I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 129

Chapter 129

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“Chief Steward Ning, how long do you intend to continue with such matters?”

Yue Chen and Huo Luo stayed until the end, and Yue Chen coldly questioned.

Ning Ziheng looked at them coldly, “If it weren’t for our old acquaintance, with just the two of you protecting Yuan Ran like this, you would be dead too.”

“If you have the guts, come on! Do you think I’m afraid of you?” Huo Luo angrily retorted.

Yue Chen stopped Huo Luo, “On the battlefield, life and death are unpredictable. How can you attribute General Qi’s death entirely to the former Crown Prince? You’re simply shifting blame indiscriminately.”

Ning Ziheng immediately launched an attack on Yue Chen, but was firmly blocked by Huo Luo.

Although Ning Ziheng had some martial arts skills, he was no match for Huo Luo.

“Shut up, you have no right to say these things,” Ning Ziheng’s emotions changed drastically as he glared fiercely at them.

However, Yue Chen remained fearless, “I only know that General Qi was loyal to the former Crown Prince back then. If he could see you so opposed to the former Crown Prince, he would definitely be angry, even in the afterlife.”

“I told you to shut up!” Ning Ziheng roared suddenly, completely losing his previous composure. “It’s all Yuan Ran’s fault. His wrong decisions led to his death! Xiao Ci believed in him so much, but in the end, he met a tragic end with nothing left but bones.”

Ning Ziheng became highly agitated, and his hands involuntarily reached for his wrist, where a leather strap was bound. It was a keepsake from General Qi Ci, a gift from Ning Ziheng back in the day. Ning Ziheng remembered how Qi Ci had mistakenly worn it around his neck, drawing laughter from those around him. However, he felt it was good and had kept wearing it until the expedition. But what came back was only the bloodstained leather strap. How did it come off his neck? Ning Ziheng dared not think about it.

“If it weren’t for Yuan Ran, Xiao Ci would still be well in the capital, building a family, enjoying a happy life. He was my only family, and I entrusted him to Yuan Ran. I thought Yuan Ran would safely bring him back, as he promised, but Yuan Ran caused his death. Why shouldn’t I hate him? I wish I could kill him with my own hands!”

“What if the former Crown Prince was wrongly accused? What if he was also unjustly killed?” Yue Chen countered.

“Even if Yuan Ran has some grievances, does that prove that Xiao Ci wasn’t killed by him?” Ning Ziheng retorted with wide-eyed intensity.

At least the battle report from back then couldn’t be fabricated. Yuan Ran ordered Qi Ci to change course while pursuing the enemy, and in the end, Qi Ci fell into a trap and was besieged. Whether Yuan Ran was genuinely deceived into making a wrong decision or if there were hidden motives behind that decision, the result was that Qi Ci followed Yuan Ran’s orders and died.

That was an indisputable fact.

Yue Chen and Huo Luo looked at Ning Ziheng, who had completely descended into a state of agonizing madness, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Qi Ci was a palace slave within the imperial palace, originally destined to become a eunuch at a certain age. However, his physical aptitude was good, and Ning Ziheng, seeing him as a promising individual, decided not to waste him. Perhaps to compensate for his own regrets, Ning Ziheng adopted Qi Ci as his foster son, raising him from a young age and helping him transition into a palace guard. Later, Yuan Ran recognized Qi Ci’s talents, and he began his journey to success.

So, Qi Ci was the only family Ning Ziheng, who had lived alone in the imperial palace since childhood, had. The pain of losing a son might be something that Yue Chen and Huo Luo couldn’t fully comprehend. Therefore, their views on Ning Ziheng have always been conflicted.

However, now that Ning Ziheng had implicated Lin Qingyang, Yue Chen knew that Chu Lishu would surely demand Ning Ziheng’s life. Even though Ning Ziheng was Qi Ci’s only family, Chu Lishu wouldn’t spare him, given the current circumstances.

