My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 618 - 408: Seeing Ex-Wife Donggong Shi Again_3

"She will act under a false identity. If those Western Jin people look into it, they'll easily figure out who she is."

......

Today, the first performance at Yuanfeng Building is *Si Fan*.

Men fear **Nightbound**, women fear **Si Fan**. When a female dan role stepped onto the stage, some people were slightly astonished, but it was just a fleeting surprise. Whether the troupe was a male-only group, female-only group, or a rare mixed ensemble, few people truly cared. In this declining county town, having opera to listen to was blessing enough.

Just as the show was about to begin, the curtain at the entrance lifted slightly.

A commanding figure strode into Yuanfeng Building, dressed in a broad and thick black satin robe, with a Yanling Saber secured at their waist. Their steady steps exuded authority. As the performance was near commencement and outside guests were being refused, a young attendant stepped forward to block them. However, the figure presented their waist token, prompting the attendant's eyelids to twitch involuntarily.

West Factory Thousand Households.

The attendant hurriedly sought out the housekeeper. Upon seeing the token, the housekeeper, unbothered by any refusal regulations, bent as deferentially as a shrimp, promptly making an exception and arranging a high-quality private box for the figure to watch the opera.

After escorting the figure to their private box and ensuring everything was in order, the housekeeper cautiously asked, "May I inquire, Sir, what your honorable name is?"

"No need for my surname, Chen."

The housekeeper's eyelid twitched, and his pupils abruptly narrowed.

A Thousand Households of the West Factory, and with the surname Chen... Wouldn't that make him Chen Yi, the one guilty of great disrespect in the Capital City?!

That man's name was still hanging on the wanted list.

Although the housekeeper whispered to himself internally, calling the authorities didn't even cross his mind. After all, those in his position had a discerning eye. For one, the crime committed was merely about "great disrespect"—respect or disrespect was often just a matter of the court's dictum. Restoring a title was always a possibility. Secondly, this man's martial arts skills, at least fifth-grade, made him a predator among mere fish.

"Does the official want some excellent tea?" the housekeeper asked, rubbing his hands deferentially.

"No tea. Wine," the figure replied. Then, after a brief pause, they added, "Bring me good wine."

"As you wish," the housekeeper replied while turning away.

"And three large platters of stewed lamb, two sesame pancakes, one white wheat bun, do you have braised beef? If so, bring one of those, too."

The housekeeper swiftly agreed to every request and slowly retreated.

Moments later, the requested dishes were delivered.

Having wiped his mouth, the figure placed down a single ingot of silver and immediately began feasting. First, he cleansed his palate with a piece of stewed lamb. As his teeth closed together, the hot, tenderly melted lamb fat spread a salty, flavorful richness over his lips before the exquisite lamb aroma surged through his nostrils. After savoring the lamb, he took a sip of tea to rinse his mouth, tore off a piece of sesame pancake, and wrapped lamb and beef inside. With a single bite, the crispy outer layer of the pancake gave way to the succulent fattiness within. The light spiced braise lingered like whispers buried below, unlocking an unparalleled taste.

This familiar Northwestern style of eating, indulging so boldly on public funds, clearly belonged to none other than Miss Donggong.

She had been traveling within Shantong City with the troupe from Xique Pavilion for quite some time now.

And she vividly remembered how—after Chen Yi fled marriage—Dong Gong Ruoshu, though properly wedded, remained untouched and left behind in the Capital City.

The palace seemed suspicious that Chen Yi might sneak back to the Capital City, hence quietly detaining Dong Gong Ruoshu, Lin Wanxiao, and Dong Guifei. That led Dong Gong Ruoshu to be locked inside the deep confines of the palace for quite a significant duration, without a trace of news about Chen Yi. Once that queen of the nation eased off the detentions, she instead switched to gentle persuasion, urging Ruoshu to serve in palace affairs.

Having long felt stifled by her imprisonment, Dong Gong Ruoshu naturally agreed.

Especially since she wished to leave the Capital City of Great Yu—and search for that absent and elusive "husband."

Just the thought of Chen Yi was enough to kindle her irritation.

First, it was Yin Weiyin giving her ninety silver ingots; second, it was Chen Yi running away from their wedding.

The former needed no elaboration, but the latter warranted discussion. While his cancellation of their marriage might have been good news—saving her from consummation—Dong Gong Ruoshu couldn't forget certain moments. The memories of being stuffed under the bed, with her place forcefully usurped... The recollections alone ignited her fury.

