Chapter 77: Exposed

In just a few days, he was battling to suppress the restless Gu worms within him, while also agonizing over whether to secretly keep the antidote. One moment he considered quietly delivering it when Yu Jingshuang wasn't looking, the next he couldn't bear to keep concealing himself, lurking in the shadows, spying from afar.

The more he hesitated, the more he desired. Though the past two years, living as Qian Yu, a humble guard silently following Jing Shuang, had been monotonous and uneventful, every single moment had filled his heart with sweetness.

During those peaceful days, Qian Yu was unwilling—and afraid—to contemplate what might happen if he were ever exposed.

He only wished to bury his head like a quail, neither listening, thinking, nor seeing, hoping to muddle through. But he never imagined that day would arrive so swiftly, pressing upon him before he had even prepared himself to face Yu Jingshuang.

How could he reveal his true identity? How could he dare admit that "Lan Chengyuan," who should have been far away in Shangyan, was actually the honest and dutiful "Qian Yu" standing before her?

During these days of avoiding Yu Jingshuang, he pondered these questions day and night, until his mind reeled, his world spun, and he felt utterly lost.

A few days later, he watched helplessly as Xiao Xing and the young noblewoman, who had appeared from who-knew-where, loudly complained about not wanting to drink the bitter medicinal porridge anymore. Yu Jingshuang, left with no choice, pacified them before calmly leaving the courtyard, intending to hire a cook from outside.

If only he could still manipulate the Gu worms, he would have, as before, altered his bones and skin, disguised himself as an ordinary stranger, and then presented himself to Yu Jingshuang as a cook, adopting a new identity to remain by her side.

His identity as Qian Yu, the guard, was on the verge of exposure and could no longer be maintained. If only he could switch to another… No, that wouldn't work.

The thought that had just sparked in his mind turned cold the moment his hand accidentally brushed against the porcelain bottle. After careful consideration, he leaped down from the eaves, intending to secretly place the white porcelain bottle in Yu Jingshuang’s bedroom without a soul knowing. But just then, Xiao Xing looked up alertly and cried out, “What was that noise?!”

…He had been too careless.

Xiao Xing was highly skilled in martial arts and possessed keen senses. As long as she was present these days, Qian Yu couldn’t find an opportunity to quietly perform this uncredited “good deed”…

Given the circumstances, it would be better to give the Gu poison antidote directly to Yu Jingshuang. However, he needed to devise a clever plan—one that wouldn't expose him, yet would still bring Jing Shuang a "pleasant surprise."

Without further hesitation, he pivoted and headed in the direction Yu Jingshuang had taken. Unbeknownst to him, after Xiao Xing’s shout, she turned to comfort the startled Yan Lingxi: “Lady Yu told me to do that, to scare away the birds so they wouldn’t eat the pastries… Don’t worry, that bird must have been startled and flown after her. Everything’s fine here now.”

…

Qian Yu quietly followed Yu Jingshuang’s footsteps, but the further he went, the more his heart pounded with anxiety. Yu Jingshuang walked at a steady pace, but her path didn’t seem to lead to the market. Instead, she was heading towards increasingly secluded areas.

He paused for a moment, only to see the figure ahead turn lightly and disappear behind a wall. Filled with doubt, he followed. But as soon as he rounded the corner, he was met by a dagger gleaming with a chilling light, aimed straight at his throat—the icy blade flashed past his neck!

Qian Yu jerked backward, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. Without time to think, his hand instinctively went to the knife at his waist. He drew it, and just as he was about to retaliate, a calm voice echoed in his ears: “…Not bad, Qian Yu. Your reflexes are sharp.”

Qian Yu twisted his wrist, sharply bringing his knife back. The impact sent a slight numbness through his palm. In that split second, he had almost attacked Jing Shuang… His heart pounded violently, its tremors so loud that even Yu Jingshuang, standing behind him, could hear it clearly.

She stepped out from behind him, casually returning the dagger to her sleeve. Noticing Qian Yu’s gaze fixed on the dagger, she raised an eyebrow and asked, “What, interested in this?”

