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Kapitel 29

It's obvious what these secret agents, bodyguards, spies, and doves mean to Fox, and what their place is in his heart. This secret organization, which he cultivated from who-knows-when and is absolutely loyal to him, was given this identity by him. At this moment, I finally realize that Fox actually knew I was a woman all along. Thinking back on his past actions towards me, it seems he liked me a long time ago! Why is this? When did it turn out this way? And Qinglin, did he also know my identity all along? Then, the sadness, heartbreak, and despair I felt before, mistakenly believing he loved Fox, were all because of me?

I was startled by my own thoughts. Actually, it wasn't so bad. Ever since that first intimate encounter with that lecherous fox at Qianzui Inn, where he took advantage of me when I wasn't looking, I'd had some feelings for him, but the issue was too complicated, and it would be too embarrassing to confront him. Besides, with the country in crisis, I was happy to play dumb. But according to what Ye Feng said, it seems that fox had some wicked intentions. Luckily, I escaped early, otherwise, who knows what might have happened. Thinking about how I was busy comforting this person and that person, I wanted to dig a hole and disappear right then and there. How could I, Lin Qianqian, who's always been so clever, have done something so foolish?! 5555, those two animals, the fox and the fly, must be laughing their heads off. I have no face to see my elders back home!

Mu Cangying, that leaves only the six ministers. Could it be that someone among them leaked my whereabouts? No, my heart clenched painfully, and I really dared not think any further in that direction.

"Also, were you the ones who appeared that night and helped us escape danger?" I suddenly remembered what Xiaobai had said before. It must have been them who helped us back then.

"Yes, young master. We should receive a reply tonight regarding the matter you wish to investigate. If you wish to find the secret envoy and the hidden pigeon, simply give the order, and I will take care of it." I sat near the carriage door, while Ye Feng sat outside. His voice wasn't loud, but each word reached my ears with exceptional clarity. Ling'er sat opposite me, fiddling with several bottles and jars, seemingly researching something.

"I inevitably have times when I'm alone. What if you're not by my side, and I need to find you or contact your secret agents?" That little rascal, just now he was calling me his mistress, treating me like a master, saying he'd do whatever I asked, making me believe him. I was even a little touched by that fox. Now, he seems wary of me. It seems the fox didn't teach me how to find his secret organizations when he gave me the jade pendant. Could it be that this stinky fox is really being a sycophant and has a secret weapon up his sleeve?

"Your subordinate will stay by your side for twelve hours a day, so you need not worry."

After all that talk, you still don't believe me. Fine, fine, I'm not in the mood to argue with you right now, and I can't communicate with that fox who's so far away. I need to get down to business. I lay back down on the soft couch in the carriage. It was getting late; judging by the time, we should be almost at Tianzhou. What should I do after we get there? Ten days have passed since we started our journey. Time isn't too tight, but it's not ample either, and I need to get my business done as soon as possible. Infiltrate the palace? Contact someone to escort me to the palace? Or openly request an audience? None of these seem feasible. What should I do? This is truly a problem. Why didn't I think of this kind of brain-draining issue when I volunteered? I certainly didn't anticipate such dangers on the road. If it weren't for the protection from the Yun family, Mu Qinglin, and that fox, wouldn't I have gone with Hong'er?

Hong'er... just thinking of Hong'er makes my eyes sting. How could I be so heartless? Hong'er is gone, and I'm heartbroken too. But when things happen, I can only think of myself, just like when I left her there alone, without even a proper burial. Compared to my own safety, I would ultimately choose to protect myself without hesitation. Perhaps I've already accepted the fact that she's dead, which is why I'm so rational. How could I put myself and those around me in danger again because of someone who's already dead? How could I put aside the matter concerning the lives of millions in the Longyao Kingdom because of someone who's already dead? I've seen on TV before that someone risked their life to protect another, only to see that person die or be on the verge of death, and then the person being protected would rush back, putting themselves in danger again. This makes the sacrifice of others seem particularly ironic and absurd. It might seem like such actions show how sentimental they are, but it's actually just a sign of being out of their mind, a lack of rationality and being blinded by emotion. I have always understood this principle. The only way to prevent those who died because of me from dying in vain is to make myself live a better life, isn't it?

