Jinbao Marries a Wife

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After a brief rest, the group got ready and set off, arriving at Xiangbi Village late that night.CFyWDAaLRzHtahvkaCsqpZzUdOZQaG

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According to reports from those tracking the Wu clan, they had left Xiangbi Village around noon that day.QvOGzOirLqHFAyFUajNttZoTprpWKH

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Without delay, the group headed west, finally catching up to the inn where the Wu clan was staying just as dawn began to break.TOGoZrVjkxRWhTebHGjBIPKrVRNKWz

aqGYSJziHplvuid

Que Siming dismounted, handed his reins to a subordinate, and asked, “How many people in total?”CchtImTQSGErlRxHvSphGvTItuHdsl

aUIPQZSWEalhUTy

“There are four from the Wu clan, but there’s also a fifth person with their face covered, being supported by them. From what I can tell, they’re being held captive. All five are sleeping in the same room.”AhnViNoImjOjHiCvzGdEHkyuVwZwIo

FNdRHnuikZjOkyP

Que Siming nodded, glancing at the second-floor window. “You two, spread the knockout powder throughout the inn. Don’t let anyone else wake up.”PsYCNvrHaLfwtrZnYUdJwhbSWgLkMd

CTmfpeEXxncfsAF

“Yes, sir.”SJcpRxSjZhpfhaaqVwDJObmbOnrnRf

dHsdWRnzmfMelaD

“Little Hu.”LqtOXgTBOTaiNOVLrMkzxzfWQjYGDK

vdhbbxShozsYKma

Jinbao hesitated, still not used to being called that, and quickly responded, “Yes?”EDQaexEBmnDcrWUKNnRHcfqoDtixyI

hrXASxStKeJlCgP

“Take this.” Que Siming handed him a small grass-green pill.OJjLIfwNCmejFtSXkjCLtRfcHagTxY

kcHSlutbhBgQQCZ

“This?”JfAJlAnQCJdpDSUyzMxnXkqSyZujgy

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“The Wu clan is skilled in dark magic and poison. This pill will protect you from their toxins.”FdVNjoLVljUUylQEanCpmBBmfNEPBA

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Jinbao didn’t hesitate and swallowed the pill.jwqcmqsYcgTphnAZEgwlTpcGjBOGcl

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“Let’s go. Once inside, subdue those four as quickly as possible.”dOnvxXHPsxOKzerwIjfrGUqJNLwCgu

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Que Siming selected two skilled subordinates, and together with Jinbao, they quietly entered the inn.XvSREttDZQxGVfxGCMPcJCwRyfQORn

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When Que Siming kicked open the door to the room, a cloud of yellow powder was thrown at them.rWrOoHOhJaWbrLWOmEfbaElWUCOnqi

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Jinbao was momentarily stunned by the sudden attack, but the other three seemed prepared and rushed in instead of retreating.LNYQoMyYQUqVMhZrlzevaVjMiqMRyM

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Sounds of a fight quickly erupted inside. Jinbao hurriedly followed, holding his breath despite having taken the pill, and engaged one of the Wu clan members.VFTSbzlDWeCmmBgAsilzFRdYsjxmdd

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The Wu clan members were reasonably skilled, but against someone like Que Siming, they had little chance. In no time, they were all subdued.eeIQikbhhyDXSlMunVkZSqXHWwNVvD

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After the fight, Que Siming showed an expression of discomfort and pulled out a gourd, desperately sprinkling water over himself.ChzXqRKQGdKZTFpzYORilmRmNjIxFN

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Jinbao recognized it as a disinfectant. His master had once mentioned that the first time he met Que Siming, he was sprayed all over with the stuff. Jinbao thought, “This habit can’t be my fault, right?”xfTfoDmWWBAiCzRBsuLvBoqsTtnGtw

uxkMvXRclzffCNZ

Que Siming pointed to the bed. “Go check.”TEXNzPFJIJYOgLXyZZoIxGqxSiHBGZ

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At his command, Jinbao turned and saw an unconscious person lying on the bed, likely the one they had captured.ULhdKQDcsmhubORhscAaccmRqQZDIx

