Chapter 10: Outdated and Unwelcoming

Changji felt wronged upon hearing this: "Isn't it the case that the lord often finds being pursued by women quite troublesome?"

Wei Shuyi retorted, "Do you know that the lady from the Chang family is the most beautiful woman in the capital?"

Changji turned the question around: "Isn't the most beautiful woman in the capital the madam?"

Wei Shuyi smiled: "You believe that too?"

Changji: "..."

It was clear that whenever the duke spoke of it, his expression was as steadfast as a rock, leaving no room for doubt.

So—

Was the lord also someone who cared about looks?

If a common girl was unbearable to deal with, would the situation be different if it were the most beautiful woman in the capital?

"Looking at your lord, I’m already getting older, no longer youthful. The beauty of youth has faded; how could I catch the eye of a young lady?" Wei Shuyi said as he stood up from his desk, his tone earnest. "So, it's best not to put too much gold on your lord's face; it would just lead to ridicule and unreciprocated feelings. From now on, your words and actions should be more normal, so as to leave me some face."

Seeing his lord’s flawless face, Changji briefly questioned his life choices.

Wei Shuyi as someone whose beauty had faded? 

Then wouldn’t he be... bloodied and mangled Wei Changji?

"Since Lady Chang isn’t coming to see me, it’s only fair that I go to visit her."

Changji couldn’t help but ask, "Is the lord going to see her at this time?"

Wei Shuyi glanced outside at the already dark sky: "Then it shall be tomorrow morning."

The next morning, Wei Shuyi went to the small courtyard where Chang Suining was staying.

"Out again?" Changji’s eyes widened.

"Yes, Lady Chang went to bed early last night and got up before dawn today. She had breakfast early as well," a maid answered. "So she left the house early."

Wei Shuyi found it amusing, nodding: "Eating, sleeping, and strolling around, very good."

As he spoke, he turned to leave: "Let’s go to the yamen."

Changji responded, "Yes," and followed her lord, unable to help but murmur, "If a common girl encountered such a misfortune, she would surely be crying and scared to death; she probably wouldn’t even dare to leave her room... But Lady Chang is quite the opposite, besides eating and sleeping, she doesn’t seem to care about anything at home."

"She is indeed too carefree," Wei Shuyi sighed. "Though I know the kindness of Minister Yu is a free gift, I never expected it would come to this point without even having to bend down, which really caught me off guard."

As they walked and spoke, he narrowed his bright, glossy eyes, looking toward where the sun was rising.

The early chill was dispelled, and the plants were sprouting anew.

In a tea house near the Hezhou yamen, the morning was already quite lively.

Tea customers were gathered in groups, and their discussions mostly revolved around the matters concerning the Prefect Magistrate’s mansion and Zhou Family Village.

Chang Suining sat by a window on the second floor, seemingly oblivious to the voices around her, resting her chin on one hand while fiddling with her teacup, gazing listlessly at the long street below.

Not far across the street stood the Hezhou yamen, and she had seen many people come out of it early that morning, most of whom were women or disabled individuals—

The special envoy Wei Shuyi's people had temporarily taken over the Hezhou yamen and were working with the local officials to handle this case. Last night, all the people from Zhou Family Village were brought here, and after a day and night of interrogation, they confirmed who the victims were. They would either be sent back to their hometowns or relocated to Hezhou.

"Look, my lord, that’s the village chief’s family..." Ah Che whispered.

The limping woman who had just come out of the yamen was holding a small girl’s hand.

A thirteen- or fourteen-year-old boy ran up, immediately trying to snatch the woman’s bundle: "Give it to me!"

"What do you want?" The woman dodged the boy's hand and stepped back with her daughter.

"Since the money for the settlement was distributed by the yamen, it should belong to me!" the boy shouted angrily. "You’re the one who got my father killed, and you have the nerve to live on!"

His biological mother had actually identified his biological father at the yamen! When the officials asked, she answered, and even when they didn’t ask, she still spoke up!

As the boy tried to snatch the bundle again, something small suddenly hit the back of his head.

"Who!" 

Fuming, he turned around and got hit again on the eye.

Letting out a cry, the boy covered his eyes and looked with the other eye, seeing a peanut lying on the ground: "Which coward threw that at me?"

On the second floor, Chang Suining casually leaned against the windowsill, popping a dried jujube pit into her mouth.

"Ouch!"

The pit was sharp, hitting the boy’s forehead and causing it to bleed.

Fortunately, the person who threw it had good aim but not enough strength; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been just a scratch.

"...How could the village chief’s son also be released? He was involved; I’ve seen him catch and hit people!" Ah Che said.

Chang Suining lightly clapped her hands to get rid of the crumbs, looking at the limping woman.

What else could it be but a mother’s weakness, covering for her son, helping him muddle through—

But having grown up in such a hellhole, learning from what she saw and heard, how could he turn out to be anything good?

But the path was still chosen by oneself.

The boy, having endured several hits and not knowing who had hit him, hesitated to shout into the air again. He instead grabbed the woman: "Let’s go!"

"Let go of my mother!"

The little girl cried, rushing up, only to be violently kicked to the ground by the boy.

The woman’s expression completely changed, her eyes reddening as she forcefully pushed the boy away: "Have you lost your mind? Niu Niu is your own sister!"

Around them, people began to murmur and point, and the boy, who had suddenly faced such a drastic change in life, gritted his teeth and seemed ready to raise his fist at the woman.

"Stop!"

A group of armed guards quickly approached, and the boy’s expression changed, retracting his fist in fear.

Changji stepped forward, frowning as he asked, "What’s going on here?"

His lord had instructed him that while handling official business, maintaining the stability and order of the townsfolk was equally important.

"Sir, sir...!" The limping woman recognized him as the one who had brought people to surround Zhou Family Village the previous night. She pointed tearfully at the boy: "This boy is also an accomplice in the case of abducting and harming good people from Zhou Family Village!"

After all, he was her own flesh and blood. She had thought that leaving Zhou Family Village and extricating herself from that hellhole would make everything better—yet now it seemed he was just like his devilish father!

Even for Niu Niu’s sake, she couldn’t afford to be soft-hearted anymore!

Hearing this, Changji ordered the guards to detain the boy.

"You... How could you be so cruel and heartless!" The boy looked at the woman in disbelief, struggling: "Let me go!"

Changji: "Take him away."

"No, I didn’t! She’s framing me..." The boy's voice grew increasingly panicked, finally turning into "a plea for mercy": "Mother, I was wrong! I know I was wrong! You have to explain it to them!"

The woman closed her tear-filled eyes, no longer looking at him.

Watching the boy being dragged away, Chang Suining let out a sigh of relief—after all, she wasn’t completely muddled.

At this moment, not far behind Changji’s horse carriage, a fair and slender hand lifted the curtain.

Behind the curtain, a young lord appeared, his face like a spring dawn, his brows and eyes exceptionally handsome.

The young man raised his gaze and met hers.

Chang Suining, resting her chin on the windowsill, raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression calm.

Wei Shuyi’s brow moved slightly, and he smiled gently, nodding at her.

Chang Suining nodded in return, acknowledging him.

In her attire resembling a young man, her demeanor was so calm, as if nothing could disturb her, making Wei Shuyi silently chuckle as he lowered the curtain.

The carriage soon departed, heading toward the yamen.

Before long, Changji quickly made his way to the second floor and brought a message: "My lord wishes to invite Lady Chang to sit here for a while. After he finishes his official duties, he will come to find her."

Chang Suining didn’t respond: "I will stay until noon."

After all, once noon arrived, she would have to return to the other courtyard for a meal.

"..." Changji inexplicably grasped the underlying meaning of her "outdated and unwelcoming," leaving silently with cupped hands.

Just a minute before noon, Wei Shuyi arrived.

He accidentally ran two minutes late, haha _(:з」∠)_

And it was once again a difficult choice: What to eat for lunch? 

(End of Chapter)

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 9: General Cui

“To speak of the Xuanzhe Army established by the late Crown Prince, it truly is the greatest divine army of our Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty!” 

