“You.”
Shi Wuxiang raised his eyes and met his gaze. His expression was upright and clear. He truly felt Yuan Zhao was more beautiful than flowers, and he had never thought otherwise.
So that single word came out sincere and open.
Yuan Zhao did not expect that answer. A flush of red spread from his cheeks all the way down into his collar, making him look even more like “a person more delicate than flowers.”
“I want to put the flowers in a vase,” he said, unable to hide his shyness anymore. His voice lost its usual strength, becoming soft and sweet.
Shi Wuxiang looked at him with a smile. Seeing how flustered he was, he didn’t tease him further and stood up to find a vase.
“Earlier Chengdu sent two white porcelain vases. We never used them. They’re perfect for your flowers.” Shi Wuxiang said gently. “Bring the branches and come with me.”
Shi Wuxiang fetched the vases from storage and filled them with water, then placed the flower branches inside. Even though the blossoms would only last a day or two, as long as they could bloom beautifully for Yuan Zhao’s joy, they were worth it.
Yuan Zhao placed the vase on the table and kept gesturing for Shi Wuxiang to smell them. The peach blossoms were more vivid, but their scent was light and not overwhelming—fresh and pleasant.
Shi Wuxiang then asked, “You went out all day just for these two vases? And where did those two jars of wine come from? Where did you go?”
“I said I’m not telling you. Why do you keep asking?” Yuan Zhao frowned slightly and simply used the vase to block himself, also blocking Shi Wuxiang’s gaze.
He wasn’t going to say.
Shi Wuxiang could only stop asking. He did not like Yuan Zhao hiding things from him. It was only the third month of the year; although spring had warmed, flowers like these did not bloom around Qing Shui Town yet. They must have come from elsewhere.
He would have Gou Yi investigate later.
“The flowers are beautiful,” Shi Wuxiang said softly. “Next year at this time, I’ll personally cut some for you.”
He spoke of “next year” so naturally—as if they would still have a next year.
Yuan Zhao’s hand paused slightly as he fiddled with the branches. “I’ve already been staying at the Shi household for three years.”
That was the three years Shi Wuxiang had once mentioned.
“I know. We’ve been married for three years,” Shi Wuxiang replied softly. “Ever since I understood my feelings, I haven’t had a single day I wasn’t looking forward to.”
Looking forward to the three years of waiting for him to grow up.
But Yuan Zhao misunderstood those words. In his ears, it sounded like Shi Wuxiang was looking forward to him leaving.
Even so, even if Shi Wuxiang really drove him away, he would not resent him. He would still be grateful.
Compared to being married off elsewhere and beaten or mistreated, or living like less than a person, Shi Wuxiang had already been extremely good to him.
Yuan Zhao sighed inwardly. It would be nice if Shi Wuxiang actually liked him. It was a pity he still didn’t understand that poem. It probably wasn’t a romantic line anyway.
“Ah Xiang, what about Miss Tao’s matter? When will it be handled?” Yuan Zhao asked softly. “It’s already a new year. Why hasn’t there been any movement?”
Shi Wuxiang didn’t care much about it. “Mother will handle it. You don’t need to worry. In two more years there will be even more arrangements. By then, we can live separately if needed.”
“As you wish,” Yuan Zhao smiled.
He didn’t understand why Shi Wuxiang kept saying “next year” or “in two years,” as if making promises for a future that would continue.
But there was no need to argue about it. Whether it was next year or two years later—it was no longer something he needed to consider.
He only needed to know that what he had promised was almost fulfilled. After that, there would be nothing left for him to feel guilty about.
Shi Wuxiang thought he had agreed. Yuan Zhao had always been obedient. He also cared about Yuan Zhao’s preferences. Even if they lived separately, he would find him a better residence.
He already had a place in mind. Once Shi Qingyue’s marriage with the Tao family was settled, they would move to the county in two years.
“Madam, Master, dinner is ready. Should we serve it?” the servant asked.
“Bring it in.”
The meal was fairly rich, prepared according to Shi Wuxiang’s taste. After all, he worked hard morning and night and needed to eat well.
Yuan Zhao had little appetite, so he kept serving Shi Wuxiang dishes. Only after seeing he was fine did Shi Wuxiang feel reassured, though an inexplicable unease still lingered in his heart.
After dinner, they chatted under candlelight. Yuan Zhao still refused to mention what he had done during the day, only occasionally adjusting the flower branches, hoping their fragrance would last longer.
“Hurry and come to bed,” Shi Wuxiang said. Only holding him made him feel at ease now.
