Meng Jianhong burst into the medical shop with all the subtlety of a storm, his entrance marked by the reckless flinging of crumpled paper money toward the startled shopkeeper.
"I need something to cure this hideous headache of mine! Ugh! I shouldn't have indulged so much yesterday!" His voice carried the weight of his discomfort, a gravelly snarl that drew disapproving glances from the other customers, who instinctively huddled together, casting wary looks at the disruptive figure in their midst.
Undeterred by the shopkeeper's attempts to prioritize another customer, Meng Jianhong's persistence was matched only by his impatience. "It doesn't matter! I'll pay you more, just give me something now!" he demanded, forcefully slamming additional bills onto the already cluttered counter.
But before his tirade could escalate further, a commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Stop harassing the shopkeeper! You have to wait your turn, too!" Suyin's hands rested firmly on her hips, her gaze shooting daggers at Meng Jianhong, a clear indication that his antics were neither appreciated nor tolerated.
Jianhong's attention swiftly shifted, his expression transforming from aggression to something resembling delight as he turned towards Suyin.
"Ah, my Hua, it appears I've never had the pleasure of seeing you here before," he remarked, a disarming smile spreading across his face, his fingers lightly grazing his mustache.
"Forgive my earlier outburst. I'm afflicted with a dreadful headache and an unrelenting nausea that defies remedy."
Suyin rolled her eyes, exhaling a long-suffering sigh. It was abundantly clear that this man's world was on the brink of collapse unless his hangover received immediate attention.
"It's alright. He's always like this," the shopkeeper interjected, a resigned note in his voice. Meng Jianhong seemed oblivious to anyone's presence but Suyin's, his focus singular and unwavering.
"Dearest Hua, why don't you accompany me? I'll purchase whatever your heart desires!" he implored, seizing her wrist in a misguided attempt at affection.
Suyin recoiled, wrenching her arm free, her expression a mixture of disbelief and indignation.
"What in the world are you talking about?!" she exclaimed, striding purposefully out of the shop. Undeterred, Meng Jianhong trailed after her, his fervor undiminished.
"My beloved Hua, from the moment I laid eyes on you, you became like a gentle breeze, stirring the tranquil foliage of my existence. Startled, yet soothed by your very presence," he professed, watching her leave as she hastened her pace, her mind preoccupied with locating Qin Fuhua.
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[Qin Fuhua's POV]
The bustling shopping district hummed with activity, a vibrant tapestry of life woven from the threads of countless individuals navigating their way through the throng.
Everywhere one looked, there were people, each with their own purpose and destination, weaving through the pathways of the marketplace.
As Qin Fuhua attempted to trace the path of the girl through the maze of bodies, he found himself repeatedly thwarted by the relentless tide of shoppers surging around him.
Straining to catch a glimpse of her amidst the sea of humanity, he watched helplessly as she steadily distanced herself, her figure gradually receding into the distance, drawn inexorably towards the waiting boat poised to ferry passengers across the river.
Realization dawned upon him with a pang of regret. He had lost her amidst the crowd, his chance slipping away like grains of sand through his fingers.
With no feasible means of pursuit, Qin Fuhua found himself at an impasse, his thoughts momentarily consumed by the missed opportunity.
"Hope she's not stirring up trouble again, as usual," he muttered to himself, a hint of exasperation coloring his tone as he hurriedly retraced his steps, intent on returning to the medical shop where he had last seen Suyin.
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[Han Suyin's POV]
Amidst the bustling crowds, a voice pierced through the clamor, beckoning Suyin towards its source.
"Young miss! Come here!"
An older woman, her weathered face etched with wisdom, extended an invitation to the young woman, her words carrying the promise of insights into matters of the heart, tied to the forthcoming lantern festival.
"Did you want to get your readings for the lantern festival to find your lover? I can tell you as long as I look at you and your partner's palm!"
Struggling to hear over the din of the crowd, Suyin ventured closer, allowing the woman to grasp her hand gently, her eyes scanning the throng for the companion mentioned.
