I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 180

Chapter 180

Wu Chang looked at Lin Qingyang with an unpleasant expression, holding back his frustration. It felt like he was being bullied. Eventually, he lay down in frustration, continuing to drink.

After drinking for a while, unable to contain his sighs, he said, “I had a premonition back then that the royal power struggle wouldn’t end. Little did I know, a year later, the former Crown Prince went to war, and the situation in the Great Zhou changed drastically. Fortunately, I left early; otherwise, who knows what would have become of me. The Emperor is truly ruthless, using such harsh methods against his own nephew, who was clearly a… very promising Crown Prince.”

Lin Qingyang was slightly surprised, “As a member of an assassination group, you’re saying such things?”

“So what? Although we are assassins, we are not fools. Let me tell you a secret. All the top-notch assassins were supposed to participate in the assassination mission. However, a few self-righteous assassins thought it went against the righteousness of the world. They believed that a tyrant could be removed, but not a wise ruler. Isn’t that ridiculous? We are already the darkest assassins; what does the righteousness of the world matter? And then they… disappeared. If they had succeeded, I would have withdrawn directly. Unfortunately, I still had to participate, and I injured the leg that I was so proud of,” Wu Chang explained.

Wuchang, with a bitter smile, continued to drink, leaving Lin Qingyang in silence. He couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, realizing how formidable Yuan Ran’s reputation was at that time. Even the unruly assassins in the darkness were subdued by him, believing that harming him meant harming the future of the Great Zhou.

Wu Chang continued his lament, “However, later, it was because the former Crown Prince decided to eliminate the Blood Abyss Pavilion, which led to a brutal pursuit of the pavilion. That’s how I managed to escape successfully. Otherwise, it might not have been so certain.”

Feeling a heavy mood, Lin Qingyang listened to Wu Chang’s continuous chatter and couldn’t help asking, “Do you know why you were deceived and troubled by two younger generations today?”

Wu Chang was momentarily stunned, instantly realizing that Lin Qingyang wanted to mock something. He glared at him and said, “Of course, I know. It’s all because of your untrustworthy uncle!”

“Oh? Was it my uncle who chased after you asking for your identity back then?” Lin Qingyang said expressionlessly.

Wu Chang was instantly silenced. He was quite innocent, not understanding why looking at Liu Xiaowei’s wooden face always made people want to confide in him. Moreover, Liu Xiaowei was naturally silent, appearing indifferent to others’ affairs. How could someone like that leak information? That’s why Wu Chang poured out his grievances.

Now regretful, Wu Chang was silently cursing his own actions. Lin Qingyang’s gaze was now focused on Chu Lishu. He wanted to comfort him, but since he still wasn’t supposed to know know Chu Lishu’s identity, he refrained from saying anything. Additionally, both Lu Yi and Lu Shi were by Chu Lishu’s side.

Outside, Lu Yi and Lu Shi also didn’t dare to approach and speak. While they were aware that the incidents in the Tongjia Pass were related to the current emperor, they never expected that the assassinations from an even earlier time were also… They couldn’t help but feel anxious for their master.

For the outside world, all they saw was how King Ning had always treated his elder brother and the Crown Prince well. Therefore, when he ascended the throne, donned the yellow robe, and received positive public acclaim, the people never suspected that he harbored ill intentions long ago. This made those who knew the truth want to scream in frustration.

As they watched their master standing there, seemingly lost in thought, they sensed an oppressive atmosphere around. They felt for their master, wanting to step forward and console him, but they were at a loss for words.

Shortly after, under the guidance of Lu Yi, Lu Shi reluctantly returned to the kitchen.

Seeing Lu Shi coming back, Lin Qingyang thought he had something to do. Then he heard Lu Shi speak, “The master is in a bad mood, why don’t you go check on him?”

Lin Qingyang was taken aback.

“Please, young master, take a look.” Lu Shi rarely bowed.

Lin Qingyang was alarmed and quickly stood up, saying, “I’ll go right away.”

As Lin Qingyang left, Lu Yi stepped back, leaving Lu Shi in the kitchen, watching over.

