Chapter 63
Wu Shiyan had expected things to be tense, or that Qi Yu wouldn't even want to see him, but he was surprised by how peaceful it was.
Thinking about all that anxiety and indulgence he's been going through lately, it's all a huge waste.
Wu Shiyan watched as Qi Yu finished her porridge, a sense of satisfaction welling up within him.
He greedily licked his lips and said, "Ayu, my wound hurts, and I haven't applied any medicine today."
Qi Yu thought to herself, Wu Shiyan's chest wasn't even wrapped with a bandage, which clearly showed that he didn't care about the wound, but now he knew to cry out in pain.
"Where's the medicine?" But she couldn't stand seeing people playing the victim.
Anyway, it won't take up much time. It's still early today, and we can still make it to leave Beijing.
Yes, even after meeting Wu Shiyan, Qi Yu was determined to leave today.
If Pei Jin comes back from his shift, he will definitely pester her all night, telling her what delicious food the kitchen has made, making it impossible for her to refuse.
Wu Shiyan did not have the medicine with him, so he sent someone in to get it from Tian Wenshan.
He looked at Qi Yu and smiled secretly.
Qi Yu took the medicine, led Wu Shiyan to the side, pushed him to sit down, then unbuttoned his clothes, bent down and sprinkled the powder on his wound, carefully spreading it evenly with her fingers, before finally putting the medicine bottle down.
She placed it carefully, and the medicine bottle did not bump against the table. At the same time, the atmosphere in the room became strangely quiet.
Qi Yu stared blankly at Wu Shiyan's wound, lost in thought.
Even with a stove burning inside the teahouse, it wasn't warm enough to be like springtime. Wu Shiyan himself wasn't afraid of the cold, but the skin around his wound felt slightly cool.
Wu Shiyan's eyes darkened slightly as he twirled Qi Yu's hair that fell in front of her.
Suddenly, a warm feeling came over me as expected.
Qi Yu kissed the spot next to his wound.
He knew it! A surge of pride welled up in Wu Shiyan's heart.
He knows perfectly well what his beloved likes about him.
The wound was covered in medicine powder, which Qi Yu skillfully avoided. She had always admired Wu Shiyan's physique, and now that they were alone in a room, with Wu Shiyan asking her to apply medicine, how could she resist the urge to do so?
Besides, she's not exactly a steady person.
Don't use these things to test your own people...
It's understandable, it's understandable...
After a long while, Wu Shiyan pulled the person into his arms and complained, "These past few days, I've had to apply the medicine myself."
Although it was a complaint, the upturned corners of her lips seemed to say that wasn't the case.
Qi Yu not only kissed him, but she also gritted her teeth, using quite a bit of force, which was naturally not something outsiders could see.
Even though he could feel the obvious teeth marks, Wu Shiyan still felt it was too light; he would have preferred it to be heavy enough to leave a mark.
Qi Yu clung to Wu Shiyan's arm, sticking out her tongue. She was the one who had the wicked intentions first, but she was also the one who lost first.
The regretful look in Wu Shiyan's eyes when she didn't continue was still lingering in Qi Yu's mind. She even felt embarrassed to look at Wu Shiyan's unsatisfied expression. Now, hearing what Wu Shiyan said, she couldn't help but blush.
With nothing happening in court today, Wu Shiyan remained seated in the teahouse after seeing Qi Yu off. The smile on his lips had faded, and his deep unhappiness was evident as soon as she left.
If he didn't feel so much guilt, given his personality, he would have used any means necessary to keep the person.
But how did it turn out like this?
Wu Shiyan thought despicably, how much better it would be if Qi Yu didn't have the surname Gu?
Qi Yu left the teahouse and boarded a carriage with Lingjiao. The carriage headed towards the city gate.
Amidst the clatter of horses' hooves and the hustle and bustle of the street, Qi Yu suddenly heard a familiar voice.
