Chapter 18 Why don't you like Fu Huaiqing? ...

When Biezhi returned to the capital, it was already close to the hour of Hai (9-11 PM).

Xu Wenche brought more troops to the capital than she had expected. There were nearly twenty more people riding into the capital tonight than in the previous nights. In total, nearly a hundred members of the Xu family entered the capital. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were there to attack other powerful families.

Madam Qin waited for most of the day before finally seeing Biezhi's travel-worn figure.

She watched the girl climbing the steps. Perhaps due to years of traveling, the girl's skin was not fair. Her slender body contained great energy, which contrasted sharply with her delicate and lively face.

If her own young daughter is born safely, she will be about the same age as her, a time when she should be enjoying the company of her parents...

Madam Qin looked at Biezhi with a hint of something in her eyes, but ultimately said nothing.

It was getting late, so the two didn't linger and hurried back to the Qin residence.

Back at the Qin residence, Biezhi bid farewell to Madam Qin and returned to her courtyard based on her memory.

Before even approaching the courtyard archway, one could see a man standing beneath an octagonal lantern, the dim candlelight spilling down and cascading over him, making him appear even more otherworldly.

Qin Xiao, who had been waiting for a long time, caught a glimpse of the girl walking slowly out of the corner of his eye. He raised his eyelids slightly and looked at her. The girl's expression was slightly confused, and when he met her eyes, which were as panicked as a fawn in his memory, there was no difference.

The girl before him was the one he was looking for, and now she was his little sister.

The spies sent to Huishui Town also confirmed that there was such a person there. The news brought back by his men was no different from what his parents had told him, which was enough to prove that her identity was not unusual.

The girl he had been searching for for days had suddenly become his younger sister. Qin Xiao's expression hardened slightly, and he clenched his fists tighter.

Bie Zhi deliberately slowed her pace, her eyes fixed on him. A faint struggle flashed across the man's cold expression, and suddenly, an idea struck her.

Could Qin Xiao have recognized him as the bodyguard who escorted him out of the capital?

That shouldn't be the case... It seems she didn't give Qin Xiao a chance to see her face when she was on missions.

Thinking of this, Biezhi frowned slightly, her thoughts quickly flashing back to the month or so she had escorted him to Hezhou. Suddenly, she paused, remembering that she had indeed shown her face once.

That was back in Liuyunzhai.

Biezhi's eyelashes trembled slightly. She had heard of Qin Xiao, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. In his first year as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he became famous throughout the Li Dynasty for his photographic memory. He also solved many unsolved cases in the Court of Judicial Review that had remained unsolved for many years. He was known in the martial arts world as a divine detective and was also a prodigy among the scions of noble families. He was one of the best son-in-law candidates in the eyes of the ladies of high-ranking families.

Judging from the Qin family's intentions today, apart from the Qin couple, no one else in the Qin family knows their true identity.

With mixed feelings, Biezhi stepped forward and, mimicking Qin Wan's tone, called out, "Brother."

The girl's sweet voice slowly entered his ears, and Qin Xiao's eyes changed slightly. For the first time, he truly felt that the girl in front of him was his little sister. He stared at her for a moment before speaking: "Why are you all alone?"

"I'm not used to having people with me," Biezhi said softly. When she left the manor today, she deliberately didn't bring Huachao and the others with her.

Qin Xiao's lips pursed slightly, forming a tight line.

It's natural to feel uncomfortable when your identity changes suddenly.

The girl's clear, bright eyes were watery, and she seemed both curious and confused about her surroundings, like a small animal that had suddenly fallen into a trap, completely different from how she looked when they first met.

After a moment of silence, he explained, "Because of my identity, many people are eyeing the Qin family covetously. I still need to bring some people with me when I go out, so that if something unexpected happens, someone will protect me."

Biezhi opened her mouth slightly and nodded obediently.

The more you say, the more mistakes you make, especially in front of this detective. It's always better to play the innocent than to say something wrong.

Qin Xiao paused for a moment, then said, "Hua Chao has only just arrived at the manor. If you feel uncomfortable, I'll send some maids who are familiar with the household to you—"

"There's no need for that trouble," Biezhi said, refusing before he could finish speaking.

However, she did not expect that Hua Chao was also a newcomer, which made things easier for her. Seeing the man raise his eyebrows slightly, she explained, "I don't like too many people following me. Hua Chao is perfect."

Qin Xiao remained silent for a moment, then said nothing more.

Suddenly, everything fell silent.

The man in front of them didn't seem to have any intention of leaving.

