"Han Qi, you'll stay home tonight and guard the house. Make sure nothing like last night happens again. Lei Zhong, you'll still go to the melon fields tonight—someone in the village might take advantage of the chaos to cause trouble. Nanqiao, tidy up and come with me to the city later."
By the time Lu Youqing stood at the doorway, she had already regained her usual composure. She assigned everyone their tasks in an orderly manner. If not for her tightly pressed, pale lips and the slight curl of her lowered fingers, no one would have noticed the anxiety and unease hidden beneath her calm exterior.
Everyone went to carry out their duties. After Li Nanqiao led the donkey cart out and helped Lu Youqing aboard, she finally asked, "Madam, where are we going?"
"To Caiyue Pavilion," Lu Youqing replied softly as she lowered the carriage curtain.
Li Nanqiao jumped onto the cart as well, flicked the whip, and drove the donkey cart out of the village. "Are we going to ask Steward/Shopkeeper Song to lend us money? Will he even agree?"
"No," Lu Youqing said. "We're going to ask him about someone."
Li Nanqiao couldn't guess her intentions, but long habit made her trust Lu Youqing instinctively. As they passed through the village, many people pointed at their cart, whispering and speculating whether Lu Youqing was planning to take the money and flee.
Not wanting those rumors to reach her madam's ears, Li Nanqiao cracked the whip harder, speeding up and leaving only clouds of dust behind them.
When Shopkeeper Song saw Lu Youqing, his expression froze for a brief moment before he smiled and invited her inside.
Lu Youqing did not miss that instant of hesitation. Once inside, Shopkeeper Song put on a look of regret and sorrow. "I've already heard about Brother Qin's situation. Madam Qin, don't panic."
"Since Shopkeeper Song already knows," Lu Youqing said calmly, "you should also know that my husband was dining with you last night. The murder has nothing to do with him."
Shopkeeper Song sighed. "How could I not know? But Brother Qin has already been targeted by the authorities. What use is it that I know the truth?"
Lu Youqing was not surprised by his response. When she first met Shopkeeper Song, she could already tell he was capable, but also someone who excelled at self-preservation.
"I did not come here to ask you to pull strings," she said. "I only remember that last night you mentioned the head of the Gu family would arrive in Yong'an Town tonight. I hope you can tell me where she is staying."
She stepped forward and lowered herself into a formal bow.
This was a posture of entreaty. Shopkeeper Song understood.
"Well…" He hesitated, reluctant to refuse her outright, but without his master's permission, how could he dare reveal the family head's whereabouts?
Seeing his difficulty, Lu Youqing straightened and explained, "Shopkeeper Song, I'm not trying to put you in a difficult position. My husband is truly in dire straits. You only need to take me to pass on a message. Whether the family head chooses to see me will be her decision."
Seeing that he still hesitated, she continued, "Rest assured—our supply contract with Caiyue Pavilion was signed in my name. Even if something truly happens to my husband, it will not affect the melon supply."
Remembering that the restaurant still relied heavily on their melons, Shopkeeper Song finally gritted his teeth and nodded. Before leaving, he warned her anxiously, "Let me be clear—I can't guarantee the family head will see you. If she refuses, you must not pester her."
"Of course. Thank you for your concern."
By the time they set out, the night was already deep. Sparse stars dotted the dark sky.
Li Nanqiao drove in silence behind Shopkeeper Song, the road growing more remote, the number of passersby fewer and fewer, until the carriage stopped before a quiet, elegant estate.
Li Nanqiao had never known such a grand and imposing residence existed in Yong'an Town. It truly befitted a merchant family that controlled countless businesses.
She had no time to marvel and quickly helped Lu Youqing down from the cart.
"Shopkeeper Song? Why are you here?" The guard at the gate frowned and demanded sternly.
"Please help announce that someone wishes to see the family head," Shopkeeper Song said cautiously.
"The family head just arrived and needs rest. Come back tomorrow if you have business," the guard replied impatiently. Every day, countless people sought an audience—if she saw them all, she'd never have peace.
"Brother," Lu Youqing said softly, stepping forward. "I know the Gu family head is very busy, but I truly have an urgent matter. I have a gift I wish to present. Could you help pass it along? The family head can decide afterward whether to see me. It won't take much of her time—what do you think?"
She took an envelope from her sleeve and held it out.
"Yes, brother," Li Nanqiao chimed in. "It's only a letter—it won't take much effort. Please help us."
Seeing Lu Youqing's frail figure sway slightly in the night breeze, the guard's heart softened. After all, it was only a letter. He nodded and took the envelope inside.
Only then did Lu Youqing release a quiet breath.
After a long wait, the guard returned. He glanced at Lu Youqing strangely before turning to Shopkeeper Song. "The family head says you may leave for now. If there's anything further, she'll contact you."
Shopkeeper Song bowed and withdrew. Before leaving, he glanced at Lu Youqing with a complicated look.
He knew that asking him to leave while keeping Lu Youqing meant the family head had agreed to see her.
What exactly had she sent in that envelope? He had no idea.
"You may follow me inside," the guard said. "The family head is busy at the moment—you'll need to wait."
---
Gu Lanxi sat beside the bed, holding a handkerchief and gently wiping the sweat from the brow of the person lying there.
Tenderness and worry nearly overflowed from her eyes as she gazed at his pale, delicate sleeping face.
When his breathing finally steadied and his temperature returned to normal, the weight on her heart at last eased.
"Family Head, the medicine for the young master has finished simmering," a maid in a pink dress said softly as she entered and bowed.
Gu Lanxi placed the handkerchief into the basin the maid held. "Keep it warm. Bring it once he wakes."
"Yes, Family Head. But didn't the young master's wounds already heal? Why does he still have a fever?"
"The wounds may have healed, but his body's depletion will take time to recover. He exhausts himself every day, his thoughts never resting—how could he recover so easily?" Gu Lanxi said, her voice full of concern, though she could not stop him.
"By the way, Caidie," she added, "is that person surnamed Lu still waiting?"
"Yes, Family Head. She's still in the reception hall."
"Then let's go. I want to see what she's come for." Gu Lanxi gently brushed the hair at the man's temple before standing. At the doorway, she added, "If the young master wakes, inform me immediately."
"Yes, Family Head."
Gu Lanxi entered the reception hall and saw a woman sitting upright in a chair, her posture straight and composed. She carried a calm aloofness tinged with cool restraint. Her skin was fair as snow, her features refined—only a faint scar on her cheek marred her beauty.
Hearing footsteps, Lu Youqing immediately rose and bowed. "I apologize for disturbing you so late at night. I hope you'll forgive the intrusion."
Gu Lanxi had traveled all day, and upon arrival, the person beside her suddenly developed a fever. After hurriedly making arrangements and staying by his side, she finally had a moment to rest once his temperature subsided.
She sat in the main seat and spoke directly. "Tell me—why have you come here in the middle of the night?"
Seeing her fatigue, Lu Youqing did not delay. She recounted Qin Ke's situation in full.
"So you've come here to borrow money?" Gu Lanxi asked. She found the matter absurd, yet not unfamiliar—such corruption was commonplace.
"No," Lu Youqing said, looking at her and shaking her head.
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Currently at chapter 180 for advance chapters
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