2022-03-03 15:18:00:::
["If you don't terrify people about then what's the point."]
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"It was luck when my master found me, it was also luck when he discovered that I could go for greater heights. He passed away uneventfully, I remembered the sky crying with me. After that I entered a bad path, then found myself gathering myself and starting a business. Dabbling here and there, trying everything out. Dabbled with medicine, dabbled with cooking heck even dabbled on designing." Zhi Ruo laughed as she recalled, Ravel listened faithfully. Curious as to what his master's story was.
"I ended up being one of the richest people in the world. Kuh! Almost ended world hunger that one time! Yeah but that was harder than it looked. After that, I found out that their was some beasts lurking around. From lore and rumours and all, they were borne. I ended up wasting my remaining time cleaning all of them." Zhi Ruo fiddled with the cups engraving.
"And then, as I was resting in my office. The next thing I knew I was in this body." She poked on her sunken cheeks, Ravel pulls back her hand from bruising her own cheeks. "Funny thing is, we ended up with the same name and face. But this body wasn't as lucky as I." Zhi Ruo stood up and did a little twirl. "You see, she was abused and starved to death. In which at that point I took over this body."
"That is awful. Ah! I know what happens from the point when you opened your eyes here. The system showed it to me, it was almost like it cramped it up my brain." Ravel had handed some biscuits that was in a jar to Zhi Ruo. She took one and dipped it in the tea, a little habit she always does if it's hard biscuit.
"If I may ask, what does master planned to do with those men?" Ravel had gingerly poured another cup of tea for Zhi Ruo. Who had stuffed her face with those biscuits.
"If possible, I would like to create a network system. If their skills don't match up with lurking. Then I was planning on making them my guards." Zhi Ruo sipped delicately after gobbling up a plate of biscuits. "Say if possible, can you take care of where they can stay? Can't really let them stay at my place."
"Indeed, I can take care of them. Just leave it to me, as for the place where they can stay and train. Has master have any ideas?" Continuously Ravel refilled the cup and briefly asked Zhi Ruo.
"Can you really Ravel? That would be great actually. For the place they can stay, we can buy a manor." Zhi Ruo slapped a thick ass wad of cash on the table. " I got this money, and I have some more on the making." Ravel took the was of cash and put it in his pockets.
"Leave this to me, would master be teaching them?" Ravel, looked at Zhi Ruo. She giggled when Ravel pocketed the money.
"Yes if I have time, I'll teach them personally. But in order for that to happen I have to strengthen up for a bit, I'm currently on the first stage of cultivation. And I doubt they could use magic, nor could I teach them those." Zhi Ruo had made to point out at how weak she was, to which Ravel nodded in understanding.
"Ravel knows what I'm planning right? As to what my goal was?"
"I do."
"Ravel knows then it would be easier to explain what to do next. I'm planning on sabotaging the gambling business I visited a little while ago." Zhi Ruo had pointed by the window where a little peek of the gambling establishment can be seen. "Those are direct income of General Liu. Though it is under Liu Su Yang's clutches, it makes it a little more satisfying sabotaging that establishment."
"What does master wants to do? I would like to help if I'm needed"
"Oh, you'll be needed alright." Zhi Ruo played with her hair that was brittle as a hair can get without it falling off. "If it is possible, I would like for you to keep on checking as to where the mines are located. The ones where that gambling establishment gets its resources from."
"Oh! Master is planning on cutting the resources by either buying it or destroying said mine." Zhi Ruo almost spluttered the tea she was drinking when she heard what Ravel had said oh so innocently.
"That's about right."
"But is master certain if the mine is not General Liu's property? If it is it would be a problem." Ravel punted it out.
"Would it matter? If it's his and refuses to sell it then destroy it, isn't it what you said?" Zhi Ruo's fingers tapped on the table. " Though but would be a waste if such a mine would be destroyed, but if I happen to buy it, it would be useful yes. But in the end. Not really interested in running such a business." Zhi Ruo raised a finger. "Then there is an another factor that we gave to keep in mind. What if the General doesn't get those stones from one mine only?"
"Indeed if we destroy or buy those mines then the General and that Concubine would be suspicious. Oh! That's why master wants to have a network system! To know what the general is up to. Indeed gathering information is important." Ravel in the end summarized what Zhi Ruo was getting at.