After a short while, Biezhi slightly raised her eyelids: "If not—"

Have you ever been to Suiyang City?

The man's clear, unpredictable voice interrupted the girl's words calmly and deliberately.

Biezhi's eyes trembled almost imperceptibly.

She knew the problem originated at Liuyunzhai.

Biezhi feigned surprise and asked instead of answering, "How did you know I had been to Suiyang City, brother?"

The candlelight in the courtyard reflected in the depths of the man's eyes, making it impossible to discern his emotions.

Qin Xiao lowered his eyes and stared at her for a long while, then parted his thin lips slightly and said, "I've met you."

Biezhi pursed her lips, a hint of confusion in her expression: "How come I've never seen her before? Have we ever spoken?"

The girl's clear voice struck Qin Xiao's heart with each word. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. He had expected that she had no recollection of him, but when he actually heard it, a slight sense of disappointment flashed through his heart.

Qin Xiao stared at her for a moment, then said, "No."

A crack appeared on the man's handsome, aloof face, revealing the other branches, yet he couldn't understand why.

She nodded and said, "No wonder I don't remember it."

Qin Xiao was speechless.

After a long while, he smiled silently.

Biezhi was even more confused; things seemed to be spiraling out of control.

The more this happened, the less she wanted to stay any longer, so she casually made up an excuse: "It's getting late. If you don't have anything else to do, brother, I'll go back and rest now."

"I've come here tonight because I have something to tell you." Qin Xiao stepped slightly to the side and stood in the center of the archway, blocking her view.

Biezhi hadn't expected him to be so difficult to deal with, but she patiently asked, "Is there anything else?"

Qin Xiao was waiting here on important business.

He suppressed his emotions and said, "My father and I have discussed it. You have been wronged for many years, and we can no longer wrong you. In seven days, the Qin family will invite the prominent families in the capital to announce to the public that you are the second young lady of the Qin family."

Biezhi was stunned: "..."

No one told her about this!

If her identity is really revealed to the public, how will she extricate herself three months later?

Will she still be able to move around in the capital in the future?

Biezhi's surprise was genuine; she was truly shocked and instinctively asked, "Does it have to be this way?"

"You don't want to?" A hint of doubt appeared in Qin Xiao's eyes.

"No." Biezhi came to her senses and said stiffly, "It's just that I'm afraid of being extravagant and wasteful, which isn't good."

The girl's clear almond-shaped eyes darted around, and as if she had thought of something, worry gradually welled up in them. Qin Xiao's lips curled up slightly, and he reached out to rub the top of her head, saying casually, "The Qin family may not be able to give you other things, but they certainly have money."

Biezhi: "..."

What a boastful tone!

Since you're not short of money, could you give her ten thousand taels?

She also longed for a different kind of life, where she might not necessarily be rich, but she would certainly never lack anything!

Biezhi also understood that the Qin family was determined to hold this banquet, regardless of her wishes. Moreover, Qin Peibai had not informed her of this matter beforehand, but rather Qin Xiao had told her. There must be something more to this than meets the eye.

After a moment's thought, her expression shifted several times, but she said, "I will follow my parents' arrangements."

Lying on the couch at night, Biezhi pondered for a long time but still couldn't understand why the Qin family insisted on holding this banquet.

Given the public's attention to the Qin family, if she were to publicly announce that she was the second daughter of the Qin family, what reason would she have to relinquish the title of the second daughter of the Qin family three months later, and how would she conduct herself in the capital?

"Never mind, never mind." Biezhi pulled the quilt over her face anyway. "I'll be leaving in three months."

She was truly ready to leave Xianyun Tower.

Honestly, Xianyunlou has not treated itself badly.

Although the older man's mood is unpredictable and he sometimes likes to drag things out and torment people when assigning tasks, the rewards he gives are very generous, incomparable to those of others.

only- -

She didn't want to spend her whole life fighting and killing, and she didn't want anyone else to get hurt because of her.

Biezhi sighed, slowly pulling down the quilt, her almond-shaped eyes gleaming in the darkness.

I wonder how Ji Ran is doing.

Perhaps because she had too many thoughts on her mind, Biezhi did not sleep well and only had a light sleep throughout the night.

When I opened my eyes, it was already dawn or dusk.

Apart from Madam Qin, the rest of the Qin family went to court, and Qin Wan, who was heading to the Imperial Academy, also left early in the morning in a carriage. The vast Qin family mansion was quiet and still.

Biezhi didn't bother Madam Qin, but instead pondered how to establish a relationship with Xu Wenche.

Before she could figure it out, the time she had agreed to meet Qin Wan arrived.

