Qing Wu was walking along when she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. She couldn't help but stop, turn around sharply, and look back.
Her two older brothers were holding her hands as they walked. When Qing Wu stopped, Liu Anzhi and Liu An Ting also came to a halt. Following Qing Wu's gaze, they saw Qin Shuying leisurely approaching.
Liu Anzhi released her hand and stepped forward to greet Qin Shuying with a cupped fist salute.
Qin Shuying casually returned the gesture and walked straight up to Liu Qingwu. Her gaze swept past her and landed on Liu An Ting, where General Qin displayed a very friendly and warm smile. "I would like to take the girl to my residence for a visit. I wonder if you could make it convenient for us."
Liu An Ting immediately became alert. "Why?"
Qin Shuying casually provided a plausible excuse. "A doctor has come to my residence, and his medical skills are exceptional. I want to take the girl to see him."
This statement resonated well with those present, as everyone knew about Liu Qingwu's poor health, and their expressions softened upon hearing it.
Liu Anfeng, who had been walking ahead in silence, rushed over upon hearing the conversation. Seeing that Qin Shuying wanted to take Liu Qingwu for a "check-up," he asked without hesitation, "What kind of doctor is he? Where did he come from? How do you know his medical skills are good?"
A series of questions were thrown out, and the smile on Qin Shuying's lips deepened slightly as she calmly replied, "He came from the palace. His medical skills... well, quite good."
General Qin spoke these words without a hint of embarrassment or hesitation.
After all, Huo Yun'ai could lull Liu Qingwu to sleep; could anyone else do that?! Therefore, his "medical skills" were indeed quite reliable.
However, he could only "diagnose" this girl alone.
Seeing that Liu Anfeng was about to speak again, Liu Anzhi quickly silenced him with a stern look and expressed his gratitude to Qin Shuying.
"There's no harm," Qin Shuying said, and she was about to pull Liu Qingwu over. Liu An Ting stepped forward to block Liu Qingwu, smiling as he asked, "Sister, you seem nervous around strangers. Why don't we accompany her instead? It would be nice to keep her company."
At this moment, Liu Anzhi also noticed that Qin Shuying wanted to take Liu Qingwu alone and said, "Let's send her through the mist."
"Are you worried about me?" Qin Shuying lowered her gaze, fiddling with the jade pendant at her waist, and said lightly, "Do I look like someone who would harm her?" She sighed heavily, "If that's the case, let's just forget about it." With that, she took a step forward.
The Liu brothers hurriedly called out to stop her.
As soon as Qin Shuying's words came out, the Liu brothers hesitated. Liu Qingwu was saved by General Qin; they shouldn't doubt him.
However, they still felt that something was off...
Taking advantage of the brothers' moment of hesitation, Qin Shuying quickly pulled Liu Qingwu to her side. Feeling uneasy, she hugged her tightly and pointed to a nearby tavern. "You all sit here for a moment; I'll bring her back soon."
Without waiting for their response, she hurriedly left.
Turning the corner and retrieving her horse tied to a tree, Qin Shuying thought about how well she had executed her little ploy when she noticed the girl looking up at her. Although she was still quite young, there was an understanding in her clear gaze that made Qin Shuying feel a bit guilty.
Fortunately, the General's residence wasn't too far from there. After riding for a while, she arrived home.
At this point, there was no need to hide anything anymore.
Qin Shuying tossed the reins into the Doorman's hands and walked briskly with Liu Qingwu in her arms, explaining to her about Huo Yun'ai getting drunk at her place.
"...I'll try to persuade him again later. If that doesn't work, you can help me talk to him."
Facing the obedient girl, Qin Shuying's tone became much gentler. "Don't be fooled by how kind he is to you; his personality is actually quite awkward. He doesn't listen to anyone's advice, and if you say too much, he'll get angry. However, I can see that he treats you differently and cares for you a lot. Well, considering how much he dotes on you, just be patient and help him out a bit."
After hearing this, Liu Qingwu felt a bit puzzled inside.
Huo Yun'ai cares for her the most? Dotes on her the most?
They had only met twice; how could that be evident?
This general had previously intimidated her three silly brothers, but now he was trying to fool her as well?
Although she thought this way in her heart, Liu Qingwu had secretly made up her mind to do her best.
Putting everything else aside, just the fact that Huo Yun'ai saved her and even remembered her favorite snacks made her decide to be friends with him.
