Wan City.
Despite the charcoal burning in the room, the cold persisted. Lian Yue closed the door to block the chilly wind before listlessly collapsing onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling beams.
Earlier.
When she first transmigrated, she had witnessed the world’s dangers. But soon after clinging to Lu Xun, she had someone shielding her from everything, allowing her to slack off like a salted fish for a while. Unexpectedly, her protector vanished within months, leaving no time to secure an escape route.
Had Gu Quan not rescued her, she would have truly died.
She couldn’t afford to repeat such a mistake.
Even if her lifespan in this chaotic era remained short, striving to survive felt more acceptable than passively accepting fate.
After lying still for a moment, Lian Yue sprang up like a carp leaping from water. She returned to the desk, picked up bamboo slips, and began flipping through them.
She couldn’t recognize most characters—only a few larger ones learned during her months with Lu Xun.
A modern person reduced to functional illiteracy after transmigrating.
She covered her face and sighed.
Just then, someone knocked outside.
Lian Yue: “Who is it?”
A young woman’s voice replied: “Madam, the medicinal broth is ready.”
The door was pushed open without waiting for permission.
Lian Yue looked up to see an unfamiliar maid in servant’s attire, holding a tray with her head bowed, face obscured.
She frowned.
During her time as Lu Xun’s serving concubine, she’d grown accustomed to being waited on and learned certain protocols. Now under Gu Quan’s protection, this was the first time a maid had entered without awaiting acknowledgment.
Though displeased, Lian Yue kept her tone gentle: “Leave it on the table. I’ll drink it later. Please close the door on your way out.”
The maid said: “The master mentioned your aversion to bitterness. He specifically ordered candied fruit prepared and insisted I report only after witnessing you drink it. Please don’t make this difficult for me.”
Noticing the candied fruit beside the medicine bowl, Lian Yue paused: “So you’re Marquis Gu’s maid. No wonder you look unfamiliar. What should I call you?”
The maid replied: “Ling Xi.”
The name sounded familiar—likely mentioned by Madam Cheng as one of the courtyard sweepers. Since when had she taken over delivering medicine?
The young woman stood, picked up the medicine bowl, and walked toward the doorway, softening her voice: “Since it’s Marquis Gu’s order, it seems I have no choice but to drink it.”
Reaching the doorway, she glanced at the maid and raised the bowl to her lips.
She had no intention of drinking.
Lian Yue let her hand slip. The bowl shattered on the ground, dark liquid splattering and immediately foaming white.
Poisoned again.
No new tricks?
Ling Xi’s expression shifted instantly: “How cautious of you, Madam. Unfortunately, it’s useless.”
Seeing a glint of cold steel in the maid’s hand, Lian Yue bolted outside without hesitation.
Before she could cry for help, a whistling sound pierced the air. A throwing dagger struck Lian Yue’s calf, the pain sending her crumpling to the ground.
Hiss—
The young woman turned her panicked face to see the maid swiftly advancing with a dagger. In one breath, she would be upon her.
She would die.
Lian Yue’s body tensed, her hand instinctively clutching the wounded calf, gripping the embedded dagger.
Pain.
Excruciating pain.
Ling Xi smiled: “Shh, it’ll be quick. Don’t scream.”
As the maid closed in.
Lian Yue blocked the fatal strike with her left forearm, yanked the throwing dagger from her own leg, and ruthlessly drove it into the other’s throat.
The artery was pierced, blood splattering across her face, staining her long, curled lashes with crimson droplets.
Ling Xi’s eyes held disbelief.
Impossible.
She was one of Xiang City’s top assassins—how could she have fallen to a seemingly defenseless serving concubine?
Before drawing her last breath, the maid saw this delicate, innocent-looking woman lift her gaze, lashes trembling slightly as blood trickled from the corner of her eye. Her dark pupils concealed intense hatred.
This was neither Lian Yue’s first kill, nor would it be her last.
Sensing multiple gazes fixed on her back, she immediately released her grip. Ling Xi’s body collapsed into a pool of blood, eyes wide open in death.
