Chapter 45: Proposal

Chapter 45: Proposal

Qiu Shuiyi returned with eyes swollen and glistening from crying, giving Xin Liu and Xin Tao a start.

They hurried over, firing off questions one after another.

“Miss, why were you crying so hard?”

“Miss, who upset you? I’ll go give them a beating!”

Touched by their concern and anger, Qiu Shuiyi felt warmth spread through her heart, and much of her gloom dissipated. Wiping her tears, she said, “It’s nothing. I was just frightened by a dog.”

“A dog?” Xin Tao exclaimed. “Where did it come from?”

“A stray that suddenly darted out,” Qiu Shuiyi said through gritted teeth. “It came out barking wildly and almost got my neck.”

“Are you alright, Miss?”

Xin Tao panicked, anxiously staring at Qiu Shuiyi’s neck.

“I’m fine.”

Qiu Shuiyi reached up and touched it. “Go get a basin of water. I want to wash my face.”

Xin Liu hurried out to give the order.

After washing her face, Xin Tao gently rolled a boiled egg wrapped in a handkerchief around Qiu Shuiyi’s eyes.

If left untreated, her eyes would ache the next day.

Exhausted from crying, Qiu Shuiyi had a light supper and went to bed early.

Before she had even finished undressing, Xin Liu walked in with a complicated expression.

“Miss, this was sent by Xu Xi.”

She placed a wooden box on the table.

“What is it?”

Qiu Shuiyi shrugged her outer robe back on from her elbows and walked over to the table, opening the wooden box.

Ten small porcelain bottles were neatly arranged inside, each painted with delicate pear blossoms, exquisite and dainty.

Xin Liu replied, “Xu Xi said Chief Zuo had this and told him to bring it to you. He said it’s medicine for your throat.”

Qiu Shuiyi froze.

This was from Shen Yuchao?

He had actually noticed her throat was bothering her?

Qiu Shuiyi was conflicted.

Gratitude mingled with confusion, and within that confusion lay a thread of irritation.

What exactly was Shen Yuchao trying to do?

Why was he testing her sincerity in this way?

Qiu Shuiyi’s head ached from thinking about it.

Waving her hand, she said with a headache, “Put it away.”

Xin Liu nodded and went to close the lid when Qiu Shuiyi suddenly spoke up. “Wait.”

Taking one bottle from the box, she said, “You can go now.”

Xin Liu took the box away.

Removing the wooden stopper, Qiu Shuiyi poured the medicine into her mouth.

It tasted sweet with a hint of coolness, somewhat like modern cough syrup.

But not quite as sweet.

It was actually quite pleasant.

After drinking the medicine, waves of drowsiness washed over Qiu Shuiyi. She finished undressing and climbed into bed.

Just before falling asleep, she thought hazily,

Whatever Shen Yuchao was planning, she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

But from now on, she absolutely had to commit to her act as someone deeply in love with Shen Yuchao.

Otherwise, if something like this happened again, she really couldn’t handle it.

...

A few days later, Qiu Shuiyi found out what Shen Yuchao intended to do.

It was a bright, sunny day. She had someone bring a chair into the courtyard, where she lay down, basking in the sunlight while watching the young maids kick shuttlecocks.

The girls’ fair, delicate faces were flushed, their expressions radiant, their laughter crisp and clear like orioles, echoing in the air.

Caught up in the youthful energy filling the courtyard, Qiu Shuiyi wore a smile at the corners of her eyes and brows.

She was still intently watching the shuttlecock-kicking maids when Xin Tao rushed in breathlessly.

“Mi-Miss… His Highness is here…”

Xin Tao gasped for air.

“So he’s here, what’s the big…”

Qiu Shuiyi abruptly stopped. “What is he here for?”

Xin Tao caught her breath and practically shouted, “He’s come to propose!”

“...”

*Thud.*

The shuttlecock hit the ground.

The young maid snapped back to reality, lowered her foot, and quickly picked it up.

Qiu Shuiyi seemed not to have heard clearly. “What did you say?”

"The maid said the prince has come to propose!" Xin Tao announced, beaming.

Xin Liu coughed and shot Xin Tao a meaningful look.