In the courtyard, only Chu Lishu remained. Despite the scorching summer day, a chilly atmosphere seemed to linger around him, as if he alone occupied a cold space. Yet, his fair cheeks were already tinged with a hint of red from the sun.

Suddenly, the scorching sun overhead was blocked, and Chu Lishu looked up to see Lin Qingyang standing behind him. He held up his hands, using his sleeves to create a shadow over his head.

Chu Lishu hesitated for a moment. “Right, we’ve finished questioning. It’s time to go back.”

Lin Qingyang looked at Chu Lishu with mixed emotions. His seemingly expressionless face made him feel an unsettling tightness in his chest.

“Now that the truth is clear—Emperor was behind the plot against Concubine Liu, implicating the County Princess. Blood Abyss Pavilion is under the influence of the Emperor and Chief Steward Ning—this trip wasn’t in vain.”

“Right, we gained quite a lot. So, what are your plans?” Lin Qingyang asked cautiously.

“Of course, I’ll find an opportunity to deal with it when I go back. It depends on the timing, sorry, Cousin, I might have to postpone settling the scores and avenge Aunt and the Liu family…” Chu Lishu apologized with a wry smile.

Lin Qingyang couldn’t bear it anymore, “Why are we in such a hurry? As long as we have Mu Huichun, my mother will be fine.”

Chu Lishu nodded, “You’re right, let’s go.”

After saying this, Chu Lishu was about to return to the kitchen to prepare to leave with Liu Xiaowei. However, in the moment he turned around, his wrist was grabbed by Lin Qingyang.

Chu Lishu looked at him with confusion.

Lin Qingyang nervously stuttered, “It’s a rare opportunity… to visit the Great Buddha Temple, shall we pay our respects to the Buddha? Pray for a smooth future together?”

Well, when it came to the past events involving Yuan Ran, Lin Qingyang really didn’t know how to comfort Chu Lishu. Moreover, Chu Lishu wouldn’t easily show weakness. So, he decided to help change the mood.

Lin Qingyang then took Chu Lishu to explore the temple. The memories from Lin Qingyang’s original owner did not include this place. It seemed he might have found it boring on his previous visit, hence not leaving much impression. Lin Qingyang, therefore, led Chu Lishu, asking about the origins of various Buddha statues. Chu Lishu, being knowledgeable about various eras, naturally understood everything.

Lin Qingyang kept bombarding Chu Lishu with questions, occasionally making some remarks to shift his attention. Chu Lishu, despite the clumsy approach, had no better solution.

Eventually, they joined the crowd and arrived in front of a large Buddha statue. Observing the considerable number of people here, it was clear that this particular spot was highly popular. Chu Lishu took on the role of a guide. A man nearby commented, “Young master knows a lot, but knowing a lot is not as good as praying a lot. Offer more prayers, and the Buddha will bless you to be free from evil spirits and malevolent people, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life.”

It was evident that the man was a devout believer, but Chu Lishu’s gaze instantly turned cold. “Is that so?”

Feeling an inexplicable chill down his spine, the man awkwardly chuckled. “Young master, don’t you believe in Buddha?”

“I used to believe, but not so much now. Ultimately, people have to rely on themselves,” Chu Lishu said slowly.

“That’s not entirely accurate. You should know that when you encounter difficulties, it might be the blessings of Buddha that turn your major troubles into minor ones,” the man argued.

Chu Lishu showed a contemptuous expression, dismissing it with indifference.

The man became angered. “Tsk, if you don’t believe, beware that after death, Buddha won’t guide you.”

“I don’t need him to guide me,” Chu Lishu replied.

It was a rare sight for Lin Qingyang to witness Chu Lishu displaying such a petulant demeanor.

The man was exasperated and turned to Lin Qingyang, “Does this young master also not believe? Then, why are you here?”

“Of course, we are here to pray for the victims. Whether one believes or not, we should all contribute a bit of effort, right?” Lin Qingyang said in a conciliatory tone. Looking at the man’s awkward expression, it seemed as if he was asking: Are you both being polite?

