Chapter 37 “I’ll Pretend It Never Happened”

Chapter 37 “I’ll Pretend It Never Happened”...

Yin Rou sensed something amiss and turned to Pei Xuanlin.

Chen Yanqing’s dark, lacquered eyes abruptly narrowed. The sudden, oppressive sharpness amplified the doubt in Yin Rou’s heart.

The Third Young Master wasn’t truly willing to let her leave—even if he were, she knew she could no longer follow Brother Xuanlin.

Just based on that earlier statement—"those two, father and son, are cut from the same cloth"—how could she still have the face to leave with him as if nothing had happened?

Yin Rou forced herself to steel her heart. Meeting Pei Xuanlin’s expectant gaze, she gently shook her head. Pei Xuanlin’s expression fractured. "Rou’er?"

The tremor in his voice made Yin Rou’s heart ache sharply. Her next words would sever all ties to their past.

Yin Rou took a deep breath. "The Third Young Master never forced me. I was the one who admired him and willingly chose to stay by his side."

With every word she spoke, the pain in Pei Xuanlin’s eyes deepened. Impossible. He wouldn’t believe it. He couldn’t believe Rou’er would stay willingly, let alone that she had shifted her affections.

"I don’t believe it’s true."

Pei Xuanlin lunged forward, but Chen Yanqing was quicker, pulling Yin Rou back into his embrace. That single motion alone marked his possessive claim.

Pei Xuanlin, past reason, raised his fist to strike Chen Yanqing. Qing Feng flashed forward, seizing his arm.

Yin Rou stiffened in alarm.

Pei Xuanlin all but roared, "He forced you, didn’t he?!"

How could Yin Rou bear to see him like this? Yet she could offer no other answer. Torn by conflicting emotions, her eyes brimmed with anguish.

Chen Yanqing burned with fury at her concern for Pei Xuanlin, yet seeing her trapped between impossible choices, her fragile composure near breaking, he found himself relenting.

The thought of sparing her—this ungrateful girl who cared for another—struck him as absurd. His patience gone, he said coldly, "Lord Pei, I’ve already proven what you wished to know. But you forced your way into my private quarters and attempted to take someone from my household. You owe me an explanation."

Suddenly, small, pale hands clutched his lapel. Chen Yanqing looked down to find Yin Rou looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Please... Xuanlin—I mean, Lord Pei only entered by mistake. Let him go."

Her begging only fueled the fury in Chen Yanqing’s heart.

"Don’t beg him!" Pei Xuanlin lashed out at Qing Feng.

"No!" Yin Rou cried in panic. Though he was skilled at riding and archery, he was no match for Qing Feng in a fight.

"Third Young Master..." Yin Rou turned to Chen Yanqing. In desperation, she stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. "Let him go... I beg you."

Chen Yanqing’s breath came ragged, his brow dark with menace. "Get out."

No sooner had he spoken than he captured the tentative brush of her tongue against his lips, cradling the back of her head as he kissed her deeply.

Pei Xuanlin stood frozen as if struck by lightning, even forgetting to evade Qing Feng’s shove. His tall frame staggered back, empty as a discarded husk.

The sight of his desolate figure made Yin Rou’s eyes burn unbearably. She could only tell herself to make a clean break.

Shutting her eyes tight, she wrapped her arms around Chen Yanqing’s neck and gave herself over to him.

She didn’t notice when Pei Xuanlin left. Guilt and worry choked her as she responded numbly to Chen Yanqing’s kiss, her body trembling slightly.

Her inattention infuriated Chen Yanqing. He bit down sharply on the corner of her lip, the pain jolting her back to the present. Her eyes fluttered open, wide and fearful, lashes trembling like a frightened deer’s.

Suppressing his jealousy, Chen Yanqing relented. From now on, this foolish girl would be his alone.

Yin Rou braced for interrogation, unease twisting inside her. She relied on him—yet feared him all the same.

But he only kissed her, deepening the kiss with slow, lingering pressure, as though it might never end.

Gradually, his lips calmed the storm in her heart.

...

Wu Mang paced anxiously in the outer courtyard, eyes fixed on the moon gate, as restless as a cat on hot bricks.

