31: Save a life

“What are you saying, big brother? Of course, I won't be leaving Flame Feather City now. I'll stay for a while longer to prepare.”

“That’s good. If you are leaving, my brother, just let me know, and I’ll see you off!”

“Certainly, certainly. Then I'll take my leave.”

“Walk slowly!”

After seeing Chen Xuan off, General Zhao still wanted to go see Zhou Wan'er, but he thought about how he had no ability now, and seeing her would only add to his sorrow, so he gave up on the idea.

Upon returning to the Qin Family, Chen Xuan met Qin Minghao, who had been waiting for a long time.

“Is Great Master Chen dissatisfied with my Qin Family? Qin Feng is from a collateral branch of my Qin Family. His actions have nothing to do with my Qin Family!”

“It's not about him, but rather that I plan to go to Zhou Capital in the future. How could I stay in a small place like Flame Feather City indefinitely?”

“Alas, Great Master Chen is right. People always aim higher. It was this old man who was too attached!” Qin Minghao sighed.

“I will still be in Flame Feather City for the near future. If you need any help, just tell me directly,” Chen Xuan said.

Qin Minghao was also a pitiful character. In the original text, after Qin Feng won the grand competition, he always supported Qin Feng. As a result, Qin Feng later provoked a formidable enemy, and Qin Minghao himself, along with the Qin Family, was directly wiped out.

Upon hearing Chen Xuan say this, Qin Minghao's eyes lit up.

“Then please, Great Master Chen, fulfill this old man’s request.”

Chen Xuan: “??? ”

Isn't that what people say when they're about to make a move? Are you, Qin Minghao, trying to lay hands on me?

“Great Master Chen, there's no need to be puzzled. You will know the answer very soon, as long as you forgive my presumptuousness.” Qin Minghao spoke in riddles, then cupped his hands and left.

“This old man’s previous guess was indeed correct. This Chen Xuan is most fond of other people’s…”

“Alas, I hope this good karma can be established!”

…

“This old man is still speaking in riddles? How inexplicable!”

After saying this, Chen Xuan walked into his room.

As soon as he entered, he smelled a unique fragrance, a scent he had never encountered before.

“Could it be that someone drugged me to kill me?” Chen Xuan instantly became cautious, but then he heard faint sobs of a woman from inside the room.

“?”

Chen Xuan cautiously walked in, lit the candle, and saw a beautiful woman appear before him.

Chen Xuan vigilantly looked around, and only after confirming that no one else was present did he turn his gaze to the beautiful woman.

This beautiful woman was stunning, appearing to be around 30 years old, with a graceful figure. She wore a light, thin gauze dress, vaguely revealing her fair skin. Her eyes were red from crying, and her face still bore tear stains, making her appear pitiful.

Liu Yun reference (delete if infringing)

“Who are you, and why are you in my home?”

“Reporting to Great Master Chen, I am… the Qin Family matriarch, Qin Minghao’s wife, Liu Yun.” The woman, seeing Chen Xuan, quickly stopped sobbing and said in a low voice.

“How are you here with me?” Chen Xuan asked again.

He was familiar with this woman, Liu Yun, a minor villain in the book, a direct descendant of the Liu Family. Relying on her status as Qin Minghao's second wife, she ordered servants to target Qin Feng, Liu Yanxin, and Lin Shuiyao, among others.

Finally, when Qin Feng grew stronger, Qin Minghao had no choice but to divorce her, and after that, she had no further plot.

Of course, ever since he married Lin Shuiyao, this part of the plot had completely changed. Without mentioning this woman, Chen Xuan had completely forgotten about her!

However, what he didn't expect was that this Liu Yun was truly charming…

“I…” Liu Yun hesitated, wanting to speak but unable to open her mouth. The task Qin Minghao had given her was simply too shocking!

“Say whatever it is! If you don't, I'm leaving!”

“Great Master Chen, wait!” Liu Yun became anxious.

“It, it was Qin Minghao who told me to… serve you like a cow or a horse!” After saying this, she couldn't help but shyly lower her head, completely different from her villainous image in the original text.

The main reason was that she had another purpose for coming here, but she simply couldn't bring herself to say it!

Chen Xuan: “???? ”

He thought about it again and felt a little angry. He was, after all, a good young man from the 21st century, and he truly could not condone such a slave society!

Qin Minghao, oh Qin Minghao? You think too little of me, Chen Xuan! Are you using this to test me, a true gentleman?!

“Ahem!” Chen Xuan stepped forward and held Liu Yun's hand.

“Madam, please return. Go tell Qin Minghao that I, Chen Xuan, am a true gentleman and will not accept such… ”

(Regarding reader reactions of hypocrisy here, I'll explain: it's just a meme, meaning 'which cadre can't withstand such a test?')

Chen Xuan refused earnestly.

And when Liu Yun heard that he didn't want her, she became even more anxious. She knew Qin Minghao's bad temper. If she couldn't satisfy Chen Xuan, how could she have a good life afterward?

“Great Master Chen, please accept me!” Liu Yun gritted her teeth, holding Chen Xuan's hands tightly, with a hint of pleading in her eyes.

“If Qin Minghao finds out, I'll surely lose my life! Please save me!”

“This…” Chen Xuan was at a loss for what to do for a moment. To be honest, he was somewhat concerned about this Liu Yun. After all, she and he were both villains, but considering her identity and the original description of her, Chen Xuan hesitated.

“How about I personally go talk to that old man Qin Minghao? I guarantee he won't retaliate against you!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun immediately became anxious. She stood up directly from the chair, walked in front of Chen Xuan, and blocked him.

“What if you go to Zhou Capital later? You probably won't return to this small city then, right? At that time, Qin Minghao will definitely retaliate against me!”

Chen Xuan froze instantly. This damned slavery made it hard for him to even breathe.

“Great Master Chen, are you looking down on me?”

“No, no, I never meant that. Madam, please don't overthink it!”

“Then, Great Master Chen, your concubine asks you to save my life. If you don't agree, I will kneel here indefinitely!” Liu Yun said with a choked voice.

Chen Xuan was truly wavering. How could he, a dignified gentleman, stand by and watch the beautiful woman in front of him be cruelly killed!

(Modification)

“Madam, compose yourself!” After a moment, Chen Xuan reacted and quickly pushed Liu Yun away.

“Great Master Chen, please don't refuse me. If you don't agree, I will kneel here indefinitely!” Liu Yun pleaded again, tears streaming from her eyes once more.

Seeing her like this, Chen Xuan finally softened a bit.

“Madam, please rise. I agree! I will make it clear to that old Qin Minghao, but you must promise me that you will never do such a thing again!” Chen Xuan said sternly.

Liu Yun, hearing his agreement, was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, “Thank you, Great Master Chen! From now on, your concubine will only follow Great Master Chen’s lead!”