She was a corporate drone, not a middle school girl—long past the age of fantasizing that the world revolved around her. Everyone trapped in this game was like a drowning person; staying afloat depended entirely on one's own abilities. To name just one example, she herself had been approached by Xiahou Bo for a meeting and even received a turtle as a token, yet she hadn’t told Xiahou Dan about it, had she?
Yu Wanyin waved her hand dismissively. "Don’t worry about it, I understand."
Xiahou Dan remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "I won’t stab you in the back."
Yu Wanyin replied perfunctorily, "Mhm, of course not, of course not. You’re a good person."
Xiahou Dan: "."
The Empress Dowager faction detained one of General Luo’s sons, yet still unsatisfied, they fabricated charges of lax military discipline and oppression of civilians to impeach one of his deputy generals, then seized the opportunity to install a civil official in the Ministry of War as an overseer.
Prince Duan’s strategists gathered in heated debate. Some argued that the Empress Dowager had finally gained control over the Emperor, hence her audacity; others countered that the Emperor’s public execution of the Minister of Revenue hardly seemed like the act of someone under the Empress Dowager’s thumb—he must simply have gone mad.
Xiahou Bo sat at the head of the table, listening quietly to the arguments before smiling faintly. "The situation remains unclear, but certain plans can still proceed. It’s time to bring down Grand Tutor Wei."
Xu Yao’s heart skipped a beat.
Xiahou Bo turned to him just then and asked, "Are the preparations complete?"
Xu Yao’s family had fallen from grace, and he had been rescued by Prince Duan. Ever since, he had been secretly monitoring Grand Tutor Wei, seeking revenge. But Grand Tutor Wei was cautious and meticulous—one of the rare Empress Dowager faction members with any brains—and had never left any openings.
Until recently, when Xu Yao had finally caught him in a misstep and, after great difficulty, found a witness.
Xu Yao: "The witness has already been placed under protection."
Xiahou Bo said gently, "Grand Tutor Wei is silver-tongued and has dazzled the Emperor with his flattery, earning deep imperial favor. A single witness may not be enough to convict him. I will find another way to obtain evidence soon. Once that’s done, it will also avenge your late father."
Hearing him mention his father, Xu Yao’s face grew even paler. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Xiahou Bo patted him amiably. "Once Grand Tutor Wei falls, I will intervene to arrange for Elder Xu’s return."
Xu Yao kept his head bowed, not letting Xiahou Bo see his expression.
The tyrant’s voice echoed in his ears: "Only I dare to bring Elder Xu back. Prince Duan doesn’t dare—because he’s guilty and fears the truth will come to light. Once your usefulness is exhausted, your father will ‘coincidentally’ die in exile. Do you believe me?"
Did he believe it?
His father, indebted to the late Emperor, had become an obstinate member of the pro-emperor faction, obsessed with loyalty and serving the country, staunchly supporting that tyrant—only to end up like this. He hated the Emperor’s incompetence, but he hated Grand Tutor Wei’s treachery even more.
Yet he had been blind all along, never considering how someone as cautious as Grand Tutor Wei had dared to openly defy and frame his father in court.
A few days later, the Little Crown Prince’s birthday arrived, and the Empress Dowager prepared a grand palace banquet in his honor.
Prince Duan also attended.
His appearance drew not a single word of greeting from any of the Empress Dowager faction members present. Yet Xiahou Bo remained the picture of humility and courtesy, reciting a birthday blessing to the Little Crown Prince with grace. After staying briefly, he excused himself early.
Under the cover of night, he wandered until he reached a desolate courtyard near the Secluded Palace.
This was the meeting place he and Xie Yong’er had agreed upon through secret correspondence. His Shadow Guard had already scouted the perimeter and confirmed no one was around before nodding to him.Xiahou Bo stepped into the long-abandoned cottage.
The room was unlit, shrouded in darkness. Xie Yong'er stood by the window and turned to smile at him. "Your Highness."
Xiahou Bo said tenderly, "Yong'er, it's been so long. Why have you grown thinner?"
From the thick weeds beneath the window, Yu Wanyin thought disdainfully: Typical Prince Duan.
She had been lying at the base of these weeds for a full hour. She had arrived long before the Shadow Guards. A light evening breeze rustled through the grass, and she lay perfectly still, her breathing steady, blending seamlessly into the sound of the wind—so much so that she remained undetected.
Though this rendezvous spot was secluded, it was no match for Yu Wanyin, who had read the script.
This secret meeting was written in Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort , and she happened to remember it. If everything proceeded according to the original plot, Xiahou Bo would soon mention Grand Tutor Wei to Xie Yong'er.
Sure enough, fragmented voices drifted from the window:
"...Some time ago, Grand Tutor Wei's son rode his horse recklessly through the streets and trampled a commoner to death. That commoner had come to the capital to submit a petition to the Emperor, accusing the Salt Inspector in his hometown of corruption and extortion."
Xie Yong'er asked, "Intercepting an imperial petition—isn’t that a grave crime?"
Xiahou Bo replied, "Indeed. The Salt Inspector learned of this and secretly contacted Grand Tutor Wei. The Grand Tutor, eager to protect his son, conspired with him to suppress the matter. If we want to reopen this case and bring Grand Tutor Wei to justice, we’ll need one crucial piece of evidence."
"What is it?"
"A priceless treasure—a Buddha’s Relic. It was recorded on the Salt Inspector’s gift list, likely used to bribe Grand Tutor Wei. However, my agents infiltrated the Wei residence and couldn’t find it. Perhaps the Grand Tutor sent it into the palace, handing it over to his younger sister, Consort Wei..."
As Xie Yong'er listened, she suddenly recalled that East Wind Blossoms Under a Thousand Trees had indeed mentioned Consort Wei keeping an intricately carved ivory puzzle ball in her palace. The ball had five concentric layers, exquisitely crafted. This ornament was hidden in her private Buddhist shrine, enshrined as a treasure—though in truth, the core of the ball concealed a Relic.
Xie Yong'er declared, "In that case, I’ll steal it for you."
Yu Wanyin eavesdropping from the weeds: "..."
She’s really going all out.
The chosen heroine is this dedicated? Someone stronger than you is also working harder than you.
And judging by Xie Yong'er’s lovestruck tone, she seemed genuinely smitten with Xiahou Bo.
Yu Wanyin inwardly groaned.
Xiahou Bo chuckled. "Steal it? How can you be certain the Relic is with Consort Wei?"
Xie Yong'er faltered, stammering after a long pause, "Since... since Your Highness deduced it, it must be true."
Xiahou Bo said, "You flatter me too much."
In the grass, Yu Wanyin suddenly pinched her thigh again—this time not to stifle laughter, but to steady herself.
Because she had just realized something: Xiahou Bo couldn’t be a transmigrator.
If he were on the same level as her—having read Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort before transmigrating—he would know Xie Yong'er was also a transmigrator and would have immediately allied with her. They were natural allies; there was no reason not to.
Even if he were on Xie Yong'er’s level, having only read East Wind Blossoms Under a Thousand Trees , the moment Xie Yong'er started playing the guitar, he would have figured it out. In East Wind Blossoms Under a Thousand Trees , Xie Yong'er bore him no grudge. If they had transmigrated together, there was no reason not to ally.Yet even now, when they spoke, they still carried themselves with that affected, overly refined manner. Moreover, Xie Yong'er was still trying to deceive him as if he were the original character.
So he truly was the original character.
This recent exchange matched the events recorded in Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort perfectly, further proving that neither of their thoughts had strayed from the predetermined path.