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He walked over and pulled down the cloth covering the person’s face.VCeOhMZHepfPFUuhYjABeFzobWiqiV

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The unconscious person was a young man, with refined and scholarly features. His expression was sincere and approachable, even in his sleep.YWKWkXUOCqiwcGJtucqPwTlqMFqHyf

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Jinbao reported, “He’s a young gentleman.”xbtHvDAyuZUUzKpgxLpSeLymDytzwB

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Que Siming approached, and the moment he saw the man’s face, he was shocked. “Shixiong?”XUZmQwVAEjMOPjNvVBjKpvkrYktkHO

rCVGqgsbBggpAKG

Jinbao was suddenly pushed aside as Que Siming hurriedly supported the person on the bed. He first took the man’s wrist to check his pulse and, after confirming it was stable, sighed in relief. Que Siming then pulled out a small bottle from his chest, waved it under the man’s nose, and watched as the man’s body jolted awake.injfeWRqDVRcTUDfvkcLTonydAAnJa

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“Da Shixiong?”wBMpTYvVVAdjxvqWxpPLoFgsdSlCaA

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Several of Que Siming’s subordinates gathered around. “Da Shaoye? How did Da Shaoye end up here?”xnghmWUFRbxQbCgUmkGurymEDinzdB

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“Is Da Shaoye alright?”gtQcStLZqeunkZowGCRMsFwEItIbgH

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“He’s fine, just passed out.”WsTlUgBVqqDoZufUZcrcdmMlbxllnJ

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The man opened his eyes, confused as he looked around, finally locking his gaze on the person holding him. “Shidi?”zDfsPVLiPXBViNBTeQiezNpQZdzQXS

pcnSvByJrjGztna

“Shixiong? How did you end up here?”BXgMuoQdLQNZVaeQCZSzEXWQdSdsNz

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The man still looked bewildered, mumbling, “Is this a dream?”RxnQdKSUrxWRQwjRnLBvsFrTUvEFRG

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Que Siming frowned and patted the man’s face lightly. “Wake up, it’s me.”TfUCYoMpiJyfQGHFkSrxOvJCXbBtpg

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“Shidi? Is it really you? How did you get here?”ZpTWrSjdDtUjZddfAtXrzjWXvaBeeG

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“I should be asking you—why are you with the Wu clan?”mpsYmdYDRlTAcAbVIjnCbFdjpkqhOl

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The man glanced at the people lying on the floor. “I… I went to treat a patient and stayed overnight at an inn. Wait, this isn’t the inn I was at.”UPyrgAJeHWyQSSXLwEOcwpanYVQaUz

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“You must have been abducted in your sleep. You were too careless. Where’s Ayu?”ThkBvDUfaHAYfggcSzAZgEjfnhQhHi

ctQQGWlstJIePrz

“Ayu was sleeping next door to me! Oh no, he’ll be worried sick by now.” The man quickly added, “I was at Xiangfeng Inn in Wanshou Town. You must send someone to find him.”gJfVKRJCWfNMaRhaNDYndOYeBAkGeS

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Que Siming responded, “I’ll send someone. You should rest for now.”mcnPkurRQWPHcxjbxMCIUsZNntHLBu

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The man gave a bitter smile. “Rest? I don’t even know how many days I’ve been asleep.” As he moved his neck, he finally noticed the unfamiliar person in the room and asked while looking at Jinbao, “Who is this young hero?”QVzUJHIlTpROOmjMLqOSpACyKeQAYP

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Jinbao quickly cupped his hands. “Just call me Jinbao.”dsBeoMGokjiATnsjvACqxQoLtKpNxx

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The man smiled and nodded in return. “I’m Que Qingyuan. Are you a friend of my Shidi?”hEZPwzTyehUDjPwYkaOptdtylNueDo

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“Uh, yes.”xJraOEEEkEgkUDAanMOxZnIQzmQGQe

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Que Qingyuan said, “I’m grateful for your help, young hero. Thank you.”xwnRtfukiikWOoAINSvqpfVSCnDKca

