Chapter 61
The moment Mu Qing asked that question, all three people present instinctively turned to look at her, their gazes filled with astonishment—and even a trace of fear.
Because that question, on the surface seemingly innocuous, actually carried a hint of treason.
After all, everyone in the room was no ordinary person. They all understood that, in certain situations, asking if someone is “doing well” could easily be interpreted as asking, “Are they about to die?”
What Mu Qing had said, neither Miss Yanran nor Ying Shisan would have dared to voice aloud—heck, even her husband wouldn’t dare speak so directly.
As for those princes caught up in the throne succession struggle, it went without saying—even if they secretly wished for their “father” to drop dead, they couldn’t let a sliver of that desire show on the surface.
If even the inner circle couldn’t ask such things openly, then ordinary civilians didn’t even dare dream of it.
But Mu Qing was, after all, not native to this world. She didn’t carry that instinctive reverence for the so-called emperor.
To her, it was just a matter of curiosity.
After all, according to the original plot, His Majesty the Emperor still had another seven or eight years to live. So how had he already become “critically ill”?
Something clearly unusual must have happened—something that probably had nothing to do with Liu Feng, since he hadn’t even passed the imperial exams yet, much less entered the political scene.
Meaning, this young man was still a novice stuck in the tutorial zone. The imperial palace, a high-level dungeon, was completely out of reach.
Knowing this helped narrow down how to approach the situation.
Even if Liu Feng was the main character of the story with monstrous protagonist luck, the broader storyline still needed to follow a certain sequence.
He could meet future key players early, yes, but the story wouldn’t just suddenly fast-forward on its own.
Take a simple example—Liu Feng, currently just a scholar at Baihe Academy, even with all his luck, had no realistic way of meeting someone at the level of a prince. At the very least, he’d need to pass the provincial exam.
Better yet, make it to the palace exam.
And in the original story, he achieved all of that—nothing missing. It just took time.
Three to five years, and he’d have it all.
But not now.
Which meant, even if all the princes were in play already, it shouldn’t have triggered any major plot progression yet.
Based on this analysis, it seemed there was no need to worry about Liu Feng just yet.
But the major changes to the imperial court storyline gave Mu Qing an unsettling thought—what if she wasn’t the only “foreign element” in this world?
At first, yes, it had been her presence that disrupted the story’s flow. But that was back in the early stages, and the plot had already largely repaired itself.
Let’s be real, it was still just the tutorial zone—at most, a few beginner dungeons.
Replacing one NPC with another wouldn’t normally affect the outcome unless some other destabilizing force had entered the equation. Otherwise, a high-level dungeon like the royal succession arc had no business being triggered this early.
Mu Qing struggled with her thoughts for a long moment, then looked at the others staring at her intently—but in the end, she kept quiet. Even though she’d spent time with these people, her instincts as a merchant told her that the bigger the matter, the more one should be cautious. Never reveal too much when trust is still thin.
After a moment of silence, her husband finally spoke. “So what if he’s well? And what if he’s not?”
Mu Qing sighed. “If he’s well, then Elder Qin should remain safe. But if he’s not…”
She didn’t finish the sentence—but she didn’t need to. Everyone understood.
After all that discussion, little had truly been resolved—everyone was still holding something back.
At most, they’d exchanged a few pieces of intelligence. Mu Qing hadn’t directly said that the Third Prince would seize the throne in the original story, but she’d at least hinted that they shouldn’t focus solely on the currently dominant Second Prince and ignore his ally, the Third Prince.
Her husband and Miss Yanran, in turn, had given her an overview of the factions among the princes and the known situation surrounding their rivals.
They also mentioned the ongoing rivalry between the Imperial Consort and the Empress Dowager.
But as for the Fourth Prince’s faction, very little was said—only that he was the Empress Dowager’s adopted son.
Even basic details like his birth mother, unlike what was known about the Third Prince, weren’t mentioned.
Which was very strange.
It left Mu Qing wondering whether they truly didn’t know… or simply didn’t want her to know.
Judging by their expressions, it was likely the latter.
Which made the already fragile bonds of trust even shakier.
Still, it wasn’t all for nothing—just not much more could be done for now.
Mu Qing checked the time and figured it was about time for her to return.
Unexpectedly, her husband said, “I’ll walk you back.”
That—
Mu Qing glanced toward Xiao Wu, who lay in the outer room of the inn, concern flashing across her face. “What about Fifth Brother? His injuries look serious. Did you call for a physician?”
