"Zhou Si, did you mistake something that day?"
Zhou Si sat opposite Song Qingchao, looking at his somewhat inebriated master.
"Master, my eyes are very sharp," he replied with a hint of helplessness. "For our line of work, one's eyesight can't be poor."
Song Qingchao chuckled foolishly, toying with the wine cup.
"Indeed, unlike that person, whose eyesight is terribly bad."
Zhou Si hesitated, "We've been out for some time. In two days, we're due to report for duty. If we're not accounted for by name, there will be trouble."
"Mm, I know."
The roster was a book used to manage personnel for work and rest.
Missing even one day of work meant that person was considered dead.
Even if the person was alive, they were still considered dead.
This was because those without names or status did not live long.
Song Qingchao sighed in frustration, watching the people gradually depart.
She had been waiting at Shuiyun Jian for several days, but Bai Youan's figure had not appeared.
Never mind.
Perhaps she had truly seen wrongly that day.
After all, it had been snowing quite heavily, and it was possible it had obscured her vision.
"Let's go."
Song Qingchao stood up and stretched her arms.
She had become increasingly indolent lately.
When she was within the manor, she was always bound by rules. Over time, she had become accustomed to them.
Perhaps it was also related to being with Bai Youan; she had now reverted to her former disposition from the military.
This inherent laziness, combined with the refinement cultivated by pampered upbringing, created a surprisingly harmonious blend.
The two of them walked up the stairs towards the second floor.
Their rooms were on the second level.
With just a glance, one could see the entire panorama of the floor below.
Although it wasn't late, most people were already heading out.
At this moment, a group entering the establishment caught Song Qingchao's attention.
In a place of mixed company, one could find all sorts of people.
However, this person, Song Qingchao would never forget.
This person was the future new king of the Northern Barbarians, Wanyan Xiyin.
But at this time, he should still be a prince.
The Great King had not yet passed away.
What was he doing in Da Yuan at this time?
Her sudden halt in stride startled Zhou Si. "Master?"
Song Qingchao came back to her senses, then changed direction, flicking her sleeves as she walked back down.
The two of them sat down in a corner.
Song Qingchao ordered another pot of wine. The waiter tentatively asked, "Is young master planning to stay till the latest hour again today?"
Song Qingchao did not banter with the waiter as usual, merely nodding and urging him to bring the wine quickly.
After the wine arrived.
That group also took their seats.
Zhou Si also noticed something was amiss with his master. His gaze drifted towards that table but he made no sound.
"It seems we didn't wait for Mr. Bai, but we've encountered a familiar face."
Zhou Si asked curiously.
Song Qingchao merely gestured, "No need to bother yourself with it, just watch."
There were five people in that group, all burly men with broad waists, and the one leading was even stouter.
Judging by their clothing and attire, their status should be considerable.
They displayed no unusual behavior, ordering several pots of wine and several upstairs rooms, just like Song Qingchao.
Judging by their demeanor, they were likely waiting for someone, much like herself.
The sounds of silk and bamboo strings filled the air, but Song Qingchao could not discern any melody.
Her thoughts were entirely focused on Wanyan Xiyin.
Estimating that it was about time, Zhou Si reminded her that they should return to their room.
To avoid attracting attention, Song Qingchao rose and prepared to leave first.
If they wished to go upstairs, they would inevitably pass by Wanyan Xiyin's table.
To avoid him, taking a detour would draw even more attention.
Therefore, Song Qingchao walked past his table with an air of nonchalance.
"Little brother, wait a moment."
That rough, familiar voice made Song Qingchao's heart tremble.
"Your jade pendant has fallen."
"Thank you."
Zhou Si answered for Song Qingchao, intending to reach out and take it.
Unexpectedly, Wanyan Xiyin retracted his hand and offered it to Song Qingchao.
Song Qingchao merely frowned and pressed down the agitated Zhou Si.
Then, she plastered a smile on her face.
"Thank you, sir."
Wanyan Xiyin smiled. "Little brother, haven't we met before?"
His deep-set eyes fixed on Song Qingchao like an eagle's, sending a chill down her spine.
Every pore on her body trembled.
Yet, she still maintained a smile and replied, "Sir, you must have mistaken me for someone else."
Afterward, before Wanyan Xiyin could say more, she bowed and left.
Upon returning to her room, Song Qingchao sat on a stool and downed a large cup of cold tea.
"Is master alright?"
Zhou Si poured her another cup of hot tea.
Song Qingchao shook her head. Just as she was about to take it, she heard a knock on the door from outside.
"Little brother, I have something to ask."
From the voice, she knew it was a Northern Barbarian.
Song Qingchao signaled Zhou Si to go and check.
Zhou Si opened the door. "May I ask what matter it is?"
The man smiled broadly, peering inside, causing Song Qingchao to hide behind the screen.
"I find the jade of little brother's pendant to be of fine quality. I wonder from which shop you purchased it? I wish to buy one to please my wife."
"Across the street, Xiyun Pavilion."
Song Qingchao's voice came from within the room.
Zhou Si's tone was unfriendly. "Sir, now that you have your answer, please leave. We need to rest."
"Very well, very well. Thank you."
After they had all left, Song Qingchao slumped onto the couch, feeling exhausted.
The more she thought about it, the more a sense of dread washed over her.
Something was wrong, something was truly amiss.
Could it be that Wanyan Xiyin was already coveting Da Yuan at this time?
In her previous life, her access to information was limited.
She only knew of major events.
The Eldest Princess, Li Yanzhu, was sent to the northwest for a marriage alliance. The prince sent to the Northern Barbarians from childhood suddenly returned to his country. Within three short years, the Crown Prince appointed by the old emperor suddenly died. The remaining princes harbored their own schemes, while only the returned prince remained quietly in Chang'an, dedicating himself entirely to his studies.
Over two years, the princes fought and killed each other until only the Third Prince and the returned prince remained.
At the critical moment, unrest broke out in the northern desert.
Song Qingchao followed Feng Shaocheng to the north.
Within three months, the army's support disintegrated, and the entire army was stationed and confined to Mobei City.
Feng Shaocheng, who had been holding her captive, finally decided to propose marriage, disregarding his family's wishes.
On the night of the wedding, she was drugged and sent to the Northern Barbarians.
Su Yingying replaced her and became Feng Shaocheng's legitimate wife.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw Wanyan Xiyin, the King of the Northern Barbarians.
What had Wanyan Xiyin said at the time…
He had claimed to fall in love at first sight and thus offered significant benefits to have Feng Shaocheng hand her over.
The marriage she had longed for had ultimately become a bargaining chip for Feng Shaocheng to protect his family.
Sending her to the Northern Barbarians was for her safety and for future high positions and generous salaries.
Marrying Su Yingying was for the Su family's wealth.
From the moment she learned the truth, she hated Feng Shaocheng immensely.
Therefore, when Wanyan Xiyin desired her, she did not struggle fiercely. Instead, she played coy, giving him less the more he wanted.
She maneuvered Wanyan Xiyin into killing Feng Shaocheng.
Although Wanyan Xiyin was a crude man, he was very compliant with her requests.
This was because, in Wanyan Xiyin's eyes, Da Yuan was already a piece of meat he had in his mouth.
With a beautiful woman by his side and the empire in his grasp.
He was exceedingly arrogant.
Thinking back now, what courage did he have to be so audacious?