Suddenly, Feng Qi was startled. He had been so distracted that he had failed to notice Tian Ming's approach. The moment he realized it, Feng Qi took two steps back and instinctively assumed a defensive stance.
"Those are dangerous looks..." Tian Ming remarked lightly. "Miss Bai Lan, I truly didn't expect you to be having an affair with your guard."
A faint smile appeared on Tian Ming's face as he approached Bai Lan, his gaze fixed on her as he waited for a response. It was obvious that Feng Qi's frequent touches with Bai Lan had deeply displeased him.
"An affair? Are you insane?" Bai Lan snapped. "He is a close friend, just like Luo Zixuan. Don't talk nonsense."
Her voice was firm, but inwardly, she was shaken by Tian Ming's sudden accusation.
"He doesn't look like someone who sees you as merely a friend," Tian Ming said, turning his attention to Feng Qi.
He stepped closer, carefully examining every detail of the young man before him.
Feng Qi remained firm. He straightened his back and raised his chin. Despite everything, he did not fear this man.
"Tell me," Tian Ming asked calmly, "do you have feelings for your young mistress?"
"I was betrayed by the woman I loved about a month ago." Feng Qi sighed before continuing, his voice loud and clear. "After such a disappointment, I have no intention of becoming interested in another woman anytime soon."
"Oh?" Tian Ming raised an eyebrow. "What a surprise. My condolences."
His gaze then darkened.
"Even so, it bothers me. I've tried countless ways to get close to Miss Bai Lan, yet she has never even allowed me to touch her hand. And you..." He stared deeply into Feng Qi's eyes. "You touch her so freely... It irritates me. Very much."
Feng Qi did not retreat. He felt no fear.
Killing this man right here would not be impossible. However, the real problem was the Tian Family. For now, he would have to endure this humiliation.
It reminded him of how he had restrained himself when dealing with Lin Tianhao.
Although he was anxious and impatient, Feng Qi understood that recklessness would only bring misfortune. His strength was still insufficient.
"I apologize if I offended you," Feng Qi said, lowering his head and bowing slightly.
Tian Ming was momentarily surprised by his reaction.
Bai Lan, however, was the one who became furious.
"A guard of the Bai Family never bows—not even to the heavens!" she shouted.
She hurried to Feng Qi's side and reprimanded him for his actions. Feng Qi merely stared at her in surprise, unsure of how to react.
It was all an act.
Pretending to be weak in order to devour the tiger.
Because of this, Tian Ming lost interest in continuing to intimidate the guard.
With an indifferent gesture, he walked toward the far end of the garden and gazed into the distance, where the silhouette of Qingyao stretched across the horizon. The Tian Family's residence was located on the outskirts of the city.
"Do you see all of this?" Tian Ming said quietly. "One day, all of it could be destroyed. I often think about time... Nothing lasts along the endless River of Time. Everything changes, grows old, crumbles, and disappears."
"The Chenyang Empire has existed for countless years. The Imperial Dynasty has dragged on for centuries. I believe its end is near. The day of tribulation will come, and when it does, everyone connected to it—its allies and sympathizers—will naturally perish alongside the Empire."
His eyes followed the pure clouds in the sky as they slowly changed, dispersed, merged, and formed new shapes, until nothing remained the same.
"The world is like the clouds—always changing."
He turned toward Bai Lan.
"Miss Bai, I invite you and your esteemed father to abandon the idea of supporting the Imperial Court. I am not asking you to confront it directly. I am merely asking you to support us when the time comes."
"Until then, you can continue living as you normally would. If there are informants among the Tian and Han Families, let them continue providing information to the Imperial Court... and strike when they least expect it."
Tian Ming plucked a flower, crushed it in his hand, and let it fall to the ground.
"The entire Chenyang Empire will perish."
Bai Lan was horrified by his words.
Even so, she understood part of what he was saying. The times had changed, and adapting to a New Era meant abandoning the past.
Yet her father might not accept it—and if the Bai Family agreed, they would be the first to be executed under Imperial Law.
"I know what you're thinking," Tian Ming continued calmly. "You don't need to worry. Simply give half of the city's finances to us, and we can put all our rivalry aside."
