"I never expected things to be so complicated. For people like us, who are strangers and even enemy spies, the young madam has done so much."
After hearing the story, Chu Qing was greatly shocked. She had never imagined that the young madam would do so much for them, people who were not related to her and were even enemy spies.
If they had followed the young general's orders, they would have been cold corpses by now, with no chance of survival.
"Yes, I didn't expect Madam to help us so much. You seem completely different now. Madam must treat you very well."
The bright girl in front of her was completely unrecognizable from the timid, thin Xiao Qi from before.
"Yes, Madam treats me very well. I've met so many masters in the Xiliang Imperial Palace, and only the young madam is the best master in the world. Oh, Sister Zhenzhu, the young madam even gave me a new name, Chu Qing, which means clear sky after the rain. I don't quite understand its meaning, but it sounds like a good name."
Clear sky after the rain... That is indeed a good name. Is it a hope that their future days will all be bright after the storm?
"Chu Qing... it sounds so nice."
Zhenzhu held Chu Qing's hand, her voice filled with excitement and relief that Chu Qing had found a good path.
"Promise me, sister, no matter what Granny Sun asks you to do from now on, don't do it for her. And tell Madam the truth. If you stay loyal to Madam, she will definitely not treat you poorly."
It was better to follow Feng Jin and live a stable life than to risk it with them. Moreover, Chu Qing was too young. Even if she escaped with them, life would be difficult.
"I understand, sister."
Chu Qing nodded. She also understood that following the young madam was her best choice.
"Alright, you've been out for quite a while. Hurry back to Madam and attend to 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 words of concern before leaving in a hurry.
...
"The little girl's eyes are red from seeing her sister and crying."
Feng Jin saw Chu Qing sitting outside the door with her eyes still slightly red and sat beside her to ask.
"Young Madam, this servant..."
Chu Qing was about to stand up and salute when Feng Jin pressed her shoulder and forced her to sit down.
"Sit down, there's no need for so many formalities. Your eyes are red from crying. Are you reluctant to leave Zhenzhu?"
"I am a bit reluctant. In Xiliang, only Sister Cui'er and Sister Zhenzhu treated me the best. Sister Cui'er is gone, and only Sister Zhenzhu is left. I don't want anything to happen to Sister Zhenzhu anymore."
Chu Qing lowered her head, her emotions reaching a low point, 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 was even more grateful for the chance to be reborn that the young madam had given her. If the young madam hadn't taken her in, she wouldn't be living this life now.
The past few days by the young madam's side could be said to be 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 fated. When you're older, I'll help you find a good marriage and marry you off so you can live a normal life without being in constant fear."
Chu Qing's eyes immediately welled up with tears. "Young Madam, did you know... 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 your name was Xiao Qi. But none of that matters anymore, it's all in the past. You are no longer the spy Xiao Qi trained by Xiliang, but Chu Qing."
She never dwelled on the past. Since it was over, there was no need to mention it again. One 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 naive eyes and couldn't bear to tell her that she had done this to lure Zhenzhu out. She decided to leave some pleasant memories for her.
"Didn't I say? You look like my sister. I grew up on a manor in the countryside and had a sister about your age who accompanied me. But not long after I left the manor, that sister fell ill and passed away. When I saw you, I was reminded of her, so I kept you by my side."
It was really difficult for her to put on such a performance on the spot. It wasn't easy.
But looking at Chu Qing, she should have believed her. Little girls were so easily fooled.
"Young Madam, I will never leave you from now on."
Chu Qing completely believed Feng Jin's words and even felt that Feng Jin was pure and kind, unable to forget someone who had passed away and being so good to her, whom she had never met.
In an instant, Feng Jin's image in her heart was elevated.
"Good..." Feng Jin nodded lightly, inwardly sighing in relief. She had finally managed to fool her.
"It's getting late, go back and rest first. We have to get up early to travel tomorrow."
Feng Jin dared not continue the topic, fearing she might slip up again. She quickly got up and walked towards the room.
Just as she reached the door, a cold arrow flew towards Feng Jin from behind.
"Young Madam, be careful!" Chu Qing was the first to sense something was wrong and immediately shouted loudly, lunging towards Feng Jin.
Feng Jin turned around upon hearing the voice and saw a cold arrow flying towards her.
Just as it was about to pierce her body, a long sword flew from the side and knocked it away. After the threat was neutralized, Feng Jin instantly breathed a sigh of relief, her life finally saved.
"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 Mohan seemed to descend from the heavens, pulling Feng Jin behind him.
If he had been a moment later, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
"Young Madam, let's go back to the room." Chu Qing protected Feng Jin and led her into the room.
"Go investigate who shot that arrow just now. Find the person at all costs."
How dare they act so brazenly under his nose? They truly didn't want to live.
"Your subordinate obeys!" Lu Shi cupped his hands in acknowledgment and then hurried off to investigate the matter.