Because the unfamiliar woman suddenly barged in, Ming Lan was surprised and stopped insulting Gu Yunxi.

He looked up coldly. Behind that sexy woman was more young and beautiful women.

A group of charming and beautiful women came in and surrounded the guards in the room.

The guards were surprised and confused. When they were dazing, women took the lead. They threw their fragrant body into the guards’ arms.

The guards couldn't care about anything else. They were normal young men and just witnessed their Master abusing Gu Yunxi. The sexy scene and Gu Yunxi’s cry already made their blood boiling hot.

Now there were young women coming to them. They naturally let go and didn't try to refrain themselves.

At this very moment, someone disturbed him. Ming Lan was angry. His iron hands still clutched Gu Yunxi. His eyes went dark. Ming Lan shouted with a sharp voice,

"Who let them in! Get out!"

A woman wearing a yellow dress came to his side. It was that tall woman who came in first.

Her hand moved, and a fragrant red handkerchief passed through Ming Lan's nose. In the next second, her arm was around his neck. She deftly pulled him, and his body left Gu Yunxi. And he was pressed on the stone table by that woman.

Ming Lan was curious about this woman's amazing strength. But he saw her putting up a seductive and enchanting smile. She leaned over and said coquettishly,

"Lord, you're so handsome! Come on. Let me hug you!"

She was wearing a long yarn dress. Her make-up was delicate, and her body was charming. The flower-pattered collar was wide open, showing her collarbones. Going downward, inside the red tube bra was her big boobs. It should be a beautiful scene!

Ming Lan narrowed his eyes. He felt like this woman was a beauty even though she was slightly higher than most girls and was not feminine.

Ming Lan was turned on. He forgot about everything else. Leaving Gu Yunxi behind, his wet and slippery hand was moving all around the woman again.

In this mess, Fu Danqing held a heavy cloak and sneaked under the table. She found Gu Yunxi, who was weak and feeble.

"Miss Yun, are you okay?!"

Fu Danqing knew her identity a long time ago. Now it was quite urgent. She didn't need to hide it anymore.

Seeing Gu Yunxi's pale face, teary eyes, and shaking body, she knew Gu Yunxi was terrified.

Fu Danqing quickly put the clothes on Gu Yunxi, strapped the belt, and put the cloak on.

On the table, on top of the half-transparent clothes, Ming Lan was willfully touching the woman’s shoulder and collarbones and going downward.

The woman raised her eyebrows and stared at Ming Lan. Her eyes turned sharp.

Gu Yunxi was just supported up by Fu Danqing when she heard the fighting sound by her ears, mixed with Ming Lan’s painful hollowing.

This abnormal noise was like a sign. All of a sudden, all the young women that followed her changed their expressions. They got out of the guards’ arms and started fighting them. The yelling sounds came out. They were not sexy women but young men who looked rather beautiful.

All of a sudden, many white shadows were like water being splattered out of the window. On the street, people's shocking call was higher and higher.

After a crushing sound, Ming Lan flew out of the room sideways with a broken door. He rolled downstairs till he reached the first floor.

Gu Yunxi stood dazedly. Her legs were stiff, and she couldn't move. Suddenly, her eyesight was blocked by that woman in the yellow dress. Her shining eyes were like purple glazes, focusing on Gu Yunxi.

She raised her eyes. Before Gu Yunxi could say anything, she was held up by someone. This person carried her sideways. Gu Yunxi felt like she was riding clouds. All she could see was roofs and houses passing backward.

Yudao Street.

A carriage group went through the streets, passing the memorial gate titled "Eternal Good Fame".

Each group was made up of ten carriages. Each of the carriages was decorated luxuriously. The bells on the thill waved all the way, attracting numerous people on the street.

The carriage group stopped in front of Leng's Mansion. The eunuchs in charge of guarding the door had already informed Leng Qingtang.

Leng Qingtang slightly frowned. His pale face went dark. His eyes were as dark as night, showing a hint of coldness.

"Are they finally here?"

Leng Qingtang was supported by Kang Hai. He changed into a black causal robe and went out of the Mansion step by step.

Outside the gate, he saw the leading carriage. The blue curtains were lifted, and the chief maid of Kunning Palace, Sulian, came out of the carriage.

Then, one white and smooth hand reached out of the curtain.

She was indeed back!

Supported by Sulian, she leaned out of the carriage gracefully.

The crystals on the curtain waved and shone. It was making some clear sound. The light reflected and shone on her bun. It was eye-catching and bright.

