In the alley, Pei Yunshu glared angrily at the person before her.

She and Fang Zi had come out to buy things, leaving Qiong Ying at home to accompany Bao Zhu. When they came out of the restaurant, she had left something upstairs. Fang Zi went back to retrieve it while she waited downstairs, never expecting to encounter Mu Sheng.

Prince Wen Mu Sheng, her former husband, her past bedmate.

Originally, due to the “child’s melancholy” incident involving Meng Xiyan, Pei Yunshu and Mu Sheng had divorced. At first, Pei Yunshu hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly, because marriage between two families sometimes concerned not just the husband and wife, but two entire clans.

But Mu Sheng surprisingly said nothing, didn’t come to trouble her, and even allowed her to take Bao Zhu away.

Later, Pei Yunshu learned that Pei Yunying had visited Mu Sheng once, though she didn’t know what he had said to him.

For Mu Sheng to keep quiet, Pei Yunying must have held something vital over him. At that time, Pei Yunshu’s heart was focused entirely on Bao Zhu, unwilling to entangle with him, only wanting to quickly escape that wolf’s den of Prince Wen’s manor.

After the divorce, Pei Yunying had arranged a residence for her, with guards protecting her daily. She had never seen Mu Sheng again.

The former husband she hadn’t seen in so long stood right before her, yet he was far from his former glory. His expression was haggard, his clothing and attendants all inferior to the past. When a person was down and out, even that air of arrogant superiority was gone.

Seeing Pei Yunshu, Mu Sheng’s eyes lit up. He called out “Wife” and grabbed her wrist, quickly pulling her into the side alley.

Pei Yunshu struggled for a long time before shaking off his hand: “What are you doing?”

“Wife,” Mu Sheng looked her over, his gaze somewhat strange: “It’s been so long since we met. You’re truly very different from before.”

In the past at Prince Wen’s manor, Pei Yunshu had ignored him, cold and indifferent every day, not gentle or considerate at all, as boring as all the well-bred ladies from noble families. Unexpectedly, after so long apart, the divorced Pei Yunshu wore bright clothing, her eyes sparkling with life, as if she had become a completely different person.

“I’m no longer your wife,” Pei Yunshu said coldly. “Prince, please show some self-respect.”

The more she acted this way, the more uncomfortable Mu Sheng felt.

Ever since divorcing Pei Yunshu, due to Pei Yunying’s threats, he had been forced to let her go, instead becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital. Now that the new emperor had ascended the throne, he, an “old person,” was in a precarious situation. The opportunists in the capital, seeing things going badly, all avoided him like a plague. He had never had much ability to begin with, having previously relied only on his ancestral title to intimidate others. Now that his title had been stripped, he was far from his former self. Before long, the Mu family would completely decline.

When a man was defeated and down on his luck, suddenly seeing his former wife looking prosperous, especially when his former wife appeared to be living quite well, that little bit of unwillingness in his heart suddenly emerged.

He smiled with false sincerity: “Yunshu, we were once loving husband and wife. Why do you speak so distantly?”

He stepped forward to take Pei Yunshu’s hand, but she immediately stepped back.

Mu Sheng’s hand grasped empty air. He looked up at Pei Yunshu and changed to an affectionate expression: “Yunshu, how is our daughter now? I heard you named her Bao Zhu. Such a beautiful name… Since she was born, I, as her father, haven’t even held her yet. Where is she now? I’d like to see her…”

Pei Yunshu’s expression changed: “Stay away from Bao Zhu!”

“Why should I stay away from her? I’m her father.” Mu Sheng smiled as he spoke: “Yunshu, actually the ‘child’s melancholy’ incident was indeed due to my negligence. I apologize to you. Every time I think of it afterward, I regret it deeply… You and I have Bao Zhu between us, and Bao Zhu also needs a father. Why don’t we reconcile and mend our broken mirror…”

“Mend our broken mirror?”

