Chapter 97: Never Go Back to What’s Behind

As soon as these words were spoken, Yuan Zaichun was left utterly speechless, the words caught in his throat and swallowed back down.

Indeed, what could he say?

Qiao Qingyun had been driven out of the Crown Prince’s residence by him, and even in the end, she had no intention of saving him.

They had clearly agreed upon a deal, yet he had unilaterally terminated it midway.

“The Fourth Prince is perhaps meddling a bit too much. Neither the Emperor nor the Empress has inquired about this matter. Does the Fourth Prince intend to act on the Emperor’s behalf?”

Qiao Qingyun may lack many things, but twisting words to her advantage was certainly one of her talents.

Hearing this, the Fourth Prince’s face drained of color, his lips trembling slightly. “Y-you must not speak nonsense!”

“Nonsense? Was it not your own intention? I may have been married before, but the marriage was arranged by the Emperor himself—no decision was mine alone to make.”

After speaking, Qiao Qingyun fixed the Fourth Prince with a challenging gaze. “Or perhaps... you harbor ambitions for the throne?”

“How dare you! When have I ever said such a thing?”

Her words completely unsettled the Fourth Prince. Who wouldn’t fear being suspected of coveting the throne? If such rumors reached the Emperor’s ears, it would surely bring about their doom.

“Then why is the Fourth Prince still here?”

The woman raised an eyebrow, and though the Fourth Prince pointed accusingly at Qiao Qingyun in defiance, his body truthfully turned and fled.

“Miss.”

Qing Luo approached Qiao Qingyun anxiously, reaching out to steady her.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for coming to my aid.”

Though the Fourth Prince had left, Yuan Zaichun remained. Qiao Qingyun forced a smile, looked at him quietly, and whispered her thanks before turning to leave.

“Are you truly unwilling to return?”

Hearing Yuan Zaichun’s words, Qiao Qingyun paused, took a deep breath, and smiled. “Your Highness jokes. Divorce is no trivial matter. Even if the Fourth Prince wishes for me to return, it requires the consent of both the Empress and the Emperor, does it not?”

Indeed, she used the very words she had earlier suppressed from the twins, now wielding them against Yuan Zaichun himself.

Watching Qiao Qingyun’s figure grow more distant, Yuan Zaichun clenched his teeth, the bitterness in his heart intensifying.

Since she left the Crown Prince’s residence, he had thought of her nearly every day—lying beside him, begging for mercy. That delicate figure had nearly driven him to despair; many times he had gone to the Qiao manor, hoping to bring her back before the Emperor learned of it.

Yet each time, she was not there. If he went to the clinic instead, it only embarrassed him. Time after time, he delayed and ultimately missed his chance.

“Miss, are you really not going back with Master?”

Qing Luo hesitated slightly. If Qiao Qingyun could stay with Yuan Zaichun, many risks would be avoided. The repeated assassination attempts had nearly exhausted them all. Fortunately, Zhong Shi had connections and had hired many people at great cost.

“Since I have already left, I won’t return. Qing Luo, remember—one can eat anything, but never go back to a past love.”

With that, the woman rose decisively and left the banquet, which was drawing to a close.

“But without the protection of the Crown Prince’s residence, won’t you be in constant danger, Miss?”

“So what if I am? Should I return and beg him to take me back?”

Qiao Qingyun looked at Qing Luo with slight helplessness, and those words left Qing Luo speechless.

Indeed, one could hardly force Qiao Qingyun to do such a thing.

“Miss.”

Zhong Shi had initially come to collect rewards. The Emperor, noticing how tired Qiao Qingyun looked after dancing, had generously bestowed upon her many herbs, gold, silver, and jewels. Zhong Shi hurried out and saw her just then.

“Zhong Shi? Where did you go earlier? I thought you had already left.”

The woman looked at him with mild surprise.

Zhong Shi glanced sheepishly at the various boxes in his hands. “These are the Emperor’s gifts. I saw that you and Qing Luo hadn’t returned, so I quickly fetched them.”

“Thank you.”

Qiao Qingyun smiled and nodded at Zhong Shi, reaching out to stroke his head. This scene was just witnessed by Yuan Zaichun and Bu Shenglian as they exited.

Bu Shenglian, delighted at the sight, feigned surprise, “Eh? Sister is spending time with her subordinate?”

“Hmph.”

The man was clearly angered, swishing his sleeve and turning away.

On the way back to the Qiao manor, Qiao Qingyun gazed leisurely out the window, watching the bustling crowd. Among them, she seemed to catch glimpses of her own shadow.

“Miss, what are you looking at?”

Qiao Qingyun sighed deeply. “Looking at the countless people coming and going, I suddenly feel as if I am but one of them—yet I don’t know where I truly belong.”

“Ah?”

Qing Luo did not quite understand and asked in surprise.

The woman smiled faintly, shook her head, and fell silent, her eyes still fixed on the distance.

Back at the clinic, Qiao Qingyun sat in her room. She had not returned to the Qiao manor for many days—partly because of the threat on her life, fearing that visiting might endanger those protecting her.

Also, it was more convenient here to tend to patients.

“Miss, you haven’t eaten much today. Are you hungry?”

Zhong Shi entered carrying a plate of pastries, carefully observing Qiao Qingyun’s pale cheeks.

Qing Luo had recounted everything that had happened today—who would have thought the Fourth Prince would come looking while she was away?

“It’s nothing.”

The woman replied lightly, sipping her tea and leaning back on the bed.

Zhong Shi was uneasy, holding the pastries close and lowering his voice. “Qing Luo has told me everything. Miss, it’s my fault for not staying by your side.”

“Enough, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.”

As she spoke, Qiao Qingyun reached out to stroke his head, making Zhong Shi blush.

“If Miss truly wishes to find someone to rely on, I...”

“Zhong Shi, many are hunting me now. The worst part is, we don’t even know who they are. We have no energy to deal with this.”

Qiao Qingyun looked at him, utterly exhausted. “If things were peaceful, I would consider it seriously. You are the one I rescued, and I know you well; you would be the most reliable. But I don’t want to put you in danger, understand?”

Hearing her words, Zhong Shi sighed deeply and nodded. “Yes, Miss. I understand. Lately, you might find patrols near your room—those I sent to protect you.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Seeing the dark circles under Zhong Shi’s eyes, she wanted to say more but swallowed the words back.

He had suffered much during this time.

Watching Zhong Shi leave, Qiao Qingyun collapsed onto the bed. The moment the door closed, a guard immediately stepped forward.

“Young Master.”