Night fell, and lanterns were lit on the ship, illuminating it brightly from afar. The cliffs on both banks stood steep and imposing as if carved by knives, while occasionally, eagles with massive wings soared through the night sky, emitting sharp, clear cries before fading into the distance.
In the dark, cramped cabin, the girl's soft breathing was audible just beside him, separated only by a narrow aisle. Liang Shaoqing tossed and turned, unable to sleep, until his elbow struck the cabin wall with a dull thud.
"Too excited to sleep?"
The girl's voice sounded faintly beside him. Rubbing his elbow, Liang Shaoqing defended himself, "It's the heat—I can't sleep because of the heat."
Chu Qiao chuckled softly but didn't expose his lie. Leaning against the headboard, she said, "I can't sleep either, bookworm. Draw the curtain—it's stifling in here."
Liang Shaoqing sat up and pulled open the curtain by the window. Moonlight, silvery and serene, poured in, casting a pale glow on the girl's thin cheeks. Chu Qiao leaned out to look outside, her eyes dark and her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Liang Shaoqing stared at her, momentarily entranced.
"Bookworm, what are you staring at?"
Chu Qiao frowned and lightly scolded him. Liang Shaoqing's face flushed crimson instantly. After stammering for a moment, he finally said, "I was thinking... thinking about where you're from."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at him. "We've only just met, and you're already digging for details. Are we that close?"
Liang Shaoqing was taken aback but replied, "We've been through life and death together, haven't we? What's wrong with asking where you're from?"
"Fine," Chu Qiao lay back on the bed, closed her eyes, and said with a faint smile, "You go first."
"I'm from Shangyu in Chaoyang County, Daxia."
"Chaoyang, Shangyu?" Chu Qiao furrowed her delicate brows slightly and said slowly, "Your surname is Liang—what's your relation to Liang Zhongtang?"
Liang Shaoqing was overjoyed. "He's my father! Have you heard of him?"
Chu Qiao opened her eyes, turned to him, and scrutinized him from head to toe before frowning. "He's really your father?"
"Yes," Liang Shaoqing laughed happily, as if meeting an old friend in a distant land. "Why? Don't I look like him?"
Chu Qiao shook her head. "No, you don't."
Liang Shaoqing scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Heh, my mother says the same thing."
"Your father is shrewd, tactful, and skilled in commerce. Under his governance, Shangyu has become a key hub for grain trade in the south, and the Liang family is immensely wealthy. With his intelligence and cunning, how could he have a son like you?"
"Different people excel in different fields. My father and I have different interests—what's so strange about that?" Liang Shaoqing frowned slightly and looked at her with curiosity. "How do you know so much about my father? Xiao Qiao, who are you? Where are you from? And why are the officials chasing you?"
Chu Qiao replied calmly, "I've only heard bits and pieces and remembered them casually. Though we haven't known each other long, you're aware of my temperament. I've offended the authorities and have to conceal my identity. While we're on this ship, I'll need your help to keep my cover."
Hearing her speak so politely, Liang Shaoqing felt flustered and quickly patted his chest in assurance. "Don't worry, I promise I won't say a word."The night breeze blew gently, the small window's curtain fluttered softly up and down, the moonlight was cool as water, the river murmured softly as the large boat moved slowly along the water's surface, swaying gently. Chu Qiao leaned against the bed, her eyes half-closed, silently gazing outside. Her nerves, tense for many days, gradually relaxed. She had forgotten how long it had been since she had such leisure and quiet. Having left Zhenhuang City, left that enormous cage, even on this fleeing journey, she felt life growing brighter. Even the wind drifting around felt warm.
"Xiao Qiao?" Liang Shaoqing called softly, "Xiao Qiao?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"What were you singing?"
Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned: "Me singing? Was I singing?"
"Yes, you were humming, it sounded very nice. I've never heard it before."
Her cheeks suddenly felt warm. This young woman who remained composed even when facing battle felt an uncontainable shyness at being caught unconsciously humming. She said softly, "It's a folk tune from my hometown."
