Многочисленные уловки больной подруги

Глава 1

☆, Volume One: The Country is Broken, but the Mountains and Rivers Remain

I. The country is destroyed

It was a barren slope at the foot of the dark green rocks, overgrown with weeds. The unnoticed vegetation grew silently, a patchwork of green and yellow. A bleak autumn wind blew, whipping up the withered grass and sand, swirling them as if directing them to drift and take root elsewhere. Scattered across the slope were a few solitary graves, seemingly untouched for years. The yellow earth was loose, some even crumbling away, and the graves were covered in weeds. A few birds perched on them, pecking at the insects. A gust of wind startled them, and they scattered in all directions. One simple, newly built grave stood out. The freshly piled yellow earth indicated a recent death, but the tombstone was empty, leaving one to speculate about the deceased's identity. A little girl knelt before the grave, her clothes suggesting a rural girl, but her appearance would easily disprove the initial assumption.

This wasn't the first time she had knelt before her parents' graves, but Qingluan still clenched her fists. Her coarse cloth clothes fluttered in the wind, and her simple attire couldn't conceal her transcendent temperament. Her small oval face was filled with indifference, with only a glimmer of light in her phoenix eyes betraying her emotions. Her delicate nails, which she had maintained for fourteen years, were already broken. The untrimmed nails pierced deeply into her palms, oozing a few drops of crimson blood, but she didn't feel any pain, because she had already experienced far greater pain.

Since the imperial city was breached by the rebels, the Great Xia Dynasty collapsed overnight. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken. The entire family of Lin Chaoyuan, the Minister of Personnel, perished in the fall of the city, setting themselves on fire in their residence. Everyone said that the Lin family was a family of loyal martyrs, sacrificing themselves for their country, leaving no bloodline behind. But what no one knew was that before setting himself on fire, Minister Lin couldn't bear to part with his young daughter, Qingluan. He entrusted her wet nurse, Huiniang, to adopt Qingluan as his own daughter, secretly sending them away to live as ordinary people, hoping his beloved daughter would live a peaceful life.

Hui Niang, along with her fourteen-year-old Qing Luan, secretly hid outside the mansion and witnessed the Minister's mansion being consumed by fire. However, even the charred corpses of her parents could not escape the rebel army's wrath. They were dug out of the ruins and whipped to warn other court officials who refused to surrender.

Remembering the tears she held back and the heart-wrenching pain of that day, Qingluan lowered her head and gently touched the bruise on her arm that Huiniang had tightly gripped when she tried to prevent her from running away. Qingluan's eyes changed from clear to deep.

From that day on, Qingluan stopped crying and looking for her parents. Her personality changed from innocent and romantic to quiet and reserved. She obediently listened to Huiniang every day, ate her meals properly, and kept to a regular schedule. However, beneath her calm exterior lay a turbulent undercurrent. An idea had already formed in Qingluan's mind. To realize it, she had to take good care of her health so that she would have the resources to carry it out.

Seeing these changes in Qingluan, Huiniang often sighed to herself.

To escape the rebel army, Huiniang took Qingluan to a small mountain village in a neighboring county. The villagers there were simple and honest, living a peaceful life. In a secluded spot, they secretly erected a cenotaph and a blank tombstone for their family. Qingluan often came here alone, but this time she neither shed tears nor spoke. She would kneel silently before the grave, sometimes for half a day at a time. The cold wind blew across her delicate skin, and a few strands of hair danced in the wind, performing a mournful dance of national ruin and family destruction…

"Qingluan, didn't your master say that your destiny was exceptionally noble? That you would only encounter a great calamity at the age of 20? How come you're facing this hardship now?" Huiniang sighed, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes.

Hui Niang was an honest woman and Qing Luan's wet nurse. Because she gave birth to a girl who died of a strange illness, her husband's family considered her unlucky and divorced her, kicking her out of the house. When Madam Lin saw that she was honest and dutiful, she made her Qing Luan's wet nurse. Hui Niang raised Qing Luan from a young age and regarded her as her own daughter. That's why Minister Lin felt at ease entrusting his young daughter to her.

"Mother, let's not talk about the past anymore, lest it bring us to our deaths. From now on, you are my own mother. I will live well and take good care of you." Qingluan said calmly, her clear voice filled with coldness, and her eyes shone with a light that was clearly the flame of hatred.

