The day’s income equated to a month’s usual earnings. At this rate, getting rich through the bookstore was no longer just a dream.
After returning home, I shared the good news with my father-in-law, who was recovering in bed. When he heard about my day of counting money until my hand cramped, he laughed and praised, “Ah Yao is so clever, coming up with such an idea.” He patted my shoulder.
My father-in-law’s leg injury had improved, but his eye condition remained unchanged. Despite trying many remedies and consulting Doctor Liu, there was no notably effective treatment. Nonetheless, he stayed optimistic and comforted me, urging me not to be anxious.
I humbly said, “This is thanks to my husband’s reminder.”
Just as I was about to elaborate, my mother-in-law gave me a meaningful look and stepped out of the room.
I understood and was about to leave when my father-in-law softly said, “Your mother-in-law’s heart is not bad; she just doesn’t know how to express herself. Ah Yao, don’t resent her.”
My mother-in-law stood in the courtyard, facing away from me. This was the first time she had spoken to me since the self-poison soup incident.
“Ah Yao, do you know your mistake?”
I was stunned and didn’t respond immediately. She sighed.
“Since Jin’er has told you everything, you are now part of the secret department. You must be careful with your words and actions, avoiding anything that might draw attention to the An family,” she spoke solemnly. “What you did at the bookstore, even attracting the Su family’s notice, was too reckless.”
My mother-in-law’s tone was stern. I clutched my clothes, my voice soft. “Ah Yao knows her mistake. But—”
“Hmm?” She turned, her expression cold.
“But I think this might not be a bad thing,” I replied, mustering my courage. “As they say, the greatest hiding is in plain sight. Perhaps being conspicuous might actually avert suspicion?”
She stared at me for a while, and I felt stiffening under her gaze. Yet, her expression softened slightly. “Your reasoning is just like Jin’er’s.”
I blinked innocently. “We’re in perfect harmony.”
My mother-in-law grew serious again. “Since that’s the case, are you willing to share his burden?”
My spirits lifted, and I nodded eagerly. I had even chosen my code name and was awaiting a mission. “Mother-in-law, what should I do?”
Be an undercover agent or investigate a case?”
My mother-in-law’s mouth finally curved, blooming like spring. “Those tasks are beyond you. This mission is simple – just be yourself.
The secret department had already confirmed that the Fifth Princess of Nanrui was hidden in a secret room in the Su residence. However, the Su residence was well-guarded, and Su Quan was skilled with mechanisms, making it nearly impossible to find and take the princess without alerting the Su family.
An Jin chose to act during the hunting competition when Su Xi and Su Hui would be participating, and Su Quan would have other matters to attend to. The guards would be less vigilant, and An Jin’s presence alongside the other participants would provide a natural alibi, alleviating any suspicions.
Although An Jin originally did not plan to participate personally, he believed that this operation must succeed at once. If the Su family were alerted, they would likely move the princess. An Jin, the most skilled at disarming mechanisms among the secret agents in Yanfeng City, decided to lead a few agents into the Su residence to find the Fifth Princess of Nanrui.
My task with Que’er was to provide support and hunt game for An Jin’s competition results.
Providing support was my role, while Que’er and Yuanxiao were responsible for hunting. Yuanxiao was extremely excited and, after receiving my permission, dove into the forest.
Que’er donned an outfit similar to An Jin’s, slung an arrow quiver over her shoulder, and was about to pick up her bow when I noticed Su Xi and Su Hui approaching.
Que’er hurriedly hid behind a rock, but it was too late. Su Xi and Su Hui dismounted and walked towards us.
I quickly devised a plan, giving Que’er a meaningful look, and said dramatically, “My husband, how cruel you are! Go ahead, leave and never come back!”
Que’er recognized the cue and imitated An Jin’s voice, loudly declaring, “Unreasonable!”
Su Xi and Su Hui, hearing our exchange, looked confused. Que’er mounted her horse and quickly rode away. The entire sequence unfolded in an instant, and I stole a glance at Su Xi and Su Hui, who seemed perplexed.
Su Hui approached and asked, “Madam, what are you doing here? Why is Brother An so angry?”
I sighed, feigning dejection, “It’s a long story. I’ve made a spectacle of myself.”
Su Hui was about to ask more, but Su Xi interjected, “Sister, we should go. Madam, be careful in this forest; there are many wild beasts.”
I tearfully waved a handkerchief at them, “Thank you both.”
Su Xi and Su Hui mounted their horses and rode away. I breathed a sigh of relief and made a face at their retreating backs. Turning around, I found General Shen from Nanrui behind me. He cupped his hands in greeting and rode off.
I felt uneasy, but this general seemed straightforward and unlikely to interfere with our plans.
After waiting by the gray rock for a long time, Que’er returned on horseback with only two wild rabbits. Yuanxiao, however, had done much better, retrieving some game including a black fox, two pheasants, and a plump badger.
Proudly receiving my praise, Yuanxiao had finally demonstrated its true capabilities. Que’er, feeling embarrassed, insisted, “If I hadn’t been hiding from those people, my harvest would have been much better.”
Calculating the time, two hours had passed, and An Jin should be returning soon. I had Que’er take Yuanxiao and leave first while I watched over the pile of game.
An Jin returned much later, wearing a grave expression. The sun was now westward, and the day was growing late.
“How did it go?”
An Jin furrowed his brow and shook his head.
“Didn’t find the Fifth Princess?”
He shook his head again. “Found her, and brought her out.”
“So what’s the problem?”
He looked at me, his gaze complex. “She’s dead.”
Chapter Forty-Three: Typical Resentful Couple
Before I could ask further, firelight flickered in the forest, and sounds approached from a distance.
“Trouble,” I thought.
An Jin’s return time had exceeded expectations and likely indicated that Su Quan had sent people to search for him. I looked around; there were no hiding places, and An Jin’s prolonged absence would compromise our alibi. What should we do?
An Jin removed the luminous silk from his hair. “Ah Yao, leave first.”
Seeing his movements, I blocked his hand. “What are you planning?”
An Jin’s gaze wavered. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
I snatched the luminous silk from his hand, saying, “Stop fooling me! Are you trying to injure yourself to deal with those wolves?”
An Jin lowered his eyebrows, coldly saying, “White Yuanxiao, report!”
“Yes!”
“Return the luminous silk and leave immediately.” He stared into my eyes, the twilight swirling, making his dark eyes hazy.
I declared, “Reporting to the secret master, I am not White Yuanxiao, but your wife, Xiao Yao!”
“You…!” He laughed in anger, attempting to snatch the luminous silk from my hand. I hugged the silk and ran in circles. He grabbed my waist, delivering a heavy smack to my bottom.
“You disobedient little monster – won’t you let go?”
I shook my head.
It was too late to leave. In the distance, the clear neighing of horses could be heard. Among the riders were Su Xi, Su Hui, and several competition participants.
Suddenly, I had an idea. I pushed An Jin away, spread my arms to block him, and my eyes filled with tears.
“I won’t let you go!”
An Jin was stunned.
I heard horse hooves slowing behind me and hurried footsteps approaching.