Unbeknownst to Suyin, Meng Jianhong's eager presence loomed behind her, his anticipation palpable as he awaited the revelation promised by the woman's divination.
Meng Jianhong's countenance erupted into elation, a broad grin stretching across his features as he eagerly stepped forward. "Oh, truly? How delightful!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying above the crowd as he continued to trail after Suyin, his determination unyielding despite her attempts to distance herself from him.
Just as Meng Jianhong was poised to offer his hand to the woman, his path was abruptly intercepted by the sudden appearance of Qin Fuhua.
With a decisive gesture, Qin Fuhua inserted himself between Jianhong and the fortune teller, swiftly seizing Suyin's hand and drawing her protectively close to his chest.
"Thank you for locating her. I will be escorting her now," Qin Fuhua declared firmly, his voice brooking no argument as he guided Suyin away from Meng Jianhong's grasp, his grip resolute as he led her through the bustling thoroughfare.
"HEY! You're taking my Hua!" Meng Jianhong's protest echoed through the crowd, his voice tinged with frustration and indignation as he attempted to pursue the departing couple.
However, his pursuit was thwarted by the firm yet gentle restraint of the elderly woman, who intercepted him with a knowing smile. "Hehe, perhaps we can explore our compatibility together, if you wish," she suggested coyly, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes in the breeze.
But Meng Jianhong's souring expression betrayed his discomfort, a mixture of hangover-induced nausea and thwarted desires, as he hastily made his retreat from the scene.
-------------------
Qin Fuhua's grip tightened around Suyin's hands, his expression etched with a blend of frustration and concern.
As they strode through the bustling shopping district, Suyin's gaze flickered between the determined lines of his face and the myriad thoughts swirling in her own mind.
Was his grimace directed at her, a silent reproach for her delay at the medical shop where they were supposed to meet? She attempted to release herself from his grasp, but his fingers only clung more tenaciously to hers.
"Mr. Grumpy face," Suyin muttered under her breath, a teasing lit in her voice as she sought to lighten the palpable tension between them.
Their journey led them to a bustling port nestled alongside the river that served as the demarcation line between North and South Liaoping.
Here, the river presented itself as both a barrier and a conduit, bridging the geographical and metaphorical divide between the two halves of the city.
The absence of a completed bridge rendered the Hongtou sampan—a modest vessel manned by skilled rowers—the sole means of traversing the river, a fact unfamiliar to Suyin but evidently routine for the locals. Amidst the ebb and flow of passengers, Qin Fuhua approached the sampan operator with a determined stride, his hand reaching into his pocket to retrieve the requisite fare.
The exchange of money was executed with practiced ease, a silent transaction punctuated by a nod of acknowledgment from the worker, his countenance painted with the warmth of familiarity.
"Two," Qin Fuhua announced, his voice firm yet courteous as he tendered the payment.
In response, the worker ushered them toward his waiting vessel, a Hongyu sampan with ample room to accommodate their small party.
With a deft motion, Qin Fuhua boarded the boat first, his gaze lingering on Suyin expectantly as he extended an unspoken invitation.
Yet, his question, though simple in its formulation, carried a weighty implication, prompting Suyin to confront not only the physical challenge of embarking on the vessel but also the emotional barriers that seemed to linger between them.
"Can you come in, by yourself?" his words hung in the air, laden with unspoken layers of meaning.
Suyin's pride bristled at Qin Fuhua's perceived challenge, his question ringing in her ears like an affront to her capabilities.
"Hmph, of course, I can!" she retorted, her tone tinged with indignation as she sought to assert her independence.
Yet, her bravado was swiftly undercut by the unexpected sway of the boat beneath her feet.
With a startled gasp, she teetered precariously on the brink of imbalance, her heart lurching in tandem with the vessel's erratic motion.
Before she could plummet into the murky depths below, Qin Fuhua's swift reflexes intervened, his strong arms encircling her frame in a protective embrace.
