Chapter 15 With Tao, Lu, and Li [Minor Revisions] Whatever, let's keep fishing...

Tao Qing leaned up and kissed her lips, then turned his head away and pulled her into his arms.

Footsteps sounded, and Qin Song wanted to turn around, but Tao Qingyang pressed his head down tightly, "Be good, don't move."

Qin Song couldn't figure out what Tao Qingyang was doing, but intimacy was the first step into the harem, so it wasn't surprising, and she didn't resist.

Two piercing gazes from behind made the back of her head feel hot, but this discomfort didn't last long before a new voice sounded behind her.

"You beast! Let her go!" The familiar voice fell, and the sound of a sharp weapon cutting through the air grew closer and closer.

Qin Song's nerves tightened, and he instinctively tried to avoid it.

Tao Qingyang still held her tightly, freeing one hand to firmly grasp her, and the invisible sense of crisis instantly subsided.

The tension finally eased, but Qin Song felt annoyed; she didn't like being manipulated or played with.

She pushed hard, breaking free from Tao Qingyang's broad embrace, only to be met with an even paler face, a nearly unsteady gait, and a muffled cough that he desperately tried to suppress as he was about to cough up blood.

"What's wrong with you?" Whether it was out of attraction or her own conscience, Qin Song immediately helped him up.

"Miss Qin, come to me." Li Yu's voice rang out again.

Qin Song immediately turned his head and saw Li Yu in a moon-white brocade robe and Lu Youchuan in a black robe standing side by side.

nice.

All three men were extremely handsome, perfectly matching her taste, but they all had sour expressions: one was furious, one was as black as the bottom of a pot, and one was wincing in pain.

Before Qin Song could even welcome her old friend, Tao Qingyang moved closer to her and put his arm around her shoulder. The two people opposite her frowned at the same time, their faces becoming even more gloomy.

Tao Qingyang handed the short arrow he had just caught to Qin Song, leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Don't go, he wants to kill you."

Qin Song glanced at the short arrow, not believing Tao Qingyang's words at all. Li Yu also raised his voice and rebuked, "General Tao, even without his mask, is still just as insidious and cunning, spouting nonsense."

"Oh? Nonsense? So you want to kill this general?" Tao Qingyang's calm voice suddenly changed. "Well, I'm the kind of person who holds grudges."

As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked his wrist, and the short arrow in his palm flew out, aiming straight at Li Yu's chest.

Qin Song's eyes widened suddenly. Li Yu was just a scholar and had no agility whatsoever. This arrow would kill him.

Her reaction was too strong, and Lu Youchuan's anger intensified as he stared at her. However, he kept a cold face and reluctantly gave her a push. Li Yu was pushed half a step away, and the arrow pierced his left sleeve and landed on the flower bed behind him, narrowly escaping death.

Qin Song finally breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, Zhao Bo, who had heard the commotion, strode over. He was initially surprised to see Lu Youchuan and Li Yu, but when he saw them arrive, he didn't greet them at all. He bowed unhappily and said, "My master is not at home and I was unaware of your business. I hope you will come again after my master returns home."

The scene was awkward for a moment. Lu Youchuan only glanced at Uncle Zhao, his thin lips pressed tightly together, and remained silent. Tao Qingyang tilted his head slightly, looking smug, not believing that Uncle Zhao's words included him. Li Yu immediately coughed and politely cupped his hands, "Uncle, please don't be offended. I came to visit Miss Qin. Seeing that the gate was wide open and there was no one on duty, I took the liberty of coming. Please forgive my intrusion. But I dare to speak out of turn. I hope you will send more people to protect the residence, so that people of bad reputation will not offend Miss Qin."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Zhao politely curled the corner of his mouth, "Young Master, you seem to have made a mistake. You need to visit the daughter of the Governor-General Gong's family. Please watch your words. As for those with tarnished reputations..."

He paused, glanced at Tao and Lu again, and continued, "General Tao won the first place in choosing a martial arts teacher for the young lady. There is nothing wrong with him entering the manor to wait for the master to return home."

As for Lu Youchuan, Zhao Boming gave him a cold look and refused to say another word.

Li Yu was somewhat embarrassed and tried to explain, but Qin Song advised first, "Go back, Li Yu, and take good care of Miss Gong."

She was happy to associate with Li Yu, but since he was already engaged, she couldn't waste too much time on him.

Li Yu's embarrassed expression turned to disappointment, and her shoulders slowly relaxed, as if deflated. "Just because of Shu Ling?"

He frowned helplessly, looking just like a pitiful puppy, and Qin Song didn't dare to look into his eyes.

The reason for their relationship wasn't because of any specific person, but rather based on her principle that she wouldn't touch anyone who was engaged or married.

Seeing that she didn't respond, Li Yu took a deep breath and handed the pastries in her hand to Qin Song, "Wait for me."

The two simple words seemed to carry a long-planned, unspoken determination.

