Chapter 377: Chapter 377: Refusing the Invitation

Sensing Mu Ling’s angry embarrassment, Qin Yao proactively asked, “General, why do you wish to see me?”

Mu Ling turned away, taking a deep breath to avoid losing her composure due to Qin Yao’s counter-tactics. As she calmed down, she realized this woman wasn’t easy to manipulate and directly extended an invitation:

“You have divine power, and it’s being wasted in this rural village. Surely you’re not content with that? Would you be interested in serving the Princess?”

Qin Yao’s breathing noticeably quickened—a sudden opportunity to reach the skies was tantalizing.

However, after the initial thrill, Qin Yao regained her composure and curiously inquired:

“I’m a straightforward person; I don’t care for fairy tales. I only believe in what I can see and touch, so I’ll bluntly ask: what position would you offer me to serve the Princess?”

Mu Ling confidently smiled and said, “Typically, newcomers undergo two years of trials and must pass before joining the Princess’s Guard. But I can make an exception for you; once you join, you’ll be a Guard member and receive the treatment of a seventh-rank soldier.”

“The Princess is always generous to her people; work diligently, and rising to the sixth rank within three years is achievable.”

Mu Ling felt that such generous conditions laid before her should cause any commoner to be overjoyed and uncertain of their reaction.

She looked expectantly at Qin Yao, waiting for her to say “I pledge loyalty to the Princess.”

However, Qin Yao laughed, unexpectedly saying, “I never thought I’d be worth a seventh-rank soldier, but that’s merely receiving the seventh-rank treatment, not truly being a seventh-rank soldier.”

“Ultimately, I’m nothing more than a servant in the Princess Mansion receiving a monthly salary, constantly risking my life for the Princess.”

“My apologies, General.” Qin Yao once again curtsied before standing with a smile, “Your offered terms are not compelling enough for me to risk my life in loyalty.”

With that, she turned to leave.

The female soldiers stared at her in shock, unable to believe someone would forgo such an opportunity.

As the General stated, these female soldiers joining the Guard underwent two years of training in the military camp, and were then selected through layers of tests before appearing before the Princess.

How great an honor is this? Yet someone shuns it!

Mu Ling was momentarily stunned, looking at the gracefully departing figure, her heart filled with frustration. She quickly followed and called out.

“Qin Yao!”

Qin Yao stopped and turned, smiling at her.

Mu Ling glared at her, angrily reminding, “Do you know how many women dream of such an opportunity?”

She pointed at a man with handsome features cowering at a corner with one look, “Do you intend to spend your life with such a cowardly man, bearing his children, trapped in a life as mundane as the stove you’re destined to watch over?”

“Are you resigned to this?” Without waiting for an answer, Mu Ling resolutely concluded, “I absolutely don’t believe you are!”

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow in surprise, truly not expecting Mu Ling to say such a thing.

Since crossing into this world, she had heard countless exhortations on being the dutiful wife and mother; had she not possessed skills, the Liu Family Village folks would have long pointed at her as the ’wicked wife refusing her husband.’

She quietly scrutinized Mu Ling, momentarily seeing the young women of her epoch, busily studying in university classrooms, awaiting the completion of their education to passionately contribute to various sectors for their country’s construction!

Mu Ling had no idea of the thoughts swirling in Qin Yao’s mind, seeing only Qin Yao quiet, feeling frustrated at her seeming indifference.

She wished to forcefully instill all her thoughts into Qin Yao, cleansing her mind of ’dutiful wife and mother,’ ’bearing children for her husband.’

Qin Yao observed Mu Ling’s tumultuous breathing, smiling genuinely, “I think the General may have misread me. Thank you for your kind offer, but please reserve this opportunity for another woman who may need it more than I.”

Qin Yao clenched her fist in encouragement to Mu Ling and the five female soldiers, “Press forward and secure a place for all women under heaven.”

“You truly are!” Mu Ling sighed, momentarily at a loss for words.

Even knowing, why does she still refuse to join them?

“You really won’t come?” Mu Ling asked unyieldingly once more.

Qin Yao shook her head, “I won’t; I have the strength to choose the life I desire.”

Of course, she didn’t assert it too strongly, “If one day I grow weary of my current life and yearn for the fast-paced, adventurous days, seeking you out isn’t impossible.”

But not now.

She currently wishes merely for a peaceful life, sowing seeds in spring, reaping harvests in autumn, leisurely observing the rolling clouds. That’s fulfillment enough.

Among countless women in this world, she’s just one.

Qin Yao shrugged; she won’t be bound by moral constraints, staying true to her heart.

To go or not to go, if Mu Ling held a sword to her throat, she’d choose death and life over compliance!

A chilling murderous intent emerged from Qin Yao’s dark eyes, unreservedly locking onto Mu Ling, enveloping her with a powerful aura.

Goosebumps crawled up Mu Ling’s spine, her fists clenched tightly to prevent tremors, retreating step by step.

Yet inwardly unwilling, she bit down hard and retrieved the Jade Pendant worn at her waist for ten years, offering it, “If you ever change your mind, feel free to seek me out at the Princess Mansion.”

Qin Yao reached for it, examining it—a white, square jade piece, with only a carved wood character, no other designs, simple indeed.

“Rest assured, I won’t sell it; keeping it as a family heirloom for the children sounds nice.” Qin Yao joked.

Mu Ling felt the pressure suddenly dissipate, her shoulders slumped slightly, exhaling deeply as it nearly suffocated her.

Hearing her about turning it into an heirloom made Mu Ling’s mouth twitch vigorously, feeling faint regret.

But Qin Yao had already pocketed the pendant, patting her clothing firmly, denying any possibility of retrieving it.

Before Qin Yao turned to leave, Mu Ling suddenly asked, “Do you have money for the journey to the Capital?”

She scanned Qin Yao’s plain cotton attire, devoid of any design, without even a silver hairpin, utterly poor.

Qin Yao was straightforward, extending her palm, “Could the General spare me some travel expenses?”

Were it not inappropriate to strike a woman she barely knew, Mu Ling would certainly give her a resounding slap.

Refusing the Guard membership left her deserving of her fate!

Qin Yao: “Are you cursing me?”

Mu Ling startled, she hadn’t spoken!

“Never mind, farewell.” Qin Yao made a fist gesture, beckoning to the man at the wall corner, and strolled away, seemingly in good spirits.

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