[Urban] Banner of Desire (Complete) - 1-3

[Synopsis] Even with deep love, what does it matter? He and she are destined to be entangled for life... Perhaps, whoever loves more deeply will be the ultimate loser; whoever's heart is more ruthless will be the ultimate winner. Such is the cruelty of love in this world... Persistence and infatuation are destined to entangle them for life, and also to be fatal wounds in each other's hearts... The female lead is devoted, the male lead is wicked, their love is earth-shattering, their love is life-or-death...

Part 1,

Chapter 1: Virgin Blood

Today is Sima Wanqing's sixteenth birthday. Even though she is the eldest daughter of Lieyun Ranch, with an extremely noble status, she is still a young girl. Her father, eldest brother, second brother, Uncle Yue—everyone is busy with their own affairs, and no one remembers that today is her birthday.

Except for him! Yes, only he remembers everything about her.

The sun sets, the evening glow is brilliant, Lieyun Ranch is truly beautiful. Sima Wanqing looks at the boundless grassland outside the window, and a sense of pride arises spontaneously. The "Sima Family of the Outer Pass," one of the three great martial arts families, is no less skilled than the "Pei Family of Jiangnan" and the "Long Family of the Central Plains." Their detachment from the struggles of the martial world and their leisurely enjoyment of the beauty of the Outer Pass are unmatched by the other two families. And in terms of wealth, who in the world can rival the "Sima Family of the Outer Pass's"

immense riches? Holding the note in her hand, a deep smile unconsciously spread across her lips. He was going to celebrate her birthday. Even though rumors circulated about countless beautiful girls admiring him, his eyes were always only for her.

Sima Wanqing sat in her secluded pavilion, eagerly awaiting Duan Yuhan's arrival, like any young girl in her prime awaiting her lover. Although he had never confessed anything, and she had never said anything either, their hearts were intertwined; even without words, the love between them was profound.

Duan Yuhan's figure gradually came into her view. Although everyone said she looked exactly like her mother, and that countless young men would fall at the gates of Lieyun Ranch for her, she always believed he was the most beautiful person on the entire ranch. He was so radiant, breathtakingly beautiful.

Duan Yuhan waved from afar, and she hurriedly opened the door to greet him. She threw herself into his arms like a little bird, and he spun her around twice before putting her down.

"Why are you so late?"

she asked innocently.

"I had a lot to do,"

he explained with a smile.

She was surprised to find a small flask of wine in his hand. "You're not planning to give this as a birthday present, are you? I don't want it!"

She didn't like alcohol; she'd heard it could lead to promiscuity.

He took out a jade bracelet from his pocket and waved it in front of her. "How about this?"

She glanced at it, a little disappointed. She had thought he had some novelty. She had all sorts of jade bracelets. This one, although it looked of good quality, didn't interest her.

"I have plenty of these,"

she pouted, expressing her dissatisfaction.

He smiled without speaking, took her left hand, and with a "snap," the jade bracelet was perfectly fastened to her wrist. This jade bracelet was indeed peculiar; it even had an internal mechanism. Examining it more closely, the bracelet, set against her flawless white wrist, resembled a clear, transparent stream, with emerald green water plants gently swaying and floating on the water's surface.

Could this be the legendary, priceless "Forbidden Spring Bracelet"? Legend has it that the King of Loulan deeply loved his Queen, but she did not love him. So the King invited sorcerers from all thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions to imbue his love into a piece of the finest jade, and then had a skilled craftsman craft it into a bracelet for the Queen. From then on, the Queen could feel the King's love every moment; her heart was thus captured and imprisoned by the King, never leaving his side again.

Only she in this world was worthy of this bracelet, he thought, gazing at her with fascination.

She felt his burning gaze and deliberately turned away from him. "How do I take this bracelet off?"

she asked, genuinely curious about the mechanism.

He smiled. "Once you put this bracelet on, you can never take it off."

It belonged to her, just as she belonged to him. She looked at him in disbelief, and he refused to explain further.

Later, he invited her for drinks, her first time ever. The fragrant and mellow aroma of Zhuyeqing intoxicated her, and she gradually drifted into a sweet dream.

She was truly drunk, nestled obediently against him, motionless.

He gently placed her on the bed. Her beautiful face shone brightly in the sunlight, and the unique fragrance of her youth stirred his heartbeat intentionally or unintentionally. He could even hear her even breathing.

He leaned against the bedside, counting her eyelashes, listening to her rhythmic heartbeat, feeling a dreamlike joy. Strangely, his heartbeat slowly synchronized with hers; with each beat, he could hear it so clearly.

The flush from the alcohol made her face even more radiant. His gaze gradually became hazy, radiating a fiery passion. His slender fingers gently traced her lips, which were so soft. He slowly lowered his head, capturing the sweet fragrance of her lips. This was the first time he had been so close to her, yet the entanglement of their lips and tongues was so skillful and natural, as if he had performed this act a thousand times before.

In her dazed state, she was oblivious to his advances, simply responding naturally to his demands. Occasionally, she let out a soft "ooh," causing his heart to flutter uncontrollably.

With just a gentle pull, the bow on her blouse was untied. A simple, elegant bra, faithfully fulfilling its duty, carefully enveloped her shapely body. His fingers traced the edge of the exquisitely embroidered bra, inch by inch, exploring and discovering. The sudden burning sensation and inexplicable pleasure made her open her eyes groggily, unable to see what was happening.

He knew that to make things go more smoothly, a tiny bit of a sedative had been added to the bamboo leaf green tea; she wouldn't be conscious, much less resist. He kissed his way up her lovely forehead, her soft cheeks, her delicate nose, her small chin, his burning kisses gradually moving down her fair neck. She didn't seem to mind him doing this, reaching out to wrap her arms around his neck, as if hoping for even closer contact.

He kissed every inch of her skin from top to bottom, then took her small, pink nipples into his mouth, his love and entanglement seemingly pouring out all his deepest affection and tenderness. She seemed to enjoy this feeling; her delicate, sensitive skin flushed a captivating pink, and her whole body looked as if she were drunk.

He removed her luxurious dress piece by piece, his nimble fingers secretly slipping inside to caress the depths of her paradise. The virgin's love juice flowed slowly with the movement of his fingers, carrying a delicate fragrance, just like her natural scent. She let out a soft moan, that alluring sound stirring his heart.

His body grew hotter and hotter, a surge of intense desire quickly filling every cell and nerve in his body. He no longer wanted any obstacles between them. Uncontrollable passion drove him to penetrate her recklessly. His erection pierced her last line of defense.

As her crimson flowed out, he deeply felt her moist warmth, clinging tightly to him. The most intimate union between man and woman was so exquisite; the intense pleasure made him thrust wildly.

Even in her ecstasy, she let out a soft cry, her body suddenly stiffening. A tear slowly seeped from the depths of her thick eyelashes, then a second, a third, and so on.

Was she in pain? He gritted his teeth, struggling to control his passion, lifted her body, and made her straddle him, kissing her deeply. His deliberately provocative kisses teased her senses, and her body gradually relaxed. He took her nipple in his mouth, gently devouring and caressing it. She leaned softly against him, occasionally shivering, making indistinct sounds, as if she could no longer bear his playful teasing, as if she was asking him to go further.

He felt her body growing hotter, her breath quickening, and her love juices becoming increasingly abundant. He moved slowly, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. Her unprecedented vulnerability and fragility excited him even more, fueling his possessiveness.

"Say you love me,"

he whispered in her ear.

Her head rested on his shoulder. Her weak, dazed appearance made him sigh.

He laid her down, increasing his speed. Her alluring waist swayed naturally with his movements, their coordination surprisingly harmonious. To ride freely in her warmth was exhilarating, a sweet pleasure exploding within him.

What he had imagined was now truly happening. He thrust again and again, leaving his mark on her body, finally releasing his burning love at the peak of pleasure.

Only when the lights were lit did he lie down beside her. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into his embrace, murmuring, "Qing, I love you."

She was still fast asleep, unaware that she had just transformed from a girl into a woman.

But she would eventually wake up. The man she loved with all her heart had taken her virginity while she was drunk. How would she face him? How would he face her?

Duan Yuhan looked at Sima Wanqing's sleeping profile and tenderly kissed her hair. Actually, just holding her like this would have been enough for him, but he had to do it.

Because no one could change or stop his plan, not even the person he loved most.

Chapter 2: Boundless Spring

When Sima Wanqing woke up, it was already midnight, and it was pitch black all around. Her head felt heavy, and she struggled to get up to light a candle. The candle suddenly lit up.

She then realized that she was completely naked, and the person sitting in the chair lighting the candle was none other than Duan Yuhan. Her mind was numb, and she stood blankly at the foot of the bed. In the candlelight, the virgin's blood stood out starkly against the snow-white sheets.

A dull pain shot through her body to her brain, and she vaguely remembered the tender intimacy she had just shared with someone. Her face was pale; the effects of the alcohol and the drug hadn't worn off yet, and her reactions were still somewhat sluggish. After a while, she roughly understood what had happened.

Had he deliberately gotten her drunk and then forced himself on her? Or was it just a coincidence? Drunk people are naturally prone to making mistakes, and he had no intention of violating her? She preferred to believe the latter.

She jumped onto the bed and hid herself under the covers. He must have drunk too much and lost control in a moment of weakness. Thinking this, she forced a smile, "You said I would forgive you."

Because love means forgiveness, doesn't it? Even if he had forced himself on her, as long as he admitted his mistake, she could forgive him, she really could.

His expression was uncertain. Did he still not understand her enough? In her imagination, she should have cried uncontrollably, then been filled with grief and indignation, and finally left Lieyun Ranch without looking back. How could she remain calm and listen to his explanation? Perhaps it was the Sima family's inherently kind and composed nature at play?

Regardless, he was determined to force her to leave the ranch; he couldn't let her jeopardize the entire plan.

He approached her, candle in hand. In the candlelight, his expression was somewhat ferocious, something she had never seen before. Tonight, he was utterly a stranger.

"There was a drug in the drink. Is your head heavy?"

His seemingly concerned words sounded eerie.

His admission of the drug meant it was premeditated, not just a drunken act! She opened her mouth, wanting to ask again, but ultimately remained silent.

He sat by the bed, illuminating her face with the candlelight. Her face was filled with shock, disbelief, and heartache.

He said, "You want to know why? It's simple. I just wanted to experience what it's like to be a young lady. Unfortunately, I'm no different from other women." Was

he treating her this way simply to compare her to other women? Although she knew he wasn't like that, and knew he was acting strangely now, so different from his usual self, she was still enraged by his words.

He glanced at her and continued, "You're too thin, you need to eat more. Yao Siniang from Mantianfang is much more comfortable to hold than you."

Mantianfang was the largest gambling den outside the ranch; though called a gambling den, it also provided prostitutes. Although she had never been there, she knew of Yao Siniang's seductive charm. Thinking of his past entanglement with Yao Siniang, she felt as if a thousand ants were gnawing at her heart, causing her immense pain.

"Get out!"

She tried to control her anger, not wanting to hear his hurtful words anymore.

But he refused to leave, sneering, "Ordering me? But I haven't finished what I wanted to do yet!"

He abruptly pulled back the covers, revealing her naked body. She screamed, grabbed the sheets, jumped off the bed, and quickly wrapped herself up. He looked at her calmly.

She swiftly drew her signature Blood Shadow Whip from behind the bedside table, and with a flick of her wrist, the whip struck his three vital points with the force of a whirlwind—the pinnacle of the Sima family's martial arts, a perfect blend of strength and gentleness.

He deftly dodged with his "Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow" technique, not forgetting to mock her, "This Blood Shadow Whip was a gift from me the year before last. We even practiced this move a few days ago. You actually think you can use it against me? It truly lives up to Han Yu's poem, 'An ant trying

to shake a giant tree,' laughable and overestimating your own abilities!" He compared her to an ant and himself to a

giant tree, mocking her vastly inferior martial arts skills and her current futile struggle. Her pretty face flushed pink with anger, her wrist trembled, and the whip tip seemed to come alive, relentlessly pursuing his vital points. Although she was young, her lightness skill, movements, and internal energy cultivation were all true inheritances from her father. At this moment, her movements were fluid and agile, her steps light and swift. Her soft whip danced up and down, like a silver snake writhing wildly , tightly coiling around him—truly formidable.

He hadn't practiced whip with her for a month, yet her progress was astounding. He inwardly praised her diligence and comprehension. His uncle had said that given time, she was the one who would carry on the Sima family's martial arts tradition, and he was right.

He was impatient to continue fighting her. With a flick of his long sleeve, he entangled her whip with his own, channeling his inner strength into his sleeve and pulling her towards him. His inner strength far surpassed hers, and her body was naturally pulled towards him along with the whip. If she let go, she could escape unscathed. But given her personality, she would rather die than discard her weapon.

Sure enough, she was pulled into his arms. She was both ashamed and angry, raising her fist to strike his chest. In her haste, she had no strength at all. He firmly grasped her wrist, threw her onto the bed, and then twisted her hand behind her back.

She struggled and twisted, but he smiled and pressed his body against hers. Through the thin sheet, her naked skin could feel his heat.

His hand slid down her bare neck. Her eyes widened. "You... what are you going to do?"

"Of course, I'm going to do what we did before. You were drunk earlier, so it wasn't fun. I prefer you looking angry now."

His tone was full of teasing.

His handsome face drew closer and closer; she had never seen him so close before. His stunning beauty dazzled her. He pried open her lips with his tongue, his domineering yet tender breath enveloping her. She stared at him blankly, foolishly letting his kiss make her dizzy. So this was what kissing him felt like. She closed her eyes slightly, unable to look at him.

He knew she loved him, but tonight he could only choose to hurt her.

"Let me teach you how to be a real woman."

He tore open the sheet covering her, exposing her to him once more.

Her naked skin in the chilly air snapped her out of her reverie. Suddenly, she remembered that Xiaoyu would always call her for dinner; where was she now, in the middle of the night?

"Where's Xiaoyu? What did you do to her?"

He was surprised that she was still concerned about someone else's safety. "She's fine, just weak, resting in her room. I told her I'd take good care of you, so she definitely won't bother us."

Was everything premeditated? Her beloved Duan Yuhan was her father's most capable assistant, the ranch's top strategist, not only exceptionally skilled in martial arts and incredibly intelligent, but also gentle, considerate, and kind. The most beautiful man in the world, with an inner beauty as beautiful as his appearance; he was the perfect person in her heart. That person wasn't this frivolous and lewd man before her, absolutely not!

She moved her body cautiously, as if doing so would help her avoid him. He pulled her close and thrust himself into her.

Tears welled up uncontrollably. Not from physical pain, but from the deepest wound in her heart. Tonight, his unusually brutal violation completely shattered the perfect image she held of him.

He ignored her tears, continuing his cruel conquest. He took her in various positions, ravaging her without restraint. A near-desperate madness filled his heart. He knew that after tonight, she would never see him again. The price he paid for achieving his dream was to be hated by the one he loved most.

Her sixteen-year-old, immature body was like a flimsy bamboo raft suddenly adrift on the open sea, facing the violent impact of giant waves, struggling to avoid destruction. The extreme discomfort in her body, coupled with his almost greedy expression of wanton pleasure, amplified the sharp, bitter pain in her flesh a thousandfold, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

He finally couldn't bear it anymore, gently stroking her back and slowing his thrusts. He kissed her tear-streaked cheeks tenderly. At that moment, he was so gentle and comforting, so full of love.

He skillfully employed every seductive technique, ensuring she didn't suffer so much during his advances. His lips irresistibly caressed her ear, her cherry lips, her nipples, while his hands deftly and joyfully explored every inch of her soft, sensitive body. His member within her was powerful and stirring, ready to burst forth. Gradually

, tears streamed down her face again. Deep within her soul, something was quietly sprouting and growing, something she was powerless to stop. Her love for him, so profound it seeped into her very bones, causing her to succumb uncontrollably.

In another of his advances, she clung to him, her nails digging deep into his back, leaving scratch marks in their passionate embrace. She could only surrender to her complete descent, following him as he soared, roamed, rejoiced, and wept in the realm of desire.

For him, nothing was more joyful and proud than watching his beloved woman, under his guidance, gradually experience sexual pleasure. Her body, once as hard and undeveloped as a flower bud, gradually relaxed and softened, finally blossoming into a magnificent flower, exuding an intoxicating fragrance. He had played a catalytic role in her blossoming and maturation, proving that his image was deeply ingrained in her heart, that he had left a profound mark on her life. This satisfaction in the sense of life itself was a different kind of unforgettable joy, beyond the extreme pleasure of the flesh.

Finally, he led her to the pinnacle of love. In the instant of his release, a voice in his heart cried out, "I love you..."

As if sensing his feelings, she, with a dreamlike expression, also said, "I love you."

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. This was the first time she had said those three words to him, and to him, they sounded like heavenly music.

Her petite body still bore the marks of their passionate lovemaking, weakly pressed beneath him. He tenderly lifted her up, kissing her cheek.

