Lian Yue’s body was weakened by the cold as she struggled to walk behind the youth in black robes, her head bowed low.
Regardless of Gu Quan’s true motives for saving her, staying by his side was her only chance of survival at this moment.
Her mind was foggy, her body ached, and her footsteps felt heavy on the snow-covered ground, yet she still strained to keep pace with him.
Gu Quan halted and glanced back, saying, “Madam, I must beg your pardon.”
Lian Yue: “Hmm?”
She was swept into his arms and carried into the carriage. As the curtain fell, the enclosed space shielded them from the wind and snow outside.
Sensing her unease, Gu Quan explained, “There’s no need to fear, Madam. After we leave the city, I’ll find a physician to tend to your illness, then we’ll proceed to Wan City.”
Lian Yue lifted her gaze.
In the dim light, the youth’s handsome features were shrouded in shadow, his expression indiscernible.
With her life entirely in another’s hands and his true nature still unknown to her, Lian Yue could only submit: “I shall follow Marquis Gu’s arrangements.”
Gu Quan exited the carriage after lowering the curtain.
Alone inside, Lian Yue tightened her cloak around herself, curling into a ball as she closed her eyes to feign sleep.
Snow continued to fall outside, and the chill persisted, but it was far more comfortable than kneeling in the snowdrifts.
As the carriage wheels rolled steadily onward, Lian Yue drifted into unconsciousness. When she awoke, she found herself covered by thick quilts, her body damp with clammy sweat.
Sitting up, she felt pain throughout her body. Rubbing her throbbing temples, she overheard voices outside:
“My lord, even if Lu Xun doesn’t surrender Wan City, we’ll capture it eventually. Why did you come to Liao City for a mere serving concubine? Now rumors are spreading that you abducted her because of an affair. What nonsense is this?”
Upon hearing this, Lian Yue’s eyes flickered. So Madam Wu, having failed to kill her, was now spreading slander?
She certainly thinks highly of me.
Gu Quan came from a powerful clan, wielding authority despite his youth. In these turbulent times, what woman could he not have? Why would he covet another man’s concubine?
Who would believe such rumors?
Gu Quan responded, “Wan City lies close to Xiang City. Madam Wu’s father currently serves as the Wu County Governor there. By spreading these rumors, she aims not only to tarnish reputations but also to justify sending troops to Wan City.”
He scoffed lightly. “Madam Wu will never relinquish Wan City willingly.”
The deputy general pressed, “Then why did you act, my lord?”
Gu Quan: “To establish legitimacy.”
Lian Yue’s slender fingers clenched the quilts, her long lashes fluttering as she exhaled slowly after a long moment.
If she still held some value to Gu Quan, at least she wouldn’t be killed.
This thought brought her a measure of relief.
But that Madam Wu…
In the months since her transmigration, Lian Yue had never offended Madam Wu. During her captivity as Lu Xun’s concubine, she had remained obedient and discreet, yet still incurred the other woman’s lethal schemes.
This grievance must be repaid.
She lowered her gaze.
However, judging by Gu Quan’s words, Madam Wu’s reluctance to surrender Wan City might lead her to request military intervention from her father, the Wu County Governor in Xiang City.
Meanwhile, the Yuan Clan in Ruyang had been eyeing Xiang City covetously and wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
It all depended on how the Wu County Governor would choose.
For now, she could only wait for the right moment and observe how the situation unfolded.
The carriage stopped. As the curtain was lifted, Lian Yue looked up warily, meeting the gaze of a matron.
She smiled and said, “Madam, you’ve been asleep for three days and three nights, and you’ve finally woken up.”
Lian Yue frowned, “Who are you?”
The woman replied, “My surname is Cheng. My husband is a squad leader in the army. The journey has been bumpy, and the lord was worried, so he specifically sent me to take care of you.”
Hearing this, Lian Yue felt relieved.
She hadn’t expected to sleep for three days and three nights, no wonder she felt sore all over upon waking.
Lian Yue opened her mouth, “Is there water?”
Madam Cheng said, “Yes, yes.”
