Night fell as lanterns were lit across the ship, making it brilliantly illuminated when viewed from afar. The cliffs of Yaishan on both banks rose like knife-carved walls, steep and towering. Occasionally, eagles with massive wingspan soared through the night sky, emitting sharp, clear cries that faded into the distance.

In the dark, cramped cabin, the girl’s shallow breathing was just beside his ear, separated only by a narrow passageway. Liang Shaoqing tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Suddenly, his elbow struck something with a thud, hitting hard against the cabin wall.

“Too excited to sleep?”

The girl’s voice sounded faintly beside his ear. Liang Shaoqing rubbed his elbow while defending himself: “I’m just hot, too hot to sleep.”

Chu Qiao gave a light laugh, not bothering to expose his lie. Leaning against the head of the bed, she said, “I can’t sleep either. Bookworm, lift the curtain. It’s stuffy in here.”

Hearing this, Liang Shaoqing sat up and raised the curtain in front of the window. Moonlight poured in like silver, illuminating the thin girl’s face with a snow-white glow. Chu Qiao leaned forward to look outside, her eyes dark, her eyelashes long like butterfly wings. Liang Shaoqing stared at her, momentarily entranced.

“Bookworm, what are you looking at?”

Chu Qiao frowned, lightly scolding him. Liang Shaoqing’s face instantly turned red, and after mumbling for a while, he finally said, “I was wondering, wondering, wondering where you’re from.”

Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, glancing at him sideways. “We’ve only just met, and you’re already digging into someone’s background. Are we that close?”

Liang Shaoqing was taken aback, then said, “We’ve been through life and death together, haven’t we? What’s wrong with asking where you live?”

“Fine,” Chu Qiao turned over to lie back on the bed, closing her eyes with a faint smile. “You tell me about yourself first.”

“I’m from Shangyu in Chaoyang Prefecture of the Great Xia Dynasty.”

“Chaoyang Shangyu?” Chu Qiao slightly furrowed her delicate brows and slowly said, “Your surname is Liang. What relation is Liang Jiutang to you?”

Liang Shaoqing immediately brightened up and said, “That’s my father! Have you heard of him?”

Chu Qiao opened her eyes, turned her head, and looked Liang Shaoqing up and down, frowning. “He’s your father?”

“Yes,” delighted at meeting an acquaintance in a foreign place, Liang Shaoqing smiled happily. “Why, don’t I look like him?”

Chu Qiao shook her head. “No, you don’t.”

Liang Shaoqing touched his head, smiling foolishly. “Hehe, my mother says the same thing.”

“Your father is shrewd, diplomatic, and skilled in commerce. He’s accomplished much in Shangyu. Though it’s just a small county, it’s become an important grain trade center in the south. The Liang family of Shangyu is extremely wealthy. With his intelligence and acumen, how could he have a son like you?”

“Different people have different talents. My father and I have different interests, what’s strange about that?” Liang Shaoqing said, then frowned slightly, looking at her suspiciously. “How do you know so much about my father? Xiao Qiao, who are you? Where do you come from? Why are those officials hunting you?”

Chu Qiao replied naturally, “I just heard about him and remembered a bit. Though we haven’t known each other long, you know my character. I’ve offended officials and must hide my identity. During our time on this ship, I’ll have to trouble you to help conceal me.”

Chu Qiao’s polite manner made Liang Shaoqing feel awkward. He patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, I guarantee I won’t say a word.”

The night breeze blew gently, making the small window’s curtain flutter slightly. The moon was cool as water, the river peaceful. The large ship moved slowly forward on the water, gently swaying. Chu Qiao leaned against the bed, eyes half-closed, silently gazing outside. Her tense nerves from the past days gradually relaxed. She had forgotten how long it had been since she had experienced such leisure and tranquility. Having left Zhenhuang City, having escaped that enormous cage, even while on the run, she felt life becoming brighter. Even the surrounding wind felt warm.

“Xiao Qiao?” Liang Shaoqing called softly. “Xiao Qiao?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“What are you singing?”

