Chapter 28: Nothing More

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan began searching around the woodshed, and sure enough, he spotted a ladder tucked away in a corner of the room. Shen Nanyuan kept a careful lookout in the courtyard. Seeing him emerge with the ladder, she grew concerned that the wound on his arm might worsen and was just about to help when Xiao Yan’s calm voice drifted over.

“Hurry, I hear someone coming this way.”

Feeling guilty, she immediately spun around and didn’t stop until she reached a secluded spot by the wall.

“No one should come here now, right?”

Xiao Yan set the ladder against the wall, nodded, and a faint smile played at his lips. “No one comes here.”

But the wall of the Duke Protector’s Residence was truly high. Standing below and gazing up, Shen Nanyuan found it daunting to climb. She glanced at Xiao Yan. “Your arm is still injured—are you sure you can manage?”

“It’s just a minor wound. Nothing to worry about.”

He steadied the ladder and continued, “Miss, you go up first.”

Climbing walls had always been Meng Chuyue’s domain, yet now she found herself in the role. But with Xiao Yan by her side, it didn’t seem as difficult as she’d imagined. Once they had scaled the wall of the Duke’s residence, he hid the ladder for their return. It was dark outside, with only a faint gleam of light. Shen Nanyuan stood watching him, her eyes shining brightly in the dimness.

“Let’s go,” she said, tilting her head ever so slightly, her whole demeanor radiating such warmth and charm that it was hard not to feel a lingering attachment. “Let’s buy your favorite preserved fruits first.”

A light flickered in Xiao Yan’s gaze. “All right.”

The capital was especially lively at night, carriages and crowds weaving through brilliantly lit streets, more bustling than even in the daylight. Thousands of lights illuminated the long avenue, people passing in endless streams amid the thriving bustle.

Xiao Yan had never seen the capital like this.

Even after spending over ten years in the Duke Protector’s Residence, he had never witnessed such a scene. Occasionally, he’d heard servants speak about the city’s vibrant nights, but he’d never cared to listen, having no interest at all. Only now, seeing it with his own eyes, did he realize how splendid it truly was.

Yet, there were simply too many people.

His brow furrowed, his gaze cold and wary, eyes fathomless as he stayed close to Shen Nanyuan, his entire body tense, protective.

Shen Nanyuan, well accustomed to these streets, led Xiao Yan to her usual confectioner’s shop. Because she frequented the place, the shopkeeper recognized her and greeted her with a smile. “Miss, you’re here again? The usual?”

The shop not only sold preserved fruits but also made fine pastries, so whenever she left the residence, she always stopped by to buy some treats to take home.

“Yes, the usual,” Shen Nanyuan replied. “Yours are always the best.”

The shopkeeper beamed at her words and even added a little extra to her purchase. Shen Nanyuan handed the whole bag of preserved fruits to Xiao Yan, leaving the shop beside him, her expression proud and satisfied.

“Did you see that? Just a few words and I got so much more for free.”

Her triumphant air was almost endearing. Xiao Yan couldn’t help but lower his gaze, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

“Miss, you’re remarkable.”

“Learn from me,” she said, lifting her chin. “Even though I rarely leave the Courtyard of Blossoming Years, I’m quite capable.”

“Yes, Miss is especially remarkable.”

There was a hint of indulgence in his tone, though Xiao Yan himself didn’t notice it.

He opened the paper packet in his hands and offered it to Shen Nanyuan, but she waved him off. “You have some. I ate too much at supper—can’t manage another bite.”

Xiao Yan picked one out and popped it into his mouth. Strangely enough, he’d never cared for them before, yet now he found he enjoyed them.

His features softened, but he still kept close to Shen Nanyuan, never falling a step behind.

—

“Hey, Jun Ci, isn’t that Miss Shen from the Duke Protector’s Residence?” came Liu Yuli’s voice. Jun Ci, who had been drinking, paused and looked down with a frown. Sure enough, a familiar, smiling face stood not far away.

“It’s getting late,” Liu Yuli murmured, fanning himself. “She’s a noble young lady—should she really be out at this hour?”

Jun Ci’s grip on his wine cup tightened. “Don’t mention this to anyone. We never saw anything.”

“Of course,” Liu Yuli replied. “I’ve nothing against Miss Shen, so naturally I won’t say a word.”

He glanced lazily down, a hint of curiosity in his raised brows.

“But is the fellow with her a servant from the Duke’s residence? He’s quite handsome. Plenty of girls passing by can’t take their eyes off him.”

Jun Ci’s brows knit tighter, his gaze settling on the man who hovered protectively at Shen Nanyuan’s side.

“They seem close. If not for his plain clothes, I’d almost think…”

Jun Ci’s lashes flickered and he cut Liu Yuli off. “Are we drinking or not? Did you drag me out here just to listen to you ramble? If you’re done, I’m leaving.”

“All right, all right, let’s drink,” Liu Yuli hurried to placate him. “No need to get upset.”

He took a long drink, then asked, “So when are you going to the Lin family to propose?”

“The twenty-third of next month,” Jun Ci answered. “My father has already agreed.”

Since the engagement was broken off, his father seemed to sense his determination and finally abandoned his previous insistence. Though he disliked Lin Yan, believing her family inferior to the Duke Protector’s, he’d ultimately given his consent.

“That’s good,” Liu Yuli said with a laugh. “I’ll be waiting for your happy occasion.”

Jun Ci lowered his eyes, silent, staring at his wine cup, an inexplicable restlessness stirring within him. Ever since he’d spotted Shen Nanyuan, he’d felt unsettled.

He glanced down toward the street, but she was already gone.

Liu Yuli had just remarked that the servant with her was handsome and drew many admiring glances, but Shen Nanyuan’s beauty outshone all—Liu Yuli hadn’t noticed, but many men had been staring at her.

It was so late already.

Jun Ci gripped his wine cup, then suddenly stood up. Liu Yuli, surprised, watched as Jun Ci said coolly, “I’m heading back for the night. You enjoy yourself.”

“Why so early? Curfew’s still a long way off,” Liu Yuli called after him, but Jun Ci paid him no mind, striding down the stairs and out of the tavern.

He told himself that he and Shen Nanyuan had known each other since childhood. Since he’d seen her, he might as well escort her back to the Duke’s residence.

That was all.

Shen Nanyuan was beginning to tire.

The capital by night was stunning, but now that her excitement had faded, weariness crept in.

Xiao Yan glanced at her and spoke softly, “Miss, shall we head back and rest?”

“All right,” Shen Nanyuan replied. “If we don’t, Qingrui may soon discover I’ve sneaked out.”