She was a corporate slave, not a middle school girl, and had long passed the age of fantasizing that the world revolved around her. Everyone caught in this situation was like a drowning person—whoever could float to the surface depended on their abilities. Not to mention, when Xia Hou Bo sought her out and met with her, even giving her a turtle as a token, she hadn’t told Xia Hou Dan about it either.
Yu Wan Yin waved her hand dismissively: “Don’t worry about it, I understand everything.”
After a long silence, Xia Hou Dan finally said: “I won’t betray you.”
Yu Wan Yin perfunctorily replied: “Mm-hmm, you won’t, you won’t. You’re a good person.”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
The Empress Dowager’s faction detained one of General Luo’s sons, but still unsatisfied, they turned around and fabricated another crime of military indiscipline and civilian oppression, impeaching one of his deputies in the army, and promptly installing a civil official in the Ministry of War as an inspector.
Prince Duan’s strategists gathered to argue heatedly. Some said the Empress Dowager had finally gained control over the Emperor, which explained her brazenness; others refuted this, saying that the Emperor’s public execution of the Minister of Revenue hardly made him seem like the Empress Dowager’s puppet—he might simply have gone mad.
Xia Hou Bo sat at the head, quietly listening to the arguments for a while before smiling: “Even with the unclear situation, some plans can still be implemented. It’s time to bring down Grand Tutor Wei.”
Xu Yao’s heart skipped a beat.
Xia Hou Bo happened to ask him: “Are the preparations in order?”
Xu Yao’s family had fallen from grace, but Prince Duan had rescued him. He had been secretly monitoring Grand Tutor Wei, intending to take revenge. However, Wei acted with extreme caution—a rare intelligent figure in the Empress Dowager’s faction—and never exposed any weaknesses.
Until recently, Xu Yao had finally caught his weakness and, after tremendous difficulty, found a witness.
Xu Yao: “The witness has been secured.”
Xia Hou Bo calmly said: “Grand Tutor Wei is silver-tongued, keeping the Emperor dazed and confused while enjoying his favor. A single witness might not be enough to convict him. I’ll find another piece of evidence soon. This way, we can also avenge your father.”
Hearing him mention his father, Xu Yao’s face grew even paler: “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Xia Hou Bo patted him kindly: “Once Grand Tutor Wei falls, I’ll arrange things to possibly bring Elder Xu back.”
Xu Yao lowered his head, not letting Xia Hou Bo see his expression.
The tyrant’s voice echoed in his ears: “Only I dare to bring back Elder Xu. Prince Duan doesn’t dare because he has a guilty conscience and fears the truth coming to light. When your value is exhausted, your father will ‘coincidentally’ perish in exile. Do you believe it or not?”
Did he believe it?
His father had been indebted to the late Emperor, becoming a stubborn supporter of the throne, with a mind full of loyalty to the country, wholeheartedly supporting that tyrant, only to end up in such a state. He hated the Emperor for being incompetent and hated Grand Tutor Wei even more for being treacherous.
Yet he had been blinded, never considering how such a cautious person as Grand Tutor Wei had found the courage to publicly challenge and frame his father in the first place.
A few days later, the young Crown Prince’s birthday arrived, and the Empress Dowager prepared a grand palace banquet for him.
Prince Duan also attended.
Upon his appearance, not a single person from the Empress Dowager’s faction engaged with him. Yet Xia Hou Bo maintained his humble, polite, and refined demeanor, elegantly reciting birthday wishes to the young Crown Prince, sitting briefly before finding an excuse to leave early.
He wandered in the night, eventually finding a desolate small courtyard near the Cold Palace.
This was the meeting place he and Xie Yong’er had agreed upon through secret correspondence. His shadow guards had already patrolled the surroundings, confirming no one was around, and nodded to him.
Xia Hou Bo entered the long-abandoned small house.
The room was unlit and dark. Xie Yong’er stood by the window, turning to smile at him: “Your Highness.”
Xia Hou Bo said compassionately: “Yong’er, it’s been a long time. Why have you grown so thin?”
Under the window in the thick weeds, Yu Wan Yin thought disdainfully: “As expected of Prince Duan.”
Yu Wan Yin had been lying at the bottom of these weeds for a full hour. She had been there even before the shadow guards arrived. There was a slight evening breeze, and she lay very peacefully with steady breathing, concealed within the sound of the wind, remaining undetected.
While this rendezvous spot was indeed secluded, Yu Wan Yin had read the script in “Transmigrating into a Demon’s Favored Consort.”
This rendezvous was written in the novel, and she happened to remember it. If everything proceeded according to the original text, Xia Hou Bo would next mention Grand Tutor Wei to Xie Yong’er.
Sure enough, fragmented voices drifted from the window: “…Recently, Grand Tutor Wei’s son recklessly rode his horse through the streets, killing a commoner. That commoner had come to the capital to submit a petition to the Emperor about corruption and tyranny by the local Salt Inspector.”
Xie Yong’er: “Obstructing an imperial petition is a serious crime, isn’t it?”
Xia Hou Bo: “Indeed. The Salt Inspector learned of this and privately contacted Grand Tutor Wei, who, protective of his son, conspired with him to suppress the matter. To uncover this case and convict Grand Tutor Wei, we need a piece of evidence.”
“What item?”
“A priceless treasure, a Buddha’s relic. This item was recorded on the Salt Inspector’s gift list, likely used to bribe Grand Tutor Wei. However, my people infiltrated Wei’s mansion but couldn’t find it anywhere. Perhaps Grand Tutor Wei sent it into the palace, giving it to his sister, Noble Consort Wei…”
As Xie Yong’er listened, she recalled that “East Wind Releases a Thousand Trees in the Night” indeed mentioned that Noble Consort Wei had an ivory ghost-work puzzle ball in her quarters—a five-layered concentric ball with exquisite carving. She treasured this ornament in her inner chamber’s shrine, worshiping it as a precious item, but in reality, a relic was hidden at its center.
Xie Yong’er said: “If that’s the case, I’ll steal it for you.”
Eavesdropping, Yu Wan Yin thought: “…”
So dedicated.
Others, even as chosen protagonists, work this hard—better than you and more diligent too.
And from Xie Yong’er’s infatuated tone, it seemed she was genuinely becoming captivated by Xia Hou Bo.
Yu Wan Yin silently lamented.
Xia Hou Bo chuckled: “Steal it? How can Yong’er be certain the relic is with Noble Consort Wei?”
Xie Yong’er was momentarily speechless, eventually stammering: “If… if Your Highness deduces so, it must be correct.”
Xia Hou Bo: “Yong’er gives me too much credit.”
In the weeds, Yu Wan Yin suddenly pinched her thigh again. This time not to suppress laughter, but to maintain composure.
Because she suddenly realized something: Xia Hou Bo couldn’t possibly be a transmigrator.
If he were on the same level as her, having read “Transmigrating into a Demon’s Favored Consort” before transmigrating, he would certainly know Xie Yong’er was also a transmigrator and would immediately recognize her—they would be natural allies with no reason not to acknowledge each other.
Even if he were on Xie Yong’er’s level, having only read “East Wind Releases a Thousand Trees in the Night,” once Xie Yong’er played the guitar, he would understand immediately. In “East Wind Releases a Thousand Trees in the Night,” Xie Yong’er had no grudge against him, so if they had transmigrated together, there would be no reason not to recognize each other.
Yet until now, their conversation remained formal and affected, with Xie Yong’er still trying to deceive him as if he were the original character.
So he truly was the original character.
The recent conversation matched exactly what was recorded in “Transmigrating into a Demon’s Favored Consort,” proving that neither had deviated from their predetermined paths.
In other words, Yu Wan Yin’s last hope for a bright future of “four transmigrators setting aside their grudges to play mahjong together” was shattered.
Now only one question remained: If Xia Hou Bo was the original character, why had he specifically sought out Yu Wan Yin?
Was it merely because she had become the tyrant’s favored consort?
Or had Xie Yong’er, in an attempt to cut off her potential romantic connection with him, spoken ill of her to him, which backfired and made him notice her instead?
Lost in thought, Yu Wan Yin momentarily forgot to control her breathing, then suddenly heard footsteps in the weeds.
She immediately held her breath, cold sweat breaking through her skin.
The footsteps in the grass drew closer, and someone holding a flickering torch entered Yu Wan Yin’s field of vision. Through the gaps in the grass, she looked up and vaguely recognized a familiar face.
It was Xu Yao.
Xu Yao was still in disguise, dressed as one of Prince Duan’s guards. Just as Yu Wan Yin was praying he would pass by, he stopped, lowered his gaze, and his eyes unmistakably met hers.
Yu Wan Yin held her breath desperately, her heart about to explode in her chest.
From the small house came Xia Hou Bo’s calm inquiry: “What’s the matter?”
Xu Yao hesitated, extinguishing his torch: “Your Highness, there seem to be palace servants approaching from a distance.”
Xia Hou Bo sighed and reluctantly bid farewell to Xie Yong’er.
After everyone had withdrawn, even Xie Yong’er’s footsteps had disappeared, Yu Wan Yin finally gasped for air, clutching her collar tightly.
Xu Yao had discovered her yet deceived Prince Duan! The strategy of sowing discord had greatly succeeded!
Yu Wan Yin was still trying to recall the original text, wanting to know how Xie Yong’er would infiltrate Noble Consort Wei’s quarters to steal the relic, when the next day her maid Xiao Mei indignantly reported: “I heard that Consort Xie and several others visited Noble Consort Wei and kept speaking ill of you, miss!”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
So that’s how it was—blackening my name.
Blackening me while stealing the relic, you’re something else, Xie Yong’er.
By afternoon, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Noble Consort Wei led a team of guards on a grand inspection of the rear palace, searching each of the consorts she had hosted that morning, causing an uproar that even alerted the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager asked Noble Consort Wei to explain, and she only mentioned losing jewelry, suspecting theft. But she then pulled the Empress Dowager aside for a private conversation—obviously about the missing relic.
The Empress Dowager, guessing the gravity of the matter, turned a blind eye and allowed her to continue the commotion.
Consequently, countless eunuchs were whipped, and countless palace maids were slapped.
Yu Wan Yin avoided the spectacle, hiding in a side hall and eating melon seeds. Unexpectedly, her maid suddenly reported catching a little thief in her backyard.
When Yu Wan Yin went to look, she found an unfamiliar young eunuch cornered, head lowered and trembling, refusing to explain why he had sneaked in no matter how they questioned him.
Yu Wan Yin, now accustomed to first suspecting Xie Yong’er whenever something happened, quickly figured out the scheme.
She glanced at the slightly disturbed soil near the young eunuch’s feet.
Yu Wan Yin smiled, graciously released the young eunuch, and dismissed everyone else. When everyone had left, she dug up that patch of soil herself and unearthed an irregular pearl.
Hiding the evidence in my place so it could be discovered and redirect blame—you’re something else, Xie Yong’er.
Later that day, Noble Consort Wei’s uproar grew, finally reaching Yu Wan Yin’s doorstep.
Noble Consort Wei mounted her greatest offensive against Yu Wan Yin: one team dug three feet into the courtyard, another ransacked the inner chambers, while a third prepared to search Yu Wan Yin’s person.
Noble Consort Wei sneered: “The Emperor is reporting to the Empress Dowager now, and no one will protect you today, you little slut!”
Xia Hou Dan: “Surprise! I left work early.”
Noble Consort Wei: “?”
Noble Consort Wei was dragged away.
Late that night, Yu Wan Yin handed a food box to her maid: “Deliver this to Consort Xie, say it’s a late-night snack from me for her to enjoy.”
Xie Yong’er opened the box to find a plain white steamed bun.
She crumbled the bun and found a relic inside.
The next morning at court, a representative of Prince Duan’s faction publicly impeached Grand Tutor Wei, accusing him of corruption and obstructing imperial petitions, with both witness testimony and physical evidence present.
Grand Tutor Wei was sent to the Court of Judicial Review, and Noble Consort Wei was banished to the Cold Palace.
Yu Wan Yin was on her way to work at the Imperial Library when she encountered a group of consorts with Xie Yong’er among them.
Over the years, Xia Hou Dan had either ignored all consorts or buried them on the spot, and everyone had silently endured. Then suddenly Yu Wan Yin appeared, starkly highlighting their misery, making it impossible for anyone to maintain psychological balance.
Upon encountering her, the most senior Consort Su spoke up: “Ha, now that Noble Consort Wei has fallen, someone must be feeling triumphant. But who knows how long these good days will last…”
Yu Wan Yin instinctively looked back, fearing Xia Hou Dan might emerge from some corner to drag someone away.
Xia Hou Dan wasn’t there.
Consort Su grew increasingly sarcastic: “What is Sister Yu looking for? Do you think—”
“Sister, be careful with your words.”
Surprisingly, it was Xie Yong’er who spoke.
That consort met with her bland caution, felt awkward, glared hatefully at Yu Wan Yin, and left with her little group.
Xie Yong’er remained last, turning to meet Yu Wan Yin’s gaze.
Yu Wan Yin smiled with exceptional kindness.
Xie Yong’er avoided her gaze, and after a long while finally made up her mind, mouthing: “Thank you.”
In that day’s Spider Cave work summary, Yu Wan Yin and Xia Hou Dan conducted an in-depth analysis of the eavesdropping incident, reaching their first consensus: Prince Duan was still the original character.
“That makes things easier,” said Xia Hou Dan. “This guy hasn’t read the script, so we can fully exploit this advantage.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Also, Xu Yao showed me leniency, clearly developing doubts about Prince Duan. In the original text, he’s a strategist highly valued by Prince Duan. If we could recruit him to work for us, one would be worth ten.”
Xia Hou Dan: “Then we need to completely drive a wedge between them.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Now that Grand Tutor Wei is imprisoned, Xu Yao will certainly use this opportunity to investigate his father’s case, and might even sneak in to interrogate Grand Tutor Wei. If we want to frame Prince Duan, we must prepare early to avoid being exposed. Why don’t you go to the Court of Judicial Review to pressure Grand Tutor Wei and get him to rehearse a confession?”
Xia Hou Dan: “Doable. My people have already found Elder Xu, but he’s old and frail. Over these years in exile, he’s been severely mistreated and tortured until he’s become deranged, not even recognizing people anymore.”
“That’s tragic.”
“Extremely tragic.”
Yu Wan Yin shook her head and sighed: “But his madness shouldn’t be wasted—let’s pin it on Prince Duan too. Say that Elder Xu was poisoned by him on the way back, which caused this condition?”
Xia Hou Dan: “Brilliant.”
The villains high-fived.
The Court of Judicial Review’s prison was specifically for detaining high-ranking officials who had committed crimes. The deeper one went, the more heavily guarded it became. The innermost cell was pitch dark, with only a few torches for illumination.
Grand Tutor Wei huddled in a corner. Hearing footsteps, he looked out and first saw a pair of imperial boots embroidered with golden dragons.