In the chaos of the moment, Suyin found herself pressed onto him, their bodies colliding in a tangle of limbs amidst the swaying confines of the sampan.
"So much for doing it by yourself," Qin Fuhua's teasing remark cut through the air, his tone laced with playful mockery as he released her from his grasp, allowing her to settle into the seat beside him.
"I just had a misstep, that's all!" Suyin retorted, her annoyance palpable as she folded her arms defensively across her chest.
The lingering sting of Qin Fuhua's skepticism gnawed at her, a reminder of the chasm that seemed to widen between them with each passing moment.
As the rhythmic splash of oars against water filled the air, propelling them toward their destination, Qin Fuhua broached the subject that had lingered unspoken between them.
"Why weren't you at the medical shop earlier?" His inquiry hung in the air, laden with unspoken implications that Suyin could no longer ignore.
"That walrus wouldn't stop following me," Suyin replied bluntly, her frustration bubbling to the surface with raw honesty. "If that guy wasn't flirting with me, I would've been perfectly fine."
Qin Fuhua's gaze remained fixed on the horizon ahead, his profile a silhouette against the backdrop of rippling waters. Yet, his words carried a weighty reassurance, a silent promise of protection that stirred a tumult of emotions within Suyin's mind.
"Remember, we are still newlyweds," he reminded her, his voice soft yet resolute. "If he or anyone does something to you that you don't like, just tell me."
Suyin's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond that tethered them together.
Though she averted her gaze, she could feel the weight of Qin Fuhua's unwavering gaze upon her.
As Suyin grappled with the conflicting currents of her emotions, a sense of wary skepticism crept into her consciousness like tendrils of fog obscuring the clarity of her thoughts.
It seemed near inconceivable that Qin Fuhua's offer of protection was anything more than a facade, a carefully orchestrated charade designed to placate onlookers and maintain the illusion of marital harmony.
And yet, despite her rational dismissal of his sincerity, a small, stubborn ember of hope flickered within her heart, refusing to be extinguished by the cold gusts of cynicism. With a resigned exhale, Suyin mustered a feeble smile in response to Qin Fuhua's assurance, her voice tinged with a subdued acquiescence.
"Yes, I didn't forget, Zhangfu," she murmured, the weight of her words diminishing with each syllable, a subtle concession to the precarious balance of their relationship.
Qin Fuhua's gaze lingered upon her for a fleeting moment, a silent exchange of unspoken truths passing between them before he turned his attention back to the bustling panorama unfolding before them.
Across the river, the cityscape sprawled in a chaotic tapestry of shops and boats, each thread woven into the vibrant fabric of daily life in Liaoping.
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As Qin Fuhua and Suyin strolled side by side, traversing through the streets of a previously unexplored quarter, a sense of wonderment infused their every step.
For Suyin, the journey was an adventure, an odyssey into the undiscovered realms of Liaoping's bustling heart.
Each passing landmark unfolded like a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unearthed, a testament to the city's rich tapestry of culture and tradition. Their meandering path led them ever northward, toward the pulsating epicenter of the city itself.
Here, amidst the thronging crowds and bustling activity, lay the heart of Liaoping—a verdant oasis nestled amidst the urban sprawl.
A tranquil garden, resplendent with the vibrant hues of blooming flora and the iridescent shimmer of koi fish darting beneath the rippling surface of a tranquil pond, beckoned to them like a sanctuary of serenity amidst the frenetic pace of city life. "Make a wish before we start our lantern festival so your wishes can come true!"
A spirited cry echoed through the air, drawing the attention of passersby who eagerly embraced the age-old tradition.
Lanterns adorned every storefront and cart, casting a warm, ethereal glow upon the bustling throngs of people who gathered to partake in the festivities. "Wow, to be able to see this in person is amazing," Suyin breathed, her eyes alight with childlike wonder as she clasped her hands together in excitement.
