ttle wolf catching fish in the water hurriedly chased after them but slipped and fell, getting up again to shake off the water from its body before chasing on. However, it kept sensing other scents an...Chapter 19: Only Blindly Tackle the Darkness

The next day, Qi Lin woke up at noon. There was only Mai Dong with her beside her, implying that she had another bout of heavy drinking last night. She knocked on her head and downed a cup of hangover soup handed to her by Mai Dong, enduring his nagging the whole time. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any trace of alcohol on her body when she washed her face.

Today at Bamboo Retreat, only Qi Lin and Mai Dong were present. From Mai Dong's actions, it was clear that the fool had instructed him to keep a close watch over her, not allowing her to step out of the house. Luckily, Mai Dong wasn’t as troublesome as he used to be. When she said she wanted to change clothes, he merely glared at her. As soon as she started unbuckling her waistband in front of him, Mai Dong finally blushed and left.

She took out the light blue wide-sleeved gown from her closet and put it on. On her bedside was a wooden box that caught her eye. She remembered what Qiao Er had returned to her last night. Walking over, she opened it and found inside only a white jade flute, a small white brocade box, and an unfolded fan—items belonging solely to the fool. For some reason, she had kept these things without returning them. Picking up the jade flute, she suddenly recalled mentioning yesterday that this was something from her beloved person in front of Feng Changqing, feeling ashamed.

However, those words of his also took root in her heart.

"I know your name is Qi Lin; you are the demoness captured by the emperor a few days ago. The Duke was the one who put you here."

Although she had long been prepared for this and knew that appearing here was Ziyin’s doing, she hadn’t counted on Yu Mu. It wasn’t because he deceived her but rather due to her closely guarded secret being known by someone so close.

No matter whether becoming his personal maid was part of Ziyin's scheme or not, she wouldn’t try to guess or question it.

However, at this moment, she didn't know how to face Yu Mu.

Saying that she couldn’t explain why, it was just her inner aversion.

"I reckon you've been hit by a blow from those outside beauties" Unable to bear with Qi Lin's obedient and non-escapist behavior anymore, Mai Dong teased.

When he thought she would retort like before, Qi Lin was still staring blankly at the stone table in the courtyard, not hearing what he said. Was this guy going to shut himself off because of a heavy blow

"Ah Xue!"

Huh Qi Lin blinked her eyes and saw Mai Dong's face suddenly up close. Before she could figure out what was happening, he held her shoulders tightly, staring seriously at her.

"Those women outside are very pretty, but in my heart, no matter what is on your face, you—you’re the most beautiful." After saying this, Mai Dong felt his heartbeat accelerate rapidly. A blush crept onto his cheeks as he looked at Qi Lin intently.

But to Qi Lin, Mai Dong’s blushing and wide eyes were very cute, making her unable to resist laughing out loud. She patted his face kindly and said, "What did you have in mind Whether someone is beautiful or not has nothing to do with me. Besides, one should be aware of their own appearance. I know myself; there's no need for comfort."

No

Yes, Mai Dong lowered her hand but couldn't bring herself to say the words stuck in her throat. However, some things had to be said now or they would never be spoken later. With determination, she suddenly grabbed Qi Lin's hand.

The pain of being grabbed made Qi Lin look at Mai Dong in confusion. Did this guy take a wrong turn today

Opening her mouth, the words hidden in her heart still wouldn't come out. Looking into Qi Lin’s blinking black pupils, Mai Dong couldn’t help but wrap her arms around Qi Lin's waist and pull her closer.

"Mai Dong, Master told you to let go of Mai Dong."

Huh!

Mai Dong and the still confused Qi Lin looked at Ren Dong standing there with his mouth wide open in shock.

