Volume 1: This Heart's Desire Chapter 53: A Match Made in Heaven?

  Tai Shi Lan returned to the inner chamber and was startled to see that there was no one on the bed. In just a short while, Jing Tai Lan had been kidnapped?

  It's impossible, the outside has already been alerted, and we're surrounded on all sides. Those assassins have long since been put to death, how can anyone get close to here?

  Tai Shi Lan kicked the bed frame and said: "Come out, he's gone."

  A faint rustling sound came from under the bed, and a dusty big head slowly poked out, still looking around cautiously, then glanced at Tai Shi Lan.

  Tai Shi Lan's hands were on her knees, looking down at him from a high position, her eyes reflecting the frightened gaze of a doll.

  After a long time, she silently opened her arms to him.

  Jing Tai Lan immediately crawled out and rushed into her arms, rubbing all over the place.

  Tai Shi Lan touched his flat mouth and said: "I won't let anyone in, you don't have to hide under the bed."

  Jingtai Lan started bowing her head and said, "Don't... don't..."

  "Who is she?"

  Jingtai Lan's face was unwilling, and after a long time, he muttered: "Mother likes her... she is by mother's side... more than I like..."

  Tai Shi fell silent for a moment, then said: "You should also go back."

  "No!"

  "She doesn't seem to know you're here yet, but she'll find out eventually." Tai Shi Lan stroked his face, "I can't stop it."

  "No!" Jing Tai Blue jumped onto her thigh, his small paws grasping her collar, stamping his feet while staring into her eyes, "You deceived people, you deceived people!"

  Tai Shi furrowed his brow as he looked at the big-eyed doll, which was on the verge of tears. Every glint of water was a manifestation of Jing Tai's terror and rejection.

  She also refused at first.

  She knew he was lonely, isolated and unloved. She knew that at the age of two, he seemed to have everything but had actually lost everything; she knew he had relatives, but it was as if he didn't; she knew that he even had a slow-acting poison in his body, which Yonchu had been trying to get rid of with gentle methods.

  It's also because of this last reason that she didn't want to know his identity and wanted to keep him by her side.

  But what happened tonight made her reflect on herself, and before she had the ability to protect him, stubbornly keeping him by her side was harming him.

  His side was a whirlpool, the people around him were dark and turbulent, no one's thoughts could be fathomed, no one's power was strong enough, she wasn't afraid of being drawn into the deep sea, but feared harming him to sink.

  "You're cheating! You're cheating!" Jing Tai Lan stamped her little foot loudly, stamping until her leg hurt.

  She had been silent all along, but now she felt a real crisis and was terrified, her eyes wide with fear, she suddenly pulled her neck and screamed, "Save me! Save me!"

  With a "bang", Zhao Thirteen, who had been waiting outside the window, burst in through the window, "What's wrong! What's wrong!"

  "It's nothing." Tai Shi Lan lifted the blue and white porcelain, that little guy looked up at her in despair, the tear he held back rolled around, finally falling down with a plop.

  Tears that shone like crystals in the dark pierced one's eyes, making them ache. Tai Shi Lan felt a little dazed, thinking back to when he first met this kid, teasing him, training him, and correcting his various bad habits with a firm hand. Although he had tried to be gentle, it was still quite harsh for a two-year-old who had been pampered since birth. Yet the child rarely cried.

  But at this moment, he silently shed tears, more heartbreaking than his loud wailing and desperate stamping of feet.

  Tai Shi suddenly remembered her little chicken, the day she picked it up, the small white dog was buried in her arms, also silently shedding tears.

  From then on, they embarked on a life of mutual dependence.

  Tai Shi's fingers knocked on the window frame, and he asked Zhao Thirteen, "Who is that Qiao Yurun?"

  "A first-class female official, the Empress Dowager's personal secretary." Zhao Thirteen gazed at her provocatively. "In charge of drafting imperial edicts, skilled in poetry and literature, well-versed in music theory, multi-talented, familiar with state affairs. Known as the number one talented woman in the capital, extremely favored by the Empress Dowager, who is also a distant relative of hers. For the past two years, she has been assisting the Empress Dowager in governing the country, wielding immense power. Privately, some people refer to her as 'the red-faced chief assistant'."

  Tai Shi Lan glanced at Zhao Thirteen with an excited expression - what kind of look was that, thinking there would be a good show to watch? Think again!

  "What is she doing here."

  "The Empress Dowager sent an edict to the Duke of State, inquiring about government affairs. Miss Qiao came with the eunuch who delivered the edict, and she was free to come and go as she pleased. Who knows what she's here for?" Zhao Thirteen glanced at her sideways, drawing out his words, "Perhaps she's here to visit the Duke of State, or to discuss poetry with Li, the Grand Steward. Miss Qiao gets along famously with all the young nobles in the capital, especially with Li, the Grand Steward - they're known as the perfect pair on the poetic scene."

  "Uh-huh." Tai Shi nodded.

  Zhao Thirteen stared at her eyes - was there any sign of redness?

  "Bring a mask, a delicate one, for the child to wear." Tai Shi Lan's next words were completely unrelated.

  Zhao Thirteen was completely left behind by Tai Shi's rapid thinking and stared blankly for a long time before stupidly saying, "Mask?"

  "It looks like the real thing." Tai Shi Lan nodded, "Let's get a few more."

