Chapter 67: Confronting Qian Yu

The small courtyard lay in a cold, desolate silence.

Xiao Xing pushed open the door to Qian Yu's usual resting place, then turned to Yu Jingshuang, shaking her head. "He's not here."

She then spotted a note on the door. After a quick scan, Xiao Xing looked up and reported, "He says the Rainbow Pavilion has ordered him out to investigate. The meal is already warming in the small kitchen."

Yu Jingshuang let out a cold laugh.

Since leaving the Bai residence that day, Bai Ji had been staying at an inn with his younger sister, no longer serving in the courtyard.

Thus, for the past few days, Qian Yu had been responsible for sweeping the courtyard and preparing meals—diligent and earnest, almost embodying the image of a devoted husband and father.

She had almost forgotten that this guard, whom she had taken in by chance, was not merely attentive; he was a member of the Rainbow Pavilion, possessed exceptional martial skills, and harbored many secrets.

Recalling the gruesome scar on Wei Xie's neck, how could Yu Jingshuang fail to recognize the ruthless determination of the assailant?

Throughout Daliang, the only one who bore hostility towards Wei Xie was Yu Jingshuang herself. The plan she had meticulously laid out had not even begun, yet someone else had already taken action...

Who could possibly despise Wei Xie to such an extent?

If Wei Xie had been unlucky and failed to escape that ordeal, and the fifth prince of Shangyan had died on her territory, Yu Jingshuang feared that when Shangyan came seeking answers and accountability, she wouldn't be able to explain herself even if she had a hundred mouths!

...Lan Chengyuan.

It had been a long time since she last heard that name, and when Wei Xie mentioned it today, she had been momentarily taken aback.

Yu Jingshuang's gaze darkened. Since their parting at the border years ago, she had neither seen him nor heard any news of him.

Even now, whenever the image of his rain-soaked eyes from that night flashed through her mind, a sharp pang would still pierce her heart.

He had abandoned her due to clashing beliefs and divergent futures, yet in times of peril, he had returned without hesitation, forsaking everything to find her. Yu Jingshuang was not one to forgive him solely for that, but reflecting on this bond, after long consideration, she could only sigh.

Perhaps going their separate ways as strangers, as if they had never met, was the best possible outcome.

That was what she had thought back then, and what she had told the young man kneeling outside the carriage, swearing oaths. When he learned that Yu Jingshuang did not wish to go with him, he was heartbroken, the light in his eyes instantly dimming.

After a long silence, he spoke with a trembling, strained voice, saying that if she disliked him, he would simply escort her to a secure location and then leave, never disturbing her again.

The blades of Shangyan's pursuers, the interrogations and punishments of Daliang—he would bear them all alone, ensuring she would not worry even the slightest bit.

If someone had once been accused of being blinded by greed and ambition, abandoning you for fame and fortune, yet returned when you were in dire straits, forsaking an easily attainable path to glory, asking for nothing but your safety and peace—

What would others think? How would they choose?

Yu Jingshuang did not know, but she could no longer hold onto her resentment as firmly as before.

Yu Jingshuang hesitated in the small courtyard, then stepped forward and pushed open the door to Qian Yu's room.

It was empty, simple, and cramped. Aside from a plain, thin bedding set and an old table and chair, there was nothing else—this room was originally converted from a woodshed, and Qian Yu had huddled here for... three years? Or four?

Yu Jingshuang could not recall clearly.

Qian Yu had appeared by her side at a fortuitous time, precisely during the year when she was short on people and battling at knife-point against the second prince. She had once doubted his motives and identity, so she kept him by her side, partly out of suspicion and partly for utility.

In the first few years, the tasks she assigned to Qian Yu were highly dangerous. On the most severe occasion, he almost died eliminating the target Yu Jingshuang wanted dead, and his right arm was slashed so badly that the muscles and tendons were severed, barely connected by skin and flesh. Since then, he had switched to using his left hand for his blade.

He was brooding, loyal, and taciturn, standing quietly behind Yu Jingshuang like a shadow, more like a lifeless pond, waiting only for the day she no longer needed him to silently disappear into the mud or dry earth.

Yu Jingshuang had been wary of him initially, yet allowed him to stay out of curiosity and utility.