Qian Yu’s eyes remained locked on the dagger. The familiar patterns and style made his heart tremble. Hoarsely, he asked awkwardly, “This is…”

Yu Jingshuang flicked the dagger casually and said, “A gift from an old friend.”

That year, when she parted ways with Lan Chengyuan at the border of Shangyan, she had refused his proposal to escape together. Helpless, Lan Chengyuan had given her this dagger that could cut through iron like mud.

The memory of that person’s sorrowful, tear-streaked face seemed to linger before her eyes, yet in the blink of an eye, nearly ten years had passed.

A trace of nostalgia flickered across Yu Jingshuang’s face, but the rest of her expression was something Qian Yu couldn’t decipher—and didn’t dare to look at. He was afraid of seeing the disgust and aversion in her eyes when she thought of Lan Chengyuan, so he quickly lowered his gaze, missing the probing look in her eyes.

“By the way, why are you following me?”

Suddenly, Qian Yu heard Yu Jingshuang’s question, and it reminded him of the white porcelain bottle in his sleeve.

The lightweight bottle felt like hot coals in his palm, searing and painful against his skin. He clenched it tightly, then finally let out an almost imperceptible sigh. Bowing his head respectfully, he presented the bottle to Yu Jingshuang.

Yu Jingshuang hesitated before taking it, her fingertips lightly brushing against Qian Yu’s palm. He felt a burden lift from his soul, as if that vague hesitation had been drawn out of him.

Softly, he said, “The pills inside might be effective against the Gu poison affecting the capital… though their exact effects are unclear. Take them and try them. They should help you.”

With a few vague words, he glossed over the origin of the antidote in the white porcelain bottle, carefully omitting any mention of Lin Xiao. Out of selfishness and fear, Qian Yu didn’t want Yu Jingshuang to know of Lin Xiao’s existence—

Or rather, even if it was this person who had caused their separation and misunderstanding all these years, the past was too bloody and filled with grudges. He didn’t want Yu Jingshuang to be dragged back into that tangled mess after so many years.

The suffering and pain he had endured could remain buried in the past. Why bring it up again?

“…So, how do you know this thing can definitely cure Gu poison?” Yu Jingshuang’s expression was complex as she stared at the bottle, not taking it.

Qian Yu didn’t want to answer, only saying calmly, “Why ask so many questions… Just take it…”

After a moment’s thought, he couldn’t help but advise, “Jing Shuang, I know you’ve been investigating the Gu poison, but… listen to me, why not leave this matter to the Liang Emperor and let him handle it? The people behind the Gu poison are ruthless. The slightest misstep, and you’ll surely be in danger. You have no idea how deep this goes or how terrifying these Gu worms are!”

Yu Jingshuang immediately seized on the key point in his words: “You know who created this vile thing? Then tell me now!”

Qian Yu cursed himself for his slip of the tongue and abruptly turned away. Having delivered the antidote, his shoulders slumped with dejection, yet he felt a great weight lift. Suddenly, he remembered how Yu Jingshuang had sounded him out before, even suspecting his identity. Restless and uneasy, a desire to retreat welled up in him, and he prepared to leave.

Yu Jingshuang was infuriated by his evasiveness. She stepped forward, gripping Qian Yu’s wrist tightly and forcing him to turn around. Fuming, she laughed coldly: “Lan! Cheng! Yuan! You coward! I’m talking to you!”

The three syllables hit him like a thunderclap, ringing in his ears. Qian Yu could hardly believe what he was hearing!

He whipped his head around, his expression one of sheer terror. Only when he saw the anger etched on Yu Jingshuang’s face did he realize—she had spoken the name he thought buried forever, the one buried deep in his memories, the one he wished to hide from everyone.

At that thought, Qian Yu shuddered violently, staring blankly at Yu Jingshuang before him. His body trembled lightly, and it took a long moment before he could speak. But as soon as he opened his mouth, tears fell involuntarily before he could form words.

It felt like an eternity before he regained his scattered senses, replying instinctively in a daze:

“…You—you’ve got the wrong person—You’ve got the wrong person!”