“Yes, one night as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection. We once had feelings between us…”

Pei Yunshu looked at that face feigning deep emotion before her, finding it both absurd and disgusting.

At Prince Wen’s manor, Mu Sheng had rarely given her a kind face. Their marriage had nothing to do with “feelings” from the start. Pei Yunshu also understood clearly that Mu Sheng’s persistence wasn’t for old affections. It was simply because his title had now been stripped and the Mu family had declined, while her own brother still walked before the emperor with unlimited prospects, so he wanted to curry favor and establish connections.

“I’m sorry,” Pei Yunshu said coldly: “I have absolutely no interest in mending our broken mirror with you. My maid is still waiting for me downstairs. Please leave.”

After being rejected twice in a row, seeing Pei Yunshu’s resolute attitude, Mu Sheng’s expression gradually turned ugly.

“I’m Bao Zhu’s father. What right do you have to tell me to leave?” He grabbed Pei Yunshu’s hand, gripping it so tightly that her wrist turned blue. When Pei Yunshu couldn’t break free, she could only angrily say: “Let go of me, Mu Sheng, don’t go too far!”

“Too far?” Mu Sheng sneered: “I have something even more excessive!” With that, he bent down to kiss Pei Yunshu’s neck.

Pei Yunshu was shocked and immediately felt humiliated. Just as she was struggling with all her might, suddenly Mu Sheng’s movements froze.

She looked up and saw a black long blade pressed across Mu Sheng’s neck. The blade’s edge was cold, but colder still was the gaze of the one holding the blade.

“…Deputy Commander Xiao?”

The newcomer was actually Xiao Zhufeng.

Mu Sheng also sensed the killing intent behind him and hurriedly raised both hands. Xiao Zhufeng kicked him with a cold expression, sending Mu Sheng tumbling to the ground.

“Are you all right?” Xiao Zhufeng frowned and asked.

Pei Yunshu shook her head, still shaken, then looked at him: “How are you here?”

“I was passing by, heard your voice, and came to take a look.”

The two of them conversed as if no one else was present, which appeared quite different in Mu Sheng’s eyes. Looking again at the man holding the blade, his whole body emanated coldness, yet when speaking to Pei Yunshu, his tone was concerned and gentle.

Jealousy, unwillingness, and anger mixed together. Mu Sheng suddenly understood, and in his shame and rage, he pointed at his former wife and spoke: “No wonder you acted like a chaste and virtuous woman just now. You’ve already found another branch to climb onto. Adulterers and adulteresses, shameless!”

Pei Yunshu was furious: “Shut up! You’re talking nonsense!”

“Where am I talking nonsense?” Mu Sheng looked up and saw that the man had a sturdy build and handsome appearance, making him even more irritated. He spoke recklessly: “You wanton woman, who knows if you were already having an affair with him back when you were at the prince’s manor. And that daughter of yours, whether she’s even my offspring is questionable, you slut!”

It was one thing for him to slander her baselessly, but to also insult Bao Zhu like this—she had never seen such a shameless person. Pei Yunshu trembled with rage.

With a “swoosh,” the long blade pressed against the throat of the man on the ground once more. Mu Sheng stiffened as the man looked at him with eyes full of killing intent.

“Shut up.”

The cold blade against his neck actually diluted some of his earlier anger. Coming to his senses, Mu Sheng felt somewhat regretful.

After marrying into Prince Wen’s manor, Pei Yunshu had barely left the house, so it was indeed impossible for her to have an affair with anyone. Bao Zhu was definitely his daughter. However, he was just unwilling to accept it—why could Pei Yunshu find a younger, more handsome man after divorcing him? Why could she still live so well? She should be haggard and suffering, washing her face with tears daily, and when they met again, she should be hesitant to speak, reluctant to let him go.

Not like this, with him fallen and defeated while she looked at him with disdain. This wasn’t what he wanted to see at all.

Mu Sheng stared at Pei Yunshu, and after a moment, suddenly laughed out loud.