Physical pain beaded Lian Yue’s forehead with fine sweat. Only after confirming the maid had ceased moving did she prop herself up with her left hand, lying sideways on the ground as her entire body began to tremble, appearing utterly overwhelmed by the situation.
Fragile, helpless, and pitiable.
At that moment, the shadow guards emerged.
Gu Quan’s suppressed angry voice came from behind: “What have you all been doing? You can’t even guard against a single assassin?”
The crowd fell silent.
Xuan Yao also stood obediently to the side, accepting the reprimand.
The pungent smell of blood filled the air. Suppressing her nausea, Lian Yue stammered through chattering teeth: “Marquis Gu, she claimed to be someone serving by your side, named Ling Xi.”
Gu Quan sneered coldly: “I never employ women to attend to me.”
Xuan Yao glanced at the corpse’s unblinking eyes before withdrawing his gaze, explaining quietly: “My lord, she was the orphan girl you kindly took in a year ago, assigned to courtyard cleaning…”
Under the other’s displeased glare, his voice faded as he retreated behind him and fell silent.
Gu Quan had already approached Lian Yue, crouching to examine her wounds. Seeing the glaring knife wound on her fair, tender arm, his expression instantly darkened severely.
He continued issuing orders: “Drag the corpse out, chop it to pieces, and feed it to the dogs.”
Xuan Yao: “As you command.”
Lian Yue, already trembling, shuddered even more violently at these words. When Gu Quan reached to touch her, she instinctively flinched away.
He frowned: “I’m taking you to a physician.”
Speaking thus, he firmly scooped her up by the waist.
The young man’s arms were sturdy, his steps steady, showing no concern for her resistant behavior.
Clutching Gu Quan’s sleeve, Lian Yue spoke hoarsely: “She’s already dead. Could you… grant her an intact burial?”
He lowered his gaze: “No.”
Lian Yue: “Why?”
Gu Quan’s expression grew even darker: “To make an example of her.”
He carried the young woman into his own courtyard, bringing her to the master bedroom and laying her on his bed.
Yuan Jing was absent now, having left the estate at some unknown time.
Gu Quan stared at her: “Madam appears delicate and frail, yet your strikes are swift and precise—a single lethal blow. Truly unexpected.”
Lian Yue took a deep breath, enduring the discomfort from her external injuries, and explained: “I previously learned from my father how to treat bruises and injuries, and knew which parts of the body are fatal. In the heat of the moment, I merely managed to counter-kill the assassin by chance.”
After speaking, she lifted her gaze, tears welling in her eyes: “I just didn’t want to die.”
Gu Quan remained silent for a moment before saying: “I promised to protect you, yet I’ve allowed you to fall into danger twice. It was my inadequate arrangements that gave the assassin an opportunity. Madam Wu harbors deep hatred for you. Having failed in this assassination attempt again, she likely won’t let matters rest. There may still be assassins lurking nearby, waiting for their chance. Until we’ve thoroughly cleared the area, I must ask you to stay with me. I will personally ensure your safety.”
Lian Yue bit her lip. “Is this… improper?”
Gu Quan’s gaze fell upon her wound, his eyes gradually turning cold. He said indifferently, “Don’t overthink it, Madam. I have no improper intentions toward you. This arrangement is merely to honor my promise and protect your life.”
Seeing his displeasure, she quickly explained, “It’s a misunderstanding! I just feel I’ve already troubled you enough. I said that earlier because I feared further damaging Marquis Gu’s reputation. I never thought Marquis Gu would take any interest in me.”
Gu Quan replied, “Is that so?” His tone carried a hint of mockery.
As they spoke, the physician arrived, and the two ceased their conversation.
While cleaning and bandaging Lian Yue’s wound, the physician said, “Madam, the dressing must be changed daily. You must keep the wound dry for half a month, otherwise inflammation could lead to serious complications.” In ancient times, wound inflammation could be fatal.
Lian Yue nodded. “I’ll be careful. Thank you, physician.”
After the physician left, Gu Quan summoned Madam Cheng to help Lian Yue change into clean clothes, then exited the room himself.
Later, after taking her medicine, Lian Yue fell into a deep sleep.
The next day.
Lian Yue was awakened by the pain of her wound. Her head throbbed dully as she vaguely heard voices speaking.
