Chapter 93: Shock

Chapter 93: A Fright

Qiu Shuiyi sent a letter back to the Marquis of Yun'an's estate, stating that she had already found Qiu Lianying.

From then on, the Marquis of Yun'an and Lady Mei wrote daily letters urging the two to return. However, considering the two convalescents, the journey was slow with frequent stops, taking over a month before they finally entered the capital region.

As night was about to fall, the group found a post station to rest.

After finishing dinner, Qiu Lianying pulled Mu Yuanxi away, and the two vanished in an instant.

Qiu Shuiyi sighed to herself about a daughter's heart being lost to another, then raised an eyebrow and smiled at Shen Yuchao, "Shall we take a walk?"

Shen Yuchao agreed cheerfully.

After asking the attendant for a lantern, he held it in one hand and held Qiu Shuiyi's hand with the other, walking through the night.

The post station was located in the suburbs, remote and quiet, surrounded by woods with a few clusters of green bamboo. It didn't feel desolate but rather added an elegant touch.

There were no stars tonight, with the jade-like moon hanging in the night sky. Its hazy light filtered through the dense foliage, casting what looked like pools of water on the ground.

The constant chirping of insects wove a melody of the mortal world in the quiet night.

Qiu Shuiyi had assigned Xin Liu to attend to Qiu Lianying, leaving only Xin Tao following far behind, careful not to intrude.

Holding Shen Yuchao's hand, Qiu Shuiyi suddenly turned to him with a smile, her voice tinged with teasing, "After we return, I'm afraid we won't be able to be like this anymore."

As she spoke, she shook their intertwined hands.

Shen Yuchao tightened his grip, lowered his head, and whispered in her ear, "What's so difficult about that? After returning to the capital, we'll set the wedding date with your parents early and marry you into Prince Duansu's residence."

His breath brushed against her ear, turning her entire ear red.

Qiu Shuiyi's face flushed, and she shot him a reproachful look, "Who are your parents-in-law? Don't be so presumptuous."

Shen Yuchao laughed and embraced her, "This marriage has already been made public. Do you still want to go back on your word?"

Qiu Shuiyi was startled and quickly turned to look at Xin Tao, only to find that she had turned her back at some point.

With a light hum, Qiu Shuiyi placed her fingertips on Shen Yuchao's chest and said softly, "The prince is mighty. How would a humble woman dare to disobey?"

"You..."

Shen Yuchao chuckled and shook his head, the affection in his voice making Qiu Shuiyi blush unconsciously.

Unknowingly, they had moved far from the post station. Passing through a small grove, they suddenly heard the sound of conversation ahead.

Who could be out here in this wilderness?

Curious, Qiu Shuiyi looked over and saw three shadowy figures in the dim light.

Their silhouettes looked somewhat familiar.

A gentle voice carried by the wind reached her ears.

"My parents are gentle and easygoing, and my brother listens to me. You're the one I've chosen; they won't make things difficult for you."

"If they don't agree, I'll make a scene until they agree to let me marry you."

Qiu Shuiyi let out a soft "ah," stood on tiptoe, and whispered, "It's my sister and them."

The girl's fragrance wafted over. Shen Yuchao held his breath, placed a large hand on her waist, and quietly pulled her closer.

The next moment, Qiu Shuiyi unceremoniously brushed away the hand on her waist, lightened her footsteps, and edged forward.

Shen Yuchao: "..."

With a soft sigh, he grabbed Qiu Shuiyi's wrist, extinguished the lantern under her puzzled gaze, and leaped up with her in his arms.

The slight rustling from the tree was hidden by the sound of wind through leaves, unnoticed by anyone.

Sitting on the tree, Qiu Shuiyi held onto Shen Yuchao's wrist with one hand while looking down below.

Xin Liu stood quietly in the distance holding a lantern, while Qiu Lianying and Mu Yuanxi sat side by side on a large rock, pressed close together, inseparable.

Mu Yuanxi's deep voice spread, "A'ying, the Qiyun Sect has not been destroyed, and Han Zicheng is still alive. Yet they have been utterly quiet these days; they must be plotting something."

After a slight pause, he said, "My family's vengeance remains unavenged, and my origins are unclear. How can someone like me bring you happiness? You..."

"You want to get rid of me?"

Qiu Lianying suddenly spoke, interrupting him.

Mu Yuanxi remained silent.

