Chapter 95: Gu Maiden (8)

Tong Ling gazed at the peony in her hand, which Tan Yushu had delivered to her today. This particular variety was named “White Jade Ice,” featuring delicate petals layered like white jade, exuding an elegant appearance and a snow-white fragrance.

At first glance, Tong Ling felt that this flower perfectly matched Meng Qing’s character, further appreciating Tan Yushu’s discerning taste.

“Indeed befitting for Yumen Gongzi, known for painting beauties - even his chosen flowers are exquisite. Quite impressive, quite impressive.”

m577 muttered, [“Aren’t you worried that Tan Yushu might get fed up and simply leave?”]

“Fear not. If he can’t handle such minor tasks, then he shouldn’t bother painting portraits of beauties.” Tong Ling gently caressed the petals. “The more I challenge him, the more curious he’ll become about me. He won’t give up until we meet face-to-face.”

m577 remained silent, contemplating the situation.

From what it sounded like, Tan Yushu truly seemed eager to endure hardship just for attention. It appeared as though individuals in this small world gravitated towards the host spontaneously, undeterred by being used, each seemingly destined for servitude.

Only the female protagonist received favorable treatment, but its consequence was… she became utterly infatuated, with no thoughts beyond the host.

M577 couldn’t help but think about saying to the male lead, Xie Xuefeng: “Your wife ran off with someone else, and it’s your ex-girlfriend who you dumped…”

It was intriguing to ponder how Xie Xuefeng would react upon learning this.

At the agreed time, Tong Ling asked Sanar to escort her to the Meng residence as usual.

After spending so much time crouched beneath the window, Tong Ling wanted Sanar to venture out for a change of scenery. However, Sanar insisted on staying close to her, leaving Tong Ling no choice but to let him accompany her.

Upon reaching the window, Tong Ling gently tapped on the glass, waiting for Meng Qing to open it.

As the ethereal beauty opened the window, Tong Ling whispered to the system, “Ha, switcheroo!”

Surprised, m577 responded, [You figured it out before I could even warn you?]

“Duh,” Tong Ling snorted coldly. “‘Her’ body lacks the secondary gu; there is no connection between my mother gu and ‘her.’ How could ‘she’ be my Qing-er?”

[But you definitely don’t know his true identity.] M577 remained skeptical that the host could guess everything.

“It’s Meng Lianzhou, the second young master of the Meng family,” Tong Ling said. “No one else would have the motive to impersonate Qing-er.”

Convinced, m577 admitted, [I suppose there’s nothing more I need to say.]

In the original plot, Meng Lianzhou was one of the primary pursuers hunting down the female supporting character. The second young master of the Meng family claimed she had sabotaged his sister’s engagement and thus sought to kill her. In reality, he simply wanted to stir chaos within the jianghu.

With his abilities, approaching the female character was effortless. However, Meng Lianzhou repeatedly spared her, allowing her to wreak havoc across the jianghu. Eventually, perhaps growing tired of the spectacle, he inflicted a severe injury on her and then directed Xie Xuefeng to finish her off, ultimately helping him become the Alliance Chief of Heroes.

Meng Lianzhou’s actions were both righteous and deceitful, driven entirely by personal whims, earning him the reputation as the foremost troublemaker in the jianghu.

“However…” Tong Ling remained quite astonished. “Is this the jianghu’s disguise technique? To mimic Qing-er so convincingly shows remarkable skill.”

As an expert in deception herself, Tong Ling couldn’t detect any flaws in Meng Lianzhou’s guise. If not for the absence of a secondary gu revealing his true identity from the start, Tong Ling might have only discovered the truth through the system’s prompts.

m577 responded, [“Meng Lianzhou is exceptionally skilled in disguises. Whether male or female, old or young, if he desires, he can transform into anyone.”]

Tong Ling’s eyes immediately lit up at this revelation. “Brilliant! Then I can have him transform into different people every day, and…”

**[M577: !]

Why did its host always focus on such matters?!

“Camouflage should be used appropriately; I won’t let his talent go to waste,” Tong Ling said, her gaze softening considerably as she looked at Meng Lianzhou.

Such a precious gem, she would certainly make good use of him.

Meng Lianzhou first noticed something amiss with his A-Zi when Meng Qing approached their parents to renounce her engagement. His elder sister had always been incredibly obedient yet utterly uninteresting. If not for their familial bond, Meng Lianzhou wouldn’t have paid much attention to her.

From birth, A-Zi was the cherished pearl of the Meng family. As she grew more beautiful, eventually becoming renowned as the most lovely woman in the land, her parents’ and Dage’s protectiveness over her intensified.

