Chapter 32: Apology

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Mingzhu was equally gloomy. Since returning, she had been convalescing at the mansion, yet her mind kept replaying Jiang Wu’s gaze from that night—full of pain, sorrow, and... disappointment. At the thought of that word, Mingzhu irritably closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.

Before her lay a neat array of medicine bottles, all hurriedly handed to her by Jiang Wu that day—treatments of various kinds, many praised as excellent remedies even by doctors.

After a long moment, she finally shook off her frustration, opened her eyes, and resumed arranging the bottles from tallest to shortest. Yet her thoughts remained fixed on Jiang Wu.

Though she knew Jiang Wu had been deceiving her, and even understood her true identity, Jiang Wu still chose to help her and looked at her with such tender, pained eyes. Yes, that was simply who she was.

But looking at the tree outside the window, blooming in full splendor, Mingzhu knew she would never come again. That day, Jiang Wu hadn’t spoken, but her eyes said farewell, as if to say they would never meet again. Mingzhu’s heart ached as if pierced by needles.

“Has the injury healed a bit?”

Suddenly, Mo Yangzhou’s voice came from the doorway.

Mingzhu gathered her scattered emotions and answered quietly, “Almost.”

The man stepped inside, his gaze lingering on the medicine bottles for a while. Lost in thought for a moment, he finally asked, “The doctors said these are good medicines. Why aren’t you using them?”

Though he was Mingzhu’s father, since she was grown and they were of opposite sexes, he hadn’t seen her wounds himself. Still, from the doctors’ words, he knew the injury was severe.

“It’s nearly healed,” Mingzhu replied casually.

She recalled Jiang Wu’s advice that scars were undesirable for girls. Mingzhu thought to herself she had never cared about such things.

“Mingzhu, we need to talk.”

Without her noticing, Mo Yangzhou had sat beside her, his expression serious. “You did something so dangerous without consulting me first?”

Mingzhu had anticipated this and turned away without replying.

But Mo Yangzhou persisted, “Is this the order of the Pavilion Master? That’s Chu Ling’s territory. Acting so recklessly is irresponsible.”

The Pavilion Master Mo Yangzhou referred to was Mingzhu’s master. When the father and daughter were hunted by Chu Ling and hiding, it was this person who saved them and taught Mingzhu martial arts.

The Shadowless Pavilion was filled with those who wished for Chu Ling’s demise. Recently, Mo Yangzhou increasingly urged Mingzhu to leave.

Seeing Mingzhu indifferent, he sighed and repeated himself, “Mingzhu, you’re a girl. These matters are not yours to bear. From now on, you should withdraw...”

Mingzhu suddenly stood, her voice growing passionate. “Withdraw? And expect you to take revenge for Mother? You’ve been played by Chu Ling, and she must hate you now...”

The “she” behind referred to Jiang Wu.

But before she finished, seeing her father’s pained eyes, she bit back her words.

True feelings were never one-sided; she knew her father was the most heartbroken of all.

The awkward silence was broken by a servant’s announcement: “Mr. Mo, someone has arrived from the Chancellor’s residence.”

At these words, both father and daughter’s faces lit up almost identically.

Mingzhu couldn’t contain herself and hurried to the main gate.

Unexpectedly, it was the scheming girl. Disappointment swept through her heart; she had always thought this girl, unlike the kind and innocent Jiang Wu, was truly her father’s daughter.

Though she disliked Chu Nianyin, her longing and guilt for Jiang Wu had somewhat lessened, diminishing her dislike.

So her tone wasn’t too harsh: “Miss Chu, what brings you here?”

Chu Nianyin stood outside with a composed smile, no sign of her earlier loss of composure, looking every bit a refined lady. “Sister Mo, regarding the last incident, it was my fault. I’m here to sincerely apologize.”

At her signal, the accompanying servants brought forward prepared gifts.

Nianyin bowed her head earnestly. “I was wrong that day. Sister Mo, I’m sorry.”

Mingzhu had little interest in the gifts and no desire to judge whether Nianyin’s apology was genuine or not. Since Jiang Wu already knew the truth of that day, Nianyin’s visit was likely forced.

Among the servants following her, Mingzhu spotted the maid who often accompanied Jiang Wu.

Lowering her gaze, Mingzhu concealed a fleeting shadow in her eyes.

“It’s a minor matter, Miss Chu. No need to take it to heart.”

At that moment, Mo Yangzhou appeared, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes before he smiled and said, “Since Miss Chu has come, please come inside and have a seat.”

Chu Nianyin was willing to apologize but refused to enter. It was like entering her mother’s other home.