In other words, Yu Wanyin's last shred of hope for a bright future where "the four transmigrators set aside their grudges to play mahjong together" had been shattered.
Now, only one question remained: If Xiahou Bo was the original character, why had he deliberately sought her out?
Was it simply because she had become the Tyrant's favored consort?
Or had Xie Yong'er, in an attempt to sever any potential romantic ties between them, spoken ill of her in front of him—only to backfire and draw his attention instead?
Lost in thought, Yu Wanyin momentarily forgot to control her breathing. Suddenly, she heard footsteps rustling through the grass.
She immediately held her breath, cold sweat prickling her skin.
The sound of trampled grass grew closer. Someone holding a flickering firestarter stepped into her line of sight. Peering through the gaps in the grass, she vaguely recognized the face.
It was Xu Yao.
Xu Yao was still disguised, dressed as one of Prince Duan's guards. Yu Wanyin silently prayed he would pass by, but then he stopped, lowering his gaze—directly meeting hers.
Yu Wanyin stifled her breath, her heart threatening to explode in her chest.
From inside the cottage came Xiahou Bo's indifferent inquiry: "What is it?"
Xu Yao paused, extinguishing the firestarter. "Your Highness, it seems some palace servants are approaching from afar."
Xiahou Bo sighed and bid Xie Yong'er a reluctant farewell.
Only after everyone had left, even Xie Yong'er's footsteps fading into the distance, did Yu Wanyin finally gasp for air, clutching her chest tightly.
Xu Yao had clearly spotted her—yet he had lied to Prince Duan! The plan to sow discord had succeeded brilliantly!
Yu Wanyin was still racking her brain to recall how Xie Yong'er would infiltrate Consort Wei's palace to steal the Relic when, the very next day, her maid Xiao Mei indignantly reported, "I heard Consort Xie and the others visited Consort Wei as guests and spent the whole time badmouthing you, miss!"
Yu Wanyin: "..."
So that's how she did it.
Badmouthing me while stealing the Relic—well played, Xie Yong'er.
By the afternoon, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse. Consort Wei made a grand show of leading a squad of guards on a sweep through the rear palace, searching every consort she had entertained that morning. The commotion was so chaotic it even alarmed the Empress Dowager.
When the Empress Dowager demanded an explanation, Consort Wei merely claimed she had lost some jewelry and suspected theft. But then she pulled the Empress Dowager aside for a whispered conversation—clearly, the Relic had gone missing.
Realizing the gravity of the matter, the Empress Dowager turned a blind eye, allowing her to continue the uproar.
Thus, countless eunuchs were whipped, and countless palace maids were slapped.
Yu Wanyin didn't join the spectacle, opting instead to hide in a side hall and snack on melon seeds. Unexpectedly, her maid suddenly rushed in to report that they had caught a thief in her backyard.
When Yu Wanyin went to investigate, she found an unfamiliar young eunuch cornered against a wall, trembling and refusing to explain why he had sneaked in.
By now, Yu Wanyin had grown accustomed to suspecting Xie Yong'er first whenever something odd happened. A quick mental calculation gave her a rough idea of the scheme.
She glanced at the ground near the eunuch's feet—a patch of soil had been slightly disturbed.Yu Wanyin smiled gently and dismissed the young eunuch with a kind expression before sending away the others. Once everyone had left, she dug into the soil herself and unearthed an irregularly shaped bead.
"Hiding the stolen goods in my place so you can redirect the blame if discovered—impressive move, Xie Yong'er," she thought.
Later that evening, Consort Wei's commotion grew louder until it reached Yu Wanyin's doorstep.
Consort Wei arrived with a grand display—one team digging three feet deep in the courtyard, another ransacking the inner chambers, and the remaining group restraining Yu Wanyin for a personal search.
Consort Wei sneered, "His Majesty is answering to the Empress Dowager today. No one can protect you now, you little wretch!"
Xiahou Dan: "Surprise, I left early."
Consort Wei: "?"
Consort Wei was dragged away.
Late at night, Yu Wanyin handed a food box to a maid. "Deliver this to Consort Xie. Tell her it's a midnight snack I prepared for her to enjoy."
Xie Yong'er opened the box to find a plain, bare white bun.
She crushed the bun and felt a Relic inside.
The next morning at court, a representative of the Prince Duan faction openly impeached Grand Tutor Wei, accusing him of corruption, bribery, and obstructing imperial justice—with both witnesses and evidence presented.
Grand Tutor Wei was sent to the imperial prison, and Consort Wei was banished to the Secluded Palace.
On her way to the library for work, Yu Wanyin encountered a group of consorts, Xie Yong'er among them.
Over the years, Xiahou Dan had either ignored or outright buried his consorts, and they had grown accustomed to their miserable existence. But Yu Wanyin's sudden prominence cast their suffering into sharp relief, leaving none of them at peace.
When they crossed paths, Shu Fei, the most senior among them, spoke up first: "Ha, with Consort Wei gone, someone must be basking in the glory. I wonder how long this good fortune will last..."
Yu Wanyin instinctively glanced around, half-expecting Xiahou Dan to emerge from some corner and drag someone away.
But Xiahou Dan wasn't there.
Shu Fei grew even more sarcastic. "Sister Yu, who are you looking for? Don’t tell me you actually think—"
"Elder Sister, mind your words."
To everyone's surprise, it was Xie Yong'er who spoke up.
The consort, rebuffed with such indifference, felt slighted and shot Yu Wanyin a resentful glare before strutting off with her clique.
Xie Yong'er lingered at the back, turning to meet Yu Wanyin's gaze.
Yu Wanyin smiled with exaggerated benevolence.
Xie Yong'er hesitated before finally mouthing two words: "Thank you."
During their daily Spider Cave debriefing, Yu Wanyin and Xiahou Dan conducted an in-depth analysis of the eavesdropping incident and first reached a consensus: Prince Duan was still the original.
"Then it's simple," Xiahou Dan said. "This guy hasn’t read the script. We can exploit that advantage."
Yu Wanyin: "Also, Xu Yao went easy on me, which means he’s already developed doubts about Prince Duan. In the original story, he was a key strategist under Prince Duan. If we can recruit him, he’d be worth ten men."
Xiahou Dan: "Then we’ll need to drive a wedge between them for good."
Yu Wanyin: "Now that Grand Tutor Wei is imprisoned, Xu Yao will surely seize the chance to investigate his father’s case—maybe even interrogate Grand Tutor Wei directly. If we want to frame Prince Duan, we’ll need to prepare early to avoid slip-ups. How about you go to the imperial prison and pressure Grand Tutor Wei into coordinating his testimony?"Xiahou Dan said, "Feasible. In fact, the people I sent have already found Elder Xu. However, he is old and frail, having suffered years of abuse in exile, and has been driven to madness—he no longer recognizes anyone."
"Tragic."
"Utterly tragic."
Yu Wanyin shook her head and sighed. "His madness shouldn't go to waste. Let's pin it on Prince Duan too. Say Elder Xu was poisoned by him on the way back, which led to this condition?"
Xiahou Dan: "Brilliant."
The villains high-fived.
The prison of the Supreme Court was reserved for high-ranking officials who had committed crimes. The deeper one went, the more heavily guarded it became. The innermost cell was pitch-dark, illuminated only by a few torches.
Grand Tutor Wei huddled in a corner. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw a pair of court boots embroidered with golden dragon patterns.