She lifted the carriage curtain and saw Yuelu urging the driver. Yuelu's eyes were red and her hair was disheveled, as if she had just returned from a long trip and had urgent business to report back to the Pei residence.
Thinking about it carefully, Qi Yu had indeed not seen Yue Lu at the Pei residence in the past few days.
However, the two people in the Pei family who could make decisions were either in the palace or still in the government office.
Thinking of this, Qi Yu had Lingjiao stop Yuelu.
Yuelu was familiar with Lingjiao, and even though they had only met a few times, she knew that this person was the girl's confidant, so she thought that the girl was here.
Yuelu ran over, tears welling in her eyes. Upon seeing Qiyu, she cried out, "Miss, Master and Madam have passed away!"
"You sent me back to the Zhao family, but as soon as I arrived, I saw the whole mansion covered in white cloth, and everyone in the household was dressed in mourning. I learned that the head of the family and his wife had passed away one after another, and the people in the mansion were not of one mind with you, Miss. When I returned, the procession to inform you of the death had only just slowly set off. I had no choice but to return to the capital as soon as possible to tell you about this!"
Yuelu choked up several times. The deaths of the head of the family and his wife were like the sky falling and the earth cracking for her. The young lady had no support anymore. Once the other uncles of the Zhao family took over, they would not care about the young lady. It would be good if they didn't scheme against her.
Qi Yu's ears were ringing incessantly.
Even though Zhao Wanyi only mentioned the Zhao family a few times, the Zhao couple held a significant place in her heart.
They were willing to risk harboring criminals and their relatives to raise Zhao Wanyi. I can't imagine how much regret and heartbreak Zhao Wanyi would feel if she couldn't see her parents one last time.
Qi Yu was already somewhat empathetic: "Lingjiao, let's go back to the teahouse."
Wu Shiyan was surprised that Qi Yu would come back, and Qi Yu was also glad that Wu Shiyan had not left.
Qi Yu's tense mood eased slightly, but her voice was still dry: "Your Majesty, Consort Zhao Wan's father and mother have passed away."
She pleaded, "Can my sister go back to see them one last time?"
Wu Shiyan wanted to say that Zhao Wanyi was a dangerous person. She might have had contact with the Prince of Ning before, and letting her leave the palace would be very unpredictable.
Seeing Qi Yu's appearance and hearing her call Zhao Wanyi "elder sister," he knew her hesitation and decisively said, "I will take you back to the palace to see her."
The two hurriedly left the teahouse and boarded the carriage back to the palace.
Qi Yu asked Lingjiao to find a long scarf to cover her face. She tied it behind her head and then looked in the direction of the palace.
She always kept in mind that she was now wearing Zhao Wanyi's identity, and if she acted recklessly, it would damage Zhao Wanyi's reputation.
Those entering and leaving the palace are naturally included in this category.
Seeing this, Wu Shiyan felt extremely distressed. He was a smart man, and smart men are prone to overthinking.
Although Qi Yu's heart is now tied to Zhao Wanyi, he is the one who has spent the most time with her. Therefore, he believes that Qi Yu concealed her face when she entered the palace to prevent him from being accused of stealing a minister's wife.
Qi Yu was always thinking of him...
Wu Shiyan said sadly, "Ayu, you don't need to wrong yourself for my sake."
Qi Yu looked bewildered, but Wu Shiyan felt a tenderness that made him want to pull her into his arms.
To be honest, Qi Yu's original plan did not include meeting Zhao Wanyi. The plot was too cliché, and it completely ignored her complicated feelings about having an extra sister.
Her knuckles were clenched so tightly they turned white, and her breathing became erratic from nervousness.
Therefore, she really didn't understand what Wu Shiyan meant, but that didn't stop her from agreeing.
Qi Yu gave Wu Shiyan a reassuring look and began to quietly adjust her breathing.
The teahouse was very close to the palace, but it took some time to get to Zhao Wanyi's quarters.
