Seeing the affectionate relationship between the sisters-in-law, and thinking of her own situation, she smiled but felt sad inside. Yu Jin noticed the sadness in her eyes and quickly said with a smile, "Please excuse my rudeness."
"No, I see that you two are as close as brothers, and I am very envious," Wei Yu said sincerely. It seemed that since becoming pregnant, her emotions had become much richer, and she was prone to melancholy and sentimentality.
Yu Jin, with her keen eye, noticed the weariness on Qiu Shui's face. She knew the fall into the sea must be something she couldn't easily explain, and the pain and shock of the day must have been unbearable. So she helped Qiu Shui to her feet, assisted Wei Yu to lie down, and tucked her in. "Madam, please rest well. We'll come to invite you again for dinner. There are maids at the door; just give them any orders." She took a few steps, then turned back and said, "Madam, please rest assured. Our Shang family's men are all very loyal and will never leak a single detail."
Yu Jin and Qiu Shui closed the cabin door, and silence slowly enveloped the room. Wei Yu suppressed her smile, gently stroking her abdomen with one hand and holding the jade Pixiu with the other. Tears streamed down her face as she thanked God that they were still by her side.
She should go back immediately. Tianchi must be panicking. Wei Yu's heart clenched and ached. As long as she revealed her identity, she would be sent back to Tianchi's side immediately. Just a few hours ago, she had decided to tell Tianchi that she was pregnant.
She was about to speak when she stopped. Another thought was racing through her mind: she had already left the palace, but her child was still there. She had initially considered taking her child with her, though only for a moment, but now it was clear. She had flown away from the cage, and the freedom she had longed for was right before her eyes, within reach. She hesitated, wavered, and hesitated. Perhaps the world outside had turned upside down. Perhaps Tianchi, after failing to find her, would think she had no way out and give up. Tianchi was deeply in love with her, but he was still the emperor. Perhaps he would slowly forget her over time. The palace was never short of new favorites.
“Wei Yu, you’re so selfish. That’s just an excuse for you to leave.” She murmured. She had read the empire’s history books. Who had ever received such favor from her? She wasn’t some stunning beauty. Tianchi doted on her like this. What else could it be but love? At least for now, Tianchi loved her. If she lived in modern times, such feelings would be extremely rare. Marriages can end in divorce, and infidelity is commonplace. How many people have the genuine love of parents? She left, selfishly taking her child with her, betraying his deep affection. How cruel she was. “Tianchi, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Let me think about it, okay?” Tears streamed down her face, her heart breaking. For so many days, her feelings had been deeply buried. How could she sever him?
She was torn between two options, thinking that she couldn't implicate the Shang family, especially the two young mistresses, whom she had never met but who had treated her with such enthusiasm. If Tianchi found any clues, he would definitely harm the Shang family with his methods. No matter how powerful the Shang family was, they were still his subjects. Going against the emperor was like throwing an egg against a rock.
She was utterly exhausted and tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Tears soaked her pillow. As dusk settled outside the porthole, she finally drifted off to sleep. Yu Jin and Qiu Shui quietly entered, saw that she was sleeping soundly, and then quietly withdrew. They returned to the flower hall and instructed the kitchen to keep the food warm, ready for any occasion.
That night, Yu Jin asked the maid if they addressed Miss Song as such. They had already eaten dinner and drunk her medicine, and only then did she feel relieved. She sat before her dressing table, her long, flowing black hair cascading down. Shang Qinglang entered, dismissed the maid, and took the jade comb to groom his wife's glossy hair. Yu Jin smiled gently; the beautiful woman in the mirror had bright eyes and white teeth. Just as she was about to say something, Shang Qinglang traced a line between her lips with his finger. "Jin'er," he said, "we've saved a troublesome person, a huge troublesome person whose fate is uncertain. But perhaps it's a very profitable venture."
Although Yu Jin didn't understand, she had no doubt about her husband's abilities. She looked at him in the mirror with admiration, leaned back, and lay down on his broad chest.
Shang Qinglang held the beauty in his arms and asked in a low, hoarse voice, "Are you afraid?"
"I'm not afraid as long as you're here."
The lights flickered, and a soft, timid voice rang out from inside the boudoir. Shang Qinglang suppressed his passion, gently stroking the beauty in his arms, lost in thought.
