That night, I had a spring dream. In my dream, I was entangled in a passionate embrace with Yan Shao when suddenly I heard a large flock of sparrows chirping noisily outside. Listening more carefully, they sounded more like ducks. Never mind, I turned over and continued sleeping. But the noise grew louder and louder.

That bastard Lan Zixu, is he trying to get himself killed? Early in the morning and he can’t even control these poultry.

I threw off the blanket with one motion, rushed out the door, and then I was stunned.

It turned out these weren’t ducks or sparrows, but a group of women, all sorts of women. With them were countless silks and satins, jewelry and accessories, rare antiques… What the hell, when did they set up a market here? Has Yu Chi Manor started operating this kind of business?

In the vast courtyard, Lan Zixu was surrounded by a group of women and couldn’t break free. His face was red and his neck was swollen with anxiety. When he saw me, he immediately squeezed out and hurried upstairs.

Before he could speak, I asked, “What’s going on? Are you opening a fabric shop?”

He looked downstairs, seemingly still startled: “This, this is—”

“This was brought by me.” Someone poked his head out from behind him with a refined smile. He was about thirty, dressed in a blue gown, holding a feather fan, with quite a scholarly air.

“Miss Rong, my surname is Yun, given the name Jing. The things below were brought by Master Chu’s orders.”

I couldn’t wrap my head around it: “Which Master Chu?”

He was taken aback: “Master Chu Tianyao.”

“Oh.” I suddenly realized, “What does he want to do?”

Yun Jing smiled: “Master Chu will marry Miss Rong tonight, but he doesn’t know what kind of ceremonial clothes and jewelry the lady prefers, so—” he pointed downstairs, nodding slightly to me, “Master Chu has prepared these for the lady to choose from.”

No way, Chu Tianyao made such a grand gesture. My vanity was satisfied to some extent.

“You said he wants to marry me tonight?” I emphasized the word “tonight.”

He nodded: “That’s right.”

He knows how to pick a date. I was planning to meet with Yan Shao tonight.

“No, no, tonight won’t work.”

“No one can change a decision made by Master Chu!” His tone remained polite but left no room for negotiation.

I turned to look at Lan Zixu, who was also looking at me. That look in his eyes seemed to… indicate agreement.

Damn, this doesn’t make sense. My people aren’t listening to me.

I gave him a look, signaling him to follow me into the room, then gave Yun Jing a dry laugh: “Please wait a moment, Mr. Yun.”

After Lan Zixu entered, I slammed the door shut and said, “Go tell him to postpone the wedding.”

He looked troubled: “Until when?”

“Just not tonight. Any other time is fine.”

“Please forgive my impertinence.” He looked at me strangely, “Does it make a difference?”

“Manor Lord Lan!” I put on a cold face and stared at him.

“Manor Lord. Chu Tianyao never goes back on his word.” He sighed, “In the past, he sent people to subdue Shenfeng Fortress in Shanxi. Their chief had already agreed to submit, but because he was late by one hour, Chu had them all exterminated, leaving no survivors.”

As he spoke, he looked at me with a grave expression, implying that—the fate of Yu Chi Manor rested in my hands.

This person is so… terrifying!! It seems I have no choice but to obediently get into the bridal sedan chair. But I’m not willing! What should I do? What should I do?

I paced anxiously in circles.

Lan Zixu sighed lightly: “Manor Lord, perhaps you should go choose your ceremonial clothes.”

With great reluctance, I opened the door and went out. When Yun Jing saw me, he immediately smiled and bowed, his expression suggesting he knew I had no way out.

I swept my gaze across the scene—downstairs was a sea of red in all styles. I coldly said: “Why don’t I see any white?”

He was startled, then smiled again. With a wave of his hand downstairs, the fabric formations suddenly changed. The red receded and the white advanced, all in perfect order.

I couldn’t help but be surprised. Just now those people were in chaos, but they suddenly became well-trained female soldiers on a battlefield.

I casually pointed to a piece of white fabric: “That one will do.”