Chu Qiao was stunned. “Singing? Was I singing?”

“Yes, you were humming something. It sounded nice. I’ve never heard it before.”

Her cheeks suddenly felt hot. This girl, who faced enemies in battle without changing expression, showed undeniable shyness when caught humming unconsciously. She said softly, “It’s a tune from my hometown.”

Liang Shaoqing happily propped himself up, lying on the bed, smiling. “Will you sing another one for me, please?”

Chu Qiao shook her head, declining, “I don’t sing well.”

“You do,” Liang Shaoqing persisted. “Just sing one song, please?”

“They’re just folk tunes. You won’t like them.”

“How do you know I won’t like them?” Liang Shaoqing frowned, coming up with a peculiar excuse. “Consider it an apology. You made me lose my luggage and clothes, and now I’ve been captured as a slave. Can’t you at least sing a song to make it up to me?”

Chu Qiao frowned, “You’re a grown man. I can’t believe you came up with that excuse.”

“Xiao Qiao, sing one song. We can’t sleep anyway.”

Chu Qiao took a deep breath, somewhat nervous, and said quietly, “Well, shall I sing then?”

“Yes, yes, go ahead,” Liang Shaoqing quickly encouraged her.

Chu Qiao opened her mouth several times but couldn’t make a sound. Frustrated, she frowned, “I haven’t sung in over ten years.”

Liang Shaoqing pouted, “Ten years? How old are you anyway?”

Realizing her slip, Chu Qiao grew embarrassed and angry, “Do you want to hear it or not?”

“I do! I’m waiting for you, aren’t I?”

“Alright, I’ll sing now.” The girl cleared her throat, and then her husky voice slowly rose, gentle like autumn mulberry leaves, sounding softly in the quiet night.

“I know, I’ve always known, you’re there waiting.

In the dimming lights, in the quiet solitude, on the coastal cliffs where waves splash high.

We promised to hold hands in the darkness, side by side.

To create our sunny days amid the world’s contempt and cold stares.

There are white doves, horses grazing, and green grasslands,

There are mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, and the high blue sky,

There the sunshine is never harsh,

There the night sky is filled with stars.

I know, I’ve always known, you’re there waiting.

At the mountain peak, on the green plains, waiting for me to return to your side.

You once said, be brave and open your eyes.

Look ahead at the brilliant sunrise, a radiant day.

I know the road ahead is full of ups and downs like mountains.

I understand the future holds endless trials of fire and sword.

No matter how strong the storm, I’m never afraid to close my eyes,

Because I know, you’re there waiting.”

Night fell, and a gentle breeze blew through the cabin. Chu Qiao’s voice was like warm spring water, slowly washing away the coldness of the cabin. Liang Shaoqing remained silent for a long time. The young man stared toward her in the darkness, quietly contemplating, saying nothing for a long while.

Outside the window came the sound of wheels rolling across the deck. Chu Qiao looked out, only to see a flash of white shadow at the corner of the cabin.

Night shrouded everything, covering the wilderness. The river flowed quietly, all was silent.

The Zhan family’s doctor was indeed skilled. Within three days, Chu Qiao’s wounds had improved. The old doctor had treated her wounds and checked her pulse, naturally knowing she was female. The steward, Uncle Qing, was considerate enough not to reveal this and even secretly gave her a jar of ointment to help heal scars, carefully instructing her on how to use it.

That day, when the ship reached Meicheng Port, it wasn’t completely dark yet. The boatmen went ashore to rest. Many local officials had gathered on both banks, obviously there to welcome the Zhan family’s fleet. It was crowded and lively. Chu Qiao looked out the window, watched for a while, and then gradually frowned. Liang Shaoqing knelt on the bed and came forward, asking puzzled, “Xiao Qiao, what’s wrong?”

Chu Qiao extended her hand, pointing at the crowd ahead, saying, “Look, apart from minor officials below the eighth rank, there are only various families’ advisors and secretaries. Meicheng is a major transport hub. How could they not send out a proper delegation? It seems our new master’s status isn’t very promising, at least nowhere near the level where one would casually travel with hundreds of servants.”

