Chapter 102: Origins

Chapter 102: Lineage

The Shen family ancestral graves were located in the outskirts. Setting out from the capital by carriage, the journey took a little over two hours.

Qiu Shuiyi's group departed at dawn, arriving close to noon.

Stepping down from the carriage, Qiu Lianying looked around, taking a deep breath. "The site chosen by the Shen ancestors is truly picturesque, with lush mountains and clear waters."

Qiu Shuiyi glanced around.

The place was surrounded by mountains and water. Despite the intense sun, the dense shade from the trees made it feel surprisingly cool. Cicadas chirped incessantly from the trees, birds occasionally flitted by, and the faint sound of a nearby stream could be heard.

She nodded.

Before the two could observe further, a middle-aged man dressed like a steward approached, heading straight for Shen Yuchao.

"Young Prince."

"Uncle Guan, please rise."

Shen Yuchao respectfully helped the middle-aged man to his feet.

Uncle Guan responded with an "Ah," smiling as he carefully looked Shen Yuchao over. As if remembering something, he glanced behind Shen Yuchao. "Which one is the Princess Consort?"

"Yi'er." Shen Yuchao called out.

Before Qiu Shuiyi could react, Qiu Lianying gave her a push, directly exposing her to Uncle Guan's view.

Shen Yuchao's lips curved into a smile. "Uncle Guan's father served under my grandfather. After Grandfather passed, their family moved here to guard the Shen family tombs. Just call him Uncle Guan, like I do."

Qiu Shuiyi bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Uncle Guan."

"This isn't proper, truly it isn't." Uncle Guan waved his hands repeatedly. "My father was merely an attendant to the old prince. How can a master bow to a servant?"

"Grandfather had already freed Uncle Guan's family from their indenture during his lifetime. Now, a junior brings his wife to pay respects to elders. What is improper about that?"

Shen Yuchao smiled, standing beside Qiu Shuiyi and performing a deep bow. "For all these years, thanks to Uncle Guan being here, no petty thieves have disturbed Grandfather and the Prince, my father's peace. This gesture of respect is only fitting."

Uncle Guan's eyes glistened with tears as he looked with a smile at Shen Yuchao and Qiu Shuiyi.

To have such a fine son and daughter-in-law, if the Prince were still alive, he would be overjoyed.

He discreetly wiped his eyes and smiled. "It's getting late. Would the Young Prince like to rest for a moment?"

Glancing at the sun, Shen Yuchao said, "That won't be necessary. We'll go now."

Uncle Guan nodded, his gaze sweeping over Qiu Lianying and Mu Yuanxi. "You two, please come along."

"Thank you." Qiu Lianying curtsied, and Mu Yuanxi also bowed.

On the way, Shen Yuchao asked Uncle Guan, "Has anyone come to pay respects earlier?"

Uncle Guan replied, "Yes. He said he was a friend of the Prince's. Judging by his attire, he was either well-to-do or noble. If we hurry our pace, we might still see him."

Shen Yuchao nodded.

Upon reaching their destination, Shen Yuchao took Qiu Shuiyi to stand before Shen Shuo's tomb.

As a prince of the current dynasty, Shen Shuo's tomb was built on a grand scale. The stone stele was densely carved with the achievements of his life.

After placing the offerings, Qiu Lianying and Mu Yuanxi offered incense and bowed deeply.

Shen Yuchao had not spoken since arriving here. Qiu Shuiyi glanced at him and said softly, "Elder Sister, you two go back first. I'll stay here with him."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt his hand grasp hers.

Qiu Shuiyi did not turn her head, just squeezed back.

Seeing they wanted to talk, Qiu Lianying nodded and pulled Mu Yuanxi away. "Then we'll wait for you back at the carriage."

"Alright."

After they had left, Shen Yuchao tightened his grip on Qiu Shuiyi's hand, he said, his voice hoarse. "Father, I've brought your daughter-in-law to see you."

...

The group made the return journey in near silence.

Zuo Yi shot Shang Ze a look. Shang Ze cleared his throat and said, "Young Master Mu, there's a spot with a nice view nearby. It's still early. Why don't you take the Eldest Miss for a look?"

Mu Yuanxi looked at Qiu Lianying.

