Qing Yuan felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She didn’t know how much truth there was in those few sentences, but after hearing them, she felt every hair on her body standing on end. Today’s Commander Shen was a thousand times more terrifying than usual.

She shuffled half a step backward, watching him warily. His figure was tall and graceful in the lamplight, his features as handsome as the bright moon. There were many types of military officers – some were rough and impetuous, while others, like him, were refined and cultured. However, no matter how refined or cultured he appeared, it couldn’t conceal that inherent aggression in his bones. She wasn’t moved by those few sentences, nor did she feel the shy delight typical of sheltered young ladies. She only sensed danger. After taking one step back, thinking it wasn’t far enough, she took another, then forced a smile and said, “Commander, please don’t joke like this.”

Shen Run had anticipated such a reaction from her, but seeing it play out before his eyes still made him raise his eyebrows in displeasure.

“Do I seem like someone who would joke with others? Fourth Young Lady, it’s quite inappropriate for you to brush off my words so casually.”

If it were any other young lady, a little teasing, a few half-spoken words would have been enough to set their heart aflutter. But Qing Yuan was different – in other matters, she was like a lotus root full of holes, always cautious and calculating. Yet when it came to matters of romance, she was like a solid yam – appearing fancy on the outside but completely dense within.

Faced with the Commander’s flirtation, she remained unmoved, merely mumbling softly, “I am a young lady from a respectable family. Commander, it is highly inappropriate for you to be so forward.”

Shen Run’s eyebrows rose even higher. “Fourth Young Lady seems to have quite a few criticisms of me.”

Qing Yuan said she wouldn’t dare. “I only admire the Commander. You saved the Xie family from disaster; to me, you are a benefactor. Moreover, the Commander and my father are colleagues – I respect you just as I respect my father.”

Though not explicitly stated, this response carried many implications. Respecting him like a father suggested she thought him too old. For someone of the father’s generation to turn around and pursue someone of the younger generation certainly appeared quite improper.

Qing Yuan thought that by speaking this way, he would surely understand her meaning. When dealing with clever people, words need not be too explicit – being too direct would hurt the face, so hints should suffice. The circle of nobles in Youzhou wasn’t as large as imagined; paths would cross again someday. If things ended unpleasantly, wouldn’t it be awkward if they met again in the future and remembered today’s events?

But her careful consideration did not resonate with Shen Run.

“There are many who serve as officials together. Fourth Young Lady need not treat me as part of the father’s generation,” he said, his temper becoming particularly good while bantering with her. “If we’re counting generations, Commander Xie and my father were sworn brothers, so I and the young lady are of the same generation. As for age, yes, there is a difference of a few years, but I don’t mind that you’re young and inexperienced. You should also view me with an open mind.”

Qing Yuan was struck speechless, discovering that every word that came from his mouth could be interpreted in two ways. She even forgot what her original intention was in saying those things – wasn’t it to tactfully point out their age difference? But he was perfect in his response, always maintaining the upper hand, instead implying that she was too young and naive and that his tolerance was already showing her great face.

She felt somewhat discouraged, dissatisfied with having lost the advantage, but still smiled helplessly on her face. “Commander, you make me feel quite uneasy.”

He let out a long sigh, that sighs carrying a light and lingering trailing sound, sounding quite tolerant. “Fourth Young Lady’s words and actions don’t match. If you see me as part of the father’s generation, why did you accept my token?”

Qing Yuan hesitantly looked at him, then at the small pouch at her waist. “This jade pendant was merely entrusted to me by the Commander, it hardly counts as a token!”

He made a sound of acknowledgment. “Then did I ever say that the young lady must carry it day and night?”

Then the small young lady suddenly found herself unable to explain, stuttering: “I… I was afraid… afraid it would fall into someone else’s hands.”

“What is there to fear? Next time if someone tries to take it, I’ll personally come to your home to claim it, and clarify in front of your entire family that this jade pendant was placed with Fourth Young Lady by me, belonging to Fourth Young Lady alone.” He made this grand declaration, then smiled at her calmly. “Why doesn’t Fourth Young Lady take a closer look at me? Though I’ve joined the military, I’ve maintained my integrity these years, never dallying with women. Regarding appearance, while I dare not compare myself to Pan An, I am still presentable. My family’s assets are adequate, capable of maintaining servants, and I am certainly a suitable match for Fourth Young Lady.”