Liang Shaoqing happily propped himself up, leaning on the bed as he said with a smile, "Sing another one for me, would you?"
Chu Qiao shook her head in refusal: "I don't sing well."
"You do," Liang Shaoqing insisted stubbornly, "Just sing one song, alright?"
"They're just rustic folk tunes, you wouldn't like them."
"How do you know I wouldn't like them?" Liang Shaoqing frowned, ingeniously coming up with a special excuse: "Consider it as your apology to me. You made me lose my luggage and clothes, and now I've been captured as a slave. Can't you even sing a song to compensate me?"
Chu Qiao frowned: "You're such a grown man, I can't believe you'd use that excuse."
"Xiao Qiao, just sing one song. We can't sleep anyway."
Chu Qiao took a deep breath, somewhat nervous, and said quietly, "Then... then I'll sing?"
"Sing, go ahead and sing." Liang Shaoqing quickly encouraged her.
Chu Qiao opened her mouth several times but still couldn't produce any sound, frowning in frustration: "I haven't sung in over ten years."
Liang Shaoqing pouted: "Over ten years? How old are you anyway?"
Realizing her slip of the tongue, Chu Qiao became embarrassed and angry: "Do you want to listen or not?"
"I do, I'm waiting for you, aren't I?"
"Then I'll sing." The young woman cleared her throat, and then her slightly hoarse voice slowly emerged, gentle like mulberry leaves in autumn, softly rising in the quiet night.
"I know, I've always known, you're over there.
Where lights extinguish, where all sounds fade, on the high cliff shores where waves splash.
We promised to join hands and stand side by side in the darkness.
To uphold our sunny skies amidst the world's scorn and disdain.
Where there are white doves, grazing horses, and green grasslands,
Where there are mountains, rivers, lakes, and high blue skies,
Where the sunlight never stings the eyes,
Where the night skies are filled with stars.
I know, I've always known, you're over there.
Atop the green mountains, across the grassy plains, waiting for me to return to your side.
You once told me to bravely open my eyes.
To see the brilliant morning sun ahead, a bright and sunny sky.
I know the road ahead winds with constant ups and downs like mountains.
I understand the future holds endless trials of fire and water.
No matter how fierce the storm, I never fear to close my eyes,
Because I know, you're over there."Night fell, with a faint breeze blowing through the cabin. Chu Qiao's voice was like warm spring water, slowly washing away the chill of the cold cabin. Liang Shaoqing remained silent for a long time. The young man opened his eyes wide in the darkness, gazing in her direction, lost in quiet contemplation without uttering a word.
Outside the window, the sound of wheels rolling across the deck could be heard, creaking as they moved. Chu Qiao looked out but only caught a glimpse of a white shadow flashing past the corner of the cabin.
Night descended, enveloping the wilderness. The river flowed leisurely, and all sounds fell into silence.
**
The Zhan family's physician was indeed highly skilled. Within three days, Chu Qiao's wounds had significantly improved. The old physician, having applied medicine and taken her pulse, naturally knew she was a woman. Steward Qing, being very considerate, did not mention it and even secretly gave her a bottle of ointment to regenerate skin and remove scars, carefully explaining how to use it.
That day, when the ship arrived at Meicheng's dock, the sky had not yet completely darkened. The boatmen disembarked to rest, and both shores were crowded with local officials, clearly there to welcome the Zhan family's fleet. The throng of people created a lively scene. Chu Qiao looked out from the window for a while before slowly furrowing her brows. Liang Shaoqing knelt on the bed, puzzled, and leaned forward to ask, "Xiao Qiao, what's wrong?"
Chu Qiao pointed at the crowd ahead and said, "Look, aside from minor officials of the eighth rank and below, the rest are advisors and secretaries from various families. Meicheng is, after all, an important hub for water transport. How could they not send a proper diplomatic delegation? It seems our new master's influence isn't very promising—at the very least, far from the level where one can casually travel with hundreds of servants."
"Really?" Liang Shaoqing squeezed forward, squinting as he peered outside. "I can't tell at all."