Chu Tianyao, I’ll play a Western-style wedding to piss you off, you bastard.

Yun Jing remained calm, seemingly not surprised at all: “Please choose some jewelry, Miss Rong.”

“You decide,” I said irritably.

“Then, shall I ask the tailor to come up and take your measurements?” he smiled, almost falsely.

“Whatever.” I went into the room, slamming the door shut.

A group of women busied themselves around me for half a day. It wasn’t until the afternoon that I could catch my breath, but that damned Yun Jing was still lingering like a ghost. As dusk approached, I was so anxious my hair was smoking, while this guy had been drinking tea all day without even going to the bathroom once, forcing me to use an underhanded trick—I had to ask Lan Zixu to slip him a laxative.

Based on our previous “wait until we meet” experience, Yan Shao should be waiting for me by the lake. So when I ran to the shores of Daming Lake full of anticipation, yet didn’t see anyone, that feeling was truly desolate. It was truly heartbreaking, with a hundred twists and turns. All the frustration I had bottled up all day was released. It was just a one-night affair, why was I so sorrowful?

At this moment, the twilight was gray, birds were returning to their nests, and the evening breeze blew slantingly. I vaguely felt that such good times would never come again.

After a while, someone behind me said: “Miss Rong.”

I turned back startled: “It’s you?”

Feng Ming smiled, respectful and polite, “The master is tied up with something and ordered me to relay a message. Please get into the sedan chair on time, he will certainly keep his promise.”

Damn, still playing mysteriously with me at this time. Is he planning to knock out the groom and snatch the bride?

I shouted in great anger: “Even if he has an earth-shattering matter, he shouldn’t neglect a beautiful woman. Go tell him not to call himself Yan Shao anymore.”

“Neglect a beautiful woman?” Feng Ming burst out laughing.

“Am I not qualified to be called a beautiful woman?” I glared at him.

“I wouldn’t dare!” He said with a serious face, “The master knew Miss Rong would be angry, so…”

He paused, his face slightly flushed.

“So what?”

“He said he would make sure Miss Rong enjoys herself tonight. Miss Rong just needs to get into the sedan chair!”

Make me enjoy myself? Damn! My face immediately burned like fire. This bastard told his subordinate such things. The next time I see him, I must first violate him and then kill him. He’s too hateful!

I forced a smile and said: “Please also convey a message to him: even without him tonight, I will certainly enjoy myself.”

Is Yan Shao the only man in the world? The fact that I fancy you is giving you face.

Feng Ming’s face alternated between red and white, then suddenly said: “Message delivered, I shall take my leave!” With that, he disappeared without a trace.

Under the green drooping willows, two figures approached with hurried steps.

“Miss Rong, the time has come.”

I glanced at him. This guy had healthy legs; it seemed Lan Zixu’s drug wasn’t strong enough.

Two hours later, I arrived at an unfamiliar mansion. I thought I’d be able to catch a glimpse of Chu Tianyao during the wedding ceremony, but there was no ceremony at all. I was taken directly to the bridal chamber. The room was plain and bleak as if someone had died, with no hint of a joyous atmosphere. Only two young maids were waiting outside, with lowered eyes and no sound.

I waited in the room for a long time, but no one came, and I couldn’t help feeling anxious.

If Rong Shukuang were an exceptional beauty, perhaps I could use feminine charms on Chu Tianyao. But if he’s so disrespectful and negligent on our wedding night, not even having the desire to claim his bride, what’s the point later on? How am I supposed to steal that list?

I couldn’t stand it anymore. I opened the door and asked the little maid: “Where is Chu Tianyao?”

The little maid smiled sweetly, “Prince Han has sent congratulatory gifts, and the master is receiving him.”

I was taken aback. That madman Zhu Gaoxu is here too? Chu Tianyao’s influence is truly impressive. I should go and see his honorable face.

“I want to go out…” Well, I am a bride, after all, I should find some excuse.

The little maid covered her mouth and smiled: “Madam is already the mistress of this place. You can go wherever you wish!”

