After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Turned on Easy Mode - Chapter 30

With the red envelope from Wu Zhan in her pocket, Wu You was a little richer again. Normally, this would be the time for New Year visits, but the General’s Manor had no family to call on.

If Zhang Wenqi had still been in the capital, father and daughter could at least have gone to the Chang’an Marquis’ household. But after attending her niece’s wedding, Zhang Wenqi had already returned to the frontier.

Wu You crouched nearby, chin propped in her hands, watching her father till the soil. She couldn’t help thinking that her “original body’s” dad seemed to love farming. If he stayed home more often, they’d probably never need to buy vegetables.

The sun beat down. Just sitting there made Wu You sweat. She dabbed her forehead with a handkerchief, noticing the delicate bamboo embroidery—and smiled.

It was the one Zhao Qingzi had given her back at the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Back then, her state of mind had been so different. In just a short while, their relationship had grown so close.

Wu Zhan finished turning the soil, wiped his face with his sleeve, and then noticed his daughter staring dreamily at a handkerchief. Knowing her, she would never use such things for herself. It must have been a gift from that Zhao girl. He chuckled inwardly. So my little wildcat’s finally been caught by someone.

Wu You was still daydreaming when her father called her inside. She jumped up and followed him to the main hall.

It was much cooler indoors. Wu You watched him gulp down tea with no hint of refinement. She froze for a moment—the way he moved, the careless expression—so like her own father from her past life. The two images overlapped, filling her chest with sudden warmth.

She pulled her gaze back and sat down. Before long, Wu Zhan joined her.

In the original memories, there was no one else—only Wu Zhan. The novel itself had given almost no backstory to this “low-level villain.”

But Wu Zhan was a talker. The moment he was idle, he wanted to chat. “That handkerchief came from Miss Zhao, didn’t it? I keep asking how far you two have gotten, but you won’t tell me.”

He was surprisingly observant. Maybe because she’d been asked too often, Wu You had grown immune. After all, she had confessed publicly. So she sighed and admitted, “She didn’t accept.”

The words slipped out, carrying a faint pang of loss she hadn’t realized was visible on her face.

Wu Zhan frowned. That Zhao girl didn’t look like she was rejecting her… His heart softened. He might spend years away at the border, but his daughter was always on his mind.

So he leaned in to share “wisdom”: “She didn’t refuse outright, did she? Then listen to your father—stick close, don’t give her space. Be there all the time, treat her as well as you can. No one can resist forever!”

Wu You nearly groaned. “So that’s how you chased after Mother?”

Wu Zhan coughed, embarrassed. “Children shouldn’t pry.”

Wu You pouted. Children? Add up both my lives and I’m older than you! This body’s already eighteen—what child?

“Fine, stingy. Don’t say then.” She turned away, showing him the back of her head.

Her sulking only amused him more. She was prickly, passive in love. But after meeting Zhao Qingzi yesterday, he was convinced the girl didn’t dislike his daughter. In fact, he thought their chances were very good.

An idea sparked. He stood and clapped her shoulder, cheerful. “Alright, Sanya, don’t pout. Get yourself ready—we’re going out. And dress nicely! What’s with those clothes? Go change. Powder, lipstick, the works.”

Wu You blinked in confusion as he practically shoved her toward her room. They’d never visited anyone for New Year before. Why now?

“Where are we even going?”

“Don’t ask. It’s important. Just dress up.”

Wu You muttered, “I’m going to pay respects, not to a blind date…”

Her father’s patience snapped. “Who says only blind dates need dressing up? Hurry, or I’ll—”

She raised an eyebrow at the door, smug. “You’ll what? You can’t beat me. Hehe.”

The truth stung. His “fatherly authority” crumbled. He barked, half angry, half flustered, “If you don’t hurry, I’ll cut your allowance!”

That hit home. Wu You clutched her pitiful purse, the smile fading. “Fine, fine, I’ll change.”

Inside, she sighed. Martial skills can’t save me from poverty. Maybe I should find a job…

After tidying up, she checked her reflection in the bronze mirror and nodded, satisfied.

