Chapter 6: The Unfathomable Heart is Like a Malevolent Spirit

Panyandao: "Who is your in-law? I lost the duel, and I feel distressed. You must have come here to mock me."

Yulang said: "I have never dared to lie to you, Xiao Mei. I am indeed feeling a bit unwell"

Xiao Mei said: "I do not blame you; if you have taken that little girl's body, I would also be happy for you. In the future, when you become the son-in-law of the city lord and rise to prominence, I will naturally benefit continuously and live without worry for food and clothing"

Dong Caiqi listened intently, feeling anxious in her heart, deeply afraid that everyone would see through her scheme. She dared not continue to set up the challenge and cast a regretful glance at the "Jade Young Master," who, dejected, left the group. Seeing this, Dong Caiqi felt as if her heart were being cut by a knife, and she became even angrier at Pan Yan, saying: "Take him to the prison, and interrogate him tomorrow morning"

Pan Yan appeared calm and composed, chatting and laughing with ease, and said: "This Miss Dong owes me eighty taels of gold, not a single bit can escape from me. That little fat one, I owe you a few meals, I will definitely come to repay you tomorrow."

Dong Caiqi, filled with sorrow, thought: "He never truly loved me; he was merely coveting power and wealth." Since their acquaintance, she had continuously bestowed him with riches to match their families, hoping to solidify his intentions. Looking around, it was evident that all the items in the residence of this jade gentleman were likely purchased with gifts from Dong Caiqi.

The city of Shebo is adjacent to the Black Wasteland Grass Sea in the extreme north. Beyond the grasslands, it is said that there are countless demon nations. The two sides often coexist peacefully, engaging in trade and forming peculiar friendships. Thus, it is not uncommon for there to be demons within Shebo City, whose appearances and behaviors are vastly different from ordinary people. In the imperial court, there are even young nobles who associate with demons, inviting them as guests and treating them with great respect, akin to trusted confidants. Although Taiyi has an astonishing appetite, the guards are not particularly fearful or vigilant.

Dong Caiqi smiled and said, "That must be quite a challenge for you." He walked to the front of the cage and said, "In-law, in-law, I have come to release you from prison."

Winding Path: "I just want to see what your ugly sister looks like, so that I can take action accordingly. Alas, I never expected this, never expected it at all."

Someone remarked: "Indeed, this young lady possesses such beauty and high martial skills, why does she need to conceal herself and now fabricate accusations to capture people? Could it be that she is intentionally here to amuse us?"

Pan Yan exclaimed: "The ancients said: When one sees hungry people on the road, one should give and share. Helping others to do good will surely bring rewards. I am accumulating virtue by assisting this young brother, what crime is there in that"

The common people held great respect for Pan Yan's skills and loudly cried out for justice. Wen Chao shouted, "My lord is the daughter of a marquis, and today she has specially disguised herself to capture the spies of this barbaric tribe. If you do not understand the situation, please refrain from making baseless remarks." His voice was powerful and resonant, causing the wooden platform to tremble. The crowd, though skeptical, finally made way.

Dong Caiqi found it amusing and felt his mood improve. He said, "You really are not very clever; with such a large appetite, wouldn't you feed him?"

Dong Caiqi returned to her room, reflecting on the events of the day, her heart troubled. She first thought: "This Tai Yi possesses such extraordinary martial skills and clever thoughts, truly a talented individual. Bah, his unruly behavior, what kind of talent is that? At most, it can only be considered a perverse talent. However, I too am a person who does not conform to norms, and my temperament is quite similar to his. If this person can be utilized by me, he will surely prove to be of great use in the future"

Yu Lang sighed, saying: "I swear to the Heavenly Emperor, if I have ever been intimate with that little girl, may I fall into the Mountain of Gathering Souls and never find the Sea of Reincarnation for all eternity." The Mountain of Gathering Souls and the Sea of Reincarnation are said to be the places where the deceased are reborn, and the common people firmly believe in this, making it a very serious oath

Dong Caiqi's cheeks flushed crimson, and she thought to herself: "He must have known this all along; could it be that he has feelings for me? This person has quite an eye, and his skills are remarkable." Although she was deeply in love with that jade gentleman, upon learning that someone else admired her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of secret joy. She playfully scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Dong Caiqi followed the path to the small house where Yulang lived, gently knocking on the door. There was no one inside, yet the door was not locked. Unable to restrain herself, she walked in and saw that the furniture was quite exquisite. She thought to herself: "Yulang is different from the rough men around here; he is both understanding and sweet-tongued, truly a rare find like a wishful husband that one could hardly find even with a lantern. The arrangement of his home is so elegant, it is indeed charming."