The girl shot him a look, tilting her chin up in refusal. "I'm not going."

Mu Yuanxi asked, "Where is it?"

Shang Ze pointed in a certain direction. "Keep going this way. You'll reach it when you see the river."

Mu Yuanxi nodded. "Thank you."

Then he seized Qiu Lianying's hand and, without another word, led her off in that direction.

"Hey, what are you doing? I said I'm not going! You're so overbearing!"

As Qiu Lianying's indignant voice faded, Xin Tao nudged Bi Wan. "The Eldest Young Lady has been taken away. Why didn't you stop him?"

Bi Wan whispered, "The Young Lady has been upset with Young Master Mu these past few days. Going to see the scenery with him might help them reconcile."

"So that's it."

Xin Tao rubbed her chin and asked again, "What happened between the Eldest Young Lady and Young Master Mu?"

Bi Wan hesitated and shook her head. "I don't know either."

"You two." Xin Liu tapped Xin Tao on the head. "Stop prying into the masters' affairs."

Xin Tao rubbed the top of her head and chuckled twice.

"What are you looking at?" Shang Ze waved a hand in front of Zuo Yi's eyes.

The latter withdrew his gaze, replying coldly, "Let's go."

"Hey, you." Shang Ze was indignant. "What did I do to you? Your tone is so harsh."

Zuo Yi did not reply, leaving him with a cold, retreating back.

...

"Be careful, Your Majesty."

Eunuch Hu carefully kicked away the pebble near Emperor Tianhong's foot, lamenting, "If I'd known, I never would have suggested we leave the palace."

Emperor Tianhong took a step forward, musing, "Back when I practiced martial arts with A'shuo, this path was nothing. We've trudged down paths far tougher and more bitter than this."

He gave a self-deprecating smile. "I really am getting old."

"Pah, pah, pah!" Eunuch Hu spat three times. "Your Majesty is strong and vigorous. What's all this talk about being old?"

Emperor Tianhong chuckled. "You still know just what to say."

Eunuch Hu grinned.

"After all these years, you're the only one still by my side." Emperor Tianhong let out a long sigh. "These past few days, I've been unable to sleep over the past. Thankfully, you suggested I take this trip."

"After seeing A'shuo, the weight on my heart has lifted without me even noticing."

At this, Eunuch Hu's eyes darted away guiltily. He hurriedly said, "I was only doing my duty. Your Majesty flatters me too much; you'll shorten my life!"

Emperor Tianhong laughed heartily twice. "With me around, who would dare?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven. With Your Majesty's protection, even the King of Hell shouldn't dare take this servant's life."

Eunuch Hu's flattery brought a lasting smile to the Emperor's eyes.

As they neared the edge of the woods, the sound of gurgling water reached their ears, a welcome relief on such a sweltering day.

Just as they were about to pass by, a clear, bell-like female voice said angrily, "I told you to let me go."

Emperor Tianhong followed the sound and happened to see two figures entangled.

The young woman, peerlessly beautiful, frowned slightly and snapped, "You're hurting me."

Hearing this, the man in front immediately released her hand.

The young woman glared at him, turned her back to him, and gently rubbed her wrist.

Seeing her face, Emperor Tianhong said in surprise, "This young lady... she looks somewhat familiar."

Eunuch Hu raised the parasol high, stood on tiptoe to get a look, and said, "Your Majesty, it's the eldest young lady from the Marquis of Yun'an's household."

"The Marquis of Yun'an's household," Emperor Tianhong murmured. "The Qiu family's?"

Eunuch Hu nodded.

"And who is that man?"

The man had his back to them; Eunuch Hu couldn't see his features clearly and shook his head in response.

...

"Are you still angry?" Mu Yuanxi asked softly.

"Shouldn't I be angry?"

At this, Qiu Lianying grew even angrier. She pressed her lips together tightly, saying with grievance, "I just wanted to help you."

Mu Yuanxi was silent for a long time before letting out a soft sigh. "A'ying, I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing to me? What have you done wrong by me?" Qiu Lianying suddenly erupted, her voice filled with anger. "Are you apologizing for your lack of status?"

