The third note, how can one bear the mistake of an unexpected encounter

She murmured softly, and the Fourth Young Master did not offer any explanation; he simply took off his coat and draped it over her. The coat was long and warm, almost enveloping her entirely.

Blame him, before coming here, Bei'er asked how things were arranged in Beiping, but the Fourth Young Master said not to disturb anyone. Clearly, they had already arrived at the doorstep, yet he was acting as if he were on a secret visit in disguise. At that time, she jokingly asked if the Fourth Young Master was going to put on a show of passing by his own home without entering. Now, Bei'er blames her for talking too much, and look where it has led them, suffering in the cold wind.

For a moment, the two were stunned, forgetting their words. It was unclear what the Fourth Young Master was lost in thought about, but Hui Shu was filled with confusion, thinking of that lady, and recalling Bei Er and Mr. Meng, feeling that nothing in the world is more misleading than love. On the day of the farewell at the dock, Bei Er did not shed a tear as she left; she departed in such a hurry that she even left behind her most important jewelry box. While tidying up for her, I discovered an old photograph at the bottom of the box—Mr. Meng turned out to be a tall and handsome man, and Bei Er nestled in his arms like a green-eyed Persian cat. On the day of the farewell at the dock, Bei Er did not shed a tear as she left; she departed in such a hurry that she even left behind her most important jewelry box. While tidying up for her, I discovered an old photograph at the bottom of the box—Mr. Meng turned out to be a tall and handsome man, and Bei Er nestled in his arms like a green-eyed Persian cat.

"Even with a good temper, she won't direct it towards you!" The woman raised her face, and the platform lights illuminated her almond-shaped eyes and rosy cheeks, making her look charming and delightful, her crisp and round Beijing accent sounding very pleasant.

The Fourth Young Master smiled as he grasped her wrist, "How is it that you still have such a bad temper even after getting married?"

Hui Shu was completely oblivious to what she was tidying up and was left bewildered by the question. Belle picked up the stamp from the desk behind her and casually tapped it on her forehead, saying, "You don't even remember the stamp! All you know is how to be forgetful!"

Mr. Meng went out to sea seven days ago and encountered a hurricane on the South Seas, and has been missing ever since. The Fourth Young Master spoke in a very soft voice, yet he reached out to cover Huishu's hand, conveying a touch of comforting strength to her. His palm was warm, but his fingertips were slightly cool. "Let Beier stay alone for a while; she does not like to cry in front of others. After that, you can accompany her while I make arrangements; perhaps I can catch tonight's ship to Hong Kong."

"Do you think they might not have looked for me at all, and would rather I leave to avoid the annoyance of seeing me?" Hui Shu rested her chin on her hand, absentmindedly playing with a pen. Belle paid her no mind, busying herself with the numerous arrangements needed for their trip to Beiping. Noticing her lack of response, Hui Shu grew even more disinterested and quietly moved behind her to glance at the letters and bills on the table.

The fingertips had already grown numb and inflexible, and the train was swaying, making the hastily written characters exceedingly difficult to read. Accustomed to the warmth of winter in the south, as the train traveled northward, drawing ever closer to Beiping, I began to feel the biting cold. Outside the window, the scenery rushed by, the vast land stretching endlessly, with straight poplar trees lining the railway, and the window had already frosted over from my breath.

No, it is Mrs. Huo

Miss Qi Qi's departure did not alarm the old lady, or perhaps the Yan and Qi families, out of concern for their reputation, only stated that Miss Qi had matters to attend to and was traveling. Hui Shu took refuge in Madame Bei's residence, located on the bustling Majiaguan Road in the concession, with the trading firm of the Fourth Young Master situated below. The entire street was filled with banks and businesses, and at night it was a place of vibrant nightlife, a spot where Yan Shize often lingered in the past. Initially, while residing there, Hui Shu felt quite anxious, fearing that someone might find her. However, as three to five days passed without anyone coming to disturb her, she instead felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

The doorman ushered in a short man, neatly dressed and leaning on a cane. Upon seeing Huishu, he removed his hat and bowed in greeting. Huishu scrutinized him, noting his dark complexion, pronounced features, and his polite demeanor, which was accompanied by an oddly mixed accent. This man got straight to the point, requesting to see "Madam Meng," which startled Huishu, instantly reminding her of Bei'er’s ex-husband far away in Hong Kong. Could it be that bothersome Mr. Meng had come here?

"How can that be? Ji Lin has already prepared some light wine at Defangzhai and has been waiting for you for most of the evening," Hu Mengdie said, pulling him into the carriage while playfully scolding, "I remember your usual taste; you should try it and see if it has changed over the years."

