Chapter 44 Entering the Manor “Miss, the Marquis summons you tomorrow…”

Chapter 44: Entering the Estate

“Miss, the Marquis requests your presence at the mansion tomorrow…”

A grand and solemn apprenticeship ceremony concluded, leaving behind only a chaotic scene and a room full of bewildered, exchanging glances.

Shen Jichen strode out with cold resolve, heading directly to Mr. Jimo. Seeing the utter desolation in Shen Jichen’s eyes, Mr. Jimo’s heart clenched, his brow furrowed, and he demanded, “Did you drive away my disciple?”

Xue Yubai, supporting Lady Xue, approached, his face grim as he stared at Shen Jichen.

“Yes,” Shen Jichen replied, his face devoid of emotion. “She offended me just now, so I sent her away.” He took the blame for Yue Rongrong’s sudden departure, his heart already numb.

Only then did the crowd grasp the situation—so that was the reason. They had initially thought the girl was arrogant due to special favor, disgracing her teacher even before formal induction. But now, witnessing Marquis Shen’s icy demeanor, they grew curious about how she had offended him and dared to do so.

Mr. Jimo glared at him furiously, yet he knew full well that something significant must have transpired. He snapped, “You made my dear disciple leave in anger—you are entirely responsible for this! You must find her and bring her back safe and sound!” With that, he stormed off in a huff.

Shen Jichen merely lowered his eyes and remained silent.

The crowd now understood that Mr. Jimo truly valued this disciple, who hadn’t even formally completed the apprenticeship ceremony. Not only was he not angry, but he was also defending her so vehemently.

The apprenticeship ceremony ended on a sour note. Only Xue Yubai recognized the charade Shen Jichen and Mr. Jimo were playing. He had his servants escort Lady Xue back first. Lady Xue, deeply puzzled, had already surmised from her grandson’s expression when he brought her that this sudden junior sister was likely his beloved. But now, with things having taken such a turn, she felt a growing unease.

Only Xue Yubai and Shen Jichen remained in the garden. Shen Jichen, appearing weary, took two steps back and sat on the railing of the Lan Ting pavilion, raising a hand to rub his brow.

“What did you say to Rongrong?” Xue Yubai demanded sharply.

Shen Jichen lowered his hand, opened his eyes, and looked up at him, his gaze as cold as ice. He slowly rose, walked past Xue Yubai, and said coldly, “Rongrong’s affairs are none of your concern.”

Xue Yubai’s heart felt a sharp pang. He called out to Shen Jichen’s retreating back, “I will marry Rongrong!”

Shen Jichen suddenly halted but did not turn around. His silhouette grew even more formidable. After a long silence, he scoffed, “Is that so?”

Hearing the indifference in his tone, Xue Yubai turned to stare at his back, almost pleading, “Piao Yao, let her go. What you had is already in the past.”

Shen Jichen did not respond and simply walked away. Xue Yubai cried out in anguish, “Piao Yao!”

That night, only a single jade lamp illuminated the study in the Marquis’s residence. In the flickering light, Shen Jichen sat alone on the luohan daybed. The lamp’s glow could not penetrate the depths of his unfathomable eyes. He coldly gazed at the crescent moon-shaped jade in his palm, his expression complex and resolute.

Just then, Wen Song entered and whispered, “Marquis, he is here.”

Shen Jichen tightened his grip on the jade and looked up. Boss Jin shivered under the dark, piercing gaze, forcing a stiff and awkward smile. He hurriedly bowed to Shen Jichen, who said indifferently, “Sit.”

Boss Jin initially thought to politely decline, but not daring to resist, he sank down, trembling, onto the seat. Having navigated the business world for decades, he was highly skilled at reading people. Even without looking closely, he could sense Marquis Shen’s icy anger. He sat bolt upright, not daring to relax in the slightest, his heart pounding to avoid saying anything wrong.

Shen Jichen gestured with his finger. “Have some tea.”

