Chapter 36: His mouth, in his mouth… how did she know…

Chapter 36: His mouth... how could she know...

In the rain outside the city gates, the two groups faced each other.

Hidden in the alley, Miao Niang and Mu Lang watched as Xue Li seemed acquainted with those people. Their eyes filled with shock and suspicion, they held their breaths, afraid of being discovered.

Miao Niang's gaze flickered between Xue Li and the disheveled Ming Jing. The rain masked the emotions in her eyes, and the sound of the downpour drowned out the distant commotion.

Amid the standoff at the city gates, someone held an umbrella for Prefect Gao, who frowned at the youngsters' antics before him.

His square jaw was set in stern severity. Lin Ye, Liang Chen, and Xue Li remained unfazed, while the fleeing Ming Jing grew increasingly timid, her eyes darting about, unable to meet the gaze of her nominal 'father-in-law.'

Not only did Ming Jing avoid Prefect Gao's stare, but she also stole curious glances at Xue Li along with the others.

First glance—wow. Second glance—wow!

The young man who’d been needling her along the way wasn’t as indifferent to beauty as he seemed. The instant the beauty stepped close, his first instinct was to give her his hat.

Under the pouring rain, the snow-white girl took the hat, appearing even more enigmatic.

Just who was she?

If it were any other young lady from Southern Zhou, being so intimately shielded by a man in public would surely have made her turn beet red. Yet as Ming Jing discreetly observed, the veil obscured whether Xue Li’s face had reddened—but the young man who had given her the hat was turning redder by the second.

Before Ming Jing could soak it in, Liang Chen hastily handed his own hat to Lin Ye.

Lin Ye shot Liang Chen a glare: *Now I seem fragile.*

Ming Jing shot Liang Chen a glare: *Now I can’t see his blushing face anymore.*

Liang Chen, clueless yet weirdly sharp: "..."

Prefect Gao’s steady voice broke the silent back-and-forth: "What proof do you have?"

His eyes locked onto Xue Li.

Lin Ye’s heart clenched, caught between delight at Xue Li’s sudden appearance and dread that her unconventional words might disrupt his plans.

With so much at stake, even the slightest change could have far-reaching consequences. If she ruined his plans, should he forgive her or not?

Xue Li’s heart was utterly calm.

With the hat shielding her from the rain, she felt a strange calm.

She tilted her head up, looking at the Prefect and his entourage and spoke softly, "He was only in Xiangzhou briefly for a matter. While here, he recalled a childhood friend he had lost long ago. He would never do anything improper with your future daughter-in-law, for he is currently on his way to his own wedding. It’s merely a longing he couldn’t shake as he grew older."

Lin Ye’s tense heart slowly eased.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he gazed at Xue Li, though he restrained himself from looking too long, battling his racing heart.

Xue Li continued, "He asked me to help find her and told me the traits of that childhood friend. He wandered the city wearing a mask every day, all to search for her. If his motives were shady, why would he dare to act so openly?"

Lin Ye: "..."

Ming Jing listened in a daze. After Xue Li’s explanation, she half-wondered if she truly had some forgotten past with this young man.

No, no, no.

She had never met this young man before today. The only reason she came to see him now was because the uproar he stirred up was impossible to ignore.

She had fallen from power, pursued relentlessly from the Western Regions to Great Zhou. In her desperate attempts to save herself, she sent messages to many places in Great Zhou. Some ignored her; others couldn’t even locate her.

This young man was one of just two people who had recently tried to approach and negotiate with her. The other willing contact came from Bianjing in Northern Zhou—their letters were vague, full of leading questions, yet they refused to reveal their true identity.

Ming Jing had often heard that the people of Great Zhou were insufferably arrogant. If she weren’t desperate, she would never have wanted to deal with these two-faced schemers.

Pressing her lips together, Ming Jing listened intently, waiting to see what nonsense he’d spout.

So who are you, then?” Prefect Gao asked. “How can you prove this is merely a 'reunion of old friends' and not something else?”

I’m his lover,” Xue Li replied after a moment’s thought.

Lin Ye’s eyes instantly brightened as he gaped at her.