Hui Shu nodded to her with a smile. Hu Mengdie shook hands with her, her smile carrying a hint of indifferent aloofness.

There are indeed too many mysteries behind him. In Belle's words: "Knowing too early is of no benefit to you; when the time is right, you will naturally be informed."

"Don't look around carelessly; curiosity killed the cat." Beier neatly put away the letter and shot a glance at Huishu, "If there's nothing else, go back and pack your luggage. We will set off the day after tomorrow, and from now on, no one will be at your beck and call. You need to learn to take care of yourself." However, Huishu was like a piece of malt candy, smiling and sticking by her side, always full of endless questions that could not be driven away. She was also extremely clever; she learned the tasks of a secretary in just half a day, and the rest of the time was spent asking questions about everything, curious about all matters.

Hui Shu was entangled in conversation, asking questions left and right, when the doorman came to announce that Madam Bei had a visitor. Bei Er thought it was the tailor delivering the custom fur coat, as they were heading to Beiping during the winter season and it was essential to prepare a coat, so she instructed Hui Shu to go downstairs to take a look

Hui Shu had long been rendered speechless. ... Bei Er ...? ... Did she not hate that fickle man? Had she not already left him? There were many questions she wanted to ask, yet she did not know how to phrase them. What came out was a silly, trivial question, "Is she still going to Beiping?"

"Alright, let's first go to the residence and settle down, Miss Qi is exhausted." The Fourth Young Master smiled slightly and said, "There is no rush for you and me to catch up at this moment."

However, Belle looked at her seriously, "Xiao Qi, it would be best if you truly remember." Hui Shu responded with an "Oh," understanding the implication of her words, and lowered her head, choosing not to say more

The days on the train are truly dull, making one feel as if they are about to rust. Finally, today I can be liberated, and I should arrive in Beiping by evening. Fourth Young Master said we could have the pearl meatballs from Defangzhai for dinner; the chef there used to cook for the prince, so I imagine you would certainly enjoy it... Lily, I really miss you. I wonder if everything is well at home after my return?" Huishu paused her pen and sighed... "Lily, I really miss you. I wonder if everything is well at home after my return?" Huishu paused her pen and sighed.

The regulation consumed a full four hours. It is only when one encounters a powerful figure in a narrow confrontation that the annoyance of the privileged class becomes apparent

As Huishu's thoughts stirred, she suddenly recalled the character Margaret from the book, who was endowed with extraordinary beauty, attracting the pursuit of Parisian nobility and becoming a sensation in the world of pleasure. Her constant companion was a bouquet of camellias, earning her the title of the Camellia Lady. ... That lady was once a renowned beauty in her prime, this Camellia Lady, that Camellia Lady ... . ... With such thoughts occupying her mind, it was indeed a deep obsession, as she could not forget the glistening snow that lingered in her heart wherever she went.

Hui Shu stood up and rubbed her hands, glancing at the watch to find it was already afternoon. By this time, the Fourth Young Master should have woken from his nap. Arriving at the door of the adjacent compartment, the train attendant immediately stepped forward with enthusiasm to open the door for her. Although she and the Fourth Young Master were traveling alone together, each occupying a separate compartment, the attendant seemed to assume that their relationship was quite close, always offering her ambiguous attentions whenever he saw her. Hearing the noise, the Fourth Young Master lifted his gaze. The faint sunlight outside enveloped his profile, accentuating the sharpness of his brow, nose, and thin lips. He was casually leaning by the window reading a book, with his collar half-open and his tie unfastened, holding a French edition of La dame aux Camélias (Note: The Lady of the Camellias) in his hand.

A car approached silently, without headlights on in the night, and quietly came to a stop beside her. Huishu was startled, and then she saw the car door open, revealing a slender leg extending from beneath a qipao. A woman, wrapped in a fur coat and carrying a handbag, gracefully stepped out of the car, walked a few steps to stand in front of the Fourth Young Master, and began to scrutinize him from head to toe.

This morning, a careless word almost led to a disaster, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt. She is indeed curious—though still young at the age of four, he hails from a prominent family in Beiping, yet their fortunes have already declined. Now, in this city, he remains inconspicuous, appearing to be an ordinary businessman. However, the extent of his wealth and power, as well as the backgrounds of those he associates with, are not even clear to Bei'er. Even the grandeur of the Cloud Summit Palace is merely the tip of the iceberg. Yet, the extent of his wealth and power, as well as the backgrounds of those he associates with, are not even clear to Bei'er. Even the grandeur of the Cloud Summit Palace is merely the tip of the iceberg

Hui Shu inexplicably blushed. Upon returning to the private room and sitting down again at the table, she intended to pick up her pen to finish the letter to Belle, but found that she could not write a single word.

