Chapter 101

Chapter 101: Suddenly Hearing Old Words, I Was Startled to Drop 

My Pen (Part 1)

Dragging his limp body, he stumbled out of the dimly lit room into the dilapidated courtyard, staring blankly at 

the tangled branches beyond the low wall.

The wind swept through the ancient trees, swirling a few withered leaves up and down before his eyes.

“Ugh...”

A dull ache gripped his chest, destabilizing him. The scenery before his eyes swayed. Instinctively reaching out 

for support, his hand slammed onto the cold, earthy dust. His arm went limp, and he collapsed onto the ground.

Fine dust stirred by the movement drifted into his nostrils, stinging slightly.

Closing his eyes, he waited for the darkness before him to gradually dissipate. Only then did Feng Lan slowly 

open them, sitting cross-legged on the cold ground, his arms propping him up weakly. His muddled mind 

gradually cleared. As he recalled the events leading up to this moment, he surveyed his surroundings.

A simple courtyard, a low earthen hut.

Hadn't he just stepped out of that hut? Feng Lan pondered this as he glanced around again—no one?

Between heaven and earth, only the rustling of swaying leaves echoed.

Glancing at the stone mill by the well, still damp with water stains, with a hanging pot resting on the millstone, 

Feng Lan felt a slight sense of reassurance. It seemed someone had been living here all along! Perhaps it was 

precisely the person residing here who had saved his life.

“Oh dear, young master, why did you run off?”

Lost in his own thoughts, Feng Lan suddenly heard a startled cry. Looking up, he saw an old man running swiftly 

toward him.

Sighing softly, he realized the young master was truly badly injured—so badly he hadn’t even noticed someone 

approaching. With this thought, a faint smile touched Feng Lan’s lips as he strained to steady himself, attempting 

to rise.

“Young master, you're gravely injured! Don't move!” The old man rushed to stop Feng Lan the moment he saw 

his attempt, carefully supporting him while chattering on, "Don't take this old man's words the wrong way, but 

with injuries as severe as yours, you should be lying quietly in bed. How could you be in such a hurry to rush 

out before you're even healed? You don't take care of yourself at all. I was truly frightened when I first saw you..."

“Old man,” Feng Lan interrupted gently with a smile, slowly shifting his weight with the old man's support. 

“Was it you who saved me?”

Though this didn't seem to be the spot where he had fallen from the cliff.

“It wasn't me,” the old man seemed to recall suddenly. He helped Feng Lan sit up, then hurried toward the door. 

“You reminded me. Hmm, why hasn't that young man returned from gathering herbs yet?”

Reaching the doorway, the old man turned back. Backlit, his expression was indistinct, though a faint smile 

played on his lips. “Young master, stay still. I'll be back shortly. Your wounds need more medicine...”

Feng Lan leaned dazed against the headboard, surveying the sparse furnishings in the dim room. If the old man 

hadn't saved him, then who had?

No matter who it is, the feeling of surviving is truly wonderful.

I thought I was going to die like that! Though in that instant of falling off the cliff, he mustered all his inner 

strength to protect this body to the utmost, his injuries were simply too severe.

Thankfully, thankfully...

He still had attachments to this world. How could he bear to leave so easily?

“Master...” Feng Lan sighed softly, unsure if his master had returned from the Heavens Beyond or if he knew 

about his accident.

At this thought, Feng Lan abruptly sat upright. He must contact his master immediately—otherwise, that person 

would surely worry! But now, his injuries were far from healed, and he had no idea where he was...

Judging by the scenery outside just now, it must be autumn at least!

So much time had passed. He must contact his master, Cang Qing, immediately...

Before he could rise again, footsteps sounded outside. Feng Lan paused, then slowly leaned back against the wall, 

gazing toward the doorway— A tall, slender youth stepped over the threshold, carrying a basket. His eyes met 

Feng Lan’s, and he paused, slightly startled.

The man smiled and asked, “You're awake?”

Feng Lan stared intently at him, a strange feeling washing over him. “You saved me?”

The young man entered the room, set down the basket, and approached Feng Lan. He studied his complexion 

carefully, exhaled softly, and finally replied, " Yes. I found you by the river in the valley. You were covered in 

injuries. Luckily, this kind family took you in. But you remained unconscious the whole time. I thought..."

Though a faint doubt stirred within him, Feng Lan still smiled and thanked him, “Thank you, young master, for 

your great kindness!” He started to rise to bow, but was promptly stopped by the other.

“Your wounds haven't fully healed yet—be careful,” the man smiled gently. “No need to thank me. If you must 

thank anyone, thank Old Man Yun. Without his chivalrous help, I wouldn't have been able to save you either.”

Old Man Yun—that must be the old man from earlier! Feng Lan pondered, his heart still heavy with concern. 

Hesitating, he asked, “Are you from around here, sir? Could you perhaps guide me to the local post station...”

“I'm not,” the man sat down and spoke at length. “I was originally heading to enlist in the army when I accidentally 

encountered bandits...” He smiled sheepishly. “But my martial arts skills weren't up to par, and I lost all my 

travel money. I had no choice but to walk all the way here. I got lost in these mountains, and luckily, I ran into 

Old Man Yun.”

