"I didn't expect things to be so convoluted. Madam actually did so much for us irrelevant people."
Upon hearing the story, Chu Qing was greatly shocked. She had never imagined that Madam would do so much for them, who were not related to her at all, and were even enemy spies.
If they had followed the young general's wishes, they would have been cold corpses by now, with no chance of survival.
"Yes, I also didn't expect Madam to help us so much. You seem like a completely different person now. Madam must treat you very well."
The bright young girl before them was entirely different from the timid, thin Xiao Qi of the past.
"Yes, Madam treats me very well. I've met so many masters in the Xiliang Palace, and only Madam is the best master in the world. Oh, and Sister Zhenzhu, Madam also gave me a new name, Chu Qing, meaning 'clear skies after the rain.' I don't quite understand the meaning, but it sounds like a good name."
Clear skies after the rain... That is indeed a good name. Is it a wish for their future days to be as clear and bright as the sky after the rain?
"Chu Qing... it sounds so nice."
Zhenzhu held Chu Qing's hand, her voice filled with emotion, grateful that Chu Qing had found a good path.
"Promise me, sister, no matter what Granny Sun asks you to do in the future, don't do it for her. And tell Madam the truth. If you remain loyal to Madam, she will surely treat you well."
It was better to follow Madam Feng Jin than to risk adventure with them. Moreover, Chu Qing was too young. Even if she escaped with them, her future would be difficult. It was truly better to live a stable life by Feng Jin's side.
"I understand, sister."
Chu Qing nodded. She also understood in her heart that following the young Madam was her best choice.
"Alright, you've been out for long enough. Hurry back to Madam's side and serve her."
Zhenzhu was worried that Chu Qing had been out for too long and might displease Madam, so she urged her to return.
"Sister, you must also protect yourself..."
Chu Qing said a few worried words and then hurried away.
...
"Little girl, you've been crying and your eyes are red from seeing your sister."
Feng Jin noticed Chu Qing, whose eyes were still slightly red, sitting outside the door. She sat beside her and inquired.
"Young Madam, your servant..."
Chu Qing was about to stand up and bow when Feng Jin pressed her shoulder, forcing her to sit back down.
"Sit down, no need for such formalities. Your eyes are red. Are you reluctant to leave Zhenzhu?"
"I am a little reluctant. In Xiliang, only Sister Cui'er and Sister Zhenzhu treated me the best. Sister Cui'er is gone, leaving only Sister Zhenzhu. I don't wish for anything to happen to Sister Zhenzhu."
Chu Qing lowered her head, her emotions at their lowest, her brow filled with sorrow.
"Don't worry, they will all be fine."
"Young Madam, I... I thank you for taking me to your side."
She wanted to thank Madam even more for giving her a chance to be reborn. If Madam hadn't taken her in, how could she have the life she had now?
The past few days by Young Madam's side could be considered the most peaceful and happy days of her life. How wonderful it would be if this life could continue forever.
"Since I've taken you in, it means we are destined to be together. When you're older, I'll help you find a good marriage and marry you off to live a normal life, without having to live in fear every day."
Chu Qing's eyes instantly welled up: "Young Madam, did you... did you know from the beginning that I was a spy sent from Xiliang to Dongchu?"
"I knew your identity from the moment I knew you were called Xiao Qi. But that doesn't matter anymore; it's all in the past. You are no longer Xiao Qi, the spy trained by Xiliang, but Chu Qing."
She never dwelled on the past. Since it was over, there was no need to mention it again. People always had to look forward. Lingering on past entanglements would only lead to more pain.
"Then... Young Madam, why did you keep me by your side and treat me so well? Anyone else would have killed me by now."
Feng Jin looked at Chu Qing's innocent and guileless eyes and couldn't bear to reveal that she had done so initially to lure Zhenzhu out. She decided to let her keep some beautiful memories.
"Didn't I say? You resemble my sister. I grew up in a village and had a younger sister around your age who accompanied me. However, shortly after I left the village, that sister fell ill and passed away. When I saw you, I remembered her and decided to keep you by my side."
It was truly difficult for her to create such a dramatic scene on the spot. It wasn't easy.
However, looking at Chu Qing, she seemed to believe it. This little girl was so easy to trick.
"Young Madam, I will never leave you again."
Chu Qing completely believed what Feng Jin had said. She felt that Feng Jin was pure and kind, cherishing the memory of the deceased and being so good to someone she had never met.
In an instant, Feng Jin's image in her heart was elevated.
"Good..." Feng Jin nodded faintly, secretly relieved that she had managed to get through it.
"It's getting late. Go back and rest. We have to set off early tomorrow."
Feng Jin dared not continue the topic, fearing she might slip up again. She got up and walked towards the room.
Just as she reached the doorway, a cold arrow shot towards Feng Jin from behind.
"Young Madam, be careful!" Chu Qing was the first to sense something was wrong. She immediately shouted loudly and rushed towards Feng Jin.
Hearing the sound, Feng Jin immediately turned around and saw a cold arrow flying towards her.
Just as it was about to pierce her body, a long sword flashed from her side and deflected it. The threat removed, Feng Jin breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed to save her life.
"Young Madam, are you alright?"
Chu Qing ran to Feng Jin's side, her small body shielding Feng Jin.
"Let's go back to the room!" Ling Mo Han seemed to descend from the heavens, pulling Feng Jin behind him.
If he had been a moment slower, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
"Young Madam, let's go back to the room." Chu Qing protected Feng Jin as they entered the room.
"Go investigate who shot that arrow just now. Spare no effort to find the person."
How dare they act under his nose! Did they truly not wish to live?
"Your subordinate obeys!" Lu Shi cupped his hands in response and then hurried off to investigate the matter.