Chapter 3, when the mountains are exhausted and the waters are depleted, one doubts there is no way out

Xie Fangfei was in a great hurry, sweating profusely. It seemed that he was determined to obtain Tai Yue Ling at all costs. In a moment of desperation, he grabbed him and stamped his foot, saying: "If you leave, will I not starve to death?" Meanwhile, his mind was racing, thinking of ways to escape.

Xie Fangfei made a gesture of "victory" in her heart, humph, little one, I don't believe you will fall for it. On the surface, she pretended to be flawless, but in reality, she had already made plans. As the saying goes, "Man proposes, but God disposes." Let's wait until it is done to speak of it, regardless of whether it can escape from this predicament

Xie Fangfei's heart suddenly tightened. He planned to place her under house arrest? Stealing a glance at him, she secretly pondered: after all, that worthless thing was something she would avoid even if it were given to her for free. What wrong had she committed? It was merely the crime of possessing something precious. Now, having not tasted the lamb, she found herself in a troublesome situation. Since it had to be given away, offering it to him was not a bad compromise. However, this was the only bargaining chip for exchanging her life, so it must be used cautiously. Immediately, she said: "As long as you agree to let me go, I will naturally deliver the Taiyue Ling intact to the hands of the Autumn Palace Master."

Autumn opened with a nod in the rain: "Indeed, since the Wei and Jin dynasties, the Nine Ranks and the Central Examination System have buried countless talents. The gentry and the humble families are as distant as heaven and earth." He then let out a cold laugh, "However, I, Autumn, am determined to break this system. It is truly laughable; can one’s ability be determined solely by their birth and family background? Such absurdity has never existed! Since ancient times, have kings and nobles ever been born with their status?"

Xie Fangfei did not understand why he sighed for no reason. Hearing this, she smiled and said, "Brother Qiu, you flatter me. Even as a man, being born into a noble family is still in vain." The rigid hierarchy of the aristocratic system is an insurmountable chasm, much like this chaotic era.

Although Qiu Kaiyu still did not believe it, he did not say much and did not press the issue, appearing somewhat absent-minded. That evening, the two of them casually ate some dry rations and went to sleep without further conversation. Qiu Kaiyu closed his eyes and practiced his breathing, while Xie Fangfei did not dare to provoke him again

Xie Fangfei had been alone at the summit of this empty mountain for several days, nearly losing her sanity. This place is devoid of human presence and birds, lacking any vitality, with only the boundless sound of the wind and the endless mist, which further accentuates the emptiness and desolation. It feels as if this is the end of the world, with only her solitary figure remaining, isolated and unable to bear the loneliness. The only constants are the repetitive sunrises and sunsets, as loneliness and coldness surge across the vast expanse, accompanied by fear, worry, and the incessant torment of bloody memories from the past. She feels that each day drags on like a year, almost unbearable. By the fourth day, the autumn rain finally arrived after much anticipation.

Qiu Kaiyu approached her with his hands behind his back and slowly said, "I know." He was certainly aware that she did not possess much of the lunar decree; otherwise, she would not have been allowed to live until now. His imposing presence was compelling, exuding authority without anger, causing Xie Fangfei to fall silent like a cicada in winter. Qiu Kaiyu continued, "I believe Miss Xie should stay here for a few days. This place is serene and tranquil, with beautiful scenery, truly a hidden paradise. Miss Xie can take her time to think things over. I will come to visit Miss Xie again in a few days." Qiu Kaiyu continued, "I believe Miss Xie should stay here for a few days. This place is serene and tranquil, with beautiful scenery, truly a hidden paradise. Miss Xie can take her time to think things over. I will come to visit Miss Xie again in a few days."

Xie Fangfei watched his disappearing figure, feeling an overwhelming surge of anger, thinking resentfully that he was truly taking advantage of her while pretending to be virtuous. She refused to believe that he could trap her for a lifetime.

