Chapter 30: Her Life Is On The Line
"Young master!" A tall man bowed down before Mo Ying.
"What is it?" Mo Ying asked, his toned sounding annoyed.
"Young master.. I have come to inform you that some men have gone in search of you. They still don’t believe that you are dead, it’s possibly that the song family have located the village you now reside in."
"I was wearing a max when they tried attacking me, so they didn’t see my face. I’ve been in the north all my life, none of the have seen my face, there’s no way they could recognize me."
"Yes but they remembered your height and body shame. They even made paintings of you and pasted it all over the villages and towns. They even added a huge reward of 1000 taels for whoever finds you." He revealed as a smirk appeared on Mo Ying’s face.
"It seems like the song family are becoming impatient.. it shows that they are thinking of striking soon and wants to make sure, all obstacles and cleared. Go and tell my father to be reassured of my safety. I’ll be fine, I’ll take care of this matter."
He informed and with that, the talk man nodded and mad his way out.
With him gone, Fuhan then flashed Mo Ying a slight glare but he didn’t say anything.
"Out with it! What are you thinking Fuhan?" Mo Ying questioned.
Hesitating, Fuhan then said, "Young master, are you sure you can trust Miss Lin. She seems like a good person but so was Miss Qu.... What if she betrays you, 1000 taels is a huge amount of money and if the song family are v too persistent, they would do anything in their will to make sure they find you.. what if she reveals your identity in exchange for money."
"Shut it!" Mo Ying’s voice cut like a blade. His eyes turned cold, the air around him tense.
Fuhan lowered his head instantly. "Forgive me, young master. I only worry for your safety."
Mo Ying stood silent for a long moment, then spoke, his tone softer but firm.
"Lin Xu is not like Qu Ruo. She has nothing to gain by betraying me. Besides she doesn’t even know I am.. yes I appeared from nowhere but my alibi as a farmer’s son is enough to convince them." his lips curved faintly, "Even if she did try betraying me.. I know she would be smart enough to know that she will be silenced for knowing I even existed. Her life is on the line along with that of her children."
Fuhan dared not argue further, but unease lingered in his eyes.
After a pause, Mo Ying added, "Keep watch. If the Song family truly dares to step foot here, I’ll handle it myself. Also make sure not a word reaches my after of my wedding. He mustnt know, at least not now."
"Yes, young master."
As Fuhan retreated, Mo Ying made his way back into the wedding as he took his seat,His gaze turned toward the lively courtyard where laughter and chatters still rang out.
"Lin Xu..." he muttered under his breath. "Even if you don’t know it, marrying me has already tied you to my fate."
The flicker of a dangerous smile crossed his face as the sound of firecrackers echoed outside.
***
After the long day... The wedding finally ended and one by one the guests retreated.
Collapsing on the table were Yan Mei and zu shi who seemed tired, along with The kids.
"Aunt Yan, We served guests all day.. without rest, my back hurts." She groaned.
"You serve guest? I was helping in the kitchen all day... Which one is toucher!?" Yuen whined too.
"Stop arguing you two, we did it for Mama, that’s all that matters." Bao Bao said aloud as they all laughed.
"Yes, little Bao Bao is right... So far Lin Xu is happy then it doesn’t matter how tired and stressed we her.. we made her love her second wedding than her first." Yan Mei robbed Bao Boa’s cheeks.
"Hopefully this time he doesn’t leave after the wedding night." Zu shi said as Yan Mei nodded slightly.
"I know brother Ying isn’t a coward, he won’t betray Lin Xu.. I just know it."
"Alright if you say. Since we are done with everything, I’ll have to head back.. get the kids to bed so the two newly wed won’t be disturbed tonight heheheh..." Zu shi teased as she quickly ran out before Yan Mei could scold her for being naughty.
After Zu Shi left, Yan Mei gathered the children.
"Alright, little ones, time for bed. Your mother has had a long day and she needs her rest."
She led them into the inner room, helping them out of their little robes and tucking them under the blankets.
Bao Bao clutched her sleeve just as she was about to blow out the lamp. His big eyes looked up at her, uncertain.
"Aunt Yan... do you think Mama will really be happy this time?"
Yan Mei’s heart softened. She sat beside him on the bed and gently stroked his hair. "Of course, Bao Bao. Your mama has been through so much, but now she has someone who will stand by her side. She will be happybecause she has you, your sisters, and all of us who love her."
Bao Bao’s lips curved into a small smile, though his eyes still shimmered. "As long as Mama is happy, I’ll be happy too."
Yan Mei kissed his forehead lightly. "You’re such a good boy. Don’t worry, everything will be alright."
With that, Bao Bao finally closed his eyes, and soon the children’s soft breathing filled the room. Yan Mei blew out the lamp, her expression gentle as she whispered, "Sleep well, little ones."
Just as she was about to leave, her foot slipped on the damp stone floor.
"Ah!" she gasped, her balance tipping as she reached out desperately.
But before she could hit the ground, a strong hand caught her by the arm.
Startled, she looked up, only to find herself staring into the cold, sharp eyes of Fuhan.
"Careful," he said flatly, his grip steadying her. "You’ll hurt yourself if you keep rushing around."
Yan Mei’s cheeks flushed slightly, her heart thumping faster than she expected. "Th-thank you... I didn’t notice the floor was wet."
Fuhan released her slowly, stepping back as though nothing had happened. "Be more mindful. Miss Lin already has enough to worry about without you getting injured."
Yan Mei bit her lip, feeling strangely unsettled under his aloof gaze. She nodded quickly. "I... I’ll be careful."
Without another word, Fuhan turned and walked off into the night, his figure disappearing into the shadows.
Yan Mei stood there for a moment, still catching her breath. For some reason, her chest felt tight, not from the near fall, but from the way his hand had lingered, firm and protective.
He was always acting all aloof and stoic, never showing any slightly. She thought he was such a weirdo.
Shaking her head quickly, she muttered to herself, "What am I even thinking...?" before hurrying to leave.