Inside, she would inevitably think of them as family, so she forced a polite refusal: “I have other matters to attend to and won’t disturb you.”

As she turned to leave, Mo Yangzhou clenched his fist, hesitant to speak. As an outsider, no matter how concerned, he had no right to question.

Even the princess was out of reach to them; he could only fret in silence.

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This was the chasm between them; they had never been equals. The power of command always lay with Jiang Wu, who decided when things began and ended.

In the end, it was Mingzhu who called out to Nianyin.

“It’s been some time since I last saw the lady. Please, Miss Chu, send my regards to her.”

Nianyin smiled softly and agreed.

After returning to her residence, Nianyin went to see Jiang Wu.

Jiang Wu was at her dressing table but watched her through the bronze mirror, listening patiently.

She could see from Nianyin’s expression that the regret was genuine.

The foolish girl harmed others but also wounded herself. That day, Jiang Wu had asked nothing, yet Nianyin had confessed everything.

Because of this, Jiang Wu wasn’t angry but gently guided the girl.

“Sister Mo also asked me to send her regards.” Nianyin glanced cautiously at her mother’s face as she spoke. She hadn’t wanted to say this, but the maid by her mother’s side had overheard.

If she didn’t say it, the maid would.

Seeing no strong reaction except a nod of acknowledgment, she sighed softly. She didn’t know what had transpired but sensed her mother’s interest in those people had waned.

Her mood lifted and she helped her mother select hair ornaments. “Mother, where are you going?”

Jiang Wu had stayed indoors for many days; seeing her dressing, Nianyin guessed she was going out and felt pleased.

“There’s a temple fair in the city today. Your father seems to have a banquet and wants me to accompany him.”

The messenger from Chu Ling hadn’t explained in detail, and she only grasped the general idea.

Today’s temple fair was grand. Sometimes, nobles gathered on boats along the river outside the city.

When Nianyin mentioned Mingzhu, Jiang Wu’s heart stirred, though she tried to suppress it, thinking of her daughter’s pitiful, anxious demeanor and deciding not to show it.

“Would you like to come, Nianyin?”

Though unsure what banquet it was, if she could go, Nianyin should be able to join.

Nianyin was about to say yes but suddenly remembered her brother’s words: only if her father kept her mother would she truly be hers. She smiled and changed her response, “Since it’s with Father, I won’t go. By the way, I saw Father waiting in the front hall. Was he waiting for you?”

Jiang Wu took her refusal as a dislike of Chu Ling and didn’t think much of it, though she was slightly surprised to hear Chu Ling was waiting.

“He’s waiting?” She instructed the servants, “Hurry up, then.”

Nianyin smiled, “It’s alright, Mother. Father surely won’t mind.”

Jiang Wu didn’t want to spoil Chu Ling’s image in the children’s eyes and said nothing, though inwardly she knew his temper was far from gentle.

***

When Jiang Wu finished dressing and came to the front hall, Chu Ling was already seated. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away and set down his teacup.

Jiang Wu was slightly surprised.

Wasn’t there supposed to be a banquet? Why was he dressed so simply?

He wore plain white robes, without a single decoration. Compared to her elaborate attire, she felt overdressed.

Chu Ling stood and approached.

“Let’s go.” His usually stern features softened inexplicably.

Jiang Wu followed a few steps and couldn’t resist asking, “Where is the banquet?”

Chu Ling glanced sideways at her, a trace of puzzlement in his eyes.

“There’s no banquet. I just want to take you out for a walk.”

Hearing this, Jiang Wu bit her tongue, refraining from saying, “Then I won’t go.”

She blamed the servants for not explaining clearly; had she known, she wouldn’t have bothered dressing up.

Annoyed but already out, she had no choice but to follow Chu Ling.

The temple fair was crowded. Upon entering, Chu Ling took her hand.

“Lots of people. Don’t get separated.”

His low voice whispered in her ear.

Jiang Wu had initially been indifferent—if they got split, so be it. But recalling the assassination attempt the last time they went out, she allowed him to hold her hand.

Assassins didn’t discriminate; being near Chu Ling was safer.

The street buzzed with noise, but Jiang Wu’s interest was scant.

She rarely attended such fairs with Chu Ling; usually, it was with Qingyang.

They strolled, listened to music, took boat rides on the river—so carefree.

Thinking of Qingyang, she sighed. No, she really sighed, then quickly sensed something amiss and glanced at Chu Ling.

He said nothing, his expression unchanged, eyes fixed ahead.

She looked at him a few more times; under the lantern light, his profile seemed unrealistically beautiful.

Perhaps because he was dressed plainly today, the usual aloofness was lessened, replaced by warmth and an indescribable everyday charm.

