Chapter 18: The Reddened Ankle

Finally reaching the edge of the pool, Liu Fuying struggled to get down from Pei Zhouwu’s back.

Otherwise, he would have carried her into the water.

“My swimming skills have improved a lot now, really. I don’t need you to give me air underwater anymore, I already…”

Seemingly unintentional, she was actually deliberately bringing up the matter of sharing air.

Once mentioned, the scene of sharing air underwater that day quickly resurfaced.

The collision of lips, the contact of limbs—all of it had taken on a different flavor during their time together and in their lingering thoughts.

The blazing sunlight only added fuel to the fire.

Pei Zhouwu’s ears visibly reddened at a rapid pace, his gaze began to evade, and he turned sideways, no longer daring to meet her eyes.

Just then, Liu Fuying let out a startled cry, pulling his attention back.

Turning around, he saw her stumble and fall again, having lost her balance.

He crouched down beside her and, ignoring her resistance, lifted the hem of her skirt to examine her injured ankle.

Her ankle was flushed with a large patch of red, indicating a severe sprain.

In truth, it was the result of her pinching it for a long time with the hand that had been clutching the rabbit’s ears while she was on his back.

“It’s fine.” A woman’s ankle should not be casually seen by a man, so Liu Fuying feigned shyness and covered it again with her skirt. “It’ll heal soon. Don’t worry about it. Let’s hurry back.”

Pei Zhouwu also suddenly realized the impropriety and averted his eyes apologetically.

A moment later, he reached out to help her up, and this time he didn’t let go, holding her wrist as he guided her into the water.

If it were before, he would have only handed her the iron chain to hold onto.

When preparing to dive, he once again took the wild rabbit from her hands, mindful of her injured ankle.

After taking a deep breath, the two of them plunged underwater simultaneously.

Throughout the crossing, Pei Zhouwu never let go of her hand, carefully matching her slower pace.

From time to time, he would glance back to check on her condition.

After passing through the Underwater Passage and reaching the Deep Pool by the bamboo house, Pei Zhouwu surfaced first to ensure there were no abnormalities before helping Liu Fuying out of the water. Liu Fuying gasped for breath, but a smile graced her face.

“What’s so funny?”

Once ashore, Pei Zhouwu asked her why she was smiling.

With a touch of pride, she replied sweetly, “I wasn’t lying, was I? My swimming has improved a lot. Next time, or the time after, I might even be able to swim with someone like you do.”

Watching her smile, Pei Zhouwu’s eyes also curved into a gentle arc.

He hadn’t noticed it himself.

Before, he had always thought of her as pitiful and tragic, but suddenly, he found her rather endearing.

“You don’t believe me?”

Pei Zhouwu said nothing, simply stepping forward, so Liu Fuying hurried after him, repeating herself.

“Even if I can’t do it the time after next, surely by the time after that, I’ll manage. By then, I’ll be able to bring even more things in here. Sooner or later, I’ll swim as skillfully as you.”

Pei Zhouwu remained silent, but he didn’t find her chatter annoying and listened with great patience.

As they neared the bedroom, Pei Zhouwu suddenly lifted his gaze, his expression turning grave.

Seeing this, Liu Fuying immediately fell silent.

From the sounds, the guards from outside had arrived.

“Pei, you traitor to the nation! This is our newly appointed guard captain, Captain Yang. Come and pay your respects to Captain Yang.”

“Nonsense, what do you mean by ‘traitor’? The Emperor has decreed his confinement here pending investigation. The results aren’t out yet—how can you just slap such a label on our Marquis Pei?”

The two voices played off each other, the clearly provocative tone grating on the nerves.

Liu Fuying’s position was shielded by the bedroom, but if those men insisted on coming around the building, they would spot her immediately.

Yet for now, she could only stand still.

Beneath her feet lay thick gravel—even the lightest step would make a sound.

Besides, she was still pretending to have a sprained ankle.

Pei Zhouwu looked straight ahead and strode forward, intending to block their path and keep them from coming over.

“Look at this—our mighty General, the esteemed younger brother of the Empress herself, Marquis Pei. I, Yang, have long heard of Your Lordship, and seeing you today, you truly cut an imposing figure.”

Another man, picking up on the leader’s intent, snapped at Pei Zhouwu again.

“How dare you! A prisoner like you, and you don’t kneel before our officer!”

Liu Fuying remained silent, not daring to make a sound, only her brows slightly furrowed. She didn’t know how Pei Zhouwu would respond, but for some reason, she felt an inexplicable trust in him.

“There are few in this world I would kneel to.”

Parents, the sovereign—that’s about it.

Pei Zhouwu wasn’t being arrogant; his tone remained indifferent, as if nothing mattered to him.

“You treacherous Pei! You’re already a prisoner, yet you still dare—”

“I told you, don’t be rude.”

The guard captain surnamed Yang stopped the man and leisurely strode toward Pei Zhouwu, sword in hand.

“Marquis, why are you soaked through? Did you take a dip to cool off? Well, this weather is unbearably hot. If you’re suffering, imagine how we guards feel. But I heard you’ve been beating and cursing them all along. Marquis, why bother? We’re all just trying to get by. They’re only here on orders to guard you—why not show some mercy?”

“What do you want?” Pei Zhouwu’s voice grew even colder.

“Nothing much. Just want you to properly apologize, one by one, to those you’ve beaten or cursed before.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I’ll have to get rough. Marquis Pei, I really don’t want to do this, but as their leader, I have to stand up for them. Otherwise, how could I lead them in the future? Don’t you agree?”

Liu Fuying stood behind the house, able to hear everything but see nothing.

A sharp, metallic clang jolted her lowered brows—it sounded like a sword striking chains. Clearly, a fight had broken out. This was followed by a cry of alarm.

“Captain Yang, are you all right?”

Hearing this, Liu Fuying slowly let out a breath. It seemed Pei Zhouwu was unharmed.

“Pei Zhouwu, do you still think you’re the glorious Marquis Pei? Don’t get too cocky.”

“Captain, don’t talk anymore—you’re bleeding from the mouth.”

“Get away from me!”

“Captain…”

“Help me up, now!”

“…”

Then came the sound of two pairs of footsteps fleeing in panic, mixed with a shout, “Pei Zhouwu, this isn’t over!”

Soon, Pei Zhouwu turned and walked back toward Liu Fuying.

“Go now. Leave this place immediately.” Pei Zhouwu’s tone was stern and brooked no argument.

“I…”

Liu Fuying clenched her fists, glancing at the two hares Pei Zhouwu had tossed aside earlier to avoid exposing them.

I had originally thought of coming back to roast the rabbit with him.

Tomorrow, there was supposed to be another day to deepen our relationship, but now it’s all wasted.

Yet she understood Pei Zhouwu’s concerns.

That Captain Yang, newly appointed and eager to make a mark, wouldn’t let things go so easily. In the coming days, he would surely pester Pei Zhouwu relentlessly. If she stayed here, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t be discovered.

Pei Zhouwu picked up the wild rabbit and handed it to her.