Chapter 62: Same Path

Chapter 62: Journeying Together

Outside the carriage window, a chestnut horse stood powerfully, its coat sleek as satin, its muscular legs clearly defined. It moved with steady, powerful strides, its eyes bright and alert.

The man's moon-white outer robe draped over the horse's back, occasionally catching a glint of bright light.

He turned his head to look at her, dark hair falling across his chest, his eyes gentle and clear.

"Your Highness?" Qiu Shuiyi looked up, puzzled. "Didn't you leave?"

Her eldest uncle had clearly said he departed early that morning.

"I was delayed a bit after leaving the city."

Shen Yuchao swept a light glance at the two teams of guards surrounding Qiu Shuiyi's carriage. "Is Second Miss returning to the capital?"

"No."

Figuring he already knew about Qiu Lianying's disappearance, Qiu Shuiyi replied directly, "I'm going to Jiangnan to fetch my sister."

Sure enough, Shen Yuchao didn't look surprised; instead, a hint of a smile flickered in his eyes. "What a coincidence. I am also heading to Jiangnan."

"Miss Qiu, why don't you travel with me? We can look out for each other along the way."

Qiu Shuiyi tilted her head, sizing him up for a moment. "Okay."

Wind Chaser recognized her voice and turned its head, pressing its muzzle against the carriage window.

"Don't be rude."

Shen Yuchao chided softly, pulling on the reins to steer the horse away.

Wind Chaser whinnied in displeasure, snorting hot, heavy breaths through its nostrils.

Qiu Shuiyi rested her chin in her hands. "It seems to like me."

Shen Yuchao chuckled. "Care to try?"

After falling from a horse at the Cheng family's riding grounds last time, Madam Mei had forbidden her from learning to ride. On a whim, Qiu Shuiyi said, "Alright."

She was about to ask Uncle Zhong to stop the carriage when she saw Shen Yuchao, holding the reins with one hand, hold out his other hand to her.

Qiu Shuiyi blinked, then smiled at him and placed her fair, delicate hand in his.

The moment their fingertips touched, a faint electric current seemed to pass between them.

Qiu Shuiyi instinctively pulled her hand back.

In the next instant, his grip on her hand tightened abruptly. The man's large, well-defined hand closed firmly around hers.

Her body felt light, like a white sparrow alighting on a cloud. Below, shifting shades of green foliage passed before her eyes.

She seemed to see a white rabbit hidden in the grass, ears perked up, its red eyes warily watching the passing travelers.

She seemed to hear the melodious, warbling song of an oriole concealed within the dense canopy.

In a daze, everything condensed into a single phrase.

"Sit steady."

When she regained her senses, Qiu Shuiyi found herself nestled in Shen Yuchao's embrace.

He held her, his arms around her as he took the reins. At his light command, Wind Chaser immediately took off at an excited gallop.

...

The setting sun melted into gold, the remaining clouds forming brocade-like patterns.

An orange-red light spread across half the sky, the interplay of sunset hues casting a glow upon a signboard, making the characters "Yuelai Inn" appear as if gilded, lending them an air of unexpected dignity.

The innkeeper sat behind the counter, idly flicking the beads on his abacus.

"A few of your best rooms, please."

A shadow fell before him. The innkeeper looked up.

Several men and women stood before him.

The man and woman at the forefront wore luxurious attire and were as beautiful as celestial beings.

Behind the young lady stood two women dressed as maidservants. Behind the man followed two attendants; it was one of these attendants who had spoken.

The sound of horses neighing came from the entrance; there were quite a few people outside.

The innkeeper immediately beamed. "Esteemed guests, please come upstairs."

Shang Ze added, "Prepare a few tables of good dishes. Do you have fodder for the horses?"

"Yes, yes, we have everything."

The innkeeper immediately called inside, "A-Lu, A-Shan! We have honored guests! Come out and attend to them!"

"Coming!"

A voice answered from within. Soon after, two waiters ran out. One led Liu Cheng to the backyard to tether the horses, while the other escorted Qiu Shuiyi and Shen Yuchao to their rooms.

Each attended to their duties.

"Miss, this is your room. If you need anything, just let me know."

