I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 172

Chapter 172

“Alright, it’s nothing serious. He just got knocked out. Take a dose of medicine, and he’ll wake up shortly,” Mu Huichun said before eagerly approaching Chu Lishu. With wide eyes, he stared at him, blinking as if observing a rare animal.

Chu Lishu didn’t find it impolite. He simply raised his wrist, surprising Mu Huichun. Without saying a word, Mu Huichun immediately started taking his pulse.

Lin Qingyang was a bit surprised. This was the first time he had seen Chu Lishu show no reaction when someone was checking his pulse.

It seems he really knows the person.

“I want to give you acupuncture,” Mu Huichun said seriously.

Mu Huichun had never been this serious before, and this sudden change made Lin Qingyang worry. He asked, “What’s wrong?”

Mu Huichun was about to say something when Chu Lishu interrupted, “Give me a Qi-boosting pill. I have something to attend to later; we can talk after I finish.”

“But…” Mu Huichun seemed to find it inappropriate.

However, Lin Qingyang knew that Chu Lishu was going to handle the Dai siblings’ matter, so he couldn’t object.

Chu Lishu said, “I know what I’m doing.”

Mu Huichun shrugged at this and, with a smile back on his face, tossed a medicine bottle to Chu Lishu. Then, he grabbed Lin Qingyang and said, “Let him handle his business; you accompany me up the mountain.”

Chu Lishu frowned slightly, directly taking Lin Qingyang’s hand back from Mu Huichun. He said, “He’s also injured. Let him rest. I’ll have someone take you up the mountain.”

Mu Huichun pouted but didn’t resist, going along with the arrangements.

Given Chu Lishu’s previous high regard from Zhao Cheng, it was simple to get a few people to escort Mu Huichun up the mountain.

After Mu Huichun left, a few medical attendants arrived to help everyone with their external injuries. After taking the medicine, Chu Lishu regained his mobility and planned to deal with the Dai siblings’ matter.

Now, the people in power in the army were all on the mountain. Only Yuan Ye and the Third Prince were in their tents, lamenting their fate. This presented the best opportunity for action. In the early stages of processing the prisoners, it was easy to make mistakes in counting.

Chu Lishu, posing as a trusted aide of General Zhao, approached the area where the prisoners were held, inquiring about the situation. Meanwhile, Lu Yi and Lu Shi hid in the shadows, preparing for action.

Lin Qingyang was tasked with observing the camp’s situation, preventing those on the mountain from returning prematurely. So, Lin Qingyang sat at the entrance of his tent, resting.

People continued to pass by the entrance, and soon, Pei Jin also walked past. Having just escaped from the Third Prince, she hurriedly came to find Lin Qingyang. Seeing Lin Qingyang safe and sound, she finally felt relieved.

However, she didn’t approach to greet him; instead, she pretended to walk by, took a quick glance, and continued on her way.

Lin Qingyang, seeing that Pei Jin was unharmed, just gave her a brief look and remained silent.

Bored, Lin Qingyang heard some commotion inside the tent. When he lifted the curtain to take a look, he saw that Xu Wenze had already regained consciousness, still in a startled state. Excitedly, he rolled off the bed, falling solidly to the ground.

Lin Qingyang quickly went over to help him sit up, only to see Liu Xiaowei resting nearby, watching the scene.

Lin Qingyang was speechless. At such a close distance, with Liu Xiaowei’s skills… “Uncle, aren’t you going to help?”

Liu Xiaowei didn’t like being lectured by his younger relatives and impatiently said, “I told you it’s safe here. He insisted on coming down himself.”

“It… It was my decision to come down. Qingyang, what’s the current situation? I’m a bit… confused. When the explosion happened, we weren’t…” Xu Wenze asked, feeling a bit disoriented.

Lin Qingyang briefly explained the events that followed. Xu Wenze sighed in relief, saying, “Fortunately, everyone is okay.”

With that, Xu Wenze struggled to get up and bowed to Liu Xiaowei, saying, “Thank you, Fifth Lord Liu, for saving my life.”

Liu Xiaowei was the fifth son in his family, and indeed, he was a generation above them, so this form of address was appropriate.

Liu Xiaowei nodded without any additional gestures.

Xu Wenze turned to express his gratitude to Lin Qingyang. However, Lin Qingyang quickly stopped him, saying, “You’re too polite. We faced the danger together, and who saved whom shouldn’t be so clear-cut. Don’t move around too much; lie down and rest quickly.”

Xu Wenze’s gaze flickered, “No, I’m fine. I want to return to the capital first. I’m afraid… my family will worry.”

