Leaning against the great locust tree, Leng Yue’er could not hear exactly what they were saying, yet she knew the plot and could read lips well enough.
It seemed that Qu Xuexin, the eldest young lady of the Qu family, stood at the bow of the boat with one foot deliberately placed beneath the plank instead of on it. Smiling sweetly, she said something to Qu Moying. Then the little maid Yudong came trotting over, as if unaware of where the foot lay, and stepped straight onto the plank.
With a cry, Qu Xuexin tumbled onto the deck. In an instant, all traces of her dignified bearing vanished as she pointed at Yudong and berated her, even shoving her down onto one of the planks.
Seeing this, Young Master Wang turned back from the far end of the plank, asking what had happened. Yudong apologized, Qu Xuexin continued scolding, and Young Master Wang attempted to mediate. In that brief moment, Leng Yue’er saw that Qu Moying had already crossed the plank safely and was now standing firmly on the flower platform.
“Fourth Sister, keep your maid in line, or I won’t mind doing it for you,” Qu Xuexin shouted sharply, clearly furious.
“Yudong, apologize to Elder Sister, and stop talking nonsense,” Qu Moying’s voice drifted over from afar.
Qu Xuexin looked up in astonishment at Qu Moying, who was already on the platform. Young Master Wang was equally stunned.
This scheme had become useless, the person had already crossed. They would have to wait until reaching the platform to continue…
Yudong kept apologizing, then rose and gave a respectful bow before quickly running back to her mistress’s side.
Qu Xuexin cast a cold glance toward the platform. Just as she stood up with the help of her maid, the boat beneath her was struck hard. In the next instant, both of them rolled toward the bow, colliding with Young Master Wang, and all three tumbled headlong into the water.
“Whoosh!” Leng Yue’er raised her brows and let out a crisp whistle. “That was a fine show.” With a light movement, she drifted down from the tree, slipping through the crowd with a few swift steps. After squeezing forward, she reached the best viewing spot, folding her arms as a faint smile curved her lips, the very expression she always wore when watching a spectacle.
Qu Xuexin flailed in the water, swallowing several mouthfuls before clutching onto someone and being pulled ashore. The one who rescued her was none other than Young Master Wang, who had fallen in with her. Qu Moying kindly bought a blanket from a nearby shop, and together with the maid Hongmei, wrapped Qu Xuexin up.
Soon after, the unfortunate Cousin Xiao, Xiao Hanyuan, made his perfectly timed entrance.
Leng Yue’er raised her brows slightly, her eyes narrowing with interest.
“Eldest cousin, what happened here?” He looked stunned and anxious, stepping forward forcefully as if he had not even seen Qu Moying, nearly colliding into her as though intent on knocking her into the river. Yudong pulled her back just in time, retreating two steps.
“Cousin…” The words from Qu Xuexin’s lips were laced with grievance, her tone utterly pitiful.
“Eldest cousin, I will seek justice for you. No one will be allowed to shield the culprit.” He turned and glared at Qu Moying.
“Cousin, what do you mean by that?” Qu Qiuyan, who had nearly fallen into the water herself earlier, was displeased.
“The boat was chosen by the Elder Sister, and everything was arranged by her. She caused trouble at the bow and ended up falling into the river, so who is to blame? If you insist on defending her and refuse to listen to reason, then please take her back and ask Grandmother what should be done.” With that, she turned and left without another glance.
“Cousin, don’t blame Third Sister. Fourth Sister, this is my fault. I accidentally fell into the river,” Qu Xuexin hurriedly said, sensing the situation turning against her. She did not dare offend Qu Qiuyan.
“Eldest cousin, can you walk? I’ll take you back.” Xiao Hanyuan reached out to help, but seeing her already standing with Hongmei’s support and wrapped in a blanket, he hesitated.
“Miss, won’t you invite your savior, Young Master Wang, back as well?” Yudong added perceptively.
Qu Xuexin’s face flushed bright red. Xiao Hanyuan immediately scolded, “You are just a maid, why are you shouting? Come over here and help!”
Yudong was not intimidated. “I still have to attend to my young lady. Isn’t Cousin here?”
“Fourth Sister!” Xiao Hanyuan stepped forward to block Qu Moying, his anger evident.
They planned to leave by carriage, but since the carriages were parked far away, returning by boat seemed easier. However, Qu Xuexin refused to board Young Master Wang’s boat again. At that moment, someone from the other boat that had collided with theirs stepped forward, an attendant inviting them aboard.
Before anyone else could react, Qu Xuexin quickly agreed, eager to go aboard and change clothes, her expression instantly brightening.
Seeing this, Leng Yue’er knew the show had come to a temporary end. It was time for her to return and fulfill her duty as a “dark” guard.
With a few swift movements, she slipped out of the crowd. After a short distance, she paused slightly, sensing someone following her. Interesting.
Slowing her pace, she entered a lantern shop from the front and exited through the back, repeating this several times until she successfully shook off her pursuer. Then she swiftly followed the flow of people back to the teahouse where Prince Wei was resting.
The third floor was much quieter. After her brief excursion, Leng Yue’er casually plucked two pastries from a passing waiter’s tray, eating as she slipped back into the ranks of the hidden guards.
The guards on either side glanced at her, but she paid them no mind.
“Master, I was not skilled enough and lost track of them.”
Prince Xun, Pei Yuanzhun, waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned.
“Master, judging by the attire, that person was likely another prince’s dark guard, though it is difficult to determine which household.”
“It does not matter. You may withdraw,” Pei Yuanzhun said calmly, narrowing his eyes. As the dark guard vanished once more, Qu Moying was invited into the cabin of the boat…