Upon mentioning this, the waiter became quite enthusiastic but couldn’t help but sigh in lament, “The late Crown Prince was merely eleven or twelve years old when he first entered the battlefield, unafraid of life and death, willing to risk his own safety, which forged him into such a miraculous young talent in military strategy. It’s just a pity…”

The sound of tea pouring into the bowl was melodious, with steam rising in clouds.

Chang Suining gazed at the hazy tea mist and continued the conversation, “Over ten years ago, in the battle against the Northern Di, was it also the Xuanzhe Army? I wonder what the outcome was?”

“Over ten years ago…” The waiter recalled. He was quite young at the time and did not remember much, but from what he had heard, he responded fluently, “You mean the critical battle led by General Chang Kuo twelve years ago? It was indeed a great victory! That battle forced the originally arrogant Northern Di to kneel and beg for mercy, leaving them in disarray and subdued for many years thereafter.”

Chang Suining’s lips curled into a slight smile.

A great victory—

That was wonderful, truly worthwhile.

“Speaking of that crucial battle, the reason for the great success, aside from the bravery of the Xuanzhe Army, also greatly depended on our Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty’s courageous and just Princess…” the waiter remarked with emotion. “During the conflict, that Princess Chongyue, who went to the Northern Di for a marriage alliance, before the battle—”

“Waiter, more water, more water!” A customer shouted impatiently.

“Coming, coming!”

The waiter hurried off with a tea tray, while Chang Suining sat there, raising her cup. 

She likely knew better than anyone what the waiter hadn’t finished saying. 

Yet, it was astonishing that it had already been twelve years in the blink of an eye. 

She looked out at the long street again.

That earlier team of Xuanzhe soldiers was clearly scouts sent to report, and the red ribbon tied to their military flag symbolized a great victory. 

They must have won and were returning to court.

Passing through Hezhou, traveling along the Southern Mountains and Western Roads, it was likely related to the battles in the south.

The southern border had never been stable, with constant small and large skirmishes. 

But victories were always something to celebrate. 

Chang Suining raised her head to drink tea, watching the bustling long street outside, her curiosity gradually growing. 

How could she not be curious? Twelve years was enough time for countless unexpected events to unfold. 

For instance, the question that currently piqued her interest the most was— 

“I wonder who is currently leading the Xuanzhe Army?” 

She ordered two more plates of snacks, and when the waiter arrived, she casually asked. 

“Of course it’s General Cui Jing!” 

Faced with the waiter’s “how could you not know this?” expression, Chang Suining understood—this Cui Jing seemed to have quite the reputation.

However, Cui Jing… 

Chang Suining mentally repeated the name, feeling it was somewhat familiar, yet she had no impression of it. 

But since his surname was Cui, how could he easily engage in military affairs? 

She couldn’t help but ask, “How old is General Cui now?” 

The waiter replied, “Only twenty-two. He’s quite young. Furthermore, General Cui hails from the prestigious Cui family of Qinghe; he’s an outstanding talent and the direct descendant of the main branch—”

Chang Suining felt it was rather odd.

Twenty-two years old… When she died, this General Cui was only ten. 

She had rarely stayed in the capital, so it was normal for her not to have heard of him. 

Yet, the Cui family was at the top of the gentry, extremely proud. Although many from the family held important positions, they typically served in civil offices. The family head, Cui Ju, had disdain for the position of prime minister, so how could they allow their heir to serve the court in a military role? 

Surely the Cui family hadn’t fallen to such a degree in just twelve years? 

Yet, even if a family was temporarily down on its luck, they would still hold on to their dignity— 

The idea of General Cui leading the Xuanzhe Army felt quite strange no matter how she thought about it.

“This time in the battle against the Southern Barbarians, General Cui and General Chang have been leading the troops for almost two years, and they’ve finally returned victorious,” the waiter said, a hint of excitement in his tone. “The triumphant army might pass through Hezhou; perhaps in a few days, we might even catch a glimpse of General Cui’s remarkable presence!” 

Was General Chang also among this victorious army returning to court? 

Chang Suining’s expression turned somewhat expectant.

She hadn’t seen General Chang in a long time.

Not just during these fleeting twelve years; even before that, she hadn’t seen General Chang and the others for quite a while. 

The anticipation of meeting old friends allowed her to ask the question she most wanted to know yet subconsciously wanted to avoid— 

“Who is the current ruler of the Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty?” 

As soon as the question left her lips, she saw the waiter’s previously cheerful face turn to one of confusion and shock.

Not surprised at being regarded as foolish, Chang Suining felt indifferent. 

After all, she wouldn’t be coming here tomorrow.

“Of course it’s the Holy Emperor…” 

The waiter mentioned an era name that Chang Suining had never heard of.

Since she had never heard of it, it was likely not the Li Bing of twelve years ago.

Who was it? 

Chang Suining asked, “Is it Empress Ming?” 

“Of course…” The waiter lowered his voice, “But the Sage is currently only ruling behind a curtain… Once the Crown Prince can govern, he will—” 

However, this was something he absolutely could not discuss, and he made an excuse to leave. 

Chang Suining lowered her gaze, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

The Holy Emperor.  

Indeed. 

Ming, she had indeed become the ruler of the Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty. 

After finishing a cup of tea, her mood gradually calmed down. 

News in teahouses was always accurate and varied. She listened quietly until the sky darkened, then put down her payment and left. 

“My lord, it’s getting late. Are you hungry?” The boy followed behind her and said, “I just heard in the teahouse that there’s a roast chicken shop up ahead—”

“I’m not going,” Chang Suining replied, “I don’t have any silver.” 

The boy quickly understood—oh right, the meals in that other courtyard are plentiful and do not charge the lady! 

So… was this the reason the lady agreed to stay there temporarily? 

At that moment, looking at the figure ahead, the boy suddenly realized. 

“Do you have a name?” Chang Suining asked casually. 

The boy thought for a moment, then shook his head. 

He had a name, but he was reluctant to mention it. 

“Please give me one, my lord,” he said in a small voice filled with hope. 

Chang Suining turned her head slightly to look at him. In the dusk, the boy of about eleven or twelve, with round clear eyes and long eyelashes fluttering, suddenly reminded her of that boy she had once been closest to, someone deeply connected to her from birth. 

A slight ache tugged at her heart, and she turned her gaze back to the front. 

After a moment, she said, “Let’s call you Ah Che.” 

... 

“Oh? She went out—”

“Yes, my subordinate had no reason to stop her, so I had someone discreetly follow her,” Chang Ji was reporting to Wei Shuyi, who had just returned from outside. “She left after lunch and returned just in time for dinner; her timing was quite precise.” 

Wei Shuyi exclaimed, “It sounds like she’s treating this other courtyard like a dining hall!” 

“Not without that possibility,” Chang Ji speculated. “That maidservant said this lady from the Chang family loves meat, and her appetite rivals that of a man.” 

It’s common for ordinary families to have meat only once a month, and the poorer ones have to wait for festivals to eat meat. This Chang lady must have craved it for a long time after being abducted, and she likely saw that my lord’s place had plenty of food and no cost. 

Understanding this, Chang Ji felt somewhat complicated: “There are countless young ladies eyeing my lord, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone eyeing his food…” 

For a moment, he didn’t know whether to feel pleased or otherwise. 

Wei Shuyi closed a file and smiled, “That’s good. Before returning to the capital, we should fatten her up a bit. When we report back to Lord Yu and General Chang, we can also gain more favor. Speaking of which… General Chang and that Cui Jing should also be marching here; we need to hurry and fatten her up since time is running out.” 

Chang Ji’s lips twitched.

So it seems the situation is quite urgent?

Recalling the scene earlier today when Prefect Magistrate Zhao’s fat, piggish son confessed in tears, claiming he had been tricked and was not responsible for the tragedy that befell the Zhou family couple, Wei Shuyi asked, "Has Lady Chang mentioned wanting to see me?"

Straightening his back, Chang Ji proudly replied, "I didn’t give her the chance. I told her you were busy with official matters and not at the villa. I also assured her there was no need to thank you. Rest assured, I’ve nipped any potential trouble in the bud."

"...” Wei Shuyi smiled lightly at him. “You really do enjoy meddling.”

(End of Chapter)

Next Chapter▶▶

 **Chapter 8: Chang Family’s Suining**

The group stopped in front of a guest room. The leader asked, "May I ask if the young lady of the Chang family is here?"

