Looking at Su Fuying’s earnest expression, Song Bo felt a strange, deeper tenderness rise within him. He spoke gently. “You are about to sit your examinations, and soon after enter university. I did not wish to burden you with public attention.”
Su Fuying’s lips curved into a smile. “Is being Commander Song’s fiancée not something one ought to be proud of?”
In that moment, Song Bo realised something. Su Fuying had never been a quiet, timid kitten—she was a bright, sharp-witted fox, graceful and captivating, drawing people near without effort.
A knock came; the attendants had arrived with her meal. As the door opened, voices of departing guests drifted past.
“The Ye family did not even dare show their faces today.”
“It is not that they chose to stay away. Their household is in ruins. They can scarce tend to themselves.”
The voices faded. Once the food was laid out and the attendants had withdrawn, Su Fuying spoke quietly.
“Is it because of the Grand Assembly matter?”
Song Bo set out her tableware and replied. “In part. A verdict shall be handed down within days. Dismissal and investigation are likely—at the very least, he will be stripped of his post.”
Su Fuying nodded, asking no further questions. It was enough to know the Ye family had fallen. Whatever details Song Bo chose not to share, she had no need to press for.
After Song Bo departed, Su Fuying ate a little. On her way to the washroom, she heard muffled sounds from the storage room. Only one guard remained; the other had doubtless gone to report to Yu Sui or Xu Meng.
When she emerged, Xu Meng had just arrived and was closing the door. Seeing her, he bowed respectfully. “Miss Su.”
Su Fuying glanced within. Su Qingwan lay bound hand and foot, utterly dishevelled. She looked up, caught sight of Su Fuying, and began thrashing wildly—only to be pinned down instantly by the guard.
Su Fuying’s expression remained calm, though her tone carried a faint, unmistakable note of satisfaction. “Bring her to the lounge.”
She walked back first. The two guards exchanged glances.
“Lieutenant Xu—shall we untie her?”
“Leave her bound. Carry her.”
Earlier that day, Su Qingwan had made a scene at the lounge door. Though the guests had remained unaware, those inside had heard every shout. Yet Su Fuying had never once stepped out to speak on her sister’s behalf. True sisters do not betray one another for a marriage alliance, she thought. Nor do they scream and rage at the door.
The lounge door was shut. Xu Meng and the guards stood watch outside. The wine Su Fuying had drunk earlier was beginning to warm her cheeks; she glowed, her crimson gown and the soft lamplight lending her a radiance impossible to ignore. She walked toward Su Qingwan, step by slow step, her gaze cold and heavy with unspoken hatred.
Su Qingwan recoiled in terror, scrambling backward until her back struck the sofa. She could go no further. Su Fuying picked up a pair of ivory chopsticks from the table and gently lifted Su Qingwan’s chin with the tip.
“Does it feel unpleasant? To be helpless? To be at another’s mercy?”
Su Qingwan was terrified—truly, utterly terrified.
“Sister… why have you opposed me at every turn lately?” Su Fuying spoke softly. “I do not know why you were so set on swapping our betrothals. But once it was done—why must you spoil what should have been a joyous day? What more could you possibly want?”
She leaned closer, the chopsticks pressing lightly against Su Qingwan’s throat. Su Qingwan shook her head frantically, tears spilling over, her eyes wide with pure fright. Cowardice, Su Fuying thought. You showed no such fear when you murdered me in our past life.
She dropped the chopsticks. “You have changed so greatly lately, Sister. I scarcely recognise you.”
“Lately I have been dreaming,” she continued. “I dream of you offering me water. And every time, I choke.”
Su Qingwan stared at her, trembling violently. Fear had seized her entirely.
Su Fuying wiped her hands with a handkerchief, then turned back as though a thought had just occurred to her. “Ah—I heard news just now. The Ye family is to be dismissed from office and investigated. How sudden.”
Wrong! All of this is wrong! Su Qingwan screamed inwardly. This was never meant to happen!
Su Fuying seated herself gracefully before the mirror, her voice light and casual as she struck blow after blow to Su Qingwan’s composure. “And the ladies outside—they were all asking after your betrothal. It has been so long since the match was agreed. Do you dislike the Qin family? Why has no engagement date been set?”
Su Qingwan tried to retort, but the words caught in her throat. Overcome with rage and panic, she fainted dead away.
Su Fuying’s amusement faded. She lifted a cup of water, walked over, and without a word—sloshed the entire contents across Su Qingwan’s face.
Su Qingwan gasped and stirred. Su Fuying crouched, pinching her chin between her fingers. “Now, Sister—what is this? No one shall come to carry you away if you faint here.”
Su Qingwan stared blankly, shivering uncontrollably.
Pathetic, Su Fuying thought. She released her chin, wiped her hands once more, and walked toward the door.
When she opened it, Song Bo stood waiting outside.
He looked at her, his gaze steady. Yu Sui and Xu Meng peered past her into the room. Song Bo saw the cool resolve in her face and asked no questions. “The guests have departed. Shall I escort you home?”
“Yes.”
Su Fuying walked ahead. As Song Bo followed, he caught a glimpse of the scene within. His expression hardened briefly. He signalled Xu Meng and Yu Sui to dispose of the matter, then turned and hurried to catch up with her.
Yu Sui stared at Su Qingwan’s limp, dripping form, eyes bulging in disbelief. Xu Meng, by contrast, remained perfectly composed.
Riding in the carriage, the city lights slid past. Su Fuying sat lost in thought. After a long silence, as the bustling streets fell behind, she spoke quietly.
“May we drive by the river?”
Song Bo gave the order. “To the riverbank.”
No more words passed between them. Su Fuying felt drained, and closed her eyes. She did not know how long she slept. When she awoke, dusk had fallen, and the sky blushed with the last glow of sunset.
Song Bo’s window was rolled down. The evening breeze stirred his hair. The golden light gilded his profile, lending him an almost unearthly beauty as he sat reading a letter. He looked up and saw her awake.
Su Fuying turned her gaze away and sat up straight. Only then did she notice a soft wool blanket draped over her shoulders. She looked out at the glimmering water, set the blanket aside, and stepped down from the carriage. “I shall walk a little.”
Song Bo set his letter aside, took a finely woven shawl from the carriage, and followed. The spring evening carried a chill. The thought had barely crossed her mind when soft warmth settled gently upon her shoulders—Song Bo had stepped up and draped the shawl around her.