She was wearing a red dress with hundreds of butterfly patterns. It was not the wedding dress, but it was shining and beautiful as fire. Her face was pretty. Her delicate eyes had deep affections. Smiling, she was like a red wintersweet blooming in the snow, just so gorgeous.

A pair of red embroidered shoes stepped on the stool. She gracefully got down.

Her eyelashes were bushy like feathers and they were curled up. Her smile and her gentle look dazzled countless passengers, but it couldn't warm up the coldness in Leng Qingtang's eyes.

He smiled faintly. It was without any emotions as if a wooden mask had been stuck on his face.

Sulian stood under the stairs. Her voice was joyful,

"Long time no see. Master Leng, you indeed got better! I came this time to congratulate you..."

...

Shili Street.

On the first floor of the Wanhua Tower, Ming Lan was supported up by his men. Still feeling pain, he looked for a mirror immediately.

The landlady didn't dare to hesitate. She asked someone to bring the mirror and then stepped aside, restraining her laugh.

In the mirror, that delicately made-up face was long gone. Instead, it was a badly battered face with twisted eyes and mouth. It also had countless bite marks and scratch marks.

Ming Lan was furious. He raised his hand and smashed the mirror. Ming Lan waved his arms and pointed at Fu Danqing. He shouted,

"Take her away! And lockdown Wanhua Tower!"

"Let me see who dare do that!"

After Ming Lan just finished this sentence, the Shenle Marquis, Wan Li, who was wearing brocade clothes, came in from outside with his hand behind. He was followed by some guards in casual clothes.

Ming Lan was shocked. His arrogance immediately died down.

When Fu Danqing saw Wan Li, she immediately threw herself in his arms coquettishly. She started weeping, looking like she was wronged.

Ming Lan hurriedly bent down and saluted. He looked weird,

"Greeting to you, Your Lordship."

Wan Li kept a straight face and looked unhappy. He didn't look at Ming Lan but looked down at the beauty in his arms. He gently stroke her back with his palm and said,

"Don't be afraid, Qing. I'm here. I'll see who dare touch your Wanhua Tower!"

Ming Lan frowned, looking down. His back was wet because he was terrified. The sticky sweat soaked his shirt.

The landlady saw it and went over to Wan Li with a sour face. She thumped her chest and stamped her feet,

"Oh Your Lordship, you have to say something for me! I open up to do business! I don't want to mess with anyone! Look at it. How many things were broken! They scared Danqing. How can she serve you?"

Wan Li's eyes turned cold. They were sharp and terrifying as if they could poke people to bleed. Ming Lan was so terrified that he shrank his neck.

Looking at how frightened he was, Wan Li smiled with contempt. He said harshly,

"Look at you. You don't deserve to say you were promoted by my sister. Are you not busy at the Western Depot? Why are you here?"

Ming Lan saluted and acted lowly. His broken face was twisted together. It was even uglier,

"Your Lordship, I'm not here to have fun. I received source information, saying some traitors gathered here, so I came here to take them in."

At this moment, Fu Danqing cried louder.

The landlady kneeled on the ground. She yelled with all her strength,

"I'm wronged! Your Lordship, you have to clear our name! Lord Ming kept saying there were traitors in Wanhua Tower. But you know us. You are a regular here..."

"Shut up."

Wan Li raised his voice and interrupted the landlady. His pale face went red. He angrily glared at her.

He then turned to look at Ming Lan and asked coldly,

"Where are the traitors? Show me!"

Ming Lan looked innocent. He looked around with his puffy eyes.

But where were Gu Yunxi and her maid? And all the mysterious men dressed as women also disappeared.

Ming Lan straightened his arms. He said crestfallenly,

"They all ran away..."

"Humph!" Wan Li's eyes went cold. He scolded,

"You didn't catch any traitors but broke many things. You need to give some money to them to let them buy new ones!"

"Your Lordship..."

Ming Lan felt wronged. He pointed at all those guards who were lying on the street and argued, "My men were hurt, too!"

"You deserve it!"

Wan Li gritted his teeth and said. His voice sounded angry with a hint of regret that he saw Ming Lan's failure. All these complex emotions were squeezed out of his teeth.

Letting go of Fu Danqing, Wan Li leaned over. He looked up and extended one hand at Ming Lan. He opened his hand upwards and said arrogantly,

"Stop wasting my time. If you don't want me to tell my sister about this, give them the money!"

