She was pushed aside by Xue Niang.
"It's just a failed suicide attempt! In the eyes of some, it's better to be dead, to avoid being branded a promiscuous woman who disregards her chastity!"
"Xue Niang!" he interrupted sharply, his voice uncontrollably rising.
Xue Niang was startled and covered his mouth again, "Keep your voice down!"
Xiao Shan had never felt so stifled. If that brat dared to come over, he would kill him. Why should he be afraid? Had Xue Niang been threatened by him?
Hearing no movement from next door, Xue Niang released Xiao Shan's mouth.
However, Xiao Shan suddenly whispered in her ear, "He's listening by the wall."
That brat was indeed monitoring Xue Niang. No wonder Xue Niang couldn't escape. It was his own mind that had gone addled, questioning her. He deserved to be scolded!
Xiao Shan tightly embraced Xue Niang, his fingers carefully touching her neck.
"It's my fault. I listened to that coachman and saw you eating noodles so close to him. I got jealous. Don't be angry with me. I've been looking for you for so long, my mind was a bit muddled."
A pang of sadness struck Xue Niang's heart. She knew he must have been anxious looking for her, his beard had grown so long. But, "What did that coachman say?"
"He said you fell by the carriage, and that man helped you onto it, and you didn't resist."
Damn him.
"You'll know tomorrow. I won't say more, Xue Niang. I'm tired, let me rest for a while."
After speaking, Xiao Shan hugged Xue Niang and laid her down, resting his face on her shoulder. He draped a leg over hers, clinging to her like a bear, and soon his breathing became steady.
This possessive posture, as if afraid she would run away, would leave her stiff as a stone if she slept like this until dawn.
Xue Niang sighed, turned sideways, and pried away his thick legs. Before he could react, she draped her own leg over his.
As expected, he didn't move again.
He must be extremely tired, Xue Niang thought, resolving to wake him before dawn.
However, it was only when dawn broke and a knock sounded on the door that Xue Niang suddenly woke up. She quickly looked to the side; Xiao Shan was no longer on the bed.
"Miss Xia, the young master asks you to have breakfast."
"Got it!" Xue Niang replied irritably.
This address of "Miss Xia" was quite fitting.
The gauze on her neck felt unusual. Xue Niang looked in the mirror and indeed, it had been tampered with. That ugly knot was clearly Xiao Shan's handiwork.
She could go home today, and Xue Niang's mood was very good.
Seeing her so compliant and causing no trouble, Zhu Sheng's mood was also very good.
Xue Niang changed into a beautiful pink dress, which made her snow-white skin appear even more fair and radiant. She was more lovely than flowers, with an ethereal temperament. Lu Yanmo was also in a good mood.
Everyone set off in a harmonious atmosphere.
The carriage quickly left the city. Xue Niang, estimating the distance, lifted the curtain as if admiring the scenery.
Lu Yanmo, exuding an air of nobility, sat upright on one side, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Xue Niang.
Her large, moist eyes darted around, like a red fox someone had gifted him in the past, exuding liveliness and cunning, yet possessing an innocence untouched by the world. Her naturally formed delicate charm was more captivating than any deliberately crafted allure, making one unable to resist watching her constantly.
Sunlight dappled her face, casting a silvery glow.
It was said that the daughters of the south of the Yangtze River were delicate and beautiful, with skin like ice and bones like jade, as refined as lake water. He had finally witnessed it.
They had arrived at the woods Xiao Shan had mentioned. Xue Niang had craned her neck all the way, her neck aching slightly. She rubbed it, intending to speak.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yanmo spoke first, "Tired? Shall we stop and rest for a bit?"
This was rather considerate. Xue Niang smiled slightly and nodded.
Rarely seeing her so obedient, Lu Yanmo pressed the corners of his lips and called out to stop.
Zhu Sheng had no choice but to stop by the edge of the woods.
"Mmm, I need to relieve myself."
Xue Niang, holding up the hem of her skirt, entered the woods. She thought that beautiful clothes were inconvenient; they were too fussy. It would be better to wear simple cloth clothes, which were sturdy and practical.
She disappeared into the woods like a fluttering butterfly.
Women are troublesome!
Zhu Sheng muttered inwardly, "Young master, stop looking. Aren't you worried and going to follow her!"
"Young master, the First Prince's men have also disappeared somewhere. They are as cunning as anything. No wonder the master said he is harder to deal with than the Second Prince."
Hearing Zhu Sheng's words, Lu Yanmo withdrew his gaze and fell into thought.
"Ah—"
A scream echoed from the woods. Lu Yanmo's expression changed, and he suddenly stood up, rushing into the woods like the wind.
"Young master! Be careful!"