Chapter Thirty-Two: A Leisurely Day

“Don’t worry, no one dies from this sort of thing. Don’t be afraid.” Ye Qianling watched as Zhou Xiaojie finished the food on his plate, his face turning red as if he might vomit the next moment. She couldn’t help but speak.

Zhou Xiaojie didn’t quite catch what Ye Qianling said. He glanced at her, wanting to respond, but just as he opened his mouth, he felt his breath surge and forced it down.

One by one, some departed, some passed through, and when this round ended, only forty-two remained.

No one knew what the fifth and sixth trials would be like, or whether anyone would be left in the end.

This episode saw the fewest survivors at the end of the fourth round in the history of South Garden in the Western Suburbs. Previously, at least fifty or sixty people made it through; this situation was truly unprecedented.

At this time, the executives of South Garden started making trouble again. With only forty-two left, they argued the numbers were too low and suggested cancelling the fifth and sixth trials. Such talk never ceased during high-level meetings, and Ke Li was beside himself with frustration.

Although few passed this time, those who did were of high quality, for this round was far more difficult than usual. Some who passed owed it to luck, but several stood out as the best among their peers.

“After this round, you all have two days to rest. During the day, you may wander about dressed as guards. Just return by midnight,” the supervisor announced.

“So we can actually go out here! Whoever said South Garden is unkind was wrong—apart from some cold-blooded rules, the treatment is quite good. Saying we have no rights, but letting us wear guard uniforms is really something!” Chu Zimu, upon hearing the news, was nearly bouncing with joy, his brows dancing as he spoke about where to play in the next two days.

“Brother Chi, where do you want to go these days? Why don’t we visit the Orchid Pavilion together? It’s been too long since I’ve heard a tune.” Chu Zimu turned to Si Yan, speaking naturally.

Ye Qianling was momentarily puzzled by their familiar exchange. She’d heard they hadn’t known each other for long, but the intimacy between them couldn’t have developed so quickly.

Si Yan keenly sensed Ye Qianling's suspicion and looked at Chu Zimu without changing expression. “Brother Chu, I believe we’ve only gone together once, and that was just a few days ago. Now you want to go again?”

Chu Zimu echoed, “It’s mainly because the star performer at Orchid Pavilion is so captivating. I can’t help but be drawn in.”

Others nearby chuckled at this, and Si Yan shook his head in mild exasperation. “Look at you, so easily distracted.”

Ye Qianling’s suspicion was swept away by the banter and laughter. Though Si Yan smiled, he discreetly watched Ye Qianling out of the corner of his eye until her expression returned to normal, then he relaxed.

“Miss Wu, let’s go out together these two days,” suggested Sui Ying’ai, usually so aloof, which surprised Ye Qianling.

“I still have some unfinished business these days, I’m afraid. If there’s a chance next time, let’s go together,” Ye Qianling declined politely.

It wasn’t that Ye Qianling didn’t wish to go out, but she had more important matters to attend to.

Since her mother passed away, Ye Qianling had only seen her once in the Palace of Earth. This time, no matter what, she was determined to visit her mother.

“Next time will probably be two years from now. By then, who knows what we’ll be like, or even if we’ll still be here,” Jian Suifei commented nearby.

Ye Qianling replied with self-deprecation, “True, but this is something I must do.”

Ye Qianling was never so insistent, always known for her easygoing nature. This time, she truly had no mood for amusement. Even if two days of surgery left her weak and nearly exhausted, she bore the pain almost self-destructively, as if only pain could bring her solace.

“Sui Ying’ai, come have fun with us,” Jian Suifei said, revealing his true intentions. Everyone knew the playboy’s mind.

“Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Jian, but no need,” Sui Ying’ai refused him outright, not even giving him face.

Jian Suifei, intrigued by her firm rejection, was even more interested. But as a seasoned flirt, he knew the chase was long; pressing too hard would only backfire.

“Why don’t we all go out together these days? The others probably have nothing going on,” Zhou Xiaojie tried to smooth things over. “Spending some time together will strengthen our bonds. Otherwise, who knows when we’ll have another chance?”

Qian Yiyi and several other girls approached, “Miss Wu, Miss Sui, let’s go out shopping these two days. The three of us just arrived in the capital, and we hear you’re a native. If you’re free, please show us around.”

Qian Yiyi’s energy was infectious, making Ye Qianling wonder how the gloomy atmosphere in the bamboo grove had ever appeared. Qian Yiyi’s personality so closely resembled her own—carefree, with nothing to trouble her, as if the reason that brought her here was not worth her sorrow.