Grand Tutor Wei froze for a moment before scrambling to his knees, smoothly launching into his routine of deceiving the Tyrant: "Your Majesty, this subject is wronged! This subject has devoted his life to loyalty, wishing only to ease Your Majesty's burdens. Who would have thought those vile men—"
Before he could finish his third sentence, Xiahou Dan fast-forwarded: "Do one last thing for me, and I'll ensure your family's safety."
Realizing this meant his death was inevitable, Grand Tutor Wei hurriedly squeezed out tears: "Your Majesty, please hear the truth behind this! At the time, that salt inspector—"
Xiahou Dan fast-forwarded again: "Do you know who orchestrated your downfall?"
Grand Tutor Wei: "..."
Trembling, Grand Tutor Wei raised his head. The Emperor's face was hidden in the shadows, only a vague outline visible. Yet, for some reason, he was certain the expression on the other's face was nothing like the Tyrant's he was familiar with.
Xiahou Dan: "The order to destroy you came from Prince Duan, and the evidence was gathered by Xu Yao. You may not remember him—he is Elder Xu's son, who disguised himself as Prince Duan's strategist. Quite adept at scheming behind the scenes."
Grand Tutor Wei was shocked: "He's still alive?"
Xiahou Dan chuckled coldly: "When Elder Xu fell, Prince Duan secretly saved Xu Yao and taught him to see you as his lifelong enemy. It took him years of planning to bring you down."
Grand Tutor Wei lowered his head, biting his teeth until they bled.
Xiahou Bo!
He heard the Emperor's emotionless, almost bored voice: "Funny, isn't it? My dear elder brother once used you to eliminate the Xu family, and now he's using the Xu family to eliminate you. Truly impartial—unmatched in this world."
Grand Tutor Wei's vision darkened.
The Emperor knew.
The Emperor actually knew?!
Back then, he had joined the Empress Dowager faction but was too cowardly to be of much use, languishing for years without advancement. Prince Duan had privately conspired with him, persuading him to impeach Elder Xu and even helping him forge flawless evidence.
In his entire career, Grand Tutor Wei had only taken that one gamble for wealth and power.
He succeeded, earning merit in the Empress Dowager's eyes, and rose swiftly thereafter.
All this time, had the Emperor been silently watching, as if observing a play?
Grand Tutor Wei shuddered violently, overwhelmed by despair, even losing the courage to defend himself: "This subject deserves death... This subject knows there is no hope left, but may I ask one thing: How did Your Majesty come to know of this?"
For so many years, had this Tyrant, whom they had treated as a fool, been feigning madness all along?
But if he had seen everything, why had he remained silent, allowing them to eliminate the last of the loyal ministers one by one?
Xiahou Dan: "Oh, I was just guessing earlier. Tried bluffing you, and you gave it away."
Grand Tutor Wei: "..."Grand Tutor Wei: "?"
Xiahou Dan turned and walked away: "If Xu Yao sends someone to inquire, answer truthfully. Consider it an act of kindness for your family."
Yu Wanyin was on duty in the library as usual when a palace attendant came upstairs to inform her: "Your Highness, there's someone downstairs without a pass who claims to have urgent news for you. He refuses to give his name, saying you'd recognize him upon seeing him."
Descending a few steps, Yu Wanyin looked down and saw an unfamiliar, refined young man gazing up at her.
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Bro, who are you?
The young man bowed: "Imperial Concubine Yu."
Yu Wanyin: "!"
That voice full of bitterness—it was Xu Yao!
Xu Yao had actually come without his usual disguise, revealing his face as the son of a disgraced official?
Yu Wanyin's heart sank with foreboding.
"Come up," she said, leading him to the second floor and dismissing the attendants. Cutting straight to the point, she asked, "What's happened?"
She hadn't expected him to arrive so soon. Earlier that day, she and Xiahou Dan had still been discussing the details of retrieving Xu Yao's father, and their staged roadside ambush hadn't even been arranged yet.
Most crucially, they hadn't yet prepared an escape route for Xu Yao to defect safely and switch sides unharmed.
If this guy was rushing here without even disguising himself, did that mean he was being pursued?
Xu Yao's first words seemed to confirm her ominous suspicion: "I have urgent business and wish to see His Majesty. Might Your Highness facilitate this?"
Yu Wanyin: "I don't have the authority to bring anyone into the palace—we'd be stopped. Why don't you wait here while I fetch His Majesty? The library has guards; no one can enter without a pass, so you'll be safe here."
Hearing her hint about pursuers, Xu Yao looked surprised: "Your Highness knows?"
Yu Wanyin: "If this is about your father, I'm broadly aware."
Xu Yao sighed: "Your Highness truly enjoys His Majesty's deep trust. I've been investigating the wrongful case against my father, but Prince Duan seems to have anticipated this and prepared to eliminate me. Earlier, when I returned to my quarters and drank some tea, I noticed an odd taste and felt a burning pain in my stomach—only then did I realize I'd been poisoned..."
Yu Wanyin: "Wait! You've been poisoned?"
She studied Xu Yao closely and noticed the cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Yu Wanyin stood abruptly: "Stop talking. I'll fetch a physician."
Xu Yao grabbed her arm: "Since Prince Duan has decided to kill me, there's no chance I'll survive. I stole a carriage and fled through the back gate, temporarily shaking off my pursuers, but I couldn't enter the palace directly. This was the only place I could come. Your Highness, I have but one request before I die."
Yu Wanyin: "Stay calm. You'll be fine."
Xu Yao swayed slightly, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
As Yu Wanyin moved to call for help again, Xu Yao clung to her desperately, speaking rapidly: "I've worked for Prince Duan for years and know all his schemes. If His Majesty can save my father, I swear to repay this kindness."
Yu Wanyin quickly reassured him: "Don't worry. His Majesty always keeps his word—your father is already on his way home."
Xu Yao's eyes reddened: "My father... my father has always hoped His Majesty would become a great emperor. If he returns, he'll dedicate his life and all his knowledge to serving His Majesty."
He seemed terrified they might renege, desperate to prove his father's worth as someone worth saving.Yu Wanyin felt a pang of sorrow in her heart but chose not to tell him that the Xu elder had already gone mad and feeble. Softly, she said, "His Majesty highly values the Xu elder's scholarly talents."
Xu Yao nodded, then suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. Gathering his breath, he said, "The pursuers will be here soon, Your Highness. I've recorded many of Prince Duan's plans in a book..."
Suddenly, screams from palace servants echoed from downstairs: "Fire! Fire!"
Xiahou Bo had not sent anyone to hunt down Xu Yao.
Xiahou Bo ordered his men to set a fire, intending to reduce Xu Yao, the secrets he might carry, and the library he had sought refuge in to ashes, obliterating all traces of the past.
Yu Wanyin rushed to the window and looked down—good heavens, the fire was spreading evenly, encircling the library without leaving a single gap.
Not far away lay the bodies of several guards. The arsonists were clearly elite troops under Prince Duan’s command, who had swiftly overpowered the guards and doused the wooden structure with oil. Now, with the flames fanned by the wind, the inferno surged upward, rapidly climbing toward the second floor.
In the distance, palace servants were hurrying over with buckets, but firefighting facilities in this era were rudimentary at best. Relying on them was futile; self-rescue was the only option.
Tears streaming from the scorching smoke, Yu Wanyin stumbled back to Xu Yao’s side. “The entire ground floor is on fire—we can’t jump from the window. We’ll have to take the stairs down first and then run out!”
Recalling the fire escape tips from her school days, she stripped off a layer of clothing, threw it on the floor, and drenched it with tea from a pot. Then she began tearing at Xu Yao’s clothes. “Take them off!”