"How, how much?"

Ming Lan looked at how foppery Wan Li was. He felt like Wan Li was dissolute and like a rascal, no longer had the prestigious stature of a marquis.

"A thousand tael of gold!"

"What? Your Lordship..." Ming Lan was shocked.

He cursed in his heart,

"Wan Li, you bastard. You are ruthless and greedy! A thousand tael of gold! It can not only replace everything in Wanhua Tower but also open another ten new Wanhua Tower!"

Ming Lan knew he was blackmailed, but he couldn't do anything. Wan Li was the Imperial Noble Concubine’s brother and Fu Danqing’s lover. And Ming Lan just crushed Fu Danqing's Wanhua Tower!

Ming Lan waved his hand helplessly and said to his man,

"Go to the Western Depot and ask the accountant to write a cheque of a thousand taels gold. Then come here and give it to the landlady."

The landlady immediately turned cheerful. She kowtowed and saluted. She asked the servants to bring high chairs and prepare desserts, serving them obsequiously.

Wan Li finally had some smile on his long face. He patted on Ming Lan's thin chest and sat on the chair. He said,

"That's how it should be! Ming Lan, let me tell you, my sister lost temper at the Palace today. Don't go add more fuel because you messed up!"

Hearing something wrong with the Imperial Noble Concubine, Ming Lan ignored his pain and put up a caring face. He questioned closely,

"Is Her Grace feeling ill?"

"Of course not!"

Wan Li smiled. He looked down and sipped the tea. He put a fake smile,

"Empress Qian in the Eastern Palace maybe is getting old and likes to pair people up. She married a girl to the Commander-in-chief of the Eastern Depot..."

"When is that?"

Ming Lan's eyes lit up. He suddenly became energetic.

"Wait till I finish!"

Wan Li was unhappy when someone interrupted him. He looked coldly at Ming Lan and then crossed his legs and continued,

"In the afternoon, that girl was sent out of the Palace. It is said she was from the Empress's Palace. When the news came to Yongning Palace, I was there, so I knew. Yet my sister got angry immediately. She smashed something and punished a few servants! Oh, that scene... If I didn't see it, I wouldn't know that my sister had feelings for the Eastern Depot Master. No wonder days ago, she told me it was enough to teach him a lesson when he was in the central prison. She didn't want him dead."

He said all that in one breath. Wan Li seemed to be playful. His smile was cunning and a bit cold. He couldn't help himself but shook his head.

This was a piece of unexpected good news.

Ming Lan stood there and didn't say anything. He lowered his eyes and let the curly eyelashes hid the light that shone in his eyes.

He didn't ask anything else. He knew the girl sent to Leng's Mansion was no doubt Rui Yanwan. Yet the news that she was married to Leng Qingtang under Empress Qian’s instruction was quite unexpected.

This was fun! He guessed that Gu Yunxi didn't know this. That silly girl was quite loyal to Leng Qingtang.

He thought back. When that arrogant and obstinate beauty was under him, her tears, terror, and embarrassed look all made her irresistibly charming.

It was so close. He just needed to take off that final piece of clothes. And that charming curves would all be his.

Ming Lan couldn't help but smile eerily. He moved his tongue on his lips repeatedly.

If Rui Yanwan had been working hard, she could have kicked this girl out of Leng's Mansion as soon as possible.

...

Reed marshes, side of Qing River.

Lu Qiange didn't have time to change his outfit. He dipped his handkerchief in the water, dried it, and quickly ran back to the shore to Gu Yunxi.

She was still in shock. Her face was pale, and she looked down. Her dense eyelashes still had tears on them, shining under the twilight. Her eyes were dark and lost focus. She just looked into an unknown distance far away.

Lu Qiange's purple eyes went dark. He was lost for a while for no reason.

The wind blew, and the reed rustled and waved.

Lu Qiange quietly exhaled. He gently wiped the girl’s forehead, cheeks, and jaw with the wet handkerchief, wiping away all the red lip marks.

He hesitated for a while and continued, going down her neck.

The cool feeling on her shoulder made Gu Yunxi shook. She completely woke up.

Her shocking look made Lu Qiange blush. He hurriedly stopped. He stuffed the handkerchief in Gu Yunxi's hand and said awkwardly,

"I just wanted to wipe it away for you. I didn't mean to do anything else."

Staring at Lu Qiange who was in women's clothes for a while, Gu Yunxi opened her pale and dry lips and called sadly,

"Lu..."