Madam? Goosebumps rose all over my body. But come to think of it, Chu Tianyao’s servants are quite progressive. A bride wearing white ceremonial clothes is already shocking enough, yet they act as if it’s nothing, showing no surprise. And they don’t react at all to my wandering around on my wedding night.

It seems Chu Tianyao is even more formidable than I imagined. There’s no way to provoke him. Failure, utter failure.

As I was feeling dejected, I suddenly bumped into someone.

“What are you thinking about? So lost in thought.”

When I saw him, I immediately jumped in fright, covered his mouth with my hand, and dragged him behind a fake mountain.

“Are you crazy? Chu is very powerful.”

He showed no alarm at all, just smiled at me: “You look beautiful tonight.” As he spoke, he reached out to embrace me.

I slapped his paw away: “Go away, I don’t have time now. I want to go see that Prince Han.”

“Prince Han?” He frowned, “He’s already left.”

“Left?” I turned back, “How do you know?”

“I watched him leave.”

“Ah? You just strolled in like this?” I was surprised.

“Yes.” He smiled, “Let’s get down to business first.”

The mention of this made me furious.

I pressed him against a rock, glaring: “You went too far. How could you tell Feng Ming about what we had arranged?”

“What’s wrong with that?” He looked innocent, appearing even more open-minded than me.

I was speechless: “Privacy, don’t you understand personal privacy?”

He didn’t answer, just looked at me with a smile, his eyes clear and captivating.

I suddenly realized, “Ah! You did it on purpose.”

He raised an eyebrow slightly, indicating he didn’t understand.

I began to snicker, lightly tapping his nose: “You little rascal, you deliberately chose this time to come, didn’t you? Having an affair with me on my wedding night. Hehe, indeed a good idea, exciting and provocative, it will anger that Chu.”

His expression suddenly changed several times, as if he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

The bright moonlight penetrated through the lush flowers and trees of the courtyard, shining on his handsome and gentle face. His silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, his snow-white robe reflecting a luminous glow, truly an astonishingly talented and beautiful man.

I stared at him for a while, unable to resist the temptation, and bent down to kiss his lips. Cool and soft, what a delicious taste.

His eyes seemed to hold laughter as he allowed my invasion, only holding me tightly. After a good while, I reluctantly raised my head, still somewhat intoxicated.

He smiled: “Have I told you that you look beautiful tonight?”

I caressed his face, my fingers tracing his eyebrows, lips, and nose, saying in a hoarse voice: “You did. You look beautiful tonight too.”

He couldn’t help but laugh softly, taking my hand to his lips for a light kiss.

I felt as if struck by lightning, almost unable to stand. In that instant, I suddenly realized that I had fallen in love with this man—this revelation was as shocking as glimpsing a heavenly secret. I saw something I shouldn’t have seen and tried to cover it up, but it was already too late.

Without thinking, I blurted out: “Let’s elope!”

He was stunned: “You’ve fallen in love with me?”

I stared at him: “I think so.”

His whole body trembled, and he froze, seeming even more shocked than I was. Something surged intensely in his eyes, almost overflowing, but was finally suppressed.

“Before we elope, why not let me see how you make me lose my soul.”

Deep in his profound eyes, there seemed to be a hint of laughter. His voice became increasingly hoarse, like the sound of a brush moving across white paper. Yet I heard it with thrilling excitement. A wave of emotion exploded in my heart, completely drowning me, leaving no room for rationality as I allowed him to carry me into the room. The details of what followed, the thousand flavors of intimacy, are beyond words. Please forgive me for not recounting them one by one.

In my dream, I turned over and vaguely saw Yan Shao getting up and dressing. Half-asleep, I asked: “Are you leaving already? What time is it?”

“Chou hour, third quarter.” He bent down to kiss my face, “It’s still early, go back to sleep.”

I woke up fully and asked with a smile: “How was it? Soul-stirring?”

He pouted: “You seemed more soul-stirred.”

