Li Xue at the Auction House (part-1)

But before those guards could even get close…

Roulan moved like a shadow, her palms striking out with force.

Bam! Bam!

Both attackers were flung back like broken dolls, slamming into the courtyard wall. They crumpled to the ground, groaning and motionless.

Her voice then followed, cold as a winter wind. "Young Master Li," she said with measured ice, "if you have a problem with Young Master Qin, take it up with the Patriarch. But as long as I'm here, you or your men cannot lay a hand on him."

Li Shimin, face burned and twisted in rage, could only glare from where he lay. A servant helped him up, his legs unsteady beneath him.

"You'll regret this!" he shouted hoarsely. "You'll pay for this, both of you!"

Qin Wei didn't even look back. His hands were clasped behind his back, eyes distant as he exhaled a deep breath.

As Li Shimin was dragged away, Roulan turned to Qin Wei, her expression unreadable but far from pleased.

"Young Master," she said flatly, "you were… quite bold. I just reminded you not to offend the Second Master. Knowing your position, was that really necessary?"

Qin Wei didn't hesitate. He replied to her face.

"I do a lot of things that make me seem like a scourge," he said calmly. "But I never bully people I consider my own. And I can't stomach people like those."

He turned his eyes to her, unwavering and clear.

"Anyone who treats their servants as tools will, in turn, be seen as nothing but a purse to be emptied. That's not loyalty—it's hollow control."

Roulan blinked, a flicker of something crossing her face. Surprise, perhaps. Or maybe something deeper she didn't want to acknowledge.

Qin Wei turned away, placing his hands behind his back once more. His voice came softly but firmly. "Let's go. Who's next?"

She watched his back for a long moment as if she were filled with thoughts.

Then she fell into step beside him.

Roughly two hours later, Qin Wei finally returned to his room. He tossed aside the ceremonial robe with a sigh and collapsed onto the edge of the bed, arms stretching above his head.

"Ugh… I swear, serving tea is more exhausting than running from assassins," he muttered, closing his eyes briefly. "Just how many aunts, uncles, and cousins does Li Xue have? It's like the entire clan's been breeding since the dynasty was founded…"

He rolled his neck and let out another sigh before sitting up and glancing toward Roulan, who stood quietly nearby, still ever the composed shadow.

"You know," he said casually, "I'm actually starting to feel grateful to your young miss for arranging that we move into a new house."

Roulan raised a brow, a touch wary. Before she could speak, Qin Wei added, shifting his gaze toward her: "You're coming with us, right? I don't think I can survive with you, both physically and emotionally."

Her expression flickered. "What… do you mean?" she asked, clearly caught off guard.

Qin Wei blinked, then chuckled as he realized her reaction.

"Hey, don't look at me like that," he said, waving his hand as if brushing away her suspicion. "I meant it practically. I've gotten used to having you around. It's better to take someone I trust to the new household than have my dear father-in-law assign another 'battle maid' who might try to poison my porridge."

Roulan's lips twitched, almost a smile, almost, but her eyes remained steady.

Before she could reply, Qin Wei tilted his head, studying her with an unreadable look. "Let me ask you something," he said, his tone turning a shade more serious. "Just hypothetically speaking, if you were officially assigned to protect me… and one day, let's say your young miss suddenly tried to beat me up or… kill me, what would you do?"

The room fell quiet.

Roulan blinked once, her brows drawing together faintly as she considered the question. But she didn't answer right away.

"Would you stand by and watch?" he continued, voice soft but with a sharp undertone. "Or would you protect me?"

A sudden tension filled the air.

Roulan blinked at his question, genuinely confused.

"Why would Young Miss ever try to kill you?" she asked, brows slightly furrowed.

Qin Wei lifted a hand and waved lazily in the air.

"I'm just saying. Hypothetically. Just… speaking in theory." His tone was light, but there was a trace of unease beneath it.

Roulan studied him quietly for a moment, then answered with calm logic.

"If you got beaten up, I'd assume you did something to deserve it," she said matter-of-factly. "As for getting killed…" She paused, then added, "Well, if the Patriarch has assigned me to protect you, then yes, I would at least make sure you don't die."

Her voice was even, but her words carried weight.

"Because if you do die, the Qin Clan and Li Clan would be at each other's throats. His Majesty himself might be displeased. That would be far more trouble than you're worth."

Qin Wei chuckled dryly, turning his head to the side, muttering under his breath. "Hmph. They don't care. Honestly, I think they'd all be thrilled to see me screwed over, maybe even more than you people."

Roulan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Hmm? What was that?"

"Nothing," Qin Wei said quickly, brushing it off.

A silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable, though. Just that there are no more topics to talk about.

Meanwhile, outside in the Beiling City;

Li Xue and her father, Li Yujin, arrived at the entrance of Beiling City Auction House.

The building stood like a gem amid the merchant district, its jade-inlaid pillars and embroidered banners catching the waning sunlight. Servants and guards flanked the gates, but parted immediately when they recognized the insignia on Li Yujin's robe.

Before entering, Li Yujin turned to his daughter.

"I'll leave you here for now," he said, his voice low. "Just be done with the business and return."

Li Xue gave a firm nod, although there was a faint discomfort on her face. "Yeah, I will."

Without another word, Li Yujin turned and departed down the marble steps, leaving her to enter the building.

Inside, the auction house was bustling.

Gilded lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm glow over rows of glass display cases.

Scribes scurried between podiums, announcing new bids and showcasing rare items.

The scent of polished wood and parchment mingled with incense in the air.

She was met quickly by a middle-aged woman in dark silk robes. Her demeanor was crisp and professional.

"Lady Xue," she said with a respectful bow, "I am Xi Zhi, the house manager. I was informed of your visit. You're here regarding the Weeping Guanyin, correct?"

"Yes," Li Xue replied, her tone cool but firm. "I want to know if it truly appeared here. If it is, I would like to take it with me."

Xi Zhi nodded. "It did. Please, follow me. I'll show you the holding chamber."

As they began to walk deeper into the auction house, past crowds of nobles, mercenaries, and cultivators browsing the wares, curious glances followed Li Xue. Her white robes and delicate phoenix hairpin were enough to draw attention, but it was her poise that held them away from approaching her.

They were just passing a display of spirit-bound weaponry when a voice called out.

"Li Xue?"

Li Xue paused mid-step. Her spine straightened subtly, and the edge of her jaw tightened. She turned slowly. "Hmm? You?"