Huo Yun'ai's place was not far from here, and Qin Shuying walked quickly, so they arrived in no time.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, Liu Qingwu caught a strong aroma of rich wine in the air. By the time they reached the door, the scent became even more intense.
Pushing the door open, she saw several empty wine jars lying haphazardly around the room. At a table facing the window sat the White-Clad Youth, sitting upright with an air of cold arrogance and nobility.
Qin Shuying set Liu Qingwu down on the ground. He took a few steps forward and reached out to grab the wine jug from Huo Yun'ai's hand. "Drink less! Drinking too much is harmful to your health!"
Huo Yun'ai was sitting with his back to the door. Having already heard the sound of footsteps upon their entrance, he was prepared when Qin Shuying came to snatch it away. He slightly turned to avoid Qin Shuying and said, "It's fine. Just this once. Don't worry about me. Besides, I'm not drunk."
In his tipsy state, his speech was slower than usual, filled with an indescribable sadness and sorrow that made Liu Qingwu's heart tighten suddenly, feeling a bit sad herself.
She remembered Qin Shuying because she missed the Former Emperor and the Grand General, which is why Huo Yun'ai kept drinking continuously.
Qin Shuying tried several times but was evaded each time.
Looking at the remaining wine on the table, Qin Shuying turned to attack that direction. However, just as she made a move, Huo Yun'ai said lightly, "If you think you can beat me, come at me."
Qin Shuying paused, feeling completely helpless. She took a few steps back to Liu Qingwu's side, gestured to her, and then exited the room.
Liu Qingwu walked step by step to the table, watching as Huo Yun'ai picked up a new jug of wine and was about to bring it to his lips. She became anxious and quickly reached out to grab it.
"I got it, no need to persuade! Didn't you leave? Why are you back again!"
Having been interrupted multiple times, Huo Yun'ai felt irritated. At that moment, he could no longer endure and pushed the troublesome "Qin Shuying" aside.
As soon as he touched her, the sensation of her soft hand startled him, and he immediately realized something was off. Just as he was about to turn his head to look, he heard a low "ouch" from the corner of the cabinet, followed by a slightly trembling voice from the girl.
"It hurts."
Although this voice was not very familiar, its unclear enunciation and particularly soft tone made it sound special. After hearing it once, one would not forget it.
Huo Yun'ai's intoxication faded instantly. Without looking back, he stood up and hurried over.
In the corner of the cabinet, the girl was sadly wrinkling her face, slowly gasping for air.
Huo Yun'ai felt anxious.
He had no experience comforting girls and didn't know what to do. He wanted to pick her up, but halfway through extending his hand, he was afraid of touching her injury and increasing her pain. He wanted to rub her sore spot, but he was worried that he might hurt her if he applied too much pressure.
After hesitating for a while, he realized that he didn't dare to do anything at all. Finally, he opened his mouth to ask, "Are you in pain?"
Liu Qingwu shot him a glare filled with annoyance.
Tears were about to fall; how could he even ask if she was in pain?
The White-Clad Youth also realized this point in an instant. When he looked at her, his expression was full of guilt and regret.
Huo Yun'ai did not have the habit of carrying a handkerchief.
Seeing the tears almost falling from the corners of her eyes, he sighed quietly and slowly raised his hand to wipe them away, bit by bit.
...
Qin Shuying knew that Liu Qingwu and Huo Yun'ai interacted very casually. He was afraid that if he were present, the girl would be too shy to act freely. So he deliberately wandered outside for a while before turning back.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he felt that something was off. When he walked to the door and looked inside, he was stunned.
There were no signs of the two people in the room; only the butler was tidying up the empty jars and bottles that still carried the scent of wine.
Qin Shuying was somewhat dazed. "Where's the girl?"
"The Emperor took her away."
In a daze, General Qin found it hard to regain his composure. After pondering the butler's words several times, he understood and his face darkened completely.
He suddenly turned to the butler and asked, "What did you just say happened to the girl?"
"She was taken away," the butler replied respectfully. Noticing Qin Shuying's increasingly dark expression, he stepped closer and lowered his voice, saying, "His Majesty personally carried the young lady away; he will surely take good care of her. The General need not worry."
Qin Shuying felt overwhelmed, both angry and anxious. With a cold snort, he resigned himself and hurriedly strode out.
The Liu Family brothers were waiting for her just a few streets away!
Not worry?
That was easy to say.
Now that the girl was gone, how was he supposed to explain it to others!
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