That night, Chen Shuang and several others involved were bound and confined in the lower hold, waiting to be expelled from the ship when it docked. The story of Chu Qiao single-handedly defeating thirty guards spread like wildfire across the ship. Those who witnessed it added embellishments when telling those who hadn’t, making the tale increasingly fantastical until Chu Qiao was nearly described as a deity who could turn beans into soldiers.

This brought certain benefits—at the very least, Liang Shaoqing didn’t have to queue when getting dinner, and was even given three extra large pieces of fatty meat.

In the dead of night, Chu Qiao walked out of the cabin alone and came to the stern, sitting with her knees pulled to her chest. Everything was pitch black around her. In the distance, the lights of city walls twinkled like stars. The night breeze lifted her clothes like the wings of a butterfly about to take flight.

From behind came the sound of wooden wheels rolling across the deck. Chu Qiao cautiously turned around to see Zhan Zi Yu dressed in white, his hair loosely tied behind him. As the night wind blew, the river mist spread and the man’s narrow eyes glanced slightly upward, looking toward her.

Chu Qiao suddenly felt flustered, though she didn’t know why. She hastily stood up, the night wind disheveling her hair. She unconsciously smoothed her hair at the corners, displaying a girlish demeanor, and said, “Young Master, why aren’t you asleep so late?”

Zhan Zi Yu wheeled himself to the stern, his lips slightly parted as he replied mildly, “Aren’t you also still awake?”

A strong gust of wind suddenly blew, flipping over the satin blanket on his lap. Zhan Zi Yu reached out and bent down to pick it up, his hand long and beautiful, more exquisite than white jade.

But just as his fingers were about to touch the blanket, another gust of wind came, flipping the blanket over again and blowing it away from him.

Seeing this, Chu Qiao quickly ran forward, picked up the blanket in one motion, and said, “Let me let me.” Then, she crouched down and spread it over Zhan Zi Yu’s legs.

Zhan Zi Yu was slightly stunned for a moment, then gently shook his head. He wanted to say something, but the words froze on his lips, eventually turning into an almost inaudible sigh.

Chu Qiao crouched beside him and suddenly froze. Zhan Zi Yu’s bitter smile was detached, as pure and lonely as ice and snow. It felt as if a string in her heart had been shattered in an instant. Chu Qiao thought that perhaps she had done something wrong.

“What’s your name?”

“Hm?” Chu Qiao was startled, and quickly replied, “This servant and my brother have the surname Liang. At home, people call me Xiao Qiao.”

“Xiao Qiao?” Zhan Zi Yu murmured. After a long while, he suddenly smiled broadly, “Easy to remember.”

His smile was very gentle, like the warm breeze over a spring lake in March, gently sweeping over the emerald grass and green willows. But even smiling like this, there wasn’t a trace of joy in this man’s eyes. His eyes seemed to always hold unconsolable compassion as if he had experienced all of life’s joys and sorrows, seen through the moon’s reflection on the water and witnessed all worldly affairs.

“Xiao Qiao, where is your hometown?”

“Me?” The ship moved forward, with lingering fragrance curling around them. Chu Qiao sighed slowly. On such a night, the evening breeze made her slightly intoxicated. She spoke in a gentle tone, “My hometown is very far away, I probably can’t return there in this lifetime.”

“Is that so?” Zhan Zi Yu smiled slightly, and there were even two fine lines at the corners of his lips. His gaze was calm as he quietly looked at the flowing river.

“Young Master, the wind is strong on the river. Shall I push you back?”

Zhan Zi Yu raised his head, smiling self-deprecatingly, “I made such a great effort to come out, and I’ve barely sat for a moment before you want to push me back. Wouldn’t that be too much of a loss for me?”

The lantern light at the stern was soft, shining on Zhan Zi Yu’s head. The man’s jet-black sideburns had a slight hint of grayish-white in this light. Chu Qiao suddenly didn’t know how to respond, and stood there foolishly, staring at him in a daze.