Lu Qiange heart went soft. His eyes went dark.

Out of a sudden, he held her in his arms. He felt sorry for her and responded to her with a shaking voice,

"Don't cry. Don't cry! I'm here. I won't let anyone bully you!"

Gu Yunxi lay on his chest and cried for a while. She suddenly felt something was wrong.

She gently shook off his arms. Her teary eyes focused on the cleavage in front of his chest, shocked.

Lu Qiange noticed that. He smiled calmly and opened his clothes without avoiding her.

Two white steamed buns were stringed together. They were tied in front of his chest as a disguise.

Gu Yunxi was so awkward that she blushed. She hurriedly turned her head aside. She didn’t dare to look curiously at his spotless skin.

Lu Qiange smiled and took off the bundle. He took down one bun from the string and handed it to Gu Yunxi.

"Here. Are you hungry?"

A layer of sweat covered the bun. It was giving off the smell of a masculine man.

Gu Yunxi's face was even redder. She shook her head hard, and her eyes revealed shyness.

Seeing that, Lu Qiange was affected by her coy beauty. He struggled to put down the thought of kissing her.

He retreated and took a bite on the bun. It was salty and not tasty.

Lu Qiange spat it out and threw the buns into the river.

At this moment, Gu Yunxi suddenly stood up. Her face was pale, and she was panicking,

"Crap. I left Qinger at Wanhua Tower and Fu Danqing's paintings!"

Lu Qiange smiled gently and consoled her,

"Relax. My men will send her home safely, and she'll bring the paintings."

Gu Yunxi was dazed. She heard something. She gazed at Lu Qiange who looked calm and asked him alertly,

"Lu, who are you? Have you once gone to the six counties of Jiangan and beat the drum of the Prefect's Mansion to save the Eastern Depot from danger?"

Lu Qiange didn't answer. He looked at Gu Yunxi's shining eyes and then curled up his lips, answering her with a gentle smile.

Gu Yunxi frowned. She exposed a hint of unwilling emotion and continued asking,

"Then, have you gone to Qingfeng Temple and once wrote some words to frame the Master, which incited the conflict between the Eastern and Western Depot?"

This was a question that Gu Yunxi was dying to know the answer. Now even though she was asking, she was rejecting the answer. She didn't want to hear him say that it was him!

Lu Qiange frowned. He stopped for a while and answered honestly,

"Yes, I did both!"

Gu Yunxi's long eyelashes shook. She raised her eyes and unbelievably shook her head. She looked painful. After quite a long time, Gu Yunxi asked fearfully,

"Why?"

"I wrote those words on Qingfeng Temple for this country, and in Fanyang, it was for you."

He stared at her. His quiet and clear eyes passed through every inch of her delicate face. Lu Qiange seared her face into his heart. He suddenly talked with a low voice,

"Yunxi, don't get caught in the conflict between the Eastern and Western Depot. Leave, and be a girl!"

Gu Yunxi's eyes blinked. She was moved by his sincere consideration. After keeping silent for a while, she said quietly,

"Thanks. But I won't leave the Master."

Lu Qiange frowned. He was slightly annoyed. He walked up to her hurriedly,

"Why do you love this eunuch who doesn't like you at all so much?"

Gu Yunxi stepped back in panic. She rebutted him,

"I don’t want to hear it! How do you know he doesn't like me?!"

Lu Qiange smiled bitterly. He shook his head. His purple eyes blinked. They were full of adoration for her,

"If he likes you, he'll adore you and cherish you. He won't put you in danger for him or let you get bullied by other people outside. I don't dare to think that if I arrived a bit late, what would..."

Seeing Gu Yunxi reflexed and held on to the cloak tightly, he felt like his heart was scratched by a hook, making his heart bloody. He exhaled and couldn't continue. Gu Yunxi just smiled,

"Thank you for saving me, Lu. It's late. I need to go back."

Lu Qiange didn't respond. He just quietly watched Gu Yunxi holding up the cloak and leaving under the twilight. She looked withered and lowly.

Half the way, Gu Yunxi hitchhiked a carriage and took it to Yudao Street. In the carriage, she combed her hair and changed into a refreshed look.

In front of Leng's Mansion, she saw Qinger and Cheng Wanli who were standing outside. Her wildly beating heart finally went back to normal.

"Qinger! Where are the paintings? Did you give them to the Master?"

Gu Yunxi ran over with joy and saw Qinger's serious face. Qinger just gave the paintings to her and looked down without saying anything.

