Chapter 120: Guo Xixi’s Open Secret

Chang’an Street was brightly lit, bustling with pedestrians even at night, the air filled with the clamorous noise of the crowd.

Suddenly, a window facing a narrow alley at a tavern shattered with a sharp “crack,” and a figure leapt out, landing gracefully on the ground. Immediately after, several more windows burst open with crisp sounds, though softer than before, as three to five figures jumped out in quick succession, landing on the dimly lit cobblestone street of the alley. As the last of them landed, the first figure had already begun to sprint forward, with the others closely following without pause.

Qin Cheng, accompanied by Wei Qing, Gongsun Ce, Xiao’er, and the Guo sisters, dashed swiftly through the alleyways. Their shoes squeaked softly against the stone pavement, their speed brisk yet controlled, avoiding heavy footfalls that might draw attention.

After weaving through several alleys, Qin Cheng realized he was utterly unfamiliar with the layout of Chang’an’s streets. Uncertain of the best route to evade any pursuers, he slowed his pace, allowing Wei Qing to take the lead.

After nearly twenty minutes of running, they emerged from an alley onto the banks of a small river flowing through the city. The group paused, blending seamlessly among ordinary pedestrians, strolling leisurely along the riverbank, finally able to catch their breath.

The Guo sisters and Xiao’er had not taken advantage of the chaos to escape during the run. Gongsun Ce, though puzzled by the situation, refrained from questioning Qin Cheng, instead instinctively positioning himself at the rear of the group. After the long sprint, Qin Cheng and Wei Qing showed no signs of exhaustion—they were soldiers at heart—while the others, despite being martial arts disciples, struggled to keep up.

“Brother Qin, what exactly is going on today?” Gongsun Ce caught up to Qin Cheng, panting heavily. As the group slowed, their sweat-soaked robes emitted faint wisps of steam in the cool night air. Fortunately, the darkness concealed the telltale signs from curious onlookers.

“These two sisters and I go way back,” Qin Cheng nodded toward Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi, explaining. The sisters had removed their black masks, exhaling deeply through their inviting lips. “If I’m not mistaken, Brother Gongsun, you might have spoiled their plans today.”

Qin Cheng’s words carried a playful tone as he glanced at the Guo sisters. Guo Dongdong blushed slightly, lowering her gaze.

“Plans?” Gongsun Ce recalled how the sisters had attempted to ambush Li Li from behind, only to miss when he pulled Li Li away. He had assumed Qin Cheng referred to that and responded with a knowing “Oh,” before wryly addressing the sisters: “You two are brave indeed, daring to kill on the streets of Chang’an!”

“My sister and I intended a covert assassination, but things didn’t turn out as planned…” Guo Xixi pouted, frustrated by Gongsun Ce’s underestimation of her intelligence.

“Xixi!” Guo Dongdong interrupted gently, then turned to Qin Cheng with a respectful bow. “Unexpected to meet General Qin here today and trouble you so. I hope you will forgive us.”

Qin Cheng smiled wryly. “On the contrary, it seems we spoiled your good plans. We should be the ones apologizing.”

Guo Dongdong looked momentarily embarrassed, then her expression stiffened as she caught the subtle warning in Qin Cheng’s words.

Qin Cheng was an official; Guo Dongdong, a killer. Yet now he was entangled in this assassination plot, unable to explain himself. This tangled mess left him with lingering doubts. The best way to clear his name would be to arrest the sisters and Xiao’er—thus both removing suspicion and earning merit.

However, when Qin Cheng recognized the sisters at the tavern earlier, he chose to flee with them immediately. If he had wished to sever ties, the best course would have been to collaborate with Gongsun Ce and Li Li to capture the three.

Understanding this, Guo Dongdong felt a surge of gratitude toward Qin Cheng, her emotions complex and difficult to express.

On the journey from Shanggu to Chang’an, the sisters and Qin Cheng’s group had been at odds—due to the sisters’ secretive nighttime movements.

Qin Cheng did not care to investigate their reasons or actions that night. He was too busy with military affairs and his own matters to concern himself with others.

Yet fate is capricious. Today’s incident unexpectedly tied their destinies together once more.

Fate is ultimately beyond human control.

By rescuing the Guo sisters in a roundabout way, Qin Cheng had brought upon himself trouble with no apparent benefit. Yet his decision had been swift—a reflection, perhaps, of his past life.

In some ways, in a previous life, Qin Cheng had also been a man of the martial world.

