Soft murmurs drifted from inside the room, each sound enough to stir one’s imagination.
Qingqing sat alone in the courtyard, dabbing the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief while keeping a careful watch on her surroundings.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and quickly stood to investigate.
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a tall man was striding toward her. His expression was cold and detached, as though covered in winter frost, revealing not the slightest hint of emotion.
Qingqing recognized him.
He was Lin Heng, Xiao Qi’s personal guard.
In her previous life, Lin Heng had failed in his duty by allowing Mo Xiang to take advantage of the opportunity to trap the Heir. As punishment, the old Marquis had his tongue cut out, ordered fifty strokes of the paddle, and had him thrown into a mass grave, where he eventually died.
But… this hadn’t happened in her previous life.
Why had Lin Heng suddenly come here?
There was no time to think. Qingqing immediately stepped forward to intercept him.
“My lord, my young lady drank a little too much wine and is resting in the guest room. It wouldn’t be convenient for you to go any farther.”
“Have you seen the Heir of Ding’an Marquis Manor?”
His voice was low and indifferent. He didn’t even spare Qingqing a glance.
“No, I haven’t. Perhaps you should check the guest rooms over there where the gentlemen are resting.”
She pointed toward a row of rooms in the distance.
“My thanks.”
Without another word, Lin Heng turned and headed in the direction she had indicated.
Hearing voices outside, the two people inside the room hurriedly dressed.
“Xiang’er, wait for me. As soon as I return home, I’ll speak with my parents. Just wait for me.”
After kissing Mo Xiang lightly on the cheek, Xiao Qi rose and walked out of the room.
As he passed Qingqing, he suddenly stopped.
Looking down at the maid sitting on the stone bench, he asked,
“What is your name?”
The familiar face before her made Qingqing’s heart ache.
Scenes from her previous life flashed endlessly through her mind.
No…
I can’t make the same mistake again.
“Replying to the Heir, this servant is Qingqing, Miss Mo Xiang’s personal maid.”
“I see.”
He nodded slightly.
“Go inside and attend to your mistress.”
As he spoke, he gave the maid—who had kept her head lowered the entire time—one last glance before leaving.
Only after Xiao Qi had disappeared into the distance did Qingqing slowly lift her head.
She gazed at the retreating figure.
The only man who had ever truly treated her with kindness in her previous life.
Tears rolled silently down her cheeks, carrying a bitterness that seeped deep into her heart.
My Lord Marquis…
In this lifetime, I pray that your life will be peaceful and prosperous.
She turned and walked back toward the guest room.
“Miss, let this servant help you get dressed.”
She picked up the scattered clothing from the floor, shook out the wrinkles, and carefully helped Mo Xiang put everything back on.
After tidying her hair and making sure nothing appeared out of place, Qingqing supported her to her feet.
Together, they walked back toward the front courtyard.
“Nanny Chen.”
Qingqing called softly to the older woman waiting nearby.
“Heavens above! Miss, you’re finally out!” Nanny Chen hurried over eagerly. “Well? Did it succeed?”
“Nanny…”
Mo Xiang called softly, her cheeks flushing crimson.
Seeing her reaction, Nanny Chen understood immediately.
“Thank Heaven! Heaven has truly blessed us! Your late mother must be watching over you from above.”
“Nanny, we should leave,” Qingqing reminded her. “It’s getting late. If we return too late, Master Mo will surely blame Miss.”
“Right, right…”
Nanny Chen nodded repeatedly.
“We’d better hurry home. From today onward, all we have to do is wait for good news.”
Together, she and Qingqing helped Mo Xiang into the carriage before leaving the royal villa.
As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, the three women rode back to the capital in high spirits.
Laughter filled the carriage the entire journey.
Qingqing was delighted because her long-awaited freedom was finally within reach.
Mo Xiang and Nanny Chen, meanwhile, rejoiced because their carefully laid plan had succeeded.
When the carriage arrived outside the Mo Family residence, Qingqing climbed down first and helped Mo Xiang back to her courtyard.
“Qingqing, today’s success was all thanks to you.”
Mo Xiang smiled warmly.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten my promise. Once everything is settled, I’ll give you your freedom and let you return home.”
“Thank you, Miss.”
Qingqing lowered her head.
“Rest assured. The Heir will never fail you.”
She knew that better than anyone.
In her previous life, only a few days later, the Heir had personally come to the Mo Family to propose marriage.
He had won that opportunity by going on a hunger strike for several days.
