Chapter 2 002 A Storm is Coming

Chapter 2 002 Storm Clouds Are Coming

For Qin Yan to recognize her, Qiao Wanyue was still shocked. They hadn't had much contact; the only time they met was probably the day Qin Yan came to the Qiao residence to present betrothal gifts. On his usual visits to the Qiao household, she stayed in the back courtyard and wasn't allowed to see male outsiders.

Just a moment ago, she and Su Su had been standing together. He clearly hadn't looked at her, yet now he could recognize her. His memory was truly remarkable. Qiao Wanyue's thoughts wandered aimlessly, then she frowned and focused on the situation at hand. She absolutely couldn't let him go over there. If he saw what was happening, it would be disastrous.

"Miss Qiao, is there something else?"

Qin Yan was speaking to her, and he even knew her surname was Qiao. It seemed he not only recognized her but also knew she was Qiao Yingxin's younger sister.

The man in front of her was too tall; she had to crane her neck to look at him. Her gaze traveled from his chest to his throat, finally landing on those dark, deep eyes. They were slightly narrowed, scrutinizing her, as if one more look from him would see right through her.

Qiao Wanyue hastily averted her eyes, dropped her gaze, and pointed behind her. "Marquis, are you going in there?"

"That's right."

Qin Yan had just lifted his foot when she blocked him again. The young girl shook her head at him. "No, the path there is not easy to walk. Don't go."

Her elder sister secretly meeting a man was already a disaster. If Qin Yan caught her in the act, it would be the sky falling—no immortal could save her then. She would be left with a ruined reputation.

But Qin Yan was also unlucky. He had married at twenty, and within a year of the wedding, his first wife passed away. Rumors spread that he was cursed to bring death to his wives and children, destined to end his days alone. Perhaps because of these rumors, Qin Yan had never remarried.

Last year, he finally got engaged to the Qiao family, but just after the New Year, her sister was secretly meeting another man. Truly pitiful. Qiao Wanyue seemed to see a green glow above his head, so bright it was blinding.

Ah, besides his power and family status, he had nothing. So pitiful. Qiao Wanyue felt a bit sorry for him.

Qin Yan looked at the young girl before him. Her bright eyes were downcast, frowning at the sky one moment, pursing her lips at him the next—an expression so rich, her little head must be scheming something. She appeared calm on the surface, but was actually a clever little imp.

By seniority, he was her elder, and it wouldn't do to argue with a junior. With this thought, Qin Yan mustered a bit more patience and said, "It's fine."

With that, he turned to pass her, but she blocked him again. This time, Qin Yan's expression didn't look so good. He stared at her sternly, hoping she would give him a reasonable explanation, or just come out and say what urgent matter she had to stop him.

"Marquis, that really isn't easy to walk. You might fall. Why not take another path?"

She had done her best. If her sister's secret meeting was still discovered by Qin Yan today, it wouldn't be her fault. As Qiao Yingxin's unrelated stepsister, she had a clear conscience.

"I'm not that old."

Yes, she knew, but he wasn't exactly young either. No need to tell her that.

Qin Yan rarely got angry at a young girl, but this one was indeed bold.

"You know who I am, yet you still block me?"

Hearing this, Qiao Wanyue, for some reason, blurted out, "Brother-in-law."

This address startled them both. Qiao Wanyue covered her mouth in chagrin, while he responded with an unnatural tone: "Not yet married. Calling me brother-in-law is premature."

After all, he was much older, so his expression quickly returned to normal. He pressed her: "What is it exactly?"

She couldn't fob him off any longer. Qiao Wanyue racked her brains for an excuse: "There's filth on the ground. I was afraid it would dirty your eyes."

The man took a deep breath in frustration. After a few moments, his emotions calmed, and he said, "Forget it."

No point in quibbling with a junior. He didn't want to waste time.

Qin Yan left. Only after a moment did she come to her senses, patting her chest and breathing heavily. That was terrifying. Thank goodness Qin Yan didn't go over; otherwise, how would she have handled it?