Pei Yunshu frowned: “What are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing at your stupidity.” Mu Sheng put away his smile and spoke harshly: “You’re a divorced abandoned woman, still carrying the burden of a daughter. Which respectable family in the capital would dare want you? Either they’re after your money, or they’re just toying with you. Pei Yunshu, don’t think you can really climb to higher branches. Be careful that in the end you get nothing and instead become a joke in others’ mouths!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the blade at his neck pressed down, and a thin line of blood slowly seeped from under the blade. Mu Sheng shrank back and suddenly fell silent.

But Pei Yunshu slowly walked over to stand before him.

“Whether others are after my money or just toying with me has nothing to do with you.”

Pei Yunshu looked at him with suppressed anger: “Being married to you is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

“You!” Mu Sheng gritted his teeth: “Don’t forget, I’m Bao Zhu’s father. When you want to remarry in the future, which man would be willing to be a father to another man’s daughter?”

“I’m willing.”

Suddenly, someone spoke.

Both Pei Yunshu and Mu Sheng were stunned.

The man who had remained silent spoke calmly, slowly repeating: “I’m willing to treat her as my own daughter and love her sincerely, so you can get lost now.”

“If you don’t get lost,” the blade slowly moved to Mu Sheng’s mouth: “I’ll cut out your tongue.”

The man before him had a cold expression. Unlike when others made threats with loud shouting and commotion, there seemed to be danger hidden in that calmness. Mu Sheng suddenly had an intuitive sense of horror—the other party really had the guts to cut out his tongue.

He took another look at Pei Yunshu, reluctantly got up from the ground, and fled with resentment and indignation.

With Mu Sheng’s figure gone from the alley, Pei Yunshu looked at Xiao Zhufeng.

He sheathed his blade, and when he looked up, their eyes met directly.

The surroundings were quiet, and neither of them spoke for a moment.

After a while, Xiao Zhufeng explained: “He was disrespectful to you just now… Those words I said,” he paused, “were spoken in urgency. Miss Pei needn’t take them to heart.”

“Those words” referred to treating Bao Zhu as his own daughter.

Pei Yunshu was silent for a moment, then smiled instead: “I know.”

“Deputy Commander Xiao said that to help me out of trouble. However, Mu Sheng is particularly shameless. I’m afraid he might spread rumors everywhere afterward, which could cause trouble for Deputy Commander Xiao.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Xiao Zhufeng said: “I’m not afraid of him.” He added: “If he comes looking for you again, you can come to the Palace Command to find me, and I’ll drive him away for you.”

Pei Yunshu shook her head: “How could I keep troubling Deputy Commander Xiao? If such a day really comes, I’ll just tell A’ying.”

She was still smiling, but her attitude suddenly became more distant. Xiao Zhufeng felt somewhat at a loss.

Pei Yunshu’s gaze fell to the ground. She paused, then bent down to pick up a string of beads that had fallen from Xiao Zhufeng’s wrist when he drew his blade.

This string was different from other sandalwood strings. It was crystal clear with a light pink color, looking much like women’s jewelry.

Pei Yunshu handed the string back to Xiao Zhufeng: “Deputy Commander Xiao, you dropped something.”

Xiao Zhufeng was stunned and hurriedly took it, his expression momentarily flustered.

This panic, seen by Pei Yunshu, further confirmed her suspicions, so she smiled faintly: “About today’s matter, I’ll mention it to A’ying later to remind Mu Sheng not to spread nonsense outside. Even if Deputy Commander Xiao is magnanimous and doesn’t mind, surely you care about your beloved’s thoughts?”

Xiao Zhufeng was puzzled: “Beloved?”

Pei Yunshu’s smile grew fainter: “Isn’t the string of beads on Deputy Commander Xiao’s wrist a gift from your beloved? How else would a man use such pretty jewelry?”

Xiao Zhufeng looked down at the string of beads, suddenly understanding, and nervously explained: “No, no, this wasn’t given by a woman. Duan Xiaoyan bought this. Everyone in the Palace Command has one, to attract romance… If you don’t believe me, you can ask Pei Yunying… he bought one too.”

