Chapter 66: Return to the Capital

Chapter 66: Return to the Capital

The scene on the day of the burial was immensely grand.

The Mu family were known for their kindness, and many neighbors came to pay their respects.

Dozens of white funeral streamers fluttered in the air, like layers of ethereal, drifting mist.

Spirit money fluttered down all around, resembling a flurry of March snow.

More than thirty coffins wound their way through the crowd, a sight which sent a chill down the spines of uninformed passersby, drawing sighs of pity.

The wailing rose to the heavens.

The sun was veiled by clusters of dark clouds, and the rain fell as fine as needles, landing on their hair and forming countless tiny droplets.

Qiu Shuiyi brought up the rear of the procession, her gaze sweeping over the mourners following the coffins.

Auntie Pang stood out prominently among them.

Her face was streaked with tears, her brow heavy with sorrow.

The child in her arms cried along, each sob more mournful than the last.

In such a setting, Qiu Shuiyi's eyes grew moist despite herself.

The procession made its way towards the outskirts of the city.

Qiu Shuiyi had found them an auspicious burial site.

Nestled against mountains and beside water, with clear streams and verdant hills.

She only hoped that in their next life, they would have smooth sailing, wealth, and peace.

Once the coffins were properly placed, the hired laborers set to work diligently, shoveling earth to cover them.

Shen Yuchao stood at Qiu Shuiyi's side, holding an umbrella. He said, lowering his head, "The rain is getting heavier. I'll keep an eye on things here. Let Xin Liu and Xin Tao take you back first."

Qiu Shuiyi shook her head. "After all, they knew my sister. Let me send them off on their final journey."

Shen Yuchao didn't press further and quietly stayed by her side.

Once the tombstones were in place, Auntie Pang suddenly rushed over and knelt before a grave not far from Qiu Shuiyi, holding the child and weeping uncontrollably.

"Heaven strike them down! They were all such good children, how could this happen!"

"Heaven will avenge them! The wicked who harmed you will surely meet a terrible end!"

Her stout body swayed unsteadily.

Qiu Shuiyi hurried forward to support Auntie Pang. "Auntie, they'll get what's coming to them. Please don't grieve too much. You'll make yourself sick, crying like this."

As she lowered her head, she saw a small face flushed red from crying. Eyes like shiny black grapes burned with a deep hatred.

Qiu Shuiyi was taken aback.

The child met her gaze, and a fierce light suddenly flared in his eyes. His lips moved soundlessly as if he were trying to speak.

Auntie Pang straightened up, and the child's face was buried in her embrace.

She sobbed, "Alright, alright. I won't cry. I still want to see those villains brought to justice with my own eyes."

Auntie Pang looked embarrassed, noticing Qiu Shuiyi's gaze on the child. "I must look a sight, miss. Our families have always been close. My little grandson and the young master of the Mu family have been playmates since they were toddlers. Hearing such terrible news so suddenly, it's hard not to lose composure."

"It's only human nature."

Qiu Shuiyi offered a faint smile.

She stood up and glanced around at the nearly complete rows of tombstones. "The rain is getting heavier. Children are delicate; he shouldn't be out in this rain. Auntie, you should take him home soon."

"Alright."

Auntie Pang used her sleeve to dry her tears and stood up, holding the child.

...

After the Mu family was laid to rest, Qiu Shuiyi and her companions prepared to set off for the capital.

Upon hearing the news, Xu Ming came specifically to see them off.

"Your Highness is returning to the capital so soon? Why not stay a while longer?" Xu Ming arrived in a hurry, his hair slightly disheveled.

"Since Yi'er's friend shows no trace of being among the Mu family, there is naturally no reason to stay any longer."

Shen Yuchao stood with one hand behind his back, his words carrying a subtle warning. "However, Master Xu, although I will not be in Yangzhou, this case must not be neglected."

Qiu Shuiyi, standing demurely with her head bowed, felt her heart flutter as if ants were crawling over it at the sound of "Yi'er," leaving behind a lingering itch.

The back of her ears also flushed red.

She secretly shot Shen Yuchao an annoyed glare.