Xu Yao, already swaying unsteadily, collapsed to the ground when she pushed him.
Yu Wanyin: “…”
The library was filled with nothing but flammable materials. The lower floor was already a sea of flames, and the agonized screams of palace servants echoed incessantly.
Xu Yao coughed up blood in fits, yet his expression remained eerily calm. “Your Highness, listen to me while you prepare.”
Eyes brimming with tears, Yu Wanyin tremblingly pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve and soaked it the same way.
Xu Yao: “Prince Duan didn’t expect this—I didn’t bring that book with me. It’s hidden in the Wei residence. I stashed it there while investigating the case.”
The scalding tea had cooled. Yu Wanyin wrapped herself in the wet garment and covered her mouth and nose with the damp handkerchief.
Xu Yao: “Three feet outside the kitchen’s back window—dig downward, and you’ll find it. Prince Duan will be watching you. Don’t retrieve it immediately. Wait at least seven days before going…”
Yu Wanyin bent low and dashed toward the stairs.
Xu Yao’s fragmented words gradually faded into silence: “Once you escape, don’t stop for anyone. Find His Majesty… survive…”
The library had been built near water precisely for fire prevention.
Now, the palace servants drew water from the pond, taking turns to douse the flames at the entrance. They managed to suppress the fire there and were shouting inside when a figure suddenly burst out, clothes already ablaze.
Yu Wanyin rushed past all the servants and leaped straight into the pond.
“Imperial Concubine Yu!” A servant immediately lunged forward, pulling her back onto the shore.
Yu Wanyin’s hair was singed, and searing pain radiated from several burns on her body. Standing there, her eyes vacant, the thread of her rationality had snapped. Trembling uncontrollably, only Xu Yao’s voice echoed in her ears: “Don’t stop for anyone…”
A palace maid, panic-stricken, rushed over to support her, babbling something.
To Yu Wanyin, everyone’s face seemed twisted with menace. She shoved the maid away and staggered toward the palace.
She didn’t know where she was running—only that she couldn’t stop. Behind her lurked beasts and floods.
Yu Wanyin ran until her strength gave out. Tripping over her own feet, the fall finally jolted her back to some semblance of clarity.
Lifting her head, she saw the last person she wanted to encounter at this moment.
Xie Yong’er seemed stunned by her appearance.
Earlier, unable to evade Consort Wei’s search, Xie Yong’er had no choice but to send someone to hide the Relic in Yu Wanyin’s quarters. If it went undiscovered, all the better. But if found, Yu Wanyin could serve as the scapegoat.She had planned everything well, but she didn’t anticipate the little eunuch’s incompetence, getting caught red-handed.
Listening to the eunuch’s tearful report, Xie Yong’er knew she had lost. Yu Wanyin would surely guess it was her doing—after all, she had a record. And with Imperial Concubine Yu basking in His Majesty’s Imperial Favor, crushing someone was as easy as uttering a word.
Yet Yu Wanyin didn’t expose her.
She even returned the Relic to her.
Why?
Did Yu Wanyin truly not want to fight?
Had altering the plotline, denying her the chance to fall for Prince Duan, prevented her from turning dark?
If she hadn’t turned dark, didn’t that make me the biggest villain?
Xie Yong’er’s emotions were in turmoil.
Preoccupied with thoughts of Yu Wanyin, she was startled when a maid suddenly announced that the library was on fire—Yu Wanyin had been compiling books there recently.
No way. Had the female lead’s storyline jumped straight to a death ending?
In disbelief, Xie Yong’er rushed toward the library, only to encounter a disheveled Yu Wanyin along the way.
Their eyes met, and after a moment’s hesitation, Yu Wanyin trembled as she reached out. “Sister… save me.”
Xie Yong’er froze, then slowly stepped forward to help her up.
Yu Wanyin pleaded, “Take me to see His Majesty…”
Xie Yong’er frowned. “You’re injured? This won’t do. I’ll call for help to carry you.”
Yu Wanyin clung to her like a lifeline. “No, don’t go. Don’t leave me.”
Xie Yong’er: “?”
Since when were we this close?
A gentle voice suddenly sounded behind them. “Your Ladyships.”
Yu Wanyin felt as if icy water had been poured over the crown of her head. Her legs gave way, and only Xie Yong’er’s support kept her from collapsing.
Xiahou Bo approached with concern, helping Xie Yong’er steady Yu Wanyin. “I heard about the fire and sent my guards to assist. Thankfully, Your Ladyship is unharmed. Where are you hurt?”
Yu Wanyin’s lips trembled, but no words came out.
Without hesitation, Xiahou Bo scooped her up into his arms, his movements exaggerated as if testing whether she was hiding something. “Let me escort Your Ladyship back to rest.”
Yu Wanyin stared into his unreadable eyes before finally finding her voice. “…Thank you, Your Highness.”
As Xiahou Bo carried her away, Yu Wanyin twisted to look back at Xie Yong’er.
Your man is holding me. Aren’t you jealous? Say something to stop him, I’m begging you!
Xie Yong’er lowered her gaze, masking the envy in her eyes, and said softly, “Your Highness is most considerate. I shall accompany you.”
Yu Wanyin internally: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please don’t leave me alone with him.
Xiahou Bo smiled kindly. “There’s no need for extra hands here. Lady Xie, would you kindly fetch the imperial physician?”
Xie Yong’er shot him a wounded look but, unwilling to appear openly possessive, relented. “Very well.” She turned and left.
Yu Wanyin’s heart stopped.
Xiahou Bo walked at a leisurely pace. “Your Ladyship seems to be trembling.”
Summoning her last shred of composure, Yu Wanyin replied, “…The burns are painful.”
“My apologies for Your Ladyship’s suffering. I arrived too late.”
Why couldn’t you have arrived even later?
Yu Wanyin felt on the verge of a breakdown—simultaneously guarding against his potential murderous intent while mimicking the original host’s lovestruck demeanor. She leaned into him tenderly. “Now that you’re here, I feel better.”
Xiahou Bo chuckled. “I thought Your Ladyship had changed much since entering the palace, but it seems you’re still the same.”
Yu Wanyin feigned coquettish displeasure. “Does Your Highness wish for me to change?”Xiahou Bo glanced down at her and said leisurely, "I hope Your Ladyship remains as you were when we first met, unafraid of me."
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Who was it that just tried to burn me to death?
"Keeping company with a ruler is like keeping company with a tiger," Xiahou Bo uttered terrifying words with eerie calm. "Rather than fearing me, Your Ladyship should fear His Majesty. All creatures grieve for their kind, and men's hearts are much the same. The world has long suffered under tyranny. If Your Ladyship treats me with sincerity, I will spare no effort to protect you."
Yu Wanyin tilted her head. "What is Your Highness saying? I don't understand."
She understood perfectly. This bastard might as well have outright said, "Choose your side carefully—those who submit prosper, those who resist perish."
As Yu Wanyin continued playing dumb, Xiahou Bo smiled. "Your Ladyship is indeed sharp-witted. By the way, I still owe you a gift in return for the calligraphy you graciously bestowed upon me last time..."
His words were cut off by the sound of hurried, chaotic footsteps.
Yu Wanyin turned to see a swarm of guards surrounding Xiahou Bo.
At the forefront stood the frost-faced tyrant. "Let her go."
Dead silence.