Before her husband could respond, Miss Yanran smiled. “I already checked. Most of it’s just superficial trauma. Looks worse than it is. As long as the wounds are cleaned and bandaged properly, he’ll be fine after a few days of rest.”
She spoke with such confidence—and professionalism—that Mu Qing felt relieved and found herself looking at her in a new light.
So Miss Yanran wasn’t just a brothel madam, she even knew some medicine? Truly a treasure of a woman.
No wonder Liu Feng made her one of his many concubines in the original story.
All the good women ended up with that pig. Absolutely criminal.
Mu Qing couldn’t help but grumble inwardly as she recalled the original plot.
Though now, it seemed that particular future was growing more unlikely.
All that remained was to see how this prematurely triggered imperial arc would play out. After all, she’d never dealt with royalty before—who knew what kind of personalities they had. Either way, she’d face them head-on.
After confirming that Xiao Wu would stay at the inn to recover, Mu Qing said her goodbyes to Ying Shisan and Miss Yanran.
Her husband insisted on escorting her back to Baihe Academy. Mu Qing didn’t object—she had, after all, originally planned to take a few days off to investigate leads while staying at his inn.
But before she could even settle in, she’d nearly lost her life. Far too dangerous.
So they all agreed—better for her to return to Baihe Academy, where it was safer.
Still, Mu Qing felt a bit dejected. After going through the trouble of getting Qin Qin to request a leave for her, she was now slinking back less than a day later.
She was quiet as they walked.
Her husband kept close to her side, clearly tense, as if afraid another “accident” might happen at any moment.
It made Mu Qing feel a little on edge too.
After walking in silence for a while, perhaps sensing her mood, her husband finally asked, “Were you hurt at all today?”
Mu Qing blinked. Hadn’t he already asked that earlier? Why bring it up again?
But she saw the genuine concern in his eyes—those beautiful eyes brimming with worry—and smiled. “I’m fine. Really. You and Sister Yanran both checked me earlier, remember? No injuries.”
She certainly felt perfectly fine—but her husband clearly didn’t agree.
He looked at her, then sighed. “Physically, yes. But I doubt you’ve ever experienced anything like this back in Jiangnan. In the end, it’s my fault you got dragged into this.”
He sounded sincere. As he spoke, he reached for her hand again.
His fingers, though slender and elegant, were warm and dry. He held her hand tightly—secure but not painful. It was both comforting and… a little too intimate.
Mu Qing felt her face grow warm. She tried to pull away.
But he only tightened his grip, then gently drew her closer into what looked very much like a hug. His voice dropped low. “What? Don’t want to help me ‘desensitize’ anymore?”
That caught her completely off guard. Yes, she had been the one who offered to help him with his touch-aversion… it was one of the terms she’d thrown in when recruiting him as her partner.
In hindsight, it was all because she’d picked too well. Her husband really was a hidden gem.
Still, this situation definitely needed a proper conversation.
Just as she was about to bring it up, her husband beat her to it, changing the subject.
“You had something you wanted to ask me, didn’t you?”
He held her in his arms, gazing down at her. They were so close, she could feel his breath on her skin—warm and ticklish—leaving her slightly flushed and short of breath.
Of course she had questions. The real issue was… would he answer?
Mu Qing grumbled inwardly but lowered her gaze and said softly, “If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s okay.”
She didn’t deny it, but she also made it clear she wouldn’t push. After all, their relationship was still a little awkward.
What was supposed to be a simple business arrangement had gotten far more complicated. After taking daily emotional damage from his god-tier face, even her money-focused, ice-cold heart had started to melt.
Unacceptable.
Far too dangerous.
She had to put a stop to this.
The more she told herself that, the more she found herself paying attention to his every move.
Then he sighed and pulled her even closer—was he upset? Teasing her? She couldn’t tell, but it was uncomfortable either way.
“I wish you would ask,” he murmured after a pause.
Mu Qing’s internal alarms blared. But when she saw the look in his eyes, her resolve wavered again. She had to look away and cover her awkwardness with a cough. “If you want to talk, I’ll listen. But if now’s not the time, that’s fine too.”
Her answer was cautious as always—just like before. No matter how much closer they seemed to have gotten, it felt like nothing had really changed.
That realization left both of them in silence.
And then, as if by unspoken agreement, neither brought it up again.
When her husband finally changed the subject, Mu Qing found herself oddly relieved. She followed his lead, and they continued their discussion from the inn—fleshing out their temporary plan.