As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Shen Yuchao glanced sideways at her.

Qiu Shuiyi swiftly averted her gaze as if pricked by a needle.

Just then, she caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure rushing frantically in their direction.

"Little Si, Little Si, where have you gone? Don't scare your grandma, come out!"

The figure rushed towards Qiu Shuiyi and grabbed her hand urgently. "Miss, have you seen a little boy?"

Gesturing at her waist, Auntie Pang said, "About this tall, fair and chubby, around five or six years old."

Qiu Shuiyi shook her head. "I haven't. Has your child gone missing, Auntie?"

"He's been gone since early this morning."

Auntie Pang was so anxious she was nearly in tears. "That wretched child, how could he run off without a word?"

Qiu Shuiyi pointed towards Xu Ming. "That gentleman is the Prefect of Yangzhou. If you need help, Auntie, I can introduce you."

Auntie Pang's eyes flickered. "The... the Prefect?"

Qiu Shuiyi nodded.

"I'm just a commoner. Such a small matter is hardly worth troubling the Prefect." Auntie Pang reined in her anxious expression, her face showing sudden realization. "Last night, that little rascal was fussing about wanting osmanthus cakes. It was right after dinner, so I didn't give him any. Perhaps he sneaked out with his New Year's money to buy some."

Auntie Pang smiled apologetically. "I've troubled you again, miss."

"Not at all." Qiu Shuiyi shook her head with a light laugh. "You'd better hurry, Auntie."

Watching the portly woman depart, a slight frown creased her brow.

"Yi'er, it's time to go."

Shen Yuchao was calling her.

Her mind swirling with questions, Qiu Shuiyi didn't linger over his use of "Yi'er" and obediently returned to his side, curtsying. "Farewell, Master Xu."

"Your Highness, Miss Qiu, have a safe trip."

Xu Ming smiled amiably.

Watching the boat slowly pull away, the smile on his lips grew wider. He clicked his tongue twice, his words tinged with regret. "Ah, what a pity they left so soon."

"My lord."

A subordinate leaned in and whispered respectfully.

Xu Ming frowned briefly at the words, then his expression cleared. "Go ahead."

...

Qiu Shuiyi braced her hands on the railing, watching Yangzhou City shrink into the distance.

"What's wrong? I noticed you seemed troubled earlier."

A figure in cyan stood beside her.

"I think there's something off about that auntie."

"What seems off?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it." Qiu Shuiyi shook her head. "But she seemed... a little scared of Governor Xu."

"It's normal for common folk to fear officials. In their eyes, a county magistrate is already a big deal, let alone a provincial governor."

Shen Yuchao mirrored Qiu Shuiyi, placing a hand on the railing.

"So, when you first met the Emperor, were you afraid?" Qiu Shuiyi gazed at his sharply defined profile.

"Afraid?"

Shen Yuchao glanced sideways, chuckling softly. "I have never feared anything."

A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, illuminating his eyes like a pair of dazzling, iridescent gemstones.

Deep within his pupils seemed to hide a vortex, as if to suck in one's very soul.

Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but be momentarily entranced.

It took her a long while to find her voice again.

"All the better, then."

The trip here had been rough, but on the return trip, having grown accustomed to the swaying, she wasn't bothered by it.

The bright moon hung high, casting a hazy silver veil over the river, lending a mysterious and somewhat perilous air compared to the vastness of daytime.

Qiu Shuiyi took in the breeze for a bit before returning to her room as night fell.

With matters weighing on her mind, she didn't fall asleep immediately upon lying down.

She lay awake, pondering all the accumulated questions.

The night was quiet, with only the constant sound of water.

In such circumstances, every sound within the room was amplified.

Suddenly hearing a creaking sound, Qiu Shuiyi thought she had misheard.

But the footsteps that followed dispelled that idea.

Someone walked past her bedside.

Qiu Shuiyi tensed, clenching her fists.

An assassin? Or a thief who had snuck onto the boat?

The noise moved to the table, followed by a very distinct swallowing sound.

Qiu Shuiyi abruptly threw open the bed curtains and shouted, "Help! Thief!"

