In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Loyal Turncoat

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Jiang Qian was momentarily stunned by Bai Piaoxue’s request.

Wait, what? Why would the Sect Master’s esteemed daughter ask me to take her sightseeing?

No way. The closer I get to key figures like her, the more perilous my situation becomes!

“Senior Sister Bai, there's really not much to see in Tianze City,” Jiang Qian protested, searching for an escape. “Why don’t we just head straight back to Azure Mountain Sect?”

Sching—!

Before he could finish, Bai Piaoxue drew the sword at her waist, pressing its cold blade to Jiang Qian’s throat. Her eyes glinted dangerously. “Are you saying you’d rather die by my sword?”

This… is way too domineering!

No wonder she ends up dying at Duan Yuqing’s hands!

Jiang Qian’s mouth twitched. Facing Bai Piaoxue’s overwhelming presence, he could only surrender with a weary sigh. “I... I understand!”

“Tomorrow. I’ll take you sight-seeing tomorrow, Senior Sister Bai. How does that sound?”

...

...

“That’s more like it.” Bai Piaoxue sheathed her sword, satisfied, and her lips curved into a rare smile.

After that—

Jiang Chenhai personally instructed the servants to prepare a refined guest chamber worthy of Bai Piaoxue’s status.

As for Jiang Qian, he shuffled back to his own courtyard, his face shadowed with concern. He collapsed onto a stone bench and exhaled heavily.

Sigh... The life of cannon fodder is nothing but walking on a knife’s edge.

I’m finally beginning to understand the anxiety those expendable side characters must feel.

“Qian’er, what’s troubling you?” Just then, Jiang Chenhai strode in, his expression radiant with pride.

His own son had been chosen by the Azure Mountain Sect—not just as a common disciple, but as an Inner Sect Disciple.

It was a tremendous honor. Had any of the other three great clans in Tianze City ever produced such a talent? Not a chance.

The Jiang Clan’s rise was practically assured from that moment on.

Jiang Qian shook his head at his father’s question. “It’s nothing.”

“That’s good to hear. In a few days, I’m thinking of hosting a grand banquet—invite all three major families, let everyone see our brilliance!” Jiang Chenhai took a seat across from Jiang Qian, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

“Father, I really think we should keep a low profile,” Jiang Qian replied quickly, shooting down the idea.

A lavish banquet? Isn’t that just inviting disaster?

Jiang Qian had no desire to paint a target on his back.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Chenhai nodded. “You’re right. It’s better to stay humble.”

“I’ll be off, then.”

He rose and left the courtyard.

Watching his “dear old man” leave, Jiang Qian couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling. “Why do I have such a bad premonition?”

“Is it just my imagination?”

...

The next day.

Resigned to his fate, Jiang Qian spent the morning escorting Bai Piaoxue through the city streets.

“What’s this?” Bai Piaoxue stopped before a vendor selling glossy, ruby-red skewers of candied fruit. Her eyes shone with innocent curiosity as she pointed at the treats.

“Senior Sister Bai, you mean you’ve never seen these before?”

She shook her head. “I’ve spent my whole life on Azure Mountain Sect Mountain. This is my first time walking outside the Sect.”

“They’re called candied hawthorn—tanghulu. Sweet and just a little bit tart!” Jiang Qian explained. Stepping up, he bought a skewer and offered it to her. “Try one, Senior Sister Bai.”

“Thank you.” Bai Piaoxue accepted delicately and took a careful bite. Her lips pursed as she chewed, thoughtful. “Mm! It’s delicious!”

When she wasn’t wielding a blade, Bai Piaoxue was honestly sort of adorable.

Just then—

A young man carrying a folding fan strode up, his grin oily and ingratiating. Sidling close to Jiang Qian, he gushed, “Brother Jiang, you’re incredible! To be chosen by Azure Mountain Sect as an Inner Sect Disciple—what an honor!”

“My admiration for you is like a mighty river, unending and overwhelming!”

“Zhou Zhi?” Jiang Qian frowned in recognition.

This guy, Zhou Zhi, was the son of the Zhou Clan’s patriarch—one of the four great families of Tianze City. In the original story, he was Jiang Qian’s loyal lackey—a model turncoat.

