Chapter 21 Jade Sand Gentleman, how did you find out all this...?
Wait, if Jiang Geyun heard correctly, didn't Pei Xuexiao just say something about her? Her...blood?
Jiang Geyun originally thought that the three of them brought her to see the princess in order to interrogate her in the main venue of Xuandu Bureau and eliminate interference to ensure the accuracy of the results. However, judging from Pei Xuexiao's words, it seems that this is not the case. Could there be a hidden story behind this?
The medical report comes out, and a bunch of people have seen it, but you haven't! It's that feeling of a bunch of people knowing you better than you do!
She sighed inwardly, "How awful!"
Hua Biezhi seemed to have anticipated Pei Xuexiao's stern rebuke.
She calmly lowered her hand and said, "What a coincidence, the mountain god also likes you two very much and has given me an order to keep one of you here no matter what..."
"Besides, what do adults think this place is, that they can come and go as they please?"
The falling snow naturally buries the noise of the world, and everyone falls silent.
The atmosphere at that moment was like the pause before an arrow is released from a bowstring, creating a feeling of being unable to breathe due to lack of oxygen.
Jiang Geyun's thoughts were racing.
Hua Biezhi wants Mu Jin to stay? It seems that Mu Jin becoming the manor lord in the original book was not a coincidence; her constitution must be special.
Although the backstory in the original book is unknown, judging from the outcome, Mu Jin did indeed stay in the Yunling Manor in the original book, and she even became the manor lord, which doesn't seem bad.
No, but...
Jiang Geyun looked at Mu Jin.
Like her, most of the people present turned their gaze toward Mu Jin.
Xie Jiming also turned to look behind him, and this action naturally revealed Mu Jin, who was hiding behind him.
The girl in purple fell silent for a moment, looked up in fright, and her expression was panicked.
The arrow, about to be released, was aimed directly at her brow.
It seems she doesn't want to stay; she's in a panic over an answer that's gradually emerging and being accepted by everyone.
...
Jiang Geyun blinked and then suddenly laughed.
Her voice was very soft, but it was especially clear in the silence.
Because of her sudden laughter, everyone's attention shifted from Mu Jin to her.
Jiang Geyun said, "Let me stay."
Before anyone could utter a sound, their expressions and actions changed drastically. Even without a sound, Jiang Geyun could sense the overwhelming surprise and bewilderment, and she could almost hear their questions.
Jiang Geyun felt somewhat apprehensive. Her decision was tinged with a gamble, and she would be in danger if things didn't go as she expected.
but……
Jiang Geyun closed her eyes and thought that she could no longer go home. Fortunately, she didn't have any family members, but Mu Jin was different.
Jiang Geyun opened her eyes and said, "Miss Mu is looking for her cat."
"What?"
Pei Xueyi spoke up blankly, voicing the question that had been on everyone's mind. Then, she quickly recalled the reason they had agreed to come here during the banquet, her eyes filled with incomprehension, and she shook her head.
Even louder than Pei Xueyi's shout came from the system, which shrieked: "Host, what are you doing?! You know perfectly well that Mu Jin will be fine if she stays! Staying will only delay the conquest progress, don't you want to live?! There are less than 93 days left!"
Is finding the cat more important to that person, or is your life or death more important?!
If Su Heng doesn't have a lot of feelings for you, you'll definitely die!
Since their reunion in the garden, or rather, since their first meeting, Cheng Xi has always carefully maintained the distance between them, keeping a respectful distance while remaining courteous. Even when she said she wanted to stay, Cheng Xi's expression remained as still as a mountain.
For some reason, at this moment, he suddenly broke the distance and grabbed Jiang Geyun's wrist with such force that the emotions she had prepared almost vanished.
Did you just realize that? Your reaction time is so long!
On the other hand... this system is really inhuman!
Jiang Geyun's words were clearly a symbolic gesture; who really meant only the literal meaning of looking for the cat?
She took a deep breath, about to share her thoughts with everyone, but the system's punishment was not so patient, and after a warning, it arrived.
The familiar cramping pain caused cold sweat to break out on her palms and back, sticking to her body in the freezing cold.
Really—!
She finally couldn't take it anymore and poured out all the emotions in her mind: "I didn't want this either! Isn't it a problem with the world in this book?!"
[You want to create rules, but you never follow them. How many times have you inexplicably driven me to a dead end?! Have you ever been of any use? Enough is enough!]
You're saying I knew it would be alright for her to stay? Yes, I knew—
"fine"?
Ultimately, is it okay to never see your loved ones again?
Is being imprisoned here for life considered a good thing?
Is it okay to meticulously craft the emotions of someone you don't even know in order to survive?
Not only did I know she would be "okay," I also knew—I shouldn't be here!