Suddenly, the train shook violently, and the unexpected jolt caused Huishu to lose her balance, sending her tumbling towards the window. The Fourth Young Master reacted swiftly, pulling her into his embrace, but he too could not withstand the tremendous force, and they both fell onto the bunk. A loud clattering sound of the tracks echoed from afar, followed by the train coming to a halt, with the blaring of the horn and the ringing of the bell merging into one.

This passenger exuded an air of great importance and was quite generous with his tips. Upon noticing his displeasure at the remark, the train attendant leaned in and whispered, "I wonder which distinguished individual it is, arriving on a special train so hastily and shrouded in mystery." As he glanced into the compartment, the attendant revealed an ambiguous smile and quickly took his leave.

He escorted her back to his private room, and as they were leaving, he gently placed his hand on her arm. The warmth emanating from his palm was so comforting, even through the fabric of her clothing

Hui Shu felt so embarrassed that she wished to find a hole to hide in. She opened her mouth to retort, but then heard the Fourth Young Master say with a faint smile, "Miss Qi is my secretary"

The man named Yafu looked up at her, his expression slightly changing, and he exclaimed, "Madam!"

The Fourth Young Master furrowed his brows and set down the book, "She is so intelligent and worldly, yet so stubborn"

The Fourth Young Master took over her conversation and smiled, "Under the feet of the Son of Heaven, people come and go frequently; such matters are likely to occur every three to five days." However, Hu Mengdie did not respond, and after a moment of silence, she softly asked, "Jin Ming, do you really not know who it is?"

Being a secretary is not a difficult task, but there are two crucial points. First, one must be attentive..." Before Belle could finish her sentence, Hui Shu interjected, "Second, one must be discreet; do not ask questions that should not be asked, right? I have already remembered that!

This is not a trade that ordinary people can engage in. The roller merchants, ointment merchants, and transport merchants each have their own guilds, among which the financially powerful and influential are all colluding with military and political authorities in various regions, particularly in Yunnan and Sichuan. Although the Beiping government has issued a decree to suppress opium, it is merely for show; only the southern government has explicitly prohibited opium and has always enforced strict investigations and severe punishments. Looking at the appearance of the Fourth Young Master, he does not seem to be involved in the opium trade at all

In recent years, I have learned that both you and Brother Ji Lin are well, which brings me comfort

"She is still Mrs. Meng," the Fourth Young Master said calmly. "The divorce papers are invalid without the husband's signature."

As the train came to a stop, the Fourth Young Master signaled for Huishu to remain calm. He reached under the pillow and unexpectedly pulled out a sleek, dark-colored German-made pistol. Huishu was taken aback, watching as he approached the train window to check for any movement, furrowing his brow for a long time, his expression tense and serious. Outside, hurried footsteps could be heard, and soon the compartment door was knocked on, with the train attendant loudly reassuring the passengers, "Everyone, please do not panic. We have encountered a railway control ahead, and the train needs to stop temporarily..."

The Fourth Young Master turned his head to look at her, his eyes filled with a compassion and tenderness that she could not comprehend, "What a foolish girl."

The fourth young master shook his head and smiled, "No wonder people say that President Xu is good at everything, except he is afraid of his wife"

Hui Shu pressed her forehead, feeling wronged and in pain

At this moment, Huishu was taken aback to see a familiar black sedan parked outside the open door behind him. The car door was half ajar, and the Fourth Young Master turned his head from inside, noticing Huishu, and gave a slight nod to signal her to come over

"Alright." She snorted, raised her hand as if to strike him, "Heartless one, you still remember to come back!"

"I knew you all had secrets, keeping them from me, not trusting me." Hui Shu half-leaned on the edge of the table, dragging out her tone, feeling gloomy, yet her eyes followed Bei Er's figure intently. ... Bei Er meticulously counted and organized the important documents, locking them in the briefcase, along with the water pen and stationery that the Fourth Young Master often used. ... Finally, she turned around and asked Hui Shu, "Is there anything else that we have forgotten?"

Hui Shu was stunned, unable to believe her own ears

Hui Shu could not help but laugh, "Do you men also enjoy this tender and lingering tone?"

"Yafu." Belle's voice came from the escalator behind, inexplicably rising in pitch, revealing her astonishment, "How did you find your way here?"