The line was so cliché that in her dazed state, two equally cliché responses flashed through Yu Wanyin's mind. One was, "If you don't want her to die, prepare a car with a million in cash, and no one follows." The other was, "Hah, try and take her. In terms of beauty, you're no match for me."
Xiahou Bo did not take the cliché route.
With gentle movements, Xiahou Bo set Yu Wanyin down and bowed. "This subject saw Her Ladyship injured and acted rashly out of concern. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness..."
Xiahou Dan didn't even listen. Striding forward, he removed his outer robe and wrapped it around Yu Wanyin, who was drenched from head to toe.
Yu Wanyin, a mere corporate drone, had never witnessed such a scene before. She had held on until now, waiting for her ally. The moment she relaxed, her vision darkened as if a light had been abruptly extinguished, plunging her into blackness.
Her last memory was of herself collapsing straight into Xiahou Dan's arms.
Yu Wanyin drifted in and out of consciousness for days, burning with a low fever. When she finally awoke, she was lying in her side chamber, her throat parched and cracking.
Outside, heavy rain fell, casting the room in dim light. A swaying bronze lamp hung by her bedside. Xiahou Dan sat with his back to her, stirring a bowl of bitter medicine with a spoon.
Never had his silhouette felt so reassuring.
Yu Wanyin watched him for a while before shifting her gaze to the palace lantern, following its flickering light.
Xiahou Dan turned and froze at the sight of her. "You're awake? Thank goodness. You had minor burns and soaked in dirty pond water—I was afraid their medicine wouldn't prevent infection. Luckily, the wounds were small and are already healing."
Yu Wanyin said nothing.
Xiahou Dan helped her sit up. "Drink the medicine. Think of it as water to bring down the fever... Huh? Why are you crying?"
Yu Wanyin choked back a sob. "Thank god you're a transmigrator too."
This was her first close encounter with death, and the shock had been overwhelming. She was suffering from PTSD.
Since arriving in this godforsaken place, she had felt a surreal detachment from her circumstances, as if sleepwalking through clouds. Only now, with the dream shattered and the clouds dispersed, did she see the abyss beneath her feet.
Without a kindred spirit by her side, she didn't know whether fear or loneliness would crush her first.Even the few words he had just spoken brought immense comfort. His phrasing pointed to a familiar yet distant homeland, like a blurred coastline seen through a telescope—unreachable, yet at least a coordinate that assured her she hadn’t gone mad.
Xiahou Dan tried to console her but failed, so he simply watched quietly as she wept.
The storm raged outside, and the dim lamplight cast a despondent shadow over him, matching her own despair.
When her sobs finally subsided, Xiahou Dan scooped another spoonful of medicine and handed it to her, his tone gentle. "A few of the palace servants from the library managed to escape and have been sent for treatment. Xu Yao... the coroner said he looked peaceful. He died from poison before the flames reached him, so he didn’t suffer twice."
At the mention of Xu Yao’s name, Yu Wanyin’s heart clenched in pain again.
Xiahou Dan continued, "The arsonists were caught, but they’re just scapegoats—nothing will lead back to Prince Duan. Xu Yao’s father has been retrieved and settled in a suburban villa. He’s no threat to anyone now and should live out his remaining years in peace. By the way, it really was Prince Duan who framed him."
He recounted his conversation with Grand Tutor Wei in the prison of the Ministry of Justice.
Yu Wanyin said, "So, we were trying to pin the blame on Prince Duan, only to find out the blame was already his?"
Xiahou Dan nodded. "Exactly."
For a fleeting moment, Yu Wanyin had a vague thought: How did Xiahou Dan guess so accurately? He hadn’t even read the original story. With only the little information she provided, he’d somehow deduced hidden truths not even written in the plot. Was he really that sharp?
Is this the power of a CEO?
But the thought passed quickly. On second thought, it wasn’t unreasonable to assume the worst of Prince Duan.
She had once aspired to be the most villainous character in this story, but after a couple of rounds with Xiahou Bo, she realized she still had a long way to go.
Yu Wanyin said, "Xu Yao mentioned he left us a book to use against Prince Duan."
She quietly relayed Xu Yao’s dying words. Xiahou Dan listened silently, his face pale.
He stared at the candlelight. "What was Xu Yao’s fate in the original story?"
"He stayed loyal to Prince Duan and became a civil official, I think."
Xiahou Dan smiled bitterly. "So, we got him killed."
Yu Wanyin, who had just wiped her nose, felt it sting again. "Don’t think like that. If we’re going by the original plot, Xu Yao would’ve died deceived, slaving away for his enemy."
Xiahou Dan remained despondent, pressing his fingers to his temples. "I let my guard down for a moment, and you got hurt for nothing..."
Yu Wanyin didn’t understand why this guy was even more depressed than she was, but she steeled herself to cheer him up. "It wasn’t completely for nothing. At least we have Xu Yao’s clue. We’ll retrieve the book in a few days? Hopefully, he recorded everything in detail because I really don’t remember the original plot specifics."
"I’ve been thinking," Xiahou Dan muttered, rubbing his temples, "does anything we do even matter? In this story, the villain’s fate is practically predestined, isn’t it? The harder we struggle, the more pathetic it becomes. Maybe we should just eat, drink, and wait for the end..."
Yu Wanyin: "???"
No, no, no, you can’t give up this early, bro—I don’t want to die yet!Yu Wanyin panicked, scrambling for words to persuade him: "It matters, of course it matters. We can't just hand the world over to the wicked. Your fate is in your hands, not heaven's! There are still plenty of chances to turn things around! For example, the drought in the original plot—we can definitely find drought-resistant crops—"
She froze.
The library had already burned down. Where was she supposed to look up information now?
Yu Wanyin slumped in defeat: "On second thought, lazing around waiting for death isn't so bad either."
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Xiahou Dan: "Could you at least try a little harder?"
The Empress Dowager condescended to pay her a visit.
The specifics of the visit went as follows:
Empress Dowager: "I heard you suffered greatly this time. Do you know who set the fire? You've been too much in the limelight, arousing jealousy. After this ordeal, you should realize that the Emperor won't protect you..." (Classic monologue omitted for brevity.)
Yu Wanyin: "?"
Yu Wanyin: "Yes, yes."
The Empress Dowager sighed deeply: "In this deep palace, every woman who gains a sliver of favor thinks she's finally made it, not realizing how fickle a ruler's heart can be..." (Classic monologue omitted for brevity.)
Unable to fast-forward her, Yu Wanyin could only zone out and nod mechanically.
Empress Dowager: "Surely you don't think that with Consort Wei fallen, you can take her place? Consort Wei was bold because her family held power, and I protected her. Even when she messed up, she only had to spend some time in the Secluded Palace. What rank does your father hold? Do you know..." (Classic monologue omitted for brevity.)
Yu Wanyin: "Right, right."
The Empress Dowager extended a manicured finger and poked Yu Wanyin's cheek: "A woman must live wisely. A smart bird chooses its branch wisely. Listen to me, and I'll take good care of you."
Yu Wanyin: "Okay, okay."
In the morning, the Empress Dowager left Yu Wanyin's side chamber. By afternoon, she received word from the palace attendants: "His Majesty has promoted Imperial Concubine Yu to Consort."
Empress Dowager: "?"
Consort Yu was personally escorted by the Emperor to the Imperial Concubine's Palace.
This place had originally belonged to Consort Wei and was the most extravagant spot in the rear palace. Now, to welcome its new mistress, it had been completely refurbished from top to bottom—a veritable jeweled palace, resplendent and luxurious, the very Spider Cave itself.