Wen Song had already served the tea. Boss Jin forced a smile. “I’m not thirsty…”

Shen Jichen glanced at him. “Drink.”

His tone was neither light nor heavy, but it made Boss Jin’s heart sink. He quickly picked up the teacup and drained it in one swallow. The slightly hot tea scalded his heart, but he pretended nothing was wrong, set down the cup, coughed twice, and quickly shut his mouth, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Watching him, Shen Jichen said in an extremely cold voice, “Tell me about the Sinan Quarter.”

Boss Jin immediately understood—Marquis Shen wanted to hear about Rongrongyue at the Sinan Quarter. After that cup of tea, he dared not hide anything and told all he knew.

“Back then, I was passing through Gusu on business and went to the Sinan Quarter with a friend for entertainment. That’s where I saw Rongrongyue.”

Shen Jichen’s gaze turned colder. “When?”

Boss Jin paused, thinking. “The eleventh month of the first year of Yongning.”

That was when Shen Jichen had single-handedly infiltrated the pirate stronghold, taken the leader’s head, and lay severely wounded in bed. Shen Jichen’s face darkened bit by bit.

Boss Jin, watching him closely, called out softly, “Marquis?”

“Continue.”

Boss Jin went on. “The Sinan Quarter is a music establishment. I heard Rongrongyue became the headliner as soon as she arrived. Countless people wanted to request a song from her, but her musical skills were actually just average. However, the proprietress protected her fiercely. At the time, I had some connection with the proprietress…” He trailed off somewhat embarrassed and didn’t elaborate on his relationship with the proprietress.

He was about to continue, but then he glanced at Shen Jichen again, weighing his words carefully before cautiously saying, “The proprietress told me that this Rongrongyue seemed to have a lover. For some reason, this lover owed a huge debt. Yue Rongrong sold herself to pay off his debt, which is how she went from a commoner to an entertainer of debased status and was sold to the Sinan Quarter. I heard the person who delivered her specifically instructed that Rongrongyue was only to perform, not provide other services. But Rongrongyue seemed utterly shocked. She said she had been sold to the government to be a painter, not a musical courtesan. She caused quite a disturbance.”

Wen Song’s heart leaped to his throat. He watched as Shen Jichen’s face grew paler and paler, his breathing heavier and heavier, and despairingly closed his eyes.

Boss Jin frowned. “But one night, for some reason, three men forced their way into her chamber and were about to…” He abruptly stopped and said directly, “Fortunately, her lover arrived in time. In a fit of rage, he killed all three men in the heat of anger!”

“The lover was arrested on the spot. The incident created a major scandal in Gusu at the time. Because it was so severe, the man was sentenced to execution in the autumn. But he was lucky—the emperor’s wedding led to a general amnesty, so his death sentence was commuted. Later, I don’t know where he was sent. After that, Rongrongyue disappeared too. I heard she ran away. I never thought…”

He didn’t need to say more. The study was terrifyingly quiet. He sneakily glanced at Shen Jichen, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Wen Song looked at Shen Jichen with trepidation and saw him bend over, his face hidden. Wen Song’s heart tightened, and he stepped forward. “Marquis…”

Shen Jichen raised a hand to stop him from approaching, his voice hoarse and low. “See him out.”

Wen Song hesitated for a moment but turned to Boss Jin. Upon hearing “see him out,” Boss Jin stood up abruptly. Before Wen Song could approach, he bowed deeply to Shen Jichen. “Marquis, I take my leave.”

He couldn’t wait to leave, turning and heading for the door. Wen Song followed behind, rolling his eyes. Once outside the study, Boss Jin finally caught his breath and asked Wen Song quietly, “Is the Marquis alright?”

Wen Song didn’t want to answer and retorted irritably, “What could be wrong?”