The waiter named A-Shan pushed open the door, smiling at Qiu Shuiyi.

"Alright, thank you for your trouble."

Qiu Shuiyi nodded politely.

Seeing such a beautiful young lady smile at him, A-Shan was overjoyed. He stood there for a moment before briskly heading downstairs to work.

The inn's scale was similar to others along the route, but it was exceptionally clean, suggesting the proprietor had put considerable effort into its upkeep.

Having ridden horses daily with Shen Yuchao for the past while, Qiu Shuiyi's body ached terribly. All she wanted now was to rest.

She dragged her weary body toward the bed.

Xin Liu quickly said, "Miss, let this servant ask the waiter to bring hot water. You'll rest more comfortably after bathing."

Qiu Shuiyi lifted her arm and sniffed.

They had been traveling hard these past few days. Yesterday, they couldn't reach a city before dark and had to make do spending the night in the carriage.

She felt like she was starting to smell.

When Xin Liu said this, Qiu Shuiyi immediately nodded, "Alright."

Xin Liu went to find an attendant, leaving Xin Tao to tidy up the room.

Qiu Shuiyi forced herself to sit for a while but couldn't hold on any longer, collapsing onto the bed and falling asleep.

In her half-asleep state, she felt someone gently push her shoulder and heard Xin Tao's voice.

Muddled and drowsy, she couldn't make out what was being said.

Qiu Shuiyi slowly woke up.

Though awake, her mind was still foggy.

On instinct, she assumed Xin Tao was calling her to wash up.

Qiu Shuiyi staggered out of bed, squinting as she made to go around the screen.

She started stripping off her clothes as she went.

No one was prepared for her to do this, so by the time anyone in the room reacted, she had already taken off her outer robe, revealing the graceful curves hidden beneath her garments.

"Miss!"

The sudden scream exploded like thunder in Qiu Shuiyi's ears. She shuddered and jolted awake.

"What's wrong?"

Qiu Shuiyi looked over.

The next moment, her vision slowly focused, and her body gradually stiffened.

A tall man stood with his back to her, the ears beneath his dark hair flushed bright red.

Her eyes shifted to see Xin Tao standing by the bed, looking so anxious she was almost in tears.

Qiu Shuiyi looked down at herself.

The thin undergarment clung tightly to her fair skin, leaving her curves completely exposed.

The collar was wide open, revealing her delicate collarbones. The valley between her breasts traced downward along her small top, disappearing into a patch of jade-green fabric.

It was enough to make anyone want to tear the clothes away to see more.

Qiu Shuiyi took a deep breath.

Shen Yuchao took a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve and placed it on the redwood round table in the center of the room. His tone maintained calm.

Yet no matter how he tried to conceal it, he couldn't hide the tension in his voice.

"After bathing, apply this medicine to the sore spots and massage it in. You'll feel much better tomorrow."

As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately strode out, as if chased by wolves.

On his way out, he made sure to close the door.

"Miss."

Xin Tao picked up the outer robe discarded on the floor and without a word draped it over Qiu Shuiyi.

"Let me calm down for a moment."

Qiu Shuiyi raised her hand to stop her.

She looked down at herself again.

No problem.

It's just a small undergarment, right?

In her previous life, she had seen and worn things far more revealing. What's the big deal?

There was the sound of footsteps outside the door. Xin Tao was startled and immediately ran to the door, asking nervously, "Who is it?"

"It's me." Xin Liu sounded puzzled. "Xin Tao, what are you doing guarding the door? The water for the miss is ready."

"Wait!"

Xin Tao quickly helped Qiu Shuiyi put her clothes back on. After confirming everything was proper, she opened the door.

Xin Liu led Ah Shan in with the hot water. Seeing Xin Tao's odd expression, she asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing." Xin Tao hurriedly shook her head.

After the water finished splashing into the tub, Ah Shan emerged from behind the screen with his head lowered, greeted them, and left.

Xin Tao immediately closed the door and firmly locked it.

Leaning her back against the door, she looked like a little rabbit guarding against wolves.

This series of actions left Xin Liu even more confused.

