Within Qing Yuan Cottage, the flowers and trees stood silent, while a maiden's heart churned in turmoil.
In Pei Qingyuan's eyes, a martial brute reeking of slaughter was utterly unworthy of her.
Only the third young master of the Marquis Estate—unparalleled in refinement, accomplished in both letters and martial arts—was the good man she should have in this life, the perfect match she deserved.
The situation was dire. There wasn't a moment to lose.
Pei Qingyuan suppressed the panic in her eyes, turned around, and urgently instructed her personal maid Wan Cui in a lowered voice.
"Wan Cui, immediately change into ordinary clothes. Don't alert anyone. Leave through the rear alley instead of the main gate."
"Go at once to the Peace Prefecture Marquis Estate and request an audience with the third young master."
Wan Cui's heart tightened at her words. "Miss! Th-this is secretly sending a private message. If the elders of the residence discover it, the consequences will be unthinkable."
The Pei Family's rules were strict. Even a maid knew the severity of such an act.
"I can't worry about that now."
For the first time, Pei Qingyuan's eyes carried resolute urgency. "Once the marriage agreement is finalized, there'll be no turning point left for me in this life."
"Right now, the entire Lineage has been deceived by Li Xuancang and insists on marrying me off to a martial brute. The only one who can save me is Young Master Lin."
"Go quickly! You must see Lin Jingtan and convey my words exactly as they are."
Seeing how determined her mistress was, Wan Cui didn't dare hesitate.
Disguising herself as an ordinary servant girl from the neighborhood, she silently left the Pei Residence, avoiding all notice as she hurried straight for the Peace Prefecture Marquis Estate.
The Peace