Yan Xiao gave Lou Guyu a look that said, "You'd better know what's good for you."

"I prefer to deal with people who know how to adapt to the times. Since we've already come this far, I'll be frank."

Yan Xiao paused slightly after saying this.

She glanced at Shen Qiyue, who was sitting to the side waiting for dinner, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but in the end she didn't send her away.

Since she's decided to latch onto the male lead, she needs to show some sincerity, at least to get him to be on her side.

After all, the male protagonist had no feelings for his first wife; at most, he felt a sense of responsibility.

The person he always cared about was his sister.

Therefore, taking advantage of the current situation to maximize Shen Qiyue's favorability is the best choice for her.

Sincerity, however, usually requires sincerity in return. If you're always on guard against her, that girl's sharp mind will definitely see through it, and it's not worth it.

Thinking this, Yan Xiao looked directly at Lou Guyu and said what she was about to say:

"If I'm not mistaken, you should be Miao people, right?"

The Miao people are now referred to as "demons" by the ordinary people of Qing Kingdom.

In their view, the current war in Qing Kingdom was caused by the Miao people colluding with barbarian bandits, and the current insect infestation and famine must also be caused by the Miao people who control the insects. Therefore, they hate the Miao people to the bone.

When Yan Xiao uttered those words, the air in the room became still.

Shen Qiyue stared wide-eyed in disbelief, as if she didn't quite understand Yan Xiao's meaning.

Lou Guyu and Man Yi were tense and wary, their eyes scrutinizing Yan Xiao even more.

Before she could finish her joking remark, as if afraid she hadn't given them enough of a shock, she continued:

"You don't need to be so nervous. I can cure your poison, so I naturally have some understanding of the art of Gu poison. Just the fact that you have been poisoned by Gu doesn't mean anything."

However, your constitution is very special!

Even if Lou Guyu had achieved early success, he would still be just a teenager now.

After being bombarded with questions by Yan Xiao, he was starting to lose his composure.

He no longer cared about Yan Xiao's unattractive appearance; he stared intently at Yan Xiao, as if trying to bore a hole through her dark face.

"What do you know?"

Unmoved by Yan Xiao's words, he calmly took a sip of tea before replying:

"I once read in an ancient book that the Miao people produce a woman with a special constitution every thousand years. She is born with the ability to control hundreds of insects and is revered as the Miao holy woman."

And this holy maiden, upon reaching adulthood, can directly assume the position of Miao tribe chief and become the Miao Queen, is that not true?"

Yan Xiao has never read ancient books, but he has read a lot of novels. He can lie without even blinking.

Lou Guyu felt that the person in front of him was somewhat terrifying. Facing him, he felt like a lamb that had been stripped naked, with no secrets left to hide.

He clenched his fists, trying his best to remain calm, and after a long while, he finally found his voice:

"What does this have to do with me? Can't Doctor Yan tell whether I'm male or female?"

"Of course it's obvious, which is what I'm curious about. But once I thought of a possibility, it makes sense."

"What?" Lou Guyu's voice trembled slightly, clearly indicating that he was not as calm as he appeared.

Yan Xiao chuckled lightly, a sly glint in his eyes, his tone full of certainty:

"I've heard that the Miao people now have a holy maiden in charge, who at the tender age of thirteen is already stunningly beautiful, unlike any ordinary person."

It's just unknown whether that holy maiden is still with the Miao people, or whether she has been exposed and is being hunted down.

"Ding~"

No sooner had Yan Xiao finished speaking than Lou Guyu drew the sword from Man Yi's hand, pointing it directly at Yan Xiao, his eyes flashing with icy killing intent.

"Who exactly are you? What is your purpose in approaching me?"

Lou Guyu's sudden attack startled Shen Qiyue, who hadn't yet fully processed the information.

But she quickly realized what was happening, and despite her fear, she stood in front of Yan Xiao and said angrily:

"What are you doing? If it weren't for my sister-in-law and my brother, you'd still be lying here."

