Chapter 43
As soon as Liu Feng was mentioned, Mu Qing suddenly realized that she hadn’t seen him around at all these past few days. Granted, she had indeed been occupied with many things recently and hadn’t had the time to pay attention to this so-called Liu AoTian, but logically speaking, Liu Feng shouldn’t have disappeared for this long.
After all, he was the “Heaven’s Chosen” of this little world. And according to the original plot, he was supposed to be shining brightly at Baihe Academy right about now. Of course, thanks to Mu Qing’s interference, he hadn’t managed to develop a sweet “Butterfly Lovers” romance with Qin Qin as he was meant to.
Even worse, his progress with Madam Yanran—who was originally destined to become his “confidante”—also wasn’t going smoothly. Judging by that slap mark on his face the other day, it was safe to say he’d basically lost his shot with Madam Yanran, who was famously intolerant of deceit.
To be fair, he had crossed the line that day. Putting on a facade of nobility and righteousness while secretly looking down on her for her background in the pleasure quarters, then turning around to badmouth her behind her back…
Just for that alone, any woman with her head screwed on straight wouldn’t give him the time of day again.
Sometimes it’s better to openly spar with a villain than to deal with a hypocrite’s two-faced nonsense.
Especially when there’s a hint of “childhood friend” sentiment involved—those cut even deeper.
Truthfully, Liu Feng and Madam Yanran could be considered to have known each other since their humble beginnings. Barring any surprises, their bond should’ve lasted a lifetime.
And given that they were both exceptional in appearance and talent, it wouldn’t have been far-fetched for affection to bloom over time.
Mu Qing still remembered the way the original novel had described Madam Yanran—it was practically a dream.
She was the type of alluring, cat-like, mature woman with endless charm.
She was one of Liu Feng’s most beloved women, and also the fantasy of countless men—mature, rational, never causing trouble for her lover. A woman who let men enjoy the sweetness of love without pestering them for status.
Most importantly, she was incredibly capable—being a key figure in the brothel industry, she held the secrets of nearly all men in the realm.
With an information network that vast, she could probably touch the heavens if she wanted.
Not to mention, as a former courtesan, she had top-tier looks, a seductive figure, and a poised demeanor—enough to drive any man mad with desire.
Often, she didn’t even need to speak. Just standing there with a glimmer in her eye was enough to make men line up to serve her. She was truly a siren in human form.
But even someone like her, in the end, still ended up with Liu Feng.
So yes, he really was the protagonist of a stallion-type power-fantasy novel. No matter what kind of woman she was, if she met Liu Feng, the outcome was the same.
Without exception.
The Mu Qing in the original novel had been no different.
If she hadn’t fought tooth and nail to save herself, she probably would’ve ended up the same way by now.
But thankfully, she had.
Though the current results weren’t perfect, they were at least passable.
Especially now that Qin Qin had found someone she liked—and thankfully, it wasn’t Liu Feng.
Then there was Madam Yanran… Looking at it now, including Mu Qing herself, at least three of Liu Feng’s original love interests had gone off-script. That had to be a devastating blow to him.
What’s the worst kind of pain?
Regret. “It could’ve been.”
Originally, Liu AoTian was just a penniless orphan from a fishing village, walking a typical underdog-to-legend path filled with lucky breaks. For example, the first “prize” he was supposed to obtain was Mu Qing—the precious daughter of a wealthy Jiangnan merchant family.
Now, that was gone.
But no worries—he still had Yan Hong, the equally rich heiress of the Yan family in Jiangnan, and Mu Qing’s cousin, who loved him deeply. Although it wasn’t part of the original plot, at least his “starter funds” were secured.
That alone proved that the “Heaven’s Will” still favored him.
Mu Qing shut a door on him, and fate immediately opened a window—yup, Heaven’s beloved son through and through.
That kind of absurd luck? No one else could match it.
So normally, Liu AoTian should’ve been thriving at Baihe Academy as per the original story.
Then in two years, he’d ace the imperial exams, pass every round, and become the dashing new Third-Ranked Scholar, kicking off his “Justice Bureau Investigation” arc.
That’s how it was supposed to go.
Which meant he really shouldn’t be randomly vanishing now.
Wasn’t this novel fundamentally a “power-fantasy level-up” plot? He couldn’t possibly be depressed just because he lost a few love interests, right?
Mu Qing fell into deep thought.
And then she remembered a nearly forgotten side plot—something that happened near the end of the story.
Once Liu AoTian had cleared every storyline and risen to the rank of Grand Chancellor, a former servant of a noble family in the capital suddenly revealed a shocking secret.
That was: Lord Chancellor Liu wasn’t some ordinary orphan from a fishing village at all.
He carried a tremendous, earth-shattering legacy… (ten thousand words omitted).
As a deathbed confession from an old servant, that monologue had been unbelievably long.