“Master, we’ve screened everyone. Those suspected have been imprisoned in the water dungeon. Shall we proceed with interrogation now?”
“You handle this matter. If they’re spies, execute them directly.”
“As you command.”
“Also, take inventory of the provisions and prepare. We attack Xiang City in half a month.”
“Excellent! We’ll catch them by surprise.”
Through the wooden lattice screen, Lian Yue saw a young man standing before the desk. He wore Xuan Yi, and with his back to the light, half his face was shadowed, giving him a cold appearance.
Half a month later?
Lian Yue strained to eavesdrop for a while but, fearing discovery of her wakefulness, could only continue feigning sleep.
The door opened and closed. It was Xuan Yao leaving the room after delivering his report.
Gu Quan walked around the screen and stood by the bed, studying her intently before saying, “Awake?”
Huh? How did he know she was pretending to sleep?
Lian Yue opened her eyes and attempted to rise, but he stopped her. “Your wounds haven’t healed yet. Don’t move recklessly—just keep lying down.”
She blinked, struggling to sit up and lean against the bedside, explaining, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation earlier. I’d just woken up and didn’t know how to announce myself.” Her voice was somewhat hoarse.
Gu Quan poured a cup of water and handed it to her. “Drink.”
Seeing Lian Yue take the cup and trustingly sip the water, his expression softened slightly. He continued, “It’s fine. If I were worried about you overhearing, I wouldn’t have discussed it near you.”
The room was dim, and with his tall stature, the young woman was completely enveloped in his shadow.
After finishing the cup, she lowered her gaze, somewhat embarrassed. “Could I trouble Marquis Gu for another cup of water? I’m still quite thirsty.”
Gu Quan took the cup and refilled it for her.
After drinking, Lian Yue held the cup and tentatively asked, “Is it really alright that I know about the plan to attack Xiang City?”He looked down, raising an eyebrow in response.” “Would you inform on us?”
Lian Yue immediately shook her head. “Of course not. In fact, I hope Marquis Gu can capture Xiang City and humble Madam Wu’s arrogance, so she’ll stop trying to kill me.” She paused, then added, “It’s just…”
Gu Quan prompted, “Just what?”
She lowered her gaze to the cup. “It’s just that I’ve heard County Governor Wu was also a fierce general in his youth. He once led troops to suppress a rebellion, routing a hundred-thousand-strong rebel army and even personally beheaded the rebel leader. I know Marquis Gu is formidable, but the opponent seems equally capable. You are my benefactor, and I worry something might happen to you.”
Gu Quan, who had been in good spirits initially, grew increasingly displeased as he listened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Are you suggesting I can’t defeat him?”
Lian Yue shook her head, her tone sincere. “Marquis Gu is an ever-victorious general. You will surely capture Xiang City.”
Gu Quan looked at her beautiful face. Though her words sounded pleasant, he detected no genuine conviction—as if she truly believed he couldn’t take Xiang City and was merely offering empty flattery.
He narrowed his eyes. “Do you truly believe that?”
Lian Yue: “Of course.”
She clutched her wound, her face pale. Her eyes flickered, avoiding his gaze.
She was provoking him.
Seeing this, Gu Quan suddenly ceased being angry. Crossing his arms, he looked down at Lian Yue with a faint smile. “However, Madam’s concern does hold some merit. County Governor Wu is indeed a tough opponent. With insufficient military provisions, attacking the city now might lead to a prolonged siege and wasted troops. Perhaps we should postpone the assault.”
Lian Yue: “Huh?”
No—this wasn’t going as she had imagined.
Noticing her reaction, Gu Quan couldn’t help but curl his lips slightly. “Madam, my greatest virtue is that I heed advice.”
Heh, there was no need to be quite so receptive.
Author’s Note:
Real mediation: “Garlic Bird, Garlic Bird, neither of you has it easy.”
Fake mediation: “Garlic Bird, Garlic Bird, you’re no match for him.”
—Quoted from internet [Three-Flower Cat Head]
Thank you for the nutrient solutions and landmines~ Deeply moved~
Still seeking collections [Erect-Eared Rabbit Head][Erect-Eared Rabbit Head]