PMM - 46

Yi Qian Cheng was also worried about Fu Cheng Yu’s situation. Previously, when he was in Fengmu, Fu Cheng Yu would send messages to Shaji every few days. But now, nearly half a month had passed without a single word from him. Yi Qian Cheng began to sense that something had happened to Fu Cheng Yu in Yuanhuai.

Lian Sheng was weighed down by worries about Yi Huan’s health.

Yi Qian Cheng held her hand as they returned to their courtyard. The snow had melted, and the air was unusually damp and cold. Glancing casually, he noticed a pigeon flying out. Yi Qian Cheng stopped in his tracks, staring at the direction the pigeon flew, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Lian Sheng was forced to stop as well and followed his gaze, but saw nothing. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Hopefully, it was just his overthinking—a mere coincidence.

Two days later, two major events occurred.

Before dawn, a personal guard requested to see Yi Qian Cheng outside. The noise woke Lian Sheng. Yi Qian Cheng dressed and kissed her forehead lightly: “It’s nothing. Go back to sleep.”

Her delicate body had been exhausted by him the previous night, so she softly hummed in response and turned over to continue sleeping. Watching her, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

The cold outside was intense, a stark contrast to the warmth inside. Yi Qian Cheng closed the door behind him and headed toward the study: “Let’s talk over there.”

“General, take a look at this first,” the guard handed him a note. The ink was smudged from water damage, but the words were still legible—Yi Huan is in trouble. Beware of Xiang Han.

Yi Qian Cheng’s expression changed. He didn’t know when this message had been sent. While he was away on campaign, he had wondered why Xiang Han hadn’t made a move, only to realize now that he had been plotting something underhanded. Fortunately, both Yi Huan and Lian Sheng were safe.

The guard continued: “I’ve also gathered some intelligence. Half a month ago, Xiang Han led his men in a massive manhunt within the city, claiming to capture a rebel. Later, his forces moved into the valley. I secretly interrogated a soldier from Yuanhuai. He said that a few days ago, in the valley, Lord Fu was shot by an arrow from Xiang Han… and fell into the Xiangnao River, disappearing without a trace.”

The study fell silent.

Arrow wound, winter, falling into the river—these ominous words pieced together spelled out unmistakably bad news.

“General, what should we do now?”

Yi Qian Cheng’s voice was hoarse: “Keep this matter hidden. Don’t let anyone know. Send people to search along the Xiangnao River. Whether alive or dead, I want proof.”

Yi Qian Cheng was in a foul mood. Despite his long-standing grievances with Fu Cheng Yu, the man had done so much for Shaji over the years. After all their time together, there was some bond of camaraderie between them, and Yi Qian Cheng didn’t wish for anything bad to happen to him.

This news couldn’t reach Yi Huan either. Her health was deteriorating day by day. Even though she tried to hide her worsening condition to avoid worrying others, the doctor had already informed him of the severity of her situation—it was dire.

Feeling troubled, Yi Qian Cheng didn’t return to the courtyard to have dinner with Lian Sheng. Instead, he stayed in the study reviewing reports about Shaji until noon, when a shadow guard came to report something that made him furious.

“General, there was indeed something suspicious about the maid by Lady Lian’s side. I’ve been keeping an eye on her. She was secretly sending messages to Yingdong. When she realized she’d been caught, we detained her. Here’s the letter.”

As Yi Qian Cheng read through the letter, his expression grew colder and colder.

How persistent they were! He hadn’t provoked Yingdong, yet Lian Qi still dared to meddle. In black and white, the letter detailed Lian Sheng’s every move and word. Lian Qi was blatantly coveting his woman.

What kind of brother does this?

Yi Qian Cheng lightly tapped his fingers on the desk, forcing a smile that was more chilling than any frown: “Bring her over.”

Xi Yu was thrown before him, kneeling. Knowing her actions had been exposed, her face turned deathly pale, but she remained silent, not even uttering a plea for mercy.

“Tell me, when did you start sending these messages?”

Xi Yu lowered her head, pressing her lips tightly shut.

“Lady A-Sheng treated you well. Is this how you repay her?”

A flicker of emotion passed through Xi Yu’s eyes, but she still bit her lip and refused to speak.

Yi Qian Cheng had no patience to waste on her. He wasn’t known for his temperance, and if she wouldn’t talk, then she never needed to again.

His voice was icy: “Dispose of her. And send a warning to Lian Qi.”

~

Lian Sheng held the gray puppy, Hui Xue, and asked Nanny Liu: “Where’s Xi Yu? I haven’t seen her all afternoon.”

Nanny Liu shook her head. She didn’t know either. Xi Yu wasn’t the type to slack off, so she reassured the young lady: “Let me check her room.” After a while, Nanny Liu returned: “Young lady, there’s no one in her room.”

