean in and whisper something in his ear.

Wu Ye nodded slightly; the man's lips curled slightly, as if nothing had happened, and he strode away.

Yin Ziheng—why didn't I know before that Wu Ye knows him? And he, a Fourth Prince of Yin Kingdom, in this time of war and turmoil, what is he doing in a remote town like Bai Li?

I don't know what possessed me, and I completely forgot that Qiran would worry; I hid myself in the crowd, closely following the lone Wu Ye ahead, sometimes far, sometimes near.

After turning the corner, I gazed at the splendid mansion before me and the empty boulevard, and… I was dazed.

To go in, or not to go in?

A broad hand landed on my shoulder: "Bingyi, what are you doing sneaking around here all by yourself?"

I was startled badly, turned my head, and first saw a slightly open mouth and two rows of white teeth, then a face with a hint of childishness and a set of spotless green robes.

I patted my chest, heart still racing: "Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, don't you know scaring people can scare them to death? Why are you here?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng smiled, withdrew his hand and casually placed it before his chest: "Your alertness is really low—I followed you all the way from the street here, and you didn't notice a thing. Want to go in and find that iron-masked person just now?"

I felt a bit dejected, then my eyes lit up: "Your lightness skill is impressive…"

……

With Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's help I entered the mansion smoothly; inside it was empty, occasionally a couple of maidservants came and went with things, there were no guards, the floor was spotless, and a few young servants were sweeping with brooms half their height.

I was peeking around a column's cover, trying to spot that familiar figure, when my waist suddenly tightened; before I could react, I heard only a faint sound of a door opening and closing, and Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng half-dragged me into hiding behind a cabinet in the rear annex.

This must be a wall-mounted wardrobe; for some reason there is a person-wide gap between the wardrobe panel and the wall, as if it were specially made for hiding and eavesdropping.

"How…" I stumbled, about to turn around and ask what had happened.

My mouth was suddenly covered by a warm, slightly rough, broad palm; Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng half-embraced me, leaned close to my ear, and gave a soft shush.

My heart jolted, my whole body tensed involuntarily; after a while, until I was about to break into a cold sweat, I heard the door softly open and close. In the corner of my eye I caught a pair of black men's boots and a long shadow cast on the floor—the visitor must be tall.

"Wanrou, are you in there?" the man's voice said, neither loud nor soft, tone flat yet tinged with cold arrogance; I shuddered all over.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng hastily tightened his hand around my waist as a warning.

What day is this today? I couldn't help but feel a headache; tailing Wu Ye, I ended up seeing both the Fourth Prince of Yin Kingdom and… the Crown Prince of Qian Kingdom.

Yeah, that voice—I'm not intimately familiar with it, but it's still easy to recognize; it's not that pervert Fu Junmo, so who is it?

Wait, who was he just calling? Wan… rou… could it be?

"Your Highness." A low, gentle, beautiful voice came from inside the room, making me jump. Good heavens, there's actually someone in there! If it weren't for Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's wind-like speed in coming and going, and his timely hand over my mouth, I'd have been discovered long ago.

Light, soft footsteps sounded from inside out; the room's air felt suffocating, frightening us both into holding our breath as hard as we could, and Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's hand over my face clenched even tighter, not daring to loosen for a moment.

Su Wanrou—one of the Four Great Beauties of Jiangnan, the red-pinted confidante of Yin Kingdom's Fourth Prince Yin Ziheng. Why would she appear together with Fu Junmo?

"Your Highness, don't…" Su Wanrou's voice paused, as if hesitant, "Has he left?"

The room fell silent for a moment, then I heard Fu Junmo sit down, and the sound of tea being poured.

"Wanrou, inform your master." Fu Junmo's voice carried a chilling killing intent and excitement, "Just say that news has come from over there—the fish has taken the bait; get ready, and encircle from all sides."

My heart leapt, I almost gave myself away; fortunately my breath was blocked by Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng over my mouth and nose, otherwise I would surely have been discovered. But what did Fu Junmo's words mean? Is the 'fish' he spoke of Qiran or Wei Lingfeng?