Jiang Geyun looked up angrily, and in that instant everything in front of her became so clear, and everyone's expressions were also crystal clear. In comparison, the past world seemed to be covered in dust, which was now blown away.
She felt her body temperature rise slightly, but her mind was not foggy; on the contrary, she was extremely clear-headed, and her original considerations instantly became more detailed.
Whether it was anger or her argument that had an effect, the pain became intermittent, and the system's voice became faint; she no longer paid attention to that tiny sound.
The conversation with the system only lasted a moment, and not much time had passed. The people in front of them were still waiting for Jiang Geyun's words after her sigh.
Jiang Geyun pressed Cheng Xi's hand down, but she did not turn her head to meet Cheng Xi's gaze, only letting the warmth pass through her.
She looked at Hua Biezhi and Pei Xuexiao in front of her and said coldly, "I didn't know that once the adults left the manor, they would never come back?"
If Jiang Geyun is truly useful to Xuandujian, Xuandujian will not allow her to remain in the manor; he will definitely return to Yunling Manor and take her out.
But Mu Jin may not have such "good luck".
This is Jiang Geyun's true first consideration.
Even Hua Biezhi was taken aback by Jiang Geyun's words. She remained silent for a long time. After listening to Jiang Geyun's explanation, she recovered and teased, "Shouldn't this kind of conspiracy be kept from me?"
Jiang Geyun said, "It's hard to say. What if the manor lord thinks it's not worth keeping us here and is willing to let us all leave? Wouldn't that be a win for us?"
“An interesting scheme,” Hua Biezhi clapped her hands, pausing for a moment, perhaps aggravating her wound, before continuing, “But I insist on keeping Miss Jiang here for a chat, Yaoji.”
Upon hearing the sound, Yao Ji stepped forward and bowed to the crowd, saying, "Esteemed guests, please follow me."
Pei Xuexiao looked deeply into Jiang Geyun's eyes, and he also felt that the method proposed by Jiang Geyun was the best one at present, the one that could save everyone.
Having confirmed Jiang Geyun's resolve, Pei Xuexiao, though heavy-hearted, nodded to her and turned to follow Yao Ji.
Mu Jin stood there for a long time, until everyone had moved on. Only then did she seem to wake up from a dream and walk step by step from Xie Jiming's side to Jiang Geyun's side.
The girl in purple seemed to have a lot to say, but didn't know how to start. Her eyes were filled with chaotic emotions, like a ball of yarn with no end in sight.
Looking at Mu Jin's expression, Jiang Geyun felt even more certain that her decision was right—it was so good that Mu Jin would agree to do anything for her even if she asked him to risk his life for her.
If Mu Jin asks, then this is how she'll answer.
But Jiang Geyun didn't speak, and Mu Jin didn't say anything either, only staring intently at Jiang Geyun.
Seeing this, Jiang Geyun's original teasing thoughts dissipated considerably. She sighed inwardly and was about to say something when Pei Xueyi suddenly jumped and squeezed between the two of them.
Pei Xueyi didn't look at Mu Jin. She simply took off her cloak and draped it over Jiang Geyun. Then she reached out and gave Jiang Geyun's face a good squeeze.
Jiang Geyun was stunned by this action.
It wasn't until Pei Xueyi had rubbed her cheeks until they were slightly red that she realized what was happening and tried to reach out to stop Pei Xueyi.
Cheng Xi's hand had already let go at some point.
He neither left with Yao Ji nor interfered with the interaction between the person in front of him and others; he simply stood aside, smiling quietly and waiting.
“See, my brother is unreliable,” Pei Xueyi said softly, leaning closer without letting go. “He gives up on everything so easily, the Dali Temple won’t want him.”
After Jiang Geyun stopped her, Pei Xueyi stopped rubbing her face and continued to hold Jiang Geyun's face in her hands, as if it were a warm farewell conversation between two close friends.
Since Pei Xueyi stopped rubbing, Jiang Geyun was too lazy to pry her open. Upon hearing this, she remained expressionless, coldly replying, "Haste makes waste. I trust you gentlemen."
Pei Xueyi released her grip, deliberately sighed loudly, and said with her hands on her hips, "You have your own ideas, I don't care anymore!"
Jiang Geyun put away her calm expression and suddenly smiled. She tentatively asked, "Actually, I am also a little uneasy. May I ask Miss Xueyi, will I die here?"
"Do I... have that 'death line' on me?"
Jiang Geyun had been holding back these words for a long time, and now that the opportunity was so good, she was sure she could get some information out of him.
Pei Xueyi paused, lowered her hand, glanced back at Pei Xuexiao and Xie Jiming who had already walked some distance away, then turned back, smiled casually, and said:
“Whenever A-Yun asks me this, I will answer: the death line only appears on the corpse of the dead and on people who are closely related to their death. With Ge Sheng’s corroborating testimony, my brother is so sure that A-Yun is a suspect.”
