A Psychiatrist's Bizarre Game Journey / Dream of the Mist

"So what brings you to the capital? Are you here to participate in the capital's grand competition as well?"

Zhou Ke'er dusted herself off, looked around the courtyard, and asked Huangfu Song in a tone that suggested she knew him very well.

"The Grand Competition in the Capital? Oh..."

Huangfu Song paused for a moment, then smiled and shook his head: "No, there would be no point in me going to participate in the capital's grand competition. I came to the capital this time... for the ancient tomb. Haven't you heard the rumors circulating in the martial arts world lately?"

"What rumor?"

After Zhou Ke'er finished looking around the courtyard, she was disappointed to find that Huangfu Song didn't actually have a mistress. She had thought that this guy was similar to Chu Liuxiang in character—oh no, he might be even worse, with a bunch of courtyards under his name, giving one to each of his female confidantes. Yay!

"Well... I really suspect that you suddenly appeared out of some deep mountain forest. Or perhaps you are a pampered young lady who is ignorant of the ways of the world."

Huangfu Song shook his head helplessly and amusedly, "No wonder they dared to cause trouble for the Prince of Zhenbei's men, they didn't know anything after all."

"What are you saying! So, if you see an evil person doing evil, and that evil person has power and influence, wouldn't you stop them?!"

Zhou Ke'er deliberately showed a disdainful look and retorted confidently, acting as if she were a very righteous and morally exemplary person.

"Well... what you said is quite right. On the contrary, what I said just now was unreasonable. Please forgive me."

Huangfu Song was taken aback by Zhou Ke'er's words. He looked at her with slight interest, but still continued to advise, "However, it is indeed necessary to consider the means to be used in the plan based on the other party's background and strength. Otherwise, we will always put ourselves in danger, won't we?"

Isn't that obvious? If she hadn't been unaware of how strong that mysterious woman was, Zhou Ke'er would have already made a run for it.

And another thing... what are we even doing here? Are we just here to impart our life lessons? Men who love to preach are the greasiest, you bastard!

Zhou Ke'er was inwardly cursing, but on her face she still wore an innocent expression and replied perfunctorily, "Yes, that's right, you're right. Um... by the way, what do you want with me here?"

"No. I originally thought you were a member of the imperial court, and I was even thinking of using the information about the Prince of Zhenbei's collusion with the Demonic Sect to exchange with you, hoping you could do me a small favor. I didn't expect that I had made a mistake."

Huangfu Song shook his head helplessly. "If you want to leave now, then you may. If you wish to stay here and avoid trouble, you are also welcome to do so."

"Oh, I see. However, although I have no connection with the imperial court, I am quite interested in what you've said about the Prince of Zhenbei colluding with the Demonic Sect. And... I might be able to help you with what you want to do."

Zhou Ke'er deliberately feigned a look of sudden realization, crossed one arm over her chest, and stroked her chin with the other as if she were thinking seriously. Then, she said in a serious tone, "We can still do this deal."

"Oh? But the matter I need help with cannot be done by anyone who isn't a member of the imperial court."

Huangfu Song looked troubled—this guy was obviously a cunning old fox. He had already decided that Zhou Ke'er was definitely a person of the court, and now he was making a big deal out of Zhou Ke'er's previous denial of her identity and making things difficult for her.

However, as long as you have no shame, this kind of trivial matter is not a big deal at all, okay?

"Oh, in that case, I am now an official of the imperial court. So, shall we proceed with the transaction?"

Zhou Ke'er casually remarked without a care in the world, showing no remorse whatsoever even if she went back on her word on the spot.

"This...the young lady just said she wasn't affiliated with the imperial court..."

Huangfu Song looked troubled.

Very well, this guy is definitely someone who appears to be a gentleman on the surface, but actually keeps a secret in his mind. Once he's written down a name, he's not going to let it go so easily; he's a vengeful person.

However, before he could finish speaking, Zhou Ke'er interrupted him.

"Hey, how can you slander me out of thin air? I just said it's none of your business and I didn't want to tell you, how did that become me saying I'm not a member of the imperial court!"

Zhou Ke'er looked annoyed, casually pulled out the token from her belt, and waved it at Huangfu Song: "Now you should believe me, right? This is the token of the Prince of Yan's Guard!"

"..."

Huangfu Song was speechless and stunned. He really didn't expect Zhou Ke'er to be such a shameless person. It was unbelievable that there was such a strange woman in the world.

"Well... alright. In that case, the deal can proceed."

After a while, Zhou Ke'er was getting impatient, and Huangfu Song finally nodded helplessly.

## Chapter 303, Section 298: The Grand Imperial Examination (Thirteen)

"uh-huh..."

Zhou Ke'er raised her eyebrows almost imperceptibly.