“That’s strange. Sister Xi Yu was here this morning, and she served lunch at noon,” Lu’er added.

Lian Sheng frowned, set Hui Xue down, and headed out to inquire. Xi Yu had been her maid for a long time, always diligent and careful, rarely disappearing without explanation. Lian Sheng feared something might have happened to her.

Before she could leave, she ran into Yi Qian Cheng. His face was expressionless, but he forced a smile when he saw her: “Where are you going, A-Sheng?”

She reached out and tugged at his sleeve, her trust evident in her gaze: “Husband, I haven’t seen Xi Yu all afternoon. I’m worried something might have happened to her.”

Yi Qian Cheng gently enclosed her hand in his, warming it within his palm: “Don’t worry. How could anything happen to her inside the mansion? She’s probably just busy with something and will return later.”

His words made sense, so Lian Sheng nodded and smiled at him: “Husband, you disappeared early this morning, and I heard you barely ate at noon. Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?”

He looked down at her, the breeze brushing through his hair, dispersing the lingering sensitivity and unease in his heart. Yi Qian Cheng reached out to ruffle her hair: “Alright. Will A-Sheng make something for me? I want to eat what you first brought me—those round pastries.”

“That’s called Qingluo Cake,” she said softly, her voice sweet even in its trailing tones. “Didn’t you say you didn’t like it?”

She clearly remembered him saying it tasted terrible and even planning to throw it away.

Bringing up old memories, he showed no embarrassment today: “I lied. I liked it very much. Everything about you, I like.”

Lian Sheng went to the kitchen and prepared Qingluo Cakes for him—small, white, round pastries that looked delicate and cute. He took a bite and gave a faint smile: “It’s delicious.”

Lian Sheng’s eyes brightened slightly, and she blushed modestly: “Husband, I’ll make it for you often.”

“You must keep your word. No matter what happens, stay by my side forever.”

“That won’t do,” she said, pretending to be troubled as she furrowed her brow.

Yi Qian Cheng’s expression shifted, and he stared intently at her porcelain-like face, nearly losing control of his emotions. But then she laughed: “If you don’t treat me well, I won’t want you anymore.”

“I won’t. Never.” As long as it’s you, I can’t bear to lose you. Even an iron heart would melt into tenderness.

~

Xi Yu’s body was found the next day, lying on a large rock protruding from the lake. The sight immediately caused one of the maids to faint. Her screams drew a crowd, and only then did they realize it was the lady’s personal maid.

Lu’er burst into tears upon hearing the news, repeatedly calling out for “Sister Xi Yu.”

Lian Sheng’s eyes reddened. How could Xi Yu have met such a fate? Drowned in the lake? Without bothering to put on her cloak, she rushed toward the lakeside. Lu’er hurried after her. Xi Yu had spent nearly a year with her, and the news left her utterly heartbroken.

A circle of people stood far away, quickly making way when they saw the lady approaching.

Song Yuan stepped forward with a respectful bow: “Please, my lady, stop here. The appearance of a drowned person isn’t pleasant, and we wouldn’t want to upset you.”

Lian Sheng shook her head: “Move aside.”

After a brief silence, Song Yuan stepped aside. Lian Sheng, accompanied by Lu’er, walked forward. Song Yuan had spoken the truth—winter clothes were heavy, and once soaked, they would drag a body down. Xi Yu’s corpse was covered in mud from the lakebed, emitting a foul stench.

Lian Sheng felt nauseous, tightening her brows to suppress the urge to retch.

Behind her, Lu’er couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face.

“My lady, please return to the mansion. The wind is strong out here,” Song Yuan’s voice rang out again.

“How did Xi Yu die?”

“We’re still investigating, but there are signs of slipping near the lakeshore. It’s likely that Xi Yu accidentally fell into the water.”

Lian Sheng took a long moment to process everything, but eventually nodded. “Please... give her a proper burial. If Lord Song uncovers anything, please inform me.”

“I will obey your command,” Song Yuan replied.

Lian Sheng returned to the courtyard, her heart heavy with sorrow. She felt a headache coming on and massaged her temples with her knuckles. Beside her, Lu’er hesitated for a while before finally mustering the courage to speak: “My lady, Lu’er thinks... Sister Xi Yu was murdered.”

Lian Sheng opened her eyes, surprised. “Why do you say that?”

Lu’er bit her lip. “When people drown, their bodies look different. I’ve seen it twice before—limbs stiff, hands clawing in struggle. But Sister Xi Yu’s arms were pressed against her sides, showing no signs of struggle at all...”

She couldn’t quite articulate it, but Xi Yu’s body showed none of the usual signs of someone who had fought against drowning.

