The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 77

His Surname is Liu, Called Liu Wuxiang

When Jin Yunfei saw her daughter fall, her hands lifted slightly in subconscious fright. She rushed to help Qu Sheng up. “Sheng’er!” But when her hand touched Qu Sheng, Qu Sheng viciously flung it away, her face ferocious. “Don’t touch me!”

Jin Yunfei stared at her daughter in astonishment; she had never seen Qu Sheng look like this. Her savage appearance was like a wild beast from the jungle. As Qu Sheng steadied herself on the ground, her body stiffened. She remembered that it was Jin Yunfei who had just called her. Her expression held a hint of apology, but a few moments later, it twisted into a bitter, self-mocking smile.

She struggled even to walk now. How could she protect Lin Xizhao in the future?

The possessive desire she previously had for Lin Xizhao instantly vanished. In her current state, she shouldn’t bind Lin Xizhao to her side. She began to hate herself, to hate her own powerlessness.

Qu Sheng was half-kneeling on the ground. Jin Yunfei stared at her blankly, watching her expression shift from ferocity to a bitter smile, and finally to tears welling up in her eyes.

“Sheng’er…” Jin Yunfei gazed at her daughter, seeming to guess the sorrow in her heart. Since childhood, Qu Sheng, just like her eldest son, had been the pride of their residence. But now, she would trip over even the lowest of thresholds. Such a stark contrast would be unbearable for anyone.

Her heart aching, Jin Yunfei covered her mouth, terrified that Qu Sheng would notice her sorrowful, choked breaths.

Qu Sheng was suffering, and naturally, so was she. She had worried all these days that Qu Sheng would become like this, which was why she had let her have her way. But this child was too good at pretending. Just like when she was little, she swallowed all her bitterness and pain, never letting her family see, never letting them worry.

“Mother, do you also think your child¹ is useless?” Qu Sheng had heard Jin Yunfei’s quiet sobs.

Her expression was dejected. She couldn’t even go look for Lin Xizhao now that she was missing.

Jin Yunfei released her hand as tears streamed down her face. “No, Sheng’er, don’t think like that. You’re Mother’s favorite child, you’re Mother’s life…” Jin Yunfei didn’t know how to comfort her daughter, but she knew Qu Sheng cared most about her family. Only by saying this could she convince Qu Sheng to properly cherish herself.

Though she was comforting Qu Sheng, it was also the truth. She had already lost one child; if she were to lose Qu Sheng as well, she was afraid she’d no longer want to live.

Hearing Jin Yunfei’s choked voice, Qu Sheng let out a long sigh. She gazed toward the courtyard gate, waiting for Feng Qi to quickly find and bring Lin Xizhao back.

“Sheng’er!”

Qu Sheng heard a voice in the distance, followed by the patter of trotting steps. A panicked look crossed her face as she straightened up. As the footsteps drew nearer, Lin Xizhao reached out and steadied her. “Why are you sitting on the ground? Get up, quickly.”

“Xizhao, Xizhao.” Grasping Lin Xizhao’s hand, Qu Sheng raised her other hand to touch Lin Xizhao’s face, needing to confirm she was safe and sound.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Xizhao’s voice was gentle but tinged with urgency.

Lin Xizhao’s face was full of worry. Only when she got closer did she see the tear stains on Qu Sheng’s cheeks. She looked up to ask Jin Yunfei, only to see that her mother’s eyelashes were also wet.

Lin Xizhao glanced between the two of them, then helped Jin Yunfei lift the kneeling Qu Sheng from the ground.

The moment she stood, Qu Sheng pulled Lin Xizhao into a tight embrace, squeezing so hard that a tiny sound escaped Lin Xizhao’s throat.

Lin Xizhao instantly guessed that Qu Sheng knew she’d been taken away and had come to demand her back from Jin Yunfei.

Qu Sheng held her, greedily rubbing her cheek against her neck as if she were a precious treasure.

After a long moment, Qu Sheng composed herself and asked, “Where did you go?”

The strength in her arms loosened slightly. Lin Xizhao separated from her and, seeing the tear stains on her cheeks, raised a hand to wipe them away. “I just went to see Jiayu,” she said softly. “Were you looking for me?”

Qu Sheng recalled the servant’s words. Jin Yunfei had sent someone to summon Lin Xizhao, but now Lin Xizhao claimed she’d gone to see Zhao Jiayu. She didn’t need to think to know it was Qu Yu’s arrangement.