Xie Fangfei felt a deep sorrow that she could not express; she certainly could not tell him that she was aware of all the significant events that were about to unfold, for that would only lead to her being dismissed as talking nonsense or speaking carelessly. She hurriedly smiled and said, "Young Master Qiu, you are being too serious; I was just joking, merely a jest, no need to take it so seriously. One should occasionally lighten up and adjust both body and mind. Laughing and chatting is beneficial for one's health." Yet, in her heart, she was constantly pondering how to cover up the lie.

Upon seeing him, Xie Fangfei quickly forgot her resentful words, her eyes brimming with tears as she tightly grasped Qiu Kaiyu's sleeve, choking back her emotions as she said: "Brother Qiu, this time you must take me down the mountain." No matter what, she could no longer stay here; she had truly had enough! Since Qiu Kaiyu had not killed her, it indicated that she still held some value for him, and thus everything was negotiable. Qiu Kaiyu also could not make things too difficult for himself. Since Qiu Kaiyu had not killed her, it indicated that she still held some value for him, and thus everything was negotiable. Qiu Kaiyu also could not make things too difficult for himself.

In the autumn rain, with eyes like torches, he coldly stared at Xie Fangfei and said: "Where is Tai Yue Ling now?"

Miss Xie, please rest assured, guests are always welcome. I, Qiu, still have some manners. If there has been any negligence before, I hope you can forgive me. Please feel free to stay here comfortably, and if you need anything, just let me know. Once I have completed my matters, I will naturally accompany you, Miss Xie, tirelessly to retrieve the Taiyue Ling.

"Oh no!" Xie Fangfei murmured to herself, unable to suppress a frown. After the battle at Yiyang, Xiao Luan had long harbored intentions to kill Xiao Yan, but out of consideration for their past relationship, she had refrained from taking action until now, when she finally tore off the facade and began to act. It seems that another struggle is about to unfold. Xie Fangfei pondered for a moment and asked, "Who is currently leading General Xiao's troops?"

Qiu Kaiyu suddenly laughed out loud, seemingly finding what Xie Fangfei had just said quite amusing. The corners of her eyes and brows were filled with subtle, quiet laughter. With a flick of her sleeve, she said, "But didn’t Miss Xie just say that she is a great burden? How could she possibly help Qiu with anything?" Xie Fangfei was left speechless, realizing she had truly shot herself in the foot. Qiu Kaiyu walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to her, saying, "Miss Xie, please." Xie Fangfei looked at him coldly and did not take it. He was unfazed, casually placing it on the table. After lifting the hem of his garment, he took a few steps, then turned back to say, "It is truly an honor for Qiu to invite Miss Xie as a guest. I hope Miss Xie will feel at home and not feel constrained."

Qiu Kaiyu let out a soft "oh," and with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, said: "Miss Xie, how about we return and attend to some serious matters?"

Xie Fangfei stood at the foot of the mountain, looking up in awe at the towering peaks that rose majestically, stretching endlessly. The summit was shrouded in mist, seemingly connecting heaven and earth, piercing the clouds. One could not help but exclaim: "The difficulty of this path is harder than ascending to the heavens, making one hear this and wither in beauty."

Qiu Kaiyu said: "Xiao Luan is critically ill, and has forcibly summoned Xiao Yan to the palace to meet the emperor." Her tone was indifferent, seemingly casual, yet her thoughts lingered on Xie Fangfei, her gaze intense, missing not a single subtle expression. Just a few days ago, she had mentioned that Xiao Luan was slightly unwell, initially thinking it was mere idle talk, but unexpectedly it came to pass, leaving him in shock.