“Xiao Qiao, are you cold?”

Chu Qiao hurriedly shook her head, “Not cold, not cold at all.”

“Then keep me company for a while. The moon is beautiful tonight, and the wind isn’t strong.”

“Oh.” Chu Qiao bent her knees and sat on a pile of miscellaneous goods. The pile was quite high, and when Chu Qiao sat on it, she was at the same level as Zhan Zi Yu in his wheelchair. She turned her head, smiling brightly, her smile radiant, carrying the special openness and charm of a young woman. In front of this person, she no longer concealed her female identity and simply relaxed.

Zhan Zi Yu seemed to be in good spirits, turning his face to ask, “Can you ride a horse?”

“Yes,” Chu Qiao made a gesture of riding a horse, “I’m quite good at it.”

“What about your brother?”

“He can’t. He only knows how to ride a donkey.”

“Haha,” Zhan Zi Yu laughed lightly and said, “I used to have a good horse in my early years, named Jiaji.”

“Jiaji?” Chu Qiao frowned in confusion, “What a strange name. Horses don’t usually have such names. The several horses I’ve raised were either called Benyue, Taxue, or Liuxing, suggesting they run fast, expressing a good wish. Young Master is indeed refined; even the names you give are uncommon.”

Zhan Zi Yu smiled and said, “You mean to say I’m pretentious, don’t you?”

Chu Qiao waved her hands repeatedly, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare to say that.”

“That horse was given to me by my wife back then.”

Chu Qiao suddenly understood, nodding, “No wonder, no wonder. Wouldn’t it have been better to name it Biyi or Jinjian or something like that?”

“Yes,” Zhan Zi Yu smiled, “Back then I didn’t know you. If I had, I would have asked you to help name it.”

“Haha, Young Master, you’re being too polite. If you raise a horse now, I can still help you name it.”

Zhan Zi Yu shook his head with a smile, “How would I need to raise a horse now?”

Though he was smiling, Chu Qiao found that smile rather glaring. She didn’t pause awkwardly but continued with a smile, “Why wouldn’t you need to? You can raise horses to pull carriages now. Some people feel so arrogant and wealthy riding a single snow-white thousand-li steed, but we could deliberately raise eight superb horses to pull a carriage—that’s true nobility.”

Zhan Zi Yu laughed, “Silly girl, only royal families can ride in carriages pulled by eight horses. If I sat in one, wouldn’t that be treason?”

“Oh, right,” Chu Qiao slapped her forehead as if she’d just realized something, and said, “Then you can only do it at home for fun. It’s best to avoid things that break the law.”

Just then, there was a sudden splash from the river. Chu Qiao was startled and jumped up, standing on the high pile of goods. White flashes leaped from the water’s surface, and Chu Qiao clapped her hands excitedly, saying, “Did you see that? What a big fish!”

Zhan Zi Yu straightened up and peered over. Several large white fish jumped out of the river one after another, their pristine bodies seeming to emit light in the night, each one tracing a perfect arc before falling back into the water as if competing with each other.

Chu Qiao pointed at the big fish and said with a smile, “Is this what they call carp jumping over the dragon gate? In my hometown, there’s a legend that says once a carp jumps over the dragon gate, it can transform into a dragon. It doesn’t have to stay in the water anymore and can fly up to the sky.”

Zhan Zi Yu gazed ahead thoughtfully and said, “Is that so? If there were such a dragon gate, it would be a great blessing for carp that can’t fly. If they work hard, at least they have hope.”

Chu Qiao heard the implied meaning and felt a slight twinge in her heart. Not revealing her understanding, she just smiled and said, “Even if they truly became dragons, they might not be happy. With fewer of their kind around and their loved ones not by their side, being all alone flying in the sky—what’s the point? It’s just changing one way of living for another.”

