Chapter 064 – Pushing the Limits

Chapter 064 - Pushing the Limits

Qian Yunxi's letter was filled with sorrow and resentment, expressing her anger and hatred toward Wu Cheng, along with her resentment for being kidnapped and humiliated by him. The letter mentioned a maidservant who had injured Wu Quan. Out of pity for the maidservant's plight, Qian Yunxi had safely sent her out of the city. She also stated that if Wu Quan sought revenge, he could do whatever he wanted to her—kill or punish her, the choice was his.

If it were anyone else, Wu Quan wouldn't have shown any mercy, but Qian Yunxi was different.

After Qian Lao Ye left, Wu Quan sent two men to keep an eye on the Qian family's movements.

The next morning, at dawn, someone came back with news that Qian Yunxi had been sent to Mount Wangyue by her father. Before leaving, she had threatened to injure herself, and with no other choice, Qian Lao Ye and his wife had to let her go.

The servant hesitated before adding, "Young Master, I saw blood on Miss Qian's wrist, as if she had cut herself."

Wu Quan felt a sinking feeling when he heard that Qian Yunxi might have tried to kill herself. She was likely furious at Qian Lao Ye for agreeing to the marriage.

Normally, by this point, Qian Yunxi's death would have been an acceptable outcome, and Wu Cheng had already paid the price, but Wu Quan couldn't bear the thought. He had liked her for two years, and if not for some larger scheme, he would have made his move long ago. He hadn't expected that this mess would be caused by the incompetent Wu Cheng.

Even so, Wu Quan still found it hard to convince himself to give up on Qian Yunxi.

The grand funeral set up by the Wu family caused quite a stir, with the sudden death of the second young master catching everyone off guard.

This beast had harmed countless women over the years, and his death was like the removal of a malignant tumor. The people of Lu City saw it as divine justice and secretly applauded.

**

On the western side of Mount Wangyue lay a steep slope. While not as sheer as a cliff, a fall from here could easily cause serious injury or even death.

Qian Yunxi sat on a rock, looking at the gloomy sky. She felt that her life, much like Lu City now, was full of holes and constant disasters. A gust of wind blew, taking with it the tears she had been holding back.

She didn't know if He Shaofuren's plan would work, but she was clear about one thing—as long as the Wu family remained powerful, she would continue to live in fear and anxiety.

But would Wu Quan really come for her?

There were no disaster victims here, only the mournful cries of birds. After what seemed like an eternity, she took out a dagger from her sleeve. Its reflection showed her swollen, red eyes, her face filled with sorrow and rage.

Suddenly, there were light footsteps behind her. Qian Yunxi didn't turn around—she couldn't. She gritted her teeth and placed the dagger against her fair wrist, where a scab had just formed.

He Shaofuren had advised that the only way to handle Wu Quan was to use emotions to lure him in.

Wu Cheng knew some martial arts and moved quietly. As he approached and saw the cold glint of the blade, he instinctively rushed forward, but it was too late.

Though he had grabbed the dagger, the blood had already started to flow. The wound was deep, and Wu Cheng was furious. He tore a strip of cloth from his clothes to bandage her wound, all the while shouting, "What are you doing?"

Qian Yunxi pushed him away with all her strength, her smile filled with sorrow and hatred. "What am I doing? What else can I do?"

As Wu Quan advanced again, she backed up to the edge of the steep slope. Wu Quan had no choice but to stop and raise his hand. "Don't do anything crazy. It's not that bad. I'll make you my official wife."

Qian Yunxi, looking utterly hopeless, said nothing. She looked desperately at the overlapping mountains and the lush forests around her, then spread her arms and leaned back.

Wu Quan lunged forward with all his might and managed to grab her wrist. Qian Yunxi still struggled, looking pitiful. "Let go. I have no face to live anymore."

"Listen to me. I'll draft the marriage papers when I return. From today, you'll be the mistress of my household."

**

In a separate villa, Ruan Qinghuan listened to Jiang Chen's report. When she learned the plan had succeeded, Chu Li admired her sister-in-law. "Sister-in-law, how did you know Wu Quan wouldn't be able to let go of Qian Yunxi?"

"Wu Quan is very arrogant. He had already set his sights on Qian Yunxi and wouldn't give up easily. He would be desperate to give her a proper title, especially after witnessing her attempt at suicide, which would only fuel his desire to protect her."

While Chu Li admired her, she also felt a little downcast. "Even someone like Wu Quan can show some sincerity, so why is Ji Lingchuan being such a jerk and not reacting at all?"

"The situation in Lu City is urgent right now. Ji Lingchuan and He An are overwhelmed with work. They don't have time for personal matters."

Chu Li understood this, but she still felt deeply wronged.

But...

Hearing there was more, Chu Li quickly sat up, hopeful for a change.

Ruan Qinghuan held back a laugh. "We should get a chance to test it once the dam's halfway done."

**

Ji Lingchuan and He An had a falling out before the dam was even two-thirds complete. It happened because Ji Lingchuan had privately returned to Lu City and visited a courtesan house. He An punished him with five lashes for delaying progress. Furious, Ji Lingchuan stormed off to Lu City, leaving the dam construction entirely in He An's hands.

Nightfall made Lu City even more desolate. Apart from a few taverns, only two courtesan houses were doing well.

Hearing that her cousin was about to leave, Chu Li wanted to visit him at the inn. However, as soon as she stepped inside, she was pulled out. Turning around, she saw Ji Lingchuan with a cold, icy expression.

Unaware of his fight with He An, Chu Li instinctively asked, "Why are you back?"

He should've been in a tent at the downstream construction site.

Ji Lingchuan winked at her. Before she could react, he demanded angrily, "It's so late, what are you doing at the inn?"

"I came to see my cousin."

"Hmph, to see your cousin, or to have a secret meeting?" Ji Lingchuan's expression turned cold. "I'll escort you back."

Chu Li was confused. What was Ji Lingchuan going on about? A secret meeting? Besides, didn't he dislike her? So, even if she was having a secret meeting, what did it have to do with him?

Chu Li's temper flared. She shook off Ji Lingchuan. "Who I meet is none of your business. What gives you the right to question me?"

Ji Lingchuan's eyes narrowed. This maid was really clueless; she actually got angry for real. Didn't she see the signal he was giving her?

"What gives me the right? The fact that you took the liberty to ask the Emperor to grant our marriage."

Chu Li: "..."

His words cut through Chu Li's pride like a knife. She did like Ji Lingchuan, but she couldn't bear for her feelings to be trampled on like this.

What did he mean by her asking the Emperor to grant their marriage?

It was a strategy to neutralize the Second Prince's power. She hadn't said anything about it, yet Ji Lingchuan had the audacity to act superior.

Chu Li had never lost an argument with anyone before, but at that moment, she suddenly didn't want to say anything. She just wanted to avoid Ji Lingchuan and keep her distance from him.

Just as she was about to turn away, she accidentally noticed a figure silhouetted by the moonlight next to a nearby alley. It was clear someone was hiding there. Looking back at Ji Lingchuan, he winked in the direction of the alley.

Chu Li: "..."

He was being followed.