"If you could tell, even a three-year-old child would probably notice," Chu Qiao retorted impatiently, rolling her eyes. After a moment's thought, she frowned again and said, "But it's also strange. If the Zhan family doesn't have that much influence, why would the local officials bother to come at all? Why go through the trouble of sending their advisors and secretaries?"
"Maybe they're busy and have other matters to attend to."
Chu Qiao automatically ignored Liang Shaoqing's remark and murmured, "They don't dare not come, yet they don't dare to appear too solemn or enthusiastic. This suggests that the Zhan family must have some influence, but there's a reason they can't act too overtly. Which means..."
"Oh, I see," Chu Qiao suddenly sat up and said to Liang Shaoqing, "The Zhan family must have a formidable rival in Tang Capital. These officials can't afford to offend either side, so they have to act ambiguously. The Zhan family was likely once a prominent clan in Biantang but was marginalized for some reason and moved to Daxia. However, nominally, they are still nobles of Biantang, which explains why they are relatively unknown in Daxia but received courteous treatment in Biantang. This time, their journey isn't just a routine visit to the capital for celebrations—it's likely a return to their homeland with their entire family, which is why they brought so many attendants, even including the husbands of several sisters. Moreover, though the Zhan family appears prosperous on the surface, they are actually hollow inside, which is why they went to the slave market to buy slaves at low prices.""You're so full of energy, Xiao Qiao, why not go out for a walk and get some sun?" Liang Shaoqing stood on the ground, meticulously smoothing out the wrinkles on his robe. Even a servant's outer garment looked as if it were made of expensive silk when he wore it.
"You're here chattering away, studying other people's family backgrounds—anyone would think you have some ulterior motive."
"What ulterior motive could I have? I just want to crack open that head of yours and see if it's stuffed with grass or filled with water!"
Chu Qiao frowned as she stood up, her wounds still aching slightly with movement, but compared to the previous few days, the pain was almost negligible.
"How are you? Does it hurt badly?"
Chu Qiao said impatiently, "Want me to give you a stab to find out?"
"No need to test it," Liang Shaoqing chuckled. "I'm sure it hurts, and I guarantee I couldn't stand it."
A cool breeze blew outside the cabin, refreshing and invigorating. The moment Chu Qiao stepped out, she felt clear-headed and revitalized. Just then, the mess hall bell rang. Having eaten in the cabin for the past few days, now that she could walk, she decided to follow Liang Shaoqing to the mess hall and try the slaves' communal meal.
The so-called mess hall was on the rear deck, where servants lined up in an orderly fashion to receive their food. Chu Qiao leaned against the ship's wall and sat down, watching as Liang Shaoqing, this young master from a wealthy family, adapted remarkably well, queuing up behind a group of slaves. The people ahead turned around and greeted him with smiles, full of life's simple pleasures. The corners of the young woman's lips lifted in a faint smile.
It seemed like many years since she had experienced such a leisurely life. Leaning back, she looked up and saw several pure white waterbirds circling overhead, chirping melodiously.
Just then, a sudden chill swept over her head. Startled, Chu Qiao sprang to her feet and saw several burly men in coarse clothing standing before her. One of them held a bowl and was provocatively staring at her—he was the one who had poured water on her head.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing much," the man said with a rogue's expression. "I just want to sit here and eat, so I’m asking you to make some room."
"Xiao Qiao! What's wrong?" Before Chu Qiao could speak, Liang Shaoqing suddenly rushed over, shielding her like a mother hen as he asked, "What happened?"
But before he could reach her, one of the burly men suddenly stuck out his leg, tripping Liang Shaoqing. With three bowls in his hands—some with rice, some with dishes—Liang Shaoqing instantly lost his balance. With a cry of pain, he tumbled to the ground!
"What are you doing?" Chu Qiao stepped forward, helping the dazed scholar to his feet, and sharply glared at the men as she demanded.
"This little brother has quite the temper! What, your elder brother doesn't know how to walk, and you're blaming others for it?"
"Exactly, look at the two of them—all pretty-faced and powdered, clearly a couple of pretty boys."