Biezhi took Huachao out, and when they arrived at Yongle Avenue, Qin Wan was already waiting in front of the gathering.

Before she even stepped off the carriage, Biezhi noticed the man standing beside Qin Wan, and her eyelashes trembled slightly.

What is Prince Su doing here?

Didn't you say you weren't coming yesterday?

Amidst the bustling crowd, their eyes met for a fleeting moment, but Biezhi silently looked away, pretending not to have seen anything.

"Why is His Highness Prince Su here?" A passerby asked his companion in surprise.

His companion raised an eyebrow slightly and said meaningfully, "Look who's standing next to him."

Upon hearing this, the woman tiptoed and glanced in the direction of the calligraphy gathering. Her eyes suddenly lit up. "I knew it! So Miss Qin is here too."

“That’s right.” The woman’s companion covered her mouth and chuckled, glancing at the two figures standing side by side from time to time. “Just as the rumors say, wherever the Qin family’s daughter is, you can definitely see His Highness Prince Su.”

Upon hearing this, Biezhi frowned slightly.

She knew they were childhood sweethearts and had a good relationship, but she didn't expect them to be this close!

Wouldn't that mean that whenever Qin Wan is around, Prince Su will also be there?

Yesterday I was thinking of staying away from the Grim Reaper.

Biezhi felt that the important thing was not that she was afraid of him and acted timidly, but that his gaze, which she glanced at from time to time, carried a deep meaning that was hard to explain. It made her feel uneasy, like a cheetah hiding in the shadows observing its prey. If the prey made the slightest move, it would leap out and bite the prey's carotid artery, killing it instantly.

And she was the prey that was being targeted.

The summer sun was blazing, and the cicadas were chirping incessantly, causing Biezhi to shiver involuntarily.

Qin Wan also saw Bie Zhi's figure and waved: "Here, come over quickly."

Biezhi snapped out of her daze, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She walked forward without looking to the side, wanting to pretend she hadn't seen Prince Su, but the reality didn't allow her to do so.

She imitated Hua Chao's movements in a very convincing manner and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."

From the moment the Qin family carriage appeared on Yongle Avenue, Fu Huaiqing's gaze remained fixed on Biezhi. He could see that she was deliberately avoiding his gaze. He nodded indifferently, and his eyes gradually fell on the two or three figures not far away.

Bie Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and followed Qin Wan inside.

The calligraphy gathering was bustling with people, and the long street was lined with the calligraphy and paintings of various masters. Biezhi, who had little interest in the event, followed Qin Wan's side, listening to her occasionally whisper a few words of explanation to him, while his thoughts kept drifting to the city gate not far away.

There are many gates leading into the capital, and it's unknown whether Xu Wenche will enter through this gate.

After strolling along the entire street, it was nearly noon, and Biezhi still hadn't seen Xu Wenche. Her heart sank a little.

Biezhi glanced at Qin Wan, who still seemed unsatisfied, and asked, "Shall we go back to the manor now?"

"Let's go back after lunch." Qin Wan raised her eyes slightly and looked at the restaurant on the side, saying, "My mother said you like soft and glutinous pastries. Perfect, their pastries are absolutely delicious."

Biezhi was speechless, watching the woman walk forward in silence, and had no choice but to follow.

As soon as the group stepped into the restaurant, the manager greeted them with a smile and led them towards the second floor.

The second-floor annex is close to the street, and you can see the street view by opening the window.

Biezhi sat near the window, glancing down every now and then.

"Don't you like it here?" Qin Wan asked, seemingly noticing her absent-mindedness.

Her gaze, which had been fixed on the branches at the city gate, abruptly shifted upon hearing this. Meeting Fu Huaiqing's thoughtful, deep eyes, she realized she had been preoccupied with appearances and shook her head: "No, it was just that I found it novel to attend a calligraphy gathering for the first time, and I couldn't help but take a few more glances."

In an instant, a pang of heartache swept through Qin Wan's heart. She thought that if she had always been in the capital, things would not be like this. Her tone softened slightly: "There are often various gatherings in the capital. I'll take you to see some others tomorrow."

Biezhi sipped her tea slowly and hummed in thanks, "Thank you, elder sister."

As she finished speaking, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure walking towards her. She paused, then looked up and saw the tall figure walking among the crowd—it was Xu Wenche!

Xu Wenche was accompanied by two servants. The group did not come from the direction of the city gate, but obviously came from another city gate and deliberately came here.

Qin Wan noticed that she was looking at the street again, and couldn't help but look up at her: "What are you looking at now?"

