Chapter 78: Quarrel

Chapter 78: Quarrel

Xin Tao's eyes were red, her eyes brimming with tears as she ran tearfully to Qiu Shuiyi, her voice choked with sobs. "Miss, I've finally found you."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled, hooking her index finger to wipe away the tears from Xin Tao's cheek, soothing her gently. "There, there, I'm fine. Don't cry."

Xin Tao nodded with a sob, not forgetting to look Qiu Shuiyi over carefully with her swollen eyes. Seeing that Qiu Shuiyi looked well and had no injuries, the anxiety she had carried for so many days finally eased.

Outside, Shen Yuchao had come out of the house and was talking with Zuo Yi and Shang Ze in the courtyard.

Qiu Shuiyi glanced outside. "Where's Xin Liu?"

Xin Tao replied, "Young Master Mu was frightened after falling into the water and developed a fever. Sister Xin Liu is taking care of him at the inn."

Qiu Shuiyi nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze gentle as she looked at Xin Tao. "Were you injured?"

"No," Xin Tao shook her head. "After the boat was burned, Chief Zuo made us jump into the water. He didn't let us get hurt."

"That's good."

Qiu Shuiyi patted the back of Xin Tao's hand and asked again, "What about Liu Cheng and the others?"

"Guard Liu was injured and is recuperating at the inn. The others..." Xin Tao paused, her voice tinged with sorrow, "...some died, some were maimed. Not many are left."

Although she had known the situation wouldn't be good, hearing this news still sent a shock through Qiu Shuiyi. A wave of grief surged from her chest, making her nose sting.

"After we return, you and Xin Liu record the number of casualties. When we get back to the Marquis's estate, take some silver from me and properly provide for their families."

Xin Tao nodded repeatedly. "Alright, I'll remember."

"Madam, is this your family coming to find you?"

A Xiang, who had been watching for a while, spoke up, her gaze curious as she looked at Xin Tao.

Qiu Shuiyi composed herself, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips as she replied gently, "Yes."

"Ma-Madam?!"

Xin Tao was shocked.

Her young lady wasn't even married yet. How could this little girl address her like that?

Qiu Shuiyi gave a light cough, leaned close to Xin Tao, and whispered, "For convenience's sake, His Highness and I are pretending to be husband and wife. Don't let it slip."

Xin Tao's mouth fell open. Under Qiu Shuiyi's gaze, she heavily covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head like a rattle-drum.

The medicine on the stove was almost done. Just as Qiu Shuiyi was about to move, Xin Tao hurriedly said, "Let me do it."

After pouring the medicine, she frowned. "Miss... Ma-Madam, this medicine is..."

"It's not for me," Qiu Shuiyi shook her head.

Then it must be for His Highness.

Xin Tao understood.

Before leaving the kitchen, Qiu Shuiyi said softly to A Xiang, "Miss A Xiang, we should be leaving now. Could you trouble you to call Aunt Zhang back? I have something to say to her."

A Xiang responded crisply, "Yes, Madam. I'll go right away."

She scooped a ladle of water from the water jar, casually rinsed her hands a couple of times, shook off the water droplets, and strode out.

Stealing a glance at the two unfamiliar men in the courtyard, she was startled by the cold aura emanating from one of them. A Xiang quickly averted her gaze and ran off with her head down.

The medicine was almost ready to drink. Qiu Shuiyi led Xin Tao out of the kitchen.

The three men who had been talking stopped upon hearing the commotion.

Seeing Qiu Shuiyi, Zuo Yi respectfully called out, "Madam."

Shang Ze raised an eyebrow, his face breaking into a playful grin. "Hello, Madam."

It seemed Shen Yuchao must have briefed them.

Having heard 'Madam' for so many days, Qiu Shuiyi was almost immune by now. She nodded to the two of them, her expression unchanged. "It's time for the medicine."

Taking the medicine bowl from Xin Tao's hand, Shen Yuchao downed it in one gulp.

After he finished, Xin Tao very perceptively took the bowl back.

Using the handkerchief Zuo Yi handed him to wipe the corner of his mouth, Shen Yuchao said, "The carriage is ready. Let's go."

