Chapter 27

When Ying Yue regained her composure, she looked at Shen Shutan in disbelief and asked, “Shutan, why do you think that?”

Shen Shutan explained, “Because I feel that in General Bai’s eyes, there is only the Lord. It’s as though he doesn’t care about anything else.”

Though she had met Bai Qi only a few times, Shen Shutan had sensed his overwhelming power. If he hadn’t restrained his aura, she was certain she would have been compelled to kneel before him.

He felt dangerous, far more so than the Turkic leader ^[1]refers to a leader from the Turkic tribes, nomadic groups from Central Asia. she had encountered before. She had concluded he was no ordinary man.

Yet, even Bai Qi, who exudes such a terrifying presence, treated Ying Yue differently. During their meetings, it was evident to Shen Shutan that Bai Qi was utterly focused on Ying Yue.

He didn’t spare extra glances for her or Cai Boji, which made her think their relationship must be one of profound love.

A man like Bai Qi, she reasoned, wouldn’t submit to anyone unless there was a special bond.

Hearing this, Ying Yue, who had stopped thinking for a moment, alternated between astonishment and disbelief. Finally, she denied Shen Shutan’s assumption, exclaiming, “No, no, no! Absolutely not! You misunderstood!”

After a deep breath, Ying Yue seriously explained, “Shutan, you really misunderstood. My relationship with Bai Qi isn’t what you think. It’s complicated, and I can’t fully explain it, but we don’t have that kind of relationship.”

Bai Qi saw protecting Ying Yue as his responsibility. He had taken her from Prince Rui’s Mansion and promised to protect her for a year.

Ying Yue continued softly, “I like Bai Qi a lot, but not romantically. It’s the same affection I feel for all of you.”

Bai Qi had saved her, helping her escape a desperate situation. She was immensely grateful to him, more than mere words could express. Even though their time together was limited to one year unless circumstances changed, she cherished the bond they shared.

Shen Shutan’s description of Bai Qi’s cold demeanor, Ying Yue explained, was just because he wasn’t very good with words.

Initially, she had worried that Bai Qi disliked people being around her, as he became quieter the more people joined their group. Later, she realized he simply wasn’t good at socializing.

Though Bai Qi seemed cold and intimidating, he was gentle at heart. He didn’t need to promise to protect her, yet he did. He also secretly guided Zhao Kuo.

Ying Yue cherished these gestures deeply, remembering everything Bai Qi did for her.

In the end, Ying Yue didn’t explain further to Shen Shutan.

It wasn’t for any special reason, but because she felt Bai Qi wouldn’t appreciate it. Besides, since he would leave eventually, there wasn’t much point in explaining to Shen Shutan.

After all, this matter is fundamentally different from the earlier misunderstanding.

Thinking about it, the young girl looked at Shen Shutan and said, “Shutan, don’t bring this matter up again.” She added, “If word accidentally reaches Bai Qi, it might affect him negatively.”

“In that case, I overthought it.” Shen Shutan, seeing Ying Yue’s composed attitude after her initial panic, decided to drop the matter entirely. She pretended her question had never been asked, sparing her lord further embarrassment.

However, what Shen Shutan had casually asked out of curiosity, and Ying Yue had firmly denied, would eventually come true after many twists and turns.

Although… at this moment, she still felt that something was amiss, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

_

After drinking two sips of tea, Ying Yue left her room with Shen Shutan to meet Jia Xu and Bai Qi, who were heading to the government office.

Judging the time, if they set off now, they would arrive as the government officials were beginning their sign-ins.

At the meeting, because of her earlier question to Ying Yue, Shen Shutan avoided Bai Qi’s gaze. On the other hand, Ying Yue, directly and naturally, called out both Bai Qi and Jia Xu’s names.

After all, she truly didn’t have those kinds of feelings for Bai Qi and felt no discomfort in her heart.

Bai Qi, as usual, didn’t pay attention to Miss Shen and failed to notice anything unusual. He was used to people fearing him.

However, Jia Xu sensed something had occurred earlier that morning. While he remained curious, he refrained from asking and instead headed directly to the government office.

_

On the way, Jia Xu asked Shen Shutan a question similar to one Ying Yue had posed to her earlier. “Miss Cai will be reciting a book soon and needs some scholars to assist with copying. Miss Shen, can you recommend anyone?”

Shen Shutan was momentarily stunned. “I do know a few candidates, but wouldn’t it be inappropriate for a group of men to spend time alone with Sister Cai?”

Jia Xu, hearing this, found her question valid and followed up, “Then, do you know any literate women who would be suitable?”

Shen Shutan, still unaware of his deeper intentions, replied, “Among the current officials in Beidi County, there are some wives and daughters of the administrators…”

Halfway through her response, she suddenly realized Jia Xu’s true intent. He not only knew where to find literate women but wanted her to name the specific officials herself!

Seeing Jia Xu’s sly smile, Shen Shutan couldn’t help but twitch her mouth.

Even now, Jia Xu remained cautious of her and determined to keep her fully tied to Ying Yue’s side, preventing any potential alliances with Beidi County officials. His tactics were so open and deliberate that Shen Shutan could only sigh and comply with his request.

Resigning herself, she began listing names as Jia Xu requested.

Meanwhile, Ying Yue noticed the underlying meaning in Jia Xu’s words. Glancing at Bai Qi, who was walking behind them, she silently confirmed her thoughts.

In her mind, she couldn’t help but marvel at Jia Xu’s sharp intellect.

“If Wen He’s intelligence ranks as an N in the system’s card value judgment, how brilliant must an SSR-level strategist be?”

Not having looked at her “card album” recently, Ying Yue didn’t realize the significant changes Jia Xu’s metaphorical “card” had undergone.

_

After Shen Shutan and Jia Xu reported the list of “soon-to-be victims,” Ying Yue remembered the Beidi County situation Shen Shutan had told her about earlier that morning. She quickly mentioned it to Jia Xu and reiterated the suggestion she had shared with Shen Shutan.

After explaining, she asked, “Wen He, do you think this is feasible?”