Grand Tutor Wei froze momentarily, tumbling down to kneel properly while smoothly entering his “deceive the tyrant” routine: “Your Majesty, I’ve been wronged! I’ve served loyally with all my heart, only wanting to relieve Your Majesty’s worries, yet I never expected those villains…”
Xia Hou Dan didn’t wait for him to finish his third sentence, skipping ahead: “Do one last thing for me, and I will ensure your family’s safety.”
Hearing this, Grand Tutor Wei realized he was meant to die, and hastily squeezed out tears: “I beg Your Majesty to hear the inside story! At that time, the Salt Inspector…”
Xia Hou Dan skipped ahead again: “Do you know who harmed you?”
Grand Tutor Wei: “…”
Grand Tutor Wei tremblingly raised his head. The Emperor’s face was hidden in darkness, only a vague silhouette visible. Somehow, he was certain that the expression on that face was not the one he knew the tyrant to wear.
Xia Hou Dan: “The person who ordered your downfall was Prince Duan, and the one who collected evidence was Xu Yao. You might not remember him—he’s Elder Xu’s son, who changed his appearance to become Prince Duan’s strategist. He’s quite skilled at scheming behind people’s backs.”
Grand Tutor Wei was shocked: “He’s still alive?”
Xia Hou Dan laughed coldly: “When Elder Xu was implicated, Prince Duan secretly rescued Xu Yao and taught him to view you as his lifelong enemy. After years of planning, he finally brought you down.”
Grand Tutor Wei lowered his head, biting until his gums bled.
Xia Hou Bo!
He heard the Emperor’s emotionless, almost bored voice: “Amusing, isn’t it? My dear royal brother first used you to eliminate the Xu family, and now uses the Xu family to eliminate you. Truly a masterful balancing act, unparalleled in this world.”
Grand Tutor Wei’s vision darkened.
The Emperor knew.
The Emperor knew?!
Years ago, when he joined the Empress Dowager’s faction, he was too timid to be of much use and had struggled for years without making progress. Prince Duan had privately conspired with him, encouraging him to impeach Elder Xu, and even helping him fabricate a flawless set of crimes.
In his entire career, that was the only time he had taken such a risky gamble for wealth and power.
He succeeded, establishing merit in the Empress Dowager’s eyes, and his career soared from then on.
Had the Emperor silently watched all of this unfold as if watching a play?
Grand Tutor Wei shuddered violently, suddenly overwhelmed with despair, losing even the courage to defend himself: “I deserve a thousand deaths… I know I have no path to survival, but I have one question: How did Your Majesty come to know this?”
For so many years, this tyrant had been treated like a fool by them—had he been pretending all along?
But if he had seen everything clearly, why had he endured silently, allowing them to eliminate the remaining loyal ministers one by one?
Xia Hou Dan: “Oh, I was just guessing and tricked you. Now I’ve got my answer.”
Grand Tutor Wei: “…”
Grand Tutor Wei: “?”
Xia Hou Dan turned and walked away: “If Xu Yao sends someone to question you, answer truthfully—consider it accumulating good karma for your family.”
That day, Yu Wan Yin was working her usual shift at the Imperial Library when a palace servant came upstairs to announce: “My Lady, there’s someone downstairs without an entry pass who says he has something to report to you. He refuses to give his name, saying you’ll recognize him when you see him.”
Yu Wan Yin descended a few steps, looked down, and saw an unfamiliar handsome young man looking up at her.
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
Brother, who are you?
The young man bowed to her: “Consort Yu.”
Yu Wan Yin: “!”
That voice filled with deep resentment—it was Xu Yao!
Today, Xu Yao hadn’t disguised himself, coming with the face of a disgraced official’s son.
Yu Wan Yin’s heart sank, giving her a bad premonition.
“Come up,” Yu Wan Yin led him to the second floor, dismissed the palace servants, and got straight to the point: “What happened?”
She hadn’t expected him to come so quickly. Earlier today, she had still been discussing with Xia Hou Dan about the details of bringing back Elder Xu and hadn’t even arranged the actors for their staged interception.
Most crucially, they hadn’t prepared an escape route for Xu Yao, to allow him to defect safely and switch jobs healthily.
This man now appeared in a hurry, not even having time to disguise himself—could he be pursued?
Xu Yao’s first words seemed to confirm her ominous guess: “I urgently need to see His Majesty. Could you please help arrange it?”
Yu Wan Yin: “I don’t have the authority to bring people into the palace—we’d be stopped. Either you wait here for a while, and I’ll go find His Majesty, or… The Imperial Library has guards, and no one can enter without a pass. You’ll be safe here.”
Hearing her hint about pursuers, Xu Yao asked in surprise: “You know about this too?”
Yu Wan Yin: “If it’s about Elder Xu, I know the general situation.”
Xu Yao sighed: “My Lady truly has the Emperor’s trust. I was investigating my father’s unjust case, but I didn’t expect Prince Duan to be prepared, ready to eliminate me. Just now, when I returned to my bedroom and took a sip of tea, I noticed a strange taste. When my abdomen began burning with pain, I realized I had been poisoned…”
Yu Wan Yin: “Wait! You’ve been poisoned?”
She examined Xu Yao carefully and noticed his forehead was covered in cold sweat.
Yu Wan Yin stood up abruptly: “Say no more. I’ll find an imperial physician.”
Xu Yao grabbed her: “Prince Duan has murderous intent, so I have no chance of survival. I escaped through the back door in a carriage, temporarily eluding my pursuers, but unable to enter the palace directly, I could only rush here. My Lady, Xu Yao has one request before death.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Calm down, you’ll be fine.”
Xu Yao swayed slightly, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
Yu Wan Yin was about to call for help again, but Xu Yao gripped her tightly, speaking rapidly: “I’ve worked for Prince Duan for years and know all his plans. If His Majesty can rescue my father, I will repay this kindness.”
Yu Wan Yin quickly comforted him: “Don’t worry, His Majesty’s word is sacred. Elder Xu is already on his way home.”
Xu Yao’s eyes reddened: “My father… my father spent his life hoping His Majesty would become a good emperor. If he returns, he will serve His Majesty with unwavering loyalty, exhausting his lifetime of knowledge to assist him.”
He seemed afraid they would go back on their word, eager to prove his father’s worth.
Yu Wan Yin felt a wave of sadness but didn’t tell him that Elder Xu had already gone mad. She gently said: “His Majesty greatly values Elder Xu’s talents.”
Xu Yao nodded, suddenly coughing up blood, then continued breathlessly: “The pursuers will arrive soon. My Lady, I’ve recorded many of Prince Duan’s plans in a book…”
Suddenly, screams came from downstairs: “Fire!”
Xia Hou Bo hadn’t sent people to hunt down Xu Yao.
Xia Hou Bo had directly ordered a fire to destroy Xu Yao, any secrets he might be carrying, and the Imperial Library he had fled to.
Yu Wan Yin ran to the window and looked down—goodness, the fire burned evenly, surrounding the Imperial Library without leaving a single gap.
Not far away lay the bodies of several guards. The arsonists were Prince Duan’s elite troops, who had taken down the guards in a very short time and poured oil on the wooden building. Now the fire had started, and with the wind blowing, fierce flames rapidly rose toward the second floor.
Palace servants were rushing over with buckets in the distance, but with the primitive firefighting facilities of this era, relying on them to extinguish the fire was less practical than self-rescue.
Yu Wan Yin, tears streaming from the hot smoke, ran back to Xu Yao: “Fire is everywhere below. We can’t jump from the window—we must go down the stairs and then run out!”
Recalling fire escape tips from school, she removed a layer of clothing, threw it on the ground, poured tea from the pot to thoroughly wet it, and then started pulling at Xu Yao’s clothes: “Take it off!”
Xu Yao, already standing unsteadily, fell directly to the ground when she pushed him.