The group burst into laughter, one of them jeering loudly, "Look at their pathetic state, soft eggs that'd crack at a pinch, and yet they boast about being skilled in poetry and literature. Damn, they really think they're scholars or top candidates."
Chu Qiao's eyes narrowed slowly, like a wildcat's, gleaming with a faint, dangerous light. Liang Shaoqing was busy straightening his dirtied clothes, but when the originally furious man saw Chu Qiao's expression, he was startled and quickly said, "Xiao Qiao, I'm fine, don't get angry.""You little brat! Learn from your elder brother—know which gods to worship where you are. Don't think staying in the upper-class cabin makes you upper-class!"
A few burly men tossed out these words before turning away, cursing and grumbling as they left.
Chu Qiao helped Liang Shaoqing up. The man was not only covered in filth and grime, but a broken porcelain bowl had also cut his hand, and blood dripped down steadily. Liang Shaoqing grimaced in pain, yet afraid of angering Chu Qiao, he sucked in sharp breaths and endured silently, not daring to make a sound.
"That's Chen Shuang, the carriage driver. He's the eldest son-in-law's man. He even dares to talk back to Uncle Qing on ordinary days. Since you've offended him, you'll need to be careful from now on."
A man in his thirties stepped forward, holding a rice bowl. Only after seeing that group had gone far away did he cautiously offer this reminder.
Chu Qiao frowned and said gravely, "Isn't the master of this household Lord Zhan? How can a mere carriage driver be so arrogant?"
The man replied, "You mean the young master, right? He's in poor health and rarely involves himself in affairs. In the past, household matters were handled by Uncle Qing. After the eldest young lady returned, she gradually took over. Now it's the eldest son-in-law and second son-in-law who call the shots."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded. "Thank you."
Chu Qiao's lips were red and teeth white, and when she smiled, her grin was radiant. The servant was momentarily stunned. Chu Qiao helped Liang Shaoqing to his feet and said sternly, "Come back with me."
Liang Shaoqing made a pained face and said cautiously, "Xiao Qiao, I haven't eaten yet."
Chu Qiao shot him a glare and led him back to the cabin. She took out the wound medicine left by the physician a few days prior, sat on the bed, and carefully cleaned and dressed his wound.
Liang Shaoqing, searching for something to say, asked, "Xiao Qiao, are you hungry?"
Chu Qiao frowned and said sternly, "You're Liang Zhongtang's son, after all, a young master of the Shangyu Liang family. How can you be so easygoing, able to stomach anything?"
"What else can I do?" Liang Shaoqing said with a woeful expression. "I know it tastes awful, but if I don't eat, I'll starve."
With a thud, Chu Qiao tossed aside the white silk cloth in her hand, sprang to her feet, and strode toward the door.
Liang Shaoqing was instantly alarmed, thinking she meant to confront those men. He hurriedly blocked her path and said, "Xiao Qiao, a mighty dragon is no match for a native serpent. It's such a trivial matter—there's no need for you to get angry with them. We won't be staying here long anyway. Once we reach Tang Capital, I'll visit my father's friend, and then we can—"
"I'm going to get food for you," Chu Qiao said helplessly. "Aren't you hungry?"
"Ah?" Liang Shaoqing stared blankly, wide-eyed. After a long moment, he nodded and said, "Oh, I see. Then... then go ahead."
In that short time, the sky had already darkened completely. When Chu Qiao stepped out of the cabin and onto the deck, she saw that everything had been cleared away, with no leftover food in sight. Just as she was beginning to worry, the man who had spoken with them earlier approached again, holding out two large bowls. He gave a simple, honest smile and said, "I knew you hadn't eaten, so I specially saved some for you."
The two bowls were piled high with gleaming white rice, along with some greens and small salted fish. Chu Qiao felt a warmth in her heart and said sincerely, "Thank you, elder brother."
"Don't mention it. From now on, we'll all be working together—we ought to look out for each other. You brothers don't seem like slaves. What happened? Did your family fall on hard times?"Chu Qiao nodded. "Nothing escapes your notice, elder brother."
