“What is your opinion? Speak up, let’s discuss it together.” She slapped Chang Yuncheng’s hand away. “Don’t be so disrespectful.” “I have no opinion,” Chang Yuncheng said flatly. “Pack your things, we’re leaving.” With that, he grasped Qi Yue’s arm and started to walk. Qi Yue yanked against the table, refusing to budge. “Spare me the act, I’m not going to that dump of yours,” she cried out. Chang Yuncheng turned back to look at her, a cold smile touching his lips. “A dump, is it?” he repeated, tightening his grip. “Whether you stay or not is not up to you to decide.” With a slight pull, Qi Yue was dragged forward. What on earth was wrong now?

“What is the matter with you?” Qi Yue stumbled in front of him, forced to lean on him for support, asking in a rush of exasperation. “This is what I hate most about you—you make us guess! Just say what you’re thinking! What can’t you say? I’m not a mind reader! Can you stop being so volatile around me?” “I cannot,” Chang Yuncheng replied just as calmly, watching Qi Yue and offering a slight smile. That smile again! That sly, creature-of-the-night smile! “Fine, then tell me, what is it you want?” Qi Yue took a deep breath, fighting to control her temper. “I don’t want anything,” Chang Yuncheng chuckled, turning and heading toward the exit, of course, keeping a firm hold on Qi Yue.

In the courtyard, A’ru and the other maids were frozen with fear. “Young Master,” A’ru stepped forward, blocking Chang Yuncheng’s path. “You… Young Mistress hasn’t rested well…” Quezhi gasped. Heavens, had A’ru gone mad? To dare stop the Young Master? While she was still reeling, A’hao, who usually hid from everyone, also ran over and stood beside A’ru. Though silent, her posture conveyed a clear obstruction. Well, ever since arriving by the Young Mistress’s side, nothing that happened seemed normal. Quezhi sighed and moved up to join them.

Seeing the three maids blocking the way, Chang Yuncheng did not become angry; instead, he smiled. “Pack your things. Your Young Mistress hasn’t rested well, so you need to hurry back and rest properly,” he said, then lifted his foot to step forward. “I’m not going to your place, Chang Yuncheng! This was your wish, wasn’t it? Damn it, you got your wish, so what’s with the tantrum!” Qi Yue cried out, slipping slightly, pushing against Chang Yuncheng’s arm. Chang Yuncheng stopped dead, taking a deep breath. “Damn it…” he repeated, nodding slowly. “Good. Very good…” He turned his head to look at the struggling Qi Yue. “What? You don’t want to go?” he asked, a half-smile playing on his lips, as he moved his other hand. “Shall I lend you a hand?” Qi Yue immediately recalled the time he had hoisted her over his shoulder—he truly dared to do such a thing; she couldn't afford that kind of disgrace! “Young Master, what exactly do you want?” she exhaled, softening her tone. “Nothing much,” Chang Yuncheng smiled, then turned and strode forward. He held her tightly, so the three maids could only watch the furious Young Mistress being dragged away by the Young Master.

“Um…” Quezhi looked at the other two stunned maids and prompted, “Shall we start packing?” A’ru let out a sigh. “Well… well… it’s a good thing the Young Master personally came to escort the Young Mistress back,” Quezhi forced a smile. Though the atmosphere certainly didn’t feel like a good thing…. But it truly was good. Previously, the Young Master wouldn't even allow the Young Mistress near his courtyard; she went through hell to get in, only to be thrown out again. But look now—the Young Master was personally pulling the Young Mistress along… It had only been half a year, yet the change in the relationship between the Young Master and the Young Mistress was quite gratifying. But clearly, her sentiment was not shared. “Sister A’ru…” A’hao looked at A’ru with clear worry. “It seems the Young Mistress has something new to fret about,” A’ru stated, sighing and waving her hand. “We’ll take things one step at a time.” What was there to fret about in this situation! To be personally held by the Young Master while entering his own residence—she’d wake up laughing in her dreams about that! And yet, she was vexed! Truly… enjoying blessings without recognizing them.

When the news spread, the first thought for many was exactly this. Some rejoiced while others worried. Besides Qi Yue’s furious indignation, Madam Xie was equally distressed. “Madam, please don’t worry. The Young Master had no choice…” Mother Su attempted to placate her gently. Madam Xie rested her head on the kang table, clearly suffering a severe headache. Her long nails dug into her forehead, leaving bluish-purple marks. “Stop trying to deceive yourself,” she said, still keeping her head bowed and eyes closed. “I shouldn’t have allowed a woman into his courtyard in the first place. My sister-in-law was right; how could he, a young man who has never known a woman, handle… that woman who is always scheming and full of tricks?” She couldn't continue, and her long nails broke the skin on her forehead. Mother Su cried out, quickly reaching out to pull her hand away. “No, Madam, the Young Master is only doing this out of respect for the Marquis,” she hastily countered. “Even so,” Madam Xie sat up straighter, her brow still deeply furrowed, “I feel uneasy in my heart…” “Therefore, the matter concerning Miss Rao must be settled quickly,” Mother Su said with a slight smile. Mentioning Miss Rao brightened Madam Xie’s expression considerably. That was the young lady she approved of… “Has the Marquis really hidden himself away?” she asked. Mother Su nodded. “He left with Su Mei from Consort Zhu’s side, saying he’ll be back in a couple of days. You’ll need to handle the New Year’s affairs, Madam,” she murmured. This unfeeling, cowardly man! Madam Xie clenched her fist viciously. “Why is he hiding? What is there to hide from? What if I divorce her!” she snapped. “Madam, divorce is not possible now. Without a valid reason, the Marquis won’t report to the court,” Mother Su whispered, pouring tea to soothe her. “You mustn’t rush this, Madam. The Young Master has only recently gained the Emperor’s favor; we must be cautious in all things. This woman’s matter, small as it seems, can become large. If someone malicious uses it, it could be disastrous for our Young Master…” Madam Xie let out a breath, leaning back against the bolster, her body going slack. “This woman is truly strange; why can’t we do anything about her…” she mumbled. Such a perfect opportunity handed to them on a silver platter, and she still managed to slip through their grasp. Could it truly be… divine intervention?