“I still have some accounts to check. You went back too early and interrupted me. You lie down first,” Yuan Zhao said, writing with effort at the desk.
Shi Wuxiang didn’t sleep immediately. He chatted casually with him while lying down, and Yuan Zhao still replied while doing accounts.
Listening to Shi Wuxiang’s lazy voice from behind, Yuan Zhao still wrote down everything he wanted to say. Finally, he placed the finished paper on the table, so Shi Wuxiang would see it in the morning.
“I’m done…” Yuan Zhao quickly climbed onto the bed.
Before he could settle, he was pulled into an embrace.
“You scared me. How annoying,” he complained.
Shi Wuxiang chuckled. “You always say I’m annoying.”
Yuan Zhao felt a sharp ache in his heart but said nothing more. He simply lay tightly against him, holding onto the last warmth he could get.
Shi Wuxiang fell asleep from exhaustion.
Yuan Zhao knew he was asleep. But he himself could not sleep, waking several times through the night. By the final time, he simply got up.
The Shi household was completely silent—so quiet it felt frightening.
He carried his prepared bundle, along with money and clothes.
Originally, he wanted Xia Lian to pick up Yuan Yuan, but after thinking it over, he decided to go himself. He knew Qingluan Village better and how to explain things.
He took a carriage back to the village, climbed over the wall using a borrowed ladder, and went straight to Yuan Yuan’s room.
“Brother? Why are you back? Am I sick?” Yuan Yuan murmured groggily.
“I’m not sick. We’re leaving,” Yuan Zhao said.
Yuan Yuan instantly woke up, dressed himself quickly, and packed his small bundle without hesitation.
“I have money. I won’t let you go hungry,” he said.
“Alright.”
They returned the ladder and left.
They were leaving early—exactly on schedule—but it felt like running away.
Yet it was no different. He was afraid that if he saw Shi Wuxiang face to face, he wouldn’t be able to leave.
The marriage itself had never been Shi Wuxiang’s intention. Even if he had said many words allowing him to stay, it was only kindness.
As they left the town, Yuan Zhao looked back with reluctance.
Ever since entering the Shi household, he had lived like a person in paradise: a kind mother-in-law, steady younger brother-in-law, well-behaved younger sister-in-law, and most importantly, a righteous and gentle husband who never let him suffer even the slightest grievance.
He could earn money outside running shops, spend freely without restriction, and live better than any other married man.
There was no better household than the Shi family.
“Brother, if you can’t bear to leave, we don’t have to go. I can go wherever you go,” Yuan Yuan whispered.
The night was still dark and uncertain.
“Marriage obtained through lies must be returned,” Yuan Zhao said softly, tightening the reins.
The carriage sped forward into the darkness.
Ahead was a new beginning.
When dawn had barely broken, Shi Wuxiang woke on his own.
Not truly on his own, though—it was the emptiness in his arms that woke him.
Normally, when he woke, Yuan Zhao would be tightly pressed against him. Even when his cheeks were flushed and sweating from being held too closely, he would never struggle free. But today was different.
There was no one in his arms. No one beside him.
Shi Wuxiang’s eyes snapped fully open.
“Yuan Zhao?” he called hoarsely.
Only silence answered him.
He reached toward the spot beside him—cold, already without warmth. Something unreadable rose in his chest, and he immediately got up, hurriedly putting on his shoes and socks before rushing out the door.
And at the entrance, he collided with Xia Lian.
The moment Xia Lian saw him, she began to cry.
“Something’s wrong, Master! This servant followed Madam’s instructions and went to the village before dawn to pick up Young Master Yuan Yuan—but when I arrived, he was already gone! Old Madam is now leading people to search!”
“He’s gone too?” Shi Wuxiang froze.
In that instant, everything clicked into place.
“Yuan Yuan was taken by Yuan Zhao.”
“What?” Xia Lian blinked in confusion, even forgetting to cry.
She couldn’t understand. Why would the young master secretly take the child away? What exactly in this household was she unaware of?
Shi Wuxiang gradually calmed, though only slightly. He still didn’t understand why Yuan Zhao would leave with Yuan Yuan without saying anything. Wouldn’t it have been enough to just tell him before going out?
At this moment, he still had not thought of the worst possibility.
In his mind, Yuan Zhao had long been the person he had chosen. Once he came of age and did not change his mind, they would stay together properly. He was certain Yuan Zhao would not change.
Weren’t things good lately?
Yuan Zhao had been visiting the academy every few days. Shi Wuxiang, worried for him, had been traveling back and forth just to hold him through the night so he could sleep well.
