I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 89

Chapter 89

<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>

Actually, the whole thing started two days ago.

Chu Lishu arrived two days late, and rumors about them in the academy were spreading like wildfire, all saying they had encountered bandits.

Chu Lishu explained casually, but upon returning to the courtyard, he encountered the anxious Xu Wenzhe.

“You’re here. How is Lin Qingyang? Is he okay?”

Xu Wenzhe’s level of anxiety exceeded expectations, making Chu Lishu slightly displeased. “Why is Brother Wenzhe so nervous? If something really happened to Cousin, I wouldn’t have been able to come here.”

Xu Wenzhe paused, realizing that indeed was the case. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief, feeling embarrassed as he looked at Chu Lishu, who was expressionless. “I heard someone confidently saying that Brother Lin has already…”

Chu Lishu frowned. “Who said that?”

Was it someone with a bad relationship with Lin Qingyang, or…

Xu Wenzhe’s expression looked somewhat uncomfortable. “It’s… Ying Xiaodie.”

It turned out that on the first day they came to the academy, there were rumors that Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu had taken leave due to encountering bandits and getting injured. At that time, Xu Wenzhe was just a bit worried about them. Regarding the academic content, Xu Wenzhe would also transcribe a few more copies to give to Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang.

Until one day during class break, while Xu Wenzhe was still transcribing, Ying Xiaodie suddenly approached him and cautiously said, “Young Master Xu, don’t be too busy. I’ll tell you, I’ve already received the news. In fact, Lin Qingyang has already been assassinated.”

Xu Wenzhe immediately interrupted Ying Xiaodie, feeling that she was completely abnormal and didn’t know what she was talking about.

However, Ying Xiaodie remained very sure, insisting that Lin Qingyang must have died and asked Xu Wenzhe not to bother with Lin Qingyang’s affairs anymore. She even mentioned that Lin Qingyang wouldn’t be able to pester him in the future.

Seeing Ying Xiaodie so certain, Xu Wenzhe couldn’t help but panic. Maybe the reason Ying Xiaodie knew in advance was because of the previous relationship between the Ying family and Marquis An Nan’s residence. He was very worried that if this matter turned out to be true…

That’s why he appeared so agitated after Chu Lishu returned.

Upon hearing Xu Wenzhe’s description, Chu Lishu immediately darkened his face and began to calculate in his mind. That night, he had Lu Shi dress up as a ghost to scare Ying Xiaodie. Since it was Ying Xiaodie’s first time doing such a thing, she was naturally nervous, and she quickly revealed the truth.

Her reason for wanting to kill Lin Qingyang was simple: in the previous drowning incident, Lin Qingyang embarrassed her. Additionally, Lin Qinglan took away the dowry, and the family had to spend money on the wedding, making her financially strained and unhappy. Finally, during the period when Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang were at odds, Lin Qingyang’s increased interaction with Xu Wenzhe made her jealous. The combination of these factors filled her with hatred, leading her to want to eliminate Lin Qingyang.

It was also a coincidence that during the incident when Prince Yuan Ran was attacked, not only did the Shadow Wolves secretly investigate, but there were also official inquiries. At that time, Ying Wenlong’s father, a low-ranking official, happened to be involved, gaining knowledge of many Blood Abyss Pavilion secrets. Ying Xiaodie had heard her father talk about it and knew how to assign tasks accordingly.

So, driven by various jealous feelings, Ying Xiaodie decided to give it a try. Fifty taels was the maximum amount she could come up with. She didn’t know that even if the assassination attempt failed, the money would not be refunded if the hired assassin died. Not receiving a refund and not seeing Lin Qingyang, she thought Lin Qingyang was doomed.

Feeling triumphant, she naturally wanted to gain more a sense of accomplishment. So, she informed Xu Wenzhe in advance, wanting Lin Qingyang to disappear from Xu Wenzhe’s world sooner. This led to her exposing her flaws.

After hearing the entire process, Lin Qingyang’s face became colorful. “Really… ruthless!”

But at the same time, Lin Qingyang also breathed a sigh of relief. At least the other party wasn’t a formidable opponent. However, it seemed that the Ying family had some issues with their internal conflicts—the elder brother harming his eldest sister, the younger sister harming him.