She looked at him dazedly, gradually regaining her senses, quickly breaking free from his grasp and shrinking into the covers. This time, he did not force her to stay in his arms. When it's time to let go, you have to let go, don't you?

Her gaze was icy cold. "Go."

She turned away, refusing to look at him again.

He smiled bitterly. Wasn't this exactly what he wanted? Why was his heart filled with bitterness at this moment? But he had no regrets, because everything would proceed according to plan. Knowing her as he did, she would choose to leave him and Lieyun Ranch within three days. But she wouldn't go far; when the time was right, she had to return. Because Lieyun Ranch would always be her home.

She watched his figure disappear into the moonlight. Tears, stubbornly held back, threatened to spill again. She gritted her teeth and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. She was the young mistress of Lieyun Ranch, the eldest daughter of the Sima family outside the pass; she would never shed tears easily.

What should she do now? Should she tell her father about this? If she told him, given his temper, he would surely make her take responsibility and marry him. Although marrying him was the beautiful future she had once longed for, after tonight, she would never be so foolish again.

It was premeditated. First, he drugged and raped her, then proceeded to blatantly rape her. Even if she deeply loved him, such behavior was unforgivable. She was so proud; the humiliation and shame he inflicted upon her today would never be forgotten.

From that night on, the perfect Duan Yuhan was forever erased from her memory. She only wanted to leave, to go far away, never to see his ugliness and cruelty again.

Chapter 3: The First Murder Case.

But Sima Wanqing was wrong. Even if she escaped him, she couldn't possibly never return to Lieyun Ranch. Because that would always be her home, where her beloved father and brother resided.

Four months later, Sima Wanqing, who had run away from home, received news of her second brother's death. She rushed back to Lieyun Ranch, traveling day and night.

Inside the Wanyin Hall, Sima Lie and his son Sima Xu, the chief steward Yue Zhongzheng, the deputy chief steward Duan Yuhan, and the four deacons all wore somber expressions as they discussed Sima Hui's funeral arrangements.

Sima Wanqing, dressed in red, burst in like a fiery cloud, startling everyone. Her eyes were slightly red. "Your daughter is unfilial, leaving home without permission and causing Father worry. Please punish me."

Her face was haggard, clearly from not having rested properly on the journey.

Although Sima Lie wanted to scold his daughter for leaving without saying goodbye, he simply waved his hand. "It's good that you're back. Go back to your room and rest."

"How did Second Brother die?"

she asked anxiously. Second Brother was only twenty-two years old, never sick, and skilled in martial arts. How could he have died suddenly? She had asked the people at the ranch on the way, but they were all hesitant and vague.

Now that she asked, no one knew how to answer her. Sima Xu came over and tried to pull her out. "Little sister, rest first. We'll talk about other things later."

"Big brother, I really want to know."

Why was everyone silent and trying to send her back to her room?

Sima Hui's death was extremely dishonorable, because he died naked in the bed of the young lady Shuling at Mantianfang. This matter had already caused Sima Lie immense heartache, yet she continued to press him about it in public. Sima Lie suddenly flew into a rage, "Go back to your room when I tell you to!"

Since she was old enough to understand, because of her mother's early death, her father had always doted on her and had never spoken a harsh word to her. She didn't understand what she had said wrong that made her father so angry. She pursed her lips, stubbornly looking at her father, without uttering a sound, and finally turned and left.

Duan Yuhan's gaze followed her retreating figure. In just four months, she had blossomed into an even more radiant beauty; no wonder the disciples of prestigious families and wealthy young masters within the pass swarmed around her like flies. However, aside from their first meeting, they would never see her a second time, because he had already ordered his men to shoo away each of these flies for her. Whether it was bribery, seduction, threats of force, or even murder, it didn't matter; he didn't want a second man to appear by her side.

"What? You said Second Brother died in Mantianfang?"

When Sima Wanqing woke up, she immediately asked Xiaoyu about her second brother's death. Xiaoyu told her something else, which made her look at her in disbelief. Xiaoyu nodded, "I heard it from the grooms; I don't know the details."

She quickly got up, changed her clothes, led Xueyu Cong from her private stable, mounted her horse, and galloped away. Xueyu Cong lived up to its reputation as a steed capable of traveling a thousand miles a day; in the time it takes for an incense stick to

burn, she had already arrived steadily at the entrance of Mantianfang. The signboard of Mantianfang rustled in the strong north wind outside the pass, and the sounds of bustling activity could be faintly heard from inside. She had heard that Mantianfang was thriving, making tens of thousands of taels of gold a day; it seemed that wasn't an exaggeration.

She slowly entered; Mantianfang had three floors. On the first floor, every table was surrounded by all sorts of people: throwing dice, playing dominoes, playing mahjong—each had their own area, each enjoying themselves. The second and third floors were silent; that was probably where the prostitutes frequented at night. She frowned in disgust.

"Miss Sima."

Someone recognized her and greeted her respectfully. This greeting, however, attracted the attention of those engrossed in gambling. It was rare for the renowned Miss Sima to be at Mantianfang; the lecherous, the curious, and the nosy all turned to look.

Sima Wanqing's serious gaze swept over each person before her. Why had her second brother died here? Her expression was strikingly similar to her father's; for a moment, everyone was intimidated by her aura and dared not look at her.

A beautiful woman slowly descended from the second floor, her slender waist swaying gracefully. She stopped in front of Sima Wanqing. "Miss Sima, please come upstairs for a chat."

Sima Wanqing glanced at her sideways. "Who are you? Let your boss speak."

"The boss isn't here. For now, I, Yao Si Niang, am in charge here,"

the beautiful woman introduced herself.

She was Yao Si Niang? Sima Wanqing scrutinized her closely. In terms of appearance, she was a first-rate beauty, but unfortunately, too alluring. Perhaps it was this allure that attracted so many men. Suddenly, she recalled Duan Yuhan's words, and a pang of pain shot through her heart.

"Everyone, continue having fun."

Yao Siniang turned to the crowd, giving them a flirtatious wink, before leading Sima Wanqing upstairs. The men watched Yao Siniang leave with lingering reluctance, secretly swallowing hard. Truly a stunning beauty.

The two sat down. Sima Wanqing immediately stated her purpose. Yao Siniang looked at her with feigned sadness, "The Second Young Master did indeed die here."

"How did he die?"

Yao Siniang looked at her in surprise, "You don't know?"

"Tell me."

"Master Sima won't tell you for your own good. I still can't tell you."

Halfway through her sentence, Yao Siniang hesitated.

Sima Wanqing grew impatient, "Tell me the truth!"

"No!"

Yao Siniang refused firmly.

Sima Wanqing sneered, drawing her Blood Shadow Whip from her waist and swiftly wrapping it around Yao Siniang's neck. "Speak, or die, the choice is yours!"

Normally a remarkably calm person, she couldn't remain composed in the face of her second brother's mysterious death and Yao Siniang's presence.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her whip, a powerful force forcing her to pull back. It turned out that the person who had saved Yao Siniang was Duan Yuhan.

"Young Master Duan, you've come at the right time. Quickly take Miss Sima back."

Yao Siniang leaned towards Duan Yuhan, seemingly seeking his protection.

Duan Yuhan turned to Sima Wanqing. "I heard you rode out on horseback, so I knew you were here."

"So you rushed here to protect your old flame, is that it?"

Sima Wanqing blurted out, then realized her mistake, as if she were jealous.

"I don't want you causing trouble here, damaging the Sima family's reputation."

Duan Yuhan's tone was the same as before, always treating her like a child. Unfortunately, Sima Wanqing was no longer the little girl who would only whine and plead with him.

She sat down and leisurely sipped her tea. "Bring up whatever else Mantianfang has to offer. Miss Yao wouldn't be so stingy as to serve a mere pot of tea, would she?"

Seeing her determined and persistent demeanor, Yao Siniang looked at Duan Yuhan pleadingly.

Duan Yuhan grabbed Sima Wanqing's hand. "Stop fooling around!"

"Then tell me, how did Second Brother die?"

Her burning gaze met his, making him slightly uneasy. When had she stopped obeying him? When had she stopped looking up to him?

"Fine, if you want to know, I'll tell you."

He dragged her to a room on the third floor, kicked open the door, and pointed to a bed with low-hanging brocade curtains. "Your Second Brother died from excessive indulgence in lust on this bed."

She couldn't accept these words; her head was buzzing. How could Second Brother die in a prostitute's bed? Second Brother was clearly a man who loved martial arts and had no interest in women.

She reminded herself that the more chaotic the situation, the more she needed to control her emotions and remain calm. She took a deep breath. "Whose bed is this? I want to see her."

If it were before, she would have said, "You're lying to me!"

But now, she was surprisingly calm. Duan Yuhan observed her expression with surprise. When did she start to like hiding her true feelings so much?

Yao Si Niang sighed resentfully at the door. "Come with me. Shuling is chanting scriptures for the Second Young Master."

Sima Wanqing shook off Duan Yuhan's hand and walked past him indifferently.

When Sima Wanqing saw Shuling, Shuling was chanting scriptures. She was dressed in plain clothes, her face was unadorned, her expression was dignified, and she exuded a quiet gentleness, without any of the seductive air of a courtesan.

"Shuling, Miss Sima has come to see you."

Yao Si Niang called out to her.

Shuling got up and greeted Sima Wanqing, but remained silent.

"Tell me what happened."

Sima Wanqing still couldn't believe that her second brother's young life had ended so suddenly. She needed more facts to help her believe it all.

Shuling's pale face gradually flushed red, and she finally spoke, "The second young master was in particularly high spirits that night. He took a few pills, saying they could... enhance the pleasure. Later... around midnight the next day, he suddenly said he was very tired, fainted, and then... never woke up."

She sobbed as she spoke.

"You were with your second brother the whole time?"

"Yes."

"You were...until midnight the next day?"

Sima Wanqing could only press further.

"...Yes."

Shuling's face was flushed, her voice barely audible.

"Your second brother indulged in excessive pleasure, yet Miss Shuling is unharmed. Perhaps your endurance is exceptionally strong? You truly are in that line of work; you're different from ordinary people."

Upon hearing Sima Wanqing's words, Duan Yuhan's expression changed. Her words were extremely harsh, as if she wouldn't be satisfied until she had thoroughly humiliated the other person, completely unlike her usual self.

Shuling said in a trembling voice, "Please, Miss Sima, have some self-respect. I consider myself virtuous and would never have given myself to you if it weren't for the Second Young Master. We were mutually in love, but fate played a cruel trick on us."

Yao Si Niang quickly said, "Yes, Miss Sima, please don't misunderstand Shuling. She's an entertainer, not a prostitute. She and the Second Young Master fell in love at first sight last month, and that's how they got together."

"Where are the pills? Are there any more?"

Sima Wanqing didn't distrust them, but she needed to verify.

"After your second brother died, we searched every inch of this place and examined every suspicious item. The pill was just an ordinary aphrodisiac, nothing special. The whole thing was an accident, and Miss Shuling didn't want it to be like this. Your questioning and harassment of Mantianfang is pointless. If you continue like this, more people will know the cause of your second brother's death. The entire Lieyun Ranch will be disgraced because of this. Do you understand?"

Duan Yuhan couldn't help but reprimand her.

He continued, "Everyone didn't tell you because it's not something to be proud of, and they didn't want you to misunderstand that your second brother was a lustful and greedy person."

Sima Wanqing said seriously, "Don't you find it suspicious? First, your second brother always looked down on those drugs, so why would he take them? Second, can a man and a woman really... die like that?"

She found the whole thing very strange.

"First, people change. No one knows why your second brother took the drug. Second, it was Mr. Lu who ultimately diagnosed your second brother's cause of death. You can ask her about that."

Lu Jingqiao arrived in the Northeast many years ago, and Sima Lie always treated him with respect. Therefore, he and Lieyun Ranch were always on good terms. Whenever the Sima family had an illness, they would seek his treatment. He was known as "the miracle worker who even ghosts fear," meaning that he could bring the dead back to life. The people he saved could not be taken away even by ghosts. So his diagnosis must be correct.

Sima Wanqing was bewildered. People change? Duan Yuhan could become despicable, so why was it surprising that her second brother changed his attitude towards aphrodisiacs? Or perhaps she had never truly known Duan Yuhan, nor had she ever truly known her second brother.

She remembered when the three siblings went to catch grasshoppers together as children. The eldest brother would always catch one first and then proudly show it off to his younger siblings. When she was four or five years old, she would enviously want one, but her eldest brother would refuse. Then her ten-year-old second brother would pat his chest and say, "Little sister, I caught one, you can play with it first." She would burst into laughter through her tears, overjoyed.

She never imagined that her impulsive runaway four months ago would become her final

farewell to her second brother. Had she known, no matter how angry or heartbroken she was, she would never have left the ranch. Seeing her on the verge of tears, Duan Yuhan knew she must be remembering her second brother's kindness. He gently patted her shoulder, "Go back, go back to see your second brother one last time. His formal burial is tomorrow."

She silently followed him out of Mantianfang and rode back.

That night, everyone said everything Sima Hui experienced was normal, but his eventual death was not; it was an accident. Was his death fate, destiny?

Chapter 4: Ruthless Torture

Sima Wanqing sighed sadly, "Father loves my second brother the most, saying his temper is most like his. Father must be very sad now. It's all my fault; I made Father angry just now. I'm so unfilial; I should spend more time with Father."

At this moment, she was extremely heartbroken, unconsciously reverting to her old attitude, just like before, telling Duan Yuhan about anything that bothered her.

Duan Yuhan showed no joy, for from her tone, it seemed she intended to stay at the ranch to fulfill her filial duty. A cold glint flashed across his lips; some things, even if they hurt her, he had to do.

As they approached the ranch, he suddenly leaped up, jumping behind her to ride the snow-white jade horse with her. Still immersed in grief, she hadn't had time to react before he had acupunctured her, leaving her only able to lean against him.

"Take my horse to the stables. Miss is overwhelmed with grief and unwell. If Master needs anything, come to Tingyu Pavilion to find us,"

he instructed the servants. The servants, seeing the two like this, weren't surprised. Miss loved being with the deputy steward; now that she was back, the two were inseparable—perfectly normal.

Duan Yuhan's Tingyu Pavilion and Sima Wanqing's Muyu Pavilion were built side-by-side, their layouts identical.

When Duan Yuhan carried Sima Wanqing inside, she saw all the exquisite trinkets—things she had personally chosen and arranged for him in the past, still in their original places. The objects remained the same, but the people were gone. She couldn't pretend nothing had happened; the rift between them was irreparable.

He released her pressure point, which had silenced her. She looked at him coldly, "Why did you bring me here?"

He took her left hand, "You're still wearing it,

so that's why." She was furious, "I just can't take it off."

If she couldn't take it off, she could at least break it. But she really couldn't bring herself to do it. Perhaps looking at this "Forbidden Spring Bracelet" would remind her how much he had once loved and doted on her.

He smiled softly and threw her onto the bed. "What else do you want to do?"

He ignored her and began to undress her. "I'm at his mercy."

She spoke each word clearly, yet a chill rose in his heart. In her eyes, was this the kind of relationship they had? This wasn't what he wanted.

"I was wondering if you had my child that night?"

he said, his hand covering her lower abdomen. She firmly denied it, "No. And absolutely not!"

Her stubborn and aloof gaze ignited his desire to conquer. He forced her to leave him, yet how he longed to be intimate with her. His hand slowly slid down, and she seemed to know his intention, crying out, "No, no, I'm on my period!"

"Is that so?"

He smiled lewdly. "It's alright, we can try something new."

"I hate you! I despise you!"

She didn't know how to stop him now.

He walked to the window, where there was a plant she had never seen before. Was it his new decoration? The plant had light green, very thick leaves with white spots, and it hadn't bloomed; it looked unremarkable. She watched his every move with suspicion.

"Even though you hate me, of all the women in the world, I still like you the most,"

he said, picking up the plant.

"This is aloe vera, harmless to the body."

He slowly plucked a leaf. The aloe vera was wet, with some small thorns. He leaned down and kissed her gently. She was cold and unresponsive. He gently pressed it against her breast; the slight sting made her pink nipples stand up instantly. She watched her body react with a hint of panic; she clearly didn't like him doing this.

He peeled the aloe vera, revealing its melty juice, which dripped out when pressed against her chest, carrying a refreshing fragrance. He smeared this juice on her chest, making it glisten, and then smoothed it down to her lower abdomen, her private parts, and her anus.

"What...what are you going to do?"

She felt the cool, slippery juice. He didn't speak, silencing her with a passionate kiss. His hands weren't idle either; he peeled open a new aloe vera, pressing the rounded barbs against her anus, rubbing and pressing around it. She was a little scared, unsure of how he would violate her next. But his refreshing scent enveloped her, causing her tense nerves to relax somewhat.

He smiled wickedly and beautifully, "You are mine, every inch of your body is mine."