Immersed in her delight, Xin Tao didn't notice and stared intently at Qiu Shuiyi.

Qiu Shuiyi finally came to her senses, her long lashes lowering slightly as she spoke calmly, "Now that my sister is away, what is he here to propose for?"

"No." Only then did Xin Tao realize Qiu Shuiyi had misunderstood, speaking rapidly, "The prince isn't here to marry my elder sister; he wants to marry you!"

At the same time, Xia Shuang approached the courtyard and said respectfully, "Second Young Lady, Madam asks for you in the front hall."

Huh?

Qiu Shuiyi was utterly bewildered.

Shen Yuchao wanted to marry her?

But the one engaged to him was Qiu Lianying.

Meanwhile, in the front hall, the matter was being discussed.

After hearing Shen Yuchao's intentions, Madam Mei wished she could agree on the spot.

She had been troubled by the rumors these past few days, so Shen Yuchao's proposal was a godsend.

Thinking that Yi'er would get her wish and the rumors would be resolved, Madam Mei immediately felt relieved, a smile spreading across her face as if the anxious woman from days before had never existed.

The Marquis of Yun'an, however, was hesitant. "Your Highness, the marriage contract between you and my daughter was granted by the late emperor. Now, to change it to Yi'er... what will His Majesty say..."

Shen Yuchao's smile remained unchanged. "Marquis, rest assured. His Majesty's position is that the imperial edict betrothed the son of Prince Duansu to a young lady of the Marquis's household. Is not the Second Miss Qiu also your biological daughter?"

Hearing this, Madam Mei's eyes lit up. She discreetly placed her hand on the Marquis of Yun'an's arm, secretly urging him.

The Marquis of Yun'an drew a quiet, sharp breath. "Since His Majesty has already agreed, then this matter... this marquis consents."

Shen Yuchao's smile widened as he presented the pre-prepared betrothal card.

The Marquis of Yun'an accepted it, but Madam Mei quickly reached out and took it, as if afraid someone might snatch it away.

Giving his wife a helpless glance, the Marquis of Yun'an hadn't yet spoken when he heard Madam Mei exclaim, "Oh dear!"

"What's wrong?"

The Marquis of Yun'an hurriedly turned his head.

Madam Mei held a teacup, looking innocently at the wet stain on her skirt. "I've spilled tea on my dress. Marquis, please accompany me to change."

The Marquis of Yun'an was dumbfounded.

The guest was still here. For both hosts to leave—how would that look?

But Madam Mei, without another word, pulled the Marquis of Yun'an up, her smile gentle. "Your Highness, apologies. Please wait a moment."

Shen Yuchao returned the smile. "Madam, please attend to your needs."

Once outside the main hall, the Marquis of Yun'an immediately saw Qiu Shuiyi walking straight toward them. What else was there to understand?

He turned to go back inside.

Madam Mei grabbed him firmly, whispering, "What are you doing? Come back here!"

She clung tightly to the Marquis of Yun'an's arm, giving him no chance to leave.

The Marquis of Yun'an sighed helplessly. "Madam, this isn't proper."

"What's improper about it?"

Madam Mei shot him a glare.

After the rumor about you two being out all night, what's a few minutes alone now?

Seeing Qiu Shuiyi draw near, Madam Mei called out with a smile, "Yi'er."

"Father, Mother."

Qiu Shuiyi hurried forward.

The Marquis of Yun'an nodded with a smile.

Giving the Marquis a warning look that said 'don't you dare go back', Madam Mei took Qiu Shuiyi's hand. "His Highness is inside."

Just as Qiu Shuiyi was about to nod, Madam Mei suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I'm giving you two a moment alone. Next time you dare sneak out to see him, you'll be in big trouble."

Qiu Shuiyi was startled.

Her gaze instinctively followed Madam Mei.

But she had already linked arms with the Marquis of Yun'an and walked away briskly.

Qiu Shuiyi cupped her slightly flushed face with both hands.

So Mother had found out all along.

How was this any different from being caught by parents in her past life, sneaking out late to meet a boy?

Qiu Shuiyi thought seriously. The difference was probably that she had no parents in her past life.