If it weren’t for their affluent attire, the man might have sought someone to escort them out.

“Have you never experienced anything in life that made you feel that if it weren’t for divine intervention, it simply wouldn’t have happened? Even if you encounter difficulties now and don’t believe, you should know that if there are challenges, the Buddha will certainly provide corresponding blessings in the not too distant future. Patience is required in life,” the man gritted his teeth.

Lin Qingyang chose not to argue further, considering the miraculous resurrection was assisted by the system, not exactly the work of the Buddha.

The expression of disdain on Chu Lishu’s face slightly paused. He turned his head to look at Lin Qingyang, who seemed lost in thought. If it weren’t for divine assistance, would it have… No, Chu Lishu chose his identity, encountering Lin Qingyang was inevitable, and Lin Qingyang falling in love with him was also inevitable. So, it wasn’t relying on divine intervention; it was relying on himself.

The man, growing frustrated with their silence, angrily joined the queue to worship the Buddha. He even took the opportunity to complain about them to the people around him.

Lin Qingyang quickly pulled Chu Lishu out of the main hall to avoid being surrounded by the crowd.

“Later, let’s kneel down and pay our respects. It feels like if we leave without doing so, we might incur some retribution.”

“If the faith is not sincere, it’s useless to worship,” Chu Lishu remarked.

“We can just seek some peace of mind.”

Coincidentally, the two of them arrived at a relatively quiet hall.

Lin Qingyang suggested, “This place is good, there is no need to wait in line. Let’s pay our respects. Pray for the well-being of the people and our future.”

Chu Lishu remained noncommittal, but his actions seemed reluctantly slow. It was evident that he wasn’t keen on kneeling. However, as he entered the hall and saw the Buddha statue in front of him, his eyes changed, and his expression shifted from the previous gloominess to a slightly uneasy and trance-like state.

Lin Qingyang pulled Chu Lishu to a cushion and glanced at him. “Will you bow?”

Chu Lishu quickly glanced at Lin Qingyang, then lowered his eyes and nodded silently.

The two of them knelt down together and bowed three times to the Buddha in front of them.

Lin Qingyang knelt there, hands clasped together, silently reciting various wishes with a gentle smile on his face. It seemed like he wasn’t bothered by the trouble they might be causing to the Buddha.

And Chu Lishu stared at the Buddha statue in a daze. After some thought, perhaps the Buddha knew he couldn’t be saved, so he sent Lin Qingyang to save him.

After the worship, seeing no one around, Lin Qingyang curiously looked around. Chu Lishu’s complexion also relaxed a lot, following behind Lin Qingyang. Lin Qingyang had never visited a Buddhist temple before, and looking at this golden Buddha statue, exquisitely carved in the front, he wondered what it looked like in the back. Earlier, there were too many people in the other halls, so he didn’t feel comfortable going around to take a look. Now, he couldn’t help but ask, “Is it disrespectful to go around to the back of the Buddha statue?”

“Then the monks responsible for cleaning would have been kicked out of the temple long ago,” Chu Lishu replied.

Lin Qingyang nodded, finding it reasonable. Suddenly, a woman’s voice came from the entrance. Chu Lishu immediately pulled Lin Qingyang back, confusing him. Then Chu Lishu made a hushing gesture.

What are we hiding from? Lin Qingyang was puzzled at first, but then he heard it. The newcomers were none other than Pei Jin and Pei Qianyu.

So… why were they hiding?

The two siblings seemed to have come to dispel bad luck for Pei Jin. After all, the Third Prince’s side had temporarily suspended operations, and with Pei Jin having nothing much to do, she could only be dragged by her sister to pray at the temple.

“Big brother, you go first! We can’t pray together in front of this Buddha statue.”

“Forget it, I didn’t pray before. Why should I do it here? If you want to pray, go ahead, but don’t drag me into it.”

“Ah, big brother, you are… This is the only one that blesses marital harmony, with a different significance from the one in front. It is said that if someone without a prospective spouse prays here, they can obtain a good marital fate. If two people come to pray together, it can bless a smooth marriage, conjugal bliss, and a happy and harmonious family. Mother told me that she and father prayed together when they got married.”

