Plan A
The Days and Nights of the Courtesan 8
Not sick
Su Xin had previously confirmed with Fourteen that she had to ask a clear question for Qu Feiqing to answer. However, the content of the question didn’t necessarily have to be about the most beautiful woman in the Four Kingdoms; as long as Qu Feiqing admitted she was beautiful, it would be sufficient. The format of the question didn’t matter.
Therefore, Su Xin planned to ask a straightforward question. Even if Qu Feiqing responded in jest, acknowledging her beauty, the task would be considered complete.
Su Xin felt this would make it easy for the host to exploit loopholes, but Fourteen thought it was only natural.
【Dear host, you must remember, making things convenient for you is making things convenient for us. This does not harm us in any way. As for this matter, we have already explained it clearly to the client. They understood and signed the contract, but there is one condition: the host absolutely cannot disrupt the world order.】
Regardless of the means, as long as the task could be completed, it was acceptable, provided it was within the allowed world order.
Su Xin boldly gave it a try, but not only did she fail, the situation became very awkward.
【Host, you… are quite something.】
Fourteen also hadn’t expected Su Xin to be so direct, and after saying this, fell into a mysterious silence.
As Su Xin was thinking about how to salvage the situation, Qu Feiqing raised an eyebrow and reached out to pluck the petal stuck to the corner of Su Xin’s eye.
“Ugly.”
Su Xin silently looked the young empress before her. Not only did she not compliment her beauty, but she even said that the flower she wore was ugly!
The palace attendants not far away were extremely quiet, their eyes straight ahead, not moving an inch.
The woman in front of her was dressed in thin garments, looking gentle and frail, completely different from the smiling image she had seen in the palace.
She would probably shine more brightly if she exploded, Qu Feiqing thought, tossing away the petal she held.
“Why are you here?”
“Waiting for the Empress.”
“Waiting for the widow?”
Qu Feiqing asked knowingly.
For a ruler, it’s “I” or “the widow.”
(LP: In ancient Chinese, a ruler often referred to themselves as “孤” (I) or “寡人” (the widow), reflecting their loneliness or burden of leadership.)
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Xue Yao wants to see what the most beautiful person in the Four Kingdoms looks like.”
These words sounded frivolous and audacious, with a hint of provocation, but Su Xin’s expression was serious and natural, making it hard not to believe.
“Are you courting death?”
Qu Feiqing was as beautiful as a splendid red peony, exuding a luxurious and noble fragrance.
The red peony is a very precious flower on this continent. It can be used medicinally and has extraordinary uses. It is highly invasive and cannot be planted with other plants. Its cultivation conditions are harsh, and when it blooms, everything else pales in comparison.
Su Xin shook her head, indicating she had no such intention.
“You’re not afraid?”
Qu Feiqing moved closer to Su Xin, close enough for Su Xin to see her bright eyes, devoid of a smile, carrying a cruel cold light.
Qu Feiqing was an iron-blooded ruler.
She ascended the throne at a young age, killing her father, brothers, and imprisoning her siblings. She relied on her extraordinary intellect and iron-blooded methods.
Policies not being implemented? No problem. Whoever fails to implement them doesn’t need to hold office anymore. What’s the use of keeping them around?
Corruption and embezzlement? All are executed without exception.
She was not a tyrant, though; the country was governed quite well. The people were content with the status quo, and the court appeared calm on the surface, yet Qu Feiqing couldn’t relax for a moment.
“Afraid?”
Qu Feiqing was older and taller than Su Xin, so Su Xin had to look up to see her.
But height did not hinder her aura. She shed her disguised shell, her dark eyes meeting Qu Feiqing’s gaze, nonchalant and unafraid.
“It’s more comfortable this way.”
Your true self.
Master Fourteen, I think she is pushing me to break my character.
【Maintain appropriate restraint, but do not excessively let yourself go.】
Fourteen gave a hint.
“So, have you seen it clearly now?”
Su Xin was still thinking about how to make Qu Feiqing admit that she was beautiful.
Couldn’t this little sister just be straightforward? She wasn’t ugly, after all.
Su Xin didn’t answer Qu Feiqing; she just looked at her with a very melancholic gaze. She had already been asked once if something was wrong with her, and if she asked again, Qu Feiqing wouldn’t be willing to answer.
How could the renowned number one beauty willingly admit that a woman who appeared less attractive than her was beautiful?
If there had to be a comparison, everyone would say Qu Feiqing was prettier than Su Xin. This was a matter of physical attributes, and there was nothing to be done about it. This world had no cosmetic surgery.
Qu Feiqing quietly looked at Su Xin. She knew that this young girl wanted to obtain something from her, but what exactly, she couldn’t tell.
“I am a commoner, previously a refined courtesan, and have already redeemed myself.”
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Su Xin thought for a moment and spoke to Qu Feiqing.
Qu Feiqing straightened her clothing and gestured for Su Xin to continue speaking.
Su Xin was very troubled; this body hadn’t undergone any training, couldn’t bear weight, couldn’t fight, and could only spend each day showing off flowers, playing the qin, and singing songs. Yet, Qu Feiqing didn’t lack people to entertain her.