"Don't worry," the man patted his chest. "There's not much else I can help you with, but if you ever go hungry, just come find me. I work in the kitchen."
"In that case, thank you, elder brother."
After parting ways with the man, Chu Qiao hurried back. Just as she reached the corner of the deck, the sound of wheels rolling across the planks suddenly reached her ears. Finding the sound familiar, she paused, pressed herself against the cabin wall, and slowly moved forward.
A man dressed in plain clothing sat in a wooden wheelchair, his hair tied up with a bamboo hairpin, wearing a long blue robe. The hem of his garment fluttered slightly in the night breeze, and a few strands of ink-black hair drifted across his forehead. Moonlight reflected off the water illuminated his face, accentuating a translucent pallor like white jade or Zhi Lan. His dark brows, sharply trimmed sideburns, straight nose, and thin lips stood out in the moonlit stillness at the stern of the ship. Sitting there against the wind, his clothes fluttering, he seemed like a figure from a painting, completely devoid of worldly air.
Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned. She should have continued along this path back to the cabin, but for some reason, facing such a scene, she couldn't bring herself to walk past and disturb it. Just as she thought to turn and take another route, a mellow, elegant voice slowly sounded: "Who's there?"
With no other choice, Chu Qiao slowly stepped out, first bowing respectfully. "Young Master, this servant was on my way to fetch food and passed through here. I apologize for disturbing your peace."
The man turned his head and looked at her quietly. Dressed in simple cloth garments, he didn't appear particularly noble. His face was haggard and emaciated, showing signs of illness, yet he possessed eyes clearer and colder than mountain springs, as if containing sorrow that couldn't be dissolved and vicissitudes that couldn't be washed away. It was as if he had witnessed all the joys and sorrows of the world, seeing through both the warmth and coldness of mortal life.
After a long moment, the man nodded. "Ah, it's you."
Chu Qiao was taken aback. "Young Master recognizes this servant?"
"You're the younger brother of that scholar who thoroughly studied the Scripture of Orchid."
"Wow! You really remember?" Chu Qiao stared in surprise, her mouth slightly agape in exaggerated astonishment. "Young Master has an excellent memory."
Zhan Ziyu smiled gently but didn't respond, instead turning back to face the silvery river surface in quiet contemplation.
Chu Qiao stood where she was, feeling somewhat awkward, uncertain whether to leave or stay. Just as she hesitated, Zhan Ziyu suddenly said, "You sing quite beautifully."
Chu Qiao was startled, instinctively uttering, "Ah?"
"Three days ago, when I passed by the deck, I heard you singing."
"Oh," Chu Qiao didn't know what to say, mumbling, "This servant was just singing randomly. Thank you for the compliment, Young Master."
"Once your injuries have healed, go serve Fifth Sister. She enjoys singing tunes as well."
Chu Qiao had been planning to leave soon and didn't want to get involved in such matters. She quickly replied, "Young Master, this servant is a man. It would be inappropriate for me to serve the young lady. I'd rather stay on deck and do manual labor."
Zhan Ziyu turned back, his eyes like aged fine wine. He smiled slightly, revealing white teeth, and said slowly, "Inappropriate? I think it's quite appropriate."
Chu Qiao was immediately stunned, realizing that Zhan Ziyu had seen through her female disguise. She found herself at a loss for how to respond."Take me back," the man said. "Uncle Qing might have fallen asleep. He hasn't been well lately and gets very drowsy."
Chu Qiao quickly stepped forward, set the rice bowl down on the deck, and began pushing the wheelchair by its handles toward the main cabin.
On her second day here, she had heard that this young master was disabled. At first, she couldn't associate the handsome man in the carriage with the word "cripple." But seeing him now, she didn't find anything abrupt or inappropriate. Zhan Ziyu's aloof yet composed demeanor, along with his gentle tone and expression, made him appear uniquely comfortable. Even with the wheelchair, it didn't seem obtrusive.