  "You think this is a green bean pancake... Zhao Thirteen's eyes widened, "A top-grade mask requires the best master craftsmen, taking several months to a year of work, through over a dozen complex processes..."

  "Three cards, hurry up."

  "Not so many..."

  "Jing Tai Blue." Ta Shi Lan said, "I'll take you to meet Qiao Yu Rong, and we'll bid farewell to the Jianghu world."

  "I'm going to die... I'm going to die..." Jing Tai's tears flowed like a faucet, and he pulled out a small waistband, tiptoeing to throw it onto the beam eight feet away from him. "Don't stop me, I'm going to die..."

  Zhao Thirteen's forehead bumped against the windowsill with a loud thud.

  "You don't... you don't... I'll go find... I'll go!"

  Zhao Shisan sprinted far away, Taishi Lan crouched down, Jing Tai blue grasped his small waistband, with tears in her eyes and full of hope looking at her.

  "It's a woman's business to cry, make a scene and hang herself." Tai Shi Lan said, "You could have told Zhao Thirteen earlier that you wouldn't do it. Go die."

  "Oh." Jing Tai Lan thought for a moment, uncertainly saying, "But I'm crying. Will he listen?"

  "You're the one running naked, he must listen to you, and you must think that no matter what you do, everyone should listen to you." Taishi Lan said, "Never doubt yourself, if you doubt yourself, others will doubt you too."

  "Oh." Jingtai Lan hugged her neck and whispered in her ear, "Lanlan... you're still teaching me... you won't drive me away... right?"

  "We will have to part ways sooner or later." Ta Shi Lan said, feeling the small thing in her arms stiffen, she slightly tightened her arms, "But not now."

  Rong Chu dares to keep Jing Tai Lan by her side, why doesn't she dare?

  Not strong enough? Then work harder to become stronger.

  Making a doll cry is not something a woman should do. Making a man cry is more like it.

  "If one day you must leave." Tai Shi Lan whispered in Jing Tai Blue's ear, "You are not allowed to cry, and you must make all those who forced you to cry."

  "I will." Jing Tai Lan muttered in her ear, "I'll grow up, make those I don't like cry, and you never cry again."

  Tai Shi Lan hugged his soft and small body, sniffing his faintly sweet milk fragrance, after a long time, she gently touched his forehead with her cheek.

  Although she took care of everything in Jing Tai's life with her own hands, she rarely had direct skin contact with him. Jing Tai was surprised and delighted, opening his fluffy and watery eyes to look at her for a while before gently pressing his pink lips against her cheek.

  ……

  When Zhao Thirteen returned, he saw in the light and shadow of the window opposite, a "mother and son" quietly embracing each other face to face.

  Inside the house, no lights were lit, and the shadows floated. In the floating shadows, the two people, one big and one small, stood silently like sculptures, with soft and undulating lines. The moonlight illuminated half of Taishi's face, which was tilted to one side, and his features were gentle.

  Zhao Thirteen was slightly dazed.

  He was Gong Chu's personal attendant, following him everywhere, and had also seen the true mother-son relationship. At this moment, comparing the two, he suddenly felt a sense of melancholy.

  Real relatives are like walls and embankments, meeting halfway with intimacy and dependence.

  The affinity between people is truly mysterious and cannot be put into words.

  Zhao Thirteen had always been puzzled and disapproved of Gu Gong's actions, but at this moment, he suddenly felt that letting Jing Tai Lan stay by Ta Shi Lan's side might actually be a very correct thing.

  He just... let out a silent sigh and tapped on the window.

  Tai Shi Lan held onto the Qing Dynasty blue, Zhao Thirteen thought for a moment, and with a pained expression, took out an exquisite small box, saying: "Inside here are the works of the top-notch mask master Qi Kong Tong, all of which are lost masterpieces. I originally wanted to give you just one, hmm, this time I'll give them all to you, don't need to thank me..."

  "Bang." The window slammed shut, almost flattening his nose.

  Zhao Thirteen's furious claws scratched the window frame fiercely - he was wrong! What a moving moment just now! This woman is not human! The Ninth Heaven's Stone descended into the mortal world!

  ……

  "Jingtai Blue." Tai Shi Lan took out the ugliest mask for Jingtai Blue to see, "If you want to stay, you have to pretend to be ugly, otherwise you can go back beautifully, choose yourself."

  The little rascal Ai Mei took a look at the mask, with its beady eyes, collapsed nose bridge, and big mouth... He couldn't bear to look at it, and nodded painfully.

  Taishi Lan contentedly put away the ugliest one and chose a delicate childlike face for him to wear. Jing Tai Lan closed his eyes, refusing to look, and Taishi Lan didn't say anything either. Seeing that he was a bit uncomfortable trying to tear off the edges, he solemnly said: "Either wear it properly or take it off and leave. When doing something, you must do it well."

  Jingtai Lan stopped in her tracks and pounced into her arms, cooing: "Lanlan doesn't feel uncomfortable, it'll be okay soon, it's very comfortable."

  Tai Shi Lan continued, her heart ultimately slightly aching, she knew that wearing this thing, no matter how good the quality, would inevitably be somewhat uncomfortable. But this young man, at such a young age, had already been forced to compromise himself and observe others' words and expressions.

  But then again, if he isn't forced to experience the hardships and troubles of life now, perhaps in that dignified trap, golden cage, and smiling face with a beastly heart surrounding him, he would have died even faster.

