Goodbye

"Jianhong is dead?" Suyin's voice wavered with confusion as she struggled to process the news. She turned to Qin Fuhua, searching for any hint of emotion in through his cold features, but his expression remained impassive.

It was as if Qin Fuhua had anticipated such an outcome. Weizhe knelt before him, his hands clasped together, his distress palpable.

"With him out of the picture, I fear we may have lost our only lead," Weizhe lamented, his voice heavy with resignation.

Since Qin Fuhua's departure to meet with Suyin, the guards under Jianhong's employ had scattered, some fleeing and others taking their own lives rather than betraying their master.

Qin Fuhua shook his head, a glint in his eyes. "There must be something distinctive about Jianhong's associates," he mused, his thoughts drifting to the mysterious figure in grey.

"The men who aided Jianhong are connected to someone deeply entrenched in the world of poison."

Weizhe nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. He knew what Qin Fuhua implied—to investigate any clans or factions known for their mastery of poisons or the creation of devices similar to those employed by Jianhong.

But before Weizhe could make a move, Qin Fuhua intervened with a command delivered with the weight of authority. "Wait," he ordered, his tone firm but measured. Weizhe turned back to face him, awaiting further instructions. "Prepare to depart and return home. I will join you in a few days' time," Qin Fuhua directed, his gaze unwavering. With a solemn nod, Weizhe complied, exiting the room to make the necessary arrangements. In the wake of the conversation, Suyin's thoughts turned to the key she had tucked away in her belt.

With a triumphant grin, she retrieved it, holding it out for Qin Fuhua to see. "Ta-da! I found it!" she exclaimed proudly, a sense of accomplishment swelling within her.

Qin Fuhua accepted the rose-shaped key, his gaze flickering with curiosity. "Where did you find this?" he inquired, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Suyin offered a nonchalant shrug in response to Qin Fuhua's inquiry, her expression betraying none of the unease that gnawed at her insides.

"Staying in the Feng mansion, I overheard about a key, hoping this was it," she explained, her tone casual despite the weight of the situation.

Internally, Suyin wrestled with conflicting emotions.

On one hand, the idea of leaving this place behind filled her with a sense of relief. Yet, the thought of bidding farewell to the newfound friends she had made here tugged at her heartstrings, casting a shadow over her eagerness to depart.

Qin Fuhua maintained his composure, his demeanor unyielding as he made a decisive declaration. "Then your mission is finished. We shall leave tonight," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Tonight? Suyin's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She couldn't possibly leave without saying goodbye to her friends, but revealing her attachment to them would only complicate matters.

"Ah... haha. Yes," Suyin forced a strained laugh, her attempt at levity falling flat. "I'll... I'll go pack," she stammered hastily, offering a hurried wave before darting off down the corridors, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders.

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As evening descended upon the manor, Han Suyin's mind was occupied with a singular mission—to bid farewell to her new friends before she left.

So instead of engaging in actual packing, Suyin acted like a busybody, feigning productivity whenever someone passed by her room. It was a clever act to conceal her true intentions.

With each passing moment, Suyin's impatience grew, her heart racing in anticipation of the impending dawn. The veil of darkness would provide the perfect cover for her venture to Feng Junli's residence, where she hoped to reunite with Shao Feng and learn more about his Mother's condition.

Suyin had taken precautions to blend in, donning common attire as a servant, ensuring she wouldn't draw attention to herself. Her hair, once carefully arranged, was now hastily tied back, a crude attempt to pass herself off as a male figure.

As she slipped out of the manor under the cover of darkness, Suyin couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the thought of Qin Fuhua.

Despite the tragic news of Jianhong's demise, he(Jianhong) remained consumed by his own agenda, his priorities steadfastly selfish until the very end.

But Suyin pushed aside her misgivings, her resolve unyielding as she set forth on her mission to bid farewell to those she had come to cherish.

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The maid's voice drifted softly through the hallway outside Junli's room, announcing the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

"Young Master, someone is here to meet you," she murmured, her tone hesitant as she struggled to recall the visitor's name. "Someone by the name of... Shu..."

Before she could finish her sentence, the doors to Junli's room slid open with a swift, decisive motion. Junli's figure emerged from within, his presence commanding attention as he issued his instructions.

