Yu Lifeng's return, however, held little true significance. If his feelings were genuine and he found it impossible to let go, then why had he waited until this moment to come back. Qiao Hezhi was grateful that Yu Lifeng still cherished their childhood bond. But the past was the past, and what was missed could not be reclaimed.
Moreover, his life now was peaceful and content. If Yu Lifeng truly cared for him, then the greatest kindness would be to let him live in peace. Why then did he feel compelled to speak those words. Whose heart was he truly hoping to sway with them.
Qiao Hezhi felt stifled. He sat up from the bed, his heart aching at the thought of Fang Yu. After a chaotic whirl of thoughts, he still found himself worried about him. Braving the night wind, he ran to the Bicang Small Pavilion.
Seeing the tightly closed study door with light inside, Qiao Hezhi's heart fluttered with anxiety. He was afraid Fang Yu might be angry with him, but he was also afraid this matter would affect their relationship. Gritting his teeth, he finally raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"I said not to disturb. I don't want any soup."
An impatient voice immediately came from inside. Fang Yu was typically gentle and even-tempered with everyone in the household, almost never speaking in such a tone. Hearing it, Qiao Hezhi withdrew his hand, which had grown stiff in the cold wind, his expression dimming.
"Master!" Xuezhu was about to announce him to the study when Qiao Hezhi raised a hand to stop him. "Forget it. The master doesn't wish to be disturbed right now. There's no need to announce me. Remember to remind the master to rest on time. Don't read too late, it harms his health."
"Yes."
Xuezhu watched Qiao Hezhi leave, looking dejected. After a moment's thought, he followed and said, "Zhengfu, the master thought it was this humble servant knocking, that's why he was upset. If he knew it was you, he definitely wouldn't be like that."
Qiao Hezhi forced a smile. "It's alright. Go attend to your duties."
Whether Fang Yu thought it was him or Xuezhu outside the door, his mood was clearly poor regardless.
Fang Yu had never treated him so coldly before. He was always protective, considerate in every way, and even told jokes to cheer him up. But after all, gentleness was not an inborn trait for anyone. Every person had their own emotions and temper. Who could possibly tolerate their spouse having ties to another man. Qiao Hezhi could not help but wonder if, because of this, he would cast him aside.
He felt cold. He didn't know whether he should explain to him first tomorrow, or go back and ask his mother how one should handle such a situation.
Leaning back in the chair in his study, Fang Yu remained unaware of what had transpired outside. His mind was still occupied with the plot of the book. He had not read every minute detail clearly and did not know the exact progression of each storyline. But based on the current situation, the minor storyline of the original villainous cannon fodder had already deviated.
In the book, after the original Fang Yu passed the provincial examination, he attached himself to the county magistrate, wanting to marry the magistrate's favored concubine-born daughter. The daughter of an official family naturally couldn't become a concubine to a mere juren. And so, the original Fang Yu turned his attention to Qiao Hezhi. His first move was to attempt persuading him to voluntarily step down, demoting him from principal wife to concubine. The Qiao family, of course, refused outright.
The original Fang Yu grew angry and subsequently schemed to frame Qiao Hezhi for adultery, divorcing him and seizing a large portion of the Qiao family's wealth. Later, he secretly harmed the Qiao family, leading to the collapse of their business and Qiao Hezhi's death from depression...
He absolutely could not follow that original path. He had initially believed his role was merely a minor subplot, that he could steer clear of the conflicts between the story's main protagonist and antagonist, and simply live out their quiet lives in peace. Yet now, it felt as though an invisible hand was relentlessly pushing him forward along a predetermined course.
He didn't know if the book's male lead had come looking for Qiao Hezhi in the original story. But if he had, given the male lead's family background and the original Fang Yu's character, he might very well have delivered Qiao Hezhi into Yu Lifeng's hands.
Perhaps in the original book, the original Fang Yu went to the capital before the male lead discovered he had married his own unrequited love and caused his family's ruin. Perhaps because the subplot had now deviated, it led to Yu Lifeng returning to his hometown to find Qiao Hezhi. This was essentially forcing him onto a path of confrontation with the male lead.
A peaceful resolution seemed impossible. If today the male lead could lay hands on Qiao Hezhi in his absence, there was no telling what he might do tomorrow. Fang Yu had no desire to confront the so-called protagonist's aura. The best course was for both sides to keep their distance. But if the male lead insisted on provoking him, he would not retreat either.
However, for now, he still needed to focus on studying diligently and attaining an official rank as soon as possible. Otherwise, given the Yu family's power and influence, the Fang family would find it difficult to stand independently.
Just as Fang Yu's thoughts were beginning to clear slightly, he heard another knock at the door. "What is it? Come in."
He glanced at the sky outside. It was probably nearing the end of haishi period (9-11 PM), past their usual bedtime. Thinking it was Xuezhu coming to urge him to rest, he was surprised to see Siyu enter.
"So late, why have you come?"
Siyu hesitated, not daring to speak.
"Say what you need to say."
Siyu wavered for a moment before saying, "The young master is feeling unwell. Please, Master, go and see him."
Hearing this, Fang Yu stood up from his desk, his brow furrowing tightly. "What's wrong? Did he get a headache from the wind today? Has a physician been called?"
Considering the late hour made summoning a physician difficult, he added, "Has he taken any medicine?"
Bombarded with so many questions in quick succession, Siyu stammered, unable to answer a single one. "The... the master just needs to go see him."
Fang Yu's frown deepened, and he hurriedly ran towards the Xiaotong Courtyard.
He opened the door and went in; Siyu did not follow. Inside, he didn't see Qiao Hezhi. He went straight to the inner chamber. Only one lamp was lit, and the bed curtains were drawn, as if already prepared for sleep. But from within the curtains came faint, intermittent sobs.
Fang Yu quickly went over and pulled aside the curtains. He saw Qiao Hezhi lying with his back to him, curled into a ball, hidden under the quilt like a little mound, trembling with each sob. The sight twisted his heart. "Hezhi, why are you crying?"
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