Most people’s confidence is unreasonable to the point of being laughable. But not this Commander – he had every reason to be proud, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and exceptional looks. Though he was indeed nearly a full cycle older than her, this age was precisely when a man was at his prime. Having endured hardships and achieved a high position, there was nothing to fault, nothing lacking. However, no matter how perfect the external conditions were, they were still unsuitable for Qing Yuan. Someone who had walked through such long nights, how complex and profound their human nature must be – it was probably beyond the comprehension of a mind that had grown up under spring sunshine. They were self-serving, self-centered, and decisive when needed; today they might take an interest in you and play with you like a pet. Tomorrow, when they lose interest, you couldn’t even find peace in a corner – they would eventually force you onto that foot-long ancestral tablet to receive incense, not even needing three meals a day anymore.

Qing Yuan had truly experienced life’s hardships this past half year, and the harder things got, the more she valued her life. She didn’t feel this Commander was someone she could entrust herself to. Even though he held a high position and power, and was exceptionally handsome, he was still too distant from her. She had a heart that knew how to appreciate – like viewing flowers half-bloomed, drinking wine until slightly tipsy, never indulging too deeply, lest there be danger of drowning. Though young, she wasn’t without plans for the future. She wanted a family sitting in leisure, with warm lamplight – not going from tiger to wolf, surrounded by blade-light and sword-shadow. She was born an ordinary girl; such an extraordinary man was truly beyond her ability to handle.

She smiled, shaking her head very slowly. “The Commander just said he never wastes effort on anyone or anything – please don’t break this good rule. Since nothing can be learned from questioning those men in black, let me return to Youzhou tomorrow. My absence all night has surely alarmed my family. The Commander’s Guard having saved me is enough to make Madam Hu wary. Returning tomorrow would be perfect timing.”

But Shen Run said there was no hurry. “The longer you stay with the Commander’s Guard, the more it shows how seriously this case is being taken. Perhaps Madam Hu will lose her composure.” He glanced outside after speaking. “It’s past midnight. Is Fourth Young Lady hungry?”

Only then did Qing Yuan remember that her last meal had been the simple vegetarian fare at Bikhen Temple at noon. That food had been coarse, and she had only taken a few bites before dismissing the meal. Now six hours had passed – it was fine until he mentioned it, but once he did, her stomach began to growl.

But as a proper young lady, no matter how hungry, she had to maintain her dignity, so she shook her head and said she wasn’t hungry.

However, reality always strikes when you least expect it. Just as she finished speaking, her stomach let out a wail, and in this quiet night, in this solemn great hall, the cry was particularly loud.

Qing Yuan froze, feeling utterly embarrassed. Shen Run turned around and deliberately asked, “What did Fourth Young Lady just say?”

She lowered her head miserably, raising both hands to cover her face in despair.

His clear laughter reached her ears. “Fourth Young Lady’s stomach is indeed far more honest than her mouth.”

He then ordered food to be brought. At midnight there weren’t many elaborate dishes available – just a bowl of rice porridge, a steamed bun, and a plate of pickled vegetables, one portion each. Shen Run gestured with his chopsticks, “Fourth Young Lady is used to delicacies, but please try the Commander’s Guard’s fare. Make do with this tonight, and I’ll prepare something better for you tomorrow.”

Such was life in the military – even for someone of his rank, special meals were rare. He ate from the same pot as his direct subordinates, partly to avoid trouble, and to win loyalty.

One can generally judge a person’s upbringing by how they eat. The Shen family was a family of civil officials, and although Shen Run and his brothers had spent ten years in military camps bearing guilt, the rules learned in childhood had already merged into their blood, and their every movement still carried a scholarly air. Qing Yuan secretly glanced at him – he ate without making the slightest sound, even setting down his chopsticks with extreme gentleness. He ate somewhat quickly while Qing Yuan ate slowly. After finishing, he didn’t watch her but simply set aside his tray and casually picked up some official documents to read. Only after she finished did he call someone in to clean up. This was quite considerate, unlike those single-minded pursuers who watch like tigers, never giving one a moment’s peace.

After the meal, the person in the head seat smiled, “Now that Fourth Young Lady has eaten the Commander’s Guard’s food, you’re half one of us. No need to be so formal with me.”

Qing Yuan sat properly, giving a slight bow, “I was merely a guest at the Commander’s Guard, thank you for your hospitality, Commander.”

It seemed that even after eating his food, her tongue hadn’t softened. Shen Run helplessly rubbed his forehead. Just as he was about to argue further, suddenly a guard’s announcement came from outside the hall, echoing through the deep, magnificent building: “Reporting to the Commander, we’ve extracted information about their superior contact. Shall we immediately arrest the suspect? Awaiting your orders, Commander.”