Liang Chen’s nerves were frayed—*The young master and the Snow Girl?!*

*The young master and the Snow Girl?!*

A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd as everyone’s expressions shifted, their gazes reassessing Lin Ye and Xue Li.

Lin Ye’s face burned red, but fortunately, his hat’s veil hid it.

Xue Li felt no shyness, only calculating the best move before settling on what she deemed the most suitable lie: “If I weren’t his lover, if I didn’t know for certain that he shares no lingering affection for his childhood sweetheart, why would I agree to help him search for her? If I weren’t in on the truth, why wouldn’t I be jealous or angry? Why would I willingly assist him?”

Her tone was monotone as still water—but whether it was still or not hardly mattered now.

Prefect Gao was left speechless by her odd but airtight logic.

Amid the pouring rain, one of the prefect’s clerks shouted, “You’re lying! You just said he was about to get married!”

She replied smoothly, “He’s a romantic at heart. On one hand, he is preparing for marriage; on another, he cannot bear to part with me; and yet another, he still longs for his childhood sweetheart. But he must grow up eventually. He must sever these superfluous emotions and commit fully to his bride.”

In the eerie silence that followed, all eyes turned to Lin Ye.

Looking up at the sky, Lin Ye said, “Indeed. I am precisely such a romantic.”

His voice was elegant yet playful, making it hard to dislike him—yet everyone was stunned by his shamelessness.

--

Through the rain, Ah Zeng arrived with Dou Yan on horseback, searching for the young master.

As they reached the mouth of the alley, Ah Zeng immediately sensed the tense atmosphere. Sniffling, she slid off the horse, following Ah Zeng as they crouched at the alley’s entrance. Her lips curled into a smug grin as she peeked out—

Among the gathered crowd, Dou Yan’s gaze instantly locked onto Xue Li, her white robes fluttering.

Surrounded by the clamoring crowd, Xue Li stood beside a young man wearing a hat. Dou Yan was certain that beneath that hat, Xue Li’s expression remained utterly calm.

A chill spread through Dou Yan’s body, freezing her heart inch by inch until she stiffened completely.

*The Snow Girl.*

Her nightmare had returned.

--

Under the city gate, Prefect Gao suddenly turned his gaze to Lin Ye.

His eyes dark and profound, Prefect Gao asked, “What is the name of my family’s soon-to-be bride?”

Thought, *We’re screwed.* Liang Chen inwardly cursed.

They only knew the name Ming Jing of Fulan, not the real bride's name that Ming Jing was replacing.

Lin Ye’s heart sank.

Ming Jing panicked, regretting her earlier wariness toward these two gentlemen and not having clarified things with them.

What should she do now? Ming Jing thought of quietly approaching Lin Ye to give him some hints, but Prefect Gao’s icy stare pinned her down, keeping her from acting rashly.

Lin Ye wore a smile on his face.

His hand tensed in his sleeve, channeling his inner energy.

He quickly calculated whether he and Liang Chen could overpower the prefect with so many enemies around. The prefect was no martial artist, but this was the city gate tower—archers above had them in their sights—

Xiangzhou was a key military hub.

Between the two great battlefronts of Southern Zhou and Northern Zhou, Sichuan counted as one, and Jianghuai as the other. The key stronghold in Sichuan was Jinzhou, while the focal point of the Jianghuai battlefield was Xiangzhou.

He hadn’t come to Xiangzhou on a whim—he had deliberately chosen this military stronghold.

If he fought the enemy now, could he truly win? Xue Li was a skilled fighter, but how could he be sure she would help him?

A cold sweat broke out on Lin Ye’s back.

Keeping his smile in place, he was about to slowly issue an order when a crisp, girlish voice pierced the rain and reached his ears: "Miao Niang."

Xue Li looked at Prefect Gao. "Your soon-to-be daughter-in-law, my sweetheart’s childhood love, is named Miao Niang."

The prefect and his men were stunned silent.

Liang Chen and Ming Jing were each astonished, while Lin Ye’s eyes gleamed, speculating about Xue Li's new encounters over the past three days.

