Chapter 44: The Visit of the Red Candle

Wu Yuemei noticed a hint of confusion on Cheng Guang’s face.

Of course she understood what was on his mind, and so she smiled, offering an explanation.

“Guang’er, this young lady’s name is Qin Yanqiu. She is the girl your grandfather favors most, having grown up at his side since childhood. By the age of ten, she was already fighting on the battlefield; now, at just twenty, her reputation resounds throughout the entire Northern Expedition Army and even across the domain battlefields.”

“I watched Yanqiu grow up as well. She often came to visit our estate when she was little—you must have seen her before.”

“Not only do we know her background well, but her family history is unblemished. Both her parents are generals on the battlefield, and she has followed your grandfather since she was young, raised amidst war. Though her temperament is somewhat cold, she is gentle at heart.”

Wu Yuemei explained everything with a smile, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on Cheng Guang, as though worried he might not care for the girl.

If Cheng Guang did not like her, it wouldn’t matter how much Wu Yuemei or the others approved. Everything depended on his preference.

This could be seen as indulgence—or perhaps, as a deep respect for his wishes.

With a status as the heir to the Duke Protector, being able to choose one’s own spouse was a privilege unattainable for most. The mere thought of it would bring tears of envy to the princes and princesses in the imperial palace.

Cheng Guang glanced at the portrait, pondered for a moment, then nodded with a smile.

“I’ll leave everything in Mother’s hands.”

Though the system sometimes proved unreliable, its judgment should be sound. Qin Yanqiu seemed an excellent match.

So young, yet with a famed reputation across the domain battlefields, possessing both high cultivation and extraordinary beauty—she was undoubtedly the goddess of war in the hearts of countless soldiers.

For that alone, Cheng Guang had no reason to refuse.

Even if Qin Yanqiu was somewhat cold, an icy figure, he could always find a way to warm her heart over time.

Seeing him nod in agreement, Wu Yuemei breathed a sigh of relief, her face breaking into a smile as she urged Cheng Guang to eat more.

After chatting with him for a while, she rose and departed.

As she left, her expression was joyful and her steps light.

Clearly, Cheng Guang’s marriage had always been a weight upon her heart. Now that it was settled, she felt much at ease.

To Wu Yuemei, marriage mattered far more than cultivation—for it concerned the inheritance of the Duke Protector’s estate.

Unable to contain herself, she hurried off to send word to the Duke Protector, hoping to finalize the matter swiftly.

They had only sought Cheng Guang’s opinion, never considering Qin Yanqiu’s. Though her own wishes had not yet been asked, Wu Yuemei imagined there would be little issue.

...

Once Wu Yuemei had gone, Cheng Guang set aside his spiritual food and sat quietly for a moment.

He had eaten a bit too much.

Whether in his past life or this one, it seemed all parents were the same—the more their children ate, the happier they became.

Though Cheng Guang knew he was but an impostor, he couldn’t help but appreciate Wu Yuemei’s careful attention and feel a desire to please her.

So, he’d accidentally overeaten.

He sat quietly, letting the food settle.

A sigh escaped him.

When would the real heir return?

Once he did, Cheng Guang’s path as a substitute would reach its end.

At first, he’d hoped fervently for the noble heir’s swift return, so he could be freed from this role.

Looking back, such thoughts were naïve.

Even if the heir returned, there would be no true escape—only a dead end.

Now, there was no turning back.

If the heir returned and Cheng Guang had no means of coping, he would suffer a terrible fate.

Along with everyone close to him—Qingluan, Lin Cheng—they would all meet tragic ends.

Cheng Guang had considered eliminating the threat entirely, but he had no idea where the heir was now.

His whereabouts were so secret that even Qingluan didn’t know.

The only good news was that, should the heir return to the estate, he would first contact Qingluan.

In that way, Cheng Guang would hold the initiative, able to decide in advance whether to stay or leave.

He pondered this, then looked at Qingluan, who stood respectfully nearby, and invited her to sit and eat.

“Qingluan, you should have some as well.”

She was startled, instinctively wanting to refuse, but before she could speak, Cheng Guang took her arm and guided her to a seat.

Qingluan eyed the spiritual food before her, unable to hide her longing.

These delicacies were precious, beneficial even to someone of her cultivation, already at the fourth grade.

But she hesitated to partake.

Cheng Guang, unconcerned, pushed some dishes toward her.

He also invited Lin Cheng to share in the meal.

Lin Cheng’s reaction was even more pronounced; he waved his hands, not daring to accept.

...

Cheng Guang, helpless, picked up a Yulan fruit from the table and tossed it to Lin Cheng, who received it as if it were a treasure, his body stiffening with excitement.

The disparity in status in this world was even greater than he’d imagined.

Qingluan and Lin Cheng, though considered prodigies among sects and clans, stood before him—an heir just beginning his cultivation—like timid children, afraid to offend or make mistakes.

Born into such a distinguished family, one could live well even without cultivation. The true heir was exactly so—never seriously trained, yet enjoying lavish clothes and unimaginable comforts.

The only drawback was restricted freedom.

Within the estate, safety was assured, but once outside—even without leaving the capital—countless forces would watch and scheme.

Such was the case with Bai Shuxuan earlier.

And the assassination foretold by the system would be the same.

Many hidden currents converged upon the heir.

With the real heir absent, Cheng Guang now bore all that pressure.

He dwelled on these thoughts when, from the shaded path outside the courtyard, the figure of Steward Wang emerged.

He approached the gates of the Myriad Forms Garden and, bowing respectfully to Cheng Guang, spoke.

“Your lordship, someone requests an audience outside the estate.”

Qingluan frowned in confusion. “Who is it? Still outside?”

Steward Wang replied, “Her status is rather special. She claims to be a maidservant of Bai Shuxuan from the House of Blossoms, so I did not permit her entry.”

He then looked to Cheng Guang, “Do you wish to meet her, your lordship?”

Cheng Guang raised his brows in interest, smiling, “Heh, I was just thinking of seeking her out, but it seems she couldn’t wait and sent someone herself.”

“No need for trouble. I’ll go out and see her.”

With that, Cheng Guang rose and headed toward the main gate.

Lin Cheng hurried to follow.

Qingluan paused, surprised by his words.

The House of Blossoms...

Bai Shuxuan...

She had actually sent someone to seek out their heir?

Qingluan pressed her lips together, her feelings complicated.

...