Shen Run stood up, walked out from behind his desk, and calmly instructed her, “I’m going to check the prison. That place is quite filthy – Fourth Young Lady, please wait here in the hall.” With that, he strode out quickly.

The vast hall grew cold and quiet again, with only Qing Yuan remaining. She wanted to find Bao Xian and the others but didn’t know where they had been taken, so she could only wait alone where she was.

Perhaps they could find some leads now, at least there was progress so that the young servant wouldn’t have died in vain. She had been too narrow-minded before, thinking that even at its worst, inner palace struggles would be like fist fights, not this kind of bloodshed with knives drawn. But reality proved that at its extreme, it was no different from a battlefield. Madam Hu truly wanted her life – if she had known this would happen, she would never have given her mother the chance to leave the Xie family. Thinking back now filled her with fear – if not for Shen Run’s meddling, whether she would still be alive now was uncertain.

Qing Yuan propped up her head, gazing blankly out the window. The Commander’s Guard had a somewhat isolated feeling, and so a lonely crescent moon hung outside the window, looking desolate. The watchman’s wooden clappers sounded again from beyond the high walls – it was now the hour of the Ox, and this long night was becoming difficult to endure. She spread her hands, calculating: just another hour and a half, and the day should break…

When Shen Run returned, he found her asleep at the table.

The candles in the lamp tree burned and flickered, illuminating her profile. If when awake she tried hard to appear mature and steady, then asleep and unguarded, her innocent childishness overflowed.

He rarely had such leisure to carefully observe someone. From her eyebrows to her features, each careful look deepened his impression. Actually, until now, love would be too strong a word – at most, it could be called fondness. She was a clever young lady, daring in thought and action, bolder than any woman he had met. At fifteen, just coming of age, some of her methods still showed inexperience and needed support. After another two years, when her methods matured, she would surely manage a household with ease.

When you get a potted flower, you must nurture it with the gentlest methods, waiting until it grows somewhat stronger before transplanting it into the courtyard. He had enough patience to watch over her, to shelter her from wind and rain, to shield her from the scorching sun. With his intervention, her path ahead need not be so rough.

But this small young lady was indeed beautiful, her features balanced and elegant, not needing to affect charm to possess a unique appeal. Most men in the world were superficial, including himself – whether someone caught your eye at first glance was too important. If she weren’t beautiful enough to move people, who would have the leisure to understand her? Then the more he understood, the more she suited his taste, just as he had said before – she had become his private matter. For this private matter, the busy Commander could travel dozens of miles between two places in a day. This was a different kind of turbulence, unlike the previous passive rushing about – it could be magnificent willingly.

Having her before his eyes was good. Although she completely refused to accept his goodwill, if a young lady could be won over with just a few words, then such a young lady would lose value. He preferred her resistance and feigned ignorance – this was how a noble young lady should be.

A flowing wind came in through the window, refreshing to those awake, but perhaps chilling to those asleep. He glanced aside at his light robe draped over the back of the official’s chair, then took it and gently covered her with it.

Qing Yuan had been very tired these past few days from attending the Buddhist ceremonies. She had spent an entire day in the temple, then encountered troubles at night, jolting from Youzhou to the capital for half the night. Once asleep, she slept deeply until broad daylight.

Guards seemed to have been coming and going in the hall for some time, the sound of armor movement occasionally penetrating her dreams. She forced herself to open her eyes with great effort. Perhaps somewhat dazed, seeing these unfamiliar surroundings, she couldn’t remember where she was for a moment, feeling as if she had taken a nap and woken up a thousand miles away.

The person sitting formally before the city defense map glanced at her. “Awake?” He reached out to remove the lampshade on the desk and blew out the candle.

Qing Yuan stared at him, watching the last inch of brilliance from the lamp wick fall on his lips. Her mind finally caught up, remembering she was at the Commander’s Guard. She had fallen asleep in front of others, sleeping for nearly two hours.

Discouragement and a sore neck – it truly wasn’t a pleasant morning. She raised her hand to massage her neck, and the robe on her shoulders slipped down. Looking down, she saw the crimson satin with gold trim – the Commander’s official robe. Her embarrassment grew even more intense. She hurriedly stood up, gathered it carefully, and returned it to him, “I lost my composure, please forgive me, Commander.”

Shen Run reached out to take it, and whether intentionally or not, his fingertip brushed across the back of her hand. Just that faint touch completely frightened away Qing Yuan’s drowsiness. She heard him speak in a normal tone, yet each word burned: “Fourth Young Lady has spent the night with me, and the guards coming for morning roll call all saw it. What can be done? Even if I had mouths all over my body, I couldn’t explain this clearly.”