Chapter 36: Anger

Chapter 36: Fury

Qiu Shuiyi clenched her jaw.

"Shrrrip—"

A flying dagger cut through the hem of her skirt, and Qiu Shuiyi tripped over the fabric pooling at her feet.

Looking up, another flying dagger was already heading straight for her.

She raised her arms to shield herself.

Better injured than dead.

But after a moment, the anticipated pain never came.

Qiu Shuiyi opened her eyes.

A tall figure stood before her.

Though he was tall, he didn't appear particularly burly.

Yet this figure now seemed like a towering mountain standing before her, giving her an immense sense of security.

Shen Yuchao pulled Qiu Shuiyi to her feet, frowning. "Who are you?"

"None of your business who I am," the refined-looking man replied impatiently, tilting his chin toward the figure clad in black on the eaves. "Hey, you over there, want to team up? You take this guy's life, I'll take the woman's head."

Hearing this confirmed they were two separate groups.

Qiu Shuiyi bit her lower lip, shrinking behind Shen Yuchao, and whispered timidly, "Your Highness..."

Shen Yuchao shielded her, asking in a low voice, "What grudge do you hold against Second Miss Qiu?"

"Second Miss?" the refined-looking man muttered to himself. "Not the eldest?"

The black-clad figure on the eaves also seemed surprised. "Young friend, I do not interfere in your personal grievances."

"Fine."

The refined-looking man sighed in disappointment and suddenly lunged at Shen Yuchao.

After a few exchanges, sounding out his opponent, a dark glint flashed in the refined-looking man's eyes, and he disengaged abruptly.

"Tch, boring."

Pouting, the refined-looking man leapt onto the rooftop.

With his back to the crowd, he waved a hand. "We'll meet again if fate allows."

He vanished in the blink of an eye.

Qiu Shuiyi stared at his retreating figure, her gaze dark and unreadable.

Shen Yuchao withdrew his stance and returned to Qiu Shuiyi's side, taking hold of her wrist.

Following his gaze, under the moonlight, Qiu Shuiyi saw the man on the eaves give a gentle smile.

Time had left no trace on his face; his features were as warm and refined as jade, rivaling the moonlight itself.

His expression was tender, as if looking at a beloved junior, his voice soft as a breeze.

"A Chao, you've become even more formidable than when you were a child."

A Chao?

They... knew each other?

Qiu Shuiyi was shocked.

Shen Yuchao remained expressionless, answering with a smile. "Thank you for the praise."

The man was taken aback, then chuckled. "Child, when did you become so immodest? Have you forgotten everything Uncle Liu taught you?"

The smile faded from Shen Yuchao's face, a storm seeming to brew in the depths of his eyes.

Liu Songqing said with a gentle smile. "Let Uncle Liu see what the Emperor has taught you all these years."

No sooner had he spoken than dozens of shadows appeared soundlessly on the eaves, landing without a whisper, like ghosts.

"These are assassins I've personally trained over the years, different from those previous small fry. A Chao, can you handle them?"

Shen Yuchao let out a soft sigh. "You seem to have forgotten my status."

"Your Highness."

Zuo Yi appeared as if from nowhere.

Behind him, over twenty black-clad shadow guards stood with bowed heads, awaiting orders.

The smile on Liu Songqing's lips faltered, as if puzzled. "A Chao, when did you become so afraid of death?"

Shen Yuchao gave a helpless smile. "This prince still has ambitions to fulfill and must cling to this life."

"In that case, let's each rely on our own abilities."

Liu Songqing said with a sigh.

As the last syllable faded, the assassins surged forward simultaneously.

At Zuo Yi's command, the shadow guards raised their blades to meet them.

The clash of swords filled the air, soon mingled with the scent of blood.

Qiu Shuiyi glanced sideways at Shen Yuchao.

Amidst the flashing blades and shadows, his face remained impassive, his dark pupils reflecting the figure of Liu Songqing standing there with a smile.

The two faced each other in silent confrontation.

