Fu Tingyun made tea and turned to see Zhao Ling’s gaze falling on the ink-wash painting she had drawn.

Her paintings had never possessed much spirit. Her fifth sister had once laughed at her: “You can only really draw flower patterns.”

Seeing Zhao Ling staring at her painting, Fu Tingyun’s ears burned red.

“A piece of the wall had fallen off…” she mumbled in explanation. “And this isn’t home… just a temporary place… so I thought of this solution… it’s not well-drawn…” She almost wanted to tear the painting down, while silently reproaching herself—covering it with paper would have been just as effective, why did she have to insist on making it attractive by painting a picture to paste up?

Zhao Ling, thinking she was uncomfortable because he was viewing her private boudoir artwork, smiled and said, “I think it’s quite good!”

He thought her painting was good?

Her landscape painting was in imitation of the great landscape painter Xia Gui from the previous dynasty. Though the painting had only a few strokes, it was her best work.

“Really?” Fu Tingyun was overjoyed.

Zhao Ling nodded and sat down in a nearby armchair. “Pasting one’s painting on a wall where the plaster has fallen off is efficient, economical, and elegant—truly remarkable!”

Fu Tingyun’s smile stiffened.

So his “quite good” referred to her idea… not to the quality of her painting!

Zhao Ling lowered his head to pick up the teacup, not noticing Fu Tingyun’s discomfort.

When he lifted the lid of the teacup, a delicate floral fragrance wafted out.

Looking closely, he saw several jasmine flowers floating among the emerald green tea leaves.

Zhao Ling silently nodded in approval.

Their usual daily necessities were procured by Xiao Wu. Whether it was to save money or because Mo Yi didn’t care about such things, he always bought large-leaf coarse tea. No wonder the Ninth Miss of the Fu family had added jasmine flowers to mask the astringent taste of the tea.

She was indeed someone who knew how to make life comfortable!

He took several sips.

Fu Tingyun sat there, looking dejected, until Zhao Ling spoke to her, which roused her spirits.

“You’re saying I should move to Willow Lane with Ah Sen and the Zheng San couple?” She looked at Zhao Ling in shock, her eyes wide open, flashing with alarm.

Zhao Ling, thinking of the hardships she had endured, felt great sympathy, and words of explanation came unbidden: “Willow Lane is one of my private residences.” But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized they were inappropriate.

The Ninth Miss of the Fu family was clever as ice and snow, resolute and courageous, with a fair amount of noble family pride. If she didn’t know he was in danger, that would be fine, but if she knew, she would certainly not choose to save herself at his expense. The more he said, the deeper he would harm her.

Zhao Ling changed his approach: “The inn is a mixed crowd of all sorts. You and I addressing each other as… betrothed… the more people who know, the worse it is for your reputation. It would be better to use the excuse of staying with relatives and move to Willow Lane. It’s only a street away from Guangren Temple, quiet among the bustle, a very nice place. If your mother sends someone to fetch you, it would also seem more reassuring…”

Was he reproaching her for falsely claiming they were “betrothed”?

This matter was indeed her fault.

She had only thought about how to explain their relationship, without considering his feelings.

Before, she had only regarded them as chance acquaintances. Even knowing he had many secrets, she thought it didn’t matter and never gave it careful consideration. Thinking about it now, given his age, he might have already married, or if not married, he might be engaged… Before, they were surrounded by Mo Yi and the Zheng San couple, who didn’t know their background, but now that he had met with his companions, he inevitably had to explain his situation. If his companions learned that they had been calling themselves “betrothed,” and this information reached the ears of his wife or future in-laws, he would be unable to explain himself no matter how he tried.

Zhao Ling’s words beat on her heart like a drum, leaving her breathless.

It seemed he greatly respected his wife and future in-laws. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have met with his companions and immediately suggested that she live separately in another residence.

Fu Tingyun felt both shame and guilt.

He had saved her, yet for her own selfish interests, she had caused him to be considered unrighteous.

Truly returning evil for good.

When had she become such a person?

Fu Tingyun suppressed the inexplicable panic in her heart and forced a smile: “It was my oversight that has put Master Nine in a difficult position.” She tried to appear gracious and proper. “Ah Sen doesn’t need to come with us. You’re ill and need someone to attend to you. As you said, Zheng San is shrewd and capable, and knows martial arts, while Zheng Sanniang is honest and hardworking. With them by my side, I have someone to rely on for everything. You needn’t worry.”

Indeed, he had arranged everything for her and done his utmost duty. What more could she be dissatisfied with?

But why did she feel so uncomfortable in her heart?

She couldn’t think about it anymore.

People are always greedy for more.

The more she thought, the sadder she would feel.

Fu Tingyun took a deep breath, straightened her back, and assumed what she believed to be a dignified and appropriate posture: “Master Nine, when shall we leave?”

Zhao Ling watched as Fu Tingyun’s rosy cheeks gradually turned pale, saw her straight figure sway like a magnolia in the wind, seemingly about to fall. It felt as if something was blocking his throat, and for a long time, he couldn’t say a word.

She must have misunderstood that he was driving her away.

But what good would it do if he had guessed correctly?

Take back what he had just said? Let her face the same danger as him?

That was impossible.

Since that was the case, let her misunderstand.

Zhao Ling only felt a bitter, astringent taste in his mouth.