After Qin Song took the bag of osmanthus cakes, he gave her a reassuring smile, then glared angrily at Tao and Lu before leaving.

Uncle Zhao was still unwilling and wanted to send the guest away again, but Lu Youchuan said ambiguously, "Miss Qin is very popular."

Qin Song smiled. "Including Lord Lu?"

Lu Youchuan's last hint of mockery vanished; his eyelashes trembled, and his lips tightened into a straight line, as if he were slightly flustered.

Tao Qingyang then picked up the conversation, "Cousin, you seem to have some free time today. Are you here for Sister Asong too?"

So... Lu Youchuan and Tao Qingyang are cousins?

It seems a bit exciting, yet it also seems completely unrelated, since Lu Youchuan can't become part of her harem.

Lu Youchuan's eyes were cold and fierce, as if he wanted to pierce through Tao Qing.

While others might have already given in, Tao Qingyang seemed oblivious to his emotions, his smile widening even further. "Cousin, Sister Asong is sincere, frank, and intelligent—a truly remarkable person. I am determined to marry her. Will you speak on my behalf to Lord Qin?"

Lu Youchuan's face grew increasingly dark, a strange emotion suppressed between his brows.

This cousin really went too far, talking about his crush in front of a man who can't get an erection. How is he supposed to respond?

Of course, Qin Song was very happy. He could get his hands on the newly discovered harem without breaking a sweat. How could he not be happy?

As for proposing marriage, who cares? Let's just keep him hooked for now.

Butler Zhao Bo's expression was no better than Lu Youchuan's. He raised his head, intending to retort to Tao Qingyang's flippant words, but Lu Youchuan spoke in time.

"Who General Tao marries is none of my business, but if General Tao suffers another defeat, the Censorate will request that he be punished with two hundred more lashes."

He finished speaking coldly, then disdainfully looked away and tossed the document in his hand to Qin Song. "The Censorate has found the latest clues in the case of treason. Starting today, the Censorate will withdraw its surveillance of the Qin residence. The Qin residence should take care of itself. Excuse me."

With that businesslike tone, Lu Youchuan walked away without looking back.

It turned out he had come on official business. Qin Song pouted and lowered her head to open the documents.

The text mentions that the gift list obtained from the Censorate revealed clues about the Governor's Mansion's secret financial transactions and interpersonal interactions. The mastermind behind the treason case has been identified, and everything is unrelated to the Qin family. However, the text does not mention the specific identity of the mastermind.

Who cares, as long as it's not her father. Just as Qin Song closed the document, Yun Qian hurried over.

"Miss, you've made your choice. The carriage is in the backyard."

As the voice faded, Yun Qian saw only the backs of Qin Song and Tao Qingyang.

Her expression changed slightly, and she hurried out. Upon seeing Tao Qingyang's face, she quickly lowered her head and said, "This servant greets General Tao."

Qin Song suddenly felt something was off. Yun Qian seemed to be afraid of something. She looked up and saw Tao Qingyang's almost bloodless lips curving into an unreadable smile. He raised his hand slightly and said, "No need for formalities. It is I who have bothered you."

Yun Qian relaxed, but still didn't look up at him.

Qin Song noticed Yun Qian's change, but Tao Qingyang interrupted her, "Where is Miss Qin going?"

"Oh, right, I was planning to visit his residence," Qin Song smiled, "Would the General welcome me to visit your home?"

Tao Qing raised her eyebrows and smiled, then looked down at her, "Am I among those you are visiting?"

Qin Song was captivated by his voice and reached out to touch the corner of his beautiful eye. "General, where are you injured?"

Yun Qian didn't dare to look up at Tao Qingyang, but she could see Qin Song's actions, which made her tremble with shock. She whispered a reminder, "Miss, you mustn't."

Qin Song frowned. Yun Qian was good in every way, except that she was too conservative. She angrily pulled her hand back, but Tao Qing raised his hand and pressed it down. His large palm, which covered the back of her hand, had several shallow scars and crisscrossed with blue veins, releasing a kind of wild and unrestrained nature.

She pressed her palm against his cheek, the warm, delicate touch making her head spin. His slightly coarse eyelashes and beautiful face tickled her palm as he smiled.

He parted his lips and whispered seductively, "I'll show you when we get back to the General's Mansion."

This little fox is too shrewd! What are we waiting for? She can't wait to climb into his bed right now.

After Yun Qian brought the gifts from the backyard, Tao Qingyang led Qin Song into the general's mansion carriage with great fanfare. He lifted the curtain and chatted and laughed all the way, and then generously welcomed her to get off the carriage before entering the general's mansion together.

Qin Song was in a great mood, even the cloudy day felt bright, only Yun Qian was almost suffocating, her mind filled with: "How can Miss be so intimate with General Tao?"