Meng Lianzhou despised being controlled by others, but his A-Zi was different. Even if their parents confined her to her room, limiting her outings, she would willingly accept it. She was a gentle and compliant person, and Meng Lianzhou felt he could predict her entire life trajectory with ease.

A-Zi was destined to marry the most renowned hero of the jianghu, and she wouldn’t refuse such a match. With her unparalleled beauty and the Meng family’s backing, she would lead a peaceful and contented life.

Meng Lianzhou found it unsurprising that his parents had chosen Xie Xuefeng as A-Zi’s husband. In today’s jianghu, Xie Xuefeng was among the more intriguing figures.

Unlike Xie Changyue, Xie Xuefeng possessed sharp wit and cunning—traits ill-suited for A-Zi. He wasn’t someone who could wholeheartedly love her; even those young heroes infatuated with A-Zi’s beauty were more genuine than him.

Despite his reservations, Meng Lianzhou didn’t oppose the marriage outright. Regardless of what Xie Xuefeng truly felt, the elegant Xue Zhu-gongzi would never disappoint others’ expectations. Even if he merely pretended, Xie Xuefeng would maintain the facade throughout his life, ensuring A-Zi faced no hardships by marrying him.

Moreover, as a newly hailed “hero” after vanquishing the demon cult, an alliance between the Meng and Xie families promised only benefits without any drawbacks. Such a mutually pleasing arrangement begged the question: Who would dare object?

Yet, unexpectedly, his obedient and somewhat indecisive A-Zi announced her intention to break off the engagement right after both families confirmed the betrothal.

How utterly fascinating!

With A-Zi’s character, she would never do something so scandalous! Meng Lianzhou knew someone must have influenced her. His sister was not one to conceal her feelings; it was clear she had fallen for someone. Who was this man? How did he manage to approach A-Zi? And just how far had their relationship progressed?

Meng Lianzhou decided to investigate.

Entering his sister’s room, Meng Lianzhou noticed numerous rare and valuable flowers adorning the space. That man seemed quite refined—A-Zi hadn’t been allowed much interaction with outsiders by their parents, making her susceptible to such simple charms.

After a brief examination, Meng Lianzhou pieced together the sequence of events: every night, A-Zi met secretly with that man. At the appointed hour, she dismissed her maidservants from her room and often gazed out the window, where the man would appear.

To evade detection by the Meng household’s numerous guards, this individual must possess considerable martial prowess.

Having prepared himself, Meng Lianzhou calmly sat aside, waiting patiently.

When taps sounded at the window, Meng Lianzhou’s lips curved upwards as he leisurely approached and opened it.

However…his smile instantly froze on his face. How, how could it be a woman?!

To his astonishment, the one meeting with A-Zi was…an extraordinarily beautiful woman!

The purple-clad figure held a white peony. Noticing Meng Lianzhou’s gaze, her red lips curved slightly, revealing a warm and amiable smile.

“Qing-er.” The woman extended the peony towards him first, her eyes filled with tender affection, and her voice melodious and delicate. “Who can describe the charm of this tree but for the gentle moonlight? To me, its grace pales in comparison to yours.”

Meng Lianzhou swiftly composed himself after the initial shock, observing the woman with keen interest.

She possessed no trace of inner strength, seemingly just an exceptionally lovely “ordinary person.” But would an ordinary person meet with his sister under such circumstances? The more harmless she appeared, the more…dangerous she likely was.

Meng Lianzhou did not overlook the individual beside her—a sword wielder with white hair and red eyes who remained unwaveringly attentive to the purple-clad woman, displaying remarkable loyalty.

Both individuals seemed formidable adversaries.

Without showing any signs of concern, Meng Lianzhou accepted the peony and stepped back two paces. Mimicking his sister’s tone, he said, “You’re here. I-I’ve been waiting for you for so long.”

The woman seemed oblivious to any strangeness; her gaze remained as gentle as before. She sat at the windowsill and extended her hand toward him, saying softly, “Qing-er, could you help me?”

Meng Lianzhou had no desire to get too close to this woman—not out of fear, but because his instincts warned him against approaching such an unknown yet dangerous figure.

Yet…for some reason, when she called to him, Meng Lianzhou’s legs moved on their own accord, leading him to her side where he took her hand. As soon as his fingers touched her soft, delicate palm, a peculiar sensation stirred within him.

Before Meng Lianzhou could identify it, half of the woman’s body leaned heavily against him. With his support, she gracefully swung herself through the window into the room. Her entire frame felt pliant, accompanied by a distinctive fragrance that caught Meng Lianzhou off guard, momentarily halting his breath and sending his heartbeat racing erratically.