The next day, before setting sail, she decided to take her leave and invited Shang Qinglang and his wife, as well as Yu Qiushui, to join her.
Shang Qinglang was not surprised; there was a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"Madam Song, how can this be? You're pregnant, it's not safe!" Luo Yujin said anxiously. Qiu Shui nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, your body hasn't recovered yet, it's not good for the baby."
After a good night's sleep, Wei Yu felt much better and smiled, "Don't worry, I will be very careful. I will decide where to go after we get ashore. I will remember the kindness of the two young mistresses."
Shang Qinglang said, "What are you worried about, Madam? Yesterday's events should not be leaked. At the time, the surrounding area was full of our Shang family ships, and they were all very secure. Madam, please rest assured."
Wei Yu shook her head and said, "I know that man's methods. His men are very capable, and it wouldn't be difficult for them to get a tough guy to speak up. Your wife is of noble birth, and the Shang family is large. You shouldn't take any risks. I think there will be a major search today, and he won't let any of the ships on this sea go."
Yu Jin walked to her side. Their faces were really similar, both beautiful and elegant. At first glance, they looked like sisters. Shang Qinglang's heart suddenly stirred. He remembered going to the Chunqing River ferry. That time he went to the dock with his second brother, his second brother returned looking unhappy. That day seemed to be the day this Madam Song went to the capital. His second brother even greeted Ji Zhonglian. Could it be that he saw her? Now that he thought about it, his second brother's heart was still unresolved at that time, but he pretended not to care. He and Yu Jin took it seriously and got married in the autumn. What a carelessness. Fortunately, his second brother soon met the love of his life.
"Madam Song, you don't need to worry about me. With my husband and second cousin here, nothing can stump them. Right, husband?"
Shang Qinglang met his wife's innocent and trusting eyes and smiled indulgently: "Yes."
Wei Yu smiled and grasped Yu Jin and Qiu Shui's hands. "I have only met you two by chance, yet you have treated me with such kindness. I am ashamed. I do not know if we will meet again after today. However, I still have some unfinished business to keep from you two." She curtsied and bowed, and the two women quickly helped her up.
"Mr. Shang, I have a favor to ask. Could you please help me get ashore discreetly?"
Shang Qinglang's eyes were filled with admiration: "You've made up your mind, haven't you?" Yu Jin and she were different. Perhaps they were both weak, but Yu Jin was like a rabbit-shaped flower, wholeheartedly devoted to her lover, while she was like a solitary orchid in a secluded valley, proudly blooming alone. Only a powerful emperor could seize her and make her willingly transplant her. However, that emperor was still a long way off.
“Yes, please help me, Mr. Shang.” Wei Yu looked at Shang Qinglang with a clear gaze.
“Alright, Qiushui, help Madam Song disguise herself as a man, and also write out a prescription and prepare some medicine for her to use on the road. Yujin, pack your clothes and the silver.” Shang Qinglang said confidently, “I was just about to send someone to inspect the trade city. Please come to the front hall after you’ve packed. Be quick, I estimate someone will come knocking on the door soon.”
Wei Yu weighed her bundle in her hands. Dressed in a grey scholar's robe, her face ashen, she resembled a steward who had been away for many years. Seeing the worried expressions on Yu Jin and Qiu Shui's faces, she was moved and forced a smile: "I'm leaving. Don't see me off. I'm just a mere steward; it's strange to trouble you two young mistresses. We'll meet again someday if fate allows. Farewell." In truth, the road ahead was uncertain, and she couldn't decide where to go, so she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
“Yes, Madam Song, you must be careful. When you give birth to your baby, you must find a way to tell us that Sister Yujin and I are going to be concubines.” Qiushui pulled her hand and exclaimed, “Oh dear!” The two were startled. She took out a bottle of medicine, poured it on the back of Weiyu’s hand and spread it. Her soft, fair hand immediately turned gray. “I almost forgot. Otherwise, if your face and hands don’t match, it’ll be hard for others not to suspect.”
The somber atmosphere dissipated considerably. Wei Yu squeezed their hands again, and Yu Jin and Qiu Shui watched them leave. Yu Jin asked blankly, almost to herself, "Is freedom really that important?"
Qiu Shui scratched her head. "I don't know, but I'm happier with my second brother." She still calls Shang Qingtao her second brother.