She didn’t know why Qu Yu had called Lin Xizhao over, but it was most likely related to what she had said to him yesterday.

With Lin Xizhao’s arrival, Qu Sheng’s emotions became more restrained. Jin Yunfei wanted them to go back inside and sit for a while, but Qu Sheng said, “The morning meal is already set out. Your child is hungry, so I won’t disturb Mother.”

Lin Xizhao and Jin Yunfei exchanged a look. Lin Xizhao nodded slightly, signaling that with her there, everything would be fine.

Jin Yunfei watched them leave. Not long after they left the courtyard, Feng Qi returned with the servant.

The servant knelt on the ground, explaining that Qu Yu had told her what to say and had given her a lot of silver. She had only agreed because she assumed it was just a prank between the young masters and young misses of the residence.

Jin Yunfei didn’t blame her. She just told Feng Qi to take the girl to Qu Sheng’s courtyard to await her decision.

Lin Xizhao led Qu Sheng back, glancing sideways at her from time to time. The sight of Qu Sheng kneeling on the ground just now had made her heart ache terribly.

She was also glad she hadn’t listened to her two elder brothers and sister-in-law and separated from Qu Sheng. How could she dare to leave when Qu Sheng was in such a heart-wrenching state?

When they returned to the courtyard, Qu Sheng reverted to her previous self, acting as if nothing had happened. She was perfectly well-behaved as Lin Xizhao fed her.

After the meal, Feng Qi, who was waiting outside, asked how to deal with the maid who delivered the message.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, then at the maid. She wanted to ask Qu Sheng to be lenient, but Qu Sheng’s response was unexpected. “Since Fourth Brother finds her so useful, then let her go serve in his courtyard.”

Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes. Qu Sheng clearly knew she’d been summoned away by Qu Yu and likely understood why.

After Feng Qi left with the maid, Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng to the outer courtyard to sit for a while.

Qu Sheng just stared at the ground. Lin Xizhao could only sit beside her, waiting for her questions.

“Did Fourth Brother ask you to leave me?” Qu Sheng knew Qu Yu all too well.

Given his vehement opposition yesterday, she had guessed this day would come. She just hadn’t expected it so soon, nor that he would actually try to take someone away in secret.

Qu Sheng waited a moment without a response, then asked again, “Why didn’t you leave?”

Her words showed she already knew everything. It had all been exposed. Aren’t you afraid of the criticism and gossip that comes with being with me?

Lin Xizhao still didn’t answer. She looked at Qu Sheng’s calm expression, unable to guess her thoughts.

Hearing only silence, Qu Sheng smiled bitterly in her heart. She knew Lin Xizhao had feelings for her, but it was mostly just the affection one has for a younger sister. That trivial bit of love wasn’t enough to make her spend a lifetime with a blind person.

“From now on, whether you go or stay is up to you,” Qu Sheng said, having made her choice.

She would no longer entangle Lin Xizhao or make things difficult for her. If she chose to stay, she would cherish their days together. If she chose to leave, she wouldn’t force her to stay.

“Okay,” Lin Xizhao finally replied.

At her word, the last shred of extravagant hope in Qu Sheng’s heart vanished. How she wished Lin Xizhao would tell her right then that she liked her too, but she knew she’d probably never hear those words.

It makes sense. She wasn’t willing to try liking me even when I could see. Now that I’m blind…

“Young Miss, Eldest Young Miss, the Third Young Master Lin has arrived,” Feng Qi said softly as he approached.

“Xirui,” Lin Xizhao murmured.

Qu Sheng’s vacant gaze turned to Feng Qi. She hadn’t wanted to see him, but after hearing the surprise in Lin Xizhao’s tone, she changed her mind.

“Let him come over.”

“Yes.” Feng Qi bowed his head and went to the outer courtyard.

“You don’t seem very welcoming of Xirui-gege².” A faint smile played on Qu Sheng’s lips.

“His studies are demanding. Coming over so frequently will delay his lessons.”

The corners of Qu Sheng’s lips twitched. “Is that so?” she smiled.

Lin Xizhao’s gaze flickered, her eyes dark. She stared at Qu Sheng for a few moments before lowering her head.

“Sheng-meimei³, I brought you a mimicking parrot today!” Lin Xirui’s voice arrived before he did.