But Hong'er, once Ye Feng and the others find out the origins of the men in black that night, I will make them pay the heaviest price, leaving them no room for regret!

My heart gradually calmed down. Ye Feng's tone was so certain; he probably had secret guards following him. Besides, didn't he say that Xiao Bai and the others would catch up soon? Then what did I have to worry about? I didn't know exactly how powerful Ye Feng was, but he was the head of the secret guards by Fox's side. Given Fox's discerning eye, he must be quite capable. Plus, Xiao Bai and Yun Yao's martial arts seemed pretty good. I thought that with their protection, my safety should be guaranteed.

"Young Master, it seems you'll have to make do with this." Ye Feng stopped the carriage to the side, respectfully reported to me after lifting the curtain, and then winked at Ling'er. I strained to see if anything had happened outside, but Ye Feng completely blocked my view, and I couldn't catch a glimpse of anything. Ling'er then held me tightly with one hand and applied something cool and slightly fragrant to my face with the other. Then Ye Feng lowered the curtain, turned around, and drove the carriage away.

I stared blankly at Ling'er with my big, innocent eyes, completely bewildered. Ling'er looked at me with a smile in her eyes, only pursing her lips, not saying a word, but her hands were constantly adjusting my clothes and my hair. I grabbed her hand, about to ask her what was going on, when my vision suddenly brightened. The carriage curtain had been roughly lifted by someone, and I, holding Ling'er's hand, was now completely exposed to a pair of scrutinizing eyes outside the carriage.

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Two: Where Does the Vast Sky and Water Lead? One Wave After Another Rise (Part Three)

Chapter word count: 4909 Last updated: 08-12-21 16:20

One wave subsides only for another to rise (Part 3)

I stared at the person in front of me, speechless, my mouth agape. Ling'er suddenly threw herself into my arms, wrapping her arms around my waist and calling out, "Young Master!" I patted her back awkwardly and turned my gaze to Ye Feng behind the person. He was winking at me and touching his face.

A sudden realization dawned on me, and I instantly understood what was going on. The man who had just lifted the carriage curtain was none other than the middle-aged scarred man I'd encountered that afternoon, the one who wanted to take me back to his master! He was setting up a checkpoint at the gates of Tianzhou, checking everyone entering the city—could he have been waiting for me here? Judging from the blatant contempt in his eyes when he first saw me, was the disguise Ling'er had been applying to my face just now the legendary art of disguise? It seemed this scarred man didn't recognize me at all.

With my mind made up, I began to improvise: I pulled Ling'er back into my arms, gently pinched her cheeks twice, and deliberately lowered my voice to coax her, "Don't be afraid, it's just soldiers on patrol. We'll be at Tianshan and Tianhu soon, and you can't go back on your promise to me then!"

I even gave a few weird laughs, humph, to disgust you all. Ling'er cooperated perfectly, throwing herself into my arms again. The scarred man finally couldn't stand it anymore, turned around, and went to check the people in the back. Ye Feng hurriedly lowered the carriage curtain, and the carriage slowly started moving again. As soon as it entered the city gate, it sped off.

I sat in the carriage, ignoring Ling'er who was still blushing slightly, rummaging through drawers and cabinets looking for my little bronze mirror. I was eager to see what I looked like after Ling'er's disguise. Would I be handsome, dashing, and debonair? After searching for a long time, I couldn't find my bundle. Then it dawned on me that when I jumped off the carriage and twisted my ankle, the bundle fell to the ground. Later, Xiaobai picked me up, but I didn't know if anyone had picked it up for me. Was it still lying on the ground? There was a lot of silver and my personal clothing inside! How frustrating! I poured myself a full cup of water, wanting to see what my reflection looked like through the water, but the sky outside was getting darker and darker, not to mention inside the carriage, so this method was completely useless.

