At that moment, the sound of a copper bell rang out from afar, breaking the tranquility of the night. The sudden sound caused Ouyang Qian's expression to gradually stiffen. She turned her head to look, only to see a palanquin slowly turning around the corner of the street, heading in her direction.
The night wind suddenly became piercing, mixed with the ominous sound of the copper bell sweeping in from all directions. This wind seemed to carry a killing intent, dispersing the moonlight like water, blowing straight towards the girl by the well. Ouyang Qian shivered, and an inexplicable unease surged in her heart.
She stared motionlessly at the palanquin approaching closer, a deep despair appearing in her eyes. She knew she could not avoid the impending storm and could only face it bravely. Yet, facing unknown dangers and difficulties, the fear and sense of helplessness in her heart surged like a tide, nearly suffocating her.
Ouyang Qian bit her lower lip tightly, striving to stay calm. She understood that at this moment, any panic and fear could plunge her into an even more dangerous situation. She took a deep breath, slowly stood up, ready to meet this sudden challenge. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, she must bravely face them for herself and Luo Chen.
"I wouldn't dare, though Seventh Miss is the old master, the Empress Dowager has ordered that we must find Seventh Miss and safely bring her back to the mansion," Bai Wuchang said with a smile, his eyes revealing a trace of cunning, seemingly having other plans on this matter. As he spoke, he signaled with his eyes to Hei Wuchang, hinting for him to help speak, but Hei Wuchang acted as if he hadn't heard, still standing straight, expressionless, with no intention of assisting.
Ouyang Qian softly chewed over the words "old master," feeling a surge of inexplicable emotions. She raised her head, her gaze like a burning flame as she looked at Hei Wuchang, teasing in her tone: "I've become the old master so quickly? Very well, Hei Wuchang, upon my return to the mansion, what will the old patriarch decide?"
Upon hearing this, Hei Wuchang showed a look of hesitation. He remained silent for a while before looking at Ouyang Qian with a complex expression, speaking in a low voice: "Report... Report to Miss, the Empress Dowager hasn't shown herself, only saying to leave it to the Patriarch. And the Patriarch... the Patriarch is enraged, saying he wants to strip Miss of all duties, confine her within the mansion, until three years later she is married to the Kuang imperial family."
As the words fell, Ouyang Qian fell into silence. Inside her heart, a storm was already raging, yet her expression remained calm. She knew the decision at this moment would determine her future fate.
Around, the six Ghost-Exorcising Palanquin Bearers waited anxiously for Ouyang Qian's decision. Though they were merely bearers, in this matter, they dared not be careless in the slightest. Hei Wuchang felt regretful, he knew Ouyang Qian's talent and capabilities, and was aware of her status and influence within the family, yet she had ended up in such a situation. Meanwhile, Bai Wuchang showed satisfaction, seemingly having anticipated this outcome and feeling very pleased.
Bai Wuchang folded his hands, speaking softly: "I hope Miss can make a quick decision. Even if Miss does not go back with us now, her identity has been exposed, sooner or later she will be found. Moreover... If the matter between Miss and that boy is discovered by the Patriarch..." His words carried a hint of threat, seemingly trying to coerce Ouyang Qian into making a decision.
However, before he could finish speaking, Ouyang Qian started laughing. Her laughter was crisp and pleasant, yet carried a hint of coldness, causing Bai Wuchang to feel frightened. Ouyang Qian looked at Bai Wuchang playfully, her face showing a hint of contempt. She spoke casually, "Forget it, back to the mansion." Then she stepped forward, as though she had made her decision.
Bai Wuchang and Hei Wuchang exchanged a glance, each seeing surprise and puzzlement in the other's eyes. They hadn't expected Ouyang Qian to decide so easily, nor did they expect her reaction to be so calm. However, they knew this was not the time for inquiry and doubt, so they silently followed behind Ouyang Qian, returning to the mansion together.
Bai Wuchang carefully lifted the curtain of the palanquin, preparing to invite Ouyang Qian inside. But at that instant, he caught sight in his peripheral vision of a bright white water shadow, weaving sinuously like a spirit snake, moving at a speed akin to a tempest passing through. Alarmed, he felt something was amiss; just as he wanted to look up and check, the water shadow was already right in front of him.
Bai Wuchang was taken aback, raising his eyes to meet Ouyang Qian's gaze, cold as frost. The chilling intent expressed in those eyes seemed capable of freezing everything in the vicinity.
