Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn

Chapter 37

Oh, so it wasn't that I was being rude by looking at him, but rather that I barged in uninvited. So, that means he believes what I said?

I said, "Anyway, I'm about to become a thief."

"Hmm?" His beautiful eyes looked at me with a puzzled expression, making my heart pound loudly. I was too embarrassed to lie to him anymore, but... I needed to get home quickly!

"My master's profession is dishonorable to begin with, and I'll be a thief after I graduate," I said calmly. "Go ahead and smear me, smear me as much as you can. As long as he thinks I'm not the kind of person he thought I was, he should let me go back as soon as possible. Even though I'll be a thief in the future, I didn't steal anything from your house today, so why don't you let me go back?"

He clearly smiled again, and I thought that if the moon were out now, it would probably be hiding behind the clouds.

“Since that’s the case, we can’t let you go, lest it cause trouble for the government later,” he said.

I was prepared to launch into a long, eloquent lecture, using every possible method to persuade him. "No, no," he said, "without us, the government would be useless..."

"You can go now." I had only just begun when he interrupted me. I guess he saw how I was preparing for a long-term battle.

"I'm lost, I don't know the way," I said shamelessly.

He smiled again, and I forced myself not to look. He blew out the candle, opened the door, and led me outside, bypassing the guards and winding my way to a side gate.

"Go out from here." He opened the door a crack.

I slipped into the crevice and asked again, "May I ask how you are addressed, elder brother?"

"Shen Tingxuan." It really is the Second Prince. He's going to marry Mu Hanyan.

"Oh, Brother Shen," I said with a smile.

"And how should I address you, young man?" Shen Tingxuan asked.

“Qiu’er, Master calls me Qiu’er,” I replied with a smile.

"Brother Qiu, you may come to my residence to climb over the wall again when you have completed your studies," Shen Tingxuan said with a gentle smile.

I opened my mouth wide for a long time before finally managing to say "Goodbye" and quickly made my escape.

After leaving the Second Prince's residence, I didn't go back immediately. I wandered around outside, reflecting on the absurd experience of the night. It would be strange if those people who grew up in the ruthless palace easily believed what I said. I used all my lightness skill to circle around a few more times, and only after I had probably shaken off my tail did I sneak back to the Prince Qing's residence.

The room was lit; it must be Zinuo waiting for me. I pushed open the door and, sure enough, saw Zinuo pacing anxiously, and another person sitting with their back to the door.

Hearing the door open, the person turned around, and it was none other than Shen Haoyu. When Zi Nuo saw me, she rushed over, looking me up and down, left and right, asking, "Are you alright?"

"No." I was a little startled.

Shen Haoyu walked over and asked, "How did you get out? Did you tell the people who went in that you were captured by the Second Prince himself, and then come back to report to me?"

Someone was secretly protecting me? At least you have some sense of morality. I felt a surge of gratitude.

"So you sent someone to rescue me, and you're waiting here for news?" I asked.

To everyone's surprise, Shen Haoyu scoffed, "Send someone to rescue you? What use are you if you can't get out of here on your own?"

“You…” I glared at him hatefully. Hmph, you win! That little bit of emotion I felt just now was completely forgotten.

Seeing my unfriendly expression, Zi Nuo quickly said, "The young prince has been waiting for you to come back ever since he heard the news."

The resentment in my heart subsided a little.

"Tell us how you got out first," Zinuo continued.

So I gave a brief account of what happened after I met Shen Tingxuan, omitting the part about how I got lost. It was a matter of saving face.

After listening, Zi Nuo asked curiously, "Why did he personally escort you out?"

I shook my head and said I didn't know.

Shen Haoyu stared at me intently, his face grim, a strange light flashing in his eyes. I felt a sudden pang of guilt for no reason.

For a long time, Shen Haoyu stared at me without saying a word, and Zi Nuo also sensed that something was wrong.

"I absolutely did not treason!" Even though he's very handsome. I pointed to the sky and swore. I have quite a few handsome guys in my family too.

Shen Haoyu then relaxed his expression, curled the corners of his mouth, and gave me a smile.

This kid is throwing a tantrum again!

"However, I don't know if I've managed to shake off his tail, even though I've gone around in circles and I'm exhausted." I said, spoiling the mood, but I had to make it clear, otherwise it wouldn't be good if he found out about the Prince Qing's mansion.

This time, Shen Haoyu didn't react much. He simply said nonchalantly, "Someone will cover your retreat. You can't bring the fire to my house."

I was relieved.

Seeing that I was alright, Shen Haoyu sat for a while longer before getting up and leaving. After all, it was already very late, past midnight.

Zinuo helped me tidy up and brought me hot water.

After washing up, Zinuo sat there and didn't leave.

I went over and asked, "Is there anything else?"

Zi Nuo stared at me and said, "Sister, do you know how worried I was tonight?"

Remembering what Zinuo said yesterday, I comforted him, saying, "Don't worry, your sister cherishes her life and won't let anything happen to her easily."

Zinuo nodded.

After a while, Zi Nuo asked again, "Sister, why did the Second Prince follow you all the way before arresting you? Why did he let you go and even personally escort you out?"

I asked, puzzled, "Didn't you say I didn't know?"