After Entering The Abusive Novel, I Became The Empress - chapter 27

“You b1tch, got quite the temper, huh?”

The tall thug in the middle rolled up his sleeves, yanked out the arrow stuck in his thigh, and tossed it aside with a vicious glare.

“Seeing as you’re a woman, I’ll give you one chance—leave now, or don’t blame us for not showing mercy.”

Qin Yuqing’s foxlike eyes glinted with a chilling murderous light. Stroking the small bow in her hands, she said coldly, “One more word and I’ll kill you.”

These past few days, she hadn’t slacked in training. After much persistence, she finally persuaded the emperor to allow Lu Jingchuan into the palace to teach her martial arts—though always under the watchful eye of a matron.

She couldn’t compare to those who had trained since childhood, but she was no longer someone who’d collapse at a mere push.

“Feisty, aren’t you?” the tall man sneered, cracking his knuckles. His two companions exchanged lewd looks. “Brothers, let’s teach this b1tch a lesson.”

“Princess! Run!” Chun Tao instinctively stepped in front of Qin Yuqing.

“Three.”

“Princess, what are you—?”

“Two.”

“Princess, hurry!”

“One.”

“Princess, quick—eh?”

Chun Tao froze. Just five steps away, the three men were curled up on the ground, clutching their stomachs and writhing in pain.

Qin Yuqing lightly tapped Chun Tao’s forehead with her finger, her tone tinged with helpless fondness. “How many times have I told you? Don’t panic.” She pressed the bow against the tall man’s forehead and asked coldly, “Who sent you?”

“Spare me, heroine, spare me!” the tall man stammered, trembling all over. “It—it was the young master of the Chancellor’s estate who sent us.”

“For what purpose?”

When she noticed the other two trying to crawl away, she shot an arrow cleanly into each of their thighs. “Did I say you could leave? Hmm?”

“You can’t kill us,” the tall man suddenly blurted, a cruel glint flashing in his eyes. “During the examinations, fighting and killing are forbidden!”

“Oh? And so what?” Qin Yuqing sneered, loosing another arrow into each of them. “This isn’t within the magistrate’s jurisdiction. Even if you die here, no one would dare say a thing.”

She tilted her head and added mockingly, “Besides—if you’re allowed to do it, why can’t I?”

Just then, Lin Haiyan stepped forward, adjusting his robe as if to speak, but Qin Yuqing cut him off sharply:

“I saved you on Old Master Ye’s request. If you dare plead for them, I’ll kill you along with them.”

So what if Lin Haiyan was talented? She had no use for someone softhearted at the wrong moment.

“Your Highness, you misunderstand,” Lin Haiyan said after fixing his robe. He bowed respectfully. “I only wished to ask… may I borrow this bow? For I prefer settling grudges on the spot.”

“Oh? Do you need me to teach you how?” Qin Yuqing handed him the bow, her dangerous foxlike eyes curving into a bewitching smile. “But know this: the instant you aim with any hidden intent, I’ll separate your head from your body.”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Lin Haiyan lowered his gaze. The princess before him was utterly different from the rumors. Like a flower blooming on the edge of a cliff—gorgeous and radiant, but carrying deadly thorns.

“Perfect. I’m tired anyway.” Qin Yuqing turned back to the three groveling men. “So, what was Song Yaozu’s purpose in sending you?”

“It—it’s for cheating in the exam,” the tall man stuttered, shaking so violently that yellow liquid ran down his legs, filling the air with a foul stench.

“Young Master Song intends to take the imperial examination. To secure qualification, he needed a substitute. Among the candidates, Lin Haiyan’s knowledge is the best, and he’s of lowly birth—a perfect stand-in.”

Qin Yuqing let out a cold laugh. Her contempt for Song Yaozu deepened, though the Chancellor’s family couldn’t be touched yet.

No matter. One day, she’d wipe them out completely.

“Spare us, heroine! We’ll never do it again!” The three men kowtowed desperately, sensing the killing intent radiating from her.

“Lin Haiyan,” Qin Yuqing said coolly, “their lives are in your hands. Kill or spare—your choice.”

She stepped aside, handing over the decision.

So those men she’d seen earlier in the alley… very likely were Song Yaozu’s people. Realizing Lin Haiyan’s unyielding nature, the young master had turned to Yao Yu instead.

It seemed she had ruined his plans twice in a row.

“Princess, do you think Lin gongzi will kill them?” Chun Tao whispered. Now that her mistress’s identity had been exposed, calling her “miss” felt wrong.

“We’ll see,” Qin Yuqing replied, foxlike eyes gleaming with curiosity. “If he kills them, Old Master Ye’s words prove true. If not… then our paths part here.”