Beneath her slender waist, a pair of elegant, well-proportioned legs were revealed. Her fair, lovely feet exuded charm, adorned with delicate silver anklets that chimed melodiously upon touching the ground.

“Thank you, Qing-er.” The woman continued to gaze at him affectionately, stirring warmth in Meng Lianzhou’s heart and making it difficult for him to look away.

She was tempting him—no, she was tempting his A-Zi.

Every fiber of her being exuded an indescribable allure.

Meng Lianzhou had always been frail, plagued by severe illness since birth. Despite relying on medicinal decoctions to sustain his life, countless doctors had pronounced that he would not survive past adolescence. Yet here he was, having already endured eighteen years and determined to persevere further.

Born with such afflictions, Meng Lianzhou’s desires were naturally subdued. He had never shown interest in matters of love, despite numerous women expressing their affection for his handsome appearance, some even stripping naked in attempts to seduce him. Meng Lianzhou found these advances irritating; he would hastily wrap them in mats before tossing them out.

He believed he would remain indifferent to women throughout his entire life, but now…

The purple-clad woman took his hand, leading him towards the bed.

Meng Lianzhou’s heart clenched, hastily stopping her actions.

“Don’t…” He wasn’t sure if the relationship between A-Zi and this woman matched his suspicions. If they truly shared that bond, how should he… The thought sent another chill through his heart.

No, no, no, no! No matter how breathtakingly beautiful or alluring a woman might be, how could he entertain such thoughts knowing the danger she posed?

What had this woman done to him? Did she discover his true identity? When did he fall prey to her scheme?

Meng Lianzhou was utterly astounded, his body engulfed by an overwhelming heat that left his thoughts hazy and unable to muster even a hint of resistance.

“Qing-er, what’s wrong?” The woman furrowed her brow, slightly perplexed. “Don’t you want to sit down and talk with me?”

Suddenly jolted back to reality, Meng Lianzhou realized—she wasn’t suggesting… She merely wanted to have a conversation while seated?

As the meaning behind her words sank in, Meng Lianzhou felt a tickle in his throat and couldn’t suppress a burst of violent coughs.

“Cough, cough, cough…” His frail body shook, overwhelmed with embarrassment at having misunderstood her intentions so completely.

How could he think that this woman and A-Zi would engage in such behavior… Even if A-Zi liked her, they wouldn’t cross those boundaries!

Seeing him cough, it was now the woman’s turn to cautiously support him. With evident concern, she asked, “Is Qing-er feeling unwell? Could it be because I’ve been visiting every night, exposing you to the cool breeze?”

She gently placed her hand on his forehead. “Where does it hurt? I’ll immediately call for a doctor!”

“No need.” Meng Lianzhou hastily grasped the woman’s hand, feeling an uncontrollable surge of joy at her concern for him. “I’m fine.”

“Don’t force yourself,” she said solicitously. “Everything will be alright; I’m here for you.”

Meng Lianzhou felt disoriented. The way this woman looked at him suggested she genuinely cared for A-Zi. But if she hadn’t made advances towards him, why did he experience such peculiar reactions?

Does A-Zi act similarly around her? Charmed to bewilderment, unsure of what to do!

The woman sat close beside him, her hand still nestled within his grasp. Meng Lianzhou gently tightened his fingers around hers, and as he glanced down at the peony, his mood shifted once more.

She certainly knew how to win favor—obtaining white jade ice flowers wasn’t effortless. She must have prepared extensively just to meet with A-Zi.

Does she…like A-Zi?

A pang of jealousy stirred in Meng Lianzhou’s heart. Her gentleness was reserved for A-Zi; they were meant to be together…

Shaken, Meng Lianzhou vigorously shook his head. How terrifying! Why would he feel jealous of his own sister?!

This woman…

Meng Lianzhou experienced a mix of shock, fear, delight, and affection all at once.

Now, events had spiraled beyond his control, leaving Meng Lianzhou with only one option…

“Have you heard about my intention to break off the engagement with Xie-gongzi?” Meng Lianzhou turned his head towards her and asked.

Meng Lianzhou refused to abandon his probing. He wanted to discern her motives for approaching A-Zi and whether her feelings were genuine.

The woman leaned gently against him and softly replied, “No matter what choice you make, I will always support you.”

“And if I want to be with you instead?” Meng Lianzhou queried further.

She glanced at him, her eyes filled with enticing allure. “Be with me? Qing-er, what exactly do you mean by ‘be together’?”