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
The Imperial Library contained nothing but flammable materials. Downstairs was already a sea of fire, with the screams of palace servants unceasing.
Xu Yao continued spitting blood, but his expression remained remarkably calm: “Listen to me while you prepare, My Lady.”
Yu Wan Yin, eyes filled with tears, tremblingly took out her handkerchief and similarly moistened it.
Xu Yao: “Prince Duan didn’t expect that I wouldn’t have the book with me. It’s in the Wei mansion—I hid it there while investigating the case.”
The hot tea had cooled. Yu Wan Yin grabbed the wet clothes, wrapped them around herself, and covered her nose and mouth with the wet handkerchief.
Xu Yao: “Three feet outside the kitchen’s back window, dig down and you’ll find it. Prince Duan will be watching you, so don’t look for it immediately—wait at least seven days before going…”
Yu Wan Yin bent low and ran toward the stairs.
Xu Yao’s intermittent voice grew increasingly faint: “Escape… don’t stop for anyone… find His Majesty… survive…”
The Imperial Library was built near water, precisely to prevent fires.
Now the palace servants were drawing water from the pool, repeatedly dousing the main entrance to contain the fire in that area. They were shouting inside when they saw a figure rushing out, clothes already on fire.
Yu Wan Yin ran past all the palace servants and jumped directly into the pool.
“Consort Yu!” The servants hurriedly went over and pulled her back to shore.
Yu Wan Yin’s hair was scorched, and several areas of her skin burned with intense pain. She stood there with a vacant stare, the thread of rationality burned away. Trembling all over, she could only hear Xu Yao’s voice echoing: “Don’t stop for anyone…”
A palace maid anxiously said something and ran to support her.
Yu Wan Yin felt everyone’s faces were grotesque. She pushed away the maid’s hand and staggered toward the palace.
She didn’t know where she was running to, only that she couldn’t stop—behind her were savage beasts.
Yu Wan Yin ran until her strength was exhausted, tripped, and the fall finally brought her back to partial clarity.
She looked up and saw someone she didn’t want to meet at that moment.
Xie Yong’er seemed stunned by her appearance.
Earlier, Xie Yong’er couldn’t avoid Noble Consort Wei’s search, so she had someone hide the relic at Yu Wan Yin’s place. If it wasn’t discovered, all the better; if it was found, Yu Wan Yin could be the scapegoat.
She had calculated well but didn’t expect the young eunuch to be so inexperienced that he got caught in the act.
Listening to the young eunuch’s tearful report, Xie Yong’er knew she had lost. Yu Wan Yin would certainly guess it was her doing, given her previous record. And with Consort Yu enjoying the Emperor’s favor, disposing of anyone would only take a word.
Yet Yu Wan Yin hadn’t reported her.
She even returned the relic to her.
Why?
Did Yu Wan Yin not want to fight?
Was it because she had changed the plot line, not giving her a chance to fall in love with Prince Duan, so she simply hadn’t turned evil?
If she hadn’t turned evil, wouldn’t that make me the greatest villain?
Xie Yong’er’s feelings were extremely complicated.
She had been struggling with thoughts about Yu Wan Yin when suddenly her little maid said the Imperial Library was on fire. She was immediately startled—Yu Wan Yin had been compiling books there recently.
Could it be? Was the female protagonist’s storyline heading straight to a dead ending?
Xie Yong’er ran toward the Imperial Library in disbelief, encountering the disheveled Yu Wan Yin halfway.
Their eyes met, and Yu Wan Yin seemed to weigh her options before tremblingly reaching out her hand: “Sister, please save me.”
Xie Yong’er was stunned, then slowly went to help her up.
Yu Wan Yin: “Take me to see His Majesty…”
Xie Yong’er: “You’re injured? This won’t do. I’ll call someone to carry you.”
Yu Wan Yin clung to her like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline: “Don’t go, don’t leave me.”
Xie Yong’er: “?”
Do we even have an emotional foundation?
Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind: “My Ladies.”
Yu Wan Yin felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. Her legs weakened, and only Xie Yong’er’s support kept her from collapsing on the spot.
Xia Hou Bo approached with concern, helping Xie Yong’er support Yu Wan Yin: “I heard the Imperial Library caught fire. I’ve sent my guards to help extinguish it. Fortunately, My Lady, you have great fortune. Where are you injured?”
Yu Wan Yin’s lips trembled, unable to speak.
Xia Hou Bo simply lifted her horizontally, with exaggerated movements, as if trying to gauge if she was hiding something: “I’ll take My Lady back to her chambers to rest.”
Yu Wan Yin looked at his unperturbed eyes and finally found her voice: “…Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness.”
After carrying her a few steps, Xia Hou Bo paused as Yu Wan Yin struggled to look back at Xie Yong’er.
Your man is carrying me—aren’t you jealous? Quickly speak up and stop him, I’m begging you!
Xie Yong’er lowered her gaze to conceal the envy in her eyes and said gracefully: “Your Highness is so thoughtful. I’ll come along too.”
Yu Wan Yin: Thank you, thank you, thank you—please don’t leave!
Xia Hou Bo replied gently: “No need for extra hands here. Consort Xie, please find an imperial physician.”
Xie Yong’er gave him a hurt look, apparently not wanting to appear too obviously jealous, and compromised: “All right.” Then she turned and left.
Yu Wan Yin’s heart nearly stopped beating.
Xia Hou Bo walked at a measured pace: “My Lady seems to be trembling.”
Yu Wan Yin organized her thoughts with what little rationality remained: “…The burned skin is somewhat painful.”
“My Lady has suffered greatly. I arrived too late.”
Couldn’t you have arrived even later?
Yu Wan Yin felt on the verge of a mental breakdown—on one hand guarding against him potentially strangling her at any moment, while on the other pretending to be the original character filled with budding romance, snuggling against him softly: “Now that you’re here, I feel better.”
Xia Hou Bo smiled: “I thought My Lady had changed much since entering the palace, but you’re still the same as before.”
Yu Wan Yin reproached playfully: “Does Your Highness wish me to change?”
Xia Hou Bo looked down at her and said leisurely: “I hope My Lady remains as she was when we first met, without fear of me.”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
Who was just trying to burn me to death?
“Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger,” Xia Hou Bo calmly delivered the terrifying line. “Rather than fearing me, My Lady should fear His Majesty. Creatures of the same kind sympathize with each other’s pain; all people share this feeling. The world has suffered under the Qin for too long. If My Lady can treat me with sincerity, I will protect you with all my might.”
Yu Wan Yin tilted her head: “What is Your Highness saying? I don’t understand.”
She understood perfectly. This bastard might as well have said directly, “Choose your side carefully—prosper by following me, perish by opposing me.”
Yu Wan Yin continued playing dumb, and Xia Hou Bo smiled: “My Lady is indeed clever as ice and bright as snow. By the way, after receiving My Lady’s calligraphy gift last time, I forgot to send a return gift…”
His words were interrupted by a rush of hurried footsteps.
Yu Wan Yin turned to see a mass of guards surrounding Xia Hou Bo.
At the front stood the tyrant with a frost-covered face: “Let her go.”
Dead silence.
The line was so cliché that in Yu Wan Yin’s confused mind, two equally cliché responses suddenly surfaced. One was, “If you don’t want her to die, prepare a car with one million in cash, and no one follows us,” and the other was, “Hah, come and take her if you can—you’re no match for my looks.”
Xia Hou Bo didn’t take the cliché route.
Xia Hou Bo gently set down Yu Wan Yin and bowed: “Seeing My Lady injured, I acted hastily out of urgency and lost my propriety. Please forgive me, Your Majesty…”
Xia Hou Dan didn’t listen, striding forward to remove his outer robe and wrap it around the soaking-wet Yu Wan Yin.