"You act as if you haven't attended a lantern festival," Qin Fuhua remarked, his tone tinged with detached observation as they continued their journey northward, away from the crowded thoroughfares of the city center.
"I...haven't. Back at home, I was always stuck at home. They would never let me out on my own because that would ruin their reputation that their daughter likes going out," Suyin replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and longing, a poignant reminder of the constraints that had shackled her spirit for so long.
As the bustle of the city gradually faded into the background, replaced by the hushed serenity of less-traveled streets, Suyin's curiosity blossomed into apprehension.
"Where are we going?" she ventured, her uncertainty palpable as she cast a questioning glance toward Qin Fuhua, unsure of his intentions for leading her to this secluded corner of the city.
Qin Fuhua's revelation hung heavy in the air, a clandestine plan unfolding before Suyin's eyes like the delicate petals of a forbidden flower.
"I'm trying to find someone with a burned scar on her arm."
With a solemn nod, he confirmed her suspicions, his gaze betraying the gravity of their mission. The mention of the key—the elusive artifact that had eluded their grasp for so long. "Hm... would it have to do with the key that the Shi Zhang mentioned?" Suyin ventured, her voice hushed with a mixture of intrigue and apprehension, her mind already racing ahead to decipher the cryptic puzzle that lay before them. Qin Fuhua's response was measured, his nod a tacit acknowledgment of the truth that hung between them like a silent vow.
"It is the only way for us to find the key," he affirmed, his tone resolute.
"No one knows about the location at the moment, but this is the first step in retrieving it." With a shared understanding, they embarked on the next leg of their journey, their footsteps echoing in tandem as they made their way to a nondescript inn nestled within the streets of Liaoping.
As they approached the weathered facade of the establishment, Qin Fuhua strode purposefully toward the counter, his demeanor exuding an air of quiet authority. "Welcome!" The innkeeper greeted them with a warm smile. "One room please," Qin Fuhua requested, his voice steady and unwavering as he issued the command. The innkeeper's brows furrowed in surprise at the seemingly modest request, but he complied nonetheless, nodding in acquiescence.
"Right this way!" he gestured, leading them toward the dimly lit corridors through the inn's interior. Suyin's protest was muffled by Qin Fuhua's firm grip, his arm encircling her in a protective embrace as they followed the innkeeper deeper into the heart of the establishment.
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The room they were given was quite spacious, with a comfortable bed, a sturdy table surrounded by two chairs, and a quaint balcony offering a view of the bustling streets below.
It was a sanctuary of sorts, a temporary refuge from the intrigue that surrounded them. Throughout the day, Qin Fuhua remained vigilant, his keen eyes scanning the crowds from his vantage point on the balcony. He sipped his tea methodically, every swallow a measured pause as he scrutinized each passerby.
Despite his diligent surveillance, the girl with the burned scar and the distinctive black swan hairpin was what he was looking for, slipping through the cracks of the city's endless flow of people. Inside the room, Suyin seized the rare opportunity to delve into the blue book that Wansun had given her. It had been a long time since she had the chance to indulge in its contents, her days typically consumed by her duties to the Princess or the tasks at Qin Fuhua's manor.
She lost herself in the book's pages, the words weaving a tapestry of knowledge that she had longed to explore. As night fell, the soft glow of lanterns began to flicker outside, casting an amber hue over the city. It was then that a sudden realization struck Suyin, jolting her from her study.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed, leaping from her chair and placing her hands on her head in dismay. Qin Fuhua, alert to any sign of distress, immediately entered the room, his expression clouded with concern.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice steady yet probing. "My lantern! It's back at home," Suyin lamented, her voice tinged with deep disappointment. The paper lantern she had carefully prepared for the festival was still at Qin Fuhua's manor, a forgotten relic in the rush of their departure. Seeing the distress etched on her face, Qin Fuhua felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful that the cause of her anguish was not more dire.