His fingers slid into her anus like snakes. She began to twist her body in terror, but the more she twisted, the hotter he became.

He tentatively moved little by little, pushing deeper and harder. Slowly, the insertion of his fingers widened her anus slightly. "Take it off, don't..."

The more she resisted, the more interested he became in continuing.

Suddenly, he turned her over, making her lie face down on the bed, pinching her ankles to spread her legs, and thrusting into her anus. The aloe vera lubricant made it easy for him to insert.

Her previously unexplored anus convulsed. A searing pain shot through her, as if her internal organs were being brutally churned by a steel knife. Cold sweat poured down her back. Her entire body swayed with his rhythm, being pounded, being possessed. She pinched him, hit him, and he pounded even harder.

He grabbed her slender waist, bound her arms with cloth strips, and continued to thrust deeply inside her. He seemed determined to devour her whole, brutally rampaging and twisting within her. She felt her body being torn apart, closed again, torn apart again, closed again. The pain was excruciating, so intense that her whole body began to spasm uncontrollably. Warm, moist blood gushed between her legs with each thrust, and she heard his intoxicated growls in her ear: "Qing... Qing..."

Was this what he meant by "most favorite"? It was clearly a brutal plunder by a wild beast.

She bit her lower lip hard, telling herself she couldn't cry, she absolutely couldn't shed another tear in front of him. The blood between her lips tasted salty, and the Sima family's belief in repaying kindness and avenging wrongs suddenly surged within her, a murderous intent she had never felt before rising in her heart. She was shocked by her own thought of killing him, and suddenly opened her mouth to vomit, but could only dry heave.

The endless plundering finally stopped. He collapsed beside her, satisfied. After a while, he got up to look at her, and couldn't help but gasp. He knew he would hurt her, but he hadn't expected to hurt her so badly. Her eyes seemed to spit fire, the flames of anger making her look like a delicate rose with thorns.

As soon as he released her pressure points, she mustered all her strength and slapped him hard across the face. With his martial arts skills, she naturally couldn't hit him, but he didn't dodge. The "smack" was extremely loud and crisp, and she froze.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached the door, and Xiaoyu's voice rang out, "Miss, Master wants you to go to the study."

Sima Wanqing glared at Duan Yuhan resentfully, but didn't answer. She absolutely couldn't let anyone see this situation.

"I know, go and tell Master, Miss will be there soon,"

he answered for her.

She looked at him coldly, "What you did today was not only despicable and shameless, but worse than a beast!"

"I know, you can tell your father,"

he replied indifferently.

"Tell Father, he will definitely kill you."

She could imagine her father's fury upon learning of this.

"It's best if you tell him. In his mind, I bullied you, so naturally I should be severely punished, but in the end, you still have to marry me."

Just because he was Duan Yuhan, an indispensable figure in Lieyun Ranch, he was fearless, he acted recklessly, he was certain that Sima Lie wouldn't kill him even if he knew, and he dared to humiliate her like this.

Sima Wanqing sneered, "I will never marry you."

She decided not to tell her father.

She—absolutely—would—not! She was swearing to God. Duan Yuhan knew he had truly hurt her deeply this time. Perhaps, when she returned to the ranch, he could make up for his mistake a thousandfold with love. As long as she was willing, as long as she wanted, he would do anything, pay any price, to win back her former deep affection.

At this moment, he did feel a pang of regret. But if he had to choose again, he would still do the same.

Give him time, let his plan proceed smoothly. Then, he would prove to her that the person he loved most in this world was her, only her!

When he opened the door, Xiaoyu was indeed gone. When he brought in a basin of water, she was already dressed and had gotten out of bed, but her brows were furrowed, and she stood there, probably because her injury was too severe, and even moving was painful.

He went over involuntarily and said softly, "Does it hurt a lot?"

She glared at him, refusing to listen to his feigned compassion. In that glance, she seemed to see tenderness and affection in his eyes, but... it was fleeting, and she thought it was just an illusion.

He took a towel to wipe her face, but she shooed him away in disgust.

"Do it yourself. And this medicine, it'll quickly reduce the swelling and stop the bleeding."

He finished speaking and left.

Just now he was so rude and shameless, yet now he seemed so caring and considerate; before, he was so kind and beautiful, now, so ugly and wicked. She didn't know what kind of person he was facing.

Thinking back to the thought of killing him, she felt a chill run down her spine, a deep regret swirling in her mind. When had she ever thought of treating him like that? Perhaps, the more she loved him, the more she hated him. To hate him to the extreme was to destroy him with her own hands.

Leave, never see him again, try to forget him; a life without love or hate is the best choice.

Chapter

5: The Second Murder Case

Late at night, Duan Yuhan leaned against the bed in Muyu Pavilion, unable to sleep. Half a year had passed in a flash, half a year since Sima Wanqing left Lieyun Ranch. The bed seemed to still hold her scent; he so missed the feeling of holding her in his arms.

Sima Xu is dead. According to her subordinates, she has been traveling day and night and should be back at the ranch by tomorrow. But she is not returning alone; a handsome young man is with her.

Pei Mubai, the grandson of the Grand Tutor of the court and the sole heir of the Pei family of Jiangnan, has become famous throughout the martial arts world in just over a year since his debut. Exceptional in literature and martial arts, handsome and refined, he is the dream lover of countless young girls, creating a martial arts fairytale – Pei Mubai.

He will not let any man who is near her go, even if his opponent is Pei Mubai. He has already ordered his men to carefully ambush Pei Mubai several times, but he has evaded them each time.

Perhaps, now that she is back, he should treat her as well as before. She will understand his sincerity, she will understand that the person who loves her most in the world is not her parents or brothers, but him. He vowed to himself that he would never harm her in the slightest again.

At dawn, Sima Wanqing got up early, mounted her horse, and set off to return to Lieyun Ranch. Her eldest brother was injured by a female thief who stole from the Sima family. He was severely poisoned, and there was no cure; he died just like that. Within a year, both her brothers had died tragically. She didn't know if the Sima family was simply having a run of bad luck or had offended a malevolent spirit.

Half a year ago, she rode her snow-white horse back for the funerals, and now this happened again. How could she bear it?

Seventeen or eighteen-year-old Pei Mubai, dressed in white, rode a red cloud horse close behind. "Don't run so fast, my red cloud horse can't keep up."

"Young Master Pei, I must hurry on my way. We'll meet again."

She thought of the people she used to know who would mysteriously disappear, and of the attacks they had been secretly made of in the past few days. She felt uneasy. She always felt that the attackers were targeting Pei Mubai because of her.

Pei Mubai laughed heartily, "No, no, these past few days, people have been plotting against you. I must escort you home before I feel at ease."

"But I think their target is you!"

Sima Wanqing voiced her thoughts.

“Even if you’re right, I should go back with you. I’ll be safe at your house.”

Pei Mubai’s words sounded quite reasonable. Sima Wanqing fell silent; she couldn’t win an argument with him. Sigh, if he hadn’t helped her find her stolen purse that day, she wouldn’t have wanted to get to know this charming young man.

Pei Mubai deliberately said, “You’re not saying anything because you don’t want to? I’m just passing through your house on my way to Loulan, and I don’t plan to stay long. I really didn’t expect that the dignified Sima of the Guanwai region, who is richer than a country, would have such a stingy young lady who can’t even entertain a guest or two and show some hospitality.”

Sima Wanqing’s face was tense. “If you’re going, hurry up and follow me. What are you babbling about?”

Sima Wanqing was a rare beauty, possessing an extraordinary temperament, exactly the kind of woman Pei Mubai admired. He was quite fond of her. So when he planned to go to Loulan, he learned she was returning to the border region and volunteered to travel with her.

Along the way, he noticed she lacked the spoiled arrogance of typical wealthy young ladies; instead, she was cold and aloof. A faint hint of melancholy in her eyes always made him want to cheer her up. They

were repeatedly ambushed along the way, but he didn't care. However, the situation was strange; the ambushers seemed very wary of Sima Wanqing, avoiding her and only targeting him. No one wants to suffer undeserved misfortune. But his journey to Loulan to investigate the strength of the Netherworld Sect and avenge the massacre of his family was already fraught with danger. Now, no matter how many obstacles he encountered, they couldn't stop his progress.

Two fine horses galloped one after the other. "Help me, help me..."

A dirty boy lay sprawled on the roadside, his legs covered in blood, writhing in pain.

Sima Wanqing stopped abruptly, dismounted, and went over. "What happened to you? Is there anything I can help you with?"

The boy looked up; his face and body were covered in filth, but his eyes were bright and alert. His voice was pitiful: "I was attacked by a pack of wolves and barely escaped to this place. If you really want to help me, could you take me home?"

Sima Wanqing took some wound medicine from her bundle and sprinkled it on his wounds, then bandaged them with a cloth. She then said, "Where do you live? I'll take you there."

Judging from his clothes, he was a local; his home must be nearby, and it shouldn't take long.

The boy's face lit up with joy, and he pointed east. With a slight effort, Sima Wanqing smoothly tossed the boy's entire body onto the back of her snow-white horse.

The young man suddenly burst into laughter, "Thank you, young lady. I'll repay you in the future if you lend me this horse." He

spurred the horse on, and it galloped away.

Normally, given Sima Wanqing's personality, if someone genuinely needed to borrow her horse, she would lend it to them, even if it meant giving it away. But this young man's deliberate deception greatly angered her.

Immediately, she gave a whistle, and the Snow Jade Steed neighed loudly, turning and galloping back. Her Blood Shadow Whip flashed from her waist, wrapping around the young man's waist. Startled by the horse's return and seeing the whip's fierce approach, the young man swiftly reversed his stance, bracing himself against the horse's back with one hand, his body suspended in mid-air; with his other hand, he shot a cluster of embroidery needles at her.

Sima Wanqing, light as a swallow, gracefully dodged the needles, her whip striking the young man's waist again without hesitation. Seeing her effortlessly avoid the needles, the young man knew he was in trouble. Before he could dodge, she grabbed him by the waist and pulled him off the horse. Sima Wanqing swiftly stepped forward and pressed his pressure points, then properly examined him.

This young man had deliberately stolen the horse, yet claimed he wanted to repay her; he shouldn't be a truly wicked person. Sima Wanqing feigned sternness, "Speak, who are you? Why did you steal my horse?"

"My family is poor, we've been living on borrowed money. The creditor said if I don't pay today, he'll sell my sister to a brothel. I had no choice but to steal something to pay off the debt. Seeing that your Snow Jade Steed is a fine horse, I... Miss, please have mercy and let me go,"

the young man said pitifully.

Sima Wanqing sneered, "Do you think I'd be fooled?"

How could an ordinary person know martial arts, or possess silver needles? This young man's hasty lie was full of flaws.

Pei Mubai interjected, "He recognized your horse as Xueyu Cong, so he's no ordinary person. His lightness skill is quite good; he seems like a thief."

"You weren't moving at all just now, but now you're all talkative,"

Sima Wanqing said, seemingly too lazy to listen to him.

Pei Mubai smiled innocently, "The Sima family's martial arts are unparalleled. You still need my help?"

The young man's face changed drastically upon hearing "Sima family," and he lowered his head, cursing himself inwardly. Xueyu Cong was a renowned steed, and in this region beyond the pass, only members of the Sima family were worthy of riding it. He had only been focused on escaping and finding a good horse, without thinking things through, and had unwittingly handed himself over to the Sima family. Now he was doomed.

The small bundle on the young man's back was tightly bound to his body, as if hiding some treasure. Pei Mubai became slightly suspicious and walked over, "See what's in his bundle; maybe it's stolen goods." Sima Wanqing

did as he was told, opening the bundle and letting out a soft "Eh!" Inside the bundle, carefully wrapped in cotton cloth, was a white jade vase, along with a girl's dress and a black night outfit. The vase, made of fine jade with exquisite carvings, was indeed a rare treasure among Hetian jade. It seemed the thief was not only skilled but also a knowledgeable female thief.

A female thief? Sima Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. She rushed over and grabbed the boy by the neck. "Did you steal this vase from Lieyun Ranch?"

The boy remained silent.

"Will you talk or not?"

Sima Wanqing suddenly remembered how familiar the jade vase looked; she had seen it in her elder brother's bedroom. It was said to be called "The Light of Hetian," once a national treasure of the Kingdom of Hetian, later changing hands many times, and no one knew who had given it to her elder brother. She was now furious; this female thief was undoubtedly involved in her brother's death. Otherwise, why would she be so guilty, afraid to even answer?

"Why deny stealing a jade vase? Admitting won't kill you. Miss Sima has always been kind and compassionate; you saw it yourself. Just tell the truth."

Pei Mubai urged the young man to confess, fearing that Sima Wanqing might accidentally strangle him in her excitement. He didn't want to see a beautiful woman kill someone—such a spoilsport.

The young man glared at him. "Fine, I'll talk. Yes, I stole the vase. But the death of Young Master Sima has nothing to do with me."

The female thief admitted to stealing, but denied murder? Sima Wanqing wrapped her hands in cloth and carefully picked up the embroidery needle from the ground, examining it closely. The servants said her elder brother died of poisoning; could it be that he was poisoned by the embroidery needle? The female thief scoffed, "Don't bother looking, it's not poisoned. I'm a master thief, but I only steal, I don't kill. At most, I'll put some anesthetic on the needle."

Sima Wanqing looked her over suspiciously, because she was so fond of lying, and then coldly said, "You couldn't even withstand two of my moves, how could you possibly have injured my brother? I know you didn't kill him."

The female thief looked grateful, "Finally, someone believes I didn't do it. But your ranch people are hunting me down everywhere, saying I did it. They even said that anyone who finds or provides clues will receive a hundred taels of silver, whether dead or alive, which scared me so much that I had to hide and get myself all dirty..."

She complained, as if Lieyun Ranch owed her something.

Sima Wanqing thought for a moment and said, "Since you admit to stealing the jade bottle, tell me everything."

Although this female thief was quite skilled, Lieyun Ranch was heavily guarded, so she definitely didn't steal the vase herself; her accomplice was probably the real expert.

The female thief stammered, "What...what...everything?"

"Your accomplices,"

Pei Mubai reminded her. Sima Wanqing glanced at him; this Pei Mubai wasn't stupid.

The female thief panicked, "No accomplices, I did it myself."

But the two people in front of her clearly didn't believe her, looking like they knew she'd suffer the consequences if she kept lying. She paused, then had to say, "Yes, and my master too. Actually, my master stole the jade bottle; I was just keeping watch outside the ranch gate."

This made it more believable. Sima Wanqing pressed, "Where's your master? Wasn't he with you?"

The female thief hurriedly said, "My master didn't kill the eldest young master either, really, we never kill people."

"Tell me, where's your master!"

A hint of murderous intent flickered across Sima Wanqing's face. She wouldn't allow anyone to harm her family; she would never let the murderer of her elder brother get away with it.

The female thief seemed to sense something was amiss, and suddenly steeled herself, "I'll tell you everything. My master is the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying, who has always robbed the rich to help the poor, and loves to assist the needy. Although the Sima family outside the pass is incredibly wealthy, my master said it wasn't ill-gotten gains, and he never intended to steal anything here. A few days ago, someone asked my master to help him steal the Light of Hetian, offering 30,000 taels of silver as a reward. My master initially didn't want to agree, but now the Yellow River is flooded, and it would be best to use those 30,000 taels for disaster relief. Besides, the Sima family has many treasures; they wouldn't care about losing a jade bottle. So my master brought me here. That day..." That night, I was guarding outside the gate when I suddenly heard fighting. Then a group of people chased after my master. My master gave me the jade bottle and told me to run away quickly, so I escaped. The next day, I heard that the eldest son of the Sima family had been killed by a female thief, and the entire Lieyun Ranch was searching for her, arresting any strange woman they saw. That's why I fled all the way here. As for where my master is now, I really want to know.

The chivalrous thief Xuan Ying is known as the number one thief in the world, always taking it

upon himself to rob the rich and help the poor. Although Sima Wanqing had never met him in the Central Plains, she had long heard of him and always admired his character. How could he be a woman? Logically, since he stole something, he shouldn't have killed anyone. And the needle was poisoned, with no antidote. Such a ruthless act of extermination is indeed not the behavior of a chivalrous thief. The servants said that the eldest son discovered a thief and fought with her, which is why he was injured and poisoned. In fact, anyone should know that the consequence of harming a member of the Sima family is certain death. Even if the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying really had poisoned needles, he wouldn't be so foolish as to use them.

What is the truth? Based solely on her account, Sima Wanqing couldn't make a judgment.

Pei Mubai asked, "As far as I know, the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying possesses unparalleled lightness skills and formidable martial arts. How could his disciple be so incompetent as you?"

The female thief glared at him angrily, "I've only been a disciple for a year. Anyway, whether you believe it or not, my master only stole the jade bottle; he definitely didn't kill anyone."

"What's your name?"

Sima Wanqing decided to take her back to her father.

"This young lady doesn't change her name; my name is Feifei."