"I don't know her!" The boy guarding outside the room immediately responded.

The leader, Chang Ji, glanced at the boy and recognized him as one of the youngsters who had snuck into his lord's carriage the other day. He showed a token in his hand.

The boy looked at the object, puzzled—what was this? What did it mean?

Chang Ji felt a bit stuck and explained, "My lord is Tenth Young Master Wei, and we have been sent by him to invite the young lady of the Chang family."

The boy still showed no intention of moving aside. Just as Chang Ji frowned, the door to the guest room opened from within.

A "young man" appeared in front of them.

Chang Ji recognized this as the other boy who had snuck into the carriage the previous day. He asked sternly, "May I ask where the young lady of the Chang family is?"

The "young man" remained silent.

Could it be that she was standing right in front of him?

Seeing no response, Chang Ji tried to remain patient. "Please tell the truth, and you will be well rewarded."

The young woman finally spoke, "Perhaps I am the one you're looking for."

Chang Ji's eyes widened in shock.

That voice…

It was a woman? He hadn't realized it at all!

His lord had only said to find the people who had entered the carriage, but he had not mentioned that the young lady of the Chang family was one of them!

How could a young woman from a noble family in the capital disguise herself so convincingly as a man?

The young woman of the Chang family then asked, "Why is Lord Wei seeking me?"

Chang Ji composed himself and bowed. "My lord wishes to invite the young lady to stay at a separate residence for her safety. Once the matter in Hezhou is settled in a few days, we will escort you safely back home."

The young woman nodded and, without hesitation, began walking downstairs. Her swift decision caught Chang Ji off guard, and he quickly led the others to follow.

"My lord, I sincerely apologize..." The innkeeper, who had been keeping an eye on the situation from downstairs, approached with an apologetic expression.

He usually would have tried to intervene, but since these people were under the command of Tenth Young Master Wei from the capital, he feared that the young man upstairs might be involved in the ongoing case in the city and had revealed the location as requested.

Fortunately, it appeared that both sides were on friendly terms.

The young woman simply said, "No harm," and left the inn.

The streets were bustling, with young willow branches sprouting and the sunlight shining golden.

The young woman looked up at the clear blue sky.

Years ago, besides her childhood name, A Li, she had given that little girl the name "Suining."

But whose surname to follow had always been a subject of debate.

Looking at things now, it seemed she had taken after that foolish Chang’s surname.

Chang Suining.

"Sui" meaning peace throughout the years, and "Ning" meaning tranquility—an auspicious name indeed.

Yet, she had never seen little Suining grow up with her own eyes, and fate had not been kind. Little Suining had disappeared this very spring.

And by a strange twist of fate, from then on, she became Chang Suining.

"Miss Chang—" Chang Ji followed her out, gesturing to the carriage prepared beside them.

Chang Suining nodded and got into the carriage.

The boy, holding a hastily packed bundle, sat next to the driver.

As the carriage rolled forward, Chang Suining lifted the curtain slightly to observe the street.

Though the prefect magistrate's office had been raided by imperial investigators, the citizens remained calm, and there was no chaos in the streets. It was evident that Wei Shuyi handled matters not only swiftly but also with thorough care, leaving no loose ends.

And he had found her so quickly—

In this regard, he was nothing like his father, Wei Qin, or his mother, Duan Shi.

As thoughts of old acquaintances surfaced, Chang Suining's gaze turned distant, looking at her homeland.

Would she return to the capital?

Of course, there was no doubt.

That was her home, where her old friends were, and where unresolved matters from the past still lingered in her heart.

Moreover, she needed to uncover the truth behind A Li’s abduction before her fall into the water during the Lantern Festival in the capital. She couldn’t let A Li’s fate remain a mystery.

...

The carriage stopped in front of a secluded residence within the city.

Wei Shuyi was traveling incognito, so he had taken up residence here temporarily.

"Miss Chang, please rest here. If you need anything, just ask the servants," Chang Ji explained in detail.

"My lord also said that no one will know of your presence in Hezhou. You can rest assured of that."

"Thank you." Chang Suining paused before the small courtyard where she was to stay and asked, "How did Lord Wei know I was here, and why is he helping me?"

Chang Ji’s face showed a trace of caution as he hurriedly explained, "My lord was entrusted by Head Eunuch Yu of the Department of Palace Affairs to look out for you in Hezhou."

Recalling the various young women in the capital who had gone to great lengths to approach his lord, he quickly added, "My lord is busy with official matters and is not currently here. Since it was a favor, there's no need to express thanks."

But the young woman seemed momentarily stunned, her attention not on his lord but rather on the name mentioned. "Head Eunuch Yu—Yu Zeng?"

Chang Ji’s brow twitched.

How did this young woman dare to address Head Eunuch Yu by name?

But seeing her waiting for his answer, he nodded. "Yes."

Chang Suining was somewhat surprised.

Ah Zeng had come a long way; he was now Head Enunch, overseeing the Department of Palace Affairs.

She considered asking who currently sat on the throne of Dazheng, but she didn’t want this seemingly less-than-sharp Wei family attendant to think she was a fool, so she refrained from inquiring further.

Seeing that she didn’t ask anything else, Chang Ji quietly relaxed and, after bowing, took his leave.

The maidservants assigned to take care of Chang Suining were very attentive. "A tailor will come this afternoon to measure and make clothes for you, Miss. Do you have any preferences in colors or patterns?"

"No need to trouble yourselves," Chang Suining replied. "Men’s robes are more convenient for traveling."

The maid was surprised but didn’t question it, simply agreeing and then asking, "Is there anything specific regarding your daily meals or needs that we should pay attention to?"

This question got to the heart of the matter.

Chang Suining answered seriously, "More meat with every meal, but not too fatty."

Eating more meat meant having more strength—a habit ingrained in her over the years.

The maid smiled and nodded, leaving to make arrangements.

"Since the matter in Zhoujia Village is resolved, I must return to the capital." Chang Suining placed a pouch of money on the table and spoke to the boy standing nearby. "Take this silver with you."

The boy hesitated, realizing what she meant, and suddenly knelt before her, his words stumbling. "I... I have no parents and nowhere to go. I may only know how to cook, but I will learn whatever you need. I’m willing to do anything—just don’t send me away!"

Looking at the boy who seemed to see her as his last hope, Chang Suining asked, "Do you wish to stay with me long-term?"

"Yes! You saved me, I—"

Chang Suining interrupted his excited speech. "But I don’t have enough money to give you a regular salary at the moment."

Though she understood her current identity, it was still too soon to make any promises.

The boy, however, looked surprised. "You’ve already been kind enough to give me work, why would I need more money?!"

Chang Suining was speechless.

Was this some kind of test of her moral integrity?

Seeing his overly sincere eyes, she remained silent for a moment before saying, "Don’t say that out loud."

Otherwise, she might end up pulling a millstone for life.

The boy nodded, half-understanding.

"Alright, get up. After lunch, come with me on an errand," Chang Suining said.

The boy, overjoyed, quickly agreed.

...

In the afternoon, Chang Suining left the residence and sat down in a bustling teahouse.

"Make way!"

With a loud shout, the sound of hooves approached, and a group of riders sped through the streets, causing the people to step aside.

Sitting by the window, Chang Suining watched as the soldiers passed by, her eyes widening slightly. She murmured, "Is that... the Xuanzhe Army?"

"You recognize the Xuanzhe Army?" The waiter, who had been refilling her tea, struck up a conversation.

Chang Suining nodded slightly. "Yes."

Recognize them?

She did more than just recognize them.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 7: A Brush with Madness

Torches burned bright, turning Zhoujia Village into a scene as bright as day.

"Village chief, where did these officers come from?" a villager asked urgently.

The village chief’s face paled as he watched the soldiers surrounding the village. "They don't look like the officers from Hezhou..." 

He hadn’t seen soldiers dressed like this before; each man looked stern and unapproachable.

"Search every house! Leave no one out!"

Chaos erupted. 

Dogs barked, people cried, begged, pointed fingers, cursed. The sounds mixed together in a cacophony. 

A woman clutching her daughter peeked out from behind her courtyard gate, eyes wide as she stared at the firelight, as though she had glimpsed the dawn.

...

