Chapter 953: Rekindling a Past Connection

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Yang Miaozhen knew it was dangerous to remain. Although Song Qingshu was an acquaintance, she couldn’t immediately grasp the full situation. Years of ingrained caution made her unwilling to stay in a perilous spot. She cast a deep glance at Song Qingshu, then decisively ran outside.

“Where do you think you’re going!” Qiu Qianren’s angry shout came from outside, followed by the sounds of clashing weapons. Soon, the noise of the fight faded into the distance.

“Reporting, Marshal,” a guardsman announced outside the door. “The assassin’s martial arts are exceptional. She broke through our encirclement before it was fully formed. Master Qiu has given chase.”

Song Qingshu replied indifferently, “Notify Master Ouyang to recall Master Qiu. There is no need to pursue the assassin further.”

“Yes, sir!” Though puzzled, the soldier dared not question the firm military order and hurried away.

Song Qingshu thought to himself that given Yang Miaozhen’s skills, she naturally had nothing to fear from Qiu Qianren. However, if the two truly fought, any mishap on either side would be an outcome he wished to avoid. Moreover, capturing Yang Miaozhen would present a real headache regarding how to handle her. It was better to let her go. After all, she had only stumbled upon him once and lacked sufficient information. Even if she had suspicions, she wouldn’t be able to confirm his relationship with Tangkuo Bian.

Having dealt with the assassin incident, Song Qingshu turned back to Daiqisi, who seemed distracted. Curiously, he asked, “Why did you save me earlier?”

Daiqisi shook her head blankly and murmured, “I don’t know. I just pushed you away instinctively.”

“It seems that deep down, Madam couldn’t bear to see me harmed,” Song Qingshu said. Seeing Daiqisi’s willow-leaf eyebrows begin to furrow in anger, he quickly changed the subject. “Tell me about your husband.”

Hearing him mention her husband, a trace of tenderness surfaced in Daiqisi’s eyes. “Qianye… he was the best man in the world.”

Song Qingshu didn’t press. Instead, he pulled out a nearby chair for her to sit. However, unlike before, he didn’t sit close to her but took a seat opposite her. He poured a glass of wine and handed it to her. “Indeed, to have earned the unwavering love of a peerless beauty like yourself, Master Qianye must have been an extraordinary man.”

Seeing that he agreed with her, Daiqisi’s expression softened further. She didn’t refuse the offered wine. As the cup touched her hand, the chilling cold emanating from it startled her.

‘The wine was at room temperature when poured, yet in the brief moment he handed it to me, he used his internal energy to freeze it ice-cold. His control over his inner force is truly miraculous. How did someone so young cultivate such astonishing power?’

Glancing at Song Qingshu’s handsome and resolute face, Daiqisi felt a flicker of curiosity for the first time.

“You don’t need to say things you don’t mean,” Daiqisi said. “Qianye’s martial arts were far inferior to yours, and the gap in status and power was even greater. Even his most outstanding feature, his looks…” She paused, deliberately looking at Song Qingshu, “…might not necessarily surpass yours.”

Song Qingshu shook his head and said earnestly, “Those are just other people’s standards. But I know that even if Master Qianye had been a weakling and an ugly man, he would still be the number one man in your heart.”

“Pfft,” Daiqisi scoffed, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m not blind. If he had been ugly, why would I have foolishly followed him away from Bright Peak all those years ago?” A faint smile touched her eyes as if she was recalling those sweet days.

Seeing the smile return to her face, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but praise, “You should smile more often, Madam, to do justice to such heavenly beauty. Do you know how breathtaking you look when you smile?”

Daiqisi’s face immediately stiffened. Over the years, she had heard countless compliments about her beauty, but they never brought her joy—only disgust. In her heart, her beauty was something she wished only her husband to appreciate.

Strangely, hearing such a direct compliment from Song Qingshu today, perhaps sensing the sincerity in his tone, she found herself uncharacteristically unangered. Her stern expression was merely out of habit.

Song Qingshu suddenly sighed. “It’s a pity I never had the chance to meet Master Qianye. I would truly like to have seen what manner of man could capture your heart.”

Daiqisi hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Actually, I have a portrait of him…” After Han Qianye passed away, Daiqisi, sick with longing, had channeled her grief into painting his portrait. She carried it with her always, finding a small measure of solace in it.

Song Qingshu was delighted. “Might I take a look?”

Daiqisi hesitated, but seeing the earnestness in his eyes, she finally drew a scroll of silk canvas from her bosom.

Song Qingshu took the silk, still warm from her body, and unconsciously brought it near his nose. A subtle, unique fragrance, reminiscent of orchids yet not quite, like musk but different, wafted to him. He was momentarily stunned.

‘Could this be the legendary ‘fragrance of the bosom’?’

Noticing the fire in Daiqisi’s eyes, Song Qingshu quickly wiped the foolish look off his face, coughed, and solemnly unrolled the scroll. The vivid image of a dashing young man appeared on the paper.

Perhaps because Daiqisi was from the Western Regions, the painting style was not the traditional Chinese impressionistic one but closer to the realistic style of Western countries, somewhat like a blend of oil painting and sketch. Song Qingshu couldn’t quite place it, but he could see it was remarkably accurate, capturing Han Qianye’s likeness precisely, much like a photograph from his previous life.

“He is indeed a man of striking appearance,” Song Qingshu admired the portrait. “The proud, aloof aura between his brows is particularly impressive.”

Hearing him praise her husband, Daiqisi’s anger turned to pleasure, and a shy smile appeared. “Back then, it was precisely that proud spirit between his brows that captivated me at first sight.”

Seeing the suddenly girlish expression on Daiqisi’s face, Song Qingshu felt a stir in his heart. He quickly said, “I have a gift I’d like to give you, Madam. Could you close your eyes for a moment?”

“What are you trying to do?” Daiqisi looked at him warily.

Song Qingshu smiled slightly. “Don’t be so suspicious. If I truly intended to do something, whether your eyes are closed or not wouldn’t make a difference.”

Knowing he spoke the truth, Daiqisi hesitated for a moment but finally closed her eyes. However, her slightly trembling eyelashes betrayed her unsettled heart.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Daiqisi couldn’t resist asking, “Is it ready yet?”

“Ready!”

Hearing Song Qingshu’s voice, Daiqisi opened her eyes curiously. But when she saw the face before her, tears immediately welled up and streamed down her cheeks. Her hand trembled as she reached out to touch the face. “Qianye… is it really you?”

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