Xie Fangfei waved at Qiu Kaiyu from a distance, smiling as she pointed behind her and then at the woman beside her, not caring whether Qiu Kaiyu understood her meaning. It was better for him to be confused, as that was the intention all along. Then Xie Fangfei and the woman walked into the house together, and Qiu Kaiyu did not immediately follow, feeling somewhat shy. After the two had been inside for a while, Qiu Kaiyu still felt uneasy, standing by the door and watching, listening to the footsteps that had not moved far away, and thus he felt reassured. Then Xie Fangfei and the woman walked into the house together, and Qiu Kaiyu did not immediately follow, feeling somewhat shy. After the two had been inside for a while, Qiu Kaiyu still felt uneasy, standing by the door and watching, listening to the footsteps that had not moved far away, and thus he felt reassured.

Xie Fangfei stopped in front of a bustling shop and said, "Qiu Xiong, this shop specializes in items for young ladies. Would you like to go in and take a look?" She was certain that Qiu Kaiyu would not enter, hence she asked this question deliberately. She was very familiar with this shop, knowing the layout of the front hall, back courtyard, and the corridors and pavilions clearly.

In the autumn rain, I saw that it was indeed filled with women, their delicate laughter and chatter creating a bustling atmosphere. On the counter were displayed various items such as rouge, powder, and fragrant silk scarves. I then said, "I will wait outside." I added a reminder, "Miss Xie, my patience has never been very good."

The autumn rain fell silently, and she cast a faint glance at her. Just that light glance sent a chill through Xie Fangfei's heart, as if she were facing blades of wind and frost. She could only brace herself and timidly say: "The Ming Emperor must be getting old, and it is inevitable for the elderly to suffer from headaches and fevers. If he is not ill today, he will surely fall ill tomorrow. Therefore, it is entirely a case of a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse, treating a dead horse as if it were alive..." Truly, it was a jumble of incoherent words, a nonsensical ramble. After a pause, she sighed and added, "Who is not the same? Life, aging, illness, and death are all unpredictable; in the end, no one can escape them."

Qiu Kaiyu stood there straight, his demeanor unmoving, cold and quiet like a statue. His side profile, crafted with exquisite artistry, bore no trace of emotion, as he looked at Xie Fangfei without speaking.

Xie Fangfei also breathed a sigh of relief. Xiao Luan handed over the military command to Zhang Hongce, temporarily indicating that he did not have the intention to put Xiao Yan to death; otherwise, he would not have entrusted the great power to a close friend of Xiao Yan to lead for the time being. However, it is feared that his future days will not be easy either. For Xiao Luan, Xiao Yan is like a thorn in his back, like a blockage in his throat. After pondering for a moment, he asked again: "What excuse did Emperor Ming use to strip General Xiao of his military power?"

Xie Fangfei was secretly alarmed upon hearing this, fearing that this demonic path's 'Evil Lord' would not be content with merely the rivers and lakes. The boldness evident in his words hinted at something more. Do nobles and ministers not have their own lineage? Could it be that he aspires to be a marquis or a minister, or even to ascend to the throne? He then laughed and said: 'Brother Qiu possesses the ambition of a swan, truly not an ordinary person.' This reminded him of the saying: 'The golden scales are not mere creatures of the pond; when encountering wind and clouds, they transform into dragons.' Qiu Kaiyu is also a hero in this chaotic world, rising amidst the turmoil and soaring with the circumstances. The times create heroes. He then laughed and said: 'Brother Qiu possesses the ambition of a swan, truly not an ordinary person.' This reminded him of the saying: 'The golden scales are not mere creatures of the pond; when encountering wind and clouds, they transform into dragons.' Qiu Kaiyu is also a hero in this chaotic world, rising amidst the turmoil and soaring with the circumstances. The times create heroes.

