I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 240

Chapter 240

After tidying up, seeing the room still messy with scrolls, Chu Lishu personally rolled up his own paintings. Looking at the portrait of Crown Prince Yuan Ran, he couldn’t help but ask, “When did you paint this?”

“I painted it when I realized I liked you,” Lin Qingyang said awkwardly as he helped tidy up.

Chu Lishu chuckled, “You took them all out. Did you miss me?”

Lin Qingyang became even more embarrassed. “You knew, yet you still ask.”

Chu Lishu smiled and rolled up the last painting, which happened to be the Wuxin Mountain’s bride’s portrait. He glanced at Lin Qingyang with a mysterious meaning in his eyes.

Lin Qingyang quickly snatched the scrolls away.

“So… do you like me as I am now, or do you prefer the Crown Prince Yuan Ran’s appearance?”

Lin Qingyang didn’t expect Chu Lishu to ask such a question. He wanted to simply answer that he liked both, but couldn’t resist joking, “I haven’t seen what you looked like as Yuan Ran, so I definitely prefer your current appearance. Don’t worry, even if you change, I’ll try my best to accept it again.”

As Lin Qingyang finished speaking, he was suddenly pulled into Chu Lishu’s embrace, trapped against the table.

Chu Lishu gazed into Lin Qingyang’s eyes, his voice becoming deep, “Even if I turn back into Yuan Ran, I’ll make you fall for me again.”

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but be drawn in by the light in Chu Lishu’s eyes. Under those deep black eyes seemed to be a bewitching crimson undertone, exceptionally… alluring.

Mesmerized, Lin Qingyang muttered, “I’m already quite enchanted.”

Chu Lishu smiled gently, maximizing the advantage of his appearance, causing Lin Qingyang to be completely captivated.

“I’m just afraid… I’m afraid that as your harem fills up in the future, you’ll gradually lose interest in me,” Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but test the waters.

Chu Lishu was momentarily stunned, then smiled, “Don’t worry, under the heavens, for me there will only be you.”

Lin Qingyang immediately looked at Chu Lishu with shining eyes. As for any potential troubles ahead, Lin Qingyang chose not to dwell on them for now. As long as Chu Lishu had a lifelong commitment to him, any difficulty could be overcome.

Chu Lishu found it amusing. Even when he had been deceived, he had loved unconditionally. If Lin Qingyang used genuine affection, then he might truly be lost. As for the harem, how could such a thought even cross his mind? It was inconceivable.

Lu Yi came in to report, not avoiding Lin Qingyang this time.

“Qi Ci and Ning Ziheng have safely left, but there’s a letter from Yu Suoxi that you must review.”

As soon as he heard the name Yu Suoxi, Lin Qingyang’s expression darkened. Watching Chu Lishu take the letter to read, his gaze couldn’t help but drift upwards.

Seeing this, Chu Lishu generously unfolded the letter for him to see. Lin Qingyang smiled awkwardly but couldn’t resist leaning closer.

Lu Yi, standing aside, was somewhat surprised but didn’t say much. It seemed that Lin Qingyang had successfully ascended to power and was indeed going to become their mistress.

There wasn’t much written in the letter. It simply stated that Tianheng Kingdom would be leaving today, and Yu Suoxi requested Chu Lishu to see him off. It ended with a line, “If you don’t come, you’ll regret it.”

“Is this guy crazy? Why does he pretend to be so familiar with you? Haven’t you spent enough time with him these past few days?” Lin Qingyang’s jealousy overflowed. “Are you… going?”

Chu Lishu smiled and burned the letter, then looked at Lin Qingyang. “You don’t want me to go?”

Lin Qingyang hesitated, his words contradicting his true feelings. “I just feel it’s unsafe, but if you think you should go, then go.”

Lin Qingyang wouldn’t interfere with Chu Lishu’s decisions. He believed that regardless of the situation, Chu Lishu had his own judgment. Trying to manipulate him with emotions wouldn’t be right.

Chu Lishu stood up as if to leave, and Lin Qingyang felt uneasy. “Um… it’s just escorting someone for a while. Where will you go afterward? Will you come back? Are you going to move back here? Tomorrow, you should enter the palace…”

Chu Lishu turned back, puzzled. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

Lin Qingyang was taken aback for a moment, then couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, we will go together.”

Chu Lishu smiled gently, and Lin Qingyang quickly followed.

