Chapter 19: Reunion

Chapter 19: Another Encounter

Now that she was outside, Qiu Shuiyi decided to visit her mother, Lady Mei, in the main residence.

On the way, she ran into Qiu Jinbai, who was taking a stroll.

The brother and sister walked on together.

As they walked, recalling the congestion in the market the day before, Qiu Jinbai’s smile faded, his handsome face turning serious. “Yi’er, don’t leave the estate for the time being. If you must go out, be sure to bring a full complement of guards.”

“Why?” Qiu Shuiyi asked curiously.

“A 'flower-picking bandit' has been reported in the capital recently.” Qiu Jinbai paused, his expression filled with disgust. “He specifically targets beautiful young women.”

“Ah?” Qiu Shuiyi was equally repulsed. “Hasn’t the government caught him?”

“They did. But the scoundrel wore a mask and was agile, so he escaped.” Qiu Jinbai said, “While fleeing, his right index finger was severed by a yamen runner. Yi’er, if you ever see a man missing his right index finger, stay far away.”

“Alright,” Qiu Shuiyi agreed.

Having given his warning, not wanting his sister to be frightened by the news, Qiu Jinbai steered the conversation elsewhere with a few remarks, making Qiu Shuiyi smile. The atmosphere between the siblings became pleasant and cheerful.

…

Madam Cheng acted quickly. The next day, Xu Xi came to report that Cheng Mingshan had been punished under family law by Madam Cheng—forty heavy strokes of the cane—and was now bedridden.

Hearing this news, Qiu Shuiyi was delighted.

Excellent. Now Cheng Mingshan’s hatred for her should rival that of Deng Shixuan.

Hate away. The deeper his hatred, the more trouble he'd stir up—and the longer she could live.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and helped herself to a piece of pastry.

The plum blossom cake from the Yihe Su bakery was soft in texture, just a bit too sweet.

Qiu Shuiyi took a sip of tea, her expression unchanged.

“Miss, the things you asked for.”

Xin Liu parted the beaded curtain and handed over a bamboo basket.

Qiu Shuiyi sat up straight, wiped her hands with a handkerchief, and took it.

The basket contained silk fabric and threads. Xin Tao asked curiously, “What is Miss planning to make?”

Qiu Shuiyi took out a piece of bluish-white silk and began selecting threads.

“To embroider a headband for Mother.”

Back in the village, the grandmother of Aunt Xu had once served as a maid in a wealthy household and mastered excellent embroidery.

Unfortunately, that family declined, and she had to return to the village to marry, passing her skills down to her daughters and granddaughters.

As a child, Qiu Shuiyi had been under Aunt Xu's care and received much guidance from her, so her embroidery skills were quite good.

“Miss is so thoughtful of Madam. Madam will surely be pleased.”

Xin Tao said brightly.

Qiu Shuiyi’s eyes softened warmly.

After a moment’s thought, she selected two more pieces of dark-colored silk from the basket.

Since she was embroidering, she couldn’t leave out Father and Brother.

After choosing the materials and drawing the designs, Qiu Shuiyi prepared to go to the main quarters when she saw Xin Liu hurriedly enter. “Miss, perhaps go later. From what Sister Xia Shuang said, Madam has had trouble sleeping at night these past days. She finally managed to fall asleep this morning and hasn’t woken yet.”

Qiu Shuiyi pressed her lips together.

“Has the estate physician been summoned?”

“Yes,” Xin Liu replied. “Doctor Lin said Madam is suffering from excessive worry. He prescribed medicine, but it hasn’t been effective.”

Noble households usually retained advisors and physicians. Doctor Lin was originally a military doctor who, due to false accusations, fell out of favor with his superior and had no choice but to leave the army. Through a friend’s recommendation, he found refuge in the Marquis of Yun’an’s estate.

Doctor Lin was highly skilled in medicine, modest and amiable, and greatly valued by the Marquis of Yun’an.

If even he couldn’t help, Mei-shi’s condition must be quite serious.

Qiu Shuiyi’s face darkened.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Xin Liu thought for a moment and tentatively suggested, “Miss, my mother recently had the same trouble as Madam, finding it hard to sleep at night. She used incense from Doctor Zhao of Jishi Hall and now sleeps very well. If Miss wishes to try, perhaps let this servant go fetch some?”