"Wait."

Qiu Shuiyi grabbed Shen Yuchao's sleeve. "Wait for Aunt Zhang."

She proactively explained, "I heard from Miss A Xiang that Aunt Zhang plans to send Young Brother A Zhu into the Qiyun Sect."

"The Qiyun Sect?"

Shen Yuchao's tone rose at the end, carrying a note of doubt.

"Does Your Highness remember our first meeting?" Qiu Shuiyi looked up. "Back then, Your Highness saved me from the cliff."

Meeting her clear, bright gaze, Shen Yuchao's eyes flickered for a moment.

How could he forget? He had mistaken her for Qiu Lianying back then, and even thought of...

His throat tightened slightly. "Of course I remember."

"Back then, I almost fell off the cliff, all thanks to the leader of the Qiyun Sect."

Qiu Shuiyi gritted her teeth. "That man repaid kindness with enmity, sinister and vicious. But in A Xiang's words, he's a chivalrous and benevolent great philanthropist."

She scoffed. "I don't believe he has such a kind heart. It's possible Aunt Zhang is being deceived. Their family took us in, after all. I don't want to see them being tricked."

Shen Yuchao's gaze sharpened, his voice deepening. "What exactly happened back then?"

Qiu Shuiyi didn't want to elaborate. "It's nothing. It's all in the past."

Since she was unwilling to discuss it further, Shen Yuchao didn't press. Instead, he took Qiu Shuiyi's hand and gently rubbed it.

Zuo Yi and the other two exchanged glances and unanimously retreated to the side.

Qiu Shuiyi hadn't thought much of it initially, but watching the three of them step aside, she felt inexplicably shy.

She tried to pull her hand back, but it was held even tighter.

Her face grew hot, and she whispered, "Someone might see!"

Shen Yuchao shot a glance over, "They won't notice."

Is that really the issue here?

Qiu Shuiyi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Unable to break free, she resigned herself to it.

Fortunately, Aunt Zhang returned soon.

A Xiang and A Zhu followed behind her, their faces flushed.

When A Zhu's gaze swept over the three strangers in the courtyard, the fire in his eyes died down a little, and he lowered his gaze with a hint of disappointment.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, Aunt Zhang said, "Are you and your wife leaving, sir?"

Qiu Shuiyi smiled, "My family has found me. Thank you for putting up with us these past few days."

"Not at all, not at all."

Aunt Zhang humbly replied, "It was just plain country cooking. I hope it was to your liking."

Qiu Shuiyi shook her head slightly and opened her palm. Xin Tao understood and stepped forward, handing over a red envelope of money.

"There are five hundred taels of silver inside. Auntie, you're such a good cook. You could open a shop in town and sell food. You'll never have to worry about making ends meet again."

"Working for others is never as convenient as being your own boss."

"Five hundred taels?!"

Aunt Zhang's eyes widened instantly.

A Xiang and A Zhu were dumbfounded.

"That's right." Qiu Shuiyi nodded with a smile. "If you're interested, Auntie, I can also give you a unique recipe."

Aunt Zhang's hands were shaking.

Five hundred taels. That was five hundred taels.

She'd never laid eyes on that much silver in all her born days.

With five hundred taels in hand, why would she need to pull strings to send A Zhu into the Qiyun Sect?

Qiu Shuiyi pressed the red envelope into Aunt Zhang's hand. Her gaze swept over A Zhu as she said gently, "Aunt Zhang and A Xiang are women; some things are harder for women to take care of. You'll need Young A Zhu's support."

A Zhu blushed, "I... I will."

"Oh, Madam, you truly have a kind heart."

Aunt Zhang clutched the red envelope tightly, afraid someone might snatch it back, and beamed with joy. "I think you, Madam, are more like a Living Bodhisattva saving people from suffering than that leader of the Qiyun Sect."

"You flatter me, Auntie." Qiu Shuiyi smiled. "Then let me wish you success in your new venture in advance."

"Thank you for the blessing."

Aunt Zhang smiled until her eyes narrowed into slits.

