Every time Bai Qingqing closed her eyes, faint, sorrowful wails would ring in her ears, and the image of that young woman’s horrific death would flash before her eyes.

Even though Bai Qingqing had lived two lives, even though she had once died herself, it was the first time she had ever witnessed a corpse—especially one so mangled and tragic. How could she not be afraid?

She dared not shut her eyes. And when exhaustion finally overwhelmed her and she did fall asleep, it was only to be jolted awake by grotesque nightmares. Night after night, she clutched her blanket and waited in silence for the morning light.

She knew this wasn’t a solution. But she couldn’t bear to be the one dragging down Ning Yan’s entire unit.

Then, Bai Qingqing stumbled upon a remedy.

During the day, as they traveled, Ning Yan would sometimes return to the carriage to handle messages from his men. And in those moments, she realized—she could close her eyes.

His presence kept the nightmares at bay. As if good could truly suppress evil. Ridiculous, maybe. But it worked.

So she cherished those fleeting intervals. Whenever Ning Yan stepped into the carriage, she would immediately curl up and prepare to sleep, trying to seize even a short rest—just the time it took for a cup of tea to cool.

After a time or two, Ning Yan noticed. Wen Jiang had already warned him that the incident with the bandits might have left a deep mark on Bai Qingqing’s psyche. It was something not easily shaken, especially for a woman—he ought to keep an eye on her.

But Bai Qingqing had put on such a brave front. In the end, though, she couldn’t quite hide it.

Ning Yan’s movements grew gentler. His gaze settled on Bai Qingqing, already curled up in the corner with her eyes shut tight. Half her face was swallowed by shadow, her expression weary, brows faintly furrowed. Even in sleep, she looked like she was bracing for battle.

It wasn’t uncommon for women to fall ill from fright after such an ordeal. Normally, someone in Bai Qingqing’s state should be soothed and comforted. But Ning Yan understood—Bai Qingqing was holding herself together precisely because she didn’t want to trouble anyone. Delicate as she looked, there was a quiet resilience in her heart.

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That day, Ning Yan stayed in the carriage for a long time—so long that Bai Qingqing didn’t wake from a nightmare, but opened her eyes naturally. She lay dazed for a moment. No nightmares? Wait—did that mean Ning Yan hadn’t left the whole time?

“You’re awake? Good. Come take a look.”

Bai Qingqing responded and moved closer. Ning Yan was holding a map, his fingertip lightly tapping a spot. “We’re here now. There’s still a ways to go before we reach Yao City in the southwest. If we took the river, we’d get there faster, but with the recent floods, it’s too risky. So we’ll detour from here…”

He spoke in a calm, even tone, and Bai Qingqing listened attentively. Her father had explained such things to her before, but hearing Ning Yan describe it while pointing to the map made it much easier to grasp.

“In another two days, we’ll reach Pingzhou. I have some matters to take care of there, so we’ll stay for a few days. We’ll also need to resupply. You don’t mind, do you?”

Bai Qingqing blinked, startled, then quickly said, “Of course not! Why would I mind?”

“Good.” Ning Yan folded the map as he spoke. “I just thought you might be anxious to get to the southwest, so I figured I’d let you know in advance.”

“That’s not it at all. I’m already grateful you’re willing to take me with you—I’d never…”

She hadn’t even finished speaking when Ning Yan pinched her chin. The rest of her words froze in her throat. She blinked, stunned. What… what’s happening?

Ning Yan narrowed his eyes and studied her for a moment before releasing her. “You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. While we’re in Pingzhou, get some proper rest. If someone sees you like this, they’ll think I mistreat my attendants. Wouldn’t do my reputation any good.”

Bai Qingqing: “…”

She nodded silently, but couldn’t help thinking—what reputation? Isn’t yours already… widely known?