Chapter 329: Got The Keepsakes 4
Bai Mei a.s.signed a few scouts to Linquan Village. After spending quite a bit of money, she got all kinds of information but most of them were still of the opinion that Qi Qingyao was a biological child of the family. Bai Mei was rather troubled. After integrating the information, she located her master.
“Master…”
“You’ve gotten results?” Jiang Yeqian asked.
Bai Mei bowed first before standing back up and saying, “Reports from all over indicate that Qi Qingyao was a biological child.”
“Then why does your expression look so conflicted?” Jiang Yeqian asked as he scrutinized Bai Mei’s face carefully.
Bai Mei’s brows knitted into a frown and she answered, “Nothing came from the old lady or Madam Wu. However, when several of the women in Linquan Village began talking about the incident that year, they all said that Madam Wu had not left the house much and had been constantly nursing her child. They also weren’t sure when exactly she got pregnant with their third child.”
“…” They were not sure? Jiang Yeqian’s brows were knotted so tightly that they looked like they would never unravel.
Bai Mei knew that her master was about to get angry again and hurriedly added, “This underling thinks that, if she was not their biological child, then the old lady and Madam Wu would have already made it clear from the start, given their personalities. There’s no reason for them to cover this up.”
Jiang Yeqian, “…” That was a fair point.
After dismissing Bai Mei, Jiang Yeqian went looking for Tan Xiangdie. He entered the room through the window, once again finding the guy drinking happily with a girl in his arms. When the girl saw their visitor, she knew it was her master’s friend and hurriedly backed away.
Tan Xiangdie looked at Jiang Yeqian, his mood sour. “Why have you come again?”
He put away his good alcohol quietly.
Jiang Yeqian glared at Tan Xiangdie, who put down the alcohol flask a little resignedly, having no choice but to sit down. “If you’ve got something to say, say it quickly. Don’t interrupt my time with my girl!”
Jiang Yeqian settled down on a couch at the side and propped up his legs. He took off the black mask on his face.
That handsome but slightly annoyed face of his was revealed.
“I suspect that person isn’t a biological child of her family but all the evidence we have now points in that direction. It’s ticking me off!”
Tan Xiangdie listened to his complaints and could not help but laugh. After laughing a bit, he said, “Are you talking about Qi Qingyao?”
Jiang Yeqian replied sourly, “Who else could it be?”
Tan Xiangdie shrugged his shoulders, replying airily, “I’m not interested if she’s a biological child or not. She’s just a tiny ant of a character.”
Jiang Yeqian, “…”
Tan Xiangdie rubbed his lower jaw with his fingers very solemnly and said, “I’m more interested in that young man behind her named Si Jin.”
“Why?” Jiang Yeqian asked.
Tan Xiangdie replied, “Didn’t you mention it before, that you guarded the front door that time while that guy guarded the back?”
Jiang Yeqian, “Hm?”
Tan Xiangdie smiled rather eccentrically and said, “That being the case, you’re a rank-nine! So what about that guy?”
Jiang Yeqian, “…” He had been paying too much attention to her and did not think about this question seriously.
Tan Xiangdie, “Rank nine as well?”
“I don’t know.” Jiang Yeqian shook his head. However, Si Jin had once said that he was rank eight… Back then, it seemed that Qi Qingyao was the one who asked and he—Jiang Yeqian—had answered that he was rank eight. After that, Si Jin also answered that he was rank eight!
Tan Xiangdie sneered and mockingly said, “That’s what I’m saying. Jiang Yeqian, oh Jiang Yeqian. In any case, you’re the head of the Zhaixing Administration, how can you be so ignorant? If he’s not a rank nine, it would make no sense for him to have been able to return unscathed. You even told me that he was as relaxed as usual the next day, as if he did not have a care in the world. It didn’t seem at all like he had been through a fight! It sounded more like a one-sided slaughter.”
“…” At the words ‘one-sided slaughter’, Jiang Yeqian inexplicably recalled another ma.s.sacre that occurred in Qingzhou City. It remained a mystery until this day.
Tan Xiangdie watched his profile quietly then said, “That’s why, I suspect that he is a rank nine. Maybe, he could be even stronger than you.”
This made Jiang Yeqian really unhappy. “Why is it that when it comes out of your mouth, rank nines sound like cabbages, as if they can be found everywhere.”