Step by step, Yu Wanyin had climbed to this position. All the palace attendants who had been coldly watching for her downfall now changed their expressions, studying her every word and action intently, trying to decipher what extraordinary skills she possessed to have so firmly captured the heart of the Tyrant.
Yet throughout the entire journey, it was the Tyrant who did all the talking.
Xiahou Dan: "Beloved Consort, this place is heavily guarded. I've also assigned you Shadow Guards. No villain will have another chance to harm you."
Yu Wanyin knew he was saying this for the benefit of the surrounding attendants: "His Majesty is so kind."
They had discussed the Shadow Guard roster just last night during their meeting. Xiahou Dan: "Let's upgrade the security system for now. In the original story, weren't there at least a few guards who stayed loyal to me?"
Yu Wanyin racked her brain: "The Imperial Guards who helped you bury bodies—they never betrayed you, staying loyal until the end, dying to protect you."
Thus, the Shadow Guards were deployed overnight.
Xiahou Dan: "Beloved Consort, is this courtyard spacious enough for you? Should we expand it further? If you ever grow tired of hot pot, we can raise some fish in this pond and set up a grill nearby for barbecue anytime..."
Yu Wanyin: "?"
Is this "Beloved Consort" you're referring to actually yourself?Yu Wanyin clapped her hands cooperatively. "Your Majesty, how did you know this concubine loves eating the most?"
The palace maids around them inwardly scoffed—this act of playing cute and naive was too low-level, wasn't it? Forget being a demon consort who could topple nations, even newly entered palace ladies didn't resort to such tricks these days.
Xiahou Dan smiled. "My consort truly has the heart of a child."
The palace maids held their breath.
A tyrant didn't deserve such high-level games!
After a few days of indulging in food and leisure, Yu Wanyin felt increasingly restless. As a corporate drone, she had never been idle for so long. With limited entertainment options in ancient times, lying around sunbathing all day had left her sore and stiff.
Annoyed at her inability to enjoy luxury, she grew even more jealous seeing Xiahou Dan thoroughly enjoying himself.
After a meal of barbecue and wine, Yu Wanyin said, "Boss Dan, let's leave the palace."
Xiahou Dan: "For fun?"
Yu Wanyin: "No. I've thought of a way to get Xu Yao's book without involving Prince Duan."
Xiahou Dan frowned. "What happened to lazing around waiting for death?"
"Waiting for death is boring. Might as well struggle a bit more."
"..."
Yu Wanyin: "Look, if we sneak out now, Prince Duan will definitely have us followed. But we'll fake him out—instead of going to the Wei residence, we'll visit someone else first."
"Who?"
"Last time we talked about people loyal to you, I remembered him. These novels always have an overpowered martial artist from the jianghu. Luckily, in this book, he has deep ties to you."
An hour later, two shabby-looking scholars strolled through the bustling streets, trailed by several Shadow Guards disguised as scholars, their martial skills formidable.
Xiahou Dan's disguise gave him a sallow complexion. Hiding his mouth behind a folding fan, he whispered, "Technically, the Empress Dowager and Prince Duan are still locked in their power struggle and wouldn't dare act recklessly. But is it really wise for us to walk around as live targets?"
Yu Wanyin: "No, it's not. But we have no choice. To find that person, you need to show up in person."
Yu Wanyin looked not only shabby but also malnourished and stunted.
"His name is Bei Zhou. He was childhood friends with your mother—the late Empress Cizhen—and served as her bodyguard. I think he was secretly in love with her? That chapter was too melodramatic, so I only skimmed it. Anyway, after your mother entered the palace and died young from sudden illness, Bei Zhou blamed the palace and left with hatred. He had some adventures and became a peerless master."
Yu Wanyin caught her breath. "In Transmigration: The Devil's Beloved Consort , he returned to the capital to check on his old friend's son—you—but found the situation chaotic. So he hid in the capital, waiting for a chance to protect you. But he appeared too late. Though he caused some trouble for Prince Duan, he couldn't change the ending."
Xiahou Dan: "So you want to find him early?"
Yu Wanyin: "Yes. Xie Yong'er only has the script for East Wind Blooms a Thousand Flowers and doesn't know about Transmigration or Bei Zhou. You can use him as a secret weapon—send him to steal the book from the Wei residence. With his skills, he'll succeed."
There were other uses for him, but Yu Wanyin didn't feel the need to explain everything.
Yu Wanyin stopped. "We're here."
Xiahou Dan looked up.
House of Joy.
Xiahou Dan: "?"
Yu Wanyin: "Let's go in." She waved at the Shadow Guards. "Don't be shy, come on in."The Shadow Guard: "?"
Xiahou Dan: "So when you said he was lurking in the capital..."
Yu Wanyin: "The book says he's in a brothel."
"This... isn't appropriate."
"Come on, it's fine. It'll even help mislead Prince Duan—let him think you're a debauched wastrel. Let's go, let's go! If I'm not afraid, why should you be?"
Dragged along by Wan Yin, Xiahou Dan stepped through the entrance and was immediately hit by a wave of overpowering perfume. A classic-looking madam with a beauty mark stood by the door, handkerchief in hand. She gave them a once-over and sneered, "Young masters, are you lost?"
Yu Wanyin glanced around sheepishly before slipping the madam a handful of silver. "We're here for the imperial exams and wanted to broaden our horizons."
The madam beamed. "Of course! Right this way, gentlemen!"
Yu Wanyin waved grandly and led the Shadow Guards toward a private room.
Xiahou Dan: "...Why are you so good at this?"
Yu Wanyin: "Probably read too much trashy literature."
Moments later, they were surrounded by fragrant, soft beauties.
Yu Wanyin held a petite beauty in his arms as she fed him grapes, letting out a practiced, lecherous chuckle.
Xiahou Dan's lips twitched slightly as he whispered in her ear, "How long are we staying? How do you plan to find that Bei Zhou?"
Yu Wanyin: "I don't remember his physical description, but there can't be many men in a brothel. It shouldn't be hard. Besides, in the original story, you look a lot like your mother, so he'd recognize you."
Xiahou Dan pointed at his sallow fake face: "Do you see the problem here?"
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Yu Wanyin turned to the beauty in his arms: "How many male servants work here?"
The beauty looked surprised. "Why does the gentleman ask? This humble one can't recall exactly, perhaps four or five?"
Yu Wanyin: "Is there one who joined in the last two years and is quite muscular?"
A shadow flickered through the beauty's eyes.
She lowered her lashes with a charming smile. "This one arrived late and isn't sure. Have some wine, my lord."
As she turned to pour wine, several things happened simultaneously.
The beauty exchanged glances with another courtesan behind her back.
A Shadow Guard nearby noticed her hand movements and tensed, ready to strike.
Yu Wanyin quickly poked Xiahou Dan.
Xiahou Dan shot a warning glare, signaling them to stay calm.
The Shadow Guards remained seated but exchanged looks among themselves.
The beauty poured wine and brought the cup to Yu Wanyin's lips.
Yu Wanyin: "Good, good." He pretended to take a sip.
All the guests in the room were similarly plied with wine. The Shadow Guards sniffed discreetly, apparently detecting the drug, and after fake-drinking, pretended to enjoy the music before dramatically collapsing.
Seeing their reaction, Yu Wanyin and Xiahou Dan guessed it was knockout drops and followed suit, slumping over.
Only then did the beauty stand up coldly. "Fetch the madam."
The madam soon arrived with attendants. "Tie them up and douse them with cold water."
