Chapter 28: Changing Her Name (3)

Qi Ying hadn’t expected Shen Xiling to be waiting for him at the door of the Forgetfulness Room. Upon returning, he first sent Qingzhu to check if her room’s light was still on.

Qingzhu went to take a look and returned to report that the light was off. However, when he knocked on the door, no one answered. Yixiang, who shared a courtyard with Shen Xiling, heard the noise and came out, saying that Shen Xiling had not been in her room all afternoon but had left early. Qingzhu relayed this information to Qi Ying, who was surprised and didn’t know where she could have gone. Eventually, he found the little girl asleep in a corner by the entrance of the Forgetfulness Room, curled up into a tiny ball like a homeless kitten.

Even a cat has a tail to curl around itself, but she did not. It was still winter, and the fact that she had fallen asleep outside made Qi Ying momentarily speechless. He walked over to the little girl and touched her hand—it was icy cold. Hurriedly, he scooped her up and stepped into the Forgetfulness Room.

As soon as he picked her up, Shen Xiling woke up. Opening her eyes, she saw Qi Ying’s beautiful phoenix eyes close by and was momentarily stunned, unsure if it was real or a dream.

Seeing she was awake, Qi Ying didn’t have time to speak with her. Striding quickly into the room, his brows furrowed, he rapidly instructed Qingzhu, “Bring a thick blanket and get two charcoal braziers for her.”

Qingzhu hurried off to arrange these things. Qi Ying carried Shen Xiling all the way into the inner room, placing her on the chair behind the desk where he usually sat. Before Shen Xiling could say anything to him, he removed his own cloak and wrapped her entirely in it. With a worried frown, he asked her, “Are you alright? Are you feeling a bit warmer?”

Shen Xiling was still somewhat dazed and hadn’t realized she had fallen asleep earlier. She was so cold that her limbs were stiff and immobile, and her teeth were chattering.

Looking at Qi Ying, she shakily replied, “B-better…”

She really did feel better.

His cloak carried a faint scent of sweet pine, just like the fur coat he had given her that day in the woods outside the city when they first met—thick and warm.

Qi Ying’s brows remained furrowed. Just then, Qingzhu returned, followed by two maidservants. One carried a charcoal brazier in each hand, while Qingzhu himself held a thick blanket. Qi Ying instructed the two maids to place the braziers by Shen Xiling’s feet and told Qingzhu to wrap another blanket around her. Slowly, Shen Xiling began to warm up, feeling some warmth return to her body.

Seeing that her lips had regained some color and were no longer blueish-purple, Qi Ying felt somewhat relieved. He waved his hand to signal that Qingzhu and the maids could leave. As Qingzhu led the two maids out, he happened to lock eyes with Shen Xiling before exiting. His expression was cold, and he gave her a sharp glare, causing her brow to twitch with confusion. She wondered if Qingzhu was angry and why he might be upset with her.

Qi Ying didn’t notice this. Seeing that Shen Xiling had warmed up, he thought that if he didn’t scold the little girl, she might end up sleeping outside again next time. Today, he had returned just in time; if he had been any later, she might have frozen to death.

Though he had decided to reprimand her, this was Qi Ying’s first attempt at disciplining a young girl, so he felt somewhat awkward. He tried to recall how his father had disciplined his two younger brothers. After thinking it over, he realized that his father rarely scolded Qi San and Qi Si, preferring to use physical punishment instead.

…That wouldn’t do.

Without a reference, Qi Ying decided to improvise. He put on a stern face and scolded Shen Xiling, “What kind of weather is this to be sleeping outside like that? If I had returned any later, you might have frozen to death—Shen Xiling, you’re being far too reckless with your life.”

Though his voice wasn’t loud, his words carried significant weight. His expression was serious, and this was the first time he had called her by her full name, which was quite frightening. Shen Xiling could see that he was angry and felt a bit wronged.

She guessed he misunderstood, thinking she didn’t value her life. In reality, she had just accidentally fallen asleep and hadn’t intended to torture herself. However, she wasn’t good at explaining herself and didn’t argue back, simply lowering her head and silently listening.

Qi Ying saw her meek appearance, wrapped in thick blankets and his cloak, making her appear even smaller and more pitiable. He sighed, realizing that the girl in front of him was still just a child. Softening his tone, he said, “Remember not to do this again next time.”

After a pause, he added, “I was also at fault this time. If I’m late again, I’ll send someone to inform you.”

Shen Xiling noticed his voice had softened slightly, and he even apologized in the latter part of his statement. She felt inexplicably happy, pursed her lips, and nodded again.

Qi Ying saw how obedient she looked, snug in the blankets, with only her bright, beautiful eyes peeking out. The red mole between her brows stood out more prominently. He cleared his throat and got to the point, “I need to discuss something very important with you…”

Qi Ying explained the reasons for changing her identity and added, “From now on, you will be Fang Jun. The surname ‘Shen’ must never be mentioned again. I will handle the rest, but remember this: speak less and act less—more talk leads to more mistakes.”

Shen Xiling felt a bit bewildered and somewhat empty inside.

She hadn’t considered the issue of identity until now. Suddenly becoming someone else shocked and saddened her. Her parents had both passed away, leaving her nothing but her flesh and blood and a name. Yet, even this name… was to be replaced with another’s.