To be honest, that part of the plot had flown by in Mu Qing’s dream-vision just like the rest, like watching a magic lantern slide show.
But because it was so incredibly dramatic and cliché, it had left a deep impression on her.
If this were just some ordinary novel, as a reader, Mu Qing could at least roll her eyes and close the page with a, “Ugh, how melodramatic.”
But now that she was a character in this world, even if the plot was ridiculously over-the-top, she had no way of avoiding it.
So… had he skipped a chapter and already linked up with one of his future “cheat code” beauties?
Thinking back to how she had merely helped her husband with a minor errand, and suddenly ended up meeting that legendary confidante, Madam Yanran, in a dramatic “chance encounter”—which had already caused so much trouble—Mu Qing felt a chill run down her spine.
Maybe it really was happening again.
After all, they were close to the capital, and it just felt like everyone—her husband, his mysterious Fifth Brother, that imposing stepmother of his, and even the suddenly-missing Qin Old Master—were all getting tangled up with the palace.
It felt like the story was rushing to introduce some heavyweight character—probably someone tied to the royal family.
Clearly, in this world built from a novel, everything revolved around Liu Feng, the Dragon-AoTian protagonist.
Whether a character was “important” could be measured by one thing: their connection to Liu Feng—or their future connection.
At this point in the story, that probably meant… another elite beauty was about to appear.
What if this lowly scholar hadn’t even passed his exams yet and was already rubbing shoulders with palace nobles?
Well, according to the plot, there was such a character.
Thinking of that person’s identity made Mu Qing’s head hurt—after all, it was a princess. A literal imperial daughter. With her status, she could have any man in the world.
And yet, out of all possible choices, she had picked a scumbag like Liu Feng. Maybe he didn’t seem so bad to them, but from Mu Qing’s perspective, he was absolutely not a good match for a noble princess.
He already had a wife, a second wife, a third… and a whole slew of “confidantes.” Why willingly dive into that mess?
Mu Qing’s thoughts drifted farther and farther.
After all, she wasn’t a native of this little world, and her habit of spacing out at any time and place had started in childhood.
Usually, it didn’t cause much trouble—at worst, she’d be teased by her maids, or gently joked about by her parents. Her older brother and younger brother would bicker over it, making the whole family laugh. Life had been so peaceful and happy.
Too bad that once the ridiculous original plot kicked in, there was no more room for that kind of leisurely life.
Not only was she forced to go toe-to-toe with the protagonist Liu AoTian, but even her habit of daydreaming couldn’t be indulged anymore.
Like now.
She was in Qin Qin’s private chamber, supposed to be helping her analyze the situation regarding her missing father, Qin Old Master, and offer some good advice.
Spacing out at a time like this? That really sent the wrong signal.
And not in a good way.
Qin Qin, who had already cried her eyes red, had been counting on Mu Qing for strength and solutions.
But after she asked all those questions about the palace—questions that, in Qin Qin’s mind, were basic common knowledge—Mu Qing just zoned out in silence.
It was only natural for Qin Qin to start fearing the worst.
After all, silence might mean there was no solution.
Which meant… her father was beyond saving.
With that thought spiraling in her mind, Qin Qin fell into even deeper despair.
This time, she couldn’t even cry aloud. She just clutched a handkerchief to her mouth and quietly let her tears fall.
So when Mu Qing finally snapped back to reality, she found Qin Qin looking like a weeping porcelain doll—eyes red like a bunny’s, clutching a snow-white handkerchief, silently sobbing her heart out.
Mu Qing jumped in alarm and rushed to comfort her. “Qin Qin, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me like this! Qin Qin…”
She shook her gently and called her name again and again. Finally, Qin Qin let out a sound and threw herself into Mu Qing’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Mu Qing was both heartbroken and relieved, softly coaxing her, “Cry if you must. It’s better to let it out than bottle it in. But crying aside, we still need to think of a way to handle Qin Old Master’s situation.”
At that, Qin Qin abruptly lifted her tear-streaked face. “What way is there to handle it?”
Mu Qing gave a wry smile. “There is a way.”
Qin Qin looked at her, hope rekindled. “Really? Qing Sister, don’t lie to me… I thought… I thought…”
She started crying again, gasping for air, looking every bit like a delicate beauty made of water—making Mu Qing’s head throb.
She quickly patted Qin Qin’s shoulder, calming her. “Qin Qin, don’t cry. I just remembered something. Do you know where Liu Feng has been these past two days?”
Caught off guard by the question, Qin Qin blinked and shook her head. “Who knows… probably just out wandering again, not at the academy.”
Thanks to Mu Qing, Qin Qin had never had much affection for Liu Feng, so she didn’t want to talk about him much.
But before either of them could say more, a cold laugh rang out behind them—and Liu Feng himself appeared.
“Well, I never expected Cousin Sister to be so concerned about me. This humble cousin is overwhelmed by the honor.”