The people of the northern snow mountains are known for their bold and unrestrained nature, daring to love and hate, and acting with great audacity, often surprising others. Since she has taken a liking to Yulang, any notions of power and wealth are as fleeting as smoke.

On the winding path: "What sister do the young ladies have? This martial arts competition for marriage is meant to attract the young lady's suitor. Have I spoken incorrectly?"

Pan Yan immediately fell silent, and Dong Caiqi felt relieved, ordering the detention of Pan Yan, who was treated to fine wine and delicacies. Having received such benefits, Pan Yan was content and thus refrained from mentioning anything further

Xiao Mei reproached: "You are indeed thinking of that little vixen. Confess to me honestly, have you shared a bed with her?"

Xiao Mei's voice was enchanting as she called out a few times, the two became entwined together, loosening their garments and shifting their bodies. Dong Caiqi was so furious that he nearly spat blood; he drew his sword, intending to kill both of them at once. However, being still young, he could not bring himself to do it. She sat there in a daze, like an empty shell, for a long time. Only after the two fell asleep did she push open the cabinet door, crying all the way back to the palace.

Xiao Mei said: "I have a word of caution: if you achieve great success, do not become a heartless and ungrateful person; otherwise, I will have no choice but to expose your true nature."

Pan Yan smiled and said: "I also saw someone in the crowd exchanging glances with the young lady. That must be her secret lover who is in cahoots with her. So it turns out, I have disrupted the young lady's romantic affair; this prison sentence is not unjust after all."

The guard shouted: "Miss, this is quite alarming, this person is a monster. When it comes to eating, their appetite is equivalent to that of ten people, they swallow without chewing, and their stomach is bottomless, it frightens me to death"

Dong Caiqi smiled sweetly, her voice delicate and her demeanor graceful. Among the onlookers, someone discerned the truth and remarked, "This is not a new bride; it must be the bride herself."

Yulang said: "There is still a chance for this matter. Dong Caiqi loves me deeply and listens to my every word. I can ask her to think of another way to persuade her brother. Her father favors his eldest son the most, and that eldest son is also my friend. If she tells him the truth, it is bound to succeed"

Yulang said: "However, this place is remote, and these barbarians often associate with demons and ghosts, their actions are strange. Alas, this matter is difficult; we should observe the changes quietly."

Dong Caiqi and his companions entered the palace, and Pan Yan observed its grand scale, ancient appearance, and imposing presence, which instilled a sense of awe from a distance. He thought to himself: "The people of Shebo City are fierce and valiant, and the lord's residence is simple and unadorned; it is truly a place where dragons hide and tigers lie in wait. Now, with the purple aura and red light above this hall, if I am not mistaken, it is destined to produce a talent worthy of an emperor in the future"

Dong Caiqi's heart was greatly shaken, and he thought: "Who is this woman? Could she possibly be Yulang's sister? Why have I never heard him mention her?"

She had made up her mind. When it was late at night, she feigned illness to send away the maid and guards, disguised herself, and stealthily slipped out of the palace to find the residence of that jade gentleman. Her father was busy entertaining distinguished guests and could not attend to her at that moment

Yulang said: "In Shebo City, there are only foolish people. It is said that on the roads, nothing is lost, and at night, doors are left unlocked. How could there be petty thieves like Xiao Mei? Although you are meticulous, this point should not be overlooked" His words were sweet and sticky, precisely reflecting the tone he used when conversing with Dong Caiqi

Dong Caiqi recalled that this jade gentleman had repeatedly tried to persuade her to stay overnight and share a bed during moments of deep affection. On several occasions, she had nearly agreed, but ultimately managed to exercise some self-control and reluctantly declined. In retrospect, she felt utterly heartbroken, secretly thinking: "It is precisely because I refused to surrender my body to him that he sought out other women." Living in the palace, with her father having numerous wives and concubines, she, though young, had a vague understanding of matters between men and women.