But… she lacked someone to accompany her.
“But I came here specifically just to see you.”
“And then you want me, the ruler, to praise you for being beautiful?”
Qu Feiqing laughed lightly; the purpose seemed truly amusing.
Su Xin nodded, so straightforward.
“If I, the ruler, praise you for being beautiful, will you leave?”
Su Xin nodded, yes, little sister, to complete this task, just one sentence will do.
Su Xin voluntarily handed over what didn’t seem like a weakness but was one to Qu Feiqing, relying on the fact that Qu Feiqing couldn’t possibly know her mission.
After all, it sounded absurd, even Su Xin thought so.
“What if I, the ruler, don’t?”
“Then I’ll wait until Emperor Qu says it.”
Su Xin thought she had plenty of time, but then Fourteen immediately poured cold water on her hopes.
【The lifespan of this host body is 40 years. Up to now, 26 years remain. If the mission isn’t completed within the lifespan limit, the host’s soul will…】
Fourteen didn’t finish the sentence, believing Su Xin understood.
Oh, no problem, there’s still 26 years left, plenty of time to wait.
The courtesans participating in the Four Kingdoms Banquet would attract the attention of people from the four kingdoms. Following that, there would be a process similar to an auction, though it wasn’t as commercialized and was even elegant. At least the courtesans had the right to choose their own destinations, but there were still unspoken rules about whose influence was greater.
“Are you going to follow me?”
Qu Feiqing knew the rules well; choosing a woman to protect her was indeed very clever.
There were many noblewomen attending the Four Kingdoms Banquet, such as the daughters of various ministers and princesses. However, among the women, none were more noble than Qu Feiqing. The other women couldn’t provide protection.
“Yes.”
“Those not of our kind, their hearts must be different. If you come to my Quliu Kingdom, it won’t be easy for you.”
Qu Feiqing lightly pinched Su Xin’s chin, looking down at her with an air of superiority.
“It doesn’t matter, I told you, I’m here for you.”
She wanted to break into her world forcefully and earn her approval.
In Qu Feiqing’s heart, Su Xin saw a lonely lion, much like herself in the past.
In the real world, she wasn’t always with Qiu Qingqing. Qiu Qingqing also had tasks to complete. At 14, she parted ways with Qiu Qingqing, and battled her way through life alone, being so cool that she had no friends and felt very lonely. Until 4 years later, Qiu Qingqing appeared in front of her again, naturally occupying her world and space, and she no longer walked alone.
That feeling of warmth was really good; it could change a person a lot.
“I, the ruler, have noted this.”
Qu Feiqing released Su Xin and walked towards her palanquin, getting further and further away.
A cold wind blew, and Su Xin shivered from the chill.
Master Fourteen, does this count as a preliminary success?
【Let’s say it does.】
Fourteen barely confirmed it. It was only responsible for data statistics and didn’t understand such convoluted matters.
Oh right… Master Fourteen, can you see some of our unspeakable content? Otherwise, how did you know last time that my colleague was doing that thing!
【The system always respects the host’s right to privacy. Unspeakable content is blocked. I know what you are doing, but what I see is just a bunch of mosaics.】
Fourteen said indifferently, having no interest in such matters.
Su Xin felt relieved. Although the system was an intelligent AI, some things were still inconvenient for others to see.
Su Xin walked towards her residence. As she approached the courtyard, she saw He Yunshu standing at the entrance.
“Xue Yao, where did you run off to? I couldn’t find you. It’s chaotic in this kind of scene; don’t wander off.”
He Yunshu scolded anxiously. She couldn’t find Su Xin earlier and had let her imagination run wild, fearing that something had happened to Su Xin. Thankfully, Su Xin had returned.
“I’m fine.”
Su Xin patted the back of He Yunshu’s cold hand, comforting her startled friend.
“Maybe the day after tomorrow will be… What are you going to do… or are you…”
He Yunshu hesitated, unsure of what Su Xin would choose. In reality, she already had the capability to keep Su Xin by her side.
She could afford to buy a mansion for Su Xin, ensuring she lived well. But she feared Su Xin might not need her to do so. Even under the guise of friendship, she was afraid Su Xin would not accept it.
She just lacked a reason. As the legitimate daughter of the Minister’s household, attending the Four Kingdoms Banquet with so many dignitaries, she wasn’t the most special. During Su Xin’s performance, those people’s eyes were glued to Su Xin, and she feared she couldn’t compete.
“I have my own plans, don’t worry about me.”
Su Xin gently touched He Yunshu’s face. Miss Mary Sue will soar in the future; perhaps we’ll part ways then.
“How could I not worry about you? Hurry inside, be careful not to catch a cold.”
He Yunshu pinched Su Xin’s nose.
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“Okay.”
Su Xin adjusted her clothes, rubbed her hands together, and walked in. He Yunshu stared at her back for a while, lost in thought, and then left.
For some reason, she always had a bad feeling.
After Su Xin entered the room, she saw Shujuan still waiting for her.