As morning approached, the officials in the prefect magistrate’s mansion of Hezhou were roused from their sleep.

"What's all this noise so early? A funeral?" 

A man with a fat face and large ears sat up at the edge of his bed, cursing.

"Sir, something terrible has happened…!"

The man glared at the servant who spoke. "What terrible thing could have happened?"

This was Hezhou!  

His father was the prefect magistrate of Hezhou!

The servant trembled as he replied, "The capital... someone from the capital has come!"

The man frowned, getting up and dressing himself. "So what if someone from the capital has come? My father has connections in the capital!"

...

Zhao Fu, the prefect magistrate of Hezhou, was walking quickly towards the front courtyard.

He hadn’t been informed of any imperial envoy arriving in Hezhou! 

And they had silently tracked him through the dealings in Zhoujia Village, surrounding his mansion before dawn! 

If it had been anything else, he would have had some forewarning, but starting with Zhoujia Village left him no room to react!

"Master, don't worry. Just deny everything, and you'll be fine," a close advisor whispered as they walked.

"I know what I’m doing, but I still need to send a message to the capital as quickly as possible!" Zhao Fu forced himself to calm down. "I’ve had dealings with him for years; we’re on the same boat... he won’t abandon me!"

As he spoke, he suddenly asked, "By the way, do we know who the envoy is?"

"I’m not sure. No news has leaked out…"

They reached the front courtyard just as two rows of guards, swords at their waists, marched in. Between them strode a tall figure.

The young man wore a wide-sleeved cloak and walked with his hands behind his back, his expression calm despite the morning chill. His voice was casual and unhurried as he greeted, "Long time no see, prefect magistrate Zhao."

At the sight of the man's face, Zhao Fu froze, the color draining from his face as he stammered, "Wei..."

It was him!

...

News of the incident at the prefect magistrate’s mansion spread quickly.

Early in the morning, a crowd gathered in the tavern, buzzing with conversation, their faces full of astonishment.

A girl, having finished her morning practice in her room, opened the door when she heard the commotion.

"Sir... you’re up!" A boy standing by the railing, peering downstairs, turned around excitedly. "They're talking about Zhoujia Village and the prefect magistrate’s mansion!"

The girl joined him at the railing, looking down into the tavern.

"They found out Zhoujia Village was full of kidnappers! I heard they rescued over ten people just last night!"

"They also uncovered many unmarked graves..."

"Thank goodness the imperial envoy arrived, or who knows how many more would have suffered..."

"Wait, wait, I don’t get it. What does Zhoujia Village have to do with the prefect magistrate's mansion being raided? Could it be—"

"Of course! The people of Zhoujia Village were monsters, but they were never exposed because the prefect magistrate secretly protected them!"

"That prefect magistrate Zhao... how could he do something so despicable, when he’s supposed to be a father figure to the people!" someone slammed the table in outrage.

"Not only did he profit from it, but his son, Zhao Dingxun, has harmed countless innocent women with cruel methods. He even has a secret residence in Liuke Lane, just across the street… full of incriminating evidence!"

"The Zhao father and son, they’re worse than animals!"

"They are the shame of Hezhou!"

Leaning against the railing, the girl listened. Her heart settled as she overheard the people’s praise for the imperial envoy. She nodded in approval. 

She had expected to wait at least three to five days. 

Yet here she was, after just one night, and Second Young Wei had already resolved everything.

This Second Young Wei was quite capable.

As she silently praised him, the crowd downstairs grew more curious about the swift and decisive imperial envoy, surrounding a scholar for more details.

The scholar spoke with admiration, "This Lord Wei is no ordinary man. He hails from the prestigious Marquis Zhengguo family in the capital, but his rise to office was not due to family influence. He was personally chosen by the emperor as a top scholar at just seventeen, the youngest in history since the founding of the imperial exams!"

Huh? 

The girl, about to return to her room, stopped in her tracks, frowning in confusion.

She had never heard of this.  

When had Wei Yu, or anyone in Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty, become a top scholar at seventeen?

Her first thought was that the scholar was exaggerating.

The murmurs of awe continued—

"And now, at just over twenty, he’s already a Vice Minister of the East Terrace... such talent is beyond our reach!"

The girl's frown deepened.

The official rank doesn’t match either.

Someone in the crowd finally realized, "Ah, I’ve heard about this before! So the envoy is the famous heir of the Marquis Zhengguo family, Vice Minister Wei Shuyi!"

"Exactly!"

The girl abruptly turned around.

"The envoy..." she asked the servant delivering food upstairs, "What’s the envoy’s name?"

"Why..." The servant paused, then smiled. "To rid the people of evil, of course!"

"... No," the girl pressed, "Is the imperial envoy’s name Wei Yu or...?"

This was very important to her—

"Wei Yu... Oh, you mean the second son of the Wei family." The servant, familiar with the influential Wei family, chuckled. "No, no, the envoy is not Wei Yu, but his nephew, the heir to the Duke Zhengguo, Wei Shuyi!"

"......"

The servant went on his way, leaving the girl standing there, as if turned to stone.

After a while, she stiffly raised her hand, comparing it to the height of the railing in front of her.

—Wei Shuyi?

—That little brat, who had been hurling insults at everyone since he was three years old?

Now...

Her hand kept rising, over her head, until she could picture the young man she had seen leaving the teahouse yesterday.

Now—he was suddenly this tall?!

Reeling from the shock, the girl’s face became expressionless.

Slowly, she turned and walked back into her room.

She needed to sit down.

She needed to process this.

If she wasn’t careful, at this rate, she might truly go mad.

...

Watching her close the door behind her, the boy looked confused but didn’t dare disturb her.

Inside, the girl sat before the mirror, staring at her reflection.

If Wei Shuyi was now a grown man, over twenty, then...

She raised her hand and pressed lightly on the birthmark on her chest—

Then Ah Li should be around this age as well.

The girl’s brows furrowed as she recalled the boy she had once saved. 

And now, in the prime of her life, she had been kidnapped.

Her mind surged with thoughts like a storm, chaotic images flashing before her eyes. 

She had known that she had narrowly escaped death, that the world was still the same. But she had not realized that today’s world was already a different place, that everything from yesterday had become part of the distant past.

At that moment, a group of people in deep green uniforms entered the tavern and quickly made their way upstairs.

Finally, our heroine has a name to go by...

(End of chapter)

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 6: Keep Your Mouth Shut

The young lord raised an eyebrow and said, "Hmm?"

"Chang Ji, come here. Does the girl in this painting look familiar to you?"

His close attendant, Chang Ji, walked over to take a look but shook his head. "I don’t recognize her, my lord."

He added with a hint of curiosity, "Has Madam found yet another girl for you?"

As the only son of the family, the young lord was already past twenty but still showed no interest in marriage, much to his mother’s distress. Whenever she heard of another family marrying off a daughter, she would become anxious, sometimes to the point of falling ill for three days.

"It might not be my mother." The young man opened another letter, and his expression changed slightly. "Yu Zeng—"

Chang Ji was surprised. "Why would this person send a letter to you, my lord?"

Yu Zeng was the head eunuch in the palace, overseeing the Department of Palace Affairs. He was highly trusted by the emperor, and officials would address him as "Lord Yu" out of respect.

But Yu Zeng was notoriously arrogant and aloof, never showing kindness to anyone, as if the entire world owed him a fortune or had wronged his ancestors.

"The day has come when even Lord Yu asks me for a favor," the young man remarked, looking thoughtfully at the painting. "It seems a young lady from General Chang’s household has gone missing."

"General Chang?" Chang Ji was confused. "Why would Lord Yu care about a missing girl from the General’s household? He has plenty of resources and ways to find people. Why ask you for help, my lord?"

"Precisely because he has too many resources," the young man replied, reading the letter. "Yu Zeng knows that I’m here in Hezhou on a secret mission from the emperor. He’s already found out that the missing lady from the Chang family is likely somewhere in this region. If he makes too much of a scene searching for her, it could interfere with the emperor’s orders."

As for why Yu Zeng was so concerned about the missing girl, it likely had something to do with past matters.

Long ago, both General Chang and Yu Zeng had served the same person.

The young man’s eyes momentarily clouded with nostalgia.

"So, will you help him?" Chang Ji asked.