"Yes." Su Wanrou's voice was calm and steady, soft yet with a hint of stubbornness, not vicious at all, "Ziheng has already made all preparations. Once they cut off the Qi army's eyes and ears, Yin Kingdom will cooperate with the Crown Prince and attack Qi Kingdom."

"Hmph!" Fu Junmo let out another cold snort, his tone besides cruelty also tinged with glee, "Wei Lingfeng thinks that gaining Yinchuan Kingdom means he can sit securely on the throne of the world. He doesn't realize he's actually fallen right into our trap."

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have lost…" Fu Junmo paused, didn't continue, but the killing intent in his words was already bare and unhidden.

"Ah—" Su Wanrou's sudden cry rang in my ears, followed by the sound of silk rustling, the sound of something falling into an embrace. Only then did I hear Fu Junmo's tone soften slightly: "Wanrou, why do you look so troubled? Aren't you happy for the victory of me, your Crown Prince, and your master?"

All I heard was Su Wanrou sigh softly, then she said, "Wanrou merely worries whether that person is truly reliable; with such great power, if in the future…"

Fu Junmo seemed to kiss Su Wanrou's cheek, his tone gentle yet laced with icy arrogance, "Rest assured, if they truly had the heart to contend for the world, they wouldn't still be hiding in the dark to this day. Moreover, if they wanted to bite back—hmph! —this Crown Prince is hardly someone easy to get along with."

My whole body shuddered, my eyes widened in shock, my heart filled with disbelief. That person Fu Junmo spoke of—could it be…

Suddenly a heavy panting reached my ears, then Su Wanrou's low moan and a protesting whimper: "Your Highness… now, now… it's still daytime… uh…"

"So what if it's daytime? Who would dare disturb this Crown Prince?" Fu Junmo's voice was already laced with desire, accompanied by a hoarse sound as he lifted the person in his arms, stepped over the cabinet where we hid, and walked toward the bed.

In a fleeting instant, I saw in the eyes of the peerless courtesan cradled in Fu Junmo's arms, her face flushed, a flash of deep sorrow and despair, accompanied by her silent tears slipping down, which sank into my heart.

What followed was undoubtedly the most unbearable time of my life. Even if I were given omnipotent abilities, I never would have imagined that I would end up hiding behind a cabinet, eavesdropping on someone's lovemaking.

The room filled with the coarse male voice, the soft female moans, the creaking of the bed, the sound of flesh striking flesh, and an omnipresent lascivious atmosphere…

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng still had one hand over my face and the other on my waist, his body pressed tightly against me. Though just moments ago his actions were utterly pure, now his hand and body felt like needles and bristles, making me unable to stand still.

The hand on my cheek, the hand at my waist, as time passed and… the bed… lovemaking climbed to its climax, growing hotter and hotter, as if it wanted to melt my body, yet he refused to loosen even a bit.

I dared not struggle, nor even dare to turn my head for a glance. My face flushed hot, my skin feeling as if it were about to burn. I tugged lightly twice, but Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng wouldn't release his grip, and I couldn't move an inch.

The news I heard today absolutely hides a staggering secret. If I can get this message to Qiran without anyone knowing, then he and Wei Lingfeng could likely extract useful intelligence from it and make all necessary preparations.

If I leave now, I naturally have a good chance to escape. Even without Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's help, after throwing them into chaos, I still have confidence I can get out safely.

But what then? If Fu Junmo learns that his words were just overheard, he will surely change his plans. I don't know what vicious tricks that person might come up with next.

"…Ruò er… Ruò er…" a dazed call from Fu Junmo reached my ears, my whole body shuddered again, my face flushed as if baked, embarrassment and discomfort having peaked.

I suspect that if I don't leave this place soon, I might die of cerebral congestion before being discovered, and then I'd be unable to pass the message to Qiran anyway.

From above came a barely audible low chuckle; the hand at my waist and the one over my lips trembled slightly, only to become even more scorching, scorching to the point of arrogance…

All the way back, I felt like I was being chased by a hundred mad dogs, sprinting with my head down. Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's hearty laughter reached my ears, making me feel ever more resentful and embarrassed.

