Chapter 728: Missing a bit of something (2/2)
Who was Jin Zhen?
The bodyguard by his side gave a start before coming to his senses. Jin zhen (金针) was “acupuncture needle,” after all. Quickly he said, “There shouldn’t be any news yet. If they’ve found it, they’ll definitely deliver it here.” Ning Cheng didn’t speak, but remained flipping through his reports.
Late at night many days later, he finished his military affairs and was preparing to leave the study when he stopped right by the door.
In a cold voice, he asked, “Have there been any news you’ve been keeping from me recently?”
“None. All of the military reports were delivered. The Council of Elders is still undergoing deliberations, and there’s been no progress in the investigations on the Shadow Clan,” the guard replied.
Without a word, Ning Cheng left the room, expressionless. Meanwhile, his guards began to talk amongst themselves.
“It’s been much more peaceful these days without Chu Qingge raising a row all the time!”
“Aiya, finally! We don’t have to keep hearing ‘Han Yunxi’ all the time, it’s so annoying! Women are scary when they hate other women.”
“Aye, do you think Chu Qingge knows about our master being splashed with wine? All she did everyday was bring up Han Yunxi, it’s no wonder master wanted to kill her.”
“Serves her right!”
“Aish, but it really feels like we’re missing a bit of something without Chu Qingge barging in all the time.”
—
While Ning Cheng was investigating the whereabouts of the Shadow Clan, Gu Beiyue was at the Duke of Qin’s estate. He split his time between looking after Grand Concubine Yi’s condition, studying maps of Cloud Realm Continent, and carefully keeping tabs on the movements of the three nations at war–especially Tianning’s Ning Clan troops. Gu Beiyue knew that they were the toughest foes compared to the Chu or Mu Clan armies, because they had the backing of Cloud Realm Trade Consortium.
Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang had placed taboos on herself ever since Gu Beiyue moved into the estate. Once Han Yunxi and Long Feiye were gone, she often lived at Pill Fiend Pharmacy, acting as Mu Linger’s companion. Without the Duke of Qin’s orders, no one could step into the ancestral hall. Su Xiaoyu wanted to match up Gu Beiyue and Baili Mingxiang, but didn’t dare to violate the rules one bit. She was always on the lookout for chances to draw Gu Beiyue out, then bring Baili Mingxiang to him.
Today for example, Zhao mama was going to deliver medicine to the ancestral hall. Su Xiaoyu blocked her and said, “Mama, can Doctor Gu stand up yet?”
Zhao mama looked at her doubtfully. “Aiya, when did our little Yu’er start thinking of others?”
“I don’t care about anyone except master. If Doctor Gu can stand, then master will definitely be very happy,” Su Xiaoyu spoke the truth, although her words carried multiple meanings. Unfortunately, Zhao mama failed to seize on the essence of her words.
“So you don’t even care about an old bag of bones like me?” she asked. Zhao mama had always doted on Su Xiaoyu like a granddaughter. After the girl had lost her memories, she took it as Heaven’s will and began to treat her as family in earnest. But Su Xiaoyu had been an heartless, unconscionable girl to begin with–at least on the surface.
She simply examined Zhao mama and said, “Why should I care about you? Aren’t you perfectly fine?”
Zhao mama jabbed her on the nose. “Stinkin’ girl with no conscience!”
“You haven’t told me how Doctor Gu’s doing yet,” Su Xiaoyu persisted.
“He can stand for short periods of time now. By the end of the month, he should be fully recovered,” Zhao mama said happily.
“Then that’s great. We have to celebrate!” Su Xiaoyu was thrilled. “Mama, your cooking skills are so great, everyone likes your food. When the doctor can stand again, let’s call everyone over and feast!”
If we have a celebration banquet and call over Baili Mingxiang, I’ll have plenty of chances after getting them drunk!
Zhao mama was pleased to be praised for her cooking and immediately agreed. “Done. I’ll go tell that little Chu all about it!”
The “little Chu” was none other than Chu Xifeng. If they were going to gather everyone for a feast, they would need the agreement of the head guard. Su Xiaoyu’s face was wreathed in smiles. She knew that Zhao mama would convince Chu Xifeng for sure. Her eyes watched her leave while still grinning, unable to contain her happiness. As long as Baili Mingxiang marries Gu Beiyue, she’ll have to move to live in Pill Fiend Pharmacy. Then she’ll never see His Highness Duke of Qin again.
When time passes, Baili Mingxiang will stop thinking those inappropriate thoughts. As long as that’s true, she won’t be able to hurt master or disappoint her after master saved her life and gave her shelter.
What was the best way to forget someone? Have them get used to someone else! Su Xiaoyu was so cheerful that she simply skipped out the door to race towards Pill Fiend Pharmacy. But very soon, she spotted a familiar figure in a certain alleyway again.
“Lady Helian?” she muttered to herself. The woman was currently talking to someone else, so Su Xiaoyu could only see her back. She had no other who the other figure wreathed in shadows could be. After some hesitation, Su Xiaoyu silently approached them…
Translator’s Note: Do you taste foreshadowing or is it just me? All these things due to happen in one month makes me feel a little nervous..heheh.