She’d met many such people in the modern workplace—righteous, uncompromising. But rigidity often led to downfall.

“Seems Lin gongzi cannot do it. In that case—” Her words cut off when the three men suddenly went limp, lifeless.

“Ugh!” Lin Haiyan gagged violently, doubling over in nausea.

Qin Yuqing laughed. Now that’s more like it. This is the partner I want.

“These men were bandits, their hands soaked in enough bl00d to merit a hundred deaths. So you don’t—”

“I know,” Lin Haiyan interrupted, pale and clutching the doorframe. “I simply… have never done such a thing before. It will take some getting used to. But they deserved to die. I am no virtuous man, Your Highness needn’t worry.”

Qin Yuqing’s lips curved. Yes, he suited her taste. A true talent.

“Many thanks for saving me, Your Highness.” Lin Haiyan bowed and turned to leave.

“Wait.” Qin Yuqing called out. “It’s late. Why not join me for a meal?”

Chun Tao tugged at her sleeve. “Princess, we’re out of money.”

Qin Yuqing faltered. “Didn’t we bring some?”

“Princess, you forgot? You spent it all on Yao Yu’s painting earlier.”

“…Did I?”

Chun Tao nodded vigorously.

Lin Haiyan, watching the flustered princess, was taken aback. To think that the ruthless Six Princess also had such a side. “Then allow me, Your Highness. I should be the one treating you.”

“No need.” Qin Yuqing refused outright, then smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ve got someone else who can pay.”

Lin Haiyan: “???”
Chun Tao: Why do I have a bad feeling about this…

After leaving the alley, Chun Tao went off to fetch the “payer” as instructed, while Qin Yuqing led Lin Haiyan to a teahouse.

No sooner had they taken seats in a private room than the door slid open—revealing a cold-faced general. Behind him, Chun Tao peeked in nervously before tiptoeing to her mistress’s side.

The air went tense. Though Lin Haiyan didn’t know what was happening, even he sensed danger.

“Princess, it’s over… the general is furious,” Chun Tao whispered.

“Since you’re here, sit and eat with us,” Qin Yuqing said brightly, pulling out the chair beside her with an easy smile. “The dishes are already ordered.”

It was like winter thawing into spring.

Lu Jingchuan’s expression remained stiff, but no longer icy.

He walked over, sat bolt upright, and stared at the table.

“What are you looking at? The food’s not here yet.” Qin Yuqing, a mischievous thought flashing across her mind, suddenly reached over and pinched his cheek.

Chun Tao gasped so hard her chopsticks fell to the floor.

“You—you—you—” Lu Jingchuan stammered.

“What, cat got your tongue?” Qin Yuqing burst into laughter. As the food arrived, she remembered she was using his money. Out of courtesy, she placed a dish in his bowl.

“Did you see Yao Yu?” she asked.

“Who?”

“The painter.”

Lu Jingchuan chewed stiffly, annoyance flickering across his face. “I saw him.”

“And did you pay him?”

“Mm. Paid.” His eyes were filled with grudging resentment as he ate.

Resting her chin in her hand, Qin Yuqing explained for once, “His name is Yao Yu. I saw he had ambition, so I bought his painting.”

“I bought it,” Lu Jingchuan muttered.

“Yes, yes. Thanks to your generosity, I’ve prepared this meal just for you.”

He glanced at her, the corners of his lips twitching upward, though he muttered, “Chun Tao said you tricked me into paying.”

“Your money is my money. We’re practically family.” She soothed him with patience.

At last, Lu Jingchuan gave a reluctant nod and fell silent.

Seeing his mood soften, Qin Yuqing pressed on. “The exam is coming soon. But there’s still one problem.” She clutched her chest in mock agony. “If it isn’t solved, I won’t be able to eat or sleep.” She promptly stuffed a large chunk of meat in her mouth.

“Cheating in the examination?” Lu Jingchuan poured her tea. “Eat slowly. No one’s stealing it.”

Qin Yuqing nodded. “You know me best.”

“Difficult,” Lu Jingchuan replied firmly. “Best not to stir up more trouble.”

Her gaze drifted from Lin Haiyan to the scholars bustling in the street below. “But I can’t stand it. Why should poor scholars be barred from rising in the world?”

“I want this examination to be fair, just, and open.”

The room fell silent. Everyone knew such a thing was almost impossible.

“What’s your plan?” Lu Jingchuan finally asked.

Qin Yuqing tilted her head thoughtfully. “Naturally, it must start with His Majesty.”

“You mean to have the Emperor stop the cheating?”

She nodded.

“Impossible. Cheating in the imperial examination is something the Emperor himself permits.”