  "Actually, you're learning to change your face and be different people." Tai Shi Lan patted his face, "What do you think, a very ugly person would be like?"

  Jingtai Lan thought for half a day and blinked his eyes to ask tentatively, "Very afraid..."

  "Why?"

  Afraid of being bullied for being ugly... Jing Tai Lan pouted.

  "What about a child who looks very honest?"

  "Honestly?"

  "Is it certain?"

  "Hmm... or maybe I can..." Jing Tai's blue eyes rolled around, "Sneakily..."

  Tai Shi Lan nodded, Jing Tai Blue smiled.

  The little one quickly became enthusiastic and no longer cared about the ugly mask, went to one side to think about how to "act" out the role, thought for a while, chuckled and laughed, with a silly and mischievous laugh.

  Tai Shi Lan gazed at this young man's self-satisfied appearance and thought to himself, "Indeed, he was born with a deceitful bone, but I wonder who he inherited it from."

  She calmed down the excited little guy and put him to sleep, but she herself had lost all sleepiness. She sat by the window with her knees hugged, thinking that this was not a long-term solution. Previously, she wasn't clear about Jing Tai Lan's identity, so she rashly brought him into the public eye. Most of the students at Er Wu Ying had seen his appearance before, and now even if he wore a mask, they could only deceive Qiao Yu Rong, but couldn't fool Fu Zhuo Ting Xue. Jing Tai Lan was still young, and couldn't be cooped up like this all the time.

  Suddenly remembered that Erwu Camp seems to have a rule of going out for examination and exercise every year, which is actually equivalent to an internship. They take on temporary duties such as clerk, patrol inspector, etc. in nearby cities to temper their actual ability to govern and fight. It's just that I heard it takes a full year to be eligible for the examination and exercise, and she doesn't qualify yet.

  However, she is a special student of the 25th camp, who doesn't need any subjects, and even teachers are afraid to teach her. She's required to take the exam in advance, no big deal? At that time, sneakily bring Jing Tai Lan away, don't care about the consequences.

  Qiao Yurun has a job on her hands, even if she runs far to chase a man, she won't be able to stay for long. As long as she can muddle through this time, maybe later the sky will be vast and open.

  Tai Shi Lan's mind was slightly relieved, and he was about to make up for his sleep when he suddenly heard the sound of a guqin coming from afar.

  At this time, the commotion had subsided. Rong Chu's efficient guards had already captured all the assassins and taken them away for interrogation. Yu Ya'er's body had also been dragged away, and the ground had been cleaned up. The students had been calmed down and were asleep. It was just before dawn, the quietest moment of the day.

  At this moment, hearing the sound of the guqin is even more beautiful than a gentle breeze.

  Tai Shi Lan listened to the sound, coming from the west wing of Fu Zhu's listening snow, where no one was sleeping, the dim yellow candlelight was faintly visible, and people's shadows were shuttling back and forth, like an opening horror party.

  Fu Zhuang Listening to Snow is a main courtyard with several small courtyards, seemingly one yard, but actually each has a great deal of independence. The west wing was originally separated between the residences of Tai Shi Lan and Li Fu Zhou, no one lived there, now it must be where Green Tea Sister lives.

  Taishi Lan, who was ignorant of music, chess, calligraphy and painting, listened to the sound of the guqin for a while and felt that it was both unpleasant and melancholic - had Green Tea Sister been dumped by Li Fu Zhou?

  But she still wants to sleep!

  With a "bang", Tai Shi Lan pushed open the window, stuck out her head and shouted loudly, "Li Fu Zhou! Miss Qiao is playing the piano and calling you back to comfort her!"

  ……

  "Crack——" The sound of the guqin came to an abrupt halt.

  The surroundings were as silent as death.

  A guard with a yawn hung himself on the curtain, his mouth half open...

  Rong Chu smiled and replied to the eunuch in the palace next door.

  Li Fu Zhou, who was sitting quietly in the next room, coughed...

  After a while, the lights went out and the crowd dispersed. The beautiful woman was gently helped down from the high platform in the warm pavilion.

  Tai Shi Lan was satisfied.

  Sleep.

  Tai Shi Lan slept until the sun was high in the sky, then lazily got up to wash and practice her magic while waiting for breakfast.

  She sat in front of the dresser, her hair had grown out a bit but not enough to braid, Ta Shi Lan thought for a moment, whether to keep long hair and braid it or continue to cut short hair, suddenly her eyes fixed.

  At this moment, she finally noticed that the thing on her ear, which was called a bug corpse by Chu Yu, was actually very beautiful. The shape was round and smooth like a water droplet, but with slightly raised corners, giving it a unique personality that she liked. The overall color was crystal red, with a hint of mysterious black lines like veins, all shining brightly like diamonds or jadeite, exuding a kind of wild and uninhibited beauty.

  Tai Shi Lan tried to take it off, but couldn't find anything like an earring or ear clip. In fact, she didn't even have pierced ears and had no idea how this thing was supposed to be worn. Maybe Rong Chu was telling the truth.

  It can't be helped if it's not available, let's take a look at the time, it's a bit strange that breakfast hasn't arrived yet.

  Since moving into Fu Zhu's Listening Snow, Rong Chu disagreed with her bringing Jing Tai Lan to eat at the communal dining hall, where they had three meals a day. Ta Shi Lan understood in her heart that it was for Jing Tai Lan and did not object, although she preferred the communal dining hall more.