"It is better to refuse; I absolutely detest that Armand. I wouldn't want a man like him either!" Huishu said disdainfully

At last, the train arrived at the station. As the bustling crowd emerged from the platform, the sky had already turned completely dark. The winter in Beiping is cold and dry, with the night wind blowing fiercely, like small knives scraping against the face. Huishu had never experienced such a bitter taste of hunger and cold. After looking around for a while outside the platform, she still did not see anyone coming to pick her up, and could not help but lament: "This is just great, not even a single person to greet me, truly no one is disturbed."

He introduced the two of them, saying, "This is Mrs. Xu Jilin, the wife of General Xu, Hu Mengdie."

The driver settled the luggage and stepped forward, bowing slightly, "Madam, may we proceed?"

Hui Shu came to her senses and realized that she was still lying on the Fourth Young Master's bed, hurriedly standing up with a flushed face. The Fourth Young Master did not put the gun back under the pillow; instead, he concealed it close to his body. Although he was just a commoner, he carried a gun with him, which made Hui Shu secretly alarmed. The Fourth Young Master did not offer any explanation, merely stating, "There is nothing we can do if we encounter a checkpoint. You should go back and rest; I will call you if there is anything."

Hui Shu glanced at Bei Er and hurriedly walked to the front of the car: "Fourth Young Master, did you bring that person to find Lily?"

"Is it all in German?" Hui Shu leaned in to take a closer look, "My German has been rusty for a long time, it's really troublesome. Why does the Fourth Young Master always do business with Germans?" As she spoke, she reached out to flip through the letter, but was blocked by Bei Er, leaving her hand empty.

Hui Shu was taken aback, and after a long time without hearing the Fourth Young Master speak, she couldn't help but turn her head to look. The car was driving quite fast, and the streetlights outside occasionally swept by, casting patches of light and shadow into the car, making the faces appear bright and dim. The expression of the Fourth Young Master was hard to discern, but she vaguely saw his thin lips move, "General Huo?"

Jin Ming... Hu Mengdie's voice softened as she gently sighed, "Seeing you return this time, I finally feel at ease in my heart"

"Naturally, it has not changed." The voice of the Fourth Young Master was low and filled with laughter, "Although the world is changing, there are always some people whose hearts remain unchanged."

The train attendant said with a wry smile: "There is a special train, and all stations along the route are under control. This is a common occurrence when heading to Beijing; there is nothing anyone can do about it. Please rest assured and wait for the control to pass."

He seemed to be too engrossed, with a hint of confusion in his expression, "Why did she refuse him?"

"Madam Meng is not here; you have come to the wrong place." Huishu firmly blocked the doorway.

The four major generals concealed their guns under their clothing and opened the door to intercept a hurried train attendant: "What happened up ahead?"

Hui Shu listened to the exchange from the front seat, half understanding and half bewildered, feeling that both parties spoke with a sense of desolation, which was heart-wrenching. She could not bear such a scene and wanted to change the subject to lighten the mood for both of them. However, she struggled to find an opportunity to interject, waiting in silence for a while until she finally spotted a chance. "Mrs. Xu, I am truly sorry to have kept you waiting. I don't know what important person has come to Beijing tonight, but the train was delayed for four hours, and we have only just arrived."

The Fourth Young Master did not respond, fell silent for a moment, and then said in a deep voice, "Yafu came to find Beier to convey Mr. Meng's will"

The Fourth Young Master cast a deep gaze, remaining silent, only gesturing for her to get in the car. The driver drove away, leaving Beier alone with that person. Hui Shu turned her head to question the Fourth Young Master, "What is going on? Why is the Meng family still looking for Beier? She has no ties with the Meng family anymore!"

At this moment, it seems that a man as mediocre as Yan Shize may be more bearable under the passage of time. On that day, the Fourth Young Master said, "Xiao Qi, you will eventually come to regret it."

Having been here for only three years, what business could yield such astonishing profits? Huishu comes from a wealthy family and is accustomed to success, yet has never witnessed such extraordinary capabilities. Moreover, in this chaotic era, becoming rich overnight or falling into ruin in an instant is quite common. In secret, Huishu has also speculated that the most profitable venture nowadays is none other than opium.

Hu Mengdie took the Fourth Young Master by the arm, "Jin Ming, you sit with me in the back. There are many things to discuss, and I will slowly tell you on the way."

Hui Shu was taken aback, "He didn't sign? He doesn't agree to the divorce?"

It is unknown what method the Fourth Young Master used, but Yan Shize truly did not seek out the Cloud Summit Palace again

The person bowed and said: "I am looking for a lady named Lily Bell; I was her former butler"

Pah! That beauty spat at him, then turned her gaze towards Huishu with a glance that seemed to smile yet not smile, "Young Master Xue is indeed good at everything, except that he is too lecherous"