“Really?” Liang Shaoqing squeezed forward, staring out with wide eyes. “I can’t tell.”

“If you could tell, even a three-year-old child could tell.” Chu Qiao impatiently rolled her eyes, thought for a moment, then frowned again, saying, “But it’s also strange. If the Zhan family didn’t have such great power, the prefecture governors and officials wouldn’t need to come to welcome them. Why bother sending all their advisors and secretaries?”

“Maybe they’re busy, delayed by something.”

Chu Qiao automatically ignored Liang Shaoqing’s words, muttering, “They dare to not come, yet they dare not appear too formal or enthusiastic. This suggests that the Zhan family should have some power, but for some reason, others dare not do too much. This means…”

“Oh, I understand now,” Chu Qiao suddenly sat up and said to Liang Shaoqing, “The Zhan family must have a powerful adversary in Tang Capital. These officials can’t afford to offend either side, so they can only act ambiguously. The Zhan family must have once been a great clan in Bian Tang, but were later marginalized for some reason and moved to Great Xia. But nominally, they’re still aristocrats of Bian Tang, which explains why they’re obscure in Great Xia but respected in Bian Tang. This time, they’re probably not just going to the capital for celebrations but returning home with their entire family, which is why they brought so many attendants, even with several sisters’ husbands following. Moreover, though the Zhan family appears prosperous, they’re hollow inside, which is why they’re buying slaves at low prices in the slave market.”

“Xiao Qiao, since you’re feeling energetic, why not go out for some sun?” Liang Shaoqing stood on the ground, meticulously arranging the wrinkles on his robe. A mere servant’s outer garment, yet he wore it as if it were precious silk.

“You’re here chattering about other people’s family circumstances. People might think you have some ulterior motive.”

“What ulterior motive could I have? I just want to crack open your skull and see if it’s filled with grass or water!”

Chu Qiao frowned as she stood up. Her movements still caused slight pain in her wounds, but compared to the previous days, this was almost negligible.

“How are you? Does it hurt much?”

Chu Qiao impatiently said, “Want me to give you a cut to try it out?”

“No need,” Liang Shaoqing chuckled. “I’m sure it hurts. I guarantee I couldn’t handle it.”

Outside the cabin, the breeze was cool and refreshing. As soon as Chu Qiao stepped out of the cabin, she felt invigorated. Just then, the dining hall bell rang. Having eaten in the cabin for several days, now that she could walk, she decided to follow Liang Shaoqing to the dining hall to taste the communal food served to the slaves.

The so-called dining hall was at the rear deck. Servants lined up in order, taking turns to get their food. Chu Qiao sat against the ship’s wall, watching Liang Shaoqing, the rich family’s son, adapt easily as he queued behind a group of slaves. Several people in front turned back, smiling and greeting him, showing great conviviality. The young girl’s lips curled into a faint smile.

It seemed it had been many years since she had enjoyed such a leisurely life. She leaned back, raising her head, seeing several pure white waterbirds circling overhead, chirping pleasantly.

Just then, something cold splashed on her head. Chu Qiao was startled and quickly stood up. She saw several burly men in coarse clothes standing before her. One of them held a bowl, looking at her provocatively. He had just poured water on her head.

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing much. I want to sit here to eat, and I’d like you to move aside.”

“Xiao Qiao! What’s wrong?” Just as Chu Qiao was about to speak, Liang Shaoqing suddenly ran back, clucking like a mother hen as he approached. “What happened?”

Before he could reach them, one of the men suddenly stuck out his leg, tripping Liang Shaoqing. With three bowls in his hands, containing both rice and dishes, he instantly lost balance. With a cry of distress, he tumbled to the ground!

“What are you doing?” Chu Qiao rushed forward to help the dazed scholar and sharply rebuked the men.

“This little brother has quite a temper! What, your brother can’t walk properly, and you blame others?”

