Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Shen Anning was stunned by the sudden shout, yank, embrace, and release, momentarily unsure of what had just happened.

Pei Yujin, however, glanced at the man who had appeared out of nowhere with a dark expression, a glint in his eyes as he spoke first, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Well, well, Lord Lu seems to be in quite the temper today. Have you eaten gunpowder?"

He continued with a mocking smile, "Or is it that some people pretend to be gentlemen in public, treating their family with courtesy, while in private, they're nothing but two-faced hypocrites?"

Pei Yujin's sarcasm was completely unsubtle regarding the other's rough behavior.

Didn't he realize he'd hurt her?

Pei Yujin had always been protective of women and couldn't stand to see them treated rudely.

He could clearly tell the other was seething as if he had caught them in the act.

Instead of explaining, he deliberately stoked the flames, smiling faintly as he said, "By the way, Sister Ning, remember your promise—take good care of the little squirrel we just rescued together. Don’t worry, you won’t have to do it alone. I’ll make sure to bring food regularly. We’ll raise it together!"

As he spoke, his mocking gaze drifted toward a certain spot while he handed the small squirrel over to Shen Anning.

He seemed to be egging on the conflict, as if he couldn’t get enough of it.

He and Lu Suian were like archenemies—every meeting was filled with cold remarks and sharp words, always at each other’s throats.

Shen Anning was used to their bickering, but only after coming to her senses did she realize that Lu Suian had misunderstood the situation.

She warned Pei Yujin with a glare before turning to the man beside her.

She wanted to explain, but with Pei Yujin stirring trouble, she found herself at a loss for words.

The truth was, while they were tending to the squirrel, it had suddenly gotten startled and jumped onto her shoulder, its claws accidentally snagging on her cherry earring. Shen Anning had been startled suddenly, and Pei Yujin had stepped in to help. The squirrel’s claws were tangled in her earring, and fearing she might get hurt, he had moved closer to free it.

They hadn’t expected Lu Suian to catch them in the act and misunderstand.

Even so, Lu Suian’s reaction had startled her. In both her lives, this was the first time Shen Anning had seen him so furious—not even during the incident at August Tower a few days prior had he been like this. Moreover, she sensed that it wasn’t just anger; there seemed to be an inexplicable, peculiar feeling mixed in.

Lu Suian seemed unusual today.

Before Shen Anning could figure out what was off, another doubt arose: Why was Lu Suian here now, and how had he found this place?

In truth, the moment Pei Yujin started his sarcastic remarks, Lu Suian had already discerned the whole story.

With a cold glance at the baby squirrel in Pei Yujin’s hand, he made the obvious assumption.

When he looked up again, he noticed a boy of twelve or thirteen sitting on the threshold of the thatched cottage, absorbed in playing with an abacus. Under the windmill, Shen Anning’s maid and Pei’s young daughter were fishing by the stream, while servants were building a fire nearby.

With so many people around, it was impossible for Shen Anning to be having a clandestine meeting.

Yet, for some reason, he had been blind to everyone else, seeing only the scene of them leaning close together from afar. His chest tightened, and unreasoning anger erupted within him—anger, fear, relief at regaining what was lost, and the sting of betrayal all warred inside him. Before he could even process it, he had already rushed over.

He rarely acted so impulsively.

And the root of it all, he realized, was the knowledge that Shen Anning had been considering a separation, making him see enemies everywhere.

Lu Suian closed his eyes, trying hard to calm the turmoil within.

When he opened them again, his gaze still held a remaining chill as he warned the man opposite him, "Pei, if you don’t know the meaning of propriety between men and women, you should go home and ask your father. Lord Pei has always been incorruptible and upright—don’t tarnish his reputation!"

His dislike for Pei Yujin was unmistakable. Normally, he wouldn’t bother debating with a gossipmonger, but today, Pei Yujin had touched a raw nerve.

Pei Yujin, of course, understood the warning but merely smirked and replied, "It seems Lord Lu doesn’t know my father well. He’s always been open-minded, especially hoping for harmony among siblings. He loves seeing scenes of sibling-like closeness—"

Ignoring the warning, he played dumb. Noticing the squirrel struggling in his arms, he exclaimed with exaggerated urgency, "Sister Ning, quick, help! Our little one is biting me!"

He was deliberately egging on the conflict, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Lu Suian’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Just as Shen Anning’s heart leaped, expecting an outburst, Lu Suian unexpectedly suppressed his fury. Instead, he smiled coldly and said, "Then let’s see if Lady Lu prefers to fool around with animals or would rather chat with her husband like a proper wife."

As he spoke, he turned slowly and looked directly at Shen Anning.

Pei Yujin also turned his gaze toward her.

Both men were now staring at her.

Shen Anning felt overwhelmed.