Lin Ye reined in his murderous intent and swept forward smoothly, speaking gently, "Indeed, Prefect Gao, you see, I wasn’t lying. Even A Xue knows the name of my old friend I wished to see—'Miao Niang.'"

Lin Ye glanced at Ming Jing beside him, sorrowful. "Miao Niang is getting married, and I, too, am about to wed. Things are different now—we just wanted to catch up. Miao Niang has much to prepare for her wedding and can’t get away much. But since I’ll soon leave this place, I had to pull this stunt to see her one last time."

Lin Ye said earnestly, "We truly weren’t planning to elope."

Ming Jing was awestruck.

Xue Li’s mind wandered.

The crowd gaped.

Liang Chen’s mouth quirked.

They—somehow—pulled it off.

Such an outrageous lie—Lin Ye and the Snow Girl, without any prior coordination, had actually made it sound plausible... What else could Prefect Gao say?

Prefect Gao had no comeback.

Prefect Gao said, "In that case, it was my baseless suspicion that led to this misunderstanding. Since you, young friend, only wished to visit my daughter-in-law, you could have simply come as a guest. Would I have turned you away?"

Lin Ye apologized sincerely, "It was my oversight."

Lin Ye was so sweet-tongued, his attitude so impeccable. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Prefect Gao had no desire to play the villain. He glanced around, and his subordinates obediently lowered their heads, ready to settle the matter.

Prefect Gao said offhandedly, "Miao Niang will marry my son in four days."

Ming Jing almost couldn’t catch her breath. She dared not move, only casting pleading glances at the two young men.

Lin Ye reacted swiftly: "Then this humble one will show up shamelessly for a sip of wedding wine."

Prefect Gao nodded.

Prefect Gao then asked, "How may I address you, young friend?"

Lin Ye bowed gracefully, exuding the elegance of a noble gentleman: "This unworthy one is Lin Chunshan, apologies for the intrusion, Prefect."

Lin Chunshan.

Xue Li, whose distracted gaze had wandered, now turned back to Lin Ye.

--

Under the heavy rain, an attendant held an umbrella as Prefect Gao walked toward his carriage. The others crowded around Ming Jing, ushering the unwilling Ming Jing away.

Ming Jing only had time to blink hastily at her rescuers behind her: Don’t forget to save me.

Before boarding the carriage, the Prefect’s aide whispered resentfully, "Prefect, you’re not actually buying their act, are you? These young people cannot be so simple."

The Prefect remained silent.

The aide persisted: "Recently, many strange people have come to Xiangzhou, from all corners of the land, a mixed bag. Their purposes are unclear, and we must be even more cautious. Now that the young master is about to marry, this whole thing stinks to me."

Rain streaked the Prefect’s stony expression.

The aide added, "If they screw up our plans..."

The Prefect cut him off, "Silence."

--

As Prefect Gao's entourage retreated, the atmosphere among Lin Ye's trio relaxed.

Ah Zeng, who had been observing from the shadows, ready to assist at any moment, let out a relieved sigh and motioned to Dou Yan behind him to approach their young master.

When Ah Zeng and Dou Yan emerged from the alley, Xue Li turned her head to look at Lin Ye.

Behind the veil, Lin Ye, grinning ear to ear, laughed with eyes crinkling with laughter: "Why are you looking at me?"

Xue Li stared at his swaying figure, like a willow in the breeze: "Aren't you called Lin Ye?"

Lin Ye froze.

His gaze settled on Xue Li, his brilliant eyes like pebbles dropped into a starry lake, clearer than the rain at that moment.

Clutching his chest, he laughed exaggeratedly: "Wow, you remembered! I’m touched. All those prayers and incense weren’t wasted..."

Liang Chen thought: This guy’s insane.

Yet Xue Li didn’t find Lin Ye insane.

She watched him quietly, waiting for his theatrics to end before saying, "Yes, I remembered."

The rain poured, and the bustling crowd pressed around them.

For a moment, Lin Ye’s heart skipped a beat.

Something wordless swelled in his chest. This sudden surge stole the words from his silver tongue, his throat went dry.

