hite Rabbit (Part 2)Hell, is this guy really going to kill her Qi Lin had already rolled her eyes and her vision was getting blurrier. Her limbs were gradually losing strength. Romance穿越novel update a...Chapter 28 Called the Praying Child

"Your Highness, please take care of yourself on this journey. Don't worry about the household; I will manage everything at the manor and hope for your early return." Xiao Zhirou personally put a cloak on Zi Yin. Despite her red-rimmed eyes, she managed to force a smile that was still quite pleasant. Looking into Zi Yin's determined eyes, she couldn’t help but worry.

Zi Yin gently caressed Xiao Ran’s face and softly said, "I will surely return victorious."

After saying this, Zi Yin glanced at the people behind Xiao Zhirou. All of them had red-rimmed eyes except for Lady Lan who stood there as cold and indifferent as a marble statue.

The auspicious hour for departure arrived. Zi Yin swiftly mounted his horse and said in earnest, "Let's set out."

For this campaign, the citizens of the city finally had smiles on their faces again. They looked at Zi Yin full of hope, so he was greeted with kneeling salutations and praises from the people all along his way from Fenghuang City, which made him quite impressive.

"I didn't expect the civilians to admire him so much." No wonder Feng Changqing detested Zi Yin. As Gongzi Qilin watched Zi Yin's army from the window, she said with a whistle, "Wow, how domineering."

Green Bamboo had no idea what Gongzi Qilin was talking about but admired Zi Yin’s figure and asked, "Young Master, you have met His Excellency several times before entering the palace. Why don't you go see him off"

Hearing this, Gongzi Qilin shot Green Bamboo a glare. Realizing her mistake, she quickly shut up and moved to one side.

She couldn’t go to bid Zi Yin farewell because although they were friends before, Feng Changqing would not let her leave alone. He definitely had his people around here.

Feng Changqing knew Mu Qingfeng's identity as he saw the flower given by him when she participated in the Jade Maiden selection ceremony. Therefore, it was nothing unusual for her to interact with Feng Changqing; instead, she believed that Feng Changqing must have instructed Mu Qingfeng to protect her.

At this moment, Zi Yin suddenly raised his head and locked eyes with Gongzi Qilin as if he knew she was here. He gave her a slight smile before receiving an eyeroll from her and then the window being closed.

Zi Yin let out a light snort and shook his head while Juan Dan smiled slightly beside him.

"Your Excellency, leaving Qing empty in the manor this time must be causing him some thoughts. I’m afraid he’s now complaining." When initially receiving Zi Yin's command to leave Qing behind, Juan Dan didn’t dare believe it himself, let alone the person concerned who immediately opposed it. Thinking of Qing’s furious reaction, Juan Dan couldn't help but laugh and say, "He really has been put in a difficult situation."

Fortunately for his cleverness, their Excellency thought to intoxicate Qing before leaving when he was drunk. Sighing, she wondered whether Qing would tear down the manor upon waking up.

Zi Yin smiled but remained silent and raised his hand to wave goodbye to the person inside the window.

Usually, Feng Changqing would personally see him off when he set out, but unexpectedly this time, he only gave him an imperial edict and a sword. He was truly petty.

When Zi Yin’s army left Fenghuang City, the streets that had been crowded were deserted within no more than half a cup of tea time. Only some vendors and passersby remained, making it quite quiet.

Qilin had already changed into a light green women's outfit, binding only part of her hair with a yellow ribbon. Though simple, it made her look more vibrant and lively. After checking the silver coins she had on her several times, she finally opened the door.

"Lushan, Qilin and I are going out for a stroll. You should also gather some information while you're at it. We'll meet back here for dinner." She gave a few instructions before leaving and then added, "Oh right, don’t forget to bring your money when you go out."

Lushan smiled and nodded. Ever since Qilin began organizing her silver coins and distributing them into different compartments earlier on.

She certainly didn't act like a lady of the house.

