Chapter 128: You Will Know Once You Go

Baili Leren arrived at the Gu residence around noon and managed to secure a meal there.

During the meal, he brought up the topic with casual intent, saying to Gu Wanfeng, "Uncle, I’ve heard that the world is on the verge of change. The royal city may no longer be a safe haven, so I would like to ask you for a favor."

Gu Wanfeng was a man who always possessed a natural, effortless elegance, carrying an air of distinction that few could match—a trait Baili Leren greatly admired. Even at first glance, he felt Gu Wanfeng was more impressive than his own father, commanding respect from the very depths of one's heart. Unlike his own father...

Gu Wanfeng finished his meal, took the handkerchief offered by a maid to clean his hands, and wiped the corners of his mouth before speaking in a leisurely tone: "We are not outsiders, so why speak of favors? If you have something to say, just say it."

Hearing this, Baili Leren stopped his chopsticks and grinned cheekily. "Well, my father said the world is turning chaotic and told me to be careful when I go out. I think, as a man, it doesn't matter if I face some trouble. But Le'er is a young lady; although she is very capable, I still worry. So, I was wondering if I could visit more often?"

Gu Wanfeng cast a glance at Baili Leren, which startled him so much he quickly tucked his hands under the table. He gave Gu Wanfeng a sheepish smile, his heart fluttering with uncertainty.

Sitting nearby, Gu Le'er’s eyes instantly sparkled with delight, her elegant neck stretching into a graceful arc. She stole a shy glance at Baili Leren, and even her movements while eating became noticeably more reserved.

As Baili Leren waited for a response that didn't come, he grew uneasy. "Is... is that not allowed?"

Gu Wanfeng was silent for a moment before he suddenly chuckled. "You silly boy..."

"W-what does that mean?" Was that a yes?

Gu Wanfeng smiled without a word, leaving the space to the two of them.

Receiving no direct answer, Baili Leren grew anxious and stood up to chase after him to ask for clarity. Just as he left his seat, Gu Le'er kicked him.

He turned around, exclaiming, "Why did you kick me?"

Gu Le'er put down her chopsticks and pouted coquettishly. "Idiot."

"What do you mean? Le'er, what was idiotic about that?"

"My father's meaning was so obvious, can't you see it?" Seeing his foolish expression, Gu Le'er grew exasperated and pinched him several times.

"Stop... stop! Do you mean your father agreed?" Baili Leren dodged the pinches; though women might look soft and delicate, a pinch or a twist was truly painful.

"Duh! If he didn't agree, would he have let you stay for dinner? You blockhead, why did you have to go digging for more?"

"I'm an idiot, I'm an idiot." Baili Leren leaned close to Gu Le'er, fawning, "Le'er, can I tell you something?"

"What do you want?" Gu Le'er looked back at him, her eyes full of suspicion.

"You know Ji Jiao, right?"

"Oh, I see! No wonder your mouth was so sweet today. So you lot are planning to go out and fool around again? Tell me, are you all still thinking about Lin Jin'er?"

"No, no! It’s just that Ji Jiao got injured the other day, his ribs were broken—what beauty could I be thinking of? I’m just going to check on him, and if he’s fine, I’ll head straight back to the Baili estate. I definitely won't be wasting time out there. If you don't believe me, I can swear to it."

Gu Le'er rolled her eyes at him. "Save it. Go and come back quickly."

"Right, yes!" Seeing her agreement, he was so happy he could fly, but he decided to compose himself. He put on a serious face and said, "My dear Le'er, I'll come see you again tomorrow."

With that, he snatched a kiss when no one was looking and dashed away.

Gu Le'er was stunned, frozen in place. By the time she regained her senses and wanted to chase him down, he was already far away. A rosy flush spread across her face. No matter how headstrong she was, she was still a young woman at heart; Baili Leren’s bold move had stirred ripples in her soul.

Her maid, Shuiyue, quietly walked up behind her and said, "The Young Master of Baili is truly kind to you, Miss."

Hearing this, Gu Le'er’s face turned even redder. "You wicked girl, even you are teasing me!" She chased after the maid.

"Giggle, no, no..."

In an instant, the sound of laughter filled the garden.

***

Gu Wanfeng watched his daughter and the maid chasing each other from a corner and suddenly said to the person behind him, "Go to the Xi Garden and tell them the house arrest is lifted."

"Yes."

"Also, tell Huai Yin: until the deed is done, Baili Suhe must not die easily. Let him handle certain matters himself, and quickly."

"But, Master, I have heard that a man named Yun Xingyu has recently joined Baili Suhe’s side. His cultivation is far above Huai Yin's, and he seems to be on guard against him. Every time Huai Yin tried to kill Zou Jiren, this person intervened. If we want to act again, I fear they are already prepared, and success will be difficult."

Gu Wanfeng pondered and said, "In that case, tell Huai Yin to find a way to regain their trust. If he cannot, he must eliminate the threat. If he fails in that too, then his own life has reached its end."

"Yes."

"Also, how is the situation with the 'Sinner'?"

"Reporting to Master, ever since the Three Evils intervened to save Hua Zhongying, the Twin Evil Sect has refused to take any more such contracts. As for Hua Zhongying, since returning to the Demon Realm, he has been ordered to block the Four Righteous Alliance at the foot of Baimiao Peak. I hear the Alliance has suffered heavy losses and has retreated from Baimiao Peak, now entrenched at Qiyun Ridge, seemingly attempting to gather more forces."

"Useless trash." Gu Wanfeng withdrew his gaze and turned to Ding Miao. "Never mind. It does not matter if the Twin Evil Sect refuses. Give them enough silver to tie up the loose ends and ensure their silence. As for Hua Zhongying, leave him be for now. Huai Xihe is a man who always seeks revenge; as long as he is fixated on Hua Zhongying, the game can continue."

