Chapter 20: Apology

Wu Qingyu had clearly just finished bathing. His upper body was bare, clad only in a pair of white trousers. Drops of water still fell from his wet hair as he opened the door, haphazardly drying himself with a towel.

Cheng Cheng, startled by Wu Tan’s sudden shout, snapped to attention, her face flushing red as she turned her back, spine rigid with embarrassment.

Wu Qingyu, seeing his little scheme succeed, let a sly glimmer flash in his eyes. He caught the cloak Wu Tan tossed to shield his modesty, only to fling it right back at her face. He turned leisurely to look for clothes to wear, all the while grumbling teasingly, “This is my own room. Even if I walked around stark naked, it’s none of your business.”

Wu Tan, the cloak now draped over her head, was momentarily plunged into darkness. Though they were siblings, her face still flushed in silence at the situation.

By the time she yanked the cloak off, face dark with annoyance, Wu Qingyu had already shrugged on a shirt and, with an air of nonchalance, leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow at her. “It’s late. Why aren’t you asleep? What are you doing here? Didn’t you cause enough trouble yesterday?”

“What? Come to stand up for your dear little sister?” Wu Tan arched an eyebrow, shoving the cloak into Cheng Cheng’s hands.

Wu Qingyu folded his arms and let out a cold snort of laughter, clearly uninterested. “If you’ve something to say, say it. If not, get lost. Just because you don’t sleep doesn’t mean I don’t need to.”

Wu Tan glared, her words sharp in return. “Aren’t you leaving with Father tomorrow? Can’t I come see you off?”

Wu Qingyu gave her a once-over, his expression unimpressed, and rolled his eyes.

She didn’t mind, reaching into her sleeve to pull out an item wrapped in a green handkerchief and handed it to him.

He didn’t take it. “What’s this?”

“For you!” Wu Tan stuck out her chin in challenge.

What trick is this girl up to? Wu Qingyu remained wary, but after a moment’s hesitation, he lazily took it and, with suspicion, unwrapped the bundle. Inside was a pair of insoles.

He stared for a long moment—

What was this about? Had the sun risen in the west? Or was he sleepwalking? He hadn’t even gone to bed yet…

Wu Tan stood waiting for his reaction.

Wu Qingyu quickly collected himself, turning the insoles over in his hands, his face still disdainful. Cheng Cheng worried he might throw them back at Wu Tan, but after a tense moment, he only muttered, “Your stitching is atrocious! How thick-skinned must you be to actually hand this over?” He tossed them carelessly onto the table.

“Can’t you just say thank you?” Wu Tan retorted sharply.

Her needlework was indeed poor, but for her to offer an olive branch was already a great concession.

“Am I an outsider? Isn’t this what you’re supposed to do?” Wu Qingyu, deep down, was actually delighted, but maintained his aloof air, grumbling, “Anything else?”

Wu Tan understood from his words that he was genuinely grateful.

“Second Brother!” She stood before him, her expression turning serious as she bit her lip and explained, “About last night, I wasn’t targeting Second Mother. Don’t misunderstand.”

The thought of the battlefield always filled her with dread. No matter who in her family went, she wished for their safe return.

Though Wu Qingyu often quarreled with her, there had never been any real animosity between them—after all, half their blood was the same. Last night’s quarrel had gotten out of hand. Normally she wouldn’t have gone out of her way to explain, but with him soon departing for war, she didn’t want him to leave carrying any lingering resentment.

…An apology? This girl actually came to apologize to him?

It was as if he’d seen a ghost in broad daylight!

Wu Qingyu never would have imagined she’d spend all this time just to offer an explanation and an apology. The thought amused him, and a spark lit in his eyes as he watched her patiently.

Wu Tan, all mischief gone, spoke in earnest, her tone solemn. “The battlefield is dangerous. Don’t act rashly out there. Nothing is more important than coming back alive.”

The girl before him, lovely and delicate, her eyes shining like stars.

Wu Qingyu truly understood—

What had always troubled him was merely his not-quite-legitimate status as the eldest son.

As for the ties between him and Wu Tan, or even Wu Qinglin—

Family remained family. What deep-seated hatred could there be?

As for bickering with Wu Tan, honestly—

It was just habitually sharp tongues!

And habits, once formed, are hard to break…

The next moment, Wu Tan saw him break into a wide, exuberant grin. “Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to come back alive and drink at your wedding!”

This man, born to be contrary, never knew when to keep his mouth shut!

Wu Tan snorted. The important words had been said; she had no desire to linger. She rolled her eyes and left without another word.

Wu Qingyu remained leaning against the doorframe, only straightening and closing the door once she had left the courtyard.

*

Even with the fastest horses, it took three or four days to travel from Yinjing to the southern military camp. As Marquis Dingyuan and his son were to depart before dawn, everyone in the household rose before the fourth watch.

The old lady, Madam Yan, personally oversaw the kitchen, instructing the cooks to prepare her son’s and grandson’s favorite dishes. Madam Meng, with her maids and servants, made a final inspection of her husband’s and son’s clothing and luggage. Steward Qin, abandoning his duties at the Buddha Hall, led the stable hands to feed and prepare the horses.

The family gathered in the main hall for breakfast. Marquis Wu, ever upright and decisive, said little. Madam Meng, though frustrated by Wu Qingqiong’s absence, refrained from mentioning it so as not to upset her husband.

Most of the servants were busy in the front courtyard, leaving the back especially quiet.

Dawn had not yet broken. Under the lingering shadow of night, a petite figure darted into Madam Meng’s courtyard. She slipped easily past two dozing maids and entered the main house.

After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, she slipped out again, peeking around corners before quietly closing the door and departing the way she came.

In the front courtyard, after the meal, the entire family saw the marquis and his son off at the gate before dispersing.

Because the emperor had summoned her to deliver Wu Tan’s birth date to the palace, Madam Meng hurried back to her room to change into formal attire. With Wu Tan’s birth record prepared the night before, she rushed off to the palace.

For the next two days, peace reigned at the Dingyuan Marquis’s residence. However, news of the illustrious, yet mysterious, Prince Sheng’s sudden return to the capital spread swiftly through the court, becoming the chief topic of gossip in every household.

That night, after three days confined in the Buddha Hall, Wu Qingqiong was finally released.

———Author’s note———

The female lead’s golden finger is unlocked, and the group-pampering arc begins...

PS: This book avoids cliché catfights in the early chapters, but trust in your author’s plot skills—please be patient, darlings! Kisses~

And, as tonight marks the new year, I wish everyone a happy New Year’s Eve in advance. May 2019 bring peace and happiness!

This book is an original release—please do not repost!