Shen Wan hadn't expected that her attempt to create the perfect opportunity would
end up taking a full half month.
In order to matchmake the two of them, she praised Lu Zhan in front of Liu Mu every
single day. After half a month, even she was running out of things to say. Shen
Wan had originally thought that with such constant exposure, Liu Mu's fondness
for Lu Zhan would deepen—but instead, she'd given herself a huge headache.
More importantly, as time passed with still no sign of Lu Zhan, Liu Mu began to
grow increasingly anxious.
That morning, Shen Wan was eating breakfast while racking her brains for more
ways to comfort Liu Mu and praise Lu Zhan when she suddenly heard commotion coming
from the front courtyard, separated by a corridor.
Just as she was about to send someone to check, Zhi Chu hurried in, lifting the
curtain. Her pale little face was lit up with joy.
"Miss, the young master has returned!"
Shen Wan's hand trembled, and a crystal shrimp dumpling fell to the ground. She
didn't even spare it a glance.
"Where's my brother? Where is he now?"
"He's in Madam's courtyard," Zhi Chu replied. "The guards said the Prince of Yong
was injured. Young Master still needs to go back to interrogate the assassins.
He just had the steward prepare a carriage."
Shen Wan was momentarily speechless.
"Is the injury serious?"
It shouldn't be. In the original plot, Lu Zhan wasn't injured again after that
incident. They had been prepared this time, and the Emperor had already pressured
the other princes.
But… what if they'd been pushed into desperation? Prince Cheng was notoriously
violent—doing something reckless wouldn't be impossible.
Her thoughts spiraled, anxiety creeping onto her face. For a moment, she forgot
about Zhi Chu and Mu Su entirely.
Mu Su, who had remained quiet and nearly invisible, lifted her head briefly and
studied Shen Wan with a thoughtful look before lowering it again.
Zhi Chu noticed Shen Wan's tension but didn't think too deeply about it.
"I don't know yet. I'll go ask."
As Zhi Chu turned to leave, she paused.
"Greetings, Miss Liu."
Shen Wan snapped back to her senses. Right now, the most important thing was
steadying Liu Mu.
She stood just as Zhi Chu lifted the curtain, and Liu Mu entered with her head
lowered.
May sunlight carried the early warmth of summer. Golden light fell across Liu
Mu's pale skin, making her look like fragile porcelain.
Shen Wan's mind raced. After half a month of relentless praise, the words came
easily.
"Sister Liu, the Prince of Yong has returned to the capital. I believe what you
seek will soon be fulfilled."
Liu Mu's gloom lifted instantly, her smile bright.
Shen Wan's suspicion solidified. Carefully, she added,
"I heard His Highness was injured on the road."
Liu Mu's eyes widened.
"How could he be hurt so suddenly?"
Even without knowing details, Shen Wan spoke generously.
"The Prince is upright and incorruptible. This inspection likely offended some
people's interests… but the assassins have already been captured. His Highness is
surely blessed with good fortune."
Her final words carried genuine sincerity.
Even Mu Su looked surprised—so did Liu Mu.
Their gazes met.
"What is it?" Shen Wan asked blankly.
Liu Mu smiled and shook her head.
If Shen Wan had a close elder, she might've recognized that indulgent, knowing
expression—but she didn't.
Before she could think further, Shen Chuan arrived.
Shen Wan immediately checked him for injuries before quickly explaining Liu Mu's
situation.
"This is Miss Liu, who once saved the Prince of Yong at Huguo Temple. His Highness
owed her a favor, and she wishes to claim it now."
Shen Chuan studied Liu Mu, a strange smile flickering in his eyes.
"His Highness was injured on the return journey and taken straight to the palace.
You likely won't be able to see him for now."
Shen Wan relaxed—this meant the injury wasn't life-threatening.
Liu Mu, however, grew anxious.
"Then… when can I see His Highness?"
Shen Wan, oblivious to the subtlety, assumed she was eager to secure the promise.
She blinked at Shen Chuan.
"Brother, she's waited so long—won't you tell her? She won't leak His Highness's
whereabouts."
Shen Chuan sighed.
"I never said I wouldn't."
Behind them, Mu Su lifted her head once more, quietly observing before retreating
into stillness.
"You might try Huguo Temple," Shen Chuan continued. "The Empress prays there after
every mission. Remember—don't speak of His Highness's movements."
Both women nodded.
After Shen Chuan left, Shen Wan chatted idly with Liu Mu beneath the trees.
"You only brought Xiao Cui to the capital?"
"No," Liu Mu shook her head. "I came with my… my elder brother. We encountered
some people along the way. He had matters to attend to and left first."
Shen Wan hadn't expected the change in tone.
"The gentleman who fell from the mountain at Huguo Temple?"
"Yes." Liu Mu smiled softly. "I haven't properly thanked you and Madam Shen yet.
Once my brother is… finished, we'll visit together."
Shen Wan noticed the hesitation but didn't pry.
"He must be a wonderful brother. You light up when you mention him."
Liu Mu fell quiet.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, warmth lulling Shen Wan toward sleep.
Just before drifting off, she heard Liu Mu's belated reply.
"He truly is a wonderful person… not just handsome, but kind. I like him very
much."
Shen Wan: "...?"
Before she could react, sleep claimed her.
Author's Note:
Wanwan: I think I just heard something? Meow?