As a mere corporate slave, Yu Wan Yin had never experienced such a situation. Having held on until now, finally meeting her ally, she let out a breath of relief. Her vision went dark as if someone had suddenly extinguished a lamp, instantly enveloped in darkness.
Her last memory was falling straight toward Xia Hou Dan.
Yu Wan Yin spent who knows how many days in a low fever, drifting in and out of consciousness. When she finally became lucid again, she was lying in her side hall, her throat so dry it felt about to crack.
Outside the window, heavy rain was falling. The sky was dim, and a swaying copper lamp hung beside the bed. Xia Hou Dan sat at the bedside with his back to her, stirring a bowl of bitter medicine with a spoon.
Never had this silhouette brought such a sense of security.
Yu Wan Yin stared at him for a while, then shifted her gaze to the palace lamp, following its trembling flame.
Xia Hou Dan turned around and looked at her in surprise: “You’re awake? Thank goodness. You had mild burns and were soaked in unclean pool water. I was truly afraid their medicine wouldn’t reduce the inflammation. Fortunately, the wound is small and already healing.”
Yu Wan Yin remained silent.
Xia Hou Dan helped her sit up: “Quickly drink the medicine—just think of it as water to reduce your fever… hey, why are you crying?”
Yu Wan Yin choked back sobs: “I’m so glad you’re also a transmigrator.”
Facing death up close for the first time had such a powerful impact that she was experiencing PTSD.
Since transmigrating to this dreadful place, she’d maintained a floating sense of unreality about her situation, as if sleepwalking in the clouds. Until this moment, the dream dissolved, and she saw the abyss beneath her feet.
Without someone of her kind nearby, she didn’t know whether fear or loneliness would crush her first.
Even those few words he’d just spoken brought enormous comfort. His choice of words pointed to a familiar yet distant homeland, like the blurry coastline in a telescope—though unreachable, it was at least a reference point, reassuring her that she hadn’t gone mad.
Xia Hou Dan tried to console her but failed, so he quietly watched her cry.
With the storm raging outside and only a small lamp for light, he looked as dejected as she felt.
When she calmed down somewhat, Xia Hou Dan scooped another spoon of medicine and offered it to her, his tone gentle: “Several palace servants escaped from the Imperial Library and were sent for treatment. As for Xu Yao… the coroner said his posture was peaceful, that he had died from poison before the fire reached him, so he didn’t suffer twice.”
Hearing Xu Yao’s name, Yu Wan Yin’s heart twisted with pain again.
Xia Hou Dan: “The arsonists were caught, but they’re just scapegoats—nothing can be traced back to Prince Duan. Elder Xu has been brought back and settled in a suburban villa. He poses no threat to anyone now and should be able to live out his remaining years in peace—by the way, the one who framed him was Prince Duan.”
He related his conversation with Grand Tutor Wei in the prison.
Yu Wan Yin: “So, we wanted to pin the blame on Prince Duan, but it was his doing all along?”
Xia Hou Dan: “That’s the idea.”
For a moment, Yu Wan Yin had a vague thought: How did Xia Hou Dan guess so accurately? He hadn’t read the original text, yet based solely on the little information she’d provided, he blindly guessed hidden truths not even written in the original—wasn’t he too clever?
Could this be the power of a CEO?
But the thought flashed and was gone. Yu Wan Yin reasoned that it made sense to assume the worst about Prince Duan.
She had originally aspired to be the most villainous character in this story, but after a couple of rounds with Xia Hou Bo, she realized she still had a long way to go.
Yu Wan Yin: “Xu Yao said he left us a book that could be used against Prince Duan.”
She quietly related Xu Yao’s last words, and Xia Hou Dan listened silently, his face pale.
He gazed at the candlelight: “What was Xu Yao’s fate in the original text?”
“I think he continued following Prince Duan, becoming some kind of civil official.”
Xia Hou Dan laughed sarcastically: “So, we caused his death.”
Yu Wan Yin had just blown her nose, but felt it tingle again: “Don’t think like that. Consider that according to the original text, Xu Yao would have remained deceived until death, laboring for his enemy.”
Xia Hou Dan still looked depressed, pressing his fingers against his temple: “I failed to protect him, and you were injured for nothing…”
Yu Wan Yin didn’t understand why this man was more dejected than herself and reluctantly tried to comfort him: “It wasn’t completely in vain. At least we got Xu Yao’s clue. In a few days, we’ll retrieve the book. Let’s hope he recorded everything in detail because I don’t remember the specifics of the original text.”
“I’m wondering,” Xia Hou Dan said vaguely while rubbing his temples, “does what we’re doing have any meaning? In this book, the villain’s fate could be considered predestined. The more we struggle, the more pathetic it becomes. Maybe we should just eat, drink, and be merry while waiting for the end…”
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
No, no, no, you can’t give up so early, brother! I don’t want to die yet!
Yu Wan Yin panicked, scrambling for words to persuade him: “It has meaning, of course, it has meaning! We can’t hand the world over to villains. Your fate is in your own hands, not heaven’s! There are still many opportunities to turn things around! For instance, the drought in the original text—we can surely find drought-resistant crops—”
She faltered.
The Imperial Library had burned down—where would she find such information?
Yu Wan Yin deflated: “On second thought, maybe waiting for death while enjoying life isn’t so bad.”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Xia Hou Dan: “Couldn’t you persist a little longer?”
The Empress Dowager condescended to visit and express her sympathy.
The specific sympathy process was as follows:
Empress Dowager: “I heard you suffered greatly this time. Do you know who set the fire? Your prominence has invited jealousy. After this ordeal, you should realize that the Emperor won’t protect you…” (Classic lines omitted, about 500 words).
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Yes, yes.”
The Empress Dowager sighed deeply: “In this deep palace, every woman who receives a bit of favor thinks she has made it through, not understanding how easily the emperor’s heart changes…” (Classic lines omitted, about 500 words).
Yu Wan Yin couldn’t fast-forward through her speech, so she emptied her mind and nodded mechanically.
Empress Dowager: “You don’t think that with Noble Consort Wei gone, you can take her position, do you? Noble Consort Wei was ostentatious because she relied on her family’s power and my protection. Even when in trouble, she was merely sent to the Cold Palace temporarily. What position does your father hold? Do you know…” (Classic lines omitted, about 500 words).
Yu Wan Yin: “Right, right.”
The Empress Dowager extended her vermilion-painted fingernail and poked Yu Wan Yin’s cheek: “A woman must live shrewdly. Good birds choose trees to nest in. Listen to my words, and I’ll care for you.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Yes, yes.”
The Empress Dowager left Yu Wan Yin’s side hall in the morning, and by afternoon heard a palace servant report: “His Majesty has promoted Consort Yu to Noble Consort.”
Empress Dowager: “?”
Noble Consort Yu was personally escorted by the Emperor to the Noble Consort’s palace.
This place had originally belonged to Noble Consort Wei and had always been the most luxurious place in the rear palace. Now, to welcome its new owner, it had been thoroughly reorganized from inside out—truly a palace of jade and pearl, magnificently splendid, the very Spider Cave itself.
As Yu Wan Yin progressed step by step to her current position, all the palace servants who had coldly watched for her downfall changed their expressions. They began to earnestly study her every word and action, trying to discern what extraordinary ability she possessed that could so firmly grasp the tyrant’s heart.
However, throughout the journey, it was the tyrant who did all the talking.
Xia Hou Dan: “Beloved Consort, this place is heavily guarded. I’ve also assigned shadow guards for you. Villains will have no opportunity to harm you.”