"Why wouldn’t I?" The young man sighed. "It’s a rare opportunity to have someone like Lord Yu owe me a favor."

"But there’s nothing you need from him, my lord—"

"That’s where you’re wrong." The young man sat back in his chair. "You never know when something might come in handy. If you don’t seize the opportunity, someone else will. I can’t stand seeing others get free benefits. It keeps me up at night."

Chang Ji was speechless.

His lord always had a way of expressing bizarre logic with a straight face.

"The missing girl from the Chang family could be connected to what we’re investigating here in Hezhou." The young man pushed the painting forward on the desk. "Since we’ve confirmed what happened in Zhoujia Village, go there yourself and use this painting to see if anyone matches the girl’s description."

"Understood."

Chang Ji took the painting and was about to leave when the young man called out, "Wait."

"Is there anything else, my lord?"

"The matter of the missing girl should be kept quiet. Search for her, but don’t go blabbing about it."

Chang Ji’s face twitched slightly.

He was one of the top guards of the Marquis of Zheng’s household, highly professional and cold as ice, especially when wielding his blade. How could he possibly be accused of loose lips? 

His lord’s comment wasn’t hurtful, but it was deeply insulting!

Feeling a bit wronged, Chang Ji left. As the door closed behind him, the young man’s gaze fell back on the coarse paper weighed down by a paperweight on the desk, bearing blood-stamped seals.

His brow lifted slightly as if a thought had just occurred to him.

...

Meanwhile, Zhoujia Village was far from peaceful.

The village head had just stormed back home, half of his face still swollen from a recent altercation.

Earlier that day, he had gone into the city with silver in hand to meet with a steward from a noble household. Before he had spoken more than a few words, a portly, well-dressed man barged in. The steward informed him that this man was the young master of the house. Before he could even bow, the young master kicked him in the chest and slapped him across the face, hurling curses at him.

He couldn’t figure out what he had done to offend the young lord and kept apologizing profusely.

After the inexplicable beating, he ruminated over the encounter on his way home. Slowly, a suspicion formed in his mind as he recalled the young master’s angry words.

That "official" in Liuke Alley had never shown his face. Could it be...?

And as for the "goods" that Lao Shuan had lost, he had heard they were meant to be sent to Liuke Alley...

Now that Lao Shuan and his wife were missing, and the "goods" had escaped—

He had gone to the noble house intending to explain the situation, but before he could, the young lord had beaten him senseless.

As he sat on the stool, the village head couldn’t help but speculate.

Just then, a limping woman entered, carrying a basin of water. She placed it before him and said softly, "Wash your hands, the meal is ready."

"Get out! Can’t you see you’re in the way?"

The man, still in a foul mood, knocked over the basin, spilling hot water all over the woman.

Her face remained expressionless as she knelt to wipe the floor.

"Didn’t you hear me? Get out!" The man kicked her, venting the day’s frustrations on her frail body.

The woman gritted her teeth and endured his blows.

"Don’t hit Mama! Don’t hit Mama!" 

A girl of about six or seven ran over, crying, and hugged her mother.

"You’re asking for trouble too?" The man’s rage intensified as he grabbed the little girl and dragged her outside. "Clearly, last time wasn’t enough! I’ll beat you to death today, you worthless brat!"

The girl cried and struggled.

Seeing her pleas were in vain, the woman, consumed by fear, grabbed a nearby wooden stool and threw herself at the man, striking him with it.

The man’s face darkened, and he dropped the girl, picking up a shovel by the door.

The woman, drenched in water, snapped out of her daze. Her face turned pale as she backed away a few steps. The early spring night was bitterly cold.

"Father, something’s happened!"

A boy of thirteen or fourteen rushed in from outside, completely ignoring the woman and girl as he panted. "There are a bunch of men outside dressed like officials!"

"Officials?" The man gripped the shovel, frowning but not panicking. "I’ll go see."

"Mother, why did you upset Father again?" The boy scolded the woman before running out after his father.

Trembling, the woman held her daughter tightly, whispering, "Don’t be afraid, Niuniu..."

But her tears wouldn’t stop falling.

After all these years, she no longer cared what happened to herself. But her daughter... Could she even live to see adulthood safely? And even if she did, what kind of life would await her?

In this wretched village, it wasn’t unheard of for fathers to sell their own daughters for silver.

Outside, voices grew louder and more chaotic. The glow of torches lit up the night.

The woman hugged her daughter tightly, instinctively looking toward the courtyard. The flickering firelight reflected in her hollow eyes.

(End of Chapter)

Next Chapter▶▶

 

 Chapter 180: Sending the Wallet

On the way home.

Xiao Wei occasionally stole glances at Bai Lu's belly.

The scorching little eyes, as hot as a suppressed volcano, were hard to miss, even for Bai Lu.

"Why are you looking at my belly?"

Caught peeking, Xiao Wei's little face tightened, immediately retracting his gaze, and his small hands fidgeted with the sides of his clothes.

Stammering, he said, "I'm looking at my little nephew."

"Why is it always about a little nephew!"

Bai Lu spoke without thinking, "your brother and I won't have a little nephew."

Xiao Wei stopped in his tracks.

Not moving, he asked, "Why? You lied. You told me last time that you would, you said as long as Big Brother built a big house, you would have a little nephew!"

Bai Lu recalled and realized she had indeed said that, at the time just to comfort the upset little guy.

Alright... wishing to go back in time and change history!

"Xiao Wei, having a little nephew is a complicated matter. Let me explain..."

"I won't listen, I won't listen." Xiao Wei covered his ears.

With just a small head visible, his innocent little face was full of sadness and deception.

Those clear and bright big eyes were on the verge of tears in an instant, but he held back.

Bai Lu suddenly felt shameless for deceiving a seven-year-old, it was against moral principles.

"I didn't mean that. Don't be sad, don't cry. Just listen to me."

Xiao Wei still ignored her, covering his ears with his hands that formed two scissors, leaving a gap.

Bai Lu bit her lip, resisting the urge to laugh. After a pause, she continued to explain, "Having a little nephew is a big deal. Look, after getting pregnant, you have to stay at home for delivery, take care of the baby at home, teach the baby to speak, walk, send the baby to school. But I still have to study..."

The last sentence was the key, and Xiao Wei caught on.

His little eyebrows furrowed, and after thinking for a while, his whole shoulder drooped.

Seemingly finally accepting this cruel fact, he said weakly, "I understand."

"Because you have to study, you can't have a little nephew for now. Auntie Wu's Xiao Ling said she's about to take the college entrance exam, and you study every day, surely preparing for the exam like Xiao Ling. Big Brother doesn't build a big house because he's worried it will disturb you studying. Not telling you about having a little nephew is also because you have to take the college entrance exam and study..."

With his head bowed, Xiao Wei walked, completely unaware that his words had left Bai Lu stunned in place.

After walking for a while without hearing footsteps catching up, Xiao Wei turned around, looking at Bai Lu with a puzzled and sad gaze.

"Why haven't you gone?"

Was he waiting for Big Brother?

Before Xiao Wei could ask the next question, Bai Lu preemptively asked, "How do you know all this? Who told you?"

Xiao Wei glanced behind her, unable to speak, hesitating under Bai Lu's stare.

After hesitating for who knows how long, he finally squeezed his fingers, reminded, "Big Brother..."

"Your Big Brother wouldn't say such things." Bai Lu was certain that Xiao Wei was going crazy with the idea of a little nephew. Even a drunk child wouldn't say such things, let alone a Xiao Cheng.

However, just as she finished speaking, a low, cold voice came from behind, "It was me."

Wait, wasn't that the voice of Xiao Cheng!

Bai Lu: "!!!"

Xiao Wei, how could you be so unkind!

Xiao Wei: "..."

I already warned you; it's your own fault for not listening!

Bai Lu took a deep breath, embracing the principle of 'I'm not embarrassed if you're not embarrassed,' and lifted the corners of her mouth, forming an awkward yet polite smile.

Turning around, she greeted, "Why are you back?"

Ugh! What she meant was, 'You're back.'

Xiao Cheng heard both sentences. His eyebrows raised slightly, and he reached out to take the basket of vegetables from the girl.

''Come home for lunch.''

Bai Lu sympathized with his sudden discomfort: ''Is the food in the city not good?''