He looked at her, giving her a sigh before he went back to his own Suyin's shoulders sagged as she sighed, the weight of her disappointment momentarily lifting.
If only she had known they wouldn't be returning home, she might have been better prepared.
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After taking a soothing bath, Suyin stepped into the room to find Qin Fuhua already seated on the bed, his demeanor calm and undisturbed. She hesitated for a moment, the awkwardness of their situation weighing heavily on her mind. "Um..." she began, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she met his steady gaze. Qin Fuhua looked at her, his expression unchanging, waiting for her to continue. "We are not an actual couple, you know," she finally said, the words hanging in the air between them, a reminder of the reality they both faced. "Mhm," he responded nonchalantly, not moving an inch from his spot on the bed. "I'm going to bed."
With that, he leaned over and blew out the candle near the bed, plunging the room into a soft darkness. "Fine," Suyin muttered under her breath, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Of course, what could she do?
As the Prince of Qin, his comfort and preferences always took precedence, a luxury born from his life of privilege. Determined to carve out her own space, she quickly gathered most of the pillows and a layer of the blanket from the bed, before Qin Fuhua could settle in. She smoothed them out on the floor, creating a makeshift bed for herself with a defiant flair. "Goodnight!" she grumbled, wrapping herself in the blanket and settling onto the floor with a huff. As the night wore on, the room fell silent, the only sounds the soft rustle of fabric and the distant hum of the city beyond their walls.
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As the hours passed, the night deepened and Suyin fell into a deep, restful sleep on the floor.
Qin Fuhua, however, remained wide awake, his mind occupied with the intricate plans that demanded his attention.
He had decided to write a letter to Weizhe, instructing him to investigate the location of the elusive 100-year-old Hong Teng, a crucial element in their quest.
With utmost care, he approached Suyin, her peaceful face softened by the gentle glow of moonlight filtering through the window.
Bending down, he lifted her in his arms, cradling her with a tenderness that was opposite of his cold-hearted face.
She stirred slightly but did not wake, nestling into his embrace as he carried her to the bed.
He laid her down gently, arranging the pillows around her and tucking her in with the blanket. As she settled into the soft bed, a small, contented sigh escaped her lips, and she instinctively curled up beneath the covers.
Satisfied that she was comfortable, Qin Fuhua turned his attention to his own task.
He lit a candle with his fire steel, the small flame flickering to life and casting a warm, steady glow across the room. With deliberate precision, he ground up ink on a stone slab, the rhythmic motion a familiar and calming ritual.
Taking up his brush, he began to write, the flowing characters of his message to Weizhe taking shape on the parchment.
----------------------------------------------------
Morning light filtered softly into the room as Suyin stirred from her slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she noticed Qin Fuhua was nowhere to be found.
Rising from the bed, she questioned how she got to the bed, but then swiftly spun her hair into a neat bun, securing it with her hairpin. It wasn't as elaborate as the maid's work, but it was tidy and presentable.
Determined to find Qin Fuhua or at least explore their surroundings, she decided to take a walk. As she descended the stairs, the innkeeper greeted her with a warm smile. "Heading out?" he inquired. "Yes," Suyin replied, returning his smile. "Your husband was out way early in the morning. I asked if he wanted breakfast, but he kindly declined and left," the innkeeper informed her. "Ah. Well, thank you for letting me know." Suyin thanked him and stepped out into the crisp morning air, her curiosity piqued. The northern shopping district, though quieter than its southern counterpart, buzzed with a vibrant energy as preparations for the lantern festival continued.
Strolling through the streets, Suyin's eyes were drawn to the plum blossom trees, their branches adorned with small wooden boards bearing people's names and wishes.
A surge of excitement bubbled within her as she recalled the festival traditions. "That reminds me!" she exclaimed to herself, hurrying to join the line of people eager to participate in the wish-making ritual. "For just 1 coin, come and make a wish!" a vendor called out, beckoning to the crowd.