He turned away, suddenly struggling as if agitated, taking two steps back. Planting his foot, he was about to use his *Qinggong* to flee when Yu Jingshuang’s sharp cry froze him in place—

“Don’t you dare run again!”

Yu Jingshuang gritted her teeth. “You coward! Was running away once not enough? I never should have saved you back then! Time and again, you accept favors but never repay them. Whenever there’s trouble, all you know how to do is hide! You ungrateful wretch! You’re worse than a rat!”

Qian Yu’s steps halted abruptly. He stood motionless in the shadows by the wall, his head bowed, as if turned to stone.

Yu Jingshuang strode forward, grabbed him by the collar, and shoved him hard against the wall. Qian Yu stumbled from the force, his back hitting the rough stone. A sharp pain shot through him, but it was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.

Under the bright daylight, everything around him seemed to dissolve into swirling mist the moment Yu Jingshuang uttered his real name. The haze enveloped him, making his vision darken and his legs feel weak.

It took him a moment to realize that this weakness was brought on by a sudden, overwhelming, and unexpected fear.

Fear.

Yes, it was fear—Qian Yu only knew that his heart was pounding violently. The moment intense fear and dread washed over him, the heavy stone in his chest seemed to drop—

It’s over. Everything is over.

“Lan Chengyuan?”

After scolding him, Yu Jingshuang noticed the tall figure before her still hanging his head, trembling slightly but saying nothing. Puzzled, she reached out and lifted his chin—and was immediately startled:

His face was ashen, drenched in cold sweat, as if her shout had scared his soul right out of him. He seemed utterly broken!

“What’s wrong with you? Lan Chengyuan? Qian Yu?” Yu Jingshuang shook him slightly, muttering to herself. Slowly, Qian Yu lifted his eyes. Those once deep and gentle eyes were now filled with pain. In a trembling voice, he said, “…Jing Shuang, Lady Yu, can you—can you act as if nothing happened—Can you—can you not drive me away?”

Yu Jingshuang was stunned.

She hadn't yet processed why merely calling out his old name had so completely breached Qian Yu's defenses, reducing him to such a breakdown. So, she instinctively gave him a push and said, "You've kept it from me for so long, and now you want me to pretend nothing happened... What were you thinking?"

She frowned, her tone disbelieving. To Qian Yu, it sounded like a death knell for his soul. Barely holding his shattered composure together, he managed to choke out a plea from his throat, unsure of what else to do.

He didn't even dare examine Yu Jingshuang's expression further. It was as if he could no longer support himself; he weakly leaned against the wall, his legs giving way as he sank to his knees on the ground. Yu Jingshuang recoiled, but didn't get far before Qian Yu, trembling, clutched the hem of her skirt.

On his knees, the veins standing out on the back of his hand as he clutched the fabric like a lifeline, Qian Yu looked up at her and pleaded, "Let me stay by your side, Jing Shuang, just like we used to… I dare not ask for anything, I want nothing, just let me be like an object to you—a tree, a blade of grass, a knife, anything!"

"Even if I could just catch a glimpse of you from afar, that would be enough… I know I was wrong in the past, but I… I don't know what to do." Tears spilled from his eyes, dampening his eyelashes, as he spoke pitifully, desperately. "I made mistakes, and I've missed so many years with you. I just want to make amends, Jing Shuang, Manman… my lady, could you… could you just give me one chance? I was deceived too…"

Qian Yu went on, filled with terror, fear, guilt, and regret for his past actions. As he spoke, his voice, usually silent and restrained, broke with sobs.

Yu Jingshuang watched the man kneeling at her feet, taking in every detail of his breakdown, hearing every broken word clearly.

Even though Yu Jingshuang had long suspected Qian Yu's identity and guessed that the quiet, devoted guard by her side was her simple-minded childhood friend, she had wondered how he would react when his carefully hidden identity was finally exposed.

But faced with his total collapse, she found she couldn't stay as composed as she had imagined.

“…If you had already decided to leave back then, why bother disguising yourself and plotting to return later?”

Qian Yu shuddered, tears still silently streaming down his face, but he gritted his teeth and said nothing.

