Volume One, Chapter 18: Knowing When to Advance and When to Retreat

The two rode their horses all the way to the city gate. Outside the gate, a carriage was waiting. Shen Qingli stopped his horse beside the carriage, then dismounted first. Qin Xianxian was lifted down by him at the waist, like a doll.

“Riding horses inside the city is inappropriate. Let’s switch to the carriage.”

Qin Xianxian obediently followed his words, happily climbing into the carriage and sitting down properly.

She was too lazy to think about it—after all, handsome men have their own reasons.

Sitting in the carriage was definitely more comfortable than riding a horse.

Inside the carriage, she began to fuss over her tangled hair—knots here and there, clumps everywhere.

She glanced at Shen Qingli across from her. He was lifting the curtain, gazing outside the carriage. His black hair was half-tied, silky strands falling neatly down his back and chest.

What on earth?

Did he just wash his hair on horseback?

Why did the wind only ravage her hair?

“Shen Gongzi, how come you were there just now?”

What a coincidence—she seemed to meet him almost every time she went out. They met more often than she did with her so-called “male lead.”

Shen Qingli withdrew his gaze and instead looked at her, a faint smile playing on his lips as usual.

“I happened to pass by your residence. Your maid came out in a hurry, saying she had urgent news for you. Since I had nothing else to do today, I took care of it for you.”

Qin Xianxian frowned. The maid he mentioned must be Lv Qi. Yesterday, she had instructed her to keep a close watch on the old nanny brought by Zhao Wanwan. Apparently, she had discovered something.

“Did she say what the matter was?”

“She told me to tell you that someone was tampering with the food,” Shen Qingli said, then paused before continuing, “I’ve already had your maid lock that person up and sent her to Ji’an Hall to find Chen Chou to see exactly what was added.”

Qin Xianxian stared at him, stunned for a moment.

Shen Qingli’s smile faded slightly. “Am I meddling too much?”

Just then, the person beside her suddenly moved closer, patting his shoulders on both sides and shaking him lightly, eyes filled with admiration.

“Shen Gongzi, you are truly my lifesaver.”

With this settled, she wouldn’t have to be scared half to death by ghosts anymore.

The smile on Shen Qingli’s lips deepened again, his voice soft and low: “In that case, Miss Qin, you owe me a favor.”

Qin Xianxian narrowed her eyes. Why was he climbing on the favor like that? Didn’t most people say, “No need to mention it” instead?

She retracted her hand and sat back opposite him, forcing a smile. “If Shen Gongzi says so, then so be it.”

---

“Your hand—are you alright?”

Qin Xianxian looked down at her palm, feeling a slight sting, but compared to her urgent desire to return home, it was negligible.

“No harm done.”

“I’ll take a look.” The man across from her stepped forward and sat down beside her, reaching out his hand.

Qin Xianxian instinctively pulled her hand aside.

This Shen Qingli was truly hard to figure out. She knew his cards—this gentleness and grace was likely an act. Was he like this with everyone, or just with her?

Their eyes met.

Interacting with her was certainly difficult for him; he had to balance carefully, be polite and humble, lest he be accused of frivolity. He was wearing himself out pretending.

After much thought, Shen Qingli withdrew his hand. Since they had just ridden together, this was probably the limit of her tolerance. If he didn’t restrain himself, he might make things worse.

Better to endure a little trouble for the greater plan.

His face once again wore his characteristic courteous smile.

Qin Xianxian blushed and quickly turned her head away.

She had to admit, his act was convincing. Were it not for her strong will, she might have been fooled.

Then suddenly, a flash of memory of the reckless thing she had done to him yesterday crossed her mind! Well, maybe her willpower wasn’t that strong after all…

She casually glanced at the man beside her—at his, uh, abdomen.

That sensation...

Was unforgettable!

She gently clasped her hands, rubbed her palms, pressed her knees together, and shifted a little away.

She wanted to keep some distance, so as not to leave him with any shadows.

The man’s eyes narrowed slightly.

What did that mean? Afraid of him?

They rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

---

“Second Miss, you’ve finally returned.”

As soon as Qin Xianxian got off the carriage, Lv Qi greeted her. She had been waiting outside for quite some time.

“And the old nanny?”

Qin Xianxian lifted her skirt and hurried inside.

“She’s locked in the woodshed!”

“No one else was disturbed?”

“No, not even Miss Biao knows. It was me and Lian Xin who secretly locked her up.”

“And Master Chen?”

“Doctor Chen is waiting in the courtyard.”

The two ran inside, chatting as they went, leaving Shen Qingli behind.

He hadn’t intended to follow—they were dealing with her family matters after all. But upon hearing from the maid that poison was involved and fearing she wouldn’t handle it well, he had no choice but to follow.

Qin Xianxian first returned to her courtyard and saw Chen Chou waiting alone in the middle with a bundle in hand.

Hearing the noise at the gate, Chen Chou looked out and saw two figures running over.

He clasped his hands in salute upon recognizing them. “Miss Qin!”

Qin Xianxian steadied herself, took a breath, and asked, “Master Chen, have you found out what this is?”

A flicker of unease crossed Chen Chou’s face. He glanced at the bundle but didn’t speak plainly. Instead, he asked, “Miss Qin, where did this come from?”

“Master Chen, no need to beat around the bush. Just tell me what it is,” she said, irritated and eager to confront the old nanny in the woodshed.

At that moment, Shen Qingli entered the courtyard. Chen Chou looked at him, then back at Qin Xianxian, still hesitant to speak.

Judging by his expression, Qin Xianxian guessed most of it. “Alright, I know what it is.”

Something that could make people lose their feelings for each other probably wasn’t good.

“Lv Qi, come grind some ink for me,” Qin Xianxian said, then hurried inside.

Shen Qingli approached.

“Young Lord.”

His gaze fell on the bundle in Chen Chou’s hand. Chen Chou handed it over to him. Shen Qingli opened it and sniffed. A few wisps of powder floated into his nose, causing his brow to furrow slightly.

“Ahem…”

“Young Lord, this medicine must not be smelled!” Chen Chou hurriedly took the bundle back.

Shen Qingli’s lips twitched faintly, a look of helplessness on his face. “Shopkeeper Chen, could you please give me a heads-up next time?”