Xie Fangfei did not respond, yet she spoke a few words that were both soft and firm, hoping that Qiu Kaiyu would be too preoccupied with the tense situation to pay attention to herself

This autumn, the rain has been very cooperative. Answer: "Xiao Yan served as the Crown Prince's Grand Secretary in Jiankang, leading the Four Courtyards and guarding Shitou City." The rise of Ming and the fall of Shi, pushing out of the power center

As the autumn rain fell, I looked back and smiled, saying: "Miss Xie, you truly are a strategist under Xiao Yan's command. Even at such a moment, you can speak so freely and negotiate. Unfortunately, things do not go as one wishes. Since Miss Xie cannot produce the Taiyue Order, I kindly ask you to linger in this mountain for a few days, befriending the flowers, birds, insects, and fish, accompanied by the clear breeze and bright moon. Relax your mind and enjoy; it is indeed one of life's great pleasures. Please forgive me, but I shall not accompany you any longer." With that, I was about to leave. Unfortunately, things do not go as one wishes. Since Miss Xie cannot produce the Taiyue Order, I kindly ask you to linger in this mountain for a few days, befriending the flowers, birds, insects, and fish, accompanied by the clear breeze and bright moon. Relax your mind and enjoy; it is indeed one of life's great pleasures. Please forgive me, but I shall not accompany you any longer." With that, I was about to leave.

Miss Xie, you know that matters in the world are often repetitive and difficult to discern between truth and falsehood. How can you expect Qiu to believe you? Miss Xie should demonstrate greater sincerity to be convincing. Qiu Kaiyu gazed directly at Xie Fangfei, speaking slowly with a sharp and merciless gaze. He was quite impatient and extremely agitated, yet he could not articulate the reason for his unease. He simply felt that something was amiss, but upon careful consideration, he found nothing particularly wrong.

"Lady Qiu, with such vast mountains and rivers in between, where can I find it in a short time? It would be better for you to let me return to the Xiao residence first, and I will naturally present the Taiyue Ling to you in the future. You can rest assured, with my little tricks, no matter what, I cannot escape from your grasp, Lady Qiu. To be honest, you are in Jiankang, and it cannot be just for sightseeing, right? Keeping me by your side, such a burden, would not be conducive to your affairs, would it? To be honest, you are in Jiankang, and it cannot be just for sightseeing, right? Keeping me by your side, such a burden, would not be conducive to your affairs, would it? Moreover, although I am a woman, I understand the importance of sincerity and keeping promises; a person without trust cannot stand. I will certainly not go back on my word. Furthermore, the Taiyue Ling is something I wish to avoid at all costs; if I want to live in peace, it is better to part ways as soon as possible."

Xie Fangfei was so nervous that she could hardly breathe, and her chest felt extremely uncomfortable. Just at the last moment, when she was about to lose her composure and stand up, she suddenly heard a gentle voice beside her: "May I ask why the Autumn Palace Master is in such a rage?" It was as refreshing as a spring breeze, warm and comfortable. The speaker evidently infused their words with internal energy, making it sound as if they were right next to her. The person wore a long robe and a headscarf, with no other adornments, except for a prominently displayed sword at their waist. Their demeanor was restrained, their face like a jade crown, and their eyes like polished lacquer, exceptionally bright, devoted yet patient. In the face of the formidable 'Evil Monarch,' they remained calm and composed, neither servile nor arrogant.

First, the unfamiliar woman walked away with him. After waiting for a long time, he still did not see Xie Fangfei come out, and he began to feel puzzled. Hearing the sound of breathing from inside, he called out, "Miss Xie, what happened to you?" After a long time without a response, he sensed something was amiss. He kicked open the wooden door and saw the unfamiliar woman bound to the ground with silk ribbons, her lips sealed, yet she was wearing Xie Fangfei's clothes. Qiu Kaiyu was instantly furious; what a clever scheme of a golden cicada shedding its shell! How cunning! He realized he had been somewhat careless. A weak woman like Xie Fangfei had indeed not taken much precaution. Otherwise, with his astuteness, how could he have made such a basic mistake!

Xie Fangfei was certainly unaware of his fluctuating emotions. In order to make him more convinced, she spoke earnestly: "The Taiyue Ling is about the size of a palm, shaped like a shield, with the sun and moon engraved on either side. The ancient characters on it are beyond my understanding, but the uniqueness of its material is something I have never encountered in my life. It feels icy to the touch, and although it is small in size, it is quite heavy, as if it contains—another world within. Am I mistaken? In fact, something as rare as the Taiyue Ling cannot be easily impersonated, even if one wanted to. " She looked at him nervously, fearing that if he did not believe her, he might immediately resort to violence.

