Because of Zhu Yao’s fall into the water, Li Shiyan received quite a bit of criticism from his father after returning home.

His ears were practically worn raw from all the nagging.

At the Zhu residence he couldn’t talk back, but now that he was home, he couldn’t hold it in any longer.

He retorted, “Father, her falling into the water had nothing to do with me. Fine, you could say something at the Zhu residence, but why are you still scolding me after coming home? You’re talking as if I pushed her down. I would never do such a thing! That would bring divine retribution.”

“Then why would she fall into the water for no reason?”

“How would I know! Besides, Miss Zhu said herself that she lost her footing—lost her footing!”

“You little rascal are always full of schemes. You’ve never liked this marriage arrangement in your heart. Who’s to say you didn’t say something inappropriate to the young lady?”

“I said something inappropriate?”

“If you didn’t say something inappropriate, why would the young lady jump into the lake?”

Li Shiyan was truly burning with anger. He said, “Father, how many times must I say it? She lost her footing and fell in on her own. It has nothing whatsoever to do with me.”

But the Marquis was determined not to believe him!

He continued nagging for quite a while longer.

Finally he said, “By the way, your Uncle Zhu and I have already agreed—your marriage will be held before the new year. There are still a few months’ time. You’d better rein in your temperament and stop idling about.”

“So soon?”

“It’s not soon at all! Also, during these few months, to help you two develop your feelings for each other, you need to spend more time together.”

“…”

“In a few days it will be your uncle’s birthday. You should take Yao’er with you when you go.”

Li Shiyan: “…”

The Marquis spoke again and let out a heavy sigh. “After your uncle resigned from office back then, he’s been recuperating quietly at Ning’an Manor. For his sixtieth birthday this time, quite a few people from the court will be going. When you take Yao’er there, you must understand propriety and not cause any mishaps.”

“Just the two of us? Then… what about you? Why aren’t you going? Besides, Uncle was an important court minister back then. Uncle Zhu should also go together. Now neither of you are going—what does that look like?”

“Have you forgotten? Prince Jing’an’s remains should arrive in the capital in the next few days. Your Uncle Zhu and I will be busy then and have no time to go, so it falls to you younger generation.”

So that was it!

After a moment, Li Shiyan’s eyes darted around. “Will Ziluo be going?”

The Marquis glared at him. “Even if he goes, you cannot cause trouble!”

“So you’re saying Ziluo will be going?”

“Your uncle was a close friend of General Su’s father. This time, General Su will certainly be going.”

Li Shiyan’s heart blossomed with joy. If Su Ziluo was going, he wouldn’t need to worry about all that messy business.

And he’d have someone to have fun with too.

He immediately patted his chest and said, “Father, rest assured. I will definitely bring generous gifts and respectfully go to wish Uncle a happy birthday.”

“As long as you don’t cause any trouble, I’ll thank heaven and earth.”

…

The next day, at the Su residence.

Early in the morning, Su Ziluo received a birthday invitation sent by someone from Ning’an Manor.

Qi’er asked him, “Young master, do you plan to go?”

Su Ziluo held the invitation and looked at it for quite a while. His eyes shifted slightly for a moment before he said, “Has the Wen family received one as well?”

“They should have received one too.”

He made an acknowledging sound. After a brief silence, he said, “Then you go prepare a generous gift first. As for whether I’ll personally deliver it or have you take it—we’ll decide everything after Prince Jing’an’s remains are transported to the capital.”

“Yes.” Qi’er then withdrew.

Su Ziluo placed the birthday invitation to one side and wheeled himself to the doorway.

The weather outside was quite nice. Sunlight poured down, spilling forth, landing right at his feet.

His gentle eyes dimmed somewhat.

His hands gripped tightly at the thin blanket covering his legs.

He closed his eyes.

…

Three days later, outside the capital.

A convoy of carriages and horses had been traveling from Liangzhou for nearly half a month to reach this place.

Two horse-drawn carriages traveled one after the other under the blazing sun.

“Ah!” A sharp scream suddenly came from the rear carriage.

Several birds in the forest were startled into flight.

Inside the carriage, Luo Yang clutched his injured finger, his brow tightly furrowed, glaring fiercely at Xiao Ba. “What are you doing?”

Xiao Ba was very guilt-ridden, explaining miserably, “Brother, I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t see your hand on the ground.”

“Didn’t see it, you… it hurts like hell.”

The carriage was quite large, enough for the two of them to lie down inside. Just now when Xiao Ba stood up, he accidentally stepped on Luo Yang’s finger.

Now it was red, swollen, and burning hot.

Painfully throbbing!

Xiao Ba leaned closer, staring at his finger. “Brother, I really didn’t do it on purpose. How about I put some saliva on it for you?”

“Who wants your saliva!”

“Didn’t you say saliva is medicine?”

“It is medicine, but I don’t want yours.” Luo Yang turned to the side and applied his own saliva to his finger.

The scene was both comical and impossible to watch directly!

Ji Yunshu sat beside them watching, lightly furrowing her brow.

Over the past half month, her body had recovered quite a bit. It was just that the cold ailment remained in her body and hadn’t dispersed, making her somewhat fatigued. She was too lazy to get involved in the little squabbles between Luo Yang and Xiao Ba. Seeing the fine sunlight outside, she lifted the curtain and looked out for a bit. She wasn’t familiar with Qujiang or with the capital. She had only heard someone say earlier that in one more day, they would reach the capital.

Did that mean she would also see Lichuan?

Thinking of this, her heart couldn’t help but tighten.

Both joyful and worried!

Luo Yang somehow appeared at her ear. “Are you thinking about that person you’re looking for?”

She was startled by Luo Yang’s strange, mocking voice.

She quickly leaned to the side.

Her complexion also suddenly darkened.

Ignoring the pain in his hand, Luo Yang suddenly said with a grin, “Actually, you don’t need to worry. Even if he doesn’t come, once we reach the capital, you’ll definitely be able to meet.”

Ji Yunshu asked, “You’re so certain?”

“Who am I? I’m Luo Yang—my words are golden!”

Bah!

The other party didn’t want to acknowledge you and threw you an eye roll.

Luo Yang leaned against the carriage wall, tilting his head back, and continued, “Think about it—that person wants Wen’s life and will come looking for him again sooner or later.”

“…”

“Besides, isn’t that person also in the capital? You’re not alone now—you have me and Xiao Ba! We’ve all seen his portrait. When the time comes, we’ll help you search together.”

Her expression grew slightly somber. “Finding someone—how could it be easy!”

She had been searching for three years!

But Luo Yang was full of confidence. “Just because you couldn’t find him doesn’t mean I can’t! I, Luo Yang, may not have much else, but I have plenty of clever ideas. Once we reach the capital, even if I have to turn the place upside down, I’ll help you find him.”

Patting his chest!

Throughout this journey, Luo Yang had taken excellent care of her, which was why her body had recovered so quickly! But she just couldn’t understand. “Why are you helping me?”