Stepping out of the inn, she saw Mul Qingfeng dressed in dark blue clothes that swayed gently with the breeze. She felt refreshed looking at him. Qilin glanced down at her own outfit: a light yellow undergarment covered by a light green outer robe tied around her waist with a green sash and sleeves flapping in the wind.

She had chosen to wear women's clothing following Mul Qingfeng’s suggestion.

"Miss Xue, though your male attire is quite handsome, it’s obvious to those who know that you are female. This isn’t ideal."

After hearing this from Mul Qingfeng, Qilin had initially intended to argue; wearing men's clothing made things more convenient and efficient.

However, Mul Qingfeng told her that dressing as a woman would make her tasks even harder. In Fenghuang Kingdom, people emphasized honesty in their interactions— if one couldn’t disclose their identity openly, no one would take them seriously.

Hearing this, Qilin had rushed into the room to thicken her eyebrows and apply facial hair, but Mul Qingfeng only laughed uncontrollably at her appearance; she found herself constantly touching the false beard.

Finally, she reluctantly opted for women's clothing.

She recalled how Yumu had asked her to wear men’s clothing when conducting business in Drunken Flower Tower. Back then, Yumu would slightly alter her appearance and add scars on her face, making people less likely to question her identity.

But now, if she added the red marks, it would only attract more attention towards her.

This time, Mul Qingfeng didn’t have Qilin ride in a carriage; they walked along the streets. During this period, Mul Qingfeng’s “beauty” attracted many young women's admiring glances and even flower-selling girls who offered him flowers for free. Generously, he gave them silver coins.

Qilin felt as if she were being pierced by countless daggers from the envious gazes of those girls, making her regret having invited Mul Qingfeng to come along with her.

"Steaming buns for sale! Just baked hot buns, delicious meat-filled ones."

Just as Mul Qingfeng was being approached by a lady selling rouge, Qilin heard the vendor’s吆喝聲and smelled the enticing aroma in the air. She rubbed her stomach; even though she had eaten recently, she really wanted to eat buns.

Without another word, Qilin rushed over and looked at the white meat-filled buns, licking her lips as she asked, "Boss, how much for one bun"

"Two coins for one, miss. Our buns are the most famous in town. Why don't you try one" The shopkeeper happily handed a bun to Qi Lin and warned her, "Be careful; it's hot."

Qi Lin took a big bite out of the bun. It was soft and delicious, with tender, flavorful meat inside that made her appetite surge. She nodded contentedly and said to the shopkeeper, "Boss, I'll have... ah..."

Before she could finish speaking, someone bumped into her, almost making the half-eaten bun fall.

"Sorry sorry, it wasn't intentional."

Qi Lin steadied herself and noticed that the person who had bumped into her was a boy of about twelve years old. His hair was messy, his clothes patched up everywhere, but his black eyes were lively and innocent against his baby face.

"It's okay." Qi Lin waved it off, only to find that the boy didn't even hear her and quickly left. Shaking her head at this, she continued trying to order more buns. But as soon as she turned around, an idea flashed in her mind. Instinctively touching her money pouch, she realized it was gone from where it had been hanging on her waistband. "Thief"

Just as she wanted to chase after him, someone pulled at her arm. "Don't pull me; that guy stole my money pouch."

"What if I couldn't find you The thief is long gone in the direction you were pointing." Mu Qingfeng pointed out.

"But we can't just let him go like this, do you understand At such a young age, he's already stealing. What will happen when he grows up If he gets caught and sent to the authorities, beaten, his parents would be heartbroken." Qi Lin was suddenly full of maternal feelings, wanting desperately to find that child and give him some education.

Hearing this, Mu Qingfeng was taken aback. People usually chase after thieves just to recover their lost belongings, not thinking about the thief's wellbeing like Qi Lin did.

"Miss, I know that boy," said the shopkeeper, impressed by her compassion.