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“You’re too kind, Que Gongzi.”wyddBKtEvqpkQCmQCePVZVTtfToEVw

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Jinbao bowed repeatedly, feeling somewhat out of place. He wasn’t used to speaking in such a formal and refined manner, especially with someone so cultured.MJTMzpHTJsyJlNAJeGBenDOkShOAhG

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Que Qingyuan tried to stand up, searching around while shaking his head. “Where’s my cane?”tIJOKmpKhlAoRlMGMRteJSCJoYMOWM

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Que Siming replied, “I haven’t seen it. They probably didn’t bring it. Let’s wait until we find Ayu.”gAiRSHPyciiTvXbHKjOVQtFTZgkewT

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As Que Siming helped Que Qingyuan to his feet, Jinbao noticed for the first time that Que Qingyuan had a limp.pPVxmehvpVANaMdmybIBEpEBSzWLpD

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Que Qingyuan sighed and reluctantly sat back down. “Shidi, how did you end up here?”ORBpvLDaUuIwulyXgRIEYQcQUYwmYs

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“I heard that members of the Wu clan were active in the area, so I came to investigate.”dOzUMBKNlyslRAzpNbAsgNPYufdyDu

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“Didn’t Father forbid you from acting on your own? What if you ran into Yu Mingjing?”ZIaXDNpkfwjfXNiPWYvvaouKBUkyvz

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“That’s not so easy. I’ve been trying to find him without success. It would be better if I did run into him.”WdtDtISHFTUeLJdYECpafNMaOcOoyQ

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“There you go again. If you run into Yu Mingjing, you should avoid him at all costs. Don’t act recklessly.”aDoofTMsObqvAkDRZgpUnGvDrrkKWE

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“Shixiong, you’re so naggy.”ANMGqnuWoHqNvoYMExxHLKNorTcoPr

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Que Qingyuan gave him a helpless look. “I’m only doing this for your sake.” He patted Que Siming’s sleeve. “You didn’t get hurt, did you?”nKEjpmkHRhvXgoWvRwcMbFfvXwMrNa

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“Of course not.”ukJFRpeMssNqHECAlFzuERGqWJpHwg

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Que Qingyuan spoke softly, “When will you come home? Father misses you, and so do I.”ZEKXmmLlOyLvUrYeqKjdparvDXIgVm

IHaGaeYDfIXieDu

Que Siming shook his head. “I’m not sure yet. I owe Su Yin a favor and promised to cure someone. The earliest I can return is probably this summer.”PPmLMEriSaPhIjGKtuzufnEwTGtUBj

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“Hmm, you’re right. If someone entrusts you with something, you must see it through. Have you encountered any difficulties? Do you need my help?”nHGpyHyHtQVUkrMWqVqdAKxqVQyQQG

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“No need, Shixiong. It’s not convenient for you to be out. If there’s nothing pressing, you should stay at home.”dOLiOYEjniYDmuVhkZtaxefVSkwdPs

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“I stay home every day, and it’s unbearable. It’s so boring without you around.”AMjYCTtaQhckjJWOfmKaJoCxkUkeSn

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“When I finish my business here, I’ll return and keep you all company. How’s Shifu’s health lately?”ruUzbKjmkBrBflwVJRwEVefNiRVvbC

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“Father’s the same as always, but his temper has worsened. He’s constantly finding faults with everything.” Que Qingyuan chuckled softly. “I wonder if it’s because of you—he’s becoming harder to please.”YbpEVJcHiFfArtJLiwUYjnemzwIzpL

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Que Siming feigned anger. “Nonsense! When have I ever been hard to please?”wtRFeQyVTQYJWpJZEmQDyKAuuUgyqu

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The two of them continued chatting about family matters.JSwwMNVxnJFmWkvlZRujFYlOePVIfa

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Meanwhile, the Que family’s servants took the members of the Wu clan away for interrogation, leaving Jinbao alone in the room, feeling quite awkward.UdpEhJQAOdMZZvQusprWBZuykPgHRP