The palace was surrounded by patrolling guards, some of whom carried bows and arrows. Qi Yu remembered that Zhao Wanyi had once raised pigeons and even given her one, so she realized Wu Shiyan's intentions.
Fortunately, although the place is remote, it is not shabby and has everything one would expect.
Qi Yu saw Zhao Wanyi in the corridor. She was very pale, thin and weak, but her expression did not look too bad.
Qi Yu paused for a moment, and Zhao Wanyi looked over when she heard the noise, then was taken aback.
Their eyes met, and Qi Yu stared intently at Zhao Wanyi, while Zhao Wanyi looked at Qi Yu with almost greedy eyes.
Qi Yu lifted her skirt and hurried forward, her mood strange, but she couldn't care less at this moment. She quickly said, "Patriarch Zhao and Aunt Zhao have passed away."
The air was deathly quiet.
A moment later.
"As expected." Even as she said this, Zhao Wanyi felt a surge of sorrow that she couldn't suppress.
Qi Yu, who was staring intently at Zhao Wanyi, immediately noticed it in her eyes. Qi Yu hesitated for a moment, then grasped Zhao Wanyi's hand, which was icy cold.
A steady stream of warmth flowed from Qi Yu's hands. Zhao Wanyi lowered her head and said, "I took the opportunity to go home during the southern tour, so I have a general understanding of my father and mother's health. The doctor said they would have a hard time getting through this winter."
That's why she was so resolute.
Qi Yu held Zhao Wanyi's hand, lowered her eyes and asked her, "Do you want to go back to the Zhao family?"
Without any hesitation, Zhao Wanyi spoke up as soon as Qi Yu finished speaking: "I don't want to!"
Don't make such plans for her, Qi Yu!
Her affairs had already implicated Qi Yu, which made her feel guilty enough. Now, to force Qi Yu to turn around and beg Wu Shiyan in order to get her to leave was absolutely unacceptable.
She knew very well that the price Qi Yu would have to pay to help her would be considerable.
Qi Yu wanted to leave the palace. Zhao Wanyi knew that if it weren't for her as her older sister, Qi Yu could have lived a carefree life instead of coming back to her like this.
It's hateful that Pei Jin knew beforehand that Qi Yu was her sister, but he kept quiet about it for so long.
If she could keep it a secret forever, that would be fine... Qi Yu wouldn't have to be constrained by her identity, burdened by this hatred, or go against her original thoughts.
Zhao Wanyi knew that Qi Yu was different from herself. She grew up in the Zhao family, and the Prince of Ning had sought her out long ago. Some people and events she had come into contact with caused the brutal massacre ten years ago to linger in her mind, keeping her awake at night. If she did not seek revenge, she would not be able to find peace.
As for Qi Yu, she was stranded in the countryside. She needed to make a living and survive. Her childhood memories must have been lost in the hardships she faced, otherwise she wouldn't have been so oblivious to the initial probing.
Therefore, it makes no sense to involve her sister in these matters.
Zhao Wanyi had made the worst-case scenario plan, but fortunately Qi Yu appeared in front of her safely. Her only reason for finding her sister was to ensure that her sister would have enough to eat and wear for the rest of her life. Now that the four of them were in a mess, she would not let Qi Yu bear any of the burden.
Qi Yu looked puzzled. Zhao Wanyi's feelings for the Zhao family head and his wife were genuine, but her rejection was also exceptionally decisive.
She could tell that these were all from Zhao Wanyi's true feelings.
Her refusal was undoubtedly due to certain considerations.
Even with Wu Shiyan standing nearby, Qi Yu still said, "Don't worry about not being able to leave."
After Wu Shiyan and Qi Yu arrived together, they did not leave or go far. Zhao Wanyi knew that Wu Shiyan would be at ease only if he listened to every word they said, so she generously said, "I am not worried about A Yu's promise. Rather, I know how much the emperor is worried about me being away from the capital and not being under his supervision. That makes me understand how much price A Yu has paid."