Earlier, hidden in the shadows, he had watched the Third Young Master lead men toward the inner residence, his heart nearly pounding out of his chest.

He also worried his master’s long absence would make Vice Minister Zhang suspicious.

At last, Pei Xuanlin emerged. Wu Mang’s tense nerves eased as he hurried over. "Young Master, did you see Second Miss?"

Receiving no reply, Wu Mang glanced up in confusion—and froze at Pei Xuanlin’s appearance. His eyes were bloodshot, empty with devastation.

"Young Master, what happened?" Wu Mang asked anxiously.

Pei Xuanlin strode past him without a word.

*

Protectorate Office.

Vice Minister Zhang and Yu Zhengting chatted amiably as they walked toward the rear offices. Pei Xuanlin intercepted them. "Lord Zhang, this subordinate has something to report."

Vice Minister Zhang studied him curiously, seeing the seriousness in his eyes. After excusing himself from Yu Zhengting, he led Pei Xuanlin inside.

Sitting at the desk, Vice Minister Zhang poured tea. "Speak. What is it?"

"I’ve discovered irregularities in a shipment the Chen family previously sent to Wulan," Pei Xuanlin said.

Since leaving the Chen residence, he’d searched tirelessly, finally finding something suspicious.

Vice Minister Zhang sat up straight, gesturing for him to continue.

"Upon arrival in Wulan, the goods were held up in customs—something unprecedented. Moreover, according to the merchant guild’s clerks, the owners acted strangely during that period."

Vice Minister Zhang frowned. "Goods being delayed proves nothing. Where is your evidence?"

Pei Xuanlin clenched his jaw. He had none. Every transaction between the Chens and Wulan was impeccably documented. But no one could stay clean forever in such dealings—with trade on such a scale, surely not all was clean.

Just bribing officials on both sides was standard practice, though such matters hardly counted.

Seeing his silence, Vice Minister Zhang sighed. "I know you’re eager to prove yourself, but haste leads to error."

"Don’t you find it suspicious? The Chens are kin by marriage to Wulan’s Wu Shi. For years, there were no issues—why only then? Afterward, Master Chen fell gravely ill, and the Fifth Young Master was expelled from the guild."

Pei Xuanlin spoke urgently, but Vice Minister Zhang cut him off. "I hear your doubts. But where is the evidence?"

After a long pause, Pei Xuanlin bowed stiffly. "This official takes his leave."

Outside the office, Wu Mang hurried after him. "Young Master, what did Vice Minister Zhang say?"

Pei Xuanlin said nothing, only motioning for Wu Mang to follow. He wouldn’t give up. He would uncover the Chen family’s weakness and bring Rou’er out.

Chen Yanqing couldn’t have covered every flaw—there had to be a crack somewhere. A thought struck Pei Xuanlin, and his steps halted abruptly.

He turned to Wu Mang and said, "Get the carriage ready—now!"

*

By the time the carriage stopped at the Qianyuan Town estate, it was already late at night.

The steward came out upon hearing the noise and asked, "Who goes there?"

Wu Mang stepped forward to explain, "Lord Pei is here on official inspection of the western frontier. Where is your Fifth Young Master?"

After checking their identification, the steward hastily bowed and said, "One moment please, my lord. I will inform him immediately."

The steward led Pei Xuanlin to a hall. "The young master is inside. Please, Lord Pei."

Pei Xuanlin strode in, lifting the hem of his robe. Chen Yanlin was lounging lazily behind a tea table. Seeing Pei Xuanlin enter, he rose with a polite bow. "What an honor for Lord Pei to visit us."

Pei Xuanlin now bore deep hatred for every member of the Chen family, and Chen Yanlin most of all. If not for the knowledge of his rivalry with Chen Yanqing over control of the family, Pei Xuanlin wouldn’t have come at all.

"I’ve come to make a deal with the Fifth Young Master," Pei Xuanlin said.

Chen Yanlin arched a brow, smiling, and gestured. "Please speak, Lord Pei."

Pei Xuanlin didn’t mince words. "I need leverage against Chen Yanqing."