I couldn’t maintain face: “Are you implying my skills aren’t good?”

He smiled: “No, I’m implying my skills are good enough.”

God! This egomaniac is simply unbearable. I closed my eyes in defeat, turned over, and prepared to continue sleeping.

I slept until the sun was high in the sky. I stretched lazily when I got up, only to find my whole body aching. It seems last night’s battle was quite intense.

My face grew hot. Suddenly, I heard footsteps and a female voice: “Madam, the master requests your presence for a meal.”

I responded and opened the door. It was the little maid from last night, looking at me with a radiant smile.

I tentatively asked: “Chu Tianyao, hmm, how was he last night?” I couldn’t directly ask if he had come; it would be too embarrassing.

“How would I know about matters between the master and the madam?” As she spoke, she covered her mouth and turned away, showing a coquettish shyness.

I was suddenly startled, my senses returning as I recalled how absurd last night was—how could I openly have an affair in the bridal chamber? Fortunately, Yan Shao had left in the middle of the night, otherwise, how would I explain the sudden appearance of a living person in the room? I followed her through pavilions and corridors, my eyes fixed on the back of her head—who knows how much this girl knows? In any case, I clenched my teeth, determined to deny everything even if it killed me.

I entered the courtyard and looked up to see Yan Shao in white. My first instinct was to turn and run away. Due to my overly vigorous movement, I bumped into someone again, and it was a crushing collision.

I looked at the anxious face beneath me, immediately covered his mouth, and whispered: “Quickly get Yan Shao to leave, I don’t want to see him again.”

Feng Ming’s expression was so depressed it looked like he was about to vomit blood and die. He squeezed out a sentence through his teeth: “How come you still don’t understand?”

I was stunned: “What do you mean?” Before I could finish, I was lifted up by someone.

Yan Shao’s gaze swept coldly over Feng Ming: “If there’s anything to discuss, we’ll talk later. You may leave first.”

Feng Ming respectfully withdrew.

He looked down at me, then let out a very helpless long sigh: “So not only are you the Manor Lord of the World’s First Manor, but you’re also the world’s number one muddlehead.”

“Do you know who Feng Ming is?” he asked.

“Your subordinate, right?” I was puzzled.

“Do you know whose man he is?” he asked again.

“Yours, of course.” Isn’t this stating the obvious?

He tapped my head and sighed: “Don’t you know that the world-famous ‘Phoenix Song and Dance’ are Chu Tianyao’s left and right attendants?”

“I didn’t know—” I shook my head, then in a flash of realization, my eyes widened, and I stepped back.

“Could it be… you are Chu Tianyao?”

He let out a light breath. “You finally understand.”

I stared at him blankly, my mind completely blank, as if struck by a thunderbolt.

He sighed lightly, holding my hand. “Come on, the food is getting cold.”

I obediently sat across from him at the dining table, munching on a steamed bun, my eyes fixed on him.

Finally, he put down his chopsticks. “Are you angry?”

I shook my head.

“Do you blame me for deceiving you?”

I shook my head again.

“Do you feel foolish?”

I still shook my head.

“Then… is the food not good?” He held my hand, sighing plaintively, “Are you not going to talk to me anymore?”

I swallowed the last bite of the steamed bun and smiled: “How could that be? I was just thinking, you are Chu Tianyao, and Chu Tianyao is you. So…”

“Hmm?” He waited for me to continue.

“I married Chu Tianyao, which means I married you.”

He frowned, but I didn’t look at him and continued: “So, what we did last night can’t be considered an affair.”

His frown deepened: “And therefore?”

I concluded: “Therefore, this is a perfect and wonderful thing. Why should I be angry?”

He looked at me with a furrowed brow for a long time, his gaze strange and hard to decipher. For the first time, I dared to meet his gaze without backing down.

Finally, his expression softened, and he sighed: “I didn’t intend to deceive you, but how could I know that you would suddenly lose your memory and not even recognize Feng Ming?”

I sneered: “It sounds like it’s my fault.”