The wheels of the wheelchair rolled across the deck with a faint sound. The man's back was thin, carrying a hint of frailty, and his shoulders appeared quite slender. A light breeze blew, carrying the subtle scent of sandalwood from him—calm and serene.
Opening the door to the main cabin, a delicate fragrance of sandalwood immediately wafted over. The room was simply furnished, yet everywhere revealed the owner's understated elegance.
In the center of the floor mat lay a five-stringed zither, its wood dark and fragrant, simple yet elegant. A small bronze octagonal incense burner stood nearby, with three incense sticks burning—already more than half consumed, leaving only ash behind.
The floor was covered with blue scroll-patterned rugs embroidered with unopened lotus flowers. The window curtains and gauze hangings were all in shades of azure, while the tables and chairs were aged to a yellowish hue, all exuding an antique charm.
To the right stood a writing desk, with the four treasures of the study neatly arranged. An unrolled scroll lay on the desk, its ink still fresh as if recently written. Beside it was a large bookshelf filled with countless books, from which a faint, leisurely scent of ink drifted.
Chu Qiao pushed Zhan Ziyu inside. Seeing no servants in the room, she took the initiative to walk to a corner, trimmed the lamp wick, and tested the temperature of the teapot. Finding it still warm, she poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhan Ziyu, saying, "Young master, have some tea."
Zhan Ziyu accepted it but didn't drink, merely holding it in his hands.
Chu Qiao stood where she was, feeling somewhat awkward. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Should this servant call attendants to assist the young master?"
"No need," Zhan Ziyu shook his head and said, "You may leave first."
"Yes," Chu Qiao nodded and turned to exit.
"Wait," Zhan Ziyu suddenly called out. Chu Qiao turned back to see him pointing at the pastries on the desk. "It's been so long—your meal must be cold by now. Take these pastries to eat."
Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback, thinking to herself how kind this master was to slaves, and quickly nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, young master."
"Mmm," Zhan Ziyu waved his hand, then wheeled himself into the layers of window curtains and gauze drapes.
Chu Qiao picked up the pastries from the desk and left the room.
By the time she returned to her cabin, it was already late at night. Liang Shaoqing was still holding his injured hand, waiting anxiously. Seeing her return, he immediately complained, "Xiao Qiao, why did it take you so long to come back?"
"What? Couldn't you sleep by yourself?"
Liang Shaoqing's face instantly turned red. After struggling for words, he finally said, "Xiao Qiao, you're a girl. You should speak more refined..."
"Shut your mouth!"
She took out a piece of pastry and stuffed it into Liang Shaoqing's mouth. The bookworm was startled, then looked at it and exclaimed joyfully, "Thousand-layer pastry? Xiao Qiao, where did you get this?"
"Just eat it. It's not stolen, anyway."
Liang Shaoqing chuckled and buried himself in eating, seemingly starved, and stopped his nagging.Chu Qiao sat on the bed with her knees drawn up, frowning as she thought about Zhan Ziyu whom she had just encountered. She asked, "Hey, do you know how the young master of the Zhan family became disabled?"
"I heard he fell from a horse eight years ago."
"Fell from a horse!" Chu Qiao sighed softly. Such an ethereal figure, ruined for life like this—what a pity.
Liang Shaoqing, having filled his stomach, began to exhibit his usual chattering nature again. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just met him outside and felt sorry for him."
For some reason, Liang Shaoqing suddenly seemed dazed. He sat there blankly, his fingers covered in pastry crumbs, not even bothering to wipe them clean. Chu Qiao looked at him curiously, noticing his vacant expression, and asked in a low voice, "Bookworm? What are you spacing out about now?"
"Xiao Qiao, as a girl, you shouldn't go out casually at night. Even if you do, you shouldn't talk to men so freely."
Chu Qiao was taken aback and frowned. "Are you out of your mind?"
"I'm giving you good advice," Liang Shaoqing said hurriedly. "Girls have to get married sooner or later. If you're so careless about propriety, how will you ever find a husband?"
Chu Qiao spread out the blankets dismissively. "If talking to a man means I can't get married, then what about sharing a room with you?"