"Don't be sad anymore. The master and mistress's last wish was for you to live a peaceful and happy life. Don't let them down!" Hui Niang looked at Qing Luan, as if she could see through what she was thinking, but she didn't dare to say it directly. She just timidly advised her.

Although the village was far from the capital, news of the capital gradually reached the village.

"I heard that this time it was the Emperor's younger brother, Prince Liang, who led the Qi army. Why isn't he the one who ascends the throne as Emperor?"

"This time, the King of Liang not only failed to make a deal, but also let a wolf into the house. He didn't become emperor, but he handed over the glorious empire inherited from his ancestors to someone else!"

"Who did you give it to?"

"Of course it's the State of Qi. On the surface, they allied with the King of Liang, but on the day they captured the capital, they killed the emperor and the entire royal family, including the King of Liang. It's a pity that the King of Liang died without understanding what was happening, still dreaming of ascending the throne!"

"So now we're considered citizens of Qi? Isn't that a disgrace?"

"Oh dear, why should we ordinary people worry about so much? As long as we have enough to eat and wear, who cares who the emperor is!"

"Yes, let's go, let's go chop firewood! If we don't earn two coins today, Zhu Zi's mother definitely won't let me in the door!"

"Ha ha ha ha……"

The sound faded into the distance. Qingluan, dressed in green, leaned against the window. Her petite and lonely figure was cold and aloof, her face obscured and her body motionless, like a painting of a beauty that could shame the moon and flowers. However, the beauty in the painting smiled coldly. "King Qi, one day I will avenge the destruction of my country and the loss of my family."

The world was in chaos, with four kingdoms vying for supremacy: Xia, Qi, Shu, and Zhou. Xia had now been annexed by Qi, creating a three-way power struggle. The Qi emperor, in his prime, possessed a powerful but ruthless and warlike state, and now, having conquered Xia, he was riding high. However, the Qi king's cruel methods were widely criticized. Shu, on the other hand, had a young emperor who ascended the throne at the tender age of six. The court was managed by the Empress Dowager, a remarkable woman who had fought alongside the late emperor to establish the kingdom. She was over forty when she finally had her son. The late emperor and she were deeply devoted to each other, and the emperor refused to take any concubines, resulting in only this one crown prince. After the late emperor's untimely death, the six-year-old prince was the obvious choice to ascend the throne. The Empress Dowager's regency was widely supported, and she displayed her political acumen, managing the court with remarkable efficiency, making her a force to be reckoned with. After several generations of wise and diligent rulers, the State of Zhou has become the most powerful country. The Zhou emperor has just passed away, and his eldest son has succeeded to the throne. Although he is only seventeen years old, he has managed to stabilize several factions within the country and successfully ascended the throne. It seems that he is not an ordinary person.

Qingluan carefully analyzed the overall situation of the world, pondering how to avenge herself. To achieve revenge, she needed to destroy the State of Qi, making the King of Qi taste the bitterness of national ruin and family destruction. But destroying Qi was easier said than done…

"Qingluan, dinner's ready," Huiniang called from outside.

"I'm here." Qingluan composed herself and quickly replied. Fortunately, Huiniang was there, so she wouldn't be all alone.

“Recently, many refugees have come to the village. They all fled from the capital. In the struggles between countries, it is always the common people who suffer!” Hui Niang rambled on.

Yes, prosperity brings suffering to the people! Ruin brings suffering to the people! The achievements of heroes and the rise and fall of dynasties are all at the cost of the people's bloodshed and sacrifice.

As a child, I suffered from a chronic illness, which was cured by a wise and venerable unnamed Taoist priest. The priest insisted on taking me as his disciple, imparting to me all his martial arts, medical skills, divination techniques, and profound wisdom on governance. My master cast a divination for me, which yielded the Kun hexagram. He said my destiny was incomparably noble, capable of changing the world, but I would face a great calamity at the age of 20. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "If I can overcome it, the fate of the common people will be uncertain." He then gazed at the night sky, as if worried about something. My master always patiently guided me, hoping I would develop a compassionate heart and consider the well-being of all. I deeply admired him and naturally dared not refuse. My father never believed what my master said, but he admired my master's unparalleled talent and respected him greatly. My father would always hold me in his arms, saying, "My Luan'er doesn't have such a noble destiny. I only hope she can live a peaceful and healthy life." However, it's always good to learn more, and practicing martial arts can also improve physical health.