“Miss, you’re back. Where did you go?”
Shujuan, seeing that she was safe, breathed a sigh of relief. The Miss was so beautiful, and this place was so chaotic. If anything had happened…
“I’m fine, don’t worry. It’s getting late; Shujuan, you should go rest early too.”
The little girl who always worried about her was such a crybaby.
“Miss…”
Shujuan hesitated to inquire, but when Su Xin looked over, she shook her head.
No matter what happens next, no matter what the Miss chooses, she will always follow her, to the ends of the earth, unwavering.
“I have my own arrangements. Pack up some things; we might leave in a couple of days.”
If nothing unexpected happens, Qu Feiqing will take her away.
Shujuan nodded blankly. Although she didn’t understand the situation, she knew the Miss had a plan, and that reassured her.
The next morning, Su Xin was summoned by the Emperor.
“Emperor Qu is very fond of you. I don’t need you to do anything extra; just remember to please her, and that will be enough.”
The Yu Emperor spoke directly and clearly, and Su Xin understood that this matter was now settled.
When it was time for the courtesans to choose their own paths at the Four Kingdoms Banquet, He Yunshu noticed that Su Xin was nowhere to be found.
Hurriedly making her way into the courtyard, He Yunshu encountered Su Xin, who was about to leave.
“Xue Yao.”
He Yunshu grabbed Su Xin’s hand, her face filled with confusion.
“Yunshu, I’m leaving.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
He Yunshu was a little angry; it turned out she had her own plans.
“I was just about to…”
“When you leave, will you tell me? Who are you leaving with?”
He Yunshu felt somewhat saddened.
“Emperor Qu.”
“What?”
He Yunshu widened her eyes; she had heard of the legendary Quliu Kingdom.
“Why are you involved with her? She’s a very dangerous person. Why choose to seek her protection? I could do it too.”
He Yunshu couldn’t understand why Su Xin was associating with Qu Feiqing, nor was she willing to ask for her help.
“Yunshu, I have my own tasks to complete, so I have to leave. That’s my goal.”
Su Xin felt somewhat helpless at her friend’s intense reaction.
He Yunshu let go, looking somewhat lost as she stared at Su Xin.
“Xue Yao, I really don’t understand what you’re trying to do.”
My dear Miss Mary Sue, even if I tell you I want the empress to praise my beauty, you wouldn’t believe me.
Su Xin said nothing, silence would be better.
“We might not meet often in the future.”
He Yunshu felt somewhat sad. Unlike the future, in this era, one cannot simply leave the country at will, let alone freely converse with others.
“In the future, Yunshu will surely become an outstanding person, and we will meet again for sure.”
Su Xin affirmed, after all, she was Miss Mary Sue, representing the image of a time traveler.
A few days later, Qu Feiqing set off back to Quliu Kingdom, taking Su Xin and Shujuan with her.
Su Xin and Qu Feiqing sat together in the same carriage, while Shujuan did not have that privilege and trailed along outside the carriage.
The carriage was luxuriously decorated, making the space seem less cramped, with thick blankets laid out, looking very comfortable.
Qu Feiqing reclined with her eyes closed to rest, while Su Xin sat on the side, not knowing what to do, and began to bother Fourteen.
Master Fourteen, are there also systems called Thirteen and Fifteen?
【Well, the creator has limited energy and only created fifteen single-function systems. I am number fourteen.】
The voice of System Fourteen resonated in Su Xin’s mind.
Are all systems like you?
【How so?】
Diligent and serious, without a hint of jest, every movement precise.
If Fourteen were personified, Su Xin thought, it would be a professional man in a suit.
【Hmm… no… May I ask if the host is willing to activate the temporary system sharing function?】
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Yes, yes, yes.
Su Xin eagerly replied to Fourteen with three repeated words, and then a string of voices came into her mind.
【Hey there, darling, I’m System Thirteen. Isn’t this guy Fourteen not cute at all? He can’t even act cute, meow. I’ve tried to persuade him several times, but no luck.】
Sure, here is the translation of the text provided:
Okay, very lively.
【Dear, if you happen to meet me when I’m not busy, we can chat together, and then…】
Thirteen in her mind stopped talking suddenly.
【It’s too noisy; I turned off the connection.】
Fourteen said ruthlessly.
Master Fourteen, I think you’re better, quiet and composed. Thirteen is so noisy; how is its host handling it?
【It’s like finding the right lid for a pot. Thirteen’s host seems to enjoy listening to its chatter.】
Fourteen sighed. As colleagues, it wanted to strangle Thirteen, but Thirteen’s host truly has great tolerance.
Su Xin couldn’t help but laugh, then caught a glimpse of Qu Feiqing looking at her with a peculiar gaze.
Su Xin immediately assumed an expressionless demeanor. She’s not sick; her mind is perfectly fine, really.
The author has something to say:
Mary Sue: Why do you want her but not me!
Empress: Are you as formidable as I am? Are you as beautiful as I am?
Mary Sue: Ouch, that hit me hard.
LP: Sorry for the no update yesterday, just really tired…
