Chapter 27

Chapter 27

I settled into the small courtyard, my heart heavy with unease.

After taking the medicine to stabilize my pregnancy for four consecutive days, my body gradually began to recover, and the bleeding finally stopped.

I couldn’t just stay here indefinitely. Who knew what variables might arise? I decided that as soon as I finished cleaning the house, I would leave.

However, while I was sweeping the courtyard, I suddenly heard the sound of the front gate being unlocked.

The string of tension within me snapped taut. Instinctively, I bolted toward the room, intending to hide.

A low, gentle male voice drifted from behind me.

“Don’t be afraid. It’s me.”

It was Meng Huaiqing.

I breathed a sigh of relief, my hand gripping the doorframe tightly as I took a deep, shaky breath, feeling as though I had just escaped death.

I turned to look at him.

Meng Huaiqing was dressed in a very ordinary blue cotton robe, with a grey squirrel-fur neck warmer covering most of his face. A medical bag was slung over one shoulder as he reached back to close the gate.

He habitually lowered his head and eyes, looking completely non-threatening.

When he unwound the neck warmer, he revealed a face that was handsome and refined, carrying an air of detached transcendence as if he had seen through the world. Yet, deep within his eyes, there seemed to be a flickering flame…

“It’s cold outside. Quickly, come inside,” Meng Huaiqing said, walking toward me with brisk steps.

I snapped out of my daze. “Sir, I’ve finally seen you again.”

Once inside, Meng Huaiqing gently placed his medical bag on the table. He looked around the room and smiled. “This place has been empty since I rented it. It finally feels lived-in now.”

His gaze fell on my face. “You’ve recovered well. Unless someone looks closely, they can hardly tell you were injured.”

“It’s because the medicine you prepared is excellent.” I was anxious about the situation outside, but knowing that Meng Huaiqing had braved the cold wind and danger to come here, I asked politely, “Have you eaten yet, Sir?”

Meng Huaiqing shook his head. “I just found a moment to slip away. It’s fine, I’ll buy a sesame flatbread later…”

I spoke without thinking. “How about I cook a bowl of noodles for you?”

Meng Huaiqing looked surprisingly delighted. “Really?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

It was just a bowl of noodles; it was the least I could do.

…

The noodles were ready quickly. Meng Huaiqing finished two whole bowls and still seemed unsatisfied, so he had a third.

I felt awkward rushing him, so I could only sit to the side and wait, sipping water to soothe my anxiety.

“Everything is fine, Madam. Please rest easy.”

Meng Huaiqing spoke between mouthfuls of noodles. “The Marquis has publicly announced that you are gravely ill, while secretly sending people everywhere to search for you. So far, there have been no results. He has basically concluded that you were abducted by bandits.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

He continued, “The Marquis was furious. At first, he thought it was Song Yan’s intentional retaliation. He went to the Song Manor to demand answers but was rebuffed. In his frustration, he actually took it out on Cheng Wei. He slapped Lord Cheng in public and demanded to know if he was the one who had hidden you away.”

At this point, Meng Huaiqing shook his head with a smile. “I think the Marquis has truly lost his mind from worry, actually suspecting Lord Cheng. You and Lord Cheng have absolutely nothing to do with each other. What connection could there possibly be?”

I placed my hand over my lower abdomen, feeling a mix of shame and resentment. “Yes… indeed.”

Taking advantage of the moment while I poured him tea, I hurriedly brought up my greatest concern. “Brother Meng, if I stay in Chang’an, I’m afraid he’ll find me sooner or later. I want to-”

Meng Huaiqing interrupted me in shock. “What did you just call me?”

I felt a bit embarrassed, and my voice grew smaller. “I thought… since we’ve gone through a life-and-death ordeal together, we could be considered friends. Calling you ‘Sir’ feels a bit distant, so I called you Brother Meng. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

“No, no, no.” Meng Huaiqing was drinking tea and was so startled that he choked. He covered his mouth and coughed violently, waving his hand with a flushed face. “I didn’t mean to criticize you. You can call me that.”

Outside, the sunlight was just right, streaming directly onto the window screens.

Meng Huaiqing was the first to smile. “You’re right. We’ve survived a disaster together. We are friends.”

He looked at me steadily. “So, just call me Brother Meng.”