Before his eyes, those pupils were filled with profound emotion, a pitiful glimmer shimmering within, as if the moment he refused, tears would spill from her eyes.
For some reason, the words of refusal that Cold Mingye had intended to speak suddenly stuck in his throat.
“Brother, please?” As if afraid he might reject her, the soft, timid voice of the little one came again, the shimmering tears in her eyes swaying even more intensely.
“Alright, I promise you. For basic martial arts, Hongyan will teach you. As for acupoint techniques, I’ll bring you a human meridian chart in a couple of days. Once you’re familiar with it, I’ll explain the purpose of each acupoint.”
Though Cold Mingye silently reminded himself that someone who could seal poison with silver needles surely knew the uses of acupoints, he found himself nodding in agreement without understanding why, speaking to her gently.
“Brother, you’re so good to Qing’er.”
She had thought he would refuse, suspecting her motives, but to her surprise, he agreed. Though this was child’s play for Wanqing, she knew that as long as he taught her, she could temporarily deceive him while using the time to strengthen her own defenses.
This man was truly righteous. If not for the strict gender norms of this era, she would have been so excited she’d hug him and call him “good sister.” For now, she simply looked at him with a sweet smile.
“Good that you know I treat you well. But I don’t want you to lie to me or hide things from me. Otherwise, I don’t know what I might do to you. Little fool, let me ask you again—have you ever lied to me?”
The little one’s sweet, ingratiating expression made Cold Mingye’s phoenix eyes narrow slightly, his emotions unreadable. But his next words, spoken as if casually, froze the smile on Wanqing’s face.
“Rest well. I have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.” Just as she realized her reaction had been too obvious, his ethereal voice reached her ears—he was already outside the window.
“Sigh… It seems I must act quickly. The more I try to hide, the more suspicious I become.”
Only when she was certain he had left did Wanqing lie back on the bed. Reflecting on all she had done to conceal the truth, only to arouse his growing suspicion, she couldn’t help but sigh softly.
That night, shortly after midnight, Wanqing was anxiously waiting in her room, unsure whether Qingfeng would arrive unnoticed with Hongyan around. Suddenly, she heard Hongyan’s sharp call from the courtyard: “Who’s there?” followed by the sound of her chasing after someone.
“Seems Qingfeng’s arrival was discovered.” The commotion only heightened her anxiety. Assuming Hongyan had pursued Qingfeng, she sat up helplessly and sighed in frustration.
“Miss Wanwan, do you really think so little of me? That a mere woman could catch me?” Just then, the window behind her creaked softly. Turning, she saw a familiar figure in black—Qingfeng, striking a pose with his arms crossed, standing before her with a teasing smirk.
“I was just worried. Sister Hongyan is highly skilled. I’m glad you’re here. Can you help me find someone to make these?”
Qingfeng’s usually cold eyes were now filled with playful amusement, making Wanqing blush slightly. When had she started underestimating people so much? Anyone here with martial skills far surpassed her.
With an awkward chuckle, she pulled out the carefully prepared drawings from under her pillow and handed them to him.
Thanks to her injury, she had insisted on keeping the lights on, disliking the dark. Qingfeng took the papers and looked down at the designs.
“Where did you get these?”
After a quick glance, he looked up, unable to hide his excitement and curiosity.
“A secret. Can your blacksmiths make them?”
Seeing the wonder in his eyes, Wanqing smirked proudly. These were the secret treasures of her Tang Sect. With a sly smile, she pressed again, knowing their importance. His expression confirmed he recognized their ingenuity.
“My master has connections with the imperial armory. He should be able to arrange it. But these little gadgets are truly unique, Wanwan…”
The little one’s serious yet mysterious demeanor made Qingfeng sigh in resignation, but he nodded in agreement. Watching her lips curve into a smile and her willow-like brows arch like a full moon in delight, he felt an unusual warmth. Thinking of her special treatment toward him, he couldn’t help but adopt a pleading tone.
“You… just say what you want. No need for flattery or playing pitiful. Those tricks won’t work on me.”
Qingfeng and she had become friends through conflict. Though she didn’t know how he’d distracted Hongyan to remain undetected, his sudden pleading gaze and sickeningly sweet tone sent shivers down her spine.
A man usually so aloof now grinning obsequiously and begging in a low voice—she could almost hear crows cawing overhead. Who knew Qingfeng had such a silly side?
But faced with his shameless pleading, Wanqing rolled her eyes unceremoniously, crossed her arms, and sat firmly on the bed, scoffing.
“Brother Qingyun always told me to coax women, and if that fails, play pitiful. Seems that doesn’t work on you. Fine, I’ll say it—I want you to design something for me too. A hidden weapon for the sleeve, for self-defense. My master’s birthday is coming up, and I want to surprise him.”
At her reaction, Qingfeng’s face fell, his brows furrowing in disappointment. Returning to his usual cool demeanor, he made his request.
“When is Prince Ning’s birthday?”
His words piqued her curiosity.
“The eighth of next month. My master has had little interaction with the other princes or ministers these past two years. But given the Emperor’s favor, some princes will still visit. Who knows what schemes they harbor? So I…”
Qingfeng continued explaining.
“I’ll prepare a gift for Prince Ning. As for you, if you want that hidden sleeve weapon, just get my items made, and I’ll give you the design. But aside from Prince Ning and you, I don’t want others knowing about this.”
Without hesitation, she agreed and even promised him the design. Seeing the faint smile on Qingfeng’s face, she added a serious warning.
“Not even my brother Qingyun? He just helped distract the woman in your courtyard.”
Her reminder dampened Qingfeng’s rare cheerfulness. He looked at her with disappointment, clearly hoping to secure a weapon for his brother as well.
“Oh, Brother Qingyun? Fine, I’ll remember that. I’ll design something for him too. Now, go. If Hongyan returns, you might not get away so easily.”
Hearing him plead for his brother, Wanqing chuckled and nodded. Seeing his smile return, she thought of the brothers’ efforts for her and urged him to leave quickly.
“Alright. That woman—if we brothers really fought her, who knows who’d win? Wait for me. I’ll have my master make these as soon as possible. By the way, Miss Wanwan, once these are made, can my master’s leg be cured?”
At her urging, Qingfeng nodded heartily, frowning at her words about Hongyan. Dismissing her with a look of disdain, he tucked the papers into his robe. Remembering her earlier claims, he couldn’t help but ask hopefully.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage