Chapter 41

Chapter 41

"Why are you here?" Pei Yu's eyes darted with panic, clearly taken aback by Xiao Lin's presence. Wasn't he supposed to be away from the office today?

"This is the Palace Command. Is Military Advisor Pei surprised to see me?"

Pei Yu's gaze wavered. "Not exactly..."

Xiao Lin lowered his eyelids, casting a seemingly casual glance between the two before settling his eyes on Pei Yu. "Then what about Military Advisor Pei? Why are you here?"

Ye Shuang turned her head, her gaze meeting a pair of deep, intense eyes across the space.

Sensing Ye Shuang's look, Xiao Lin shifted his attention to her. "Have I interrupted you two?"

Xiao Lin's words were abrupt and unclear, leaving Ye Shuang unsure who he was addressing. An inexplicable irritation stirred within her.

Hearing Xiao Lin's remark, Pei Yu finally stepped back, creating distance between himself and Ye Shuang. Ye Shuang quickly moved aside as well, finally feeling more at ease.

"Miss Ye came to see the Scribe. I happened to be heading the same way, so I offered to guide her. Do I need to report such a trivial matter to the Marquis, too?"

Xiao Lin ignored him and asked Ye Shuang directly, "Is that what happened?"

Ye Shuang straightened her sleeves and replied with a soft "Mm."

Xiao Lin's tone softened instantly. "The Scribe is in the back hall. Let me take you there."

Pei Yu stepped forward, blocking Xiao Lin. "Such a small matter is hardly worth troubling the Marquis. I was already planning to see the Scribe—it’s no trouble at all. The Marquis is busy with important affairs; you should attend to them."

Xiao Lin glanced at him but didn't respond. Instead, he extended a hand to Ye Shuang. "What do you think?"

Pei Yu also smiled at her and offered his other hand. "In that case, let Miss Ye decide."

Ye Shuang's eyes shifted back and forth between the two outstretched hands, feeling both helpless and furious. She turned to look into the courtyard, frustrated that not a single guard had passed by all this time.

Just as Ye Shuang was lost in thought, her wrist was suddenly grasped. Startled, she looked up to see Xiao Lin holding her wrist through her sleeve. "I'll take you."

The warmth of his fingertips felt just like yesterday, leaving her momentarily dazed. Had he held her wrist like this before?

A hand with distinct knuckles reached over and firmly grabbed Xiao Lin's hand.

Xiao Lin looked up.

Pei Yu wore a provocative smile. "Isn't the Marquis's behavior somewhat inappropriate?"

"Is it appropriate for you to escort a woman alone into the inner quarters?"

The two men stood tense, locked in a silent confrontation. Ye Shuang grew impatient and simply wanted to leave.

Xiao Lin applied a bit of force but didn't hold her tightly. With a lift of her hand, she broke free. "It seems I've come at a bad time. I'll take my leave now. Gentlemen, do as you please."

Ye Shuang hastily bowed and turned to leave.

In truth, she had chosen a random direction, unfamiliar with the layout and unable to recall the way she had come. But at that moment, all she wanted was to escape. If necessary, she could always ask a guard for directions later.

Xiao Lin caught up to her in a few strides. "That's not the way out."

Ye Shuang continued walking without regard. "Is the Marquis so free these days?"

Xiao Lin walked silently beside her, glancing down at her neck. "Did you use the Jade-Dew Ointment I sent with Xiao Yin last time?"

Remembering how Xiao Lin had helped her before, Ye Shuang slowed her pace. "I haven't had the chance to thank you properly for last time. I'm sorry you were fined because of me."

"Just a few months’ salary. It’s nothing."

Ye Shuang remained noncommittal but insisted on repaying him.

"Shuang'er, must you settle accounts with me so clearly?"

Xiao Lin’s eyes were filled with deep pain.

Ye Shuang’s expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't noticed the sorrow in his eyes. She spoke coldly, "Do I need to remind the Marquis again? You and I are divorced. Naturally, we must settle things clearly."