As soon as they left the courtyard, they were caught by Nanny Ding, who then scolded them.

Lin Qingyang suddenly remembered about Xu Wenze, their guest.

Chu Lishu looked over with a kind smile, but Lin Qingyang didn’t notice. But Shuncai who had followed them was quite startled.

“It’s my fault. I got drunk, and I thought my uncle would help take care of things,” Lin Qingyang quickly recalled. “Oh, it seems he got drunk again.”

“You three were drinking together?” Chu Lishu finally spoke up.

Lin Qingyang nodded, while Lu Yi, hiding his presence, could only pray that his master would quickly forget about this incident.

Lin Qingyang turned to Nanny Ding. “Lishu and I need to go out for urgent matters. As for Young Master Xu…”

“No need to worry about him. He left early this morning,” Nanny Ding replied.

“Why was he in such a hurry?” Lin Qingyang exclaimed in surprise.

“It seems there’s an urgent matter in his residence.” Ding Mama replied.

Lin Qingyang could only say, “Alright, I’ll make it up to him later.”

After discussing this matter, the two of them boarded a carriage and headed to the inn where the envoy from Tianheng Kingdom would stop after leaving the palace. They would organize their supplies here before setting off officially.

Yu Suoxi was sitting bored in the carriage, arranging chess pieces, with the Saintess sitting across from him.

The Saintess felt uneasy that Yu Suoxi had remained unusually quiet during these days, without causing any major disturbances.

Just as she was about to say something, there was a strange movement outside the window, which was a signal from Yu Suoxi’s undercover guards. Yu Suoxi immediately smiled.

Soon, under the big tree opposite the inn, Yu Suoxi saw Chu Lishu.

“You’re here,” Yu Suoxi smiled brightly. “I thought you wouldn’t come. If you didn’t come, you’d miss out on a big secret.”

“Not coming would lead to regret? I hope the Regent’s secret won’t make me regret coming,” Chu Lishu said slowly.

Yu Suoxi was about to say something when suddenly his expression changed slightly, and the next moment, he reached out towards Chu Lishu’s neck.

Seeing this from inside the carriage, Lin Qingyang immediately wanted to jump out, but was stopped by Lu Yi. Because Chu Lishu had already blocked Yu Suoxi’s hand.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Chu Lishu felt that Yu Suoxi wasn’t intending to attack him, so he didn’t retaliate immediately, just blocking him from getting closer.

Yu Suoxi’s gaze swept over Chu Lishu’s neck, where there were obvious kiss marks and bite marks that hadn’t been there yesterday. It seemed to imply something, and today’s Chu Lishu appeared visibly energetic and spirited, in stark contrast to the past two days of lethargy.

It had to be admitted, he preferred the current Chu Lishu with fighting spirit, but the overly emotional aspect was displeasing to him. After weighing it up, Yu Suoxi decided to let it go.

“It seems you’ve reconciled? I seem to have misjudged the situation,” Yu Suoxi expressed regret. “After experiencing that incident, Yuan Ran, you could have had no weaknesses. But now, you’ve created a weakness for yourself again. It’s truly unwise.”

Chu Lishu’s gaze instantly became wary.

Yu Suoxi enjoyed the intense look in Chu Lishu’s eyes, but still ‘kindly’ cautioned, “The secret I want to tell you is that there’s a snake hidden by your side, ready to bite you at any moment. Its venom is extremely potent. You should be careful.”

Chu Lishu sneered, “You’re not implying it’s Lin Qingyang, are you?” Considering how Yu Suoxi had caused trouble between them before by spreading false information, Chu Lishu couldn’t help but suspect Yu Suoxi had ill intentions towards Lin Qingyang.

Yu Suoxi shook his head. “How could that be? I can’t tell you who the snake is. Reminding you to be cautious is already my partiality towards you. Initially, I thought you would win, but now that you have a weakness, it’s uncertain.”

Chu Lishu’s expression gradually turned colder. A snake? If Yu Suoxi’s words were true, then it meant there was someone else who might become his enemy, someone he hadn’t even considered? He was in the light, while the snake was in the shadows?

Chu Lishu couldn’t completely trust Yu Suoxi’s words because there was a high possibility of him being manipulated. However, if they were true, then it posed a serious problem.

“Is it a current court official, one of those guards who secretly infiltrated the capital to help you?”