As she spoke, she took a water jug, poured a bowl of water, and handed it to her.
Lian Yue took it and drank the entire bowl, only then feeling much more comfortable.
Madam Cheng continued, “Madam, Wan City is just twenty li ahead. We’ve stopped to rest now, so you can step out of the carriage for some fresh air.”
Lian Yue nodded, “Understood.”
As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she saw a rushing river before her eyes. It was flood season, and the river water surged fiercely against the banks.
Wan City and Xiang City had well-developed water systems and had long been vital hubs for waterway transportation. However, with the current turmoil in the world, few merchant ships were in sight, leaving the river somewhat empty.
Madam Cheng said, “The terrain in Shu is complex, with high mountains, deep forests, and rushing rivers. There are often wild beasts and bandits lurking, as well as many insects and snakes. Madam must be careful.”
Lian Yue turned to look at Madam Cheng and said earnestly, “Thank you for the reminder.”
The young woman’s face still bore a sickly pallor, her lips were pale, and her long eyelashes cast shadows under her eyes, giving her a somewhat melancholic appearance.
Even so, she was as beautiful as a celestial goddess—no wonder she had become the favored concubine of a regional lord.
Thinking that she had just lost her support and nearly lost her life, Madam Cheng couldn’t help but feel pity for her and shared a bit more: “Originally, with the seal of Wan City, we could use it to open the city gates. However, I heard that Madam Wu’s swift letter arrived in the city first. The lord was worried that something might have changed, so we stopped here and sent someone ahead to gauge the attitude of the Wan City magistrate.”
Lian Yue was puzzled, “Does that mean the seal is no longer useful now?” That would be terrible.
“Ahem.”
Xuan Yao, Gu Quan’s deputy general, approached and gave Madam Cheng a warning glance.
Then, he bowed to Lian Yue and said, “Madam, the lord requests your presence.”
Lian Yue turned and saw Gu Quan standing not far away, arms crossed.
She clutched the hem of her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked toward him, stopping three steps away.
Gu Quan was wearing Xuan Yi again today, with a red inner lining and a matching belt. Combined with his already striking appearance, he looked even more radiant.
Lian Yue pursed her lips, “Marquis Gu, you were looking for me?”
He glanced her up and down, then turned to his deputy and said, “Madam doesn’t look well. Call the physician to examine her again.”
Xuan Yao replied, “Yes.”
Gu Quan then shifted his gaze back to her and said slowly, “It’s cold outside, and Madam hasn’t fully recovered. It’s best not to come out and catch a chill, lest the cold invade your body and harm your health.”
Though Gu Quan’s words were caring, they sounded stiff to the ear.
Lian Yue bit her lip, thinking the young man was blaming her for wandering off. She lowered her eyes and said, “Marquis Gu is right. I’ll go back now.”
Under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head.
Since crossing over to this world, she had been cautious and vigilant everywhere, living by reading others’ expressions, afraid that any mistake might cost her life.
She was quite timid.
Seeing her lowered head, Gu Quan quickly realized and explained, “I didn’t mean to blame you.”
Lian Yue hadn’t expected the other party to offer an explanation, feeling somewhat surprised inwardly, she couldn’t help but blink.
He said, “By the way, that day when I took you away in haste, some rumors spread. After entering the city, there might be people who deliberately bring them up in front of you. Just ignore them.”
Recalling the conversation she had overheard upon waking, Lian Yue clearly knew who was behind it all. She nodded obediently, “Understood.”
Gu Quan added, “You’ve just experienced a major upheaval. Don’t overthink it; rest well.”
Lian Yue continued nodding.
For her, the true upheaval was transmigrating from the modern era to this feudal ancient time, becoming a dodder flower that could only rely on others to survive, with no control over her own fate.
After paying her respects, she returned to the carriage.
Soon after, the physician arrived—a middle-aged man dressed in a blue robe, with a neatly trimmed goatee.
“Madam, please extend your left hand.”
Lian Yue complied as instructed.
After taking her pulse for a while, he said, “Madam, please switch to the other hand.”
Lian Yue did so again.