  Every day breakfast is delivered to each person's room, Rong Chu doesn't eat breakfast because he sleeps until noon, Li Fu Zhou gets up very early and has already eaten alone.

  However, something was off today. Tai Shi Lan waited for a while before two new maidservants arrived to pay their respects and then went to the kitchen to ask about it. They returned with the report that no one was in the kitchen because a noble guest had come and wanted to cook personally, so all the idle people were hastily dismissed.

  Tai Shi Lan immediately rummaged through the house and brought out various snacks to eat, heaven knows what kind of dish the noble Miss Qiao would cook up.

  After a while, it was almost time for Zong Chou to have lunch, two maidservants of Qiao Miss arrived, standing outside the yard, politely and coldly telling her that Miss Qiao personally cooked, now 'Si Jing Ju' set an early banquet, please Taishi girl to honor.

  Tai Shi's daughter didn't want to give him face, she wanted to protect her own stomach, but if she didn't give him face, he wouldn't leave. Tai Shi saw that Jing Tai Lan was still sleeping, and they lingered without leaving, which wasn't good either. So, she simply followed them as well.

  As soon as she entered the door, she saw a long table filled with golden basins and jade plates, steaming hot, with Rong Chu sitting in the middle, Li Fu Zhou on her left, Qiao Yu Run on her right, chatting and laughing freely.

  Seeing her arrive, Qiao Yurun slightly straightened up and first smiled and nodded at Tai Shi Lan. Then she lightly scolded the two maidservants, "You two are also too slow, half an hour ago I told you to invite Miss Tai Shi, but you dragged your feet until now, making the Duke and Mr. Li wait, it's really impolite."

  Tai Shi Lan listened and nodded.

  Pretty good, started firing from the first sentence.

  Point at mulberry and scold locust tree.

  The two maids immediately knelt down and kowtowed, "It's the fault of us servants! We indeed intentionally delayed... It was because we were dissatisfied with Miss Taishi in our hearts..." As they spoke, they looked up at their superiors with tears in their eyes.

  Tai Shi Lan nodded again.

  Not bad.

  Divert the evil water to the east and launch the second attack.

  Then it can be logically inferred that the case will be reported.

  Of course, it was just a silly maid who reported this, and Miss Qiao, being the magnanimous person she is, certainly wouldn't mind.

  Several maids looked up with tears in their eyes, looking at Rong Chu, Li Fu Zhou, and Rong Chu smiled, nodding towards a dish in front of her, "Fu Zhou, try the broken pastry buns made by Qiao Nu Guan, I heard they're your favorite."

  Qiao Yurun's face turned red at the right time.

  Li Fu Zhou glanced at Rong Chu, smiled and ate a bun, praising: "Indeed good."

  Qiao Yurun's face turned even redder, and she smiled shyly, "As long as the Duke and Mr. Li don't mind, it's all right."

  With this interruption from Rong Chu, it seemed that the accusation was going to be dropped. Qiao Yurun turned her head and looked at the maidservant kneeling on the ground, saying in surprise: "What are you still kneeling for? I didn't say to punish you. Still not getting up to reflect?"

  "What's wrong with the maids?" Li Bo immediately straightened up, indignantly saying, "It's because Miss Taishi has been acting in a way that's too displeasing!"

  "How dare you, what are you talking about?" Qiao Yurun rebuked lightly. "What's wrong with Tai Shi young lady? She is the guest of the Duke, which means she is your master, how can you be dissatisfied?" After finishing, she smiled apologetically at Rong Chu and Li Fu Zhou, "They have been with me for a long time, they are like sisters to me, it's hard to avoid spoiling them so that they don't know etiquette, please forgive them, Duke and Mr. Li."

  "Miss, you are magnanimous, but we maids... cannot bear to see you suffer injustice..."

  Tai Shi Lan nodded.

  Good.

  Smooth and natural, endless circulation, turning back again, truly a wonderful Tai Chi move.

  She suddenly strode over, several maids turned around in anger and glared at her. Qiao Yurun stood up, smiling and came to pull her, saying: "Taishi girl is straightforward and upright, I love it very much, a little misunderstanding is not worth mentioning, come, sit."

  "Hmm, not worth mentioning." Tai Shi Lan sat down, glanced at the table, and casually pulled over the plate of broken pastry from Li Fu Zhou's face. "Just don't burst in and play the piano in the middle of the night again."

  Qiao Yurun's smile stiffened for a moment before she nodded with a hint of a smile.

  "It's not mine, it's yours. You're too impatient to meet the young lady," she said with a smile, glancing at Rong Chu, "The Duke rarely shows such concern for anyone, I was momentarily curious and lost my manners, so please forgive me this time, okay?"

  Her soft voice and gentle words are warm and endearing, her smiling glance can melt even the coldest of hearts.

  Rong Chu smiled and looked at Tai Shi Lan, "She said forgive, I will forgive."

  Qiao Yurun seemed to stiffen again, Li Fuzhou picked up a crab roe soup dumpling and placed it in her dish, saying gently: "Dip some ginger vinegar to eat."

  Qiao Yurun's body suddenly softened again, with a smile as bright as a flower, elegant and quiet. "Thank you, Mr. Li." Turning her head to smile at Tai Shi Lan, "So, Miss Tai, do you forgive me or not?"

