h faint blue hues visible in sunlight; could it be that she saw him earlier If so…This kind of thing is hard to talk about openly, so sneaking around is understandable. But during the day, his tastes...Chapter 17 Oh my God, Her Bedroom Has a Secret Room

Indeed, after the model was completed, Empress Dowager was delighted, and work on the water wheel immediately began.

"Lady Qi, His Majesty has instructed you to be fully responsible for the construction of the Thousand Carp Pond. That's a great blessing." Green Bamboo came in with tea, seeing that Qi Lin was still fiddling with the water wheel while holding an account book and calculating something. She handed the tea to Qi Lin and said softly, "Lady Qi, would you like some tea"

Putting down her notebook, she rubbed her eyes and took a sip of tea. When she tried to continue calculating, however, she found that this tea was somewhat different. Looking at the cup, she said, "Green Bamboo, go ahead and sleep. I want to be alone for a while; it's hard to concentrate with someone around."

Green Bamboo could only retreat as ordered, originally intending to say more but Qi Lin seemed serious.

Afther Green Bamboo left, Qi Lin continued calculating the models as if nothing had happened until she heard sounds of drinking tea from behind her.

"Seems like Lady Qi's health is good," Bai Qianye said while toying with his teacup. "And you're very diligent."

"Thank you for your concern, I'm doing well and not about to die anytime soon." Qi Lin did not turn around but continued her work.

The two remained silent until Qi Lin's eyes were sore from straining so much that she put down what she was holding, picked up her tea cup intending to drink it, only to find the cup empty. Glancing at Bai Qianye who was leaning against one side with his hand under his chin and resting his eyes, she thought: This is the first time I've seen this guy fall asleep quietly right in front of me. Isn't he usually very vigilant Is he not worried that someone might suddenly come in

Tsk tsk tsk, apparently even steel men can rust.

Qi Lin walked up to Bai Qianye and looked at him quietly; his long lashes drooped as his face was a bit pale. Has he fallen ill Even when taking a short nap, he has his brows furrowed in worry. Qi Lin raised her hand intending to smooth out his worried look.

"What have you been busy with all day" she whispered, then covered her mouth suddenly as if afraid someone might hear.

Right after that thought, her hand was grabbed and she stepped back in surprise, but was pulled right back against a tightening waist. She found herself lying in Bai Qianye's arms.

"Thump thump."

The rapid heartbeat made her cheeks flush as she blinked at Bai Qianye nervously saying, "Y-You what"

"Nothing." He released Qi Lin and smiled slightly.

His actions confused Qi Lin. She had expected him to tease her a bit but he didn't. Does that mean he's still bothered by what happened that day Damn it, when did she start caring so much about these little things

Shaking her head and not thinking about them anymore, she pretended not to care and looked at the calculation book.

Bai Qianye quietly watched Qi Lin as a sense of oppression in his chest made him frown slightly. He put one hand on his chest.

From what happened that day, it seemed like Qi Lin had forgotten everything and was acting completely normal, which only emphasized how much he cared about her.

Still, a bit of resentment.

"U-Uh." Finally unable to bear the quietness any longer, she put down all her things, turned around to look at Bai Qianye and said, "Did you come see me when I was sick"

In fact, she did have some memory of it but it was very vague. She could not recall anything.

Now she wanted to ask about it.

"Mm." A light hum served as an answer.

However, this sound made Qi Lin's heart skip a beat. Her hands rubbed back and forth restlessly as she awkwardly approached Bai Qianye.

Bai Qianye naturally understood what Qi Lin was doing; it was her way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation.

"Ah... I've been asleep the whole time, right Haha." Qi Lin seemed to be answering herself. "Green Bamboo said... I didn't do anything out of the ordinary."

"No," Bai Qianye smiled slightly and continued when he saw Qi Lin's relaxed smile. "But..."

"But what" Qi Lin's heart was in her throat at his words.

This reaction wasn't bad, thought Bai Qianye with a slight smile as he continued, “You said you liked me and were willing to do anything for me.”

Was this a confession Qi Lin felt her face heat up and wanted to leave in a panic, but she was held back by Bai Qianye.

"Then you kissed me, I pushed you away, but you wouldn't stop and kept coming closer." With each sentence he saw different expressions on Qi Lin's face. Now she looked like she was about to cry. He leaned close to her ear and asked, "Do you want me to continue"

No no no.

Qi Lin's head shook vigorously.

"Ah... I clearly told you my name," he said with a disappointed shake of his head. When Qi Lin's curious eyes appeared before him, he smiled slightly and said, "Give me a kiss and I'll tell you."

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, she said, “Cut it out, how could I possibly do something like that And why would you tell me”

"Bai Qianye."

"I am Bai Qianye, the second prince of the former dynasty."

Shouldn't she be shocked or have some kind of reaction But instead, she remained calm as if he was merely greeting her.

"Me... you..." Qi Lin raised a hand to touch Bai Qianye's mouth, feeling anxious. Seeing the bloodstain running down his chin, she worriedly asked, "What happened"

"Are you concerned for me" He held Qi Lin's hand and said gently, “I’m dying.”

Huh Qi Lin was stunned, staring silently at Bai Qianye. She opened her mouth but couldn’t form any words.

As tears began to well up in Qi Lin’s eyes, Bai Qianye wiped the blood from his mouth and laughed heartily, “Just kidding.”

You can go die for all I care!

She was about to open her mouth to scold him when a loud commotion came from outside. The two exchanged looks but remained silent.