Upon hearing this, Qi Lin asked immediately, "Where does he live"

"Miss, you don't know. That child is called Qiyuan and lives on a hill west of the city. He used to make a living picking flowers and herbs." The shopkeeper shook his head helplessly and continued, "He lived with his mother, they managed alright but recently... half a month ago, ghostly shadows were spotted around town frequently, and poor Qiyuan's mother caught some bad luck and fell ill; alas..."

The shopkeeper sighed at this point. Then he asked Qi Lin, "Miss, do you still want your buns"

"Yes, give me ten." Knowing where the child lived was enough.

Both the shopkeeper and Mu Qingfeng were stunned by her request, staring at her in surprise.

To walk from town to west city took two hours. Qi Lin felt as if her legs were about to give out, wiping sweat off her forehead while looking at the rocky mountain path ahead; she tugged at the corners of her mouth with no strength left.

"Looks like we're here." Mu Qingfeng said calmly, pointing up where a wisp of smoke rose. Smiling at Qi Lin, he asked, "It looks like there's still an incense stick’s time before dinner; do you want to rest"

"No, it's getting late. If I stay any longer, it will be dark soon." Besides, I made an appointment with Green Bamboo. Qi Lin did some stretching exercises on the spot and then twisted her waist and legs. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Let's go."

"What were you just doing" Mu Qingfeng had never seen a woman perform such actions in front of him before, so he was instantly curious.

“I was stretching my shins to prepare for the journey ahead.”

Without waiting for Mu Qingfeng's reaction, Qi Lin lifted her foot and stepped on the stairs. Unfortunately, she slipped on some moss and lost her balance, falling backwards.

To her surprise, she didn't feel any pain; instead, she fell into a warm embrace. Looking up, she met Mu Qingfeng’s smiling eyes and gave him a grateful smile, knowing it would be like this.

"Be careful." Holding Qi Lin upright, he gently reminded her, "The mountain path isn’t easy to walk on."

He then offered his hand. Stunned, Qi Lin looked at Mu Qingfeng’s slender fingers, which in the sunlight seemed like they were carved from white jade. She had no reason to refuse and extended her own hand.

The place where they wanted to stay was almost dusk when they arrived. The sunset turned the straw-roofed cottage on the horizon into a desolate scene. It appeared to be barely supported by several thick wooden posts, with only rags covering the entrance. How could such poor accommodation protect one from the cold and wind

"Woof woof woof."

Seeing strangers approach, the black dog at the door showed a fierce expression. Although its body was as thin as dry wood, it stood guard in front of Qi Lin’s group. Mu Qingfeng shielded Qi Lin behind him and kept his fan ready to be used as a weapon.

"Blackie, what's wrong"

Upon hearing the dog’s barking, a weak woman's voice came from inside the house. Both Qi Lin and Mu Qingfeng turned their heads, barely able to see someone moving about inside. Soon, the coarse fabric curtain was pushed aside, revealing an emaciated woman appearing weakly in front of them.

Seeing her owner come out, Blackie wagged his tail happily while still keeping a close eye on Qi Lin and company.

"Who are you..." The woman drew back slightly upon seeing Qi Lin and the others. She tentatively wanted to ask something but then took in some cold air, covering her mouth as she coughed, "Cough...cough...cough."

Qi Lin immediately moved forward, only to be stopped by Blackie with his fierce stare. Mu Qingfeng quickly stepped between Qi Lin and the dog, while Qi Lin hesitated.

"Are you alright" Qi Lin asked carefully, seeing how frail the woman was and worried that she might be blown away by the wind. "Is it serious"

“What are you doing!”

Hearing this voice, both Qi Lin and Mu Qingfeng turned around simultaneously. It was the boy who had stolen her wallet earlier; now there was blood on his forehead, and his clothes were even more tattered than before. Qi Lin frowned slightly; he must have been beaten up by someone. what’s going onJust as Zi Lin was thinking, she felt a strong force pulling her in and enveloping her in a warm embrace. She could smell faint dragon musk and hear his powerful heartbeat, which made...