Chapter 382: Gu Qingwan: You Think I'm an Idiot?

Gu Qingwan had already discovered something was off.

A soldier being able to run here to report shows that this soldier has a problem, or…… he is truly a loyal subject!

But, is he really a loyal subject?

Gu Qingwan said: It needs further consideration!

"That's reasonable; I happen to be sending someone over—how about you go as well?"

The soldier's eyes went straight upon hearing this.

He quickly nodded, looking delighted.

He never expected that Gu Qingwan would let him go; if he were to go……

"No way!"

An old general rushed in, wanting to grab the soldier's collar.

The soldier quickly struggled, trying to dodge behind Gu Qingwan.

But upon seeing Gu Qingwan's cold expression, his original attempt to flee stopped instantly.

His body trembled, his face extremely grim.

Looking closely, he seemed truly afraid of death.

Fear is fear.

Still, he pretended to stay calm and stood in his original spot.

"General Geng, do I still need your guidance in arranging matters?"

Upon hearing this, General Geng's face went "whoosh"—turning extremely grim.

Especially after seeing Gu Qingwan's icy-blue face.

He directly furrowed his brows.

He struggled to suppress his emotions, striving to keep his voice from trembling with anger.

"Your Majesty, you should still think this over carefully!"

"Rather than arranging a soldier who might stab you in the back for no reason, it would be better to assign veteran troops!"

"Oh?" Gu Qingwan raised her eyebrows slightly: "General, do you think this matter is negotiable?"

"Quite right; even my imperial authority can be easily overridden, let alone a word from General Geng."

General Geng was left utterly speechless by Gu Qingwan's words.

His trembling hand was raised in midair, then slammed down hard; combined with the gaze of the nearby soldiers, he was furious beyond measure.

"Fine, fine, fine—since Your Majesty has decided, this old general will no longer meddle."

Saying that, he gave a slight nod, bade farewell to Gu Qingwan, and turned to leave directly.

He didn't even turn his head back.

Gu Qingwan watched the receding figure, shaking her head helplessly.

Turning her head, she spoke to the soldier in a more amiable tone.

"May I ask your name?"

"I am Sun Yi, the eldest in my family."

"Oh? Do you have others in your family?"

The soldier quickly nodded: "Yes, yes, I still have younger brothers and sisters."

"Then your parents must be working hard."

Gu Qingwan's words were especially veiled; the killing intent in her eyes flashed and vanished.

Only that icy gaze made onlookers feel especially anxious.

The soldier's heart also fluttered for a moment.

He lowered his head, striving to steady his emotions.

"Alright, I will send someone to go with you."

Upon hearing this, the soldier quickly lifted his head, looking at Gu Qingwan in surprise.

"Your Majesty intends to dispatch……"

"After all, you lack experience; if you really went, you would surely be discovered."

Saying that, Gu Qingwan took out the envelope in her hand and handed it to the soldier.

"This is my letter of introduction; go find General Li, and he will arrange personnel for you."

"Understood, Your Majesty!"

The soldier took the envelope and left happily.

But no one expected that this was merely Gu Qingwan's scheme using their own plans against them.

Seeing people gradually depart, the composed Gu Qingwan now revealed a hint of ruthlessness.

She knew she was being used.

Since they wanted to use him, they must understand the consequences of using him.

Even if this person were her confidant, the same would hold.

"Let me see, where exactly are those Little Cherry Blossom People?"

Having said that, she lifted her head, her gaze piercing as she scanned ahead.

A chilly wind swept across her cheeks.

It brought a hint of freshness and cold.

Though not bone‑chillingly cold, it was enough to make one feel a little shiver.

"Alright, it's getting late; I should head back to rest."

King Qi suddenly spoke, stretching lazily as he walked toward the outside of the house.

As he walked, he shouted toward Lu Yuan's direction: "Mr. Lu Yuan, are you interested in coming to my mansion to rest?"

"I see we get along well; why not come to my mansion and continue?"

Lu Yuan wanted to refuse, but after thinking, he needed a reason to leave, so he simply agreed.

After all...

He felt that, given his current state, Qin Gu Niang would not let him leave easily.

"Good, good, good, if you come to my place, my mansion has more delicious food."

"It can be provided to Mr. Lu Yuan."

Lu Yuan feigned delight and nodded: "Sure, since King Qi requests it, I will definitely go take a look."

Saying that, he rose and left with King Qi.

Just as Lu Yuan's steps were about to leave the house, a hand lightly covered his arm.

Qin Gu Niang looked at Lu Yuan with tearful eyes: "Sir, do you not intend to stay?"

"I really need to rest today."

Lu Yuan gently pushed Qin Gu Niang's hand away and retreated three steps without leaving a trace.

"Qin Gu Niang, I indeed have business with King Qi."

"Wait until tomorrow, I will surely come to visit you."

Lu Yuan fled in panic, but as he prepared to leave, Qin Gu Niang's voice told him that things were absolutely not that simple.

Her exact words were: "Be careful of King Qi; King Qi is a demon who kills without blinking."

Good fellow, this solidified his resolve to go home.

Leaving the restaurant, a faint peach blossom fragrance spread from all around.

King Qi took a deep breath, and at some point a fan appeared in his hand.

He gently swayed it.

"This strong fragrance really makes one unable to resist!"

"Someone, go to the wine shop across the way and buy some drinks."

Lu Yuan heard King Qi's voice, but his gaze fell on a person not far away.

These people dressed plainly, small vendors hawking their wares all around, the crowd bustling busily.

It looked extremely lively.

These people all had expressions, but it seemed as if a thin veil was draped over the surroundings, making them appear not very friendly.

Seeing this, Lu Yuan wanted to draw closer to look, but King Qi pressed him back.

"Oh dear, what's wrong with you? It's like you've lost your soul."

Lu Yuan heard the voice and turned to look at King Qi behind him.

"I just happened to see someone selling ornaments, and I happened to want to bring one for Qin Gu Niang."

"Oh?" King Qi raised his eyebrows, he released Lu Yuan's hand, and at the moment he let go, he whispered so only the two could hear: "You must return home before twelve o'clock."

"It seems Mr. Lu Yuan has business; I won't keep you, go home early!"

Having said that, King Qi led his entourage away quickly.

He paid no attention to Lu Yuan at all.

Lu Yuan? Damn! He just left like that? Good fellow, aren't you going to wait for him?

Or maybe sending him to the mansion wouldn't be bad either!

Wait, does King Qi mean for him to investigate?

Isn't this contradictory to what Qin Gu Niang said?

No! Those two definitely have a problem!

My own body trusts King Qi too much—that's exactly the problem!

"Sir, are you looking to buy something?"

The shopkeeper saw Lu Yuan and hurried forward to greet him.

"Just looking at your noble bearing, you're certainly not an ordinary mortal; I happen to have some fine ornaments—would you like to take a look?"

The shopkeeper laughed on… (End of chapter)