Yu Wan Yin knew he was saying this for the surrounding palace servants to hear: “Your Majesty is so good to me.”
The list of shadow guards had been discussed in their meeting last night. Xia Hou Dan had said: “Let’s upgrade the security system a bit. Weren’t there a few guards in the original work who remained loyal to me?”
Yu Wan Yin tried hard to recall: “That batch of imperial guards who helped you bury people never betrayed you, even at the end. They all died protecting you.”
So the shadow guards took up their posts overnight.
Xia Hou Dan: “Beloved Consort, see if this courtyard is spacious enough. Do you need it expanded further? If you grow tired of hot pot, we could raise fish in this pond, and set up a grill beside it for barbecue whenever you want…”
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
Is this “Beloved Consort” you’re talking about actually yourself?
Yu Wan Yin played along, clapping her hands: “How did Your Majesty know that this humble consort loves eating the most?”
The surrounding palace servants inwardly scorned her—wasn’t this act of playing cute and innocent too basic? Never mind being a nation-toppling evil consort; even newly-entered palace ladies didn’t play this game anymore these days!
Xia Hou Dan smiled: “My Beloved Consort truly has the heart of a child.”
The palace servants breathed rapidly.
The tyrant didn’t deserve sophisticated gameplay!
After only a few days of eating, drinking, and merrymaking, Yu Wan Yin felt uneasy all over. A corporate slave had never been such a layabout for so long, and with ancient times lacking entertainment, lying in the sun daily had given her an aching back.
She was annoyed at herself for not being born to enjoy such blessings, and seeing Xia Hou Dan’s apparent contentment made her even more sour.
That day, after finishing the barbecue and wine, Yu Wan Yin said: “CEO Dan, let’s go out of the palace.”
Xia Hou Dan: “Going out for fun?”
Yu Wan Yin: “No, I’ve thought of a way to get Xu Yao’s book while avoiding Prince Duan.”
Xia Hou Dan frowned at her: “What happened to our plan of waiting for death while enjoying life?”
“Waiting for death is quite boring too. Why don’t we struggle a bit more?”
“…”
Yu Wan Yin: “Look, if we leave the palace in disguise now, Prince Duan will have us followed. But we’ll use a feint—instead of going to the Wei mansion, we’ll first find someone.”
“Who?”
“When we talked about people loyal to you, I thought of him. These novels usually have a character with godlike martial arts skills. Fortunately, in this book, he has deep connections with you.”
An hour later, two shabby-looking scholars walked through the market streets, followed by several highly skilled shadow guards, also disguised as scholars.
Xia Hou Dan, with a sallow face after disguising himself, covered his mouth with a folding fan and whispered: “Although theoretically the Empress Dowager and Prince Duan haven’t determined a winner yet, and wouldn’t dare to kill recklessly, is it really a good idea for us to present ourselves as live targets like this?”
Yu Wan Yin: “It’s truly not good, but there’s no alternative. To find that person, you must appear in person.”
Yu Wan Yin looked not only shabby but also malnourished and short.
“This man is called Bei Zhou. He was childhood sweethearts with your mother—Her Late Majesty—the Virtuous Empress. He was her bodyguard when she was young and probably always loved her. That chapter was so melodramatic I only skimmed it. Anyway, after your mother entered the palace, she suddenly fell ill and died young. Bei Zhou believed someone in the palace harmed her, so he harbored hatred, left for distant lands, had extraordinary encounters, and became an unparalleled master.”
Yu Wan Yin took a breath: “In ‘Transmigrating into a Demon’s Favored Consort,’ he returned to the capital to see his old friend’s son—that’s you—but found the situation chaotic, so he hid in the capital, looking for opportunities to protect you. But he appeared too late in the story. Although he did cause some trouble for Prince Duan, he couldn’t change the outcome.”
Xia Hou Dan: “So you want to find him ahead of time?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Yes, because Xie Yong’er only has the script of ‘East Wind Releases a Thousand Trees in the Night’ and doesn’t know the plot of ‘Transmigrating into a Demon’s Favored Consort,’ nor does she know about Bei Zhou’s existence. You can use him as a secret weapon, having him steal the book from the Wei mansion. With his skills, he’ll definitely succeed.”
This man had other uses too, but Yu Wan Yin didn’t want to explain everything to him.
Yu Wan Yin stopped: “We’re here.”
Xia Hou Dan looked up.
Yi Hong Yuan—a brothel.
Xia Hou Dan: “?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Let’s go in.” She turned to beckon the shadow guards, “Don’t be shy, all of you come in.”
Shadow Guards: “?”
Xia Hou Dan: “So when you said he was hiding in the capital…”
Yu Wan Yin: “The book said he was in a brothel.”
“This doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“Oh, it’s fine. It’s also perfect for confusing Prince Duan—let him think you’re decadent and indulgent. Come on, if I’m not afraid, what are you afraid of?”
Xia Hou Dan was pulled by her across the threshold, and suddenly a strong scent of perfume engulfed them. A classic-looking madam with a beauty mark stood by the door, examining them up and down with a handkerchief in hand, looking disdainful: “Young masters, are you lost?”
Yu Wan Yin looked around shyly and slipped her a handful of silver: “We’re here for the imperial exams and want to broaden our horizons.”
The madam’s face lit up: “Very well, gentlemen, please go upstairs!”
Yu Wan Yin waved grandly, leading the shadow guards toward a private room.
Xia Hou Dan: “…Why are you so experienced at this?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Maybe I’ve read too much trashy literature.”
Moments later, they were surrounded by warm fragrance and soft jade.
Yu Wan Yin embraced a pretty girl who fed her grapes, skillfully emitting a lewd laugh.
Xia Hou Dan’s mouth twitched slightly as he whispered in her ear: “How long do we need to stay? How do you plan to find this Bei Zhou?”
Yu Wan Yin: “I don’t remember his physical description, but there are only so many men in a brothel, so it shouldn’t be difficult. Besides, in the original text, you look a lot like your mother, so he’ll recognize you.”
Xia Hou Dan pointed at his sallow fake face: “Have you noticed the problem?”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
Yu Wan Yin turned to ask the pretty girl in her arms: “How many male servants do you have here?”
The pretty girl asked in surprise: “Why would you ask that, sir? I can’t recall exactly, maybe four or five.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Are any of them burly men who joined within the last two years?”
A flash of darkness crossed the pretty girl’s eyes.
She lowered her gaze and smiled sweetly: “I came here recently and don’t know much. Sir, have some wine.”
She turned to pour wine for Yu Wan Yin.
Many things happened in those few seconds.
The pretty girl, with her back turned, exchanged glances with another pretty girl.
A shadow guard sitting nearby noticed her hand movements and tensed, ready to act.
Yu Wan Yin quickly nudged Xia Hou Dan.
Xia Hou Dan shot a sharp glance, signaling them to remain calm.
The shadow guards remained seated, also exchanging a round of glances.
The pretty girl poured the wine and held the cup to Yu Wan Yin’s lips.
Yu Wan Yin: “Good, good.” She took it and pretended to take a sip.
All the guests in the room were fed wine. The shadow guards discreetly sniffed, seemingly detecting something in the drinks. After pretending to drink, they listened to music for a while, then rolled their eyes and collapsed.
Seeing their reactions, Yu Wan Yin and Xia Hou Dan guessed it was a knockout drug, so they copied the behavior, each falling limp.
Only then did the pretty girl stand up and say coldly: “Go call Mama.”
The madam soon arrived with people, ordering: “Tie them up and wake them with cold water.”