Behind the Buddha statue, Lin Qingyang was slightly stunned, looking at Chu Lishu in surprise. His face blushed uncontrollably. What was this? What did they just pray for together? Shouldn’t Chu Lishu know everything? Why didn’t he say anything?

But Chu Lishu looked innocent, gazing at him as if nothing had happened.

Pei Jin perfunctorily replied, “Fine, you go ahead and pray. It’s time for our family to check out potential matches for you.”

“Big brother, I was telling you that you should go first. You should get married before me. I know you’re busy with the Third Prince’s affairs, but getting married shouldn’t be a problem. I want a sister-in-law to keep me company at home,” pleaded Pei Qianyu.

Pei Jin responded, “If you want to seek a marital fate for yourself, don’t drag me into it. I’m not interested.”

Pei Qianyu pouted, “Hmph, big brother, are you telling me you’ve never been interested in any girl? Haven’t you ever thought about getting married?”

Pei Jin: “…”

Pei Qianyu exclaimed with joy, “Big brother, you hesitated! Does that mean you really have someone in your heart? Come on, tell me!”

Behind the Buddha statue, Chu Lishu raised an eyebrow, his expression turning unsightly.

Lin Qingyang, on the other hand, was preoccupied with the awkwardness of them praying to the marital fate Buddha together. Feeling uneasy, he dared not look at Chu Lishu, only listening to the gossip of the sisters outside. For now, there was no response from Pei Jin, indicating he might have run out of patience.

These two individuals, who originally entered the male lead’s harem together, now, looking at them—one in front of the Buddha, the other behind the Buddha—it’s indeed a somewhat speechless scene.

In the end, Pei Jin did not participate in the prayer. On the contrary, Pei Qianyu prayed sincerely. After finishing, with a serious tone, she said, “Big brother, will the Buddha bless me? The Qixi Festival banquet is coming soon, and I…”

“Don’t worry. As long as you’re unwilling, no matter which aristocrat from a prestigious family it is, I will find a way to ensure your freedom to choose.”

“Ha… Big brother, thank you. But don’t worry too much about me. At the banquet, there are many noble ladies from prestigious families. You can…”

Lin Qingyang suddenly realized. It turned out that the young girl wasn’t thinking about romantic feelings but referring to the upcoming grand matchmaking event in the palace, the ‘Qixi Festival Banquet.’ In such an event, women have the least say, so Pei Qianyu could only resort to praying to the Buddha.

But they could be assured about these matters. The Qixi Festival Banquet promised to be quite a spectacle.

Just as Lin Qingyang was contemplating, a dark shadow suddenly flashed across his line of sight. Upon closer inspection, it was a large spider, descending along a silk thread, aiming to land on Chu Lishu’s shoulder.

However, Chu Lishu did not see it and merely lowered his head to look at the flowers with boredom.

Spiders might not pose much threat, but human instincts prompted Lin Qingyang to react reflexively in fear. Without waiting for Chu Lishu’s response, he hugged him tightly and, in a panic, rushed out, stumbling and bumping along the way.

In an instant, a scream echoed from behind the Buddha statue, startling the Pei sisters.

Pei Jin immediately stood in front of his sister, retreating with Pei Qianyu. But the next moment, they saw two figures emerging from the yellow cloth hanging beside the Buddha statue.

Suddenly, one person pressed another and crashed into the yellow cloth, causing it to collapse entirely and scatter on the ground in disarray.

Within the tangle of yellow cloth, Pei Jin and Pei Qianyu finally saw the figures clearly: it was Lin Qingyang who had fallen on top of Chu Lishu.

Chu Lishu let out a muffled groan, and Lin Qingyang quickly got up and pulled him. “Are you okay? I…” He belatedly realized they were being observed by the other two.

Awkwardly, Lin Qingyang made eye contact with them and saw the gradually infuriating expression on Pei Jin’s face. He nervously chuckled, “Uh, that was…”

“Lin Qingyang, this is a pure place of Buddhism. What are you doing? Hiding behind the Buddha statue in a sacred place like this, you really have no shame!” scolded Pei Jin.