Even Yuan Zhao himself had said he had already stayed at the Shi household for three years. From age fifteen to eighteen—once this year passed, he would truly be eighteen. Shi Wuxiang had been waiting for that day all along.
Waiting to tell him the meaning of that poem.
Though it had been phrased indirectly and made him think for a long time, it was his true intention.
No.
That realization made everything feel even more wrong.
Shi Wuxiang suddenly turned toward the desk.
On it lay a neatly placed letter.
The handwriting was crooked and uneven—one glance was enough to tell it was Yuan Zhao’s.
His hands tightened slightly as he opened it.
The first line made his breath nearly stop.
—I’m leaving.
Yuan Zhao had lived at the Shi household for three years. In those years, he had also learned to read and write. His handwriting was still poor, but the meaning was clear.
A-Xiang, I’m leaving.
I kept my promise of three years.
Thank you for taking care of us. I’ve done many wrong things. I don’t expect forgiveness, but I hope you won’t be angry.
I lied about my birth date to the fortune-teller and my mother to enter your household. I am not born on the nineteenth of April, so your recovery had nothing to do with me—it was because you are already very capable. I’m sorry. I had to lie to take Yuan Yuan away at that time.
I also know you are going to take a concubine. Miss Tao is very good, and both you and your mother like her. Don’t let her become a concubine—don’t wrong a good girl like that.
I know you are kind and will worry about where Yuan Yuan and I will live. Don’t worry. I’ve taken enough silver and found a place to stay. You should live well.
—Yuan Zhao
A short letter, written crookedly and unevenly.
Shi Wuxiang read it through in one breath.
His eyes slowly turned red.
This letter had been written in front of him.
Last night.
While smiling and coaxing him, Yuan Zhao had been writing this same farewell note behind his back—preparing to leave him completely.
And he had noticed nothing.
“Concubine,” Shi Wuxiang let out a cold laugh.
What nonsense had been placed on his head?
He had never even met that Miss Tao, yet this person was already worrying about her future status?
Kind-hearted to this degree—was he insane?
“Good life without me?” Shi Wuxiang’s voice turned hoarse. “You think you can still live well without me?”
And yet—
At least he knew to bring enough silver.
He exhaled slowly, then ordered in a low voice:
“Xia Lian. Go tell Old Madam—the young master took Yuan Yuan early in the morning because of illness. I took him to rest. Do not let this spread.”
“Gou Yi. Send your people to ask around. Where did he go yesterday? Focus on places with peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and wine brewing.”
“Zhou Ren. Go to the county academy and request leave. Say I am seriously ill and cannot teach for now. Have the others cover for me.”
“Yes!”
They hurried out.
Shi Wuxiang did not forget to warn them not to spread the matter. Anyone asking would be told he was ill and Yuan Zhao was taking care of him.
In this world, if a young husband or consort disappeared without explanation, the reputation was ruined beyond repair. People would talk until death.
Shi Wuxiang’s expression grew colder.
He had thought he understood Yuan Zhao. Yet he didn’t even know his real birth date. No wonder that year Yuan Zhao had been so strange on his birthday—and later refused to celebrate it again.
So he had been celebrating it wrong all along.
And this trivial misunderstanding had made him run?
Ridiculous.
Just a small matter—and he ran.
Shi Wuxiang almost wanted to laugh.
If this were truly the reason, then he would at least praise him for how far he ran.
But jokes aside, this was not the time for that.
He closed his eyes briefly.
With someone like Yuan Zhao—someone who instinctively hid in his shell—you couldn’t speak gently.
You had to go mad a little.
Only then would he remember.
Soon, Old Madam Shi returned after hearing Yuan Zhao was “ill,” only to find the person already gone.
“What do you mean gone?” she snapped. “He took the child and left alone? Why aren’t you chasing after him?! Where did your cleverness from studying go?!”
“I’ve already sent people to search,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly. “Once there is news, I will bring him back.”
Then he asked quietly, “Mother, did you ever mention taking a concubine to him?”
Old Madam Shi immediately glared.
“Don’t start blaming me just because your husband ran away! When would I ever say something like that? You can’t even keep your own spouse in line!”
Shi Wuxiang rubbed his temples.
“Then why does he think Miss Tao is arranged for me as a concubine?”
He even found it laughable.
Not only had he never met her, but he had never even considered such a thing.
Old Madam Shi froze, then suddenly realized something.
“Wait… does he not know we were arranging a match for your younger brother?”