“Doctor Zhao of Jishi Hall?” Qiu Shuiyi questioned.

“Doctor Zhao is a newly arrived consulting physician at Jishi Hall.” Xin Liu felt somewhat anxious.

Given Madam's status, it was improper to consult an unknown physician, but Doctor Zhao’s medical skills were truly excellent. In her opinion, they were almost as good as Doctor Lin’s.

Qiu Shuiyi didn’t care about reputation; as long as the medical skills were good, that was all that mattered.

Since Xin Liu trusted this Doctor Zhao, it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Besides, she remembered that in the original book, there was a male supporting character who was a physician at Jishi Hall.

Her injuries weren’t severe; after a few days of care, they had scabbed over, and now she hardly felt any pain.

Since she was bored staying in the estate anyway, why not go try her luck? Who knows, it might even extend her life a little?

When the suggestion to leave the estate was made, Xin Liu hesitated. “Miss, Madam probably won’t agree.”

Qiu Shuiyi naturally knew this.

She blinked, a sly smile appearing. “It’s fine. We’ll sneak out.”

“Ah?”

The two were shocked.

“Nanny Cui went home today to see her grandson.” Qiu Shuiyi had thought it all through. “Later, I’ll go to the main quarters to have a meal with Mother. Xin Liu, take the opportunity to ask Sister Xia Shuang about Mother’s symptoms. After we return, Xin Liu will stay in the estate, and Xin Tao will accompany me out through the back gate.”

From their days together, Xin Liu and Xin Tao understood clearly that while their young mistress appeared gentle, she was actually decisive. Once she decided on something, it was almost impossible to change.

The two agreed, thinking they must not reveal any flaws and drag their mistress down.

After returning from the main quarters, Qiu Shuiyi struggled to choose a nondescript dress from among her many bright-colored outfits. After instructing Xin Liu, she took Xin Tao and headed for the back gate.

Since arrangements had been made in advance, the old woman guarding the gate opened it and whispered, "Miss, do come back early. This old servant will keep watch here."

Qiu Shuiyi answered with a smile.

Xin Tao, who was often out and about, took Qiu Shuiyi to Jishi Hall, familiar with the route.

Outside the hall was a sea of people, with the queue stretching from the entrance all the way to the end of the street.

Qiu Shuiyi's rosebud lips parted slightly. "So many people?"

"Miss, please wait a moment," Xin Tao said before skillfully weaving through the crowd and heading forward.

A moment later, she hurried back, her expression falling. "Miss, today Jishi Hall is offering free medical consultations. All these people are here to see the doctor."

Qiu Shuiyi's gaze swept over the long, narrow queue.

With so many people, who knew how long they would have to wait.

"Is Doctor Tang Lei here?"

Xin Tao scratched her head. "On the signboard listing the physicians, there doesn't seem to be anyone named Tang."

So the male lead wasn't here.

Qiu Shuiyi felt a pang of disappointment.

It seemed luck wasn't on her side today.

Xin Tao looked around, her eyes suddenly lighting up as she pointed in a certain direction. "Miss, I'll wait here. You can go rest at that teahouse just ahead. Once I get the calming incense, I'll come find you."

Qiu Shuiyi patted Xin Tao's little head. "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's no trouble at all."

Xin Tao straightened up, puffing out her chest as she strode confidently into the crowd to join the queue.

Qiu Shuiyi gave a soft laugh and slowly made her way toward the teahouse.

A waiter was cleaning a table with a rag. Hearing footsteps, he eagerly approached.

"Our shop has excellent Yuhua and Pu'er tea. What would you like to drink, miss?"

Qiu Shuiyi replied, "A private room, a pot of Yuhua tea, and a plate of walnut pastries."

"Right away!"

The waiter flicked his cloth, beaming with joy. "Miss, please come upstairs."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and walked upstairs.

Choosing a private room facing the street, she opened the window, taking in the view below.

Xin Tao, being lively and outgoing, soon struck up a conversation with an auntie ahead of her in line.

Watching her gesture animatedly, her eyes and eyebrows dancing with delight, she seemed quite happy.

Qiu Shuiyi shook her head with a light laugh and turned her gaze elsewhere.

But that glance stopped her cold.

This teahouse was built at a corner, connecting two streets.