Outside, Xin Liu and Xin Tao were instantly awakened, a flurry of hurried footsteps following.

A glimmer of light appeared in the darkness. Xin Liu, holding a lamp with her sash still untied, rushed in flustered. "Miss, where's the thief?"

Qiu Shuiyi didn't answer.

She stared at the person sitting at the table, her expression gradually freezing.

It was a child of about five or six years old. His clothes were crumpled, his hair bun was a messy lump on his head, his bare feet were exposed, and his fair, tender cheeks bore a few red marks, as if pressed by something.

He held a piece of pastry in both hands, eating it, crumbs sticking to the corners of his mouth, giving him a simple, endearing appearance.

"Miss, are you alright?"

Xin Tao barged in recklessly, the candlestick in her hand adding more light to the room.

The child, seeing Qiu Shuiyi's face, suddenly burst into loud sobs. He dropped the pastry, his little legs churning rapidly as he shot like a little firecracker into her arms.

"Auntie, where did you and Uncle go? There was so much blood, so many people died. Uncle Yu and Brother Fei are gone. Chuan'er is scared."

Xin Liu and Xin Tao exchanged a glance, both shocked.

Her mind a complete muddle, Qiu Shuiyi's brain utterly ceased to function.

The small body in her arms kept burrowing into her embrace, his little hands tightly clutching her waist. He seemed terrified.

A name flashed through her mind. Qiu Shuiyi barely managed to grasp a thread of clarity. "Are you... Mu Sichuan?"

Mu Sichuan nodded emphatically, his voice choked with tears. "It's me, Auntie."

It was really him?

Qiu Shuiyi couldn't hide her astonishment. "But weren't you with the young master of the Mu family?"

"Grandfather punished me to practice calligraphy. I was upset, so I crawled out through the dog hole to play with Xiao Yi. When I went back, I found so many people dead at home." Mu Sichuan wailed loudly. "Uncles and brothers were all dead. It was Brother Fei who found me and stuffed me back into the dog hole. He told me to run fast and not go back."

"Little Auntie, Chuan'er wants Grandpa, wants Little Uncle and Brother Fei, I want them to come back."

The child's painful, helpless sobs made Xin Liu and Xin Tao's eyes well up.

Qiu Shuiyi also felt a pang of sorrow, her heart aching.

Such a young child had actually witnessed the slaughter of his entire family with his own eyes. This kind of psychological trauma might take years to fade.

But as pitiful as he is, what needed to be said still had to be said.

She leaned back slightly to let Mu Sichuan move a little away from her embrace, Qiu Shuiyi shook her head and said solemnly, "Young Master Mu, I am not your little aunt."

Mu Sichuan's tear-stained, flushed little face froze. "How can that be? You are my little aunt."

"I really am not." Qiu Shuiyi explained to him earnestly, "My surname is Qiu, and my name is Shuiyi. I have never met your little uncle, the young master from the Mu family."

"Second Miss, what happened?"

Shen Yuchao, hearing the commotion, rushed in. His ink-black hair, smooth as silk, cascaded down his back, his outer robe tied somewhat loosely, a hurried look on his face.

"It's..."

"I know!"

Just as Qiu Shuiyi was about to speak, Mu Sichuan in her arms suddenly leaped out. His red, rabbit-like eyes glared fiercely at Shen Yuchao.

In front of everyone, he pointed at Shen Yuchao and said with hatred, "Was it you, this bad man, who snatched my little aunt away and won't let her acknowledge me?!"

Shang Ze, who had followed closely behind Shen Yuchao, stopped in his tracks and asked Zuo Yi behind him incredulously, "Has this little thing grown tired of living?"

Zuo Yi shot him a glance, disdain written all over his face.

"Hey, what's with that look?" Shang Ze was indignant and was about to retort when someone suddenly hooked an arm around his neck and turned him around, his back facing the others.

"What are you doing?"

Shang Ze was puzzled.

Zuo Yi said gravely, "There are ladies inside."