Upon arriving at the front hall, two capable stewards were already waiting, bowing respectfully. Shang Qinglang looked them over and nodded with satisfaction. "I've already instructed them. This place is a major thoroughfare to the trade city, with numerous markets and towns along the way, making it a very prosperous area. They should be able to take care of you along the way. I cannot inquire about Madam's whereabouts, but please take good care of yourself." He then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.
Without saying a word of thanks, he followed the two stewards outside.
Shang Qinglang thought for a moment, "Wait a minute." He chased to the door and gestured for his men to go first. "I have some more news to share. He has already dismissed your concubines, the murderer will be subjected to the most cruel castration, two families were implicated and almost wiped out, and the threat to you is gone. I am not wrong, Madam Song."
Startled, she felt even more lost, her emotions of gratitude and indebtedness deepening. But with the blue sky and clear water before her, and the chance to return to her own time, could she give it up? Silently, she moved forward, following the steward's steps, stepped onto the plank, and walked ashore.
Shang Qinglang watched his subordinates busily preparing for departure on the deck, and for the first time in his life, he felt a sense of confusion. The Imperial Concubine was deeply favored by the Emperor, a fact widely circulated in the streets. The Emperor loved her unconditionally, and he could see that she wasn't entirely indifferent to him. Now that she was pregnant, the Empress's position was practically hers, so returning to the palace should have been the natural course of events. Yet, she seemed to carry a heavy burden in her heart. What kind of burden could make this Imperial Concubine so unable to let go?
"Sir, everything is ready, we are just waiting for your orders." His guard, Shang Shu, had not heard his orders for a long time, so he came in to ask for instructions.
He was lost in thought. Just as he was about to reply, a commotion broke out on the shore, followed by a shout: "All ships, halt your departure. We are conducting a search by imperial decree." Shang Qinglang looked over and saw a line of elite guards surrounding the dock. He thought to himself, "They've come so quickly."
The person accompanying the patrol officer onto the merchant's boat was none other than Ximen Yixiao.
With his tiger-like eyes and leopard-like gait, Ximen Yixiao smiled politely: "Second Master Shang, I apologize for disturbing you."
Everyone in the world knows Shang Qingtao, but Ximen Yixiao knows that someone like Shang Qingtao is not to be underestimated. He spoke very politely: "I am acting on His Majesty's orders to search your fleet because of a very important person. Please forgive me."
Despite Ximen Yixiao being one of the top martial arts masters and a high-ranking official of the first rank, Shang Qinglang bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant: "It's nothing. For Lord Ximen to personally come, it must be of great importance. Please give your instructions."
"I dare not. Please gather all the men and women, Second Master, so that I may check your roster and the actual number of people. All parts of the ship will be inspected by the Tiger Guards. If any damage is found, Ximen Dang will compensate double."
Shang Qinglang smiled: "Who doesn't know that Your Excellency is strict in governing the army? Your Tiger Guards are disciplined and never do anything to disturb the people. I trust them. Shang Shu, Shang Lin." He called over his personal guards, "Bring the roster here. Tell all the men to assemble in the front hall. Please invite the two young mistresses and their maids and servants to sit comfortably in the flower hall."
The two accepted the order.
Accompanied by Shang Qinglang, Ximen Yixiao arrived at the flower hall. Although the separation between men and women within the empire wasn't extremely strict, Yu Jin and Qiu Shui still wore veils. They greeted Ximen Yixiao, who gave them a quick glance before apologizing and leaving. Back in the front hall, his men had finished their search and were all shaking their heads, only saying that two people were missing from the list of managers. He looked at them questioningly, and Shang Qinglang calmly replied, "Oh, those were the people sent out to inspect the commerce of the trade city half an hour ago. They shouldn't have gone too far. They're easily identifiable; they all have the manager's tokens on them."
Ximen smiled and took his leave, going ashore. Meanwhile, the others reported that they hadn't found anything. Looking back, the merchant's main ship had already sailed away from the shore, its sails slowly unfurled. Shang Qinglang stood on the deck, smiling and bowing. Ximen watched the ship drift further and further away. His intuition told him that Shang Qinglang was hiding something, but he couldn't find any fault with it. Shang Qinglang was completely calm, showing no surprise at his arrival. However, the merchant's intelligence network was incredibly pervasive; it was possible he knew the inside story beforehand. After all, their large-scale deployment of men and ships since yesterday had already caused quite a stir.