Chapter 120: Retribution

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Chu Bing stealthily returned to the room that Xiao Tao had arranged for her. Not long after she got back, Old Zhao arrived.

Old Zhao wore a stern expression, casting a disdainful glance around Chu Bing’s living quarters before fixing his sharp eyes on her. “What were you doing at Third Young Master’s place today? Master values Third Young Master above all and never allows maids near him. If it weren’t for Eldest Young Master speaking up for you this time, you’d be dead for sure!”

Chu Bing was taken aback. “Why does Chancellor Li forbid maids from approaching Third Young Master?”

Old Zhao didn’t answer her question. Instead, he sat on the edge of her bed, eyes locked on her as he said, “I don’t know exactly why you’ve stayed by Eldest Young Master’s side, but since you’re with him, you need to at least know the rules and avoid causing trouble for him.”

Chu Bing’s heart skipped a beat. She recalled how silent and reserved Li Mohan was in front of Chancellor Li, and a pang of sadness welled up inside her.

Li Mohan was not Chancellor Li’s biological son and must always tread carefully. Yet, her reckless actions today might cause Chancellor Li to grow displeased with Li Mohan.

Seeing the faint regret in her expression, Old Zhao didn’t press further.

“Third Young Master is the legitimate son and has always been highly valued by Master. Before he marries, no concubines are allowed near him, so he’s especially sensitive about the maids around him. If you don’t want to die for no reason, it’s best to stay away from Third Young Master.”

Chu Bing hadn’t expected such reasoning.

Though surprised inwardly, she smiled brightly and replied, “Don’t worry, Uncle Zhao. I know my limits. I have no such thoughts about Third Young Master.”

She paused, then added coyly, “I’m Eldest Young Master’s maid, after all.”

Old Zhao immediately stood up. “Don’t get any silly ideas. I’m telling you, our Eldest Young Master would never take a fancy to you!”

Chu Bing looked at him innocently. “That’s not certain. I saved Eldest Young Master’s life; he might just develop feelings for me.”

Old Zhao was about to scold her for dreaming the impossible dream when he suddenly recalled Li Mohan’s ambiguous attitude toward Chu Bing. He found it awkward to continue.

Eldest Young Master… probably had already fallen for her!

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. Especially seeing Chu Bing’s cheerful face, he decided it was better to avoid the matter and turned to leave.

Chu Bing chased after him, waving at the door. “Uncle Zhao, come visit often!”

Old Zhao stumbled slightly, nearly falling.

After everyone left, Chu Bing’s smile faded as she sat down in a chair to think.

Chancellor Li watched Li Haoran so strictly. If she revealed that the military strategy book was hers, first, they might not believe her; second, even if they did, they might not allow her to stay by Li Haoran’s side.

Besides, revealing herself would expose her identity to many, inviting suspicion.

It wasn’t worth it.

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Chu Bing decided to complete her mission quietly: to train Li Haoran into a martial arts master while keeping her achievements hidden.

“Hmph, the host is far too confident,” the long-silent system finally spoke.

Chu Bing was moved to the brink of tears. “System, you’re finally paying attention to me. I thought you were going to give up on me!”

The system had no hopes left for this host. “If I didn’t have to spend a lot of time training a new host, I would have already destroyed yours for good.”

The voice was eerie, making Chu Bing nervous.

Quickly, she coaxed it, “Don’t be so stingy, System. I apologize for what happened before. Let’s just forget about it and focus on the mission, okay?”

“Will the host refrain from repeating last time’s behavior?”

“I won’t!” Chu Bing promised.

She wasn’t foolish. Li Mohan clearly didn’t trust her. Even if he liked her, it was limited. If she recklessly sacrificed herself, it would be a one-way trip.

Completing the mission was more practical—it at least meant survival.

Sensing Chu Bing’s secret calculations, the system nodded approvingly. “You’re not entirely hopeless. Since you’ve promised, I can trust you once more. But if you dare develop feelings for anyone again, I’d rather start over and never forgive you.”

“...Alright, alright! I know I was wrong. Let’s talk about the mission.”

Just thinking of Li Haoran gave Chu Bing a headache.

She was Li Mohan’s maid now but didn’t know how long Li Mohan would stay in this estate. If he left in a few days, her mission would be ruined.

She needed an excuse to stay.

“Host, these issues must be resolved by yourself. The help I can provide is limited to hard conditions. For example, if you want to train Li Haoran into a martial arts master, you must possess corresponding skills yourself.”

Chu Bing was stunned. What did the system mean? Was it going to provide some treasure?

Her spirits lifted immediately.

The system said, “Although you have internal power, you lack powerful techniques. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to give you a peerless manual containing the essence of martial arts from both East and West—the Nine-Nine True Classic!”

Chu Bing twitched her lips. “What kind of name is that? Sounds so outdated.”

“Don’t mind the details.”

Chu Bing thought that was true. The content mattered far more than the name.

If she could master the techniques in this book, perhaps the next time she met Li Yuxi, she could make that pervert suffer!

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The system chuckled but chose not to comment on this idea.

“System, where’s the book?”

“The book will be delivered as a red envelope. Host, please find it yourself.”

Chu Bing...

Was this a joke?

In this heavily guarded estate, patrolled every ten steps, where was she supposed to find a red envelope?

She feared she’d be stabbed to death before even finding the book!

“System, tell me, are you deliberately sabotaging me because of what happened last time?” Chu Bing gritted her teeth. There was no way this was a coincidence!

The book could have been transmitted directly, but instead, she had to search for some red envelope. Was this making things difficult for her?

“Congratulations, host, you’re finally thinking. Yes, I’m doing this on purpose. What are you going to do about it?”

Chu Bing wanted to hit someone.

But since the other party was a virtual entity without form, all she could do was grit her teeth and accept it.

She glanced at the sky outside. It was still bright, and going out now would risk capture.

Better to wait until nightfall, when the estate was quiet—perfect for getting things done.

Under the sparse moonlight, when the yard outside had fallen silent, Chu Bing concealed herself with a stealth array and cautiously stepped out.

She planned to search the estate for the red envelope and, while at it, check on Li Haoran.

Chu Bing sensed that Li Haoran’s demeanor had changed significantly today.

Using her memory, she headed to the daytime yard, where the security was even tighter, with soldiers everywhere. Fortunately, her array skills prevented her from being detected.

She tread carefully into the courtyard.

One room opposite the courtyard was especially large—likely Li Haoran’s room. Chu Bing approached, preparing to teleport inside, when she suddenly heard a woman’s voice from within.

“Third Young Master, all the arrangements are complete. When will you fulfill your promise?”