Chapter 52: The More I Think

“All right, I can’t worry about so much. You make it sound as if I’m some kind of saintly white lotus. I’m not that sort of person, so let’s be on our way.”

Looking at Ye Xuan, his words were a bit harsh, but not without reason. So, they prepared to leave, handing some money to Madam Wang.

“Madam, thank you for everything these past few days,” she said to her.

“No need to thank me. We should be the ones grateful to you. After all, you protected our village,” Madam Wang replied, her gaze lingering on Si Nuosang. Even now, she did not know Si Nuosang’s true identity. Si Nuosang, of course, thought it better to keep her identity concealed, and felt no guilt about it.

“Please, Madam, take this silver.” She was generous, offering over a hundred taels in all—enough for several years of comfortable living.

“I… I don’t need the money,” Madam Wang protested, pushing the silver away.

“No, Madam. You live alone, you must keep it.” Right now, she could still tend the garden, but what about the future? She was alone. With money, at least she could buy what she needed. This was the least she could do—she must insist that Madam Wang accept it.

“Please, Madam, take it,” Ye Xuan interjected.

At last, Madam Wang accepted the silver. “Thank you, Young Master Si,” she said, knowing this money would make the coming years much easier. Yet it was difficult not to feel embarrassed—after all the kindness shown to her, the villagers still blamed them for what had happened to the village. Madam Wang wanted them gone, not out of fear, but to keep them safe—so that no harm would befall them here.

“You’re welcome, Madam Wang. We’ll be on our way now.”

“Wait, take these provisions with you. If you get hungry on the road, you’ll have something to eat. There’s nowhere to buy food for a long way,” Madam Wang said, handing them the food she had prepared and carefully wrapped.

“Thank you, Madam,” Si Nuosang replied, recognizing that she was the only one in this place who truly cared for them. Even after saving the village head, the villagers had only grown more hostile. Perhaps it could not be helped—the more backward the place, the stronger the suspicion toward outsiders.

They mounted their horses and rode away. Perhaps only Madam Wang had ever cared for them. But perhaps that was for the best—the less attachment, the lighter their burdens.

“Perhaps we really did bring disaster here,” Ye Xuan remarked.

“What? You believe this is our fault? That man clearly came for the village head, to find the head’s son.”

“I heard the village head’s son died three years ago. Those people must have known that—they were just looking for a pretext.”

“Even so, it couldn’t have been because of us. And what a flimsy excuse. I can’t bring myself to believe it—such a ridiculous thing.”

“All right, let’s not dwell on it—let’s hurry on.”

Ye Xuan knew full well it was because of them. This time, Qin Li’s scheme had been flawless. Perhaps it was precisely because it was so convincing that Si Nuosang truly believed the trouble was meant for the village itself.

Indeed, that’s what Si Nuosang thought—that it was directed at the village. Otherwise, if it were aimed at them, why go in such roundabout circles? No matter how one thought about it, it made no sense.

Better not to think about it—the more you ponder, the more exhausting it becomes. Any further, and it would only weigh on them both.

They set off for Liang City, traveling for a long time, changing horses often, many of which were worn out by the journey. They weren’t in any great rush, taking in the scenery as they went, but the lack of rest wore them down.

At last, Si Nuosang’s health gave out.

“You’re ill. You need to rest,” he said.

They arrived at a bustling town, only a day’s ride from Liang City. The closer they drew to the city, the livelier the surroundings became. Though Liang City was small, it was far livelier than any town, especially under Prince Xuanyuan Juesi’s new policies. Many merchants now stopped here, and a large military contingent was stationed nearby, making the place even more vibrant.

Nearly twenty thousand troops guarded Liang City, a crucial border stronghold. In years past, commanders had died defending these walls, and after a tragic incident, no one had been sent to take command. With Prince Xuanyuan Juesi’s arrival, morale surged.

The nearby refugees dared not make a move for now.

In the past, bands of refugees or small groups would frequently attempt attacks—not direct assaults, but covert acts that left former commanders of Liang City in constant distress.

Now, perhaps because of Xuanyuan Juesi’s recent arrival, things had quieted, and peace had returned.

Xuanyuan Juesi, in fact, looked forward to any challenge. He would show no mercy—he would make sure they understood his strength.

Having come here, he took his responsibilities seriously. Xuanyuan Juesi was a man of diligence and integrity.

But as for Si Nuosang’s arrival, his heart grew uneasy. How was he to face her? His thoughts were in turmoil. Why had she come? Did she wish to be with him? It was possible, but there might be other reasons. And the man by her side, so skilled in martial arts—who was he? The question plagued his mind.

Si Nuosang was woefully inexperienced in the ways of the world, unable to distinguish the good from the bad. Or perhaps she simply didn’t care to try. Perhaps that was for the best—overthinking only brings exhaustion.

“Your Highness, the Princess Consort will arrive soon. But she has fallen ill and is recuperating outside the town.”

“What do you mean? She’s sick?”

“Yes, after days on the road and unable to adjust to the climate,” his guard reported.

“Prepare the horses. We ride at first light tomorrow,” Xuanyuan Juesi decided. He had to see her, but it was already too late tonight.