“My feelings…they have grown into admiration for you.” As Meng Lianzhou uttered the words “grown into admiration,” his heart trembled slightly. “Would you be willing to share a carriage ride and sleep beside me from now on?”

Drawing closer, the woman’s warm breath caressed his ear as she whispered in her sweet, seductive voice, “Of course, I would be more than willing.”

With those words, her soft lips pressed against his.

She was kissing him.

Meng Lianzhou’s heart raced uncontrollably; he didn’t even attempt to resist, allowing her lips to trail across his cheek, earlobe, and down his neck…

Unaware of when it happened, Meng Lianzhou found himself embracing the woman’s slender waist. His usually icy body grew increasingly warmer, his throat subtly tensed, and his gaze deepened completely.

“You prefer women?” Meng Lianzhou pulled her closer into his embrace. As she kissed him, all thoughts vanished from his mind; he wanted only her.

It didn’t matter who she was or what her intentions might be—he desired her regardless.

The woman chuckled softly. “No, I simply appreciate beauty. Whether they’re men or women, as long as they’re beautiful, I’m interested.”

What a shameless woman! Internally, Meng Lianzhou bristled with annoyance, yet his body instinctively leaned towards her.

“And me? What do you think of me?” Abandoning the pretense, Meng Lianzhou reverted to his natural voice instead of mimicking A-Zi’s. “I assure you, I am no less appealing than my sister.”

The woman showed not a hint of surprise, laughing uncontrollably in his arms. “I was wondering… when would the second young master reveal his true identity. So soon, you’ve stopped pretending?”

As soon as Meng Lianzhou embraced her and she made no attempt to pull away, he realized she had already guessed his identity. The changes in his physique were too obvious for her not to notice.

She knew he was a man, so…

“Your earlier response—was it meant for me or for my sister?” This question now consumed Meng Lianzhou’s thoughts.

“Let go of Xiling!” Upon hearing Meng Lianzhou switch to his natural voice, the sword wielder outside leaped into the room. He pressed the curved scarlet blade against Meng Lianzhou’s neck and growled menacingly, “Don’t force my hand!”

Meng Lianzhou paid no heed to this threat, his gaze fixed intently on the woman.

“Xiling…” Meng Lianzhou feigned vulnerability once more, tears welling up as he whimpered, “I’m so scared, Xiling!”

The woman named Xiling laughed even more delightedly. Sitting in his embrace, she wrapped her arms around his neck and commanded the nearby sword wielder, “Sanar, sheathe your blade.”

Clearly reluctant to spare him, the aura from the curved blade had already cut into his neck.

“You’re not obeying me?” The woman tilted her head, questioning him.

With gritted teeth, the sword wielder reluctantly withdrew his weapon.

“Leave,” the woman instructed, showing no concern for the sword wielder’s feelings. Her command was cold and unyielding. “Close the window and stay far away.”

After casting a frosty glance at Meng Lianzhou, the sword wielder silently exited the room, his footsteps fading softly into the distance.

Meng Lianzhou couldn’t help but sigh softly, “Will I become like him?”

Meng Lianzhou clearly understood the sword wielder’s feelings for Xiling. What man could bear seeing the woman he adores nestled in another’s arms? The fact that the sword wielder hadn’t immediately killed him indicated that he awaited Xiling’s orders. As long as Xiling didn’t wish for him dead, the sword wielder wouldn’t dare touch a hair on his head.

Meng Lianzhou was genuinely impressed by Xiling’s ability to tame a man so completely. Having experienced it himself, how could he not understand the sword wielder’s thoughts? He couldn’t resist, nor did he even harbor any desire to…

m577 sighed, [He truly grasps the situation.]

This second young master of the Meng family indeed had keen insight, quickly recognizing Sanar as a cautionary example.

Tong Ling addressed the system, “I’ll ensure he happily accepts this reality.”

[…]

Once again, its host was about to act shamelessly.

“No, you’re actually the fourth,” Tong Ling candidly confessed to Meng Lianzhou. “Your A-Zi is the third.”

“Figures…” murmured Meng Lianzhou.

Indeed, she must have approached his sister with ulterior motives.

“But I really adore your A-Zi.” Tong Ling lifted Meng Lianzhou’s chin. “With such a beautiful face and her pure innocence, I find her even more enchanting.”

Meng Lianzhou fell silent, feeling a pang of jealousy creeping back.

“As for your earlier question, I can answer that now.” Tong Ling kissed Meng Lianzhou on the cheek. “It was meant for you, Lianzhou.”

Meng Lianzhou’s arms tightened around her, and at that moment, he felt a strange sense of willingness to die for this.

What a terrifying woman—her mere words could make him lose all composure.