Glancing at her, Xin Liu said, "Miss, let me help you bathe."

"No need, I can do it myself."

Qiu Shuiyi walked calmly behind the screen and removed her clothes.

Her fair, lustrous skin was tinged with a faint layer of red.

She stepped into the bathtub.

The moment her body touched the hot water, Qiu Shuiyi abruptly sank down, hiding her entire self beneath the water.

She moved so abruptly it caused a huge splash, sending water droplets flying.

Ahhhhhhh!

How is there no problem?!

This is utterly embarrassing!

After dawdling through her bath, Qiu Shuiyi sat feeling utterly lifeless, letting Xin Liu and Xin Tao dry her hair.

Just as they finished, someone knocked on the door. "Second Miss, it's time for dinner."

"Alright."

Qiu Shuiyi responded to a voice from outside, continuing to slump dejectedly over the table.

What's gotten into the young lady?

Xin Liu shot a questioning look at Xin Tao.

Xin Tao shook her head with a bitter smile.

Once she was done with her toilette, Qiu Shuiyi had no desire to move at all.

But feeling her gnawing hunger and thinking that everyone downstairs might be waiting for her to eat, she had no choice but to get up.

The moment the door opened, the listlessness between her brows vanished, replaced by her usual composure and grace as she elegantly descended the stairs.

Shen Yuchao was indeed waiting for her.

Seeing him seated at the table, Qiu Shuiyi hid her embarrassment and took a seat opposite him, speaking softly, "You shouldn't have waited for me. You've all had a long day. Let's eat quickly and rest early."

At her words, the Marquis's guards finally picked up their chopsticks.

Telling herself to simply ignore the person across from her, Qiu Shuiyi held her chopsticks and took small, delicate bites.

"This fish is quite good."

A well-defined, clean, and strong hand entered her line of sight.

He placed a plate of deboned fish in front of her and smiled, "You've seemed to look a bit thinner these past few days, Second Young Lady."

Qiu Shuiyi was slightly taken aback.

Glancing at the fish, then at him, she offered a faint smile, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Shen Yuchao chuckled softly and continued deboning the fish for her.

Qiu Shuiyi nibbled on her chopstick, tilting her head to look at him.

The emotions bottled up inside her gradually dissipated.

If he wasn't embarrassed, why should she be?

Feeling better, Qiu Shuiyi finally noticed that Xin Liu and Xin Tao were still standing behind her and quickly said, "What are you waiting for? Sit down and eat."

Then, she turned to Zuo Yi and Shang Ze, "You two, sit down as well."

All four of them looked at Shen Yuchao in unison.

"Why look at me?" Shen Yuchao handed the deboned fish to Qiu Shuiyi, his tone indifferent. "Didn't you hear Second Young Lady's order?"

The four of them finally sat down.

"Coming through—"

The innkeeper personally brought up a steaming dish of meat. "Please enjoy your meal, honored guests."

"Innkeeper," Shen Yuchao asked, "do you know when the next boat to Yangzhou departs?"

Traveling south by water had been decided long ago, so Qiu Shuiyi remained silent, listening quietly.

The innkeeper thought for a moment. "The earliest would be the day after tomorrow."

"Since you have quite a few people, if you wish to charter a boat, you can go to the dock tomorrow to inquire about prices. It's a good chance to rest for a day and set off the day after."

The innkeeper smiled. "The scenery here is quite lovely, especially the evening boat rides—they're truly exceptional."

"Good, thank you."

Shen Yuchao thanked him with a smile.

Tapping his finger lightly on the table, Zuo Yi immediately understood and handed over a silver ingot.

The innkeeper grinned from ear to ear. "It's my pleasure, truly my pleasure."

"Enjoy your meal!"

Waving to the guards, he excitedly retreated.

"Would Second Young Lady be interested in going out for a stroll tomorrow?"

Shen Yuchao asked.

Qiu Shuiyi frowned. "I'd like to rest tomorrow."

"Then let's go in the evening," Shen Yuchao said, his eyes curving into crescents, sparkling with light. "How about a boat ride together in the evening?"

Qiu Shuiyi gazed at him and smiled as well.

"Alright."