  Tai Shi Lan ate a broken sesame seed bun and felt it was a bit too alkaline, nodded and said: "Next time put less alkali in the broken sesame seed buns."

  Below, a "crack" sound, as if the pear spirit had scratched through the wall...

  "That's considered forgiveness from Miss Taishi." Qiao Yurun smiled slightly and picked up a crab roe bun, "Mr. Li and I both love eating this, Miss Taishi should try some too."

  "She breaks out in rashes when she eats crab." Rong Chu placed a pair of chopsticks horizontally, picked up a horse hoof-shaped pancake and handed it to Tai Shi Lan, "She loves salty flavors. Fu Zhou also knows," he smiled, "You see, even Fu Zhou doesn't give her steamed buns."

  Tai Shi Lan glanced at Rong Chu.

  So hard to pull hatred for her, got nothing better to do?

  She's not interested in playing love triangles, life is too busy, romance is not on the service menu.

  "I arrived just last night and encountered an assassination attempt, it seems this place isn't very safe either. The few maids I brought with me are all skilled in martial arts, if the Duke has any instructions, please feel free to give them." Qiao Yurun smiled sincerely.

  "They took good care of Miss Qiao and left, if you make a mistake, how can I explain to the empress? " Rong Chuhuan smiled at her, "Or, there's no way to explain it to Brother Li either."

  "Guo Gong smiled." Qiao Yurun was so embarrassed that she couldn't help herself. Li Fuzhou calmly said: "As the one in charge of guarding the Guo Gong's mansion, as long as Officer Qiao is by Guo Gong's side, your safety is indeed my responsibility."

  "Mr. Li can rest assured." Qiao Yurun said softly, "Since I'm here, this matter naturally cannot be avoided. In my opinion, the national duke's whereabouts are so secret, yet still being infiltrated by assassins, it's clear that there must be a traitor within the Erwu Camp. I've already asked Duke Wang to bring in experts from the palace to investigate and handle the case. As one of the main officials of the Western Bureau, Duke Wang will take care of it, and the national duke can rest assured."

  She spoke of serious matters with a tone that was completely different from before, her expression solemn and dignified. Although her words were polite, they left no room for doubt.

  Rong Chu was drinking millet porridge when he heard the two words "Western Bureau", and seemed to pause slightly, saying in a soft voice: "Oh, Western Bureau..."

  His tone was unreadable, but the words themselves conveyed a certain meaning. Qiao Yurun smiled slightly and said calmly, "In recent years, the imperial court and various princes have had many misunderstandings about the Western Bureau. In my opinion, most of them are just guilty conscience, afraid of our dynasty's secret investigation department. Someone like Guo Gong, who is upright and honest, has nothing to fear."

  "I'm scared." Rong Chu smiled.

  Qiao Yurun was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, "The Duke is joking."

  "I'm afraid that Director Qiao and I are too serious. " Rong Chu chuckled and pushed the bowl away, "I'm also afraid that I, Rong Chu, have not yet grown old, but have become mediocre and useless, and when I encounter an assassination attempt, I'll still need a woman to come and resolve it for me."

  He smiled and looked down at Qiao Yurun, his tone gentle, his smile radiant, but the downturned corners of his eyes, like a flying phoenix, were slightly noble and slightly cold.

  That kind of calm and carefree, yet with a murderous intent, the nearby Qiao Yurun couldn't help but shiver, hurriedly forcing a gentle smile, softening her tone, "Your Excellency's words, make me feel so... uneasy. Wang Gonggong is the head eunuch of the Western Depot's Detective Bureau, since we've encountered this case of attempted assassination of Your Excellency, both for the sake of justice and personal reasons, we must investigate it thoroughly, otherwise if the Empress Dowager finds out, we'll be guilty of dereliction of duty. Your Excellency is magnanimous, I'm sure you understand."

  "As long as you understand, I naturally understand too." Rong Chu smiled warmly again and personally served Qiao Yurun a bowl of porridge, "Eat more, it's been a tiring journey."

  Qiao Yurun received it with both hands and smiled sincerely with her head raised.

  Tai Shi swallowed a mouthful of wonton soup silently.

  Is this how the superior ones fight for power and profit? Laughter with hidden knives, poison on the blades, every word is a deeply buried long sword in the snow, wiping away the pure and soft exterior, with cold light shooting out from within.

  Even if it's Qiao Yurun, who can't even glance at her with half an eye, she is not a fool. Once the matter is serious, good brother is no longer good brother, beauty is also fleeting. Facing Rong Chu, who has strong power and hidden killing intent, she doesn't give in one step.

  It seems she still has a lot to learn.

  "I'm full." She pushed her bowl away, stood up, nodded at Li Fu Zhou and left without even looking at Rong Chu Qiao.

  "Tai Shi's daughter is like a pure gold and jade, innocent and straightforward, really likable." Qiao Yurun smiled as she watched her back.

  Rong Chu glanced at Li Fu Zhou and smiled: "That's right, just like Fu Zhou said, a gentle, elegant, kind-hearted and lovely woman like you is the best."

  "How can I live up to Mr. Li's praise." Qiao Yurun's eyes sparkled with surprise, and she turned her head to look at Li Fuzhou.