“Looking at that person.” Bie Zhi turned around, pointing to the figure standing in front of the calligraphy collection. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled as she looked at Qin Wan and asked, “Does Sister know that person?”

Fu Huaiqing, who remained silent, chuckled inwardly and instantly understood her intention.

If she wanted to get closer to Xu Wenche, it would indeed be faster for the Qin family to step in than for her to go to them herself.

"Who?" Qin Wan followed her fingertip, but couldn't figure out who she was talking about for a while. "Which person?"

“A man dressed in a blue and white robe,” Bessa added.

Qin Wan looked again and met the man's eyes. The man in the blue robe was tall and slender, with clear features and a spirited demeanor, quite like a scion of a noble family. However, she had never seen this person in the capital before: "I don't know him."

Upon hearing this, Biezhi curled her lip.

Qin Wan looked at her, puzzled. "You know her?"

"I don't know him." Biezhi bit her lip and whispered, "I want to know him."

Qin Wan asked instinctively, "Why?"

Biezhi lowered her eyes, feigning shyness, and said, "Handsome."

Qin Wan: "Huh?"

She stared at her younger sister in astonishment, thinking she had misheard. "What do you mean?"

Biezhi blinked and asked in a clear, crisp voice, "Don't you think he's very handsome, sister?"

The girl's voice, neither too loud nor too soft, echoed in the room. She pursed her lips slightly, her eyes sweeping over everyone present with an innocent look, as if she didn't understand why they were all silent.

Before Jiang Yue, who was accompanying them in the side room, could even be shocked by Bie Zhi's outrageous words, he caught a glimpse of his master's suddenly darkened expression and his eyes narrowed for a moment.

He suddenly remembered that whenever it was mentioned that Biezhi liked handsome men, the prince's mood was never very pleasant. Even when Lord Qin mentioned sending people to find Biezhi last time, the prince had a look of impending doom.

Suddenly, Jiang Yue looked at the shy-looking girl with a knowing look on his face.

Fu Huaiqing's brow twitched several times as he looked at Biezhi with indescribable emotion.

The man's deep gaze was so intense that Biezhi couldn't ignore it even if she wanted to. She hesitated for a moment, unable to decipher the profound meaning hidden deep within his pupils.

Before Biezhi could guess his thoughts, she blinked her bright almond-shaped eyes and asked, "Don't you think so, sister?"

Qin Wan, stunned and speechless, glanced at the girl whose expression showed a hint of disapproval and grievance, and quickly nodded: "She is indeed handsome."

Upon hearing this, Biezhi's lips curled into a bright smile, and she said without any hesitation, "Sister, don't laugh at me. I just like handsome men."

"How could that be?" Qin Wan couldn't help but glance at the man in the main seat. If we're talking about handsomeness, Fu Huaiqing is undoubtedly the best. Why don't other girls like him? She thought for a moment and said to her personal maid, "Send someone to find out whose young master he is."

The maidservant obeyed and withdrew.

As Biezhi watched the woman's departing figure, a joyful smile played on her lips, her shallow dimples barely visible, revealing the elation in her heart.

Fu Huaiqing tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.

Qin Wan rarely encountered a woman who spoke so frankly, and she couldn't help but become a little interested. She glanced thoughtfully at Fu Huaiqing and asked quietly, "Isn't he handsome?"

Hearing the whisper, Biezhi's eyelashes fluttered, and she looked over, puzzled.

Does her fiancé think being handsome is useful?

Could it be that she can't stand seeing others praise her but not her fiancé?

Seeing that she didn't answer for a long time, Qin Wan's doubts deepened: "Is it really not pretty?"

"He's handsome." Biezhi quickly said, seeing that Qin Wan looked like she would argue with him if he said the Prince of Su's appearance was not good.

She was absolutely honest in her words: "If the prince is not considered handsome, then no one else is."

Qin Wan nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

After a moment, she felt something was off: "Then why don't you like him?"

Beyoji: "...?"

Why would she like someone else's fiancé?

Looking at Qin Wan, whose eyes were burning with determination and who seemed determined to get an answer from him, he was speechless and couldn't understand her intentions for a moment.

Biezhi glanced sideways at the handsome and upright man in the main seat. He leaned back in his chair, looking lazy and casual, but his deep and dark eyes were filled with a dangerous look, and every move he made exuded a calm and composed, yet slightly imposing, aura.

The moment Fu Huaiqing looked at her, she casually looked away.

After a moment of silence, she leaned slightly close to Qin Wan's ear and said earnestly, "He's a bit fierce."