On the other street at that moment, a figure on horseback was particularly eye-catching.

Young maidens on both sides of the road turned their faces slightly, stealing glances at him.

Their cheeks flushed, shy and timid, clearly smitten.

That person indeed had a face that could stir hearts.

His eyebrows were of just the right thickness, his peach blossom eyes gentle and affectionate. When they curved slightly, it was as if spring water flowed from them, refreshing the heart and lungs.

Below his high, straight nose bridge were lips of moderate fullness, their color slightly pale, adding a touch of frailty.

His black hair fluttered in the wind, half falling on pure white fox fur, creating a stark contrast.

A moon-white cloak draped over the horse's back. His shoulders and back were straight, his posture elegant, the very image of a peerless gentleman.

After her moment of awe, Qiu Shuiyi was puzzled.

Was this man made of iron?

He was so severely injured that day, and only a few days had passed—how could he already be wandering the streets?

Pursing her lips, she muttered a complaint inwardly. Just as Qiu Shuiyi was about to withdraw her gaze, suddenly, a glaring silver light forced her to squint.

Her half-turned head abruptly stopped.

She whipped her head back and, seeing that object aimed at the man on the street, yelled down from the window, "Look out!"

Shang Ze rode alongside Zuo Yi, his gaze fixed on the back of the person ahead as he complained, "Knowing His Highness is still severely injured and not yet recovered, His Majesty still summons him to the palace. Isn't this deliberately making things difficult?"

Zuo Yi glanced at him and said calmly, "Watch your words."

"I'm just venting to you. If you don't say anything, who would know?" Shang Ze chuckled twice. "Good brother, I..."

The loud cry of "Look out!" reached their ears, and both immediately composed themselves, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords at their waists.

"Whoosh—"

An arrow fell like a shooting star, its speed imperceptible to the ordinary eye, heading straight for the neck of the person ahead.

Shang Ze and Zuo Yi immediately drew their swords.

But faster than them was Shen Yuchao.

His long sword swept through the air, a flash of silver light, and the arrow was split cleanly in two, falling to the ground with a "thud."

Seeing this, Qiu Shuiyi felt relieved.

Yet the next moment, her body tensed up abruptly.

Silver light reflected in her eyes.

On the roof ahead lay a figure clad in black, his arrow aimed unerringly at her.

Qiu Shuiyi froze completely, not daring to move a muscle.

But just then, the door to the private room opened, and the waiter entered carrying a teapot.

"Miss, your tea and—"

Qiu Shuiyi's hair stood on end.

She shouted, "Get down!"

But it was already too late.

The waiter was exposed in the black-clad archer's line of sight.

In an instant, the figure drew the bowstring and released the arrow in one fluid motion.

The waiter seemed to freeze in terror, his hands losing their grip. With a loud crash, the teapot shattered, tea spilling out across the floor.

He stood frozen in place, unable to move a single step.

Qiu Shuiyi kicked the waiter aside.

The arrow grazed her calf and embedded itself in the wall.

"Th-th-thank you, miss..."

The waiter collapsed to the floor, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.

Qiu Shuiyi didn't respond.

Another arrow shot toward her. As she dodged, she slammed into the window frame, a sharp pain shooting through her waist.

When the third arrow arrived, Qiu Shuiyi could no longer evade it. Clenching her lower lip, she mustered all her strength and threw herself forward.

The young girl's figure fell like a butterfly.

Amidst the whistling wind, she could hear the terrified screams and curses of the people on the street.

Some were shouting to run, others were cursing the assassins from who-knows-where, and amidst it all were the cries of children.

Closing her eyes, Qiu Shuiyi braced herself for the pain. Yet, after a few moments, she landed in a warm embrace.

She opened her eyes in a daze.

The man was backlit, his face obscured, yet she seemed to catch a glimpse of a pair of incredibly beautiful eyes.

A stray lock of hair fell, brushing against her face with a faint, ticklish sensation.

Qiu Shuiyi's lips parted slightly, words of gratitude still unspoken, when a dense volley of arrows descended like a curtain of rain, overwhelming and inescapable.

Shen Yuchao lifted his cloak and wrapped her within it. The warm, masculine scent instantly enveloped her.

Shrouded in the cloak, the world around her blurred into unreality. All she could hear was a gentle, soothing voice.

"Stay hidden."