"Allow him to enter the manor," he declared, his tone betraying no hint of hesitation.

With a nod of acknowledgment, the maid hastened to carry out Junli's command, leaving the hallway in hushed silence as she disappeared from view.

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Suyin's heart leaped with joy as she caught sight of Shao Feng amidst the bustling corridors of the Feng manor. With an exclamation of delight, she dashed towards him, her steps quickening with excitement.

"Shao Feng!" she called out, her voice filled with genuine happiness at the sight of her friend.

"Ah... Su--" Shao Feng began, his expression shifting with a mix of surprise and caution as he glanced around to ensure their conversation remained private.

"Han Suyin!" he whispered eagerly, a smile spreading across his face as he greeted her.

Grinning in return, Suyin listened intently as Shao Feng shared his news, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I have some great news! Young Master Junli has allowed me and my mother to stay here," he announced, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"After you left, my mother told me everything and wanted to apologize to you."

Suyin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the mention of her impulsive behavior to his mother

"Ah... heh heh... it's my fault for being so impulsive," she admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of her head.

Before they could continue their conversation, another voice interrupted them, drawing their attention. Turning around, Suyin and Shao Feng were met with the sight of Junli entering the room, a smile playing on his lips.

"Junli!" Suyin greeted him warmly, waving in his direction.

"Sir Shu, it's nice to see you again," Junli acknowledged with a polite bow, addressing Suyin by her assumed identity.

Suyin nodded in response, her grin widening as she acknowledged his greeting. It was a reminder that amidst the warmth and familiarity of her interactions with Shao Feng, there were still secrets to be kept and identities to be maintained. And as Jiayi, the only one unaware of her true identity, approached, Suyin braced herself for the continuation of her act.

As Suyin observed the flurry of activity around her, she couldn't help but inquire about the occasion that had prompted such meticulous preparations.

"What's the occasion here?" she asked, her gaze drifting over the elegant pottery and verdant plants being arranged by the diligent servants.

Junli, ever gracious, was quick to respond. "My mother's coming home in a couple of days, so we are setting up a little party. Would you like to come over?" he invited, his tone warm and inviting.

Suyin's smile faltered slightly at the invitation, a bittersweet realization dawning upon her.

"Ah," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.

"I... actually came here to say goodbye to you all," she confessed, her tone heavy with regret. "I'm thankful to have met you all, and there's nothing more than sincere words of appreciation for what you all have done for me."

She bowed respectfully to each of them, her heart heavy with the weight of parting.

Shao Feng attempted to intercede, his expression filled with concern, but Junli stepped forward, gently placing his hands on Suyin's shoulders.

"If you have anything that troubles you, you are always welcome to stay here," he assured her, his voice unwavering. "Anything and anytime. Just tell me, and I'll go out of my way."

Suyin was taken aback by his heartfelt offer, her gratitude evident in her expression.

"My husband and I will be leaving tonight, so I just came here to say my goodbyes," she explained, her voice soft but resolute.

In the moments that followed, Suyin exchanged a few parting words with Shao Feng, Junli, Jiayi, and Shao Feng's mother, learning more about their lives in the process.

She discovered that Shao Feng was dutifully caring for his mother, with Junli's support ensuring she had the necessary medical attention.

Despite Jiayi's confusion over the missing key, Junli suggested it was best left unresolved, understanding the gravity of his own condition.

Through it all, Suyin finally confessed to Jiayi about her real identity in the end, explaining to her her reasoning as to why she had dressed up as a male in the first place.

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As the carriage rolled along the winding road, Suyin found herself gazing out of the small cloth window, her gaze fixed upon the vast expanse of the night sky.

Stars twinkled like distant beacons, casting a soft glow over the landscape below. It was a tranquil scene, one that offered solace amidst the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.

In the confines of the carriage, Suyin couldn't help but reflect on the friendships she had forged during her time at the Feng manor.

They were friends who had accepted her for who she truly was, offering unwavering support and understanding, regardless of her gender.

It was a rare and precious gift, one that filled her with a sense of longing for a world where such acceptance was the norm.

Beside her, Qin Fuhua sat in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed upon her with a warmth that transcended words.

Qin Fuhua took his mask off, revealing his true identity.

Suyin remained unaffected by this revelation, her focus drawn instead to the ethereal beauty of the night sky.