Prologue

"Blue, azure..." he sighed

In that case, he need not be polite any longer

The twelfth year of the Yongle reign.

Although he was apprehensive about this decision made by the master, Rong Qian still bowed his head and complied. Just as he was about to exit, he saw the young servant Hua Cai running in with a cheerful expression, announcing: "Master, the third young master of the Bu family requests an audience."

Ignoring her father and Rong Qian beside her, she tearfully grasped his hand. She trembled; it was so hard, covered in calluses, no longer resembling the hand of her beloved Young Master Bu San.

What! Wei Yaoquan slammed the book on the table, and Bu Yuan'ao really came?!

Her hands, warm and soft... When she furrowed her brow, both tender and loving, to wipe his face, he felt a sudden pang in his nose. He grasped her hand and pressed it against his burning cheek, yet he dared not look at her again

Beyuan Ao, whose topic was diverted by him, let out a cold smile. Although he did not explicitly state it, he had already somewhat understood Wei Yaoquan's attitude. Over the past few days, as he sought help, he had learned to discern what kind of people would extend a helping hand and what kind would remain indifferent and reject him. He had developed a keen sense of perception.

He squeezed the horse's belly again, helplessly and with a twinge of pain urging his weary steed to go a little faster, "We're almost there, almost there... then we'll be saved." He let out a long breath, tightened the reins, and both man and horse exerted their last ounce of strength to race towards the Wei family's gate

The steward of the Wei family, Rong Qian, was originally sitting in a chair by the door basking in the sun. Upon catching sight of the young man from a distance, his expression changed drastically, and he stood up abruptly, turning to run towards the study.

She is pampered and delicate, as fragile as an orchid. Just the thought of making her eat coarse and simple food, or wear shabby and thin clothing, is unbearable for him, and he cannot bring himself to do it. Can he truly bear to drag her into hell as well

"Brother Ao, I will follow you; in life, I am your person, and in death, I am your ghost," she said

A graceful figure peeked at the door of the study, then quickly retreated to the wall, leaving only the slightly swaying hem of the skirt visible at the threshold, revealing a hint of childish concealment

He was taken aback by her words, then raised his head, released her hand, and quietly looked at her, "No, you still do not understand... Following me will only bring suffering!"

Good! Tomorrow night at midnight! Her eyes shine like stars

Then I am not afraid! She looked up at his handsome face and deep eyes, solemnly speaking as if making a vow

If ... ...

The wind scattered his hair, and his unkempt strands danced chaotically in the breeze, yet the pair of eyes shimmering amidst the disarray were exceptionally anxious and yearning. ... All of this ... still could not conceal his handsome features and noble demeanor; he was like a pearl covered in dust, yet nothing could obscure his brilliance.

Nephew, after your long journey, you must be tired. Please go to the guest room, have a drink of water, and take a rest. Allow me to take care of some urgent matters at hand, and we can discuss in detail later this evening

Yuelan was taken aback, innocently widening her eyes as she looked at her father. Why was he so brazenly allowing her to be with Yuan Ao today? Did he not always say that such behavior would appear undignified and lead the Bu family to look down on her?

Wei Yaoquan furrowed his brows, unconsciously crumpling a piece of already written stationery beside him

If... he paused for a moment, even holding his breath, "I have nothing left, not even a place to rest, you..." He could not ask, truly could not ask

Wei Yaoquan's brows furrowed even tighter, and he let out a long breath, as if he had made a decision. He spoke in a low and serious tone: "Let him in"

A shy and blushing little face hung down almost to her chest, and the person slowly leaned in. Bu Yuan'ao saw her lustrous long hair and her snow-white neck, as well as her delicately twisting tender fingers, and his resentful and indifferent heart softened for a moment

Even without knowledge of worldly affairs, she could discern an ominous shadow in his eyes

Since the age of six, she knew that he was her husband, he was her heaven, her earth! Her parents treated her exceptionally well, and it was because of him. Her family received full support from the Bu family, also because of him. Her mother said that he was not only her husband but also her benefactor

"Mr. Wei, " he called him with a hint of sarcasm, "You must already be aware of my family's situation. Since it is still early and the banks are still open, the three hundred thousand taels of silver that you owe us can be settled now, and I will be able to take it tomorrow. I have brought the promissory note, so please find a way to expedite this."

Azure, listen to me. As for my family's matters... I will explain them to you in detail later. For now, you must go back and secretly pack your belongings. No one can be informed, not even your closest maid. Tomorrow night at midnight, I will wait for you in the pavilion one mile outside your back door. If you truly are not afraid of hardship and do not mind living a poor life, then come, and I will take you away

"Bring it in." Master Wei said with a troubled expression as he flicked his sleeve.

