Chapter 62 Secretly Meeting Her Childhood Sweetheart

Inside the private box of the teahouse opposite the inn, Su Zhiyi personally brewed tea.

Her seat was close to the window, and a single downward glance allowed her to see the entrance of the inn.

Taking advantage of the theatrical performance just beginning in the estate, she had quietly slipped out accompanied by Rujian. With the grand opera playing at home, she could not afford to be idle.

Seeing Rujian emerge from the inn with a young man, a scornful smile curved the corners of her lips.

So much for a candidate worthy of the imperial examinations. He was nothing special after all.

At the mere mention of the General's Estate and the Su family, hadn't he come running eagerly?

Qi Mubai entered the room, while Rujian stood at the threshold, reaching out to close the door.

"Pardon me, Miss," Qi Mubai said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Let the door remain open."

Su Zhiyi smiled faintly and looked up. "What I have to discuss with the young master is of the utmost importance. While an open door matters little to me, I am concerned for the young master's..."

"It is quite all right. I have nothing to fear," Qi Mubai replied, offering a slight bow. "If the door were closed and we were seen by others, it might compromise our reputations."

Su Zhiyi's smile froze imperceptibly. "Please, take a seat."

Qi Mubai sat down diagonally across from her, and Su Zhiyi poured him a cup of tea. "Please."

Without drinking, Qi Mubai went straight to the point. "That young lady mentioned she wanted to speak with me about Shensheng. May I ask what this is about?"

"How is Shensheng now? Is everything well with her?"

Though his question was calm, the concern and eagerness in his eyes could not be concealed.

Su Zhiyi took a sip of tea and smiled lightly. "Young Master Qi is certainly deeply affectionate toward her."

Qi Mubai replied with a serious expression, "Shensheng and I are entirely innocent. Though our hearts are pledged to one another, we have never crossed any boundaries."

"I never said your conduct was improper. Why is the young master in such a hurry?" Su Zhiyi's smile deepened slightly. "I am the eldest daughter of the Su family, the Princess of Rongyang. My second brother follows the Crown Prince. Once these imperial examinations conclude, the Crown Prince will allow my second brother to select a few promising newcomers for important positions."

She watched Qi Mubai's expression, but not a single muscle moved on his brow.

"And what of it? I came here solely to learn of Shensheng's well-being. I ask the young lady to tell me the truth."

"Shensheng has entered the Su estate, leaping from a country girl to a daughter of the Su family. Do you truly believe she will still think of you?"

Qi Mubai answered without a moment's hesitation, "She will."

Su Zhiyi lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly caressing the lid of her teahouse cup. "If you had to choose between your official career and Yu Shensheng, what would the young master choose?"

Qi Mubai chuckled softly. "I have studied diligently for ten years precisely to distinguish myself, to serve the common people. I dare not claim my name will endure for eternity, but at least I hope to leave a mark in the history books."

The corners of Su Zhiyi's mouth turned up.

"However, this does not conflict with my relationship with Shensheng. If anyone attempts to use this as leverage, I will be even less inclined to compromise. I fear that what remains in the history books might instead be a legacy of infamy."

Qi Mubai stood up. "I believe I understand why the young lady summoned me. But I will not abandon Shensheng, nor do I believe you possess the extraordinary power to manipulate the results of the imperial examinations."

"If you truly can, then such an official career is better discarded altogether."

He turned and walked toward the exit without the slightest hesitation or reluctance.

Su Zhiyi's smile solidified, her gaze turning chillingly cold. "What if Yu Shensheng's reputation is ruined, or worse... what if her heart changes?"

Qi Mubai paused his steps without turning his head. "Reputation matters little to me. Or rather, nothing is more important than Shensheng."

"As for her heart changing," he sneered softly, "Shensheng will never do such a thing."

He strode away, not lingering for another second.

In a fit of fury, Su Zhiyi dashed her teacup to the floor.

Yu Shensheng, by what right do you deserve to have him regard you thus?!

Why?!

The genuine affection I desire has eluded me despite all my calculated efforts, yet it is yours for the taking.

