Chapter 9: Are You Going to Attack Widow Village?

In front of the princess’s mansion with its grand vermilion door, Ji Ci resembled a cautious little fox, trailing closely behind Dongfang Jibai.

Her bright eyes darted around, taking in the full splendor of the garden.

Clusters of noble ladies stood by the white marble balustrades, while young gentlemen in splendid attire mingled about. Maids weaved through the crowd, holding glass cups filled with fine wine that shimmered in the sunlight, dazzling the eyes.

The entire scene resembled a private party hosted by a modern-day billionaire, with gilded carriages parked outside that outshone even Rolls-Royces in grandeur.

“This display... is far more extravagant than anything on television. TV just doesn’t capture the real thing,” Ji Ci murmured softly, admiring the exotic flowers, rockeries, and flowing streams, as well as the proud, peacock-like nobles.

Just as she stepped forward, a guard’s spear barred her way. “Unauthorized persons may not enter.”

Ji Ci’s eyes widened in disbelief—Dongfang Jibai had entered without obstruction moments ago!

Was this a case of treating people differently?

“I’m with General Dongfang,” she hurriedly said, pointing to his tall figure.

Dongfang Jibai paused slightly, a teasing smile curling on his lips. He was curious to see how Ji Ci would manage to enter the princess’s mansion.

Amusement stirred within him.

He deliberately pretended not to know her and continued forward.

Ji Ci cursed silently, “Hey? Say something! Why are you smiling? Are your eyes twitching?”

Just as she was about to call out again, a finely dressed young woman approached gracefully.

“Brother Dongfang, you’re here at last. Xue’er has been waiting for you—come inside quickly,” Xue Yingxue said, linking her arm with Dongfang Jibai’s.

Her almond-shaped eyes and cherry lips were exquisitely made up, but a flicker of coldness gleamed in her gaze as it met Ji Ci’s.

“And this young lady is?” Xue Yingxue asked with a sweet smile, though her fingers tightened slightly.

Dongfang Jibai’s smile faded imperceptibly as he withdrew his arm.

“This young lady accompanied me. Have your guards let her pass,” he said, gesturing toward Ji Ci.

Jealousy flashed in Xue Yingxue’s eyes.

She hadn’t seen Dongfang Jibai for long, and now he returned from war with a woman in tow!

Her pupils constricted at Ji Ci’s appearance, burning with envy—how could such a woman be so beautiful? She was nothing less than a seductive fox spirit.

“I heard that Brother Dongfang’s carriage startled a young lady this morning—this must be her, right?” Xue Yingxue forced a smile, her nails almost digging into her palms.

Her smile was on the verge of breaking; she longed to tear that pale face apart!

Ji Ci proudly lifted her chin. “That’s right.”

Dongfang Jibai sighed, massaging his forehead. What pride is this? Can you not tell a good thing from a bad one?

---

“You seem lively, but your methods are too clumsy. You look able to run and move about, so you must be unharmed. I’ll give you a hundred taels; you can go see a doctor yourself, alright?”

This was the first time Xue Yingxue had encountered someone so shameless; she nearly lost her composure.

“I’m not leaving,” Ji Ci snorted.

Just as Ji Ci was about to say something shocking again, Dongfang Jibai quickly explained, “This young lady saved my life at the border. Seeing her alone and helpless, I brought her back to the capital. This morning’s incident was an accident—she was only teasing me because I left her at an inn.”

Hearing this, Ji Ci rolled her eyes inwardly, silently cursing: Bringing a woman back from the battlefield? May I ask, did you attack a widow’s village? Why do all generals bring women home after a campaign? Can’t they live without women?

Dongfang Jibai’s hand trembled slightly; if he had a heart condition, Ji Ci would have driven him mad by now!

That scoundrel! Here I am helping you out, and you’re still teasing me!

“Since she’s Brother Dongfang’s lifesaver, we must treat her well. Young lady, please come inside.”

Xue Yingxue suppressed her jealousy and maintained a dignified smile as she welcomed Ji Ci into the mansion, all the while mentally cursing her with every breath.

Fox spirit!

She had been watching Dongfang Jibai closely for half a year, and there wasn’t a single female in the camp—not even a fly!

After just one meeting, Dongfang Jibai dared to lie to her!

This woman must be eliminated!

Ji Ci eagerly ran up to Dongfang Jibai, completely unaware that Xue Yingxue’s gaze had already fixed on her.

“Dongfang Jibai, I’m hungry,” Ji Ci said openly as she approached.

“Hungry? Then let’s take our seats first,” Xue Yingxue said, playing the gracious hostess perfectly.

The noble ladies in the capital clustered in groups of three or five, whispering and laughing at Ji Ci’s naïveté.

“I wonder what the general sees in her?”

“She looks like a fox spirit—he must have taken a fancy to her face.”

“The general is really superficial!”

“Enough, if this reaches the general’s ears, we’re all in trouble.”

The noble ladies covered their mouths, giggling with disdainful eyes fixed on Ji Ci.

The banquet was set beside a pavilion surrounded by blooming flowers.

The blossoms in the garden were vivid, much like the noble ladies of the capital—more radiant than the flowers themselves.

A flower appreciation banquet, with a double meaning.

---

Ji Ci followed behind Dongfang Jibai, with Bai Yi at her side.

Bai Yi trailed closely, eyes fixed on Ji Ci, wary that this unpredictable girl might cause trouble.

Dongfang Jibai turned his head slightly and whispered, “Stay close to me. Don’t run off.”

Ji Ci curled her lips, thinking, “I’m not a three-year-old child; how could I get lost?”

[Warning! Detected SSS-level dangerous individual approaching!] The system suddenly sounded an alert.

Ji Ci halted abruptly, nearly stepping on her skirt. Bai Yi quickly grabbed the collar at the back of her neck.

What the hell? Is that how you support a girl?

Bai Yi hastily let go. “Please forgive me, Miss Ji!”

Ji Ci waved her hand and hurriedly spoke to the system, “System, are you glitching? You ignored me all night. When I was robbed, why didn’t you intervene?”

[You were the one robbing others.]

“You dare talk back?” Ji Ci’s voice rose.

Dongfang Jibai’s ears twitched; Ji Ci was talking again, but he couldn’t hear what the system was saying.

From Ji Ci’s tone, it sounded like they were arguing.

[The system was upgrading overnight and was in sleep mode.]

Ji Ci nodded. “Got it. What’s this danger you mentioned?”

[Danger detected. Good luck.]

Ji Ci rolled her eyes—such useless chatter!

[Mission issued: Prevent Dongfang Jibai from drinking poisoned wine (Reward: Mind-reading experience card, 12 hours).]

Ji Ci’s eyes lit up. Mind-reading?

She needed this desperately—she had to know what the enigmatic general was thinking all day!

Although only for twelve hours, as long as she chatted with the male lead during that time, she could uncover things the book never revealed!

Dongfang Jibai looked back at her. “What is it?”

“Nothing, nothing~” Ji Ci forced a smile, internally fuming, “Next time, system, just give me the mission directly—stop with the nonsense!”

“Let’s go, take your seat.” Dongfang Jibai led the way, and Ji Ci followed behind like a curious child, eyes wandering everywhere.