I pointed to my face, not daring to touch it, afraid of touching a cold, lifeless face, and said to Ling'er, "How is it? Does it look good?"

Ling'er smiled again, and after a long while said, "Young Master is handsome no matter what."

Tsk tsk, I didn't expect this little girl to have such a sweet tongue. She has a bright future ahead of her! With this mix of trepidation and anticipation, I finally waited for the moment to disembark from the carriage and check into the inn.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. "Sigh," I thought, "you're not bad looking either, but compared to me, you're really much inferior." Oh well, what can I do? I'm just too outstanding, so I have to use you as a cover-up. As I was still sighing to myself, a soft "Young Master" came from behind. I grunted in response, and then a dark figure appeared before me in a flash. My mouth formed an "O" shape as I looked at the door on my left—it was securely closed. I looked at the window on my right—it seemed securely closed too. And I hadn't heard a sound. Ugh, where did Xiao Ye come from?

"Where...where did you come from? You...you weren't spying on me in this room all morning, were you?" This is unbelievable! Xiaoye's claim of being around me for twelve hours a day doesn't include sneaking into my room at night to watch me sleep, does it? Fox, since you know I'm a girl, you wouldn't give such a stupid order, would you?

"Please forgive me, Madam! How dare I trespass into your room without your permission!" Ye Feng panicked and immediately knelt down, even changing his address back to Madam.

"Get up quickly, I was just asking casually." I jumped back quite a distance. Honestly, it seems that apart from me and the fox, and oh right, the fly, no one else can shake this habit of kneeling at the drop of a hat. What he said also makes sense. It seems that I now at least have the title of mistress of a master, so these people wouldn't act so recklessly, would they?

"Madam, this is a letter from the master to you." Ye Feng handed me a letter and then bowed and waited to the side.

A letter from the fox? I quickly grabbed it and examined it closely. Oh dear, the two strong, graceful characters "Qianqian" on the envelope were indeed written by the fox's own paws. Seeing that familiar handwriting, my eyes welled up with tears. Brother, I've only just arrived in Tianzhou, and I've already experienced so many things I never dared to imagine before. The road ahead will likely only become more treacherous. Only now do I understand why, when I proposed going abroad to lobby, you were so unusually calm and composed, resolutely refusing me despite everyone being present. I finally understand your worries and hesitations at the time. Although I don't know why you ultimately agreed to my request, you even sent your chief bodyguard to protect me, not to mention giving me the Phoenix Orchid Jade Pendant. Your worries have probably never lessened from the very beginning.

I pulled out the letter inside, unfolded it, and found only sixteen characters: "Leaving the Cloud Mansion behind, I wander alone with the night. Stay away from strangers and remember to be safe."

Abandoning the Yun family mansion, going alone with Ye Feng? The fox means I should abandon Yun Yao and Yun Hui. Why? Has he discovered something amiss at the Yun family mansion? Although I've long suspected there's something sinister going on within the Yun family mansion, logically and emotionally, I don't believe they would do anything to harm me, let alone take my life. Furthermore, Yun Yao and Yun Hui have shown no abnormalities along the way; on the contrary, their loyalty is evident from Yun Hui's severed arm. So why is the fox insisting I sever ties with the Yun family mansion? Is it possible that no one around me, except Ye Feng, can be trusted?

And "keep away from strangers," does that refer to Yun Bai? I understand that Yun Bai must have a lot of past experiences, but I judge people by their hearts and don't think he would be harmful to me. Am I too suspicious, or am I too naive?

"When did this letter arrive?" I placed the letter on the candle flame, watching the bluish-red flame slowly spread. When my fingers began to feel the heat and the flame was close to the last remaining corner I was holding, I tossed the letter into a teacup. With a hiss, the flame vanished instantly, leaving only a wisp of smoke that rose and dissipated.

"Reporting to your Excellency, it happened just before I entered."

"So fast! Did you report Yun Bai's matter to my elder brother?"

"Yes, young master." He lowered his head and answered decisively.