The female thief seemed innocently adorable.

Sima Wanqing grabbed her and mounted her horse, "Alright, Miss Feifei. If you're sure your master didn't kill anyone, go and explain to my father."

Father? Could this beautiful woman in red, as radiant as the morning sun, actually be a young lady from the Sima family? Feifei sighed inwardly at her bad luck; she had been caught after all, and her future looked bleak.

Who exactly was the murderer? Each of the three had their own doubts, so the two horses rode straight towards Lieyun Ranch, disappearing into the distance.

Chapter 6: The Sole Heir

"Reporting to Master, Miss has returned, and she brought two people with her."

Sima Lie's heart surged with emotion upon hearing of his beloved daughter's return. How joyful it had been to have two sons and a daughter around him, a picture of idyllic happiness. Now, only Wanqing remained, a scene of utter desolation.

He had devoted himself to raising his two sons, hoping they could revitalize the Sima family. His youngest daughter, he believed, would simply be a dutiful daughter to her father, a good sister to her brothers, and marry a suitable husband—that would be her greatest happiness.

But now, she was the sole heir of the Sima family beyond the Great Wall. She would shoulder the responsibility of expanding and developing the Lieyun Ranch, and she would have to face the storms of the martial world and the treacherous schemes of the business world.

For sixteen years, he had pampered and protected her, never letting her witness the ugliness of human nature. How could someone as innocent and naive as her bear such a heavy responsibility? Sima Lie could not allow himself to remain immersed in the grief of losing his sons. He had another important responsibility: to cultivate a new and outstanding heir for the Sima family.

Sima Lie composed himself and received his daughter's guests at Wanyin Hall.

Upon seeing Pei Mubai, a fleeting sense of familiarity flashed through his mind, but he couldn't quite place it.

Pei Mubai greeted him, "Junior Pei Mubai greets Uncle Sima."

Pei Mubai? Uncle? Looking at his handsome appearance, Sima Lie suddenly realized, "You're the son of Brother Pei from Yitian Manor?"

How come his father is so familiar with his family? Sima Wanqing looked at the two with slight doubt.

"Yes, Uncle Sima, you certainly have a good memory. I remember ten years ago, when Uncle Sima visited Jiangnan, you stayed at the manor for several days and taught me a set of Jingyun Palm techniques, from which I have benefited greatly ever since,"

Pei Mubai replied with a smile.

Sima Lie was overjoyed to see the son of an old friend, "That palm technique is merely for strengthening the body. Your Pei family's martial arts are profound and extensive; your father will naturally teach you." He

suddenly realized his slip of the tongue. Four years ago, for some unknown reason, a fire destroyed Yitian Manor, and the Pei family of Jiangnan was wiped out. He shouldn't bring up that painful memory.

Sima Lie quickly changed the subject, "I didn't expect to see you so grown up. By the way, why are you and Xiao Qing here together?"

It was the first time his daughter had brought a man home, so he should observe her carefully.

Sima Wanqing was eager for her father to see Feifei, so she quickly said, "Father, we'll talk about that later. I also brought someone back, take a look."

A servant brought Feifei in. The female thief Feifei had washed and changed her clothes, and was quite a pretty girl.

So, Sima Wanqing carefully recounted the series of events that led to her meeting Feifei. Sima Lie's expression turned solemn, and he ordered Chief Steward Yue and Deputy Chief Steward Duan to come and question the female thief together.

"Father, don't be too sad about my brother's matter."

Sima Wanqing noticed a few more strands of white hair at her father's temples, and although she wasn't used to comforting her father, she couldn't help but speak up. At this moment, Sima Lie, though heartbroken, couldn't show it. Perhaps he was more filled with resentment. As he slowly stood up and walked towards Feifei, who was standing to the side, Feifei couldn't help but shiver.

Sima Wanqing felt uneasy thinking that Duan Yuhan was coming. But she figured he wouldn't dare do anything in public. At other times, she would simply ignore him and everything would be fine.

Turning her head, she noticed Pei Mubai looking at her as if he were mesmerized. Remembering that he had concealed his acquaintance with her father, she glared at him coldly, expressing her displeasure. Pei Mubai used his family's "secret telepathic communication" skill, only saying to her, "I originally wanted to say something, but I was afraid you would think it was an excuse to get closer to you." She turned her head away, refusing to look at him. Pei Mubai knew she understood and smiled to himself.

In the distance, Duan Yuhan and his uncle Yue Zhong were walking towards Wanyin Hall. From outside the door, he saw her dazzling red dress and the snow-white dress beside her, and he also saw the exchange of glances between the two. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Seeing Duan Yuhan, Sima Wanqing stiffened, then turned her gaze to Yue Zhongzheng. "Uncle Yue, I'm back!" Yue Zhongzheng looked at the growing Wanqing with delight.

Sima Wanqing then recounted the important details of Feifei's story.

Duan Yuhan asked first, "The eldest young master died from 'Mysterious Ice' poison. And the embroidery needle that Doctor Lu took from the eldest young master also tested positive for 'Mysterious Ice' poison. Your master was skilled at shooting embroidery needles, wasn't he?"

Feifei found his questions strange, but couldn't quite put her finger on why, so she simply nodded.

"You said your master stole the jade bottle?"

"Yes."

"Your master was the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying?"

"Yes."

Feifei wondered why he kept asking questions she'd already asked.

"That's right then,"

Duan Yuhan concluded, "It was indeed your master who killed the eldest young master."

Upon hearing this, Sima Wanqing was confused. Fortunately, he continued to explain, "I traced the origins of the 'Mysterious Ice' poison and learned that it came from the Drikung Monastery in Tibet. In the current martial arts world, there are very few who have a deep connection with the Drikung Monastery. Among them, only three have high martial arts skills. One is Master Zhiyuan of Shaolin Temple, who went to Tibet to discuss scriptures with the Living Buddha. The second is Abbess Zhenyi of the Emei Sect, who went to Tibet to collect medicinal herbs to save her master. And the third is the chivalrous thief Xuanying, who lived outside the Drikung Monastery when he was a child."

"Ah? You even know that my master lived outside the Drikung Monastery when he was a child?"

Feifei blurted out. It seemed that Sima from beyond the Great Wall was indeed a capable person. And her exclamation undoubtedly acknowledged the truth of Duan Yuhan's words.

Duan Yuhan continued, "Master Zhiyuan and Abbess Zhenyi certainly wouldn't come here to steal the jade bottle. The only suspect is the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying. I wasn't sure before, but after hearing your words today, I'm absolutely certain."

Feifei just said that the thief Xuan Ying stole the jade bottle; and the person who stole the jade bottle was the one who fired the embroidery needle; the person who fired the embroidery needle was the one who poisoned Sima Xu; therefore, it can be deduced that Xuan Ying was the one who killed Sima Xu. Coupled with the evidence from Duan Yuhan's investigation into the "Mysterious Ice" poison, it seems that "Xuan Ying is the murderer" is a settled conclusion.

Pei Mubai raised a doubt, "The one who stole the jade bottle was the one who fired the poison needle?"

"That's right. That night we heard a noise and came out to see. Many people saw the eldest young master being hit by the female thief's hidden weapon and falling off the roof."

Duan Yuhan answered with certainty.

Sima Wanqing felt something was amiss, but she couldn't quite grasp the clue. Suddenly, she saw Feifei anxiously scratching her head. Suddenly, a thought struck her. "You said someone offered 30,000 taels of silver to have Xuan Ying steal the jade bottle?"

"Yes."

"Who is this person?"

"I don't know, Master didn't say."

"He told you the Hetian Light is in my house?"

"Yes."

Sima Wanqing paused slightly. "The Hetian Light has always been kept in my elder brother's room. How would an outsider know?"

Her question seemed unrelated to catching the murderer, but it was the most suspicious point. Although the Hetian Light was a treasure, Sima Xu never liked to show it off, and very few people knew that this treasure was in his room. Could the person who asked Xuan Ying to steal it be someone very close to the Sima family? Even close enough to be able to come and go from Sima Xu's room?

Sima Lie nodded slightly. He was very satisfied with his daughter's meticulous thinking and rigorous reasoning.

Yue Zhongzheng slowly spoke, "The most urgent task is to find Xuan Ying as soon as possible. If we confirm she's the murderer, we'll seek justice for the young master. As for the theft of the jade bottle, whether Xuan Ying found its location herself or there was a thief within the family, asking Xuan Ying will naturally reveal the truth."

"Do you even know where your master is?"

Sima Lie's gaze was piercing, making Fei Fei feel uneasy.

Fei Fei quickly and earnestly replied, "I really don't know. If I knew, I would have gone to find my master, not foolishly tried to steal Miss Sima's horse."

Her words made sense.

Fei Fei put on a pitiful expression, "Master Sima, please be magnanimous and let me go. I have nothing to do with the death of the young master Sima; at most, I'm guilty of theft. Actually, I didn't steal anything; I just accepted the stolen goods handed to me by my master."

Duan Yuhan interrupted her, saying to Sima Lie, "This person must not be released. She is the only clue to finding Xuan Ying."

Sima Wanqing also thought so. She patted Feifei's back, comforting her, "We won't release you, but don't be afraid, we won't hurt you. It's just that you'll have to stay in the dungeon for a while."

The dungeon? Feifei seemed to already see a dark, damp place, with spoiled food and rats and cockroaches scurrying everywhere. She looked at Sima Wanqing with a mournful expression. Sima Wanqing frowned, "My dungeon is pretty much like an inn, except you can't run around freely.

You'll see when you get there." Pei Mubai interjected, "The Sima family outside the pass is known for their clear distinction between gratitude and resentment. It was your master who did wrong, not you. Just think of it as a free inn."

His words, seemingly comforting Feifei, were actually a reminder that the Sima family shouldn't vent their hatred on Feifei. Regardless of whether her master was the murderer, she was innocent.

Sima Wanqing greatly approved of his words, glancing at him as if to say, "I didn't realize you were so kind." Pei Mubai smiled back at her, as if to say, "You're only just realizing that now?"

Duan Yuhan's cold gaze pressed directly at her, making Sima Wanqing feel extremely uncomfortable. She hurriedly informed her father, "I'm tired and want to go back to my room to rest."

"Go ahead,"

Sima Lie instructed the servants to take Pei Mubai to the guest room, and then everyone dispersed.

Sima Wanqing hurriedly fled back to Muyu Pavilion, letting out a sigh of relief. She didn't want to recall, didn't want to discern whether her feelings for Duan Yuhan were love, hate, or truly neither. Those terrible things were like a nightmare; once she woke up, she should try her best to forget. But could she really forget? Or would he never let her wake up from that nightmare?

At this moment, she hadn't yet realized that she was the sole heir of the Sima family outside the pass. From now on, she would face more, shoulder more responsibilities; this was her duty, and also her destiny.

Chapter 7: The Most Beautiful Poisonous Flower

In Muyu Pavilion, Sima Wanqing stretched out her body, lying in the bathtub, enjoying the comfort of the bath, but her thoughts were in turmoil.

She had been shocked when she saw the heavily pregnant Shuling girl at the ranch. Xiaoyu said Shuling was pregnant with her second brother's child, so her father ordered her to move in. If she gave birth, her second brother would have an heir. In that case, in two months, she would become an aunt, and her father would have his first grandchild. It turns out that life and death are so simple. In the blink of an eye, your closest loved one will be separated from you by death, and in the darkness, heaven will give you another relative as compensation.

But what about her eldest brother? He left her and her father with endless memories, just like that. Her father, twice a parent outliving their child, though outwardly he didn't show much grief, she knew he was just as heartbroken as she was, his nerves almost numb.

And seeing Duan Yuhan again, she wasn't so calm. When her love was trampled on by him, when her love was gradually worn away by him, she could only choose to hate him. But recalling every moment spent with him, it was all so beautiful. Would telling herself that she no longer loved him, that thinking of him was only because she hated him, make her feel better?

Two months ago, that night in Hangzhou, she decided that everything had to end. But seeing him again, she couldn't help but avoid him. Was she still unable to forget him?

She closed her eyes, afraid to think any further. She borrowed water to wash away the dust and temporarily forget her troubles; perhaps that would make her feel better.

After soaking for a long time, she slowly wrung out her long hair, got dressed, and got up. She walked to the bedside, lay down on her side facing inward, and slightly raised her voice, "Xiaoyu, come in and help me comb my hair."

She closed her eyes, a sense of helplessness washing over her. When fate wants to take away your loved one, can you fight against it? When reason tells you to give up that feeling, but that feeling clings to you stubbornly, what can you do?

Someone opened the door and came in, walking to the bedside and gently combing her hair. A faint jasmine scent filled the air; Xiaoyu was applying hair oil to her hair. She comfortably rolled over, really wanting to sleep.

Warm, large hands enveloped her small hands, a refreshing scent slowly approaching. She awoke abruptly, only to see Duan Yuhan's dark eyes, clear as autumn water, their depths serene and tranquil.

A moment of disorientation made her think she was dreaming. But the warmth from his hand felt so real. She pulled her hand away, cautiously retreating to the other end of the bed. Having just bathed, she was only wearing a thin undershirt; she hurriedly covered her collar and pulled the blanket over herself.

"Qing, don't do this."

Duan Yuhan's voice was helpless. He hadn't called her that in a long time, and now the address sounded somewhat unfamiliar.

"It's late, you should go out, I need to rest."

Sima Wanqing tried to remain calm.

Duan Yuhan reached out his hand, "I'll show you something nice."

In the past, whenever he said that and reached out his hand, she would happily rush over. But now, Sima Wanqing just continued to stare at him warily. He saw the distrust in her eyes, so distant and unapproachable.

"You said that if I plucked the stars from the sky, you would stay with me for life."

That was what she said to him on her fifteenth birthday, did he still remember?

He continued, "Tonight I will pluck the stars from the sky and give them to you."

His voice, his expression, was full of temptation. Even though she had experienced his cruelty and horror, she was still moved.

"Will you keep your promise? Stay with me forever?"

His voice grew softer, his dark eyes gleaming in the candlelight, radiating a breathtaking beauty.

She suppressed the flutter in her heart and shook her head indifferently. "It's late, you should leave."

"You're right to be angry and hate me. If I were you, I'd probably need to kill to vent my anger,"

he said softly, a hint of regret in his expression, as if he were remorseful for his actions. She turned her head away, not wanting to be swayed by him any longer.

"If you hate me, I'll let you do whatever you want with me now,"

he said sincerely. But what good would it do her? She told herself she had already decided to let go.

"Tell me what you want?"

"I'm tired, you should leave,"

she repeated.

He sighed softly, which sounded strange to her. In her memory, he never sighed, no matter what setbacks he encountered; he always strived actively, never giving up until he achieved his goal.

"If you don't want to, I won't bother you,"

he said skillfully. "Or tonight could be our last meeting. I'll give you the stars, and then I'll leave."

His words sounded helpless, but it was actually a strategy of retreating to advance.

She couldn't help but glance at him; his gentle gaze enveloped her like the sea. She finally reached out her hand, put on her coat, and followed him out. Was it because of love? Because deep down, she still regretted this relationship? Sima Wanqing couldn't understand her own feelings. She only knew that at this moment, walking hand in hand with him under the night sky, was the same warmth as in her childhood.

The cruelty of love in this world is like this: whoever loves more deeply will be easily manipulated by the other. Her persistence and infatuation destined her to be weak at this moment, and it was also the fatal wound of her life.

He led her to the riverbank. The ancient tree by the river still stood there. The little house built of planks in the tree was still there, undamaged.

Her eyes gradually became misty, and many memories flooded her mind. When she was twelve years old, she broke her mother's favorite jade hairpin and was scolded by her father. She ran away, vowing never to go back. That night, everyone on the ranch came looking for her. But only he found her in the little house in the tree. She refused to go back, so he stayed with her, enduring hunger together, searching for food together, getting soaked in the rain together, and even expanding the little house together. It wasn't until five days later, when she missed home, that he took her back. Back home, everyone doted on her, showering her with concern, while everyone else scolded him. He didn't argue, silently accepting all the punishment. Later, she cried, hating that her stubbornness had burdened him, but he smiled, saying he liked being burdened by her.

He seemed to know what she was thinking, chuckling softly, "Do you know why I didn't take you back then?"

She looked at him in surprise, speechless. "On the ranch, you were everyone's Wanqing. Only in this little house are you mine alone."

You are mine alone. His voice seemed to pierce her heart. Her heart suddenly ached, and she hurried to him, not wanting him to see her inner vulnerability.

What had been a meadow was now a sea of flowers. She was stunned. Rows of flowering trees, their large, pure white blossoms like long trumpets, resembled lilies, yet were more elegant, slender, and noble. Under the bright moonlight, the flowers drooped lazily, appearing utterly simple and pure, unassuming yet possessing a subtle allure, an extraordinary beauty.

"Do you like it? You said it would be a waste to plant grass here; a sea of flowers would be even more beautiful."