Thinking of this, Qingluan said, "If it is really as Master said, I will definitely end this chaotic world and let the people no longer suffer from this torment of displacement, national ruin, and family destruction!"

Hui Niang was stunned and didn't say anything more.

Author's Note: This is my first time posting on Jinjiang Literature City, please give me your support!

☆、II. Catching a Thief

A few low, tiled houses were surrounded by fruit trees and large elm trees. A wooden gate, painted red, formed the basic structure of a typical farmhouse courtyard. Inside, there were three rooms and a woodshed. In the center of the courtyard sat a wooden table and several bamboo chairs. A few chicks, led by their mother hen, wandered around, pecking at insects on the grass. The three rooms appeared to be the same size, differing only in the pattern of the paper pasted on the window frames—cheap goods from the market, after all. During the day, the window frames were propped open with wooden sticks. Sometimes a busy middle-aged woman could be seen, sometimes a young girl; it seemed only these two lived in the courtyard. The woodshed was neatly stacked with firewood, and next to it was a rice jar, its fullness indicating the family's affluence. Opposite the firewood was a cabinet containing kitchen utensils such as bowls, chopsticks, oil, and salt. Several pieces of cured meat were also hanging on the cabinet, indicating that the owner was thrifty and had prepared enough food for the winter.

These past few days, I've felt there's been a slight decrease in the rice in the rice bin in the woodshed, not obvious, but it's still more than usual. Hui Niang and Qing Luan have no income these days, relying solely on the silver notes and jewelry Lin Shangshu gave them when he left. They have to be frugal. And today, one of Hui Niang's chickens is missing, further convincing Qing Luan that a thief has gone wrong. Qing Luan glanced at the intact piece of cured meat hanging on the woodshed cabinet and smiled. So it's a little thief, but not greedy at all! Interesting! Let me find you. She summoned Hui Niang and whispered something to her…

A conversation between Hui Niang and Qing Luan could be heard from inside the house:

"Qingluan, the steamed buns are outside. Let them cool down so they can be used as provisions when we go into town tomorrow. Remember to bring them in tonight!"

"good."

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, dotted with countless stars, and the chirping of cicadas is melodious and lingering...

A steamer basket of steamed buns was still in the yard, not yet brought inside. Just then, a pair of small, dark hands reached in and secretly grabbed two buns. As the girl turned to run away, a soft voice chuckled, "Why not take a few more?" The light inside came on, and a pretty girl of about thirteen or fourteen, carrying a candlestick, emerged. Years later, when Ye Zhanqing recalled this scene, he still couldn't forget the girl's noble and ethereal气质 (qi zhi - inherent quality/temperament), like a fairy descended from heaven. Although she wore the coarse cloth clothes of an ordinary farm girl, her otherworldly beauty inspired awe and reverence. Yes, he felt a sense of awe looking at a little girl about his own age. And indeed, the girl's later achievements proved his initial feeling true.

"This isn't your first time here, is it?" Qingluan asked, looking at the boy who was covered in dirt and dressed like a little beggar, but whose eyes were unusually bright.

"I...I'll pay you back later!" the boy said, embarrassed.

"Oh? What will you give me in return?" Qingluan chuckled.

"My sister is sick, and I have to take care of her these few days. Once she gets better, I'll find some work, and I'll definitely earn the money to pay her back," the boy said anxiously.

"Then why don't we stop waiting for later? Bring your sister here, and you can stay with me. You can work for me as a way of paying off your debt! I'll even provide you with food and lodging. How about that?" Qingluan looked at him with a questioning gaze.

"Okay." The boy thought for a moment, then agreed, and after saying that, he turned and ran away.

"Qingluan, you just let him go like that? Aren't you afraid he's lying to you? And how can you let strangers live with us? And even pay for their food and lodging?" Huiniang was full of questions.

“Mother, he wouldn’t lie to me. Look at his expression and his polite manners. He doesn’t seem like a bad person. And look at his eyes,” Qingluan recalled his hurt and helpless look earlier. “I feel like I’m seeing myself when I see him. Besides, it’s not safe for us to be out here. Letting them stay would give them company and also save two people. Isn’t that great?”

"Alright, you've always been decisive, I'll do whatever you say!" Hui Niang had no choice but to compromise.

