Volume One, Chapter 14: Come Inside, Sister Will Care for You

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It turned out that the real Prince Qi had all along been that inconspicuous attendant, while the prince who had just appeared before everyone was actually a subordinate disguised as Prince Qi.

Prince Qi looked down at Liu Qi, who was kneeling, with great interest and said, “I’m quite curious—how did you figure it out?”

“By his demeanor,” Liu Qi replied.

“Oh?” Prince Qi leaned forward with interest. “Do tell.”

“That one, though imposing, lacked the aura of a true ruler,” Liu Qi explained.

Prince Qi smiled. “So you mean I have the aura of a king?”

“Being a son of the dragon, naturally you possess the spirit of a sovereign,” Liu Qi answered.

“Hahaha, interesting indeed. This little fellow is quite amusing.” Prince Qi stepped down from his chair and circled Liu Qi. “Your eyes are sharp, and your tongue is quick. How about becoming an envoy, persuading the other states to submit to Great Qian?”

An envoy? What a perfect chance to build his own power!

Not only could he escape the chains of slavery, but also flee Great Qian, seek out his scattered kin, and someday rise up to restore the former kingdom.

However, Liu Qi was not foolish enough to agree right away.

You’re just a slave, barely considered human by others. If they suddenly offer you a position as envoy and you accept, what does that mean? They want you to escape Great Qian?

Escape for what? To rebel and restore the kingdom? To build your own power?

Liu Qi was certain this “reward” was no reward at all, but a test.

As the saying goes: one’s virtue must match their rank, or disaster follows.

One must always ask oneself if they deserve what they receive. Right now, Liu Qi was nothing but a slave—did he deserve such an unexpected reward? Clearly not.

When someone’s status doesn’t match the reward they receive, that reward ceases to be a blessing and instead becomes a death warrant.

Liu Qi immediately kowtowed and pleaded, “I deserve death, Prince Qi, have mercy!”

“Why say such things?” Prince Qi frowned.

“I am but a lowly wanderer. Thanks to Lord Sima’s kindness, I have barely survived. I do not seek fame or glory among the states, only a peaceful life,” Liu Qi stammered.

“So you refuse my reward?” Prince Qi frowned.

Liu Qi trembled. “I only wish to remain by your side, to do my duty. As long as Your Highness grants me a meal, I will be forever grateful. How dare I presume to hold office?”

Prince Qi snorted coldly. “You mean you are afraid to die?”

“I… I am,” Liu Qi admitted, trembling.

Prince Qi laughed. “True loyalty fears no death.”

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“Death for me is small matter, but without a keen eye like Fengchen’s to discern loyalty and treachery for Prince Qi, that is a grave matter!” Liu Qi said.

Prince Qi narrowed his eyes. “If you don’t want to be an envoy, then what do you want?”

“I only want to earn my keep,” Liu Qi said humbly. He dared not reveal any ambition or aspiration; the time was not yet right.

Prince Qi said, “If you don’t want to be an envoy, you want to return to General Yang’s side, right?”

“I do not…” Liu Qi began.

“No matter. If you wish to return, I will let you. But remember, you belong to me, understand?”

Liu Qi shuddered. “Prince Qi means… you want me to spy on General Yang?”

“Good boy,” Prince Qi smiled.

Liu Qi hesitated. “But… General Yang would kill me.”

“If she could, she would have done so long ago,” Prince Qi said. “During the day you go to General Yang’s place, at night you return here.”

“Return where?” Sima Yun asked quickly.

Prince Qi smiled. “Naturally, you return to your place.”

Sima Yun smiled and nudged Liu Qi with her foot. “Aren’t you going to thank him?”

“Liu Qi, thank Prince Qi for his great kindness!” Liu Qi kowtowed deeply.

“All right, you’re dismissed.” Prince Qi waved his hand.

Liu Qi respectfully withdrew.

“Take this letter to the Yang Yuqi residence,” Prince Qi handed a letter to Sima Yun.

Sima Yun asked, “Your Highness, why have Liu Qi go to Yang Yuqi’s place during the day, and then return to mine at night?”

“Do you think you’d be happy if I let him go to Yang Yuqi’s place at night instead?” Prince Qi gave Sima Yun a sidelong glance.

The two had grown up together; Prince Qi knew Sima Yun’s temperament very well.

Sima Yun blushed. “Ah, what are you saying!”

“Hmph, do you think he’s not useful? If he weren’t, I’d have him go to Yang Yuqi’s place at night,” Prince Qi teased.

Sima Yun hurriedly said, “He is useful, but… I want to use him during the day as well.”

Prince Qi folded up his fan and tapped her forehead. “You should change your lustful ways. If there were an enemy spy in the mansion, and he was a handsome man, be careful of your own head!”

Sima Yun stuck out her tongue. “Prince, I think your plan of having Liu Qi shuttle between Yang Yuqi’s and my place is so obvious even a fool can see your intention.”

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Prince Qi crossed his arms confidently. “So what if they see? This is for Yang Yuqi. Even if she doesn’t want it, she will have to accept it. Besides, she wouldn’t refuse it anyway.”

Sima Yun pouted, clearly displeased by that last remark.

Prince Qi asked, “What do you think of this kid?”

“Cowardly, timid, afraid of trouble, but somewhat clever,” Sima Yun replied.

Prince Qi smiled and shook his head. “I say he’s extremely cunning and possesses exceptional character.”

“That one? Him?” Sima Yun looked incredulous.

Prince Qi said, “Watch him closely. I won’t kill him—for one, because he has talent and I need to probe his depths. If he can be used, he’s a great asset; if not, then he will be executed.”

“And the second reason?” Sima Yun asked.

“The second? You still dare ask?” Prince Qi gave her a look.

Sima Yun blushed again. “Prince, you’re so annoying! Always teasing me about this! I have to supervise hundreds of officials every day. Can’t I indulge a little in my pleasures?”

“Sure, sure. I never said no,” Prince Qi said with a helpless smile. Then he turned serious. “In any case, this kid is not to be underestimated. If he is truly talented and is to be used, we must keep him under strict control from the start, never allow him to rise or act independently. Better to keep him so busy he has no time to think of anything else.”

Sima Yun asked, “Your Highness, are you afraid he harbors rebellious thoughts?”

“A talent like him is no ordinary man. He claims to be just a wanderer—do you believe that?” Prince Qi asked.

Sima Yun curled her lips. “I don’t think he’s anything special. His only advantage is that he’s quite useful.”

Prince Qi shook his head helplessly. “Go now, take the letter to the Yang residence. Bring that kid along.”

“Yes!” Sima Yun obeyed and left with the letter.

Outside Prince Qi’s mansion, Liu Qi was waiting by the carriage. Upon seeing Sima Yun, he respectfully drew back the curtain for her.

Having learned about Liu Qi’s character from Prince Qi, Sima Yun was now more wary of him, but his face was so gentle she found it hard to be harsh.

Moreover, he had shown her the true pleasures of being a woman, was obedient and thoughtful, and drew the carriage curtain for her—all these gestures made her heart flutter, and she longed to be with him then and there.

But with so many eyes around, Sima Yun restrained herself. Still, before getting in, she couldn’t help but press a kiss to Liu Qi’s lips and whisper, “Come inside, sister cares for you~”