Chen Yanlin stiffened momentarily before guffawing. "Lord Pei, what kind of joke is this? True, Third Brother and I don’t see eye to eye, but I am still a Chen."

"I care nothing for your family’s affairs. I only want leverage over Chen Yanqing," Pei Xuanlin said coldly, glancing at him. "Unless you mean to rot in this backwater forever?"

Chen Yanlin drummed idle fingers on the chair arm. After a long pause, he looked up and asked, "What is Lord Pei’s goal?"

"He’s holding my betrothed," Pei Xuanlin said, his heart aching with every word. Just the thought of that day made him wish he could kill Chen Yanqing.

Chen Yanlin raised an eyebrow. "Fiancée?"

"Song Yinrou," Pei Xuanlin ground out the name.

Chen Yanlin’s lazy eyes suddenly narrowed, a calculating gleam flashing as he studied Pei Xuanlin. The name Song Yinrou awakened his long-denied hunger.

After a long pause, he shifted his posture, leaning back and nodding. "That figures."

Pei Xuanlin turned to him. "You know?"

"Of course," Chen Yanlin’s smile turned wolfish. "After all, even I draw the line at playing with Father’s castoffs."

Seeing Pei Xuanlin’s thunderous expression, a glint of satisfaction flashed in Chen Yanlin’s eyes. "Doubtless Lord Pei remains unaware how my Third Brother treated Miss Song."

"Back then, he took a liking to her, but she fought like a cornered fox. So he drugged her... That’s how he broke her, forcing her to submit."

"What did you say?!" Pei Xuanlin bit out each syllable.

Drugged. Forced. That animal Chen Yanqing dared—!

At the same time, the pent-up frustration of the past days finally found release. So Rou’er had been forced after all. He had known it all along!

The late autumn weather was already half-stepping into winter. Hoarfrost clung to the grass by the roadside in the early morning.

Shu Yan trudged down the path, hugging himself against the chill. Glancing up at the Shifang Hall not far ahead, his heart had gone colder than the morning frost.

After the events of that day, he didn’t know how others had taken it, but he’d been scared witless it would blow up beyond containment.

He wasn’t worried about Pei Xuanlin—after all, by rights, he had no claim to Miss Song. But if word spread about the relationship between the young master and his father’s former concubine...

Shu Yan’s expression soured at the thought. Shaking his head with a sigh, he trudged into Shifang Hall with visible dejection.

Yin Rou moved listlessly among the scriptures inside the room. At the footsteps, she started, relaxing slightly upon seeing Shu Yan.

Shu Yan stood awkwardly for a moment before clearing his throat. "The young master summons you, miss."

Yin Rou’s grip whitened on the scriptures. After a pause, she nodded. "Alright."

She followed Shu Yan toward Xuanhe Hall, her stomach in knots the whole way. After Xuanlin left that day, the Third Young Master had departed soon after since Lord Zhang was still in the residence. He’d made himself scarce since.

Now, summoning her—was he going to question her about something?

As Xuanhe Hall came into view, Yin Rou’s lashes beat like moth wings. Gathering her courage, she crossed the threshold.

The study door was slightly ajar. Shu Yan knocked twice. "Young Master."

Chen Yanqing looked up from his ledgers, his gaze immediately settling on Yin Rou. "You’re here."

Yin Rou found his face unreadable—everything seemed calm, yet she doubted it would be that simple. Hesitant, she advanced. "Third Young Master."

Shu Yan closed the door behind her, the click making her jump.

Seeing her timid, pitiful demeanor, Chen Yanqing felt a prickle of irritation. He didn’t like this look from her—at least not now. Had it been in the throes of passion, he imagined it would be beautiful.

Normally, he liked her eyes soft with devotion.

Suppressing his thoughts, he reminded himself that leniency would spoil her. She needed to learn what was permissible and what wasn’t.

Yet despite this, his tone stayed mild. "Come sit."

Yin Rou complied, finding no seat. Confused, she looked at Chen Yanqing, who hooked an arm about her waist and drew her down onto his lap.

The moment she settled on his thighs, she went rigid. She blinked nervously, bracing for what came next.

