Chapter 31 Reunited After a Broken Mirror - Part 1 Please, Ayu, don't abandon me...
Upon hearing this, Chi Yanzhou looked at her closely and suddenly noticed the magnolia hairpin at her temple.
The refusal that was on the tip of his tongue turned into a silent nod.
The room fell silent for a moment. Cui Fuyu then left the room, allowing Chi Yanzhou to rest.
It's a blessing from heaven that he was able to wake up.
After that, Cui Fuyu never bothered Chi Yanzhou again.
People from the household kept sending messages saying how well he was recovering, and that doctors were constantly coming to clean, change dressings, and apply gauze to his wounds.
The letter said that Chi Yanzhou was in a better mood than usual, and when he had some free time, he would paint a few strokes of ink and feed the koi.
On June 29th, the sky was bright and clear.
The Cui residence was exceptionally lively today. The servants all had smiles on their faces. The young lady of the house was celebrating her birthday, and they all received a reward.
At Cui Fuyu's request, Cui Shihai and Zhao Ying did not hold a grand birthday banquet for her, but only invited close relatives and friends to gather.
The mansion was also decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and an opera troupe was invited to perform. With music and singing, the mansion was filled with laughter and joy.
Even if Cui Fuyu's birthday banquet isn't a grand affair, it still needs to be a lively affair.
The front courtyard was bustling with guests coming and going; but the Yutang Courtyard in the back was rather quiet and deserted at the moment.
Everyone went to the front yard, busy greeting the guests. Only Juning, Zhujin, and two or three maids from the outer courtyard remained on Cui Fuyu's side.
Cui Fuyu sat in front of her dressing table. Today was her birthday, and she was dressed exceptionally beautifully. She wore a gilded and colorful floral and butterfly-patterned skirt, with intricately blooming peonies embroidered on the hem. The gold and silver intertwined and shimmered in the sunlight, making her look as delicate as a peony carefully cultivated in the capital.
Amidst a head full of jewels and ornaments, a single magnolia stands out, yet it is striking.
Despite it being her birthday, she wasn't very happy today, only wearing a faint smile.
Juning came and said, "Miss, someone from the front hall is urging you to leave."
Most of the guests have arrived, and she is the main character of the day, so it's almost time for her to make her appearance.
Cui Fuyu got up and walked past the window. Sunlight fell on her, instantly illuminating her.
This also showcases the dress's elegance.
Like a Bodhisattva, the hint of sorrow between Cui Fuyu's brows further accentuated his divine nature.
Cui Fuyu walked slowly ahead, her demeanor dignified and graceful. As she walked, her skirt swayed slightly, and the jade ornaments at her waist jingled softly, producing a clear and pleasant sound.
Behind her were Juning and Zhujin. The usually lively and active Zhujin was now quiet and composed, no longer playing around with Juning. The two of them were well-behaved and made no mistakes.
It only took a few breaths to get from the back courtyard to the front hall, and the noise grew louder and louder, with voices, the sounds of pipa and gongs, and the decadent music of opera...
Cui Fuyu appeared and smiled at everyone. The hair ornaments in her hair trembled slightly, radiating brilliance and stunning the surroundings.
In an instant, all the guests' attention was drawn to her, the noise gradually subsided, and then turned into low gasps of amazement.
A faint smile played on her lips as she bowed to the crowd, searching for Chi Yanzhou's figure. "Fu Yu thanks everyone for attending today's birthday banquet."
Cui Fuyu was somewhat disappointed that he didn't see Chi Yanzhou's invitation. He had clearly sent someone to deliver the invitation; surely Chi Yanzhou wouldn't refuse to come?
She wasn't sure herself, but considering Chi Yanzhou's character, she figured he would definitely come since he had promised, maybe something had happened on the way.
A moment later, Liang Xiaoyun walked over, followed by Su Zhiyao. "Miss Cui, how has Brother Yanzhou been lately?"
Cui Fuyu asked for leave from the academy because Chi Yanzhou was ill.
The news of his suicide was kept completely secret, and not a word of it spread.
That's why he asked about Chi Yanzhou's current situation.
"Thank you for your concern, Brother Liang. I'm much better now and will be returning to the academy soon."
