The Mission

Suddenly asking for a kiss? What kind of nonsense is this? Qin Gou froze on the spot. That bastard Xu Jin hadn’t mentioned this in their agreement! He had explicitly promised not to hide anything, yet here was this bombshell. Clearly, Xu Jin had been too embarrassed to admit it.

“Uh, Second Sister, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? We’re not kids anymore,” Qin Gou said, feigning shyness in an attempt to brush the matter aside.

But Xu Shuangshuang puffed up her cheeks indignantly. “You’re not my little brother! I’m going to tell Father you’re an imposter!”

“What?” Qin Gou’s eye twitched, his face a picture of innocence.

“If you were really my little brother, you’d give your dearest Second Sister a kiss without hesitation,” Xu Shuangshuang declared, hands on her hips.

Qin Gou was dumbfounded. Xu Jin, you absolute scoundrel! On one hand, you forbid me from being disrespectful to your family, but on the other, you leave me to deal with your romantic debts? What am I supposed to do now?

“Ahem, Second Sister, if there’s nothing important, I’ll return to my cultivation,” Qin Gou said with a forced laugh, trying to escape.

But Xu Shuangshuang wasn’t letting him off so easily. She suddenly hugged him from behind, her voice playful. “What’s wrong? Is my little brother mad? Second Sister was just teasing you. You used to be so easygoing—what’s changed? Now that you’re healthy, you think you’re a big man and care about your dignity, huh? Fine, if you won’t kiss me, I’ll kiss you to make it up to you.”

Before Qin Gou could react, Xu Shuangshuang planted a quick kiss on his cheek. She stepped back, her bright eyes sparkling as she teased, “Three, two, one—blush!”

Qin Gou, both amused and exasperated, played along, his face turning red as he glared at her. Xu Jin, you owe me for this! The mighty Master of Arc Moon Mountain, reduced to being hugged and kissed by a girl I’ve just met. Where’s the justice in this world? If she dares kiss me again, I might just lose it.

—

That night, Qin Gou gazed at the starry sky, deep in thought.

There were only a few days left until Mu Man’er’s martial arts marriage contest. While he had successfully infiltrated the Marshal’s estate and taken on Xu Jin’s identity, he still hadn’t secured the right to participate in the contest. Time was running out, and he needed to move forward with his plan.

As he pondered, he felt a prickling sensation on his back. Turning around, he saw Xiang’er, the clever maid who had been taking care of him. Her expression was odd, and Qin Gou couldn’t help but ask, “Xiang’er, what’s wrong?”

Xiang’er flinched at his sudden question, her face pale. “N-nothing, Young Master. Nothing at all.”

Frowning slightly, Qin Gou softened his tone. “Then why are you staring at me? Has someone in the estate been bullying you? Tell me, and I’ll make sure they’re dealt with. Don’t keep things bottled up.”

Xiang’er shook her head quickly. “No one’s bullying me, Young Master. It’s just… I hope you won’t be angry with me for being rude, but I need your permission to speak freely.”

“Go ahead,” Qin Gou said, nodding.

Xiang’er hesitated, her voice timid. “It’s just… Young Master has been acting a bit strange these past few days.”

Qin Gou’s heart skipped a beat. How is that possible? I’ve managed to fool Xu Chengfeng and Liu Fuyun with my flawless performance, yet this maid has noticed something?

“What nonsense are you talking about? Tell me, what’s so strange about me?” Qin Gou asked with a gentle smile. If Xiang’er had truly figured him out, it seemed Little Chair might soon have another guest to look after.

Scratching her head, Xiang’er looked troubled. “I don’t know how to explain it. I haven’t read many books, but it feels like you’ve been too polite to me lately. You don’t treat me as closely as you used to, like I’m not someone you trust anymore. It’s like you’re distant.”

Qin Gou’s face darkened. Seriously? She noticed because I didn’t treat her like a servant?

“Xiang’er, you’re overthinking it. I’ve been so focused on my cultivation these past few days that I’ve neglected other things,” Qin Gou said, waving it off with a smile.

“But, Young Master, you’ve also forgotten something very important!” Xiang’er said, her expression suddenly serious. “Don’t you remember my true identity and mission?”

Qin Gou was even more confused. A maid with a secret identity?

“Xiang’er… Xiang’er is your personal maid! I have an important duty to fulfill!” Xiang’er declared proudly, her face lighting up with confidence.

Qin Gou nearly spat out blood. Xu Jin, you bastard! How many landmines have you left for me to step on?

“Xiang’er, what’s the rush about something like that?” Qin Gou asked, trying to keep his composure.

“How can it not be urgent? Everything I have was given to me by the Marshal’s household. The Master and Madam personally appointed me as your personal maid. I grew up with you, and my sole purpose is to continue your noble bloodline,” Xiang’er said, her cheeks flushed as she gazed at him with fiery determination. “When you were crippled, I remained loyal, waiting for this day. I’ve waited so many years—are you still unwilling to fulfill my wish? Do you think I’m unworthy of your affection?”

“If that’s the case, I’d rather die. If I grow old and lose my beauty without bearing your children, the steward will just marry me off to some random man in the estate. I’d rather die than let that happen!” Xiang’er’s voice cracked with emotion.

Qin Gou felt a headache coming on. “You’ve said everything already! I was just saying there’s no rush for something like this.”

But Xiang’er bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Lowering her head, she deftly untied the sash at her waist. “But… Madam has already asked me several times if I’ve been taking good care of you. I can’t bear to disappoint her again.”

For a moment, Qin Gou was speechless.

He could easily guess Liu Fuyun’s intentions. She likely wanted to confirm whether her son’s “other” abilities had recovered along with his legs. What kind of mother is this?

What could he do? Shout, “Parents only want the best for their children”?