“Hello Sheng-meimei, hello Sheng-meimei.”

Qu Sheng frowned upon hearing a raucous, inhuman voice calling her.

Lin Xirui walked over with a cage in hand and a smile on his face. He glanced at Lin Xizhao, looking as sheepish as a student caught skipping class, and mumbled, “Ajie⁴.”

He knew he’d see Lin Xizhao here, but he’d steeled himself and come anyway.

Lin Xizhao didn’t reprimand him. She just nodded with a neutral expression. “Don’t you have many lessons today?”

“A lot,” Lin Xirui said, his eyes lowered.

Lin Xizhao hummed a soft “en” and didn’t press further. Seeing that his sister didn’t seem angry, Lin Xirui gave a silly laugh and turned to Qu Sheng.

“Sheng-meimei, would you like to touch this little parrot?”

“Hello Sheng-meimei, hello Sheng-meimei.”

As soon as Lin Xirui said her name, the parrot started mimicking him. He must have just bought it and started teaching it.

Qu Sheng didn’t like it, but after hearing Lin Xizhao’s tone earlier, for some reason she had Feng Qi accept it. “It’s cold outside. Put it in the room.”

When Lin Xirui heard that Qu Sheng was worried the parrot would be cold, he quickly smiled. “Its feathers are thick. It’s not afraid of the cold.”

Qu Sheng turned her vacant gaze toward him and remained silent for a long moment.

Lin Xirui looked at her eyes, which lacked even a hint of their former spirit, and couldn’t help but feel sad for her.

“Third Young Master Lin, give it to me.” Feng Qi reached out to take the cage.

Lin Xirui, who had been staring at Qu Sheng, let out a distracted “Ah.” Realizing what was happening, he looked at Feng Qi with a silly grin. “Here.”

Feng Qi took the cage, bowed respectfully, and carried it into the room.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng sat while Lin Xirui stood. The three remained in that awkward stalemate for a long time, until Feng Qi returned to ask if Qu Sheng wanted to go inside to rest, finally breaking the silence.

After Feng Qi left, Lin Xirui’s gaze had remained fixed on Qu Sheng. Seeing his infatuated stare, Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes for a few moments before looking again at the impassive Qu Sheng beside her.

She knew Qu Sheng didn’t like her younger brother, but… “Xirui, don’t delay your studies,” she urged, trying to get him to leave. He’d probably only come to deliver the parrot.

At her words, Lin Xirui tore his gaze away from Qu Sheng and looked at his sister, his face falling. “I know. I’ll go back now.”

He then looked at Qu Sheng again. She was tilting her head up, looking toward the position where the sun, which hadn’t appeared today, should be.

“Sheng-meimei, I’ll come see you again tomorrow evening. Rest well and get better.”

“En,” Qu Sheng hummed lightly, her gaze never shifting from the thick clouds.

Lin Xirui glanced at Qu Sheng a few more times, then at Lin Xizhao, who was watching him intently. “Ajie, I’m heading back,” he said respectfully.

“Okay. I have to take care of Sheng’er, so I won’t see you out.” Earlier, Qu Yu had called her away for a short while, and Qu Sheng had seemed to lose her soul. She didn’t dare leave now.

After Lin Xirui left, Lin Xizhao saw that the sky was threatening snow. “Sheng’er, it’s going to snow. Let’s go back inside.”

Qu Sheng hadn’t seen any red light all day, so it must be overcast. No wonder the wind on her face felt colder than yesterday.

She didn’t speak. She just stood up on her own and slowly turned. The moment she did, Lin Xizhao reached out and took her hands.

Qu Sheng didn’t resist, but she also lacked her previous anticipation. She was simply accepting Lin Xizhao’s care, taking it one day at a time. Sooner or later, Lin Xizhao would grow tired and abandon her.

They returned to the room, where the little parrot was chattering nonstop, repeating the new words it had learned.

“Hello Sheng-meimei, hello Sheng-meimei…”

Qu Sheng frowned slightly. Seeing this, Lin Xizhao said gently, “I’ll take it to another room.”

“No need. It’s good to have some sound.” The parrot mimicked Lin Xirui’s tone. Qu Sheng had frowned at the noise, but when Lin Xizhao offered to remove it, she hesitated.

Lin Xizhao’s raised hand paused. She glanced back at Qu Sheng’s impassive face, then lowered her gaze and withdrew her hand.