Jiang Geyun nodded and said, "I see."
There's even corroborating testimony from Ge Sheng; if there really is someone behind this, then they must be incredibly well-connected.
Although they are all circumstantial evidence, they can be said to have both witness testimony and physical evidence, and only a final conclusion is needed. No wonder Pei Xuexiao is so certain that Jiang Geyun is the murderer.
Pei Xueyi further explained: "Legend has it that the ghosts of the dead will return to the 'Sea of Karma,' and their souls will be tainted there, becoming connected to the present world. Consequently, the death line will appear in the present world, but this explanation is quite mysterious."
"The true origin of the death line is not clear to Xuan Du Jian either... well, at least the Jian Zheng did not teach me."
Is it that even the Xuandu Supervisor doesn't know, or is it that the information about the origin of the death line is something that the Lujiang-level Night-Shining Envoy is still unable to learn?
Jiang Geyun suppressed her guess and softly thanked her, "Thank you, Miss Xueyi. It's time to say goodbye."
Pei Xueyi's eyes widened. "...Don't you have anything else to say to me?"
Jiang Geyun didn't say anything more and looked at her calmly.
Pei Xueyi gave up, saying "Okay, okay" as she turned and left, not forgetting to pull Mu Jin, who was standing there dumbfounded, away.
Mu Jin didn't have a chance to say anything to Jiang Geyun in the end, and turned to look at Jiang Geyun several times in vain.
In the distance, a strange vortex appeared on the trunk of a plum tree between Yao Ji and Hua Biezhi. It transformed from a tiny black dot, so small that it would seem like a mistake even if seen, into a giant vortex large enough for one person to pass through.
The vortex blended with the surrounding colors, like an oil painting that had been casually smeared on. There were several people standing around as usual, while the strange vortex was in the center.
Against the backdrop of the deep night, the brilliant candlelight, and the blooming plum blossoms, the colors are vivid, and at first glance it looks like a bizarre ritual.
Summoning stars and ghosts to feast on cups and plates, the mountain spirits dine while people feel a chill.
Jiang Geyun turned her head to look at Cheng Xi, who was still waiting beside her, and said softly, "My lord."
Cheng Xi remained unmoved, a deep smile on his face, and said, "I have a promise with my wife that I will witness her fate with my own eyes."
Before they knew it, most of the people had left, leaving only four people in the plum garden.
Jiang Geyun remained silent and extended her hand to Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi paused for a moment before gently grasping it.
It was said that he was holding on, but he was just placing his hand on it, waiting for Jiang Geyun to make a move.
Jiang Geyun took Cheng Xi's hand and led him step by step toward the vortex.
Cheng Xi let her pull him forward and calmly said, "My lady will be safe. Are we going to the capital next?"
Jiang Geyun responded.
Cheng Xi said, "Once we get to the capital, we can also see the snow-wave peonies at Ci'en Temple, the puppet show at Changxingfang, and the tea at Yinguanglou is also worth trying..."
His gentle voice continued steadily, undisturbed by any movement, as if he wanted to tell her everything about the capital.
As they spoke, the two arrived in front of Hua Biezhi and Yao Ji.
Yao Ji stood behind Hua Biezhi with her head bowed, not uttering a word, while Hua Biezhi stood to the side with her arms crossed, watching the two of them.
Jiang Geyun stopped in front of the whirlpool, realizing that she could no longer pull Cheng Xi away.
Given the difference in physical strength, it's difficult for her to force him to do something he doesn't want to do.
She hadn't planned to drag the other person in so easily.
Jiang Geyun stopped, turned around and leaned closer to Cheng Xi, saying, "If what you say is true, my lord, the capital is indeed very interesting." She paused for a moment, then smiled faintly, "However, although I have never asked, I am really wondering, my lord, how... did you know all this?"
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Author's Note: We've finally arrived at this chapter...!
Worried that some content in this chapter might cause controversy, I'm adding this layer of armor. Please don't overthink the implied meanings. As the synopsis shows, this is essentially a strategy guide. The modified parts are "not actually a strategy guide but completely successful" + "love has nothing to do with whether it's the goal or not"—it has a "I want it all" vibe!
It's precisely because Yun is this kind of person that someone gradually becomes paranoid, obsessive, and insecure. I'm afraid of giving away too much information, so please don't take it as me attacking anyone or any book. Please don't feel too heavy-hearted. Just enjoy reading!
Actually, it's not that heavy! The growth storyline is lighthearted and the romance is purely sweet—it's super easy! And the difficult part is finally almost over! Yun is about to see the peerless Crown Prince, and she's about to encounter even more interesting (?) events on her path to promotion and wealth! Let's congratulate her!
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