Yue Chen sighed, not being too familiar with Qi Ci himself. Huo Luo was a bit more acquainted with Qi Ci, as they were once young enthusiasts aspiring to serve the former Crown Prince. Qi Ci had already become a distinguished general standing by the Crown Prince’s side, while they were still youthful and idealistic.

“Chief Steward Ning, I believe General Qi in the heavens would want you to let go. Take care of yourself,” Yue Chen said, and with that, he grabbed Huo Luo and left.

Huo Luo was still somewhat angry and couldn’t help saying, “If it were me, fighting for the former Crown Prince, even if his decision led to my death in battle, I would have no regrets. The former Crown Prince is not a god; how can he never make mistakes? He did his best, why demand perfection from him? And I believe Brother Qi had the same mindset. He wouldn’t blame the former Crown Prince. His foster father is just a crazy person who can’t distinguish right from wrong.”

Yue Chen chuckled, “I know you are loyal and fearless, not afraid of life or death. If one day you fall in battle, I promise not to blame anyone, just blame yourself for not being capable enough.”

Huo Luo glared at Yue Chen, and Yue Chen continued, “Alright, don’t be angry. Everyone has different life experiences, and naturally, their perspectives differ.”

“I’ve never liked him. I used to think he was hypocritical, but now he’s just an unpredictable madman. It’s amazing that he could raise someone as talented as Brother Qi,” Huo Luo remarked.

“Perhaps because he gave all his good qualities to Qi Ci, that’s why Qi Ci became so talented,” Yue Chen sighed. “It’s a pity that a future renowned general fell before reaching his peak.”

Huo Luo suddenly remembered the past. Qi Ci was considered half a disciple of Old General Huo, and there was a time when Qi Ci visited their general’s residence. After getting drunk, Old General Huo didn’t mince words and spoke ill of Ning Ziheng, claiming he had a dubious character. Even though there was a debt of gratitude, he advised Qi Ci not to associate with him in the future. Otherwise, if Ning Ziheng’s questionable actions were exposed, it could affect Qi Ci, and it was better for Qi Ci to stick with the Crown Prince, build achievements, and rely on his talents to become a renowned general in the future.

At that time, although Ning Ziheng’s authority was not as great as it is now, he was still a well-known eunuch supervisor in the imperial palace. He might have engaged in some shady activities, but they were not widely publicized, and he rarely left himself vulnerable to being exposed. Moreover, with the protection of the Empress Dowager, he remained unscathed. Old General Huo hoped that Qi Ci could develop well in the future, which was why he gave such sincere advice.

Huo Luo listened in silence as they talked. In his memory, Qi Ci had only said one sentence, “So I must climb higher and faster…”

At that time, Huo Luo didn’t think too much about it, only feeling that although they were foster father and son, their relationship seemed genuinely good.

……

After rescuing the person, Concubine Mei handed them over to the imperial physicians. She then took the Fourth Prince and went directly to plead with the Emperor. Lin Qingyang had informed them that he was arrested because Chief Steward Ning suspected that the painting was not drawn by the Fourth Prince.

Concubine Mei became anxious immediately. This matter must not be brought up again, and she suspected that Chief Steward Ning was actually siding with the Third Prince.

Since Chief Steward Ning couldn’t be persuaded and bought off, it was better to directly suppress him.

This was a perfect opportunity.

After all the twists and turns, the plot continued to unfold as in the original plot.

Watching Concubine Mei leave in a huff, Lin Qingyang breathed a sigh of relief. However, when he turned around, he met a pair of skeptical eyes.

“Well, actually…”

“Don’t say anything for now. Let the imperial physician examine you.”

After a brief pulse examination, the imperial physician, stroking his beard, said, “Young Master Lin is fine. Your health is excellent, there is no fundamental harm. Just a bit of exposure to the cold, with minor frostbite on the surface. Drink some medicine and apply frostbite cream to the affected areas, and you’ll be fine.”

Chu Lishu was taken aback and asked in detail, “Just like that?”