"Didn't you think I was too weak and pitiful to stand by you? So why now do you insist on sticking to me, no matter how I treat you?" Yu Jingshuang murmured expressionlessly, as if asking herself or addressing Qian Yu.

Qian Yu hung his head, silent, still gripping her skirt tightly.

Yu Jingshuang offered him no comfort. Frowning, she tried to pull her skirt free but couldn't, only meeting Qian Yu's silent, pleading eyes. Unaffected, she lifted her foot and kicked his arm hard. "Let go!"

She had never used such a harsh, disgusted tone with him before. Qian Yu jerked back as if burned, his heart leaping then sinking—in the past, he had always stood in Jing Shuang's shadow, watching her treat Ming Xu and Wei Xie this way…

Now, it was finally his turn to be ordered away with disgust.

Crushing shame and despair rose in his heart. Qian Yu didn't dare look at Yu Jingshuang's face. Stumbling to his feet, he unconsciously hunched over, raising a hand to cover his face helplessly, muttering, “…I… I'll go now, don't treat me like this…”

He fled in panic, his retreating figure seeming somewhat gaunt and aged. Yu Jingshuang watched him flee from her, a delayed surge of anger and irritation welling up inside her. Clenching her fist, her hand brushed something hard. Looking down, she saw a small porcelain bottle.

Right… She had intended to smoke out the snake today to discuss Wei Xie's "assassination" in the mountains with Qian Yu.

Although she had guessed that Qian Yu was Lan Chengyuan, perhaps because his recent silent, dutiful demeanor as a guard had left such a deep impression on her, Yu Jingshuang had privately hoped her good guard wouldn't suddenly turn into the heartless betrayer from years past, whose face had long blurred in her memory… This damned Qian Yu, couldn't he even be bothered to keep pretending anymore?!

Anger surged in her heart. Yu Jingshuang flung the small white porcelain bottle at Qian Yu's retreating back, shouting furiously, "Take your things and get out!"

She was naturally strong, and thrown in anger, the bottle hit his back with a loud "thud—", it must have hurt sharply. But Qian Yu, struck, only stumbled slightly, stopped to steady himself, then bent down silently to pick up the bottle before hunching over and disappearing from Yu Jingshuang's sight.

The world was vast, but away from Yu Jingshuang, he felt panicked, with nowhere to go.

A lone wild goose flew hurriedly across the sky, leaving a trail of hoarse, discordant cries. It was late spring, yet the bird still lingered near the capital, unwilling to leave, solitary—had it too lost its mate?

…

Setting aside Qian Yu's despondence, Yu Jingshuang returned to the small courtyard with a dark expression. Seeing her empty-handed and alone, Xiao Xing and Yan Lingxi pouted, their stomachs immediately growling with hunger.

Yu Jingshuang, having just composed herself, sighed at the sight. "Should I just—"

"No!" Yan Lingxi cut her off sharply, her face flushing red. "I've suffered enough with that bitter porridge… Let's just go out to eat!"

Yu Jingshuang raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Finally willing to go out?" She and Xiao Xing laughed together. "Your aunt said you're thin-skinned, refusing to step out once those rumors started, afraid people would laugh at you. I thought you'd keep up that reserved act forever."

Yan Lingxi pouted, thinking of the rumors labeling her a "husband-killer." Her eyes warmed with tears, and she almost retreated, saying she wouldn't go, but her stomach chose that moment to growl again… To go or not to go?

As she wrestled with indecision, suddenly, the courtyard gate was loudly knocked from outside—"Thump, thump— thump, thump—". The abrupt sound startled Yan Lingxi, lost in thought. Coming to her senses, she saw Lady Yu muttering, "Who's here now?" as she went to open the door.

The next moment, she heard Lady Yu's delighted voice—"It's you!" Yu Jingshuang turned back to everyone excitedly and called out, "Xiao Xing! Lingxi! We're in for a treat today!"

Yan Lingxi and Xiao Xing turned together, looking toward the sound. They saw Yu Jingshuang happily swing the courtyard gate open, and from outside walked in a… a veritable tower!