Tan Xiangdie said very innocently, “I don’t want to think that way either but the fact remains that you have investigated this person, but obtained no intelligence on them. Bottom line, his strength is astonis.h.i.+ngly powerful! How can there be a rank nine expert in this world whose origins are completely unknown? Don’t you find this weird?”
Jiang Yeqian was even more irritated. “I know it’s weird but the fact is that we weren’t able to get any clues on him!”
“We don’t know his origins, and his strength is indeed frightening, above a rank nine…” Tan Xiangdie was looking at this more clearly by taking a bystander’s perspective. He thought for a moment then said, “Say, do you think he could be the cut-throat behind the Lingyun Tower ma.s.sacre that day?”
“…” Jiang Yeqian’s eyes narrowed suddenly.
Tan Xiangdie laughed. “I was just guessing, but what if?”
Jiang Yeqian’s gaze instantly became dark. After a moment of silence, he said, “Looks like we’ll have to get someone to feel him out.”
Tan Xiangdie asked calmly, “How are you going to do that? You can’t possibly get someone to a.s.sa.s.sinate him. He’s a rank-nine expert, how are you going to a.s.sa.s.sinate him? Are you going yourself?”
“It wouldn’t be suitable for me to go, he recognizes my silhouette.” Jiang Yeqian rubbed his jaw and said, “Not to mention, when it comes to a.s.sa.s.sinations, it’s best for us to look for a rank-nine archer, who can pull off a long-range snipe!”
Tan Xiangdie still felt it was a waste of talent. “Rank-nine experts are very perceptive. Even if it’s Na Lanjie, I’m afraid he won’t be able to challenge him. Should he really be the murderer of Lingyun Restaurant, one wrong move and Na Lanjie might just be putting his head on the platter.”
“Then… we’ll switch our target to her,” Jiang Yeqian said solemnly as he gritted his teeth.
Tan Xiangdie blinked. “Are you saying…”
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained! She’s the best bait.” Jiang Yeqian added without warning, “He’s always by her side. If he manages to catch the arrow, then that means his strength is rank nine or above. He’d be the perpetrator behind the Lingyun Restaurant ma.s.sacre, an expert who has reached a level of grand mastery.”
Tan Xiangdie did not dare believe that this guy would make such a decision. “And if he doesn’t manage to catch the arrow?”
Jiang Yeqian contemplated for a moment and solemnly answered, “The Zhaixing Administration has repeatedly stumbled when it came to her and her people. This time, failure is not allowed.” They must obtain some clues!
“You’re really willing to go through with it, huh.” Tan Xiangdie clicked his tongue.
Jiang Yeqian muttered irritably, “It’s not like I like her or anything!!!”
Tan Xiangdie, “…”
How did he not realize that this fellow was so d.a.m.ned dishonest with himself?
He obviously liked the person with a burning pa.s.sion but he insisted on lying… G.o.d knows which nerve in his head had been wrongly wired.
‘Could it be that he was afraid I’d laugh at him?
‘Or could it be that he’s afraid that I might laugh at him for liking a widow?’
Either way, since this fellow was so determined, Tan Xiangdie had no reason to go against him. Besides, if they were going to look for Na Lanjie, it was a good thing that he was recently in Qingzhou City!
…
…
Lantern Festival, fifteenth February.
Qi Qingyao, who had been staying at home for a few days, decided to go out for a while today before she went home to rest.
When they were having their meals, Qi Qingyao looked at the three good little kids and said, “Today’s the fifteenth, which is the Lantern Festival. Things outside will definitely be lively, so why don’t we go and look at the lanterns tonight?”
The children were especially excited.
They even deliberately took out the pouches that Qi Qingyao had given them. Qi Qingyao looked at the children, who will be turning four after the Lunar New Year, and asked Si Jin to take out a bunch of silver pieces. She gave each of the kids a few dozen pieces of copper cash as pocket money. When the kids received it, they were so happy they jumped for joy, each declaring that they were going shopping tonight!
Qi Qingyao’s brows raised as she thought privately, ‘You guys are kids, what do you even plan to buy? Surely you guys just want to eat malt sugar!’
After they were done with lunch, they went out to stroll the streets. After Lu Yan was done with his work, he also tagged along with the group.
