Chapter 141

Chapter 141: Always Waiting

Forget it, perhaps he was simply expecting too much.

At first, he thought it would be enough if she just knew his name. Later, when she finally spoke it, he wished for a word, just one exchange. But now, without even realizing, he had begun to want so much more.

[If she can’t remember, then I’ll simply make her remember.] Why bother troubling over it?

Shang Hang Yu’s eyes flickered thoughtfully. While Sheng Zhi Wan was still unaware, he had already resolved the matter within his heart.

But Sheng Zhi Wan still sat, clearly waiting for him to leave.

Suddenly, Shang Hang Yu released the window curtain and turned back. “Princess, do you remember rescuing a boy from the moat when you were young?”

Sheng Zhi Wan blinked.

She had lived two lifetimes; memories faded over the years.

She thought deeply for a moment before recalling—but…

Looking suspiciously at Shang Hang Yu, she asked, “Second Young Master Shang, surely you aren’t going to say that chubby little boy… was you?”

“…Chubby boy?” Shang Hang Yu’s face was filled with disbelief. “What chubby boy? Was I really that fat?”

He remembered clearly how his mother would always hug him, calling him cute, praising his soft, fair skin, and saying he had the look of fortune.

[Could it be… I was truly that fat?]

Was this why the Princess had never recognized him?

Sheng Zhi Wan remained silent, unsure if she should tell a comforting lie.

“It was really you?” she asked, astonished.

The difference was enormous! That chubby boy had been so plump, he might have floated if he jumped into the moat. Aside from gender, there was absolutely no resemblance to the Shang Hang Yu standing before her. No wonder she hadn’t recognized him.

But if Shang Hang Yu really was that boy, Sheng Zhi Wan suddenly felt guilty.

She recalled how she was barely five years old when she pulled him out. And after rescuing him, hadn’t she scolded him fiercely—and even slapped him?

“To tell you the truth, Princess,” Shang Hang Yu said, a playful glint in his eyes, “I’ve been waiting all these years to repay your kindness by giving you myself.” With that, he turned and leaped out gracefully.

Sheng Zhi Wan stared blankly, frozen in shock.

After a moment, she stood up abruptly from her chair, her ears blazing hot.

That Shang Hang Yu truly was shameless!

How could he say something like that?

Truly, he was just—just too…

“Liu Shang!” Sheng Zhi Wan called suddenly toward the door.

“Yes, Princess!” Liu Shang, returning with freshly bought peach pastries, was startled by her mistress’s unusual urgency. The Princess had never called out to her this way before—could it be trouble?

Alarmed, she rushed in, clutching the pastries. Seeing Sheng Zhi Wan sitting quietly, Liu Shang hesitated. “Princess, was there an intruder?”

[What intruder…]

Sheng Zhi Wan’s ears turned even redder. Clearing her throat softly, she said, “Go find out which Liu Family Young Lady fell into the water today and was saved by Second Young Master Shang. And also…ask those present if he used a whip to rescue her.” After all, she couldn’t just take his word.

“Yes.” Liu Shang turned around but paused, puzzled.

Why would the Princess inquire about such matters? Moreover, how did she even know Second Young Master Shang had used a whip?

She almost asked but remembered An Zhi’s advice clearly:

[Whatever Princess commands, just obey without questions.]

Yes, better not ask.

…

On the other side, Shang Hang Yu had already returned to the General’s Manor.

Since he was back, it was necessary to show his face, reminding Shang Tian Hao and Liang Rao that this “troublemaker” was still alive.

Just as Shang Hang Yu reached the General’s Manor, he spotted a carriage parked outside.

Paying it no attention, he directly rode inside.

The General’s Manor, a sprawling estate with four courtyards, was not granted by Emperor Chong Sheng. Instead, it was a dowry gift from Shang Hang Yu’s late mother, Qin Meng Cen.

The only sign of Shang Tian Hao’s achievement was the plaque reading “General’s Manor” at the entrance.

But now, all traces of his mother had been erased, even her courtyard left abandoned.

Shang Hang Yu’s horse thundered through the manor gates.

“Second Young Master!”

“Young Master, riding horses inside the manor is not allowed!”

Several guards chased after him anxiously, while another blocked his path ahead.

Shang Hang Yu raised his whip.

The guard immediately fell back onto the ground, watching in fear as the horse leaped over his head.

Inside the Flower Hall where guests were entertained, Liang Rao’s smile stiffened upon hearing Madam Liu’s words.

“Anyway, today’s incident was fortunate that Second Young Master Shang happened to be there. Who could have imagined such an accident? Perhaps…this is fate binding our two children,” Madam Liu sighed.

Liang Rao clutched her handkerchief tightly, forcing a polite smile. “Madam Liu must have heard wrong. My Yu’er is wild and unruly, and hasn’t even been in the Capital these past few months. How could he possibly have saved Eldest Young Lady Liu?”

Eldest Young Lady Liu—Liu Yan, one of the Four Beauties of the Capital, a refined lady coveted by countless nobles. Even her beloved Yuan’er might not secure such a match, much less a wastrel like Shang Hang Yu.

Madam Liu coughed gently. “Madam Shang misunderstands. It was actually our Second Miss Liu Xu who was rescued by Second Young Master.”

Ah?

Liang Rao’s hand froze on her handkerchief.

Liu Xu?

It took her a moment to recall the rumors—Liu Xu, born under an unlucky star, said to have caused her mother’s death at birth, raised in a countryside estate until brought back only last year. Quiet, strange-tempered, and rumored to already have a lover…

The more Liang Rao thought, the better she felt.

Qin Meng Cen had robbed her rightful position as the main wife for years. Now she was dead—let her son settle this debt!

This kind of girl was exactly suited to Shang Hang Yu!

“You’re absolutely right, Madam Liu,” Liang Rao nodded, smiling openly now. “Since my second son tarnished Miss Liu Xu’s reputation, he naturally must take responsibility…”

With a sharp crack, a pebble suddenly shot through the window, piercing a hole straight through the tea kettle. Tea immediately poured forth, trickling down onto the floor.

“Who’s tarnished whose reputation?” Shang Hang Yu asked coldly, appearing right at the perfect moment.

A bit later, and he’d have gained an unwanted fiancée.

Liang Rao’s eyes flickered anxiously. “Yu’er, enough mischief. You came back at the right time. Madam Liu says you saved Second Young Lady Liu from drowning today. Since you rescued her, of course, you must take responsibility.”

Madam Liu quietly sipped tea, casting only a brief, disdainful glance toward Shang Hang Yu.

This wastrel should understand clearly how gracious it was of the Liu Family to even consider marrying off their illegitimate daughter to him.

Shang Hang Yu didn’t even glance at her.

What Liu Family?

“Had I known rescuing someone would lead to being trapped like this, I wouldn’t have bothered. It’s none of my business. Madam, if you insist, let my elder brother marry her—or even my father, if you prefer another sister.”

He snorted and turned to leave.

He still had important matters to handle.

Ye Rong and his foolish friends had been dazzled by piles of silver ingots, insisting on personally escorting them back, lazing happily among the treasure aboard ship.

Counting the days, they should arrive at Qing Prefecture Wharf by tomorrow or the next day. He needed to contact Qin’s Trading Company to arrange discreet transport.

And the matter of soldier training—he’d have to arrange transfers from Shuo Prefecture quickly, too.