His scholar’s fingers lifted, picking up a brush to continue recording accounts under her anxious gaze.

Yin Rou peered up in confusion. Had Third Young Master called her here merely for company?

Her timid glances were impossible to ignore. Chen Yanqing patted her lower back lightly. "Don’t stiffen up so much. I might as well be holding a block of wood."

His words made heat flood her cheeks. Blushing, she relaxed slightly, cautiously leaning into his embrace, though her pulse still raced.

After hesitating, she finally spoke. "Third Young Master... you’re not angry anymore?"

Chen Yanqing’s brush paused slightly. The idea of being angered by a woman was something he’d never considered before. If the lingering resentment in his heart counted as anger, then yes, he had been angry.

Even now, days later, the memory still provoked fury.

But he couldn’t let emotions control him. As long as the outcome was favorable, that was enough.

And the current outcome was Song Yinrou obediently nestled in his arms.

"It was Pei Xuanlin who barged in uninvited. You didn’t intend to leave with him, did you?"

Chen Yanqing said, lowering his gaze to meet hers. Yin Rou gave a slight nod, an inescapable wave of suffocating sorrow rising in her heart—she and Elder Brother Xuanlin could never return to how they once were.

"Then it wasn’t your fault."

"Then..."

Yin Rou clutched his lapel with her small hand, the words she had been about to say abruptly cut off.

Chen Yanqing knew what she wanted to ask but turned his head away, unwilling to look into those eyes that still held concern for another. His tone was detached. "I’ll act as if it never happened."

As long as she obeyed him and stayed by his side obediently, he would pretend nothing had occurred.

But if there was a next time—Chen Yanqing’s eyes gradually darkened with cold intent, until slender arms encircling his waist melted the ice away.

His gaze dropped. The young woman appeared to have forgotten her earlier trepidation, burying her face against his neck. Her soft lashes lay demurely lowered, her warm breath ghosting over his jawline. The arms around his waist held tightly, every touch softening his heart.

Chen Yanqing watched her for a long time before picking up his brush again to return to his task, his arm around her waist never loosening.

When Yin Rou lifted her gaze slightly, she could see his clean, elegant jawline, the deep focus in his eyes beneath high, handsome brows. His countenance resembled an ink-wash portrait, even the hand holding the brush was long and well-defined. His aristocratic bearing made it difficult to imagine him merely keeping ledgers—it seemed more like he was composing imperial edicts.

After days of anxiety, the unaccustomed tranquility lulled Yin Rou toward sleep. Nestled in Chen Yanqing’s embrace, listening to his steady heartbeat, she gradually succumbed to sleep.

She fought against leaden eyelids, wanting to keep herself awake, but Chen Yanqing seemed to sense it, gently patting her back as if coaxing her to sleep. Yin Rou couldn’t resist, her eyelids growing heavier until she finally gave in, nestling into the hollow of his neck and drifting off.

……

Qing Feng, dressed in dark combat robes, strode in from outside and raised his hand to knock, but Shu Yan swiftly intercepted him.

Frowning, Qing Feng shot him a questioning look.

Shu Yan returned an expression that clearly said, "You know nothing," then rapped softly at the door. "Young Master, Qing Feng seeks audience."

There was no response from inside. After a pause, footsteps approached, and Chen Yanqing opened the door himself, signaling Qing Feng to follow. To Shu Yan, he said, "She’s asleep. Keep watch here and permit no disturbances."

Shu Yan nodded hastily.

Chen Yanqing’s absence stretched long. Shu Yan stood at stiff attention for nearly the time it took an incense stick to burn before finally relaxing, slouching against a column with his arms crossed.

Hearing footsteps, he straightened, thinking Chen Yanqing had returned—only to hear female voices.

Looking up, he saw Chen Lingxue and Zhao Hanyue.

Shu Yan tensed. If they discovered Song Yinrou inside, it would be disastrous.

He mustered a courteous smile and advanced with a bow. "Sixth Miss, Miss Zhao, to what do we owe this visit?"

Zhao Hanyue replied softly, "I helped Sixth Miss prepare some pastries. While they’re still fresh from the oven, we thought to bring them for Cousin to try."