After a moment, the physician withdrew his hand and said, “Madam, your constitution is weak, and cold has entered your body. You must avoid wind exposure and need three months of complete rest, or it will damage your foundation. I will prepare another prescription for your recovery. Take one dose daily for over a month.”
She knew her own condition well and expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, physician.”
After the physician left, Lian Yue lifted the curtain and saw him reporting to Gu Quan.
Madam Cheng came forward, “Madam, hot food has just been prepared. Would you like to dine?”
Lian Yue immediately replied, “Yes.”
She actually had little appetite, but this was no time for finickiness. Without eating her fill, how could she muster the strength to plan her next steps?
The convoy stopped for an hour before the scouts sent by Gu Quan returned, and then everyone continued toward Wan City.
Sitting in the carriage, Lian Yue lifted the window curtain and saw tall trees lining the roadside. In winter, the leaves had already fallen, revealing the thick trunks beneath the bare crowns.
Occasional beast cries echoed from the forest, sounding particularly eerie.
She lowered the curtain, her heart still trembling with fear.
In ancient times, wild beasts roamed freely outside the city walls. Most commoners lived within the city, and even those outside resided in clustered communities, building fortresses to defend against dangers.
Lian Yue was well aware that here, as a transmigrator with no strength to even tie up a chicken, she couldn’t take a single step on her own.
After about two hours of travel, they arrived at Wan City.
The city gates were tightly shut, with soldiers keeping watch on the battlements, maintaining strict vigilance.
Wan City was no small town. The magistrate guarding the city was Lu Heng, Lu Xun’s sworn younger brother and also his trusted aide.
Gu Quan presented his credentials and smoothly had the city gates opened. Magistrate Lu was quite tactful and did not hinder the army from entering.
Once the convoy entered the city, every household kept their doors tightly shut, and the streets were empty of pedestrians, as if they were still wary of them.
To Gu Quan, Lian Yue was merely an accessory to fulfill a promise. Coupled with their lack of familiarity, even if she found the situation strange, she pretended to know nothing.
Moreover, since he had become the Lord of the Gu Clan at such a young age, he was certainly no fool. If any changes arose, he likely had a way to handle it.
That evening, she was arranged to stay in the rear courtyard of the government office, while Gu Quan attended the welcoming banquet prepared by Magistrate Lu.
Traveling had been inconvenient, so once in the city, Lian Yue asked Madam Cheng to prepare hot water so she could properly wash away the stickiness from her body.
After bathing, she felt refreshed all over and in high spirits.
Since Gu Quan, Magistrate Lu, and others were feasting in the front courtyard, a table of food was also sent to the rear courtyard.
After changing clothes, Lian Yue was about to eat when she suddenly felt a pang of panic. She turned to Madam Cheng and asked, “Do you have any silverware?”
Madam Cheng noticed a flicker of vigilance in the young lady’s eyes—perhaps she was still shaken by Madam Wu’s lethal move last time.
Judging by her age, she seemed a year or two younger than the master, about the same age as her own daughter. Pitiable, indeed.
“Yes, I do,” she said, taking out a silver hairpin. “Madam, this is made of silver.”
Lian Yue took it, wiped the pin clean with a handkerchief, and tested all the dishes on the table. The silver pin showed no change in color.
Could it be that she was overthinking?
She set down the pin, picked up her chopsticks again, and confidently picked up a piece of mutton.
As soon as the mutton entered her mouth, it tasted unusually salty.
Lian Yue quickly grabbed a porcelain cup and poured some tea. Just as she was about to drink, she noticed a bluish-green tint floating in the water. She paused, picked up the silver pin again, and tested for poison.
The pin had indeed turned black.
Madam Cheng exclaimed, “What… what is this?”
Lian Yue poured out the tea, and as the water splashed, white foam appeared—a sign of potent poison.
She looked up and asked, “Who prepared the food?”
Madam Cheng snapped back to reality. “It was Magistrate Lu.”
Lian Yue’s hand, still holding the cup, trembled. She took a deep breath and said, “Please bring me a fresh pot of tea.”
She needed a drink of water to calm her nerves first.