Embroidered Uniform Guard: I Can Plunder Talents-Chapter 161 - 28: The Opportunity Arrives! Mutual Scheming_3

Chapter 161: Chapter 28: The Opportunity Arrives! Mutual Scheming_3

Back when her family was raided, Ye Qinzhen felt as though the sky was collapsing; her future was shrouded in darkness, and faced with being sent to the Imperial Music Bureau as a courtesan, she was even harboring thoughts of death.

Fortunately, it was at this moment that Ye Liuyun appeared.

Perhaps the secret manual of Illusion Heart Magic meant little to Ye Liuyun.

But for Ye Qinzhen, it was a treasure that could alter her fate.

Relying on her musical talents, Ye Qinzhen managed to become a "pure courtesan" who sold her art but not her body; she normally didn’t receive guests, and only came now upon hearing that Ye Liuyun would be present.

"My lord, I toast you—if not for you, I would not be who I am today!"

"I only gave you the secret manual, nothing more."

Ye Liuyun waved his hand indifferently.

"Whether or not you can master it depends on your own talent."

Ye Liuyun had just given her a glance.

This Ye Qinzhen’s cultivation has already reached Ninth Grade Mage; although that’s just entry level, oftentimes, being able to break through is the most crucial step of all.

"No matter what, I am grateful to you, my lord!"

As she spoke, Ye Qinzhen continued to pour wine for Ye Liuyun.

At the same time, the look she gave Ye Liuyun was filled with deep, unspoken emotion.

Ye Liuyun did not refuse Ye Qinzhen’s attendance; with a beauty at one’s side, even drinking wine becomes far more pleasant.

...

"My lord!"

Late at night, after leaving the Imperial Music Bureau, Si Nan first flashed a roguish grin, then sidled up close to Ye Liuyun.

"I just sounded things out a bit. That Ye Qinzhen is a pure courtesan and doesn’t receive guests. I suspect she came especially because you, my lord, were here."

"So what?"

This question came from Shi Sheng.

Mainly, Shi Sheng couldn’t figure out why Si Nan would bring up such a random topic out of nowhere.

"What do you know? It’s obvious Ye Qinzhen has her eye on the lord."

As for someone as clueless as Shi Sheng, Si Nan couldn’t even be bothered to explain further.

He just brushed him off and refocused on Ye Liuyun.

"My lord, I see Ye Qinzhen is an outstanding beauty. If you like, I can arrange to redeem her from the brothel and have her sent to your side."

...

Ye Liuyun hadn’t expected that Si Nan would think so far ahead—even the matter of redemption had crossed his mind.

Back then, handing the Illusion Heart Magic manual to Ye Qinzhen was just a casual deed; he had no intention of demanding gratitude in return.

However—

Ye Qinzhen was no mere ornament; if kept close, she might prove unexpectedly useful.

"No need for you to handle the redemption. Next time I come by, I’ll ask her myself."

Ye Liuyun wasn’t the sort who liked to force others.

It all depended on what Ye Qinzhen herself wished—after all, the person is right here, she won’t simply run off.

"Understood!"

Hearing this, Si Nan nodded knowingly and fell silent.

...

The next day.

Initially, having just reached the Grandmaster Realm, Ye Liuyun had planned to give himself several days off for a proper rest.

But—

It had only been a day, and a new case arrived.

Moreover, the case wasn’t brought by Si Nan or Shi Sheng—it was delivered straight to his door by the Southern Governor, Qi Yuanliang.

"Lord Thousand Households Ye!"

Ye Liuyun was already prepared to take Si Nan and Shi Sheng out for a stroll under the pretext of patrolling the streets.

Yet the Southern Governor Qi Yuanliang came straight to him.

With a broad smile on his face, Qi Yuanliang looked at Ye Liuyun, betraying not the slightest sign of anything amiss.

Anyone who didn’t know better might assume that Ye Liuyun and Qi Yuanliang were old friends on good terms.

"Governor, what brings you here in person? Is there some matter at hand?"

Though he didn’t know what scheme Qi Yuanliang was plotting, since the other dared come looking for him—

Ye Liuyun certainly would not show any fear.

He cupped his hands, responding with utmost composure.

"Calling me ’Governor’—Ye, you’re truly being distant!"

But—

Qi Yuanliang showed no intent to answer directly; instead, he gave Ye Liuyun a look of mock reproach.

"With the relationship between us, calling me ’Governor’ is overly formal. Just call me Brother Qi, like always!"

...

Brother Qi?

Ye Liuyun didn’t buy it; after the past incident with Lord Thousand Households Shi, would Qi Yuanliang really have not a trace of suspicion toward him?

It was just that he had no evidence, nothing more.

To still put on such a familiar act now—well, whatever else one might say, Qi Yuanliang’s state of mind was truly impressive, and his face truly thick; no wonder he’d managed to conceal his cultivation for so many years.

A true old master of acting.

"Brother Qi, you flatter me."

If he wants to act, let him act.

After all, Ye Liuyun was already looking for an opportunity to take this Governor out for good.

The posts within the Embroidered Uniform Guard are strictly limited—there are only two Governor positions; if one doesn’t vacate, how is he to rise up?

Qi Yuanliang was completely unaware—

At this moment, Ye Liuyun was already calculating how best to see him dead.

On the contrary, Qi Yuanliang was still thinking about his own plot—if everything succeeded, Ye Liuyun would surely be in for a harsh ordeal. He smiled inwardly, but on the surface still maintained his affable façade.

"There’s no flattery here. Talents like you, Ye, are exactly what our Embroidered Uniform Guard needs most."

After a few pleasantries—

Qi Yuanliang finally turned to business.

"Here’s the situation: I hear it’s been some time since you last worked a case. There’s something particularly thorny I’d appreciate you handling, Ye; if you could assist, I’d be most grateful."

"And what sort of case is it?"

Ye Liuyun wasn’t so simple-minded as to truly believe—

Qi Yuanliang was here out of genuine need. More likely, he was figuring out how to set him up.

He understood this clearly—

But outwardly, Ye Liuyun maintained an expression of curiosity.

Happily, he was curious to see what scheme Qi Yuanliang would concoct next.

...