When Kang Rui rode back on his horse,
Song Chuyu had already left.
Kang Rui was in a foul mood. He lowered his head, ignoring the flattery around him. He had almost forgotten the insurmountable gap between them before marriage.
This feeling was utterly dreadful.
He had always believed that this gap had long disappeared, only to be reminded of it once again.
Even though he had earned the title of Number One Scholar and was skilled in horsemanship, and even though he was the one always following her, it did not change the fact that she had noticed Yan Qing first. And he couldn’t even ask why!
He couldn’t even step past these ignorant people to stand before her.
Kang Rui had to admit that Lin Qingyuan’s disdain for these noble families—going so far as to eliminate anyone he encountered in the Three Rivers and Nine Streams—was wise. They were ignorant, arrogant, and self-important while occupying crucial positions!
…
Cao Zhao couldn’t understand why Lin Qingyuan was so determined to check the results of the poetry and painting contest after returning from the horse track.
Who would even look at his scribbled writing? It was nothing but self-humiliation.
To Cao Zhao’s surprise, two flowers were pinned to his kite, which was scrawled like ghost symbols.
Cao Zhao immediately broke free from Lin Qingyuan’s grip and rushed toward the kite. “Qingyuan, there are flowers! I told you, the women of Shangjing City have taste. Someone understands my calligraphy!”
Lin Qingyuan took the flower without any markings. Recalling the glance at the horse track, he instinctively believed it was hers.
“Meng? Which Meng family is this?”
Lin Qingyuan tucked the flower away. “I’ll take this one.”
“Take it, take it. One for each of us—fair and square.”
“Congratulations, Brother Kang! The top prize in poetry and painting undoubtedly belongs to you.”
“Brother Kang is immensely talented. Even the Emperor and Empress Dowager praised your work for embodying the integrity of a scholar.”
Kang Rui glanced at the kites and easily confirmed that none bore a flower from her. This realization made it the second time that day he lost interest in continuing.
Was it to avoid suspicion?
Or had she not participated in the judging?
She had once said she noticed him long ago—was it at a time he didn’t know about, or on some specific occasion?
Kang Rui felt a headache coming on. What troubled him most wasn’t An An; he knew An An loved him.
What he needed to consider were these colleagues. If he had to go through it all again, some would need to tread carefully. He might not be as accommodating as he was in his previous life.
…
Just as Song Chuyu was about to return to the mansion, the Eldest Princess summoned her back, pestering her with questions about Yan Qing. Her words hinted at arranging a marriage for Yan Qing, and the underlying meaning was all too clear—it seemed the Emperor was growing anxious.
“Princess, it’s getting late. Why not stay at the estate overnight?”
“No need. Return to the mansion.”
“Yes.”
The shortest route from the villa to Anguo Duke Mansion was through the West City Gate. As night had fallen, Zhuang Momo did not stubbornly adhere to the taboo of nobles avoiding unclean places and directly entered the city via the West Gate.
The luxurious procession had already caused late-night pedestrians to retreat to a safe distance. Even the usual idlers and ruffians instinctively made way.
The procession advanced slowly in the serene silence.
Wei Rui cautiously lifted a corner of the carriage curtain—the sky had turned dark.
Song Chuyu’s gaze swept past the gap in the curtain, and she abruptly flung it open.
Wei Rui was startled. “Princess!”
Song Chuyu’s expression darkened as she immediately opened the carriage door. “Lu Ping, take some men and check what’s happening in that alley. Bring the person here!”
“Yes.”
The carriage halted, and everyone stopped. The solemn street fell into complete silence. Pedestrians who had already been hiding scurried even farther away.
Zhuang Momo peered into the pitch-black alley. “Princess, what’s wrong?”
Song Chuyu said nothing. She could only hope she had been mistaken.
But she distinctly remembered the clothes Lin Qingyuan had been wearing.
Soon, Lu Ping dragged over a man covered in blood, along with seven or eight martial artists who hadn’t managed to escape.
“Spare us, noble one! This man stole our money, that’s why we attacked him!”
“Yes, yes! Spare us, noble one! It really was this guy who struck first. We were only defending ourselves, truly just defending ourselves!”
Song Chuyu glanced at Lin Qingyuan, who had been beaten half to death and was now carelessly tossed on the ground by Lu Ping. She was utterly speechless.
No wonder Lin Qingyuan’s health was poor. Beaten like this, even the slightest mishandling could leave him with lifelong ailments.
What kind of deep-seated grudge warranted such a “defense”? “Kill these people!”
Lu Ping froze.
The kneeling men were also stunned, instinctively trying to flee.
But Lu Ping and the others were faster, their blades striking lethally.
Song Chuyu’s expression remained cold. No matter the reason, it was no excuse for these people to attack Lin Qingyuan. “Wei Rui.”
Wei Rui trembled.
“You and Lu Ping take the man on the ground to see a physician. Make sure his injuries are fully healed.”
“Yes, Princess.”
…
Lin Qingyuan awoke to the scent of medicinal herbs, his consciousness still hazy. Faint rustling sounds reached his ears.
“He’s awake! Doctor!”
Three or four physicians hurried in, methodically taking turns to check the pulse of the man on the bed and adjusting the medication accordingly.
A young apprentice stayed behind to change the patient’s dressings.
Lin Qingyuan was fully awake now. Gazing at the exquisitely furnished room and the fine silk robes he wore, he felt a moment of disorientation. “Where is this?” He remembered being ambushed before he could even reach home.
Hearing his voice, Wei Rui dismissed the steward and rushed in. “You’re awake? Is there anywhere you still feel unwell?” He had been unconscious for three days and nights—she had been terrified the Princess would hold her responsible.
Lin Qingyuan recognized her at once and immediately frowned. Why was he in her care?
“Don’t move! You’re not healed yet. Why won’t you listen? I told you not to move!”
The apprentices changing his dressings quickly held him down. “You mustn’t move yet. Your wounds will reopen.”