“Sorry, only next time if there’s a chance. I still have things to do these two days,” Ye Qianling had to seize every moment to visit her mother, check on Hong’er, and see Wan Feng off from the palace.

Sui Ying’ai rather liked Qian Yiyi’s lively spirit, but she held little fondness for anyone who hadn’t stepped forward to help back then. When Qian Yiyi looked at her, she shook her head coolly.

Qian Yiyi hadn’t expected such a straightforward refusal, but her strong heart didn’t let her show it. She made her own excuse, saying Miss Sui must be busy and wouldn’t intrude.

The five young men feared Sui Ying’ai might be bored alone; Chu Zimu had the mischievous idea to have her dress as a man and join their group, but it remained just a thought.

Ye Qianling finally couldn’t bear it and said to Sui Ying’ai, “I have business to attend tomorrow. Let’s both disguise ourselves as men and join them for a day out. The seven of us can explore the capital properly. We’ve only just met, and there’s plenty of time ahead. There’s something I must do, but once it’s finished, I’ll come back and join you all.”

Sui Ying’ai, who always gave off an aura of “keep your distance,” was reasonable. “It’s alright, I have nothing pressing. Do what you need to, no need to hurry back for my sake. If you don’t have time, I can wander by myself.”

Sui Ying’ai truly meant it; her temperament was a bit like Zhao Mengge’s—cold and aloof on the surface, not a case of icy exterior and warm heart. She simply preferred solitude. But Zhao Mengge, always a chivalrous soul, valued brotherhood, willing to risk all for friends, was warmer and more approachable. Because of this, when invited by comrades who had just fought together for their lives, he would never refuse.

After tidying up, Ye Qianling surveyed the guard uniforms laid out by the door, found one that fit, changed, and came out. Her long hair cascaded to her waist, her features exquisite and unparalleled. Even though everyone wore the same attire, Ye Qianling carried a distinct air that set her apart.

Preparing to see her mother, she carefully groomed herself, needing the courage to face her. If she went looking sickly, her mother would surely be distressed.

“Bang!” Ye Qianling’s mind was in turmoil, lost in thought, not noticing someone ahead. She collided forcefully with a man’s chest, almost knocked off her feet, but he caught her by the back, preventing her from falling. The pain in her head snapped her from her reverie, and when she looked up, she found “Young Master Chi” only centimeters away. Startled, she freed herself from his grasp.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking and bumped into you,” Ye Qianling scratched her head in embarrassment, then blurted out, “Were you lost in thought? If you saw me coming, why didn’t you move aside?”

Si Yan was at a loss for words, amused. Clearly her fault, yet she turned it around on him. He had meant to tease her, but her words left him with little desire to do so. Still, he couldn’t resist, “Miss Wu, you do love to apologize, but it’s fine, I don’t mind.” His tone carried a hint of flirtation.

Ye Qianling, hearing this, grew even more embarrassed, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Her earlier words were already inappropriate, and now she felt even more apologetic. “Young Master Chi, I was just thinking about something…”

Before she could finish, Si Yan interrupted, “Are you alright? Does your head hurt?”

Ye Qianling didn’t catch the underlying meaning and responded naturally, “It’s nothing, just a light bump, no pain.”

Si Yan had been stunned by Ye Qianling’s beauty and had not moved, resulting in their collision. Now, at such close range, he only wanted to get to know her better.

He could roughly guess why Ye Qianling was so determined to return, and he was frustrated he wouldn’t be able to get closer to her or glean information over the next two days. His casual flirtation was meant to hint that his chest was hard, but a girl as innocent as Ye Qianling wouldn’t pick up on it.

Truth be told, Si Yan hadn’t much experience either. But men, after all, are born knowing such things—no need for instruction; it all comes naturally.

At this point, both found themselves at a loss for words. Not being well acquainted, they had little to talk about, so ending the exchange quickly was wise. “Brother Chu and the others are waiting for me. Take care, I’ll be off.” Seeing Ye Qianling nod, he left quickly.

Ye Qianling regarded it as a minor incident and didn’t dwell on it. Wearing her guard uniform, she left South Garden in the Western Suburbs, attracting many glances along the way. Thus she arrived at the Royal Cemetery of the capital, where her mother was buried.

The Royal Cemetery of the capital—final resting place of the Ye dynasty’s royals, the family tomb. Not a stray leaf was left; its pristine upkeep was the cemetery’s pride. As the Empress, mother of the nation, Mu Ziying was naturally interred there.