"Night Wind, I suppose you sent someone to report to my elder brother as soon as there was any disturbance on my side, otherwise how could the news have arrived so quickly? When my elder brother entrusted you with protecting me, did he also instruct you to monitor me and report my every word and action to him?" A chill ran through me. I had never imagined that the fox would one day distrust me. But why did the thought of his distrust cause a sharp pain in my heart, while my anger seemed pale and inadequate?

"Please forgive me, young master. My master never gave such instructions. He only told me to protect you well and not allow you to suffer any mishap. It was because I thought Yun Bai's identity was suspicious that I rashly sent someone to report this to my master. Please punish me, young master." Ye Feng spoke sincerely and knelt on the ground again, his attitude one of absolute respect and obedience.

"Yun Bai's identity is suspicious? So you knew Yun Bai's identity all along! If you suspected him of having ulterior motives, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Judging from the speed of the letter, Ye Feng must have recognized Yun Bai long ago. Who exactly is Yun Bai? Ye Feng reported this matter to Fox, but why didn't Fox mention Yun Bai's identity in his reply, only telling me not to approach him again?

"Please punish me, young master." He remained kneeling, head bowed, but said nothing more.

"Night Wind, since you're unwilling to speak, I won't force you. I will personally verify Yun Bai's identity with him. Remember, no matter what orders my elder brother gives, if you dare to lay a finger on him before I'm certain, I will not forgive you." Given Fox's personality, if Yun Bai's identity is questionable, he will show no mercy. Seeing that Night Wind would rather I punish him than reveal Yun Bai's background, Fox must have given him special instructions. However, since I personally brought Yun Bai into this circle, if his identity is truly detrimental to me, it should be my turn to settle this matter.

"Yes," he answered readily, without the hesitation I had expected.

"Please get up." I sighed inwardly. "Since I came out this time, my elder brother will have people keep a close eye on me, both for public and private reasons. He won't really let me do whatever I want. So please report anything you need to do, but if it concerns me or the people around me, please inform me as well. Also, unlike my elder brother, I shouldn't kneel down so easily in the future."

Actually, I understood this a long time ago. It's been ten days since I came out, and I never thought of writing a letter to Fox, Qinglin, or Zhang De. Wasn't it because I firmly believed that my every move was under the control of Fox, Qinglin, and even the Yun family? Each of them has countless spies, and people are constantly reporting to them, so I couldn't be bothered to do it. Just now, seeing Fox warn me to be wary of the Yun family and Yun Bai, I was so shocked that I overthought things; it seems a bit inappropriate.

"Has the matter of the assassin been investigated thoroughly?" Night Wind must have told Dragon Fox about the assassin, so regardless of whether my whereabouts were leaked or discovered, Fox will find a way to find out. If there really was a traitor within Dragon Yao Kingdom, then that person is utterly unforgivable.

"Young Master, apart from the first batch of assassins whose origins are still unknown, the men in black that night were assassins from the envoy's entourage of Wangyue Kingdom, the four men this morning were from the Crown Prince Xiu Ruo's entourage, and the assassins this afternoon were sent by the Fourth Prince of Tianqing Kingdom."

An envoy from Wangyue Kingdom? Wangyue Kingdom actually sent an envoy? How come I didn't think of that before? If we're sending envoys, Wangyue Kingdom has even more reason to send one. What is Crown Prince Xiu Ruo up to? I've considered countless possibilities. And what is this Fourth Prince of Tianqing Kingdom doing? Logically, by now, Longyao Kingdom's alliance letter should have already reached the King of Tianqing, so Wangyue Kingdom's letter should have arrived long ago. The Fourth Prince's way of "inviting" me here suggests ill intentions; he probably doesn't want Tianqing to form an alliance with Longyao Kingdom!

The situation suddenly seemed to have become complicated. Of the six kingdoms, four had already made a move, and with the addition of Hanxing, which had a long-standing marriage alliance with Tianqing, this war had actually involved five kingdoms? Would Yecang Kingdom, which was widely regarded as the most powerful, remain completely silent at this point? I awkwardly rubbed my forehead. 5555, fox, am I regretting it now?