Chapter 110: Be More Cheerful

From the moment she left, he should have sent men to follow her, to ensure she was completely safe. Xuanyuan Juesi knew he needed to move on, but at times, he found it impossible to control himself. When it came to Si Nuosang, his emotional and intellectual intelligence dropped to zero.

Si Nuosang understood Xuanyuan Juesi, and he understood her, yet they were plagued by countless issues. The root of it all was a lack of trust. Furthermore, for Si Nuosang, there was the additional complication that Xuanyuan Juesi bore such a striking resemblance to Wen Su'an, which often caused her thoughts to drift back to him. This was unfair to Xuanyuan Juesi. Though she could hide it for a time, she could not hide it forever.

They finally reached the post station after nearly three days. After paying the driver, they bought horses and set out again, not intending to linger. Perhaps it was because of Qin Shuang.

"Are we still sticking to the main road?" Ye Xuan asked, looking at Si Nuosang.

"Do you want to take the backroads?"

"Yes, that was my thought."

"But the backroads are difficult to travel and will be much slower."

"However, on the backroads, it will be harder for Qin Shuang to track us. Are there many paths leading to the capital?"

"I’m not entirely sure, but there is indeed a path ahead. It detours through Yuanwu County before heading to the capital. But what we can foresee, Qin Shuang likely can as well."

Ye Xuan did not recommend the backroads. It wasn't just about the danger; if Qin Shuang truly was the master of the Ming Pavilion, she would certainly anticipate such a move.

"Then we do the opposite and take the main road? But Qin Shuang won't let that go either. In any case, there are obstacles everywhere. I’m sorry, I’ve implicated you in this. But why is Qin Shuang chasing this item? I can assure you it isn't what they think it is." Si Nuosang couldn't exactly tell him it was a trans-dimensional device.

Watching her rush to explain, Ye Xuan knew it wasn't what they thought. It was just that Qin Shuang’s behavior that day was clearly directed at Si Nuosang—a fact even Si Nuosang herself understood and had acknowledged.

"We must reach the capital quickly; there are too many opportunities for an ambush on this road. Once we reach the capital, there will at least be crowds, and I have places where I can hide."

"True, we should pick up the pace." Ye Manor was not far from the capital. Once in the city, he could return there. Thinking of how long he had been on the run, he realized he would eventually have to shoulder the burdens of the Ye family. Ye Xuan could no longer live solely by his own whims, for living that way had brought him nothing but misfortune. If not for Si Nuosang, he never would have escaped the Ming Pavilion. Though he had never cared about life or death—no, that was wrong; he now cared. He clung to life only because he wanted to stay with her, to care for her, and to protect her.

He felt honored to be so afraid of losing his life.

As they continued toward the capital, the main road was crowded and heavily guarded, yet Qin Shuang did not appear. However, the next stretch of the road was more dangerous, as the distance between stations was quite long, and it was rumored to be treacherous.

Si Nuosang wasn't afraid; as long as Ye Xuan was with her, they could simply fight their way through. Having martial arts skills was a blessing. She used to look down on those who relied on force, but now she had no choice. In a world where might made right, one had to be capable, though wit remained equally important.

Ye Xuan took meticulous care of Si Nuosang. After more than ten days of travel, they were only four days away from the capital. Yet, the closer they got, the more they felt the danger. Qin Shuang was indeed trailing them, staying close but remaining silent. Instead of attacking, she had moved ahead to the capital, issuing orders to her people and recruiting a formidable ally—someone Si Nuosang would never have suspected.

Si Nuosang found it strange that they had traveled this far without incident. The calm was unsettling.

"Do you think we’re overthinking it? Perhaps she doesn't actually suspect me?" Si Nuosang looked at Ye Xuan. Otherwise, why would Qin Shuang have left them alone for over twenty days, save for a few bandits?

"I’m not sure. If that’s the case, then it’s for the best." But he feared Qin Shuang was planning something even more dangerous. The silence only made him more uneasy. "Let’s not dwell on it. We’re almost at Sangju. Let’s head there quickly."

When Si Nuosang appeared before Yiyi, the girl burst into tears. "Nuosang, you’re finally back!" Yiyi threw her arms around her, unable to hold back her tears after months of separation.

"There, there, Yiyi. I’m back, aren't I? Let’s go inside; it’s not good to be seen." They had to be careful not to be recognized by imperial officials, or they would all be in trouble.

"Right, come in quickly!" Yiyi noticed the man standing behind her and ushered them in. She assumed he was a friend of her mistress, and though she addressed her by name, she still considered her the master of the house.

Yiyi led them to a back room, ordered tea, and prepared some desserts. "Try these. They are foods from my hometown. The taste might not be exactly as I remember, but they are passable." Si Nuosang pushed the platter toward Ye Xuan. Ye Xuan picked up a biscuit and took a bite.

"Hmm, a very unique flavor. Si Nuosang, you truly are amazing." Ye Xuan sampled everything on the plate. He had heard of the reputation of Sangju but had never had the time to visit.

"You flatter me. Yiyi, do we have any cake?"

"Yes."

"Bring some over. I’m truly starving."

"Yes, mistress."

As Yiyi closed the door, her gaze lingered on Ye Xuan with a complex expression. Si Nuosang’s attention was entirely on the man, completely ignoring her. In the past, her mistress would never have been like this. Yiyi felt a sting of bitterness in her heart. But she knew that Si Nuosang could not belong to her alone, so she could only guard her place carefully. Even during these past few months, she had worked tirelessly to ensure Sangju was not ruined, putting in double the effort.

However, she was happy that Si Nuosang had returned; she knew she had to suppress her other feelings. Unfortunately, Si Nuosang was unaware of Yiyi’s inner turmoil at the time, or she might have prevented what was to come.

Yiyi returned with the cake and sat nearby.

"Yiyi, thank you for taking such good care of this place."

"It is only what I should do," Yiyi replied, shaking her head. She offered a bright, radiant smile at Si Nuosang, who smiled back.

"I love your smile, Yiyi. You must smile more and be more cheerful, you hear?"