Chapter 142: I Have Come to Seek Refuge with You

The Fourth Prince could not help but feel anxious. From Liu Ling'er’s disdainful tone, he had roughly guessed that the Colored Python’s first impression of him was abysmal. If he didn't do something practical, the python probably wouldn't even agree to return to Nanman with him. In any case, he had prepared for the worst: if the python refused to return, he would either have to drug it or tie it up securely to drag it back.

Fortunately, Liu Ling'er possessed an extraordinary gift for gab; she could talk to people like a person and to ghosts like a ghost. Even when faced with a python, she could chatter endlessly about anything and everything. It was unclear how she painted the kingdom of Nanman, but the result was that the python's eyes grew brighter and brighter, eventually filling with longing. In its excited hissing, Liu Ling'er could tell it was practically wishing it could grow wings and fly there immediately.

Liu Ling'er felt a headache coming on. *Show some restraint, will you?* she thought. *You’re acting so spineless and shameless; if they couldn't understand your snake language, I’d be embarrassed for you.* Still, this was for the best. She had successfully completed Dugu Tianqing’s task—a win for everyone involved.

When Liu Ling'er looked up again, Dugu Tianqing seemed more nervous than a groom on his wedding night, his hands not knowing where to rest. "Lady Liu, may I ask what the Colored Python said?"

Liu Ling'er put on a troubled expression. In truth, Dugu Tianqing wanted to welcome the python into the Nanman imperial palace, and the python was more than happy to go—it was a perfect match, ready to ignite at the slightest touch. Liu Ling'er’s elaborate performance wasn't redundant; she was simply doing her best to advocate for the python. Things obtained too easily are rarely cherished, and acting desperate often puts one in a position of weakness. Liu Ling'er was acting with deep consideration.

The effect was clear: Dugu Tianqing’s heart jumped into his throat, terrified that Liu Ling'er might say "no." Liu Ling'er sighed heavily. "This is its home. 'Caiguo' doesn't want to leave its roots, and it’s not very enthusiastic about your proposal. I’m afraid this is looking unlikely!"

Dugu Tianqing grew frantic, nearly dropping to his knees before the python. He had no idea about Liu Ling'er’s little scheme; had he known, he would have called her a wicked woman and cursed her. Seeing Dugu Tianqing’s utter despair, Liu Ling'er couldn't bear it any longer. "Fourth Prince, don't worry yet. Saying it’s unlikely doesn't mean it's impossible. As long as you agree to three conditions, it can still be done."

At the end of his rope, the Fourth Prince suddenly saw a glimmer of hope. He blurted out eagerly, "Lady Liu, please speak! Not just three things—even thirty or three hundred, I will do whatever it takes to get the python to come to Nanman."

Liu Ling'er pondered for a moment. "The first condition: you cannot kill it. In that case, it would be better off staying in Eastern Chu and living or dying on its own."

Dugu Tianqing’s mouth twitched. "There is no need for you to pass that on, Lady Liu. We intend to honor and keep it; how could we kill it? That would be an act of divine wrath. We would never do such a thing."

"Second: you cannot lock Caiguo in an iron cage. You must guarantee it absolute freedom." Being trapped in a cage without freedom would be like living in a prison—a fate worse than death.

Dugu Tianqing nodded. "That is no problem at all. It shall have free reign of the Nanman palace; it can go wherever it pleases!"

Liu Ling'er didn't rush to state the third condition. She cleared her throat twice, then said with a touch of embarrassment, "You must not force Caiguo to mate indiscriminately!"

It was a startling request. Liu Ling'er was a young lady, after all, and speaking of mating in front of so many men made even her feel awkward. She had thought about this for a while before saying it. Snakes were naturally promiscuous and prone to aimless indulgence. Liu Ling'er was terrified that this shameless python wouldn't end up on a dinner table in Nanman, but rather die from exhaustion due to other pythons—that would be a disaster.

Dugu Tianqing wiped sweat from his forehead and nodded repeatedly. "That goes without saying. Even if the python were to breed, we would carefully select high-quality mates. Such an important matter could never be handled carelessly."

With the terms settled, Liu Ling'er went to give the python, Caiguo, a few final instructions. Eventually, even the python seemed to find her nagging. Liu Ling'er was instantly annoyed. *Damn it, I’m looking out for you everywhere, and you’re so ungrateful! My hard work has gone to waste.*

She turned to Dugu Tianqing, huffing, "Fine, take it and go!" Out of sight, out of mind—she just wanted him gone.

Dugu Tianqing happily loaded the python into a cage and left. Before departing, he even extended an invitation for Liu Ling'er to visit Nanman as a "leftover" woman, which she rejected without a second thought.

