The Loser Empress, Put Your Hair Up!
Chapter 5

I Want to Fight You in the Nest

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That single "Uncle-in-law" shattered Chen Sui's cold, detective-like persona into pieces.

He stopped pressing for answers, contenting himself with pouring tea and fetching water while listening to the young pair recount the events of the past few days.

The story was simple, told primarily by Bai Yuji.

In essence, she had spent her life cultivating and gathering herbs with her master, rarely involving herself in worldly affairs.

Just yesterday, while the two were sheltering from the rain in a cave, a middle-aged man arrived carrying an unconscious Qin Muye. The man drove them out to channel his internal energy into healing Qin Muye.

Her master recognized Qin Muye's identity from his clothing and the jade pendant at his waist. Having heard the tale of him offering his marrow to save his father, she felt a sense of admiration for him and, seizing the moment when the villain stepped out for water, launched a fierce surprise attack.

The villain, having exhausted too much true essence, was unable to hold his own and fled. Her master gave chase, instructing her to stay behind and continue treating Qin Muye.

As she finished her account, Bai Yuji remarked with some emotion, "To be fair, that villain had formidable skills. When he brought Qin Muye here, the man's body had already begun to show signs of rigor mortis. I never expected him to be brought back from the brink."

Hearing this, Chen Sui's eyes flickered. Under the guise of handing over wild fruit, he took the opportunity to squeeze Qin Muye's forearm.

It was indeed deathly stiff; the boy had likely walked the line between life and death.

He signaled his men, who immediately left the cave. A few breaths later, they returned and whispered in his ear that there were indeed signs of a struggle near the water source.

Coupled with Qin Muye's corroboration, a good portion of his suspicion vanished.

Besides, in these wild mountains, there were truly many reclusive experts living like cranes and clouds...

He stroked his beard and joked, "Your master was too careless. She went to ambush the villain, and in the process, her own disciple was ambushed by my Muye. I wonder what her mood will be when she returns."

The young couple turned bright red instantly.

Qin Yanying looked disgusted. "Stop trying to climb the family tree. Who is 'your' Muye?"

Chen Sui was not embarrassed and continued to ask, "Young lady, what exactly did you see in our Muye?"

Bai Yuji stole a glance at Qin Muye's profile and whispered, "The younger generation has long heard of the Young Duke offering his marrow to save his father, so I have always held him in high regard. I originally thought a noble scion would inevitably be arrogant, but upon meeting him, I found Qin Muye humble and courteous. I..."

Humble and courteous?

Courteous enough to kiss your mouth until it was swollen?

Chen Sui naturally did not believe it. He glanced at Bai Yuji's waist, where the Qin Family heirloom jade pendant now hung. What decent person accepts such a precious heirloom on the first day of meeting a man?

He figured this mountain girl might have some genuine affection for Qin Muye, but the primary reason was likely that she had identified a chance to marry into a wealthy, powerful family.

He wanted to ask more, but Qin Muye stood up and affectionately draped an arm around his neck. "Uncle-in-law, my chest feels a bit tight. Let's head outside and get some fresh air."

As he spoke, he steered him out of the cave. Only when they were further away did he lower his voice. "Uncle-in-law, say less. She doesn't know about my condition yet."

"Oh~"

Seeing him acting guilty, Chen Sui finally understood. One was plotting for power and wealth, the other was hiding a terminal illness—both had their own little agendas.

He smiled and patted Qin Muye on the shoulder. "Don't worry! I'm not some gossiping old biddy! Go call your aunt out and get some rest. I've already sent word to the capital; a Flying Boat will be here to pick us up soon."

"Good!"

Qin Muye finally breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the cave to coax Qin Yanying, who was wearing a knowing, maternal smile, back outside.

Chen Sui quickly pulled Qin Yanying aside to share his suspicions.

Qin Yanying's good mood vanished, and she frowned. "Why are you acting like a gossiping old biddy?"

Chen Sui felt a surge of irritation. "Just tell me if it makes sense or not!"

Qin Yanying thought for a moment. "It has some merit, but it doesn't matter. There are many in this world who want to marry into a powerful family; one more doesn't change anything, as long as Muye likes her.