A loud “bang” came from the study behind them—the sound of a table crashing to the ground and porcelain shattering. Boss Jin and Wen Song both jumped in fright. Boss Jin glanced silently at Wen Song and said hurriedly, “No need to see me out, young sir. I’ll go on my own!” With that, he fled without looking back.

Wen Song watched him escape, took a deep breath with a grave expression, turned around, took another deep breath, walked to the study door, took yet another deep breath, and then entered.

The sight that met him was a scene of chaos. The low table that had been on the luohan daybed was overturned on the floor, the teacups on it shattered beyond recognition. He stepped over the debris and saw Shen Jichen bent over, his hand pressed tightly against his chest. In the quiet night, his heavy, ragged breathing was audible.

After what felt like an eternity, his strained, raspy voice came, filled with suppressed rage. “Investigate. Thoroughly!”

Wen Song accepted the order but did not step forward. He simply stood to the side, standing there all night.

Early the next morning, Wen Song saw that Shen Jichen was still in the same position as the night before. He turned and went to the Department of State Affairs to request a day off on his behalf.

When he returned, he found the door tightly shut. The servants stood in the courtyard, unsure what to do. The cook had come to ask several times if they should serve the meal yet, but Wen Song didn’t answer.

Another night passed. Wen Song and the maids in the courtyard had stood all night. As the hour of the morning court approached, Shen Jichen’s icy voice finally came from the room.

“Wen Song.”

Wen Song’s face immediately brightened, and he hurried inside. He didn’t see Shen Jichen but heard movement from the dressing room. He quickly walked in and was stunned to see Shen Jichen already standing before the mirror, dressed in his court attire. The Shen Jichen in the mirror was frosty and aloof. Wen Song stood dazed for a moment, then took the outer robe from the rack, walked over, and helped Shen Jichen put it on.

Suddenly, Shen Jichen asked, “Where is she?”

Wen Song’s hands, adjusting the sleeves, paused slightly. He looked up and saw Shen Jichen’s expressionless face. Unable to guess his meaning and not daring to speak carelessly, he lowered his head. “In the mining prison.”

Having grown up by Shen Jichen’s side, he immediately saw the ruthless coldness in Shen Jichen’s eyes—a coldness that was almost devoid of human feeling, as if nothing in the world could hurt him anymore.

Shen Jichen was now invulnerable to all assaults.

When he walked out of the room, the servants in the courtyard all shuddered, feeling an intimidating cold aura. They hurriedly lowered their heads, retreated three steps in an orderly manner, and chorused, “Good morning, Marquis.”

Only after Shen Jichen left the courtyard did they lift their heads and let out a long breath, as if coming back to life, exchanging looks of confusion.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. The Marquis has become so terrifying. Though he’s always been stern, he never felt frightening before. Just now, I felt like if he glanced at me, my life would have been over today.”

The head maid, named Hui Yin, reminded them, “From now on, everyone needs to be extra careful while working in the courtyard.” She then waved her hand, “Everyone, disperse and get back to work.”

Even the court officials noticed Shen Jichen’s unusual behavior today. After the court session, aside from official matters, no one dared to approach him for a casual word. In awe, they couldn’t help but marvel—despite his youth, Marquis Shen already commanded such an imposing presence that even first-ranking ministers dared not underestimate him, and were filled with nothing but trepidation!

Someone walked up to General Meng and half-jokingly whispered, “General Meng, aren’t you going to check on your future son-in-law?”

General Meng replied sternly, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

A colleague laughed, “Everyone knows the Grand Princess has taken a liking to Miss Meng. It’s practically a done deal, just a matter of time. Yesterday, the Duke left the capital to supervise water conservancy projects in Jiangnan on behalf of the Emperor. Right now, you’re the only one who might dare to say a few words to him.”

General Meng said cautiously, “Ah, it’s not settled yet, so don’t speak recklessly. That’s just the Grand Princess showing fondness for her juniors.” Though he said this, looking at Shen Jichen in the deliberation hall—almost his equal in status—he couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride. His future son-in-law… heh.