Also, she hadn't had a childhood sweetheart either.

After a jumble of thoughts, she gently patted her cheeks and said to Xin Tao and Xin Liu behind her, "You two stay outside."

"Yes."

Pulling herself together, she entered the main hall alone and saw Shen Yuchao, whose posture was proper yet exuded a touch of leisure.

He set down the teacup in his hand. "Second Miss Qiu."

Qiu Shuiyi called softly, "Your Highness."

She lowered her head and sat down opposite Shen Yuchao.

Remembering the scene from their last meeting, Qiu Shuiyi felt awkward and remained silent.

After a while, she thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness..."

"What happened last time was this prince's fault."

Unexpectedly, Shen Yuchao spoke up, cutting her off.

Qiu Shuiyi looked surprised.

“My apologies,” Shen Yuchao said. “Second Miss Qiu must have realized as well, I am by nature suspicious. What happened last time was actually a test.”

“I’m sorry I hurt you.”

After listening quietly, Qiu Shuiyi asked, “So, did I win the bet?”

Shen Yuchao was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled softly. “If Second Miss Qiu is willing, the bet can continue.”

His meaning was clear: he hadn’t fallen for her.

If he didn’t like her, why test her sincerity and still want to marry her?

Qiu Shuiyi couldn’t quite follow Shen Yuchao’s train of thought.

“Your Highness… do you really wish to marry me?”

“Yes.”

Shen Yuchao’s tone was firm.

He smiled gently, a faint light in his eyes. “I wish to marry you. Would Second Miss Qiu be willing?”

Was she willing?

Qiu Shuiyi let her thoughts drift.

In some ways, Qiu Shuiyi was a walking contradiction.

Was she kind?

Yes.

But that kindness was limited to situations where she was certain that showing goodwill wouldn’t harm her own interests.

She was selfish.

She would approach her sister’s fiancé to ensure a long and lasting life.

Yet she had no regrets.

According to the plot’s design, she was destined to be Qiu Lianying’s scapegoat—to die alone and disfigured beneath a cliff for her sake.

Amidst raging snowstorms and howling winds,

she lay in the icy snow, drawing her last breath with eyes full of resentment.

Until the Qiu family sent someone to recover her body.

What had she done wrong?

She had merely had a face similar to Qiu Lianying’s, and for that, Han Zicheng had humiliated her, trampled her, and sent her to her death like an ant.

She was unwilling.

She hated.

In two lifetimes, she had never known a parent’s love, never experienced a complete, happy childhood.

Never invited a few close friends to share her bed, whispering their girlish secrets intimately through the night.

Never held hands or embraced a lover, pressed close together, to see mountains and seas, flowers and scenery together.

There were so many things she had never experienced, so many sights she had never seen, before her life was abruptly cut short.

This life was her easiest and happiest one.

She wanted to return to the village each year on her grandfather’s death anniversary to light incense for him.

So he would know, over there, that someone in this world still remembered him.

She wanted to see Qiu Jinbai’s career flourish, watch him marry, have children, and live a peaceful life.

She wanted to witness the birth of her own nieces and nephews, make clothes and shoes for them, teach them to read and write, and see them grow up healthy.

She wanted to see Madam Mei and the Marquis of Yun’an grow old together, dote on their grandchildren, bicker and laugh, spending their later years in lively, joyful happiness.

She wanted to know what she would look like in middle age, in old age.

Would she get wrinkles?

How white would her hair become?

When she was sixty, how many laps could she walk around the courtyard each day?

By then, would there be little grandchildren holding her hand, calling out in sweet, childish voices for Grandma to slow down?

She wanted to know if, in old age, people truly grew accustomed to early nights and early mornings.

At eighty or ninety, would she grow senile, unable to recognize anyone?

Every little detail, she wanted to know.

For all of this, she had to survive.

Shen Yuchao was now the simplest way for her to extend her life.

She would not let this opportunity slip away.

Even if others despised her and cursed her for shamelessly stealing her sister’s fiancé.

She would never back down.

Her almond-shaped eyes gradually curved, filled with starlight.

Her smile was radiant.

“I will.”