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From their conversation, Jinbao gathered that Que Qingyuan was probably Que Siming’s Shifu, Que Linpei’s son. Jinbao had never seen Que Siming behave so gently with anyone before—no sarcasm, no cruelty, no overbearing demeanor. It turned out that when he was with those close to him, he had a completely different side.FkUNZVPiAhelzOTqktyAJigVZBCoBt

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Watching the two of them reunite and chat so animatedly, Jinbao thought that Que Siming looked more attractive with this warm expression than at any other time he had seen him.wRCtyIDxrjFffaMHYyyMgqLDIbzaEC

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As they talked, a subordinate entered the room holding a letter.lGNEfFFqNZWPwqcjFjyFzYMOaTizSP

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“Da Shaoye, Er Shaoye, this was found on one of the Wu clan members.”vKTzVsAPogqTXAaIrcIOeUyoQbkKpQ

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Que Siming took it, opened it, and then showed a chilling smile. “Huang Xiang’s days are numbered.”cIISbDnZWxsCjYhXakOJevUrAdteVb

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Que Qingyuan glanced at it as well and sighed. “Shidi, you’ll soon be able to avenge General Yue.”RDdicfeAmpibyINsWFlUdtFckujBKk

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Que Siming smiled. “This has been a fruitful venture. Not only did we intercept Huang Xiang’s letter to Yu Mingjing requesting help, but we also managed to rescue you, Shixiong. The consequences would have been unimaginable otherwise.”JJfAWXorUUMItdyVAvbjWqclkEnEzl

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One of the subordinates chimed in, “I questioned them, and they were indeed on their way to deliver a letter to Yu Mingjing. They happened to hear that the eldest son of the Medicine Valley was treating patients nearby, so they abducted Da Shaoye to present to Yu Mingjing as a way to curry favor. But they refused to reveal Yu Mingjing’s whereabouts, no matter how much we pressed them.”jfiRiGGNUqjAOHIhgAvIZiDsenApcz

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“Take them back to the Dali base and find a way to make them talk. But be careful not to kill them, and watch out for any attempts at suicide.”FgvefOFkULuUlTQfdQgAEbSVRlAIti

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“Yes, sir.”lYACmoTeyqZLtelWrgrCnyKCQwHIat

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Que Qingyuan said, “Shidi, when will you return to Dali? Can you stay a few more days with me?”YrnXJLNFBPLaHtmgFTxtZaXAvCSlxT

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Que Siming glanced at Jinbao, then shook his head. “There’s still work to be done in Dali, so it’s not convenient to stay long here. How about you come back to Dali with me for a few days?”LweBhyRweIWfDptsXNpnRaXeCXNXVj

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This time, Que Qingyuan shook his head. “I came out to treat someone, but I was abducted before I even saw the patient. I need to return.”lfFAHcnZKktrFXcenjSLToFxZmyFYY

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“That makes sense. I’ll arrange for someone to escort you back.”MjOnoQGRJfikdwFTDZxvXayRXfIITT

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Que Qingyuan hesitated for a moment, a trace of disappointment in his eyes. With a bitter smile, he said, “There’s no rush. I wanted to have a meal with you first, but it seems like you’re eager to get rid of me.”uhKAOyHUhAaSvRuPRCWlYVXSjdBlnZ

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Que Siming looked a bit embarrassed. “How could that be? I was just worried about delaying your treatment of others. But since you’re not in a hurry, neither am I. Let’s go downstairs and eat. We’ve been chasing these people all night without even a sip of water.”eXnIaDQDhpQcQFfQptGTXjlVlsjPaK

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As he spoke, Que Siming stood up and carefully helped Que Qingyuan to his feet.XFLXmUbWBbNBPvCVDgNIbsduyBpnxq

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Que Siming turned to Jinbao and said, “Xiao… ahem, Jinbao, come downstairs and eat.”UcsypejhGaxEsjcIQsHsEFRogbyvKt

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Jinbao, who had been in a daze after being ignored for so long, was startled when he was suddenly addressed. He quickly responded with a “yes.”VJqSByOVwYvdDkBBAyxgsubKyLXkno