Zhan Zi Yu nodded and said, “What you say is also right, but when one is in the midst of a situation, they often can’t see through it. When opportunities arise, they can’t help but want to try. For instance, would you rather live as a slave or be free from slave status and live outside? These are just two different ways of living, but your choice would be different.”

“That’s not right,” Chu Qiao said, “Even if a fish is weak, at least it’s free. Being someone’s slave is like being someone’s dog. The difference is something that can’t be felt without experiencing it firsthand.”

Zhan Zi Yu’s gaze suddenly became distant. He lowered his head and laughed softly. There were fine crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes, but they looked quite pleasant. He turned his head to look at Chu Qiao gently, his gaze seeming to penetrate through the joys and sorrows of life. Though he was smiling, one couldn’t discern happiness or sadness, as if he was asking indifferently, “So, you still want to leave, right?”

“Young Master, I’m just a small servant. Whether I stay or go is of no importance.”

“Mm,” Zhan Zi Yu didn’t argue. He quietly raised his head. The cold moonlight fell on his face, a fine layer, like silver-white sand by the sea.

The next day, the weather was fine. On another day, the ship would dock at Wupeng City for a day of rest and to replenish supplies. Since they had already decided to leave, Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing weren’t assigned any work like the other slaves. Compared to the lifelong slave system of Da Xia, servants in Bian Tang enjoyed a high degree of freedom and equality. As long as they didn’t commit serious crimes, masters had no power of life and death over their servants. So as long as Zhan Zi Yu agreed to their departure, they could leave openly and honorably.

For the entire day, Chu Qiao stayed in the cabin without going out. Since punishing Chen Shuang, she had become the most popular person on the ship. All the lower-ranking servants showed goodwill toward her, and some young female slaves even openly flirted with her, taking opportunities to touch her, which was quite annoying. Chu Qiao never imagined that one day she would be harassed by women. With no choice, she had to hide like a turtle in its shell, waiting for this troublesome ship to dock quickly.

In the evening, Liang Shaoqing finally returned from outside. For the past two days, he had been treated like a hero on the ship, greatly satisfying the bookworm’s vanity, as if he had also contributed to the defeat of Chen Shuang and the other guards.

As soon as he entered the room, Liang Shaoqing walked up with a beaming smile and offered the food in his hands, “Xiao Qiao, have something to eat.”

Chu Qiao didn’t raise her head, just glanced at him sideways as she lay on the bed, snorting through her nose, “So you remembered to come back?”

“How could I not remember to come back? You haven’t eaten yet. I kept that in mind.”

Chu Qiao sat up abruptly, not saying a word, just lowering her head to take a few bites of food, then asked, “Is there anyone outside?”

Liang Shaoqing was startled, answering, “Liu and the others are hoisting the sails at the bow. There doesn’t seem to be anyone at the stern.”

Putting down her bowl, she put on her outer robe and headed outside. Liang Shaoqing asked, “Where are you going?”

“Going out for some fresh air.”

While answering, she walked out of the cabin. The air outside was pleasant. Chu Qiao sat in a shadowed corner in the middle of the ship, slowly letting out a breath. After being cooped up for an entire day, she finally got out.

The weather had been getting warmer lately. She wondered if Yan Bei had thawed yet. Yan Bei was located on a plateau with a unique climate, divided only into summer and winter each year. The summer was hot but lasted less than five months, while the rest of the year was covered in snow—somewhat similar to the modern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

How is Yan Xun doing? Chu Qiao sighed slightly, looking up at the sky toward the northwest, but seeing only a vast expanse of darkness.

Since Yan Xun had been able to restrain his subordinates from killing Zhao Song on the spot, it indicated that his life wasn’t in danger. The fact that there had been no pursuing troops from Yan Bei afterward suggested that Yan Xun hadn’t been injured to the point where he couldn’t control his subordinates. These days, with no news of any turmoil in Yan Bei, it further confirmed that Yan Xun had returned to Yan Bei and was maintaining stability in Shang Shen.

That being the case, he would certainly be safe and waiting for her return.

