Chapter 071: Mu Fan, I've come to find you.

Li Yexuan could not possibly know the silent sigh in my heart, nor could he imagine how deeply grateful I was for his timely interventions in so many moments of peril. In this world, no one is truly obliged to do everything for another; it is precisely because I understand this truth so well that even the smallest act of kindness from others leaves me overwhelmed with gratitude. Such gratitude, I now realize, is born of ignorance—a naivety that only becomes clear after one has been pushed into a bottomless abyss.

At this moment, I was still preoccupied with pondering what kind of friend Li Yexuan was, how I, as his collaborator, might show him some care, and how to make him understand I was a partner worth long-term alliance. I even thought, the next time Li Yexuan visits, I ought to brew him a proper pot of tea, let him drink his fill, as a token of my thanks.

Foolishly, I planned for a future that would never come—so laughable, though I had yet to realize just how laughable it was. Never did it occur to me that a calamity was quietly awaiting me in the near future. As for Li Yexuan, I never hoped he would always be there to rescue me, but what I dreaded most was the possibility of him standing against me.

The cruelest thing is not that you are already mired in a swamp, but that someone, with a mere wave of their hand, hauls you out, lets you rest in their embrace, basking in unexpected warmth—only for that captivating face to suddenly turn cold, and with a stronger force, thrust you back into the mire, sinking you deeper and faster than before, leaving you no time to react, until all is swallowed by darkness.

In my world—mine, Huangfu Ziyun’s—I feared above all that Yun Heng, my rescuer, would one day be the one to push me into the abyss. So I kept him at arm’s length, believing distance alone would keep me safe. Yet, some things are not for me to decide: whether I would encounter the one who brings disaster, the so-called inescapable fate.

In the days that followed, perhaps thanks to Yunrong’s scene, the business at Jinyu Workshop flourished more than ever. It was the modern phenomenon of word-of-mouth at work. Moreover, Jinyu Workshop’s jewelry catered to all social strata, making it increasingly popular—a little fame spreading by the day.

Many maids and young ladies who entered would look around curiously. Uncle Jin told me they were most likely here to see someone.

“To see someone? Who are they here to see? Since when has Jinyu Workshop started selling people?” I was slow to react at first, firing off questions until Uncle Jin, after a pause, simply smiled.

“Master, it’s not just the merchandise in Jinyu Workshop that draws attention, but those who sell it as well.”

If I failed to catch his meaning, I might as well have dashed my head against a block of tofu. So the troublemaker was at work again, though he probably had no inkling of the effect he was causing.

“This Prince Xuan truly lives up to his reputation, so striking that he’s become a spectacle of Yuehua. But it’s not a bad thing—it’s free advertising for Jinyu Workshop, isn’t it?”

It was good news, and I made no attempt to hide my delight. I picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

Indeed, when one is in good spirits, everything appears pleasing. This cup was fine blue-and-white porcelain—I liked it very much.

“But…” Uncle Jin’s words drew my gaze away from the porcelain and back to him, though I did not forget to take another sip.

Usually, when someone prefaces their words with “but,” it’s rarely a good sign. Still, I maintained my smile, buoyed by my good mood. Yet what Uncle Jin said next nearly floored me.

“It’s not just Prince Xuan they come to see, but you as well. Word has it the Night Prince is impressive from every angle, and the prince’s manor is a place countless women would do anything to enter. They say you are petite and refined—a perfect candidate for a son-in-law…”

I couldn’t help it—a mouthful of tea sprayed out, catching Uncle Jin’s clothes. He glanced at me in alarm and hurriedly fled. Luckily, I’d been seated while Uncle Jin was standing; had our positions been reversed, I can only imagine how tragic Uncle Jin’s expression would have been had the tea landed on his face.

Heh, should I be grateful—or curse myself for having such a troublesome face? No, the real troublemaker is Li Yexuan, not me…not me…

No sooner had Uncle Jin dashed out than Jin Hu came running in. I saw him brush past his father, a look of confusion in his eyes, though for once he refrained from asking questions. He must have been in a hurry, if he couldn’t even spare a word for his own father.

“Master, there’s trouble.”

“What is it?” I quickly wiped the tea from my lips. I’d already been disdained by his father—no need to give his son another reason.

“There’s an issue with a shipment. The supplier insists on seeing you in person, says I’m too lowly to deal with.”