The next second, before either of them could react, Ren Dong flew over and forcibly separated them. He pushed Qi Lin to the ground without hesitation and glared at Mai Dong as if asking, "Doesn’t he know she’s the person under Prince Zi Yin I’ve been telling him to stay away from her, but just after a short while of me leaving, this kid is… doesn't he want to live anymore"

"Ah Xue." Concerned about Qi Lin lying on the ground, Mai Dong pushed Ren Dong's hand aside and helped Qi Lin up. He asked carefully, "Are you okay Did you hurt anywhere"

Qi Lin shook her head and walked over to glare at Ren Dong. "Do you know it hurts when you fall on the ground Are you crazy"

Hmph! Ren Dong snorted coldly as if he wanted to kill Qi Lin, but seeing that she didn’t seem to be thinking much about it, why

Patting off the snow from her clothes, she walked over to Mai Dong and smiled. "Thank you by the way. If not for you, I would have definitely been hit on the head with the snow piled up on the tree just now."

Huh Both Mai Dong and Ren Dong looked at the bump of snow on the ground and then at Qi Lin who was stupidly smiling, feeling embarrassed.

"Hahaha"

Mai Dong couldn’t help but laugh alone. How could he not know Qi Lin had no feelings for him whatsoever; even if she said it, what good would that do It would only distance her from him further. Seeing Qi Lin completely puzzled and about to ask something, Mai Dong turned his gaze to Ren Dong and solemnly asked, "What did you just say Master wants"

Only now did Ren Dong realize this. He glanced disdainfully at the still confused Qi Lin before shaking his head helplessly and said, "Quickly prepare the medicine box for Master. Miss Bu Yao fell down the stairs while dancing and got injured."

Hearing that something urgent had happened, Mai Dong quickly went back to get the medicine box.

Qi Lin, on the other hand, was thinking that it was unlikely to be an accident for someone to fall down the steps while dancing; it must have been intentional. And this person should not be anyone else. Recalling Cao Er's cold eyes made Qi Lin’s heart ache. She would put her own affairs aside for now and deal with the many unresolved issues.

For example, Qiao'er, and also Zhuo Xi and Su Feng.

After struggling to follow Mai Dong and the others outside, she found out that Feng Changqing and the rest had already returned to the palace. Next was Zi Yin taking charge alone until finally Feng Changqing would make a brief appearance. Today was supposed to be the day when those beauties showcased their talents through dancing; however, unexpectedly, while Bu Yao was dancing, a pillar suddenly collapsed. Although it didn’t hit her directly, she still fell down from above.

While passing by the Peony Garden, Qi Lin couldn't help but notice that there were many people coming out of it and asked, "Why are so many people at Miss Peony’s place"

She originally thought that she would be in Bu Yao's area at least pretending to be concerned. However, unexpectedly, Ren Dong said when the pillar fell, Peony pushed Bu Yao aside instead and ended up falling herself but only suffered minor injuries.

Hearing this, Qi Lin faintly pulled her lips into a smile and wanted to use this opportunity to visit Qiao'er. She changed her expression to one of concern and said, "Well, I want to check on Miss Peony's injury. After all, we have met before."

She thought Ren Dong would refuse but surprisingly he agreed. Without any more delay, Qi Lin quickly ran over there. At this moment, Qiao'er should be by Peony’s side, so she wanted to run straight towards Peony's room.

"Miss, don't do it like this... This isn’t right."

Stopping her hand that was about to knock on the door, Qi Lin tilted her head in confusion. Wasn't that Qiao'er’s voice Why did she feel a sense of bashfulness

"Don't worry. Nobody will come in here. I don’t have the patience."

Peony What kind of impatience could Peony be referring to Qi Lin couldn’t help but push open the door slightly, yet was blocked by a screen so she couldn't see what happened on the bed clearly. Just as she decided to give up, she noticed a mirror placed on the table that reflected the bed. Although it wasn’t clear enough, what she saw in the reflection sent her plummeting into hell.

Qiao'er was stealthily taking off the pants under her wide skirt while Peony had already raised her pale and slender legs, waiting for Qiao'er to approach. Once everything was ready, Qiao'er blushed as she crawled up onto Peony’s legs, straddling her waist with her back facing Peony. Under Peony's encouragement, Qiao'er finally buried her head between Peony's legs while Peony eagerly reached into Qiao'er’s wide skirt.