The Grand Empress Dowager, having heard that Shen Jichen took sick leave yesterday, specially prepared a medicinal meal and sent someone to invite him around noon.

Hearing of his arrival, the Grand Empress Dowager walked out of the main hall. Shen Jichen quickened his pace to meet her, and she took his hand, her face full of concern, “Look at my dear grandson, he’s lost weight.”

Shen Jichen smiled somewhat helplessly and supported her as they walked into the hall.

Shen Qingci walked over discontentedly, “Grandmother is playing favorites. As soon as Piao Yao arrives, you cast me aside.”

The Grand Empress Dowager pretended to be annoyed, “Yes, I’m playing favorites. But didn’t you rush over for lunch the moment you heard Piao Yao was coming today?”

Shen Jichen smiled and called out, “Sister.”

The Grand Empress Dowager, looking at his now steady demeanor, recalled the proud, spirited youth who once raced horses with the late emperor, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss.

After the three finished their meal, Shen Jichen sat for a while before citing official duties, rising to take his leave.

Watching his solemn retreating figure, the Grand Empress Dowager felt both affection and loss, sighing, “It seems we must hurry and select a wife for Piao Yao.”

Shen Qingci was both surprised and concerned, “Given Piao Yao’s temperament, I doubt he’ll let us arrange things for him.”

The Grand Empress Dowager said, “Who said we’re arranging it? We’ll pick a clear, sunny day, hold a spring banquet, and let him choose someone he likes. Isn’t that simple?”

“What if he doesn’t choose anyone?” Shen Qingci asked.

The Grand Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow and declared boldly, “Then we’ll host another one!”

“……”

After leaving Ci’an Palace, Shen Jichen did not return to the deliberation hall but went straight out of the palace. He sat in the carriage without a word.

Wen Song waited beside him, expecting orders on where to go. After what felt like an eternity, just as Wen Song thought they would sit in the carriage until sunset, Shen Jichen finally spoke.

“Leave the city. Go to the mine.”

Wen Song’s face paled slightly. He leaned out and said to the coachman, “To the prison at the mine.”

The carriage headed straight for the city gates.

＊＊

After escaping from Yizhan Jiangnan that day, Yue Rongrong had been “hiding.” She didn’t want to see anyone—except Qu Lieshan. They had endured past hardships together, and it felt as though in this world, only she and Qu Lieshan relied on each other.

Boss Jin’s appearance had dredged up the past she most wanted to forget. Shen Jichen would surely investigate, and this was the part of her history she least wanted him to know. She never wanted to see Shen Jichen again. There was no place for her in the capital anymore, but where could she go? Where should she go?

She begged Wang Xiong to let her see Qu Lieshan, pleading desperately, but Wang Xiong remained adamant and refused. She could only wait outside the prison, waiting for two full days.

Wang Xiong, unable to bear to see it, came out to persuade her, but she ignored him. Left with no choice, he brought her some pastries, but she didn’t touch them. She just sat curled in a corner, hugging her knees, as if determined to soften Wang Xiong’s heart until he let her in. Wang Xiong clenched his teeth, repeatedly telling himself not to yield.

But seeing her waiting desperately, mistakenly believing that persistence would gain her entry, he finally hinted obliquely, “Miss, you should go back. To be frank, even if you were to die here today, you still wouldn’t be allowed in.”

Yue Rongrong’s face turned pale, her voice trembling slightly, “What do you mean?”

Wang Xiong said, “Orders from above.” That was all he could say.

Orders from above—he had said the same thing last time Yue Rongrong came. But hearing it again now, Yue Rongrong felt inexplicably alarmed, as if it implied something more. As she pondered, the sound of wheels suddenly came from afar. Wang Xiong immediately stood up, turned to look, and his face changed dramatically. He hurried forward to meet the arrival.

