Chapter Twenty-Two: Playing Along

Yet the serious demeanor on Liuling’er’s face lasted less than three seconds before she suddenly sprang to her feet with such vigor that Bailixian was completely caught off guard. Bailixian slapped his forehead, realizing he must have been seeing things earlier; this woman was fierce as a little tiger, her boldness in speech rivaling that of a northern warrior, and he had actually been fooled by her bashful expression.

Liuling’er glanced toward another corner of the room and spoke cautiously, “Did I imagine it, or did something just fall with a loud thud? Oh my goodness! It scared me so much my heart’s still racing.”

Bailixian had to admit, Liuling’er’s absent-mindedness sometimes reached such absurd extremes. She’d been staring at the person who had fallen from the beam for the time it took to finish a cup of tea, yet she still pretended to be clueless.

Liuling’er herself felt her pretense was a bit too obvious. She gave a sheepish laugh, hurried to Suyun’er’s side, and discreetly checked her breathing. Fortunately, Suyun’er was merely unconscious. Liuling’er raised her head and asked in confusion, “What happened to Yun’er? Why did she faint?”

She then pinched Suyun’er’s philtrum, but Suyun’er showed no reaction, remaining completely insensible. Liuling’er thought that if only she had some silver needles now, she could easily revive Suyun’er with her medical skills.

Her little tricks did not escape Bailixian’s notice. He was quietly surprised by her medical knowledge, but then teased, “Don’t waste your efforts. She’s inhaled Men’s Drunk. Even without drinking it, she’ll be out till morning.”

Men’s Drunk! Liuling’er snapped her head up. “Is that the wine you gave me? There was something wrong with it! Why am I fine, then?”

A wave of fear swept over her. If the wine really was problematic, she would have fainted by now—and if Bailixian were a true degenerate, he could have done all sorts of unspeakable things to her. That would be tragic indeed.

Bailixian chuckled, “Men’s Drunk, as the name suggests, only affects men. I’m more curious, though—are you hiding a man in my room with some ulterior motive?”

“Ulterior motive! Ha, as if you can say that with a straight face. With your notorious reputation, one must guard against fire, thieves, and the likes of you. I’m just being careful! Don’t change the subject. If just smelling Men’s Drunk makes one faint, why are you completely unaffected? Are you not a man? Nor a woman? Are you some kind of monster?” Liuling’er speculated.

Bailixian was furious—monster! How dare she say that out loud? Yet he managed to explain patiently, “There’s nothing mysterious about it. Every poison has its antidote, just as every lock has its key. Men’s Drunk is effective, but if you chew a slice of raw ginger as you activate it, you’ll be perfectly fine.”

So that was it. Liuling’er learned something new; indeed, the ancient world was full of wonders, and she’d have plenty of time to explore them. It seemed she wouldn’t be bored after all.

Suddenly, both of them looked at each other—not with the gaze of love at first sight, but rather with a conspiratorial air. Then, together, they glanced up at the roof, their expressions peculiarly strange.

Their reactions were proof enough: someone was on the roof, and not just anyone—they’d managed to evade the guards of Prince Xian’s residence, especially on his wedding night when security was tight. The skills of those on the roof were remarkable.

Liuling’er’s expression changed. Although the two on the roof moved stealthily, their ill intent was palpable, and Liuling’er sensed it immediately. An assassination attempt had just happened, and now they were back for more—did they really think she was easy to bully?

Bailixian’s expression shifted as well. Although Liuling’er lacked any inner energy, her senses were incredibly sharp. Most importantly, his royal brother seemed determined not to let him go. Bailixian was certain the intruders were sent by the second prince.

As he pondered how to deal with the people on the roof, Liuling’er noticed Bailixian signaling her, mouthing that she should play along. Suddenly, Liuling’er became intrigued; it seemed tonight’s wedding chamber would indeed be memorable.