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“L-Lord…? Why are you here?” Xie Zhi stammered, her pale face drained of color, hair and clothes dripping wet. She looked utterly pitiful.
“What? Seeing me instead—does that disappoint you?”
“I… I didn’t mean…” Xie Zhi fumbled for words, utterly baffled why it was him who had saved her.
When she lifted her eyes again, his expression was dark, tinged with a trace of anger.
He hadn’t expected it to be her either.
She didn’t understand what he was so displeased about. He hated her so much—was he regretting that he’d saved her?
Before she could think further, Pei Du rose to his feet. With a curt order for her to stay put, he turned and left without looking back.
Moments later, Madam Zhou came hurrying with a thick cloak. Seeing Xie Zhi soaked through, she quickly draped it over her shoulders, muttering, “What on earth happened to you?”
Ignoring the question, Xie Zhi grabbed her sleeve anxiously. “Nanny, not now—just come with me quickly!”
No matter what had actually happened, the most important thing now was to sever any suspicion of collusion with that scheming mother and son, before they could smear her name.
…
“Miss Lichun? How—?”
Supported by Madam Zhou, Xie Zhi explained to the astonished maids by the lakeside that she had slipped and fallen in by accident, and was fortunate to have encountered Madam Zhou on the other side.
“I see. Well, you truly are lucky,” Madam Zhang forced a smile, realizing her plan had failed.
“That’s enough—everyone disperse. Miss Lichun, Old Madam wishes to see you,” said Madam Zhou.
Tomorrow Old Madam was leaving for the southern outskirts. Why had she suddenly summoned her tonight?
Puzzled, Xie Zhi changed into dry clothes and followed Madam Zhou to Chunhui Garden.
…
“Lichun, these past days at Guanxue Pavilion, have you been well?”
“Replying to Old Madam, this servant has been very well. Thank you for your concern.”
Xie Zhi gave a gentle smile, dimples blooming at her lips, bright and clever.
Old Madam set down her teacup and fondly stroked her head. “You fell into the water today—remember to drink ginger soup before bed, or you’ll catch cold.”
Her kindly voice made Xie Zhi’s eyes sting with sudden heat.
Tonight’s failed scheme reminded her of her bleak prospects after Old Madam’s departure. Bitterness welled up in her chest.
Her eyes reddened, and she murmured, “Old Madam, please take me with you. I am willing to serve you at your side.”
“Silly child. The monastery is austere—what would you do there? Go back and rest well. Tomorrow will be a fine day.”
Old Madam’s words slowed with drowsiness, her eyes half-closing.
“Miss Lichun, it’s late. Old Madam needs rest. You should return,” Madam Zhou gently reminded.
Knowing her mistress’s habits, Xie Zhi did not dare linger. She bowed and withdrew.
As soon as she left, Madam Zhou helped Old Madam into her chambers.
“Old Madam, why didn’t you tell her directly that Young Master has agreed for her to serve at Yangshan Terrace?”
“Let her rest peacefully tonight. Tomorrow, she’ll know.”
Old Madam’s thoughts drifted. She recalled her stroll in the garden earlier that evening—where she had come upon Sanlang interrogating a frightened book boy.
She had asked, but he brushed the matter aside and changed the subject.
“By the way, that boy was from Guanxue Pavilion, wasn’t he? I recall Lichun resides there too. Their connection runs deeper than I realized.”
“What is Grandmother implying?”
“Nothing. Only that when she served by my side, she was quick-witted and attentive. Unlike the hulking guards around you. If not for your stubborn refusal, I would have liked to place her—”
“She’s not of much consequence. But since Grandmother has spoken, let her do the cleaning in my courtyard.”
Both Old Madam and Madam Zhou exchanged astonished glances. Neither had expected him to agree.
…
Not long after, the little book boy from earlier came to Xie Zhi’s quarters, eyes red as he tearfully confessed everything.
Her hand trembled, the teacup slipped, scalding water and shattered porcelain spilling across the floor.
The chill of the lake returned, seeping through her bones.
So that was it…
Her keepsake had never reached Pei Hong. It had been intercepted by Pei Du.
He had known all along.
No wonder it was Pei Du who had appeared at Xingbo Lake tonight. He had come to expose her.
As for saving her—that had only been an accident.
Tomorrow, he would likely come to settle accounts.
“Sister Lichun, did I say something wrong…?”
“No, none of this is your fault. Go rest, child. If little ones stay up too late, they won’t grow tall.”
She ruffled his hair and sent him back, forcing a smile.
But her own steps faltered, her head light, body weak. Once inside, she collapsed into a chair, dizziness stronger than ever.
Her forehead burned with fever. She must have caught a chill.
Yet she had no time to care. Tomorrow loomed like a knife hanging over her.
With Old Madam gone, her fate would be either marriage to the fool Shuangfu or punishment at Pei Du’s hands.
Her temples pounded. She tossed restlessly all night without sleep.
At the third watch, she sat bolt upright, shook her spinning head, and threw off the covers.
No. She could not just sit and wait for death.
She hastily packed a few valuables, then slipped out under the cover of darkness toward the carriage house.
Old Madam’s journey would last over two months. The baggage was already loaded onto several wagons.
If she hid inside one of them tonight, she could follow the convoy out of the city by morning.
Once at Ci’en Temple, she could plead with Old Madam.
Surely, with their bond, she would not cast her out.
As for the future—she would face it when it came.
Thinking so, she quickened her pace.
But step by step, her body grew heavier, the fever burning hotter.
Just make it till morning… just till morning…
She clung to that thought.
By the lotus pond, her legs gave way and she fell hard against the stone path.
Pain seared her palm—blood welled up from torn skin.
Miserable, she tried to rise—when a cold voice descended from above.
“Where are you going?”
Fever clouded her mind. She raised her head blearily. A man in black robes stood before her, tone laced with frost.
“L-Lord…?”
“What sneaking about in the dead of night? Planning to run away?”
“No…” she murmured faintly. “I wasn’t…”
Pei Du cast a glance at Changnian, who stepped forward, picked up her bundle, and handed it over.
Pei Du shook it open. Silver and trinkets scattered across the ground.
“Still want to deny it?”