As for Qian Yu's claim of "repaying a kindness," Yu Jingshuang did not believe it at all. She only wanted to see what goal this person, risking his life to follow her, was striving for.

After all, aside from that one-of-a-kind silly pup she had encountered under the snow-capped mountains years ago, where else in this world would there exist loyalty and trust without reason?

More importantly, she wanted to know why he carried the scent of "Yellow Millet Dream."

Yet over the years, Qian Yu had concealed it fairly successfully, never revealing even a hint of ulterior motives, and that scent of "Yellow Millet Dream" had only faintly lingered during their first meeting, never appearing again.

She had also speculated about Qian Yu's true identity, at most detecting a slight Shangyan accent. Though Qian Yu strove to hide it, Yu Jingshuang had grown up in Shangyan, and such attempts could not deceive her ears.

If what Wei Xie said was true, that he had indeed seen Lan Chengyuan on the mountain that day, then Qian Yu's appearance shortly after was highly suspicious.

Could he really be... Lan Chengyuan?

Considering this possibility, Yu Jingshuang frowned slightly.

That childhood friend who, though loyal, was inherently arrogant and looked down on everyone.

Yu Jingshuang remembered when they were young, how he would come to her after getting injured during training, silently hinting at his wounds to gain her concern, and once she asked, he would smoothly seek affection.

Yet Qian Yu was the type who, even when severely injured or near death, would calmly tell her he was fine and then silently find a place to await death.

...Could they be the same person?

Lan Chengyuan...

We already severed ties back then, and you tearfully agreed to the promise of "never meeting again in life or death." After all these years, not even daring to show your true face, yet hiding by my side, changed his appearance and concealed his identity—what are you trying to do?!

Facing this dilapidated room, Yu Jingshuang's expression shifted unpredictably. Xiao Xing, sensing her extreme agitation and faint anger, wisely retreated silently.

...

Night fell, stars dotting the sky.

Qian Yu dragged his heavy steps and gently pushed open the courtyard gate. Tiptoeing in, he instinctively sniffed himself, relieved to confirm he had washed away the scent of blood.

But after taking just two steps, he keenly sensed something amiss—why was the courtyard so quiet today? His left hand moved to his waist, slowly gripping the hilt of his blade as he cautiously surveyed his surroundings.

The rooms of Yu Jingshuang and Xiao Xing were pitch dark, as if they had long fallen asleep. Only in the corner... the room where he usually rested faintly glowed with a dim light.

Qian Yu focused his gaze, slowly approached, and pushed the door open—by the faint candlelight, he saw Yu Jingshuang sitting inside, half her figure hidden in shadow, turn her face toward him, her eyes gazing at him darkly.

Qian Yu felt inexplicably nervous. He swallowed hard and cautiously asked, "Lady Yu, why are you here?"

"Returning so late—where have you been?" Yu Jingshuang countered without answering him.

Qian Yu paused. "The Rainbow Pavilion summoned me."

"Oh..." Yu Jingshuang drew out her response faintly, then fell silent for a long while.

Qian Yu, unsettled by her attitude, stood frozen for a moment. Though his face remained cold, his mind raced through everything he had done these past days, yet he could not pinpoint any issue.

Yu Jingshuang shifted her sitting posture and suddenly said, "I ran into Wei Xie today."

"..."

Qian Yu's heart uncontrollably sank heavily.

Wei Xie... is still alive?

He's got nine lives, surviving such injuries. Too bad.

Unsure if it was admiration or regret, he instinctively pretended he’d just remembered who that person was, speaking in his usual measured tone, "That old associate of yours from Shangyan?"

He thought Yu Jingshuang brought up Wei Xie to assign him a task. "If he displeases you, I can—"

Yu Jingshuang suddenly laughed, cutting off Qian Yu. "I had a quick word with him, and he told me something rather interesting..."

She rose and walked toward Qian Yu, giving him a once-over before reaching past his waist to draw his sword, inch by inch, from its scabbard.

"Shiiing—" The cold, gleaming edge gleamed ominously. Yu Jingshuang turned it over under the moonlight, then smiled.