Why a turncoat? Because his loyalty to Jiang Qian was absolute; he’d obey any order without hesitation. Yet most of Jiang Zixuan’s hatred for Jiang Qian stemmed from this guy’s scheming.

“Big Bro, don’t forget about your little brother now that you’ve made it big!” Zhou Zhi said, but his attention instantly shifted to Bai Piaoxue, nibbling on her tanghulu.

Leaning in with a sly, conspiratorial air, he whispered in Jiang Qian’s ear, “Big Bro, not bad! You landed a beauty like this? I’m so jealous!”

Unfortunately for him, Bai Piaoxue was a Golden Core stage (Golden Core) cultivator—there was no way she hadn’t overheard.

She turned, icy gaze landing on both of them.

Jiang Qian panicked and clapped a hand over Zhou Zhi’s mouth.

Damn it, if you can’t keep your mouth shut, then just don’t talk at all!

A little brother like this… who needs him?

Jiang Qian put an arm around Zhou Zhi’s shoulders and dragged him aside. He forced a genial smile. “Zhou Zhi, tell me honestly—what do you think of me?”

“Big Bro, you’ve always treated me well! No one can say otherwise. Whenever you come across something good, you always think of me first!” Zhou Zhi replied, face earnest.

“Good answer.” Jiang Qian’s smile broadened. “Didn’t you always complain about being a concubine’s son, never getting any attention at home—and how that stifled your business talents? Well, our family has a mine in Xiliang Town. How about I put you in charge?”

“Really?” Zhou Zhi’s eyes sparkled. Big Bro is crazy generous!

Even if Xiliang Town was thousands of li from Tianze City, he didn’t mind.

Jiang Qian gave him a solid pat on the shoulder. “Absolutely! But listen, get ready and head out there soon. Don’t come back until you’ve built something for yourself.”

“Of course! I’ll do everything I can, Big Bro! I won’t let you down!” Zhou Zhi nearly choked up with gratitude, wiping his eyes as he hurried off to pack.

With that troublesome turncoat gone, Jiang Qian finally felt a sliver of relief.

Afterward—

He spent the rest of the day showing Bai Piaoxue around, from morning till night.

As evening descended, Tianze City’s night market came alive, lanterns strung overhead casting a warm, gentle glow across the bustling streets.

One by one, sky lanterns—Kongming lanterns—rose to drift across the night sky.

Bai Piaoxue watched the crowd release lanterns, then turned to Jiang Qian, her curiosity sparkling. “Jiang Qian, what are they doing?”

“Oh, it’s the Lantern Festival tonight. Every household lights a Kongming lantern and makes a wish.”

“I want to try!” Bai Piaoxue said excitedly, purchasing a lantern and joining the festivities.

She pressed her palms together, closed her eyes, and made her wish with utmost seriousness.

I hope Brother Yuqing will come back to me—and leave that vixen behind!

Jiang Qian watched her so earnest and couldn’t help shaking his head.

No doubt, her wish is all about Duan Yuqing.

Suddenly, Jiang Qian froze. Across the crowd, he spotted Duan Yuqing and Jiang Zixuan drawing closer.

If Bai Piaoxue runs into them, there’ll only be trouble.

I can’t let them meet!

With that, Jiang Qian hastily said, “Senior Sister Bai, I know another really fun spot in the night market. Want me to take you there?”

“A fun place? Sure!” Bai Piaoxue’s face lit up, and she eagerly followed him away from the square.

But just as they were about to slip quietly away, Duan Yuqing and Jiang Zixuan suddenly stepped out to block their path.

“Bai Piaoxue, what are you doing here?” Duan Yuqing called, surprise flashing in his eyes as he and Jiang Zixuan stood in their way.

TL Note:

- Candied Hawthorn (tánghúlu): A traditional Chinese snack made by skewering hawthorn berries and coating them in a hard sugar glaze.

- Turncoat: Slang for a traitor or double-crosser, but here refers to a “loyal turncoat”—someone whose loyalty causes trouble.

- Kongming lantern: A sky lantern, traditionally released during festivals to carry wishes to the heavens.