At this late hour, for His Highness to enter was one thing, but if they barged in recklessly and saw something they shouldn't, *that* would be truly growing tired of living.

Inside the room, Xin Liu and Xin Tao were taken aback by Mu Sichuan's words, and their gazes at the little fellow couldn't help but hold a touch of admiration.

Daring to curse the renowned Prince Duansu—this little one would surely grow up to be someone remarkable.

"Who are you?"

Shen Yuchao, however, didn't look angry and asked calmly.

"What's it to you who I am!"

Mu Sichuan gritted his teeth, like an angry little wolf cub.

Shen Yuchao walked unhurriedly to stand before Mu Sichuan, looking down at him with a slight, amused smile. "You appear in my fiancée's room in the middle of the night. Why shouldn't I care?"

"You're lying!" Mu Sichuan's eyes reddened with fury. "She is clearly my future little aunt!"

"You're forcibly taking someone else's fiancée! I'm going to report you to the authorities!"

Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but chuckle. She got out of bed, grabbed the outer garment from the rack, threw it on, hastily tied it, and came to stand beside the two.

"Your Highness, this is the young master of the Mu family. He's just a child who doesn't understand. Please forgive him."

Shen Yuchao had already guessed the little one's identity. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "This prince naturally won't argue with a child."

Qiu Shuiyi crouched down in front of Mu Sichuan and patiently explained, "Young Master Mu, I truly am not the little aunt you speak of."

"Impossible!" Tears welled up in Mu Sichuan's eyes, threatening to fall. "You look exactly like my little aunt!"

"Is your little aunt named Qiu Lianying?"

Mu Sichuan nodded, then shook his head. "I don't know my little aunt's name, but Little Uncle calls her A'ying, and Brother Fei calls her Sister Ying."

"That's it then."

Qiu Shuiyi gave a light laugh. "We look alike because your little aunt is my twin sister."

She said gently, "Look, I have a mole here. Does your little aunt have one?"

She pointed to the tip of her own nose.

Mu Sichuan was dumbfounded. Did his little aunt have a mole on his nose?

The boy's expression turned half-convinced, half-doubting. Qiu Shuiyi continued, "My sister has been missing for many days. My journey south of the river is to search for her."

"She met with an accident and certainly wouldn't have extra money on her. But look." Qiu Shuiyi pointed around the room, brazenly stating, "I rented this entire boat. Would your little aunt have this much silver?"

Shen Yuchao gave her a meaningful glance.

Qiu Shuiyi met his gaze righteously.

She wasn't lying. After they married, wouldn't what was his also be hers?

Reading her meaning, Shen Yuchao chuckled in amusement.

Mu Sichuan, however, was stunned.

He lowered his head and murmured, "Little Aunt always makes Little Uncle pay whenever she wants something."

When he looked up again, tears were pattering down from Mu Sichuan's eyes. He choked out, "You... you really aren't my little aunt..."

He cried so pitifully that Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but soften. She gently wiped the tears from Mu Sichuan's face. "Don't cry. If you want to go find them, I can help you."

His face was a mess of tears; Mu Sichuan had cried himself into a little tear-streaked mess. "How can you help me?"

"I think my sister must have gone back home. Once we reach the capital, you'll be able to see them."

"The... the capital?" Mu Sichuan asked. "Is Little Aunt's home in the capital?"

Qiu Shuiyi nodded.

The boy wanted to ask more, but a loud rumble suddenly came from his stomach. He hugged his belly, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Qiu Shuiyi laughed softly and glanced at the pastries on the table. "Xin Liu, go cook a bowl of noodles for him."

Xin Liu responded with an "Aye."

The noodles were soon brought in.

Mu Sichuan held his chopsticks, slurping up the noodles with his head bowed.

The night was cool, and after eating a steaming bowl of noodles, his little face was flushed from the heat.

Qiu Shuiyi sat nearby, pouring water for Shen Yuchao. "It's late, Your Highness. Aren't you going to rest?"

Picking up the cup, Shen Yuchao took a sip. "My sleep was disturbed. I doubt I'll be able to get back to sleep for a while."

Qiu Shuiyi gave him a look. "Are you blaming me, Your Highness? Is that my fault?"