When it was Suyin's turn, she handed over her money, her face lit with anticipation. "Here you go," the vendor said, smiling as he handed her a wooden board and a brush. "All you need to do is go over there to write down your surname and make a wish as you hang it on the plum blossom," the vendor explained, his voice warm and inviting.
"By tonight, when we celebrate with the lanterns, our wishes will soar through the skies and make our dreams come true!"
Delighted, Suyin moved to the designated area where people were writing their surnames and wishes on the wooden boards.
She picked up a brush and poised it over the smooth surface of the board, but then hesitated.
The surname "Han" could draw unwanted attention, a risk she wasn't willing to take in such a public place.
After a moment of contemplation, she decided on a different surname, one that would blend in seamlessly with the multitude of wishes already hanging on the trees. Once her wish was inscribed, she approached the plum blossom tree.
Determined to place her board in a spot that symbolized her deepest hopes, she spotted a high branch that seemed perfect.
Ignoring the concerned glances of those around her, she began to climb a wooden ladder leaning against the tree. "Are you sure you want to climb that far?" a passerby asked, their voice laced with concern. Suyin nodded fearlessly.
"My wish needs to come true, and I want this to be placed where it can see everything here!" she declared with conviction. Reaching the top of the ladder, Suyin carefully stretched out her arm, her fingers brushing against the edge of a high branch.
With a final, determined push, she managed to hang her board at the very tip, a spot that would be difficult for anyone else to reach. From her vantage point high in the tree, Suyin felt a rush of exhilaration.
The city stretched out before her, a tapestry of rooftops, winding streets, and the distant glimmer of the river.
She took a moment to absorb the breathtaking view, the horizon tinged with the soft glow of the rising sun. The sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the scene filled her with a profound sense of peace. As she sat perched on the sturdy branch, Suyin allowed herself a small, triumphant grin.
Her wish, now nestled among the plum blossoms, felt safe and secure. It was a symbolic act of defiance and hope, a testament to her determination to carve out her own path despite the uncertainties that lay ahead.
Realizing it was time to get down before attracting more attention, Suyin carefully climbed down from the tree to the ladder.
She leaped down the last few rungs, brushing off her hands and gazing proudly at her little name tag high above the others, nestled securely among the branches. "Hm, what are you staring at?" a familiar voice called out, drawing closer to Suyin. She turned to see Feng Junli approaching and mustered a small, somewhat forced smile.
"Ah, Feng Junli!" She patted him on the shoulder, still unsettled by his uncanny resemblance to Minsheng. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard about a young, beautiful lady climbing a tree, and my curiosity got the better of me. Surprisingly enough, it turns out to be you," he chuckled.
Suyin noticed that Junli was wearing his usual layers of clothing, though in a different color this time.
His face was still partially covered, as if he were prepared for a trek through a desert.
She wanted to ask why he dressed so warmly in the beaming sun but decided against it, recognizing the inappropriateness of the question at that moment.
"Anyway, are you coming to the lantern festival tonight?" Junli asked, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Suyin shook her head. "I don't think so... I do want to attend, but I might not have time to go."
"No time? I already got you a lantern, so you have to go!" Junli laughed, his tone light and persuasive. "Come on, I'll see you here tonight?"
Suyin could only give him a short laugh, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "I'll see if I can make it," she replied, leaving the possibility open without making any promises.
Junli gave her a playful wink before turning to leave. "I'll be waiting, then. Don't let me down!"
As he walked away, Suyin watched him for a moment, her mind a swirl of thoughts.
The lantern festival was something she longed to experience, especially now that she had a wish hanging high in the plum blossom tree. But the day's uncertainties and her responsibilities with Qin Fuhua weighed heavily on her mind.
Deciding to make the most of the day, she continued her exploration of the northern shopping district, the bustling preparations for the festival filling the air with a sense of excitement and wonder.
Despite her reservations, a small part of her couldn't help but hope she might find a way to attend the festival that evening, to see her wish light up the night sky alongside so many others.