Everyday charm?

Jiang Wu momentarily lost herself, hearing a faint, confused voice in her mind: this is how it should be.

Her husband should be this kind of man—ordinary, filled with the warmth of everyday life; maybe not wealthy or noble, but a warm person.

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Not someone like Chu Ling.

She couldn’t say precisely what felt wrong, but at that moment, her heart insisted it shouldn’t be him.

Perhaps she stared too long because the man finally turned to look at her, his gaze seeming to say, “Is the road written on my face?”

Embarrassed, Jiang Wu looked away, banishing all her distracting thoughts. No wonder she didn’t like going out with Chu Ling; no matter what she thought, she wouldn’t think of him.

To ease the awkwardness, she said casually, “Why isn’t Chu Yi here?”

The man, who had been unresponsive to her earlier distraction, furrowed his brow. “Don’t you dislike him?”

If not for sensing the slight extra pressure in his grip, she wouldn’t have detected any emotion in his tone.

“I was just curious since he suddenly disappeared.”

In truth, she was already smiling inside. She knew that Chu Yi had dared to hurt even his master; this stingy man wouldn’t let it go.

Sure enough, soon Chu Ling explained, “He has a mission and went elsewhere.”

Jiang Wu naturally didn’t believe the excuse.

Seeing her “You’re lying to yourself” expression, a flicker of frustration passed through his eyes.

“Don’t just walk looking down. Look around, see if there’s anything you like.”

Jiang Wu glanced casually and spotted a garment displayed in a nearby clothing shop she liked.

Before she could speak, Chu Ling followed her gaze.

“Try it on.”

Jiang Wu didn’t object; trying on clothes was more interesting than holding his hand in the crowd, especially since it was something she liked.

The shop had a fitting room and servants to assist. Jiang Wu entered with Zhi Zhi, but just as she stepped inside, a hand covered her mouth.

“Mm…”

“It’s me,” Qingyang’s voice.

Jiang Wu looked at Zhi Zhi, who also had her mouth covered. It was only a hand over the mouth; if they made noise, those outside would hear.

Chu Ling would come in at once.

After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Wu signaled Zhi Zhi to stay silent.

Understanding, Zhi Zhi didn’t make a sound, and Qingyang slowly withdrew her hand.

“What are you doing?” The woman’s muffled voice showed she was still upset, softening Qingyang’s heart. She knew Jiang Wu was still angry but clearly still cared.

This person was always soft-hearted.

“Aw Wu, I know you’re mad at me, but since you won’t see me, I have no choice. There are things I must say to you...”

“How did you know I’d come here?” Jiang Wu interrupted suddenly.

Qingyang paused, then said, “I hung the clothes upstairs.”

Alright, Jiang Wu thought, truly the one who knew her best, understanding her preferences.

“So that’s why you knew I’d like someone like Mo Yangzhou?”

She couldn’t help but speak sharply, wanting to say more, but Qingyang grabbed her hand.

“Aw Wu, I admit I knew him before, even long before, and it was because of you that we met. But I swear, Mo Yangzhou approaching you was never my doing.”

Jiang Wu was bewildered. Qingyang seemed anxious but sincere.

She knew herself too well to be a pawn. Even if she hated Chu Ling to that extent, Qingyang never turned against her.

She fell silent, waiting.

Qingyang seemed to have a mountain of words, unsure where to start.

“I do hate Chu Ling and want him dead. But I never wanted to use you. Aw Wu, I truly don’t want to drag you into this. The only thing I used you for was gathering those ladies. Mo Yangzhou...” She paused, closing her eyes in pain before continuing.

“Aw Wu, some things I can’t tell you—not because I fear Chu Ling but for your own good. I tried telling you the truth, but it only made you like this. Chu Ling has many ways; I can’t fight him now. If you really want to know, I’ll find the right time to tell you. But now, I need your help. For the sake of our years of friendship, please help me.”

She spoke fast and urgently, the flood of information overwhelming Jiang Wu’s mind.

Only at the last sentence did she regain clarity.

So it was still using her.

Unfortunately, Qingyang had no time to explain further.

“I lied last time. Mother is still in the palace but hasn’t seen anyone. Even if she’s angry at me, she wouldn’t hide for so many days. Chu Ling’s men guard every corner; no one else is allowed in. My men got one message—saw them destroying blood-stained clothes and using medicines to cover the scent.”

Qingyang’s hands trembled.

“I have no other way. I had to come to you. Please, help me find out what happened to Mother—whether she’s alive or dead.”

Jiang Wu left feeling dazed.

Her mind flickered between Qingyang’s reddened eyes and the tangled words she had just spoken.

What should she do now?