Xiao Cheng said seriously, ''Not good.''

Bai Lu looked at him with an expression that said, 'Do you expect me to believe that?' ''Are you coming back for lunch?''

Xiao Cheng added, ''Lunch and dinner.''

''After lunch, are you going back to the city to continue your work?''

''Yes.''

The new town was indeed very close to Pingcheng, closer than other small towns, but it still took more than forty minutes by motorcycle.

Coming back from afar just for lunch, could the food in Pingcheng cause food poisoning?

Bai Lu noticed that Xiao Cheng had become somewhat picky lately.

As they walked, a soft voice suddenly sounded beside them: ''Something fell out of the vegetable basket.''

It was something in a beautiful small bag.

The leather bag fell out too.

Round, black, flat and somewhat long, it was unclear what was inside.

Xiao Wei looked at Xiao Cheng's hand in surprise, Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu in confusion, and Bai Lu paused for a moment.

''That's for...''

A wallet for a child.

But the child was there last night, not today. Today was for the big shot, and she didn't need to buy a wallet!

She had been careless!

Seeing Xiao Cheng's puzzled and incomprehensible look and hearing her interrupted words, Bai Lu's expression gradually turned grim.

His usually cold face became icy, and the wallet and small leather bag in his hand changed shape.

The huge demonic hand, like the claw of a violent dragon, could slash through a person's throat with a wave, not to mention...

The wallet!

''That's the wallet I got for you.'' Bai Lu quickly spoke up to plead: ''I bought the wallet for you on purpose.''

''Open it and see if you like it?''

Xiao Cheng was slightly stunned, apparently caught off guard by this unexpected... pleasant surprise. He furrowed his brow and, not knowing whether to believe it or not, used his slender fingers to open the bag and take out what was inside.

Sure enough, it was a black wallet.

When Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu again, there was a faint glimmer in his eyes, and the iceberg seemed to have shattered.

Afraid that he would ask too many questions, Bai Lu explained preemptively: ''You bought me clothes before, and I noticed you didn't have a wallet, so I bought one for you.''

This explanation was quite reasonable.

Xiao Cheng narrowed his eyes, holding the wallet and looking at Bai Lu, trying to see something from her eyes.

But... there was nothing.

She asked him, ''Do you like it?''

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly.

Later, on the way home, everyone was silent. After finishing lunch, they went about their business.

After dinner, showering, and washing and drying clothes, Bai Lu sat on the bed reading.

As she read, she suddenly saw Xiao Cheng entering with some belongings.

He moved the pillow, moved the blanket.

After moving the blanket, he went to the wardrobe to get clothes.

It wasn't until later that Bai Lu realized he was moving to the utility room to sleep. The book in her hand suddenly fell.

He had already gotten off the bed by the time she realized, ''I can go.''

Saying this, he reached into the wardrobe. Her clothes were neatly packed in a bag in the corner.

She had planned to tell Xiao Cheng about it today, but she had forgotten from noon to night, and she hadn't figured out how to say it.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Cheng took the initiative.

Before Bai Lu's hand could reach halfway, Xiao Cheng grabbed her wrist and pulled it out of the wardrobe.

''No need.''

 Chapter 179: Turning Danger into Safety

Early the next morning, Chen Dafu came to ask for leave from Bai Lu, saying he wouldn't be selling chestnuts today.

This was because Chen Chunli had given birth in the early hours of the morning.

It was a difficult birth, taking a long time, and Chen Dafu needed to go home to bring his mother to visit Chen Chunli.

Bai Lu was slightly surprised, but it was somewhat expected.

Last night, she had suspicions when she noticed Chen Chunli's unusual behavior. However, as they escorted her home, there were no signs of impending labor, so Bai Lu thought everything was stable.

Unexpectedly, instability occurred after the door closed.

Xiao Wei also heard Chen Dafu's request for leave and walked up to Bai Lu, lowering his head in self-blame. "It's my fault that I couldn't stop Chen Chunli from seeing Brother Haozi drunk. She got so angry that she almost couldn't give birth."

Bai Lu, stirring the sugar syrup in front of the stove, patted the little one's head and explained softly, "It's not your fault. You've done well."

"Wang Hao drank alcohol, and the smell couldn't be hidden. Chen Chunli would have found out whether she came out early or late. Moreover, Chen Chunli has successfully given birth, and both mother and child are safe."

"Although the process was difficult, the result is good, proving that you did well before we came back."

Upon hearing Bai Lu's words, Xiao Wei gradually relaxed his grip on his tightly clenched clothes and looked up to see Xiao Cheng, who was cold-faced while roasting chestnuts. Xiao Wei immediately tightened his clothes again.

"Did I really not do anything wrong?"

Bai Lu nudged Xiao Cheng's arm.

Xiao Cheng turned his head, met the girl's frequent blinking, and reluctantly said, "You didn't."

The little one finally let go of his wrinkled clothes, but the self-blame in his bright, big eyes had not completely disappeared.

Bai Lu smiled and said, "Later, let's go to the market to buy vegetables, and on the way, we'll buy some fruits to visit Wang Hao, Chen Chunli, and the healthy little baby."

Xiao Wei's eyes lit up.

But when he thought that it wasn't his big brother and sister-in-law who had the baby, most of the brightness dimmed instantly.

Only the last bit remained, lasting until Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng finished roasting chestnuts, completed their deliveries, and went to the market.

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang returned with the goods, and Xiao Cheng had to go to the city. They separated at the market.

Lunch was definitely not going to be eaten at home. Bai Lu asked, "Will you come back for dinner tonight?"

With people coming and going at the market entrance, the girl standing in the sunlight looked particularly gentle, and her voice was pleasant, like a obedient wife waiting for her husband to come home for dinner.

Xiao Cheng was slightly stunned, and his cold eyebrows softened. With a certain affirmative tone, he said, "Yes."

Bai Lu's smile curled up at the corners of her eyes. "Then I'll buy more vegetables, and you come back early in the evening."

"Okay."

The hospital was not far from the market. Bai Lu bought vegetables and placed them at Wenshuyun's stall, then picked up a fruit basket.

Aunt Wu refused to take the money, only accepting it when she heard that Bai Lu was going to give it to someone else, not for herself.

When Bai Lu and Xiao Wei arrived at the hospital, Chen Chunli, who had fainted, still hadn't woken up, but her condition had stabilized.

There were two beds in the ward. One had Chen Chunli lying on it, and the other was empty. He Yulan, Chen Chunli's mother, and Chen Dafu were all by the empty bed, looking at the baby.

Seeing Bai Lu, they immediately called her over to see the child.

Everyone's faces were filled with the joy of the arrival of new life. Regardless of any previous conflicts, they all disappeared in the pure and clear eyes of the little baby.

Wang Hao went to fill the hot water bottle and returned with a tired look on his face, showing the fatigue from staying awake all night.

Seeing Bai Lu, his eyes instantly turned red.

"Sister-in-law, if it weren't for you, Chunli and the child might have..." Wang Hao, a big man, choked several times.

He even bent his knees...

Bai Lu hurriedly caught the person just before kneeling down, saying, "Take your time, no need to rush."

Chen Dafu, who was discussing the child with Xiao Wei, noticed the situation and immediately came over to help Wang Hao take the hot water bottle, watching Wang Hao go outside and speak.

Saying this here would definitely wake up his sister.

This floor was all postpartum wards. Perhaps there were not many people giving birth this season, and there weren't many people moving around in the corridor outside. Bai Lu gently closed the door.

Wang Hao, with red eyes, slowly explained the situation, "Last night when I got home, Chunli quarreled with me for a while. When she saw I wasn't talking, she went to the toilet."

"I remembered your advice. I had to pay attention to Chunli's movements tonight, no matter where she went. I hadn't waited long outside the toilet when I heard a sound of falling. When I opened the door, I found Chunli had fainted on the ground, and there was blood on her legs..."

If it weren't for Bai Lu's early warning, Wang Hao would have, as usual, gone to sleep after being annoyed by Chen Chunli.

His mother had to take care of his sick father, handle all the household chores, and even accompanied Chen Chunli to Bai Lu's house late at night. After the tiring journey, he went to sleep.