He embraced her affectionately from behind. Did he remember all her little wishes? She closed her eyes and gently pushed away his embrace.

A night breeze carried an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance. Just as she was about to savor the flowers' aroma, he suddenly lifted her up and placed her in a small treehouse. Looking down from above, the wind rustled the flowers, creating waves of blossoms—a truly enchanting sight.

Suddenly, she felt dizzy and collapsed, powerless. She looked at him in disbelief. Had she mistrusted him again? What trick was he going to pull this time? His heart turned cold. She remained wary, unable to open her heart and believe in his love.

He placed his palm against her back, slowly channeling his inner energy into her, and she slowly awoke.

"These datura flowers look beautiful, but they are highly poisonous. Even a tiny whiff will have an effect."

He didn't know why he was saying this. Was he trying to explain?

Datura? She had heard her father say it was a potent poison. Had he just helped her leap into the tree to avoid the poisonous scent? Had she misunderstood him?

Duan Yuhan pulled her down to sit, taking out a small black cloth bag from behind him. "This is the most important thing."

Opening the bag, many beautiful fluorescent lights twinkled happily and flew out. In the dark night sky, the lights danced like tiny stars, adding a touch of ethereal romance to the surroundings.

She couldn't resist reaching out to touch them. The adorable sprites seemed to be teasing her, slipping through her fingers each time. She continued to reach out, inviting them to join her, but they simply flew away lightly.

He smiled slightly, a gentle force slowly emanating from him, creating ripples in the air. He lightly drew a circle in front of him, and the tiny specks of light, following his movement, quickly gathered within the circle, still dancing joyfully. He channeled his energy into his palm, and the specks of light flew back to his hand.

He presented his hand to her, and in an instant, the accumulated light of the sprites illuminated his face and her eyes.

"Here, stars," he said.

She saw his handsome brows, his elegant lips, and the alluring smile on them. He saw her midnight eyes, like unfathomable pools, but finally, ripples of joy began to spread across them.

"Give them to me,"

she said, mimicking his gesture, channeling her inner energy into the "sticking" technique, concentrating her true energy in her palm, carefully trying to receive the twinkling stars from his hand. He placed his hand on hers, but the specks of light flew away, only a small portion settling in her palm—clearly due to her insufficient inner energy.

She frowned, deeply annoyed. He gently pinched her little nose, and she froze for a moment. His large hand grasped hers, and his inner energy gradually flowed into her hand. One by one, the twinkling stars flew back. She looked joyfully at the glittering little stars in her hand; they were like little elves playing in the night, carrying lanterns.

His hand gave her a jolt, and a group of little stars scattered, searching for their new places under the night sky. They drifted and fluttered, and suddenly the word "I" appeared before her eyes. Another jolt, and another group of little elves naturally formed the word "love," while the others, not to be outdone, quickly spelled out "you."

The three sparkling words, "I," "love," and "you," were lined up before her, dazzling and beautiful like a dream. He had first told her "I love you" in this way, a way she would never forget. She gazed at those three words, somewhat mesmerized.

"Qing..."

he whispered in her ear, the warmth of his breath tickling her neck, yet a tingling, pleasant sensation. In an instant, she knew clearly that her heart had fallen again, yet she couldn't suppress the overwhelming tenderness welling up within her. Was he her inescapable destiny?

He kissed her earlobe gently, gradually turning her towards him, kissing her forehead. A passionate kiss, yet without any sexual desire; his arms only wanted to hold her.

She nestled against his chest, silent. A quiet stillness enveloped them, listening to his pounding heartbeat. She closed her eyes, listlessly unwilling to move. Strangely, her heartbeat slowly synchronized with his, sounding as if they shared a single heart.

He observed her expression with delight. Perhaps she hadn't decided to accept him again, but she was certainly moved at this moment.

"Want to sleep?"

"No."

Her answer was brief, as if she still didn't want to talk to him.

"Promise me you'll stay with me forever."

"No."

She answered without hesitation.

"Why?"

His eyes gleamed.

"No, just no."

Her tone was somewhat cold.

Perhaps he had been too hasty, he easily changed the subject, "Guess where these stars came from?"

"Hmm, there are no fireflies beyond the Great Wall."

He smiled, "You know these are fireflies? I saw them by chance in Hangzhou a few days ago. I knew you would like them."

The little stars scattered and danced, sneaking to play in every corner of the night. They persistently released their light, tirelessly adding brightness to the boundless night. Sima Wanqing quietly admired the radiance; though small and fleeting, the fireflies left an eternal memory in her mind.

In the silence, she suddenly remembered something, and wouldn't feel at ease until she got to the bottom of it, "Those people, did you send people to drive them away?"

"Yes."

He admitted it readily.

"Some people died because you ordered it?"

"Yes."

He stared at her intently, seemingly oblivious to the problems he had caused. Was he so intolerant of any flaws? How domineering, selfish, and cruel he was!

She suddenly understood; this was the real Duan Yuhan. Before, she had only seen his beautiful, bright side. Now, before her was the complete, unmasked Duan Yuhan.

Gazing at the sea of flowers below, she was lost in thought. Several butterflies fluttered by, only to fall into the blossoms, never to take flight again. The datura, so beautiful and alluring, yet so deadly poisonous—was it like him? And she, like those butterflies, knew the flowers were poisonous, yet couldn't resist admiring them, drawing near, even if it meant death, she would have no regrets.

Recalling his past wanton humiliation, now, for the sake of this "love," she felt she could convince herself to forgive him. Her heart was so weary, too weary to struggle any longer. When his lips touched her cheek again, she let him have his way. She knew in her heart that this night would not be their last meeting.

The evening breeze sighed softly; how many lovesick men and women in this world could truly find happiness?

Chapter 8: Loving What I Love

For the next two days, besides showing Pei Mubai around, Sima Wanqing followed Sima Lie to learn the Sima family's supreme internal skill, the "Supreme Heaven-Supreme Heart Method." Originally, the "Supreme Heaven-Supreme Heart Method" was an extremely powerful and domineering internal skill, unsuitable for women to cultivate, but Sima Lie had no other choice at this time. Fortunately, Sima Wanqing had a hot constitution, so she did not experience any discomfort while practicing.

In the days that followed, Sima Lie planned to gradually familiarize her with all the accounts of the Lieyun Ranch, understand the Sima family's industries and branches outside the pass, get to know several important merchants in businesses such as horses, furs, and tobacco, and then learn from Yue Zhongzheng, Duan Yuhan, and the four stewards about the management of the Lieyun Ranch, as well as the interactions with high-ranking officials and local gentry.

Sima Wanqing now understood what her two older brothers had been busy with every day. Although she had no interest in these things, she had no choice. As the sole heir of the Sima family, these were things she should learn and do well.

Duan Yuhan had been busy searching for the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying and preparing for Sima Xu's funeral these past two days, and hadn't come to see her. However, he would give her a small surprise every day, either leaving a riddle that she couldn't solve no matter how hard she tried by her bedside, or having servants bring her a cute little pony. He seemed to have returned to the Duan Yuhan who loved her wholeheartedly. She also seemed willing to forget her past nightmares and start anew with him. Everything was developing in a direction of mutual affection.

That day, Sima Wanqing took Pei Mubai out hunting on horseback. After an hour, they shot a rabbit and a pheasant, a fairly good haul. Sima Wanqing, wanting to practice her martial arts, started their journey back.

Sima Wanqing rode her snow-white steed at full speed when suddenly a sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen, a dull ache that seemed to drag her downwards. She felt dizzy and almost fell off the horse. Seeing her pale face and weak state, Pei Mubai quickly caught her from the side, embracing her and sharing his crimson cloud horse.

She glanced at him gratefully, but being held by him felt very inappropriate, so she gestured for him to put her down. He did as she asked, placing her on the horse. But as the horse moved, the jolting motion intensified the abdominal pain, and she felt a warm liquid seeping into her legs. She gritted her teeth and persevered, but her face grew paler and paler.

"Don't push yourself,"

Pei Mubai said, lifting her to sit sideways on the horse, his arms gently around her from behind. This position was indeed much more comfortable than before; at least the pain had lessened considerably.

"Let's go back," she said.

Although she felt the position was too intimate, she had no other choice but to act expediently and hoped to return home quickly.

"Sit still."

Pei Mubai flicked his whip, and Chiyun carried the two of them back to Lieyun Ranch, with Xueyu Cong following closely behind.

The incomparably handsome young man embraced the alluring young woman; the fiery red robes, as radiant as the morning sun, leaned softly against the snow-white chest of the woman. As the two horses sped through the streets, passersby turned their heads in astonishment

. Normally, the customs of the people beyond the Great Wall were simple and honest; it was nothing unusual for lovers to embrace and cuddle. But to see them riding horses so openly and ostentatiously through the streets was unprecedented.

That evening, idle people, based on the signs of the past few days, concluded: "Miss Sima's return this time wasn't just for a funeral; she also brought her sweetheart back. The two often go out intimately. Judging from today's situation, it won't be long before Young Master Pei from within the Great Wall becomes the son-in-law of Lieyun Ranch."

The two riders, however, never expected such gossip.

Upon arriving at the ranch, Sima Wanqing hurriedly ordered someone to fetch Mr. Lu, while Pei Mubai quickly escorted her back to Muyu Pavilion. She repeatedly urged him to return to his guest room to rest, but he insisted on staying. Perhaps it was his nature; he always felt a protective instinct towards beautiful women. Moreover, now that the woman he admired was in trouble, he naturally wanted to be concerned.

Lu Jingqiao rushed over, focusing intently on examining Sima Wanqing, and as usual inquired about her feelings, which she truthfully recounted. After a while, his expression shifted, as if hesitating about what to say. He quickly wrote a prescription and had Xiaoyu take it to the pharmacy to have it prepared and delivered immediately.

It was strange that the doctor prescribed medicine before explaining the illness.

"What exactly is wrong with me?"

Sima Wanqing was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Lu Jingqiao looked embarrassed, finally clearing his throat. "Forgive my bluntness, Miss, but you are two months pregnant. The abdominal pain and bleeding earlier were caused by the vigorous riding; fortunately, it was discovered early. I prescribed some medicine to prevent miscarriage and replenish blood; Miss has taken it, and the baby should be fine."

These words stunned Sima Wanqing. She had a child? She was going to be a mother? Two months? It was that night?

Pei Mubai was also stunned. The first girl he had ever admired was pregnant with someone else's child. Perhaps he should lament that they met too late, or be thankful that he hadn't fallen too deeply. After all, he was magnanimous; even if they couldn't be lovers,

he couldn't help but care about her. Sima Wanqing, always stern and aloof, was pregnant out of wedlock? How could such a thing happen to Miss Sima, given her status? Seeing only surprise on her face, without fear or joy, he couldn't understand what she was thinking.

This was her private matter; his presence was completely superfluous. Although Pei Mubai was full of questions, he didn't press the matter and immediately took his leave.

“Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Lu. May I ask you not to tell my father about this for now? I will find an opportunity to tell him myself,”

Sima Wanqing said, composing herself.

Lu Jingqiao hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly agreed, “I will naturally not cause trouble, but if Master Sima asks, I will not lie.”

He paused, then added, “Miss, you need to rest well after taking your medicine. I will come back for a follow-up visit tomorrow. In the coming days, please remember not to get angry, not to brandish weapons, and not to ride horses.”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lu,”

Sima Wanqing said gratefully. She knew that given his upright character, the promise he had just made was already quite commendable.

After Lu Jingqiao left, she lay on the bed, unsure whether to be happy or worried. The events of two months ago were still vivid in her mind.

At that time, she discovered that people she knew were always getting into trouble for no apparent reason, so she detoured from Wuxi through the desolate countryside to Hangzhou, staying alone at the famous Yunlai Inn by West Lake. That day, however, she heard that Sima’s men from beyond the Great Wall were also staying there. She didn't want to see anyone at the ranch and immediately checked out and left. But at the moment she stepped outside, she saw her destined nemesis—Duan Yuhan. Because of that one glance, she didn't go far and chose to stay at a nearby inn. Love or hate, she and he were ultimately entangled.

In the middle of the night, she was awakened by the clamor of firefighting. Looking out the window, she saw that Yunlai Residence was engulfed in flames. Although she knew that with his martial arts skills, he would surely be alright, she still couldn't help but go over to see clearly. Strangely, none of the people from the Guanwai Sima were among those rescued. It turned out that those people had all gone to drink and have fun.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard a woman's voice, "That young master Duan is so generous! I sang a song and got ten taels of silver. It's a pity he got drunk and wanted to sleep, so he kicked us out, otherwise we would have made a fortune tonight."

"What kind of good deal is that? Who are you kidding?"

"Who's kidding you? That young master Duan lives in the east courtyard of Yunlai Residence. I just came out of there an hour ago."

Her heart pounded. Was he still in Yunlai Residence, drunk? She quickly leaped into the fire, rushed into the east courtyard, and checked each room until she finally found him unconscious.

She rescued him and took him to her room in a nearby inn. In his drunken state, his handsome face looked so flawless, a hint of disdain on his lips.

At that moment, she suddenly remembered the first time she saw him. That ragged, yet unruly young man stood outside the gate of Lieyun Ranch. She skipped over to ask him who he was looking for, only to be glared at by him. She kindly invited him into the ranch for a meal, but he pushed her to the ground. She pouted and cried, and he mocked her for being spoiled. Later, she saw Uncle Yue come over and introduce her as his nephew.

At that moment, a hint of disdain lingered on his lips—disdain for her kindness, disdain for the arrogant wealth of the Sima family beyond the pass.

Later, she learned that many people had bullied him, that he had suffered greatly, which was why he was so aloof. The young girl felt sorry for him. She gave him all her favorite things, wishing everyone could be as happy as she was. But he refused them, returning them one by one. She got angry and whispered curses at him, but he secretly laughed, a laugh that left her bewildered.

Lost in his own world, he called her name in a dreamlike voice, begging her not to leave. She softly comforted him, but he held onto her tightly. His drunken eyes held a childlike innocence and longing; the once unruly boy was now lonely and isolated.

She wished she didn't love him, nor hate him, yet the words "can't let go" lingered in her heart. That night, she stayed to care for him, their tender moments breaking her heart. No love, no hate—let their deep love have a perfect ending. That night, she wanted to use this tenderness to write the best conclusion to their love.

But man proposes, God disposes. When she fell into his trap again... To this day, that night is just a beautiful memory.

That night, a little life was born, the fruit of their love. Should she tell him the news? She should tell him; he would be overjoyed. Forget his nightmarish humiliation of her; they should have been the happiest couple in the world.
Chapter

9: Who Betrayed Whom?

Duan Yuhan knew immediately about Sima Wanqing and Pei Mubai riding together, ostentatiously through the streets. He didn't believe she would fall in love with another, even someone as outstanding as Pei Mubai, because she was definitely not a fickle woman, nor would she ever two-timing.

But the news his subordinates brought immediately enraged him. She was unwell and had rushed back to the ranch. After being examined by Lu Jingqiao, she was found to be two months pregnant. Hu Tian, one of the four stewards of Lieyun Ranch, saw that Duan Yuhan's expression remained unchanged, but the teacup in her hand slowly changed shape, so he quickly and quietly retreated to the side.

Soon, the leader of the group responsible for tracking her and eliminating the men around her was brought in.

"Where was Miss two months ago? Who was she with?"

Hu Tian pressed the leader.

"The records say that Miss was traveling in Wuxi and didn't have any contact with anyone,"

the leader replied tremblingly.

"Say it again?"

The leader broke out in a cold sweat and knelt down with a thud. "I failed in my duty, I deserve to die. Please spare my life, Master."

"Explain clearly!"

Hu Tian was a little nervous. These people were his subordinates, and in a way, he was also guilty of failing to discipline them properly.

"Seventy-eight days ago, Miss suddenly disappeared in Wuxi. I led my men to search everywhere, but to no avail. Forty-three days ago, I finally found Miss in Chang'an. I was blinded by greed and thought... I thought that by fabricating Miss's whereabouts, I wouldn't be discovered. I deserve to die, I deserve to die..."

He still didn't understand how his master knew he was making things up.

Duan Yuhan looked expressionlessly at the man who was kowtowing like a pestle. He deserved to die, this man truly deserved to die. He had actually allowed Sima Wanqing to be completely out of his control for a month. And during that month, she became pregnant.

"Who was Miss with before she disappeared? And who was she with when she was found?"

Hu Tian dutifully pressed on.

"Before she disappeared and when she was found, Miss wasn't with anyone."

The foreman racked his brains to recall, but then he saw Hu Tian's fierce gaze and hurriedly said, "Yes, yes. I remember now. When Miss first arrived in Wuxi, she encountered a thief, and it was a man named Pei Mubai who helped her find her purse. Also, in Chang'an, Miss met Pei Mubai again, and they even went to see the lantern festival together."