Shi Wuxiang: “…………”
He truly had nothing left to say.
It was just a misunderstanding layered upon misunderstanding.
Soon they pieced it together—gossip outside, repeated visits from matchmakers, and Yuan Zhao encountering them a few times had likely led to the misunderstanding.
Shi Wuxiang accepted it instantly.
Yes. That sounded exactly like something Yuan Zhao would conclude.
And now he had run.
If they made a large search, it would immediately spread: either he was kidnapped or he ran away. Either way, Yuan Zhao’s reputation would be ruined.
So Gou Yi’s people had to investigate quietly, asking indirectly in the streets. But Qing Shui Town was large, and traffic heavy. If someone wasn’t careful, no one would notice a carriage passing.
“Speaking of peach and apricot blossoms,” Gou Yi said suddenly, “there are indeed places blooming nearby. In Lotus Town and Shitang Town. I checked—both are in bloom, and many people go there for sightseeing.”
“Prepare the carriage. Now.”
“Yes!”
Shi Wuxiang’s expression darkened further.
He didn’t even know if Yuan Zhao had taken a carriage. He probably had—otherwise he couldn’t have gone far on foot.
He forced himself to think clearly, rehearsing what he would say when he caught him.
He would explain everything in one breath.
No mistakes.
But Lotus Town—no one there.
Shitang Town—also empty.
His patience finally snapped.
“Search all surrounding counties.”
“……”
Meanwhile.
Yuan Zhao and Yuan Yuan had already moved into a rented courtyard.
It was small but neat. Two pomegranate trees stood at the entrance—by autumn they would bear fruit.
The house had already been cleaned by villagers. Bedding had been bought. Fortunately, the weather was warming; otherwise they would have spent even more money.
“Brother, will we live here from now on?” Yuan Yuan asked softly. “Can I still go to school?”
Yuan Zhao thought for a moment.
“You like it here, don’t you? There are peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and children to play with. We can stay here. I’ll ask around for a school nearby. If there is one, you can continue studying.”
“Okay! I’ll listen to brother!”
Yuan Yuan didn’t mind where they went.
He just needed certainty.
And Yuan Zhao, for the first time, was finally going forward without looking back.
From the moment he learned that his brother had lied, Yuan Yuan already knew they would eventually leave the Shi household.
Although he was reluctant to part with Auntie, Ranran-jiejie, and also with A-Xiang gege and A-Yue gege, compared to his brother, none of them were more important.
Yuan Zhao spent less than half a day tidying up the small courtyard. Since they were unfamiliar with the place, he simply used coins to exchange for some grain with the village women, planning to buy more later at the town.
The village women were very curious, wanting to ask why he had come alone with a young child. But since they were not familiar yet, they were too embarrassed to ask too much. Seeing him exchange money for grain made them quite happy.
At midday, they cooked.
Yuan Zhao steamed some rice and quickly stir-fried a meat dish. The two of them ate in silence, both clearly distracted.
In the past three years, even the quietest meals had never had fewer than two people at the table. Now suddenly there were only the two of them, and it felt awkward.
After eating, they lay down to rest, occasionally exchanging a few words.
“Will A-Xiang gege come find us?” Yuan Yuan asked softly.
He actually still liked A-Xiang gege very much, only it was a pity that he didn’t like his brother.
Yuan Zhao gently patted his back.
“Your A-Xiang gege will soon have a new wife. He won’t come looking for us. Don’t think about it. Just sleep. I’ll go out this afternoon to see if there’s any work.”
Even though the silver he carried was enough to last a lifetime, there were always times when money would be urgently needed. Besides, some of it was meant for Yuan Yuan’s dowry and could not be touched easily.
Yuan Yuan obediently nodded, but still felt uncomfortable.
Is A-Xiang gege really going to marry someone so quickly? It seems like he doesn’t care about them at all.
Then… he also won’t like such an A-Xiang gege anymore.
Yuan Zhao sighed silently.
For a long time, he had always wanted to give Yuan Yuan the best life he could. But in the end, the Shi household had been the best environment.
It was just that they could no longer stay there.
He only hoped that after he left, A-Xiang could truly live happily.
——
“Master, I’ve gathered more information!”
“There’s a neighboring county called Lin County. In Yangma Town there’s a place called Xingtao Village, said to survive on selling fruit and wine. There’s also Fan Family City doing the same trade. Where should we go next?”
According to Xia Lian’s report, the journey was long and would take most of a day, making Fan Family City too far. So—
He smiled faintly.
“Go to Lin County.”