  Li Fu Zhou smiled, neither admitting nor denying. Rong Chu said again: "Today's weather is very good, Qiao Nu Guan rarely goes out once, and don't waste this spring light. While I'm drafting a reply to the Empress Dowager, let Fu Zhou accompany you for a walk around."

  Qiao Yurun's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? But Mr. Li is already busy with many things, I shouldn't trouble him again."

  "Strolling with a beauty on a desolate path, apricot blossoms fill the air, this is indeed an enviable affair that can't be attained through cultivation. How could he not be delighted?" Yung Chu smiled.

  Li Fu Zhou stood up and slightly bowed, "Please, Miss Qiao."

  Qiao Yurun smiled, her smile was elegant and slightly shy as she apologized to Rong Chu, then walked side by side with Li Fuzhou.

  At this time, Tai Shi Lan had just walked up to Zhu Qing's side. The maid widened her eyes and sighed: "Young Master Li and Miss are truly a perfect match!"

  The voice was not loud, just enough for Tai Shi Lan to hear.

  Tai Shi Lan slightly tilted her head, her calm and unruffled eyes swept over the "perfect couple", thinking that they actually didn't quite match.

  Wildflowers in a jade vase, bleak.

  Qiao Yurun smiled warmly at her and said softly, "Does Miss Taishi still need to attend school? Or do you still need to take care of your child? It wouldn't be good to delay your important matters, so we won't invite you to join us."

  "Leave." Tai Shi Lan said, "I'd better not stand beside you, or it won't bring out your beauty."

  Qiao Yurun's face turned pale in an instant, and then slightly raised her chin, passing by Taishi Lan's side with a faint smile.

  She walked on one side of Tai Shi Lan, blocking Li Fu Zhou's gaze towards Tai Shi Lan.

  Tai Shi Lan didn't look at Li Fu Zhou either, and when she saw that the women had finally left, she felt relieved instead. She picked a refreshing green fruit and chewed on it as she walked out.

  "Are you unhappy?"

  "Huh?"

  "Is it a bit resentful?" Rong Chu laughed happily, "Or just now discovered that Fu Zhou's goodness is the same for every woman?"

  "That's still better than being bad for every woman."

  "You really are taking care of him." Rong Chu's figure flashed, and she arrived at Tai Shi Lan's side, stretching out her hand to pinch her chin, "Let me take a look at your eyes, is it true or false?"

  Tai Shi Lan spat out a mouthful of green fruit onto his sleeve.

  "How sour!" she said.

  Rong Chu lowered her head to glance at her own disheveled sleeves, then raised it again to look at Tai Shi Lan.

  "You really make me want to flip you over and whip you three hundred times on this desk."

  "Petty." Tai Shi Lan reached out and pressed her hand on Rong Chu's sleeve, then let go after a moment. In her palm was an intact green fruit. She stuffed the fruit into Rong Chu's mouth, which was just about to open to speak, "On you."

  Chu Yun, “……”

  Tai Shi Lan took advantage of the noble Duke's busy time to spit out the green fruit, quickly taking large strides away. After walking a few steps, he felt something was off, and what had just happened seemed inappropriate.

  Think again, green fruit?

  That green fruit was chewed by Qing Guo himself and then fed to Rong Chu...

  I just wanted to disgust him earlier, but now thinking about it, I feel both disgusted and ambiguous.

  Rong Chu is really disgusting!

  Tai Shi Lan walked faster and faster, deciding to keep a distance from this disgusting guy from now on.

  In the distance, a tall couple seemed to be Li Fu Zhou and Qiao Yu Ruan, apparently going out of camp. Ta Shi Lan stopped in his tracks, silently gazing at the two figures for a moment before turning around and walking in the opposite direction.

  She walked for a while before realizing she had arrived at the martial arts training ground. It was already mid-morning, and it was the time when students gathered to exercise. A group of men were doing weightlifting and jumping exercises, sweating profusely. The women were practicing with wooden stakes, while Hua Xun and Fan Juan walked around the field, swinging their whips, their slightly red hair fluttering back and forth, very eye-catching.

  Hua Xun waved enthusiastically, spotting her from afar and beckoning her over repeatedly. Ta Shi Lan thought for a moment, feeling that although he couldn't practice martial arts, exercising his physical abilities shouldn't be a problem, so following along to practice wouldn't be bad either.

  She walked past, and Hua Xun welcomed her with a punch on the shoulder, laughing: "How about it? Were you struck by my previous words? I haven't seen you come to the training grounds for practice. I said you can't practice high-level martial arts, but I didn't say you can't train your physical strength properly. At least strengthening your body is a must. I just said that if you don't come, this Second Lieutenant Training Officer will have to personally go and fetch you!"

  She chattered on and on, but Taishi Lan just nodded along, when suddenly a gust of wind blew by, lifting Taishi Lan's hair. Huaxun Huan happened to glance over and his eyes widened in surprise, "Congxue Shengjia Chong, heavens! Where did you come from?" As he spoke, he reached out to touch Taishi Lan's earlobe.

  Tai Shi Lan tilted her head to one side, Hua Xun's face turned red with envy, and she hastily withdrew her hand. With a look of admiration on her face, she clicked her tongue and said: "This is the sacred object of our Wu Yue, even the great leader may not have it. It's the most effective product for promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, and repairing meridians. The conditions for its formation are extremely harsh, and it's hard to come by in a hundred years. This finished product is especially good, just one look and you can tell it's a top-grade treasure. Where did you get it? Tell me so I can go find one too!"