It has to be said that Huangfu Song's attitude was really strange. At first, rescuing Zhou Ke'er from that woman could be considered an act of bravery—even though Zhou Ke'er's appearance clearly ruined his "plan" just now.

But even if he has the best temper, it's impossible for him to be so kind to someone who has ruined his plans and only survived because of his rescue, yet shows no gratitude or remorse.

Even a clay figure has some temper. It's impossible that just because Huangfu Song is a sycophant, he won't get angry no matter what the other person says, as long as they are a woman.

Zhou Ke'er had deliberately acted so arrogantly to test the other party's bottom line... but apart from a few mildly barbed words, she didn't say anything else?

Faced with this illogical situation, Zhou Ke'er deduced it logically and concluded that Huangfu Song had ulterior motives. Perhaps he had discovered Zhou Ke'er's identity as a member of the imperial court, and that's why, after his original plan was thwarted, he took advantage of the situation and brought Zhou Ke'er here.

If Zhou Ke'er continues to play dumb and tries to sneak away, it might not go as he wishes... and he might kill her on the spot.

You can know a person's face but not their heart; who knows what kind of person this seemingly gentlemanly and kind-hearted man really is inside? Take our dear Yue Buqun, for example.

Just as Zhou Ke'er was lost in thought, Huangfu Song seemed to have finally gathered his thoughts and said to her, "However, even so... whether this deal can be made depends on whether you can help me with this favor."

"You can go first."

Zhou Ke'er crossed her arms and casually added, "Oh, by the way... if I told you I could help, and then after I found out the information you gave me, I told you I actually couldn't do it and that I was just fooling you, would you take action against me?"

"Ah, this..."

Huangfu Song had never seen anyone speak so openly, especially with such an expression that seemed completely unconcerned. He was momentarily speechless, hesitating for a moment before replying tentatively, "This... probably not... but I hope you won't do that, because it's really..."

"Oh, that settles it then. Anyway, whether I can do what you want me to do or not, you'll still tell me the information, and even if I can't, you won't get angry and attack me..."

Zhou Ke'er shrugged, looking quite self-righteous, and said, "If that's the case, why not just tell me the information now? It doesn't really make any difference anyway. Don't you agree?"

"???"

Huangfu Song was stunned by Zhou Ke'er's words. He had never seen such a shameless person before, nor had he ever seen someone who was not only shameless but also seemed proud of it.

"But...this...isn't that...not a good idea?"

Huangfu Song said weakly.

"Huh? What's wrong with it? Think about it, there really isn't a problem, the result is the same. I think it's fine."

Zhou Ke'er, with an air of self-righteousness, crossed her arms and said—he felt that if he was shameless enough to act like this, and Huangfu Song still didn't have a normal reaction... then it meant that the problem was really big, and perhaps the other party's real purpose wasn't even what he was saying now.

However, it cannot be ruled out that the other party will finally lose their temper and try to slap Zhou Ke'er to death in a fit of anger... Fortunately, the cooldown time of Zhou Ke'er's ring effect has ended. She can find something far away to change her position and escape should not be a big problem, unless Zhou Ke'er is killed instantly by the other party without being able to use any means.

"Young lady, your unreasonable behavior is putting me in a difficult position. Considering that I just saved you from that she-devil, can't we at least have a sincere discussion?"

Huangfu Song showed an extremely helpless expression and sighed.

"boom."

Just then, the courtyard gate was suddenly pushed open from the outside, and a young man with long hair and wearing a bright red robe appeared outside.

He held a closed, magenta oil-paper umbrella in his hand, his face bearing a gentle expression. Looking at Zhou Ke'er and Huangfu Song, he said leisurely, "What are you two discussing? Would you mind taking me along? After all..."

Zhou Ke'er was startled upon seeing this, thinking it was someone Huangfu Song knew. However, to her surprise, Huangfu Song also looked surprised and puzzled, staring at the man with a hint of wariness, and asked, "Who goes there?!"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself."

The man nodded and smiled warmly, "My name is Shi An, Shi as in time, An as in peace. I am a man of the Prince of Zhenbei."

"!"

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song's pupils constricted sharply. "The Prince of Zhenbei's men?!...The Prince of Zhenbei sent you to spy on me?! He's overstepped his bounds!"

Zhou Ke'er quietly moved a few steps away, distancing herself from Huangfu Song. Although she didn't know what was going on with this suddenly appearing Shi An, well... the Prince of Zhenbei was practically a member of the imperial court, right? Even if there were some underhanded dealings, they were still on the same side in public. Following him was better than messing around with a wandering swordsman like Huangfu Song—even though Zhou Ke'er had recently taken down one of the Prince of Zhenbei's men.

"No, it's just that I overheard you two discussing something about the Prince of Zhenbei while I was passing by on the street."

Shi An shook his head and explained very patiently—although this explanation always felt like he was just giving Huangfu Song a perfunctory answer.

