Chapter 63: Missed

Chapter 63: A Missed Chance

There was no moon tonight, only a sky studded with stars.

The long river meandered, winding around the city before vanishing into the distance.

The river surface was calm and unrippled, dotted with lantern-lit boats of various sizes. The brilliant lanterns mirrored the starry river above, dazzlingly beautiful.

Shen Yuchao's medicine was indeed effective. After resting for a day, Qiu Shuiyi was free of pain. As she strolled along the riverbank now, with the cool breeze against her face, she felt exceptionally comfortable.

Occasional girlish laughter and playful banter drifted from the boats, drawing Qiu Shuiyi's gaze.

At a glance from Shen Yuchao, Zuo Yi immediately understood and went to haggle with the boatman.

Once they had rented a boat, Shen Yuchao hopped aboard first, then extended his hand.

Qiu Shuiyi boarded the boat aided by his hand.

It was a small boat, with room for three at most. Xin Liu and Xin Tao boarded another boat with Zuo Yi and Shang Ze.

The boatman warned good-naturedly, "Hold on tight, you two."

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the boat began to move forward, sending ripples fanning out in circles.

The sound of water echoed in her ears, while the lanterns streamed past like fireflies. The cool breeze brushed against the stray hairs at her temples, and Qiu Shuiyi squinted, savoring the moment.

The two sat together in the boat in silence, yet a distinct warmth hung in the air.

Suddenly, the boatman cried out in alarm as their boat collided with another.

Caught off guard, Qiu Shuiyi was thrown forward uncontrollably.

In her line of sight, Shen Yuchao's face loomed larger and larger.

By the time she realized what was happening, Qiu Shuiyi was sprawled on top of Shen Yuchao, her hands planted on either side of his head.

They were intimately close, so close that she could even see her own reflection in Shen Yuchao's eyes.

His eyes were bright, his gaze intensely focused—so focused that it seemed as if the entire world could only hold her.

For a moment, Qiu Shuiyi felt herself drowning in that gaze.

Until she felt a slight tremor beneath her.

Shen Yuchao was laughing.

His peach-blossom eyes curved, and his lowered voice gained a magnetic huskiness, the rising tone at the end downright enticing.

"Second Miss... planning to stay there long?"

Despite it being a perfectly innocent question, Qiu Shuiyi's face flushed for no reason, and her throat tightened slightly.

She narrowed her eyes, feeling that Shen Yuchao's expression was incredibly annoying.

A slight smile playing on her lips, she let out a soft laugh, her voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Your Highness, Shui Yi was just frightened. Now I feel all weak and truly cannot get up."

Her two straight arms slowly bent, and her sweet, soft voice was like a siren prowling the deep night, luring a lone traveler. "You see, I have no strength in my hands."

Her lovely face drew closer and closer to his, and Shen Yuchao froze for a second.

Her petal-like, full and beautiful lips hovered above his, a hair's breadth from touching.

Within his chest, his heartbeat pounded harder with each beat.

His thick, long eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly.

But the next moment, that bewitching face suddenly lifted, her arms withdrew, and Qiu Shuiyi pushed herself up decisively and sat back in her place.

Beaming at him, she said, "I've got my strength back. Your Highness, please get up quickly."

Shen Yuchao was taken aback.

He gave a soft, helpless chuckle as he sat up properly. "I didn't know Second Miss also had a playful side."

"Does Your Highness not like it?" Having won this round, Qiu Shuiyi was in a good mood. She rested her chin in her hands and asked casually.

Shen Yuchao gave her a deep look and replied with a light laugh, "I do."

Those two words made Qiu Shuiyi's heart race.

She snapped her gaze toward Shen Yuchao, but he had already turned his attention to the neighboring boat.

Shang Ze stood at the boatman's position, with the other three behind him.

Zuo Yi sat steadily, but the two maids, Xin Liu and Xin Tao, were knocked about by the collision. Xin Tao nearly fell overboard.

Fortunately, Zuo Yi reacted swiftly and pulled her back.

Xin Tao, still shaken, half-crouched and glared up at Shang Ze resentfully. "Guard Shang, are you even capable? If not, step down and let Guard Zuo take over."

