Chapter 119: Farewell, Caixue!

After leaving the county office, Li Yuanjing exhaled deeply. His intention in offering Zhang Zhiji this ‘playing hard to get’ strategy was not solely for his own benefit; he genuinely had Zhang’s well-being in mind.

After all, at this point, Li Yuanjing and Zhang Zhiji had formed a certain alliance of interests.

Given Zhang Zhiji’s temperament, if he continued to act recklessly in Fengcheng, even if he avoided death, survival would be barely possible. His future prospects would be severely compromised.

At his age and level of experience, Zhang Zhiji simply could not compete with the Wenxiang Sect and the various local forces in Qizhou.

Take Zhang Yuzhu and Li Yuanjing’s concubine Zhao Yinling as examples. For every Zhao Yinling-like woman, the Wenxiang Sect probably had at least eight hundred, if not a thousand.

Although Zhang Yuzhu was Zhang Zhiji’s confidant, enduring such hardship day after day, could he be expected to have no resentment? If the Wenxiang Sect used women like Zhao Yinling to sway him, Zhang Yuzhu’s loyalty was not guaranteed.

In other words, Zhang Zhiji might be young, idealistic, and stubborn enough to confront the Wenxiang Sect head-on, but what about his subordinates?

This was likely the core reason why Emperor Longtai chose Zhang Zhiji for this mission rather than someone else — because Zhang was full of ideals and vitality.

Therefore, with neither Li Yuanjing nor Zhang Zhiji wanting to be too deeply entangled in this mess, Li Yuanjing advised Zhang to first extricate himself from the chaotic situation in Fengcheng and secure the bigger picture.

After all, the Wenxiang Sect had flourished for centuries since the previous dynasty, even aiding the founding ancestor of the Great Qian Dynasty in his uprising.

The Wenxiang Sect’s longevity far exceeded the lifespan of the Great Qian Dynasty itself. Zhang Zhiji struggling to deal with them for a while was hardly a grave fault.

On the contrary, if Zhang Zhiji failed to seize control of his most important military power, what else could he be but a mere burden?

As for why Li Yuanjing chose to exchange the valuable inn—several acres of prime land in the county seat—for silver instead of keeping it, that revealed his own self-interest.

When dealing with the Qiu and Xue families, ruthlessness was necessary, but they could not be completely destroyed or left powerless. It was like the subtle art of the palace eunuch master who castrated boys—a delicate balance.

Just as Li Yuanjing aimed to extract the lifeblood of the Qiu and Xue families while still making them grateful.

—

Lost in these tangled thoughts, Li Yuanjing returned to his room at the inn. Just as he was about to take out the erotic painting for further study before sleeping, a sudden sharp instinct hit him.

With a swift motion, he drew the razor-sharp dagger he had obtained from Zhang Wuwei, his gaze fixed sternly toward the sandalwood bed. In a cold voice, he commanded:

“Who’s there? Show yourself or I’ll call for help!”

A coquettish giggle followed.

The sleeping curtain was drawn aside to reveal a delicate, familiar face that had appeared repeatedly in Li Yuanjing’s dreams.

It was Caixue!

At that moment, Caixue wore only a crimson dudou, her snowy shoulders exposed, draped in Li Yuanjing’s blanket. She gave him a playful glare and teased:

“Young master, I’ve kept this bed warm for you, and this is how you treat me? Would you have someone see me like this? Don’t you think you’re at a disadvantage? Hehe…”

Li Yuanjing was momentarily speechless.

Even his mind dared not meet Caixue’s charming face directly, lest he fall prey to this little enchantress’s spell.

He had hesitated to call for help upon entering because he faintly caught her unique fragrance.

“Miss Caixue, please don’t joke. With your status, like a celestial fairy, and me but a mere ant, how could I dare covet you?”

After a pause, Li Yuanjing steadied himself and smiled wryly.

In the face of danger, flattering and steadying a woman was always the wisest choice—a lesson distilled from Li Yuanjing’s life experience.

Caixue laughed, her delicate figure trembling with mirth, cheeks flushed as she replied:

“You truly are a great scholar, young master. Even when saying things I dislike, you make them sound beautiful. But truly, don’t you want me? If you wish, I could accompany you tonight.”

She rose, revealing her full form to Li Yuanjing.

“I…” Even a man accustomed to grand scenes in a future world like Li Yuanjing was dumbfounded, nearly nosebleeding.

She stood barefoot on the wooden floor he often tread upon, the bright red dudou clinging to her, slightly large but still concealing her most exquisite curves. Under the flickering candlelight, the red fabric, her radiant face, snow-white skin, and youthful silhouette were intoxicating.

Like a poison.

It overwhelmed Li Yuanjing’s senses, making the moment feel surreal.

Li Yuanjing, somewhat versed in aesthetics, quickly realized that if this were a beauty from his own time, no matter how seductive her attire, he would be interested but not so deeply immersed.

The sheer novelty and mystery of crossing centuries rendered this experience indescribably fresh.

Especially since Caixue radiated a mysterious aura that compelled closeness, possession, even the urge to dominate her by force.

“Miss Caixue, my shoulders are narrow and my arms weak. If you need anything, just say, and I will do all I can! Please, do not trouble me so…”

Li Yuanjing bit his tongue hard to regain composure, forcing himself to avert his gaze from Caixue’s face, focusing instead on her delicate feet as he bowed deeply.

“You…”

Caixue frowned slightly.

Who would have thought that despite all her efforts to seduce him, Li Yuanjing, that scoundrel, was not buying it.

How could the proud Caixue accept such rejection?

She knew well that given her status, only the legendary Holy Son could lay eyes on her body.

Yet, seeing Li Yuanjing’s humble demeanor, she suddenly couldn’t help but smile coyly.

“Oh, young master, you who can write ‘With heroic ambition, I eat the flesh of the Hu invaders when hungry, and laugh as I drink the blood of the Xiongnu when thirsty’—I thought you a true man, yet you are but an embroidered pillow, all show and no use. Hehehe…”

Li Yuanjing inwardly wished to pin Caixue down and teach this little vixen a lesson in socialist iron fists.

But reason quelled his impulse.

The Wenxiang Sect, a terrifying organization nearly a millennium old, possessed countless unspeakable secrets. For Caixue to appear here tonight like a ghost, could she be trusted?

Indeed, ‘Better to die beneath the peony than live without honor.’

But to become a stepping stone without even touching the peony—wasn’t that sheer foolishness?

“Miss Caixue, my sincerity towards you is clear as day. If you command, I will do all within my power. Please, do not toy with me any longer, for I am not so easily managed…”

Li Yuanjing played the suffering card, lowering himself further.

Caixue’s brow furrowed, eyes narrowing slightly.

She began to understand why Li Yuanjing could hold his ground against the proud prince Zhang Zhiji and earn his trust.

This man was a slippery eel, impossible to grasp.

Though she wanted to continue teasing him, seeing how little time remained, Caixue dared not delay.

Drawing close, her subtle fragrance filled Li Yuanjing’s lungs as she whispered:

“Young master, are you truly willing to do one thing for me with all your effort?”

“Please speak, Miss Caixue.”

Li Yuanjing kept his eyes fixed on her feet, not daring to glance elsewhere.

Caixue smiled suddenly.

“Then, I want you to ensure Zhang Zhiji leaves Fengcheng within three days. Can you do that?”

“Huh?”

Li Yuanjing suddenly became alert.