Bai Lan's heart pounded.
This had never been her intention. She had not expected matters to become so complicated. Any decision would require her father's approval—and she knew he would never allow it.
Yet deep down, she felt tempted.
Not by wealth or resources, but by the possibility of having two paths to survival.
"I don't trust you," she said quietly.
"I don't trust you either," Tian Ming replied. "But I can imagine why you're hesitating. You want a way to participate without being held responsible."
They stood facing each other in silence.
A bead of sweat slid down Bai Lan's cheek as Tian Ming continued staring at her with a cold expression.
"Lord Tian Ming," Bai Lan finally said, "I came here only to obtain an honest answer regarding your alliance with the Han Family. If both of your families use your strength to create chaos within the city, the governor will be forced to use everything at his disposal to maintain order."
She lowered her head, her gaze fixed on the ground, sadness evident in her eyes.
There was no escape.
Trusting these people was like offering her neck to executioners. Even if the Imperial Court was threatened, there was no easy way out.
At best, surviving this tribulation meant either fleeing to another region—or aligning with both families.
"Why do you believe we would be the ones to cause chaos?" Tian Ming countered. "Look at our servants, our household. The people love the Tian Family. Despite our authority and wealth, we do not oppress the weak. This city still maintains a semblance of order because of us."
Bai Lan let out a soft laugh, raising a hand to hide her smile.
Tian Ming was not surprised and continued to look at her calmly.
"Forgive me," she said. "But hearing that from the ones who control the Black Market sounds rather amusing."
"Laugh all you want," Tian Ming replied. "The Black Market you speak of forbids the sale of slaves and other races. We maintain an open and fair market, far removed from true depravity."
Listening to their exchange, Feng Qi gradually understood everyone's position.
There was no good or evil—only interests.
In truth, the Bai Family feared losing their authority and wealth. Justice had nothing to do with it.
The same was true for all clans and sects.
Strangely, Feng Qi felt a sense of relief.
To be precise, it was freedom from guilt.
In the end, this was the law of life—no one was exempt, not even him.
"Lord Tian Ming," Bai Lan said after a pause, "I truly wish to cooperate with your family in sincerity. We can divide half of the finances with you and even provide additional resources and privileges—if you promise a partial alliance with us."
"A partial alliance?" Tian Ming laughed. "And what exactly do you offer us?"
Bai Lan lowered her head once more, calculating carefully.
If the Northern forces truly had influence over the Chenyang Empire—and if both the Tian and Han Families were aligned with them—then resistance would be futile.
Survival demanded a strong alliance.
"If what you say about the Northern forces is true," she said, "then I'm willing to accept your proposal—on one condition."
"Speak."
She let out a deep sigh before continuing.
"I want protection in case the Empire launches a counterattack," she said with complete sincerity.
Tian Ming remained serious, though he was no longer as indifferent as before.
"Very well. There's no need for proof. Let things follow their natural course. You are the Minister of External Relations of the city—you hold authority. Tell your father that we will take half of everything Qingyao produces. In return, we guarantee your family's safety and provide you with an ally to rely upon."
Bai Lan clearly did not believe him.
It was almost certain that everything he said was a lie.
But... what if it wasn't?
Recently, many laws had been revoked, and the Imperial Decrees themselves carried subtle changes in wording and intent—as though influenced by unseen forces. Even her father had commented on it weeks earlier.
If all of this were truly real, then every one of these lands—indeed, the entire Southern Region—would undergo grotesque changes, reduced to a mere vassal state, existing only to nourish the Northern Region.
The Northeast and Southeast Regions were already nothing more than vassal states.
Who could guarantee that the Northern Region had not finally set foot in the South?
That was what Bai Lan feared most.
These people were ruthless, cruel, utterly merciless. Once caught in their grasp, escape would be impossible.
Even the great powers of the Southern Region were regarded as nothing more than barbarians by the North.
That was how the South was labeled—
The Barbarian Region.
"I also wish to demand the understanding of the Han Family—"
Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Young Master Tian.
"The Han Family is another matter entirely. Our alliance with them is not as solid as you believe. To be honest, it is far easier for us to coexist peacefully than to walk the same path as the Han Family," he said calmly.