Yue Rongrong looked over, her whole body went tense. She abruptly lowered her head, hugged her legs tightly, and buried her face low. But then she heard footsteps approaching steadily, and her heart panicked more and more, her fists clenching her skirt tightly.

She didn’t want to see him.

A shadow fell over her, enveloping her petite frame, as if not a sliver of light could penetrate.

“Get up.”

A cold, low voice sounded from above. Yue Rongrong pretended not to hear. The next moment, her arm was grasped and lifted lightly—Shen Jichen had pulled her up.

“You want to see Qu Lieshan, don’t you!” he shouted, anger barely contained.

Yue Rongrong looked up abruptly, meeting his furious eyes. Her voice was faint, disbelieving, “You know…” Gradually, her expression turned desolate, but then her pupils constricted, locking onto him. “It’s you! You’re the one not letting me see him! What have you done to him!”

The despair, tension, and fear in her eyes pierced Shen Jichen deeply. In her eyes, there was only Qu Lieshan!

In her most desperate and helpless moment, she only wanted to see Qu Lieshan. Only at the mention of Qu Lieshan’s name did any emotion stir in her eyes! Everything had nothing to do with him, Shen Jichen!

Furious, Shen Jichen gripped Yue Rongrong’s wrist, seething with rage, “You want to see him, do you? I’ll take you to him right now!”

He dragged Yue Rongrong toward the training grounds at the mine.

Wen Song immediately followed, and Wang Xiong trailed behind nervously.

On the training ground, a life-and-death struggle was underway. A row of officials from the capital sat on the viewing platform, cheering and shouting excitedly, some even yelling boldly, “Kill him!”

They had placed bets on the outcome. The convicts fought desperately until one could no longer rise.

Blood and flesh were everywhere.

Lord Sun was happily counting his betted silver when he looked up to assess the situation on the field. Instead, he saw Shen Jichen storming over, dragging Yue Rongrong with him. He jumped up in fright, scattering half his silver, startling the officials nearby. They followed his gaze, froze for a moment, then hurriedly nudged those beside them. Down the row, the once-boisterous platform fell silent. Everyone was horrified.

Shen Jichen had already pulled Yue Rongrong onto the viewing platform. Everyone stepped back and bowed, faces pale as if facing doom. Why was Marquis Shen here! Shen Jichen ignored them, dragging Yue Rongrong to the central seat. Everyone stood behind them.

Lord Sun hurried forward, “Marquis…”

“Bring Qu Lieshan out!” Shen Jichen barked sharply.

Yue Rongrong’s heart raced. She watched as Lord Sun immediately complied and blurted out, “What are you going to do!” She glanced at the barely alive convict being dragged off the field, her hands and feet turning cold. “You can’t do this!”

Shen Jichen looked at her coldly, “You’ll soon find out whether I can or not!”

Qu Lieshan was brought out. His eyes immediately found Yue Rongrong on the viewing platform. His heart leaped, and joy flashed in his eyes—until he saw Shen Jichen beside her, looking down on him contemptuously. The man he hated most in this life!

A murderous intent instantly radiated from him, and he was about to charge forward: “Rongrong!”

“Brother Qu!” Yue Rongrong tried to rush off the platform but was gripped firmly by Shen Jichen. She fell heavily back into her seat.

“Shen Jichen! Let her go!” Qu Lieshan attempted to charge forward but was quickly subdued by a group of rushing guards. Weapons struck him chaotically from all sides.

Yue Rongrong cried out in great sorrow: “Brother Qu!” But she couldn’t break free. She turned her gaze, filled with rage, to Shen Jichen. “What exactly are you trying to do!”

Shen Jichen’s heart felt as if it were being sliced by knives as he saw the anger, even hatred, in her eyes directed at him because of Qu Lieshan. Suddenly, he laughed out loud. He waved his hand, and the guards over there promptly released Qu Lieshan, even removing the chains from his hands and feet.

Several fierce, vicious-looking brutes immediately stepped forward, their eyes glowing with ferocity as they stared at Qu Lieshan.