They sat in the room for a while before snow began to drift down outside. Lin Xirui wasn’t the only one who wanted to see Qu Sheng today; there was also Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi’s access to news was limited. Without Xiao Bingying to pass along information, she knew very little of what was happening outside. When she heard that Qu Sheng’s second brother had died and that she had gone blind, she said she wanted to visit.

Though not exactly friends, they were acquaintances. Besides, with Lin Xizhao’s connection to the Qu family, she felt she should pay a visit.

Xiao Bingying had previously been avoiding Cheng Xi, but now that everything was out in the open, she was completely obedient, terrified that disagreeing would make Cheng Xi unhappy.

Xiao Bingying first took Cheng Xi to see Zhao Jiayu. When Zhao Jiayu heard they were going to see Qu Sheng, her expression grew complicated, as if she wanted to go but didn’t dare.

The plan she and Qu Yu had cooked up to trick Lin Xizhao over had been well-intentioned. They didn’t want anything that shouldn’t happen to occur between them. But who would have thought Lin Xizhao wouldn’t appreciate it? They talked until they were blue in the face, but Lin Xizhao refused to leave Qu Sheng.

Lin Xizhao had said she’d accept whatever Qu Sheng did and that she wouldn’t leave her at a time like this. She also believed Qu Sheng wouldn’t disregard her feelings and do anything that crossed the line.

Zhao Jiayu was so furious she was practically blowing her beard and glaring⁵, but what could she do? Lin Xizhao herself didn’t care, so her anxiety was useless. She couldn’t very well tie her up and send her out of the residence. The feet were on Lin Xizhao’s body. As the Eldest Young Miss of the Prime Minister’s residence and the adopted daughter of the Marquis Qu residence, no one could lock her up for life.

Though Zhao Jiayu felt the keen disappointment of hating iron for not becoming steel⁶, she didn’t forcefully stop Lin Xizhao from going back. If Zhao Jiayu, who was like a sister to Lin Xizhao, couldn’t persuade her, then those three certainly couldn’t either.

They naturally wanted someone considerate to look after Qu Sheng, but they were also worried she would do something to hurt Lin Xizhao. Since Lin Xizhao insisted she wouldn’t, they could only wait and see.

Xiao Bingying waited in Zhao Jiayu’s courtyard for a long time. Watching her pace with her hands behind her back, she guessed what had happened yesterday. But since Zhao Jiayu didn’t mention it, she didn’t bring it up.

In the end, Zhao Jiayu couldn’t overcome her curiosity and went with them. She wanted to see how Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were interacting now.

When Qu Sheng sent the maid over today, Feng Qi had relayed her exact words: since they found her so useful, she could stay and work for them.

This wasn’t about punishing the maid; it was a deliberate message for Qu Yu. When he heard it, his face had immediately darkened. But since he was the one who had wronged Qu Sheng first, he couldn’t rebut it.

Qu Sheng’s words weren’t exactly a deterrent, but they did ensure Qu Yu wouldn’t dare pull any more sneaky tricks on her in the future.

When Xiao Bingying’s group arrived at Qu Sheng’s courtyard, Lin Xizhao heard that they’d brought Cheng Xi and wanted to go out to welcome them. But remembering the trouble that arose when she’d left for a short while earlier, she could only wait inside with Qu Sheng.

At the knock on the door, Lin Xizhao hurried to open it. Cheng Xi stood behind Xiao Bingying, the hood of her white cloak pulled up. When she saw Lin Xizhao, her expression was gentle, her eyes curving slightly. “Coming uninvited, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“How could that be?” Lin Xizhao smiled. “Sheng’er and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome you. Please, come in.” She stepped aside, inviting them in. But as the two entered, Zhao Jiayu was revealed from behind them.

“Xizhao.” Zhao Jiayu watched the smile on Lin Xizhao’s face vanish like evaporating steam. The sight was jarring.

It wasn’t that Lin Xizhao didn’t welcome her, but that she felt awkward. If it were just Qu Sheng liking her, she wouldn’t feel this way. But she knew she had feelings for Qu Sheng too, and her stubborn insistence on staying made her feel incredibly guilty the moment she saw Zhao Jiayu.

“Come in.” Lin Xizhao looked up at Zhao Jiayu and, after a brief awkward moment, offered a faint smile and let her enter.

“Ai,” Zhao Jiayu nodded quickly.

