After returning to the estate, Ling Xiao habitually glanced toward the stables as he passed by. His steps faltered slightly—Jiang Yueyao's carriage was not there today.
"Has the madam gone out?" he asked.
Jian Shuang looked puzzled. Why was the marquis always so concerned about the madam's whereabouts?
"My lord, have you forgotten? Today is Miss Chen's Rain Tea Banquet. The madam left early to attend."
Ling Xiao's brow furrowed. "Did she go alone?"
Jian Shuang thought to himself, Of course she went alone—you weren’t going.
He nodded. "The madam went by herself. After all, it wouldn’t be proper for the marquis’ household to decline Miss Chen’s invitation entirely."
An inexplicable unease settled in Ling Xiao’s chest. He was currently purging court officials who had colluded with the Lotus Sect, and there were undoubtedly many who harbored resentment toward him in secret. Though most had been apprehended, there was no guarantee that all remnants had been eradicated. What if they targeted her again?
The likelihood was slim, but ever since the assassination attempt at the hunting grounds, he couldn’t shake his lingering fear.
"Why didn’t she tell me she was going?!"
Jian Shuang stiffened. He hadn’t thought it was a matter worth reporting.
"This subordinate deserves punishment!"
Ling Xiao’s irritation flared, and he suddenly realized how excessively he seemed to care about her.
Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to take another step forward.
With a dark expression, he turned on his heel and strode toward the gates. "Saddle my horse."
---
"Ah—"
Jiang Yueyao nearly cried out but quickly covered her mouth.
"It’s me."
Her frightened gaze lifted to meet Mo Ziqian’s face.
Her pulse steadied slightly.
As Mo Ziqian released her, she immediately demanded, "What are you doing here?"
Noticing the wariness in her eyes, he explained gently, "This villa is a royal estate. The furnishings and decorations are all supplied by the Mo family. I came today to deliver a batch of porcelain and was taking inventory in this wing."
He gestured toward the row of rooms behind her. "This area is secluded and quiet. Most guests wouldn’t wander here. I only came out because I heard movement."
Yueyao followed his indication and saw a study desk inside the room, piled with ledgers. Several large crates filled with porcelain lay scattered on the floor.
Only then did she fully relax.
Mo Ziqian’s voice turned serious. "Why are you here?"
"I was set up. Is there another way out of here?" she asked urgently.
"No. Behind this is a wild lake with treacherous currents. Even a strong swimmer wouldn’t make it to the other side."
"Then can you command Mo Shujie’s men?"
Mo Ziqian hesitated. "I’m afraid not."
Suddenly, Mo Shujie’s furious voice erupted from the other end of the corridor.
"That bitch ran off!"
"She couldn’t have gone far. That little wretch Shancha said she just escaped—she must still be in this area. Search every corner! Dig her out!"
He had already gone this far—how could he let his prey slip away now?
If she escaped and reported this to Ling Xiao, he’d be a dead man.
After all, no matter how much Ling Xiao despised the woman, he would never allow anyone to tarnish the Ling family’s honor.
They had to find her—either break her into submission on the bed or silence her for good. Otherwise, she’d be a disaster waiting to happen.
Mo Shujie’s eyes gleamed with malice. "She cannot leave this place alive!"
"Yes, sir!"
His lackeys scattered to begin the search.
Yueyao’s face paled further. If Mo Shujie refused to relent, would she truly die here today?
Mo Ziqian seized her wrist. "I know a hidden spot. Let’s hide there first."
She followed him without hesitation.
Mo Shujie tore through room after room, soon reaching the one Mo Ziqian had occupied earlier.
"Young Master, these ledgers bear Third Young Master’s signature."
Mo Shujie flipped through the pages and cursed. "That bastard Mo Ziqian! He dared steal from under my nose! No wonder the little slut vanished!"
"Third Young Master has grown bold, crossing you again and again!"
"Once I drag them out, I’ll deal with them both! Keep searching!" Mo Shujie snarled through gritted teeth.
---
Outside the villa, a horse galloped toward the gates at breakneck speed.
The servant guarding the entrance rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things—until Ling Xiao reined in and dismounted.
The man scrambled forward. "Marquis Ling has arrived!"
"Lead the way."
"Yes, my lord!"
The servant hastily escorted him inside.
Meanwhile, Chen Shiyun remained in the waterside pavilion, whispering to Yulan, "How are things on that end?"
"Mo Shujie has already gone over. They’re probably… occupied by now. You instructed us not to interfere, so none of us dared approach. But…"
Yulan frowned. "Shancha hasn’t returned either."
Chen Shiyun waved it off. "Perhaps Mo Shujie took a liking to her as well. Two birds with one stone."
For a maid, climbing into a nobleman’s bed was a stroke of fortune.
"Leave that matter alone. Whatever happens has nothing to do with us. If questioned later, it’s Jiang Yueyao and Mo Shujie’s affair—we’re blameless."
She lifted her chin, her eyes still brimming with haughty indifference.
Just then, a maid rushed in. "Miss, Marquis Ling is here!"
Chen Shiyun’s face lit up. "Truly?!"
Before she could finish, Ling Xiao strode in.
She hurried to greet him. "Marquis Ling, what brings you here? I thought you weren’t coming."
He replied absently, "I happened to be passing by."
His gaze swept the room, but Jiang Yueyao was nowhere in sight.
Chen Shiyun beamed. "Someone prepare tea—Junshan Silver Needle, at once!"
She had made sure to learn his favorite.
When Ling Xiao still didn’t spot Jiang Yueyao, impatience flickered across his face. "Where is Lady Jiang?"
Chen Shiyun’s smile faltered. Why was he asking about her?
Was that woman worth his attention?
Hadn’t he always loathed her?
Forcing a smile, she said, "She spilled tea on her dress earlier and went to change. She should return shortly."
But before she could finish, Chun’er burst in. "Miss Chen, where is my mistress? It’s been nearly half an hour—I’m worried..."
Chen Shiyun stiffened. She had forgotten about this meddlesome maid.
Earlier, she had sent Chun’er away to fetch tea, and by the time she returned, Jiang Yueyao had already been taken. She’d then ordered the maid to wait elsewhere.
"The tea soaked through the madam’s clothes. She must be bathing before changing, so it’s taking longer."
Chun’er shook her head vehemently. "No, my mistress bathes quickly. She would never take this long."
Besides, Jiang Yueyao had been disgusted by Mo Shujie earlier—she had been eager to leave. Why would she linger to bathe?
The realization struck Chun’er like lightning. She hadn’t seen Mo Shujie this entire time either!
Ling Xiao’s eyes turned icy. "Where did she go to change?!"