It's rare for him to be moved by a girl, and this one is well-endowed and beautiful. As long as she is here, Muye won't be as passive about his treatment as before.

If she can help heal Muye and bear him a child, what does it matter if she has ulterior motives?"

Chen Sui could only nod. "But I'm still worried. This woman might be the kidnapper herself, having poisoned Muye to keep him compliant."

"That's nonsense. Muye didn't look like he was acting earlier; he's never been able to hide his thoughts..."

"The possibility is small, but given Muye's safety, we must be careful. Once we return to the capital, I will have the imperial physicians screen him for toxins. And when that woman's master returns, I must be the one to host her."

"Fine!"

Seeing that his intentions were reasonable and truly for Qin Muye's benefit, Qin Yanying stopped arguing.

Chen Sui breathed a sigh of relief. "The Flying Boat won't be here for another hour or two. My men just found a small cave nearby; shall we go rest there?"

Qin Yanying raised an eyebrow. "Who is this 'we'?"

Chen Sui put on a wronged expression. "I've performed a great service in finding Muye. Can you not even grant me the honor of sharing a small drink?"

Qin Yanying grew impatient. "You're so long-winded—fine, fine, whatever you say! But once we return to the capital, you must bring the villain's accomplices to justice, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

"Otherwise, don't blame me for ignoring you from now on!"

"..."

Chen Sui felt the immense pressure; what a truly dire consequence.

Inside the cave.

Bai Yuji watched Qin Muye vigilantly: "I can let bygones be bygones regarding your previous insolence. But if you dare commit any more lewd acts, once you finish checking your body, I will certainly not show you any mercy!"

Qin Muye: "..."

He finally understood Bai Yuji's logic.

Intimacy was acceptable.

But any intimacy not aimed at producing offspring was an act of rebellion.

He was merely a tool for procreation.

He curled his lips and sheepishly withdrew the hand he had been about to place on her waist.

Before she became pregnant, or before she discovered he harbored ulterior motives, the two of them should remain in a honeymoon phase. As long as he didn't offend her, he could even use her as an asset.

He had to take advantage of this time to find a way to break the deadlock.

The less he offended her, the more she would be willing to do for him.

Bai Yuji breathed a sigh of relief and asked in a low voice: "What exactly is the relationship between the Commander of the Brocade Guard and your aunt?"

Qin Muye pursed his lips: "They were once betrothed and shared a deep affection. However, during an investigation, he traced a case back to my Third Uncle. No matter how much my aunt pleaded, he wouldn't budge.

In the end, my Third Uncle took his own life to atone for his sins, and my Grandfather passed away from grief shortly after. Truth be told, no one in the Qin Family blames him, but my aunt couldn't move past that hurdle, and things ended up the way they did."

Bai Yuji's gaze sharpened: "I didn't expect such a lapdog to have such conviction!"

Qin Muye knew she felt threatened, so he smiled and said: "Since your accomplice betrayed you once, why not reveal a flaw? With my uncle-in-law's ability, he will surely be able to bring them to justice. It's a win-win for us!"

He made no effort to hide his murderous intent.

Although he had just transmigrated, his sense of identity with his new status was not particularly strong.

But his principles were clear.

Those who helped him were friends.

Those who harmed him were enemies.

From a certain perspective, Bai Yuji was more beneficial than detrimental to him.

But the person who wanted him dead was a pure villain.

Before he was kidnapped, he had been on a Flower Boat belonging to the Prime Minister's youngest son the entire time. To dare plot against the Heir to the Marquis of Southern Suppression in the Capital City and frame the Prime Minister, the culprit must be someone of immense power and status.

That person had to die; if they didn't, Qin Muye wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

And Bai Yuji was the most suitable person to form a united front with.

Qin Muye took a deep breath: "Who is he?"

Bai Yuji's expression turned awkward: "I don't know!"

Qin Muye choked: "You don't even know that? You had plenty of tricks when bullying me; turns out you're only good at fighting among your own kind?"

Bai Yuji: "..."

Who is in the same "kind" as you?

End of Chapter
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