It was Old Madam Huang who came to open the door, beaming.
“Mother, I’m back.” Wei Linye’s voice rang out, though his gaze settled firmly on Liu Muli’s retreating figure.
Old Madam Huang knew perfectly well, yet pretended not to notice, and replied cheerfully, “Just in time! Come, let’s have breakfast together.”
Liu Muli stood holding a bowl, her back stiffening for a moment. A dull, aching soreness rose unbidden in her chest. She sat there motionless, lost in thought. This was the first time she had seen him since her rebirth—or rather, since they had parted in that other life. Memories of their endless quarrels in her past life, and of that innocent child, flooded her mind; the ache in her heart grew so sharp that her eyes instantly clouded over with a mist of tears.
Wei Linye noticed her lack of warmth—nothing like the eager welcome he had always received before. He frowned, a flicker of displeasure stirring within him. In one hand he carried a stack of books and papers; in the other, a parcel wrapped in oiled paper. Inside were fried pancakes from the prefecture city. They had gone cold on the journey back, yet Liu Muli could still catch their familiar scent. These were simple savory pancakes, filled with pickled vegetables rather than meat, but baked to a delicious crispness. She had loved them in the past. Every time Wei Linye returned from the city, he would bring a few for her.
Wei Linye sat down beside her, unfolded the oiled paper, and took out a pancake to hand to her. His hands were not those of a laborer—long, slender fingers, clearly defined knuckles, the hands of a refined scholar accustomed to holding a brush. Yet she knew well: when those hands turned fierce, they possessed terrifying strength.
Liu Muli suppressed the ache rising in her chest. She looked down at the pancake before her, her gaze cool and distant. Once, this had been her favorite food. Now, she felt no desire whatsoever to taste it. Perhaps… she simply did not like it anymore.
“Won’t you eat it?” Wei Linye pressed the pancake closer to her. His voice was as calm and unreadable as ever, yet his eyes remained fixed intently on her profile.
His steady gaze made her spine tingle with tension. Slowly, she turned to look at him. He appeared much as she remembered—sleek, arched eyebrows and bright, piercing eyes; dark irises like polished obsidian submerged in deep waters, always carrying that same air of cool detachment. He was still as reserved and unemotional as ever, yet he had not yet acquired the stern, imposing gravity that would mark him once he took office in her past life.
She hesitated only a moment before accepting the pancake. “Thank you,” she said, her voice edged with polite distance. She took a small bite. The taste was exactly as she remembered—yet now, it felt bland and flavorless on her tongue.
Wei Linye watched her cool demeanor, and his expression darkened. Something was decidedly wrong.
Old Madam Huang, too, noticed how unusually quiet the girl seemed today, though she assumed it was merely a touch of low spirits. “In a few days, the two of you will depart for the capital,” she said, smiling warmly. “Tomorrow, go into town and buy yourselves some fine new clothes and all the provisions you’ll need.”
Liu Muli paused. She remembered making this very journey with him in her past life, and her heart turned heavy. Wei Linye had already passed the provincial examinations and earned the rank of *Juren*. Rather than sitting the metropolitan examination the following spring, he had waited one more year to travel to the capital. That journey had held such joy—filled with tender words and sweet promises. It had been a time of pure happiness… until everything fell apart later.
Liu Muli swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat, and forced a faint, tight smile. “Mother… I have decided not to go to the capital with Linye.”
Old Madam Huang stared at her in shock. “What? Why ever not?” She had been so certain the girl had looked forward to this journey more than anything. Had they quarreled? Had some rift opened between them?
Beside her, Wei Linye’s face darkened further. His gaze turned sharp and piercing against her profile, though he pressed his lips tightly and remained silent.
Liu Muli could feel the weight of his icy stare, but chose to ignore it. She spoke carefully, the words she had already rehearsed falling from her lips: “Mother, the journey to the capital is long and arduous. And life in such a grand, bustling city must be far costlier than here. If I were to accompany him, our expenses would mount quickly.” She paused, letting out a soft, deliberate sigh. “After much thought, I’ve decided it would be best if I remained here. I would rather stay and keep you company.”
Old Madam Huang’s heart swelled with affection. “Silly child! How much could you possibly consume? We can easily afford it—and besides, I know you are not wasteful.” She turned to her son. “Linye, tell her she worries over nothing.”
“Mother speaks the truth,” Wei Linye replied evenly, his tone revealing nothing of what he felt.
Old Madam Huang was well accustomed to her son’s quiet reserve. “You see?” she said to Liu Muli with a bright smile. “Linye agrees. Go together, and let you see the capital—such a magnificent place! It will broaden your horizons!”
Liu Muli was deeply grateful for her genuine kindness. Yet she shook her head, offering another excuse. “Mother, I am barely literate. I fear I would only bring shame upon Linye in the capital. I have lived all my life in the countryside and speak without grace. I am afraid I might inadvertently offend some powerful official and harm Linye’s future prospects.”
Old Madam Huang hesitated. She had heard as much—that the capital was crowded with men of rank and influence.
Wei Linye spoke then, his voice low and hard, his presence radiating unmistakeable pressure. “Mother. If she does not wish to go, let her stay.”
Hearing his sharp, frigid tone, Liu Muli knew he was furious. Her fingers tightened around the pancake, and her throat burned. She pictured herself in that other life—bright-eyed and giddy as she set off for the capital with him… and then, broken and alone, the way she had left it. A bitter, self-mocking smile touched her lips.
Old Madam Huang sighed resignedly. “Very well. If that is your wish, Muli, you shall remain here. And you, Linye—take good care of yourself on the road.”
“Mn,” Wei Linye replied shortly.
Liu Muli breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She had managed to persuade them—or so she thought.
But later that night, just as she was preparing for bed, the door burst open. Wei Linye stepped inside, slammed the door shut behind him, and drove the bolt home. The air around him turned cold and dangerous.
Before Liu Muli could react, he had pushed her back against the door, one hand cupping the back of her head, holding her fast.
“Why do you refuse to come with me to the capital?” he demanded, his voice low and intense. His dark eyes bore into hers, unblinking.
The oil lamp cast a dim, golden glow over his sharp, chiseled features, deepening the shadows in his gaze until they seemed bottomless.
Liu Muli’s heart ached. She looked up at him, a faint, distant smile touching her lips. “I explained my reasons to Mother this afternoon. You heard me.”
“Lies.” His fingers gripped her waist, pulling her flush against him. His voice dropped to a rough, heated whisper. “Such flimsy excuses might fool Mother—but they do not fool me.”
Anger flared in her chest. She glared back at him defiantly. “Believe what you will. But I tell you plainly—I will not go to the capital with you!”
“You have no choice.” He lowered his head, his lips brushing against her ear, his voice thick with a terrifying, possessive intensity. “You *will* come. If you refuse to walk there on your own, I will carry you there myself.”
“Are you out of your mind, Wei Linye?” Liu Muli snapped. She lost all composure, lifting her head and biting him hard on the side of his neck. Her voice trembled with rage.
He let out a low, harsh laugh against her skin. “Suppose I am. What then?”