When we returned to the inn where we were staying, noon had already passed. I used my cold hands to cool my heated cheeks, stabilizing my emotions. Then, with apprehension, I walked toward our rented room, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng trailing behind with a carefree expression.

Qiran must have been looking for me for ages? He must be terribly worried…

I stepped on the creaking wooden stairs, unconsciously gazing up at the half-open door above, but suddenly my feet wouldn't move.

Qiran, dressed in light blue robes and wearing a gentle, calm expression, lightly supported a girl who had accidentally fallen; the girl lifted her head and gave him a shy smile, and the light radiating from her scar‑covered face was more beautiful than the sun, moon, and stars.

This scene, how familiar; such a gentle expression, how……precious.

Behind the girl stood a man with slightly dark skin, who gave me a faint smile—yet he was Mo Yan, who ought to have remained in the Kingdom of Cangxue.

I drew a deep breath, about to call out, but Qiran had already turned his head; faster than his change of expression was a flash of white light that darted into my arms.

My gloomy mood vanished in an instant, and I happily hugged the white fox in my arms. "Xiao Yin, how did you come here?"

Xiao Yin nestled in my arms, rubbing against me eagerly.

"You little rascal!" I suddenly thought of something, grabbed its ears, and scolded half‑jokingly, half‑seriously: "How have you been disappearing all this time? A few days ago I wanted you to show me the way to a blessed cavern, but instead you gave me… uh… no fox shadow! Hmm? And now how did you come running back?" Don't you know it's dangerous out there?

Xiao Yin let out two low, mournful cries; its expression was indescribably pitiful and aggrieved, and it glanced at Lan Yingruo, its black‑gloss eyes rolling about, making me want to laugh. I looked up at Lan Yingruo and found it strange that she was the one who had brought Xiao Yin here.

Qiran walked up to me, his brows furrowed, stepped forward and examined me from head to toe; seeing no injury, he let out a breath and said, "This isn't Cangxue—there are too many dangers. From now on, don't go out alone."

I thought to myself: Back in the Kingdom of Cangxue, you never let me go out alone either! But on the surface I had to put on an obedient, apologetic look, lowering my head and saying, "Sorry, I understand."

Qiran looked up, as if only now noticing Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, and said lightly, "Thank you, Brother Luo, for keeping her safe."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng shrugged his shoulders with a carefree air and turned to leave; that meaningful glance he gave as he departed made my hair stand on end, recalling just now…… I couldn't help but blush again.

"Young Master…" Lan Yingruo's low voice came from beside me, "Lian Yue begs you to spare the life of the Wood Chancellor, after all… after all, her life was saved by him."

Qiran turned to face Lan Yingruo and spoke softly, "Go tell Shengyi and Ruobin that this is my order—have them hold off on dealing with Mu Lifeng for now. After all, I don't want to come into conflict with the emperor either."

By the time he finished that last sentence, Qiran had practically been talking to himself; yet a cold glint flashed in Lan Yingruo's eyes.

Lan Yingruo bowed and took her leave, but Mo Yan remained in the room.

"Young Master." Mo Yan leaned close to Qiran and lowered his voice, "By the way, there's something else—the White Chancellor asked me to inform you."

Qiran raised his eyebrows slightly, and Mo Yan lowered his voice completely. I could only faintly hear, "The military deployment map… mysteriously stolen…"

Qiran's gaze shifted from surprise to disbelief, then to a furrowed brow in contemplation, finally landing on me with a faint hint of wariness and suspicion—though it vanished in an instant.

Having known Qiran for so long, I could naturally tell that his surprise and contemplation just now were completely genuine.

I lightly bit my lip, picked up Xiao Yin, and headed toward the stairs that led to the rear courtyard.

"Bingyi!" came Qiran's somewhat flustered voice from behind me.

"Xiao Qiran! You bastard, it's bad enough that you show such a gentle expression to others, but you also cast that doubtful gaze on me—best never to speak to me again in your life!"