Pei Qianyu also covered her mouth, displaying a look as if she had accidentally seen something explicit. Her face turned red, and she quickly turned away, unable to look again.

Lin Qingyang instantly felt like his knees were pierced with arrows, making it difficult for him to stand. He almost felt like he was going to spit blood. What on earth was Pei Jin thinking about his character and behavior?

“It’s a misunderstanding! We were just curious to see what was behind the Buddha statue. When we noticed you all coming, we felt awkward and stayed hidden. Then I saw a spider, got scared, and came out. Don’t believe it? Go check for yourselves; there’s indeed a large spider back there. It nearly landed on my cousin’s shoulder.”

Chu Lishu didn’t say anything to explain, just stood up and dusted himself off.

The monks who heard the commotion outside came to check the situation. Upon hearing this explanation, they looked at them in silence.

So, they made amends by donating some money to the temple.

As the four of them walked out, Pei Jin continued to glare at them. She felt that they were acting recklessly, not considering the sacredness of the temple. Moreover, she had warned Lin Qingyang multiple times to be cautious around Chu Lishu, yet he seemed to disregard those warnings. She sarcastically remarked, “In the future, choose a more private place. You don’t have to make everything public. And, despite my warnings, you still act so boldly with Chu Lishu. Unbelievable.”

Lin Qingyang could sense the misunderstanding in Pei Jin’s expression and felt wronged. He couldn’t help but explain, “I came with my cousin to pray for the disaster victims. You’re overthinking it.”

“Praying for blessings at the Marriage Fate Hall?”

Lin Qingyang suddenly choked, “Well… I’m not familiar with that place. I just pray whenever I see a Buddha.”

“You’re from the capital. How can you not be familiar? Haven’t you accompanied your mother and sisters here before? Besides, he definitely knows,” Pei Jin remarked, showing an instinctive acknowledgment of Chu Lishu’s knowledge.

Lin Qingyang awkwardly looked at Chu Lishu, only to see Chu Lishu furrow his brows and say, “Weren’t you the one who insisted on dragging me to pray just now, cousin? You know I don’t believe in these things. I only went along with it because you were so insistent.”

Lin Qingyang was momentarily dumbfounded. It seemed… that was the case! But why did he feel so wronged?

With Chu Lishu’s words, Pei Jin’s expression became even more colorful. Now she didn’t say anything, just grabbed Pei Qianyu and left. She muttered, “Clearly, you wanted to drag the person to pray for marriage, and yet you stubbornly refuse to admit it! Hmph!”

Lin Qingyang suddenly felt like it was going to snow in June, trembling as he pointed at the two figures walking away. He looked at Chu Lishu with a sense of hopelessness. “This… Has the misunderstanding become too big? Why didn’t you remind me what kind of Buddha this was just now?”

“Whether they misunderstand or not has nothing to do with us, and… didn’t you want to pray?” Chu Lishu successfully angered Pei Jin and finally lifted the corners of his mouth.

He began to suspect that Lin Qingyang might really not know about these Buddha statues. After all, as Pei Jin pointed out, Lin Qingyang grew up in the capital. He should have heard about it. Before, he indulged Lin Qingyang, so whenever Lin Qingyang asked, he answered. However, at this moment, he began to think that perhaps everything was just Lin Qingyang’s careful consideration.

Using the excuse of not recognizing those Buddha statues, he brought him to the final Buddha of matrimony, smoothly prayed for matrimony with him, and when caught, he dared not admit it. Well~ that’s all there is to it.

“Let’s go, let’s go home. Don’t think about unnecessary things.” After saying this, Chu Lishu pulled Lin Qingyang to go pick up the person. As they walked out of the corridor and into the sunlight, their steps were light, and it felt like the air had become much fresher, lifting their spirits.

If you love what Ciacia is doing, then consider showing your support by supporting a cup of coffee for her at Kofi. If you can’t wait for the next release chapter, subscribe to advanced chapters membership on her Kofi to get access to up to 10 chapters!