From the moment the idea took root, Bai Qingqing had thought of Suiyun Pavilion.
Qiyue had once told her that Suiyun Pavilion could get anything one desired—so long as the price was right.
At this point, Bai Qingqing was willing to pay any price. The very next day, she went to Yanlai Tower to find Qiyue, hoping to ask the Pavilion for some capable assistance.
“I’ve read in those storybooks about miraculous things that can change one’s appearance, and weapons that are perfect for self-defense. If Sister Qiyue could help me keep an eye out—and if there’s a trustworthy guard to hire, even better. Money’s no object.”
She wasn’t boasting—she really did have money.
Suiyun Pavilion’s profits were hers in large part, and Qingxin House brought in steady earnings as well. A proper little tycoon, there weren’t many women in Xuancheng who could match her fortune.
Qiyue looked at her, worry etched into her brows. “You’re really going to the southwest? That’s a long way. How can you manage that journey alone?”
“That’s why I came to you for help.”
Bai Qingqing placed her full trust in Qiyue, speaking without reserve. “I plan to leave quietly, without anyone noticing. Honestly, I don’t have much confidence, so I came to ask if you, with your knowledge and experience, might have some advice—or something useful I could take with me?”
Qiyue’s heart grew heavy. What use was talk now? Surviving the jianghu wasn’t something one could cram for like an exam.
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“Don’t worry just yet. Leave it to me. As it happens, Suiyun Pavilion really does have items that can alter appearances. Let me see what I can find.”
After Bai Qingqing left, Qiyue went straight to Ning Yan, urgency clear on her face. “My lord, Qingqing’s just a girl—she’s never left Xuancheng before. The road to the southwest is full of danger. Please, think of a way to help her.”
Ning Yan’s face was dark, expressionless. “What am I supposed to do? She didn’t come to me.”
Qiyue couldn’t read his thoughts and spoke with careful hesitation. “Maybe Qingqing didn’t want to drag you into this. She knows your rank draws attention, and people are always watching. But she’s being far too stubborn—she’s young and beautiful, and she’s traveling alone. Who knows what she might face on the road? My lord, can you really sit back and do nothing?”
Ning Yan lowered his head, a flicker of irritation flashing between his brows. “If she’s made up her mind, she must have her own way of handling things.”
“My lord—”
“Leave.”
Qiyue bit her tongue and withdrew unwillingly. The scroll in Ning Yan’s hand had been creased from how tightly he gripped it. Something this serious, and Bai Qingqing hadn’t even considered coming to him?
…
“What do you think the reason is?”
Pei Lingshu cradled his wine like it was something precious. “Probably because she didn’t want to trouble you. You’ve helped her before, and she’s grateful—but girls her age, they’re shy about asking too much. Seems normal to me.”
“Is that really it? I don’t buy it.”
“Then go ask her yourself. Qingqing’s not the type to beat around the bush. You ask, she’ll answer.”
“Qingqing?”
Ning Yan narrowed his eyes. “When did the two of you get so close?”
Pei Lingshu rolled his eyes. “We’ve always been close. She calls me Brother Pei, so what’s wrong if I call her Qingqing?”
Ning Yan snatched the wine cup from his hand with a scoff of disdain. “So it’s just ‘Brother Pei.’ What are you so proud of?”
Pei Lingshu wanted to throttle him. Proud? Who the hell was proud?
But now that they were on the subject, Pei Lingshu curled his lip. “'Just'? Then what does Qingqing call you? Don’t tell me it’s even more intimate than that?”
“Of course it is.”
Ning Yan lifted his chin slightly, the smile tugging at his lips sly like a fox. “She calls me ‘Brother Yan.’”
Pei Lingshu froze. “Huh? Not ‘Brother Yanyan’?”