His expression changed abruptly. He suddenly rose with a sweep of his sleeve and walked out without looking back.

The two maids nearby trembled with fear.

I was trembling too, but not out of fear. It was from anger—Fine! You’re arrogant. I’ll go back to Yu Chi Manor. I won’t serve you anymore.

I ran back to the manor. When they saw me, they looked as if they had seen a ghost. Damn, I’ve only been gone for one night, and this bunch already ignores the Manor Lord.

I plopped into a chair with a carefree attitude, took the tea Lan Zixu handed me, and deliberately took a sip. Seeing his puzzled face, I said leisurely: “If you have any questions, ask them now.”

Before Lan Zixu could speak, a voice came from outside the door: “What exactly is going on?”

Lin Shaoci stood at the doorway, his face as white as paper.

Now it was my turn to be surprised: “How did you get here?”

He looked embarrassed.

Li Xiuran appeared shortly after and smiled: “Young Master Lin couldn’t bear the nagging of those girls, so he came down the mountain to meditate quietly for a while.”

I nodded sympathetically. Those women were indeed quite noisy.

“What about you?” Lin Shaoci asked, “Weren’t you already… last night? Why did you suddenly come back?”

I grinned: “I suddenly missed all of you, so I came back to check on you. You don’t seem very welcoming.”

Lan Zixu and the others exchanged glances.

Lin Shaoci suddenly took my hand: “Come with me!”

He pulled me to a waterside pavilion and stared at me intently: “Did Chu Tianyao mistreat you?”

I laughed dryly: “Nothing like that.”

“Then what’s going on? Why did you…”

“Why are you so nervous?” I suddenly got angry and spoke carelessly, “He can’t do anything to Yu Chi Manor! You’re all afraid of him, dare not offend him, so you sacrifice me. And you still call yourselves men?”

Once I mentioned him, I became angry. This bastard lied to me first, and then he dared to put on airs and act cool. Heaven knows what relationship Fang Yi has with the life or death of Yu Chi Manor.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

He was speechless with anger, his whole body trembling, almost unable to stand. I quickly helped him sit down on a stone bench.

He remained silent for a while, then suddenly said: “You’re right. We were indeed too selfish. But why didn’t you say these things to my father earlier? Now…”

He coughed a few times: “Now, how did it come to this?”

I was a bit puzzled: “What’s wrong now?”

“Now the imperial court has intervened in this matter, and we’re in a difficult position.”

He suddenly laughed coldly: “To think that he, with all his cunning, would have such a moment of miscalculation?”

I was startled: “Who is ‘he’?”

He replied irritably: “Apart from your great adoptive father, who else could it be?”

Hmm? This tone seems to harbor deep resentment towards his father.

I sat down opposite him and cautiously asked: “What’s going on?”

He looked at me and sneered: “He married you to Chu Tianyao. If you could steal that list, he could use it to coerce Chu Tianyao. If you failed and were killed, he would have a legitimate reason to continue managing the manor. Hmph! Who would have thought he underestimated his opponent? Chu Tianyao is more formidable than he imagined, haha…”

He laughed almost cruelly.

I was shocked. Could it be that Rong Shukuang is a puppet Manor Lord, and the true manipulator behind the scenes is Lin’s father?

“Is this true?”

“Shuang, I hate your blind loyalty the most. He may have shown you kindness, but he’s using you as a tool. He’s such a cold-blooded, selfish person, only thinking about power. Yet you willingly let him use you, even allowing him to arrange your marriage. I hate you.”

I exclaimed in surprise: “You hate him, and that extends to me?”

His dark eyes fixed on me: “Yes, I hate you. I hate why you wouldn’t leave with me.”

I felt a chill. “I wouldn’t leave with you? What… what’s this about?”

He suddenly trembled uncontrollably.

I quickly said: “Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this now. I’ll go find Mr. Li.”

He abruptly grabbed me, his pitch-black eyes pleading: “I don’t want to see them. Sit with me for a while.”