A moment later, with a series of hurried footsteps, a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old ran into the courtyard carrying a girl of about seven or eight. The girl was wearing a light, crimson silk gauze dress embroidered with crabapple blossoms in spring slumber, but it was torn in several places and covered in dust. The fabric was quite fine, completely different from the boy's tattered clothes. However, her face was flushed with an unnatural redness, and her eyes were tightly closed. "Miss, we're here. From now on, I'll help you with chores. Please forgive my previous mistakes!" The boy blushed as he said the word "mistake," seemingly feeling extremely ashamed.

"Sister, call me sister. I'm not some kind of young lady. Besides, you did this to save your sister. I won't blame you. From now on, we're family. I'll help you cure your sister's illness, don't worry!" Looking at the little girl's attire, I felt that the two of them seemed to be more than just refugees. But since she didn't want to talk about it, I didn't force her. In this chaotic world, who doesn't have some secrets?

"Mother, please arrange for them to stay, and get them some food," Qingluan said, turning to Huiniang.

Hui Niang nodded and led them into the house. The boy took a few steps, then turned back to look at Qing Luan and said, "My name is Ye Zhanqing, and this is my younger sister, Ye Zhanhong. I know that you said you wanted me to work to pay off the debt, but actually you wanted to save us. Thank you, sister." Ye Zhanqing was a little embarrassed when she said this, and immediately turned around and went back into the house.

He seems to be an extremely intelligent person.

The next day, Qingluan took Ye Zhanhong's pulse and found that there was nothing seriously wrong. It was just that the young lady had suffered a great blow to her mind and body due to the sudden change in her life. In addition, she had been fleeing and hiding in the Middle East, sometimes eating a full meal and sometimes going hungry, and had also caught a cold, which caused her to have a persistent high fever.

Qingluan paused for a moment, then picked up a brush and wrote a prescription on a rough piece of paper. She gave Ye Zhanqing a few coins and told him to go to the city to get the medicine. Ye Zhanqing took the prescription, feeling both anxious and confused, but dared not speak. Qingluan understood, pursed her lips, and said, "You don't trust me? But you can only trust me now. Are you going to go to the city to find a doctor?" Ye Zhanqing hesitated for a moment, then put the prescription in his pocket and went out.

Qingluan thought to herself, "There's definitely something going on." They dared not reveal their identities, nor did they dare call a doctor. Although they were in such a sorry state, the young girl was dressed so well. Her identity seemed suspicious! She could only hope that she hadn't saved any bad people.

Since fourteen-year-old Ye Zhanqing brought her eight-year-old sister Ye Zhanhong to Qingluan's house, the house has become much livelier. Ye Zhanqing has taken on all the chores, while Ye Zhanhong, since recovering from her illness, has been very attached to Qingluan, constantly calling her "sister" and telling everyone funny stories from her childhood. Huiniang also adores her. Both of them obediently acknowledged Huiniang as their mother. Zhanqing is about the same age as Qingluan, only slightly younger, so she inevitably has to call Qingluan "sister" along with Zhanhong, but she puffs out her cheeks in a show of defiance.

They all got along well. Hui Niang's meticulous care and Qing Luan's sincere treatment moved Ye Zhanqing, and he gradually lowered his guard, revealing his true identity to Qing Luan and Hui Niang: he and his sister were the son and daughter of Ye Ranzhi, the great general of the Xia Kingdom. On the day the city fell, General Ye fought bravely against the enemy and ultimately died for his country. Madam Ye was killed by the rebel army during their massacre of the city. Zhanqing and Zhanhong survived because they hid in a secret passage within the mansion. When they came out after hearing silence outside, they were met with a scene of carnage. Their beloved family members were all cold and lifeless, and the stench of blood assaulted their fragile senses. The younger sister cried in terror, but Ye Zhanqing, a son of a general, managed to calm himself and began his escape with his sister. During their escape, the two suffered greatly. The younger sister, in particular, suffered from a persistent high fever due to hunger, cold, and extreme shock. Young Zhanqing longed to escape this agonizing journey and reunite with his family, but Madam Ye's dying words still echoed in his ears: taking care of his sister and avenging their parents was his mission for the rest of his life. To save his sister, Ye Zhanqing disguised himself as a refugee and begged everywhere. On those days, when no one gave him anything, he swallowed his pride and became a petty thief. However, not wanting to tarnish the pride of the General's Mansion, he only took a small amount to eat each time. After only two or three days, Qingluan discovered him.

"Sister, thanks to you and Mother, we are able to live until now!" Ye Zhanqing's clear eyes were full of sincerity.