Lin Qingyang was taken aback, “Ah? After sorting out things on the mountain, we’ll naturally return with the army. There’s no need to rush. It’s not safe to travel alone.”

However, Xu Wenze seemed determined. Lifting his foot, he was about to leave. Yet, after just a few steps, every part of his body ached. Even if he was a refined young master, there was a moment of weakness. He staggered and almost fell forward.

Instinctively, he reached out to grab something, only to realize that there was nothing beside him. A sense of resignation surged within him.

Suddenly, a cold silver scabbard blocked in front of his chest. Instinctively, his hands grasped it, supporting his body. Although the curvature of the blade was not significant, and it was delicate, with force applied only at one end, it seemed to become a solid support for Xu Wenze, like a rock, until Xu Wenze stood upright, releasing the scabbard.

The silver long knife returned to its owner’s side.

That was the weapon that Liu Xiaowei always carried with him, only drawn once during the first meeting with Chu Lishu.

Lin Qingyang had just not managed to support Xu Wenze in time, but fortunately, Liu Xiaowei intervened. Lin Qingyang looked at Liu Xiaowei approvingly.

Liu Xiaowei had just been scolded by his nephew moments ago. It was only under similar circumstances that he took action, as he wouldn’t have bothered about the life or death of a grown man, especially someone who was willingly seeking trouble without understanding his own body.

“Th-thank you,” Xu Wenze stammered.

Liu Xiaowei showed that he couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Lin Qingyang quickly persuaded Xu Wenze. It wasn’t a wise decision to leave at this moment, and he couldn’t understand why he suddenly became so stubborn. Fortunately, Xu Wenze was still receptive to advice, and he eventually lay back down on the bed.

However, Lin Qingyang noticed that he kept staring blankly with his eyes wide open, as if troubled by something.

Not knowing what was going on, Lin Qingyang could only leave and continue monitoring the camp.

Shortly after, a voice sounded from behind, “The master has already rescued the Dai siblings. They are in the northwest woods outside the camp. The master said that if you want to see them off, you should go there.”

This was the voice of Lu Shi, but when Lin Qingyang turned around, there was no sign of Lu Shi. Instead, he saw a vigilant Liao Xiaowei walking out of the tent.

“It’s one of us,” Lin Qingyang hurriedly said, “You continue to rest. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Liao Xiaowei frowned, wanting to follow, but was refused by Lin Qingyang. “It’s fine, there’s no danger.”

Liao Xiaowei remained noncommittal, feeling that this Chu Lishu seemed quite dangerous.

On the other side, outside the tent, the sky was gradually lightening, and the remaining traces of the night were fading away.

The siblings from the Dai family had changed into refugee attire and were kneeling in front of Chu Lishu.

Originally, their plans were well-coordinated, but the unexpected capture was their own fault. Therefore, they never expected Chu Lishu and the others to come to their rescue. After all, rescuing people from among the captives was not such a straightforward matter.

But Chu Lishu easily accomplished it.

“Great kindness, unforgettable for a lifetime. My brother and I will definitely repay it. If there are any orders in the future, feel free to command us,” respectfully said Dai Xueyang.

Dai Heng’s face was filled with excitement; he thought they were done for this time.

“Not necessary. Speaking of gratitude, you were the ones who saved Lin Qingyang in the first place,” Chu Lishu said. “What are your plans for the future?”

“We can only escape to another place and settle down before making further plans,” Dai Xueyang said.

“I do have a suggestion that you might consider,” Chu Lishu said.

The two immediately looked at Chu Lishu, nodding and saying, “Please go on.”

“To Xinan, there are rumors of the Seventy-Two Fort. Since you have been living in mountain fort for a long time, integrating into another fort won’t be difficult. It’s a good place where the court dares not easily send troops to attack,” Chu Lishu said straightforwardly.

The two fell into deep thought; initially, they hadn’t considered running so far.

Dai Xueyang hesitated, asking, “Does Young Master  Chu need us to do something?”

Chu Lishu smiled and said seriously, “The Dai family will be vindicated in the future, and you two can live openly and honestly.”

The Dai siblings’ faces changed instantly, looking at Chu Lishu with disbelief. They hadn’t revealed their identities, and these people shouldn’t know them either.

“One day, I will clear the Dai family’s grievances, and you only need to do one thing: subdue the Seventy-Two Fort. That will be your military strength, and it will help me at a certain moment,” Chu Lishu’s voice resonated in the hearts of the siblings. They couldn’t come back to their senses for a long time, until Chu Lishu looked at them with the probing gaze of a person of higher status, asking, “Is it difficult? Is it impossible? Or unwilling to help me?”

Dai Heng seemed to be instantly ignited with a surge of passion, immediately looking at his sister.