Yu Wanyin was surprised: They'd only asked about a male servant—why such an extreme reaction? Did others in the brothel know Bei Zhou's identity? That shouldn't be—in the original story, Bei Zhou had kept his secret well.
Finding this suspicious, she kept her eyes closed to observe further. Without orders, the Shadow Guards continued playing dead.
A bucket of cold water later, Yu Wanyin coughed and opened her eyes.
The madam: "Who sent you to ask these questions?"
Xiahou Dan glanced at Yu Wanyin and feigned outrage: "We were just making conversation! How dare you tie up paying customers?"
The madam sneered. "Won't talk? Then you'll stay locked up here until you do."
She left them in the room, ordering the door locked behind her.
Once alone, the Shadow Guards produced hidden daggers from their sleeves, cutting each other's bonds before kneeling to free Xiahou Dan and Yu Wanyin.
Xiahou Dan rubbed his wrists as he sat back down. "What now?"
Yu Wanyin: "Climb out the window to search?""...Alright."
The Shadow Guard hurriedly said, "Your Majesty and Her Highness, please rest here for a moment. This subordinate will go search." Two of them immediately slipped out the window, while the remaining ones dispersed to guard the doors and windows.
Yu Wanyin turned to Xiahou Dan again. "It might not be wise for you to stay away from the palace too long. Why don’t you head back first? I’ll stay and keep looking."
"There’s no rush. If we do find him, won’t we still need my face to confirm his identity?"
Yu Wanyin sat down beside him, picked up the fruit platter that hadn’t been cleared yet, and began selectively eating grapes. "Want some?"
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Xiahou Dan: "Somehow, I feel like you’re actually enjoying this?"
Just a few days ago, she had been half-dead with exhaustion. How had she bounced back so quickly?
Yu Wanyin: "Happy or not, it’s still a day. That’s the survival rule of us corporate drones."
She patted Xiahou Dan on the shoulder. "Boss Dan, you’re just too used to the world revolving around you. The psychological gap is too big. Unlike us, who are accustomed to working for three months only to hear, ‘Actually, the first version was the best.’ Keep a level head if we want to survive till the end, got it?"
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Yu Wanyin didn’t wait for an answer and casually switched to cracking sunflower seeds. Just as she was about to ask if he wanted some, she suddenly heard him say, "Alright."
Yu Wanyin: "Alright what?"
Xiahou Dan smiled but didn’t elaborate.
The Shadow Guard keeping watch suddenly pressed his ear to the door and whispered, "Someone’s coming."
Had the brothel staff returned so soon? There was no time to think. The group inside quickly resumed their original positions, hands tied behind their backs with only a small section of rope visible, pretending to still be bound.
Yu Wanyin gritted her teeth. "What about the two who went out the window?"
Before Xiahou Dan could answer, the door opened.
Unexpectedly, it wasn’t the previous group but an elderly janitor holding a broom with a rag draped over his shoulder.
The old man listlessly glanced at them before lowering his head to clean up the fruit peels and shells, seemingly uninterested in why there were bound people in the room.
Yu Wanyin had just relaxed when her tension spiked again.
She subtly tugged at Xiahou Dan’s sleeve, signaling with her eyes: It’s him!
Xiahou Dan: ?
Yu Wanyin frantically widened her eyes: He’s Bei Zhou!
Only a corporate drone could recognize another true corporate drone. This janitor had eyes that didn’t belong to one. In the brief moment he withdrew his gaze, the look he inadvertently revealed was like that of a lone wolf.
So Bei Zhou had been hiding in the brothel disguised as a janitor?
Xiahou Dan seemed to have guessed as well. After a brief hesitation, he called out, "Hey."
The old man didn’t look up, continuing to wipe the table.
Xiahou Dan raised his voice. "Brother, you look familiar."
The janitor paused and looked at him.
Xiahou Dan: "Meeting like this is fate. Since we’ve crossed paths, why not be honest and show your true face for a chat?"
The moment he finished speaking, the janitor’s expression changed. He froze, staring intently at Xiahou Dan. Their gazes clashed in the air several times before he finally set down the rag and slowly approached them.
Seeing his guarded and slightly hostile demeanor, Yu Wanyin quickly forced a friendly smile. "Don’t misunderstand. We’re all friends here."
She nudged Xiahou Dan with her shoulder. Xiahou Dan reached up to remove his Human Skin Mask. "I am—"
In that split second, many things happened at once.As Xiahou Dan moved, the old man suddenly realized he wasn't bound, his eyes instantly flashing with murderous intent.
Yu Wanyin was just marveling at the intensity of that glare when she saw a sharp blade appear in the man's hand, thrusting straight toward Xiahou Dan!
"Look out!" Yu Wanyin cried.
A thunderous crash—the door shattered—
She reached out to push Xiahou Dan aside as the Shadow Guards on either side instantly leapt up, throwing themselves in front of him—
Yet right before their eyes, the old man's body twisted unnaturally, as if lifted by some invisible force, toppling sideways before collapsing motionless to the ground.
Heart still pounding, Yu Wanyin gasped for breath as she looked down, only then noticing the dagger embedded deep in the side of the old man's neck—so deep it nearly protruded from the other side.
The Shadow Guards formed a protective circle around Xiahou Dan, turning their gaze toward the door.
A gaping hole had been torn through it. Everyone felt a chill—this dagger had been thrown from outside, smashing through the wooden door without losing momentum, flying unerringly to pierce the old man's neck in a single lethal strike!
What kind of monstrous internal strength would that require?!
Only then did the door creak open.
As those inside and outside faced each other, the scene fell into dead silence.
Standing outside was the plump, classically beautiful madam with her signature matchmaker mole.
Everyone: "..."
But the madam was staring at Xiahou Dan, her voice trembling as she spoke: "You..."
The voice that emerged was unmistakably male.
Yu Wanyin turned to see Xiahou Dan had already removed his Human Skin Mask.
An absurd thought occurred to her as she stared incredulously at the madam: "You..."
Madam: "Dan'er?"
Yu Wanyin: "Bei Zhou?"
Bei Zhou reached up and plucked off the matchmaker mole with a "pop," while his bones emitted a series of muffled cracks. His body visibly expanded, transforming into a man's figure in the blink of an eye.
Yu Wanyin had read about bone-contraction techniques in novels, but witnessing it firsthand was still overwhelming.
Her mind short-circuited from shock: "Y-you're Bei Zhou?"
Bei Zhou: "Dan'er, how did you know I was here?"
Yu Wanyin glanced at the body on the floor: "Then who was he? Why did he try to kill us?"
Bei Zhou: "Wait, how did you know I even existed?"
Xiahou Dan: "Stop. One question at a time."
Moments later, the group sat around a table.
Xiahou Dan: "First, to answer Uncle Bei's question." He certainly knew how to read the room—having witnessed Bei Zhou's skills, he smoothly upgraded to calling him "Uncle."
"I know of Uncle Bei because my late mother mentioned you in her will," Xiahou Dan said without hesitation.
Bei Zhou's face softened with nostalgia: "How did Nan'er write about me?"
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Yu Wanyin's mind instantly composed an 800-word emotional essay—lines about ten dreamless years away from home, longing gazes that never touched, vows that remained though letters couldn't be sent.
She shot Xiahou Dan meaningful glances, trying to telepathically transmit the essence.
Xiahou Dan nodded in perfect understanding.
Xiahou Dan: "She said if I was ever in danger, I could find you."
Yu Wanyin: "..."
What kind of emotionally tone-dead response was that! He might as well have said "Bei Zhou—useful"!