As usual, they took two carriages to Qingyang Street.
Qingyang Street was a prosperous commercial street next to Qingyang Lake. There were many luxurious pleasure boats and louchuans (T/N: Louchuan were a type of Chinese naval vessel, primarily a floating fortress during the Han dynasty) parked by the lake. They were places where the masters of each family would often have a drink and enjoy themselves. Especially since it was the fifteenth today, beautiful lanterns were hung throughout Qingyang Street! There were countless stalls lining both sides of the road that were selling snacks and lotus lanterns.
The streets were filled with people, with young masters and gorgeously dressed ladies… It was dazzling.
There were more than ten people in Qi Qingyao’s group, including the guards! A large group like this walking through the street was really eye-catching.
The children felt as if they were being watched too closely and kept wanting to go here and there to have a look.
Dabao looked at the ring-throwing game in the distance. “Mommy, it’s so lively.”
Qi Qingyao pulled him back.
Dabao pursed his lips, dissatisfied.
Erniu pointed at a shop selling candied haws and sneakily said to Si Jin, “Uncle, we want to eat candied haws.”
Si Jin did not answer, turning to look at Qi Qingyao.
Dabao and Xiaobao were also behaving a little childishly… They all looked at Qi Qingyao pitifully.
Qi Qingyao sighed and rubbed Erniu’s head. “Si Jin, you accompany them to buy it.”
“What about you?” Si Jin asked.
Qi Qingyao pointed to the railing beside the lake. “I have something to discuss with Master Lu.”
Si Jin nodded to express his acknowledgment.
He then rushed to the crowded candied haws stall with the children!
They were all children, pestering the adults for candied haws…
It would probably be some time before they manage to buy the treats!
…
…
Qi Qingyao chose a location that was empty and leaned against the railing by the lake. She looked at the young people in the commercial pleasure boats, then smiled at Lu Yan who was standing one meter away from her, and said, “Come closer to me.”
Lu Yan was silent for a moment before he moved closer.
Dong Jing and several of the guards were very tactful and distanced themselves a bit, roughly about two meters away!
Qi Qingyao was standing next to Lu Yan. She thought to herself, that if she had not made the first move, this guy would definitely not have taken the initiative to accept her as a test subject.
It seemed that…
She stretched out her hand and said calmly, “Give me your hand.”
“Ah.” Lu Yan was surprised and took a step back.
Qi Qingyao said casually, “Let’s try holding hands ”
“Why… why should we hold hands?” Lu Yan did not dare back away but his face turned red suddenly, betraying the nervousness he was feeling.
Qi Qingyao was incomparably shameless. She calmly said, “Of course, it’s to cure your illness, what else can it be? You’re acting all coy and fussy, just like a woman!”
Lu Yan, “…” Oh, he had thought…
He stretched out his hand carefully until it was in front of her, and Qingyao grabbed it. After that, she held his hand normally, in a manner that was careful not to pressure Lu Yan.
Qi Qingyao declared in advance, “If you feel sick, throw up into the lake! Not onto me!”
“I, I…” When Qi Qingyao consciously offered to hold hands, Lu Yan instantly became taut. His entire being was stretched so tight that it seemed like he would snap at any moment.
Her hands were really cold.
It was as if there was no heat in them at all.
His hand, meanwhile, was very warm.
Knowing this made Lu Yan feel slightly better.
Qi Qingyao rolled her eyes at the pale-lipped man. She had never thought of herself as ugly, but every time she was with Lu Yan, Qi Qingyao would feel like she was so hideous to the extent that it made the man constantly miserable.
Even if this was part of the psychological intervention, it still made her extremely depressed when he acted like this.
She sighed and said, “I know you’re miserable but this is an illness of yours, so you need to learn to suppress it step by step. If I hadn’t taken the initiative, you might not have taken that first step in your life at all. If you don’t learn to adapt and persist, you will be like this forever.”
Lu Yan, “…” ‘What the f*ck? Aren’t I learning to endure it right now? If I wasn’t trying to learn how to endure it, I would have thrown you into the lake for a bath long ago!’
Qi Qingyao was using conversation to divert his attention. “First of all, take a close look at your surroundings. We are outside, this is Qingyang Lake, and the lanterns are really beautiful, and everyone is looking at the lanterns. No one’s going to do anything to you, including me. I’m not interested in you, so you don’t have to worry about me pouncing on you! ”
Lu Yan, “…” Talking as if she were a predator, this woman…was her head on right?