She remembered her mother telling her that her father had personally chosen her name, spending ten months thinking about it from when her mother started feeling sick until she was born. Her father said Xiling was a place name in Hangzhou, where he and her mother first met—a picturesque location that captivated the heart. Additionally, there was an ancient poem: “Watch the painted boats enter Xiling, idling away half the lake’s spring beauty.” It was a name that balanced tranquility and liveliness perfectly.

Although their lives had been modest, her parents cherished her dearly. On summer nights, they would sit together in the courtyard to cool off. Sometimes they called her Xiling, other times her nickname Wenwen—those were her happiest moments. And now… was she about to lose even this name?

Seeing the distant look in the little girl’s eyes, Qi Ying knew she disliked the idea of changing her name. He felt both pity and helplessness. After a moment of silence, his voice softened, and he consoled her, “Only use this name in front of others. At other times, you’re still Shen Xiling.”

Shen Xiling glanced at Qi Ying, her eyes glistening with tears. His heart softened again, and he reluctantly conceded further, saying, “You can keep your nickname and let people call you Wenwen.”

Shen Xiling’s eyes widened slightly.

She hadn’t expected Qi Ying to know her nickname. Only her parents had ever called her by it, and no one else knew. Now, hearing it from a man she wasn’t particularly close to made her blush. Even more surprising was the sudden familiarity she felt, as if he had already called her Wenwen many times…

Shen Xiling was lost in thought, and Qi Ying didn’t know what she was thinking, assuming she was still sad. He asked her opinion once more. Coming back to her senses, Shen Xiling hesitated for a moment before finally looking at Qi Ying and nodding gently.

Qi Ying exhaled in relief, a faint smile appearing in his eyes. He said, “Good, then it’s settled.”

Shen Xiling looked at the faint smile in his eyes and felt even more dizzy.

Qi Ying had Qingzhu escort Shen Xiling back.

Shen Xiling, wrapped in Qi Ying’s cloak, stepped out of the Forgetfulness Room and followed Qingzhu down the steps. She greeted Bai Song, who was still standing by the door holding his sword. Bai Song was surprised to see Shen Xiling frequently entering and leaving the Forgetfulness Room recently. Reflecting on it, he realized that Master Qi had insisted on returning to Fenghe Garden despite feeling unwell tonight—all for Shen Xiling.

Bai Song was genuinely astonished. Although he had initially brought Shen Xiling back hoping Master Qi would show her some mercy, he hadn’t expected the master to go to such lengths. He was both surprised and glad for Shen Xiling, thinking that despite her tumultuous fate, if she could receive the master’s care, it would be her great fortune.

Bai Song glanced at Qingzhu, noticing his sullen expression, clearly annoyed. Understanding that Qingzhu was targeting Shen Xiling, Bai Song thought for a moment and stopped Qingzhu, saying, “Let me take her back. You stay here.”

Qingzhu’s face was tense, his gaze neither cold nor warm as he looked at Bai Song. With a cold snort, he nodded. Shen Xiling could sense Qingzhu’s displeasure, uncertain if it was directed at her. Recalling the sharp glance he had given her when leaving the room, it seemed likely, yet she couldn’t figure out what she had done wrong. While pondering, she saw Bai Song wave her over and say, “Let’s go.”

Shen Xiling glanced at Qingzhu again, seeing him stand alone by the door with a cold expression, ignoring her. She pursed her lips and followed Bai Song.

In truth, since the night Bai Song first brought Shen Xiling back to Fenghe Garden, they hadn’t spoken much. It was only now that Shen Xiling had the chance to inquire about the injury he sustained from those hundred lashes. Bai Song casually replied, “It’s long healed,” and while walking, he glanced down at Shen Xiling, noticing she had grown thinner since their journey north to Langya, likely due to her recent illness. He remarked, “You, at such a young age, keep falling ill. You need to take better care of your health.”

Initially, Shen Xiling had found Bai Song intimidating, with his scarred brow adding to his fierce appearance. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be such a kind-hearted person. She was deeply grateful, nodded, and thanked him.

Walking alongside Bai Song, Shen Xiling’s thoughts drifted back to Qingzhu’s attitude earlier. Still troubled, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask Bai Song. She inquired, “Brother Bai… I wonder if I’ve done something wrong to upset Qingzhu?”

Bai Song paused for a moment and said, “Qingzhu has served Master Qi since childhood and is very close to him.”

He paused again, glanced at Shen Xiling, and continued, “He prioritizes Master Qi above all else and has a straightforward temperament. He shows no kindness to anyone or anything he perceives as harmful to Master Qi. Tonight, despite feeling unwell, Master Qi rushed back to Fenghe Garden for your sake, delaying his rest. Qingzhu must be angry with you because of this.”

Shen Xiling was startled and asked, “Master Qi isn’t feeling well?”

Upon reflection, Qi Ying’s complexion had indeed appeared pale tonight, but she hadn’t noticed because she was preoccupied with her own discomfort.

Bai Song nodded and replied, “Lately, he’s been extremely busy and has injured his stomach. Today, he had no choice but to drink alcohol.”

Shen Xiling was speechless, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of guilt. Despite feeling unwell, he had been taking care of her and worrying about her affairs without showing any sign of it. They were originally unrelated, yet he had gone to such lengths for her…

Shen Xiling turned her head. By now, they had walked far enough from the Forgetfulness Room, but she could still see the candlelight flickering through its windows, indicating that he was still working.

Shen Xiling furrowed her brows, silently gazing into the distance.

Author’s Note: Qi Zhang: Let me assure you, this is how raising children works. Scolding doesn’t work; generally, you have to resort to physical punishment.

Qi Ying: …This won’t do.