The General’s Manor had no carriage—Wu Zhan was rarely home, and the original Wu You had always preferred riding. So today, they rode out on horseback.

As they traveled, Wu You realized the scenery looked familiar. This was the road toward the Yongding Marquis’ estate. Suspicion stirred.

“Father… are we going to the Yongding Marquis’?”

“Of course,” he said casually.

Since when do we have ties with them? Is this for my sake?

“Why? We’ve got no connection with that household.”

“Connections are made, not born,” Wu Zhan said with a grin. “Besides, what’s the worst that can happen—he kicks us out? Your dad’s got thick skin.”

She rolled her eyes. And proud of it, too. Still… he’s doing this for me. Warmth pricked her heart.

At the gates, they dismounted and announced themselves. But when the porter returned, his apologetic smile made Wu You’s stomach sink.

“Apologies, General Wu. The marquis and his family are not receiving guests today.”

Shut out at New Year—it stung. If they’d truly been out, the porter would’ve said so at once, not gone in to “report.” This was deliberate.

Wu Zhan’s temper rose. He opened his mouth, but Wu You quickly grabbed his hand and shook her head. To the porter she murmured an apology, then tugged her father away.

They walked their horses down the bustling street. Wu Zhan seethed, guilt gnawing at him. He’d wanted to bring his daughter joy. Instead, they’d been humiliated.

Wu You felt low too. She’d hoped to see Zhao Qingzi, but it was a wasted trip. Her mind flashed back to the first time she’d gone to the Marquis’ estate—also turned away at the door.

But hadn’t she gotten in by climbing the wall? Could she do the same today?

The idea set her heart racing. She knew that wall well.

She fibbed to her father, sending him home. Then she slipped back to her usual spot and vaulted over with ease. Memory served—she navigated the grounds until she reached Zhao Qingzi’s window.

It was open. Inside, Zhao Qingzi sat at the sill, head propped on one hand, gently turning the pages of a book with the other. Her eyes were lowered, her expression calm. The only sound was the soft rustle of pages. The scene radiated quiet grace.

Wu You froze, not wanting to disturb her.

But Zhao Qingzi rubbed her eyes, lifted her head—and saw the girl standing there like a statue.

Wu You had dressed carefully today. To Zhao Qingzi, she looked dazzling, almost bewitching. Yet she stood motionless, dazed, like under a spell.

Realizing she’d been caught staring, Wu You flushed.

She stepped into the room. Zhao Qingzi poured her tea and asked, “What brings you today?”

Wu You took the cup, sipped, and her eyes lit up. Different from last time—she’d changed the leaves. Setting it down, Wu You sighed. “I came with Father to offer New Year’s greetings… but we were turned away.”

Zhao Qingzi frowned. If it wasn’t her brother, then it must have been… him. That man, stubborn with his scholar’s pride, despised soldiers—and would loathe Wu You’s notorious reputation.

Her thoughts were cut off as warm fingers closed around her hand. Wu You’s smile was radiant, joy shining from her eyes. “But none of that matters. What matters is—I still got to see you.”

Heat rushed to Zhao Qingzi’s face. This girl never stops testing me. She rolled her eyes, but didn’t pull her hand away.

Wu You only found her little flash of annoyance even more adorable. Hopeless. I’m a terminal face-con. But maybe that’s fine.

Glancing at the desk, she asked, “What were you reading?”

“An herbal compendium,” Zhao Qingzi replied lightly.

Wu You’s heart ached. If only she could help her stand again. She gripped her hand tighter. She rifled through every scrap of knowledge from her past life, but found no cure. Then she remembered the novel’s plot—an idea sparked. Faint, uncertain, but worth trying.

Zhao Qingzi saw her worried expression and felt secretly pleased, ready to reassure her—when a voice sounded outside. Zhao Cuo.

Wu You stiffened in panic.

Zhao Qingzi glanced around, then pointed under the bed.

Wu You understood instantly and slipped beneath, just as Zhao Qingzi went to open the door.