Hiding around the corner, she watched that direction. She was afraid Qin Yan might come back, so she waited there for a while to make sure he wouldn't return before leaving. Half an incense stick later, only a few people went into the back courtyard. Qiao Wanyue felt relieved and quickly left the Qingxin Temple.

Once in the carriage, her heart was still pounding wildly. Even now, the memory sent chills down her spine. Qiao Wanyue pondered whether to tell her mother. As the mistress of the Qiao household, she ought to know. But she was afraid that this matter would harm the Qiao family's reputation, so she was torn.

-

The wind rustled, making the leaves swish.

Only after returning to her own little world did Qiao Wanyue feel a sense of security. She sat quietly in her room for a while, then said to Zhu Qing and Hongmei, "Don't tell anyone about our trip to the Qingxin Temple today. If anyone asks, say we went to Fragrant Tower for tea."

They hadn't entered the back garden earlier, so naturally they hadn't seen what happened inside. They only knew that the young lady had come out with a pale, uneasy face. Later, she had spoken with Marquis Qin for a bit. They were too far away to hear what was said. Then she hurried back, and now she seemed scared of something.

Zhu Qing was about to ask when Hongmei tugged at her sleeve, shaking her head and saying, "Let's do as the young lady says."

Zhu Qing nodded at her and asked one more question: "What if the madam asks?"

Her mother was always very concerned about her whereabouts. Since she had gone out today, she would certainly come to ask later. Qiao Wanyue said firmly, "Just say what I told you."

Realizing the seriousness, the two of them responded solemnly and then went about their own business.

Despite holding a huge secret, Qiao Wanyue still followed her daily routine and napped. She thought she wouldn't be able to sleep, but she ended up sleeping soundly and woke up naturally.

When she woke, it was already afternoon. The sun had weakened, and there was a touch of coolness. She dressed and went out. The wind cut through her clothes, chilling her, and she couldn't help but shiver.

Seeing this, Zhu Qing quickly went inside and poured a cup of hot tea. After drinking it, Qiao Wanyue warmed up a little.

"Is elder sister back?"

Zhu Qing replied, "Just returned."

Back only now! She had been with that man for so long. I hope no one saw her. Speaking of which, that man—who was he?

Elder sister couldn't even fancy Qin Yan, yet she chose that man. He must have some exceptional qualities.

Qiao Wanyue's head felt heavy in the wind, so she turned back inside. It was warmer indoors. She reclined on the couch, swinging her legs, eating snacks, and reading the storybook her elder brother had sent. Nothing could be more comfortable. The incident at Qingxin Temple was temporarily put aside.

After dinner, Madam Wang came from the main courtyard. Entering the room, she first looked around and frowned at the pile of melon seed shells in the dish. Turning to Qiao Wanyue, she said, "Didn't I tell you not to eat melon seeds? They're bad for your teeth. And eating and spitting at the same time is inelegant—unseemly."

Madam Wang hated it most when she ate melon seeds, saying it wasn't graceful, not what a proper young lady should do. But Qiao Wanyue loved reading while eating melon seeds—so comfortable and free! If it were summer, a bowl of iced lotus seeds would make her ecstatic.

Qiao Wanyue had already stood up when Madam Wang entered. Now she stood obediently to one side, looking innocent. "It wasn't me. Zhu Qing ate them. Really."

Madam Wang, still charming in her middle age, exuded gentle elegance in every smile and gesture. Qiao Wanyue resembled her, but compared to her mother's gentleness, she was brighter and more radiant, with pure, clear eyes that were simply endearing.

Madam Wang saw through her lie but smiled gently, not wanting to expose her. "Alright, come and sit down."

Qiao Wanyue knew her mother wouldn't pursue it. She always scolded her, but never actually blamed her. That's why she dared to sneak snacks.

"Where's my brother?"

After marrying into the Qiao family, Madam Wang had a son named Qiao Shaoan. He was usually the noisiest, but today he was strangely quiet.

"Punished by the tutor. He's copying texts in his room."