Yu Wan Yin was surprised inwardly: They had only asked about a male servant, yet the brothel’s reaction was so extreme. Could others in the brothel know Bei Zhou’s identity? That shouldn’t be the case—according to the original text, Bei Zhou had kept his identity well hidden.
Finding it suspicious, she wanted to observe a bit longer, so she kept her eyes closed and remained silent. Without orders, the shadow guards had to continue playing dead.
A basin of cold water came down, and Yu Wan Yin opened her eyes, coughing.
Madam: “Who sent you to inquire?”
Xia Hou Dan looked at Yu Wan Yin, then angrily said: “We were just asking casually. How can you tie up customers?”
The madam smiled coldly: “Won’t talk, eh? Then stay locked up here until you speak.”
She left them in the room, ordering the door to be locked.
As soon as everyone left, the shadow guards produced short daggers from their sleeves, helping each other cut their bonds, and then kneeling to free Xia Hou Dan and Yu Wan Yin.
Xia Hou Dan rubbed his wrists and sat back in the chair: “What now?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Climb out the window to find him?”
“…That works.”
The shadow guards hurriedly said: “Your Majesty and My Lady, please rest here. We’ll go search.” Two of them immediately climbed out, while the rest took positions by the doors and windows.
Yu Wan Yin looked at Xia Hou Dan again: “It might not be appropriate for you to be away from the palace too long. Why don’t you return first, and I’ll stay to monitor the situation?”
“It’s not urgent for another moment. Besides, if we find him, wouldn’t I need to use my face for him to recognize me?”
Yu Wan Yin sat beside him, picked up a fruit platter that hadn’t been cleared away, and started eating grapes selectively: “Want some?”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Xia Hou Dan: “Why do I feel like you’re enjoying yourself?”
Just a few days ago, she had seemed half-dead. How had she fully recovered so quickly?
Yu Wan Yin: “Being happy for a day or unhappy for a day—that’s the survival rule for us corporate slaves.”
She patted Xia Hou Dan: “CEO Dan, you’re just too used to having the Earth revolve around you, so your psychological gap is too big. Unlike us, who are accustomed to working for three months straight only to hear ‘the first draft was better.’ Only with a balanced mindset can we survive together until the end, right?”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Yu Wan Yin didn’t wait for an answer, unconcernedly switching to melon seeds. Just as she was about to ask if he wanted some, she heard him say: “Alright.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Alright what?”
Xia Hou Dan smiled without saying more.
The lookout shadow guard suddenly pressed his ear to the door and whispered: “Someone’s coming.”
Were the brothel people returning so quickly? Without time to think, everyone in the room quickly returned to their original positions, putting their hands behind their backs with only a small section of rope visible, pretending to still be tied up.
Yu Wan Yin gritted her teeth and asked: “What about the two who climbed out the window?”
Before Xia Hou Dan could answer, the door opened.
Unexpectedly, it wasn’t the earlier group, but an old janitor holding a broom with a cloth over his shoulder.
The old man glanced at them listlessly, then lowered his head and began cleaning up the fruit peels and shells, seemingly uncurious about why there were people tied up in the room.
Yu Wan Yin had just begun to relax when she suddenly tensed again.
She quietly tugged at Xia Hou Dan’s clothes, signaling with her eyes: It’s him!
Xia Hou Dan:?
Yu Wan Yin frantically blinked: He’s Bei Zhou!
Only a corporate slave knows a true corporate slave. This janitor had eyes that didn’t belong to a menial worker. When he withdrew his gaze, his inadvertently revealed expression was like that of a lone wolf.
So Bei Zhou had hidden himself in the brothel as an old janitor?
Xia Hou Dan seemed to have guessed as well. After hesitating for two seconds, he said: “Hey.”
The old man didn’t look up, just kept wiping the table.
Xia Hou Dan raised his voice: “Brother, your face seems familiar to me.”
The old man stopped and looked at him.
Xia Hou Dan: “Meeting like this must be fate. Since we’ve encountered each other, why not be honest and speak with our true faces?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the old man’s expression changed. He froze in place, staring fixedly at Xia Hou Dan. Their gazes clashed several times in midair until finally, he put down his clothes and slowly walked toward them.
Seeing his vigilant face with hints of hostility, Yu Wan Yin quickly tried to display a friendly smile: “Don’t misunderstand, we’re all friends here.”
She nudged Xia Hou Dan with her shoulder. Xia Hou Dan raised his hand to peel off his human skin mask: “I am…”
In that flash of time, many things happened again.
With Xia Hou Dan’s movement, the old man suddenly realized he wasn’t bound, and fierce light immediately exploded in his eyes.
Yu Wan Yin was still surprised by the intensity of that fierce light when she saw a blade appear in the opponent’s hand, lunging straight at Xia Hou Dan!
“Watch out!” Yu Wan Yin cried out.
With a tremendous noise, the door shattered—
She reached out to push Xia Hou Dan, while the shadow guards on both sides instantly jumped up to shield him—
However, right before their eyes, the old man’s form strangely tilted, as if lifted by an invisible gigantic force, his entire body falling sideways and lying motionless on the ground.
Still recovering from the shock, Yu Wan Yin looked down breathlessly and discovered a dagger protruding from the side of the old man’s neck, embedded so deeply it had almost pierced through the other side.
The shadow guards firmly protected Xia Hou Dan, turning their heads toward the door.
A large hole had been smashed in the door. Everyone was inwardly terrified—this dagger had been thrown from outside, breaking through the wooden door without losing momentum, and flying like it had eyes toward the old man’s neck, killing him instantly!
What monstrous internal strength could do this?!
The door was finally pushed open.
As those inside and outside faced each other, the scene fell into a deathly silence.
Outside stood the voluptuous, classically featured madam with the beauty mark.
Everyone: “…”
But the madam stared at Xia Hou Dan, trembling: “You…”
When she spoke, it was unexpectedly a man’s voice.
Yu Wan Yin turned to look and saw that Xia Hou Dan had already removed his disguise.
An absurd thought bubbled up in her mind as she looked at the madam incredulously: “You…”
Madam: “Dan’er?”
Yu Wan Yin: “Bei Zhou?”
Bei Zhou reached up and plucked off the beauty mark with a “pop,” while his skeleton made a series of muffled “crack” sounds. His figure visibly grew taller, and in the blink of an eye, he revealed his male appearance.
Yu Wan Yin had read about bone-shrinking techniques in novels, but the visual impact in person was still overwhelming.
She was so shocked her brain stopped working: “You-you-you’re Bei Zhou?”
Bei Zhou: “Dan’er, how did you know I was here?”
Yu Wan Yin looked at the person on the ground: “Then who is he? Why did he want to kill us?”
Bei Zhou: “No, how did you know someone like me existed in this world?”
Xia Hou Dan: “Stop. One at a time.”
A moment later, everyone sat around the table.
Xia Hou Dan: “Let’s answer Uncle Bei’s question first.” He was quite adaptable—after witnessing Bei Zhou’s skills, he smoothly added the term “Uncle.”
“I know about Uncle Bei because mother mentioned you in the letter she left behind.” Xia Hou Dan improvised.
Bei Zhou’s face showed reminiscence: “How did Nan’er write about me?”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Yu Wan Yin instantly composed an 800-word touching essay in her mind, with phrases like “returning home after ten dreamless years,” “yearning yet unable to meet,” and “mountain vows remain though brocade letters are hard to send.”
She gave Xia Hou Dan meaningful looks, trying to mentally transmit these ideas to him, hoping he would at least grasp the spirit.
Xia Hou Dan nodded with understanding.
Xia Hou Dan: “She said that in times of danger, I could find you.”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
What kind of deadly straight-man statement was that? Why not simply say “Bei Zhou, useful”?