Being looked down upon by a young maid, Shang Ze felt indignant. "Who are you saying isn't capable? That was just a mistake earlier. My skills are excellent!"

With that, he vigorously rowed the oar, and the boat shot forward. Xin Tao screamed again, making Shang Ze burst into laughter.

Qiu Shuiyi withdrew her gaze and chuckled. "Those two are really amusing."

Shen Yuchao shook his head. "Shang Ze has always had a lively temperament."

Not wishing to discuss his guard with Qiu Shuiyi, Shen Yuchao changed the subject.

The two chatted idly.

"Speaking of which, is Your Highness's matter urgent?"

Because of Qiu Shuiyi's presence, their travel speed hadn't been particularly fast.

She hadn't asked Shen Yuchao why he was going to Yangzhou, but if it caused him to miss something important, she didn't want to be blamed.

"Just meeting an old acquaintance."

Shen Yuchao replied with a soft laugh. "Her whereabouts are unpredictable. I can't even be sure if she's in Yangzhou. Second Miss need not worry."

That was good.

However...

Perhaps it was her imagination, but when he mentioned "old acquaintance," she sensed a certain intense emotion in his tone.

Yet, looking at Shen Yuchao's expression, it seemed perfectly normal.

She must have misheard.

A cool breeze brushed past, raising goosebumps on her skin.

Qiu Shuiyi let out an involuntary sneeze.

“It’s chilly at night, and we have to travel tomorrow. Let’s head back.”

Shen Yuchao took off his outer robe and draped it over Qiu Shuiyi’s shoulders.

The night air was indeed chilly, so she accepted it without protest. She glanced in the direction where Zuo Yi and the others had left. “What about them…”

“It’s fine. When they return and don’t see us, they’ll naturally go back to the inn.”

That works.

Qiu Shuiyi nodded.

They told the boatman to turn around, and after disembarking, they went straight back to the inn.

After washing up, Xin Liu and Xin Tao finally returned.

Seeing the two maids about to apologize again, Qiu Shuiyi didn’t give them a chance to speak. “I’m tired and want to rest early. You two should go get ready for bed too. We have an early start tomorrow.”

Their words stuck in their throats, Xin Liu and Xin Tao had no choice but to withdraw.

Raising her eyebrows with a hint of smugness, Qiu Shuiyi got into bed and settled in for a peaceful sleep.

…

After two good nights’ sleep, Qiu Shuiyi was in exceptionally high spirits.

She even had the leisure to feed the horses in the backyard.

This good mood lasted until she boarded the boat.

The boat Shen Yuchao rented was large enough to accommodate over twenty guards from the Marquis’s estate.

When she first boarded, Qiu Shuiyi could still stand on the deck, gazing at the water and enjoying the breeze.

An hour later, she began to feel dizzy.

Two hours later, she started vomiting.

She would take one bite of the food Xin Liu brought and immediately vomit.

Having no appetite at all, she could only force down two cups of water to ease her stomach, lying listlessly in bed.

When Shen Yuchao arrived, she was drowsy and unaware.

When she woke up, Xin Tao handed her a bowl of medicine, saying with concern, “Miss, His Highness specially prepared this for you. Please drink it quickly. You’ll feel better afterward.”

The pungent, unpleasant smell of the herbal medicine wafted into her nose, making Qiu Shuiyi’s stomach churn. She leaned over the edge of the bed, retching.

Unfortunately, nothing came up.

Wiping the reflex tears from the corners of her eyes, Qiu Shuiyi covered her nose and said weakly, “Take it away quickly.”

“You mustn’t, Miss.” Xin Tao urged, “At least have a couple of sips.”

“I don’t want to drink it.”

Qiu Shuiyi lay back down, looking utterly defeated.

“Miss.”

Xin Tao grew increasingly anxious. “If you don’t drink it, you’ll only suffer more.”

Qiu Shuiyi closed her eyes, clearly not listening.

Xin Tao wanted to persuade her further when a hand took the medicine bowl from her grasp, and a low voice said, “I’ll handle it. You may go now.”