Tears welled in Bei Zhou's eyes: "She still remembered me."
Yu Wanyin: "?"Xiahou Dan: "So after ascending the throne, I sent people everywhere to search. It took all these years until recently when I faintly caught wind of Uncle Bei's whereabouts. Today I came hoping to get lucky." Seeing he'd passed this hurdle, he quickly changed the subject, "Uncle Bei, who's that person on the floor?"
Bei Zhou: "He's been cleaning here for two years. I only became suspicious of him a few days ago when I found this in his room." He handed Xiahou Dan a stack of letters.
Yu Wanyin leaned over to look and saw the pages covered in tiny script, but it wasn't Chinese characters—just twisting, winding lines of some unknown language.
Bei Zhou: "This man is a spy sent by the State of Yan. His orders were to assassinate nobles and stir up chaos in our country. After discovering his coded letters, I've been secretly observing him these past few days. When you came asking about the brothel keeper today, I thought you were looking for him and planned to interrogate you... It wasn't until he tried to kill you just now that I realized something was wrong."
Xiahou Dan understood: "So he attacked because our vague questions made him think we were here to expose him?"
Yu Wanyin remembered—there was indeed such a minor spy in the original story, though he ultimately failed. Under Prince Duan's covert manipulation, he only succeeded in assassinating an important minister of the Empress Dowager faction, paving the way for others. After being captured, he was torn apart by five horses—a miserable end.
Bei Zhou: "The State of Yan has been restless these past few years. It seems they're truly desperate. Be careful—killing this one won't necessarily stop others."
Xiahou Dan: "Fortunately, Uncle Bei saved my life today. To be honest, my situation in the palace is indeed dangerous now, surrounded by enemies..." He sighed mournfully at just the right moment.
Bei Zhou immediately said, "Actually, I returned to the capital to protect you, but I feared you might not need my help. Don't worry—Nan'er's child is my child."
Yu Wanyin: "?"
Buddy, that's a pretty dangerous thing to say?
Bei Zhou had a martial artist's decisiveness. Without hesitation, he reverted to his brothel madam disguise, reattached the beauty mark, and went out to resign.
During his time undercover at the brothel, he had often looked after the unfortunate women there, so he was quite popular. When he announced his departure, the young beauties tearfully called out, "Mama!"
The girl who had drugged Xiahou Dan earlier was likely his trusted aide—perhaps even a confidante of sorts. With sorrowful tears, she asked, "Where are you going? Can I come with you?"
Bei Zhou frowned deeply. He was entering the palace to protect Xiahou Dan—there was no way he could bring anyone along.
Xiahou Dan seized the opportunity to do him a favor, whispering, "I'll send someone later to redeem them and ensure they leave safely."
Bei Zhou, moved, said, "You're just like Nan'er—just as kindhearted."
After leaving the brothel, Xiahou Dan put his Human Skin Mask back on, while Bei Zhou washed off the makeup, changed into men's clothing, and blended in with the Shadow Guards. In his true form, he looked quite dashing and refined, with the bearing of a chivalrous hero.
Yu Wanyin flattered, "Uncle Bei is so handsome."
Bei Zhou lamented, "What a shame. This uncle actually prefers being a woman."
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Did he just say something outrageous?
Yu Wanyin couldn't help stealing another glance at Bei Zhou.
Wasn't this guy's backstory that he was in love with Xiahou Dan's mother? After his beloved entered the palace, did heartbreak drive him to wander the martial world, seeking divine power, until he...?
Yu Wanyin felt a phantom chill.She was just letting her thoughts run wild, but Xiahou Dan voiced them directly: "Uncle Bei, could you tell me about your connection with my mother?"
Bei Zhou: "Nan'er was the only person in the world who truly understood me. She was the only one who never looked down on me, treating me as a true sister."
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Bei Zhou: "It's tragic that she passed away so young, leaving you all alone." He gazed at Xiahou Dan with affection. "Now that Nan'er is gone, from now on, your uncle will be your mother."
Xiahou Dan: "......"
Xiahou Dan: "Thank you, Uncle."
The group returned to the palace. Bei Zhou seemed surprised: "You want me to stay in the Imperial Concubine's Palace?"
Xiahou Dan: "Yes. I suspect there are spies around me, whereas the concubine's quarters have fewer attendants, making it easier to speak privately."
As Bei Zhou followed behind them, he observed the layers of Shadow Guards stationed around the Imperial Concubine's Palace and chuckled, "It seems some of the rumors circulating among the people were right after all."
Yu Wanyin: "Hmm?"
Bei Zhou studied her carefully: "Dan'er truly holds this imperial concubine dear to his heart."
Yu Wanyin: "..." You've misunderstood—he just needs the knowledge stored in my head.
Wait, just how far has my reputation as a seductive concubine spread? Is it because of my rapid promotion?
Yu Wanyin forced a dry laugh and subtly hid behind Xiahou Dan, lowering her eyes to feign shyness.
Unexpectedly, Xiahou Dan was even more committed to the act. He reached back and took her hand, addressing Bei Zhou earnestly: "Since Uncle has seen through us, we won't hide it any longer. Please treat her as you would treat me, and ensure her safety."
Yu Wanyin: "?"
Was it really necessary to take the act this far?
Bei Zhou looked back and forth between them, his expression resembling that of a doting aunt: "Don't worry."
Yu Wanyin's lingering sense of awkwardness hadn't completely faded by nightfall.
Bei Zhou had already slipped away to the Wei residence to retrieve the book. Xiahou Dan had asked if he needed any assistance, but Bei Zhou waved him off: "More people would just slow me down. No need to wait up—rest easy."
This remark finally revealed a hint of arrogance befitting someone at the pinnacle of martial prowess.
Left behind in the Imperial Concubine's Palace, the Spider Cave duo could only wait for news. They finished their candlelit dinner, then their candlelit midnight snack, but Bei Zhou still hadn't returned.
Yu Wanyin fidgeted restlessly, while Xiahou Dan remained calm, sipping his wine: "The Wei residence is under surveillance by various factions. He'll wait until everyone is at their most relaxed before sneaking in—likely in the dead of night."
Yu Wanyin: "I understand the reasoning. But ever since we transmigrated, many plot points have changed, and I can't help feeling uncertain."
Xu Yao wasn't supposed to die, and in the original story, Bei Zhou lived much longer—but who could say for sure now?
Xiahou Dan: "Don't worry. The worst that could happen is death."
Yu Wanyin: "...Thanks, I feel so comforted."
Xiahou Dan chuckled quietly to himself. The slight flush from the wine finally brought some color to his usually pale face. Yu Wanyin stared at him for a few seconds, that strange feeling bubbling up again.
Under the lamplight, even a three-point beauty could appear tenfold—let alone a painted skin demon who already seemed on the verge of ascendance.
Perhaps it was the wine they'd had with their midnight snack, or the comfort of warmth stirring other thoughts, or maybe even Bei Zhou's exaggerated reaction earlier.
Suddenly, she found Xiahou Dan unbearably handsome.
It wasn't that Yu Wanyin lacked an eye for beauty—she simply hadn't dared to indulge it. When survival was at stake, aesthetics became irrelevant.Take Prince Duan for example—who could say he wasn’t handsome? But the moment Yu Wanyin saw his attractive face, it was like spotting a brightly colored mushroom—all she wanted was to run away.
Strangely enough, when facing the true villainous countenance of Xiahou Dan, her prey-like wariness grew weaker by the day, barely sustained by instinct anymore.
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