Chu Qiao let out a long breath—this was how she could only console herself now.

At this moment, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly rang out on the deck. Chu Qiao felt curious—so late at night, who would still be wandering about instead of sleeping?

This spot was shadowed, and the person passing by didn’t notice that a pair of eyes was secretly observing from the darkness. After the person had passed, Chu Qiao quietly followed behind. She saw that the person had a slender figure and was dressed luxuriously—it was a woman with her hair loose, who quickly slipped into the lower cargo hold.

Chu Qiao was certain this person couldn’t be one of the lower servants. Someone dressed in such silk must either be a young lady or a high-ranking maid. Could it be a high-ranking maid coming down to hook up with someone?

After passing two large cargo holds, the woman continued her hurried pace without stopping. However, when passing the third cargo hold, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed the woman’s slender waist. The woman let out a cry of surprise before being pulled inside.

Immediately after, the third cargo hold resounded with the woman’s cries of pleasure and the rustling sounds of bodies rubbing against each other.

Chu Qiao thought to herself, what a coincidence, is it a high-ranking maid coming down to hook up? If so, eavesdropping like this would be quite boring. Just as she was about to turn and leave, a hoarse, deep voice suddenly rang out, instantly freezing her feet to the spot.

“Why did you take so long to come? I’ve been dying to see you!”

The man’s hoarse voice was like a beast that had been suppressed for too long, calling out while continuously kissing the woman, the clear sound of sucking audible even through the thick door.

“He… he hasn’t fallen asleep… hasn’t fallen asleep yet…”

Chu Qiao was greatly shocked because, at this moment, the ones engaging in their passionate affair in this filthy cargo hold were none other than the Zhan family’s eldest son-in-law Gu Gong’en, and the second young lady Zhan Zi Kui!

Just then, Gu Gong’en’s heavy breathing could be heard again, “What kind of clothes are these? Why can’t I take them off?”

“You have to… you have to take them off from below.”

Gu Gong’en chuckled wickedly, saying, “Which below? Here?”

“Ah!” Zhan Zi Kui let out a moan, almost unable to bear it anymore. Her voice was like a slimy snake, gasping and calling out, “You’re… you’re teasing me…”

Soon, Gu Gong’en let out a muffled grunt, obviously having pounced on her. Quickly, exhaustive cries rang out, filled with provocative energy. Chu Qiao hadn’t encountered such a scene for eight or nine years, and her face and ears burned red, even her fingers gripping the door plank turned crimson.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard Zhan Zi Kui cry out with almost a sob in her voice, “Gong’en, you’re so good.”

“Am I?” Gu Gong’en asked fiercely while rhythmically moving, “How do I compare to that husband of yours?”

“He can’t… can’t compare to you…”

“Then what about your crippled brother?”

Zhan Zi Kui, gasping for breath, replied, “That… how would I know? You should… you should ask Fifth Sister…”

When Chu Qiao heard this, she felt her heart suddenly pound heavily. Her eyes widened, almost forgetting that she should leave.

At this moment, the man let out a satisfied grunt, and everything inside fell silent.

After a while, the sound of dressing could be heard. Zhan Zi Kui said, “Give me my clothes. I need to go back. If I delay any longer, he’ll become suspicious.”

Gu Gong’en snorted coldly, seemingly embracing Zhan Zi Kui in one motion. Zhan Zi Kui gasped in surprise, and then Gu Gong’en said, “Didn’t you say I’m better than him? Why are you in such a hurry to go back?”

Zhan Zi Kui laughed lightly, saying, “Not going back? Are we just going to hide in this small cargo hold?”

“Hmph,” Gu Gong’en said coldly, “Just wait. Sooner or later, I’ll have the Zhan family firmly in my grasp. Then I’ll see whose bed you dare to climb into!”

“Wait until you have that capability before talking,” Zhan Zi Kui said. “This fourth brother of mine isn’t easy to deal with. You may think he’s a cripple who doesn’t talk much, but in his heart, he’s clearer and more astute than anyone.”