Xie Fangfei coldly snorted: "This is clearly a disguised form of house arrest, with close supervision."

Xie Fangfei could only secretly grumble, truly difficult to deal with, while smilingly saying on the surface: "Brother Qiu, I am still a woman, how can you lack even a bit of patience?" In reality, she was extremely nervous, fearing that he might suddenly change his mind

Early the next morning, Qiu Kaiyu indeed took her down the mountain. Xie Fangfei lay on Qiu Kaiyu's back, feeling as if she were soaring through the clouds, only hearing the whistling wind by her ears and seeing a vast sea of clouds before her. The wind rustled her clothes, truly making it feel as if she were walking on the clouds, having a beautiful dream that was indescribable. Unfortunately, colorful clouds are easily dispersed, and good dreams are easily shattered

Her words were a blend of softness and firmness; she believed she had appealed to emotions and reason, leaving no room for flaws. Qiu Kaiyu initially frowned, but upon understanding, he pondered for a while and then decisively nodded: "Alright, I will take you down the mountain tomorrow." Qiu Kaiyu was also somewhat exasperated with Xie Fangfei, and it was indeed time to take her down the mountain to retrieve the Taiyue Order.

Xie Fangfei suddenly coughed, and after recovering, she spoke randomly: "My younger sister is well-versed in astrology, so she can naturally foresee certain information from the changes in the wind and clouds..." Seeing Qiu Kaiyu looking at her with such enthusiasm, she could no longer continue and had to stop. How could she keep rambling on with that kind of expression from him?

Qiu Kaiyu slowly said: "What interests Qiu is how Miss Xie learned in advance about Xiao Luan's critical illness?" After speaking, he remained motionless, staring intently into Xie Fangfei's eyes, sharp as a hawk.

Qiu Kaiyu looked at her, momentarily lost in thought, and sighed softly: "Miss Xie is truly talented, but unfortunately, she is a woman." In times of chaos, women suffer particularly, facing dire circumstances.

Autumn opened with rain and dew, expressing a look of appreciation, and replied: "For the time being, let Zhang Hongce take command; it seems that his life is not meant to end this time." Raising an eyebrow, he looked at Xie Fangfei. This young woman before him was exceptionally intelligent, with extraordinary strategies, remaining calm in the face of danger. Yet, she appeared as innocent and gentle as an ordinary woman, completely unguarded. Remembering her appearance while being tortured, she was so stubborn and proud, truly a contradictory combination.

The autumn rain truly begins to count, "One, two, three..." Each sound strikes like the death knell of Yama, hammering on the hearts of everyone present. By the time the ninth count is reached, panic ensues among the people in the room. Someone can no longer contain themselves and cries out, "Wow," rushing out heedlessly, and before anyone can react, they have already collapsed silently to the ground, their internal organs shattered, eyes still wide open gazing towards the door, unable to close them even in death. Qiu Kaiyu resembles a demon from hell, his voice exuding a layer of icy chill: "Who dares to make a loud noise?" His gaze, sharp as a sword, silences everyone immediately, leaving them trembling in fear. Before anyone can react, they have already collapsed silently to the ground, their internal organs shattered, eyes still wide open gazing towards the door, unable to close them even in death. Qiu Kaiyu resembles a demon from hell, his voice exuding a layer of icy chill: "Who dares to make a loud noise?" His gaze, sharp as a sword, silences everyone immediately, leaving them trembling in fear.