Because this was no longer just a standoff between the Second and Fourth Princes.
More and more people were getting pulled in. Every step had to be taken with care.
How to optimize their limited resources would be a real art form.
Fortunately, Mu Qing and her husband always seemed to be on the same page.
No matter what he said, she could always follow up.
After all, she had two lifetimes of experience. This time around, she was a businesswoman. Being able to hold a conversation with anyone was basic professionalism.
So, their journey passed in a kind of strange harmony—peaceful, yet somehow tinged with something… off.
When the familiar walls and gate of Baihe Academy came into view, Mu Qing finally felt her nerves settle.
She stood at the gate and turned to say goodbye, only for her husband to smile gently and say, “Get some rest. If anything comes up in the next couple of days, I’ll let you know immediately.”
Mu Qing’s cheeks flushed faintly, but she waved goodbye and walked into the academy.
It was strange, really—Baihe Academy was just a school, yet neither the court’s forces nor any underground factions ever dared make trouble here.
That was the school’s unique charm.
It probably had something to do with this dynasty’s reverence for Confucianism. Respecting teachers and education was tradition, so no one dared mess with such a prestigious institution.
That’s why her husband and Miss Yanran considered it the safest place for her.
Mu Qing agreed. She’d initially grumbled about having to come back and hit the books again, but now she actually felt comforted by it.
Humans really were emotional creatures.
She was still mulling over such thoughts when she nearly took a wrong turn.
Fortunately, after a month here, she knew the way well enough not to get lost.
Back in her small courtyard, she thought about going to see Qin Qin—but decided against it.
First, it was too late.
Second, she’d left that morning with a dramatic farewell, saying she’d be gone for days. Coming back the same night was just too awkward…
Better to talk tomorrow during morning lessons.
She told herself to sleep, quickly washed up, and lay down with her clothes on.
After replaying the day’s events in her head for what felt like forever, she finally dozed off.
Half-asleep, she kept feeling as if someone were watching her.
The gaze was quiet, intense—and it jolted her awake. But the room was empty, and the sky outside had already begun to brighten.
There was a faint, lingering scent in the air—very faint, but oddly similar to the one her husband wore.
It was so faint, in fact, she wasn’t even sure it was real.
Mu Qing lay on her back for a while, then slowly sat up.
It was still early. After washing up, she should just make it in time to catch Qin Qin.
Perfect—she could pass it off as being early rather than “slinking back.”
She got dressed and headed out—just in time to see Qin Qin emerging from her courtyard.
The girl looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes. Clearly, she hadn’t slept well. She must be worried sick about Elder Qin.
He was her only living family, after all—his safety meant everything to her.
Mu Qing’s heart ached a little. She hurried over to greet her. “Ah Cen, what’s wrong? Didn’t sleep again last night?”
Qin Qin had been so lost in thought, she hadn’t even looked where she was going.
Mu Qing’s sudden appearance startled her. She instinctively stepped back—then, realizing who it was, clutched her chest and let out a breath. “You scared me half to death, Sister Qing!”
Still catching her breath, she suddenly looked puzzled. “Wait, didn’t you say this morning that you were going to stay at the inn for a few days? You even had me request a leave for you.”
Mu Qing laughed. “You’ve got a good memory. That was the plan. But then…”
As they walked toward the classroom courtyard, Mu Qing gave a quick rundown of the day’s events.
Qin Qin’s eyes widened. “That’s outrageous! Do they have no regard for the law at all?”
Mu Qing forced a smile. “They must have powerful backers. That’s why… Chu Yu had me come back.”
At that, she hesitated—then added, “By the way, there’s something else I should tell you. That young man, Xiao Wu…”
“Him? What happened?” Qin Qin interrupted anxiously, instinctively leaning forward.
Mu Qing stared at her expression, slightly stunned.
That… looked a lot like someone who’d already fallen for someone.
Thinking about Xiao Wu’s character and abilities, Mu Qing found it understandable. Regardless of his age or status, what mattered was having a connection.
In fact, this showed that Qin Qin had a very modern sense of independence and self-awareness. In a story like this, that was rare.
Feeling a little sorry for her, Mu Qing didn’t want to keep her in suspense and told her the truth.
Sure enough, the girl looked shaken.
Then she said something that caught Mu Qing completely off guard.
She pulled her into a quiet corner and whispered, “Sister Qing, I want to go see him. Can you take me?”