The imperial physician also found it quite remarkable. In his experience treating patients who had been in ice-cold water dungeons, most would lose half their lives, and many suffered severe frostbite, but Lin Qingyang’s body reacted as if he had just taken a winter swim. “Perhaps he was in the water for a short time, or Young Master Lin naturally has a warm body. Maybe he has been consuming a lot of warm-tonic foods lately, which helped him withstand the cold. In any case, there don’t seem to be any major issues. It’s a good thing.”

As he spoke, Xu Wenze brought in ginger soup. Upon hearing the conversation, he exclaimed, “Fortunately, you had deer meat and deer blood before. It turned out to be quite a coincidence.”

“The medicine boy will stay to administer medicine to Young Master Lin, and the medicinal soup will be sent over,” the imperial physician explained and was about to leave. However, Chu Lishu suddenly spoke up, “Please, Physician, leave the medicine here. We’ll apply it ourselves. As for the medicinal soup, please provide the ingredients, and I’ll prepare it.”

Xu Wenze glanced at Chu Lishu, understanding that Chu Lishu was not entirely trusting of the imperial physician’s arrangements.

The imperial physician also sensed the issue but wasn’t offended. After all, who knew whose hands were behind the scenes at their Imperial Physician Courtyard? Given that this person had attracted the attention of Chief Steward Ning, they didn’t want to invite trouble. So, the imperial physician nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Lin Qingyang naturally understood the situation and spoke, “Actually, there’s no need to trouble yourselves. Chief Steward Ning probably doesn’t have the time to deal with me temporarily.” Besides, as long as he could find any clues about Chang Jun, it would gradually dispel suspicions about himself.

However, as soon as Lin Qingyang spoke, he received a cold stare.

“And how would you know that?” Chu Lishu said icily.

Seeing the tension, Xu Wenze couldn’t help but intercede, “Lishu, don’t be angry with Qingyang. He’s the victim here.”

“Oh, really?” Chu Lishu said coldly. In the midst of the chaotic situation earlier, there wasn’t time to think carefully, but now that things had calmed down, the whole incident seemed mysterious. Upon closer examination, Chu Lishu realized that Lin Qingyang had been keeping something from him.

Keeping something from him and getting injured alone.

It made him worried and angry at the same time. Lin Qingyang, you really know how to handle things!

Chu Lishu struggled to contain his temper. For a moment, he really didn’t know how to reprimand this disobedient fellow.

Lin Qingyang swallowed nervously, feeling like the male lead’s gaze saw through him completely. It was quite intimidating.

“I… feel a bit dizzy. It’s probably a cold. I’ll go lie down for a while,” Lin Qingyang quickly found an excuse and slipped into bed. His heart pounded like a drum. What was he thinking initially? The plan was for the male lead to rescue him, and then Ning Ziheng would meet his unfortunate fate, returning to the normal plot. However, he seemed to have overlooked the male lead’s reaction after rescuing him.

It was obviously not just concern; it seemed more like anger. Hopefully, it was only anger directed at Ning Ziheng. As an excellent supporting character, what he should strive to do is use his own pain to arouse the male lead’s anger. Even though he didn’t willingly want to do such things, the plot unexpectedly turned out this way, and he could only reluctantly accept it. But in the current situation, it felt like the anger was also directed towards himself.

He needed to think carefully about how to convince… no, explain. The truth could only be revealed partially; he had to both appease the male lead and prevent any suspicion from arising. Being a supporting character was really difficult.

Watching Lin Qingyang’s guilty escape, Chu Lishu’s anger intensified.

Xu Wenze sensed that Chu Lishu had hidden intentions in his words, but in the current atmosphere, with a clear indication that he was the third wheel, he knew it wasn’t suitable for him to stay any longer. After expressing a few words of concern, Xu Wenze left.

Lin Qingyang hadn’t prepared himself mentally yet, and Xu Wenze unexpectedly left. Lin Qingyang wanted to reach out to stop him but felt a piercing gaze from somewhere, so he obediently stayed in bed, pretending to be asleep.

Lin Qingyang felt like his heartbeats were thunderous. He thought the male lead would explode at him any second, but instead, the door opened and closed. Soon, there were no extra sounds in the room.