The toilet was not in the main house, quite a distance away, and the sound from the toilet couldn't be heard.

Plus, he had been drinking, so he wouldn't know when he could wake up. Over time, Chen Chunli and the child in her belly were undoubtedly in a dire situation.

When he came to the hospital last night, the doctor said it was fortunate that they arrived in time; any later, it would have been a choice between the two.

Even with the second option, there was still a significant chance of accidents, hemorrhage, and the inability to save both.

Wang Hao now felt a wave of fear. If it weren't for Bai Lu's reminder, he would have regretted it for the rest of his life.

Bai Lu looked at Wang Hao, who expressed genuine gratitude with red eyes, feeling a sense of melancholy in her heart.

Before coming here, all she saw in Xiao Cheng's memory were cold and emotionless scenes.

The icy brothers, brandishing knives and guns, defeating enemies who begged for mercy on their knees.

Even the few rare moments of joy were silent images, like an old video player playing memories that didn't belong to that era.

All those people were ruthless and unfeeling, including Xiao Cheng, Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, Wang Hao... all the same.

Coming here, Bai Lu realized that whether it was Xiao Cheng or his brothers, they were all flesh and blood, just like ordinary people, with emotions and principles.

Perhaps, it was precisely because of their emotions and principles that later led to Wang Hao's dilemma... to his death.

Bai Lu knew that fate was something not easily changed by human will, and reminders didn't always work.

But she still wanted to try, whether it was presumptuous to help Wang Hao defy fate or because she couldn't bear to see Xiao Cheng standing alone in that position.

Words that could be spoken out loud should never be hidden.

Bai Lu earnestly said to Wang Hao, "We're all family. If you have anything in the future, you can talk directly to Ah Cheng. You don't have to keep everything in your heart."

"You've been with Ah Cheng for so many years, and you know his personality. He just doesn't like to talk, but he considers you all as brothers in his heart. You can talk to him about anything, discuss with him, and he won't sit idly by."

Wang Hao didn't know why Bai Lu suddenly said these words, perhaps because of what Chen Chunli had done before, the advance warning, or something else.

Regardless of the reason, his sister-in-law's frank words were deeply engraved in his heart.

 Chapter 178: You're Really Amazing

Bailu stared at his sexy and charming collarbone for a moment, and when her gaze moved upward, their eyes met.

It felt as if they had been caught doing something naughty.

"Cough... turn around," she said.

Turning around meant facing the wall. Xiao Cheng didn't turn; instead, he got off the bed, sat on the edge, and turned his back to Bailu.

A bruise, the size of a palm, covered an old scar from a knife. New and old wounds intertwined, the bluish-purple marks doubled, appearing reddish-purple and disturbing.

Certainly, during the chaos tonight at Tianshang, he must have been sneak attacked by some sinister person. The shape of the injury looked like a chair leg, definitely not as slender as a bottle.

Moreover, a broken bottle would leave glass shards, but there were none on Xiao Cheng's back, and his skin wasn't cut.

The injuries were hidden beneath the flesh.

Bailu opened a small bottle, poured some medicinal wine into her hand, and covered Xiao Cheng's back, gently rubbing.

"You said you weren't hurt. What's this on your back, you big liar?" she remarked.

Xiao Cheng turned his head. "I'm not a liar. I don't lie to Lulu. These are just minor injuries; they'll be fine in a couple of days."

"Who told you that minor injuries aren't injuries? You have wounds on your back, and you're still carrying me. Do you think your injuries aren't severe enough?" Bailu felt like her heart was soaked in a sponge filled with water—sour and swollen.

As the pressure on Xiao Cheng's back became gentler, he softly spoke, "Lulu, it's not severe."

"Not severe enough to ignore the injuries and act recklessly?" Bailu squeezed a bit harder.

Xiao Cheng grunted, "Lulu, be gentle."

"Gentle isn't effective," Bailu continued to rub. "Grandma said you have to rub it hard to disperse the medicinal properties, make it evaporate, and rub until it feels warm. Only then will it be effective for recovery."

Saying this, she rubbed a bit more forcefully.

It was like punishing an unruly child.

Under the force, the medicinal wine evaporated, and the wound started to feel warm. Xiao Cheng pursed his lips. "Lulu, it hurts."

"I'm not hurting," Bai Lu corrected his childish sentence.

She continued the ruthless rubbing, making him, who concealed his injury and insisted on carrying her, regret it.

Let's see if he learns his lesson and dares to do it again next time.

The continuously evaporating medicinal effects made Xiao Cheng's back feel like it was engulfed in a fiery sea, burning with pain.

He turned around, grabbed Bai Lu's hand, and apologized sincerely, "Okay, I won't do it next time."

Bai Lu smiled and said, "Hmm," indicating that she understood, then pulled her hand back, pushing him away.

Xiao Cheng: "..."

The burning sensation attacked his back again, completely masking the warmth of Bai Lu's hand.

"Lulu?"

"Hmm..."

As Bai Lu raised her head, Xiao Cheng kissed her, silencing any questions she might have had. The unspoken words were all lost on her lips.

The motion of rubbing in her hand stopped abruptly as he turned around, slipping away. He caught it.

Placed on his exposed chest, he felt the heartbeat transition from steady to slightly rapid.

His other hand gripped her neck, leaving no space to retreat. Bai Lu's mind went blank.

Xiao Cheng's kiss wasn't a light touch; it was an aggressive attack from the start, as if he were extracting something.

When Bai Lu's sluggish brain reacted, her mind had become a mush, clouded by the kiss.

At this moment, Xiao Cheng let go.

The deep gaze seemed to contain surging flames, suppressed. He looked at Bailu, his voice unusually hoarse—

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

Is he using her as a painkiller?

Bai Lu wanted to punch him, but she bit her lip and refrained: "Why didn't you scream when you were injured before?"

"No one used to apply medicine for me."

Xiao Cheng answered Bai Lu's question truthfully, looking at her blushing face with a firm gaze. "But now, there's Lulu."

After regaining composure, Bai Lu wanted to say, "I'll leave after I finish my exams." However, when she saw the obvious expectation in Xiao Cheng's eyes, the words at the corner of her mouth involuntarily swallowed back.

After some consideration, she felt it was necessary to remind him: "You can't do this in the future."

"Why is it inappropriate?" Xiao Cheng asked, not understanding.

Bai Lu would rather face a big shot. At least, big shots understood certain unspeakable matters instantly.

Children, on the other hand, understood nothing.

Moreover, a child's memory only lasted for one night. Tomorrow morning, he would forget what happened tonight.

"Even if I tell him about sleeping in separate rooms now, he will forget by tomorrow; agreeing or not agreeing is the same.

It's really frustrating.

Bai Lu sighed, decided not to say anything more, and pushed Xiao Cheng back, saying, ''There's still a bit of medicinal wine that hasn't been applied.''

Xiao Cheng was surprised, ''How is it not applied yet?''

Bai Lu gave him a cool look, ''Who told you to expose your back to others for a beating? The scars are so long; a bit of medicinal wine won't be enough.''

''I didn't expose my back to others.'' Xiao Cheng argued logically, ''I was ambushed.''

After hearing his explanation, Bai Lu nodded in understanding while pouring medicinal wine onto her hands, asking, ''Did you get revenge?''

''I did.'' It was necessary.

Seeing his cold and vengeful eyes, Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh, ''How did you get revenge?''

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu's smiling face, pure and clean eyes, and said nothing.

Bai Lu smiled and said, ''I'm not afraid.''

Still, Xiao Cheng remained silent. Despite Bai Lu pushing him to turn around and covering his back with the soft warmth again, he didn't speak.

As the pressure gradually increased, the soft warmth was replaced by a scalding sensation, but he didn't speak again.

Bai Lu guessed, ''Did you break the enemy's leg?''

Since she already guessed, Xiao Cheng wouldn't deny it but corrected, ''Stepped on it.''

''You're really impressive!'' Bai Lu admired him as a man and vigorously rubbed him a few times, two times, three times.

''Is this reward good enough?'' Xiao Cheng remained silent.

Probably not, because Bai Lu rubbed him forcefully three more times and the spicy medicine's effect spread.

Helpless, Xiao Cheng pursed his lips. The hands on his back suddenly disappeared, leaving only the lingering pain.