Liang Shaoqing's face turned bright red, his expression turning serious. After thinking for a long while, he stammered, "Th-this... this is out of necessity. Even if we were to... I would have to consult my parents first before giving you an answer."
Chu Qiao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She stared incredulously at Liang Shaoqing's bashful demeanor and slapped him on the head. "Go to sleep. Stop dreaming."
Liang Shaoqing grew a bit angry. "Xiao Qiao, I'm serious."
Chu Qiao raised her fist. "So am I. If you don't behave, I'll hit you."
Power triumphed over reason. Liang Shaoqing crawled under the covers fully dressed, blinking as he watched the girl's figure.
From the river came the long cry of waterbirds, distant and faint, carrying over from afar.
Chu Qiao closed her eyes, and in her dreams, she vaguely saw Zhan Ziyu's cold, spring-like eyes.
Early the next morning, before dawn, they were awakened by urgent drumming and gong sounds. Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing both woke up, quickly straightened their clothes, and ran out of the cabin. They could hear crying in the distance.
The deck was crowded with people—it seemed the entire Zhan family was present. Several women, dressed in fine silks with half-veils covering their faces, stood among them, their appearances obscured. In front stood the three sons-in-law, each handsome and spirited.
"What happened?"
A low voice sounded slowly as a girl of about sixteen or seventeen pushed Zhan Ziyu out of the cabin. The man wore a satin-blue robe with silver cuffs, looking elegant and refined.
"Ziyu," the eldest woman stepped forward slowly, covering her face with her hand as she spoke sorrowfully. "Uncle Qing has passed away. We only just discovered it."
Zhan Ziyu's face instantly turned pale, growing even more bloodless. His brows furrowed tightly as he looked at his elder sister with a complex gaze, unable to utter a single word."Ziyu, don't be too sad. Uncle Qing was old, and this day was bound to come eventually. He passed away peacefully without illness or suffering." The second young lady of the Zhan family, Zhan Zikui, stepped forward and spoke with a sorrowful tone, though it somehow sounded somewhat insincere: "What's important now is arranging Uncle Qing's funeral affairs. He's been with our family for over fifty years, and watched both of us siblings grow up. He was practically half a family member to us, so we must give him a grand send-off."
Gu Gongen, the eldest son-in-law of the Zhan residence, coughed lightly and said slowly: "But these matters in the residence were always handled by Uncle Qing before. Now that Uncle Qing is gone, who will take up this position?"
"Brother-in-law! Uncle Qing has just passed away, can't you wait?"
Gu Gongen's face flushed red, and just as he was about to speak, the eldest young lady Zhan Zifang immediately darkened her expression and said sternly: "Little sister, what kind of talk is that? Gongen is also thinking about the Zhan residence. Do you expect to handle Uncle Qing's funeral arrangements yourself?"
"Elder sister, I..."
"Enough, Ziyun, take me back."
"Brother!"
Zhan Ziyu frowned deeply, his voice growing stern: "Be obedient!"
"Since Ziyu has no objections, I'll recommend someone. Chen Shuang has been in the residence for many years and has been diligent in everything. Why not let him take over the steward position and arrange Uncle Qing's funeral affairs?"
The crowd grew noisy and gradually became lively, the sorrowful atmosphere brought by Uncle Qing's passing vanishing in an instant. Chu Qiao still remembered this old man's care for her and felt sad that he had passed away so soon. Since corpses couldn't be kept on the ship, a shed had been set up on the shore below to place the old man's body. Chu Qiao leaned out to take a look and immediately frowned.
Liang Shaoqing leaned closer and asked: "Xiao Qiao, what are you looking at?"
"Something's not right," Chu Qiao shook her head: "Uncle Qing doesn't look like he died of old age, more like he was murdered."
"What? You're saying Uncle Qing was killed?"
Liang Shaoqing immediately cried out in shock. By the time Chu Qiao tried to cover his mouth, it was already too late. Instantly, all eyes gathered on them.
"What did you say?" Zhan Ziyu's voice was calm, his expression composed, but his sword-like eyebrows slowly furrowed: "Say that again."
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