"But I like you for who you are, regardless of family background. Whether you're the young master of an escort agency or a server in an inn, as long as it's you, that's enough."

Tears slid from Qiu Lianying's eyes. She cried silently. "It's me who's wronged you, bringing you so much harm."

"A'mu, take me away, please? Take me and Xiao Chuan away. Whether it's for revenge or to revive the agency, to the ends of the earth, anywhere is fine, as long as I'm by your side."

"A'ying, have you gone mad? You still have parents!"

Qiu Lianying suppressed the tremor in her voice. "My parents have already agreed to our marriage. They have my younger sister with them now. It won't make a difference if I'm gone."

"How can you push the responsibility of being a child onto someone else? It's true that the second young lady is Madame Marquis's daughter, but she is not you. Honoring your parents is *her* duty to them. How can you let her bear the responsibility that belongs to you?"

Mu Yuanxi's voice was already tinged with anger.

He abruptly turned, grasped Qiu Lianying's shoulders, and spun her around to face him, frowning as he looked at her. "A'ying, what's wrong with you? You weren't like this before."

Qiu Lianying gazed at him through tear-blurred eyes, reaching out in confusion to touch her chest, saying helplessly, "I don't know, I really don't know."

"A'mu, my heart aches so much. A voice keeps telling me that you are the person I love most, and I cannot let you suffer the slightest harm."

"I want to be with you forever."

"Even if it means abandoning my parents, it doesn't matter."

Qiu Lianying murmured, "A'mu, what's really wrong with me?"

"Don't think. Don't think about anything."

Mu Yuanxi wiped the tears from Qiu Lianying's face, cradling her face in his hands. "Don't think about anything. Leave it all to me. I will stand proudly and honorably by your side, so that those who covet you can never harm either of us again."

His gaze was so resolute, like the star that had always shone in the sky on that desperate night.

Qiu Lianying nodded emphatically. "I believe you."

Mu Yuanxi gave a faint smile and drew her into his embrace.

At this moment, Eunuch Hu was utterly stunned.

Having served by Emperor Tianhong's side for thirty years, he was the person in this world most familiar with him. Naturally, he could see the resemblance between the man not far away and the Emperor.

But... but how could it be?

His Majesty had never had any fleeting romantic encounters outside the palace, and all the princes in the palace had long since passed away in childhood. How could a man who looked so much like him suddenly appear?

No wonder... no wonder that person was so determined to have His Majesty leave the palace.

He couldn't help but glance at Emperor Tianhong.

His expression revealed nothing, but his eyes were fixed, clearly also in shock.

The scorching summer wind lifted the man's robe, revealing the jade pendant at his waist.

Seeing the pattern on it clearly, Eunuch Hu was so startled he nearly cried out.

Trembling, he pointed at the pendant, stammering, "Y-Y-Y-Your Majesty, th-th-that... that's the Third Prince's jade pendant."

Emperor Tianhong's pupils contracted sharply, and the hand hanging at his side clenched into a tight fist.

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Hu said to the Emperor, stepping forward nervously and swallowing hard. "But the Third Prince... he passed away long ago."

*Was the person before them human or ghost?*

In an instant, countless rumors flooded his ears, and a rustling sound came from right by his feet. Eunuch Hu stiffly looked down.

"Ah!"

The sudden noise startled Qiu Lianying and Mu Yuanxi. They jumped apart on reflex, but their fingers were still laced together.

Coming around the clump of bushes, Mu Yuanxi frowned as he looked at the two men.

One of them, a man whose face had gone white, was jumping up and down in a panic, shouting, "Snake, there's a snake!"

A long, green snake slithered through the grass, making a beeline for the other man.

That man seemed rooted to the spot in fear.

Just as the snake opened its mouth, baring its fangs to bite, Mu Yuanxi moved in a flash. A throwing knife flew from his sleeve, accurately striking the base of the snake's skull and pinning it to the ground.

"This area's thick with snakes. Watch your step."

After leaving these words, Mu Yuanxi took Qiu Lianying by the hand and started to go.

The man suddenly snapped back to his senses, firmly grabbing Mu Yuanxi's wrist. When he spoke, his voice trembled, and upon closer listening, there was a hint of choked emotion.

"Chen'er, it's me... your father."