But now, none of that mattered. Drink madly, feast wildly!

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, the operatic melodies and enchanted sounds spread to her ears like threads drifting through the air. Already drunk, Dong Gong Ruoshu's face flushed deep red, and she slumped her face against the table, leaving imprints pressed deeply into her skin.

But she hadn't forgotten her true purpose—to spread the word about "Chen Yi" being in the city to lure out the Western Jin spies.

Good deeds may disappear without recognition, but trouble spreads far and wide. Therefore, her plan was simple: to oppress and intimidate, to act recklessly, and leave no shred of good reputation for Chen Yi.

Dong Gong Ruoshu summoned the housekeeper. "Go—go call that dan role here. Have her drink with me… drink with me!"

The housekeeper hesitated before responding, "Well… Official, that might not be appropriate…"

"What's inappropriate? Those who walk the lower paths exist to serve. Why shouldn't she serve me? Or are you saying Chen Zunming isn't a heroic figure deserving of service?"

Dong Gong Ruoshu glared, her face flushed entirely, and although seven-tenths drunk and three-tenths sober, she continued to maintain a deliberately androgynous voice.

Seeing Dong Gong Ruoshu's imposing demeanor, the housekeeper bowed low, standing nervously. While some patrons requested to meet dan actresses for leisure, few ever immediately summoned them post-performance—this wasn't about appreciating their opera skills but something far less noble. Trying to deflect, he swallowed his words but faltered upon seeing Dong Gong Ruoshu's hand slide to her blade sheath. With one flick of her finger, the cold sheen of the blade illuminated the room in a chilling glow.

Dong Gong Ruoshu decreed, word by word, "What's wrong? My words don't suffice? Do I need the blade to make my point?"

The housekeeper froze with fear and scrambled to comply, replying swiftly, "Right away—right away! I'll go ask her right now!"

With that declaration, the housekeeper retreated hastily.

Dong Gong Ruoshu exhaled a gust of wine-laced breath, laughing vivaciously.

Chen Yi's infamy truly held unparalleled sway. No matter where, there were people who bowed to it. Furthermore, within the borders of Great Yu, it far outweighed anything related to the Western Jin Chen family name. Thinking about this filled Miss Donggong with extreme satisfaction. The bad reputation fell entirely on Chen Yi, while she received all the benefits.

Serves him right for running away from her wedding!

As these thoughts spiraled, Dong Gong Ruoshu gritted her teeth with resentment, drinking several bowls of wine in one go, rendering herself even more intoxicated.

Before long, a collection of footsteps approached.

Creak.

The door was pushed open, and a lone figure entered the room. In the dim lighting, their features were difficult to distinguish.

From a distance came the housekeeper's call, "The person has been brought to you..."

As the figure stepped inside, the drunken Dong Gong Ruoshu couldn't contain herself, lunging forward eagerly to embrace them. Smiling foolishly, she muttered:

"Beautiful lady… hehe, beautiful lady..."

Would her drunken antics frighten this person? 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Who cares? After all, she wasn't herself right now—she was acting as Chen Yi. It wasn't her reputation at stake.

"Why won't you speak? Are you scared? Don't worry, I'll treat you well."

Contrary to her drunken fantasies of the actress looking panicked and pleading "Please don't, dear sir," the figure remained completely still, as steadfast as a pine tree despite her invasive touch.

Something felt off. As Dong Gong Ruoshu embraced and pressed closer, suspicion bloomed within her dazed mind. Gradually, she hesitantly lifted her head.

What met her eyes was not the delicate face she had imagined.

"Ah… beautiful lady, you look awfully like…"

Dong Gong Ruoshu froze for several seconds, utterly dumbfounded.

"You look awfully like me, Chen Zunming of the West Factory."

Chen Yi casually touched his own face and drawled, "Do we resemble each other that much?"

The words landed like ice piercing her fuzzy thoughts. Already half-asleep, Dong Gong Ruoshu squinted in doubt, then lifted her gaze to scan again. Recognition burst forth like thunder, locking her body rigidly in place.

With stiff movements, every joint brimming with tension, her head slowly turned. Widening her eyes immensely, she looked back.

The figure grinned leisurely and said, "Long time no see, Miss Donggong."