Back when her family was raided, Ye Qinzhen felt as though the sky was collapsing; her future was shrouded in darkness, and faced with being sent to the Imperial Music Bureau as a courtesan, she was even harboring thoughts of death.
Fortunately, it was at this moment that Ye Liuyun appeared.
Perhaps the secret manual of Illusion Heart Magic meant little to Ye Liuyun.
But for Ye Qinzhen, it was a treasure that could alter her fate.
Relying on her musical talents, Ye Qinzhen managed to become a "pure courtesan" who sold her art but not her body; she normally didnât receive guests, and only came now upon hearing that Ye Liuyun would be present.
"My lord, I toast youâif not for you, I would not be who I am today!"
"I only gave you the secret manual, nothing more."
Ye Liuyun waved his hand indifferently.
"Whether or not you can master it depends on your own talent."
Ye Liuyun had just given her a glance.
This Ye Qinzhenâs cultivation has already reached Ninth Grade Mage; although thatâs just entry level, oftentimes, being able to break through is the most crucial step of all.
"No matter what, I am grateful to you, my lord!"
As she spoke, Ye Qinzhen continued to pour wine for Ye Liuyun.
At the same time, the look she gave Ye Liuyun was filled with deep, unspoken emotion.
Ye Liuyun did not refuse Ye Qinzhenâs attendance; with a beauty at oneâs side, even drinking wine becomes far more pleasant.
...
"My lord!"
Late at night, after leaving the Imperial Music Bureau, Si Nan first flashed a roguish grin, then sidled up close to Ye Liuyun.
"I just sounded things out a bit. That Ye Qinzhen is a pure courtesan and doesnât receive guests. I suspect she came especially because you, my lord, were here."
"So what?"
This question came from Shi Sheng.
Mainly, Shi Sheng couldnât figure out why Si Nan would bring up such a random topic out of nowhere.
"What do you know? Itâs obvious Ye Qinzhen has her eye on the lord."
As for someone as clueless as Shi Sheng, Si Nan couldnât even be bothered to explain further.
He just brushed him off and refocused on Ye Liuyun.
"My lord, I see Ye Qinzhen is an outstanding beauty. If you like, I can arrange to redeem her from the brothel and have her sent to your side."
...
Ye Liuyun hadnât expected that Si Nan would think so far aheadâeven the matter of redemption had crossed his mind.
Back then, handing the Illusion Heart Magic manual to Ye Qinzhen was just a casual deed; he had no intention of demanding gratitude in return.
Howeverâ
Ye Qinzhen was no mere ornament; if kept close, she might prove unexpectedly useful.
"No need for you to handle the redemption. Next time I come by, Iâll ask her myself."
Ye Liuyun wasnât the sort who liked to force others.
It all depended on what Ye Qinzhen herself wishedâafter all, the person is right here, she wonât simply run off.
"Understood!"
Hearing this, Si Nan nodded knowingly and fell silent.
...
The next day.
Initially, having just reached the Grandmaster Realm, Ye Liuyun had planned to give himself several days off for a proper rest.
Butâ
It had only been a day, and a new case arrived.
Moreover, the case wasnât brought by Si Nan or Shi Shengâit was delivered straight to his door by the Southern Governor, Qi Yuanliang.
"Lord Thousand Households Ye!"
Ye Liuyun was already prepared to take Si Nan and Shi Sheng out for a stroll under the pretext of patrolling the streets.
Yet the Southern Governor Qi Yuanliang came straight to him.
With a broad smile on his face, Qi Yuanliang looked at Ye Liuyun, betraying not the slightest sign of anything amiss.
Anyone who didnât know better might assume that Ye Liuyun and Qi Yuanliang were old friends on good terms.
"Governor, what brings you here in person? Is there some matter at hand?"
Though he didnât know what scheme Qi Yuanliang was plotting, since the other dared come looking for himâ
Ye Liuyun certainly would not show any fear.
He cupped his hands, responding with utmost composure.
"Calling me âGovernorââYe, youâre truly being distant!"
Butâ
Qi Yuanliang showed no intent to answer directly; instead, he gave Ye Liuyun a look of mock reproach.
"With the relationship between us, calling me âGovernorâ is overly formal. Just call me Brother Qi, like always!"
...
Brother Qi?
Ye Liuyun didnât buy it; after the past incident with Lord Thousand Households Shi, would Qi Yuanliang really have not a trace of suspicion toward him?
It was just that he had no evidence, nothing more.
To still put on such a familiar act nowâwell, whatever else one might say, Qi Yuanliangâs state of mind was truly impressive, and his face truly thick; no wonder heâd managed to conceal his cultivation for so many years.
A true old master of acting.
"Brother Qi, you flatter me."
If he wants to act, let him act.
After all, Ye Liuyun was already looking for an opportunity to take this Governor out for good.
The posts within the Embroidered Uniform Guard are strictly limitedâthere are only two Governor positions; if one doesnât vacate, how is he to rise up?
Qi Yuanliang was completely unawareâ
At this moment, Ye Liuyun was already calculating how best to see him dead.
On the contrary, Qi Yuanliang was still thinking about his own plotâif everything succeeded, Ye Liuyun would surely be in for a harsh ordeal. He smiled inwardly, but on the surface still maintained his affable façade.
"Thereâs no flattery here. Talents like you, Ye, are exactly what our Embroidered Uniform Guard needs most."
After a few pleasantriesâ
Qi Yuanliang finally turned to business.
"Hereâs the situation: I hear itâs been some time since you last worked a case. Thereâs something particularly thorny Iâd appreciate you handling, Ye; if you could assist, Iâd be most grateful."
"And what sort of case is it?"
Ye Liuyun wasnât so simple-minded as to truly believeâ
Qi Yuanliang was here out of genuine need. More likely, he was figuring out how to set him up.
He understood this clearlyâ
But outwardly, Ye Liuyun maintained an expression of curiosity.
Happily, he was curious to see what scheme Qi Yuanliang would concoct next.
...