AUBTN -Chapter 94 Deliberately Falling into the Water

Yu Qing deliberately dragged out the last syllable, leaning slightly closer to Lu Yan, almost brushing against him.

“I really thought Lord Lu was hopelessly devoted to me, that he wouldn’t marry anyone else~ My poor little heart was racing just now.”

The warm breath fanned against the side of Lu Yan’s neck, carrying the sweet fragrance unique to a young girl.

Lu Yan’s whole body stiffened, like a block of ice being roasted over a fire.

“Sit properly.”

He barked softly, his voice laced with forced composure, yet he didn’t dare turn to look at her, afraid that even a glance would betray the emotions in his eyes.

Seeing this, Yu Qing wisely withdrew, knowing that if she teased any further, this iceberg would erupt. She obediently returned to her seat, arms folded, humming an unknown little tune, her mood soaring.

【Pretend all you want! Let’s see how long you can keep it up!】

The atmosphere in the carriage became subtle and intimate.

However, this lightness didn’t last long.

As the carriage passed through the noisy market streets and turned onto the quiet path leading to the East Factory’s Yu Garden, the flush on Lu Yan’s face gradually faded.

In its place grew a deeper, more serious weight.

His father’s attitude was far too abnormal.

In the past, though his father was rigid, he valued family reputation and personal honor greatly. Even if he secretly had ties with Prince Ning, he would never have been so eager to pick a side—let alone threaten his own son.

This was completely the mindset of a gambler throwing everything on a single bet.

Unless…

Lu Yan’s eyes suddenly sharpened.

Unless Zhao Shuo had made his father a promise he couldn’t refuse.

“What’s wrong? Why the sudden murderous look?”

Yu Qing noticed the drop in the pressure around her and dared not tease him further, asking cautiously.

Lu Yan turned to her, looking into her clear eyes, and a strong surge of protectiveness rose in him.

This madman Zhao Shuo, now that he had approached his father, clearly could no longer be restrained.

“Nothing.”

Lu Yan reached out to ruffle Yu Qing’s hair, the gesture awkward yet gentle.

“When we get back, stick close to Su Hewan. Don’t wander off.”

Yu Qing was stunned by this sudden “head pat attack,” then obediently nodded. “Oh, got it.”

Lu Yan withdrew his hand and gazed out into the dark night.

“The third day of the third month…”

He murmured, fingers lightly tracing the handle of his knife.

It was the clue left by the salt merchant Jiang Huai, and also the day of the Heaven-Sacrificing Ceremony.

It seemed that day was destined to be anything but peaceful.

The late autumn night wind carried a desolate chill, rustling the withered leaves of the imperial garden.

Having just finished reading Governance Strategies with the young emperor, Su Hewan felt like half of her brain cells had perished.

The two walked along the pond in the imperial garden, preparing to head home.

Nearby, Yu Qing stretched lazily, making no effort to maintain her composure, muttering, “Oh my, this isn’t reading with him, it’s babysitting! One moment he wants water, the next he wants cake. Who would want this 9-to-6 reward?! Why did we even take this job?!”

Su Hewan glanced at her helplessly, lowering her voice. “Quiet, there could be ears around the wall.”

“Afraid of what! It’s off-duty now anyway.” Yu Qing rolled her eyes, looked around to make sure no one was near, then leaned close to Su Hewan and whispered conspiratorially.

“Hey, Wan Wan, don’t you think that Zhao Shuo looks like… you know… that thing?”

“That thing?”

“That crafty old fox! Look at how he looked at the young emperor today—tsk tsk tsk, you’d think he wanted to carve ‘I will usurp the throne’ on my forehead!” Yu Qing curled her lips.

“I’ve seen this kind of villain on TV too many times. They don’t last past three episodes.”

Su Hewan tensed, about to cover Yu Qing’s mouth, when suddenly a sinister voice echoed from behind them.

“Oh? In the eyes of you two young ladies, I am so despicable?”

The words struck like a clap of thunder.

Su Hewan and Yu Qing froze all over, mechanically turning around.

They saw Zhao Shuo standing with his hands behind his back, a hypocritical smile tugging at his lips.

【It’s over! Barbie-Q’d! When did this old fox teleport over here?!】

Yu Qing’s face drained of color, her calves cramping in terror.

Su Hewan’s mind raced.

If Zhao Shuo had heard everything they just said, tonight they could directly “collect their boxed meals.”

She had to divert his attention!

In a flash, Su Hewan’s foot slipped, and she lost control, falling backward.

Behind her was the lotus pond in the imperial garden, bottomless and dark.

“Ah—!”

The scream wasn’t acting; it was meant to shift Zhao Shuo’s focus from the conversation to the “accident.”

“Wanwan!” Yu Qing reached out in panic, but grabbed nothing.

With a splash, a huge sound echoed!

The icy pond water instantly submerged her.

Su Hewan flailed a couple of times but deliberately didn’t surface immediately. Only after choking on a couple of mouthfuls of water did she act exhausted.

This “playing the wounded” tactic had to be performed in full.

Eastern Depot, the Overseer’s Study.

Shen Jue was reviewing confidential letters sent from various regions. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across his handsome yet fierce profile.

Suddenly, a palace attendant stumbled in, falling to his knees.

“Overseer! It’s bad! Miss Su has… fallen into the imperial garden pond!”

“What!”

Shen Jue’s head shot up, rage surging in his eyes.

“What happened?”

The attendant trembled as he recounted the incident. Before he could finish, a strong gust swept through in front of him.

When he looked up again, there was no trace of the Overseer in the study.

Yu Yuan, Su Hewan’s chamber.

The fire in the “earth dragon stove” burned brightly, but Su Hewan still felt cold.

Wrapped in thick embroidered blankets, her face pale as paper, she occasionally coughed harshly, heart-wrenching and exhausting.

This time, she had really gone all out to cover up her words. How could this ancient pond water be colder than a modern freezer?!

【Cough… cough… this is going to cost me big. I must make Shen Jue reimburse my medical expenses…】

Dazed, Su Hewan heard movement at the door.

“The National Preceptor has arrived—”

Her heart skipped a beat.

This old fox actually followed her home?!

The door curtain was lifted. Zhao Shuo walked in, exuding cold air. Behind him were two maidservants carrying trays filled with all sorts of precious medicinal herbs.

“Miss Su, are you feeling any better?”

Zhao Shuo approached the bed, looking down at the weak girl with a flash of sharpness in his eyes.

He waved his hand, dismissing the attendants, even sending away the maids standing nearby.

Now, only he and Su Hewan remained in the room.

And… the faint breathing behind the screen.

Shen Jue had already arrived just before Zhao Shuo entered, but he didn’t reveal himself, choosing to stay hidden in the shadows.

“Thank you… cough… thank you for your concern, National Preceptor…” Su Hewan struggled to sit up and bow, but Zhao Shuo pressed her shoulder down.

“Miss Su, since you are ill, there’s no need for formalities.”

Zhao Shuo sat beside the bed, shamelessly inspecting Su Hewan with his gaze.

“I hear… you have… a rather close relationship with Overseer Shen?”