Chapter 29: The Collision

After dealing with Tao Hong, Suyu Xin felt somewhat idle.

Ziyuan suggested, "Madam, why not instruct Xia Momo to prepare some delicacies? You could personally deliver them to the general at the military camp by noon."

Suyu Xin's eyes instantly brightened.

Why hadn't she thought of that?

"You truly are my clever maid," Suyu Xin pinched Ziyuan's cheek, joyfully remarking.

Suyu Xin drafted a menu herself and had Mai Zi take it to Xia Momo.

She had intended to give the instructions personally but suddenly remembered another crucial matter.

She had taken an oath, after all.

Therefore, Suyu Xin summoned Qing Que Zi Yuan, modestly seeking advice on dressing.

Though Suyu Xin was astute, her hands were a bit clumsy.

Primarily because she had been pampered since childhood, coupled with Lu Shiyan's deliberate flattery, she had never done such tasks.

Suyu Xin had Qing Que Zi Yuan change outfits multiple times, even bringing Feng Yao's clothes to try on.

By the end, Qing Que Zi Yuan felt utterly manipulated by Suyu Xin.

Yet, Suyu Xin was quite pleased with the outcome.

Now proficient in the skill, she looked forward to showcasing it before Feng Yao the next day.

Xia Momo had already prepared the meal and personally brought it over.

"There's a rule in the military camp against drinking, so I didn't prepare any wine," Xia Momo said.

"Oh, my oversight," Suyu Xin exclaimed, "Thank you for reminding me; I could have made a grave mistake."

"It's my duty, Madam," Xia Momo hurriedly responded.

"How is Xia Zhi's condition?" Suyu Xin inquired.

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. He's recovered and is as mischievous as ever," Xia Momo chuckled.

"He's been through a lot during his illness and has lost weight. Growing children need nourishment," Suyu Xin commented, then called out, "Qing Que..."

Understanding her intention, Qing Que immediately fetched a purse and handed it to Xia Momo, "This is a token of Madam's appreciation, to buy supplements for Xia Zhi."

"No need, no need," Xia Momo waved her hand, "He's just a child; a hearty meal will suffice."

"Please accept it; it's a gesture of my goodwill," Suyu Xin insisted, "Would you blame me if you didn't?"

"Certainly not," Xia Momo accepted with a bow, "Thank you for your gracious gift."

After seeing Xia Momo off, Suyu Xin departed with Ziyuan.

Upon learning of Suyu Xin's outing, Zhou Zheng immediately dispatched six guards to accompany her.

The journey from the general's residence to the military camp passed through three streets, a leisurely ride taking nearly half an hour.

As they reached Changxing Street, the carriage suddenly halted.

Soon after, a commotion erupted outside, punctuated by the occasional neighing of horses.

"What's happening?" Ziyuan peeked out, asking one of the guards.

"It's the young master from the Xiang residence. He's riding recklessly and collided with us," the guard replied with a bow.

Suyu Xin's brow furrowed.

The Xiang household had only one prominent figure, Qian Qingshu, who had risen to prominence through his contributions.

Qian Qingshu had served as a minister for three decades, with numerous disciples and a vast network.

His sister was an esteemed consort in the palace, deeply favored despite having only one princess.

Qian Qingshu himself enjoyed the emperor's trust, a power that was unquestionable.

While he appeared mild-mannered, he was ruthless at heart.

Despite being a scholar, his hands were stained with more blood than many warriors.

He was undoubtedly a cunning and treacherous figure.

Suyu Xin was well aware, despite her lack of political acumen.

The primary concern was Qian Qingshu's son, Qian Yue.

It was this reckless rider.

Qian Yue, doted on by his grandmother, had grown into his current demeanor, known as the unruly young tyrant of Shengjing.

He was on a different level compared to Suyu Xin's previous adversaries.

While she was often mocked, he was someone to be avoided.

His notorious deeds included fatally beating a merchant and forcibly taking women.

Even the grandson of the Pingyuan Count had been crippled by him.

Despite the ensuing uproar, he had escaped with minimal punishment, protected by influential figures.

However, Suyu Xin had never interacted with him, their paths never crossing.

Today seemed to be an unfortunate coincidence.

Qian Yue, having acquired a spirited horse, was in high spirits and intended to race at the racetrack.

Along the way, everyone made way, creating a scene.

The written laws of Daliang forbade riding within the inner city.

But who dared to enforce it?

Rules seemed designed for the commoners.

Qian Yue, however, was heading directly for them and collided at a turning point.

Suyu Xin's carriage, with its skilled driver, remained unaffected.

Had it not been for the noise, she would have remained oblivious.

Qian Yue, on the other hand, was less fortunate.

He was flung from his horse, landing on a nearby canopy.

Fortunately, the canopy softened the impact, sparing him from severe injuries.

"Are you blind? How dare you obstruct our young master?" Qian Yue's servant shouted menacingly.

"We are from the general's residence," the leading guard pointed to the sign on the carriage.

"I don't care who you are. Since you've collided with our young master, you should kneel and apologize. Maybe then he'll let you off," the servant retorted.

It wasn't that the servant disregarded Feng Yao.

In reality, both Qian Qingshu and Feng Yao were pillars of Daliang, each excelling in his domain.

However, the servant's audacity stemmed from knowing Feng Yao's preference for horseback riding, never using a carriage.

Thus, he assumed the occupant must be the inept Mad

am Suyu Xin.

Although Feng Yao had personally sought her hand in marriage, rumors circulated about their strained relationship.

Hence, in the servant's eyes, Suyu Xin lacked any authoritative presence.