I frowned. The goods Jin Hu spoke of were, of course, the materials used for crafting Jinyu Workshop’s jewelry. He usually handled such matters; I only ever saw results, never the process. Was I truly becoming so well-known?

“Their terms?” For them to insist on seeing me, they must have demands.

“They say they have many, but will only tell you in person. Said I was just an errand boy,” Jin Hu said, scratching his head in embarrassment.

“Oh? In that case, how can I not go and see for myself?” Rising, I headed out, glancing back at Jin Hu. “Aren’t you going to show the way?”

That child—why just stand there foolishly?

Well, I suppose I’m a child too…

Jin Hu led me to a tavern, but instead of a private room, we went to the rear courtyard. It seemed to be the custom in Yuehua—most larger shops had a courtyard behind, where the owners and staff might reside, though their size varied.

Not long after we entered the courtyard, two armed men stopped us, saying their master wanted to see only me; Jin Hu was not permitted inside.

Jin Hu made to protest, but I stopped him, signaling for him to be patient as I entered the inner courtyard alone. There, behind a rockery, was a small pond. I was surprised to find such a tranquil place tucked behind a remote tavern. Entranced, I walked along the edge of the pond, circling to the back of the rockery.

A sense of unease crept over me. Just as I realized how familiar this scene was, a voice even more familiar sounded behind me.

“I knew you’d like this, Mufan.”

My mind reeled. I quickly glanced down at my clothes—men’s attire.

A sudden warmth pressed close, and I was drawn into an embrace.

“Mufan, I’ve missed you. Mufan, I’ve come to find you.”

It was Yun Heng—his voice, unmistakable. That he would say he missed me was beyond anything I had imagined. I struggled at once.

“General, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. Let me go…”

My struggles only made Yun Heng’s arms tighten around me from behind.

“I won’t let go.” Yun Heng turned me to face him, and I dared not lift my eyes. All I could see was his robe, white as freshly fallen snow.

He raised my chin with one hand, and with the other, he deftly drew the embroidered handkerchief from my sleeve.

Taking my handkerchief, Yun Heng began to gently wipe my face. He was so careful, softly asking if it hurt. His face was close to mine, his breath warm on my cheek, and I could feel the heat rising to my face—it must have been crimson by now.

I had only ever known Yun Heng’s gentle side, so I could not picture him fierce in battle, let alone bloodthirsty.

In that moment, I forgot to struggle, allowing Yun Heng to wipe my face clean of all cosmetics.

“Who says you’re not my little Mufan?”

I remained silent, trying to lower my head, but Yun Heng’s hand was still beneath my chin, and he lifted it again, his face slowly descending toward mine.

As I leaned back, I realized his other hand had found its way behind my head, cradling it.

Unable to dodge, I turned my face at the last moment, so Yun Heng’s lips landed on my cheek instead of my lips.

My cheeks, already burning, must have turned purple by now.

With a sudden effort, I broke free and darted to the other side.

“Mufan, don’t go.”

Yet my feet would not move, betraying me.

Hearing Yun Heng’s footsteps approaching, I shouted, “Don’t come any closer! Say what you have to say from there.”

Yun Heng’s voice trailed behind me. “I never expected to be gone so long, and I know you suffered at the manor.”

So it was about that. I turned and bowed to Yun Heng. “General, I beg you to let me redeem myself and leave my life as a maid behind.”

“Do you wish so much to escape me?” Yun Heng’s words left me speechless, my head bowed.

He came forward and lifted me from my half-curtseying posture.

“General, I only wish to live, to live with hope. Your favor is more than I can bear.”

If there is no future, why kindle hope? I cannot discard the name of a fallen nation; the entanglements of love and longing are not for someone like Huangfu Ziyun. I refuse to believe fate’s injustice—I am sure this is the trial the Grand Diviner of Lingyun foretold for me.

“Mufan, don’t be like this. I told you, I want you.”

Yun Heng’s words were so direct—I had dreamed of hearing them, but had just as often hoped never to.

Yun Heng, forgive me—I cannot say a word.

“Mufan, you must know my feelings for you, at least a little. I won’t force you, but please, don’t vanish from my sight again. If I can’t find you, I’ll be frantic.”

I met Yun Heng’s gaze and nodded solemnly…