My wrist was suddenly yanked; I stood there, not struggling, yet stubbornly refusing to turn my head.

"Go back first." Qiran gripped my hand ever tighter, yet he still said softly to Mo Yan, "Don't let Shengyi act rashly. Remember, until I return, just hold onto what we've gained."

A low murmur of agreement, the sound of the door opening and closing, and then the room fell silent.

After a long while—long enough that I almost forgot the pain in my wrist, long enough that my legs went numb.

Qiran suddenly spoke, "I didn't doubt you."

I curled the corner of my lip, wanting to speak, but I felt wronged—how could I not tell whether his expression was feigned? So I still didn't turn around.

"There are things I truly don't want you to know. But you must believe that in this world, the only two I never doubt are you and Bu Sha."

I sniffled, looking truly pathetic, on the verge of tears. Actually, I don't even believe Qiran would doubt me, but his expression just now makes me think at least half of it must be true—I must have been blinded by jealousy.

Qiran gently turned my body and tossed Xiao Yin out the window into the garden behind.

I gasped, wanting to catch him, but Qiran held me gently yet firmly in his arms, brushed a light kiss on my forehead, and said in a low voice, "Xiao Li understands human nature; I don't want him watching us be affectionate."

"Cough…" I nearly choked on my own saliva—what was he saying? Unconsciously, my mind drifted back to just now…… I couldn't help but blush all over, and even though his embrace used to feel fresh and warm, now it made me feel uncomfortable all over.

To be honest, that sort of steamy scene—though I only heard it, didn't see it—is not easy to forget in the short term.

"Bingyi…" Qiran suddenly pinched my chin, forcing me to lift my gaze, his eyes clouded with a hint of urgency and gloom, "What… what happened between you and Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng just now?"

"How…… how could that be!" I involuntarily tried to turn my head away, my face growing hotter—how had I never noticed how charming Qiran's face was before? Even if he's angry right now, "By the way, I saw Wu Ye on the street."

Qiran's expression flickered slightly, the grip on my hand loosening, his brows faintly furrowed, "Was he alone?"

I shook my head, then recounted in detail how I had followed Wu Ye, then encountered Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, and overheard the conversation between Fu Junmo and Su Wanrou.

Of course, I still skipped over that last embarrassing bit.

Qiran fell into deep thought for a moment; the storm in his blue eyes and the expression on his face grew graver.

I frowned and said, "I think the person they're after isn't you, but Wei Lingfeng—you should warn him to prepare early." Now that Qiran is going to cooperate with Wei Lingfeng, lips and teeth depend on each other; naturally I can't stand by and watch him face danger without helping.

What's more, sigh… even if I don't want to stay by Wei Lingfeng's side, I can't just ignore the fact that he's in danger.

Qiran's expression stalled, then he suddenly showed clear displeasure; the hand resting on my waist tightened, pulling me hard into his embrace, and he declared domineeringly, "My elder brother's safety is my concern—from now on you're not to meddle in it."

I couldn't help but laugh, wrapped my arms around his waist, pressed my face to his chest, and murmured, "Actually, I'd rather you be jealous like this. I also don't want you to keep a stern face, bottling everything up, then taking it out on me."

Although I admit I was just jealous and also put on a stern face while being angry with you, thinking of it just makes me laugh even more.

I silently chanted in my heart: In love, some are broken, some grow up—do you still love me? Love me!

Qiran lowered his head to look at the corner of my mouth, seeing only a blooming smile, none of it fading, and couldn't help but show a helpless, indulgent expression as he held me tighter: "That Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng may not be in danger right now, but he's certainly no simpleton—don't get too close to him, got it?"

I obediently nodded in his embrace, clutching his hand tighter and tighter, unable to keep from softly singing what was in my heart.

"Bingyi…" Qiran pressed against my body, trembling slightly, let out a low murmur, couldn't resist lowering his head to find my lips, and kissed me deeply.

Warm, fragrant moisture filled the space between our lips and teeth, seeping into every inch of my skin, every drop of my blood— I only wish to spend my lifetime immersed in happiness within his embrace.

(End of chapter)