“Have you forgotten again? We’re family, why are you thanking me? Besides—” I sharpened my eyes, “we have a common enemy.”

"One day, we will all get our revenge!" Ye Zhanqing said firmly.

To conceal their identities, Hui Niang led everyone to move to the State of Zhou. Once they left the State of Xia, no one would recognize them. Hui Niang claimed to be a newly widowed woman who had fled from the State of Xia with her three children. The villagers sympathized with their plight and often brought them firewood and rice to help them.

Two years have passed, and the peaceful and leisurely life has not diminished Qingluan and Ye Zhanqing's will for revenge. Especially after hearing about the cruelty of the King of Qi, their determination to destroy the Qi Kingdom and kill the King of Qi has become even stronger. After the King of Qi conquered the capital of the Xia Kingdom, he massacred the city for three days, killing all the Xia royal family and loyal officials who refused to surrender. A few cowardly officials who surrendered thought they could rise to prominence and enjoy wealth and honor with their new master, but instead, they became the targets of the King of Qi's frequent humiliations. He would often make fun of their "loyalty" in court. The ministers, naturally aware of the king's intentions, openly and secretly tried to trip them up. When the King of Qi found out, he just laughed it off, which only encouraged the ministers.

"Serves them right, these spineless cowards." Ye Zhanqing felt very relieved after hearing this.

I just smiled and remained silent. As fellow citizens, I deeply resented their lack of backbone, but it didn't feel right to have the King of Qi and his ministers vent our anger on our behalf.

Author's Note: The first volume tells the story of Qingluan's revenge, as well as her first love being betrayed. The atmosphere may be a bit gloomy. The second volume will be more cheerful and lively. Please be patient and keep reading. The exciting story is yet to come!

☆, III. Opportunity

From a young age, Qingluan never focused on needlework or embroidery, preferring instead to ponder the art of political maneuvering. Minister Lin didn't mind and devoted himself to teaching her. Madam Lin often teased them, saying, "Are you trying to raise a female scholar? Luan'er will get married someday! How can she not know needlework and embroidery?"

Minister Lin proudly said, "Anyone worthy of our Luan'er will be cherished and valued. How could we dare to look down on her!" Whenever he said this, Little Qingluan would nod with a sweet smile.

But now, besides Hui Niang, who else would love me so much? Thinking of this, sorrow welled up within Qingluan, and her heart sank. She had pondered for so long, considering countless ways to avenge her parents, but ultimately, they couldn't achieve it alone. Seeing Qingluan lost in thought again, Ye Zhanhong knew she was in a bad mood and quickly pulled her to sit down, instructing her on her poison techniques.

At first, during her leisure time, when the days were long and boring, Qingluan would occasionally give Ye Zhanqing and his sister pointers on knowledge and martial arts. After discovering Ye Zhanqing's talent in martial arts, she devoted herself to teaching him, imparting all the knowledge her master had taught her. Ye Zhanqing lived up to expectations, quickly surpassing Qingluan in martial arts. Qingluan was genuinely happy for him. She only had some worries: her master had never told her which school or sect he belonged to, and since he traveled the world, she wondered if he would be displeased if she passed on his teachings to others. However, Zhanqing was indeed a martial arts prodigy, and she believed her master would like him. Zhan Hong didn't like martial arts, and she wanted to teach her medicine, but this clever little girl only loved studying poisons, so she had to let her be, only instructing her not to harm anyone.

Time flowed quietly by, and the opportunity that everyone had been painstakingly waiting for finally arrived.

Sixteen-year-old Qingluan had blossomed into an even more stunning beauty, her skin as smooth as jade, fair with a rosy glow, gentle and graceful, crystal clear. One could only sigh, her beauty like—bright as the moon veiled by light clouds, drifting like swirling snowflakes in the wind. Huiniang often nagged in Qingluan's ear to find her a good marriage. Just as Huiniang was about to take action and find a matchmaker, Qingluan's clear, cold voice drifted over: "I want to go to the palace!"

"What? Why?" Hui Niang was stunned.

"To avenge my parents, I must rely on the power of others. The emperor of Zhou is the best candidate," Qingluan analyzed calmly.

“No, I promised the master and madam that I would let you live an ordinary life and live a peaceful life. I won’t agree to that! Besides, you can’t enter the palace with your status!” Hui Niang said firmly.

