Fortune Across the World

Chapter 102: Accompanying the Lonely Shadow

Manager Chen was taken aback, sweat beading on his forehead, as he hurriedly clarified, "No, no, young lady, you've misunderstood! What I meant was that your father sent someone to persuade me, but I would never betray you! Since you assured me that Wang Sui's goods lack blighted rice, everything will remain as it is!" Having chosen to align himself with Fu Ruqing, offending her would leave him isolated in the guild, with no place to stand. Thus, he quickly apologized and took his leave, regretting his unnecessary words.

Is Fu Ruqing in competition with her father?! Ding Qiyu was shocked, realizing from their conversation that they might be rivals. Recalling the shopkeeper's earlier comment about "two Fu families," it seemed unusual for a family business to have internal competition. Though the maids at Qingliu Garden hinted at a strained father-daughter relationship, the extent to which it affected their business dealings was surprising. What was the deeper story here?

Pondering these questions, Qiyu accompanied Fu Ruqing through her office duties as several more people came with requests. Finally, it was midday. A maid knocked to deliver Fu Ruqing's meal, setting it up in the study's side room before leaving.

It's lunchtime... Qiyu, feeling hungry, was more interested in watching Fu Ruqing eat—surely she would have to remove her veil, revealing the face beneath. Curious about the mysterious young lady's appearance, she lingered.

Fu Ruqing, still reviewing accounts, wondered why Qiyu hadn't left. Sensing her mistress's thoughts, Yinsuo spoke up, "Mr. Ding, you can return to the west courtyard. Come back at the hour of the sheep (1-3 PM)."

Qiyu pouted slightly, thinking, So secretive... but complied, leaving Ningxin Hall. After lunch and a brief rest, she resumed her role as a "sidekick," following Fu Ruqing out of Qingliu Garden. She noticed that, aside from the coachman, only she and Yinsuo accompanied Fu Ruqing, without the usual guards, which made her feel a heavy responsibility. Unable to question this, she stayed vigilant, hand near her sword, ready to protect Fu Ruqing.

In reality, Qiyu's concern was unnecessary; the visible guards were just the tip of the iceberg among the hidden protectors surrounding Fu Ruqing.

Following Fu Ruqing around Yizhou city all afternoon, Qiyu felt increasingly empathetic, witnessing the endless tasks requiring her attention, especially amid Da Qian's tumultuous situation. Leading a business empire was no easy feat.

Returning to Qingliu Garden, Qiyu noticed Fu Ruqing's fatigue. As they reached Fumeng Courtyard, Fu Ruqing said, "You can go back now."

Worried about her state, Qiyu nodded, "Alright. Rest well, I'll be off." Back in the west courtyard, she felt restless, contemplating whether to bring the little toy she'd made for the "little girl." After some hesitation, she decided to take it to Fumeng Courtyard.

At the door, she met Yinsuo exiting. "Yinsuo... Sister Yinsuo, is the young lady inside?" Qiyu asked, opting for the more familiar "sister" given Yinsuo's likely seniority over her current form.

Concerned for her mistress, Yinsuo didn't mind the term, "Miss just went to rest. Is there something you need?"

"She's already resting? Skipped dinner? She must be exhausted," Qiyu sighed, feeling for the young lady who maintained a composed exterior but harbored an innocent heart. "Does she handle business matters every evening?"

"Not always. Occasionally she rests," Yinsuo replied, sighing. "She has no hobbies, just reads in her spare time. Miss has it tough..." Noticing Qiyu's package, she added, "But she really loves your creations. If you have time, please bring more fun things! In all the years I've been with her, I've never seen her so interested."

Pleased, Qiyu realized it was rare for anyone to appreciate her work so much. Embarrassed, she said, "I worried it might distract her from work."

"There's always business to attend to. Miss can't work nonstop. Your toys are the perfect break for her," Yinsuo encouraged.

Qiyu, heartened, promised, "Then I'll bring more often to cheer her up." The day's experiences deepened her affection for the "little girl." Making toys wasn't hard, and with someone valuing her skills so highly, she decided to visit regularly, providing both of them some joy.

Grateful, Yinsuo thanked her, "Then I'll thank you on her behalf."

"Sure, it's a good chance to hone my skills. Since she's resting, I'll leave this with you," Qiyu handed over the package and returned to the west courtyard.

...

The next morning, ready for her "sidekick" duties, Qiyu was informed by a messenger to wait at Qingliu Garden's gate. Expecting an early business trip, she joined Fu Ruqing in the carriage, surprised as they headed towards the mountain behind Qingliu Garden. The path led up Wan Mountain, stopping halfway. Exiting the carriage, Qiyu recognized the temple from her daily view, now appreciating its grand scale and bustling activity up close.

The temple's gate bore the words "Chan Jue Temple" in gold, above it stood several nuns in simple robes, with a steady stream of worshippers.

So Chan Jue Temple is a nunnery, Qiyu realized, startled by a thought—was Fu Ruqing, overwhelmed by stress, contemplating renunciation?! Following Fu Ruqing to the temple gate, they were greeted by a nun, who recognized the young lady, "Ah, Miss Fu, you've come."

Fu Ruqing returned the greeting, "Yes, thank you," and followed the nun into the temple.

Puzzled by the brief exchange, Qiyu deduced that Fu Ruqing was a regular visitor, familiar with the nuns. The nun led them through the temple to a secluded courtyard behind it, away from worldly noise and temple activity. The yard, flanked by willow trees like Qingliu Garden, contained no buildings, only a field of white-petaled, purple-centered flowers Qiyu had never seen before. In the center was a stone marker—likely a grave.

As the nun departed, Fu Ruqing entered the floral sea, and when Qiyu moved to follow, Yinsuo held her back, shaking her head to indicate she should stay put.

Fu Ruqing walked the path to the small clearing, kneeling before the gravestone.

Straining her eyes, Qiyu couldn't make out the marker's inscription. Sensing her curiosity, Yinsuo whispered, "It's the lady's cenotaph. Miss often visits, especially when..." she glanced at the slender figure, "when she feels overwhelmed."

Qiyu turned her gaze to Fu Ruqing, the white-clad figure kneeling in solitude. Though still, Qiyu imagined her serene expression, blending with the white flowers in a scene of poignant solitude. Here, she wasn't the decisive young lady but a little girl seeking her mother's presence. A pang of empathy struck Qiyu, helpless to offer solace.

For nearly an hour, Fu Ruqing knelt silently at her mother's cenotaph, her thoughts a mystery. Watching from afar, Qiyu felt the once-cold silhouette grow more tender with each passing moment.