Soon, soft and shy moans of the two started seeping through the door crack into Qi Lin's ears. She tightly covered her mouth as a buzzing sound filled her ears.

She didn’t know how she walked out, but when she reached an uninhabited path, Qi Lin suddenly collapsed on the ground.

Do you know what kind of humiliation I endure every day

The words that Qiao'er had spoken to her resounded in her ears. She still clearly remembered the resentment and humiliation in Qiao'er’s eyes. Originally, she thought at most Ren Dong would beat Qiao'er; she never expected Peony to have such hidden preferences. No wonder Qiao'er hated her so much and severed ties with her.

No way, I can't let Qiao'er continue suffering like this. I must take her away.

Thinking of this, Qi Lin struggled to stand up and return the way she came. However, at the moment her foot lifted off the ground, she found herself immobilized in place. She remembered this feeling well; it was like a jolt of electricity entering her body, followed by complete immobility as if her meridians were sealed. The person responsible was none other than Zi Yin who appeared just yesterday.

Smiling, he approached Qi Lin. Hearing someone approaching from afar, he merely smiled again and swept Qi Lin into his arms before disappearing on the spot.

Zi Yin brought Qi Lin to fly and jump her way back to Bamboo Retreat’s courtyard. As soon as they landed, Zi Yin immediately released Qi Lin's seal.

"What exactly do you want" she stepped forward without decorum, grabbing the front of Zi Yin's robe and questioned him angrily while glaring at him.

Zi Yin merely gently removed her hand, speaking calmly, "If you go now, all you'll be doing is killing that girl."

Killing Qiao'er Qi Lin took a step back in weakness. Yes, if she went like this, what could she possibly do "But I can't just watch as Qiao'er gets taken advantage of."

Biting her lip painfully, Qi Lin regretted her current state of powerlessness.

Seeing Qi Lin’s dissatisfaction and anger, Zi Yin raised the corner of his mouth. “At present, you're no match for her. Peony is a woman of Dragon Yan's from Drunken Flower House; even without official status, she still belongs to the prince. Even if she did something wrong, given Dragon Yan's current state of mind, he will surely protect Peony.”

So what Qi Lin raised her eyebrows and looked coldly at Zi Yin. “And so what”

She was from another world; there was no need to follow the rules of this world. What difference did it make if Dragon Yan was a prince Throughout history, who didn't use cunning schemes to climb to power

"Didn’t you want to utilize me Alright then, let's proceed. Didn’t I get left here just for this day Come on, I’m prepared. If you throw me at Yu Mu, isn’t that also making Peony and others jealous of me I've gotten used to it." Qi Lin smiled with a sense of release as she continued, "These past few days have been confusing for me. I didn't know how far I could go in this world or what kind of dangers might be lurking. On one hand, worried about accidentally dying, while on the other trying to protect myself amidst all sorts of trouble, I've grown tired. Since you’ve already thought through everything, let's follow your lead."

This woman is truly interesting.

With an outstretched hand, he lifted Qi Lin’s chin and said, "I like clever women; aren’t you afraid Once you step in, there’s no stepping back."

"Afraid Haha." Qi Lin smiled coldly. "Before you came looking for me, I was confused about how to deal with Yu Mu, after all, having my secrets known by others is somewhat awkward. But I never felt fear. And Your Highness, thank you for the reminder; however, from day one, haven’t I already been forcibly dragged into your game of chess What's there to talk about stepping in and out Don't make me laugh."

Zi Yin’s eyes narrowed when he didn’t expect Qi Lin to be so bold. "Didn’t you refuse before"

Qi Lin smiled, saying, "It’s dark; one still has to walk the path at night. If you're scared, close your eyes and at worst stumble a bit, but the path must still be walked."seemed not to be him.Mmm, perhaps that perverted prince just left her here and didn’t bother with her anymore, so she could enjoy some peace.Just as she was about to head back, Qi Lin heard a sound of...