"If she wanted to harm you, do you think you'd be standing here with a sword, swaggering around in front of us?"

Lou Guyu was too emotionally unstable to hear Shen Qiyue's slip of the tongue.

However, after thinking about Shen Qiyue's words, he slightly reduced his killing intent, but he did not intend to put his sword away.

Yan Xiao cursed inwardly. They were both saving him, but the female lead was all about how close they were, revealing their family background to her. But when it came to her, he acted like this. It was such a case of differential treatment.

However, she wasn't particularly angry, since she wasn't as selfless as the female lead.

She shoved Shen Qiyue, who was blocking her way, aside, and nonchalantly shrugged at Lou Guyu, saying in a very straightforward manner:

“I’m sitting right here, and I know your secret, but what are you going to do to me?”

Lou Guyu gritted his teeth in anger, but because of his own life, he really didn't dare to do anything to Yan Xiao.

The fact that things have turned out this way is because he acted too impulsively.

But now that things have escalated to this point, he's in a very difficult situation.

Fortunately, Man Yi wasn't too naive. After recovering from his shock, he quickly took the sword back from Lou Guyu's hand, giving Lou Guyu a way out.

Lou Guyu seized the opportunity to back down, sat back in his original seat, and carefully considered his conversation with Yan Xiao. He realized that he had been led by the nose the whole time, which made him even angrier.

However, after calming down, he roughly realized that Yan Xiao had some ulterior motives towards him, but no malicious intent. Otherwise, it would not have been a wise move to confront him now.

Having figured all this out, he calmed down considerably and looked at Yan Xiao, getting straight to the point:

"what do you want from me?"

Yan Xiao was also very direct, stating his purpose directly:

"It's very simple. I want you to teach me Miao Gu techniques, without holding back anything."

Not only that, you will also have to stay by my side for three years and obey my orders.

Yan Xiao had thought it over. Instead of going to great lengths to cultivate a good relationship with Lou Guyu, who was all talk and no action, it would be better to just use benefits to coerce him. It would be quicker, easier, and more efficient.

"What?"

Lou Guyu was first startled, then became somewhat angry:

"Aren't you pushing your luck a bit?"

"I didn't force you."

Yan Xiao rolled her eyes at Lou Guyu, her expression completely indifferent.

"I saved your life, but I'm only letting you stay with me for three years. This also means that I have to take care of your food and lodging for the next three years. What are you unhappy about?"

Moreover, you are now being hunted down by your own people all over the world, and because you are a Miao, you are not welcomed by outsiders. Where can you go?

I'm only taking you in because you're still somewhat useful; otherwise, who would want such a huge burden like you?

"snort!"

Lou Guyu was clearly unconvinced, raised his chin, snorted coldly, and said arrogantly:

"With my Gu techniques, there are plenty of powerful forces willing to treat me as an honored guest."

Yan Xiao did not refute this point, but simply asked lightly:

"Can they give you an antidote? Are you going to deliver corpses to them?"

"You...you...you...you..."

Lou Guyu was so shocked by Yan Xiao's words that he almost fainted. He pointed at Yan Xiao and stammered for a long time but couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

"What's wrong? Did you catch my habit of being a chatterbox?"

Yan Xiao glanced lightly at Lou Guyu and noticed that Lou Guyu's eyes were red with anger and were starting to well up with tears, looking like he might cry at any moment.

This made her feel like she was bullying a child, but she didn't feel guilty.

This kind of brat shouldn't be spoiled; he needs to be disciplined so he can realize his situation.

She casually looked away, called for the already hungry Shen Qiyue to eat, and then gave Lou Guyu an ultimatum:

"If you're willing, sit down for a meal and we can discuss the details later. If you're not, then leave. I won't force you. From now on, we'll go our separate ways."

I've always been a generous person. I'll consider the four taels of silver you owe me as feeding the dogs, and I won't learn martial arts anymore.

"For the sake of our acquaintance, if I have time when you die, I will offer incense for you."