Gu Yunxi hurriedly opened them. They were indeed the paintings of the three missing damsels. She looked up again and noticed the big red lanterns hanging on both sides of the door. Inside the bright silk, orange lights looked charming and graceful.

She had made some serious progress today. Gu Yunxi felt quite at ease. She smiled and asked Cheng Wanli,

"What's the festival today? We already put up the lanterns in the Mansion? So jubilant!"

Cheng Wanli's face went dark. He looked torn. There was a vague hint of sadness rolling in his eyes. He didn't dare to look at Gu Yunxi.

Gu Yunxi didn't care about it. She started running and trotted into the Mansion. The cloak was flying behind her. She looked like a blooming lotus flower.

Passing through several pavilions and hallways, she couldn't wait but enter the Master’s yard. She pushed open the door and called happily,

"Master!"

There were two people in the room having dinner on the table.

The Master was sitting on a talkback chair. There was a comfortable and soft lamb fur cushion on the chair. Inside the cushion was a thick layer of cotton. With his current situation, he won't feel hurt sitting on this kind of cushion, and he didn't need to worry about breaking his scabs.

The woman beside him was wearing a red dress. She was not a new bride, but she was more beautiful than a bride. She was Yanwan who just left the Mansion recently and went back to the Palace.

Seeing Gu Yunxi, Yanwan stood up. The gold three-wing nightingale feather hairpin was waving on her head. The long and slim jewelry tassel shook with her movement. She looked stunned.

"Lord Yun, you came back! Please have a seat. Today, the Master and I are married under the Empress's order. Now is the time of celebration. Since you came, you have to celebrate with us."

Yanwan beamed with joy. Her voice was soft and gentle. When she slightly saluted, her joyous eyes contained a hint of cold contempt.

It was like a lightning strike in the day.

Gu Yunxi froze. She couldn't tell whether this was her dream or reality.

Married...

Tears rushed into her eyes. She stared at the Master.

His face was still delicate as if the best had carved it. His eyebrows were sharp like swords, and his eyes were clear like stars. He was still handsome and graceful. Yet at this moment, he was so condescending. He looked down coldly, prestigious like a deity that couldn't be violated.

Gu Yunxi took one step stiffly. Her mouth moved. She wanted to ask him why, but the sound stuck in her throat and couldn't get out.

The Master held the chopsticks and didn't look at her once. Or maybe at this moment, he didn't dare to.

He opened up coldly. His tone was freezing,

"The Honor Guards in the Eastern Depot had all left. You have been working hard recently. Yun Guaner, leave and go rest."

Gu Yunxi heard it. She smiled numbly and left. Yet she suddenly remembered something and said sadly,

"Master’s wounds just scabbed. He can't sit for a long time..."

Gu Yunxi's voice was light as the wind and fell into Yanwan's ears. She smiled gently,

"I'll remember that. Thank you for telling me, Lord Yun."

Gu Yunxi turned around quietly. She missed the deep sadness roaring in the Master's eyes, his twitching face, and shaking hands.

She floated out of the room like a ghost who lost its heart and soul. Gu Yunxi saw Cheng Wanli who was outside the residence, looking worried. She gave the paintings that were ruffled to Cheng Wanli and said without any strength,

"The problem of the Eastern Depot is solved. They're not needed anymore..."

"Yun Guaner, hear me out! The Master has his difficulties. He..."

Looking at that sorrowful person leaving dejectedly, Cheng Wanli's tear came out. He suddenly got stuck.

Qinger was wiping her tears and following Gu Yunxi, but she didn't dare to come too close.

Gu Yunxi staggered. She couldn't stop herself from remembering those memories.

Was it him? That handsome man? Was he the one that gently tied the red string on her wrist? Was he the one kissed all over her hair and face? Was he the one that stayed with her day and night? Was that all him?

Why was he cold like this and heartless like this?

She wanted a peaceful life with him until the end. It turned out they were just an illusion. It was a beautiful wish, but it would never come true.

Gu Yunxi looked up. Her look froze like snow becoming ice. She looked up to the sky sorrowfully.

It was twilight. The last bit of sunshine looked like blood.

That red and bright color was like Yanwan's make-up tonight. It was shining and beautiful.

The red string on the wrist and the love in the heart. Now she no longer had the red string, and she was never the one in his heart.

She laughed coldly and bitterly to the sky.

She felt dizzy and fell on the ground.