Dai Xueyang’s gaze flickered, “Naturally, we are willing to help, but to what extent does Young Master Chu want to achieve? What is your ultimate goal?”

“I promise, you do it, and I’ll do it. There is no need to say more about the rest,” Chu Lishu looked at them with a deep gaze, seemingly not intending to reveal too much.

Dai Xueyang continued to lock eyes with Chu Lishu, as if being overwhelmed by a certain momentum, making her involuntarily submit. This person had already demonstrated his intelligence and wit. If he could truly clear the name of the Dai family, even if it meant taking their lives, she and her brother would willingly comply.

Without further questions, Dai Xueyang directly took Dai Heng’s hand and swore to Chu Lishu, “If Mr. Chu can achieve it, then our lives are yours.”

Dai Heng also immediately declared, “Yes! Our Dai family always repays kindness.”

Chu Lishu wouldn’t demand any specific repayment from them; after all, it was a deserved reward.

With the necessary instructions given, Chu Lishu allowed them to depart. However, Dai Xueyang suddenly stepped forward and said, “Young Master Chu, I have something to discuss privately.”

Chu Lishu nodded, and Dai Xueyang took a few steps forward, walking with him to a tree, while Dai Heng and Lu Yi automatically stepped aside.

Chu Lishu was initially unsure about what Dai Xueyang wanted to discuss, but as she blushed and spoke, he realized her intention. “Young Master Chu, I am currently burdened with guilt, and while I won’t dwell on it, if, as you said, my family’s name is truly cleared in the future, I am willing to serve by your side to repay your kindness.”

Dai Xueyang might not be considered the most outstanding in terms of appearance and talent, but her bold proposition, offering her service, wasn’t something men in ancient times would easily reject. Whether driven by a genuine admiration for Chu Lishu or a strategic move to strengthen their collaboration, she didn’t hesitate to put forth this proposal, either seeking a potential romantic involvement or ensuring a solid partnership to avoid betrayal once she became the leader of the mountain bandits. Dai Xueyang’s offer was sincere.

She believed in Chu Lishu and was indeed willing to sacrifice her life for the vindication of the Dai family. However, if there was a better way to survive, why not take it?

Chu Lishu appeared to be a young master from the capital, but his recent actions resembled those of a trusted adviser by the side of a royal figure. Although he refused to disclose it, their dealings were likely influenced by the person behind him. Thus, the one with the real authority to decide their life or death probably wasn’t Chu Lishu. This realization made Dai Xueyang cautious. If she could advance her relationship with Chu Lishu further—perhaps becoming more than just a transaction partner but someone close to him—it might be more advantageous for her in the long run. The contrast between a trade partner and a trusted woman, in terms of influence, made the latter seem more like an insider.

So, after speaking, Dai Xueyang nervously watched Chu Lishu. This was the path she had chosen for the stability of herself and her brother.

Chu Lishu initially had an expressionless face, and his gaze seemed scattered as he looked into the distance. He could guess what Dai Xueyang was thinking—it was indeed a clever move from her. However, suddenly, Chu Lishu’s eyes lit up, and a subtle curve appeared at the corner of his mouth. He shifted his gaze away from Dai Xueyang, pretending not to have noticed her concerns. Someone was approaching from a distance, walking towards them.

Seeing a familiar person passing by, neither Dai Xueyang nor Chu Lishu thought of stopping the conversation. After all, they were in completely different positions, and they believed that the two individuals engaged in the discussion would naturally cease if they noticed the approaching figure.

“Dai Miss, I apologize sincerely, but my heart is set on someone else. I’m afraid I have to disappoint Miss with my feelings.”

“Young Master, you’ve misunderstood. I never intended for you to marry me. I’m willing to be a servant.” Dai Xueyang knew that even if her identity was cleared, she had a past as a bandit, and someone like Chu Lishu, a noble from the capital, would never marry her. She had never considered that. All she wanted was a stable relationship to ensure the safety of herself and her brother.

However, at this moment, Chu Lishu was completely focused on the hem of the clothing not far behind Dai Xueyang. His posture, which was once close, had now frozen in place.

Chu Lishu’s lips curled slightly. “Miss, you’ve misunderstood. When I mentioned the person in my heart, I meant that I would choose only him to accompany me in this lifetime. Where does the idea of a servant come from?”

“This…” Regardless of whether Chu Lishu’s words were true or false, if it really wasn’t possible, then Dai Xueyang would have to give up.

However, Chu Lishu continued, “I am deeply in love with my cousin, and we have promised each other a lifelong commitment. There is no room for a third person between us, so…”

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Standing at the back, Lin Qingyang was quite shocked. He coughed abruptly, his face turning bright red, and he looked at them with bewildered eyes.

