Chapter 52: Capsizing Part 2

The two behind the curtain had boarded thinking of the First Tower incident, but unknowingly, they forgot all about it. Wei Lingci still lounged lazily there, but Xun Changqing frowned bitterly, rubbing her ear. She had always wanted to marry the person before her, but now realized her master disagreed.

Even if they switched roles, she wouldn’t agree. In a final struggle, she wheedled, “Marriage is the same either way, right?”

Wei Lingci felt the joke had gone far enough and steered back to the main topic. “Dowry or betrothal gifts—who are you giving them to?”

“You, of course.”

The little rascal couldn’t outplay the millennium fox. After her honest answer, she felt something off and watched Wei Lingci’s face, hoping for no bad words. But Wei Lingci seemed oblivious and continued, “To me, then. Hand over the silver.”

She knew the trap was here. Feeling awkward, Xun Changqing didn’t want to respond—afraid it would taint their feelings with transactions. She huffed, “What if I don’t?”

At that, Wei Lingci sighed silently. The story behind the ironware was too big; she wasn’t sure it would succeed. She explained carefully, “Lingyun Rear Mountain is riddled with mechanisms—not to keep malicious people out, but to hide the swords, blades, and halberds deep inside.”

“Swords are official goods. Why so many in the rear mountain? Someone profiting off them?” Xun Changqing’s attention shifted. She was muddled on some things, but sharp on major ones. In a few words, she grasped the crux.

Selling stolen ironware was illegal. Lingyun Rear Mountain was forbidden ground. Even if someone entered, they only wandered the edges—the depths had profound arrays no one dared breach. Xun Changqing was just curious who had discovered it.

Wei Lingci shook her head. “Mu Chen stumbled in by accident, followed them out, traced to the First Tower. He wants to pretend-buy iron blades to probe the masterminds further—most importantly, where they’re mining the iron and if it’s official mines.”

Setting a contact point in the Imperial Capital meant high-level backers. Xun Changqing pondered and ventured, “The First Tower wasn’t set up today—it’s been long. Only discovered now? I reckon someone powerful is backing it. Who?”

Hard to pinpoint the mastermind amid scheming officials. Guessing blindly was useless. Wei Lingci said, “No rush. After the tribute horse matter, we’ll investigate slowly. Finding the iron mine is key first.”

The sting operation cost silver. Xun Changqing had dealt with shops and merchants for years, knew fifty thousand taels was a drop in the ocean. Kindly, she asked, “Is fifty thousand taels enough?”

Regret flickered on her face after. Wei Lingci’s heart lightened; she couldn’t help laughing. “You willing to part with it?”

Xun Changqing blushed again and turned to explain, “Of course for business. If you’d explained earlier, I wouldn’t have argued. Who knew if Uncle Master was using my silver for flower wine.”

Meeting Wei Lingci’s gaze—clear with amusement, brows curved in laughter tinged with mischief—Xun Changqing annoyed that she hadn’t explained sooner. She growled fiercely, “Not just fifty thousand—even a hundred thousand. Deduct from your betrothal gifts.”

Wei Lingci smiled without replying and lifted the side curtain. They passed the Second Prince’s Mansion; red lanterns on both sides dimmed the night stars. Xun Changqing yanked the curtain down, glared, and whispered, “Nothing good to see here!”

Jealousy again, sour as ever. Wei Lingci’s heart ached faintly. Like this now—what about after she came of age? She smiled bitterly. “Then what’s worth seeing? Your betrothal gifts? Though they’ve shrunk by a hundred thousand now.”

A spark lit in her dim eyes. Xun Changqing pursed her lips. Actually, she just wanted them together—dowry or gifts didn’t matter. But she thought ahead: Father wouldn’t approve. With Wei Lingci, there’d be a way.

Two lives, yet she couldn’t think of one. Wei Lingci only schemed against the Shao Family, never their future. Xun Changqing knew she was stalling, deceiving her—planning to withdraw like ancient sages after success, maybe to a place she’d never find, truly cutting her off.

She wasn’t stupid. Wei Lingci seemed so detached—except that first apologetic kiss, the rest was her “fooling around.” But if truly heartless, she wouldn’t do so much for her. The biggest barrier was still worldly eyes.

Cautiously, she scooted close, hugged Wei Lingci, lips tight. Two lives of endurance; her nose stung, voice low. “Why don’t you try thinking of ways for our future together… instead of always pushing me away? I’ve said I like you, you like me too. Why focus on other things? I can’t handle Father—why won’t you help…

“And you started it all. Why discard me first? So unfair… You decide everything. Say stop and it stops. Are you a demon without feelings? But I have…”

Shock and pity rooted in Wei Lingci’s heart. Xun Changqing’s shoulders trembled slightly. Was she crying? Those seedlings grew rapidly into sky-covering trees. She hadn’t realized Xun Changqing’s feelings were still so intense.

Had she forgotten the pain from her previous life?

She responded softly, “Changqing, we’ve spent the most time together across two lives. Maybe you think it’s me because you haven’t seen others. Once you experience more, you’ll realize it’s just master-disciple affection. Everything I do is to keep you safe.”

Clear words. Xun Changqing released her hug, head still down. Tears gushed like floodgates. She wiped them, pushed out, lifted the curtain, and sat beside Zi Jin. The latter glanced oddly at the curtain, unsure what happened.

Xun Changqing said nothing, curled her legs, buried her head in her knees, body shaking. Wind tousled her hair—like a lone boat on vast seas.

Her obedience worried Wei Lingci. In her past life, she jumped into a river—fiery temper. This quiet was unlike her.

Wei Lingci second-guessed her decision. She thought it best for her, but Xun Changqing’s feelings only grew. Perhaps she shouldn’t have indulged the intimacy. The first time was impulsive, but later she restrained—yet couldn’t resist her steps forward.

Now, it seemed too late! She thought returning to the Imperial Capital would change Xun Changqing’s mind amid prosperity and noble sons, extinguishing improper master-disciple feelings.

Wei Lingci slumped powerless in the corner, head throbbing. Closing her eyes, two lives flashed: Xun Changqing jumping into the river, then that night they shared a bed, her eyes bright and captivating like a fawn’s. She massaged her temples to ease the pain.

The carriage jolted, worsening her migraine. Barely holding on, she gripped the curtain and rasped to Zi Jin outside, “Take the carriage to the County Princess Mansion first, then back to Pingnan Prince’s Mansion. Hurry.”

Her voice hoarse and trembling—Zi Jin, from dark guard origins, noticed. She nudged Xun Changqing. “Miss Wei’s voice sounds off. Check on her.”

“No. She’s fine alone—what could happen?” Xun Changqing refused flatly, nursing her grudge. Wei Lingci was a bastard, a coward. Don’t start if scared—now regret. Villainous.

Cursing inwardly, she snatched Zi Jin’s whip and lashed the horse’s rump. It bolted, startling Zi Jin into yelling, “Mistress, you can’t drive! We’ll flip!”

Flip then—hurt this two-faced bastard!

Betrothal gifts accepted, now backing out!