"You overheard it by accident? What a coincidence! To be able to pass by here from the street, could it be that the street you're referring to is the roof beam? I didn't expect that even the Prince of Zhenbei's men have thieves. Truly admirable."

Huangfu Song's expression was displeased. He glanced at Shi An with a slightly cold face and said with a hint of sarcasm.

Zhou Ke'er raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this. This Huangfu Song is truly a master of sarcasm.

"No, no, it's just that your methods are too open and aboveboard, so even though I was just passing by, I still noticed you."

Shi An still had a smile on his face, looking at Huangfu Song slowly and calmly, making it unclear what his purpose was in suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

As for Zhou Ke'er standing to the side... she tried her best to minimize her presence—it felt like he couldn't get a word in edgewise, and there was no point in him doing so anyway, so she might as well remain invisible for now.

After all... a cunning old fox always plans before he acts, right? (not really).

## Chapter 304, Section 299: The Grand Imperial Examination (Part Fourteen)

"Heh, very well. Since you're so eager to get involved and want to know what we're talking about, then I'll just have to ask you..."

Instead of being angry, Huangfu Song laughed coldly and questioned Shi An: "Your master, the Prince of Zhenbei, is colluding with the demonic sect. What are you plotting? And why have you gathered all the troops together at the border? Don't you know there are no border troubles right now? Do you intend to launch a preemptive strike, take down the barbarians in one fell swoop, and inscribe your achievements on the Yanran Mountain? If the barbarians take advantage of the weakened state of the garrison troops who have been transferred to attack, how will you deal with it? If anything goes wrong, what will be your punishment?!"

Zhou Ke'er's lips twitched as she listened. Huangfu Song's first few sentences were alright, but that long string of words afterward... was he a member of the court or was Zhou Ke'er a member of the court?

"My friend, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want! What is the punishment for slandering important officials and imperial relatives?"

Shi An showed no fear whatsoever, as if Huangfu Song's words were utter nonsense. "You say our Prince of Zhenbei is colluding with the demonic cult... First of all, how can anyone believe you with just empty words? Where is the evidence? Secondly, even if our Prince of Zhenbei did have dealings with members of the demonic cult, what does that have to do with you? What does it have to do with the safety of the nation? Are you going to represent the entire martial arts world to restrict our Prince of Zhenbei's personal friendships? You certainly have a lot of influence!"

"Colluding with demonic cultists is despised by the righteous path! Furthermore, why is the Prince of Zhenbei mobilizing troops? Could it be that he intends to rebel?"

Huangfu Song was slightly speechless after Shi An's words, but he still retorted defiantly.

Well, looking at him now, compared to his previous gentlemanly demeanor, it's clear his persona has crumbled. Indeed, people like Chu Liuxiang are far too rare.

Zhou Ke'er watched silently, then moved a few steps closer to Shi An—after all, he was in the better position now, and Zhou Ke'er hadn't actually made a deal with Huangfu Song, so she felt no pressure in being a fence-sitter.

"Ha! Your Excellency is mistaken! Where did this gossip come from? It is completely unreliable! You must know that there are twelve routes along the border, and the Prince of Zhenbei only has military power over three of them. Without the current emperor's edict and the tiger tally for mobilizing troops, how could he possibly gather all the troops from all twelve routes together? Your Excellency's information is truly absurd."

Shi An remained unperturbed by Huangfu Song's interrogation, instead offering a clear and logical analysis, saying, "So, either the news you received is completely false, or... even if it is true, it was ordered by the current emperor, and our Prince of Zhenbei was merely acting on orders. How can we completely shift the blame to him? Isn't that a bit too biased?"

"You! This..."

Huangfu Song was speechless after being questioned by Shi An. For a moment, he really had nothing to say in response, so he could only point at Shi An and stammer, not knowing what to say.

At this point, the situation was quite clear, so Zhou Ke'er coughed twice and finally spoke up: "Young Master Shi is right! Young Master Huangfu, since you can't even be sure whether your information is true or not, you want to make a deal with me and ask me, a member of the court, to do things for you. Isn't that treating me like a fool? You say you want to be sincere, but secretly you're playing tricks to get something for nothing. That's really too much!"

That's right, Zhou Ke'er turned the tables and shifted all the blame onto Huangfu Song. She also told Shi An that she, Zhou Ke'er, was also a member of the court and that they were all on the same side, so as not to harm their ally!

"!"

Huangfu Song looked at Zhou Ke'er in disbelief. How could this girl be so shameless as to utter such lies? Are all the people in the court so unscrupulous these days? Or... is this actually a scheme they orchestrated to frame him?

"You...you're in cahoots?!"

Huangfu Song's expression changed several times, and finally, he pointed a trembling finger at Zhou Ke'er, his voice shaking with anger: "You plotted against me?!"