Respectfully addressing him as “Your Highness,” Xin Tao pressed her lips together and left, glancing back repeatedly.

Her stomach was in knots. Qiu Shuiyi kept her eyes closed, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Suddenly, a cool touch fell between her brows, and someone gently smoothed out her furrowed brow.

Qiu Shuiyi opened her eyes, her tone tinged with surprise. “Your Highness?”

Shen Yuchao supported her back to help her sit up, coaxing softly, “This medicine is very effective for seasickness. Try it first. Not eating or drinking like this isn’t a solution either.”

Another one urging her to take medicine.

Tears welled up in Qiu Shuiyi’s eyes as she said pitifully, “I feel terrible. I don’t want to drink it.”

“Not drinking will make you feel worse.”

Shen Yuchao gave her no chance to refuse. He decisively took the medicine bowl, scooped up a spoonful, and prepared to feed her.

“Do I really have to drink it?”

Qiu Shuiyi sniffled, the small mole on the tip of her nose twitching, looking utterly pitiful.

Shen Yuchao remained firm-hearted. “Yes, you must.”

“Is there any sugar?”

Shen Yuchao took out the preserved fruit he had prepared earlier. “There’s no sugar on the boat, but there is this.”

Qiu Shuiyi lowered her head to look.

The apricot preserves were golden and translucent, coated with a frost-like layer, looking quite beautiful.

“I’ll do it myself.”

Qiu Shuiyi took the medicine bowl, pinched her nose with one hand, tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and downed the medicine in one go.

After finishing, she handed the empty bowl back to Shen Yuchao. Not daring to release her nose, she picked up a few apricot preserves and stuffed them all into her mouth.

Letting go of her nose, the bitterness immediately surged up, mixing with the sweetness in her mouth, creating an indescribable taste.

Qiu Shuiyi chewed the preserves in her mouth with a pained expression.

After eating several in a row, the medicinal taste finally faded.

“Sleep a bit more.”

Shen Yuchao casually set the bowl aside and helped Qiu Shuiyi lie down.

"I've slept too much, I can't fall asleep."

Qiu Shuiyi sighed.

"Shall I read you a book?"

Qiu Shuiyi's eyes lit up. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble for Your Highness?" she said with feigned propriety.

"Of course not." Shen Yuchao leaned against the edge of the bed, closed his eyes, and began reciting from memory.

He was reading from a travelogue, and the prose was quite engaging.

Qiu Shuiyi marveled at his incredible memory, listening with wide-eyed enthusiasm.

Half an hour later, a rumble from her stomach interrupted Shen Yuchao.

Qiu Shuiyi said shyly, "Your Highness, I'm hungry."

Shen Yuchao stood up. "The food is warming in the kitchen. I'll get it."

In the following days, Qiu Shuiyi's motion sickness symptoms indeed improved significantly. Though she still felt somewhat listless, it was much better than before.

The ship sailed across the boundless waters for over ten days. When they finally docked for a break, Qiu Shuiyi felt like an old woman who had taken a rejuvenating elixir, instantly rejuvenated.

With both feet firmly on solid ground, the gloom that had weighed on her heart for more than ten days vanished in an instant.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled brightly. "Today, it's my treat. Let's have a proper meal."

The guards immediately burst into cheers.

Infected by their joy, Qiu Shuiyi's smile grew even more radiant. "Your Highness, let's go," she said in a bright, clear voice.

Seeing her back to her usual self, Shen Yuchao secretly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a smile. "Alright."

The group made their way to the most famous restaurant in the area.

The streets were bustling, and all sorts of aromas teased Qiu Shuiyi's appetite.

Among them, a sharp, spicy, nose-tingling scent stood out from the rest.

Qiu Shuiyi's gaze was drawn to it.

Behind her, a young girl took a few large *baozi* from a vendor, said a quick thanks, pulled her mask up to tightly cover her face, lowered her head, and hurried on her way.

As the two passed each other, a sense of unease flickered through Qiu Shuiyi. She frowned, suddenly turning her head to look back.

People came and went, each going about their own business—a perfectly ordinary street scene.

Nothing seemed out of place.