"What?"

Mu Xian’s expression was grave, but he didn’t appear overly surprised or angry. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Why do you say that?"

Cheng Qiao replied, "The Great General’s residence caught fire. Such a big incident, and yet after a brief investigation, it was left unattended?"

"..."

"It’s almost as if there’s a reluctance to investigate further."

"..."

"And also, the Great General’s illness has dragged on for so many days without any improvement. If we can’t find the medicine, are we just going to let it drag on like this? Isn’t that a path leading only to death—"

At this point, he seemed afraid to continue speaking.

Mu Xian’s eyes flickered more intensely.

He said in a deep voice, "Are you suspecting Young Madam?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Qiao’s expression changed, and he hurriedly waved his hands, "No, I absolutely am not!"

"..."

"I just find it... a bit odd."

"..."

"And also— the Princely Heir, he came suddenly this time, saying the Ministry of War is holding him accountable for the last defeat, but since he arrived, he hasn’t said a word to that Ma Xu. And, why do I feel there’s something between the Princely Heir and Young Madam..."

He uttered this very cautiously, as he was discussing the affairs of the master, and moreover matters between a man and a woman. Before he could finish, he noticed that Mu Xian’s face had visibly changed. He immediately fell silent, but witnessed Mu Xian casting a complex glance his way, seemingly on the verge of speaking, which made Cheng Qiao even more puzzled.

He asked, "What’s the matter? Is there something going on?"

Mu Xian was silent for a moment before speaking, "You just came from Jiangdu and might not know, but eventually you should be aware of this taboo while serving alongside the General."

"Taboo? What taboo?"

"Young Madam’s original betrothal was to marry the Princely Heir."

"What!?"

Cheng Qiao stared at him in shock for a while, then turned back, looking at the courtyard, already distanced and glowing faintly in the night. Stammering, he said, "Young Madam and the Princely Heir are supposed to be—, and then—"

He lowered his voice in disbelief and said, "Are you suspecting Young Madam—"

Mu Xian frowned slightly and shook his head.

He said, "Even though I also feel the Princely Heir seems to have some... feelings for Young Madam, I understand Young Madam’s character. She’s definitely not someone who is fickle in love."

"..."

"It’s just that, as you just said, her actions this time are indeed a bit unusual."

"..."

"This time, the Great General’s illness came so suddenly, yet Young Madam neither investigates the cause of the illness nor questions the effects. She just stays in Fufeng, which is not like her usual behavior."

"What should we do then?"

Mu Xian pondered for a while and simply said, "No matter what, the General’s safety is of utmost importance. Regardless of what happens next, we must first protect the General, and secondly uphold Fufeng, as this is our duty in this expedition."

"Understood."

Cheng Qiao nodded and followed him forward, but as they left, he couldn’t help but glance back at the quiet and eerie courtyard.

Almost everyone had left.

Shantong’er also led a newly dispatched team to patrol around the courtyard. He indeed displayed utmost caution, holding a pair of copper hammers with an imposing demeanor, even watching a fly for half a day.

Watching him, Yu Wenqian let out a soft laugh.

He still wore a piece of cotton cloth covering most of his face, leaving those clear, insightful eyes exposed. With that laugh, he appeared even gentler. Shang Ruyi glanced at him, said nothing, and bowed her head again.

Yu Wenqian said, "This child is quite interesting."

Shang Ruyi replied, "Mm."

"I heard from my father that Feng Chen recruited him from Wanggang Village."

"Yes."

"I heard he was originally a substitute in the palace for Zhao—for Your Majesty, named Dan Congzhen."

"That’s him."

"Who would have thought a palace child could also be used by Feng Chen."

"... As long as there is intent, not only palace children, even the imperial guard can be used."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenqian’s gaze flickered as he looked down at Shang Ruyi, his eyes carrying a vague hint of amusement, "For example?"

"..."

Shang Ruyi, however, did not answer him.

After a moment of silent bowing, she raised her head to look at Yu Wenqian, "It’s late. Will elder brother be resting soon?"

Yu Wenqian slightly raised an eyebrow, glanced at her, then turned back to look inside the room.

He then said, "I should be resting as well."

"..."

"It’s just that I came unexpectedly this time, and with the incident just after my arrival, they didn’t have time to prepare a room for me, so I’ll likely have to stay here a bit longer."

Shang Ruyi said, "Elder brother did not notify the people here in advance before coming to Fufeng this time?"

Yu Wenqian said, "No."

"..."

Shang Ruyi’s brow furrowed slightly again.

Yu Wenqian watched her flickering gaze but smiled faintly, saying: "Why, does my sister-in-law seem suspicious of me?"

Shang Ruyi paused in silence, then shook her head and replied, "I wouldn’t dare."