“Joining the army?” Feng Lan murmured. “You... are from Canghuan?”

“Yes!”

“Where are we?”

“A small village beyond Yaoguan Pass,” the man replied. “Seeing your severe injuries, I thought the Southwest 

Army wasn't too far. It seemed best to wait until you recovered before heading there.”

“Thank you for your kindness, young master,” Feng Lan said apologetically. “But I've been away from home for 

so long... I wish to send a letter to my family first...”

“Let me handle it!” the man volunteered. “It's over ten miles to the nearest town from here. Your body can't 

endure that journey. Besides, I happen to be heading to town to buy some medicinal herbs for you...”

Feng Lan hesitated, but after a moment's thought, he realized this was his only option.

“Then I'm terribly sorry to trouble you, young master!”

“Not at all,” he replied with a hearty laugh. “Your eyes are clear and your features upright—you don't seem like a 

bad sort. These wounds... you must have encountered bandits too, just like me?”

Feng Lan pressed his lips together, smiling silently.

The man didn't press the matter. He rose and headed for the door. “It's getting late. I'll prepare the medicine first 

and send word to the town for you tomorrow.”

“Sir!” Feng Lan called out, halting his departing steps. “May I ask your name?”

◇Cang◇Huan◇Seven◇Palace◇

The autumn air was crisp, the sun beating down on people, still slightly warm, but a gentle breeze brushed away 

the dryness.

"Qingdi!"

Si Cang Qing stopped and turned, watching Qiu Ping Tian hurrying towards him. He heard him say with a hint of 

urgency, "There's news about the Empress."

Off to the side, Liu Yi tilted his head to look over.

A flash of surprise flashed through Si Cang Qing's heart, and he softly asked, "Where is Lan?"

Seeing his usually indifferent expression slightly moved, and a hint of joy flickering in his cold eyes, Qiu Ping Tian

turned his gaze slightly, smiling softly. "He's in a small village outside Yaoguan now. They say he was rescued, 

but he's injured and has been unconscious ever since. He only woke up a few days ago."

Hearing this, Si Cang Qing lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

“Qingdi, are you going to go to pick up the Empress?” Qiu Ping Tian asked softly. Knowing Si Cang Qing well, 

he was certain the man would insist on going personally.

Sure enough, Si Cang Qing lifted his gaze and fixed it on him. “I'll depart immediately. Please inform Bi and the 

others for me.”

Slightly startled, Qiu Ping Tian hurriedly asked, “You won't prepare anything?” After a pause, he added, “At least 

bring Tianbi along. That way, the Empress's injuries can receive timely treatment.”

Si Cang Qing furrowed his brows, considered for a moment, then shook his head. “Bi's body couldn't endure 

day-and-night travel. I'll bring two imperial physicians.” He turned his head to look at Liu Yi. “Leave the affairs 

of the court to you...”

“Your Majesty!”

Before Si Cang Qing could finish, Liu Yi abruptly interrupted him. His brows furrowed slightly, his gaze sharp. 

“A nation cannot be without its ruler for a single day. With war between Cang and Hong nations on the brink of 

breaking out, how can private matters delay state affairs!”

Si Cang Qing heard the subtle reproach clearly. He regarded Liu Yi coldly. “Zhèn know my own limits!” He was 

never one to act on impulse. But now that news of Feng Lan had arrived, and the situation remained uncertain, 

he must personally go to meet him. He was well aware of the affairs within the court and the military.

“Your Majesty,” Liu Yi persisted, “His Majesty the Empress’s whereabouts now has confirmed information. You 

may rest assured. Simply dispatch men to escort His Highness back. With tensions running high, only Your Majesty 

can maintain the grand scheme.”

Si Cang Qing replied coldly, “Zhèn haz said it before: zhèn’s officials must never be incompetents who cannot 

function without zhèn!”

Meeting Si Cang Qing's icy stare, Liu Yi showed no fear, replying with unwavering resolve, “Liu Yi believes that 

the ruler of a nation must never be muddleheaded monach—a tyrant who prioritizes personal gain over public duty 

and disregards the safety of the state!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Si Cang Qing's gaze grew even colder, fixing intently on his opponent. 

Liu Yi showed no sign of backing down either, meeting Si Cang Qing's stare with unwavering resolve, neither 

flinching nor looking away.

Sighing inwardly, Qiu Ping Tian watched this standoff unfold and couldn't help but feel a tinge of admiration. 

Across the entire court, only this Prime minister personally appointed by Si Cang Qing dared to confront that man 

so directly!

Maintaining an expressionless facade, Qiu Ping Tian gently broke the tension between them. “Your Excellency 

the Prime Minister, please spare yourself the trouble. The Emperor, riding at full speed, will only need a little over 

a month to return...”

“His highnes Consort Qiu,” Liu Yi cut in without mercy, interrupting Qiu Ping Tian's appeal, “as the Emperor's 

Consort and a member of the court, it is your duty to wholeheartedly assist His Majesty in becoming a wise ruler. 

