Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 747 - 466: Chance Encounter

Chapter 747: Chapter 466: Chance Encounter

Wang Yuqian, though he held the rank of a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, his carriage was not luxurious.

Lacking a soft couch, a tea table, and the refinement of incense burners, the vehicle was drawn by a low-ranked Demonic Beast, a Red Date Horse. If not for the distinct purple-gold pattern exclusive to Third Grade officials of the imperial court etched on the carriage-body, it would have appeared as a common merchant’s vehicle.

Both individuals sat upright within, and due to its simplicity, the space inside the carriage felt somewhat cramped.

This was an unavoidable matter; a simpler carriage might not always catch the Emperor’s eye, but at least it could somewhat demonstrate one’s integrity.

Without any shock absorbers, the carriage jolted all the way and finally arrived in front of the grand gate of the Prime Minister’s Mansion when the sundial inside indicated it was the third quarter of the hour of si.

Barely opening the window, Xu Yuan peered outside.

Contrary to his expectations, theirs was not the first carriage to pay a visit.

The wide street in front of the Prime Minister’s Mansion was bustling with traffic, with many carriages parked along both sides and servants and greeters were continuously guiding these beast-drawn vehicles into the mansion.

Among them were ornately decorated unicorns, formal carriages emblazoned with patterns exclusive to high-ranking officials, and indeed, Xu Yuan even spotted the unique crimson pattern reserved for Second Grade officials.

After a brief glance, Xu Yuan turned his eyes across to the small old man opposite him:

"Wang Lao, is today a special day of some sort?"

Wang Yuqian gave the Third Young Master a sidelong look that carried a trace of oddity and then quietly reminded him:

"The year-end is approaching and the officials’ triennial examination has already begun. Aides from various regions have come to the capital to report on their posts, taking this opportunity to escort you back to the mansion won’t arouse any suspicion."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan instantly understood, and certain memories surged forward in his mind.

In the increasingly vague recollections of his childhood, the usually quiet household indeed became unexpectedly lively as the year-end neared.

Back then he simply found the bustle fun without giving it much thought, but now upon reflection...

One couldn’t help but understand why there were rumors that without the Prime Minister’s nod, no decree would leave the imperial throne room.

A quick scan revealed that just among today’s visitors to the Prime Minister’s Mansion were over a dozen carriages belonging to Third and Fourth Grade officials, essentially representing half of the court’s power.

Although there were many carriages visiting, perhaps because of the purple-gold pattern signifying the rank of a Third Grade official on their carriage, Xu Yuan and his company didn’t have to wait long.

Soon enough, a manager arrived at their carriage and led the two through a quaint side gate and along a path into the mansion.

Despite the numerous people inside, the sturdy, majestic buildings of the Prime Minister’s Mansion weren’t noisy. Officials and aides weren’t loud, moving in small groups led by servants, dispersing to various parts of the mansion.

Under the guidance of the manager, Xu Yuan and Wang Yuqian smoothly made their way to the large lake within the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Looking at the pleasant wetland lake before him, Xu Yuan instinctively paused.

Despite winter’s onset, the lake was not frozen and the breeze swept over the water, causing shimmering ripples.

But Xu Yuan wasn’t looking at the lake; he was focused on the pavilion at the center and the woman atop it.

This was the first time since waking up that Xu Yuan had seen Ran Qingmo within the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Skin whiter than snow, clothes black as ink, her hair flowing—she was just as he remembered her from their parting.

There was no exchange of glances from afar; she just sat quietly by the window sill, staring vacantly at the rippling lake.

Gazing at the girl’s flawless side profile, a sigh flickered through the depths of Xu Yuan’s eyes.

"Young Master Wang, what’s the matter?"

The voice of the steward softly intruded, interrupting Xu Yuan’s thoughts.

Before he could respond, the steward from the Prime Minister’s Mansion glanced in the direction Xu Yuan was looking and then quietly explained:

"That is a distinguished guest of the Prime Minister. Even the head steward is not permitted to step half a pace into that area. However, the Fourth Young Miss used to often visit the girl from the Blue Rain Pavilion over there."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan was momentarily stunned, then realized that the steward was kindly hinting to him,

The steward was reminding him that although he was the son of a Vice Minister, the lady’s status was far more esteemed, and she was beyond his reach.

Xu Yuan remained silent for a moment, withdrew his gaze, and nodded slightly:

"Wang understands."

As the words fell, the steward smiled faintly and continued to lead the way in front. Xu Yuan and Wang Yuqian by his side followed silently behind him.

A blast of cold wind whistled through the warm sunlight, sweeping fallen leaves from the ancient trees by the lakeside and also bringing the woman clad in black in the pavilion back to her senses.

Her gaze inadvertently swept over the three people walking across from the lakeside, finally resting upon the back of the youth among them, and her dark pupils slightly contracted.

A layer of ice crystals formed on the window lattice; the next instant, the girl seated in the pavilion suddenly vanished.

When she reappeared, she was already standing before the three individuals including Xu Yuan.

Seeing the young woman obstructing their path, the steward leading them was slightly startled, but then immediately bowed respectfully:

"Does the young lady have any instructions?"

"....."

Ran Qingmo paid no attention to the steward’s words, her gaze sternly fixed on the young man among the three.

"....."

Their eyes met in the air.

Xu Yuan was quick to react; confusion flickered in his eyes, but his heartbeat picked up a bit.

He didn’t know why Ran Qingmo had suddenly stepped in front of him. Looking at the young woman before him, concern rose in his heart, but so too did a tinge of inexplicable anticipation.

However, soon,

both the concern and anticipation in his heart dissipated simultaneously.

In her pair of clear and beautiful eyes, he saw a hint of visible disappointment.

"...I’m sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

Indeed, the old man had not lied to him; beneath the Saint, no one could see through the Human Skin Mask.

Thinking this, Xu Yuan replied with courtly and refined gentility:

"Oh? Does Wang resemble someone the young lady once knew?"

Ran Qingmo stared at Xu Yuan’s face for several breaths, then shook her head gently:

"Just the silhouette..."

As the words ended, Xu Yuan wanted to say something more to the Big Ice Lump, but Ran Qingmo had already lowered her head in disappointment, quietly turned around, and walked alone across the water toward the Lake Heart Pavilion.

"....."

Xu Yuan watched the figure depart with a deep sense of solitude, unconsciously pressing his lips together.

As a result of that deal with the State Preceptor, he had his father create an intricate web of misinformation for the Big Ice Lump.

No one within the Prime Minister’s Mansion was to mention news of his death.

Fervently devoted to her Cultivation, the Big Ice Lump also would not venture out from the Prime Minister’s Mansion casually.

Therefore, even though the news of his death had been out for half a month, the Big Ice Lump remained utterly unaware of it.

Thinking this, Xu Yuan’s hand involuntarily tightened into a fist.

Yet considering the expression she had as she sat by the window in a daze today, she must have begun to harbor some doubts.

After all,

she had once told him that she wasn’t a fool...