Chapter 95: Long Separation

Chapter 95: After the Long Absence

Watching Shen Yuchao's departing figure, Qiu Shuiyi was completely baffled.

What could Father want with Shen Yuchao?

Unable to figure it out, she rested her chin on her hand, adding up what she'd gained from this trip south.

That jump off the ship had earned her two years of lifespan, while escaping from Han Zicheng had surprisingly granted her a full five years.

Nibbling on a piece of poria cake absentmindedly, Qiu Shuiyi's eyes curved into a smile, brimming with the warmth of spring sunshine.

...

"Please have a seat, Your Highness."

The Marquis of Yun'an invited Shen Yuchao to sit.

He nodded with a faint smile and took a seat opposite the Marquis.

Lady Mei had withdrawn, leaving only the two of them in the room.

The Marquis of Yun'an remained silent, and Shen Yuchao did not press him. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

"This matter is of great importance. I must trouble Your Highness to confirm once more... Is Young Master Mu truly..."

The Marquis of Yun'an spoke hesitantly.

"Based on his appearance alone, it might be mere coincidence. But with this added, it is almost certain."

Shen Yuchao retrieved a jade pendant from within his robes.

It was made of superior white jade, carved with vivid plum blossom patterns. The outer silk ribbon was adorned with specks of golden light, exquisite and magnificent.

The Marquis of Yun'an's expression changed dramatically. He hastily took the pendant to examine it closely, his thumb tracing the patterns on its surface. A faraway look came into his eyes, as if lost in memories.

Shen Yuchao said, "This jade pendant belongs to Young Master Mu."

The Marquis of Yun'an muttered, "Yes, it is this very pendant. I saw it clearly on him during his full-month celebration. It was this one."

By the end of his words, his voice carried a touch of excitement, and his eyes even glistened with unshed tears.

"But..." Still harboring unresolved doubts, the Marquis of Yun'an asked, "Your Highness was just a baby in swaddling clothes at the time. How could you possibly know the appearance of this pendant?"

Shen Yuchao gave a light chuckle. "Marquis, have you forgotten? This pendant was a gift from my late father."

The Marquis of Yun'an was taken aback, then shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm getting old. Many things are slipping from my memory."

He stood up. "I shall go and inform..."

"Marquis, please wait."

Shen Yuchao placed a hand on the Marquis of Yun'an's wrist, applying slight pressure to make him sit back down before he could fully rise.

Meeting the Marquis's inquiring gaze, he said calmly, "Marquis, if we directly reveal Young Master Mu's identity, it will inevitably arouse suspicion. It would be better to present both the person and the evidence before him, allowing him to investigate on his own."

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Yun'an's fervent emotions cooled considerably.

That's true, after all... Moreover, the relationship between Ying'er and Mu Yuanxi might invite gossip in the future. A more cautious approach is better.

He asked, "What does Your Highness intend to do?"

Shen Yuchao smiled and whispered a few words.

...

Nearly half an hour later, Shen Yuchao finally returned from the main hall.

Qiu Shuiyi immediately hurried to meet him. "What did you discuss with my father? Why did it take so long?"

His heart stirred. Shen Yuchao wanted to take her hand. He extended his hand halfway, but upon seeing the maids and matrons coming and going, he lowered it again.

He answered with a smile, "Naturally, it was about our marriage."

"Ah?"

Qiu Shuiyi was stunned. "Marriage?"

Shen Yuchao nodded with a smile. "I have already come of age, and you have had your hair-pinning ceremony. Naturally, we should consider marriage."

Walking side by side as they headed out, Qiu Shuiyi maintained a palm's distance from him. Their robes brushed against each other as they walked, their shadows on the bluestone pavement intimately intertwined.

No matter how many lifetimes she had lived, marriage was a first for her. Mentioning this matter inevitably made Qiu Shuiyi bashful and shy, even somewhat flustered.

"How about the sixth day of the tenth month?"

It was currently the seventh month. That meant only three months remained?

Qiu Shuiyi instinctively refused. "That's too early."

Realizing her refusal was too abrupt, she uttered an "uh" and explained, "What I mean is, it's too rushed. I've only just returned, and Father and Mother might not be willing to let me marry so soon."

