Chapter 519: Chapter 261: I Don’t Want to Be Misunderstood by My Beloved Either

But she also knew clearly that she couldn’t.

Whether it was her particularly unique way of changing faces or the presence of the Grand Commandant’s daughter here, both were enough to arouse suspicion.

She suppressed the impulse in her heart, dismissing the idea of revealing her identity, and slowly let out a laugh.

"What a coincidence, I’m also heading to Sui City, can I travel with you, sir?"

Sui City was a strategic place at the border, just three cities away from Dingbei Pass. To get to Dingbei Pass, one must pass through Sui City.

Therefore, Su Qianxue was not lying.

"Sorry, that’s not possible."

Unexpectedly, she was refused.

The man, as cold as snow and exceptionally handsome, lowered his eyes to look at her, his voice carrying a hint of apology.

"Men and women of marriageable age should avoid suspicion. Traveling together might tarnish your reputation, and besides, I don’t want to be misunderstood by the one I care about. I hope you understand."

With the previous series of hints, when he mentioned ’the one I care about,’ Su Qianxue naturally assumed he was talking about her.

Uh...

The engagement had been annulled for so long, yet he still wouldn’t get close to other women for fear of her misunderstanding?

The feeling of being favored was wonderful. Su Qianxue couldn’t resist it; thus, even though she was turned down, she wasn’t angry at all. Instead, waves of secret joy filled her heart.

"It’s fine, I didn’t expect you to be someone so deeply affectionate and respectful of others’ reputations."

Su Qianxue sincerely praised him, viewing this as Yun Wanchen’s virtue.

As for being refused, it didn’t matter.

If she couldn’t travel together, so be it. At worst, she would just follow from not too far, not too near.

In any case, no matter what, she was determined to follow and would definitely not let him shake her off.

Firstly, she still had a task to complete. Although she didn’t want to harm him, she was now merely a tool of the system, with no rights, no ability to resist or refuse.

As long as she found the opportunity, she still had to complete the task.

Secondly, traveling alone was lonely, dull, and full of dangers—how could that compare to having company?

Having made up her mind, when Yun Wanchen and his servant set off, Su Qianxue immediately followed.

The roads were slippery with snow, making riding horses unsafe, so the three of them led their horses on foot.

"Princely Heir, that girl is following us."

Cang Yan glanced back and winked at Su Qianxue, then leaned beside Yun Wanchen and spoke softly.

"Hmm, just ignore it."

Yun Wanchen replied indifferently.

How could he not notice Su Qianxue’s actions?

It’s just that the road wasn’t built by him, and how could he stop others from walking on it?

How domineering and unreasonable would he have to be to do such a thing?

Moreover, even if he stopped her from going, with the system in place, she’d find a way to follow. Instead of letting her act in the shadows, it was better to keep her in sight.

As for the previous refusal to travel together, it was just to express his stance, not to truly refuse.

After a day’s journey, before nightfall, Yun Wanchen and Cang Yan arrived at a town called Linxi.

The town wasn’t big, with only about two hundred households, filled with a strong northern atmosphere.

With falling snow, there were few pedestrians on the streets, only a few vendors carrying goods, loudly hawking as they walked through the streets.

The cold wind carried a tempting aroma of wine, making Cang Yan’s stomach growl.

He led his horse, staring eagerly towards the southeast.

The Duke had guarded Dingbei Pass for many years, so they had visited this town many times. There was a small tavern in the southeast.

The wine there was brewed with a rich and strong flavor, especially satisfying to drink—something he had longed for a long time.

Now that they were here, how could he miss it?

He swallowed, looking towards Yun Wanchen in front, speaking in a low voice.

"Princely Heir, it’s freezing out here, and we’ve traveled all day, cold and tired. How about going over there to have something warm to dispel the cold?"

"Hmm, let’s go."

Yun Wanchen had no objections.

Given the chance for a warm meal, who would want to chew on dry rations?

The two headed towards the tavern, with Su Qianxue still following not too far behind.

The Four Directions Tavern.

The door wide open, with a red-hot iron stove in the middle, emitting a warm heat, making the place cozy and comfortable.

Near the stove, on brown tables and chairs, sat several burly men of various statures, dressed simply, playing games with wild abandon.

Even the entrance of new guests went unnoticed by them.

On the other side of these men, a man sat quietly drinking alone.

The man wore a black and gold robe, with his back facing the door, immediately capturing all of Yun Wanchen’s attention.

He hesitated, then walked towards the man.

Cang Yan, who was about to find a table: "..."

He was slightly stunned, a bit at a loss, watching Yun Wanchen.

The Princely Heir was naturally aloof and wasn’t one to initiate conversation with strangers; could it be that he knew this person?

"Brother, may I sit here?"

Approaching closer, Yun Wanchen only then realized the man was holding a little child in his arms. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The child looked exquisitely carved from jade, exceptionally attractive, with large, sparkling black eyes gazing at him like precious stones.