“Yeah, look at the two brothers’ appearance, all slick and pretty-faced. They look like pretty boys.”

The men burst into laughter together. One of them laughed loudly, “Look at their pathetic state, so fragile they’d break with a pinch. And they talk about being well-versed in poetry and prose. Damn, they think they’re top scholars or champions.”

Chu Qiao’s eyes gradually narrowed, like a wildcat, glowing with an eerie light. Liang Shaoqing was busy cleaning his soiled clothes. The originally furious young man saw Chu Qiao’s expression and was startled, hurriedly saying, “Xiao Qiao, I’m fine. Don’t be angry.”

“Little brat! Learn from your big brother about knowing your place. Don’t think staying in a first-class cabin makes you first-class people!”

After throwing out this line, the burly men turned and left, cursing as they went.

Chu Qiao helped Liang Shaoqing up. The man was not only covered in filth, but the broken porcelain bowls had cut his hand, and blood was dripping down. Liang Shaoqing grimaced in pain, but afraid that Chu Qiao would get angry, he sucked in his breath and endured it without making a sound.

“That was Chen Shuang, the carriage driver. He’s the first son-in-law’s man. He even dares to defy Uncle Qing sometimes. You’ve offended him, so be careful in the future.”

A man in his thirties approached, holding his food bowl. Seeing that the group had gone far, he cautiously warned them.

Chu Qiao frowned and said in a deep voice, “Isn’t Master Zhan the head of this household? How can a mere carriage driver be so arrogant?”

The man replied, “You mean the young master? His health is poor, so he rarely manages affairs. Previously, Uncle Qing handled everything in the household. Later, when the eldest daughter returned, she gradually took over. Now, it’s mainly the first and second sons-in-law who are in charge.”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao nodded. “Thank you.”

Chu Qiao had red lips and white teeth; when she smiled, her smile was radiant. The servant who saw her was momentarily stunned. Chu Qiao supported Liang Shaoqing as he stood up, and with a stern face said, “Come back with me.”

Liang Shaoqing wore a bitter expression and carefully said, “Xiao Qiao, I haven’t eaten yet.”

Chu Qiao glared at him and took him back to the cabin. She took out the medicine the doctor had left a few days ago, sat on the bed, and carefully cleaned and treated his wounds.

Liang Shaoqing, struggling to make conversation, asked, “Xiao Qiao, are you hungry?”

Chu Qiao frowned and said in a deep voice, “You’re Liang Jiutang’s son, a young master of the Liang family from Shangyu. How can you be so easygoing, willing to eat anything?”

“What else can I do if I don’t eat?” Liang Shaoqing said with a worried face. “I know that food is awful, but I’ll be hungry if I don’t eat.”

With a “bang,” Chu Qiao threw down the white silk cloth in her hand and stood up abruptly, walking toward the door.

Liang Shaoqing was startled, thinking she was going out to settle scores with those men. He quickly blocked her way, saying, “Xiao Qiao, even a strong dragon can’t suppress a local snake. It’s not worth getting upset over such a small matter. We won’t be here long anyway. Once we reach Tang Capital, I’ll visit my father’s friends, and we can…”

“I’m going out to get you food,” Chu Qiao said helplessly. “Aren’t you hungry?”

“Ah?” Liang Shaoqing opened his eyes wide in confusion. After a long while, he nodded and said, “Oh, I see. Then, go ahead.”

By this time, it had already grown completely dark. Chu Qiao walked out of the cabin onto the deck, only to find that everything had been cleaned up, with no leftovers in sight. She was beginning to worry when the man who had spoken to them earlier approached, handed her two large bowls, and smiled kindly, saying, “I knew you hadn’t eaten, so I saved these for you.”

The two bowls were filled with white rice, some green vegetables, and small salted fish. Chu Qiao felt a warmth in her heart and sincerely said, “Thank you, big brother.”

“It’s nothing. We’ll all be working together in the future, so we should look out for each other. You two brothers don’t look like slaves. What happened, did your family fall on hard times?”