Her tone was calm but resolute.

For some reason, Xiao Lin felt a sharp pang in his chest.

He froze, opening his mouth to speak, but no words came out. It seemed nothing he could say would matter.

He reached out again, but this time, Ye Shuang avoided him.

Only the edge of her sleeve brushed past his hand, leaving nothing behind.

His palm felt empty, and a profound sense of defeat enveloped him. It reminded him of many years ago when his instructor had died in battle before his eyes, powerless to stop it, and when his father had been falsely accused and died in anger. It was the same feeling.

This time was no different. Ye Shuang stood right before him, yet she felt so distant.

Back then, he had been too weak to prevent what happened. Now, he had believed himself strong enough, thinking there was nothing beyond his control. Even when Ye Shuang reappeared before him, he had thought it was a second chance. Now, he realized how foolish he had been—he had overestimated himself.

Preoccupied, Xiao Lin didn't notice they had reached the back hall. Ye Shuang had already entered ahead of him. Collecting himself, Xiao Lin followed.

Enough. What’s done is done. Take one step at a time. At least she’s still here—nothing too serious can happen as long as she’s within sight.

The Scribe, Cui Qian, was a smooth and sociable man around forty, of average height with a distinctive mustache. Seated behind his desk, he stood up immediately upon seeing Xiao Lin, greeting him with a cheerful clasp of his hands. "What brings the Marquis to the back hall today?"

Xiao Lin nodded but before he could speak, Scribe Cui turned to the person behind him. "Military Advisor Pei is here too? What’s going on today? Why have you both come together?"

Pei Yu had been following them.

Noticing Ye Shuang standing to the side, Scribe Cui seemed unsure of the relationship between the three. His eyes cautiously scanned their faces. "And this is...?"

Xiao Lin turned slightly, about to introduce her.

Pei Yu stepped forward. "This is Ye Shuang, Miss Ye."

Scribe Cui frowned slightly, searching his memory for the name Ye Shuang.

Xiao Lin turned to the other side, intending to introduce Scribe Cui to Ye Shuang.

"This is Scribe Cui." Once again, someone else spoke first.

Ye Shuang took the opportunity to bow. "Greetings, Scribe Cui."

Xiao Lin shot a sharp glance at Pei Yu, who met his gaze defiantly.

An invisible tension filled the air.

Cui Qian, growing uneasy, slapped his thigh as if suddenly remembering something. "Ah! Miss Ye, now I recall! You’re here to collect the documents, right?"

Ye Shuang nodded. "Exactly."

"Perfect timing. Any later and I would've been gone." Cui Qian pulled open the drawer beneath the desk and retrieved a document. Centered on the front were four large characters: Printing Permit. Inside, it detailed the name of the printing house, the scope and quantity of printing, and was stamped with the official seal of the government office.

"It just arrived from the Ministry of Rites this morning. Congratulations, Miss Ye."

Ye Shuang thanked Cui Qian, suppressing her inner joy, and solemnly accepted it.

"What do you need this document for?" Xiao Lin also stepped forward.

Ye Shuang ignored him.

Instead, it gave Pei Yu an opportunity to taunt him: "Naturally, she needs it to open a printing house. It's not like she's opening a tavern! Could it be that the Marquis doesn't even know this?"

Xiao Lin shot him a warning glare. Why was this man always around whenever Ye Shuang was present!

Pei Yu remained unfazed.

"Since the document is obtained, I shall take my leave." With her business concluded, Ye Shuang only wished to distance herself from this place as quickly as possible.

After bidding farewell to Cui Qian, she turned and gave a slight curtsey before leaving.

Seeing that these two important guests were about to tear his small back hall apart, Cui Qian was more than eager to see them go and hurriedly rose to his feet: "In that case, if the Marquis and Military Advisor Pei have no further business, I must also take my leave. I have documents to deliver to the Ministry of Rites today!"

Cui Qian's words were polite, but his intention to hurry them along was quite clear.