Just as Zhi Ruo was about to agree to Ravel. A knock on the door resounded, Zhi Ruo nodded her head and Ravel went to open the door. The men that Zhi Ruo picked up is at least on a presentable appearance when they meet again for the second time. Save for the unshaved beard, unkept hair and thin arms.
"We are here master..." The man at the middle seems to be the spoke person for the rest of the semi-team. They all turned a curious glance at Ravel who was at the corner holding a platter with a ambient smile. Curious as to when the handsome man came from and why does if seem like the man is assessing them. They turn to look for Zhi Ruo for answers.
"Aa, this is Ravel Qualve Restmathure, My butler. Please excuse the late introduction." Zhi Ruo placed a smile, and said Ravel's name in a perfect english accent. At which threw off the seven men crowding the room. It was hilarious scene as the men tries to pronounce Ravel's name. "Just call him Ravel." Zhi Ruo waved her hand at the blubbering men.
Zhi Ruo took off her robe and handed it to Ravel. "Please wear this, and look for a suitable place for them." Which revealed the outfit of Zhi Ruo. Ravel calmly took the robe, bowed at Zhi Ruo and disappeared. The seven men had instinctively backed into a fighting stance. In response Zhi Ruo raised her hand to stop them. "Be at ease men, he was just going out." She grabbed one of the chicken buckets, and handed it to the man nearest to her.
"In the mean time, why don't you guys sit around here and eat. Lest we shall talk as you feast." Zhi Ruo's sunken cheeks made the smile on her face look pitiable, and them men couldn't help but hand the tantalizing food back to Zhi Ruo's hands. "Worry not of me, I handed these food to all of you hoping that you all would it eat. I do not want the food I gave to you all just be handed back to me." She pulled out a crispy chicken leg and shoved it into the mouth of a bucket owner.
"Instead why don't you all enjoy this food I gave. This could be the first time in a while that you have eaten to your full." As the worlds left Zhi Ruo's mouth, they all had begun eating. "If you want more I have an extra bucket here." Zhi Ruo took one of a chicken drumstick before pushing the rest to the starving men. Zhi Ruo had chuckled when they stole glances at her.
It was apparent that they were curious, the rumoured first Xiaojie of the Liu's who was said to be a useless and uneducated miss. Was actually such a eloquent speaker. The miss who was said to have no one to lean on actually have such a capable butler. The miss who was said to be dirt poor could afford to effortlessly toss money. The miss that they said was trash actually took out 10 people who has reached the first stage of cultivation. The men were curious, but in their hearts Zhi Ruo was the person who had extended a helping hand to them who was on a brink of death.
She was the one who clothed them and fed them delicious food. The seed of loyalty was already planted deep into their hearts. It just goes to say, never trust the rumors. So as long as Zhi Ruo was their master, they would never question her.
"So, what are your names? Also pray tell. How did you men end up in that situation?" Zhi Ruo had took a bite of the chicken she had in her mouth. Asking about how they ended up in that state. The one on the middle shrugged his shoulders before swallowing a piece.
"I'm Han Meng. " The spoke person of the bunch pointed at himself. "To say how were got it into that situation is a long story at that. But I can tell that you want to hear our side." Zhi Ruo modded at Han Meng. Finishing her own piece of chicken.
"Im...Im Peng Shui" finally the person that wanted to eat the soap earlier muttered quietly. "I'm the oldest here. We... we are from the South. The neighboring kingdom..." Peng Shui tossed the bone back into the bucket. "Well, funny story actually. You see we were commanded to storm Guan Wei." He pointed in the ground.
"Hmm yeah that didn't go too well." The man beside Han Meng muttered "I'm Xiong Shi, greetings Master." He cupped his hands towards Zhi Ruo to which she nodded. "We were the branch scout's team, our primary tasked was supposed to infiltrate the capital. But before we could re-connect to the main team...."
"They cut as off.... By betraying us, well it wasn't really betraying us. But more like they were to throwing us away." Another man shrugged off handedly. Peng Shui sighed as he tossed a look at the man "greetings, I'm Ma Shu" said man introduced himself to Zhi Ruo. "Well anyway's our branch was turning into a thorn in their side apparently. And well I supposed that it was our Time eventually."
"Eventually?" Zhi Ruo repeated the word.
