Chapter 6: Did She Poke the Hornet’s Nest of Beauties Today?

“My brother is here? You are all dismissed.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

In no time at all, the imposing man strode in.

Qin Wan walked up to greet him. “Brother.”

Leng Lie’s voice held a hint of agitation. “What happened to the door?”

“Uh…” Qin Wan faltered, “It just…broke.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll have someone send over a golden door for you.”

“Okay?” She barely had time to respond before he continued.

“I requested a favor from the Emperor to come to see you. I might be leaving for the battlefield next month.”

Qin Wan nodded. “Then Brother, you must take care of yourself!”

Leng Lie looked at her with concern. “Qing Qing, don’t worry. You’ll be out of here soon. No one will be able to bully you!” His voice softened as he added, “You are Leng Lie’s little sister. I will make that man place you in the highest position, and I will make everyone in the world respect you!”

Warmth surged in Qin Wan’s heart.

She was an only child in the modern world and had never experienced the feeling of being loved and protected by an older brother. But love, she knew, was best when it was mutual.

“Your safety is the most important thing, Brother. It doesn’t matter what position I hold in the palace. To be honest, it’s not that bad here.” Her voice softened, “I just want you to come back safe and sound.”

Leng Lie sensed a change in his sister. She seemed more mature and considerate, not as willful and prone to tantrums as before.

Reaching out, he pinched her thin face gently. “Brother came here for another important matter.”

“What is it?”

The assassination attempt last night had left him worried and alert. His sister was alone in the palace, undeniably vulnerable. Yesterday, she was lucky to escape unharmed, but there might not be a next time.

“I have brought you a shadow guard, exceptionally skilled in lightness techniques and martial arts. He has served me for many years. From now on, he will be responsible for your safety.” His gaze held unwavering protectiveness. “Whether it’s assassins or anyone who dares to bully you, he will be there in an instant!”

Qin Wan looked around. “Where is he?”

“He is on your roof right now,” Leng Lie replied.

“Oh,” Qin Wan’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s his name?”

“Leng Ying,” Leng Lie answered.

“Cold drink???” Qin Wan choked, nearly spitting out the words.

As if summoned by her words, a slender figure, sharp as a sword, descended from the sky and landed before her. “This one is at your service, Your Highness.”

Leng Ying was dressed in black, a sword sheathed at his waist. He appeared to be in his twenties, a strand of hair escaping his hairtie to dance in the wind. His overall demeanor was incredibly handsome and unrestrained.

Qin Wan was stunned. Did she stumble into a hot guy nest today?

Leng Ying bowed respectfully. “From this day forward, this one pledges unwavering loyalty to Your Highness. Should Your Highness have any commands, summon my name or blow this whistle, and I will appear.” He offered her a small, delicate whistle.

Leng Lie nodded at her, and Qin Wan accepted it.

In the blink of an eye, Leng Ying vanished.

“Alright,” Leng Lie said, “If there’s nothing else, Brother will take his leave. Take good care of yourself here in the palace.”

Leng Lie gave her one last worried look before turning to leave.

Qin Wan instinctively followed, accompanying him to the courtyard gate. She watched as his figure disappeared into the setting sun.

Just then, Consort Xi, accompanied by her two personal maids, LuCha[e/n: Green Tea] and HongCha[e/n: Black Tea], emerged from a side path.

Catching sight of General Leng striding away from the Cold Palace, Consort Xi instinctively hid behind a flowering bush, her eyes glued to his tall, handsome figure. A blush crept onto her face.

Opportunities to see men in the palace were rare, let alone a man of General Leng’s caliber. Naturally, she couldn’t help but steal a few more glances.

Once Leng Lie was gone, Qin Wan leisurely settled onto a dilapidated lounge chair in the courtyard and pulled out her phone.

It was the latest model, equipped with solar charging, which meant it was still usable even without a charger. However, it had no signal or internet access, and the time was frozen at the moment she arrived in this world.

She opened the camera and snapped a cute selfie. As she attempted to search for a signal, a voice announced from the entrance, “Consort Xi has arrived~”