Qi’er looked, but because he wasn’t tall enough, he couldn’t see at all.

So he shook his head and said, “Young master, I can’t see clearly.”

A young servant nearby did see and quickly said, “It seems the heir apparent and several young masters have started fighting.”

Li Shiyan?

Upon hearing this, Su Ziluo’s brow immediately furrowed tightly as he instructed, “Why don’t you hurry over and break it up? We’re almost at Ning’an Manor. We mustn’t let this situation escalate, otherwise the aftermath will be impossible for anyone to handle.”

“Yes!”

The young servant took the order and immediately ran over with several people.

At this time, the Wen brothers had also come around from behind their carriage to the front, and happened to come face to face with Su Ziluo. Because of the earlier traffic blockage halfway up the mountain, the Wen brothers were extremely displeased in their hearts—it was equivalent to being openly slapped in the face. Now that these two tigers encountered each other, it was as if an invisible flame of war was rolling between them.

However—

Su Ziluo acted as if nothing had happened, even quite politely nodding his head in greeting, then instructed Qi’er to push him away.

Seeing his earlier politeness, Wen Che couldn’t very well lose his temper. His expression remained calm, but when staring at Su Ziluo’s retreating figure, his gaze deepened somewhat.

He knew Su Ziluo was different from ordinary people. That person was skilled at concealing himself and extremely intelligent. Such a person posed the greatest threat to the Wen family, and one could never guess what his next move would be. It was precisely because of this that he was so frightening. Even someone like Wen Che, who had experienced great storms and waves, couldn’t fathom Su Ziluo’s heart and even felt somewhat intimidated.

Wen Yu said from the side, “Brother, Su Ziluo deliberately made things difficult for us. I’m afraid once we reach Ning’an Manor, we won’t be able to avoid conflict with him.”

Wen Che reminded him, “In any case, once we arrive at the manor, just act prudently.”

“Understood.”

At this moment in the carriage, Ji Yunshu still sat inside. Through the curtain before her, she saw Su Ziluo sitting in his wheelchair.

Five years had passed, and he was still that graceful gentleman from back then.

In his eyes, there was still always that trace of gentleness.

Only one thing was different from back then—on that handsome face, there seemed to be brushed a faint melancholy that made one’s heart ache.

But where was Lie’er, who had always followed by his side?

At this moment, her hands involuntarily clenched tightly together. The feeling of reuniting with an old friend brought a measure of joy to her heart, while also adding several portions of apprehension. She estimated that once they reached Ning’an Manor, the two of them would inevitably meet!

She needed to think of a way not to be recognized. After pondering for a while, a plan formed. She took the handkerchief she carried with her from her sleeve, then removed a hairpin from her head. Several gold threads were wound around it. She unwound them, hooked them onto both ends of the handkerchief, then wore it over her face.

Meanwhile, Luo Yang, who had been sleeping, woke up.

The moment he opened his eyes, he saw Ji Yunshu covering her face with a handkerchief.

He asked, “You… what are you doing?”

She simply said, “Perhaps I’ve contracted something. My face is itchy and red bumps have appeared.”

Luo Yang looked worried, “Is it serious?”

“It’s an old problem!” Ji Yunshu didn’t want to say more, then reminded him, “The bridge to Ning’an Manor is just ahead. Carriages can’t pass through, so we’ll have to walk. Right now the manor’s people are already outside moving things. We should get off the carriage quickly too.”

With that, she got off.

As soon as she descended, Wen Che saw her like this and asked, “Miss Ji, what’s this?”

She explained, “Red spots appeared on my face, so I had to cover it.”

“How did this happen?”

“Probably the climate here. These are all old problems. They’ll be fine in a couple of days.”

“When we see Uncle later, have him treat you as well.”

Ji Yunshu’s lips beneath the handkerchief curved slightly in a smile, “Thank you.”

The commotion from behind also drew Ji Yunshu’s attention. She looked over that way and saw many people gathered together.

At this moment, the people Su Ziluo had sent also quickly arrived there, rushing forward to pull the two groups apart.

Fortunately, they hadn’t drawn weapons, and when they fought, they hadn’t been too vicious. Otherwise, Ning’an Manor’s grand birthday celebration could have turned into a tragedy.

They were all sons of official families. If this escalated, it could very well shock all of Yanjing.

The young servant pulled Li Shiyan and said, “Young master, please don’t cause trouble anymore. My young master is watching from ahead.”

Li Shiyan didn’t listen, glaring fiercely at Wang Huai.

Wang Huai had a scratch mark added to his face. Though held back by people, he still charged forward full of fury, cursing as he went, “Li Shiyan, I’m not finished with you. If you have the guts, let’s fight one-on-one. Let’s see if I don’t gouge out your eyes properly.”

Li Shiyan didn’t have a single injury. At this moment, he still maintained an arrogant posture, staring at him and saying, “Fight me one-on-one? Are you worthy? I’d be afraid of dirtying my hands.”

“Don’t think that just because you’re the heir apparent you can walk sideways through Yanjing City. Others may fear you, but I, Wang Huai, don’t fear you. Once we return to Yanjing City, I’ll definitely make you regret it!”

“I’m afraid before you can make me regret it, I’ll have already slaughtered you first.”

“Fine, Li Shiyan! If you have the guts, then kill me! Otherwise, you’re spineless!” Wang Huai continued speaking with a flushed face.

Li Shiyan had never liked being provoked like this. On the spot, his eyes widened fiercely as he said harshly, “What wouldn’t I, Li Shiyan, dare to do? Not only will I slaughter you, I’ll also dig out your heart and hang it under the eaves for the crows to eat!”

“You…” Wang Huai ground his teeth in hatred, his molars grinding audibly.

Li Shiyan had gained the upper hand.

But Wang Huai didn’t give up there. Unable to win with words, he turned his gaze toward Zhu Yao behind Li Shiyan, saying sarcastically, “Miss Zhu, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you go with him, I’m afraid you’ll have plenty of suffering ahead. He’s Yanjing City’s famous playboy. In the future, just wait to be a living widow. Moreover, the Marquis only formed a marriage alliance with your Zhu family because he values your father Minister Zhu’s position in court! Once you’re no longer useful, he’ll kick you aside.”

After saying this, Li Shiyan couldn’t hold back anymore. He broke free from those restraining him, went forward and gave Wang Huai a punch, saying, “Shut your dog mouth! Do you believe I’ll take your life right now?”

Unfortunately, Wang Huai was held back by people.

Hearing Wang Huai’s words, Zhu Yao’s heart felt as if pierced by needles. Actually, she knew this.

Since ancient times, marriages between official families had always been linked to interests. It was just that having it spoken so nakedly in public made her heart somewhat sad after all.

But the next moment, Li Shiyan suddenly turned around and took Zhu Yao’s hand, saying, “Don’t listen to these people. They just have loose mouths! Treat it as them farting like dogs.”

Then he pulled Zhu Yao away.

Looking at her hand being held by Li Shiyan, Zhu Yao’s heart began pounding rapidly. All her earlier unhappiness vanished.