Both the man and this child seemed utterly unfamiliar, never seen before, yet an overwhelmingly deep sense of familiarity rushed through him.

"Please."

The man before him tilted his head, offering a smile, and motioned with his hand in a gesture of invitation.

Though the man’s appearance was ordinary, his eyes were filled with a familiar yet enticing mischief.

Yun Wanye!!!

Yun Wanchen’s face instantly darkened.

Damn it, it’s one thing for this brat to run off on his own, but why take the little sister out as well?

Also, when he left, these two were still at the mansion, yet despite traveling tirelessly except at night, these two had already been waiting here.

How did they manage to reach ahead of him?

Before he could ponder further, Yun Wanqing’s childish voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[Oh, Second Brother, seems like Big Brother has recognized us.]

[Hmm???]

[Why is Big Brother angry?]

Yun Wanchen: "..."

"Why else would he be angry, mad that I took you out, obviously."

Yun Wanye poured a cup of wine, casually used inner strength to send back a message that only Yun Wanqing and Yun Wanchen could hear.

Yun Wanchen: "..."

At least he’s aware, yet this brat is indeed audacious, taking the little sister out in such cold and desolate surroundings, without fear of misfortune.

"Thank you!"

Yun Wanchen feigned gratitude, lifted his robe and sat down next to Yun Wanye.

[Oh dear, Big Brother don’t be mad, I was the one who asked Second Brother to take me out, besides, Mother agreed.]

"Mother woke up?"

[Yes, not long after Big Brother left, Mother woke up, nothing serious, Sister is by her side taking care of her, no need for Big Brother to worry too much.]

"Okay."

Yun Wanchen softly responded and afterwards inquired with inner strength, "You left later than me, how did you end up here?"

"Little sister, you explain to Big Brother, I need to conserve my inner strength."

Yun Wanye casually said with inner strength, then picked up the wine jug to pour Yun Wanchen a cup, and feigned unfamiliarity saying, "My fellow, please."

[Okay, got it!]

Yun Wanqing responded enthusiastically, immediately preparing to explain everything to Yun Wanchen.

However, before she could begin, Cang Yan approached, looking curiously and inquisitively at Yun Wanye and Yun Wanqing.

"Young master, do you know this valiant warrior?"

Oh, how strange, why does he feel this warrior and the little child are so familiar?

As if seen somewhere before, yet he couldn’t recall exactly where.

"Yes."

Yun Wanchen responded perfunctorily and gestured for Cang Yan to sit. Cang Yan courteously greeted Yun Wanye, and soon the three began to clink glasses.

Out and about, there weren’t so many formalities, neither Yun Wanchen nor Yun Wanye treated Cang Yan as a subordinate when drinking, but rather as an equal drinking buddy.

The three exchanged drinks, while Yun Wanqing in Yun Wanye’s arms, looked up at Yun Wanchen, recounting the entire story through heartfelt voice.

[Big Brother, here’s how it went, Second Brother and I disguised ourselves to avoid detection by the system, making it easier to act.]

[The woman disguised as a man you met with Cang Yan last night, that was Su Qianxue under disguise.]

Upon hearing this, Yun Wanchen paused, raising his eyebrows slightly.

So it was Su Qianxue!!!

He guessed right.

In his mind, Yun Wanqing’s heartfelt voice continued, appropriately explaining all his doubts.

[The Emperor issued a secret decree, sending Mo Yuanhao to Dingbei Pass. To complete the mission, the system directed Su Qianxue to follow Mo Yuanhao.]

[Mo Yuanhao moved too fast, shortly after leaving Haojing, Su Qianxue lost track, but unexpectedly, stumbled upon you in the wild.]

[Then, the system temporarily issued a task targeting you. Second Brother and I weren’t assured, so we hurried over.]

[As for why we left later but arrived here earlier...]

[It’s because I carved a few teleportation arrays while bored, which came in handy today. Second Brother and I teleported directly here, naturally quicker than you.]

To prevent Su Qianxue from getting lost in the wilderness, the system had continuously provided navigation.

Yun Wanqing could also see this, drew the map, marked Su Qianxue and Yun Wanchen’s locations, and showed it to Yun Wanye.

Given his innate directional sensitivity, Yun Wanye immediately recognized Yun Wanchen’s location, coupled with the snowy setting, made a rough estimate of their journey.

Meanwhile, Yun Wanqing learned from Su Qianxue and the system’s dialogue that the woman was closely following Yun Wanchen, no more than two hundred meters away.

Thus, she constantly tracked Su Qianxue’s position and provided real-time updates to Yun Wanye.

Just like that, the siblings arrived at this small tavern waiting ahead.

After listening, a knowing gleam passed through Yun Wanchen’s eyes, fully comprehending the causes and effects of the situation.

Apparently, it was indeed a chance encounter yesterday; their main target was not him, he was merely incidental...