He turned around abruptly, ''Is it done?''

''Yes, there was only a small area left to apply, and now it's done.'' Bai Lu held the small bottle of medicinal wine, got off the bed, and put it back in the drawer by the window.

Turning back, Xiao Cheng was already putting on his clothes, buttoning them up one by one.

After buttoning the third button at the top, he let go.

The distinct curve of his collarbone lay exposed beneath the unbuttoned collar.

It caught Bai Lu's eyes faintly.

Xiao Cheng took the opportunity to lie down, turning off the lights and covering themselves with the blanket.

Bai Lu was momentarily stunned, then realized that after a busy day, they could finally sleep.

If the child likes to hug, then let him.

Unexpectedly, just as she closed her eyes, Xiao Cheng's deep, magnetic voice reached her ears, ''Lulu.''

''Do you like the new clothes I bought for you?''

With a slight smile at the corner of her closed eyes, Bai Lu replied sincerely, ''I like them.''

Xiao Cheng chuckled lightly, holding her as they drifted off to sleep.

—May 24, 1997, the first time Xiao Cheng gave Bai Lu clothes, shoes, and supplements."

 Chapter 177: Do Not Look Rudely

The sound of footsteps echoed from the bathroom.

Step by step, as if treading on the tip of the heart.

Bai Lu's figure stiffened.

Xiao Cheng wouldn't come out without wearing clothes, right!

"Do you have anything else to take? Tell me, I'll get it for you. Don't come out!"

Before Bai Lu could finish her sentence, the footsteps were already behind her, followed by a chilly breath like snow.

In an instant, the entire space was filled with the rushing heartbeat from all directions, making her ears deaf.

Breath paused, time paused.

The cold breath passed by Bai Lu, turning from behind to in front, from elusive to suddenly visible.

Bai Lu immediately closed her eyes, hands covering her eyes, nervously retreating three steps. "What are you doing?"

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu, who covered her face, looking puzzled. "I haven't done anything."

As he spoke, he took a step towards her.

One step, and he was in front of her.

Bai Lu sensed the approaching cold breath, retreated again, and her heels had reached the low threshold of the bathroom. She couldn't retreat any further, or she would enter the bathroom.

She could only reach out her hand to block him. "Stop, don't come any closer. Why did you come out?"

Xiao Cheng looked at the fair hand extended in front of him, wanting to hold it. He looked up and saw Bai Lu, who was covering her face and still nervous. He slowly reached out his hand.

He handed her the empty hot water bottle.

"The hot water is finished, here's your hot water bottle."

Bai Lu took the hot water bottle and walked away.

The next second, she directly collided with a cold, hard, and resolute wall. When she instinctively leaned back, a force wrapped around her waist.

The whole person steadily crashed into the robust and resolute chest.

The hand covering her face fell off.

Her eyes were filled with mosquito coil circles.

What's going on? She clearly walked around, how did she still collide? She's really going crazy!

Do not look rudely! Do not look rudely!

Xiao Cheng saw Bai Lu still tightly closing her eyes in his arms, as if she had finally discovered something, he chuckled.

Opening his mouth to explain, "I am wearing clothes."

"... You should have said it earlier!"

Bai Lu finally opened her eyes without any burden, the mosquito coil circle vision gradually becoming clear.

Suddenly, it was a feast of beauty.

The strong and sturdy chest of a man was right in front of her, healthy and sexy wheat-colored skin, distinct muscles, robust and resolute. The old knife scars had faded, and the faint pink traces added a touch of imposing aura to the plainness. The not-so-obvious iron sand bullet wounds on the chest made the still picture suddenly enter the blood curtain of gunfire.

To defend one's dignity, one must be decisive in killing; to be ruthless and "cruel," one must create the awe-inspiring authority that everyone fears and obtain a few taels of broken silver to sustain life.

Haughty and ruthless, indifferent to human emotions, was the world's initial interpretation of Xiao Cheng; strategizing in the business world, sitting steadily in a high position, was the world's later admiration for Xiao Cheng.

No one knew what kind of past was hidden beneath the suit and leather shoes.

Bai Lu witnessed it today.

Perhaps, in the memories of her previous life, she also witnessed it, but didn't see and feel it so vividly.

Seeing that Bai Lu had been silent all along, Xiao Cheng thought she was hurt and quickly hugged her.

Patting her back, he said, "Be more careful next time you walk."

Bai Lu thumped him, "Clearly, you suddenly walked to the right and bumped into me. I was walking on the right. You just needed to walk straight. Why did you walk to the right... Clearly, you only wore pants and said you were wearing clothes. Nonsense..."

"She was covering herself back and forth, still giving him indecent looks!

Xiao Cheng grabbed her little fist in front of his chest with not much strength and sternly retorted, "Pants are also clothes."

Bai Lu withdrew her hand and pushed him away, saying, "Yes, yes, you're right. If we don't take a bath soon, the water will get cold."

"Lu Lu, wait for me to sleep together."

Xiao Cheng finished his serious admonition before going to take a bath.

Bai Lu turned around, wanting to say "dream on" to him, but when she saw the new wound on his back, she stopped abruptly.

She said nothing, turned around, and went back to the room.

The night was cool like water, so quiet that even the sound of fish splashing water in the small river could be heard. Occasionally, a few strands of shimmering moonlight fell on the river, creating a beautiful scene.

The fish swam away with a splash of their tails.

Xiao Cheng returned to the room after taking a bath and saw Bai Lu sitting at the bedside, waiting for him with a book in her hand.

He walked over immediately.

Bai Lu's gaze moved from the book to Xiao Cheng's face, and she said, "Take off your clothes."

Xiao Cheng paused in his steps.

Quickly getting on the bed, he approached Bai Lu, and his deep, dark eyes stared at her intently.

"What did you just say?" he asked.

Bai Lu, looking at his face just a centimeter away, expressionless, extended a finger and pushed him away.

She put down the book in her other hand and took out a small bottle from under the pillow.

Speaking slowly, she said, "Take... off... your... clothes."

Seeing the small bottle in Bai Lu's hand, Xiao Cheng's eyes flashed with panic, and he decisively stepped back.

"No need, I'm not injured," he said.

The small bottle in Bai Lu's hand was the medicinal wine for treating bruises that Xiao Cheng's grandparents had given him when they went back to Xiao's village to pay respects during Qingming Festival. The medicinal wine could not only treat sprains but also promote blood circulation and remove bruises caused by injuries.

As Xiao Cheng turned around, Bai Lu grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?" she asked.

"To wash clothes," Xiao Cheng found a reason.

Bai Lu's face showed a cool smile. "I already heard the sound of you washing and hanging clothes."

Saying that, she reached out towards his neckline.

Xiao Cheng covered his collar and retreated to the bedside, leaning against it closely.

But Bai Lu followed and sat in front of him.

Softly, she said, "Good boy, take off your clothes."

Xiao Cheng shook his head. "I won't."

"Lulu wants you to be reserved."

Bai Lu bit her lip, and her smile became cooler. "When you want to hug me to sleep, why don't you talk about being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"When you kiss me, why don't you mention being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"When you want me to wait for you to sleep together, why don't you talk about being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"That's different."

"How is it different?"

Bai Lu grabbed Xiao Cheng's hand covering the collar. "You can make a scene when you're drunk, can't you listen?"

"No," Xiao Cheng refused to let go.

Even though Bai Lu held his hand, she still couldn't open the buttons on the collar, one by one. Even when one finger was pried open, the other hand covered it again, and at last, both hands were used.

He just wouldn't let Bai Lu unbutton his collar.

Bai Lu wasn't angry at all. She slowly let go of his hand, her tone light and ethereal. "Okay."

"Since you don't want to take it off, I won't force you. When you went out of the province for business a few days ago, I cleaned up the utility room, washed all the sheets, pillowcases, and mosquito nets. You..."

"I'll take it off!"

Xiao Cheng didn't wait for Bai Lu to finish. He let go of her hand and quickly unbuttoned his collar, from the first to the last button.

It took less than three seconds.

The speed was so fast that when Bai Lu turned her head back, it was already a breathtakingly beautiful scene that could make countless peach blossoms fall.

Xiao Cheng casually tossed his clothes aside.

"It's off."