“No matter how clever he is, it’s all in vain. This time, once we return to Tang City, everything will be in my hands.” At this, Gu Gong’en laughed wickedly and said, “By then, you’ll have to obediently follow me. You can’t go west if I tell you to go east, you can’t put on clothes if I tell you to get into bed, I’ll make you…”

“Enough,” Zhan Zi Kui laughed coldly, “Don’t think I don’t know. Your eyes have long been set on Fifth Sister. If that day comes, would you still remember me?”

“How can she compare to you?” Gu Gong’en chuckled evilly, “There’s hardly two ounces of flesh on her entire body. How could she match your fullness and allure, your pearl-like roundness and jade-like smoothness…”

At this point, Zhan Zi Kui’s moans started up again. Chu Qiao frowned, knowing she wouldn’t hear anything useful, so she turned and quietly walked away.

Any noble family would have such sordid affairs; Chu Qiao didn’t find it particularly strange. Given the characters of Gu Gong’en and Zhan Zi Kui, she could accept any sordid behavior from them. But from their conversation, it seemed that Zhan Zi Yu and Fifth Young Lady Zhan Zi Ming also had an ambiguous relationship, which was somewhat difficult to understand. Thinking carefully about the only conversation she had heard between them, it was indeed somewhat unusual. Could this pair of siblings have an improper relationship?

Forget it, why think about these things? Chu Qiao shook her head. They would be leaving the day after tomorrow anyway, so there was no point in thinking about it now.

Passing through the bow deck toward her cabin, she suddenly heard a faint sound from behind. Chu Qiao’s ears were exceptionally sharp, and she immediately turned around to see a black shadow flash by. She quickly ran over but found no one.

Chu Qiao slowly frowned. Had she seen it wrongly? There was no reason the other person could move so fast. Chu Qiao shook her head. Just then, a sea bird flew overhead, moving diagonally away, its wings sweeping through the night, casting a large black shadow on the ground.

Perhaps it was just the shadow of a large eagle?

Back in the room, Liang Shaoqing was already sound asleep. Hearing the door open, the bookworm rubbed his eyes groggily, sat up to give a greeting, then lay back down and fell into a deep sleep.

By now, Liang Shaoqing had accepted the fact of a man and woman sharing a room, no longer like before when he would pull the blanket over his head every night, worried about being violated.

As usual, a curtain separated the two. Chu Qiao took off her outer robe and lay down under the blanket, letting out a long breath, her whole body exhausted. Her mind unconsciously went back to the conversation between Gu Gong’en and Zhan Zi Kui, but she couldn’t make sense of it even after thinking for a long time. Just as she was about to sleep, Gu Gong’en’s sanctimonious voice suddenly rang in her ears again: “How can she compare to you? There’s hardly two ounces of flesh on her entire body. How could she match your fullness and allure, your pearl-like roundness and jade-like smoothness…”

By calculation, she should be seventeen years old now. Chu Qiao stretched out her hand, feeling her breasts over the blanket, her cheeks suddenly feeling rather hot.

She had been developing rapidly lately, growing much taller. Compared to Liang Shaoqing, she was only half a head shorter. Using modern measurements, she should be around 167 centimeters, which was considered tall for a girl in this era. Jing Yue’er’s small body had grown up. Over the years, she had been diligent in exercise and physical activity, making her physique quite athletic. This body was very standard—slender waist, long legs, neither fat nor thin, only except for this area.

Chu Qiao frowned in annoyance. With nothing else to do, this modern special agent with a mental age of over thirty was starting to worry about her figure. She wondered when she would recover her proud 36C. This era had no breast enlargement surgery or breast enhancement products. It would be a great loss if she ended up being flat-chested.