When he has concerns, you should offer counsel; when he errs, you should advise him. How can you condone 

the Emperor's misguided actions?”

“Liu Yi!” Si Cang Qing warned in a deep voice. Though he had not been angry before, seeing this man turn his 

hostility toward those close to him stirred his displeasure.

“Qingdi,” Qiu Ping Tian hurriedly interjected, offering a reassuring smile to his brother. “You should depart 

without delay. Time is of the essence.” Turning to Liu Yi, whose face bore clear disapproval, he cut off the words 

forming on the man's lips. “Prime Minister, once Qingdi has made his decision, no one can stand in his way.”

“You...”

Without looking at the other person, Qiu Ping Tian kissed Si Cang Qing on the lips right in front of Liu Yi. 

“Qingdi, return soon. Don't worry about court affairs—I'll speak with the Prime Minsiter properly.”

Glancing at Liu Yi, whose brows were tightly furrowed, Si Cang Qing looked at Qiu Ping Tian and murmured, 

“I shall return within a month.” Given his condition, traveling day and night would take only a few days to reach 

Yaoguan. But the return journey... Feng Lan's injuries wouldn't be minor, and it might take some time.

“Mm, I'll wait for you.”

Watching Si Cang Qing's resolute retreat with lingering reluctance, Qiu Ping Tian sighed softly. Turning to the 

visibly displeased Liu Yi, he smiled faintly and murmured, “Your Excellency, please do not be upset. You know 

well enough the nature of Qingdi.”

“His Majesty is the Emperor. He cannot act on every whim.”

Shaking his head, Qiu Ping Tian countered, “In the years since Qingdi met you, have you ever successfully 

stopped him from acting on his whims?”

Liu Yi fell silent, his thin lips pressed together.

Qiu Ping Tian smiled again. “Qingdi's abilities don't depend on his physical presence to be effective. 

Prime Minister, you shouldn't belittle yourself. With you in the court, Qingdi can be so at ease...”

With that, Qiu Ping Tian stepped past him and said, “Rest assured, Prime Minister. I, Qiu, guarantee that while 

Qingdi is away, no chaos will arise in the court!”

Liu Yi stood frozen in the center of the stone path, Qiu Ping Tian’s words echoing in his ears. He stared blankly 

at the spot where Si Cang Qing had vanished moments before.

Yes. Does he trust him?

◇Cang◇Huan◇Qi◇Gong◇

Original Author’s Notes

[On the setting of characters]

One of the prerequisites: the male lead gong is cold and doesn't understand emotions

Premise 2: The shou cannot be reactionary, and will not take it for granted to accept sharing a husband 

with others

Results: n-p

Then, the premises 1 and 2 can finally lead to such a result only if the following conditions are met:

One of the conditions: there is a person who enters the heart of the gong, so that he is at least a little human, 

and has feelings

——》Condition 2: The first person is of a tolerant character, and may be pessimistic at heart, so he does 

not dare to fight for it, nor does he take the initiative to guide the little gong

——》One of the results: At this time, the little gong's understanding of feelings is ambiguous

——》Condition 3: The indifference and ignorance of the little gong determined that he had never thought 

about what was monogamy or what was n-p

——》Result 2: If he was a little more selfish or no longer restrained, then, with the little gong's feelings for 

him, all the good feelings for others would be nipped in the bud, and there would be no subsequent 

development.

——》Condition 4: Therefore, for N-P the first must be gentle and tolerant. The formation of this character 

comes from: 1. Nature, 2. Childhood education, and 3. Shadow guard training.

——》Result 3: It is this kind of personality that can slowly melt the heart of the little gong in the long six 

or seven years

——》One of the conditions

——》Result 4: Because the first one was tolerant, the others could develop. Therefore, they felt guilty in 

their hearts. Even if they rejected the later interveners, they no longer had a strong position to oppose them.

——》Condition 5: Other shous who develop feelings for the gong when the gong already has someone in 

his heart, and are willing to share a husband with others, may belong to the following categories: 1. They 

have had a rough life and have experienced the coldness and warmth of the world. They are reluctant to

give up the gong's care and warmth, such as the Cheng Tian brothers; 2. They are arrogant and do not 

care about secular etiquette. Once they have identified someone, they will hold on to them tightly and try 

to occupy the gong's heart as much as possible, such as Qi Shuangran and Qiu Ping Tian; 3. They only want 

to cherish the last bit of warmth in despair, such as Mo Qingjue; 4. People outside the play cannot help but 

get too deeply involved in the play, such as Liu Yi. These situations are not completely independent, but exist 

in several shous in an intertwined manner.

——》Result 5: Unable to let go

——》Condition 4

——》Result N-P

This is just one person's opinion, and I don't expect everyone to agree with it.

Pfft, the above is all nonsense. The biggest reason is that I wanted to write N-P, but I didn't want to write 

the kind of N-P where they meet and the world is shaken, and then they are together and they are bound to 

each other for life and death, and then they are together for life and life in heaven and earth, the blue sky 

and the yellow spring. So, it created the different personalities of these characters in the story.

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