"What considerate guests you are." Shu Yan smiled, reaching out. "But the Young Master isn’t here—you can leave them with me."

Zhao Hanyue hesitated.

"Give them to you?" Chen Lingxue glared at him. "These represent Sister Zhao’s sincere devotion. She should give them to Third Brother herself."

She turned to Zhao Hanyue. "If Third Brother isn’t here, let’s wait inside for him."

As they moved toward the study, Shu Yan, as if facing a formidable enemy, moved swiftly to block their path.

Chen Lingxue startled, scowling. "What are you doing?"

Shu Yan straightened, his expression firm. "The Young Master isn’t present. No one else may enter."

"Sister Zhao isn’t just anyone," Chen Lingxue retorted. "Once the mourning period ends, she’ll be engaged to Third Brother. Consider your position."

Shu Yan glanced at Zhao Hanyue. He didn’t know about future arrangements—he only knew that if he let them in now, he’d face dire consequences.

"Sixth Miss, Miss Zhao, please understand."

"You—!" Chen Lingxue stamped her silk-shod foot in frustration.

Shu Yan inclined his torso but didn’t yield. "This servant dreads the Young Master’s displeasure..."

Chen Lingxue fell silent. She dared act boldly with others, but earning Third Young Master's wrath was unthinkable.

Zhao Hanyue stared at the closed door. Heaven knew how she longed to force the door and see for herself. Earlier, she had caught sight of Shu Yan leading Song Yinrou out of Shifang Hall and here—where she had remained all morning.

Shu Yan’s stubborn refusal all but confirmed it: Song Yinrou was inside.

The injustice burned within her. How could a base slave who’d known many men's beds hold more of her cousin’s regard than she did? She wasn’t worthy!

Resentment and humiliation surged within her. Her nails bit into her palms, the pain anchoring her composure. With great effort, she forced herself to remain calm.

Tugging Chen Lingxue’s sleeve, she said, "Never mind. Let’s not make things difficult for Shu Yan."

Chen Lingxue relented, shooting Shu Yan a glare before turning away.

As they departed, Shu Yan mopped his forehead and exhaled in relief, casting a nervous glance at the door. If they had barged in, all hell would have broken loose.

Fortunately, not long after, Chen Yanqing returned to Xuanhe Hall.

"Young Master." Shu Yan approached, about to report the earlier incident, when he noticed Chen Yanqing’s uncharacteristically somber mien.

"Young Master, has something happened?"

Chen Yanqing turned slightly, his gaze distant. "Qing Feng has uncovered clues regarding Fourth Brother."

Shu Yan thought he had misheard. After a long pause, he gasped, "There’s really news of Fourth Young Master?"

Then doubt crept in. "It’s not another false lead, is it?"

Chen Yanqing said, "This intelligence appears genuine. The messenger claims to have seen the mark on his person."

Shu Yan’s excitement surged. "Heaven be praised!"

Before the late Madam’s demise, she had exhausted herself searching for Fourth Young Master. All these years, Third Young Master had never given up.

If Fourth Young Master could truly return, it would be a boon from the heavens!

Shu Yan spluttered excitedly, "Then—when do we go to fetch Fourth Young Master?"

"Our informants place him outside the city walls." Chen Yanqing remained composed despite his eagerness. "Even if we go, it won’t be now. I’ve dispatched Qing Feng to investigate."

Shu Yan nodded repeatedly, still thrumming with anticipation.

"What of Song Yinrou?"

"She should still be asleep." Shu Yan snapped out of his thoughts and replied, "Just now, Sixth Miss and Miss Zhao came to deliver pastries, but I stopped them."

Chen Yanqing nodded slightly and pushed the door open, his gaze settling behind the screen. Since Song Yinrou had come uninvited several times, he had a daybed and a screen installed for her to rest.

Stepping around the screen, he found Yin Rou sitting up.

"Awake?"

Yin Rou blinked in surprise, her eyes still hazy with sleep. After a moment, she murmured, "Third Young Master."

