PMM - 50

In bright and sunny April, the entire Great Liang Empire basked in radiant light.

When Lian Sheng woke up groggily, she realized she was in a carriage. Her head felt heavy, and she instinctively placed a protective hand over her swollen belly. As her vision gradually cleared, she locked eyes with a pair of amused, mischievous eyes.

The owner of the peach-shaped eyes grinned at her: “Ah, you’re awake? Well, don’t blame me for this. I thought I was just kidnapping a woman—I didn’t expect you to be pregnant!”

Lian Sheng furrowed her brow and sat up straight, trying to recall what had happened. She remembered the nun from Jingyue Nunnery delivering a letter from Yi Huan, but everything after that was a blur.

The man before her had a handsome, refined face. After a moment of reflection, Lian Sheng’s eyes slowly widened in recognition.

Ling Chu chuckled: “Recognize me now? It wasn’t easy for me to kidnap you, you know! I had to pretend to be a beggar, then a nun, and spent two whole months in that godforsaken place, Shaji!” He held up two fingers, continuing to complain.

“Who are you? Why did you kidnap me?”

Seeing her wary expression, Ling Chu shouted outside: “Bai Zhong! Bai Zhong! Bring some food in here!”

After a brief silence, a man lifted the carriage curtain and handed in a food box.

Ling Chu opened the box, and the aroma of pastries instantly filled the carriage. He enthusiastically urged Lian Sheng: “Come, try some. I think this is the best pastry shop in Shaji—it’s called ‘Furong Pavilion.’ At first, I thought it was a brothel, but luckily, I ended up buying something good.”

Lian Sheng shook her head. This man seemed strange, and she didn’t dare eat anything from outside, fearing it might harm the baby.

Ling Chu kept talking: “Hey, what are you afraid of? If I wanted to hurt you, I could’ve knocked you out. Why would I bother poisoning you? Look, I’ll eat it myself. Don’t starve to death before we reach Huanshui.” He continued chatting, picking up a piece of pastry and eating it.

“Are you from Huanshui?”

“Cough, alright, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Ling Chu, the second young master of Huanshui. Little beauty, want some?”

He pushed the food box toward her. Lian Sheng was indeed hungry, and what he said made sense—if he wanted to harm her, poison would be unnecessary. She took a bite. The pastry smelled fragrant, soft, and sweet—but overly so.

Ling Chu ate with relish, clearly having a sweet tooth. Strangely, Lian Sheng felt herself calming down. Men who loved sweets… somehow always seemed a bit amusing.

“Talk to me for a bit, anything will do,” Ling Chu said hopefully, looking at her. Bai Zhong wasn’t much of a conversationalist, and he’d nearly gone mad from boredom over the past two months.

“...” Lian Sheng finished the pastry and, as he wished, finally spoke: “Why did you kidnap me?”

“Never mind, at least we’re chatting,” Ling Chu said casually. “It wasn’t my idea to kidnap you. I have no grudge against you—why would I want to kidnap you? It was my father who wanted you. Don’t misunderstand—it was actually Liang Zhen who said that if we handed you over to him, he’d tell my father where his long-lost daughter is. My father has been driven mad by longing for her. We had no choice but to come and take you.”

“Liang Zhen...” Lian Sheng’s face paled as she suddenly recalled the scene two years ago when Liang Zhen had intercepted her. She couldn’t be handed over to him! Otherwise, she, her child, and Yi Qian Cheng would all be in grave danger.

“If Lord Ling wants to find his daughter, my husband can help you search for her. Can’t you refuse Liang Zhen’s demand?”

Ling Chu sighed: “You don’t understand. The woman my father loved most disappeared seventeen years ago. He searched through five cities and even caused a commotion in the imperial palace, but he never found her. Even if Yi Qian Cheng is powerful, how could he find a woman who has left no trace behind? Don’t waste your energy. It took every ounce of my wisdom to kidnap you—it was an arduous journey, full of obstacles. I’m not letting you go back.”

Lian Sheng felt disheartened. It seemed she would have to think of a long-term plan. Changing the subject, she asked: “How did you... know about Yi Huan’s whereabouts?” And how had he disguised himself as someone from Qingyue Nunnery to infiltrate the residence?

This question hit on one of Ling Chu’s proudest achievements. Smugly, he replied: “I didn’t spend these two months idly. I spent them lurking outside the city lord’s residence, devising all sorts of schemes. Of course, I knew you were inquiring about that Yi Huan girl. I followed you all the way up the mountain. Though there were heavy guards preventing access, your people returned empty-handed—it was obvious that the young lady didn’t want to see you.”

“You wrote her several letters, but she didn’t reply to any of them. I went to Jingyue Nunnery halfway up the mountain and gathered a lot of information. I spent two whole months investigating that Yi Huan girl—otherwise, how could I have deceived you so thoroughly?”