It was rare to see him stutter, and Pei Yunshu was somewhat surprised. Hearing him mention “attract romance,” she was even more astonished and couldn’t help but ask: “Deputy Commander Xiao wears the string because you have someone in your heart?”

Xiao Zhufeng immediately fell silent.

As the two were silent, Fang Zi’s voice came from outside: “Miss, Miss…”

Pei Yunshu turned back: “Fang Zi, I’m here!”

Fang Zi came running over with a box, and seeing Pei Yunshu, she sighed in relief: “I couldn’t find Miss anywhere and was scared to death.” Then seeing Xiao Zhufeng, she was surprised and bowed: “How is Deputy Commander Xiao here?”

“I happened to pass by just now,” Pei Yunshu answered, then said to Xiao Zhufeng: “Thank you for your help today, Deputy Commander Xiao. Since everything is fine, we’ll head back first.”

She smiled and nodded at Xiao Zhufeng, then turned to walk out of the alley with Fang Zi.

Xiao Zhufeng watched her retreating figure, and for some reason, Pei Yunying’s previous words suddenly came to mind.

“My sister is young and beautiful, and has a family fortune. Now that I’m deeply favored by His Majesty, there are countless men in the capital who want to be Bao Zhu’s father.”

“You’re my brother, so I’m making an exception to tell you this. If you still want to be my brother-in-law, you’d better be more proactive. Don’t miss the opportunity and go down the old path of falling in love with a married woman again.”

Countless men who want to be Bao Zhu’s father…

Pei Yunying hadn’t lied. Even a bastard like Mu Sheng wanted to come back and rekindle old flames. Of course, this wasn’t just because of Pei Yunying’s influence. Even without those external advantages, she was still worthy.

She was originally the best woman in the world.

Above his head, a fallen leaf swayed and was blown away by the wind, falling into his embrace. The half-green, half-yellow leaf was like his current mood. Now that the new emperor had ascended the throne, he would no longer face the uncertainty of life and death as before. But her smile that had suddenly grown distant when she misunderstood him earlier made his heart ache.

Those with hearts in this world all understand the death of longing. Those heartless in this world don’t recognize the meaning of longing…

Those with hearts and those heartless, who knows where they will fall…

He wanted to be one with a heart, willing to die for longing. He also didn’t want her precious loving heart to be let down by this world.

Xiao Zhufeng suddenly clenched the leaf tightly and strode forward.

Pei Yunshu had just reached the alley entrance when she suddenly heard a voice behind her: “Miss Pei.”

She turned around, and Xiao Zhufeng approached.

The man had a stern blade at his waist, and his usually cold, hard face actually showed a hint of red as he said in a deep voice: “It wasn’t to help you out of trouble.”

He looked up, meeting her eyes: “What I said just now was sincere. I would treat her as my daughter. I really like Bao Zhu, and I also like…”

Xiao Zhufeng didn’t finish speaking, but Fang Zi had already covered her mouth to suppress her scream.

Pei Yunshu looked at the person before her. The usually taciturn and cold man slightly lowered his head, clumsy and awkward, different from his usual self.

The wind blew, scattering fallen leaves across the distant stone steps. She was silent for a while, then smiled with pursed lips and walked forward with Fang Zi.

After taking two steps, she stopped.

“During the day, Bao Zhu said she wanted to go see the sugar flowers on East Panlou Street this evening. A’ying has already agreed.”

Xiao Zhufeng was stunned.

“Would Deputy Commander Xiao like to come along?” she asked.

Her voice was gentle. For a moment, it was like returning to many years ago when she had pressed medicine into his hands and hurried away holding up her skirt. He watched her retreating figure—though it grew farther and farther away, her shadow grew closer and closer.

Just like that, it had been clearly reflected for many years.

So he smiled softly and replied gently:

“Yes.”