novelden Chapter 778 I Won’t Save You This Time (21)
Chapter 778 I Won’t Save You This Time (21)
Fu Shun looked at the senior palace maid in front of him who had disappeared with Concubine Xiao, and his heart was filled with indescribable complex emotions.
He could hardly believe his eyes - Yan Caiyue was now standing in front of him, as if nothing had changed, but they both knew that everything was no longer the same.
Back then, when Yan Caiyue was chosen by Concubine Xiao, Fu Shun was secretly puzzled.
Yan Caiyue was only eleven or twelve years old at that time, with an ordinary appearance. She even looked dark, thin and shriveled because she had not eaten enough and had to do heavy work for many years.
Fu Shun couldn't understand why Concubine Xiao chose such an inconspicuous little girl.
However, time proves everything.
Yan Caiyue might not be very courageous, but she learns things very quickly. In just a few years, she has mastered the skills in the palace to perfection.
As for the rules, everyone has their own opinions!
Anyway, there are few people who can find fault with the senior palace maids around the imperial concubine.
Especially later, the tenacity and intelligence displayed by Yan Caiyue made Fu Shun think of the young Xiao Qiluo - the woman who could always find a way out no matter what difficulties she encountered.
Fushun, Xiao Qiluo and the emperor were all of similar age, with Fushun being the oldest, already over thirty;
Xiao Qiluo was next in line; although the emperor was the youngest, he was already nearly thirty.
When Yan Caiyue was in the palace, she always respectfully called Fu Shun "Uncle Fu".
This name now sounds both familiar and distant.
"Cai Yue, why are you in Luocheng?" Fu Shun couldn't help asking, his eyes unconsciously scanning around her. Although he knew that the hope was slim, he still had a glimmer of luck in his heart - perhaps, the old friend would also appear here.
Yan Caiyue saw through Fu Shun's thoughts, her expression calm but with a hint of sadness, she said bluntly: "Uncle Fu, the master is no longer here. She died earlier than the rumors outside."
Upon hearing this, Fushun's expression froze, then he sighed and whispered, "I know... but I still hold on to a glimmer of hope, hoping to see her again one day."
The two were speechless for a moment, and silence spread in the air, as if even time had stopped.
Memories of the past come flooding in like a tide, but gradually recede in the cold reality.
At this moment, Chen Ang's voice broke the silence: "Madam Yan, we can set off now."
After he finished speaking, his gaze fell on Fushun, and a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes.
Chen Ang looked at the white-faced, beardless man in front of him. Although he had a handsome appearance, he exuded a cold aura that made people shudder.
"Who is this?" Chen Ang asked tentatively, with a hint of wariness in his tone.
Yan Caiyue came back to her senses, glanced at Chen Ang, and said calmly: "This is Uncle Fu, an old acquaintance."
Fu Shun nodded slightly as a response, but his eyes still stayed on Yan Caiyue, as if he had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to start.
But now is not a good time to talk. Not only Yan Caiyue has something to do, he himself also has important matters to attend to. Especially with so many subordinates behind him, it is even more difficult to say more.
"Caiyue, you go and get busy first!" Fuchuan took the initiative to speak, "I'm also very busy here. Anyway, you won't leave Luocheng for a while. Wait until I finish the things on hand, and then we can reminisce about the past."
"Okay!" Yan Caiyue nodded, then got on the carriage and went to appreciate the flowers with Chen Ang and the others.
In fact, Yan Caiyue was also clear about it. Although they were reminiscing about the past, it was just about Concubine Xiao's final "destination".
Fu Shun watched Yan Caiyue's carriage go farther and farther away. Although he felt reluctant, he also knew that this was not a good time to reminisce about the past.
He withdrew his gaze, turned to look at his men behind him, and his expression instantly became cold and majestic.
"Listen carefully," Fushun said in a low voice, but it carried an unquestionable sense of oppression. "The things the master has told us to do are the top priority, and everything else should be put aside. If anyone is greedy for merit and delays the important work, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Upon hearing this, the subordinates all lowered their heads and responded, and no one dared to say anything more.
Although some of them recognized Yan Caiyue, seeing that Fu Shun did not mention much, they tactfully kept silent.
In this deep palace, everyone knows that there are some things that should not be asked and some things that should not be said.
Fu Shun glanced around and saw that everyone looked solemn, which made him feel relieved.
He waved his hand, signaling everyone to move on.
The group walked quickly along the bluestone road of Luocheng towards the east of the city.
Although Fushun's steps were steady, his heart was unsettled.
The appearance of Yan Caiyue undoubtedly evoked many of his long-forgotten memories, especially those about Concubine Xiao.
Xiao Qiluo? Without her, neither he nor His Majesty would have survived. It was a pity that she didn't have a good ending.
And Yan Caiyue, the once inconspicuous little girl, has grown into such a calm and capable person after just one year. It seems that the death of Concubine Xiao has made her grow a lot.
At the same time, Yan Caiyue sat in the carriage, looking through the window, quietly looking at the scenery on the street.
Although she looked calm, she couldn't help but feel a little worried.
"Madam Yan, it seems that the rich uncle just now has a close relationship with you?" Chen Ang, who was sitting aside, asked tentatively.
Although he had some doubts about Fu Shun's identity, when he saw Yan Caiyue's attitude was "average", he suppressed his guard.
Yan Caiyue retracted her gaze and smiled faintly: "It's just an old acquaintance. I haven't seen you for many years. It's a bit unexpected to meet you today."
Chen Ang nodded. Although he still had doubts in his mind, he didn't dare to ask more questions.
He then said, "Today's flower viewing location is the famous 'Jinxiu Garden' in Luo City. I heard that the peonies in the garden are in full bloom. Madam Yan will definitely like them."
Yan Caiyue nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Her mind had long drifted far away, and her thoughts returned to her days in the palace many years ago.
I live in fear every day, afraid of making a mistake.
No, she couldn't go back to that cannibalistic place no matter what, but the current situation seemed like it was better not to act rashly and to remain constant in the face of ever-changing circumstances!
The carriage slowly drove into Jinxiu Garden, which was filled with the fragrance of flowers and crowded with tourists.
Yan Caiyue got off the carriage and followed Chen Ang into the garden.
Her eyes swept across the peonies in the garden, but she felt no appreciation in her heart. She was always thinking about how to deal with the situation!
On the other side, Fu Shun and his men hurried to a secret house in the east of the city.
He pushed the door open and walked in. Someone had been waiting in the yard for a long time.
Seeing Fu Shun coming, the man immediately stepped forward and whispered, "Eunuch Fu, everything has been arranged. We are just waiting for your instructions."
Fu Shun nodded and said in a deep voice: "Everything must be done according to the plan. We must be careful and cautious and not make any mistakes."
The man retreated, and Fushun stood in the yard, looking up at the sky.
The sky gradually darkened and dark clouds gathered, as if foreshadowing that a storm was about to come.
He took a deep breath and said to himself, "This is a serious matter. We must capture these people in one fell swoop, otherwise there will be endless troubles!"