“How did you do it?” Meng Lianzhou couldn’t resist his curiosity. “I was constantly on guard; how did you manage to affect me?”

“The flower.” Tong Ling gestured towards the peony placed beside the bed. “From the moment you took this bloom, you were unable to resist me.”

Meng Lianzhou fell silent, realizing now that his resistance had been futile from their very first encounter.

“I infused the Lovebug Gu into the flower,” Tong Ling murmured softly, twirling strands of the youth’s fine hair around her fingers. “As soon as you touched it, the secondary gu entered your body. This makes you desire my presence, crave my touch, and…love me.”

Meng Lianzhou felt unbearably hot, his voice hoarse as he asked, “Why tell me any of this?”

She didn’t have to reveal these details, so why share them with him?

“Since you want to know, I’ll satisfy your curiosity.” Tong Ling blinked innocently. “Do you not like me explaining it?”

“I do,” Meng Lianzhou replied, forcing a smile and bursting out laughing, “Ha ha ha, I definitely do!”

Meng Lianzhou’s lips curved upwards as he burst out laughing, “Ha ha ha ha! I love it!”

A Lovebug Gu… To think such a poison could exist within the jianghu.

His downfall was truly deserved!

“You said I’m the fourth,” Meng Lianzhou continued, “so did you use the Lovebug Gu on all three before me?” He knew full well that such fantastical claims were unlikely to be true, but…

Tong Ling readily admitted, “Yes.”

This woman always managed to surprise him.

“How did you acquire so many Lovebug Gus?” Meng Lianzhou felt that even without the Lovebug Gu, he would willingly follow someone as intriguing as Xiling.

Tong Ling gently placed her hand over her heart and replied, “I traded my life for them.”

Meng Lianzhou’s face darkened instantly. “Your life…” He lifted his gaze and asked, “Who? Who made you risk your life for this?”

The creation of Lovebug Gu required one’s very own heart’s blood—Xiling had…

Realizing the immense cost Xiling had paid for these Lovebug Gus, Meng Lianzhou’s heart throbbed with a dull ache once more.

“Xie Xuefeng.” Tong Ling’s voice floated softly, “As the Holy Cult’s priestess, hundreds of our lives were taken by Xie Xuefeng.”

“You came to the Central Plains intending to kill him?” Meng Lianzhou asked.

“What fun would it be just to kill him?” Tong Ling flashed a cunning smile. “I have a more entertaining way to deal with him.”

Meng Lianzhou instantly grasped Xiling’s objective. “Just tell me what you want me to do; I’ll help you.”

“Lianzhou, you’re truly clever,” Tong Ling praised him. “Originally, I planned for Qing-er to personally reject the marriage proposal in front of Xie Xuefeng and confess her love for me instead.”

Meng Lianzhou imagined the scene and burst out laughing, “Ha ha ha, intriguing! How could Xie Xuefeng endure having his wife stolen by another woman? It would utterly shatter his reputation!”

“But now that I have you, I no longer wish to proceed with that plan,” Tong Ling said.

Xiling’s words piqued Meng Lianzhou’s interest further. “Why not?”

“Making Qing-er publicly renounce the engagement would still harm her reputation,” Tong Ling spoke tenderly, as if cherishing a delicate flower. “How could I let Qing-er suffer such distress?”

Meng Lianzhou raised an eyebrow. “You want me to take A-Zi’s place?”

“Not just replace Qing-er,” Tong Ling smiled. “But also marry Xie Xuefeng in her stead.”

m577’s screen flashed with shock: [Host, what are you planning?!]

This was terrifying—what twisted thought process led to concocting such a scenario involving a substitute bride?

Tong Ling enthusiastically responded to the system, “The original plot only mentioned sabotaging their engagement; it didn’t specify how or by what means. Of course, I’ll choose the most thrilling approach!”

“Simply making Xie Xuefeng experience infidelity is too mundane. I want to completely shatter his worldview!” Tong Ling grinned mischievously. “I’ll give him a wedding he’ll never forget.”

Turning to Meng Lianzhou, she asked, “Are you willing, Lianzhou?”

Meng Lianzhou hesitated momentarily. “To marry him instead?”

Meng Lianzhou had never been one to strictly adhere to conventions, and if Xiling sought revenge against Xie Xuefeng…

“I am willing.” Meng Lianzhou leaned forward spontaneously, releasing the long-suppressed desire within him as he passionately kissed her lips. “Whatever game you wish to play, I will accompany you,” he murmured.

Meng Lianzhou firmly believed that with Xiling by his side, boredom would be far from his reach. This woman…was simply too intriguing.