“Brother Qin, I never imagined meeting you today. My sister and I nearly hurt you earlier—we’re truly sorry… Luckily, this gentleman here intervened in time, sparing you injury. Otherwise, we’d feel terrible. Now you’ve saved us again; how can we ever thank you?” Guo Xixi voiced the gratitude reflected in Guo Dongdong’s eyes, bowing respectfully to Wei Qing as she spoke.

“It was a coincidence that Brother Wei, Brother Gongsun, and I happened to be drinking at the tavern and ran into you,” Qin Cheng said, glancing at Xiao’er, who stood silently apart, clutching her guqin. She had not spoken a word nor looked at the others, her gaze distant and calm as she followed quietly.

She had held the guqin since fleeing the tavern.

Perhaps she understood the entire situation best.

She knew the others were still confused about tonight’s events. Even the Guo sisters likely did not comprehend why she had sought to assassinate the elegant young gentleman instead of Li Li. According to their original plan, their target was Li Li, with little connection to the young man.

But Xiao’er clearly had no intention of explaining.

At the riverbank, Gongsun Ce glanced at her curiously. Yet, seeing only her profile, he felt unable to ask.

After walking along the river for a while, Guo Xixi suggested finding a teahouse to properly apologize to Qin Cheng and the others. Qin Cheng declined initially, but the sisters insisted, and sensing it would be rude to refuse again, he relented. They found a teahouse by the street and ordered some evening refreshments.

Guo Dongdong hesitated, wondering whether to explain the day’s events clearly to Qin Cheng. After all, he and his companions had been dragged into this mess. Though they escaped in the chaos, future trouble was uncertain. It seemed prudent to clarify matters.

Before she could speak, Guo Xixi took the lead, narrating the day’s events to Qin Cheng and the others. Yet she omitted the reasons for the assassination attempt and Xiao’er’s identity.

With her explanation, Wei Qing and Gongsun Ce finally grasped the sequence of events, though the identity of the young gentleman hosted by Li Li remained a mystery to them, and they did not dwell on it.

“You two ladies are indeed skilled and courageous. I’m truly impressed. To be honest, I also practice martial arts. I wonder if I might have the honor of sparring with you sometime?” Once his doubts were cleared, Gongsun Ce’s thoughts returned to his old passion, oblivious to how much his own prowess had contributed to the trouble Qin Cheng and Wei Qing faced today.

The Guo sisters, surprised by his remark, exchanged glances. Even Guo Xixi had to admire Gongsun Ce’s boldness, then smiled wryly. “If Brother Gongsun is willing, my sister and I would be happy to accompany you.”

“Excellent! That’s wonderful!” Gongsun Ce beamed, barely containing his excitement. “Are you both free now? There’s an open space at the street corner outside, perfect for letting loose. What do you think?”

The group nearly slid from their seats in surprise. Guo Xixi, having agreed so quickly, now felt awkward. They all thought: how much frustration must he be holding in to suggest this now?

“Brother Gongsun, it’s quite late, and everyone’s tired. Let’s save it for another day—when we’re all well rested and can perform at our best,” Qin Cheng interjected.

“Oh, I see…” Gongsun Ce’s face fell in disappointment. Mumbling softly, he ate his food quietly.

Clearly, he did not believe Qin Cheng’s polite excuse.

Qin Cheng’s words were meant to placate, but Gongsun Ce took them seriously.

The group exchanged helpless glances at his childish stubbornness.

“Since Brother Gongsun is so eager, how about tomorrow? My sister and I will look forward to your instruction,” Guo Xixi said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Guo Dongdong glanced at her, then at Qin Cheng, sighing inwardly.

This was as obvious as day—if Guo Dongdong knew this phrase, she’d think just that.

“Wonderful! Lady Guo is truly straightforward!” Gongsun Ce exclaimed, almost slapping the table in excitement. “Tomorrow it is! A gentleman’s word is his bond—Lady Guo mustn’t go back on it!”

Guo Xixi smiled sweetly. “No false words. Brother Qin and Brother Wei can vouch for me.”

“Good!” Qin Cheng inwardly chuckled. If tomorrow he didn’t join them, how could he possibly be a witness?

Guo Xixi intended to rope Qin Cheng in, hence her words.

Excited beyond control, Gongsun Ce and Guo Xixi arranged to meet again for martial arts practice the next day. Caught between the two parties and nudged by Guo Xixi’s subtle hints, Qin Cheng found himself dragged along.

Knowing that Liu Che was unlikely to summon him these days, Qin Cheng could only feel powerless at Gongsun Ce’s single-minded focus on sparring.

They sat a while longer, then, as night deepened, each went their separate ways.