Chapter 15: It’s Fine—Just Be More Careful in Your Next Life

“Even if the Shen family were wiped out, they would still be a clan of loyal martyrs. When did a mere maid like you earn the right to speak out of turn?”

“Such a stubborn wench deserves to be beaten to death with sticks!”

Xuan Qing held a long sword in hand, flexing his ankles.

The old woman lay on the ground moaning, yet still threatened them, “This is the Northern Marquis’ residence. If you dare act recklessly, the Marquis’ wife will not spare you!”

Without hesitation, Xuan Qing slapped her again, sending a tooth flying: “You have a foul mouth and deserve to be hit!”

Ying Xia stepped in front of Shen Xianyue, eyes sharp with caution, “Who are you? What do you want?”

Seeing her misunderstanding, Xuan Qing hurried to explain, “I am not a villain. My master is the Champion Marquis; he will be here shortly. I was told to watch over Miss Shen.”

“The Champion Marquis... yes, yes, he is our lady’s future husband. I beg you, please save my lady. She’s burning up and injured. If this continues, she won’t survive.”

Ying Xia was about to kneel and kowtow to Xuan Qing, but before her knees bent, he gently held her up: “No need. The Marquis and the old Marquis have just finished their talk and will arrive soon.”

Just then, a figure strode through the courtyard gate. Xiao Tuyu entered with a cold wind swirling around him, tall and upright, his steps urgent and heavy. His deep eyes glimmered with anxiety and anger.

His sharp features were tense, lips pressed into a thin line, radiating an imposing aura.

Ying Xia, seeing him as a savior, rushed forward anxiously, “Marquis, I beg you, please save my lady.”

Xiao Tuyu hurried inside without a word. Seeing Shen Xianyue lying unconscious on the ground, anger flashed in his gaze.

Following Xuan Qing’s line of sight, Ying Xia saw Xiao Tuyu’s left hand clenched tightly, veins standing out as if restraining immense fury.

“What happened here?”

“After Miss returned, the lady of the house wanted to punish me. Miss took the blame, spoke softly to the lady, who then spared me but made Miss kneel in the ancestral hall all night. Unexpectedly, Miss got frightened and developed a high fever. I wanted to fetch the house doctor, but that old woman forbade it, saying Miss was just a dependent and spoke ill of General Shen.”

With someone backing her, Ying Xia poured out everything without hesitation.

Xiao Tuyu listened quietly, then gently removed his dark, curved water-patterned golden cloak and wrapped it around Shen Xianyue.

His long, slender fingers carefully brushed aside the tangled hair on her forehead, handling her as if she were a rare treasure.

Then, with great care, he extended his arms: one hand supporting her neck, the other cradling her bent knees, and steadily walked toward the courtyard exit.

Ying Xia followed closely, tears streaming with excitement.

“No, Marquis, the lady ordered that Miss not leave the ancestral hall courtyard tonight. If you take her away, I won’t be able to explain!”

Xiao Tuyu paused briefly, turning his head slightly, his voice cold like shards of ice, “I answer to no one in my actions.”

Xuan Qing swiftly pulled out hemp ropes, tying the old woman tightly. He stuffed a sweat rag roughly into her mouth, muffling her sobs.

“Much quieter now. The blind fools dared demand an explanation from our lord? Just be more careful next life.”

With that, a swift strike knocked the woman unconscious.

Shen Xianyue felt like a small boat rocking on waves, surrounded by warmth, finally settling peacefully. A pleasant scent drifted to her nose, soothing her.

The fragrance comforted her, her head resting against his chest, instinctively nuzzling closer.

In a daze, she thought she saw her father. When she was little and had a fever, her parents took turns holding her. Her father was a warrior, tough and solid, holding her all night. No matter how she shifted, she never felt comfortable.

“Father, I feel so awful. Has mother made me the lychee syrup yet?”

Xiao Tuyu gazed at her with boundless tenderness, as if she could be blown away by a single breeze.

Ying Xia wiped her tears, “When Miss was sick before, Master stayed up with her all night. When she was younger, he would hold and rock her throughout the night. The lady always prepared lychee syrup, which Miss loved to drink. It always helped her recover.”

Her voice choked with emotion.

Lychees were rare, difficult to cultivate in the East. They relied on tribute from border countries. Whenever Master received a reward, he froze it for Miss in a large ice cellar, fearing she might want some and have none.

Poor Miss, cherished like a jewel for years, now suffering such tragedy.

Xiao Tuyu’s heart tightened. He gently tightened his embrace and whispered, soft enough to drip water, “It’s ready. Sleep well. When you wake, you’ll be able to drink it.”

Whether Shen Xianyue heard him, her frown of distress eased considerably.

They reached the Moonlight Courtyard. Some clever servants had secretly sent word to the main household, but even with the house doctor’s arrival, no one came from the main house.

Ying Xia stayed up all night, continuously wiping her forehead and palms with cool water. At dawn, Shen Xianyue’s fever finally broke.

“Thank heavens. Miss is no longer burning up.”

Ying Xia wrung out another handkerchief, folded it neatly, and placed it on Shen Xianyue’s forehead.

Shen Xianyue groaned softly, slowly waking. Her body ached all over, as if she had been in a furnace. In her haze, she thought rebirth was just another dream, afraid that upon opening her eyes, she would return to that merciless nunnery, where endless torment awaited.

“Miss, you’re finally awake. You scared me.”

Ying Xia hurried over, asking, “Are you still uncomfortable anywhere? Do you want water?”

Shen Xianyue nodded. After a few sips to soothe her throat, she asked, “What happened last night?”

But as soon as she spoke, her throat felt as if filled with sand—dry and painful, her voice hoarse.

“Last night, Miss had a fever and fainted. I wanted to rush out for help, but that old woman stopped me. Thankfully, the Champion Marquis arrived in time and took you away.”

“The house doctor said Miss’s fever and fainting were caused by constant anxiety and worry. While taking medicine, you must also calm your mind.”

Shen Xianyue closed her eyes, her body weak and sore.

So much has happened since rebirth—how could she not be weighed down by worry?

Ying Xia was about to comfort her when a commotion came from outside.

A familiar voice rang out.