All three entered the room. Qu Sheng, sitting in her spot, listened to the footsteps and the sound of the door closing. The ear that had been tilted forward turned back. “Is it Bingying-jiejie and Miss Cheng Xi?” she asked Lin Xizhao.

“Yes, they’ve all come in,” Lin Xizhao replied, her gaze going past Zhao Jiayu to Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng nodded and smiled obediently. “I cannot see, so I hope Bingying-jiejie and Miss Cheng Xi will bear with me.”

When Cheng Xi entered, she had already seen Qu Sheng sitting to the side with her ear tilted. She hadn’t quite believed it when Xiao Bingying told her, but seeing it now, she had to.

“It’s no matter,” Xiao Bingying replied for both of them.

Cheng Xi stared at Qu Sheng’s eyes, somewhat lost in thought. Lin Xizhao walked over, smiling as she poured tea. “Don’t just stand there. Please sit.”

Lin Xizhao had always been easygoing. Though this was Qu Sheng’s home, it was half a home to her as well.

Cheng Xi stared at Qu Sheng’s eyes for a while longer. “Miss Sheng, what can you see?” she asked.

Her words stunned everyone present. Qu Sheng couldn’t see anything at all. The abrupt question even made Xiao Bingying nervous.

“During the day, I can see white light. When the sun is out, I can see red light,” Qu Sheng answered casually, not finding the question strange or uncomfortable.

“What did the doctors’ consultation conclude?” Cheng Xi continued.

At the Zhao Residence, Xiao Bingying had only said that Qu Sheng went blind while searching for her second brother, without much detail. Cheng Xi had assumed her eyes were completely blinded by some foreign object. Now, seeing that her eyes were physically intact, she subconsciously asked about her condition.

“The doctors said it was caused by the concussive force of an explosion and a strong light, but they couldn’t really explain the cause,” Zhao Jiayu chimed in at the perfect moment.

When Cheng Xi first asked, Lin Xizhao had worried Qu Sheng would be offended. Seeing her calm expression now, she realized she had overthought it.

Qu Sheng only resented doctors, not questions from friends.

“I heard from Bingying that your residence is searching everywhere for doctors. Have you sent anyone to our Haichao Kingdom to look?” Cheng Xi asked again.

Lin Xizhao and the others were puzzled but answered truthfully. “Not yet.” The notices were still being posted. At best, it would take a month to reach the Haichao Kingdom’s border, and that was only if someone traveled nonstop.

As far as Lin Xizhao knew, the residence had no plans to send anyone there to find a doctor.

“Your Haichao Kingdom—do you have any good doctors who can treat eyes?” Xiao Bingying asked on behalf of everyone.

Cheng Xi shook her head. “No, but your Tiansheng Kingdom has a famous itinerant doctor⁷ who specializes in difficult, rare, and bizarre illnesses. Before I came here, he was still in our country. Perhaps you could seek him out.”

“How long ago was that? Since he’s an itinerant doctor, he wouldn’t stay in one place. He’s probably long gone, right?” Zhao Jiayu’s words were blunt.

Hearing her cousin’s doubt, Xiao Bingying rephrased the question. “How can you be sure he’s still in the Haichao Kingdom?”

“He went there to find a specific medicinal herb,” Cheng Xi explained. “As far as I know, that herb is very difficult to find, with only one or two plants growing each year. He won’t leave until he has enough.”

Hearing Cheng Xi confirm the doctor was still there and knew so much about him, Zhao Jiayu grew suspicious. “How do you know so much? Do you know him?”

Cheng Xi looked at her, a trace of sorrow suppressed in her eyes. “My older brother was once helped by him.”

Her brother was, of course, the prince of her kingdom—her full-blooded brother who was currently imprisoned by the new king of the Haichao Kingdom.

The mention of her brother touched upon a painful subject. If he hadn’t been defeated and imprisoned, she wouldn’t have been sent here.

Hope ignited in Lin Xizhao. Forgetting her etiquette, she asked urgently, “What is this person’s name?”

“His surname is Liu. He is called Liu Wuxiang.”

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Cheng Xi’s visit brought good news. After learning the doctor’s name, Lin Xizhao had Feng Qi find the residence’s steward⁸ and send men on fast horses to search for this Liu Wuxiang.

Even if there was only a ten percent chance, Lin Xizhao had to try.