Understanding something from his silence, Qiu Lianying let out a series of cold laughs, "You probably don't understand my nature. Once I set my heart on someone, I'll never let go for a lifetime. If you think you can abandon me, over my dead body!"

"Besides, we've already bowed to heaven and earth before your father; we're already husband and wife. Are you going to abandon me after taking advantage?"

Mu Yuanxi opened his mouth.

Before he could speak, Qiu Lianying raised her hand to cover his mouth and said seriously, "A'mu, I will never let go of your hand for the rest of my life. Whether it's revenge or searching for your family, I'll accompany you. Don't leave me behind, okay?"

Her voice already carried a hint of tears, wrenched at Mu Yuanxi's heart. After a moment of silence, he finally took her hand and said hoarsely, "Okay."

Qiu Lianying's tears turned to laughter.

In the tree, Qiu Shuiyi asked puzzledly, "Is there something wrong with Mu Yuanxi's background? Isn't he a child of the Mu family?"

Shen Yuchao raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly in her ear, "His background is no small matter."

Qiu Shuiyi blinked, curious, "Who is he?"

But Shen Yuchao didn't answer, only smiled.

Qiu Shuiyi rolled her eyes at him and gave a small hum.

Fine, don't tell me then.

The two below had already left hand in hand. She said, "Let's go back too."

Shen Yuchao nodded, put his arm around Qiu Shuiyi, and leaped down with her, accompanying her back under the moonlight.

...

After the carriage entered the capital, Qiu Lianying's expression grew increasingly anxious and uneasy.

Qiu Shuiyi patted her hand, "Sister, don't worry. Father and Mother won't really blame you."

Qiu Lianying frowned with worry, "If Father and Mother scold me for running away from home, that's fine. What I'm worried about is A'mu."

She opened the carriage window a crack, glanced at Mu Yuanxi riding outside, and let out a heavy sigh. "Father and Mother will definitely not agree to my relationship with A'mu."

Qiu Shuiyi asked, "You're that sure?"

Qiu Lianying nodded, her face falling.

Qiu Shuiyi chuckled. "Father and Mother adore you. Perhaps there's still a chance?"

She didn't mention that Shen Yuchao already knew about Mu Yuanxi's true heritage. Since it hadn't been confirmed yet, to avoid giving her false hope, it was better to wait until things were clearer.

"I hope so."

Qiu Lianying rested her chin in her hands and sighed wistfully.

The carriage stopped at the gate of the Marquis of Yun'an's residence. Qiu Shuiyi and Qiu Lianying stepped down together.

The guards at the gate, upon seeing them, instantly widened their eyes. After a stunned moment, they exclaimed joyfully, "The Eldest Miss and Second Miss are back!"

The cry was loud, immediately drawing the attention of nearby commoners, who all looked at the two sisters.

"Look, it really is the two young ladies of the Marquis's household."

"Weren't those young masters swearing up and down last time that the Eldest Miss was harmed by the Second Miss? She looks perfectly fine. How vile."

"Exactly! Lazing around all day with no real work, they'd even stoop to framing a helpless woman. So much for noble scions—I spit on them!"

The previously quiet area outside the Marquis of Yun'an's residence instantly erupted in chatter. Before the stream of comments could reach Qiu Lianying's ears, Qiu Shuiyi pulled her inside.

With one foot already across the threshold, Qiu Shuiyi suddenly remembered something. She looked back and saw Shen Yuchao and Mu Yuanxi following behind them.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Your Highness isn't returning to your own residence?"

Shen Yuchao replied, "Since I'm here, wouldn't it be impolite not to pay my respects to my future father- and mother-in-law?"

Whenever she heard Shen Yuchao refer to her parents as his in-laws, Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but feel a flush of embarrassment.

Especially now, with Qiu Lianying giving her a wink and a teasing, good-natured look.

Shooting a glance at Shen Yuchao, Qiu Shuiyi said nothing more and pulled Qiu Lianying into the residence.

But the heat in her cheeks simply wouldn't fade.

Lady Mei had already received the news. Before they reached the main hall, she hurried over.

In recent days, with her eldest daughter missing and her younger daughter entangled in rumors, she hadn't exactly wept daily, but her mood had been gloomy. She hadn't stepped beyond the inner gates, even declining an invitation from the Duchess of Zhongguo, Lady Ren.

She only perked up when news came that her eldest daughter had been found, and she eagerly awaited the sisters' return day and night.