Shen Jichen then spoke, slowly and deliberately: “Whoever wins is exempt from six months of corvée labor.”

The apprehensive capital officials, upon hearing this, immediately breathed a sigh of relief and became excited. They had all discerned the unusual relationship between Marquis Shen, this girl, and that prisoner.

Yue Rongrong looked at Shen Jichen in disbelief: “You’re insane!”

Shen Jichen ignored her. He glanced at Wang Xiong, who immediately caught his meaning. The guards on the field instantly withdrew, leaving only those burly brutes and Qu Lieshan.

Qu Lieshan simply stared at Shen Jichen, who returned his gaze. Their eyes were as cold and sharp as blades, each wishing the other dead.

Yue Rongrong, however, shook her head in a pleading gesture, tears falling: “Don’t, don’t…”

Qu Lieshan looked at Yue Rongrong, his gaze instantly softening. He smiled gently.

Shen Jichen’s eyes darkened abruptly. He turned and saw Yue Rongrong was crying so hard her face was covered in tears. He clenched his fist suddenly; his throat felt as if blocked by a red-hot iron, burning him. He struggled to speak: “It’s too early to cry now.”

Yue Rongrong looked at him indignantly, her vision blurred by tears.

A major fight was on the verge of breaking out on the field, but the group of burly men seemed to target only Qu Lieshan. Soon, Qu Lieshan was overwhelmed and knocked to the ground. Yue Rongrong sprang to her feet, about to rush down, but was pulled back by Shen Jichen. She struggled desperately, struck him wildly, but he remained unmoved, his eyes fixed on her, watching her pain, watching her have a breakdown.

On the field, Qu Lieshan spat out a large mouthful of blood. Yue Rongrong, in despair, dropped to her knees, clutching the hem of Shen Jichen’s robe: “Let him go, please let him go! I beg you!”

Shen Jichen looked at her, deeply shaken. A sharp pain pierced his heart, so intense he felt like shattering it. His eyes turned red. He crouched down, held her arm, but the corners of his lips held a smile.

His eyes red, he looked at her: “What deep love and devotion! You sold yourself for him, he killed for you, he fights for you, and you beg me for him… Rongrong…” A tear rolled down from the corner of his eye. “You only see him about to be beaten to death, but can you see that I am living a life worse than death!” But his gaze grew even fiercer, his voice heart-wrenching. “You would do anything for him, wouldn’t you?”

Yue Rongrong was already sobbing uncontrollably, weak and desolate: “As long as you let him go, you can take any revenge on me.”

“Anything?” He gripped her chin, forcing her to look up, his voice hoarse. “Even as my concubine or servant?”

Yue Rongrong trembled all over. Her eyes, soaked in tears, were nonetheless clear. She looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears, her heart sinking bit by bit. Finally, she swallowed her anguish, as if blades were slicing her throat and her heart. She said: “Yes.”

Shen Jichen abruptly stood up, looking at her. What she had rather died than do back then, she now agreed to so readily for Qu Lieshan! He turned his face away and let out a loud laugh, suppressing the pain that threatened to burst from his chest. He shouted sternly: “Let him go!”

The field instantly fell silent. All of Shen Jichen’s emotions turned icy. He glanced sideways at Yue Rongrong, coldly tossed out the words “Don’t forget your promise,” and left, flicking his sleeve.

Yue Rongrong immediately slumped to the ground. After a moment, she wiped her tears and ran off the platform.

The capital officials were baffled.

“Did I hear correctly just now? His Lordship meant that, right?”

“Seems so.”

“So, His Lordship has taken a fancy to this girl, but she likes that prisoner, so His Lordship used the prisoner’s life to threaten her and to force her to submit?”

“Seems to be the case.”

“No, I still can’t believe it. Who is he? He’s the eldest legitimate son and heir of the Shen family of Wangjingmen! In terms of status, position, appearance, and virtue, what does he lack compared to that prisoner? Could he also suffer from unrequited love?”