Qiu Kaiyu calmly said: "Miss Xie, who does not involve herself in the affairs of the world, probably does not know that those who dare to deceive Qiu have never met with a good end"

Xie Fangfei, in a moment of agitation, lost her composure. At this moment, seeing the expression on Qiu Kaiyu's face, she timidly released her grip, turned her eyes, and said: "Young Master Qiu, there is naturally no shortage of food and clothing on the mountain. However, being human is not just about being well-fed and well-watered! What difference is there from a beast? Moreover, you have imprisoned me for so many days; there must be an end to this, right? What exactly do you want? Are you really going to let me fend for myself here?" She glared at him, her heart filled with indignation. Seeing that he still showed no expression, after a moment of frustration, she thought for a while and softened her voice again: "Furthermore, girls always have certain things they need to procure for themselves. There is nothing here, and it is quite inconvenient... Young Master Qiu must not have considered this, right?" After saying this, her face turned slightly red, and she bit her lip, looking down at the ground.

Xie Fangfei rolled her eyes and hurriedly said, "Ah, ah, ah, Young Master Qiu, wait a moment. Since you are going down the mountain, why not take me with you? After all, I can't escape anyway, can I?" Qiu Kaiyu raised an eyebrow at her and replied without much expression, "Oh—Miss Xie, what do you think?" Is there really such a simple matter in the world? She truly regarded herself as a guest. Xie Fangfei touched her nose and, with no particular expression, said, "Oh—Miss Xie, what do you think?" Is there really such a simple matter in the world? She truly regarded herself as a guest. Xie Fangfei touched her nose and shamelessly said, "Young Master Qiu, to be honest, staying alone on this mountain is quite terrifying. Once night falls, it becomes pitch dark, with no stars or moonlight, the wind howling, and the sounds of ghosts and wolves... Why not take me down the mountain? Perhaps I can still help with some small tasks. Young Master Qiu, aren't you here to handle important matters? The more people, the more strength, right?" Xie Fangfei's words were extremely flattering.

Xie Fangfei stopped speaking and quickly squeezed in, turning back to smile at him. Before long, she emerged again, looking eager to please as she asked, "Brother Qiu, could you lend me some silver? I am completely out of money." Qiu Kaiyu handed her a silver ingot, his face involuntarily revealing a look of helplessness. Xie Fangfei, nestled among the fragrant clothes and hair, distractedly searched around while looking for an opportunity to escape. After much effort, she had finally tricked him into taking her down the mountain; with so many people around, it was the perfect chance to slip away unnoticed. She caught hold of a servant and asked, "Is there a restroom here?" The servant quickly replied that there was, pointing to the back door and saying it was in the back hall. Xie Fangfei smiled at the woman beside her and said, "I just heard that the young lady is in urgent need; why don't we go to the restroom together?" The young lady thought for a moment, then nodded and went in with Xie Fangfei. The woman was of similar height and build to Xie Fangfei.

No unfamiliar person walked out of the door, nor was there even the sound of frantic footsteps, so Xie Fangfei must still be hiding in some concealed corner of the courtyard. At that moment, I gathered my internal energy and spoke in a chilling voice: "Miss Xie, Qiu knows you are still nearby, it would be better for you to come out obediently. My patience is quite limited; if I count to ten and still do not see you, I will use everyone in this shop as a sacrifice for you, and you cannot blame me for my massacre today." Suddenly, the entire room fell silent, everyone looked at Qiu Kaiyu, who seemed like a demon star descending upon them, in terror. Some, unafraid of death, had not even stepped out of the threshold before they fell straight to the ground, not even knowing how they died, and no one could see how Qiu Kaiyu made his move. My patience is quite limited; if I count to ten and still do not see you, I will use everyone in this shop as a sacrifice for you, and you cannot blame me for my massacre today. Suddenly, the entire room fell silent, everyone looked at Qiu Kaiyu, who seemed like a demon star descending upon them, in terror. Some, unafraid of death, had not even stepped out of the threshold before they fell straight to the ground, not even knowing how they died, and no one could see how Qiu Kaiyu made his move. Frightened, everyone dared not act rashly, their faces ashen, their hearts filled with fear.