Once they were gone, Baili Xian rested his chin in his hand, observing Liu Ling'er from head to toe, as if searching for something different about her. Liu Ling'er felt a chill down her spine; no one likes being stared at like a specimen. She glared at him. "Baili Xian, what are you looking at? Your gaze is terrifying. I’m warning you, don’t get any bad ideas, or I won't be polite!"

"My beloved wife," Baili Xian said with deep affection, making Liu Ling'er’s skin crawl. "I wonder how my beloved wife came to know snake language? I’ve never heard of this before."

Here it was. Liu Ling'er had expected him to ask. She had already prepared an answer; she couldn't exactly say she learned it in a past life from her master. She had a sharp mind, and she had plenty of cover stories.

"Hmph! There’s a lot you don't know about me. Stay with me, and you’ll find constant surprises. To tell you the truth, when I was little, I loved watching street performers. My father was always away at war and didn't have time to keep me company, so he often had people come to the General’s Mansion to perform. Once, an old man came who performed 'snake talk.' He could communicate with snakes and make them do whatever he wanted. I was fascinated and pestered him to teach me. He didn't want to at first, but he was a heavy drinker, so I stole wine from our cellar for him. Seeing I had a talent for it, he taught me the skill."

Liu Ling'er spun her tale with great flair. In reality, the "old man" was just her lecherous former master, but she didn't mind using him for this.

Baili Xian listened intently and commented, "Liu Ling'er, are you sure you learned it because of your innate talent, and not because you bribed that old man until he was too soft-hearted to refuse?"

"That’s not the point, is it!" Liu Ling'er slammed the table. "Baili Xian, are you just jealous? The facts are the facts. Believe it or not, I’m not forcing you, hmph!"

Watching Liu Ling'er turn away with a huff, leaving him with an angry back, Baili Xian was baffled. *What is going on? I only teased her once, why is she so angry? She’s not usually like this. Could she be having her monthly cycle?*

If she hadn't made a scene, she wouldn't have escaped his questioning so easily. If he had kept pressing, she might have slipped up.

Days passed, and Liu Ling'er spent her recovery in leisure. No one dared to trouble her, and she did as she pleased—teaching Xiao Shuangshuang martial arts, eating, and sleeping. The days drifted by.

One day, while walking in the garden after a meal, a figure darted from behind a tree. Although the person moved without sound, Liu Ling'er sensed them. Turning around, she discovered it was Chu Sheng, the Shadow Dragon Dual Swords.

Chu Sheng had been hiding in the cold palace, partly because the search for the assassin was still intense, and partly because his wounds had yet to heal. Now, with so many days gone, both Liu Ling'er and Chu Sheng were fully recovered, and the palace was no longer on such high alert. After thanking Ning Susu profusely, Chu Sheng had slipped out of the palace unnoticed.

His first destination was the Prince Xian manor to find Liu Ling'er. Looking at him, she asked, "Shadow Dragon, how did you get here? Did anyone in the manor notice you?"

As Eastern Chu’s top assassin, Chu Sheng came and went like a phantom. Unless he wanted to be seen, it wasn't easy for others to find him.

He shook his head and spoke slowly. "Princess Xian, have no fear. I am not a man of empty reputation. I came to the manor to see if my son had recovered, and there is one more thing I must ask of you."

"Oh? Speak freely." Liu Ling'er didn't discriminate against him for being an assassin; on the contrary, she admired him, which was why she had saved his son, Chu Xiaosheng.

Chu Sheng dropped to his knees. "I have come to pledge my loyalty to you. I wish to recognize you as my master and follow you forever. I am at your disposal."

A man’s knees are worth gold; Chu Sheng was clearly determined. Liu Ling'er hurried to help him up. "Chu Sheng, what are you doing? I have nothing to my name—wouldn't it be redundant for you to serve me?"

"No. My judgment of people is second to none. Although you appear ordinary now, I know you are anything but simple. My son is healthy now, and the life of an assassin no longer suits me." Chu Sheng’s analysis was quite sound.

Liu Ling'er had a headache. She couldn't easily arrange for him. "Chu Sheng, let's skip the 'master' part. I don't like forcing people to work for me. How about this: you take Xiaosheng back to the bamboo forest for now. When I have need of you, I will send for you. How does that sound?"

Chu Sheng nodded, agreeing to her proposal. The two went to see Chu Xiaosheng. Since his recovery, Liu Ling'er had used many medicines to nourish him, and he looked entirely different—nearly fifty percent heavier than when she first saw him, no longer the frail, spindly sprout he once was.

Even Chu Sheng hesitated to recognize his son at first, until the boy threw himself into his father’s arms, crying, "Father, I missed you so much!"