Pei Mubai? It's Pei Mubai again! Of all the men she met in the interior, he was the one she spent the most time with. When it came to guessing who the child's father was, Pei Mubai was the most suspicious. The Pei family of Jiangnan, the Sima of the interior—one with striking charisma, the other with unparalleled beauty—they were truly a match made in heaven in terms of background, appearance, and talent. He and she went to the Lieyun Ranch together, and although she was busy practicing her martial arts these past few days, she still had time to accompany him on his travels. Upon closer examination, their relationship was indeed extraordinary.

Recalling Pei Mubai's gentle, warm smile, how many young women in the world could resist his allure? Even though Duan Yuhan believed that Sima Wanqing still loved him, he couldn't help but waver. Simply because his opponent was too outstanding.

"You may leave. We'll punish him severely later."

Seeing him deep in thought, Hu Tian gestured for the underling to leave, and the underling hurriedly retreated. Duan Yuhan waved slightly, and Hu Tian also tactfully took his leave.

Whose child was that? How should he treat her? Perhaps he needed to think it over carefully before making the right decision.

He desperately wanted to see her immediately and find out about the child, but he couldn't. Even Sima Lie didn't know about this, so he could only pretend not to.

At that moment, for the first time in his life, he didn't want to see her. He didn't know if he could suppress his anger and not confront her if he saw her, and how she would answer him. Pure and innocent, she loved him, yet would she betray him and be unfaithful?

That night, although Sima Wanqing wasn't feeling well, she still went to Tingyu Pavilion to wait for Duan Yuhan to return. His fresh scent still lingered in the pillow and blankets; she took a deep breath, she liked that smell.

But time passed, and he still didn't return. She leaned against the bed, fully clothed, gradually growing tired and sleepy, and unknowingly fell asleep.

When she opened her eyes again, it was the next morning, and Duan Yuhan still hadn't returned. He must be too busy, too busy to come back and rest, she comforted herself, trying to calm her doubts.

She carefully went out, making sure no one saw her, and quietly returned to her secluded Muyu Pavilion, yet her heart remained unsettled. Finally, she went out and asked the ranch gatekeeper, only to learn that Duan Yuhan had indeed not returned last night. After asking a few more questions, she learned that he had bought a large mansion outside and often rested there.

She immediately took a carriage and ordered someone who knew the location of the mansion to take her there. Although Xiaoyu tried her best to dissuade her, telling her to take care of herself, she insisted on going, and Xiaoyu had no choice but to accompany her.

When Sima Wanqing entered through the main gate, someone had already informed Duan Yuhan. He didn't know why she had come; for a moment, he only wanted to stab her hard, as if only in this way could he alleviate the anger and hatred in his heart.

Yao Siniang brought in water from outside, looking at him with a resentful gaze, and handed him a face towel.

He took it casually and suddenly ripped open her dress. She giggled and sat in his lap. Last night, as usual, she came to show him the accounts of Mantianfang, and he wouldn't let her leave. She tried to seduce him, but he pushed her away. Judging from his current behavior, was he suddenly overcome with lust early in the morning?

She gave him a seductive look and obediently offered her lips. He, however, lay back on the chaise longue and said casually, "Get a stool and sit beside me. Peel those grapes for me."

Although she was a little confused, she dared not ask and meticulously complied.

A servant led Sima Wanqing to Duan Yuhan's bedroom door and excused himself. She knocked, but there was no sound. With a slight push, the door opened without being locked.

Duan Yuhan lay comfortably on the chaise longue, eyes closed, resting. Beside him, Yao Siniang wore only a thin, gossamer-thin garment, revealing a bright green bodice, making her even more alluring. She seemed oblivious to his presence, focusing intently on peeling grapes and feeding them to him. He seemed to enjoy the grapes. Torn clothes lay scattered on the floor, as if hinting at the passionate lovemaking that had once taken place in the room.

Witnessing this, Sima Wanqing felt as if she had been struck heavily in the chest by a sledgehammer. For a moment, she was numb, but the pain slowly intensified, becoming so heavy it was hard to breathe.

"You didn't go back to the ranch last night?"

She didn't know how she managed to say those words.

Duan Yuhan opened his eyes, as if only then noticing her arrival. A slight smile played on his lips. "You missed me?"

Sima Wanqing slowly walked in, but stopped three feet away from him, unable to take another step closer. The closer she got, the clearer the scene became, and the more her heart ached.

The man she deeply loved was indulging in pleasure with another woman here, while she had foolishly waited for him all night. Even if his love for her was genuine, he still slept with other women; was there not a trace of loyalty in that love? He was enjoying himself here, while she rushed to tell him that two months ago, she had offered herself to him and was pregnant with his child?

Proud as she was, even with a thousand words to say, she clenched her teeth, refusing to utter a single word.

Duan Yuhan clearly saw her heartbreak and unspoken words. His mind, previously clouded by anger, suddenly cleared, and a thought flashed through his mind: she had been looking for him since last night—did she have something to say to him? Did she want to confess about the child and ask for his forgiveness? Yes, as long as she revealed who that man was, he could forgive her. Then, she would abort the child, he would kill that man, and he could pretend nothing had happened, he really could.

Yao Siniang glanced at Duan Yuhan's expression and discreetly withdrew.

Duan Yuhan came over and grabbed Sima Wanqing. "It was my fault. I promise, this will never happen again."

He meant to say he shouldn't have deliberately used Yao Siniang to anger her, but she thought he was apologizing for their one-night stand.

"You came to see me so early this morning, do you have something to say?"

His tone was still gentle.

She reminded herself not to be weak, forcing a strange smile. "It was my fault, I shouldn't have bothered you so early."

She turned to leave.

"Qing..."

He grabbed her wrist, preventing her from leaving.

Did he treat Yao Siniang the same way he treated her? Had his hands caressed Yao Siniang's body with such tenderness last night? The sudden images flooding her mind made her tremble.

"Let go, let me go."

A dull pain in her abdomen overwhelmed her, and she couldn't suppress her rage.

"You look terrible? Are you feeling unwell?"

He felt her pulse was erratic and erratic.

The same pain as yesterday; she absolutely couldn't let anything happen to her child. She tried her best to control her anger and remain calm, looking back at him, "Take your hands off me."

Duan Yuhan saw her stubborn eyes and knew that she wouldn't listen to anything he said now. Thinking of her child, his gaze unconsciously shifted downwards. The exquisite red bow on her lapel swayed gently against her chest as always. Her waist was as slender as ever, showing no signs of abnormality.

Who had untied that bow? Who had left their mark on her body?

He suddenly pulled her towards him, gripping her shoulders tightly, as if he wouldn't be satisfied until he crushed her. She struggled slightly, yet dared not move rashly, fearing she might harm the child. She simply glared at him fiercely, without uttering a word.

He was astonished by her apparent calm. In the past, under such circumstances, she would have certainly resorted to violence, but now she remained calm, even wooden, letting him bully her. She was acting this way simply to avoid harming the fetus.

In her heart, was the child so important, so important that she could abandon herself? She loved that child; she would never abandon it. Or perhaps it was love extending to the child's father?

At this moment, a single, gentle slap on her abdomen would prevent the child from ever coming into this world. But what would happen afterward? Would she suffer, hate him, never forgive him for the rest of her life? He had sworn to himself that he would never harm her in the slightest, but what had become of him now?

He finally let her go.

The person who hurts you the most in this world is not your enemy, but the one you love. The deeper the love, the more severe the betrayal and infidelity of your lover. This is the selfishness and cruelty of love.

Chapter 10: Running Away at Midnight (Part 1)

Sima Wanqing had just returned to Lieyun Ranch by carriage when someone came to greet her. "Miss, Master wants you to go to the Third Study to see him as soon as you return."

Her father wanted to see her? Did he know? She entered the Third Study somewhat uneasily.

Sima Lie looked at his daughter, who looked unwell, and asked her to sit down. "Father just saw Doctor Lu."

Sima Wanqing looked at her father's face; thankfully, he didn't seem angry.

"A man should marry when he comes of age, and a woman should marry when she comes of age. When your mother was your age, she already had your older brother."

Sima Lie felt a pang of pain in his heart as he recalled his son's tragic death, but he quickly returned to the main topic, "Qing'er, bring your sweetheart to meet your father. As long as he has good character, truly loves you, and comes from a respectable family, that's fine. It doesn't matter if he's not skilled in martial arts; he can learn slowly."

Sima Lie suspected that his daughter was pregnant but hadn't dared to tell him because the man wasn't good enough, and she was afraid her father wouldn't approve. He was now making his opinion clear and encouraging his daughter to speak her mind.

Sima Wanqing remained silent. Her father still loved her after all; whoever she wanted to marry, as long as she was willing, her father would agree, right? But how could she tell her father that the child was Duan Yuhan's, the result of her throwing herself at him in Hangzhou and having a passionate encounter with him? Yao Siniang's image flickered in her mind. Perhaps there were many other women she didn't know who had also spent nights with him.

He hurt her, from his repeated coercion at the beginning to his current infidelity. She didn't know what hope she could still have for him. Even if she loved him deeply, she would never marry him like this; her strong pride prevented her from speaking.

"Who is he?"

Sima Lie thought his daughter was shy.

"Father, I don't want to mention him."

She remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

Did that man already have a wife? Or did he force her? Or did he abandon her after starting something? Seeing his daughter's expression, Sima Lie couldn't help but suspect the worst.

"Qing'er, you have two choices now. Either find him, and if I approve, you can get married immediately. Or, don't have this child."

Sima Lie stated his position directly; this arrangement was the best.

She stood up and said firmly, "No, Father, I want this child, but I don't want to marry his father."

"What did you say?"

Sima Lie was almost enraged.

"I want the child, but I don't want to get married."

She repeated, stubbornly looking at her father.

"Slap!" In his rage, Sima Lie struck his daughter for the first time. "Do you know what you're saying?"

She slowly knelt down, raising her head. "Father. Please grant your daughter's request."

Sima Lie roared in fury, "You ran away from home without a word. Hui'er died, and you came back for a quick look before running away again. You only came home after Xu'er died too. I can overlook those things because, although you're willful, at least you haven't caused any real trouble. But this time, do you know what you're doing? You are the sole heir of the Sima family, the future owner of Lieyun Ranch. Every move you make affects the reputation of the Sima family. You must act in a way that is worthy of the ancestors of the Sima family. Having a child out of wedlock? It will bring shame to the Sima family and even the entire Lieyun Ranch, making us a laughingstock."

"Tell me, who is that man? He refuses to marry you? If he refuses, I'll kill him!"

Sima Lie suddenly realized that the problem wasn't with his daughter; it was probably with that man.

She slowly shook her head. "No, Father, it's me who doesn't want to marry him."

Sima Lie was puzzled. "If you don't want to marry him, I naturally won't force you. With the reputation and status of the Sima family outside the pass, and with your looks and talent, countless outstanding men will come to propose to you in the future. However, you absolutely cannot have this child."

"No, Father, I want this child."

The older she grew, the more her features resembled her mother's, and her stubborn and persistent expression was even more striking. Although Sima Lie was angry, seeing her like this, he couldn't bring himself to hit her.

Sima Lie felt that his daughter needed to reflect on her actions, and said sternly, "Don't marry the child's father, yet you want this child. I don't know what you're thinking. I'll give you one day to consider. If by tomorrow you haven't chosen between those two paths, then I'll choose for you."

He said all he had to say, closed the door, locked it from the outside, and instructed the servants to guard the door before leaving.

Sima Lie's words echoed in her ears. She thought it over and over, but ultimately couldn't do as her father said. To tell her the child was Duan Yuhan's and marry him was something she absolutely refused to do at this moment. But not having the child was even more unacceptable.

Her father was a man of his word; he might force her to abort the child. Thinking of this, she shuddered. Perhaps the best course of action now was to escape from Lieyun Ranch, to a place where neither her father nor Duan Yuhan could find her. "

Brother, I'm sorry I can't personally attend your funeral, but for your nephew's sake, please forgive your younger sister." She prayed sincerely to heaven.

Sima Lie hadn't intentionally locked her up; he was merely in a fit of anger, which was why he had locked her in the study, hoping she would reflect on her actions. He naturally couldn't believe that his usually obedient daughter would disobey her father's orders and run away at all costs for the sake of her child.

A servant brought in lunch, which she ate, then circulated her internal energy to regulate her breathing, finally stabilizing her pregnancy somewhat. She wasn't in a hurry; nighttime was the best time to escape. The previous two times she had slipped away under the cover of darkness. It wasn't until after dinner, as darkness fell, that she opened the back window and slipped out.

She quietly slipped past the servants, first returning to Muyu Pavilion to retrieve the Blood Shadow Whip, then hastily gathering a few clothes, rouge, and silver notes before sneaking to the stables. Although Lu Jingqiao had repeatedly warned her not to ride a horse, using her light-footed skills to escape now would only deplete her energy. After much deliberation, she decided to ride, willing to take the risk.

"Good boy..."

She stroked the snow-white horse's fur, placed her bundle on it, and quietly pulled it out.

Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind. Startled, she lashed out with the Blood Shadow Whip, which flew towards the footsteps as if alive, its tip pointing towards the person's shoulder and speech acupoints. The person slipped, narrowly avoiding the whip, and appeared before her in flowing white robes—it was Pei Mubai.

Pei Mubai smiled, "Having searched for you all day, I had to go for a ride myself. I didn't expect to find you here. What are you doing sneaking around in your own home?" Sima Wanqing remained silent

, preparing to mount her horse.

“You’re not feeling well, you shouldn’t be riding a horse.”

Pei Mubai stopped her, but then noticed the bundle on the horse and was startled. “You’re leaving?”

“It’s none of your business.”

She didn’t want to cause any trouble.

“You’re leaving because of your health?”

Pei Mubai asked tactfully.

“It’s none of your business.”

“It’s dangerous for you to be like this.”

Pei Mubai reminded her again. She knew he was right, but in this haste, she had no other good choice. Pei Mubai saw the hesitation in her brow and knew she was worried about the child.

“If you really want to leave, I’ll find a carriage.”

His suggestion sounded good, but she didn’t know whether to trust him.

“Wait for me.”

After he finished speaking, he was already gone. With his skills, he could have stopped her from leaving just now; there was no need to lie to her. She chose to believe him.

Sure enough, a moment later, Pei Mubai arrived in a carriage, with no one following behind. He drove, and she got in, heading out of Lieyun Ranch and onto the road leading inland. Within a radius of three hundred li, everyone knew Sima Wanqing from Lieyun Ranch. At this moment, they could only travel several hundred li before finding a village to take temporary refuge.

"You said you'd been looking for me all day? What happened?"

She calmed down, remembering his words.

Pei Mubai smiled, "I stayed at your house for a few days, ate all the good food, and had all the fun. I need to go to Loulan for important business, so I wanted to say goodbye."

Sima Wanqing suddenly felt a little apologetic towards him. She naturally knew he liked her, and before, she had always deliberately avoided him, hoping he would back down. Now, knowing she had another man's child, he still took such good care of her; his magnanimity was beyond ordinary people, and his affection had transcended romantic love.

"But we're heading inland now, not to Loulan..."

She felt very sorry that she had caused him to take a wrong turn and couldn't go to Loulan for his business.

Pei Mubai interrupted her, "I'll get you to a safe place first. You don't need to apologize. My father and your father are good friends who appreciate each other. No matter what, I'll help you."

He paused, then added, "I don't know why you secretly left home? But I will definitely help you."

"Thank you,"

she said sincerely.

Pei Mubai chuckled, "I'd rather you didn't thank me. Thanking me means you don't consider me a friend."

She was stunned for a moment, then laughed at herself.

"Speaking of which, your ranch has been really good to me. I said I wanted a carriage, and there was one immediately. I said I wanted to change horses, and they let me into the stable to change as I pleased. I said I didn't want anyone to follow me, and no one dared to come with me. I really didn't want to leave."

Pei Mubai chatted with her as he rode at full speed.

"You are a distinguished guest of our family, so naturally they wouldn't dare to neglect you. But speaking of which, they were too careless. They let me escape so easily. How can such vigilance be adequate?"

Sima Wanqing suddenly remembered Xuan Ying stealing the treasure, which led to her elder brother's death, and couldn't help but feel sad.

Pei Mubai noticed the change in her tone, a hint of sadness in her voice. He quickly guessed her thoughts. He deliberately changed the subject, "Can you tell me why you left home?"

After a long pause, when she didn't reply, he didn't mind, "I shouldn't have asked."

"No. It's just… I don't like Father's arrangements. And… I don't want to mention that person anymore."

She hurriedly explained, but her words remained vague. Was it that her father didn't want the child to be born? Or was it that the person she loved was unwilling to take responsibility? Pei Mubai didn't want to speculate further.

Seeing how much she cherished the child, she must deeply love that person. Love brings pain. Pei Mubai understood that pain and remained silent.

The carriage sped through the vast night, the driver in white like a lily blooming in the darkness, elegant and refined, noble as jade. She slightly lifted the curtain, looking at Pei Mubai's back. She didn't want to say it was a case of meeting too late, only imagining that the girl he would love in the future would be the happiest person in the world.