Curious, Lin Qingyang cautiously peeked out and found no one there. His face was filled with confusion. Did this mean that the subsequent events had not concluded, and the male lead went to handle something else first?

Initially feeling a bit uneasy and considering getting up to check, Lin Qingyang hesitated. However, with the effects of the self-warming pill fading away and his body feeling exhausted from the residual cold, Lin Qingyang decided to lie down and rest. After all, he hadn’t figured out how to phrase his words, so he might as well let his brain take a break first.

As he drifted off to sleep, Lin Qingyang suddenly sensed something was wrong. There was a taste in his mouth… it was bitter!

Lin Qingyang abruptly opened his eyes, almost frightened out of his wits. He pushed away Chu Lishu in front of him, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

He had been… kissed by Chu Lishu.

“You…” Lin Qingyang had just opened his mouth, and the bitter medicinal soup still in his mouth nearly sprayed out. Adhering to the principle of never spitting out what’s taken into his mouth, Lin Qingyang had to close his mouth immediately, swallowing it down in one gulp, almost choking in the process.

Wait a minute, isn’t this the bitter Chinese medicine?

Lin Qingyang covered his mouth, looking at Chu Lishu who was holding the bowl in front of him, and for a moment, he couldn’t find the words.

“Since you’re awake now, drink it yourself.” Chu Lishu had a cold expression, directly handing over the bowl.

Lin Qingyang quickly sat up, but as soon as he did, he felt dizzy. When he reached to touch his forehead, he realized he had a fever.

“Just now…” Lin Qingyang was still in some kind of shock and couldn’t come back to his senses.

“You have a fever. I also couldn’t wake you up,” Chu Lishu said calmly.

“But even so…” Lin Qingyang stammered.

“What? Cousin, are you still arguing with me about this? Do you think I’m taking advantage of you?” Chu Lishu said, raising an eyebrow.

Chu Lishu’s sarcastic questioning made Lin Qingyang suddenly feel guilty, and even the strange sensation of his tongue being entangled with something seemed like an illusion. Anyway, now his mouth only held the bitter taste of the medicinal soup. If one were to talk about taking advantage, the situation was quite balanced.

Lin Qingyang looked at Chu Lishu’s calm face and suddenly felt that his reaction had been too exaggerated. He awkwardly took the bowl, “Actually, you could have waited for me to wake up before making me drink it.”

“Then watch you burn to death from the fever?” Chu Lishu’s tone remained unfriendly.

“Not… not that dramatic.” Lin Qingyang felt quite fine now. It didn’t seem like he had a very severe fever. Why couldn’t he be awakened?

Lin Qingyang sensed that the atmosphere was a bit tense. It turned out that when Chu Lishu left earlier, he went to prepare medicine for him. Lin Qingyang stole a glance, and Chu Lishu’s sleeve still had some charcoal ash, indicating that he had personally brewed the medicine. Not wanting to waste his kind intentions, Lin Qingyang quickly drank the medicine in one gulp. Actually, he could have used the medicine from the Exchange Shop, but saving up points whenever possible was beneficial.

After finishing the medicine, the bowl was taken away.

Chu Lishu arranged everything and then brought over the ointment, straightforwardly saying, “Take off your clothes; I’ll apply the ointment for you.”

Having just experienced what seemed like a kissing incident, and now being asked to undress, this… felt a bit awkward.

Lin Qingyang didn’t know if his face was warm or if he was running a fever. “I’m feeling quite energetic now. I can do it myself.”

Lin Qingyang tried to reach for the ointment but found Chu Lishu staring at him without moving.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Lin Qingyang was about to speak when Chu Lishu opened his mouth, “You’re quite impressive, daring to handle everything on your own. Even challenging Chief Steward Ning alone, not hesitating to conceal and deceive me, right?”

Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat. How did the conversation suddenly turn to this matter? It seemed the male lead had been holding in his frustration.

“Clothes, off!” Chu Lishu insisted.

“I’ll undress, I’ll undress.”

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