After what seemed like an eternity, the last assassin's body fell, and the shadow guards pointed their blades at Liu Songqing.

"Today, you've won." Liu Songqing shook his head, turned away, and declared clearly, "A Chao, next time you won't be so lucky."

"Your Highness, shall we pursue?"

Zuo Yi asked.

Watching Liu Songqing disappear into the distance, a dark turbulence swirled in Shen Yuchao's eyes, as if something was about to break free from its cage.

He squeezed his eyes shut and said, his voice cold, "No need."

"Second Young Lady Qiu, my apologies, but I have pressing matters and must take my leave."

The man brushed past her, leaving only a trace of his cool, distinctive scent.

Qiu Shuiyi was left stunned.

What was going on? Why was he taking his anger out on her?!

The alley was dimly lit as Shen Yuchao strode away, leaving the others behind.

A hazy glow from the distance stretched his shadow on the ground, adding a touch of forlornness.

The shadow guards followed Shen Yuchao, disappearing with a few rustling sounds.

Only Zuo Yi remained behind.

"Second Young Lady Qiu, His Highness is in a bad mood today. Please forgive him," Zuo Yi cleared his throat. "How about I accompany you to the lantern festival?"

Qiu Shuiyi’s face darkened.

With everyone gone, what was there to enjoy?

She smiled sweetly. "Guard Zuo, why aren’t you going with your prince?"

What was he doing standing here?

Zuo Yi felt a chill down his spine, racking his brains to cover for his prince.

"His Highness didn’t call for me, so naturally, I’m to escort you back to the mansion."

He sighed inwardly.

Since meeting Second Young Lady Qiu, he had spoken more words than he had in an entire year.

Zuo Yi studied Qiu Shuiyi’s expression. "...Shall I escort you back?"

What else was there to do here? Stand around and freeze?

Qiu Shuiyi huffed angrily. "Let’s go."

On the way to fetch Xin Tao, she spotted a vaguely familiar figure ahead. Just as she was wondering who it was, Zuo Yi called out, "Shang Ze."

Shang Ze turned at the sound.

Qiu Shuiyi looked at his empty hands in surprise. "Weren’t you chasing the child-snatcher? Where’s the child?"

It was one thing that the child they encountered was fake, but how could Shang Ze also come back empty-handed?

"Don't ask, Miss. Halfway through the chase, several men in black suddenly appeared and lured me away. It was only then that I realized I’d been tricked."

Shang Ze scratched the back of his head, his brows furrowed with gloom.

As they spoke, they arrived at the stall where Xin Tao was.

The wontons on the table had been cleared away. Xin Tao, holding a rattle drum, was playing with a child held by the woman sitting across from her.

The child was dressed in a bright red coat, with two small topknots tied on her head. Her chubby face was beaming with a sweet, adorable smile.

"Miss, you’re back."

Xin Tao greeted her joyfully.

"And this is..."

Qiu Shuiyi gestured toward the mother and child with her chin.

"Miss, not long after you and the prince left, the child was brought back by a kind-hearted person."

Xin Tao whispered.

Shang Ze laughed bitterly. "So we were played for fools?"

Xin Tao was startled by his sudden raised voice and shot him a disdainful sidelong glance.

Zuo Yi coughed and stepped forward, putting himself between Shang Ze and Qiu Shuiyi. "Second Young Lady, allow me to escort you back first."

"Miss, I’m truly sorry. It was too chaotic earlier. After losing Xiaobao, I panicked and must have mistaken someone else. I’m sorry for troubling you in vain."

The woman bowed with her child in her arms, her face filled with remorse.

"It’s fine, as long as the child is safe," Qiu Shuiyi smiled. "But please keep a closer eye on your child next time, sister."

"Of course, of course," the woman replied repeatedly.

Before leaving, Qiu Shuiyi glanced at the two lanterns in Xin Tao’s hands.

The one belonging to her had already gone out, but Shen Yuchao’s was still lit.

She stared at it for a moment. The wick suddenly flickered in the wind, on the verge of extinguishing.