Everything he said was true. Yi Huan refused to see anyone, and the guards at the city lord’s residence wouldn’t dare force their way in. Lian Sheng felt a flicker of hope: “Do you know anything about Yi Huan? How is she doing now?”

Ling Chu shook his head: “I couldn’t get in, so I know nothing. But after such a long time without news, perhaps...”

“Don’t say nonsense!”

The driver outside, Bai Zhong, couldn’t bear to listen any longer. If Ling Chu kept talking, he might end up spilling all sorts of family secrets. He interrupted: “Second Young Master!”

Ling Chu reluctantly shut his mouth.

They traveled for several days. Ling Chu was full of tricks, and every time Song Yuan and his men nearly caught up with them, he managed to evade them. With Lian Sheng in their hands, the people of Shaji didn’t dare act rashly—even when they were pursued, they were powerless to intervene.

Young Master Ling was quite talkative and enjoyed chatting, though he often ended conversations awkwardly.

Once, he mentioned the battle between Yingdong and Shaji, saying with relief: “Thank goodness I took her away before Yi Qian Cheng returned. Just thinking about it is terrifying—he’s a killing machine. Even Lian Qi couldn’t stand up to him.”

Only after he finished speaking did he notice Lian Sheng’s pale face and distant expression.

Ling Chu suddenly remembered that Lian Qi was her brother and Yingdong was her family home. Whether her husband was fighting against her family or not, neither situation boded well for her.

Lian Sheng had previously been kept in the dark about the war. Both Yi Qian Cheng and Fang Mu knew she was pregnant and didn’t dare tell her about the battles. Now, Ling Chu had accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

Unable to resist, she asked about her brother’s condition. Ling Chu gave an awkward laugh: “He’s... definitely fine. Don’t worry, he’s probably just been detained. I haven’t heard anything about your parents or older brother being harmed.”

In reality, Ling Chu was already calculating. Yi Qian Cheng had taken control of three cities, but Huanshui, the imperial city, and Yuanhuai weren’t united. Now that he had kidnapped the wife of this “killing machine,” would Yi Qian Cheng, in his fury, attack Huanshui first? Perhaps they shouldn’t hand Lian Sheng over to Liang Zhen—maybe the Ling family should keep her themselves. That way, Yi Qian Cheng wouldn’t dare attack Huanshui.

Ling Chu’s thoughts were grand, but deep down, he was reluctant to send Lian Sheng to Liang Zhen. What kind of man would come up with such a rotten plan? Sending a delicate beauty like Lian Sheng to him would surely result in her being ruined.

But he knew Ling Jiuyao would never agree. Fei Yu’e had become an obsession for his father, and now he had unexpectedly gained a daughter. Even if Ling Jiuyao chose to ally with Liang Zhen against Yi Qian Cheng, he wouldn’t miss the chance to reunite with his beloved’s daughter.

Ling Chu sighed and stole a glance at Lian Sheng. Thanks to the baby, she had been eating properly and hadn’t grown thin, but she still looked pitiful. This was the first time Young Master Ling felt so charitable, yet he couldn’t act on it, leaving him feeling slightly frustrated.

After a few more days of travel, they finally arrived at Huanshui. The scenery was picturesque—small bridges, emerald willows, and mist-covered waters stretched as far as the eye could see.

Ling Chu breathed a sigh of relief. This mission had been no easy feat. For someone as impatient as him to endure two whole months, nearly getting killed by Yi Qian Cheng’s men along the way, was quite the ordeal. Young Master Ling was only nineteen—he wasn’t ready to meet the gods just yet.

Now, the rest was up to his father and older brother.

“Lian... Lian Sheng, don’t blame me,” Ling Chu said hesitantly, avoiding her gaze. He had originally planned to delay a bit longer, but early in the morning, soldiers reported that Yi Qian Cheng’s army was heading toward Huanshui. If they didn’t pass this hot potato on soon, Huanshui would be doomed.

On the road, he had already sent word to his father and Liang Zhen. Now, he directly brought Lian Sheng to his father’s pleasure boat. Liang Zhen personally came to receive her, informing them about Fei Yu’e and her sister.

Lian Sheng’s face turned as white as paper, and she couldn’t help but glare at Ling Chu. How could she not blame him? For the first time, she felt such deep fear and helplessness. The river breeze was cold, and she gently stroked her belly, a chill running through her heart.

If Liang Zhen really took her away today, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Ling Chu ordered the windows of the pleasure boat to be tightly closed and soft cushions laid out. The Ling father and son arrived first. Lian Sheng couldn’t muster any goodwill toward them, but now she could only beg Lord Ling to spare her. For the sake of her child and Yi Qian Cheng, she had to try.

Ling Feng, ever proper, glanced at her briefly before averting his gaze.