As they were talking about others, Chi Yanzhou arrived.
He wore a large robe today, enough to cover the wound on his wrist that was bandaged with white gauze.
When being looked at, she awkwardly put her hands behind her back and then gave Liang Xiaoyun a smile.
Chi Yanzhou deliberately kept a distance from Cui Fuyu, no longer as intimate as before, but rather more distant.
Seeing the distance between the two, Su Zhiyao assumed it was intentional and deliberately pushed Chi Yanzhou toward Cui Fuyu.
Caught off guard, Chi Yanzhou bumped into Cui Fuyu. Seeing that Cui Fuyu was about to fall because of the collision, he quickly reached out and steadied her shoulders, saying, "Miss Cui, be careful."
Cui Fuyu was momentarily stunned by his address, and after regaining his balance, he took a step back: "Young Master Xie Chi."
When Cui Hexuan and Zhao Chengxu entered, they saw the two still arguing and mistakenly thought that Cui Fuyu had not taken his words to heart, which made Cui Hexuan angry again.
Zhao Chengxu quickly said, "Let's go take a look first."
Zhao Chengxu quickly pulled Cui Hexuan over, raising his voice, "Cousin, what are you two talking about?"
As the two walked over, Cui Fuyu and Chi Yanzhou both stiffened, their expressions unnatural. Cui Fuyu knew her brother was about to remind her again, while Chi Yanzhou felt awkward about Zhao Chengxu's presence and didn't know how to behave.
As expected, Cui Hexuan came to her side and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Cui Fuyu, don't forget what you promised."
Liang Xiaoyun and Su Zhiyao bowed to Zhao Chengxu, and Chi Yanzhou belatedly followed suit, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Zhao Chengxu was actually a little guilty and didn't dare to look directly at Chi Yanzhou, so he said casually, "No need for formalities, no need for formalities."
Suddenly a servant announced: "The Prince Gong's heir has arrived!"
Zhao Jinghuan also arrived.
His arrival instantly made the atmosphere even more awkward.
Cui Fuyu glared at him with hostility, and Zhao Chengxu was also wary of him.
Zhao Jinghuan laughed heartily twice, "Happy birthday, cousin."
A glint of anticipation flashed in his eyes. The show was about to begin; why wasn't he there?
Zhao Jinghuan's gaze swept over everyone present. What would happen if Cui Fuyu died in front of them?
It must be very interesting.
Zhao Jinghuan stared intently at Cui Fuyu, and soon the people Cheng He had arranged arrived.
The next second, a large group of disguised, murderous assassins scaled the wall and entered, each holding a chilling knife.
As soon as they appeared, the guests were thrown into chaos, scattering and hiding everywhere. Those with some fighting skills were already battling the group of thugs, while the Cui family's guards quickly moved out to try and subdue them.
However, these thugs were well-trained and far superior to ordinary household guards.
They scattered in all directions; some headed towards the backyard, some towards the warehouse, some attacked indiscriminately, while three or four went straight for Cui Fuyu.
Zhao Chengxu, the only one who knew martial arts, instantly shielded everyone behind him and drew his sword from his waist: "Quickly hide!"
He can hold off these thugs for a while.
When Zhao Chengxu fought them, he realized that this was not a simple matter. He was considered a master in martial arts, but he still had a clear difficulty in dealing with these people.
Moreover, they were not interested in fighting and instead went to find Cui Fuyu.
Their target is Cui Fuyu.
"Quickly, take your cousin and hide."
Zhao Chengxu noticed and immediately reminded him, but it was too late.
A cold glint pierced straight into Cui Fuyu's back and chest. The sword pierced in with a soft thud and was then ruthlessly withdrawn. The movement was as fast as lightning, and the method was decisive.
Having achieved their goal, someone whistled, and everyone left the Cui residence without a second thought, catching up with the guards.
Zhao Jinghuan witnessed the whole thing. After seeing Cui Fuyu's miserable state, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. He was very satisfied with this most exciting performance.
However, one still needs to put on a show of politeness.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden assassination attempt; time seemed to stand still.
"Yu'er!"
Zhao Ying saw Cui Fuyu suddenly spit out a mouthful of blood. She fell to the ground like a kite with a broken string, screaming heart-wrenchingly. Cui Shihai's eyes were bloodshot, and he tried to rush forward to shield Cui Fuyu, but it was too late.