Qi Qingyao continued, “Secondly, if you want to shake off my hand in public, that’s up to you. But my patience is limited. Shake my hand off this time and I won’t take the initiative to help you again next time. You’ll have to take the first step yourself! Of course, if you don’t want to take the first step and would rather stay in your turtle sh.e.l.l for the rest of your life, I have nothing to say about it either.”
“…”
Qi Qingyao continued, “Thirdly, feel free to hold my hand and take in the atmosphere of the Lantern Festival. Feel my presence. I’m just a normal human being. Don’t pay too much attention to my gender! Just imagine me as a man.”
“…” He was already trying really hard! His knees were already shaking from the exertion but he could not tell her this lest he get laughed at again.
Holding his breath deeply, Lu Yan looked like a balloon that was about to burst.
He did not know whether it was irritability or pain that engulfed him, causing his consciousness and emotions to gradually become blank. Because of her words, however, he could not let go of the hand. If he did, there would not be a chance for the next experiment…
When Qi Qingyao was done speaking, she turned to glance at Lu Yan. “Lastly, the Lu Yan I know, who sets himself above everyone, is the young master of the Senluo Chamber of Commerce. He is smart, well-versed in schemes. The accident from back then has already drifted with the wind. The Lu Yan today is a strong man! He would never let anyone trample on him! If anyone wanted to get close to him, he would have immediately plastered their face with a slap! Isn’t that right?”
Her words drifted very blurrily but also clearly into his mind.
It lessened Lu Yan’s pain greatly. Biting down on his teeth tightly, he said heavily, “You’re a wordsmith, I’ll give you that.”
“I’ve always been a wordsmith.” Qi Qingyao spoke as she counted the time. Smiling, she said, “You seem to have lasted a minute this time.”
“…” This woman’s smiling face was really f*cking hateful! She was underestimating him!!
Qi Qingyao glanced at their joined hands with a smile and teased, “Though the sweat on your palm has already drenched mine…”
Saying that, she let go of his hand.
She glanced at her sticky hand.
“This is the first time my hand’s suffered such torment from holding someone’s hand.” Qi Qingyao maintained a peaceful smile and calmly looked at the pleasure boats in the distance. “Brother, you’re sweating so much even though it’s winter.”
Lu Yan felt the pressure abruptly disappear. He rubbed his hands and gulped.
“I was nervous.”
“What about now? Are you still nervous?” Qi Qingyao backed up half a step.
“Not too much,” Lu Yan replied.
He noticed her taking a step back. Thinking for a bit, he took a step forward on his own and stood beside her.
He suppressed the pain in his heart forcefully, adapting himself to the reduced distance.
“Is it because of what I said just now?” Qi Qingyao asked.
Lu Yan got closer again until his shoulders were almost touching hers. He then took a deep breath before saying, “You said you’re not interested in me, and you also said that I’m above everyone. But I feel that your tone of voice is way above mine. That’s why I could lower the guard in my heart a lot more than usual.”
Qi Qingyao, “…”
‘Is that so?
‘My tone of speech sounded like it was above everyone? That can’t be it. I just get a little annoyed at mawkish people.’
Despite understanding his pain, she…
The sorrows and joys of humans could never be equally experienced!
Compared to knowing or understanding, wanting to empathize was another matter.
Qi Qingyao had just thought of saying something when Lu Yan’s gaze flashed toward some direction. His expression s.h.i.+fted drastically. Almost immediately, he shouted, “Look out—”
Then he got in front of her in one swift stride.
Qi Qingyao’s body was completely s.h.i.+elded by him.
In all honesty, she was dumbfounded.
However, a large impact caused Lu Yan’s entire body to knock into her, and her back smashed into the railing instead. She felt her waist almost snap.
Qi Qingyao kneaded her waist in pain. She gritted her teeth while muttering.
“What the h.e.l.l are you—” Doing!
The last word did not make it out of her mouth.
Her eyes were bulging wide open.
She saw the arrow protruding in the front of Lu Yan’s body.
Qi Qingyao could not contain her shock.
F*cking h.e.l.l!
“Who the f*ck shot the arrow?!”