While listening to him, Yu Qiu felt her mind becoming hazy, and her limbs began to go limp. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, Zhao Sihai fell backward. Ji Mingshao rushed in and stuffed a pill into her mouth, saying in a low voice, “Let’s go.”
The pill cleared Yu Qiu’s mind. She said joyfully, “Second Brother, you’ve come to save me?”
Ji Mingshao stood in front of Zhao Sihai, his gaze dim. He disliked itinerantdisputes and had withdrawn from Wuying Pavilion to live a carefree life. Unexpectedly, his sworn brother harbored jealousy and was determined to eliminate him.
He took out a small box from his chest. Yu Qiu recognized it and quickly grabbed his hand, anxiously saying, “Second Brother, although Big Brother has done wrong, please spare his life for our years of friendship!”
Ji Mingshao withdrew his hand. He was reluctant to be ruthless, and with Yu Qiu present, he would never be able to kill Zhao Sihai.
The guards outside had been knocked out by his toxic smoke. Ji Mingshao led Yu Qiu out, saying, “Don’t go back to Wuying Pavilion. It’s probably filled with Big Brother’s trusted people, and it won’t be safe for you.”
Yu Qiu asked with a hint of expectation, “Second Brother, are you taking me with you?”
“I have matters to attend to and can’t take you along,” Ji Mingshao replied, preparing to go to Erlong Mountain. He knew he couldn’t take a woman with feelings for him to find Ruan Ning. “Dress as a man and seek refuge with Luo Jin in Sishui. It’s a gathering place for itinerant people, and Big Brother won’t easily find an opportunity to harm you. I’ll come find you once my matters are settled.”
As he spoke, he felt confusion about what “matters settled” meant. Yu Qiu was disappointed, wanting to keep him but helpless as he left. After he was gone, she remembered his untreated injury from days ago, wondering if he was still in pain.
Yu Qiu called out “Second Brother” and rushed to chase after him, but he was nowhere to be found.