Dong Cai became happy and said, "So you really want to marry me, otherwise why would you be upset?"

Dong Caiqi was greatly frightened and hurriedly said, "If you say more, I will slap you." Her trusted aides on either side were aware of her scheme, but this matter was ultimately not suitable for public discussion. At this moment, Pan Yan casually exposed it, how could she not be alarmed and terrified

She longingly thinks of her beloved, inevitably becoming slightly intoxicated, sitting at the edge of the kang, lost in her thoughts of yearning. Suddenly, she hears two people approaching, feeling a bit startled: "Why are there two people? Isn't my jade gentleman living alone? I cannot let that person see me." She turns over and hides inside the large wardrobe, closing the wardrobe door, peeking through a small crack.

The heart of Dong Cai is like a knife twisting, and his mind is a blank.

After pondering for a moment, I suddenly thought: "What do I still expect from these? There is no hope for good deeds today. I must go and discuss with Yulang. If he is willing to go with me, I will follow him. Tonight, I will elope with him."

Upon realizing this, she felt a surge of gratitude towards Pan Yan. Without hesitation, she went to the cell, and upon seeing the scene, she could only gasp in shock

Sister Xiao laughed and said: "These northern barbarians are truly foolish, far inferior to us clever people of Hanshan. Once you marry into the Hou family, you will be able to display your strategies, wait for the right moment to seize power, and in the future, you will surely achieve great dominance. How could the rough northern folk possibly be your match?"

Only then did Yu Lang and a beautiful lady push the door and enter, the lady complained: "Why didn't you lock the door? What if a thief comes in and steals something"

Pan Yan Dao: "Miss Dong, I am hungry"

Dong Caiqi chuckled softly, his expression immediately softening, and said: "With your character, you actually want to marry me? You are truly like a toad wishing to eat swan meat."

Yulang embraced Xiaomei and said with emotion: "You have quite a temper, would you like me to help you cool it down?"

Little Fatty was terrified of the snake, crying out: "I don't want you to come here, the farther you go, the better."

The guard lamented, "The young lady said that we should treat her with fine wine and exquisite dishes. This demon seized upon those words and claimed that we owe him eighty taels of gold, and I truly find myself in a difficult situation."

Dong Caiqi said: "Put this person in prison, and take good care of him, so as not to fall for his tricks." After a pause, he added: "Do not neglect him, and do not treat him roughly. If he speaks disrespectfully, just report it to me. But do not let my father or brother know about it."

Inside the cell, the plates were piled high, all the food consumed completely. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, dressed neatly and looking distinguished, he was no longer the madman from the morning but rather a wild and unrestrained hermit.

Then Xiao Mei chuckled lightly and said, "You should honestly confess, today during the martial arts competition for marriage, you were unable to achieve your wish, do you feel uncomfortable about it in your heart?"

She cried for a while, thinking: "This person is malicious and insidious, actually trying to deceive me both physically and mentally. It is a great stroke of luck that I learned of this matter early, avoiding deep entanglement; I should not be sad about it but rather rejoice. If it were not for that Tai Yi causing trouble during the competition and ruining this matter, I would have truly made a grave mistake."

Dong Caiqi pointed at Pan Yan and said: "Your Excellency, with such skills, you must be an extraordinary person. Why engage in such despicable acts within my territory, seizing people's food? This is a grave crime that would lead to a long imprisonment." In truth, there were no such crimes in Shebo City; she was merely upset that Pan Yan had ruined her marriage prospects and was intent on making things difficult for him.

She lay on the table, weeping uncontrollably, and struck the wall with force, causing the stone dust to fall. The maid outside, seeing this, was worried and wanted to ask her something, but was all dismissed by Dong Caiqi.