Chapter 11: Running Away at Midnight (Part 2)

Duan Yuhan quickly learned that Sima Wanqing had been summoned to the third study by Sima Lie and locked inside as soon as she returned home. No one knew what she and her father had discussed. However, it was certain that she had refused to obey her father's wishes, hence her confinement to the study for reflection.

Duan Yuhan approached Sima Lie's third study at night. He wanted to know what she and Sima Lie had talked about. However, when he sneaked in, the room was empty. He rushed to Muyu Pavilion, where Xiaoyu told him that several of her favorite clothes and rouge were missing.

Had she run away from home again? To find that child's father? Duan Yuhan angrily slapped the poplar tree beside him, causing leaves to fall and birds to scatter in fright. With a flick of his sleeve, he swept up several fallen leaves, which flew like arrows, killing the startled birds one by one. "Flying petals and plucked leaves can all injure people"—only a handful of martial artists in the world could achieve this. If Sima Lie were to witness this scene, he would likely lament his own blindness, never realizing his martial arts had reached such a level.

The smell of blood seemed to remind Duan Yuhan that he should immediately chase after her; he could not let her leave him again.

Many servants had already gathered at the gate of Lieyun Ranch. It turned out that Sima Lie had also discovered his daughter's disappearance and was gathering men. Duan Yuhan naturally joined the crowd.

Immediately, someone reported that the young lady's Xueyu Cong was still there. Sima Lie was very surprised; she cherished that horse the most and rode it everywhere. In the middle of the night, how far could she have gone without riding it?

Finally, one of the gatekeepers stepped forward timidly, "Young Master Pei requested a carriage an hour ago and drove off."

Everyone made their own guesses. The coincidence in timing couldn't be a simple coincidence, could it? Sima Lie, Yue Zhongzheng, and Duan Yuhan led the group, inquiring about the carriage's whereabouts and following its wheel tracks.

While the carriage was better than horses, the ride was still bumpy and arduous. Not far away, Sima Wanqing experienced a sudden stomachache, forcing the carriage to stop and rest.

Pei Mubai suddenly stood up. "Many horses are galloping this way."

With his keen senses, he couldn't be mistaken.

"It's Father and the others, isn't it?"

Sima Wanqing smiled sadly. No matter how she fled, she couldn't escape her father's grasp. She could imagine her father's rage and her fate. But no matter what, she would seize any chance.

The two abandoned the carriage and headed into the woods by the roadside.

But Sima Lie eventually caught up with them. The hunting dogs barked incessantly at Sima Wanqing and Pei Mubai. A tense standoff ensued; no one advanced, and no one fled.

Duan Yuhan's cold gaze swept across their faces, as if studying their intimacy. Pei Mubai sensed his hostility, a thought flashing through his mind. Where did this hostility come from? The deputy manager of Lieyun Ranch was handsome, refined, and promising young, yet why did he always feel that he was scheming and unfathomable?

Sima Lie was also sizing up Pei Mubai. Was tonight's incident considered an elopement? He was Pei Yizhi's son. If the child was his, he would have the courage to admit it and take responsibility, avoiding this predicament. But if the child wasn't his, why did he take his daughter with him? He had to admit he was getting old and increasingly unable to understand the thoughts of young people.

Yue Zhongzheng looked at Sima Wanqing with a puzzled and worried expression. Didn't this child know how serious it was to disobey Sima Lie's orders?

Sima Wanqing composed herself and said softly, "Your daughter was wrong, please punish me, Father. Young Master Pei has nothing to do with my running away. I only met him on the road and asked him for a ride. Please, Father, discern right from wrong and don't wrongly accuse an innocent person."

She wouldn't have spoken if she hadn't, but now she was defending Pei Mubai?

She paused, then mustered her courage and continued, "As for my matter, please reconsider, Father."

Sima Lie was initially very angry, but upon seeing Sima Wanqing, he tried to calmly persuade her to return. "Qing'er, Father is doing this for your sake."

His tone was extremely sorrowful.

"Yes, daughter understands. But daughter's mind is made up. If Father insists on his opinion, please forgive daughter for not obeying."

Her voice was soft, but every word was clear, resolute and unwavering.

"You!"

"Even if Father were to kill your daughter today, your daughter would still say the same thing."

She was willing to gamble, to see if her father would rather kill her or spare her and the child.

In his fury, Sima Lie's palms turned faintly red, a sign that the internal energy of the "Supreme Heaven-Supporting Heart Method" was flowing into his hands.

Pei Mubai stepped forward, blocking Sima Wanqing's path. "Uncle Sima, please calm down. She's just a child, willful and reckless. Please be patient and teach her properly."

"Yes, why can't father and daughter talk things out instead of making a scene? Miss, filial piety comes first. Apologize to Master later."

Yue Zhongzheng also quickly stepped forward to persuade her. Sima

Lie suddenly sidestepped Pei Mubai and swiftly made his move. "Let's resolve this now, once and for all."

His action wouldn't kill Sima Wanqing, but it would be enough to make the child disappear. This sudden turn of events shocked everyone.

Duan Yuhan remained calm, observing from the sidelines. Using Sima Lie to get rid of the child was exactly what he wanted.

Seeing her father's resolute decision and Duan Yuhan's unwillingness to help, Sima Wanqing suddenly felt disheartened. If the child was gone, she didn't want to live alone. She didn't dodge, just stood there, her last glance falling on Duan Yuhan, filled with utter sorrow and grief. That glance carried the meaning of final farewell, and Duan Yuhan was suddenly startled; it was too late to intervene.

In truth, Sima Lie had already regretted his attack, slightly withdrawing his strength, but the powerful and terrifying palm strike still relentlessly struck Sima Wanqing. But who could save the child now?

Pei Mubai hurriedly turned and grabbed Sima Wanqing's wrist, retreating rapidly. She let him lead her, completely unconcerned about whether they could dodge her father's palm strike.

However, the most unexpected thing was Yue Zhongzheng, who actually met Sima Lie's palm strike head-on with his body. Two crisp cracking sounds, the sound of bones breaking, sounded eerily in the dark forest. "

Zhongzheng, you…"

Yue Zhongzheng had been loyal to the Sima family for twenty years, and now he had suffered such a serious injury while saving Sima Wanqing. Sima Lie, regretting his actions, didn't know how to thank him. It was he who saved the sole heir of the Sima family.

"Uncle Yue, what happened to you?"

From childhood, besides her parents, Yue Zhongzheng was the elder who loved her the most. Although he didn't know martial arts, he still risked his life to save her. Sima Wanqing couldn't help but shed tears. It was her fault that Uncle Yue was so seriously injured.

Even Duan Yuhan hadn't expected Yue Zhongzheng's selfless rescue. But recalling how her uncle had always been so devoted to Madam Sima Lie, and how Wanqing resembled her mother, his actions were understandable, given his affection for her.

Sima Wanqing rushed over to help Yue Zhongzheng up, but after only two steps, she felt dizzy. She had been traveling and exhausted all night, and the intense emotional turmoil had left her physically weak and her pregnancy unstable. Pei Mubai quickly supported her waist, letting her lean against his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Sima Lie and Duan Yuhan had gone to check on Yue Zhongzheng's injuries. Fortunately, Sima Lie only exerted a third of his strength. Yue Zhongzheng broke two ribs, but his internal injuries were not serious.

"Please go back with Master, Miss. Let's sit down and discuss this properly,"

Yue Zhongzheng said to Sima Wanqing.

"You're not feeling well, you should go back first,"

Pei Mubai also advised. He knew she valued the child and would definitely not let anything happen to it. Sima Wanqing looked at him gratefully. His concern was genuine, yet she felt she couldn't repay it.

He blinked, meaning, "If you thank me, it means you don't consider me a friend." She was stunned for a moment, then understood his meaning. After this incident, she understood Pei Mubai more deeply; perhaps he was her first and only friend.

Duan Yuhan, seeing the two of them so intimately, suddenly wondered why Pei Mubai would say she wasn't feeling well. Did he also know she was pregnant? Her pregnancy concerned the Sima family's reputation and honor, so naturally she wouldn't let outsiders know. How could Pei Mubai know? There was something ambiguous between these two.

Supported by Pei Mubai, Sima Wanqing walked over. "Uncle Yue, it's all my fault. Don't worry about me, just rest. I'll go back with Father now."

Yue Zhongzheng looked at her with great comfort. Her appearance and demeanor always reminded him of another stunningly beautiful woman, the one who had haunted his dreams and into whom he had given his life's love.

So, the group quickly returned to Lieyun Ranch.

Sima Lie, thinking of his daughter's stubbornness and her willingness to die for her child, wavered. Perhaps he really should give her a third option.

She wanted the child, but for the sake of the Sima family's reputation, she had to marry, and the child had to have a father. But she wouldn't reveal who the father was. It seemed he had no choice but to arrange a marriage for her. Only in this way could he give the child a legitimate identity and prevent outsiders from suspecting the child's illegitimate origins.

Who should the groom be? This person had to be of good character, cherish and love her, not mind that she had given birth to another man's child, and wouldn't reveal her unmarried pregnancy. Originally, Sima Lie had many scions of noble families and promising young talents to choose from when looking for a son-in-law, but at this moment, he couldn't think of anyone.

Perhaps Pei Mubai was the best choice at the moment; judging from his care for her, he must have had extraordinary feelings for her. But would that be too unfair to him?

In a flash, Sima Lie saw Duan Yuhan. He gazed at Sima Wanqing with concern in his eyes, but quickly looked away the moment she turned her head. Sima Lie suddenly realized that among all the young people at Lieyun Ranch, Duan Yuhan's appearance, character, intelligence, and martial arts skills were the most outstanding. He had appointed Duan Yuhan as deputy steward, placing even greater importance on him than on his older ministers, precisely because of his exceptional abilities.

Furthermore, Duan Yuhan had been assisting in the management of Lieyun Ranch for a long time and was extremely familiar with its operations; all of this could help his daughter grow up quickly and inherit the Sima family business. He

had heard from servants that his daughter and he were very close and often spent time together, only becoming somewhat distant recently as they grew older. Judging from Duan Yuhan's expression, he seemed deeply in love with his daughter. His daughter must also have feelings for him. If she chose him, would she agree to the marriage?

Regardless, Sima Lie decided to have a serious talk with Pei Mubai first.

Along the way, Pei Mubai sensed Duan Yuhan's hostility and noticed his intentional or unintentional glances at Sima Wanqing.

He suddenly realized something and used telepathy to ask Sima Wanqing, "Is he Duan Yuhan?"

Sima Wanqing looked at him in surprise. He repeated, "Is the child's father Duan Yuhan?" Sima Wanqing

remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

"But why..."

Pei Mubai didn't want to pry, but he didn't want her to suffer any more emotional torment and hoped to offer her some comfort.

Sima Wanqing closed her eyes wearily, "Don't mention it anymore, okay?"

The hurt was too deep, so she didn't want to talk about it anymore. And the deep hurt was precisely because the love was deep. Pei Mubai seemed to understand the bitterness in her heart and didn't ask any more questions.

Chapter 12: Love's Desire Upon

returning to Lieyun Ranch, Yue Zhongzheng and Sima Wanqing were immediately taken for treatment and rest.

Sima Lie immediately summoned Pei Mubai to the Third Study to speak, but instructed Duan Yuhan to stay outside. Duan Yuhan was somewhat puzzled. Was Pei Mubai finally going to admit the child was his, and were the Pei family of Jiangnan and the Sima family of Guanwai truly going to form a marriage alliance?

Inside the Third Study, Sima Lie scrutinized Pei Mubai again before finally speaking, "You know about Qing'er's matter?"

He asked vaguely.

Pei Mubai's answer was also vague, "I know roughly."

"As a father, I still need to ask clearly."

Sima Lie solemnly stated his meaning.

"This junior understands Uncle's feelings. Uncle, please feel free to ask."

"Is that child related to you?"

Sima Lie asked with difficulty. He desperately hoped the answer was "yes," but he knew it was unlikely.

Pei Mubai answered decisively, "No." "

Has Qing'er mentioned anything to you?"

Seeing his daughter's trust and protectiveness towards Pei Mubai, their relationship must be quite close, hence Sima Lie's question.

"No."

Pei Mubai wouldn't speak without Sima Wanqing's permission.

"Do you like Qing'er?"

Sima Lie finally asked the most important question. He secretly hoped Pei Mubai would love her, love her enough to disregard the child. After all, Pei Mubai's family background and talent made him an exceptionally good son-in-law.

Pei Mubai said sincerely, "I understand Uncle's meaning, but I cannot deceive myself. I will never marry a woman who doesn't love me."

He paused, then added, "I like Xiao Qing; I consider her a good friend."

Sima Lie sighed, "This child used to be very well-behaved, but now she's so stubborn, she won't listen to anything I say. Please help me persuade her."

"Actually, Uncle doesn't need to worry too much. Xiao Qing isn't unreasonable."

Pei Mubai could only comfort him in this way.

"Regardless, I still want to thank you. Qing'er is too young, and I'm always worried that she won't be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility of inheriting the Sima family. I only hope that you will lend a helping hand when she is in danger in the future."

Pei Mubai smiled, "Of course."

Even without Sima Lie saying so, based on his initial admiration for Sima Wanqing, he wouldn't stand idly by if she were in trouble.

The two exchanged a few more words before Pei Mubai came out, and Sima Lie called Duan Yuhan in.

Sima Lie asked directly, "Do you like Qing'er?"

Duan Yuhan couldn't figure out his intention for a moment, but answering "yes" at this time would not only be the truth but would also gain Sima Lie's further trust, so he admitted "yes" with embarrassment. "How much do you like her?"

Sima Lie's eyes were bright, as if he wanted to see through his heart.

Duan Yuhan respectfully replied, "As long as she's happy, I'll do anything to help her achieve it, even if it means going through fire and water."

Sima Lie frowned slightly. Hearing this, it seemed Duan Yuhan was too indulgent and submissive to Sima Wanqing. As a husband, he seemed too weak. How could he possibly control her willfulness and change her wrong ideas in the future? But then he thought, his daughter was the future owner of Lieyun Ranch. Her husband was, after all, marrying into the Sima family, so it was better for him to be more obedient.

Sima Lie was silent for a moment, then finally said, "Qing'er is pregnant. If you're willing to marry her, I'll give her to you in marriage." Duan

Yuhan hadn't expected Sima Lie to say this. He immediately said, "But I wonder who Miss's beloved is? Would Miss be willing?"

He really wanted to know who the father of the child was from Sima Lie.

"You don't need to worry. Who the father of the child is isn't important. What's important is whether you're willing to marry her? Are you willing to love and care for her for the rest of your life?"

Sima Lie only wanted to know if he was willing. After all, it was no small matter to give a man a cuckold's horns out of nowhere.

Duan Yuhan solemnly promised, "I do. I swear, for the rest of my life, Duan Yuhan will only love Sima Wanqing. Under any circumstances, I will do my utmost to love and protect her, and will never betray or leave her. If I break this oath, may heaven and earth not forgive me."

He wasn't lying to Sima Lie, because these were his true feelings.

Sima Lie was very satisfied with his answer and patted him on the shoulder in approval, "Good, but there's one more thing I must say. When you marry Qing'er, you'll be marrying into the Sima family, and your first son must bear the Sima surname. Do you have any objections to this?"

"I understand, I have no objections."

"Also, that child, although not your biological child, is still Qing'er's child, my grandson. You must treat him as your own. Can you do that?"

"I will naturally love him as much as I love my child, and will never mistreat him."

"Good, very good. Tell Qing'er tomorrow that you can start preparing for the wedding."

Sima Lie finally breathed a sigh of relief; this arrangement was the best solution. Seeing Duan Yuhan's loyal and joyful expression, Sima Lie was very satisfied with his choice.

The next morning, as soon as Sima Wanqing woke up, Sima Lie sent someone with a piece of paper. The paper contained only one sentence: "Keep the child, and you must marry Duan Yuhan. This is your father's final concession."

Knowing her personality, once she made up her mind, she wouldn't easily change it. But her father's insistence was unwavering; this was his last and only concession. Should she simply comply?

"Miss, Steward Yue has come to see you,"

Xiaoyu reported as she entered.

Despite his injuries, Yue Zhongzheng had come. Sima Wanqing hurriedly helped him to a reclining chair to rest. "Uncle Yue, you should rest and recover."

Yue Zhongzheng sighed. "Qing'er, have you seen Master's decision?"

Sima Wanqing's expression darkened. Yue Zhongzheng continued, "Believe me, Uncle Yue, Han'er truly loves you and will never let you suffer any injustice."

She remained silent. Yue Zhongzheng paused, then said, "He also had his faults; he shouldn't have gone to places like Mantianfang. But men who have affairs outside don't take them seriously. Master was the same way before, and he and Madam were still a loving couple."

