102: escort

"Since Young Master Zhuang has already departed, for Madam to remain in the City Lord's Manor..."

Before Situ Jun could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Liu Xuaner:

"Stay here and continue being an abandoned wife?"

Liu Xuaner suddenly laughed, her rouge-painted lips curving into a sarcastic arc:

"Does Steward Situ know that Bei Batian intends to give me to Zhuang Xian as a stepping stone?" Her laughter was filled with endless mockery and sorrow, as if she had already seen through the coldness of the world.

Situ Jun's eyes flickered; he naturally knew about this, as the Divorce Letter was still in his hands.

Under the morning light, Liu Xuaner's shadow on the wall twisted into a wild shape, appearing somewhat more unfamiliar than the gentle Young Mistress in his memory.

He suddenly remembered when he had first become a steward, Liu Xuaner lifting her skirt to pass through the rose wall, startling petals that fell into her hair, a beauty that was breathtaking.

"What does Madam intend to do?"

He heard his own raspy voice.

Outside the window, the cry of a thrush suddenly drifted past; it was the Qingyu kept by Su Yunniang, currently hopping and playing in the rose tree.

Liu Xuaner raised her hand to adjust her hair at the temples, the pearl on her white jade hairpin trembling with her movement, as fragmented light fell into the abyss of her eyes:

"Since someone wants me to go to the Xihua Sect, then I shall do as they wish. But before that..."

She suddenly leaned in close, her warm breath brushing past Situ Jun's ear:

"Would Steward Situ be willing to accompany me?"

Her voice was soft, yet carried an expectation that brooked no refusal.

Situ Jun lowered his gaze to Liu Xuaner's hand tightly clutching his sleeve, the jade bracelet on her wrist glinting with a cold light, as if reflecting her determination.

The wind swept through the corridor, disheveling a few strands of her black hair and pressing them against her flushed cheeks, adding a touch of fragility and stubbornness that made a protective urge well up in his heart.

“Does Madam know that once we go, there is no turning back.”

Situ Jun's voice was low, carrying a faint, imperceptible sigh.

He thought of Lin Suwan's worries from last night and remembered that the manor was still under the control of the Bei Batian, causing a sense of urgency to rise in his heart.

But seeing that cluster of burning light in Liu Xuaner's eyes, something deep within him was quietly touched.

Liu Xuaner looked up directly at him, her gaze as firm as iron:

“I have long since had no path to retreat. Bei Batian discarded me like a worn-out shoe; if I do not find a way out for myself, am I to remain in this City Lord's Manor as a Puppet to be manipulated for the rest of my life?”

Her voice trembled slightly, but every word was powerful and resonant.

Situ Jun fell silent for a moment before finally giving a soft smile, a hint of calculation flashing in his eyes:

“In that case, I shall escort Madam on this journey. However, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles; I hope Madam will not regret it.”

Having said that, he subtly released Liu Xuaner's hand, yet as he turned, he unobtrusively shielded her behind him.

The two hurried to the stables and led out two fine horses.

Liu Xuaner flipped onto her horse with agility, her posture vigorous, showing none of the fragility usually associated with a cloistered lady.

Seeing this, a flash of admiration crossed Situ Jun's eyes, and he followed suit, mounting his horse to ride alongside her.

The sound of hooves shattered the morning light as they galloped out of the City Lord's Manor.

Behind them, the vermilion gates of the North City Manor gradually shrank until they became a blurred dot, yet Liu Xuaner never looked back; her silhouette was firm and resolute, as if she had already severed all ties with the past.

However, they did not notice that on a high wall of the City Lord's Manor, a dark figure was coldly watching their departing figures.

A cold sneer curled the person's lips, eyes filled with gloom:

“It's best to let the Manor Lord decide on this matter.”

After speaking, he took out a sound transmission talisman, quickly muttered a few words, and cast a hand seal to send it flying into the sky.

Meanwhile, on the official road leading to the Xihua Sect, Zhuang Xian's carriage was moving steadily forward.

Zhuang Xian leaned half-reclined inside the carriage, playing with a crystal-clear jade pendant in his hand, a triumphant smile on his face.

Zhuang Lei sat on the carriage shaft; although he was still somewhat confused about leaving Liu Xuaner and the Embroiderer behind, seeing the young master so confident, he didn't dare ask more.

“Young Master, Black Wind Town is just ahead. Should we stop for a short rest?” Zhuang Lei turned and asked.

Zhuang Xian frowned slightly, and after a moment of thought, said:

“No need. Hurry on, we must return to the sect as soon as possible.”

A sharp light flashed in his eyes as he rubbed the jade pendant in his hand.

On the other side, Liu Xuaner and Situ Jun spurred their horses on and soon arrived at Black Wind Town.

By now, the sun was sinking in the west, and the sunset glow painted half the sky red, enveloping the entire town in a magnificent array of colors.

Liu Xuaner felt hungry, and her legs were aching from the long hours of riding.

“Steward Situ, let's rest here for the night and continue our journey tomorrow.”

Liu Xuaner pulled the reins and turned to speak to Situ Jun.

Situ Jun nodded. They found an inn, handed their horses over to the Waiter, and entered.

The inn was bustling with noise, and the Waiter greeted them warmly:

“Welcome, guests! Are you here for a meal or a room?”

“A premium room, and some food and wine.”

Situ Jun took out a silver ingot and placed it on the table. The Waiter's eyes lit up at the sight of the money, and he quickly agreed, leading them upstairs.

As soon as Liu Xuaner entered the room, she slumped into a chair, rubbing her aching legs. The fatigue of the long journey made her feel a bit overwhelmed, and a weary expression appeared on her face.

Situ Jun brought over some hot water and placed it before her:

“Madam, soak your feet first to relieve the fatigue.” Having said that, he turned to leave.

As if possessed, Liu Xuaner called out to him:

“Steward Situ... thank you.”

Her voice was soft and tinged with shyness, her eyes full of gratitude. At this moment, in this unfamiliar inn, the atmosphere between the two seemed to undergo another subtle change.

Situ Jun was slightly stunned, then smiled:

“Madam, there is no need to be so polite; it is only what I should do.”

He looked at Liu Xuaner with a gentle gaze, but his heart was rippling, as if a stone had been thrown into a calm lake, stirring up layers of waves.

Liu Xuaner dipped her feet into the hot water, the rising steam blurred her vision.

As Situ Jun turned to leave, she suddenly spoke:

"Can you... stay and talk with me?"

Before she finished speaking, her fingertips had already quietly gripped her skirt.

Outside the window, the dusk deepened, and the shouts from below the inn rose and fell, but they could not hide the suddenly quickened heartbeats inside the room.

Situ Jun's throat moved slightly, and he finally sat down at the round table.

Amidst the flickering candlelight, he caught a glimpse of the damp strands of hair behind Liu Xuaner's ear, shimmering with a pearl-like luster.

The two of them chatted like this, one sentence at a time.

The night grew deeper.

Situ Jun's gaze fell on her beautiful face as he said:

"Does Madam know that the Xihua Sect has always only accepted unmarried women?"

His eyes blinked as he continued:

"And Madam..."

Liu Xuaner was soaking her feet over the brass basin when she suddenly heard Situ Jun say this through the misty steam.

In her panic, her toes accidentally knocked over the brass basin.

Water splashed out, and Situ Jun was beside her almost instantly.

He caught Liu Xuaner as she nearly fell, the warmth of his palm seeping through her thin gauze dress, making her whole body tremble.

They were very close; Situ Jun could clearly see the water droplets condensed on her eyelashes, like butterfly wings covered in morning dew.