Yan Lingxi stared dumbfounded as a dark-faced, burly man well over eight feet tall strode gracefully into the courtyard. In Yan Lingxi's perception, Yu Jingshuang was already quite tall—some frail noblemen in the capital looked like they could be knocked out by one punch from her.

But this robust man was even taller than Yu Jingshuang, with broad shoulders, a thick back, and a powerful build. His eyes swept over them indifferently, startling Yan Lingxi into taking half a step back—Such a tall, rough man!

How did Yu Jingshuang know someone so uncouth?!

Ming Ren glanced at the shrinking girl in the courtyard, noting her pale, frightened expression at his mere look, and let out a faint scoff. Turning to Yu Jingshuang, he asked, "Sister Yu, people come and go in your courtyard, but why is there a new face today?"

Yu Jingshuang took a basket he was carrying, rummaging through it as she smiled. "It's your empress sister-in-law again. Whatever she can't handle, she dumps on me… Always taking in poor souls. Good thing I have experience, or I wouldn't know what to do."

She pulled out several bundles of vibrant green vegetables and beamed, patting Ming Ren's shoulder. Leading him toward the small kitchen, she said, "Since you brought fresh ingredients today, how about showing us your skills? That young lady is delicate and picky; she even cried when I made porridge for her these past few days."

Ming Ren was startled, instinctively glancing at Yan Lingxi. He thought, *Sister Yu's cooking is so bad, poor girl…*

Musing, he then asked, "What crime did she commit… uh, I mean, what's her situation? Why was she sent to you, Sister Yu?"

Yu Jingshuang summarized what the empress had told her about Yan Lingxi. When he heard the rumor about "killing three husbands," Ming Ren frowned and said gravely, "That's outrageous."

Yu Jingshuang nodded, sighing. "There's no helping it." She added, "If it were me, I'd say those three men were unlucky not to have a fate with me. But Lingxi is sensitive, grew up sheltered in the women's quarters, raised with all those rules… She overthinks and is easily affected. The empress wanted me to guide and comfort her, so I can only use indirect methods to encourage her to speak up and not keep things bottled up."

As she spoke, she remembered her own unresolved entanglements—Wei Xie, Ming Xu, Lan Chengyuan—oh, should call him Qian Yu too… What a mess.

Thinking of this, Yu Jingshuang sighed deeply and said mournfully to Ming Ren, "These days, your Sister Yu has been weighed down with worries too. That lad Bai Ji left, the small courtyard lost its cook, haven't had a decent meal in days…"

She sounded pitiful. Ming Ren raised an eyebrow, a smile spreading across his face.

He readily replied, "What's the big deal? Sister Yu, I was busy with farm work a few days ago and couldn't get away. Now I'm free. Knowing your situation, how could I not help?" He patted his chest generously. "From now on, I'll come be your cook every day!"

Yu Jingshuang had been waiting for this very offer. She beamed, affectionately patting his shoulder. "Good lad, knew I didn't raise you for nothing!"

…

The two in the small kitchen were inside for a long time. Gradually, the soft, sweet aroma of steamed rice, mixed with a rich, savory meat scent, wafted through the courtyard in delicate threads.

Yan Lingxi looked up in disbelief, sniffing hard, and nearly jumped for joy—It was a proper meal! A real cooked meal!

She gazed gratefully toward the small kitchen. The fear and wariness she felt upon first seeing the dark-faced giant had now completely transformed into excitement and delight!

The cook must have arrived! Only a skilled cook could produce such fragrant dishes and finally drive Yu Jingshuang away from the stove!

She bounded over to Xiao Xing in three leaps, containing her excitement as she asked, “…Who was that man just now? He seems quite familiar with Sister Yu. Is he the cook sent here?”

Xiao Xing looked up from her storybook, glancing at her calmly. "He's not a cook. He's a prince, the current emperor's younger brother."

"!!!"

Yan Lingxi was utterly astonished, her mouth hanging open, too stunned to react. Xiao Xing reached out to push her jaw shut and said calmly, "He's just sun-tanned, but he's still high-ranking…"

Xiao Xing paused, then reluctantly added, "If he weren’t so dark-skinned, he'd actually be quite handsome."