With a nod to each of them, Qiu Shuiyi and her party left the small farmhouse.

The carriage traveled onward, entering the county town as night fell.

It stopped in front of an inn. Zuo Yi stepped forward and knocked on the door.

"Coming, coming!"

A voice came from inside. A tall attendant opened the door, greeted Zuo Yi warmly and ushered him inside.

"You've returned, sir! Please, come in, come in!"

Once he had news of Qiu Shuiyi and Shen Yuchao, Zuo Yi had asked the attendant to prepare two more fine rooms.

Without being told, he directly led the two to the second floor.

"Creak—"

A door suddenly opened from inside. Hearing the commotion, Xin Liu stuck her head out. Upon seeing Qiu Shuiyi, her eyes immediately welled up.

"Miss!"

Qiu Shuiyi patted her shoulder soothingly, "Don't cry, don't cry. I'm perfectly fine, see?"

Xin Liu wiped her tears, "Alright, I won't cry."

She hurriedly opened the door to let Qiu Shuiyi in, "Everything in the room is ready for you. Please come in quickly, Miss."

Qiu Shuiyi said, "Alright."

Before entering, she glanced back.

Shen Yuchao was watching her, his gaze deep and unfathomable, lost in thought.

Qiu Shuiyi gave a faint smile, "Your Highness, you should rest soon."

She entered the room and closed the door without hesitation.

After bathing and changing into her nightclothes, Qiu Shuiyi sat on the couch, letting Xin Tao dry her hair. "What about Mu Sichuan?"

Xin Liu said, "His fever just broke. He's asleep in the next room."

Qiu Shuiyi frowned, "Was it serious?"

"He had a high fever for a few days, but it's better these past two days. He's just listless."

"Take good care of him then."

Xin Liu nodded.

She also had a younger brother, so she couldn't help but feel extra pity for the unfortunate Mu Sichuan. She attended to everything personally and was very attentive.

After her hair was dry, Xin Tao lowered the bed curtains, left a lamp lit in the room, and withdrew.

The quilt was soft and comfortable. Sinking into the softness, Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh.

Having traveled all day, she was tired. She closed her eyes, trying to summon sleep.

Strangely, though her mind was clearly weary, she couldn't fall asleep no matter what.

It was as if... something was missing beside her.

Qiu Shuiyi scorned herself.

Big deal, they'd slept together a few nights?

What was she getting so hung up on?

She cocooned herself in the blanket and went to sleep.

...

Countless voices were clamoring around her ears, the babbling noise flooding in, bothering Qiu Shuiyi so badly that even in her sleep, her brows were tightly furrowed.

The noise grew louder and louder, and with a "crash," something shattered, startling Qiu Shuiyi awake.

Sunlight filled the room. She quickly dressed, pushed open the door, and her eyes landed on the two people downstairs.

"Young lady, you're awake?"

Xin Tao walked up the stairs, carrying a basin of water.

Qiu Shuiyi asked her, "What's all the noise downstairs?"

Xin Tao said helplessly, "Chief Zuo invited a physician back, saying he had specially sent a message to the capital to treat His Highness's injuries."

"As soon as they entered, someone followed them in. Upon seeing the physician, that person started raising a ruckus without a word of explanation. In the end, it even came to blows."

"However, it's quite strange," Xin Tao added. "That physician only dodged and never fought back, as if he was afraid of something."

Qiu Shuiyi looked downstairs.

The first floor was now a complete wreck, with tables, chairs, and benches smashed into disarray.

Teapots lay shattered all over the floor, tea splashed across the stone-paved floor in puddles here and there.

A figure was leaping and dodging, standing on a wooden table, evading the attacks from the person opposite.

From the occasional glimpse of his profile, it was unmistakably Baili He, whom Qiu Shuiyi had met once before.

Looking at the person opposite, Qiu Shuiyi suddenly froze.

That person's face was as smooth and lustrous as white jade. His features were exquisite and handsome, with an elegant demeanor.

Yet at this moment, it was filled with rage as he angrily kicked the square table under Baili He's feet.

His movements were fierce and vicious.

It was actually him.