Chu Qiao nodded, “Nothing escapes your eyes, big brother.”

“Don’t worry,” the man patted his chest, “I may not be able to help you with much, but if you’re hungry, feel free to find me. I work in the kitchen.”

“Thank you very much, big brother.”

After parting with the man, Chu Qiao hurried back. Just as she reached the corner of the deck, she heard the sound of wheels rolling across the planks. Finding it familiar, she stopped, pressed herself against the cabin wall, and slowly moved forward.

A dressed man sat in a wooden wheelchair, his hair fastened with a bamboo pin, wearing a long blue robe. The hem of his clothes fluttered slightly in the night breeze, with a few strands of black hair floating across his forehead. The moonlight reflected off the water, illuminating his face, and accentuating a transparent paleness like white jade or orchids. His black eyebrows, temple hair shaped like knife-cuts, straight nose, and thin lips, as he sat quietly in the lee of the stern in the gentle night breeze under the watery moon, with his clothes fluttering, made him appear like a figure from a painting, without any trace of worldly air.

Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned. She should have continued along this path back to the cabin, but for some reason, faced with such a scene, she couldn’t bring herself to disturb him. Just as she was about to turn and go around another way, a rich, elegant voice slowly sounded, “Who’s there?”

Chu Qiao had no choice but to step forward, first bowing, then saying, “Young master, this slave went to get food and was passing by. I’ve disturbed your peace.”

The man turned his head and looked at her quietly. He wore plain clothes, not appearing particularly noble. His face was haggard, thin, and somewhat sickly, but he had eyes clearer than mountain springs, seemingly containing inconsolable compassion and indelible vicissitudes, as if he had experienced all the joys and sorrows of the world and seen through all its warmth and coldness.

After a while, the man nodded and said, “Oh, it’s you.”

Chu Qiao was surprised and asked, “Does the young master recognize this slave?”

“You’re the brother of that scholar who has read the Lanzhi Sutra.”

“Wow! You do remember?” Chu Qiao was startled, exaggeratedly opening her mouth wide, exclaiming, “The young master has an excellent memory.”

Zhan Ziyu smiled gently but didn’t answer, instead turning his head to face the silver-white river surface, silent.

Chu Qiao stood in place, feeling somewhat awkward, unsure whether to leave or stay. As she hesitated, Zhan Ziyu suddenly said, “Your singing is very beautiful.”

Chu Qiao was stunned and unconsciously uttered an “Ah.”

“Three days ago, I was passing by the deck and heard you singing.”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao didn’t know what to say, murmuring, “This slave was just singing casually. Thank you for your praise, young master.”

“When your wound heals, go serve my fifth sister. She also likes to sing.”

Chu Qiao had planned to leave after a while and had no desire to invite such trouble. She hurriedly said, “Young master, this slave is a man. It would be inappropriate to serve a young lady. It would be better to stay on deck doing manual labor.”

Zhan Ziyu turned his head, his gaze like aged wine, smiling slightly, his teeth white, saying slowly, “Not convenient? I think it’s quite convenient.”

Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned, realizing that Zhan Ziyu had seen through her female identity, and didn’t know how to respond.

“Push me back,” the man said. “Uncle Qing may have fallen asleep. He hasn’t been well lately and sleeps a lot.”

Chu Qiao quickly stepped forward, placed the food bowls on the deck, and pushed the handles of the wheelchair toward the main cabin.

On her second day here, she had heard that the young master was disabled. At first, she couldn’t associate the refined man in the carriage with disability. But seeing him now, she didn’t find anything jarring or inappropriate. Zhan Ziyu’s unassuming and detached temperament, his gentle tone and expression, made his entire being unusually comfortable to be around, and even the wheelchair didn’t seem out of place.

The wheels of the chair rolled across the deck, making a faint sound. The man’s back was thin, somewhat frail, and his shoulders appeared very slender. The breeze carried the faint scent of sandalwood from him, peaceful and serene.