He could only stare at her dumbly, closing the distance between them: "Xue Li..."

Before he could finish speaking, Prefect Gao, who was about to board his carriage, suddenly turned back and shouted, "Young Lord Lin—"

Ah Zeng and Dou Yan, approaching from a distance, halted their steps, while Lin Ye and Xue Li turned to look.

In front of the carriage, Prefect Gao’s figure was obscured by a large umbrella, but his voice carried over: "Prince, since you've come to Xiangzhou, why hide your face?"

Lin Ye lifted the gauze of his bamboo hat.

At that moment, everyone else faded into the background. Under the heavy rain, only Prefect Gao and Lin Ye locked eyes, their gazes icy.

This was both a test and a warning.

It was a message to Lin Ye—Xiangzhou knew he was the Prince, knew he was here for the political marriage. The claims he had made earlier, Prefect Gao didn’t believe a word of them. But the Prefect wouldn’t expose him outright; he was merely warning him: if the Prince had no other business here, it would be best to leave the city soon.

After Lin Ye entered the city, Prefect Gao had long been keeping an eye on the marriage delegation.

Lin Ye’s bold demeanor made the delegation all the more conspicuous. With the hopes of the Southern Zhou and Northern Zhou political marriage resting on him, Xiangzhou—a crucial military hub—couldn’t afford to ignore Lin Ye.

Ming Jing, already being ushered into the carriage, heard the Prefect’s words and lifted the carriage curtain in shock: The Prince?! He’s the one Southern Zhou sent for the political marriage?

Facing the bewildered stares around him, Lin Ye slowly smiled.

Lin Ye cupped his hands toward the Prefect again, grinning. "I truly didn’t wish to make a grand entrance... but alas, I stand out too much. Even if I try to hide, I can’t escape recognition."

He spoke with polite courtesy: "Prefect Gao, you’ve ruled Xiangzhou exceptionally well. As a military hub, its people live in peace, free from war’s scars. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve heard nothing but praise for you. I shall surely report this to Emperor Guangyi and request he reward you accordingly."

Prefect Gao’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He was unsettled—was the Prince genuinely impressed, or had he guessed something?

No, impossible. His own actions were too well concealed. This Prince had only been in the city for three or four days; there was no way he could know anything.

But what if the Prince’s detour to Xiangzhou was secretly ordered by Emperor Guangyi to investigate something?

Ever since the death of General of the Shining Night, border officials like him had been wary, fearing they might share the same fate.

Prefect Gao could read nothing from the young man’s smile and simply replied, "I’m undeserving. Earlier, I offended you, Young Lord. Your visit to Xiangzhou is an honor. Tomorrow, I shall hold a banquet at my residence to welcome you properly. I hope you will grace us with your presence?"

Lin Ye agreed without hesitation. "I’d be delighted."

--

Thus, the standoff came to an end.

As Prefect Gao and his entourage departed, Miao Niang and Mu Lang, hiding in the shadows, never dared to reveal themselves. Xue Li checked later and found they had slipped off, likely frightened by the tension at the gate and retreated to their inn to dispose of the bodies.

Xue Li pondered visiting the lovers again that night to discuss their escape from the city. When she returned to Lin Ye’s side, her eyes lingered briefly.

Two more people had joined Lin Ye.

Guard A, and...

Dou Yan lowered her head, avoiding Xue Li’s eyes, and said meekly, "I didn’t say anything, and I don’t know anything."

Xue Li’s gaze shifted away.

Xue Li said, "You can say anything you wish."

Dou Yan’s eyes flickered subtly, but she feigned innocence and pretended confusion.

Xue Li suddenly noticed that Dou Yan had eyes like mountain springs and a graceful, delicate air, quite similar to Miao Niang. However, she stayed out of other people’s business and had little faith in her skill at identifying people, so she brushed the matter off.

Xue Li simply said, "The fact that you’re here now means Little Peacock definitely already knows both our identities. Whether you speak or not makes no difference."

Dou Yan looked at Lin Ye in genuine shock—this time, she was truly astonished.

Lin Ye coughed lightly.