She reminded Yan Lingxi only to prevent the young girl from saying something offensive later. However, Xiao Xing hadn't expected that after the initial shock wore off, Yan Lingxi would hesitate for a while, glance toward the bustling little kitchen, and hesitantly lean in to ask, "…Then, why does he… why does he…"

"Not look like a prince?" Xiao Xing glanced at her and finished the sentence for her. Yan Lingxi nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with curiosity and eagerness. Unfortunately, Xiao Xing was cold-faced and cold-hearted. She lightly turned a page of her storybook and said offhandedly:

"Prince Kang was a prince who was only reclaimed by the royal family later. Before that, Sister Jing Shuang saved him and raised him along with the current emperor in the Cold Palace until he was thirteen and the emperor ascended the throne. He had no ambition for wealth or power, so he stayed in the outskirts of the capital, working his few acres of land, which is why he's so dark-skinned, like a farmer… You're young and not very social, so it's normal you don't know him."

Yan Lingxi's eyes widened. In just a few sentences, Xiao Xing had conjured up several dangerous scenes of royal succession struggles in her mind. Fearfully shrinking her neck, she whispered, "…Is his disinterest in wealth and power because his hands were stained with bloodshed in the past, so he grew weary of the mundane world? Just like in the storybooks…"

The young girl's voice trembled, and it was clear she had imagined all sorts of outrageous things. Xiao Xing fell silent, but before she could speak, she was interrupted by Yu Jingshuang's burst of laughter—

"Hahahahaha— Oh heavens, Yan Lingxi, what are you thinking? He just enjoys farming! How did you come up with so many wild ideas?!"

Yan Lingxi whipped her head around. Yu Jingshuang and the dark-skinned prince were standing right behind her, each holding a plate of food. They must have heard all her speculations!

When she looked at him, Ming Ren gave her a blank glance, not a trace of a smile on his face. Standing next to Yu Jingshuang, who was laughing uncontrollably, he seemed particularly fierce and intimidating. Yan Lingxi flinched, startled by his gaze, and instinctively shrank behind Xiao Xing, earning an even deeper look from him—

Wait!

Did that look just now contain contempt and mockery?!

Yan Lingxi couldn't believe it. In the past, if someone had been this intimidating, she would have whined and sought support from her elders… But, but this was Lady Yu's territory, and that man was a prince…

She puffed out her cheeks, feeling both afraid and indignant, and quietly moved step by step toward the table— Fine, when under someone else's roof, one must lower their head. Better to just eat first.

But even as she buried her head in her meal, she couldn't help stealing glances at the dark-skinned prince, constantly replaying in her mind what Xiao Xing had said about "him being raised by Yu Jingshuang." She was itching with curiosity.

When the opportunity arose, she would definitely ask Lady Yu for the details… How exactly had she raised two princes in the sealed-off Cold Palace? And where had this prince come from?

…

It was as if Yan Lingxi had suddenly found a new purpose in life. Ever since Ming Ren's visit that day, she had tagged after Yu Jingshuang, bombarding her with sweet, coaxing words, insisting on getting the full story. Yu Jingshuang, utterly annoyed, covered her ears and retreated from the courtyard into her room, shutting the door and loudly declaring that no one should disturb her peace.

Yan Lingxi paced back and forth outside the door. The noble etiquette she had learned since childhood prevented her from barging in, so she could only pout and walk away in frustration.

Yu Jingshuang listened carefully until the little girl finally quieted down and let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly, the door was knocked on again from the outside, and Xiao Xing's voice calmly came through: "Jing Shuang sister, someone else is here saying they need to see you."

Yu Jingshuang slumped listlessly on the bed and said lazily, "Whoever it is, tell them I'm resting and to come back in a few days!"

Xiao Xing hesitated. "But… the woman says she's Ming Xu's junior sister, named Pei Yuxue. She says if I tell you her name, you'll definitely want to see her… Should I still turn her away?"

Who? Pei Yuxue?

Such a familiar name… Wait!

Yu Jingshuang jolted, suddenly flipping over and sitting up straight from the bed!