Doing a good deed and ending up like this—in this world, perhaps he was the only one.

“Early tomorrow morning,” he said. He didn’t plan to seek refuge with that Wu Xin; a falling-out with Mo Yi was just a matter of time. Every moment she stayed here meant more danger for her. “Pack your things tonight. I’ll have Ah Sen escort you over.”

“Early tomorrow morning?” Fu Tingyun’s face paled further.

She hadn’t finished making the clothes yet!

Once they parted now, they might never meet again…

“Could we leave in two or three days?” she asked. “I have many things and can’t pack them all at once.” Her voice already carried a pleading tone.

Zhao Ling had strong willpower, decisive in killing and resolute in decisions. Once he decided on something, he would pursue it single-mindedly.

Seeing Fu Tingyun’s face, once as vibrant as a pomegranate, now as pale as a pear blossom, his resolve momentarily wavered.

Even if he sent her away, he would need to make arrangements on Mo Yi’s side. Delaying the departure by two or three days should be fine, right?

Fu Tingyun didn’t know Zhao Ling’s current feelings; she only sensed his hesitation.

She lowered her eyes: “Or perhaps, stay for two more days?”

This was her limit; any earlier, and the winter clothes would have had to be abandoned halfway.

Her voice was gentle, like ethereal clouds and mist, completely lacking confidence.

Zhao Ling was greatly alarmed.

Even when facing the vicious bandits in the City God Temple, she hadn’t been this vulnerable.

“Alright!” he said. “Then we’ll depart in two days.”

Fu Tingyun nodded, saw Zhao Ling out, and began working on the winter clothes day and night without rest.

Zheng Sanniang constantly urged her: “You still need to eat!”

Had Zhao Ling married or not?

If he were married, what kind of person was his wife?

How could she let him wander about like this?

If he wasn’t married, what did his betrothed, who had been out in the world, look like?

Did she know his current situation?

Did she know that Zhao Ling was an upright man with a loyal heart and gallant spirit?

Would she cherish him?

“I’m not hungry!” Fu Tingyun shook her head, stitching densely. Only this way could she temporarily forget those random thoughts that occasionally surfaced in her mind. “After you wash the dishes, help pack the things. Tomorrow we’re moving to another place.”

“Why?” Zheng Sanniang looked anxious.

Having experienced a disaster year with corpses everywhere, what she craved most was stability.

“We came to Xi’an Prefecture to seek refuge with Master Nine’s distant aunt,” this was the story Zhao Ling and she had agreed upon. “Ah Sen and Chen Liu came looking once before but didn’t find her. This time, meeting Young Master Yang and Young Master Jin, we learned where the aunt had moved to. Master Nine and I aren’t married yet, and being in an ambiguous situation isn’t proper. Besides, Master Nine is ill, and although it’s a great kindness for others to take him in, we shouldn’t bring illness with us. Master Nine’s idea is for us to move to his relatives’ home while he temporarily stays at the inn. When he recovers, he’ll come find us.”

Zheng Sanniang sighed in relief upon hearing this and smiled, “That’s good, that’s good!”

When Mo Yi heard this, he frowned deeply: “All this coming and going is too troublesome. I think you might as well get married!” Then he asked, “Your father-in-law hasn’t been gone for a hundred days yet, right?”

Zhao Ling also frowned upon hearing this: “Although our two families may not be known for literary accomplishments passed down through generations, we do know a few characters. Wearing red during the mourning period is something we could never do.”

Mo Yi was embarrassed and couldn’t speak for a while.

After Zhao Ling left, he sent Chen Liu to gather information.

“Over there is a small two-courtyard residence occupied by an elderly couple in their fifties,” Chen Liu quickly discovered. “They’re originally from Liangzhou. Their children died in the war, and they moved to Xi’an Prefecture six years ago. They make a living collecting rent from two storefronts on Chang’an Street. They have one maid and one old gatekeeper.”

It seemed flawless, but why did it still make him feel uneasy?

Mo Yi was very frustrated.

Chen Liu advised, “Master Mo, how could Miss Fu possibly escape from our grasp?”

Mo Yi’s heart was somewhat reassured, but he sighed, “I don’t know why, but I feel there’s something suspicious about all this.”

Chen Liu dismissed it: “Master Mo, no one has ever escaped the encirclement of the Shennu Battalion!”

True.

The earth-shaking impact of thousands of arrows firing simultaneously was something even immortals couldn’t withstand.

Mo Yi’s spirits lifted: “Any news about Yang Yu Cheng and Jin Yuan Bao?”

“Both have sold their goods at low prices, seemingly preparing to leave Xi’an Prefecture,” Chen Liu said. “I’ve already sent people to follow them. If they dare to leave, kill without question.”

Mo Yi nodded.

Fu Tingyun was at Zhao Ling’s door, knocking.

Ah Sen opened the door. Seeing Fu Tingyun holding a package, he vaguely guessed what was inside, but he hadn’t expected it so soon and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, “Miss Fu!”

Fu Tingyun smiled and nodded at him.

Zhao Ling came to the door.

“What’s this?” he glanced at the package in Fu Tingyun’s hand and looked at her in some surprise.

After not seeing her for just two days, she had grown visibly thinner. Her once bright black eyes were now full of fatigue, and her fair face had dark circles under the eyes, as if she hadn’t slept for several days and nights.