Shen Yuchao stopped.

After taking two steps, she realized he hadn't followed. Qiu Shuiyi backtracked, tilting her face up to look at him, and tentatively asked, "Is that not acceptable?"

Gently tapping Qiu Shuiyi's forehead twice, Shen Yuchao chuckled. "I was teasing you. The Marquis did not discuss any wedding date with me."

"Ah?"

While she was still dazed, the man had already walked ahead.

Qiu Shuiyi laughed in exasperation and chased after him, asking, "Is it fun to trick me?"

Shen Yuchao turned his head to look at her, the playful expression fading, replaced by seriousness. "Yi'er, during my next visit, I truly will need to discuss the wedding date with your parents."

"I cannot wait to marry you."

Her earlobes grew warm as the man's breath brushed against her ear, carrying a lingering tenderness. "Be prepared."

Qiu Shuiyi's face flushed slightly. Before she could react, he had already stepped back.

"I shall return to my residence now. You should go back."

With that, he strode towards the mansion gate.

Qiu Shuiyi stared blankly at his retreating figure. Her fingertips touched her burning cheeks, and she quietly let out a sigh of relief.

...

Qiu Lianying loved a lively scene, but in the days since her return, she had stayed in to keep Mu Yuanxi and Mu Sichuan company, without setting a foot outside. The invitations that poured into the residence like snowflakes she paid no mind.

Unable to see her, Princess Nanqi even sent her invitations to Qiu Shuiyi. At the rate of three invitations per day, Qiu Shuiyi suspected that if Qiu Lianying didn’t attend soon, the princess would storm their doorstep the very next day.

Since it had been ages since she last saw Meng Qinruo, Qiu Shuiyi led Xin Liu and Xin Tao to Qiu Lianying’s Minghui Courtyard.

As expected, no one was there.

Without asking where she had gone, Qiu Shuiyi headed straight for the outer courtyard.

The courtyard where Mu Yuanxi and his nephew were staying was right next to Qiu Jinbai’s.

Speaking of which, after learning of Mu Yuanxi’s existence, Qiu Jinbai had been furious at the man who had “abducted” his sister and immediately challenged him to a duel. The outcome, naturally, was disastrous.

Strangely enough, despite taking a beating, Qiu Jinbai’s attitude toward Mu Yuanxi warmed considerably once he realized the man was no pushover.

Before even stepping into the courtyard, Qiu Shuiyi heard peals of clear, cheerful laughter.

A servant posted at the courtyard gate hurriedly bowed upon seeing her. “Second Miss.”

Qiu Shuiyi nodded with a smile and walked past him into the courtyard.

The sun was shining brightly, yet this group didn’t seem to mind the heat, all sitting under the shade of a tree.

Mu Yuanxi was making a kite, while Qiu Lianying sat beside him, holding a book.

Mu Sichuan nestled between the two, listening intently as Qiu Lianying read aloud.

Her voice was as gentle and soothing as a babbling brook, holding Mu Sichuan spellbound.

The moment Qiu Shuiyi appeared, Qiu Lianying stopped reading and waved to her with a smile. “Yi’er, what brings you here today?”

Qiu Shuiyi shot her an exasperated glance. “You’ve been holed up here so long that the princess’s invitations are now being sent to me.”

“Nan Qi?”

“Yes, her.”

Qiu Lianying looked embarrassed. “I wrote back to her, saying I haven’t had a moment to spare and would visit once I have time. How could she not even wait a few days?”

Qiu Shuiyi walked over and greeted Mu Yuanxi, “Young Master Mu.”

Mu Yuanxi nodded. “Second Miss.”

Mu Sichuan also called out cheerfully, “Aunt Qiu!”

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and patted his head before taking a seat beside Qiu Lianying. She pointed at the book and asked, “So, you're just busy reading to a child?”

Her gaze drifted toward Mu Yuanxi. Half of the man’s body was exposed to the sun, and his forehead was beaded with sweat, yet he remained as steady as a mountain, focused intently on the task in his hands.

Qiu Lianying’s eyes held a trace of infatuation.

She withdrew her gaze and nodded softly.

Qiu Shuiyi was speechless, only able to sigh inwardly about women in love.