Chen Yanqing suddenly walked over and pulled her into his embrace. Yin Rou struggled to breathe as he held her tightly. "I have news about Fourth Brother," he said, his voice unsteady with emotion.

Yin Rou sensed his excitement and whispered, "That’s wonderful news."

"Yes." Chen Yanqing nodded with a smile. If he could bring his fourth brother back, he would finally have given his mother peace.

...

By evening, Chen Yanqing was called away from the estate on business, and Yin Rou returned alone to the Shifang Hall.

As she stepped over the threshold, a hand reached out from the shadows and grabbed her wrist, pulling her forcefully into the room.

Yin Rou was terrified and almost cried out, but the man swiftly pulled her close.

She struggled and twisted, only to hear a voice thick with pain whisper, "Rou’er."

All movement froze in an instant. Her breath caught in her throat as she trembled, her voice barely a whisper. "Xuanlin... gege?"

"It’s me." Pei Xuanlin tightened his embrace.

The crushing force of his arms brought her to her senses. How had he gotten in here?!

In panic, Yin Rou pushed against him. "You have to leave—now!"

If Third Young Master found out—last time, he had acted as though nothing had happened, but if it happened again, he wouldn’t be so lenient.

She pressed her palms against Pei Xuanlin’s shoulders, pushing desperately. Each push seemed to cut him to the quick, and the sight of her distress only made him hold on tighter.

He clasped her hands firmly. "I know everything now. It was all Chen Yanqing forcing you, wasn’t it?"

Yin Rou, past caring about dignity, shook her head. "No, I told you—I came willingly. You have to go!"

Sneaking into the Chen estate at night—even his official status wouldn’t save him if he were caught.

"Go!" Her eyes welled with urgency.

"Don’t be afraid, Rou’er. I’ve already made sure Chen Yanqing was occupied." Pei Xuanlin’s heart ached for her, knowing her fear was for his safety. He pressed his cheek to hers, murmuring soothingly, "Don’t be scared, Rou’er."

The familiar warmth she had missed for so long made her reluctant to let go. She lifted her arms and hugged him gently, her voice choked with emotion. "Xuanlin gege."

"I’m here," he said fervently.

"Just seeing you again makes me happy. From now on, live your life—don’t return."

The light in Pei Xuanlin’s eyes faded. He gripped her shoulders, stooping to look her in the eye. "I know you’re afraid of Chen Yanqing, but don’t worry. I’ve found a way to take you away."

Yin Rou shook her head again. "I really came willingly."

Her repeated insistence pierced his heart. He could have accepted if she had been coerced—but willingly? Had she forgotten she was his betrothed?

"Willingly? Tell me, what does he have that makes you willing? When he marries and has children someday, where will that leave you?"

Yin Rou stiffened.

She had woken earlier when Sixth Miss and Miss Zhao arrived and had overheard their conversation. It had never occurred to her before that Third Young Master would one day marry.

The tender, unvoiced feelings she had painstakingly guarded died in that moment. Third Young Master had never promised her anything—her initial purpose had only been to find protection.

There was nothing to dwell on. Once her commoner status was restored, she would leave.

She had already put it out of her mind, but Pei Xuanlin’s words stirred up the ache all over again.

Rage rose in him, but the sight of her empty, lost eyes filled him with regret. He knew she was being forced—how could he have spoken to her like that?

"I’ve found a way to take you away," he said solemnly, his gaze intense.

The bloodshot eyes and dark circles beneath them made Yin Rou’s heart ache, but she truly couldn’t leave.

She didn’t dare mention the deal she had struck with Chen Yanqing—it would only hurt him more. "Third Young Master won’t allow it. My bond is with the Chen family. Even if I left, I’d just be dragged back."

"I can make the Chens surrender your bond," Pei Xuanlin stated with conviction.

Yin Rou frowned, unsure of his plan. Before she could warn him against rashness, he continued, "And don’t worry about Chen Yanqing. I’ve already circulated news that traces of Chen Fourth Young Master have been found. He’ll surely go to see for himself. Once he leaves Xiyu Pass, I can get you away from the Chen estate."

Yin Rou’s breath caught, her attention riveted on his first words.

The news about Fourth Young Master—it was all fabricated!