Yu Suoxi just smiled and didn’t answer, clearly unwilling to easily reveal his intentions. Instead, he slowly pointed to Chu Lishu’s neck and said, “Yuan Ran, if what I said is true, would you still dare to openly stay with him like this?”

Chu Lishu remained expressionless, silent in response.

“I’m just kindly reminding you. You should keep your distance from him. Otherwise, if others find out that he’s your weakness, especially if that snake finds out, you won’t be able to protect him.”

Chu Lishu’s gaze grew increasingly sharp. “So, you won’t tell the snake? You’re in cahoots, aren’t you?”

“I can only say this: I won’t reveal any secrets about you, your identity, or your weaknesses. The snake, like you, is just a pawn on my chessboard. I won’t betray anyone; I’m just waiting to see who lasts till the end. Of course, I’d rather see how you overcome this predicament and eventually ascend the throne. We can continue our game then. But if you lose and manage to survive, come find me. I’m curious to see what you’ll become. I’ll give you everything you desire and help you reclaim your peak. That’s my promise to you, Yuanran, as long as you survive.”

With that, Yu Suoxi stopped pressing further and waved his hand with a smile. “Yuan Ran, don’t die easily. Otherwise, this world will be too boring.”

After saying that, he turned around confidently. Chu Lishu’s gaze quickly scanned the surroundings, where almost ten skilled guards were nearby. It was impossible to capture him and force him to reveal the identity of the snake.

Chu Lishu could only watch Yu Suoxi leave with wide eyes.

The Tianheng Kingdom’s convoy finally set off.

Chu Lishu returned to his own carriage, and Lin Qingyang quickly asked, “What’s going on?”

Chu Lishu recounted the remarks about the snake.

Lin Qingyang was astonished for a moment, then firmly asserted, “How is that possible? He’s just making things up, playing mind games with you. You know who your enemies are very well, there are no omissions.”

Some of them weren’t even Chu Lishu’s enemies, but people vying for the throne. Chu Lishu wouldn’t let them off, so where did this snake come from?

Doesn’t this imply that there’s still a hidden big boss behind the scenes? Lin Qingyang thought Yu Suoxi seemed quite like it. The plot has reached this point, rejecting a sudden character addition, okay?

Even if sometimes the original plot doesn’t fully reveal the truth, many hidden plots are ignored, but it wouldn’t suddenly introduce a new boss out of nowhere.

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but analyze with Chu Lishu. Regarding Yu Suoxi’s words, Lin Qingyang felt that at most, he might think there were some enemies that Chu Lishu didn’t know about, which is why he said that. But how could he possibly know all of Chu Lishu’s enemies?

Actually, Chu Lishu thought the same way, but he was always suspicious, so he still wanted to be cautious. Especially since Yu Suoxi said a few things that were right, he should protect Lin Qingyang well and not let others discover his weaknesses.

Chu Lishu pulled Lin Qingyang closer, and Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat. They naturally leaned in together, their foreheads touching as they leaned against the carriage wall, facing each other. Their arms were also linked, and their slender fingers involuntarily intertwined.

“Qingyang, I want to hear about your secrets, about the truth of your past.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qingyang immediately composed himself and earnestly replied, “Many of the things I say, you may not believe.”

“I believe you,” Chu Lishu stated directly.

“Even if it’s as mysterious and unbelievable as those prophecies you told me?” Lin Qingyang asked in return.

Chu Lishu hadn’t expected Lin Qingyang to make that analogy but continued to nod, mentally preparing himself for what Lin Qingyang was about to reveal. He knew that whatever Lin Qingyang would say might be incredibly strange and unbelievable. After all, Lin Qingyang always seemed to miraculously save him, lead him away from danger, and even concoct medicines that were beyond what his master or fellow disciples could create. All of this was hard to believe but undeniably real.

Lin Qingyang had also mentally prepared himself for this conversation. He wasn’t good at lying, and Chu Lishu had an aversion to falsehoods. If their relationship was to progress healthily, they needed to overcome this obstacle. Though he might risk being seen as crazy by Chu Lishu, he didn’t want to hide anymore. With a heavy heart, he began, “Actually, I’m not…” But to his dismay, he found himself unable to speak.

Chu Lishu noticed Lin Qingyang’s anxious expression and became concerned. “What’s wrong?”