Opening the door to the main cabin, a subtle fragrance of sandalwood immediately wafted out. The room was furnished very simply, yet everywhere revealed the master’s subtle elegance.

In the center of the floor mat was a five-stringed zither, with a deep sandalwood color, ancient and elegant. A bronze octagonal incense burner was placed nearby, with three incense candles burning, now mostly consumed, only ash remaining.

The floor was covered with blue scrolls, embroidered with unopened lotus flowers. The window curtains were all cyan, the tables and chairs amber-colored, all antique items.

On the right stood a writing desk, with the four treasures of the study properly arranged. An unfolded scroll lay on the desk, ink spots evident, seemingly written not long ago. Beside it was a large bookshelf filled with countless books, faintly emitting the aroma of ink.

Chu Qiao pushed Zhan Ziyu in, and seeing no servants in the room, took the initiative to walk to a corner, trimmed the lamp wick, and tested the temperature of the teapot with her hand. Finding it still warm, she poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhan Ziyu, saying, “Young master, have some tea.”

Zhan Ziyu took it but didn’t drink, just holding it in his hands.

Chu Qiao stood in place, somewhat awkward, thought for a moment, and said, “Should this slave call for servants to attend to the young master?”

“No need,” Zhan Ziyu shook his head and said, “You may go now.”

“Yes.” Chu Qiao nodded and turned to leave.

“Wait,” Zhan Ziyu suddenly called. Chu Qiao turned back and saw him pointing at the pastries on the desk, saying, “After such a delay, your food has gone cold. Take these pastries to eat.”

Chu Qiao was slightly surprised, thinking to herself that this master was kind to slaves. She quickly nodded in gratitude, “Thank you, young master.”

“Mm.” Zhan Ziyu waved his hand, propelled his wheelchair himself, and disappeared behind the layers of window curtains.

Chu Qiao picked up the pastries from the table and left the room.

When she returned to the cabin, it was already late at night. Liang Shaoqing was still holding his injured hand, waiting for her. Seeing her return, he immediately complained, “Xiao Qiao, what took you so long?”

“What’s wrong? Afraid to sleep by yourself?”

Liang Shaoqing’s face immediately turned red. After struggling for a while, he finally said, “Xiao Qiao, you’re a girl, you should speak more politely…”

“Shut your mouth!”

She took out a piece of cake and stuffed it into Liang Shaoqing’s mouth. The bookworm was startled, looked at it, and exclaimed happily, “Thousand-layer pastry? Xiao Qiao, where did you get this?”

“Just eat it. It’s not stolen.”

Liang Shaoqing chuckled and buried himself in eating, seemingly starved, and no longer chattering.

Chu Qiao sat on the bed with her knees pulled up, frowning as she thought of Zhan Ziyu whom she had just met, and asked, “Hey, do you know how the young master of the Zhan family became disabled?”

“I heard he fell from a horse eight years ago.”

“Fell from a horse!” Chu Qiao sighed slightly. Such an otherworldly figure, his life ruined like this, truly a pity.

Liang Shaoqing, having filled his stomach, began to display his excellent quality of being talkative, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just met him outside and found it unfortunate.”

For some unknown reason, Liang Shaoqing suddenly seemed distracted. He sat there blankly, his fingers covered in pastry crumbs, not bothering to clean them. Chu Qiao looked at him puzzled, seeing his dazed expression, and asked sternly, “Bookworm? What are you daydreaming about now?”

“Xiao Qiao, as a girl, you shouldn’t go out alone at night. Even if you do, you shouldn’t casually talk to men.”

Chu Qiao was stunned and frowned, “Are you mental?”

“I’m giving you good advice,” Liang Shaoqing hurriedly said. “A girl will eventually marry. If you’re so casual, how will you get married in the future?”

Chu Qiao laid out the bedding, dismissively saying, “I can’t get married just because I spoke to a man? Then what about us sleeping in the same room?”

Liang Shaoqing’s face turned red, his expression very solemn. After thinking for a while, he stuttered, “This… this… we’re forced by circumstances. Even if… I would have to consult my parents first before giving you an answer.”