He was just there to bid farewell, but upon arrival, he overheard Dai Xueyang’s proposal. Lin Qingyang felt the need to disappear, as it would be awkward to witness the future bride confessing to the male lead. He wondered how to interrupt, but somehow his steps became slow. Perhaps he was just curious about how Chu Lishu would respond. Anyway, both of them couldn’t see him, so what harm could a little eavesdropping do?

Upon hearing Chu Lishu mention having someone in mind, Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat. However, he quickly realized that it was likely a diversionary statement. Considering the male lead’s non-romantic nature and the fact that many women in the story genuinely liked him, the notion of having someone in mind must be false. Even though Lin Qingyang had opened up to the possibility of shipping characters in the story, influenced by the protagonist’s meddling, Chu Lishu, being intelligent, wouldn’t easily succumb, especially when he hadn’t grown close to any woman. It must be an excuse for rejection.

Now, the question arose: Why reject such a good proposal? Lin Qingyang recalled the original plot, where Chu Lishu had agreed. At that time, the male lead was shamelessly involved with multiple women. Since Dai Xueyang hadn’t established any intimate relationship with the male lead, only receiving a promise, this type of plot point hadn’t left much of an impression on Lin Qingyang until now.

The original plot had Chu Lishu agreeing, but now he was rejecting. Was there some new consideration? Moreover, he spoke in such a grandiose and awkward manner, making it sound like a self-proclaimed love guru.

However, in the next moment, Lin Qingyang was dumbfounded.

The person Chu Lishu had in mind was me!

Adding insult to injury, he even claimed that they were in mutual love, vowing to spend their lives together. How on earth did the male lead manage to say such a lie with a straight face? Truly deserving of the Best Actor award! If Lin Qingyang weren’t one of the involved parties, he might have believed it himself.

Male lead, are you rejecting your future wife? Do you realize you just came out in front of your potential bride? This is a direct way to cut off all possibilities! And if this rumor spreads, won’t it be disastrous?

Lin Qingyang almost choked on his own breath. When he came to his senses, Chu Lishu was already standing by his side, gently patting his back with one hand and half-hugging him with the other, looking soft and caring. Chu Lishu said, “When did you arrive? You startled us. Why are you coughing now?”

It’s you who startled me!

Lin Qingyang stared at Chu Lishu with an innocent look, but Chu Lishu blinked at him, seemingly suggesting that he should cooperate. Lin Qingyang could only look awkwardly at Dai Xueyang.

At this point, Dai Xueyang’s face was already very embarrassed. After all, if what Chu Lishu said was true, she was practically making that absurd proposal in front of someone else’s beloved. She wished she could find a hole to bury herself in.

Although there was a subtle sense of intimacy between them before, the previous wedding ceremony was somewhat forced at the time, and she didn’t know they were actually a couple. Indeed, whenever Chu Lishu looked at anyone, even if he smiled, there wasn’t much warmth in his eyes. However, when he just looked at Lin Qingyang, his eyes and expressions softened, and the tenderness in his eyes seemed genuine.

“You two are really…” Dai Xueyang spoke more out of amazement than anything else, and she didn’t express any additional emotions.

But Chu Lishu suddenly said, “Miss Dai doesn’t believe it? Do you think I’m making excuses to decline you?”

Dai Xueyang was taken aback, seeing Chu Lishu asking earnestly, she quickly tried to deny it. She didn’t mean that.

However, the situation instantly froze.

She watched in astonishment as the man she had just chosen was now pinching the chin of his cousin, gently turning it.

Suddenly, Lin Qingyang, who had been half-embraced, looked bewildered. His body stiffened as he met Chu Lishu’s delicate facial features. Chu Lishu’s soft lips were rubbing against his dry ones, creating a tingling sensation. It was completely different from the previous experience of extracting poison, a kind of tingling that seemed to permeate his entire body.

Lin Qingyang: ?????!!!!!!

Soon, Chu Lishu released Lin Qingyang with a satisfied expression. Indeed, kissing Lin Qingyang while he was awake was more heart-stirring than when he was asleep. He had been wanting to kiss him in the cave, but there were too many people around. Now that he had the opportunity, he couldn’t kiss too deeply without a reason. For now, he settled for a kiss and went to enjoy some meat soup.

Lin Qingyang’s legs turned to jelly, still being embraced by Chu Lishu.

Chu Lishu looked at the stunned Dai Xueyang, “Now, Miss Dai should believe it, right?”

Dai Xueyang: …

Dai Xueyang wanted to clarify that she never said she didn’t believe it! As a sheltered young lady, she really didn’t want to witness such scenes!

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