Just mentioning Qiao Shaoan gave Madam Wang a headache. Neither of the two was obedient. Qiao Shaoan was the worst, while Qiao Wanyue was slightly better but still no easy child.

"Forget about him. Let's talk about you."

Qiao Wanyue poured tea for her mother and then for herself. She brought the cup to her lips but set it down again. "About what?"

"About your marriage, of course. The young gentleman I mentioned a few days ago—have you considered it?"

Qiao Wanyue thought hard. Was it Scholar Chen or Scholar Li? She had forgotten. After a moment, she remembered. It was Scholar Liu.

"I've thought it over. Scholar Liu is exceptionally talented and of noble character. I'll marry him."

She declared it with solemn righteousness and sincerity.

Lady Wang, however, found it amusing. "What Scholar Liu? His surname is Wang, Scholar Wang."

"Ah, it's not Scholar Liu?"

She had told Su Su it was Scholar Liu today. Oops—she'd gotten it wrong. Next time she sees Su Su, she must not make a mistake.

Qiao Wanyue pouted: "Mother, why did you pick someone from our own family? He has the same surname as you."

They're both named Wang. Mother must have done that on purpose.

"The same surname doesn't matter. I've got it all figured out for you. Scholar Wang is quite talented; passing the imperial exams is only a matter of time. He has some family wealth, plus the dowry I've prepared for you. You'll have no worries about food and clothing for the rest of your life."

She nodded repeatedly. As long as she didn't have to worry about food and clothing, she was content.

She hugged Lady Wang tightly, rested her head on her shoulder, and acted adorable: "Mother, you're so good to me."

The mother and daughter were being affectionate for a while, when Qiao Wanyue suddenly remembered her elder sister's matter. Her smile vanished. She stole a glance at Lady Wang, hesitating whether to say it.

Before she could decide, Lady Wang patted her hand and stood up to leave.

"Mom, there's something... I..."

"What is it?"

She hesitated, but just couldn't bring herself to say it.

Lady Wang smiled knowingly: "Alright, I know. I'm taking care of your marriage; I won't let you suffer."

She managed a weak smile. That wasn't what she meant.

Lady Wang left. She still hadn't said what she wanted to. For now, she'd just put it out of her mind.

While she was bathing that evening, Hongmei felt around her waist and muttered: "Eh, where is the sachet on your waist?"

She felt around her waist and looked down. She'd had a sachet on when she went out—one Zhu Qing had embroidered—but now it was gone.

Qiao Wanyue frowned: "Did I lose it? Is it in the room?"

Zhu Qing circled the room several times and also had the night maid search the courtyard, but still didn't find it.

"Didn't find it. It's not in the courtyard. Could it have been lost outside?"

She had only been to Qingxin Temple today. Had she lost it there?

Her heart, which had been calm, suddenly tightened and raced in panic. It couldn't be that coincidental, could it? If someone else picked it up, that was fine, they wouldn't recognize who it belonged to. But if her elder sister picked it up, it would be all over—her sister recognized Zhu Qing's handiwork.

Qiao Wanyue sighed over and over in frustration. For the first time, she couldn't fall asleep that night.

-

At daybreak, Qiao Wanyue woke up. She didn't get up but curled up on the bed, thinking of a plan. She decided to first go to her elder sister and feel her out.

If her elder sister hadn't picked up the sachet, then it would be fine. But if...

Impossible. Her luck had always been good, from childhood to now.

With that thought, Qiao Wanyue slept in until late morning. After eating, she went to find Qiao Yingxin.

The two courtyards were far apart. To get there, she had to pass the main hall. She happened to run into Qiao Zhuofan and stopped in her tracks.

"Dad, did you just get back?" she asked politely.

"I got back a little while ago. Now I'm heading to the Qin mansion."

Qiao Zhuofan was all smiles. He'd been invited over to the Qin residence, most likely to talk about Yingxin's marriage. Good.

Watching Qiao Zhuofan's cheerful retreating figure, her heart started pounding. Going to the Qin residence—good news or bad news?