Pulling Strings

Indeed, having a back door is a good thing, and having a concealed back door is even better. Clearly, Li Yexuan, who came with me, fully realized this as well. He praised my little back door for being so ingenious; if I hadn't told him, he wouldn't have noticed there was a door here at all.

I can bet that when Li Yexuan returns, he'll probably install a few inconspicuous back doors at the Night King’s residence too.

The daughter of a fallen kingdom, escaped from the General’s Manor and now wandering outside—of course, one must occasionally prepare a secret passage or hidden route for oneself. Who knows when the need to escape might arise again?

If it hadn’t been for my secret tunnel back then, I wouldn’t have been able to save my brother’s life.

I crouched down and went in, though perhaps my crouching was a bit exaggerated. I saw Li Yexuan cover his mouth as if he were laughing; I glared at him fiercely, and he turned his head away.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Master.” Qingzhu saw me and hurried over.

“Qingzhu.”

“Master, you’re finally back. There’s someone causing trouble up front, saying the hair ornaments we sold have an issue.”

“I already know, I’ll go over right away.”

“Wait.” Just as I was about to leave with Qingzhu, Li Yexuan called out to stop me.

“What is it? Are you planning to go with me?” There was only a small profit at stake, so I wasn’t sure whether to let him come along.

“Are you sure you want to go out like that?”

Only then did I realize. I sent Qingzhu ahead, went to my own room, and asked Li Yexuan to have tea outside while I changed in the inner chamber. I put on a light blue men’s outfit and even applied a touch of makeup.

Yunrong and Qiao Ruoqing had obviously come looking for trouble, so I ought to prepare myself before going out. Besides, how could I not disguise myself, even if just a little? It still made a difference.

Once my attire was in order, I stepped out and met Li Yexuan’s gaze.

“Well, how is it?” I was asking about my technique.

“Now you look like a real person.”

“Ha.” With a wave of my folding fan, there was no sign left of a delicate young lady.

“So wary of Yunheng—even though he’s your master.”

I thought Li Yexuan wouldn’t bring up such matters, but clearly he couldn’t help himself.

“Since we’re partners now, I’ll speak plainly. I did indeed escape from the General’s Manor.”

“Are you trying to drag me down with you?” Li Yexuan set down his teacup and looked at me again.

His gaze was somewhat enchanting, and for a moment I was lost in it.

Is that foolish infatuation rising again, after being buried for so long?

“It can be said so, or not. Now I have to go deal with the trouble. Are you interested in watching the commotion?” I stood and walked out, not caring whether Li Yexuan followed.

“Do I look like someone who’d miss such excitement?”

Li Yexuan, as expected, followed after me. Now things were looking up—I had some backing.