That evening, after Qu Sheng finished her meal, she heard that three more doctors had arrived. She allowed them to come in for a consultation.

The five doctors were all famous local physicians, but they were helpless regarding her eyes. Something was missing from them, and no one could replace it.

Qu Sheng wasn’t surprised by their diagnoses. After they left, she said she was tired and wanted to rest, but Lin Xizhao’s thoughts grew heavier.

After getting into bed, Lin Xizhao lay on her side, expecting Qu Sheng to come over and kiss her again. But by the time she grew sleepy, Qu Sheng still hadn’t moved closer.

When Lin Xizhao woke up to check on her, Qu Sheng was already fast asleep.

Early the next day, as Lin Xizhao fed Qu Sheng, she kept studying her expression. Though nothing seemed unusual, she felt an inexplicable barrier between them.

Qu Sheng barely spoke all day. Lin Xizhao felt an increasing sense of distance, as if Qu Sheng was creating it on purpose.

During the evening meal, Lin Xirui arrived again, as if he had timed it perfectly. He was carrying a food box.

“Some time ago, I noticed Sheng-meimei liked to eat this. Today, I had Xiao Zhuzi wait in line for a whole hour! As soon as he bought it, I rushed over. It’s still hot.” Like someone presenting a treasure, he placed the food box on a chair, took out the pastries, and pushed them in front of Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng tilted her ear to listen, smiling charmingly. “Xirui-gege is very thoughtful.”

Hearing her praise, Lin Xirui scratched his head in embarrassment and looked at his sister. “Ajie, quickly give Sheng-meimei a piece to try. It’s better while it’s hot.”

Lin Xizhao had been worried that Lin Xirui would get hurt by constantly visiting Qu Sheng. But now, seeing Qu Sheng’s attitude toward him, she felt an even greater discomfort for some reason.

She forced a smile and picked up a pastry for Qu Sheng.

“Mmm, delicious,” Qu Sheng said after chewing the soft pastry, praising it again.

After swallowing, she added, “Xirui-gege, you should sit and have dinner with us too.”

Lin Xirui naturally wouldn’t refuse the invitation, and the task of serving food to Qu Sheng also fell to him.

If not for the fact that Qu Sheng only allowed Lin Xizhao to feed her, he would have loved to take his sister’s place entirely.

After dinner, Lin Xirui tactfully took his leave. Qu Sheng simply nodded, not bothering with polite requests for him to stay. Lin Xizhao hadn’t planned on seeing him out, but Qu Sheng said, “Jiejie, please see Xirui-gege out on my behalf.”

Before, Qu Sheng never called him “gege” and was even unwilling to say his name, just referring to him as “he.” Now, it was “Xirui-gege” this and “Xirui-gege” that. It was hard for Lin Xizhao not to suspect she was doing it on purpose.

As Lin Xizhao saw Lin Xirui out of the Marquis Qu Residence, he pulled her into a carriage. The night couldn’t hide the excitement on his face. “Ajie, I’ve already told Father I want to marry Sheng-meimei. He agreed to arrange for a marriage proposal on the day I pass the imperial examinations. Can you help me sound her out, or maybe put in a good word for me? I won’t make her wait too long.” He spoke with a face full of expectation.

But Lin Xizhao could only stare back in utter disbelief.

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Qu Sheng had sent Lin Xizhao out not because she truly wanted her to see Lin Xirui off, but because she had things to discuss with Feng Qi, who had returned that afternoon.

“Those villagers have all been captured. They all say someone paid them to intentionally lure the two Qu brothers over there.”

“Was torture used?”

“It was. Their skin was split open, and one had his hands and feet broken,” Feng Qi said, his expression completely calm as he described the bloody scene.

“The three Qu family brothers, the three Qu family brothers, leave none behind, leave none behind.”

Inside the room, the parrot that Lin Xirui had gifted suddenly shrieked. The words it spoke left both Qu Sheng and Feng Qi stunned.

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The author has something to say:

Lin Xizhao: “Afraid of her kissing me, yet sad when she doesn’t.”

Qu Sheng: “I’m giving you a chance. Be a little more proactive and our story will continue.”

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Jiang Huaiyuan: “My adorable old ancestor⁹ is about to make an appearance. The gears of fate are about to turn.”

Huo Qing: “If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re a mute. Thank you, old ancestor, for giving me an obedient wife. Let’s go home and burn incense¹⁰.”

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