Seeing Hui Niang's protective demeanor, Qingluan's heart softened. She helped her sit down and softly advised, "Mother, I can't forget the tragic deaths of my parents. If I don't avenge them, I won't be happy even if I live a peaceful life. I've already decided on entering the palace! This problem isn't difficult to solve; I can forge an identity. This year, Zhou Kingdom is holding a selection of concubines for the new emperor. Many people hope to send their daughters to the palace to gain the emperor's favor and rise to prominence themselves. However, there are also those who don't want to send their daughters to the palace to suffer. I've already asked Zhanqing to inquire these past few days. The daughter of the county magistrate next door is also on the selection list, but they only have this one daughter, and they've been very worried these past few days. I suppose they don't want to send their daughters to the palace. If there's an orphan girl with no parents willing to take her place, I believe they will..." Qingluan stopped there, unable to bear seeing Hui Niang's agitated and pained expression, and turned away.

Hui Niang understood her meaning and knew that once Qing Luan made up her mind, nothing could change it. But the emotions in her heart made her burst into tears. She took Qing Luan's hand and sobbed, "Luan'er, although you are not my biological daughter, I raised you with my own hands. My daughter died young, and I was divorced by my husband's family. My master and mistress also..." Hui Niang wiped away her tears, "Now you are my only family. How can I just watch you jump into the fire pit!"

Qingluan held Huiniang's cold hand and sensed her sorrow. Her eyes welled up with tears. She knelt down in front of Huiniang, rested her head on her knees, and continued, "Mother, you raised me since I was a child, and I consider you my own mother. But if I don't avenge my parents, I will regret it for the rest of my life. You wouldn't want to see me like that, would you?"

Hui Niang gently stroked Qing Luan's hair, smoothing out a few stray strands, and gradually calmed down: "I know that once you've made up your mind, no one can shake it in the slightest. Fine, I won't stop you. But you have to promise me one thing!"

Qingluan raised her head, her eyes questioning, a hint of confusion appearing in her watery phoenix eyes, as if in a dream or mist.

"We won't be by your side anymore, so you must take good care of yourself. Always protect yourself, okay?" Hui Niang looked at the little face with affection. It was already so beautiful and endearing; wouldn't it be stunningly beautiful in the future? She only hoped that someone would cherish this little one and make her happy…

Qingluan nodded and softly replied, "Mm."

Watching Hui Niang turn and go back into the house, her figure seemed to have aged ten years. Qing Luan could no longer hold back her tears and murmured, "Mother, thank you."

Having made up her mind, and with such a good opportunity, Qingluan summoned Zhanqing and Zhanhong, told them her plan, and then said, "Now there are two paths: First, if you want revenge, we will unite and work together. Second, if you don't want revenge, you can leave at any time to avoid me implicating you in the future. If you choose to leave, I can give you some silver, not much, but enough for several months' expenses. With your abilities, I believe it shouldn't be difficult for you to earn a living." Qingluan paused here, waiting for their choice. She looked up at the sky outside the window, her eyes distant, her small oval face calmly concealing her excitement. After planning for so long, was it finally time to begin?

Upon hearing Qingluan's words, Ye Zhanqing was initially excited, then pondered for a moment before suddenly kneeling down, startling Qingluan. Qingluan quickly rose to help him up, but Ye Zhanqing resolutely refused. Qingluan had no choice but to let him be. Ye Zhanqing's face was now calm as still water, and he said firmly, "Sister, from the day you saved us, our lives belonged to you. You not only took us in but also helped treat my sister. Without you, we would have died long ago. Avenging our parents is also what we desire. A few days ago, you sent me to inquire about the imperial concubine selection, and I didn't understand then. So this is your plan. Sister, you are intelligent and learned, and I know it's impossible for me to take revenge on my own. We will obey your orders!"

Seeing her brother kneel down, Ye Zhanhong followed suit, but she didn't say the same things her brother did. She just nodded repeatedly, and finally, in a childish and coquettish tone, she said to Qingluan, "Sister, why don't I just poison Prince Qi and let him die without knowing why!"

Qingluan smiled at her mischievous expression and asked, "Then how will you get close to Prince Qi?" She tapped Ye Zhanhong's forehead with her slender, jade-like fingers and continued, "Have you forgotten what I said?" Before Qingluan could finish, Ye Zhanhong quickly added, "One must not use poison to harm the innocent! But Prince Qi is not innocent!" She then stuck out her tongue and looked at Qingluan with a grin.

Qingluan smiled and sighed softly, then helped the two of them up.