I had no choice but to sit down, holding his ice-cold hands, momentarily speechless.

He gazed at the clear waters, his face showing sorrow, staring blankly, who knows what he was thinking?

After a long silence, he finally regained his composure and sighed softly: “Shuang, we can’t go back.”

I was dumbfounded.

He suddenly lowered his head, burying his face in my palm, and said in a barely audible voice: “I only regret, why my heart doesn’t die.”

I felt a scalding liquid flow through my fingers, not lingering but pouring down.

At that moment, my heart was filled with compassion. This was the man Rong Shukuang had deeply loved in her previous life. He was crying in my palm, like a small beast moaning in distress, and there was nothing I could do.

I didn’t dare move at all.

After a while, he raised his head, regaining his cold and proud demeanor, “Shuang, tell me the truth, did Chu Tianyao do something to you?”

Although I felt extremely wronged in my heart, I didn’t dare provoke him further at this moment. I immediately patted his hand and comforted him: “No, I will get that list as soon as possible and get away from him.”

He looked at me silently, not speaking.

I stood up and said: “Your injury hasn’t healed yet, you shouldn’t be in the wind. Let’s go back inside.”

He didn’t respond, his face showing a childlike sulking expression. I was helpless, but fortunately, Li Xiuran appeared at the right time to save the situation.

Thus, the night passed without incident, followed by three days of silence.

The ball of anger in my heart burned increasingly fiercely. This bastard didn’t even say a single word, and what made me even angrier was myself, actually still hoping he would come and explain to me. When has he ever explained? That night when I caught him red-handed, he still denied it to the end. It’s too ridiculous. He is simply a ruthless and unprincipled man. If he dares to commit treason, such a treasonous act, can I expect him to bow his head and return to me? Don’t overestimate yourself, don’t set yourself up for humiliation, don’t lower yourself. All that talk about flowers blooming in the dust is deceptive. Who has achieved enlightenment? Men cannot be trusted, remember this well!

But I can’t keep staying here indefinitely either. I promised Feng Tingxie to give him that list. Should I just run back now? That’s too embarrassing. Absolutely not! Besides, that bastard appears and disappears without a trace. Who knows if he’s still in Jinan?

I felt like my head was about to split.

“What are you thinking about that makes you so troubled?” Lin Shaoci frowned as he looked at me.

“Nothing.” I came back to my senses, “How is your injury?”

He smiled: “In a few more days, it will be completely healed.”

I frowned: “Strange, why are you recovering so quickly, while I have completely lost my martial arts?”

He also found it strange: “I’m puzzled too. It doesn’t make sense that Shen Zuitian could make you lose all your martial arts with just one strike. What exactly happened in between?”

The two of us knitted our brows, staring at each other.

I smiled: “If we can’t figure it out, let’s not think about it. Anyway, I’m fine now. By the way, is there any news from Wan Ci and the others?”

His expression darkened, and he shook his head.

I suggested: “Shaoci when your injury heals, why don’t you become the Manor Lord—”

“No!” He suddenly stood up, interrupting me, “I absolutely will not be this Manor Lord.”

“Why? You are the most suitable candidate.”

Along this journey, I could see that Song Qingge and the others were more inclined toward Lin Shaoci.

“Shuang, you’re so cruel.” He smiled bitterly, “You’ve forgotten everything, and in the end, you still—”

He didn’t continue.

I held his hand, looking up into his eyes, and said softly: “If I’ve forgotten, why don’t you tell me?”

He suddenly embraced me tightly, as if wanting to embed me into his body. “Come with me, Shuang, come with me. Let’s leave this place.”

I felt unable to breathe: “Go where?”

“Anywhere, as long as we leave this martial world. Anywhere.”

I was almost moved by him, but I couldn’t. “Could you let go of these people? Your father, your sister, and Brother Yan and the others—”

His body stiffened, and he slowly released me, collapsing with a tragic smile. After a while, he finally said softly: “It’s late. Go back and rest.”

I thought for a moment and said: “Alright, you should rest early too.”