Chapter 26: An Unexpected Departure

“Madam, what are you thinking about? Madam? Madam?” Nianyu gently nudged Ning Qian, who was lost in thought.

With a sudden start, Ning Qian snapped out of her daydream. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes dazed. She touched her own face and felt the burning heat, quickly lowering her head. “It’s nothing, really.”

“Madam, that sable coat was made by Third Young Master himself from mink he hunted. Now you’ve given it to the Eldest Madam. If Third Young Master finds out, he might not be pleased.”

“It’s nothing. My third brother isn’t such a petty person. Besides, if you don’t say anything and I don’t say anything, how will he ever know? What we do need, though, is perhaps to prepare another sable coat. I remember there were some fine sables in the trousseau my mother prepared for me.”

“Yes, there are still a few pieces left. Why? Do you intend to give such a grand gift to someone else? Those were all prepared by Madam herself. Why not give something else instead?”

“I’m afraid that won’t do. This courtyard may be large, but it cannot conceal news for long. Before long, everyone will know that the Eldest Madam visited me today. What I gave her, how long she stayed, even what we talked about—none of it will remain a secret.”

Nianyu was terrified. “Madam, surely it can’t be that bad? I was guarding the door the entire time and saw no one.”

“Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘walls have ears’? You must always be careful. Nianyu, some time ago I asked you to find someone trustworthy. How goes your search?”

“Madam, you know everyone in this courtyard has their own loyalties. It’s almost impossible to find someone truly reliable.”

“I know. But without someone dependable to act for us, we’ll be at the mercy of others at every turn. And those we brought with us are watched constantly—troublesome, truly troublesome.”

“This isn’t something that can be rushed.”

“I realize that. But judging from recent events, our position doesn’t look good. Leaving aside everyone else, even the Master... Is there anything in this grand manor worth our attachment anymore?” The memory of her throat being gripped yesterday sent a chill through Ning Qian’s heart, as if she had been plunged into a frozen wasteland.

Ning Qian was full of grievances. Having married into the Yu family with her reputation tainted, she had never expected to spend her life here. After all, who could accept a woman whose innocence had been called into question? Yet, on their wedding night, both she and Yu Ziqi realized it had all been a misunderstanding.

Perhaps because the knot in her heart had been resolved, Ning Qian found herself more and more at home in her new life. In the depths of her heart, she had already begun to see herself as part of the Yu family. What she hadn’t expected was how difficult it would be to live here.

“Madam, Xiao Liu requests an audience.” Shuni suddenly lifted the curtain and entered.

“Xiao Liu? Let him in.” Ning Qian was surprised; he was Yu Ziqi’s personal attendant. Why would he return at this hour?

“Yes.”

At the doorway, Shuni lifted the curtain. “Xiao Liu, the Madam will see you.”

Xiao Liu entered, bowed, and stood respectfully. “Madam, Third Master has asked me to take you somewhere.”

“To take me somewhere? Where?”

“Er... Madam, you’ll know when you arrive.”

Ning Qian exchanged a glance with Nianyu, both puzzled by what Yu Ziqi was up to now. Since her marriage, except for the day she returned to her parents’ home, she hadn’t set foot outside. In truth, she rather wanted to go out and see the world.

“Madam? Third Master is waiting.”

“All right, you may go. I’ll change my clothes.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Once Xiao Liu left, Nianyu quickly said, “Madam, could this be—”

“It shouldn’t be,” Ning Qian replied, understanding Nianyu’s concerns. She didn’t believe Yu Ziqi would harm her again. That day had been strange, but he was simply too agitated at the time. Besides, he had already apologized, and she believed it wouldn’t happen again.

“Nianyu, help me prepare my clothes.”

“Yes.” Knowing further persuasion was pointless, Nianyu turned to get everything ready.

Once on the carriage, Ning Qian quietly lifted the curtain. To her surprise, they were traveling through narrow alleys. She found it odd—why not take the main road?

Nianyu was also puzzled. “Madam, this...”

“I don’t understand either. But since the Master has instructed us, there must be a reason. We’ll understand when we arrive.”

“Madam, I feel uneasy for some reason, as if something terrible is about to happen. Perhaps we shouldn’t go?”

“We’re already on our way. How can we turn back now? Don’t worry; my instincts tell me we’ll be safe.”

“Madam, do you really trust Third Master?”

“Yes.” She truly did not believe he meant her harm.

Nianyu and Shuni exchanged a helpless glance and sighed. Having spent so much time with Ning Qian, how could they not notice her change? Feelings are the hardest thing to pin down, and after all, the two of them were husband and wife—outsiders could hardly interfere. All they could do now was stay by her side, doing their best to keep her safe.

The carriage wound its way through the alleys, turning this way and that, clearly trying to avoid someone. Ning Qian had glanced back just after leaving the main Yu residence and spotted several people trailing them. Though they disguised themselves well, Ning Qian, with all the television dramas she had watched in her previous life, could hardly be fooled.

What she didn’t expect was that Xiao Liu was quick-witted—sometimes speeding up, sometimes slowing down, always twisting through the side streets. Before long, their pursuers were left behind.

Once they left the city, Xiao Liu lifted the curtain and said, “Madam, please hold on. We’re in a hurry, so I must go faster.”

“All right.”

With a crack of the whip, the carriage surged forward. Out of instinct, Ning Qian and her two maids braced themselves against the jolt. Fortunately, they were prepared and didn’t crash into the boards behind them.

Shuni glared at Xiao Liu outside the window. “Hey, can’t you be more careful? What if Madam gets hurt—will you take responsibility?”

Xiao Liu didn’t look back. “Madam, time is of the essence. Please forgive me.”

“It’s fine; just focus on driving.”

The carriage sped through the city gate, heading straight for the countryside. The further they went, the fewer people were in sight and the darker the sky became. The sun was already dipping toward the western horizon, yet they had not reached their destination.

Ning Qian grew anxious. “Xiao Liu, how much longer?”

“Madam, about the time it takes to burn an incense stick. We’ll arrive before sunset.”

“All right.” She answered and lifted the carriage window’s curtain again. The sun was about to set; surely they would return very late tonight. She wondered if the old lady would be displeased.