Now, her eyes swept over them, confirming they were safe and sound. The emotions she had suppressed for so long finally broke free. Tears instantly streamed down her face as she rushed forward to embrace her two daughters.

"You're back, my darlings, you're finally back."

She wept so bitterly that Qiu Shuiyi's eyes also reddened, and Qiu Lianying buried her face in Lady Mei's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.

The Marquis of Yun'an, who had followed them in, wiped his eyes with his sleeve. His peripheral gaze fell on Shen Yuchao. Composing himself, he said with a gentle expression, "Your Highness, you honor us."

Shen Yuchao gave a slight bow. "Marquis."

The Marquis of Yun'an quickly stepped aside, avoiding the full formality of the bow.

This movement brought Mu Yuanxi, standing behind Shen Yuchao, directly into his view.

The Marquis of Yun'an's eyes widened in shock. His gaze at Mu Yuanxi was filled with disbelief, and he stood frozen in place like a statue.

Seeing this, Mu Yuanxi respectfully said, "My lord."

The Marquis of Yun'an stood dumbfounded, unable to react.

"Marquis?"

Receiving no response after a long moment, Mu Yuanxi called out again.

"Ah? Oh, oh, r-rise, please rise."

The Marquis of Yun'an finally regained his senses, his attitude gentle, not revealing the slightest hint of strangeness.

From this single encounter, Mu Yuanxi found him quite amiable and relaxed slightly.

He didn't notice, however, that the Marquis of Yun'an shot Shen Yuchao an inquiring look.

The latter nodded. Instantly, the Marquis's expression turned complicated, and his eyes kept darting toward Mu Yuanxi from the corner of his vision.

Over there, worried that Lady Mei would cry herself sick, Qiu Shuiyi gently pulled away from the hug and comforted her, "Mother, Sister's return is a joyous occasion. We shouldn't cry. If you hurt your eyes, then it'll be Sister and I who will be crying."

Hearing this, Qiu Lianying hurriedly wiped her tears and said between sobs, "Mother, this is all my fault. Please don't cry."

Lady Mei couldn't help but give her a couple of hard smacks, saying resentfully, "Where have you been all this time? Leaving home without a word, not even sending a letter—were you trying to worry me to death?"

"Mother, I was wrong." Qiu Lianying knelt down, crying. "I lost my mind, thinking that if I disappeared, that marriage contract might become void."

She lifted her tear-streaked face, holding Lady Mei's hands. "Mother, hit me."

The Marquis of Yun'an glanced awkwardly at Shen Yuchao.

The way his daughter spoke made it sound like marrying His Highness was akin to descending into the eighteenth layer of hell. What must the Prince be thinking?

And now that the marriage contract had fallen to her younger sister, if this caused the Prince to develop resentment toward Yi'er, how would they live in the future?

As if sensing the Marquis of Yun'an's unease, Shen Yuchao smiled and nodded. "My sister-in-law is truly a person of strong character."

The Marquis of Yun'an abruptly lowered his head and coughed, glancing sidelong at Qiu Lianying and silently thinking to himself, *His Highness is several years older than Ying'er. I don't know how he can bring himself to call her 'sister-in-law.'*

Gazing at the tear-stained face before her, how could Lady Mei bring herself to strike?

This was the daughter she had cherished for sixteen years, the treasure she had held in the palm of her hand. From childhood, she had never let her suffer hardship.

Who knew what hardships she had endured during her time away?

Thinking of this, Lady Mei helped Qiu Lianying to her feet.

But then, remembering the grievances Yi'er had suffered because of those dissolute young men, she couldn't resist giving Qiu Lianying a hard slap on the back, making her hiss in pain.

Mu Yuanxi couldn't help but step forward, then forcibly stopped himself.

Despite the slap, Qiu Lianying broke into a smile. "It's fine as long as Mother isn't angry anymore."

Lady Mei didn't know what to do with her. Holding Qiu Shuiyi's hand, she sighed. "Have you been in Jiangnan all this time?"

Qiu Lianying nodded. She walked past everyone to Mu Yuanxi's side and, under countless gazes, took his hand. She declared solemnly, "Mother, this is your son-in-law. A'mu and I have already performed the wedding rites."

"Bang—"

It was the sound of something heavy hitting the ground.

"Father!"

"My Lord!"

It was a beautiful day. Standing in the sunlight, Lady Mei stared blankly at the motionless form of the Marquis of Yun'an on the ground.