Lin Qingyang’s expression gradually darkened. “If others don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them.” He was already thinking about how to retaliate, but Chu Lishu interrupted him.

“Don’t think about it. Just focus on healing your injuries,” Chu Lishu said.

“But…”

“I’ve got it covered. Leave this matter to me.”

Seeing Chu Lishu’s determined look, it seemed like he already had a plan. Honestly, Lin Qingyang didn’t want to encounter Ying Xiaodie again. He wouldn’t mind returning the favor to the person who tried to kill him.

Back at the courtyard, Shuncai brought their meal, and after they finished eating, Xu Wenze happened to come to visit him. Hearing that Lin Qingyang had been stabbed, Xu Wenze showed disapproval, thinking that he shouldn’t have come to the academy.

Lin Qingyang appeared relaxed and inquired about the academic situation over the past five days. Xu Wenze coincidentally came to deliver some books and notes.

Lin Qingyang quickly expressed his thanks and chatted for a while before Shuncai came to change his bandages.

Xu Wenze and Chu Lishu then prepared to leave.

“Oh, by the way, cousin, there’s martial arts class this afternoon, and I’ll be resting in the courtyard. Remember to come and help me catch up on the lessons tonight!” Lin Qingyang spoke up before they left.

Chu Lishu nodded in agreement.

Afterward, when Xu Wenze and Chu Lishu returned to the courtyard, Chu Lishu suddenly spoke up, asking, “Brother Wenze, you were inquiring about Cousin’s recovery both directly and indirectly earlier. Is there something you want to discuss with him?”

Xu Wenze was momentarily surprised by Chu Lishu’s sensitivity and said, “I intended to bring it up before the New Year break. You have done a favor for my sister in the matter involving Duke Wei Guo’s residence, and we should repay that debt. Now, there’s an opportunity during the New Year festivities. The Fourth Prince will visit Duke Wei Guo’s residence during my sister’s wedding. I want you two to meet him. If both of you can gain the favor of the Fourth Prince, many things will be easier after the academy assessment. Even if not, it’s good to establish some connections.”

In fact, Xu Wenze had hinted to Chu Lishu before, expressing his interest in knowing what Chu Lishu needed. Chu Lishu’s response was clear – he wanted to enter the palace as a study companion. His goal was straightforward: as someone facing a difficult life in his current situation and seeking elevation, he aimed to rebuild his family.

Upon returning home, Xu Wenze discussed this matter with Duke Wei Guo. Despite some reservations about Xu Rui’er’s situation, Duke Wei Guo admired Chu Lishu’s abilities and scholarly talents. Considering Chu Lishu’s precarious position in Marquis An Nan’s residence, he saw the potential in nurturing someone with little background but a desire to excel in officialdom. There was even a chance to indirectly gain influence over Marquis An Nan’s residence.

Therefore, Duke Wei Guo’s residence agreed. If Chu Lishu could pass the academy assessment, Duke Wei Guo was willing to serve as a bridge for him in terms of connections.

As for the academy assessment, both Chu Lishu and Xu Wenze were students who faced it without much pressure. Moreover, with Mr. Cao as Chu Lishu’s ace, even if someone tried to obstruct him, they would be powerless.

However, Xu Wenze knew that Duke Wei Guo’s intention was practically forcing Chu Lishu to align with the Fourth Prince’s faction. It was akin to accepting their reward, and Chu Lishu would have to pay a price.

Xu Wenze himself disliked power struggles and was contemplating whether to involve Chu Lishu in this. After all, individuals without a background in the palace were the most vulnerable and prone to bullying.

So, at this moment, he was letting Chu Lishu make a choice. “Will you come?”

“Of course, thanks for your assistance, Brother Wenzhe.” Chu Lishu smiled faintly. This was within his expectations as well. Getting close to Xu Wenze was, in part, for the Fourth Prince’s sake. Besides, he had also planned to ‘congratulate’ on the occasion of Xu Rui’er’s remarriage. After all, there were still some matters he had promised Lin Qingyang to fulfill.

“Really? Have you really considered it?” Xu Wenze confirmed multiple times.