She lay with her eyes open, staring at the pitch-black ceiling, her mind jumping randomly from one thought to another. These days were rare moments when she didn’t have to think about political scheming, plotting against others, or guarding against others. On another day, this life would end. She let out a long breath—in another day, she would no longer be a seventeen-year-old slave girl, but a wanted criminal of the Da Xia country.

After a period of random thoughts, it was already the fifth watch. It was now summer, and the days were very long. It was nearly dawn, and the sky was beginning to brighten.

The river water sobbed as it flowed eastward, the night wind was cold, and everything was desolate. Chu Qiao sat up, wanting to close the window, but saw that a fine drizzle had started outside at some point, pattering gently, merging with the river water. Chu Qiao leaned on the windowsill, staring out blankly. She saw a small boat slowly rocking by, and on the shore, several fine horses galloping swiftly. The horses’ hooves were like snow, and the men on horseback wore green clothes and straw rain hats, galloping away wildly.

“Xiao Qiao? What are you doing?”

The cold wind blowing in had woken the sleeping bookworm. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up, feeling a bit cold, and said, “You’re wearing so little while leaning at the window. Are you trying to get sick?”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao came back to her senses and said, “There are people riding horses on the embankment outside. So early, and in the rain, they’re still traveling. Must be some urgent matter.”

“You worry about everything,” Liang Shaoqing said, “What does someone else’s journey have to do with you? You haven’t slept all night, have you? Go to sleep quickly.”

Chu Qiao didn’t speak, just reached out to close the window. When there was just a small gap left, she saw that the horse team had suddenly stopped, and one of them turned around and looked in her direction. Through the thick drizzle and the vast river mist, although she couldn’t see his face clearly, she could feel that sharp gaze shooting over from afar.

With a “bang,” the window closed. Chu Qiao lay down on the bed with her clothes on, slightly closing her eyes.

Traveling so early, they must have urgent business.

As she thought about this, she gradually drifted into dreams.

At this moment, on the river embankment in the misty drizzle, a young man in green clothes and a straw rain hat stood on horseback by the riverbank, silently gazing at the ships on the river.

“Young Master, up ahead is Huashu County, a small town. We can rest there briefly before continuing our journey. Further on is Wupeng City.”

Raindrops fell down the young man’s cheeks as he gazed at the several large ships on the river, asking, “Zhu Cheng, are those ships the ones that departed with us from Xianyang City?”

Zhu Cheng looked carefully, then nodded, “Young Master has good eyesight. Those were originally the ships prepared for us by the Xianyang River Transport Yamen. After we took the land route, they were given to others. The current passengers should be the Zhan family from Bian Tang.”

“The Zhan family from Xi Zhiling?”

“That’s right.”

The young man suddenly smiled, his eyes deep like an ancient well, saying lightly, “Even these obsolete noble families are getting involved. It seems Tang City will truly be lively this time.”

Zhu Cheng added, “The Zhan family’s entire household is turning against Tang this time. It seems quite unusual.”

“They naturally have such thoughts, but whether they can succeed is another matter. The Zhan family left Bian Tang eight years ago and have long been ostracized by the Bian Tang nobility. Whether they can find a mansion in Tang City is still uncertain. Reclaiming lost territory? Reviving their former glory? Haha, I think only if Zhan Yuqi were to come back to life could that happen.”

“Young Master is wise.”

Indeed, this young man was Zhuge Yue, who had brushed past Chu Qiao in Xianyang City. Although the land route was slightly more time-consuming, under Zhuge Yue’s swift horses and urgent whips, they had managed to catch up.

Zhuge Yue smiled and said, “Enough flattery. Let’s go. We must reach Wupeng before dawn the day after tomorrow.”

Hearing this, everyone responded in unison, raising their whips to urge their horses forward, about to leave. At this moment, the black warhorse that had been following Zhuge Yue suddenly began to neigh loudly toward the river, refusing to settle down despite others’ attempts to restrain it, as if it had gone mad.

“Liuxing!” Zhuge Yue called out in a deep voice, “What’s wrong?”

