Chapter 60

Chapter 60: If She Does Not Return

Zhang Da Hu’s entire body twisted in agony, the veins on his forehead nearly bursting from the strain.

Yet Sheng Zhi Wan did not flinch at the gruesome scene before her.

In her past life, though she had never personally taken a life, her studies in medicine and poisons had exposed her to many grisly sights.

What truly caught her attention was the faint scent of agarwood that lingered in the air—

It seemed familiar, similar to the fragrance from last night.

Sheng Zhi Wan lowered her eyes, regaining her calm, and took out a set of medicines. Under her careful direction, the blood flowing from Zhang Da Hu’s wounded legs quickly ceased, and his injuries were bound tightly.

Sheng Zhi Wan left the dungeon alongside Shang Hang Yu.

Zhang Da Hu would remain there until his wounds had stabilized. Only then would Shang Hang Yu’s men release him.

As for whether he would seek revenge on Meng Yang after investigating the poison of Qian Ji Powder—

That was none of her concern.

Golden dawn rays shone warmly behind her. Gazing down at the shadows cast by their figures side by side, Sheng Zhi Wan suddenly spoke: “Second Young Master Shang is certainly generous. Even a rare medicine like the Golden Skin Healing Lotion, you’re willing to share.”

Shang Hang Yu paused mid-step.

“It’s quite the coincidence,” she continued lightly. “That lotion was originally mine. Who would’ve thought someone would auction it off, only for it to end up in your hands—and now, back to me. Tell me, Second Young Master Shang, how many silver ingots did you spend on this?”

“Why?” Shang Hang Yu raised an eyebrow curiously. “Could it be Princess wishes to repay me?”

“You think too much. I simply dislike others profiting off my belongings.”

Shang Hang Yu studied her carefully. “Even Heir Apparent Qi?”

“Of course,” she replied firmly.

At her answer, Shang Hang Yu suddenly laughed, and though his expression remained hidden from view, Sheng Zhi Wan sensed his delight.

“Then Princess should remember clearly,” he teased gently. “One bottle plus auction fees cost exactly one thousand seven hundred and sixty silver ingots. Be sure to reclaim every coin from Heir Apparent Qi.”

Sheng Zhi Wan glanced sideways at him. “You seem awfully pleased.”

“Do I?” Shang Hang Yu gazed upward leisurely. “Perhaps it’s the fine weather, making me cheerful.”

“The weather indeed is pleasant,” Sheng Zhi Wan agreed. “It’s about time I returned home.”

…

Duke Qi’s Residence.

Within Evening Tide Courtyard, Madam Cui had passed a sleepless night.

Of course, it wasn’t concern for Sheng Zhi Wan’s safety that troubled her. Rather, it was the nagging worry that the Emperor and Empress Dowager might blame her, given that it was she who had sent Sheng Zhi Wan to Morning Light Temple.

“Has the Heir Apparent returned yet?” Madam Cui asked her nanny once more.

The nanny shook her head, offering comfort, “Madam, don’t worry yourself too much. Heir Consort is blessed with great fortune and will surely return unharmed.”

“But it’s already been a whole night…” Madam Cui fretfully set down her tea, secretly convinced that even if Sheng Zhi Wan returned, she’d surely be ruined.

But if she didn’t come back…

Madam Cui paused, struck by a sudden thought—if Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t return…

She had worried unnecessarily before. Thinking carefully now, if Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t return, so what?

Praying for her mother-in-law’s well-being was the proper duty of any daughter-in-law. Encountering bandits was merely Sheng Zhi Wan’s misfortune, nothing anyone else could be blamed for.

If the Emperor or Empress Dowager blamed her, she would simply kneel and beg forgiveness. They certainly wouldn’t execute her just because a princess had met with misfortune.

Moreover, Sheng Zhi Wan had married into the Duke’s household two years ago, and in those two years, Madam Cui had never once seen her enter the imperial palace, nor had there been any summons from the palace. Clearly, the Empress Dowager and Emperor had grown cold towards her due to her previous deeds.

Besides, her own son Shu Xian excelled in both scholarship and martial prowess. He had recently achieved great merit in the Battle of Cangnan, and given the court’s urgent need for young, capable generals, the Emperor would undoubtedly favor him. Surely, he wouldn’t bear a grudge against Shu Xian because of Sheng Zhi Wan.

If Sheng Zhi Wan truly failed to return, her lavish dowry—gold, silver, precious treasures, extensive lands, and flourishing shops—would all belong to Duke Qi’s household.

Thinking of such unimaginable wealth, Madam Cui’s previous anxiety melted away, replaced by fervent anticipation.

“Madam, the Heir Apparent has returned,” a servant announced suddenly from outside.

Madam Cui immediately asked, “Did he find Zhi Wan?”

The servant, mistakenly believing Madam Cui’s concern sincere, hesitated briefly before replying cautiously, “Madam, the Heir Consort was not found.”

Good!

Madam Cui’s heart relaxed, just as Qi Shu Xian strode into the room. Despite just one night passing, the handsome young heir had become utterly haggard. His eyes were red-rimmed, his lips pale and cracked, and rough stubble shadowed his chin. He appeared as though he’d aged a decade overnight.

Madam Cui felt her heart ache and hurriedly ordered maids to prepare water and food.

“Mother, there’s no need. I only came back to fetch Ao Tian, and then I’ll leave immediately.”

Ao Tian was a falcon Sheng Zhi Wan had gifted him four years ago. Though merely an animal, it possessed exceptional intelligence, excelling at sending messages, tracking, and hunting.

In his haste yesterday, he had completely forgotten about it.

Qi Shu Xian turned to leave at once, but Madam Cui quickly rose.

“My son, I know you’re worried about Zhi Wan. But think carefully—would Zhi Wan want to see you ruin yourself out of concern for her? Just wash up and eat a little; it won’t take long. Do you want to worry your mother as well?” Madam Cui clutched her chest dramatically.

Seeing the dark shadows under her eyes, Qi Shu Xian paused.

After a brief hesitation, he sat down heavily. “Mother, your health is poor. You shouldn’t worry about me. Join me, and we’ll have a quick bite together.”

“Yes, yes!” Madam Cui happily took her seat.

Every moment he lingered here was another moment of danger for Sheng Zhi Wan.

As long as she didn’t return…

Shu Xian might miss her briefly, but would he remember her forever? Eventually, Madam Cui would find him another wife, a gentle, virtuous lady from a noble family.

Minister Ling’s daughter, Liu Yan, was reputedly beautiful and gentle. Surely, Shu Xian would soon forget about Sheng Zhi Wan!