"What? Wait—I thought you had reached an agreement. Our informants—"
The beautiful young woman stopped herself abruptly, realizing she had revealed something she should not have.
"Why do you think I called you here?" Tian Ming replied indifferently. "And don't worry about your spies within my family. We already know where they are."
Feng Qi listened attentively, committing every word to memory.
He intended to take advantage of this situation.
And now, openly and without the slightest hesitation, Bai Lan had traded the city and the Empire for the safety of her family.
He did not judge her.
In her place, he would have done the same.
Still, the sudden turn of events caught him off guard.
"So this is how betrayal is born..." he thought.
"Very well. Then we are in agreement. My father may not approve of this, but knowing him, I am certain he will change his mind the moment the Northern Region is mentioned."
A trace of sadness appeared in Bai Lan's eyes. She was visibly shaken, her gaze lowered.
"If he refuses, I will try to persuade him."
Seeing this, Tian Ming dismissed her. He had many matters to attend to.
However, before leaving, he cast a cold glance toward Feng Qi.
"He really does like you, Young Lady," Feng Qi said mockingly.
"I have a headache! Stop bothering me!"
Without a second thought for her own safety, Bai Lan turned and left. Her two guards hurried after her.
As they departed, Feng Qi caught sight of a familiar silhouette out of the corner of his eye.
When he paused to look more closely, he recognized the figure—
Feng Shidao.
His grandfather.
"Why is that damned old man here?" he muttered.
"Hey!"
A voice suddenly called out—it was Luo Zixuan.
"Hurry up!"
Feng Qi ignored his grandfather's presence, yet a bitter taste lingered in his mouth.
If those people discovered him, trouble would surely follow.
He lowered his head, concealing his face as best he could.
Bai Lan left the main hall in silence, still burdened by the weight of her profound conversation with Tian Ming. His words echoed endlessly in her mind, like slow waves that refused to dissipate.
As she approached the grand gates of the Tian Family, her posture remained composed, yet her heart was far from calm.
Before she could cross into the outer courtyard, a presence blocked her path.
"Han Yucheng..."
Her tone was icy.
She preferred to keep her distance from this man and his family. If there were any way for the Bai Family to take part in this scheme without the involvement of the Han Family, everything would proceed far more smoothly—without worry or needless headaches.
Dressed in refined robes embroidered with the emblem of the Han Family, Han Yucheng stood there with a restrained smile—too elegant to be warm, too rigid to be casual.
His eyes, however, betrayed the turbulence hidden beneath his composed façade.
From the moment he had seen Bai Lan beside Feng Qi, watching him touch her whenever possible, something within him had grown dangerously unstable.
"Bai Lan," he called softly, his voice carrying an intimacy that had never been granted permission to exist.
For a brief moment, Han Yucheng's gaze shifted toward the guard named Zhao Long.
Memories of hands touching Bai Lan with casual familiarity—again and again, without restraint—caused his jaw to tighten.
His fist slowly clenched, though the smile still lingered on his lips.
To him, this was no trivial gesture, but a silent provocation.
The Han Family possessed power equal to that of the Tian Family. Han Yucheng had grown up knowing this, just as he had grown up harboring feelings for Bai Lan—feelings that were never returned in the way he desired.
Politics no longer mattered to him.
That might have been the excuse used by those who manipulated him, but in his heart, there was only one woman.
Bai Lan.
Seeing Feng Qi so close to her felt like an invisible blade pressing against his pride.
Meanwhile, Feng Qi remained alert.
His calm expression concealed the unease spreading through his chest. This place was not safe.
The mere possibility of the Feng Clan discovering his presence caused his body to shift subtly, almost imperceptibly.
Being within the Tian Family's territory was already dangerous; prolonging the situation—especially under Han Yucheng's gaze—made everything far more precarious.
The air grew heavy.
Between the gates of the Tian Family, unspoken emotions, latent rivalries, and intricate power games intertwined.
What seemed like a casual encounter was merely the harbinger of far greater conflicts to come.
At that moment, Bai Lan imagined the worst.
Han Yucheng—the man who had relentlessly harassed her with marriage proposals.