“I cannot allow Ayu to be controlled because of me.”
Perhaps it wasn't obvious, but Wu Shiyan was an extremely cautious and vigilant person. Perhaps that's why he was able to escape from assassination attempts time and time again. He never underestimated any assassin.
Throughout history, countless heroes have fallen to nameless individuals, and Wu Shiyan doesn't think he'll have a hasty end.
Zhao Wanyi is a hidden danger. If she cannot be eliminated, she must not be allowed to return to the mountains easily.
However, what they said was true. Wu Shiyan couldn't help but ponder. If Zhao Wanyi left, Qi Yu could stay by his side for a while longer...
Qi Yu could tell that Zhao Wanyi's words came from the bottom of her heart; she had her own principles, and even she couldn't persuade her otherwise.
Qi Yu couldn't help but feel a little depressed and disappointed.
Zhao Wanyi noticed this and said, "You go in my place."
Qi Yu looked up in surprise, only to be caught off guard by Zhao Wanyi's gentle and tolerant eyes.
"They are also your aunt and uncle, so don't feel helpless."
On the other hand, Qi Yu had already planned to leave the capital, so as her older sister, she naturally had to give her a push.
Her only worry was that Zhao's uncle was fierce and Qi Yu wouldn't be able to handle him, but thinking of Qi Yu's past intelligence, Zhao Wanyi trusted and felt more at ease.
Qi Yu hesitated, but after thinking it over, she realized that this method was the best.
She was able to leave smoothly, and Zhao Wanyi had nothing to worry about.
The Zhao family was a powerful clan in the north; she could have simply visited the Zhao family and left on her return journey.
At that time, the mountains will be high and the roads will be long, and even if Wu Shiyan and Pei Jin wanted to find her, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Qi Yu nodded in agreement, and Zhao Wanyi smiled and said, "Sister still has some money, all left for you. Let's go inside and talk."
Wu Shiyan, standing to the side, couldn't help but feel disappointed, his gaze fixed on Qi Yu.
Once inside, Qi Yu discovered that the room was cold and desolate. She looked around and found that there wasn't even a stove lit. No wonder it felt like being in an ice cellar.
Zhao Wanyi had no palace servants by her side, and she didn't know how to use a stove, let alone ask for anything, so she found the winter days rather unbearable.
Qi Yu glanced at Zhao Wanyi disapprovingly.
Zhao Wanyi felt embarrassed. She had always regarded these things as external possessions. Since the day she learned that Qi Yu was her sister, she had been extremely passionate about Qi Yu and had been thinking about her. How could she have considered how she was living?
Having close relatives and not having close relatives are different feelings.
Zhao Wanyi thought to herself, "In the past, I could only rely on my father and mother, but now I have to rely on Qi Yu as well."
Qi Yu thought to herself that Zhao Wanyi was even less reliable than herself.
Wu Shiyan naturally didn't offer any good food or drink to those who wanted to assassinate him. The palace was simple, but it could still provide shelter from the wind and rain.
Qi Yu had experience with picnics, so she taught Zhao Wanyi how to light the stove and boil water. She also hung up the thick winter curtain and checked whether Zhao Wanyi's thick clothes were damaged.
There is no such thing as a natural occurrence; Wu Shiyan has no reason to be overly critical of people over trivial matters.
As the room gradually warmed up, the previously mundane atmosphere instantly transformed into a more positive and uplifting one.
Qi Yu told Wu Shiyan to stop in the outer room, while she pulled Zhao Wanyi into the inner room.
Qi Yu took off her clothes, and even though Zhao Wanyi knew the outcome, she still felt a pang of anxiety upon seeing this.
She reached out and stroked Qi Yu's snowy back, staring at the birthmark and said, "I looked at it once at the villa last time, but I didn't see this birthmark."
Qi Yu recalled the time she met Zhao Wanyi at the villa. It turned out that it wasn't an accident. Then, she suddenly remembered the cause and effect, her eyes widened slightly involuntarily, and she was extremely embarrassed. Her voice was so low that it was barely audible: "It was because I drank a certain medicine and became too healthy that the birthmark appeared later."