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Que Qingyuan turned his head awkwardly and said, “Jinbao-xia, this… I apologize if you find this laughable.” Clearly, he felt a bit self-conscious about needing assistance in front of an outsider, his discomfort evident on his face.TGRrvBOZlMWycWTMGZuUkTvnmvJzbX

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Jinbao quickly waved his hand, but he didn’t know what would be appropriate to say in this situation, so he decided to keep quiet, fearing he might say the wrong thing.lhniTUzclgCaPsnjMgJpSEomdgKMeV

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Que Qingyuan smiled warmly, and the two of them slowly made their way downstairs.QTSaqnUKrCjFxZIpLDiLUddOGzguWo

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Jinbao stood there, stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized that this was the first time Que Siming had called him Jinbao instead of Little Hu.aGphXGZdvVCjVRouhBJqacEjomkjfp

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But why?JBqxTBGBWZDRIdoWKGhKQsszWyWBmH

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At dinner, the two young masters of the Que family sat at one table, while Jinbao sat at another with the servants.uvVshRBHNgbxHhqBjbRjZfiOLuIZRB

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Jinbao didn’t mind—he was used to it, being a servant himself.PZhKsfRktieCWFCAQiRaxCWAPrOrHk

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Que Qingyuan, however, felt quite embarrassed and asked Que Siming if they should invite his friend over to eat with them.KRaXDdarHJxdEdiLREMnLjqukydArv

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Que Siming glanced at him and said slowly, “No need to bother with him.”rnRwNiAKiaUAjpcVWeTiBAEvnnlxvv

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Although his voice wasn’t loud, it was clear enough for everyone to hear.llBMZLDmlBmuBjiuQephwoNFBLPlCh

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Throughout the journey, the Que family servants had been curious about Jinbao’s status. The ambiguous relationship between him and their young master couldn’t help but raise suspicions. They traveled together, rested in the same room, and Que Siming, who had always been distant and reserved, seemed oddly close to him. It was hard not to wonder if there was something more going on.JDePPiDDwFzfSGIzFQDXhYDwzgQlZb

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Now, seeing how Que Siming was so dismissive, they were even more confused, all of them casting discreet glances at Jinbao.jXaxzEtPVgbQpJSqFnfpyeFASyrjVH

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Jinbao hadn’t felt anything was amiss initially, but Que Siming’s words made him uncomfortable, and the scrutinizing gazes around him only added to his unease.WrMgVmFZktqGUUeFXJIDEPQCJyFtnh

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He couldn’t help but think that Que Siming had done it on purpose.GPBFGdcbEKxLKwkcHNyekeVczWEcbQ

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If not, then wasn’t it a bit… a bit…TthTVNvVnrxsvULXOgoAEBwjxMiZKP

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Jinbao couldn’t quite put his finger on what he felt, but it seemed that before Que Qingyuan’s arrival, Que Siming always stuck close to him, chatting and often teasing him, his gaze always following him.XIuyUJiUDLAcfmyslhRPuXtTfrPKpa

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Yet, after Que Qingyuan appeared, Que Siming hardly looked at him and now even said such things to embarrass him in public. It really was…gKgoPprGBqnoTiuKGzNrWBuskfKyMx

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Jinbao ate in silence, feeling a growing sense of frustration.tndOLJJhEScJrTbduuYsJuLwqvWyim

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A small voice inside tried to comfort him, telling him to let it go. It wasn’t like Que Siming had only just started being an ass. Who knows what he did to piss him off this time? Whatever, let him be.ONliJDpCeYjnUUAzbWXvAenBFErLpL

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When Jinbao was upset, he liked to eat, and once he started, he couldn’t stop. By the time everyone else had put down their chopsticks, he was still devouring the food, clearing the table until not even a drop of sauce was left, leaving everyone else stunned.igtMNXWkBifekZRcFDmRXfUOGiMiiH

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The man sitting across from him hesitated before asking, “Xia, do you want to order more food?”vDDQiPvDXdwvryWbbfNGwYMbQUuDlL