  "Pick up."

  "I'm going to pick it up too... Ah?" Hua Xun's eyes widened. Tai Shi Lan had already pushed her away and walked far off.

  On the other side of the field, although Hanmen and Pinliu's disciples could practice together, they were still clearly divided. As soon as Tai Shi Lan walked over, the entire field fell silent.

  Everyone's gaze at her was complex - thinking she was a grassroots, but unexpectedly led the Cold Gate to make the most important resistance in the history of Guangwu Camp and won the victory; thinking that from now on, the sons of the Cold Gate would have more leaders, and the situation of the 25th camp would change, but unexpectedly this rapidly rising leader was someone who couldn't learn martial arts, which was impossible to survive in the strong-willed 25th camp; thinking that from now on, they could rest assured, the resistance of the Cold Gate had come to an end, and the 25th camp was still dominated by the aristocratic families, but unexpectedly this woman made Cao Lao Fu Zi publicly ask her to be his disciple, creating a miracle in the history of the 25th camp that had never been seen before; thinking she would create another miracle, or Old Cao would pass on his shocking skills to her, but unexpectedly Old Cao took her as his disciple, and the next day he packed up and ran away. Now there is a rumor in the camp that Taishi Lan sold her charm and seduced Old Cao to ask him to be his disciple, but actually her talent was extremely poor, so poor that Old Cao couldn't bear it in the end, and was scared away.

  In short, this woman always overturns others' expectations and it's unknown what new surprises she will bring next time.

  Given the complexity of life, everyone is now in a state of confusion about Tai Shi Lan. The aristocratic sons naturally believe the last rumor and despise him even more. The poor sons are half puzzled and half disappointed, not knowing what to choose.

  So, at this moment, the scene in the field is strange and eerie. The sons of noble families quickly gather together, forming a hostile stance; half of the sons of humble families walk over with excitement, as if welcoming a leader, while the other half remain where they are, watching with their eyes.

  Huaxuan smiled, looking far away, her lips curled up. She thought that no matter how mysterious Ta Shilian was, and no matter whether she had the ability to change the 25th camp or not, at least from the establishment of the 25th camp until now, only one person had been able to have such an impact on everyone, and that was Ta Shilian.

  "You've finally arrived." The weak attacker and strong receiver duo, Xiao Daqiang and Xiong Xiaojia, came over with big smiles on their faces. "We're going to Beiyancheng for a three-month training in a few days, so we wanted to say goodbye to you. Fu Zhuangxue wouldn't let us get close to you, but we've been waiting for you for several days."

  Tai Shi Lan was taken aback, thinking to herself that this year's assessment had been brought forward?

  Su Ya walked over, silently pointing at the plum blossom stake under her feet, indicating that she should come up and practice.

  Tai Shi Lan jumped onto the plum blossom stake and asked Su Ya, "Where is Shen Mei Hua?"

  Su Ya shook her head. A woman named Shi Xiaocui poked her head out, pursed her lips and said, "Now that they're flying high, they look down on us."

  "Don't say that." Xiong Xiao Jia smiled warmly, "The assistant conductor likes her very much and says she's a good seedling. Since learning to conduct doesn't require going to the battlefield, let's keep her for extra lessons."

  Tai Shi's eyes turned, seeing the remaining Hanlin Academy disciples all having a resentful expression. It seems that Shen Meihua either had too good of an encounter or didn't notice to restrain her arrogance, already somewhat provoking public anger.

  But this is everyone's choice, nothing to complain about, and no need to worry.

  She led her to the plum blossom stake, the 25th camp did not have high requirements for women, although they were not restricted from going to the battlefield, but generally did not engage in frontline fighting. It can be said that the overall atmosphere of this continent is relatively open-minded, and there are no restrictions on men and women in joining the army, which is also related to the fact that Da Yan belongs to the country of Yao. The name of Princess Iron Blood of Yao Guo was known throughout the world, and later many princesses from other countries followed suit, and every country had female generals. In comparison, Nan Qi is located in the south, with warm mountains and rivers, rich products, and relatively wealthy, so women do not need to work hard. The women of this land have not produced any outstanding talents in recent years.

  So women learn art, focusing on escape and rescue skills, light work must be practiced, plum blossom pile is just one of them, heavy load jumping, female students are also daily homework.

  Tai Shi Lan's first practice of qing gong was naturally clumsy, but Su Ya and Hua Xun Huan were good teachers. The former was steady and meticulous, teaching her many personal experiences; the latter had sharp eyesight and quick reactions, constantly shouting under the stake, every time shouting just as Tai Shi Lan was about to fall, making her make timely corrections, her footwork becoming more careful and stable, and her speed getting faster and faster.

  The four sides gradually quieted down, all watching Tai Shi Lan practice, their eyes filled with astonishment and regret.

  Because, Tai Shi Lan is really a good seedling. Few people are like her, with quick reactions, high intelligence, strong control, sharp eyesight, and super strong jumping ability and physical strength. The first time on the plum blossom pole, she fell twice and never fell again, and could keep up with others who had practiced for a year.

  The more excellent it is, the more regrettable it is.

  She can learn any martial art to its extreme, but somehow she just can't reach the extreme.

  "Trained so well......" A young man from a humble family muttered to himself, unable to resist walking closer to Tai Shi Lan.