"En, it had been 5 years since we joined that team. And every 5 years they have to cut off a branch. We were supposed to go out 2 years ago. But I guess we contributed too much for us to just die like that." He played with the bone before tossing it into the bucket. "I'm Rey Si, Greetings." He sighed, " I guess some were still complaining about our standing."
"Damn right they are, they were still pushing that new batch to replace us even after we were about to leave for the mission." Peng Shui rolled his eyes. "They were cursing us to die it was apparent." He touched the fabric of his clothes. "Oh hey, this is really soft." He muttered in surprise. Han Meng puts a hand on Peng Shui's face and dragged him back to his seat.
"Well, I guess they found a way to get rid of us through this way." Someone pipped from the back. "I'm Reed He, greetings to master." He cupped his hands and greeted Zhi Ruo. "We were left with the wrong information, led by a command to end our lives, and somehow survived." He smiled at Zhi Ruo, his grin peeked from underneath his beard.
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-Scarlett
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Latest Chapter
[Telltale]
[Qiao Liwei Auction house]Zhi Ruo gracefully accepted the outstretched hand offered by Ravel, who was dressed in his servant clothes. The only difference was, he had taken upon himself to don a white mask with no holes for the eyes nose and mouth. Stepping down from the carriage they had taken from the opulent mansion after their— quote on quote "satisfying lunch", she found Yuan Chuanli awaiting their arrival. As he had went out before her.His imposing figure stood tall, the clan's emblem prominently displayed on his back, drawing curious gazes from onlookers nearby. Both the participants of the auction and the bystanders that had nothing else to do but waut outside the auction house to try and take a good look of the rarely seem rich people.Zhi Ruo stepped beside Yuan Chuanli with a similar robe on her shoulders, adorning the Ye clan symbol of a similar fashion. She didn't mind the stares that was aimed at her, because in the first place, she didn't want to hide, nor cared to hid
[The Mansion]
With a brisk and determined pace, one that Yuan Chuanli grew to familiarize, Zhi Ruo arrived at the mansion she knew so well. Well, as much you can know from the daily reports of your butler that is. As she stepped inside, she couldn't help but notice the striking metamorphosis that had taken place. The familiar building and grounds remained, yet the ambiance and energy of the house had undergone a remarkable transformation. As Zhi Ruo led the way, Yuan Chuanli quietly followed, his initial grumbling fading away. Their path unveiled a street of lavish grandeur, unmistakably tailored for the privileged few who could afford such opulence. Yuan Chuanli couldn't help but entertain the thought that Zhi Ruo had led them astray. However, any words that formed on his lips died as his tongue was suddenly glued to the top of his mouth, he observed Zhi Ruo confidently and nonchalantly enter one of the most expansive estates.
[The Maid's Incompetence]
Yuan Chuanli stretched his hands upwards his shoulders popping in the motion, his face sported a refreshed look of satisfaction as he went out of the building with light steps. Obviously in a good mood. In the far distance, he could see Zhi Ruo's figure as she talked with her butler. He could not see Zhi Ruo's expression, but he certainly can see Ravel's.Without wasting anytime, he made his way towards the two with a look of inquiry. "The auction will start around one in the afternoon, it's still daytime and we haven't even gotten our lunch yet. What does the young miss intend to do?" Yuan Chuanli folded his hands underneath his clothes as he walked towards the duo.Upon hearing Yuan Chuanli, Ravel nodded his head. "Deciple Yuan Chuanli is right young miss, it would be advisable to eat before we attend the auction." Like a responsible servant, Ravel suggested to follow Yuan Chuanli's words. The two looked at Zhi Ruo's mask,
[Tassle]
The servant with the tassle smiled upon hearing Zhi Ruo's words, it was a tight lipped smile, as if she was saying that she knew something Zhi Ruo didn't. "It was the head that gave the order to give this to the young miss. I am to inform you that the resources that you chose and won from the tournament, along with the deed of the training ground, the plaque of the noble title, and the merit points, are inside the plaque in your hands."The servant's hands motioned for the rest of the servants in the room to line up at the sides, earning Yuan Chuanli's silent gaze. Zhi Ruo raised her brows upon hearing the servant's words, she then tied the plaque in the insides of her robe after shooting a nod towards the servant with a tassle."The head has had the heiress plaque be customize so that it can store storage now. The patriarch advices the young miss to not lose the plaque because it has now become more valuable than a mansion in the capital." The