The scene just now happened too fast, and Cui Hexuan, who was closest to her, hurriedly hugged her in a panic, trembling and crying out, "Sister, sister, hang in there."
"Go quickly and fetch Physician Chu."
"I'll go."
Zhao Chengxu stepped forward and headed straight for the palace. He could bring the female physician Chu to the Cui residence as quickly as possible on horseback.
Cui Fuyu was still spitting blood, but her eyes were fixed on Chi Yanzhou.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she raised her hand towards Chi Yanzhou, wanting him to come over.
Chi Yanzhou stared at Cui Fuyu in shock and disbelief, his face pale. He wanted to go over, but his feet felt as heavy as if they weighed a ton, and he couldn't move his feet.
Cui Hexuan picked up Cui Fuyu and left, hurriedly taking her back to Yutang Courtyard.
"Sister, Aunt Chu will be here soon," he said, his voice choked with sobs.
Zhao Ying followed closely behind, her heart pounding with anxiety, fearing that her beloved daughter might die.
The huge Cui mansion was thrown into chaos. Although Cui Shihai was concerned about Cui Fuyu, he had to stay behind to clean up the mess and apologize to the guests who had been injured by the thugs.
Chi Yanzhou watched helplessly as Cui Fuyu was carried away...
Cui Hexuan gently placed the seriously injured Cui Fuyu on the bed, wiping away his tears. He didn't want Cui Fuyu to see him cry.
At this moment, Cui Fuyu was able to speak a few words, "Brother, I'm not in pain."
Her face was pale, her lips were colorless, and she was sweating profusely from the pain in her back wound.
"Brother...investigate Zhao Jinghuan, investigate the Black Dragon Society, you must protect the Cui family."
Cui Fuyu spoke haltingly, as if giving her last words.
Zhao Ying stayed by the bedside, tears streaming down her face, but she still tried to hold on: "Pah, pah, pah, let's not talk about bad luck. The Cui family is doing well, and Yu'er is doing well too."
"Yes, yes, you're a little tyrant, how could you not live to be a hundred!"
Cui Fuyu smiled calmly and grasped Cui Hexuan's hand in return, "Have someone go and invite them..."
Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly coughed up blood again.
"Stop talking, let Juning go." Cui Hexuan instantly understood who she was referring to, nodded quickly, and shouted, "Juning, go and invite Young Master Chi."
Juning and Zhujin were still crying by the bedside because they hadn't been able to protect Cui Fuyu. Juning received an order at this moment, so she quickly wiped away her tears and ran to the front hall to find Chi Yanzhou.
Chi Yanzhou, Su Zhiyao, and Liang Xiaoyun sat anxiously in the hall.
They were also worried about Cui Fuyu's injuries.
At this moment, Juning ran over, grabbed Chi Yanzhou's sleeve without saying a word, and ran outside.
"Young Master Chi, Miss wishes to see you."
Chi Yanzhou ran with Juning all the way to Yutang Courtyard, not daring to stop for even a moment.
He entered Cui Fuyu's room, and everyone looked at him.
"Chi Yanzhou."
Chi Yanzhou ran step by step to Cui Fuyu's bedside and knelt down: "Ayu, I'm late. I'm so sorry."
Cui Fuyu's words brought tears to Chi Yanzhou's eyes; he really did cry easily.
She raised her hand and gently wiped away Chi Yanzhou's tears. Seeing Chi Yanzhou cry, her own nose tingled. "Don't cry, Chi Yanzhou. If I really leave, you can't fall in love with someone else too quickly. I'll be heartbroken down there."
Chi Yanzhou ignored what Cui Fuyu said and kept shaking his head, letting her hand stroke his face.
“No, I will always love you. Let’s stop arguing and make up so we can start over.” He said, “Please, Ayu, please don’t abandon me. Please don’t say it again.”
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Author's Note: Sorry I'm late. I was saying I wasn't feeling well yesterday, and today I have a high fever. The temperature in this godforsaken place dropped overnight, so everyone please dress warmly and don't catch a cold [crying emoji]. I'll be updating late lately, so please check back the next day!
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