She had no idea why these two always turned every encounter into a battlefield filled with tension and conflict.

Naturally, Shen Anning wouldn’t go to another man. She knew Lu Suian was still angry, and though her relationship with Pei Yujin was innocent, as long as they were married, she had a duty to maintain at least the appearance of harmony.

After a brief hesitation, she walked slowly over toward Lu Suian without any further delay.

The moment she took a step, he abruptly raised his arm, pulling her close and pinning her with one arm, keeping her within easy reach.

Shen Anning was startled. In front of so many people, such intimacy felt somewhat inappropriate, even for a married couple. Though it wasn’t the first time they had staged "marital affection"—it had happened once before at the Shen family estate—she still felt a little uncomfortable. Yet, she didn’t refuse.

Across from them, Pei Yujin watched the couple’s affectionate display, a smile still on his face as if relieved, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Lu Suian had rushed here in a state of high tension—the shock of hearing the news, the fear after identifying the body, and the fury of suspecting infidelity. In just half a day, his emotions had been on a rollercoaster with multiple ups and downs.

Now, looking down at his wife so close, he felt he had so much to say, yet he didn’t know where to start or what to say. After a long silence, he finally asked in a low voice, "Weren’t you supposed to be looking for someone up the mountain? Why are you here?"

As he spoke, he looked her over carefully, checking for any injuries.

Then, scanning the surroundings with a stern expression, he asked, "Where are Zhuque and Shen Liang?"

Only then did Shen Anning notice how unusually deep and hoarse his voice sounded.

She had expected his anger to linger—Lu Suian wasn’t one to get angry easily, but once provoked, it wasn’t easily soothed. Yet now, he seemed to have calmed down unexpectedly, which saved her some trouble.

Just as she was about to explain that the two had gone hunting, a loud, mournful cry echoed from afar: "Madam, madam, my madam! Finally, we found you—"

The cry was so loud it seemed to tear a hole in the sky.

By the river, Bai Tao and Pei Qingying were fishing, on the verge of catching a fish together, but the sudden shout startled it, causing it to flick its tail and disappear in an instant.

Everyone turned to see Lu Suian’s attendant, Chang Li, rushing toward them, breathless and covered in dust, shouting excitedly, "We finally found you! If we hadn’t, the young master would’ve torn this mountain apart!"

"You have no idea how worried the young master has been since you went missing. He’s already gathered the villagers below—if you hadn’t shown up, all the villagers would have been mobilized to search for you."

Chang Li kept talking until he was completely out of breath, exhaustedly collapsing onto the steps of the thatched cottage, panting heavily.

He was pricked all over with thorns, drenched in sweat, and looked a complete mess, as if he had just fled a catastrophe.

His appearance and demeanor left everyone exchanging bewildered glances.

Lost?

Level the entire mountain?

Mobilize the entire village to search for her?

What had happened?

Shen Anning was utterly confused. Realizing something was wrong, she immediately turned to look at Lu Suian.

Only then did she belatedly notice that Lu Suian was just as bad off. He was usually extremely particular about cleanliness, preferring cleanliness and quiet, always impeccably dressed, composed and dignified, with even his underclothes spotless and never out of place.

But now, his clothes were stained and discolored, the structured fabric torn in places, smudged with grass and dirt, and even his hair seemed to have caught some stray twigs without him noticing.

The master and servant looked as though they had been on a frantic three-day journey.

Just as Shen Anning glanced over, Lu Suian turned his head slightly away, pursed his lips, and avoided her probing gaze, looking away as if not used to showing his true emotions in front of others.

Especially in front of her, Shen Anning, after learning of her desire for a divorce.

And especially after the surge of so many indescribable emotions today.

He needed to process his emotions. He was used to being in control, accustomed to remaining as steady as a mountain.

After composing himself, he finally looked back at her and said, "Something happened down the mountain. There was a murder."

He paused, then looked down at her intently. "Uncle Li said you were lost."

Murder?

Lost?

Shen Anning was taken aback and was about to demand a clear explanation—

"Yes, the Young Master thought you were lost, and even thought... thought the murder might be related to... to you... Ah, anyway, the Young Master was nearly driven mad with worry. Madam, you have no idea—in all my years serving him, I’ve never seen him so anxious and concerned as he was today. Madam, if anything were to happen to you, what would the Young Master do?"

Before Shen Anning could ask further, Chang Li continued with an agonized, dramatic lament.

His voice was loud and theatrical, like a performer in an opera.

In front of everyone, under the public gaze, he repeatedly performed an elaborate show of his master Lu Suian’s deep affection and concern.

Lu Suian’s lips twitched, and he slowly closed his eyes, finding it rather embarrassing.

Yet, after a moment, he held back from reprimanding Chang Li, even tacitly allowing his... conspicuous declarations.