Ling Jiuyao sat across from her, studying her for a moment, a strange feeling welling up inside him. But he couldn’t quite place it, attributing it to the guilt of committing such an underhanded act for the first time—it weighed heavily on his conscience.

Seeing that he didn’t intend to speak, Lian Sheng took the initiative: “Lord Ling, by doing this now, you’re making enemies of three cities—Shaji, Yingdong, and Fengmu. Are you really prepared to help Liang Zhen? Huanshui has avoided conflict with any city for nearly a hundred years. With this move, Huanshui will no longer be able to remain neutral.”

Ling Jiuyao understood this all too well, but he had spent most of his life regretting not being with Fei Yu’e. Now, finally presented with the chance to reunite with her, he was willing to accept any consequence. He glared at her: “What do you know, little girl!”

The more time passed, the more anxious Lian Sheng became. Seeing Ling Jiuyao’s resolute and unyielding demeanor, she didn’t know what else to do.

The room fell silent, the faint scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. Ling Jiuyao glanced at Lian Sheng’s protruding belly, a flicker of hesitation and pity flashing in his eyes.

At that moment, someone outside announced: “Lord City Master, His Majesty has arrived.”

Everyone in the pleasure boat froze, but Lian Sheng’s reaction was the strongest—her heart clenched painfully. Ling Chu reacted even more dramatically, instinctively standing up. All eyes turned to him as he awkwardly rubbed his nose and sat back down.

Not long after, Liang Zhen entered the boat. The silence was so profound that even their breathing seemed audible. Liang Zhen’s gaze swept over everyone present, finally landing on Lian Sheng. When his eyes fell on her swollen belly, his pupils contracted slightly, but he quickly suppressed the flicker of emotion.

Liang Zhen smiled: “Lord Ling, Miss Lian, it’s been a long time.”

Lian Sheng lowered her head, saying nothing. Ling Jiuyao was equally unwelcoming. No one enjoyed being coerced into action, and he had no intention of exchanging pleasantries with Liang Zhen. Coldly, he said: “I’ve brought the person as promised. Your Majesty should now fulfill your end of the bargain and tell me the whereabouts of my wife and daughter.”

“That’s easy enough,” Liang Zhen replied smoothly. “My mother, Consort Mi, entrusted me with this message: before Lady Fei left, she met with my mother. She said she didn’t hate you—it was just that they met too late. She didn’t want to hurt another woman because of herself.”

Ling Jiuyao was visibly moved, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists.

“As for the information I’ve gathered, Lady Fei traveled westward and eventually disappeared in a place called Linghua Village. If Lord Ling follows this lead, you’ll find her and your daughter.”

Ling Jiuyao nodded: “Thank you.”

“The person is mine to take now. Lord Ling won’t go back on his promise, will he?”

Ling Chu’s expression shifted—he had intended to renege at this point. But before Liang Zhen entered, he had brought along a young eunuch, who now held a dagger pressed against Lian Sheng’s waist.

Liang Zhen’s plan was clear: if he couldn’t take her alive, he would leave her as a corpse. There was no room for the Ling family to back out now. Ling Jiuyao realized the predicament, his gaze darkening as he looked at the pale-faced young woman. In a cold tone, he warned: “Liang Zhen, show some restraint. She is Yi Qian Cheng’s rightful wife. If you truly provoke Yi Qian Cheng, you won’t fare well either. With his army at our doorstep, neither you nor your mother will escape.”

Liang Zhen smirked: “I’ll remember your advice, Lord Ling. If Yi Qian Cheng comes after us, I hope you’ll bear with it.”

His smile carried a hint of cunning, and the expressions of the Ling family members grew increasingly grim. Ling Feng was filled with both guilt toward Lian Sheng and concern about Yi Qian Cheng’s advancing forces. Huanshui valued peace, and he didn’t want its people to suffer from war. Ling Chu gritted his teeth in frustration, itching to leap forward and kill the despicable Liang Zhen.

Liang Zhen was the first to disembark from the pleasure boat. Lian Sheng’s movements were stiff, but she had no choice but to follow. The dagger remained pressed against her stomach—the softest part of her heart. She couldn’t let anything happen to her child.

As soon as she stepped off the boat, the damp chill in the air made her shiver. Liang Zhen’s gaze followed her like a sharp, greedy hawk. He removed his cloak and took a step forward.

Forced by the dagger to remain still, Lian Sheng coldly said: “No need. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Liang Zhen wasn’t angered. He had gotten what he wanted, and the thought of what lay ahead made him want to laugh. Ling Jiuyao, clever as he was, had unwittingly handed his own daughter over to him in his old age. With Lian Sheng in his hands, Yi Qian Cheng wouldn’t dare make any rash moves.

Even if Yi Qian Cheng prioritized his ambitions over love, the beauty’s father would still shield her from disaster.

It couldn’t have worked out better.