What happened, right? Is it very serious? She was raised to be a virtuous and gentle woman, rarely even stepping outside. At the age of six, she was betrothed to the wealthy Bu family, and since then, she has been forced to learn this and that, all focused on how to be a good mistress of a large household

Wei Yaoquan's eyes narrowed cruelly, and he did not respond, plunging the study into a dangerous silence

Yuelan wrung out a towel for him, carefully wiping away the dust from his face. That handsome visage, which she had been thinking of, longing for, and anticipating, gradually became etched in her eyes and in her heart

A horse, covered in dust, galloped desperately along the official road in Yangzhou, panting heavily. The young rider atop the horse appeared just as travel-worn, his once exquisite garments now wrinkled, dull, and even somewhat tattered from the prolonged journey.

Master?" Looking at the master standing there like a wooden sculpture for a good while, Rong Qian couldn't help but call out. If he didn't make up his mind soon, the Third Young Master would probably be entering the main door.

"Go ahead! See you at dinner." Wei Yaoquan urged once again without any politeness

When the grand and majestic gate of Weijia Fortress appeared in the distance before the young boy, his beautiful and clear eyes brightened even more, the tightly clenched teeth relaxed, and his attractive thin lips formed a pleasing arc

"Wei ... ... Shibei." He diminished his expectations and tone, perfunctorily gesturing with his hand. "The purpose of my visit this time ... ... "

Because it is a matter of high status, the entire family is afraid that one mistake on her part will cause the Wei family to look down on them. They provide her with the best food and the finest clothes, and even if her sisters are envious, it is of no use, as she has found the best in-laws.

When Bu Yuan'ao hurriedly walked in, he exerted his utmost effort to force out a slight smile, "Nephew, you have arrived"

What hope does he have left after losing her

Looking into her pure and beautiful eyes, her guileless face, and her compassionate expression, his heart felt both soft and warm. She was even more beautiful, and it was precisely because of her beauty and innocence that her parents arranged for him to marry the daughter of the Wei family, when originally he was supposed to marry the Princess of Huyang

He looked at her carefully again, reluctant, so reluctant... Such a wonderful person was going to accompany him to hell, but even if he were selfish, he was even more reluctant to lose her. No matter how dire the circumstances, with her words, her heart, and her resolute gaze, he would treat her well for a lifetime, doing everything he could to be good to her

Bu Yuan'ao was taken aback, "Nephew? He no longer calls him Aor?" His gaze immediately turned cold, "Could it be that this old fox also wants to take a step back and watch from the sidelines at this moment?"

I will follow you too! She sparkled with her watery big eyes, and her long eyelashes became even more curved and enchanting due to her steadfast gaze

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him looking at her as well, so she turned her face away. Ah! He has become darker and thinner! The once refined and gentle face now bore an expression she found unfamiliar. Was it resentment? Fury? Or anxiety? She felt a deep ache in her heart. She could hardly recognize him! ... His clothes ... ... His hands ... ...

He was taken aback

At the age of fourteen, she is still too young, too naive; she cannot imagine how terrifying poverty can be, and perhaps what he brings to her is not just poverty, but also flight, upheaval, and a lack of a permanent home. Perhaps it is death

Isn't that Young Master Bu San?" The little doorman, Hua Zhang, stood on tiptoe with his mouth agape, gazing at the approaching handsome figure. Upon recognizing him, he grinned widely and hurried off to inform Miss Si that her beloved fiancé had arrived. Miss Si would be delighted, and Xiang Ling would also praise him and give him delicious treats

Now... ? ... Can he still marry her? Those who originally sought his favor from the Bu family have already taken a high-handed approach, addressing him as "Young Master".

"Yes, my lord." Rong Qian looked at his toes, knowing that this prickly problem would eventually surface, but he did not expect it to happen so soon

This sound was like a knife stabbing into Old Master Wei's heart. He raised his eyes with a hint of ferocity and saw Hua Cai's jubilant smile. "Slap him!" he shouted in a fit of rage. Rong Qian had no choice but to strike Hua Cai several times. Hua Cai, bewildered and filled with grievances, had tears streaming down his face.

Go take care of Ao Er and rest for a while

What is going on? In the past, when the young master of the Bu family came to announce something, there was always a reward involved. What is happening today? Huacai sniffed and looked at Rong Qian with a pitiful expression, and he was also looking back at him with a sympathetic face.

"Lan'er." Wei Yaoquan gritted his teeth, "The longer we delay, the worse it will be, come in!"