Suddenly, many eyes turned toward Bai Lan.
A heavy pressure fell upon Feng Qi as well.
His gaze darkened as he noticed members of the Feng Clan among the onlookers.
He feared the worst.
"My delicate and beautiful Bai Lan... how are you on such a wonderful day?"
Han Yucheng stepped forward to greet her.
Unlike Tian Ming, this man was much shorter. His long hair was tied into a ponytail that fell to his shoulders.
Despite his extravagant clothing, he lacked charisma, often behaving like an eccentric madman. Many regarded him as a nuisance—someone difficult to even hold a conversation with.
"What do you want?"
Bai Lan's voice was frigid. She wished to keep as much distance as possible from him and his family.
"My dear, don't be like that. After all, we are engaged. I have already spoken with your father—"
Before he could finish, Bai Lan laid everything bare.
"My father approved nothing! And even if he did, I would rather be disowned than suffer such humiliation!"
Her hands clenched tightly as she stared at her detestable admirer.
"I have already spoken with Tian Ming. Everything is settled now. There is no need to continue this nonsense."
"I love you regardless of what my relatives say," Han Yucheng replied earnestly. "I don't care about what they hide beneath the surface. I follow only the will of my heart. Bai Lan, please accept my proposal. Become my future wife."
"You must be insane if you think I would accept such a proposal. I have no interest in you or your family."
Though her words were firm, Bai Lan felt intimidated. Her chest tightened whenever she remembered how persistent this man was.
"Miss Bai, this is for the good of both families, for the city, and for the new order that will descend upon the Southern Region," he continued. "We could even come to love each other in time. Why make something so simple so difficult? Am I truly that unappealing to you?"
His head lowered slightly, his expression tinged with sorrow.
"I overheard your conversation."
"So what do you want?!" Bai Lan had lost all patience. Her head was throbbing violently, and no matter what he said, it was nothing more than meaningless nonsense.
In truth, many eyes had been watching Bai Lan's conversation with Tian Ming.
The Han Family was among them.
Han Yucheng had clearly observed Zhao Long's actions, and it had fueled his fury. He was genuinely obsessed with Bai Lan. Seeing her being courted by other men drove him mad.
And Feng Qi was the one he had finally decided to target.
"My dear young lady, why the impatience?" Han Yucheng said, casting a glance at Zhao Long. "We are allies now. You should hold me in higher regard. I heard that Tian Ming told you that you were having an affair with your guard... Is that true?"
His smile abruptly disappeared, replaced by a dark frown.
"Tian Ming? Were you spying on our conversation?" Bai Lan shot back. "How disrespectful! And now you intend to continue this madness? Where do you get the right to interfere in my personal life? I owe you nothing!"
"Miss Bai, what would the people of the city think if they saw a member of the Bai Family involved with a mere guard?" Han Yucheng replied calmly, though his eyes remained fixed on Zhao Long. "Your family's reputation would be ruined, and your father's authority could be shaken."
Meanwhile, Feng Qi feared the gazes surrounding him.
Among them were members of the Feng Clan.
It would only be a matter of time before they recognized him.
"That filthy worm... Some people really do seek their own death..."
Killing intent slowly emerged in Feng Qi's eyes.
His fist clenched, his breathing deepening as though he were ready to strike at any moment.
"Where did you hear that I was having an affair with my guard?!" Bai Lan shouted. "Bring that bastard before me, and I'll teach him a lesson! Han Yucheng, don't cause trouble. We can act with civility, but let me warn you: the Bai Family will not tolerate this insult!"
One step.
Then another.
Bai Lan straightened her back, raised her chin, and looked Han Yucheng directly in the eyes.
She was no longer speaking as the city's Minister of External Relations, but as the Governor's daughter.
Although the Bai Family was not the most powerful, it still possessed the authority of the Imperial Court.
"I understand, Young Lady... but I believe you should keep your guard in the proper place," Han Yucheng said coldly. "After all, you are a pure woman—"
"What does that have to do with you?!"
The conversation, which had begun amicably, gradually grew darker, attracting more and more attention.
Among the spectators, someone recognized one of the guards.
"Feng Qi?!"