That alone was proof of how sincerely he had wanted to marry Mo Xiang.
…
“You wretched fool!”
The old Marquis was beside himself with rage.
“How could you commit such a disgraceful act? Did you ever stop to think about the honor of this family?”
He smashed one teacup after another onto the floor, venting his fury.
“Father, it was my fault.”
Xiao Qi knelt on the ground.
“I drank too much and entered the wrong room. I ruined that young lady’s innocence.”
“You…”
The old Marquis pointed at him with trembling fingers.
“You worthless brat! All those years of studying, and you’ve learned nothing! Have all your books gone to waste? How could you do something so shameless?”
“My Lord, please calm yourself.”
Madam Xiao hurried forward to soothe her husband.
“What’s done is done. Scolding him now won’t solve anything. We should think of a way to resolve this.”
“It’s all because of you!” the old Marquis snapped angrily. “Look how you’ve spoiled him! At such a young age, he’s already developed these disgraceful habits. To sleep with a woman before marriage… How utterly shameless!”
“Father… Mother…”
Xiao Qi lowered his head.
“Please let me marry her. It was my fault. I’ve ruined her reputation, so I’m willing to take responsibility.”
“You’re willing?”
The old Marquis laughed bitterly.
“Have you ever asked whether I’m willing? Setting aside the fact that the Mo Family is nothing more than a minor household, that girl is merely a concubine’s daughter. What future is there in marrying someone like her?”
“My son,” Madam Xiao said helplessly, “children born into families connected to the imperial clan have never been free to choose their own marriages. Either His Majesty arranges the match, or it’s decided through alliances between noble families.”
“I don’t care.”
Xiao Qi’s voice was firm.
“I will marry Xiang’er. Whether you approve or not, I will marry her. If you refuse, then I’ll go on a hunger strike until you agree.”
“You unfilial brat!”
The old Marquis was livid.
“Fine! Let him starve if he wants to starve!”
With that, he stormed out.
“My foolish son…” Madam Xiao sighed as she helped Xiao Qi to his feet. “Why must you argue with your father? Say a little less and let Mother persuade him instead. At worst, we’ll bring that girl into the manor as a concubine.”
“No.”
Xiao Qi shook his head.
“I want her as my wife—not as a concubine.”
“You child… Why are you so stubborn?”
Seeing there was no changing his mind, Madam Xiao sighed and left as well.
Xiao Qi stood and called toward the doorway.
“Lin Heng!”
“Your subordinate is here, Heir.”
“Where did you go today? Why weren’t you by my side?”
“I remained in the front courtyard the entire time. I saw you talking with Miss Mo, so I stood off to one side. Later, my stomach began to hurt, so I went to the latrine. By the time I came out, you were gone. I searched everywhere for you.”
“I see.”
Xiao Qi nodded.
“It’s nothing. You may go.”
“Yes, Heir.”
Lin Heng hesitated before adding,
“I’ll go prepare something for you to eat.”
After all, the Heir hadn’t eaten all day.
Xiao Qi paused for a moment.
That was true.
He was starving.
I’d better fill my stomach first… then begin my hunger strike.
“Go ahead.”
…
Three days later, at Ding’an Marquis Manor—
“That unfilial brat still refuses to eat?”
The old Marquis glared at Lin Heng, who was kneeling before him.
“Reporting to my lord, the Heir hasn’t even taken a sip of water.”
“The unfilial brat…”
The old Marquis clenched his fists.
“He knows perfectly well he’s my only son. Fine… fine! Let him have his way.”
After a long silence, he finally waved his hand impatiently.
“Go tell him… I agree.”
“I agree to let him marry that concubine-born girl.”
With those words, he turned and walked away.
Lin Heng immediately rose and hurried to Xiao Qi’s quarters.
Standing outside the door, he called,
“Heir! The Marquis has agreed. He’ll allow you to marry Miss Mo.”
Before he had even finished speaking, the door flew open.
Xiao Qi rushed out and grabbed Lin Heng by the shoulders.
“Really? Father agreed? He agreed to let me marry Xiang’er?”
His face lit up with irrepressible joy.
“Wonderful! Wonderful!”
He laughed aloud.
“Lin Heng, hurry and find the steward! Tell him to prepare the betrothal gifts. Tomorrow we’re going to the Mo Family to propose!”
“Yes, Heir.”
Lin Heng smiled and immediately left to find Steward Xiao.
Left alone in the courtyard, Xiao Qi could only grin foolishly to himself.
At last…
I can finally marry Xiang’er.