Unable to express himself fully, Lin Qingyang could only rely on Chu Lishu’s intelligence. “There are some things I can’t explain,” he said. “I’ll try to say what I can, and you… please try to believe me.”

Chu Lishu looked at him with complete bewilderment as Lin Qingyang’s manner of expression became increasingly peculiar. His explanations were often incomplete, and he frequently resorted to using analogies. To an outsider, it might seem like Lin Qingyang had lost his mind.

However, seeing Lin Qingyang’s earnestness and distress, Chu Lishu realized that he was genuinely trying to convey something important. So he focused intently, trying to understand, as if deciphering a crucial message from torn scraps of paper.

In Chu Lishu’s understanding, Lin Qingyang might be an otherworldly visitor, which could explain his sudden personality changes and apparent shift in affections toward the young attendant and Xu Wenze. Lin Qingyang seemed to know a lot about everything, past and future, concerning himself, as if he were more aware than anyone else. However, he couldn’t speak about it, so he could only accompany him.

But what did it mean to accompany him? Lin Qingyang had mentioned before, in response to Yu Suoxi’s inquiry, about accompanying him to ascend the throne as emperor, as if it were a divine instruction. Lin Qingyang’s presence, when compared to the prophecies concerning him, seemed to make some sense.

After all, many things about Lin Qingyang were inexplicable by conventional standards, and although Chu Lishu’s understanding was limited, he knew Lin Qingyang must be a special existence.

“If I won’t succeed, would you leave me?” This was the first question Chu Lishu asked after listening to segments of incomprehensible words. If the visitor was heaven’s will, would that will take him away?

Lin Qingyang hesitated for a moment, instantly understanding that Chu Lishu had cleverly filled in the blanks with his own intelligence. As for whether it matched the truth, they couldn’t verify it.

“If you won’t succeed, I would die,” Lin Qingyang didn’t hide anything from his beloved, honestly revealing everything.

Chu Lishu was shocked. “Then when you said you wanted to take me away in the palace before, weren’t you afraid…?”

“At that time, you were so sad, and I… I felt heartbroken.” Lin Qingyang touched his head and smiled foolishly. “I thought of finding other ways to stay, or… to be with you for as long as possible, to let you live a normal life. I…”

But Chu Lishu couldn’t bear to hear it and hugged Lin Qingyang tightly. “Silly, how could I… be without you? Don’t worry, I understand now. Ascending to the throne was always my goal, and we will achieve it. You will stay by my side.”

“Do you… believe me?” Lin Qingyang asked in astonishment.

Chu Lishu sighed. “Though there’s still much I don’t understand, I’m willing to believe everything. Our first real meeting, wasn’t it at Marquis An Nan’s residence, when you kidnapped me with ill intentions?”

“I didn’t mean to…” Lin Qingyang immediately argued, “But indeed, it was at that time. You could even guess it. You’re too clever.”

He wanted to say it himself, but he couldn’t articulate it. However, if Chu Lishu guessed it, the system couldn’t restrict it.

“You said you could know when I’m in danger, and you can always find me, but I don’t like you risking yourself for me. Can you promise me this?”

Lin Qingyang shook his head. Although he didn’t want to say overly sentimental words, he could only express it like this, “If you die, I won’t be able to live either.”

Chu Lishu knew it wasn’t just sweet talk, but still felt a warm sensation in his heart. Holding Lin Qingyang, he paused for a moment, then mentally reviewed the information he had just heard. Sensing Lin Qingyang’s body tensing up, he quickly came back to his senses and found it somewhat amusing.

He found it amusing that he was seriously contemplating these questions and taking them for granted as true. Believing blindly was both foolish and laughable.

If it were anyone else, he would have immediately eliminated them for daring to deceive him in such a foolish way. But because it was Lin Qingyang, he trusted him without reservation. Just like in the past when he was deceived, despite the doubts, he chose to believe and then filled in the gaps himself. He was indeed repeating the same old pattern of being fooled time and time again, but this time he was watching his steps.

Lin Qingyang probably also thought it was unlikely, which was why he seemed nervous and worried during Chu Lishu’s silence.

Chu Lishu held Lin Qingyang even tighter, giving his anxious lover courage, and leaned down to kiss the top of his head. “Don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control. I’ve said you belong to me, and not even the heavens can take you away from me.”

Lin Qingyang finally relaxed, hugging Chu Lishu tightly. “You’re really amazing.”