  "What's the use of practicing even harder?" Zheng Siliu jeered loudly from afar, "Still a useless thing!"

  The student who was watching hesitated and stopped in his tracks.

  "Lao Cao was even scared away, you guys guess, just how useless are they?"

  "It's strange to say, Cao Fuzi begged her to be his disciple so shamelessly, but the next day he ran away, this is really suspicious."

  "Is it? The precious disciple who came from knocking his head, how can he bear to run away and not want him?"

  "Look at that." Qiu Tang, a young man from a humble background who was following Zheng Si Shao, said with a self-satisfied tone, "Master Cao wanting her as his apprentice is already problematic. Everyone knows that Master Cao had previously sworn to heaven and earth that he would never take her on as an apprentice after she had angered him. How could it be that just over an hour later, he suddenly appeared at her doorstep, wearing only his undergarments, and kowtowed to her in broad daylight? Is this reasonable?"

  "What's going on here?" Zheng Si Shao asked in a drawling tone.

  Su Ya Qing's face turned blue as she walked in that direction, but Tai Shi Lan caught up to her. Turning around, she saw Hua Xun Huan walking away with his hands behind his back and his feet tiptoeing, the whip hanging down from his body, looking like a fox with its tail between its legs approaching a flock of chickens from afar.

  That group of people spoke with joy, still unaware.

  "What else can be said?" Qiu Tang's words were flying, "It's clear! Cao Fu has been single for several years, he must have been lonely. When he met some *** widows, they threw themselves at him with amorous glances, and naturally, they had an affair. After the cloud and rain passed, Old Cao couldn't bear the wolf-like women, their faces yellow and thin, weak and feeble... Alas! The fierce man was afraid of being entangled by the woman, and in desperation, he could only escape quickly..."

  The previous sentence flowed smoothly, but the last few words suddenly changed tone and rose sharply, turning into a mournful cry.

  Amidst the wails, the sound of whips cracking could be heard.

  "Go to your mother's mouth and spit!" Hua Xunhuan's whip was as fast as lightning, and in the blink of an eye, a whip flower had just burst open in mid-air, and the next moment it had already landed on Qiu Tang's back, the sound of the cowhide tip touching flesh was crisp and loud, and with one pull, a blood mark appeared.

  Qiu Tang was in so much pain that he rolled around on the ground, his mournful cries drowning out the laughter of the young men.

  "Assist the instructor!" The whip seemed to have struck the faces of the elegant young masters, Zheng Si Shao was the first to lose his temper, coldly saying, "You weren't the one being talked about, what right do you have to hit people?"

  "Whoever dares to fight, come on!" Hua Xun shouted as he whipped him non-stop. "You despicable creature! I said it last time, let me teach you a lesson in place of your mother. If you don't change once, beat you once!"

  "Barbaric!" Zheng Si and others shouted in anger, "We'll go to the vice-captain's office to report you for abusing students and meting out corporal punishment on your own authority!"

  "Get out!" Flower Seeker shouted, slapping her hands loudly, "This is a training session, I didn't tell you to take a break, what are you all doing? Taking unauthorized breaks, speaking nonsense, affecting the training, disrupting the teaching, I'll go report you to the Dean right now!"

  The students were all stunned, and only then did they remember that they had indeed violated the rules. Although this was not a big deal in everyday life, it just so happened that their training instructor was Hua Xunhuan, who would not give anyone face when her temper flared up.

  "You're shielding Tai Shi Lan!"

  "Whoever doesn't train properly, I'll whip whoever!" Hua Xunfan pointed with his whip, "What am I protecting her for? Look at how hard others are working!"

  Everyone stretched their necks and looked at the plum blossom stake.

  Tai Shi Lan was on the plum blossom stake, expressionless, pretending not to hear anything outside, working hard. When people's eyes fell on her, she still spread her arms and flew for a moment.

  In intense training.

  Xiong Xiao Jia and Xiao Da Qiang laughed so hard that they almost got crushed by the heavy iron block.

  "This is what they call a cold-faced smiling master..." Xiao Daqiang lay on the ground, wiping his face.

  At this moment, Tai Shi was opening his arms wide.

  Suddenly, two "whooshing" sounds came from afar!

  Two dark lights shot out, one towards Hua Xianhuan who was about to retract his whip. The other towards Taishi Lan standing high on the plum blossom stake with his arms open wide!

  Digression

  Thank you for your enthusiasm, nearly 400 messages on the evening of the 28th told me what it means to never give up. On the 29th, I added V and opened the background, looking at those monthly ticket records, one by one name slowly passed by, my emotions surged, almost speechless.

  Since the beginning of the article, there have been readers bringing up the monthly ticket issue. I haven't reacted and didn't know how to react. After the revision, the monthly ticket system has changed, and I don't want to add burden to everyone, so I maintained a natural attitude. In the past, when adding V announcements, I would habitually mention it, but this time not a word was mentioned. My only goal is to strive for the July monthly ticket, I didn't think about June, now that it's the end of the month, many people are first-time subscribers, and not having tickets is normal, I'm mentally prepared.

  I never thought, I didn't mention it, but relatives and friends remembered for me. The votes on the 29th have already surprised me. As for other things, I think it's good to have this intention. An author's achievement and recognition have never been just about rankings, but about those sincere and heartfelt intentions.

  I have received it, thank you!