"I blame you for being so captivating, making you all I can think about, day and night."

Shen Yuchao turned his head, the candlelight reflecting in his eyes like stars twinkling in the night sky.

His laughter seemed to brush against Qiu Shuiyi's ear, instantly making her blush.

When had this man become so improper!

Qiu Shuiyi glared at him.

Shen Yuchao chuckled softly.

His features were clear and bright, radiant like the stars and moon.

Their gazes locked, magnetic.

"I'm finished eating."

The boy's voice broke the thick atmosphere.

Flustered, Qiu Shuiyi averted her gaze, coughing lightly to cover her discomfort.

She looked at Mu Sichuan and asked gently, "Full? Would you like another bowl?"

Mu Sichuan shook his head, his little face serious as he thanked her solemnly. "Thank you for the meal."

Qiu Shuiyi laughed. "It's just a meal, far less than the kindness your family showed by taking in my sister."

Mentioning Qiu Lianying inevitably reminded Mu Sichuan of Mu Yuanxi, and his lips tightened in sadness.

Qiu Shuiyi quickly changed the subject. "Where have you been all this time? And how did you hide on the boat?"

Mu Sichuan answered obediently, "After I ran away, Granny Yang took me in and let me eat and stay with Xiao Yi."

"I heard that the local authorities were arranging burials for the uncles and grandpas. Granny Yang went to check, and when she came back, she said you looked extremely similar to my aunt."

Mu Sichuan continued, "I didn't believe it at first, until the day the uncles and grandpas were buried..."

His voice choked. "When I saw you, I became even more convinced you were my aunt. So, I sneaked out without telling Granny Yang. I'm small, so I hid in a crate when no one was looking and got on the boat that way."

"So that's how it was."

Now everything made sense.

No wonder that plump auntie came asking her about her missing child.

She must have guessed the child would secretly follow her.

"But won't Granny Yang be worried and upset by your sudden disappearance?"

Mu Sichuan said guiltily, "I couldn't think about that. Besides... besides, I left a letter for Xiao Yi. He'll give it to Granny Yang."

"After I find my uncle and get revenge, I'll go back and apologize to Granny Yang myself."

He clenched his fists, his expression resolute.

Qiu Shuiyi's heart softened, and she gently ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, I'll definitely help you find your uncle."

"Thank you."

Mu Sichuan said earnestly.

"If you don't mind, you can call me Aunt Qiu."

"Aunt Qiu."

"Yes."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled brightly. "It's too late. Go get some rest."

"Aunt Qiu, I..." Mu Sichuan cautiously observed Qiu Shuiyi's expression, hesitantly saying, "I... can I stay with you tonight?"

Before Qiu Shuiyi could reply, Shen Yuchao stood up, his tone gentle but firm. "No."

"Zuo Yi has prepared a room. I'll take him there."

After speaking softly to Qiu Shuiyi, Shen Yuchao grabbed Mu Sichuan by the collar and marched him out.

"Let me go, let me go! Aunt Qiu, Aunt Qiu...!"

His voice grew fainter. Qiu Shuiyi's lips curved into a smile, her eyes shining like stars.

...

Perhaps due to the sudden upheaval, Mu Sichuan was extremely well-behaved, showing none of the mischief he'd described—being dissatisfied with punishment and sneaking out of the house.

He was utterly adorable, and everyone on the boat liked him.

Especially Xin Liu and Xin Tao, who loved plying him with treats.

That night, Qiu Shuiyi sat on the deck sharing a drink with Shen Yuchao when she suddenly remembered a question. She turned and asked Mu Sichuan.

"Since you knew your whole family had met with disaster, why didn't Granny Yang take you to report it to the authorities?"

Mu Sichuan said, "I don't trust that Xu fellow."

He puffed out his cheeks, his face filled with anger. "That Xu guy bullied Grandpa. If my uncle hadn't returned in time, our family would have been completely swindled out of everything!"

"What happened..."

Before she could finish, a deafening "boom" erupted. A towering curtain of water surged high into the air before crashing down violently.