That man was utterly unreasonable, Qi Yue thought fiercely, staring at Chang Yuncheng in the room, retracting the words she’d been about to speak. There was little to pack in the room. Since she hadn’t slept there for three days, the furnishings were unchanged. The maids tidied briefly and then quickly withdrew. “What exactly do you want?” Qi Yue demanded. Chang Yuncheng slowly reached up to take down the treasured sword from the wall, polishing it, ignoring her completely. “You are utterly baffling!” Qi Yue couldn’t suppress her temper, striding over angrily. “Haven’t you always wanted to be rid of me, to have me banished far away? Now that you have what you w… oh,” She stopped, realizing something with a sudden flash of understanding. “Oh… I get it now…” she drew out the vowels deliberately. Chang Yuncheng turned his head to look at her. Qi Yue slapped her forehead, recognizing the grave error she’d made. Oh dear, she was too impulsive for her age. Men—their pride! She could dump him, but being dumped by him was an unforgivable insult! This mentality was the same across all times and places. Of course, he wanted her gone, but only if he decided it, not if she initiated it! Qi Yue inwardly clicked her tongue. She had always thought this man, though often contrarian, was fundamentally reasonable in matters of right and wrong. To think… his pride was wounded? Annoyed? Now he was deliberately opposing her? Fine. Fine. She wouldn't rush; they could continue this standoff.

Chang Yuncheng shivered slightly as he watched the woman’s furious expression instantly shift to a smile. What devilish scheme was brewing in that odious woman’s head now… He snorted and lowered his head, resuming the polishing of the sword. The woman, however, said nothing more, as if all her previous anger had vanished into thin air. “A’ru, I need to go out. Prepare things,” she called toward the outside, then looked back. “Young Master, I’m stepping out for a bit, that’s acceptable, yes?” Chang Yuncheng set down the sword. “Where to?” he asked. What a busybody! Qi Yue cursed inwardly, maintaining a pleasant look outwardly. “I’m going to see Qianjin Hall,” she replied sweetly. “Doctor Liu was injured and has been working hard for days; I’m worried and need to check on him.” Chang Yuncheng nodded. “Alright, go,” he said. Pah, such arrogance, acting like he owns the place, Qi Yue thought bitterly before turning away.

A’ru and the other maids had already entered to help her change. When she emerged, she saw Chang Yuncheng standing outside, draped in a heavy cloak. Was he going out too? Qi Yue couldn't be bothered to ask; she didn’t want to speak to him at all right now. She didn't ask, and Chang Yuncheng remained silent. Seeing her appear, he walked directly outside.

The carriage was already waiting at the side gate, attended by seven or eight burly guards holding clubs, looking spirited. When they saw Qi Yue approaching, the steward rushed forward eagerly. “Young Mistress, everything is prepared. Do you think the escort is sufficient… Young Master, are you going out too?” he asked cheerfully, only pausing halfway through his sentence when he spotted Chang Yuncheng behind Qi Yue, bowing deeply in greeting. Qi Yue smiled at his words; it wasn't like she was always going out to fight! She was helped into the carriage by A’ru, and before she could even settle, Chang Yuncheng climbed in as well. “Hey, hey! What are you doing?” Qi Yue quickly held up her hand to block the door, glaring. “There are plenty of carriages at home. Are you going to deliberately compete with me for this one too? Young Master, we’re both adults now; let’s stop playing games like children.” Chang Yuncheng brushed her hand aside and sat down. “So, you stop making a fuss too,” he stated. “Who is making a fuss? Young Master, from start to finish… Alright, I admit I started the quarrel, but I already apologized…” Qi Yue let out a breath and looked at him. Chang Yuncheng raised his hand. “Let’s go. To Qianjin Hall,” he announced to the outside. The carriage jolted slightly as it began to move. Qi Yue fell silent. She knew arguing was useless and couldn't be bothered anymore. She turned and looked out through the swaying carriage curtain.

They arrived at Qianjin Hall in silence. Qi Yue was startled when she stepped out of the carriage. There were so many people at Qianjin Hall; at first glance, she nearly thought they were being besieged again. “Villagers, villagers, we specialize in treating bruises and sprains here. If you have any other ailments, please seek another establishment and don’t wait here, lest you delay…” Four or five disciples shouted loudly. But not a single person crowding the entrance dispersed. “It’s fine, we’ll wait. We only feel at ease if Doctor Liu examines us,” someone mumbled incoherently. Qi Yue breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging a smile with A’ru. “It’s the same saying: the result determines everything,” she remarked. “But without effort in the process, there can be no result,” A’ru whispered back with a smile. Qi Yue laughed and gestured toward her. “Exactly right, A’ru is becoming more and more like a sage,” she teased. A’ru looked accustomed to her banter. Chang Yuncheng stood behind them, his expression calm.

Because of their escort and the carriage, attention was quickly drawn to them by the crowd outside. The disciples looked over and were instantly filled with delight. “Master, you’ve come!” They shouted loudly and ran over. That single word, ‘Master,’ instantly galvanized the crowd outside. “It’s the Young Mistress of the Dingxi Marquisate!” “It’s the Divine Doctor!” Baidu search Shushuwu, Shushuwu manually typed, Shushuwu provides TXT download for this book. “Is this the one who brought that hunter back from the dead?”