However, she dared not speak directly to Tao Qingyang. Fortunately, after entering the General's Mansion, Tao Qingyang had the steward lead Qin Song and his servant to Miss Tao Yao's courtyard first, and Yun Qian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Song's gaze was still searching for Tao Qingyang's figure when Tao Yao's voice came over, "A Song, come in quickly."

It was a tone of voice unlike any other female voice heard in this world—light, bright, and unrestrained.

Qin Song looked over and saw a young woman dressed in a close-fitting outfit with her hair tied up high, leaning against the door frame, using one leg for support, and waving enthusiastically at Qin Song.

Her spirited face was adorned with a hearty smile, which was incredibly infectious. Qin Song couldn't help but smile back.

She went to greet her, "Ayao, you've suffered so much."

Yun Qian also sobbed. After giving the gifts in her hand to Tao Yao's maid, Tao Yao took Qin Song's arm and entered the boudoir.

The simple and bright room had few women's items, but was filled with various swords, spears, and clubs.

After sitting down, the two exchanged pleasantries for a while. Tao Yao then picked up a bow and arrow, plucked the string with both hands, and told her in a lively manner about the various thrilling experiences she had had during her time in the army.

Yun Qian covered her mouth every now and then as she listened, her face turning pale with fright.

Tao Yao, full of youthful vigor, described the experience as novel and exciting. Even when talking about her broken leg, she was still full of heroic spirit, but when talking about the fall of the city gate, her beauty dimmed.

“Ah Song, it’s a good thing you didn’t come with me. We lost this battle, we lost badly. The 30,000 people in the city who couldn’t be evacuated in time were all slaughtered by the northern barbarians. My brother, my brother… never mind. Anyway, the battle of Danzhou is not over yet. I will go back to the battlefield. I will drive those barbarians out. I will take back Danzhou. That’s our territory.”

Seeing that Qin Song seemed lost in thought, Yun Qian first comforted her, "Miss Tao, you should take good care of your injury. Be careful not to develop a chronic leg problem. What about those northern barbarians and General Tao?"

Qin Song also touched Tao Yao's cheek. She wasn't faking it; she was genuinely moved. It wasn't just the thrilling and united war scenes she had described, but also the fact that this girl seemed to be shining, even more captivating than the ideal female lead she had in mind.

“Ayao, Yunqian is right. You should heal your injuries first, gather your strength, and then drive them out.”

Tao Yao took Qin Song's hand and sighed deeply. "Song, I'm sorry. After Danzhou fell, my brother caught the spy who betrayed military intelligence. It was your cousin, Yuan Bingzhong. The whole army was cursing Lord Qin. I cursed him too. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let my emotions cloud my judgment. Fortunately, Imperial Censor Lu submitted the documents. Although the case of colluding with the enemy is not completely over, at least Lord Qin has been cleared of suspicion. You won't blame me, will you?"

She cautiously looked up at Qin Song, but Qin Song laughed and deliberately pinched her cheek. "If you have something to blame, blame yourself for not coming back and immediately taking your anger out on me."

Yun Qian added, "The Yuan family are distant relatives of the Qin family and have never had any contact with them. This matter has nothing to do with the master. Fortunately, justice has now been served for the Qin family."

After he finished speaking, everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Song and Tao Yao hit it off immediately and chatted for a long time in her room. When Qin Song was happy, he praised her, "A Yao is truly a wonderful lady. The last time I saw someone who really broadened my horizons was the Princess."

Tao Yao glanced at her after listening, "I've also been amazed, but I'd rather stab her."

Qin Song was speechless.

Tao Yao plucked the string of the heavy bow, paying little attention to Qin Song's reaction, and said with disgust, "It's one thing for her to be extravagant, but she actually keeps more than two hundred male concubines in her backyard, all of them young and strong men. More than two hundred men could form an infantry unit. If we had one more unit, we might have been able to rescue several thousand more people from the city. But she relies on the offerings of the people to let so many people rot and stink in her courtyard. It's truly hateful!"

Qin Song was even more at a loss for words, but a strange thought sprouted in her mind.

Tao Yao's maid, Aman, chimed in angrily, "That's right! She even tried to force herself on our general! If it weren't for his military achievements, I'm afraid..."

"Impossible! My brother would rather die than become her subject!" Tao Yao angrily put down her bow.

Qin Song felt a little strange, but he still nodded in agreement, "Yes, Brother Tao is brave and fearless, no one can take him away!"

Because it belongs to her.

But after he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Tao Yao scrutinized her with a strange look: "When did you change your name to A-Song?"

A note from the author:

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Tao has no white moonlight, no substitute, and is pure in body and mind.

P.S. I'm a part-time author. My main job is a one-day-off-day job, and I often work overtime, so... replying to comments and such might be a bit slow, please forgive me. But I have a good track record and plenty of drafts. Before VIP chapters, I update according to the rankings; after VIP chapters, I update daily (at most, very occasionally, one day off a week). Love you all~ [heart]