"It's a pity there's only one. You're not in good health and often go to the clinic. I've already sent people to look for it, but there's still no news."
Before leaving, she naturally made all the necessary arrangements. In addition to making sure to hand over the Broken Flower to Zhao Wanyi after finding it, she also hid some silver in a house.
Speaking of which, she bought two adjacent houses at the time, giving one to Pei-ju and keeping the other for herself.
If she were to return here by accident, Qi Yu would not want to be penniless again, like before, and have no choice but to go to the palace with the eunuch who was selecting beauties.
Zhao Wanyi's eyes welled up with tears. Only sisters would think of each other with good things, let alone sisters who were born of the same mother and looked alike. Although they could not understand each other's hearts, they were both trying their best to take care of each other.
Qi Yu reached out and wiped away Zhao Wanyi's tears, comforting her, "...Sister, you've done very well, but I hope you live a good life even more."
Although she was caught between Wu Shiyan and Zhao Wanyi, it was they who were in a difficult position.
Zhao Wanyi followed her heart and hugged Qi Yu. It was so wonderful to hear Qi Yu call her "sister".
To be precise, she had already failed. If it weren't for Qi Yu, she would be dead by now. The resentment in her heart was not as strong as before.
Qi Yu whispered, "Sister, don't worry, I won't let you stay here for long."
In front of Zhao Wanyi, she naturally wouldn't embarrass Wu Shiyan and forcibly demanded that Wu Shiyan release Zhao Wanyi.
However, if one makes a private plea, there should be considerable room for maneuver.
Moreover, Wu Shiyan had said that Zhao Wanyi and the Zhao family were matters for her to decide, which shows that Wu Shiyan was looking forward to her speaking up.
If one only seeks peace, it would be a waste.
Qi Yu argued in her heart that she was not doing this because of the vast fortune Zhao Wanyi had left her, but because of the sisterly affection that exists in the world.
Zhao Wanyi ended the conversation by saying she wouldn't talk about that anymore, and then started talking about the property she left for Qi Yu.
Who would have thought that the most famous pastry shop in the capital, and the one that Qi Yu loved to eat at the most, was actually run by Zhao Wanyi.
The most important thing for assassinating the emperor is money.
Zhao Wanyi had some knowledge in this area, but she was determined to do it herself.
Qi Yu refused with difficulty: "My sister's things should rightfully belong to her."
She was heartbroken, but she didn't say anything.
Zhao Wanyi glared at her and said, "You're talking nonsense."
After Qi Yu and Wu Shiyan left, the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious.
Once the person left, the palace seemed to return to its usual desolation. Zhao Wanyi touched her neck under her collar; the marks were still there. However, even though she disliked Wu Shiyan, she wouldn't use these marks to sow discord between him and her sister.
Because regardless of success or failure, Qi Yu will be caught in a dilemma.
On the other side, Qi Yu was helped into the carriage by Wu Shiyan.
Wu Shiyan: "I have already ordered the carriages and horses to be prepared and have them wait outside the capital gate. I will now escort you there."
First, the burial of Zhao and his wife cannot wait. Second, if Qi Yu returns to the Pei residence, she will inevitably run into Pei Jin. If Pei Jin goes along under the pretext of attending the funeral of his parents-in-law, no one can stop him.
Therefore, it would be better for him to take full responsibility.
Qi Yu glanced at Wu Shiyan gratefully.
As the carriage began to move, Qi Yu pondered how to get Wu Shiyan to be more lenient. As she thought about it, her gaze involuntarily fell on Wu Shiyan's lips.
It wasn't because she thought Wu Shiyan's lips looked kissable! Rather, it's because lovers always blush and their hearts race when they plead for each other.
Qi Yu was an ordinary person, and coincidentally, Wu Shiyan was no less so.
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