"Return to the estate. I want to see how Yu Shensheng handles that grand performance."

Once the two had left, the tea shop waiter pushed open the door to the adjacent room.

Approaching Hao Mengye, the waiter bowed respectfully. "Commander, they have left. That Qi Mubai..."

Hao Mengye set down his teacup. "I heard. He has some backbone."

"This Princess of Rongyang is truly a handful."

Before his voice had faded, someone rushed rapidly upstairs and entered the room.

It was a member of the Crimson Dragon Guard.

"What has happened?" Hao Mengye's expression darkened slightly.

"Commander, Kong Dezhao has entered the capital and has already arrived at the Su residence!"

Hao Mengye frowned slightly. "What?"

"This fellow brought two bodyguards as decoys. We killed one along the way, but somehow another remained."

"Somehow?" Hao Mengye stood up. "The Crimson Dragon Guard never offers such excuses."

The guard quickly followed behind. "Commander, where are we heading now?"

"The Su residence!"

...

Yu Shensheng felt her heart plunge into an abyss.

Having lived since childhood by reading other people's expressions, she had long since honed a sharp discernment. She could tell that Kong Dezhao was speaking the truth.

Affection aside, the gleam in his eyes was proof enough that he was genuinely interested in her.

How was she to refuse him? What could she possibly use to resist?

With Qi Mubai's current standing, he was utterly incapable of contending with Kong Dezhao.

Her original plan had been to exploit a gap in time—to unite with Qi Mubai before Kong Dezhao entered the capital.

Yet now, the situation was reversed. Before Qi Mubai had attained any official rank or fame, Kong Dezhao had already arrived in the capital and stood directly before her.

Seeing her stunned and speechless, as if thoroughly terrified, Kong Dezhao felt even more amused and burst into loud laughter.

He glanced up at the stage. "Why has the singing stopped? Continue! Perform a play of destined romance!"

The brass gongs and drums tremblingly struck up once more. The others present found it impossible to leave and reluctantly sat down to listen again.

Yet apart from Kong Dezhao himself, not a single person could enjoy the opera with a tranquil mind.

The theater was bustling with noise. Whenever Kong Dezhao shouted out in approval, his subordinates joined in, blending with the singing on stage and the crashing of gongs and drums into a chaotic din.

Amidst the roaring commotion, Yu Shensheng stood utterly isolated and helpless.

She could not comprehend how, despite striving for so long and doing so much, she remained unable to fight against her destiny.

Was she truly destined to surrender to fate?

Perhaps... she could use Kong Dezhao to escape the Su estate?

Yet her goal had never been merely to leave the Su family; it was to escape safely and live a peaceful life alongside Qi Mubai and Granny Wu.

The clamor surged in from all directions, trapping her firmly in the center with no path of escape.

After an indeterminate time, the gongs and drums finally ceased.

The performance had come to an end.

Kong Dezhao laughed heartily. "Give them a reward!"

"Miss Yu," he turned his gaze back to Yu Shensheng, "It has been a long time since this prince last visited the capital. I wish to wander about and take in the sights. Will you accompany..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a voice rang out from outside: "The Commander of the Crimson Dragon Guard has arrived!"

This single announcement acted as a silencer, plunging all sound into absolute stillness.

Even the wind seemed to pause.

A detachment of the Crimson Dragon Guard swept in like rolling dark clouds, swift and silent, entering the theater in an instant.

Kong Dezhao's eyes narrowed slightly, and even the Crown Prince slowly rose to his feet.

Yu Shensheng's rigid body slowly regained its life as she turned back to look.

Hao Mengye strode forward, holding a box in his hands.

He walked directly up to Yu Shensheng, his expression calm and strictly professional, and said, "Miss Yu, having been detained in the Zhenning Tower for a few days previously, I fear I may have caused some offense. Today, I have specially brought a modest gift, and I hope you will graciously accept it."

The surrounding people frantically exchanged glances.

This distant niece had actually been confined in the dreaded Zhenning Tower?

Could anyone possibly emerge unscathed after entering that place?

Surely, Kong Dezhao would no longer want her now!