She recognized the pattern on the hem of the garment—it was the uniform of the Eastern Palace's secret guards.
"Is this... Xin Suiyun?" she asked softly, mustering her courage. "Are you injured? Do you need help?"
There was a moment of silence behind the tree, followed by a low laugh, clearly mocking: "It was just dealing with a few fools. If you're afraid of scaring Miss Qi, it's best not to see her."
Qi Yue stood there, unsure whether to go forward or retreat. In the end, she whispered, "Then... be careful."
There was no response, only the sound of clothes fluttering, indicating that the person had already left.
After that incident, Qi Yue's fear of Xin Suiyun lessened somewhat. She began to think that this feared Eastern Palace guard might not be as cold and ruthless as he appeared.
——
"Miss, why are you up?" Yun'er's voice interrupted Qi Yue's recollection.
Qi Yue then realized that it was already dawn, and she had been sitting by the window all night. She rubbed her sore eyes and said softly, "I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about some things from the past."
Yun'er draped an outer coat over her shoulders and asked with concern, "Miss, are you thinking about what happened in the alley yesterday? That Xin Suiyun is really despicable. He was clearly working for the Crown Prince, but he still tried to scare you."
Qi Yue shook her head, offering no explanation. She recalled her sister Qi Mingyue telling her that Xin Suiyun was a secret guard personally chosen by her aunt, the Empress, from among a group of orphans for the Crown Prince. Despite being about the same age as the Crown Prince, they led completely different lives.
"Yun'er, what do you think a person has to go through to become as cold as Xin Suiyun?" Qi Yue asked softly.
Yun'er pouted: "This servant doesn't know, but no matter how bitter the experience, it's no reason to scare good people. You are kind-hearted, young lady, and you shouldn't be treated like that."
Qi Yue remained silent. She recalled the scars of varying depths on Xin Suiyun's arms, his unwavering gaze when facing wild beasts and enemies, and the lingering stench of blood that always clung to him whenever he appeared.
During breakfast, Qi Yue's noticeable dark circles under her eyes caught the attention of her mother, Xin Xiyao.
"Yue'er, you look terrible. Didn't you sleep well last night?" Xin Xiyao asked with concern.
Qi Yue forced a smile: "I just had some insomnia, which worried my mother."
Xin Xiyao looked at her thoughtfully, then suddenly asked, "Is it because of what happened at the Duke of England's mansion yesterday?"
Qi Yue looked up in surprise; she had not mentioned her encounter in the alley to her mother.
“Mingyue sent a letter this morning, briefly explaining what happened yesterday,” Xin Xiyao explained, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. “That child Xin Suiyun… stay away from him. He is not someone you can associate with.”
Qi Yue lowered her head and said softly, "Daughter understands."
However, a voice inside her asked: Why does everyone want her to stay away from Xin Suiyun? If he is really that dangerous, why does her cousin, the Crown Prince, trust him so much? If he is really cold-blooded, why is he always protecting others whenever he appears?
After breakfast, Qi Yue decided to go to the study to find some books to distract herself. As she passed through the courtyard, she overheard her father, Qi Huaihe, and her elder brother, Qi Mingxuan, talking in the pavilion.
"His Majesty is already aware of the Northern Barbarian spies' infiltration of the capital. His Highness the Crown Prince handled the situation appropriately, and His Majesty is very satisfied." Qi Huaihe's voice carried a hint of solemnity.
Qi Mingxuan asked, "I heard that the full moon banquet at the Duke of Ying's mansion yesterday almost went wrong?"
"Yes, thanks to the Crown Prince's foresight, he sent Xin Sui to eliminate those spies." Qi Huaihe paused. "That child's methods were ruthless, but they were indeed effective."
Qi Mingxuan sighed softly: "Suiyun has done a lot of dirty and tiring work for the Crown Prince over the years, and there is a lot of criticism against him in the court. If it weren't for the Empress's protection, I'm afraid that officials would have impeached him long ago."
Qi Yue hid behind a pillar, her heart pounding. It turned out that Xin Suiyun's situation in the court was not good, despite having eliminated so many threats to the Crown Prince and the country.
At that moment, Qi Yue suddenly realized that her understanding of that cold-blooded bodyguard might only be the tip of the iceberg. Behind the bloody aura on him, there might be unknown secrets and helplessness.
Just as she was lost in thought, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside the mansion, followed by the gatekeeper's announcement: "Young Master Biao has arrived!"
Qi Yue's eyes lit up; it was her cousin Xin Rui. This dashing young marquis had doted on her since childhood, always bringing her joy and courage.
Perhaps she could find out some information about Xin Suiyun from her cousin. Once this thought arose, it took root in Qi Yue's heart.
She straightened her clothes and walked towards the gate, her heart filled with both trepidation and anticipation. Perhaps, understanding Xin Suiyun's past could dispel the fears and doubts that had haunted her for so many years.
In the morning light, Qi Yue's pace quickened unconsciously.
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