How could Father have been unfaithful? Mother really doesn't blame him? This was the first time Sima Wanqing had heard of such a thing, but Yue Zhongzheng certainly wouldn't speak carelessly. Her face paled. Didn't men's love have the concept of "fidelity"?

"If you agree to marry Han'er, Uncle Yue guarantees he will never go to such disreputable places again,"

Yue Zhongzheng urged. He truly hoped his two most beloved children could get married.

"But..."

she hesitated. Would Duan Yuhan really be devoted to her after marriage and never touch another woman? Because she loved him, she was especially angry about his infidelity, and because she loved him, she always hoped he would change.

Sima Lie entered unnoticed. "What do you mean, 'but'? You must understand, as the heir of the Sima family, your personal preferences aren't the most important thing. The most important thing is the Sima family's reputation, honor, development, and growth. You insist on having a child, and your father has agreed. Do you want this child to be ridiculed for not having a father? Do you want the Sima family's reputation to be ruined because of this child?"

She had long understood that the Sima family's reputation and interests far outweighed her own desires. But why was she still so willful and selfish? There was still the child; giving him a father, even if that father wasn't the best, was better than nothing.

Sima Wanqing lowered her head, pondered for a long time, and finally nodded, "Okay, I'll marry him."

For the Sima family, for the child, she could marry Duan Yuhan, but she would never forgive his infidelity. Sharing a man with someone else was not her style. But since she loved him, loved him to the point of no return, and had no choice but to marry him, all she could do was change his bad habits.

Even though Sima Wanqing tried her best, she still couldn't escape the arrangements of fate. They were destined for a lifetime of entanglement.

Sima Xu's funeral ended quickly, and the entire Lieyun Ranch was now busy with Sima Wanqing's wedding.

Countless rumors circulated among the people. Rumors said that Miss Sima and Young Master Pei had eloped, only to be caught and brought back. Rumors said the wedding was held so hastily because Miss Sima was pregnant. Rumors said Young Master Pei was likely the father of the child. Rumors said Duan Yuhan was forced to marry Miss Sima. Rumors said Miss Sima was pretentious and hypocritical, refusing to marry the young and promising Duan Yuhan.

This woman is unfaithful, pregnant before marriage, utterly shameless. Duan Yuhan, the ideal man so many girls dream of, has been taken by her, and she's still so unhappy—she deserves to die! If she weren't the mistress of Lieyun Ranch and the daughter of the Sima family, she would probably be drowned in public scorn by now.

As the wedding day drew closer, Duan Yuhan increasingly longed to see Wanqing in her wedding dress, to witness her breathtaking beauty. Perhaps, when he saw her again, he shouldn't let jealousy cloud his judgment. She risked her life to protect her child; he couldn't stop the child's birth. Perhaps, with tenderness, she would slowly reveal the father's identity.

Unexpectedly, a few days before the wedding, Shuling suddenly fell and lost her eight-month-old child. This event cast a shadow over the recently joyous Lieyun Ranch.

The child's death devastated Shuling. Sima Wanqing went to comfort her, but she refused to see her. Perhaps she didn't want to see another pregnant woman and be reminded of her own tragic experience.

Sima Wanqing, empathizing with her, naturally understood her grief over losing her child and didn't blame her for her rudeness. If she was still willing to stay at Lieyun Ranch, everyone would treat her well, just like her second brother's widow.

Sima Hui ultimately had no descendants; this was a fact no one could change. The only descendant of the Sima family was still Sima Wanqing. Or perhaps soon there would be another, and her child would also bear the Sima surname.

Chapter 13: Wedding Night

Muyu Pavilion and Tingyu Pavilion had been renovated and expanded, combined to form "Gongyu Xiaozhu," meaning "to weather the storms together," which would become Sima Wanqing's wedding venue.

Tonight, Gongyu Xiaozhu was decorated with a joyous atmosphere, as it was Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan's wedding night. Sima Wanqing sat by the wedding bed, quietly lifting her red veil; the red "double happiness" characters all around seemed to announce the end of her girlhood. She had imagined being his bride countless times, but in the end, she was forced to marry him by her father. At this moment, she didn't know what to feel.

She hadn't seen him these past few days, and she had thought a lot. Perhaps, if she didn't see him as her beloved, it would be much easier to face him. What were her mother's true feelings about her father's casual affair back then? Did she pretend not to know, or did she completely accept it? She couldn't know. Perhaps, she could only sigh that life is like that; nothing can be perfect.

Now, what she needed to do was learn to be a good heir and give birth to a healthy child. Other things were best left unsaid for now.

"Miss, you can't lift the veil; lifting the veil is unlucky,"

Xiaoyu reminded Sima Wanqing by the bedside.

Laughter and commotion came from outside the door; she could vaguely hear the four stewards and some family friends demanding to make a ruckus in the bridal chamber. Naturally, Sima Lie stopped them, and the crowd gradually dispersed amidst the noise.

Sima Wanqing felt the heavy, glittering phoenix crown on her head weighing down her neck and making her back ache terribly. All she wanted to do was lie down and rest.

"Miss, you can't lie down. According to the rules, you have to wait for the groom to lift the veil himself, and then you two can drink the nuptial wine before you can sleep,"

Xiaoyu said, seeing Sima Wanqing already slumped on the pillow, and quickly tried to help her up.

Sima Wanqing was a little angry. It was so late, and she still had to sit there. What kind of ancient custom was this? It was clearly making things difficult for the bride. Thinking this, she still sat up and told Xiaoyu to bring her a blanket to lean against, which made her a little more comfortable. Time passed slowly, and Duan Yuhan still hadn't come in. Sima Wanqing leaned against the blanket, her head tilted to the side, and she fell asleep. Xiaoyu stood by the bed, not daring to wake her.

The door creaked open, and a slightly drunk Duan Yuhan walked in. Just as Xiaoyu was about to shake Sima Wanqing awake, Duan Yuhan gestured for silence and waved his hand. Xiaoyu immediately understood, quickly closed the door, and left.

Duan Yuhan removed the red veil and carefully took off the phoenix crown from Sima Wanqing's head. He gazed at her angelic, pure, and charming sleeping face and couldn't help but smile. From this day forward, she was his wife, and no one could separate them.

Sima Wanqing sensed his arrival but didn't want to open her eyes to see him, pretending to be asleep. Duan Yuhan's hand stroked her earlobe, and he whispered in her ear, "If you're not awake, you should sleep a little longer."

Sima Wanqing felt a warmth spread through her body as he lifted her up in his arms. A cool breeze blew by, and she couldn't help but slightly open her eyes to see what was happening. He carried her out of the bridal chamber and quickly leaped out of the Lieyun Ranch. What was he planning to do?

In a short while, Duan Yuhan brought Sima Wanqing to the top of the Yanhe Tower. Under the bright starry sky and gentle night breeze, he held his beloved in his arms, feeling utterly content.

Knowing he had stopped, Sima Wanqing couldn't help but open her eyes. "Why did you bring me here?"

"You're awake?"

he asked, looking at her with surprise.

She tried to break free from his embrace, but he held her even tighter. "Don't be angry, let's make up, okay?"

She glared at him resentfully. "I want to go back to sleep."

"Don't you remember this is the place where we first spoke? I still remember you running over here, so silly, telling me you had Yunnan Baiyao, the best medicine for stopping bleeding, and telling me not to be afraid."

He recalled the past, his gaze lingering, her perfect figure reflected in his calm, dark eyes.

She seemed to be captivated by his magnetic voice. Yes, back then, he had only recently arrived at the ranch, wanting to be his father's personal bodyguard, but his martial arts skills weren't good enough, so he practiced diligently every day at the Yanhe Tower. One day, while practicing his lightness skill, he fell from the tower and injured his leg. She happened to be playing with her brothers, and seeing him like that, she rushed over to help stop the bleeding and bandage his leg. Although he had repeatedly refused her kindness before, she had still gone to help him without hesitation. Her innate kindness made her unable to bear seeing others suffer. That time, he obediently accepted her help and even surprisingly said "thank you." Now, recalling that day, it felt like a lifetime ago.

She gently pinched herself, telling herself not to be easily swayed by him. "I want to go back."

"Look down there, how beautiful."

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pointing downwards with his right hand. She glanced at it impatiently, but was startled. The Lieyun Ranch was brightly lit, and the houses and streets around it were flickering with candlelight. The candlelight in the darkness, along with the twinkling stars in the sky, created an exceptionally beautiful scene.

"Aren't they asleep so late?"

she blurted out in surprise.

"They're celebrating our wedding."

He found her slightly open mouth quite adorable.

She turned her head away, not wanting to look anymore; this wedding wasn't what she wanted. He seemed to sense her displeasure and firmly grasped her hand. "Let's go down and take a look."

He was certain she wouldn't struggle too violently for the sake of the child. She glared at him resentfully, but could only let him lead her to the street.

He took her to a rooftop along the street, where the market was more clearly visible. Although it was nearly late at night, the street was still exceptionally lively. Lion dancers, monkey trainers, magicians, acrobats, singers—all sorts of performers were still putting on their best, and the crowds cheered loudly, their applause rising and falling.

"Look," he said, "for our wedding, Father specially invited the most famous performers from within the Great Wall and the Western Regions to perform here, just to share the joy with the people and let more people bless us."

He knew she had been bored in the bridal chamber all day and just wanted to cheer her up.

Sima Wanqing was initially angry, but gradually, she was also infected by the joyful atmosphere of the crowd and wanted to see what was going on. He quickly noticed the curiosity in her eyes, smiled slightly, and led her to see them one by one. However, since they were still dressed in bright red wedding attire, it was not appropriate for them to appear in the crowd, so they could only admire them from the nearest rooftop.

A moment later, seeing the lion dancers display their amazing skills, all four lions simultaneously tried to snatch the embroidered ball hanging on a bamboo pole. The ball, perched high on the pole at a height of two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters), seemed unreachable. No matter how the four lions jumped and leaped, they couldn't reach it. Finally, they cooperated, one stepping on another, like a human pyramid. Finally, the lion at the top managed to grab the ball in its mouth.

"The person dancing the lion head at the top has a very stable stance; they must have practiced martial arts, don't you think?"

he asked her leisurely. She gave a light "humph," ignoring him, and quickly walked ahead.

Further ahead, she saw a singing girl, slightly plucking her pipa, her lips parting slightly, her voice soaring to the heavens, then melodious like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

"This young lady is a famous courtesan from Daming Prefecture; she truly lives up to her reputation,"

he sincerely praised. She glanced at him sideways. He recognized all the courtesans from Daming Prefecture; was he perhaps plotting something?

After walking for a while, she gradually felt dizzy and tired. "I'm tired, I want to go back."

He touched her forehead; there was a fine layer of sweat. He knew it was because of her pregnancy that she was lacking strength. He still picked her up. "The best part is yet to come. We'll leave after we see it, okay?"

He seemed to be asking for her opinion, but she knew that it was useless for her to object.

"Look, fireworks! Fireworks!"

"So beautiful!"

Laughter from adults and children filled the air.

Looking up at the sky, dazzling fireworks bloomed without warning in the dark night sky. Some were like celestial maidens scattering flowers, the largest one bursting open and scattering into thousands of dazzling little flowers falling to earth; some were like spinning tops, constantly changing their colorful light; some were like blooming peonies, shooting into the sky with a bang and scattering into countless layers of beautiful petals. As the outermost petals gradually disappeared, the innermost layer released new petals, making it a feast for the eyes.

"Look! Words! Words!"

The children's voices were exceptionally clear and melodious.

Sima Wanqing looked closely and sure enough, a continuous stream of fireworks soared into the sky, scattering a line of words across the night: "The cold moon reflects the butterfly, a perfect match." On the other side, another string of fireworks leaped into the air, revealing the seven characters: "On a sunny day

, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion." Fourteen large characters, each shining brightly and dazzlingly, drew cheers and shouts of praise from adults and children alike. "The cold moon reflects the butterfly, a perfect match; on a sunny day, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion,"

she silently recited in her heart. The couplet cleverly used the "cold" from Duan Yuhan and the "sunny" from Sima Wanqing, demonstrating thoughtful consideration. The entire couplet praised their perfect match, wished them a lifelong and faithful union, and also expressed the hope that they would soon have children.

"Uncle wrote this. Do you like it?"

His eyes held a gentle smile, brimming with happiness. Seeing his joyful expression, she suddenly couldn't bear to be cold towards him.

With the popping of fireworks, blessings like "Eternal Union" and "Growing Old Together" appeared in the sky. She sighed softly; her father and Uncle Yue had approved of the marriage and always hoped for their happiness.

Duan Yuhan suddenly turned her shoulders, gazing into her eyes. "Forget about that day, forgive me."

She suppressed her emotions, responding calmly, "If it were you, seeing me with another man like that, would you forget, would you forgive?"

"Qing..."

He didn't know how to answer her, "You know I only have you in my heart."

"Is that so?"

She looked at him with a hint of sarcasm. Only one in his heart, yet holding many in his arms?

He seemed to understand what she didn't say, "Sometimes, a man is just... a need, like eating when you're hungry or drinking when you're thirsty. He doesn't have any feelings for food or water."

He didn't know if she would understand if he said that.

A flash of anger crossed her eyes. "Really? How can you say such a thing? Do you see women as nothing more than tools for venting your frustrations?"

Recalling his past humiliations of her, was that also a form of need?

"How do you expect me to explain it to you? I never force anyone; it's their own choice. I didn't bully them, I wasn't unfair."

He suddenly remembered his past mistreatment of her. "Only with you, I was afraid of losing you, which is why I resorted to such ruthless methods."

What kind of logic was this? Demanding consent from strangers, yet forcing someone you deeply love? Clearly unfaithful in love, yet so self-righteous?

In an instant, she laughed bitterly, "So easy and so straightforward, so perfectly reasonable."

The flames in her eyes burned even brighter in the firelight.

Seeing her like this, he knew she was furious beyond measure. "I know you hate me. If you hate me, then stab me. As long as you forgive me, anything is possible."

A dagger suddenly appeared in his hand, to be handed to her.

She sneered, refusing to take the dagger. In a split second, he gripped her hand and plunged it into his own chest. Warm blood mingled with the crimson of his wedding robes, the warm liquid from the dagger wetting her small hand. "You..."

Seeing his resolute act, she was shocked and furious, unable to utter a word, only feeling a stinging sensation in her eyes. He actually mutilated himself to beg for her forgiveness?

"Forgive me."

His eyes looked at her earnestly, unusually bright.

She didn't speak, turning to leave. What did it matter to her? He had already broken her heart. After a few steps, she finally stopped. Looking back at him, he stood frozen, still gazing at her earnestly. She stamped her foot, gritted her teeth, and rushed over to pull him back to the ranch. She had to stop his bleeding quickly, otherwise he would bleed to death.

"Qing, forgive me."

He refused to go with her, and she couldn't pull him away. In terms of stubbornness and persistence, the two were exactly alike.

A bitter taste filled her heart. He forced her like this; did she have any other choice? He always managed to touch the softest part of her heart. The warmth of his hand sent a chill down her spine. He knew she couldn't bear it; she absolutely couldn't bear to see him die. He was so hateful and despicable, so why did she still care about him, still feel heartache?

She lowered her head, biting her lip, then suddenly looked up at him, staring intently. "Let's go back and bandage the wound first, okay?"

He heard the concern and compromise in her words and smiled gently. His bleeding and injury were secondary; as long as her heart was back with him, what did this pain matter?

On the way back, she saw the damp patch on his chest growing larger, his face growing paler. Yet he was still happy, not worried about his injury at all. Finally back in the room, not wanting to disturb anyone else, she went to fetch water to clean the bloodstains around the dagger.

Looking at the dagger deep in his chest, she calmly examined it again and again; it had penetrated two or three inches deep. His cruelty extended far beyond others. He was so cruel to himself too. She wanted to help him pull out the dagger, but she was afraid that the spurt of blood would cause him to lose a lot of blood. But how could she treat the wound if she didn't pull it out?

Hesitantly, she reached out her small hand, and he grasped it again, pulling it out forcefully. As the dagger was pulled out, gushing blood once again stained his chest.

"Why were you so foolish?"

she wanted to say, but she held back. She told herself that saving him was out of kindness and goodwill, absolutely not to forgive him.

He watched her silently, observing her every move. Many times before, when he was injured, she had always bandaged him with such meticulous care and gentleness. The only difference was that before she would nag, but today she was far too quiet.

She silently sprinkled some Tianqi powder on the wound, and finally wrapped it tightly with a clean cloth before stopping. Everything proceeded in silence, and everything ended in silence.

Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan's wedding night was devoid of sweetness; it passed by quietly.

URL 1:https://www.sexlove5.com/htmlBlog/19419.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=19419&aspx=1

Previous Page : [Fantasy] Romantic Encounters in the Kingdom of Women (Complete) - Episodes 28-29 (End)

Next Page : [Urban] The Mother Who Cheated on Her Toilet - 22-24

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

[Urban] Banner of Desire (Complete) - 1-3

comment Open a new window to view comments