Both of them were immersed in the genuine feeling of this moment, allowing the magical conversation they had just had to gradually fade from their minds. All that mattered was clearing up the misunderstandings between them about deceit and betrayal; everything else was unimportant.

“However, Qingyang, until the major matters are resolved, I’m afraid I’ll have to inconvenience you. Although those close to us know we’re together, we can’t appear too intimate in public. I don’t want others to target you just to get to me.”

Lin Qingyang didn’t feel the inconvenience that Chu Lishu had imagined; instead, he obediently nodded in agreement. “It’s only natural. We definitely can’t be so blatant about it. Until you’ve fully recovered, we’ll still be nominally regarded as cousins and treat each other as brothers in public. Besides, we’re both men, so we can’t be too conspicuous.”

Lin Qingyang’s compliance actually annoyed Chu Lishu. Shouldn’t he be coaxing and cuddling him, asking for hugs and kisses instead of just agreeing like this?

“Don’t you… have any objections?” Chu Lishu asked in response.

Lin Qingyang just smiled. “Why would I object? Secret affairs are safer, you know. I understand.”

Chu Lishu: …

Lin Qingyang chuckled as if he had thought of something amusing. “From now on, you’re His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, not my cousin anymore. It’ll be hard to hear you call me cousin again.”

Suddenly, Chu Lishu squinted and called out, “Cousin!”

Lin Qingyang was just about to laugh and agree when Chu Lishu kissed him.

“You can only choose one between ‘cousin’ and this,” Chu Lishu said with a seductive gaze, looking at Lin Qingyang. “Which one do you choose?”

With cheeks slightly flushed, Lin Qingyang couldn’t resist the temptation of being so close to Chu Lishu. He leaned in and returned the kiss. “I choose this one.”

Chu Lishu’s lips curved into a smile, his breath seeming to invite Lin Qingyang to continue savoring the moment.

The ambiguous atmosphere lingered instantly. With just one kiss from Chu Lishu, Lin Qingyang felt disoriented, as if he had become addicted to it. The carriage slowly made its way towards the private residence, filled with happiness and sweetness inside.

On the other side, the convoy from Tianheng Kingdom left the capital, no longer under the surveillance of the Imperial Guard. Instead of continuing westward as planned, the convoy came to a gradual halt.

“What’s wrong?” The Saintess looked at Yu Suoxi with confusion.

“I still have an old friend to bid farewell to,” Yu Suoxi said, setting down the black piece he was holding and picking up the white one to fiddle with. Soon, there was a sound from the window, and Yu Suoxi disembarked from the carriage once again.

Not far away, there was a carriage parked on the hillside, and beside it stood a figure, wrapped in a cloak that almost completely covered them.

It wasn’t until Yu Suoxi approached that the person slowly bowed. “Does His Highness wish to see me?”

Yu Suoxi smiled. “The assassin you need will be delivered to you within half a month.”

“Thank you for your assistance, Your Highness.”

Yu Suoxi looked the person up and down, then chuckled. “Are…you still determined to seek revenge?”

The newcomer nodded in silence.

“Hehe, quite interesting. But I’m glad you’ve held onto your convictions from back then. It makes for good entertainment. I’ll continue to support you. If you need anything, just ask. And I have something very important to tell you.”

“Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

“In the palace, among the advisors to the princes, there’s one person whose presence will surely obstruct your path.”

The newcomer pondered for a moment. “The only one with such capability would likely be Chu Lishu, by the side of the Fourth Prince.”

“Indeed, you’re astute, with a keen grasp of the situation. Yes, it’s him. And he definitely won’t be swayed to your side because his goals align with yours.”

“Your Highness, you’re overthinking. I was planning… to kill him anyway. He’s just temporarily useful.”

Excitement gleamed in Yu Suoxi’s eyes. “Is that so? I look forward to your good news.”

“Farewell, Your Highness.” The newcomer bowed again, then watched as Yu Suoxi departed.

Once Yu Suoxi returned to his own carriage, he couldn’t contain his laughter any longer, tears nearly streaming from his eyes.

The Saintess couldn’t help but feel a slight chill in her heart. She hadn’t seen who the newcomer was from afar just now, but she had a foreboding sense of unease.

Suddenly, Yu Suoxi picked up both the black and white pieces in front of him and played with them, laughing as he said, “The real show is about to begin. If I can watch this play out in my lifetime, it’ll be worth it.”

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!