Chu Lishu nodded, “I know what Brother Wenze is concerned about, and that’s exactly what I desire.”

Xu Wenze took a deep breath; he could only say that everyone had different aspirations.

“Well, I’ll make arrangements. As for Brother Lin…” Chu Lishu’s eyes flashed.

Xu Wenze said, “After all, we owe both of you. I don’t know if he needs this, especially considering his injury and the fact that it’s his former brother-in-law’s wedding. I don’t know how to broach the subject. If I bring it up, it might lead to misunderstandings. After all, it would strongly suggest trying to win over the Marquis An Nan’s residence. So… do you know what he plans to do? He probably wants to enter the palace, right?”

Chu Lishu remained silent for a moment. “I will find an opportunity to ask him.”

In fact, if Chu Lishu had denied it here, Lin Qingyang would have no chance. However, he pondered whether Lin Qingyang, with his stubborn nature, would find other dangerous ways to pursue his goals, just like he came to the academy ahead of time.

Chu Lishu sighed silently, realizing that he felt powerless in the face of someone’s determination.

In the afternoon, while Lin Qingyang was lying down reading, there was a knock on the door. Since Shuncai happened to be out, Lin Qingyang called for the person to come in.

When the door opened, Lin Qingyang was dumbfounded.

The person entering was unexpectedly Pei Jin.

“Did you… not attend martial arts class?” Lin Qingyang exclaimed.

“I have something to discuss with you,” Pei Jin said in a deep voice.

Seeing Pei Jin about to close the door, Lin Qingyang immediately became wary. “If you have something to say, just say it at the door, don’t close it.”

Pei Jin looked at him as if he were a fool. “Are you crazy? What I’m going to say is definitely not something for others to hear!”

“So, we’re just two lonely souls, unable to share a room,”

Inwardly, Lin Qingyang cried out, “Please don’t harm me. If the male lead sees us together, I might not survive another round of drama.”

With a loud bang, Lin Qingyang was startled. Pei Jin, with an imposing manner, kicked the door shut. “You, a homosexual, don’t you find it funny to say such things?”

“You!” Lin Qingyang was once again infuriated. “I don’t care. You need to leave. We’ve already made things clear last time. There’s nothing that requires a private discussion.”

Pei Jin was almost amused. A woman facing a homosexual man who behaved like a chaste and virtuous man, afraid of tarnishing his reputation.

But Pei Jin quickly caught on. “Oh, you’re so nervous. Are you afraid of being caught by your cousin like last time? After all, you two just reconciled. I didn’t expect you two to be a couple.”

Lin Qingyang was immediately shocked. “Don’t say that! My cousin is a straight guy, very innocent.”

Saying that he pursued Chu Lishu was tolerable, but claiming they were a couple was absolutely unacceptable. If such rumors circulated after the male protagonist ascended the throne, it might trigger another wave of anti-LGBT incidents for the sake of the new emperor’s reputation.

Pei Jin showed a disdainful smile as if mocking Lin Qingyang’s uselessness. Lin Qingyang couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.

“What are you up to? Spit it out quickly, say what you need to say, and then leave. Don’t… hey, why are you getting closer? Don’t take advantage of the fact that I can’t move easily!”

Lin Qingyang was about to get up when Pei Jin, who had approached rapidly, pressed down on his shoulder. “What’s the rush? I just want to check the condition of your injury.”

“Damn it! Even if I were a homosexual man, I’m still a man! Have some boundaries, will you? Don’t forget your own identity!”

Pei Jin’s face showed a hint of embarrassment, and then she said, “What nonsense are you talking about? Can’t I check your injury without stripping you naked?”

Lin Qingyang looked at Pei Jin skeptically. Although she was a woman, she had done many bold things. Who knew what she might do to achieve her goals!

A trace of slight anger appeared on Pei Jin’s face. “Look at your injuries; you must have really encountered bandits. Here! The best healing medicine for you!”

Saying this, she tossed over a green medicine bottle.

Lin Qingyang caught it and instantly realized that this girl wasn’t here out of concern for him. It must be…

Lin Qingyang sneered directly and said, “Don’t worry, I know it’s not you, so I won’t reveal anything.”