“Sister, while you were missing, the princess was very concerned about you.” Qiu Shuiyi gently fanned herself with a fan. “Besides, it’s been a while since I last saw Sister Meng. Why don’t we all get together?”

“Sister Meng?” After a moment of thought, a young girl’s figure came to mind. Qiu Lianying asked, “From the Loyal Duke’s residence?”

Qiu Shuiyi nodded.

Having grown up in the capital since childhood, Qiu Lianying was no stranger to Meng Qinruo. Moreover, since their mothers were on good terms, they had met quite often.

However, Meng Qinruo had a quiet temperament and didn’t quite click with Qiu Lianying, so they remained merely acquaintances.

Now that she was close with her younger sister, Qiu Lianying wasn’t surprised.

Hearing Qiu Shuiyi’s words, a pang of guilt suddenly welled up inside her.

Nan Qi had always been sincere toward her, so she really ought to meet her. Not to mention, her younger sister also wanted to reunite with her close friend.

After a moment of contemplation, Qiu Lianying looked down at Mu Sichuan, who was leaning against her, and asked, “Xiao Chuan, would you like to explore the capital?”

Mu Yuanxi’s hands stilled.

Unfortunately, no one noticed, as all eyes turned to Mu Sichuan.

The little boy’s eyes visibly lit up, and he tugged at Qiu Lianying’s sleeve, eagerly asking, “Of course! Auntie, are you taking me out to play?”

Qiu Lianying tapped the tip of his nose. “Yes, are you happy?”

“Very happy!”

Mu Sichuan was so excited he nearly jumped up.

Mu Yuanxi, however, frowned. “It’s inconvenient for two young ladies to take him out.”

“That’s why you’re coming along too.” Qiu Lianying looked at him, her eyes seeming to glow in the sunlight.

Mu Yuanxi paused. “Me too?”

“Of course.”

Qiu Lianying nodded with a smile. “It’s settled then. We’ll all go together, and no one is allowed to refuse.”

Qiu Shuiyi naturally had no objections.

After informing Madam Mei in advance, the four of them set out in a carriage the next day, all dressed and ready.

Qiu Shuiyi had arranged to meet Princess Nanqi and Meng Qinruo at Zui Xiang Lou.

After alighting from the carriage, Mu Yuanxi swiftly caught Mu Sichuan, who was eager to dash off, and said to the two sisters, “You go ahead. Xiao Chuan and I will wait here.”

Qiu Lianying thought it over. Since it was a gathering of women, it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to join, so she nodded in agreement.

Princess Nanqi’s maid had been waiting in the main hall. Upon seeing Qiu Lianying, she hurried forward. “Young Misses, the princess and Miss Meng have already arrived. Please follow me.”

They went up to a private room on the second floor. As soon as the door opened, a figure rushed toward Qiu Lianying. “Lian Ying! I’ve missed you so much!”

Qiu Lianying was equally delighted. “Nan Qi.”

Another figure emerged from inside the room.

The young woman wore a water-green silk blouse and a matching pleated skirt embroidered with silk flowers. A simple plum blossom hairpin adorned her hair, making her look as refreshing as a clear spring on a scorching summer day. Her plain silk dress did nothing to diminish her beauty.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and called out, “Sister Meng.”

Meng Qinruo also smiled softly. “Sister Yi.”

Meng Qinruo took Qiu Shuiyi's hand and said softly, "I've reserved a nice private room next door. Shall we go there for a chat?"

Qiu Shuiyi nodded and said to Qiu Lianying, who was immersed in the reunion with her friend, "Sister, Sister Meng and I are going next door."

‘Mm-hmm,’ Qiu Lianying responded, reminding her, "Don't wander off; wait right there for me."

Qiu Shuiyi was amused. "Alright."

Watching her and Meng Qinruo walk off together, Princess Nanqi released Qiu Lianying and pulled her into the room to sit down, teasing, "You're really playing the big sister role to the hilt."

"Of course," Qiu Lianying said proudly. "She's my only sister."

"I'm relieved to see you two getting along so well."

Princess Nanqi patted Qiu Lianying's hand. "I always said, full sisters couldn't possibly be as nasty as the rumors say."

"Rumors? Nasty?" Qiu Lianying was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" Princess Nanqi asked, surprised.