Then, he slowly opened his eyes and let his gaze fall on her face, carefully observing her every reaction.

Shen Anning’s expression shifted slightly.

So, that puzzling sensation she had earlier finally had an explanation. According to Chang Li’s words, Lu Suian wasn’t just taking his anger out on her—he was also... worried about her?

But...

Worried about her?

What a rare and unfamiliar concept.

How strange.

If she weren’t so familiar with Lu Suian, Shen Anning might have almost believed such talk.

But when she looked up again, her eyes unexpectedly met a pair of deep, intense eyes. It felt as though those eyes held a bottomless pool, with a swirling vortex inside—dark, profound, and seemingly unfathomable.

As their eyes met, whether it was due to Chang Li’s exaggerated declarations of affection, Lu Suian’s focused gaze locked on her, or some other reason—

For some inexplicable reason, Shen Anning’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, and a peculiar sensation flashed through her.

She was momentarily stunned, but before she could dwell on that odd sensation, she quickly averted her gaze.

Just then, Bai Tao and the others gathered around.

Lu Suian slightly narrowed his eyes, and he also lowered his gaze.

...

So, something had happened down the mountain today, and Lu Suian thought she was lost?

He thought something had happened to her?

...

After confirming that Shen Anning was completely safe and sound, Lu Suian’s heart, which had been on edge all day, finally settled. Their matters could be discussed later back at the estate. For now, there was a murder case down the mountain that demanded immediate attention.

Lu Suian always prioritized official duties, and given the unusual nature of this case, he quickly gathered everyone to inquire about the reason for Shen Anning’s disappearance and the details of their activities before and after going up the mountain.

It turned out that Shen Anning had indeed been separated from Shen Mu for a brief moment when they first went up the mountain, but it was only for a fleeting instant. She and Bai Tao had been waiting for Shen Mu while resting by a large rock. Shen Mu happened to pass by without noticing them and later turned back down the mountain to search for them. He even made a big fuss, splitting up with Zhu Que and Shen Liang to look for her. However, they reunited after just a short while—the entire separation lasted less than half an hour.

The coachman, unaware of the situation on the mountain, had been waiting anxiously downhill, which led to a minor misunderstanding.

Later, as they ascended, they encountered Pei Yujin and his sister, who were waiting for them near the mountaintop. Only then did they learn that Master Zhuang had gone down the mountain for leisure and was not there.

With the beautiful weather and fresh mountain air, Pei Yujin suggested they make the most of their trip and brought them to this spot to enjoy the scenery.

The area was picturesque, making it a perfect autumn outing.

As noon approached, some went fishing, others hunting, planning to have lunch before descending.

They had no idea what had happened down the mountain.

"Did you encounter any suspicious individuals along the way?" Lu Suian asked sternly and meticulously.

Pei Yujin and his group had gone up the mountain early. Since this was a branch of the Cold Mountain Temple, the area was sparsely populated. They had only encountered one or two woodcutters and hunters along the way and noticed nothing suspicious.

Shen Anning thought for a moment and said, "This mountain path is remote, and we didn’t meet many people today. The only person we encountered was a woman in a yellow dress—"

Noticing Lu Suian’s focused expression, she immediately grew alert. "It was near the large rock at the foot of the mountain. A young woman coming down asked us for water, saying she was delivering something to a relative at a nunnery up the mountain. We chatted for a bit. Actually, it was during this time that I got separated from Mu’er—but it was only for a moment."

Knowing it involved a murder case, Shen Anning recounted the entire incident in meticulous detail, leaving nothing out.

At this point, she noticed Lu Suian's expression change slightly.

Shen Anning considered briefly, then suddenly realized. She grew alert, and soon a chill washed over her. "Could it be that the victim was the woman we just—"

She clutched her chest.

Though Lu Suian did not answer her question, his hand behind his back clenched into a tight fist.

A chill of belated fear also crept into him.

After questioning everyone, Lu Suian did not delay further. He swiftly issued orders, turning to Chang Li and saying, "Send one team down the mountain to check on the situation at the nunnery, and dispatch another to the village below to see if any women are missing."

With no further desire to question or dwell on other matters—such as why the Pei siblings had also appeared there that day—he turned to Shen Anning with a stern expression and said, "Don't linger here any longer. Head back to the city immediately."

After giving Shen Anning careful instructions, he suddenly took a short dagger from his sleeve and handed it to her, saying, "Keep this for self-defense. If you encounter danger, no matter what happens, prioritize your safety."

Shen Anning looked down at the dagger in her hand. It was much shorter than an ordinary dagger, small enough to be concealed on one's person, and now rested quietly in her palm.

This was something she had never seen in her previous life.

Suddenly, she felt that many things were beginning to differ between her past and present lives.