Pei Jin’s expression changed instantly. “You really were plotting for an assassination.”

“I didn’t say that.” Lin Qingyang looked at the medicine bottle in his hand.

“The area near the imperial tomb is heavily guarded. It’s impossible for bandits to be there. If you were attacked, it could only be the work of an assassin.” Pei Jin frowned. “You already know who it is, so you’re so certain that I’m not here to kill and silence you?”

“Since this matter has nothing to do with you, why are you saying so much?” Lin Qingyang furrowed his brows. “Alright, everything that needs to be said has been said. You should leave now.” He began to usher her out. “I don’t need this medicine bottle. I won’t accept your favor for no reason. We don’t have that kind of friendly relationship.”

Pei Jin, observing Lin Qingyang’s somewhat annoyed attitude, then proceeded to mention her second purpose for coming here. She spoke, “Lin Qingyang, based on your recent performance, it seems like you really want to enter the palace as a study companion.”

Lin Qingyang, not sure what Pei Jin was getting at, just wanted to quickly conclude the conversation. He retorted, “Look at the way you’re saying this. Among the students here, who wouldn’t want that? Those who don’t want it have gone to other academies.”

Suddenly, Pei Jin continued, “Do you want to come with me?”

Lin Qingyang was stunned, not daring to believe what he just heard. He looked at Pei Jin with disbelief, only to see her slightly uncomfortable expression. “I initially wanted to mentor your brother, but he’s not up to the task. Now, I’m lacking someone suitable to accompany me into the palace as the study companion for the Third Prince. You’re the most suitable candidate.”

Lin Qingyang’s face darkened. “I seem to have mentioned that I don’t want to get involved in your struggles.”

Pei Jin raised her head proudly. “As long as you enter the palace, serving as a study companion for any prince, regardless of your initial purpose, you will be forced to align with one faction or another. Do you think you can stay out of it? The path I’m offering you now is the best one. If you follow me, I guarantee your safety in the palace. You will become a trusted confidant of the Third Prince alongside me.”

Lin Qingyang knew that Pei Jin was never at ease. Because she knew his secret, she was always afraid. Just like this time, any assassination could implicate her. If she became a suspect, she might fall into hell. She didn’t want to take risks. Since it wasn’t convenient to eliminate him, she preferred to keep him close and watch him.

Moreover, now that Lin Qingxu was crippled, aligning with him had a high probability of also bringing Marquis An Nan’s residence under her influence. It was a win-win situation.

Seeing Lin Qingyang remain silent with a darkened expression, Pei Jin continued, “What? Do you have a better option? Let’s be honest, considering your other half’s bloodline, do you think there’s a high chance for you to be a study companion? Unless a prince explicitly asks for you! I’m the only one who can make it happen here. So, if you want to be a study companion, enter the palace, gain honor, and legitimately inherit the position of the heir, become mine. With me around, your future will be secure.”

As Lin Qingyang heard this, the corner of his mouth twitched. This sounded too much like lines from the script of a wealthy woman about to keep a young lover.

It was always others flattering and approaching Pei Jin. She had never actively recruited anyone before, and this was the first time.

Pei Jin felt inexplicably nervous. She believed that as long as Lin Qingyang was smart enough, he would know how to choose.

However, she quickly got her answer.

Lin Qingyang dragged his body and reluctantly got out of bed, tossing the medicine bottle to Pei Jin. “Thanks for the invitation, but I’m not interested.”

Pei Jin instantly felt a mix of embarrassment and anger, clutching the medicine bottle. “You really are a fool. Didn’t you understand what I meant? Or have you found someone to ally with, perhaps someone in Marquis An Nan’s residence?”

Lin Qingyang didn’t want to attract unnecessary suspicion and trouble for himself, so he chose to play dumb. “You’re overthinking. Why would I suddenly strive to become a study companion if not long ago, I was just a dandy?”

Pei Jin looked puzzled, then incredulously said, “Could it be… because of your younger cousin again?”

Lin Qingyang didn’t answer immediately. Having learned from experience, he cautiously walked to the door, opened it, checked if anyone was around, and then breathed a sigh of relief.

If you love what Ciacia is doing, then consider showing your support by supporting a cup of tea 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!

<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>