Someone sighed: “When it comes to love, regardless of whether you’re noble or humble, you must endure the bitterness destined for you. It’s utterly fair!”

The others didn’t understand, but they unanimously decided to remain silent about everything that happened today. If it got out and angered Marquis Shen, they couldn’t bear the consequences.

Wang Xiong helped Yue Rongrong move the injured Qu Lieshan back to his cell, brought medicinal ointment, and sent for a doctor. Feeling that he should not stay in the cell room any longer, he prepared to leave. Before going, he reminded Yue Rongrong: “Don’t delay too long.”

Yue Rongrong nodded.

Qu Lieshan used his remaining strength to grab Yue Rongrong’s hand, forcing open his injured eyes. He said solemnly: “Rongrong, don’t see him again!”

But Yue Rongrong already had no way out and was utterly clear-headed. She said: “Brother Qu, I’ve implicated you too much. Meeting me was truly your misfortune. I am just a jinx.”

“I won’t allow you to say that about yourself, Rongrong. Listen to me, don’t go to Shen Jichen. He won’t do anything to me!” He was very certain that Shen Jichen wouldn’t dare kill him. But Yue Rongrong felt that Shen Jichen had genuinely intended to kill Qu Lieshan moments ago.

Seeing her silent, Qu Lieshan angrily sat up, aggravating the wounds on his back and chest. But ignoring the pain, he struggled to grasp Yue Rongrong’s shoulders and questioned her: “Have you forgotten how the Grand Princess treated you! She was the one who sold you, and she sent people to defile you!”

Yue Rongrong felt a chill in her heart and tried to soothe him: “But those are just our speculations… Back then, you incurred such a large debt for me. I was sold to the prefectural office as a painter, it was only later…”

“That was also the Grand Princess’s scheme against me! Just to control you! And she plotted against you and sold you to Sinan Fang!” Qu Lieshan suddenly became agitated, his eyes bursting with furious flames as he gripped her tightly. “Do you still love Shen Jichen? Do you!”

Yue Rongrong was startled by his sudden loss of control. In her impression, Qu Lieshan, though a tough security escort, had always been gentle with her.

Qu Lieshan probably realized he had been too agitated. As he calmed down, the pain made him fall back. Yue Rongrong immediately grew anxious: “How are you?”

His tone softened: “Rongrong, promise me, protect yourself. Never trust Shen Jichen. He isn’t worthy. Before, he was just a young general, but now he holds high power and position. Back then, he wouldn’t marry you. Now that you’re of humble status… he even less will marry you, Rongrong… Wait until I get out, then come away with me, alright?”

Each word felt like a knife stabbing into Yue Rongrong’s heart, but she knew Qu Lieshan spoke the truth. She nodded.

Qu Lieshan finally smiled in relief.

The doctor came and treated Qu Lieshan’s wounds. Only after learning he was not in mortal danger did Yue Rongrong feel relieved enough to leave. Stepping out of the prison, she saw Wen Song waiting outside the gate. She was slightly startled and called out to him.

Wen Song turned upon hearing her and hurried over: “I will see the young lady back.”

Yue Rongrong glanced at the carriage not far away: “He?”

Wen Song said: “His Lordship has already left on horseback.” Watching Yue Rongrong lower her eyes, he deliberated and said, “Young lady, His Lordship asks that you enter the residence tomorrow. He gives you one night to bid farewell to the people at Brocade Tower.”

Yue Rongrong let out a scornful laugh: “He is so considerate.”

Wen Song wasn’t oblivious to her sarcasm. Braving it, he smiled and said: “His Lordship has always been attentive to matters concerning you, young lady. You need not worry about your household registration anymore.”

Yue Rongrong nodded to show she understood, lifted her skirts, and boarded the carriage, saying faintly: “Take me back to Brocade Tower.”

Wen Song respectfully responded: “Yes!”