He seemed a little embarrassed and turned his face away. "Ah, well, I’m not *that* flawless at scheming."

Xue Li: "I never said you were infallible."

Lin Ye made a face.

Ah Zeng held back a laugh, while Liang Chen burst into laughter.

--

Dou Yan was taken back with them, locked away, and questioned.

She cooperated fully, never once tried to communicate with the assassins of "Qin Yueye," and thus avoided any torture.

Before interrogating her, Lin Ye tentatively asked Xue Li if she wanted to listen. Xue Li shook her head; she didn’t care.

She was just a little unsure.

But before her uncertainty could resolve, Lin Ye had already gone to question Dou Yan.

What Dou Yan revealed aligned mostly with what Lin Ye had already deduced. The only thing that baffled him was why she had appeared near Xiangzhou. Could it be that Chun Jun had ordered her to rejoin the marriage alliance delegation?

Dou Yan replied earnestly and timidly, "Yes. Little Peacock, I heard that in my absence, the delegation was turned into a mess—constant assassination attempts and insults aimed at you. Had I been there, such incidents wouldn’t have been so frequent. To be honest, I’m no fighter, but I’m good at bargaining and schmoozing.

"Snow Girl’s no good at this… Little Peacock, please let me stay."

Lin Ye smiled and agreed.

Once outside the holding room, his smile vanished. He turned to Ah Zeng and said, "Watch her—don’t let her roam around."

Ah Zeng raised an eyebrow.

Lin Ye lazily added, "That’s right. I don’t buy a word of it. She’s the real Winter Lord. If she truly wanted to rejoin the delegation, she had countless ways to contact the assassins—after all, they were the ones she assigned. But she didn’t even mention it… I initially thought it would take you much longer to find her, but you caught her in just a few days. That means she was already on her way to Xiangzhou.

"Qin Yueye likely assigned her a more critical mission—one even more important than reclaiming her identity as Winter Lord and rejoining the delegation."

Ah Zeng mused, "Then can you guess what her real objective is?"

"No idea. But," Lin Ye crossed his arms and declared without shame, "Emperor Xuanming can’t stand me right now, so whatever this mission is, it must revolve around me."

Lin Ye sighed. "I’m *that* indispensable—can’t help it."

Ah Zeng couldn’t help but retort, "...Try *some* humility, Little Peacock."

--

The following night, Lin Ye and his group attended Prefect Gao’s banquet. Xue Li didn’t go, and Lin Ye was glad for the break.

Ming Jing was absent from the feast, and the Prefect raised a toast to the young lord. When Lin Ye hesitated, Liang Chen stepped forward, offering to drink in his stead.

Liang Chen declared, "My lord has a delicate constitution—his physician forbids him from drinking. But we mustn’t disregard courtesy. Allow me to toast on his behalf."

With great gusto, Liang Chen knocked it back enthusiastically, then poured a second round.

He raised his drink to the room. "Yesterday’s misunderstanding caused quite a stir, and we deeply apologize. We’re new here and don’t know the ropes—please don’t hold it against us, Prefect."

Prefect Gao squinted, and the officials beside him also looked surprised.

Their attention had been fixed on Lin Ye all along, never expecting this young guard to neither falter nor appear timid, speaking with surprising poise. Upon closer inspection, the guard was strikingly handsome and radiated an unusual charm.

Everyone returned the toast.

While Liang Chen drank cup after cup with them until completely wasted, Ah Zeng was feeling his way through the hidden tunnels near the tavern Lin Ye had mentioned the day before, heading to meet Ming Jing and discuss matters.

When the drunken Liang Chen returned to the residence with Lin Ye, and Prefect Gao's party saw him pass out drunk before leaving with laughter, Liang Chen kicked off the blankets and climbed onto the roof.

In the cold night, Liang Chen slipped quietly to the stables, stole a horse, and took advantage of the lax guard on the city walls—distracted by the all-night party at the prefect's manor—to slip out of the city.

He was off to complete the important task Lin Ye had entrusted to him.

Lin Ye had said he would claim his guard had fallen ill from drunkenness and would be down for days. With Ah Zeng present, no one would insist on seeing the other guard.