"General Qin, what brings you here in the middle of the night"

The voice of Green Bamboo floated from the door. Unexpectedly it was Qin Xiao who had come; Qi Lin immediately thought he had come for Bai Qianye. But when she turned around, Bai Qianye wasn't there anymore. Just as she thought he must have left again, a creaking sound came from inside the room. She rushed in and was shocked.

Bai Qianye seemed to have triggered something that made her bed spin. There was a hidden door at the back of the bed; with just one look Bai Qianye slipped through it. As soon as he entered, the bed returned to its original state.

This scene left Qi Lin staring wide-eyed. There was a secret room in her bedroom! When did this happen How come she didn’t know about it

"Lady Hongxue, General Qin Xiao visited at midnight and requests your forgiveness. However, he chased after an assassin to get here."

"Green Bamboo, there’s no need to stop General Qin."

Green Bamboo was slightly stunned. Qi Lin sounded very calm, had she not rested yet Nevertheless, her actions were still swift as she walked up and opened the door, gesturing for him to enter.

"Sorry for the disturbance," Qin Xiao waved his hand and sternly ordered, "Search."

"Hold on."

All present froze, turning their gaze into the room. Qi Lin could be seen holding an account book as she walked out from within.

"I pay my respects to Lady," Qin Xiao clasped his hands together and said.

"General Qin, nice to meet you." Qi Lin was equally prompt in her response and immediately returned the greeting. She glanced at the Imperial Guard who had entered and smiled slightly, saying, "General Qin, please proceed as per your duties. However, do take care not to damage the models; it’s quite challenging to complete them."

She then turned around and instructed all palace attendants present, "Everyone, open your room doors for General Qin's inspection without delay. Do not let this matter be mishandled." After that, she stepped aside with a courteous gesture.

Qin Xiao nodded in approval as everyone started the search. He had chased after the assassin all the way here and originally thought Qingsquan軒 was the most suspicious place. However, this scenario now seemed to indicate his misunderstanding. Suddenly, he caught sight of bloodstains on Qi Lin’s fingertips.

Feeling Qin Xiao's gaze, Qi Lin subconsciously moved her hand but realized how foolish her action was, causing her heart to race.

What should she do! Qin Xiao always thought meticulously and would surely suspect something.

"Was Lady injured"

Indeed, Qin Xiao had already started to doubt.

"This..." Before she could think of a response, she wanted to say yes but her body didn't have any sign of injury.

The way Qi Lin hesitated made Qin Xiao even more suspicious. She seemed too accommodating with the search, making it look like something she was trying to conceal.

Curse this situation! What should she do! Should she bite her tongue or somehow hurt herself

Wait a moment, she’s a woman, isn’t that simple enough

After making up her mind, Qi Lin blushed and awkwardly lowered her head, hiding her hand in her sleeve as she looked at Green Bamboo.

"Has Lady come into contact with anyone or..."

"No." She replied reluctantly while lowering her head hastily.

Qin Xiao was about to ask more but was blocked by Green Bamboo.

"General Qin, some things are better left unsaid," Green Bamboo continued, feeling slightly embarrassed. "You should understand."

"Your servant doesn't understand, please enlighten me," Qin Xiao said in a righteous manner, not comprehending what Green Bamboo had said.

Upon hearing this, Green Bamboo's face turned even redder, and she glared angrily at Qin Xiao. "Are you really clueless or just pretending to be"

"Please enlighten me."

"You!"

"Green Bamboo, don't be rude," Qi Lin stepped forward when she saw that Green Bamboo was about to explode, signaling her not to make things difficult for Qin Xiao.

Green Bamboo could only nod helplessly, giving Qin Xiao a glare before walking up and whispering something in his ear. Qin Xiao's face slowly turned red as he listened, then quickly took a step back.

"Please don't laugh at General Qin," Qi Lin said politely when she saw that Qin Xiao had understood.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the imperial guards arrived and reported that they found nothing suspicious. Upon hearing this awkward situation, Qin Xiao naturally refused to continue searching and quickly left with his men.

Subsequently, Qi Lin claimed she was tired and needed rest, dismissing everyone else.

After turning off the lights and walking over to the bed, she examined it carefully, touching this part and tapping that. She tried everything she could think of that might be a mechanism, but nothing happened. She began to doubt her own eyes.

This couldn't be right; it's not scientific. How is this possible

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Qi Lin sat on the bed and fell back onto it, accidentally hitting her foot against the bed frame. Unexpectedly, at that moment, the bed started to spin. Startled, Qi Lin quickly sat up, alertly observing her surroundings until the bed stopped turning. She then jumped off the bed and studied the bed frame; there was nothing unusual about it—she had kicked it many times before.

Never mind, she thought, briskly walking over to the hidden door and gently knocking on it. There was no response. Did she have to kick it After some consideration, Qi Lin finally raised her foot, prepared to kick but just as she did, the door opened.

The door was open; Qi Lin hesitated whether or not to go in, yet her body moved first. That is, she had already gone inside.

She thought this place would have a simple bed and table arrangement, but upon entering, there was a green bamboo screen instead, with faint white smoke emerging from behind it. A faint medicinal smell filled the room; she seemed to remember that scent before.

"Come in,"

Bai Qianye's voice sounded lazy, as if he had just woken up.

"This..."

"Mm~ uh"

When she heard Bai Qianye inhale sharply, Qi Lin rushed over without a second thought.

"Ah,"

Bang,

Mph... gurgle.

The moment she rushed in, her foot slipped into empty space and she fell into a warm pool of water. Qi Lin had no time to brace herself and choked on the water when startled; suddenly, someone caught her under the armpits and lifted her up.al moment when our country needs his service." Xiao Yi knelt down here, followed by others behind him, continuing with “So, this humble minister dares to request your Majesty to grant National Safegua...