Even the densest person would have understood; both Xiao Lin and Pei Yu also took their leave.

After walking some distance, Ye Shuang could feel two people following behind her, walking separately from each other. But she did not look back. Halfway there, Ye Shuang suddenly stopped, hesitating for a moment, when Xiao Lin spoke from behind: "Turn left, then go straight."

Ye Shuang tilted her head slightly but said nothing, yet her steps turned left anyway.

After what had just happened, Pei Yu did not approach Ye Shuang to speak. Moreover, with Xiao Lin walking right between him and Ye Shuang, he would have to pass by Xiao Lin to get to her—and it was obvious this man would not make way.

Recalling how Xiao Lin had rushed out ahead earlier, Pei Yu let out a sneer.

"You can guard her for a while, but can you guard her for a lifetime?" he thought.

The three of them, each wrapped up in their own thoughts, walked out of the government office in silence.

Upon reaching the entrance, Ye Shuang did not stop but went straight to the carriage she had arrived in. Firstly, she had nothing to say to either of them at this point, and secondly, she really needed to hurry to sign the lease, so she didn't have time to worry about that.

The carriage bumped and rattled all the way toward the direction of Fengle Bridge.

Xiao Lin and Pei Yu stood at the entrance, watching the carriage disappear into the distance. Pei Yu then put back on a smile again and, following etiquette, gave a ceremonial bow to Xiao Lin: "Then I shall also take my leave now."

As soon as he turned his back, the smile that seemed etched on his face vanished instantly.

"Pei Yu!"

Xiao Lin called out to him.

Pei Yu halted, his back still turned to Xiao Lin.

"This is already the second time."

A faint curve slowly lifted the corner of Pei Yu's mouth, a hint of triumph flashing in his eyes: "The Marquis is mistaken. Including the Spring Banquet, this makes three times now."

"You!" This taunt was clearly meant to provoke him. Xiao Lin was furious, almost just drawing his sword on the spot.

In contrast, Pei Yu appeared much more composed. He turned around unhurriedly, with an air of assured victory. "Does the Marquis intend to take action right outside the government office? I heard you were just recently reprimanded by His Majesty. If word gets out that you're brawling with a colleague at the gate, it would surely be quite damaging to your reputation. I advise you to tread carefully."

Xiao Lin was so enraged that he laughed. He had seen through Pei Yu's petty tricks—nothing more than clever talk. He wouldn't be easily provoked now.

With a light scoff, Xiao Lin lowered his head and twisted the ring on his finger, then lifted his gaze with ease. "She has already gone far. There's no need to provoke me with your words. Just remember one thing: stay away from someone under my protection. Don’t even think of scheming against her, or don’t blame me for showing no mercy."

"Has the Marquis forgotten that Miss Ye is currently unattached? If we’re being fair, as a friend with some history with her, I surely have better chances than a certain someone who nearly cost her her life!"

"Pei Yu!" Xiao Lin’s face darkened as he glared down at him. "It is only out of respect for Vice Minister Pei and his wife that I have tolerated you again and again. I’ve said my piece today. You’d do well to watch your step."

Without another word, Xiao Lin turned and walked away.

"Xiao Lin!" Pei Yu raised his voice. "I sincerely admire Miss Ye. Do you dare to compete with me on equal footing?"

Xiao Lin paused, slightly turning his head, his glance swept from the corner of his eye without even deigning to look at the other man.

Seeing that Xiao Lin seemed to be considering his proposal, Pei Yu waited patiently.

Finally, three words drifted softly from Xiao Lin’s lips: "You’re not worthy."

With that, he strode away.

Pei Yu stood outside the gates of the Palace Command, fists clenched, eyes blazing with fury. Years of resentment and humiliation surged within him in an instant.

Xiao Lin, why must you always be like this? You take everything, yet act as though you can’t be bothered to contend with anyone.

Just wait. Sooner or later, I’ll make you taste what it feels like to have something you love taken from you!