--

After going out to bid Prefect Gao's group farewell, Lin Ye stepped back inside.

Xue Li had just returned from meeting with a lover at an inn. She had intended to leap down from the eaves but accidentally spotted Lin Ye standing at the mansion's entrance.

Moonlight silvered over a small pool left by yesterday's rain. The water's reflection shimmered in the gentle evening breeze, mingling with the shadows of frogs and the young man's silhouette in the courtyard.

Xue Li wasn't looking at Lin Ye.

She was watching the frogs and the boy in the puddle. Gradually, the croaking faded from her ears, and all she saw was the swaying play of light and shadow, dazzling her eyes.

Huddled with her knees drawn up, she guarded this tiny pool as if it were her only, unstealable treasure.

Lin Ye stood at the gate, worn out from a night of pretending. As he turned back, he suddenly looked up and saw Xue Li sitting on the eaves, lost in thought as leaves rustled.

His eyes flickered, his heart trembling in sync—only to pause abruptly. He wondered if Xue Li had noticed Liang Chen's departure and whether she might betray his plans.

The young lord under the moonlight, his features as clear and refreshing as spring water, raised a hand to wave at her.

The girl perched high above blinked in surprise and lifted her gaze.

She studied him for a moment as he waved insistently. After hesitating, she nimbly leaped down from the eaves.

The alcohol's boldness and bright moonlight—such fine weather, such a perfect night... Yeah right, he wasn't here to see her. He just had to test her. After all, she had learned things he didn't know these past few days—like "Miao Niang."

Lin Ye complained to her, "I'm a bit dizzy. Walk with me to sober up, alright?"

Xue Li: "I don't smell booze on you."

Lin Ye sputtered, his face flushing red, his lashes fluttering uncontrollably.

His—his breath... How would she know that?

He didn't dare dwell on it, overwhelmed by sudden shyness.

Lin Ye put on an angry act. "I'm delicate—even the smell of alcohol affects me, alright?"

Xue Li: "Then stay away from me. I just drank."

Lin Ye: "...No."

Xue Li stared at him in confusion. He turned away, ignoring her, and quickly descended the steps to leave. After a pause, she followed.

--

In the cold night, two shadowy outsiders climbed over the city walls and slipped silently into the town.

Their men slipped into the city, observing everything happening in Xiangzhou under the cover of midnight, as the soldiers changed shifts.

The two stood atop the eaves, hidden behind the tree shadows, watching Liang Chen racing out of the city on horseback.

The drumming of hooves filled the night as the two figures high above exchanged words:

"Prefect Gao doesn’t trust the young lord and has begun moving in secret."

"The young lord doesn’t trust Prefect Gao either, sending his guard out of the city to summon reinforcements."

"Xiangzhou is now a gathering point for forces from all sides. Emperor Xuanming tasked us with capturing the young lord, but he seems far too clever—it won’t be easy."

The two shared a knowing smile.

The taller, leaner one spoke casually: "Who cares? This is Great Zhou’s problem. Whether Prefect Gao’s secrets come to light or not is none of our concern. Whether the young lord falls into Emperor Xuanming’s hands is also none of our business. Let the dogs fight."

The steadier one, his accent foreign, said slowly: "According to intelligence from the earlier assassination attempt, the young lord is accompanied by a martial arts master. It can’t be Dong Jun—she couldn’t have wiped out our men in Huanchuan. Chun Jun wasn’t straight with us either… I suspect she’s the Snow Girl we’ve been searching for."

The taller one stretched lazily, loosening his limbs: "...This upheaval in Xiangzhou will surely force her out. Just by observing her movements, I’ll spot her fighting style. If these idiots can’t draw out her real skills, I’ll step in myself."

The steadier one replied: "In this world, you might be the only one left who can push her to fight seriously. If it’s truly her, we can proceed to the next step."

Their voices, hushed and eerie, melted into the night.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, the spy Lin Ye had sent during the massacre in Huanchuan trailed the two. Their martial arts were too formidable—the spy dared not get too close and thus couldn’t hear their conversation.

His duty was merely to observe. The scheming was his young master’s job.