26 Bite Him

Shen Qinglü appeared utterly bewildered, her peach-blossom-like, stunning face filled with a blank expression.

To Nanny Yu, this contradiction was nothing but a pity. If the young cousin were a sound person, she might have had a chance to fight for a future, but alas, her temperament was that of a child and her words and deeds were those of a toddler. Even though she had improved significantly compared to before, a good marriage remained elusive.

"Madam..." she wanted to remind Shen Linlang, fearing that her mistress’s lack of composure might be noticed by passing servants. She felt deeply perplexed and unable to understand the scene before her.

Shen Linlang’s heart ached, and tears streamed down her face, heedless of onlookers.

It was unclear how much time passed before her reason slowly returned. She gradually released Shen Qinglü, scanning her with hazy eyes over and over, as if trying to discern something from a face that bore such a striking resemblance to her sister-in-law.

After a long while, she said, "A-Li, I will see you back."

They had barely taken two steps when Xia Chan hurried over. Her face was pale, and she appeared visibly frail, her eyes full of urgency. "Young Miss, I have finally found you."

"Xia Chan, are you better?" Shen Qinglü asked, feigning innocence, while exchanging a look with her.

Xia Chan hurriedly claimed she was fine, bowed to Shen Linlang, and stepped forward to support Shen Qinglü.

Shen Qinglü waved at Shen Linlang. "Xia Chan and I will return; you need not see us off."

Shen Linlang watched Shen Qinglü’s seemingly oblivious demeanor, her expression immensely complex and unreadable.

"Madam, what is the matter?" Nanny Yu asked, unable to grasp the situation.

"I..." Shen Linlang choked on her words, swallowing what she had been about to say. She could not voice her suspicion that her daughter was not truly her daughter, nor could she convince herself that these thoughts were merely products of her own overactive imagination.

In the end, she could only say, "I do not know."

Yet, the moment Shen Qinglü turned away, the pitiable innocence on her face vanished, replaced by an intense coldness. She glanced toward the Liufang Pavilion across the water, her eyes filled with irony.

In a shallow depression, there was still water left over from the rain a few days prior. That pool of water was trapped in a tiny mud pit; without external salvation, it could only dry up bit by bit, just like her past life. It was precisely because someone had pulled her from that trap that she, this shallow, weak stream, could rush toward the rivers and seas to witness the vastness of the world’s waters.

But in this life, she must save herself!

As she walked, she suddenly stopped, then moved slowly forward until she reached the water’s edge. From her vantage point, she looked directly at a window of the Liufang Pavilion.

Xia Chan followed close behind her and said, "That is the Eldest Miss's room. If the lamps are lit at night, you might even see the Eldest Miss combing her hair by the window."

She looked down at where she stood, seeing clear traces of footprints left by someone else. A mocking curve slowly formed on her lips, dripping with deep derision.

***

Bright lanterns illuminated the water, casting shimmering reflections. The pavilions and water terraces mirrored in the ripples made the worldly prosperity appear even more vivid.

The windows, carved with auspicious patterns, were half-closed. Light filtered through the silk curtains, producing a warm, moist glow, like the radiance of a pearl. On this side of the water, all scenery appeared surreal.

On the bank directly opposite the window, the spot with the best view welcomed its regular guest. She wore dark clothing that blended seamlessly into the night, making her nearly invisible.

The water air carried a chill, yet Yu Qingxue seemed entirely unaware. The darkness provided her with a cloak of impunity; she could reveal her feelings without disguise, releasing her emotions without restraint.

She was indulging, lost in her reverie, when suddenly a gust of wind seemed to strike from behind. Before she could react, she was thrown into the water.

*Splash.*

Water surged from all sides. She swallowed mouthfuls of water, struggling desperately. As she bobbed on the surface, she suddenly locked eyes with a pair of eyes burning with ghostly fire, staring at her coldly like a soul-snatching demon. Before she could scream, the spot was empty.

It was that wretched creature!

"What was that sound?" The servants at Liufang Pavilion heard the commotion, emerged with lanterns, and gasped, "Someone has fallen into the water!"

She was suddenly gripped by panic, swallowing another large mouthful of water and choking as she thrashed about. The noise was indeed loud and soon drew more people.

As they headed toward the water, Shen Qinglü retreated, moving against the crowd, but she did not expect her path to be blocked. The night was overcast, devoid of starlight. She had to admit that some people, even in the darkness and dressed in black, remained like luminous objects, shining wherever they went.

However, upon seeing that jade-carved, cold face, she almost cursed out loud. This Mu the Ninth!

"Attacking from behind—I truly did not misjudge you."

Mu Hanshi’s voice, like falling snow, sounded particularly chilling in the night. She did not answer, dodging left and right, shifting back and forth, yet no matter which direction she tried to escape, he appeared precisely in her path.

The person in the water should have been rescued by now; if she couldn't get away, she feared it would be difficult to explain later. Thinking of this, she stopped pretending and glared at him fearlessly. "You know nothing! What right do you have to judge me?"

"Seeing is believing. I only saw you secretly attempting to take another's life."

"Seeing is believing? That’s only because your eyesight is poor. If we’re talking about character, you are the one who is truly wretched, aren't you? A man, an outsider, lurking in someone else's backyard in the middle of the night—what are you doing? Could it be that you are righteous in public but a lecherous thief in private?"

Back at the Marquis’s residence, she had felt there was something off between this man and Yu Liuzhu. Were they exchanging secret signals, having arranged a tryst tonight?

Bah!

"Move aside, or I shall call for help."

Mu Hanshi did not move, his demeanor icy. The commotion over there grew louder, several lantern lights converging. Shen Qinglü became increasingly anxious; if she delayed any longer, her plan might go awry.

She steeled her heart and devised a plan, doing the opposite of what he expected. She lunged and grabbed him. "If you don't let me go, I will scream and say you were driven by lust, attempting to force yourself upon me!"

As their bodies touched, she clearly felt his rigidity; strangely, he did not push her away.

"Let go."

His snow-falling voice seemed to waver.

"I will not!" she said stubbornly. "You let go first, and then I will."

"With a character as base as yours, you actually dare to dream of climbing into the Marquis's family." As Mu Hanshi finished speaking, he raised his arm, and she was flung aside, falling to the ground.

A drizzle began to fall at some point, hitting her face, but it was her heart that felt wet. Perhaps the night made her fragile, or perhaps she remembered those who used to protect her, making her want to cry for no reason.

Silent tears slid down her face. Her ink-jade eyes were filled with sorrow, so helpless, so miserable...

Through her blurred vision, she saw Mu Hanshi frowning, as if enduring something—perhaps he was disgusted by her, despised her, loathed her.

She sneered inwardly and accused, "You are bullying me again!"

A moment later, Mu Hanshi approached and looked down at her. He stood with the grace of a pine, his spirit clear and his bones cold, standing aloof from the mortal world. He was like the pale, cold moon, or cool, refreshing jade—a barrier standing between her and her path to survival.

She could not cross it, nor could she push it down; there was only hatred!

The fine rain made it harder for her to open her eyes, and her vision grew even hazier. Perhaps it was an illusion, but she seemed to catch a flicker of emotion in those dark, silent eyes. It was faint, subtle, like this persistent drizzle.

Then, for some reason, he reached out toward her. His hand was exceptionally beautiful, the joints well-defined, like elegant jade bamboo.

Instead, she grabbed it and bit down hard.