The warhorse reared up on its hind legs, letting out loud neighs toward the ships on the river. Zhuge Yue frowned and immediately lashed his whip, striking the horse’s neck, saying sternly, “What are you doing?”

“Young Master, Liuxing might be startled.”

“Startled?”

Zhuge Yue frowned, once again gazing distantly at the river.

With a “thud,” Chu Qiao sat up abruptly. Liang Shaoqing, who had just gotten up to wash his face, was startled by the sight.

“Xiao Qiao, what’s wrong?” Liang Shaoqing widened his eyes, thinking Chu Qiao had had a nightmare, and spoke very cautiously, afraid of disturbing her.

Chu Qiao sat up, saying in a daze, “I think I heard Liuxing calling me.”

“Who?” Liang Shaoqing was stunned and hurriedly asked, “Who did you say? Who’s calling you?”

Chu Qiao replied, “Liuxing, my horse.”

Liang Shaoqing burst into laughter, teasing, “Come on, we’re on water. Can your horse swim?”

Chu Qiao frowned, listening carefully, then suddenly stepped forward and pulled open the window. The wind and rain immediately rushed in, but Chu Qiao paid no attention and still stuck her head out to look carefully. But by now, the rain had grown heavier, and a heavy fog had risen over the river, making it impossible to see clearly.

She frowned, listening for a while, then suddenly jumped off the bed, put on her clothes, and was about to rush out.

Liang Shaoqing was startled and quickly grabbed her, shouting, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going out to check. I heard Liuxing calling me.”

“I heard my Xiaoqing calling me too,” Liang Shaoqing shook his head disbelievingly, “Rest a bit. It’s raining so heavily outside; you’ll get sick if you go out.”

Chu Qiao frowned, pushing away Liang Shaoqing’s match-stick-like small hand, grabbing an outer garment, and rushing out.

“Hey!” Liang Shaoqing cried out miserably, “That’s my clothes!”

The rain was pouring down, much heavier than earlier. The world was a sheet of silver-white, making it impossible to see anything. The large ship lay across the river, and the boatmen and sailors all came out to stabilize the vessel and bail out the water, fearing something might go wrong.

Chu Qiao stood amid the chaotic crowd, looking around in confusion, but there was no sign of Liuxing. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Liuxing!”

Her voice was loud, but it was drowned out by the rumbling thunder.

The ship’s captain hurried toward the main cabin, shouting to his deputy, “Tell the Young Master we must dock. The rain is getting heavier!”

In the pouring rain, the deputy asked, “Which side should we dock on?”

“The left bank is closer, but the water is shallow and can’t support the ship. Dock on the right bank!”

At this moment, on the left bank, due to the sudden intensification of the rain, the horse team had to stop and find a broken pavilion for shelter. Liuxing was still anxiously pacing at the original spot, almost breaking the rope that tied it.

Zhuge Yue stood in the pavilion, watching Liuxing. His ear twitched slightly, and he slowly frowned.

“Zhu Cheng, did you hear that?”

Zhu Cheng was startled and asked, “Young Master, hear what?”

Zhuge Yue didn’t answer but continued to frown and listen. Unfortunately, the rain grew heavier, and rolling muffled thunder sounded from the horizon. The faint voice finally gradually disappeared, leaving no trace.

Zhuge Yue said no more. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking as far as he could, but could only see a bright whiteness all around. The ships, hidden in the pouring rain, had long since disappeared.

Chu Qiao lowered her hands. The ship had already docked safely on the right bank. She was completely soaked by the rain, and her throat was hoarse. Liang Shaoqing had somehow procured an umbrella and held it over her head, hurriedly saying, “Let’s go inside quickly. You’ll get sick like this.”

Chu Qiao stared blankly without speaking, looking at the rain across the river, silent for a long time.

The rain continued to pour down, and the wind howled, showing no sign of stopping.

Wind and rain swayed, river mist spread, and as far as the eye could see, everything was shrouded in mist.