After a few breaths, it finally went out.

Qiu Shuiyi felt a sense of vindication.

Pointing at it, she said, "Don’t forget the prince’s lantern."

Xin Tao and Zuo Yi picked up the lanterns from left and right, their hands accidentally brushing against each other.

Zuo Yi was slightly taken aback.

Xin Tao glanced at him and stood haughtily beside Qiu Shuiyi.

Pursing his lips, Zuo Yi instructed Shang Ze, "Take good care of Second Young Lady. I’ll go fetch the carriage."

Once in the carriage, Xin Tao finally asked, "Miss, where is the prince?"

A chill immediately settled over Qiu Shuiyi.

Sensing it, Xin Tao quickly shut her mouth, not daring to ask further.

The carriage soon stopped in front of the Marquis of Yun'an’s mansion.

Qiu Shuiyi thanked Zuo Yi and Shang Ze, then led Xin Tao inside.

Shang Ze asked, "What happened to Second Young Lady Qiu? And where did the prince go?"

"Why ask so many questions?" Zuo Yi patted him. "Let’s go, back we go."

After washing up, she sat by the window, drying her hair with a cloth.

Qiu Shuiyi’s gaze drifted casually and happened to fall upon the flower-shadow butterfly lantern placed on the table.

The motion of her hands slowed, and she called out to the outer room.

“Xin Tao.”

“Coming!”

With a slight tilt of her chin, Qiu Shuiyi said, “Light that lantern and hang it up.”

Xin Tao responded crisply.

Once her hair was finally dry, drowsiness washed over her. Qiu Shuiyi yawned and got into bed.

She slept soundly through the night.

After a good night’s rest, her anger had mostly dissipated.

Qiu Shuiyi now had the energy to think about accumulating lifespan again.

She called for Xin Liu. “Go ask your brother if the Prince has left the residence today?”

Xin Liu acknowledged the order.

After finishing breakfast, Qiu Shuiyi lounged on the daybed, reading a book.

Just as she was getting engrossed, Xin Liu returned.

But she didn't look happy.

“What’s wrong? Is the Prince not leaving the residence today?” Qiu Shuiyi asked casually, turning the page with two fingers.

Xin Liu pursed her lips. “Miss, Xu Xi sent word. Not long after the Prince returned to the residence yesterday, he took Guard Shang and Guard Zuo and left the city at full gallop. Their destination is unknown.”

A dull thud.

Qiu Shuiyi closed the book, sat up straight immediately, and pressed urgently.

“Then do we know when he’ll be back?”

“Miss.” Xin Liu looked troubled. “The Prince’s whereabouts are unpredictable. Even his guards cannot easily learn of his movements.”

How could Xu Xi possibly know?

Understanding her implication, Qiu Shuiyi flopped back onto the daybed, saying listlessly, “I see. Tell Xu Xi to rest for now. Report back whenever the Prince returns to the capital.”

“Yes.”

Xin Liu accepted the order.

Qiu Shuiyi did the math in her head.

She had now gained a total of ten years of lifespan.

Ten years sounded long, but ten years from now, she would only be twenty-six, not even halfway through her life. There were still many sights she hadn’t seen, many experiences she hadn’t had.

Thinking this way, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat anxious.

If only she could follow Shen Yuchao around all the time.

Qiu Shuiyi sighed silently.

Originally thinking Shen Yuchao would return in a few days, but for two consecutive days, Xu Xi sent no news.

On the third day of Shen Yuchao’s absence, Qiu Shuiyi was sullen and unhappy.

On the fourth day of Shen Yuchao’s absence, Qiu Shuiyi was listless and dispirited.

On the fifth day of Shen Yuchao’s absence, Qiu Shuiyi was wilted and dejected.

On the sixth day of Shen Yuchao’s absence, she missed him.

The seventh day…

The eighth day…

The thirtieth day…

The sixtieth day…

Miss him, miss him, miss him—Qiu Shuiyi was practically dying of missing him.