Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The Ding family was renowned in the city, not merely for its wealth, but for Master Ding’s two children.

His son was young and accomplished, handsome, shrewd, and capable. At an early age, he had taken over most of the family’s holdings and managed them impeccably.

His daughter possessed beauty that shamed the moon and flowers. Though unconventional and recklessly bold, she was kindhearted and forthright. Combined with her family background, even her most outrageous behavior still won admiration.

Had Miss Ding not been betrothed long ago, suitors would have trampled down the family gate.

Since Ding Yanyu took over most of the family business, Master Ding enjoyed far more leisure. He was happy with the arrangement. Today he had drunk with old friends, and it was nearly dark when he began returning home. Even so, he remembered to send a servant for his daughter’s favorite peach blossom pastries.

The young servant returned carrying the still-warm pastries. “Master, I bought them.”

Master Ding accepted them with a satisfied nod. “Fufu loves these, but she’s always afraid of gaining weight and refuses to eat many. I say young women look better with a little flesh.”

The servant immediately flattered him. “Everyone knows our young miss is the First Beauty of Yunling Prefecture. Someone once glimpsed her and lost all appetite, nearly dying of longing. Whether she is thin or plump, she remains the most beautiful woman in Yunling Prefecture. No, in the entire world!”

Master Ding enjoyed that. Smiling, he shook his head. “I only hope the girl learns some sense and never again disguises herself as a man to visit a brothel.”

“The young miss is still playful and curious. You already confined her for half a month last time. She must understand her mistake. Please don’t punish her again.”

Master Ding snorted. “All of you know how to dote on her. I am her father. Do you think I cherish her any less?”

Years ago, while Madam Ding lay gravely ill, word spread that Master Ding intended to take a concubine into the household. Madam Ding died not long afterward.

His daughter resented him for his fickleness and treated him coldly. That timid, meek child had somehow found the courage never to call him Father, even to his face.

Fortunately, after falling into the water and awakening from her coma, she finally understood. She often clung to him and acted spoiled, calling him “Daddy” until his heart bloomed with joy.

They were father and daughter. How could any grudge between them last overnight?

Though Yunling Prefecture was usually peaceful, countless Yaoguai and demons roamed the world. People still preferred to return home after dark for peace of mind.

The moon rose just as Master Ding arrived at his residence. The steward waited outside and bowed. “Master.”

“Has Yanyu returned?” Master Ding asked.

“The young master sent word. He is entertaining associates at Lanchun Pavilion and will return late.”

Master Ding chuckled. “The courtesan at Lanchun Pavilion is quite lovely. Perhaps Yanyu has forgotten the way home.”

In his younger years, Master Ding had frequented pleasure quarters as well. Only after his health failed and he could no longer father children did he settle down and carefully raise Ding Yanyu as his heir.

Perhaps knowing he would have no more children changed him. Or perhaps age had taught him how absurd his younger self had been. Now Master Ding wished only to repair his relationship with his children and enjoy a peaceful old age.

He lifted the pastries. “They’re still warm. I’ll take them to Fufu.”
The steward said, “The young miss went out to meet Young Master Li during the day and has not returned.”

Master Ding frowned. “That Li Yuanzhi has no sense. They aren’t married yet, and at this hour he still hasn’t brought my daughter home.”

He seemed to have forgotten that, in his youth, he had wanted nothing more than to remain with the woman he liked as late as possible.

“No. I must fetch Fufu myself. She is too innocent. I cannot let anyone take advantage of her.”

The steward hurriedly said, “Master, a guest is waiting in the hall.”

“A guest? Who?”

“A Daoist Master.”

Master Ding waved dismissively. “Why do you admit just anyone? We already have Demon-Expelling Talismans from Zhenxiang Temple to protect the household. We need no more talismans. Drive him out.”

“Master, he calls himself Yan Yanchi. He is the personal disciple of the Master of Zhenxiang Temple!”

Master Ding stopped. “Yan Yanchi of the Demon-Subduing Sword?”

The steward nodded. “The very same.”

Master Ding frowned as a sense of foreboding arose.

According to Shen Qingyu, his home was a large estate. It was in a somewhat remote location, though remote was too mild. Utterly deserted was more accurate.

Every whisper of wind sounded like alarmed birds, and the swaying shadows of trees resembled a horde of dancing demons.

Black crows perched on branches, tilting their heads and muttering as they watched the young couple below, as if observing pitiful fools who had wandered into a place of death.

Some unknown creature leaped from the grass and startled Qiao Ying again. She hugged the young man’s arm even tighter, pressing half her body against his side while her eyes darted through the darkness. She tried to hold her tongue, but finally spoke with great care.

“Shen Qingyu, how do you think I usually treat you?”

He smiled. “Very well, except when you refuse me fried eggs.”

A chill crossed Qiao Ying’s back. “Would you destroy the evidence of my death over one fried egg?”

He poked her cheek, laughter hiding in his voice. “Yingying, what are you thinking?”

“I suspect you brought me somewhere deserted for revenge.”

Shen Qingyu laughed brightly. “I am courteous, modest, kind, and generous. I would never hold a petty grudge. Don’t be afraid. I possess no desire for revenge whatsoever.”

Qiao Ying remained skeptical. Just then, she tripped over something. Shen Qingyu caught her before she fell.

Looking down, she saw a length of bone resembling a human femur. More white bones lay scattered throughout the weeds.

Qiao Ying screamed and jumped. Two hands caught her securely and lifted her into his arms, carrying her away from the ghastly remains.

“You promised to take me home, introduce me to your elders, and marry me. Instead, you brought me into this wilderness. There are bones everywhere. Did many people die here?”

Shen Qingyu considered. “Yingying.”

“What?”

“Humans reproduce very quickly.”

“And?”

“So it is only natural that many die sometimes.”

Qiao Ying’s eyes widened.

Was that logic sound?

Perhaps realizing that he had failed to comfort her, Shen Qingyu smiled again.

“Don’t be afraid. These people merely walked carelessly, tripped over stones, and struck their heads. I certainly did not kill them.”

Qiao Ying had no words.