She stood so close that Qian Yu could hear the breath behind her laugh. He subtly clenched his palm, holding back his suddenly sharp intake of breath. The next instant, the cold steel pressed against his neck.

Qian Yu froze.

Yu Jingshuang guided the blade from his neck down to his chest, then back to his throat. The thin, sharp weapon was separated from his windpipe only by a fragile layer of skin; the slightest pressure would slit his throat, spilling blood on the spot.

Despite the clear danger, Qian Yu dared not resist. He remained silent—no questions, no doubts, no excuses. Watching his submissive posture, Yu Jingshuang raised an eyebrow.

She spoke abruptly, "Wei Xie said someone on the mountain tried to assassinate him, nearly cutting his throat. Qian Yu, I happened to see you on the mountain that day too... Quite a coincidence, don’t you think?"

She didn’t mention that Wei Xie had identified the person as Lan Chengyuan, dodging the real point to see how Qian Yu would respond.

Qian Yu lowered his gaze, expression calm. After a long pause, his throat worked. "...Coincidence, indeed."

"And what did you tell me that day? That you were carrying out a mission for the Rainbow Pavilion, right?" Yu Jingshuang mused playfully, smiling as she asked.

"...Yes." Qian Yu hesitated briefly before answering stiffly.

"You’re lying."

Like a white-hot sting, sharp pain shot through his neck. Blood welled up from the wound, quickly merging into a trickle that soaked his collar.

Qian Yu felt the pain where Yu Jingshuang had cut him with his own blade but didn’t even flinch, only allowing his breath to quicken slightly.

Yu Jingshuang dropped the bloodied sword to the ground with a clang. Pressing her finger against the cut on Qian Yu’s neck, she applied pressure, causing the skin to split open as more blood seeped out. She clearly felt his body tremble faintly.

"Tell me the truth. Why did you try to kill Wei Xie? Some old grudge? Does it involve me?"

Yu Jingshuang’s voice growing colder echoed in his ears, each word piercing right through him. He didn’t know how much Wei Xie had told her...

Had he mentioned the name Lan Chengyuan? Was he exposed? Had Yu Jingshuang figured it out?

His pulse roared in his eardrums. Whether it was a long pause or just an instant, he heard his own voice respond calmly, as if making a last-ditch effort:

"...This subordinate learned of your past with him and felt indignant. I assumed you wouldn’t want to see him... so I acted on my own, intending only to teach him a lesson."

He forced the words out with difficulty, his heart suspended as if by a thread. He compelled himself to appear composed, though cold sweat already drenched his back.

A long silence followed.

Suddenly, to Qian Yu’s surprise, Yu Jingshuang released her grip on his wound.

She pulled a handkerchief from Qian Yu’s sleeve and wiped her fingers clean.

Qian Yu’s uncertain gaze still wavered, but Yu Jingshuang carelessly tossed the handkerchief back to him and said, "Avenging me? ...How quaint. But don’t let it happen again."

She turned to leave.

That... that was it? It was over?

Qian Yu was reeling, unable to process what had happened. He stared blankly at the handkerchief on the ground, then stiffly turned to watch Yu Jingshuang’s back as she walked away. The wound on his neck still throbbed, but he ignored it, his mind filled with confusion.

Just as she was about to step out, Yu Jingshuang glanced back and saw him standing there stupefied. She smiled, beckoned him with a finger, and called him over.

Qian Yu walked over like a puppet, completely baffled by Jing Shuang’s attitude. When he reached her, Yu Jingshuang grabbed his collar, forcing him to bend down. She looked him over for a moment, and just as Qian Yu grew increasingly uneasy, she raised her hand and suddenly struck him.

"Smack—" A crisp, sharp sound rang out as Qian Yu’s face snapped to the side.

Yu Jingshuang gripped his chin, turning his face back to hers. Her eyes met his as she smiled faintly. "Nice initiative, but who asked you?"

Qian Yu’s lips quivered, his eyes not daring to meet hers.

Yu Jingshuang released him, straightened up, and said casually, "Be at the stables tomorrow."

Without explaining why or what for, she left, not sparing Qian Yu another glance. He remained standing there, the slapped cheek slightly warm, standing alone, utterly wretched under the night sky.