[She's the heir]
Yuan Chuanli raised his hands and clenched on thin air as if he was clawing the clear sky above him, his face was red with unconcealed rage, and he looked close to launching himself towards Zhi Ruo. Who, even without showing the expression on her face because of her mask, still manage to annoy him to no end.Yuan Chuanli quickly realized that pretenses were useless in front of the person who is like Zhi Ruo. Because regardless of how you act in front of her her, in the end, if she is in the mood, you would be left coughing up blood in rage. Yuan Chuanli wasn't called 'boy genius ' for nothing, as he learned fast. And Yuan Chuanli learned to stop trying to control his emotions in front of Zhi Ruo, because Zhi Ruo wouldn't care if he broke his 'boy genius' façade anyways. The boy genius cannot help but feel rather offended of this somehow.But before he could do anything drastic, a woman greeted Yuan Chuanli
[Curious]
"Interesting people you say..." The owner echoed Alberu's words. The side of her lips pulled up in a quirk. A flash of uncertainty crossed her eyes looking at the representative of the Liu clan being led by her staff. 'Those guys are pretty bold to come inside without any disguises, are they not afraid of others spreading rumours? It's already bad enough that General Liu is already rumoured to have taken a bad turn in terms of his health. Now his people are coming in so brazenly. How careless, to think they even displayed their logo so proudly on their chests.' Yang Meixiang closed her fan, and tapped it gently on her palm, her thoughts were full of dissatisfaction towards the representatives of the Liu clan. Full of judgement she may have, but she could not voice these thoughts aloud.'Its also very unusual for his two concubine borne daughters to not appear in the socialite circles. In most cases, in big auctions like these, they are usually the first in line to book a private roo
[Information]
As if he doesn't know what was running through Yang Meixiang's head, Alberu turned his head and was heading straight towards the seat that was meant for the owner of the room. Which mind you, wasn't him.The owner could not help but break her expression upon seeing Alberu's audacity. It was clear to her that the masked man never put her in his eyes. But she could only open and close her mouth, knowing that she cannot afford to step on the toes of this young man. The fan on her hand fluttered quickly for a split second before Yang Meixiang chose to quietly regain her bearings. "Indeed I am busy these days..." The masked man crossed his legs as he made himself comfortable in Yang Meixiang's seat. "I hear you sell information?" He promptly changed the topic, his head tilting towards Yang Meixiang's direction. Even without seeing his eyes, Yang Meixiang knew that the young master wasn't in the mood for joking or beating around
[The Auction House]
Zhi Ruo rolled her eyes. "Quit yapping you brat, and just follow me." The young miss went inside first, before Yuan Chuanli sighed behind her and followed her lead. Behind the boy genius, Ravel followed calmly carrying Zhi Ruo's luggage. Inside, Zhi Ruo adjusted the container of Zhōngguó, and faced Yuan Chuanli unflappable façade. Before scoffing after seeing that the boy genius wasn't as unflappable as he wanted to be seen in Zhi Ruo's eyes. The vehicle started moving as soon as everyone was seated, Ravel who had already been instructed as to what to do, took over as the driver of the vehicle. And slowly, they departed from the Sighted Valley safely. The journey would take about 6 hours under Zhi Ruo's estimation given the speed that they were going, it was enough to catch up with the auction, so Zhi Ruo let Ravel do his thing and instead focused on Yuan Chuanli.
[Where Are We Going Exactly?]
It has already been day since the talk with Yuan Chuanli. And unfortunately for the young genius, Zhi Ruo saw through her words efficiently and without any waste of time. Because not even an hour later, Yuan Chuanli who was enjoying his alone time in his 'own' pavilion, directly received a scroll from Ravel. And again without him noticing that damn butler's presence ;Or so he grumbles under his breath. He was torn in between considering Ravel's actions, rude, or considerate, because the moment he handed the scroll to him (without even a greeting) the butler had disappeared instantly without a word. The young genius was certainly glad he didn't have to spend time with idle chatter (as his etiquette calls him to do) and fake pleasantries, but he won't deny that Ravel's appearance 'who was without greetings' irked him a bit. Well, not really a bit. Yuan Chuanli just find it beneath him to get