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Jinbao looked up, startled, not quite understanding why he was being asked such a question. Surely, they weren’t expecting him to pay, right? “Uh… if you’re still hungry, go ahead and order more…”LKTkhNaZmVmVnDNyCyBOhJSxrvdqPu

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Everyone around him was momentarily speechless, collectively staring at the empty plates in front of him.iMeYBWONfXJUKCgLuSNFKTvwVrwxKh

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Only then did Jinbao realize the question was genuinely directed at him, causing him to blush furiously. He quickly put down his bowl. “I’m full, I’m full, no need to order more…”WbWoDYzMxEKiRkGcvNOyEEumpIqDke

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The Que family young masters across from him couldn’t help but burst into laughter.qJrQFRtVoPqfWsyqPTxzgCACbnhzdK

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Jinbao felt even more embarrassed, like he’d never been so mortified in his life.ciiAYNJuxgTvGlneDRuLiJiVkmCVdu

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Que Siming watched Jinbao’s neck flush with embarrassment and subconsciously licked his lips, his gaze deepening.rkXePnJRGAiZYASKRRhWBqjZofdEtK

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After finishing their meal, the two chatted for a bit longer before Que Qingyuan reluctantly departed.gpfaVQpIrebcUYJEycLVCCFQgoaVrz

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Que Siming instructed the remaining Que family guards to escort the four members of the Wu family while he and Jinbao took a shortcut back to the Su residence.gplIPuBfEXdxSOYBNnkCYZqPkxohBg

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As a result, the group split into two, with Que Siming and Jinbao taking the forest path.tBUvXDGyUjjirUzZvfvorwATNQlZRS

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Jinbao had been unusually quiet since the afternoon. Initially, he’d felt a bit out of place, but he’d eventually let it go. A grown man shouldn’t dwell on such trivial matters, he thought. His main concern now was getting back as quickly as possible—what if his young master had an episode while they were away?xtJYDsHLVApFjZeOmnLuXRvSPttPRu

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Focused on getting home, Jinbao had little to say. However, the physician seemed a bit restless.YjIxGdeWhLAXUlMfhjRwDNTUPFBtWu

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Que Siming deliberately slowed his horse’s pace, forcing Jinbao to slow down as well.RdgkucmVYXCSxfmqzsdOjAmtzWMwzr

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“Physician, we should hurry. What if something happens to my young master?”MCdzrFLTWyNYaupeXHGunQAINQatuU

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Que Siming’s expression darkened. “What could possibly happen? He’s not going to die from one episode.”nrPIYmKrJmOBozkXzFzSFfXkRlpqMV

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Jinbao wanted to argue, but then he remembered that Que Siming had never shown much concern for his young master’s well-being. Talking to him about it would be pointless.PGOhfEkGUdMJfmVaxuxkcHaaeISkTG

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“Why don’t you ask me… about my senior brother?”ZqZalAHdgBTnSKKYFcIQCUGRigEkLh

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Jinbao was taken aback. “Ask about what?”VDDHuctOEqNGlebupYgaADhPyvOQuc

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Que Siming’s expression showed a hint of irritation.aLTkkyoOPZGePmFcREouSSbaeKIxUV

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“My senior brother and I… we grew up together, though it was after you, but for a longer time than you.”oLlFwcwYTaevoyzHukSOIqQtxMrVLn

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Jinbao responded with a simple “Oh,” not quite understanding the point of his words.dLTRjDJizuAxPyBgjgeYIouMfgAbCt

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Que Siming, a bit flustered and angry, suddenly leapt onto Jinbao’s horse, smoothly seating himself behind him.DHPqqUZPILGFKUMIwjuGGxjtiXGYSU

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Jinbao was startled. “Hey! What are you doing?”nRyKeprFcjBGASXhVNajNZbnqDLykB

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Que Siming wrapped an arm around his waist from behind.IlCZewgdHkbbFCRzgjCQcwICtZPDLw

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Kipzi – if you guys would like to donate to my Kofi to support my instant coffee addiction, you can do that here. :X tyyyy for reading.uYMcNswIIIsAVpwXahAFcfjDSCcCCL

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