Lian Sheng’s gaze darkened. If even Lu’er could see this, Song Yuan surely knew as well. Yet he deliberately told her that Xi Yu had slipped and drowned accidentally. Once suspicion arose, doubts multiplied. Who would harm Lu’er?

“My lady, where are you going? At least put on your cloak first.”

---

Inside the study, Yi Qian Cheng was nearly laughing in frustration at Fu Yi’s suggestion. “Strategist, you want me to marry Yan Yue?” The situation was eerily similar to a year ago when Fu Yi had stood before him just as calmly, convincing him to take Lian Sheng as his wife.

Fu Yi detected the general’s displeasure, but confident in his loyalty, he pressed on: “General, Yingdong has betrayed us. Their lord conspired with Liang Zhen to kill Fang Mu. There’s no way Yingdong can reconcile with Shaji now. Fengmu is different—it has always been the wealthiest region. You’ve reduced tariffs and opened multiple trade routes. Merchants are grateful and willing to cooperate. If you marry Miss Yan Yue, it would only strengthen those ties.”

“Does the strategist see me as nothing more than a tool for political marriage?” Yi Qian Cheng’s voice was icy.

Fu Yi bowed deeply, alarmed. “General, you know I don’t mean it that way. It’s not unusual for a man to have multiple wives and concubines. Moreover, as someone destined to rise above others, you cannot remain with just one woman. Miss Yan Yue doesn’t demand the position of main wife—she’s willing to be your concubine...”

Yi Qian Cheng’s eyes grew colder. He let out a harsh laugh. “I’ll take this world by my own strength—I won’t rely on a woman! Strategist, say no more. Leave.”

Fu Yi sighed. Seeing the fury in the general’s eyes, he dared not provoke him further. As he stepped out of the study, he encountered Lian Sheng entering. Irritated, Fu Yi blamed her for bewitching the general into ignoring the bigger picture and gave her a cold look as he hurried past.

Lian Sheng was bewildered, unsure why the strategist seemed so displeased with her. Before she could dwell on it, she continued toward the study to discuss Xi Yu’s death with Yi Qian Cheng. After hearing her suspicions, his expression became unreadable as he stared into her eyes. “You cared about that maid that much?”

Xi Yu had served her for nearly a year, and Lian Sheng wasn’t heartless. She nodded, and Yi Qian Cheng’s expression turned frosty.

“This matter is none of your concern anymore.” His tone carried a chilling edge, devoid of its usual warmth.

“Why?” Lian Sheng grabbed his sleeve, blurting out, “This has something to do with you, doesn’t it?”

If not for Yi Qian Cheng’s orders, Song Yuan wouldn’t have lied so blatantly to her face. Had Lu’er not voiced her suspicions, Lian Sheng might have believed the story of Xi Yu slipping and drowning.

His pupils were dark and inscrutable, swirling with emotions she couldn’t decipher. “Yes, I ordered Xi Yu’s execution.”

Lian Sheng’s eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively took several steps back. Seeing her reaction, he closed the distance between them, gripping her waist and forcing her to meet his gaze. “What is that look in your eyes? Shock? Fear? Disgust?”

He hadn’t controlled his strength, and Lian Sheng felt a dull ache in her chin. Confused by his anger, she shook her head. It wasn’t fear or disgust—it was disbelief. She couldn’t believe Yi Qian Cheng had quietly disposed of someone close to her and intended to deceive her by claiming Xi Yu had drowned accidentally.

“Why? Why did you kill her?”

“Even if I tell you, do you dare listen?” His voice was laced with anger, jealousy, and an indescribable sense of insecurity. “Fine, I’ll tell you. She reported every single one of your actions to Lian Qi. Your dear brother—your so-called ‘brother’—isn’t content being just your sibling. He harbors inappropriate feelings for you.”

“Stop it!” Lian Sheng pushed him, her voice trembling. “Don’t talk nonsense! My brother isn’t like that!”

A flicker of cold mockery flashed in Yi Qian Cheng’s eyes, but he said nothing more. Ignoring her struggles, he pulled her tightly into his arms, burying his face in the crook of her neck. Lian Sheng’s emotions spiraled out of control. Whoever told her such a thing about her brother would make her furious and find it utterly absurd! And to hear it from her own husband... the shame and humiliation overwhelmed her.

Suddenly, memories resurfaced—Lian Qi picking her up in Yingdong, failing to send out her letters. Later, he had settled her in a secluded house, visiting her whenever he had time. And then there was that hairpin he had given her...

The more she thought about it, the colder her heart grew. This was the brother who had been by her side for over a decade, always protecting her. Lian Sheng bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes as she tried to suppress her emotions.

“I don’t believe it. Stop talking. My brother isn’t that kind of person.”