Chu Qiao was both amused and exasperated, looking incredulously at Liang Shaoqing’s affected manner. She gave him a slap on the head and said, “Go to sleep, stop dreaming.”

Liang Shaoqing was somewhat angry and shouted, “Xiao Qiao, I’m serious.”

Chu Qiao raised her fist, “I’m serious too. If you don’t behave, I’ll have to hit you.”

Power overpowering reason, Liang Shaoqing, still clothed, crawled under the blanket, his eyes fixed on the girl’s figure.

Water birds made long cries on the river, the sound distant, coming from far away.

Chu Qiao closed her eyes, and in her dreams, she vaguely saw Zhan Ziyu’s eyes, clear as cold springs.

Early the next morning, before daybreak, they were awakened by the urgent sound of gongs and drums. Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing both awoke, hurriedly tidied their clothes, and ran out of the cabin, hearing the sound of crying from afar.

They saw the deck filled with people, seemingly everyone from the Zhan family was present. Several women were dressed in silks and satins, their faces half-covered by veils, making it impossible to see their features. The three sons-in-law stood at the front, each a man of talent and vigor.

“What happened?”

The low voice sounded slowly. A girl of sixteen or seventeen was pushing Zhan Ziyu out of the cabin. The man wore a blue satin robe with silver-edged sleeves, appearing elegant and refined.

“Ziyu,” a woman at the front slowly walked forward, covering her face with her hand, saying sorrowfully, “Uncle Qing has aged. We only just discovered it.”

Zhan Ziyu’s face immediately turned pale, even more bloodless. He frowned, looking at his elder sister with complex emotions, but couldn’t utter a word.

“Ziyu, don’t be too sad. Uncle Qing was old; this day was bound to come sooner or later. He passed peacefully, without illness or pain. He didn’t suffer,” said Zhan Zikui, the second young lady of the Zhan family, her voice sorrowful, though somehow it sounded false. “What’s important now is to arrange Uncle Qing’s funeral. He’s been with our family for over fifty years; our siblings all grew up under his care. He’s practically part of our family. We must ensure he’s sent off with proper ceremony.”

Gu Gong’en, the first son-in-law of the Zhan family, coughed lightly and slowly saying, “But previously, Uncle Qing managed all these household matters. Now that he’s gone, who will take on this role?”

“Brother-in-law! Uncle Qing has just passed away, and you’re already impatient?”

Gu Gong’en’s face reddened. Just as he was about to speak, the eldest daughter, Zhan Zifang, immediately frowned and said sternly, “Little sister, what are you saying? Gong’en is thinking of the Zhan family’s interests. Do you expect to arrange Uncle Qing’s funeral yourself?”

“Big sister, I…”

“Enough, Zijun, push me back,” Zhan Ziyu said.

“Brother!”

Zhan Ziyu frowned and raised his voice, “Listen to me!”

“Since Ziyu has no objections, I’ll recommend someone. Chen Shuang has been with the household for many years, always diligent and conscientious. Why not let him take over as steward and arrange Uncle Qing’s funeral?”

The crowd became noisy, gradually growing lively. The sad atmosphere caused by Uncle Qing’s passing vanished in an instant. Chu Qiao, still mindful of the old man’s care for her, was saddened that he had passed so quickly. As the ship couldn’t keep a corpse, a shed was set up on the shore to house the old man’s body. Chu Qiao looked out a couple of times and immediately frowned.

Liang Shaoqing leaned over and asked, “Xiao Qiao, what are you looking at?”

“Something’s not right,” Chu Qiao shook her head. “Uncle Qing doesn’t look like he died of old age. It looks more like murder.”

“What? You’re saying Uncle Qing was murdered?”

Liang Shaoqing exclaimed in horror, and by the time Chu Qiao tried to cover his mouth, it was already too late. In an instant, everyone’s gaze converged on them.

“What did you say?” Zhan Ziyu’s voice was calm, his expression serene, but his sword-like eyebrows gradually furrowed. “Say that again.”