See Through and Don't Say It
"Come here." Yu Linlang looked at the man expressionlessly. "The incense, candles, and paper money are prepared for you. I will worship your sister."
"After that, you may have to leave Weizhou City for a while."
Although Wang Baitian was confused, he knew that the person before him was his savior, and it seemed that the arrangement was appropriate.
So, he quickly cupped his hands in gratitude, stood up, and staggered toward the deserted grave not far away.
It was absurd—he had exhumed his sister's body and reburied it elsewhere, but he only dared to leave a wordless wooden plaque as a marker.
Now that everything had come to pass and his great revenge had been fulfilled, Wang Baitian could not tell whether he felt happiness or loneliness.
He squatted in front of the grave, silently burning paper money for his sister, his tears falling uncontrollably into the flames.
Even a hardened man could shed tears; even a steel heart could soften.
"I am a rough man. When we were at home, my sister took care of me most of the time. Later, when I was determined to venture out into the world, she never stopped me. No matter what I wanted to do, she silently supported me."
"When I learned that there was a famine at home and rushed back, she had already left with the villagers."
Wang Baitian wiped his face. "I am an incompetent brother. Even after receiving my sister's letter, I didn't rush to Niujiaji immediately. Instead, I selfishly continued to wander the world. Female hero, do you think I am ridiculous?"
"My sister wrote in the letter that everything was fine, and I believed it."
"She was alone in a foreign land. Even if she was bullied, she had no siblings to rely on. I am heartless. I only thought of myself and never truly considered her."
"And so, I lost her forever. Because I don't deserve a sister like her."
With trembling hands, he took out the letter he had carefully kept in his robes. The rough paper bore the words written by a street-side calligraphy and painting teacher.
Wang Baitian wiped his face, then slowly threw the letter into the fire.
The inked words disappeared under the flickering flames.
> Brother, I am so happy. I am about to become a mother.
With each passing day, I can feel my child growing little by little.
If it is a boy, I hope he will be as brave and fearless as the prince, a righteous man who is free and generous.
If it is a girl, I hope she will be safe and carefree for the rest of her life. She doesn't need to be exceptionally beautiful or extraordinarily intelligent. As long as she is healthy, that is enough.
Brother, everything is fine with the Niujia family. Don't worry.
I hope you take care of yourself and stay in good health.
Your little sister.
Wang Baitian collapsed in front of the grave, burying his head in the soil as he wept in regret.
If time could be rewound, he would never have left home to wander.
He should have come to Weizhou City earlier. He should have visited his sister in Niujiaji sooner.
That way, she wouldn't have been left alone.
But now, it was too late.
In his daze, Wang Baitian seemed to see a girl with a slender waist walking toward him from within the fire. She smiled sweetly and called, "Brother."
The letter burned to ashes, and the girl's phantom dissolved into nothingness.
Only a thin scrap of paper remained, carried into the air by the cold wind, drifting aimlessly.
After a long time, even the last ember of fire was extinguished.
Yu Linlang's voice rang out, cold and indifferent. "Wang Baitian, are you willing to follow me?"
"If you refuse, I will make other arrangements for you..."
"Wang is now alone; he can go anywhere!" Wang Baitian cupped his hands and bowed deeply. "Besides, my life was saved by the heroine. Although I do not know why the heroine saved me, if she does not abandon me, I am naturally willing to follow her."
Yu Linlang nodded slightly. "Rise. I have always been unruly in my actions. If I wish to save someone, I don't need a reason."
She handed him a package, her tone concise. "Inside is your new identity, household registration, and customs clearance documents. At dawn, leave the city on your own. A carriage will be waiting for you outside."
"As for your future tasks, the person receiving you will explain."
Wang Baitian bowed deeply. "Thank you. May I know my benefactor's name?"
"Yu Linlang."
Wang Baitian was stunned. "Yu…? Are you related to Governor Yu of Weizhou City?"
"I share some blood ties with him," Yu Linlang said lightly, frowning. "The yamen has been searching for you everywhere, using portraits I drew. Do you resent me?"
Wang Baitian quickly shook his head. "Miss Yu saved me from danger. Though I, Wang Baitian, am not a hero, I would never repay kindness with enmity."
Yu Linlang raised her hand and handed him something. "Press it onto your face. From now on, this will be your appearance before others. Your new name is Wang Zhong. You must not make any mistakes."
"Yes!" Wang Baitian immediately took the item with both hands and pressed it against his face.
There was no need for any adjustments—the mask was soft, smooth, and thin. Within moments, it seamlessly adhered to his skin, allowing him to breathe easily without discomfort.
Wang Baitian walked to a pond under the moonlight and looked at his reflection. To his surprise, he had completely changed.
He reached out to touch his face but couldn't feel the edges of the mask.
"Don't worry, this isn't one of those human skin masks spoken of in legends," Yu Linlang said. "It's made from plant-derived gel and other non-toxic materials. Even if you wear it for a month or two, it won't cause any skin allergies."
"If you wish to remove it, just dissolve this pill in water and wash your face." She handed him three pills wrapped in a small paper packet.
"The mask cannot be reused once removed."
Wang Baitian was astonished and grateful. "Then, it must be extremely durable?"
Yu Linlang shook her head. "Yes, it is highly flexible and can withstand repeated use."
"You should go now. Leave the city at dawn. Do not return for the time being."
With those words, Yu Linlang whistled, summoning a lone wolf. She swiftly mounted it and disappeared into the night.
"Thank you for saving me!" Wang Baitian called out.
---
Early Morning
Governor Yu nearly tumbled out of his carriage, stumbling as he rushed forward.
His attendant hurriedly reached out to steady his official hat.
"How did a fire break out? Everything burned? And Wang Baitian?"
"Sir, Wang Baitian was burned to death in the small dark chamber."
Governor Yu staggered, his vision darkening. He rushed toward the prison, where Prince Mu Zhao and Lord Lu were already present.
Officers carried out a charred corpse from the small dark chamber.
Wei Ling removed her gloves, her expression conflicted. "The body is burned beyond recognition. Only a handful of bones remain. But based on its size, it matches Wang Baitian's."
Governor Yu stomped his feet anxiously and turned to Mu Zhao. "Your Highness, what should we do?"
A fire had broken out in the prison—specifically, in Wang Baitian's cell!
Governor Yu felt as if the sky was about to collapse…