“You…” Yao Shu’s question hadn’t even left her lips when her eyes locked with Deng Xunfeng’s. In an instant, his hand clamped over her mouth, forcing her down to crouch beside him.
“If you don’t want to die, shut up.” His eyes, so different from his usual careless look, were sharp and dangerous—like a wolf ready to strike.
Under the eaves, one must bow one’s head. Yao Shu obediently nodded. The two crouched behind the rockery, watching as the General’s wife approached Deng Lingyun.
“Mother.”
“Lingyun, look at you—practicing with the spear again, all sweaty.”
The General’s wife pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her daughter’s forehead. Deng Lingyun stood calmly, face composed, not a trace of panic. Yao Shu silently admired her composure.
“Lingyun, the battlefield is perilous. Being recalled is a blessing. You must take care of yourself so I don’t have to worry every day. Your father may not say much, but each time you go to war, he prays at the ancestral hall, terrified that something might happen to you. Now that you’ve returned from Bian City, you can stay in the capital, and we’ll be at ease. He and your grandfather are increasingly fond of Xiujin. You, Xiujin, and Xunfeng grew up together, and now you have military merit. If your grandfather petitions the Emperor for a marriage decree, our Marquis Changning household would be worthy of Prince Su.”
Through most of her mother’s words, Deng Lingyun’s expression remained calm. But when marriage to Fu Xiujin was mentioned, Yao Shu noticed her fist clench briefly before relaxing. Beside her, the oppressive aura was impossible to ignore. Yao Shu turned to see Deng Xunfeng’s face dark as soot.
“My relationship with Fu Xiujin is only friendship, nothing to do with marriage. Mother, don’t worry yourself. I will never marry. My life is devoted to Marquis Changning’s household. As long as I live, no one will touch it.”
Her tone was steady, as if speaking of something unrelated to herself. The General’s wife, accustomed to her daughter’s refusals, sighed, smoothed her hair, and led her inside.
“Your father and I only wish for your happiness. Don’t say such things. Come in and wash up. It’s been half a year since I last saw you—I have so much to tell you.”
Deng Lingyun said no more, simply taking her mother’s hand and entering the house. Once their figures disappeared behind the main door, Deng Xunfeng finally released Yao Shu.
Fresh air filled her lungs again, and she gasped for breath. Deng Xunfeng only stared at her silently, making her shiver. She raised her hand. “I swear, I saw and heard nothing. I only got lost after going to the latrine—truly.”
“Killing a mere coroner wouldn’t attract much notice.”
As he reached toward her, Yao Shu tried to flee, but her legs were numb from crouching too long. She stumbled forward and ended up kneeling before him.
Their eyes met—she was embarrassed, he was stunned.
Thinking quickly, Yao Shu brushed off her knees and stood. “I’ll be honest. Killing a coroner might go unnoticed. But I am Fu Xiujin’s fiancée. Try touching me.”
Deng Xunfeng’s face showed disbelief. He snorted, clearly unconvinced.
“You may be pretty, but Fu Xiujin is famously aloof. All of the capital knows it. I’ve grown up with him and never heard of any betrothal. Otherwise, my mother wouldn’t be scheming to marry him to Lingyun.”
Seeing words alone wouldn’t convince him, Yao Shu spread her hands. “We can ask Fu Xiujin directly. If he denies it, you can kill me then. Your bond with him is stronger than mine—he’d have no reason to stop you.”
Deng Xunfeng studied her several times. Her calm demeanor made him hesitate.
Inside, Deng Lingyun and her mother spoke for nearly half an hour before the door opened. Once the wife left the courtyard, Deng Xunfeng dragged Yao Shu inside like a chick.
Deng Lingyun hadn’t expected anyone behind the rockery, much less someone who had seen everything. Her face turned icy.
Yao Shu studied her—aloof, cold, with delicate features and an untouchable beauty. No wonder Deng Xunfeng ignored propriety.
The siblings exchanged a few words. Deng Xunfeng decided to summon Fu Xiujin before making any decision, then ran off.
Deng Lingyun sat down, ignoring Yao Shu completely, leaving her awkwardly standing.
“Children born of close kin often have defects,” Yao Shu ventured, hoping to dissuade her since she seemed not intent on killing her.
Deng Lingyun shot her a look as if she were an idiot, said nothing, and sipped her tea.
The tense silence didn’t last long. Fu Xiujin soon arrived, seeing Yao Shu unharmed. She sat in a daze but brightened at his entrance.
“Let’s go. General Deng and his wife have invited us for tea.” Fu Xiujin’s tone was calm.
Deng Xunfeng, following behind, spread his hands in helplessness. Deng Lingyun, hearing his words directed at Yao Shu, realized she hadn’t lied—she truly was betrothed to him.
“Let’s go.”
Deng Lingyun stepped out first. Deng Xunfeng immediately followed like glue. Yao Shu smoothed her skirt and hurried to Fu Xiujin’s side.
With a gossiping look, she tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Did you know about them? Why don’t you stop it? Does Marquis Dingguo’s household know?”
Yao Shu leaned close—modern habits made her think nothing of it, as if she were chatting with a girlfriend. But to Fu Xiujin, a man of ancient times, the intimacy made him uneasy.
“They’re not blood siblings. Lingyun was adopted.”
With that, Fu Xiujin quickened his pace. Yao Shu pressed on, “Does the household know? If they’re not related by blood, then being together is fine. Why sneak around like it’s an affair?”
“Mind your own business.”
“Tch.”