Yu Wenqian replied calmly, "As I mentioned, I’m currently serving at the Ministry of War. This time, it was the Ministry of War who wanted to question the defeat at Fufeng. In addition, I’m concerned about Feng Chen’s health, so I sought permission to come here. Naturally, I wouldn’t notify in advance of such a circumstance."

Shang Ruyi paused again, nodding, "If that’s the case, then—"

Her words were left unfinished as suddenly a loud shout came from outside the courtyard wall: "Who’s there!?"

The tranquil night was abruptly pierced by that shout, startling the two under the eaves. They could hear a commotion outside, as if someone had been caught.

They exchanged a glance and hurried outside.

Just outside the courtyard, not far away, Shantong’er, leading a team of guards, surrounded someone, shouting noisily. That person shouted anxiously, "I’m here under orders to find the Princely Heir!"

Shantong’er froze upon hearing this.

Yu Wenqian came over and upon seeing, said warmly, "I was the one who summoned this person, do not misunderstand."

Shang Ruyi stepped forward and saw a man dressed in a short outfit, unfamiliar to her.

Shantong’er pouted, saying, "Young master? Why did you call someone over in the middle of the night? Gave us quite a fright."

Shang Ruyi quickly scolded him, "Shantong’er!"

Shantong’er lowered his head, pouting.

Yu Wenqian did not mind being questioned and smiled gently, "I just wrote a letter asking the courier station to come over immediately to take it and send it out overnight. I didn’t intend to cause misunderstandings."

With that, he indeed took out a sealed letter from his bosom and handed it to the person.

The man took the letter, bowed, and then turned to leave.

His arrival was brief, and his departure was equally hasty.

Shantong’er had nothing more to say, so he led the guards away to continue patrolling, while Shang Ruyi stood there, watching the person’s silhouette fade into the night.

Then she turned back to Yu Wenqian, asking, "Where is this letter going, elder brother?"

Yu Wenqian looked down at her, speaking frankly and smiling, "Daxing."

"...?"

Shang Ruyi furrowed her brows slightly, saying, "Elder brother just arrived, and already sending a letter back? That letter, is it for the Ministry of War?"

"The matter of holding the Ministry of War accountable hasn’t been dealt with yet, so naturally it isn’t for them."

"Then it’s—"

"For father."

Shang Ruyi gasped subconsciously, eyes widening as she looked at him. Yu Wenqian’s expression became somewhat serious, looking down at her, "The previous battle reports only mentioned Feng Chen falling ill, and father was already very worried. But it was only after I arrived here that I learned of Feng Chen’s true condition. Such matters cannot be kept from him."

"..."

"My sister-in-law should know, from here to Daxing, a fast horse would take about a day, meaning—"

Shang Ruyi’s breath grew heavy, continuing his thought, "’Two days later, father’s instructions will also reach Fufeng."

"Correct,"

Yu Wenqian said, "At that time, it will also be precisely when Feng Chen’s condition—"

Though his words were unfinished, Shang Ruyi fully understood his intent.

If Yu Wenye’s health showed no improvement, in three days possibly—at that time, she would need to provide an explanation to Duke Sheng, as it was she who insisted on not letting Yu Wenye leave Fufeng, where there was no good doctor nor a proper cure. If Yu Wenye’s condition improved, Duke Sheng, upon learning his true state, would certainly allow Yu Wenye to return to Daxing three days later.

It might even be possible that Duke Sheng would issue a decree directly from the court instead of acting in his own capacity, given he was already the Grand Chancellor.

By then, Yu Wenye would have no choice but to leave.

This, is a foolproof plan.

Shang Ruyi’s breath grew more weighted, and she said quietly, "I understand."

"..."

"Elder brother’s actions are indeed thorough."

Yu Wenqian viewed her a while longer, then said, "However, since I have already sent the letter, from now on, I won’t be pushing you to take Feng Chen away."

"..."

"Therefore, whatever you intend to do next, you may proceed without reservation."

"..." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"I will assist you."

"...!"

Shang Ruyi glanced at him, momentarily unsure how to respond.

No matter whether beneath the bright daylight or beneath the obscure night, those eyes before her remained forever semi-transparent, carrying a depth she could not discern, much like when he appeared in person before her, every word he spoke, every action he took, making it hard for Shang Ruyi to confidently determine whether he was friend or foe.

His "assistance," who knows what it truly entails?

After a long silence, Shang Ruyi said, "Then, many thanks, elder brother."

At that moment, Chief Historian Zhu Zhe approached, bowing to both before addressing Yu Wenqian, "Princely Heir, your lodging has been arranged, right next door."

Yu Wenqian nodded and then turned to Shang Ruyi, saying, "Then I’ll go rest first. As for Feng Chen’s matters, please take care."

Shang Ruyi said, "I wouldn’t dare."

Yu Wenqian smiled faintly, turned around, and departed.

Shang Ruyi remained standing there, watching his silhouette gradually blend into the darkness.

And in her eyes, there appeared a shadow even deeper than the night.