She gazed at it distractedly, lost in thought for a moment.

Having given his orders, Lu Suian still seemed uneasy. His gaze lifted and finally settled on the figure in white not far away. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly walked over and said with a stern expression, "I'll trouble you, Lord Pei, to see my wife safely home to the residence on my behalf—"

With that, Lu Suian took a silver ingot from his waist and tossed it toward Pei Yujin, adding coldly, "This is your reward."

His tone suggested it was a simple transaction.

Is that any way to ask for a favor?

"Heh!"

Pei Yujin was so angry he almost laughed. He caught the silver ingot, tempted to shove it back into Lu Suian's foul mouth. But before he could respond, Lu Suian had already turned and strode away.

Furious, Pei Yujin waved his fan furiously to vent his anger. He had never encountered someone so shameless, stingy, and harsh.

Just then, Zhu Que and Shen Liang returned from hunting, laden with game. But after Lu Suian reprimanded them, the two saluted and dropped to their knees to accept punishment. Lu Suian coldly snapped, "Each of you will receive thirty strokes upon returning to the residence!"

"Escort my wife back immediately. If anything goes wrong, end your own lives!"

Despite his scholarly appearance, his words carried a ruthless decisiveness.

After issuing orders, he glanced back at Shen Anning one last time before hurrying off.

Hearing the punishment, Pei Yujin raised an eyebrow and taunted mischievously Zhu Que and Shen Liang, "Ah, what a harsh and cruel master! It must be tough serving him. If you’re willing, why not join me? I promise to treat you a hundred times better than your Lord Lu."

Having been punished, Zhu Que and Shen Liang didn't dare be careless again. They ignored Pei Yujin completely and focused entirely on Shen Anning, saying respectfully, "Madam, the heir has ordered us to escort you back immediately. Please, madam."

Though nothing dangerous had happened that day, Shen Anning had not expected Lu Suian to punish Zhu Que and Shen Liang without hearing them out. She was about to console them when her eyes fixed on Lu Suian’s hurried departure. Suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation, she stopped Chang Li and asked, "What exactly happened down the mountain?"

Chang Li flinched and replied, "A dismemberment murder."

"A serial one!"

Shen Anning was shocked. Even the usually frivolous Pei Yujin dropped his playful demeanor. Exchanging a grave look with Shen Anning, he immediately ordered everyone to descend the mountain and return to the city.

As they reached the mountainside on their way down, they discovered that the crime scene was precisely where Shen Anning and the others had rested earlier.

A surge of fear washed over her.

Perhaps she had passed by the victim—or the killer—that very day.

No wonder Lu Suian had looked so frightening earlier.

...

On the way back to the city, Shen Anning felt deeply restless.

Though Pei Yujin and Pei Qingying had joined their party, the carriage remained uncommonly quiet and tense.

A dismemberment murder—one had also occurred near the August Pavilion on Mid-Autumn Festival. The methods were said to be brutal. That day, she had been too caught up in arguing with Lu Suian to notice his solemn mood.

A serial murder case.

Shen Anning’s unease stemmed not only from the lingering fear of having been in danger but also from a belated realization: she recalled a notorious serial murder case that had gripped the capital in her previous life.

Today’s case was the second.

But she remembered clearly that seven people died in her past life.

One per day.

The killings had lasted seven full days.

In other words, the case was far from over. The Mid-Autumn Festival incident and today’s murder were only the beginning. What made the case so sensational in her past life was not only its brutality but also the fact that one of the victims was a prominent figure—Princess Fuyang.

At this time in her previous life, however, Shen Anning had been under house arrest after the palace banquet and preoccupied with Bai Tao’s disappearance, so her memory of the case was vague. Had Princess Fuyang not been among the victims, she might not have remembered it at all.

But seven lives were at stake. How could she stand by and do nothing, knowing what was to come?

Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she could not recall the murderer’s identity.

Just then, the carriage entered the city gate and was stopped for a thorough inspection.

The inspection dragged on for nearly half an hour.

Finally, Bai Tao could no longer bear it and lifted the curtain to look out. But as soon as she opened the curtain, she heard someone in the distance mutter in disgust, "Ugh, what is this thing? How unlucky."

The next moment, a doll was thrown toward her, landing right at her feet.

The doll resembled a witch, with a twisted mouth, slanted cheeks, and a grotesque expression—one of its eyes popped out. Having just narrowly avoided witnessing a dismemberment, Bai Tao let out a terrified scream and stumbled back into the carriage.

Everyone inside was equally shaken.

As Shen Anning moved to help her, her eyes fell on the doll. In a flash, a thought struck her.

An actor—the killer was an actor!

Shen Anning immediately threw open the carriage curtain, holding up the doll, and called out to the people outside, "Whose doll is this—?"