"I will go and make arrangements."

"Go."

Ding Miao bowed and retreated. Gu Wanfeng looked back at Gu Le'er’s retreating figure before turning to feed his bird. Truth be told, he didn't know which bird this was by now.

The bird, knowing no sorrow, hopped joyfully in its cage. Seeing Gu Wanfeng, it chirped in welcome.

"Little thing, is this delicious?"

He opened the cage, took a handful of birdseed in his palm, and let it peck slowly. The bird hopped onto his palm, pecking away at the food.

Gu Wanfeng’s pupils suddenly contracted. "Are you not afraid?"

The bird chirped a few times, buried its head to eat a few more seeds, and then hopped aside to preen its feathers. Gu Wanfeng pulled his hand back, closed the cage, and placed the remaining seed on the table.

"Do not trust people too much," he said, then vanished from the garden.

***

Ding Miao left the Gu residence and went first to the Twin Evil Sect to deliver the money. This time, only a subordinate handled him, showing that the sect was still quite troubled by the previous incident. He wasn't surprised; after conveying Gu Wanfeng’s message, he headed to the Xi Garden.

It was worth noting that although Sui Yuren was Gu Wanfeng's adopted daughter, she was not like Gu Le'er, who could reside in a separate garden within the main manor. Instead, she was kept outside, with the excuse that she preferred tranquility. In reality, she barely saw her father twice a year. Whether she tried to send a message through the matrons or went to the Gu residence herself, she was denied an audience unless Gu Wanfeng summoned her. The matrons serving her were sharp-eyed and naturally treated her with feigned compliance.

Sui Yuren had suffered much since childhood, but that didn't matter. Regardless, to her, Gu Wanfeng was the one who gave her hope. Because of him, she survived in this world. Therefore, even when punished upon her return, she accepted it.

However, the "mistake" in her mind and the mistake in Gu Wanfeng's eyes were two different things. According to Gu Wanfeng’s original arrangement, he intended for her to wander outside. When she escaped from Liuxin Pavilion, he had her knocked unconscious and thrown into the Teng Sea while she was disoriented. The purpose was to provide her with a logical reason for having "run away from home" after she was rescued.

Additionally, it served to test whether Huai Yin and Yi Qingchen had entered the Human Emperor Island. If all went well, Sui Yuren would naturally return alive, because Huai Yin would not let her die. This was the fundamental reason why she could appear in the Teng Sea after being severely wounded, despite the vast distance between Liuxin Pavilion and Human Emperor Island.

However, Sui Yuren still could not remember how she had arrived at the Teng Sea.

After hearing Ding Miao, Huai Yin felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He had always thought that this girl, being the second mistress, must have lived better than them. It turned out she was merely a pawn that could be discarded at any time. He couldn't help but wonder: what if he hadn't gone to Human Emperor Island? What if he hadn't followed A-Xiao to the seaside?

Ding Miao glanced at the girl happily playing in the garden, oblivious to her house arrest being lifted, and said, "Don't think too much about 'what ifs.' The Master's plans never have 'what ifs'."

He paused, then added, "Also, the Master has a message for you."

"What is it?"

"Before the grand plan is complete, Baili Suhe must not die."

Huai Yin was silent for a long time. "I understand the Master's meaning, but if I return, Yun Xingyu will surely be suspicious of me, and Zou Jiren holds my secret. No matter how I look at it, this is not a good opportunity."

"I told the Master about your concerns, but he has issued a strict order: if Zou Jiren cannot be eliminated, you must find a way to regain their trust. If you cannot, you know the Master's rules."

"I understand." Huai Yin sighed, suddenly at a loss for words. He gave a self-deprecating smile.

Ding Miao knew his predicament. When Huai Yin was tasked with approaching Baili Suhe, he hadn't been optimistic. Huai Yin was a man of deep sentiment; in the end, he would either fail or carry the burden of guilt for a lifetime. He had tried to plead for mercy on Huai Yin's behalf several times, but was always rejected. The Master had said flatly that Huai Yin's capacity for sentiment was his most powerful weapon when staying by Baili Suhe's side. Because his feelings could not be faked, and because they were profound, he would not arouse suspicion. Even if one day he were exposed, that very sentiment would be his means of escaping unscathed.

"Take care of yourself. I cannot stay long." With that, he patted Huai Yin on the shoulder and left.

Huai Yin tapped his hand, signaling he understood. He could still distinguish what mattered most.

"Right, this is for you."

After walking a few steps, Ding Miao remembered a letter in his pocket. He handed it to Huai Yin and then hurried out of the Xi Garden.

Seeing Ding Miao leave, Sui Yuren approached, her hands behind her back, hopping as she went. "What were you looking at? So secretive. Give it here!"

Huai Yin finished reading the letter and hurriedly tucked it into his sleeve. "The Master wants me to stay at the Xi Garden to look after you from now on, but you must not reveal my identity to anyone. If someone asks, say you were saved by me. I felt pity that you were alone, so I stayed."

"Did you remember that?"

Sui Yuren’s hands, which had been behind her back, unconsciously loosened. She turned away, looking down and kicking the ground. "But I was saved by you, anyway."

She turned back suddenly, grinning. "Is there something wrong with that?"

Huai Yin’s face darkened. This heartless girl—he had been worrying for nothing.

He urged, "Enough, you silly thing. Go change your clothes quickly; I’m taking you to meet someone."

"Meet who?" Sui Yuren was full of suspicion. They didn't seem to have any friends in the royal city.

"You'll know when we get there."