Bei Zhou’s eyes reddened: “She remembered me.”
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
Xia Hou Dan: “So after I ascended the throne, I sent people to search everywhere. It took many years, and only recently did I get vague news of Uncle Bei’s whereabouts, so today I came to try my luck.” Seeing that he had passed this hurdle, he quickly changed the subject, “Uncle Bei, who is the person on the ground?”
Bei Zhou: “He’s been cleaning in this brothel for two years. I only became suspicious of him a few days ago when I found this in his room.”
He handed a stack of letters to Xia Hou Dan.
Yu Wan Yin leaned in to look and saw that the paper was filled with tiny characters, but they weren’t Chinese characters—curved and winding, in some unknown language.
Bei Zhou: “This man is a spy sent by the State of Yan. His orders were to assassinate nobles and officials to provoke internal chaos in our country. After discovering his secret correspondence, I’ve been observing him closely these past few days. When you came today asking about male servants, I thought you were looking for him, so I wanted to interrogate you… until just now when he tried to kill you, and I realized something was wrong.”
Xia Hou Dan understood: “So he tried to kill us because our vague inquiries made him think we were here to expose him?”
Yu Wan Yin remembered that there was indeed such a small country’s spy in the original text, but he ultimately failed. Under Prince Duan’s covert guidance, he only managed to assassinate an important minister from the Empress Dowager’s faction, essentially doing someone else’s bidding. After being captured, he was drawn and quartered by five horses, meeting a tragic end.
Bei Zhou: “Yan has been quite restless these past few years. It seems they’re truly desperate. You must be careful—kill one, and there might be others.”
Xia Hou Dan: “Fortunately, Uncle Bei saved my life today. To be honest, my situation in the palace is indeed dangerous, surrounded by enemies…” He sighed with perfect timing.
Bei Zhou immediately said: “Actually, I returned to the capital to protect you, but I was afraid you wouldn’t need my protection. Rest assured, Nan’er’s child is my child.”
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
Brother, your statement sounds a bit dangerous.
Bei Zhou had a strong jianghu temperament—he acted immediately after deciding. He quickly reverted to his madam form, reattached the beauty mark, and went out to resign.
During his time hiding in the brothel, he had cared for many unfortunate women, so he had good relationships. When he announced his departure, the pretty girls wept, calling him “Mama.”
The pretty girl who had drugged Xia Hou Dan earlier was likely his capable confidante, perhaps even something of a romantic interest. She tearfully asked: “Where are you going? Can you take me with you?”
Bei Zhou frowned deeply. He needed to enter the palace to protect Xia Hou Dan and certainly couldn’t bring anyone along.
Xia Hou Dan seized the opportunity to do a favor, whispering to him: “I will send people to redeem them and send them safely away.”
Bei Zhou said emotionally: “You’re truly like Nan’er, just as kind-hearted.”
As they left the brothel, Xia Hou Dan put his disguise back on, while Bei Zhou washed off the makeup, changed into men’s clothing, and blended in with the shadow guards. Looking at him now, his true appearance was indeed quite elegant and otherworldly, with the air of a chivalrous hero.
Yu Wan Yin flattered him: “Uncle Bei is truly handsome.”
Bei Zhou said regretfully: “What a pity, uncle actually prefers being a woman.”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
Did he just say something extraordinary?
Yu Wan Yin couldn’t help stealing another glance at Bei Zhou.
Wasn’t this man supposed to be secretly in love with Xia Hou Dan’s mother? Could it be that after his love interest entered the palace, heartbroken, during his jianghu adventures, wanting to master a divine skill, he raised his sword…
Yu Wan Yin felt a phantom chill.
While she was just wildly speculating in her mind, Xia Hou Dan asked directly: “Uncle Bei, could you tell me about your connection with my mother?”
Bei Zhou: “Nan’er was the only person in the world who understood me. Only she never despised me and accepted me as her good sister.”
Xia Hou Dan: “…”
Yu Wan Yin: “…”
Bei Zhou: “It’s a pity she departed so young, leaving you all alone.” He looked at Xia Hou Dan affectionately, “Now that Nan’er is gone, uncle will be your mother from now on.”
Xia Hou Dan: “………”
Xia Hou Dan: “Thank you, Uncle.”
The group returned to the palace, and Bei Zhou was somewhat surprised: “You want me to stay in the Noble Consort’s palace?”
Xia Hou Dan: “Yes, there might be spies around me, but the Noble Consort’s quarters have fewer servants, making it easier to talk.”
Bei Zhou followed behind them, observing the layers of shadow guards arranged around the Noble Consort’s palace, and smiled: “I didn’t expect street rumors to sometimes be correct.”
Yu Wan Yin: “Hmm?”
Bei Zhou examined her carefully: “Dan’er truly holds this Noble Consort in his heart.”
Yu Wan Yin: “…” You misunderstand; he only needs what’s in my memory.
Wait, how far has my reputation as an evil consort spread? Is it because I was promoted too quickly?
Yu Wan Yin laughed dryly as she retreated behind Xia Hou Dan, lowering her eyes in a pretense of shyness.
Unexpectedly, Xia Hou Dan was even more into the role than she was. He reached back to hold her hand and sincerely told Bei Zhou: “Uncle Bei has seen through us, so we won’t hide it anymore. Please treat her as you would me, and be sure to keep her safe.”
Yu Wan Yin: “?”
Is it necessary to act to this extent?
Bei Zhou looked back and forth, displaying what seemed to be an auntie-like smile: “Don’t worry.”
This strange awkwardness hadn’t fully dissipated for Yu Wan Yin even by nightfall.
Bei Zhou had already gone to the Wei mansion to retrieve the book. Xia Hou Dan asked if he needed any assistance, but he waved dismissively: “Taking more people would only slow me down. Don’t wait up for me; sleep well.”
This sentence finally revealed a hint of arrogance befitting someone at the peak of martial prowess.
So the Spider Cave duo could only wait for news in the Noble Consort’s palace. After finishing their candlelit dinner, and then a candlelit late-night snack, Bei Zhou still hadn’t returned.
Yu Wan Yin paced anxiously, while Xia Hou Dan calmly sipped some wine: “The Wei mansion is being watched by various factions. He’ll need to sneak in when everyone is most relaxed, which will definitely be in the early hours.”
Yu Wan Yin: “I understand the logic. It’s just that since we transmigrated here, many plot points have changed, so I’m uneasy.”
Xu Yao wasn’t supposed to die, and Bei Zhou lived for a long time in the original text, but who could be certain now?
Xia Hou Dan: “Don’t worry. The worst that can happen is death.”
Yu Wan Yin: “…Thank you, I really feel comforted now.”
Xia Hou Dan laughed quietly. With the effects of alcohol, his face finally had some color, no longer as pale as usual. Yu Wan Yin looked at him for a few seconds, and that strange feeling surfaced again.
Beauty under lamplight—even average looks can seem perfect, not to mention an originally bewitching character who was now practically transcendent.
Perhaps it was because she had some wine with the late-night snack, or perhaps because comfort leads to certain thoughts, or maybe it was due to Bei Zhou’s exaggerated reactions earlier.
She suddenly realized just how handsome Xia Hou Dan was.
It wasn’t that Yu Wan Yin didn’t understand aesthetics—she simply dared not indulge in them. In the face of survival, all considerations of beauty or ugliness became negligible.
Take Prince Duan, for instance—who could say he wasn’t handsome? But when Yu Wan Yin saw his handsome face, it was like seeing a brightly colored mushroom; she only wanted to run away.
Strangely, facing the true villain Xia Hou Dan, her herbivore-like vigilance grew increasingly weak, almost impossible to maintain by instinct alone.