Lin Chengyou stared oddly at Little Ya. On his way here, he had imagined what kind of spirit might dwell within Teng Yuyi’s sword – perhaps a beautiful ethereal being. Never did he expect to encounter an old codger and an uncouth one at that.

After observing for a while, he couldn’t help but ask, “Hey, what’s your name?”

Little Ya rolled about excitedly in the bath like a lively fish. “Didn’t Young Miss Teng tell you? This old one is called Little Ya – the ‘Ya’ from ‘knowledge has no bounds.’ I’ve been in this sword for centuries, but never has my spiritual energy recovered so quickly! This bath of yours is pure yang energy that can wash away all traces of evil yin energy. Ha ha ha ha! I love it! Tonight’s bath has been delightful!”

Teng Yuyi: “…”

Lin Chengyou: “…”

He glanced at Teng Yuyi. So this is the spirit you treasure? Seems rather lacking in dignity for his age.

Teng Yuyi had long felt embarrassed. She frowned and tapped the bath vessel. “If you’re going to bathe… could you perhaps talk less?”

Little Ya simply folded his arms behind his head, floating leisurely on his back as he declared proudly, “Young Miss Teng, from now on I only want his baths. I refuse all others!”

Lin Chengyou raised an eyebrow. How presumptuous – the current offering wasn’t even complete and already thinking about the next time.

He cut Little Ya off without mercy: “Don’t get any wild ideas! This was just an expedient measure for today. There won’t be a next time.”

In her heart, Teng Yuyi also thought “Dream on.” She had nearly worked herself to death just to get Lin Chengyou’s bath water. There definitely wouldn’t be a next time. In a few days, Juesheng and Qizhi would return anyway, and there would be other sources of bath water.

Little Ya grew unhappy. He dove under the water, gulping down several mouthfuls of the bath water before popping his dripping head back up. “This old one doesn’t care, I want this and only this!”

Teng Yuyi gave him a sidelong glance. “Your complexion is glowing – your spiritual energy must be fully restored. Come out now, people will be arriving soon if we delay further.”

Little Ya reluctantly gave himself one final vigorous scrub, as if trying to wash away the demonic energy in his belly. He dunked his head once more to gulp down another belly full of bath water. Finally satisfied though still yearning for more, he retreated into the sword body.

Teng Yuyi retrieved the small sword, dried it thoroughly, and tucked it into her sleeve. After this incident, she truly believed Lin Chengyou’s earlier claim that it had been an accident. She was just surprised that someone of his skill level could have moments of distraction. Fortunately, he had been willing to make amends quickly, or Little Ya would have suffered.

She looked toward Lin Chengyou. The wound on his arm probably hadn’t healed yet – there seemed to be bandages wrapped beneath his clothes.

After some thought, Teng Yuyi took out her precious jar of barbarian medicine from her sleeve. Ever since safely escaping from Rainbow Phoenix Tower last time, she had wanted to repay Lin Chengyou but hadn’t found the right opportunity. This medicine was extremely rare – even her father had only managed to acquire one jar. She had been saving it for emergencies, but perhaps this was the right occasion to gift it to Lin Chengyou. Though Lin Chengyou didn’t lack wound medicine, this one was said to be much more potent than even the palace’s remedies. After using it a few times, his injury might heal completely.

“Young Master—” She held out the medicine jar, speaking in a friendly tone.

Lin Chengyou picked up the dripping wine vessel and stood up. “Alright, this matter is settled. I forgot to tell you – that old servant of yours called Duan Fu has been detained by me, locked in the woodshed for tonight.”

Teng Yuyi’s smile froze. She had wondered why she hadn’t seen Duan Fu – so he had been captured by Lin Chengyou. Given Duan Fu’s martial skills, he couldn’t possibly have been caught by mere guards. Lin Chengyou must have set up a trap specifically to catch him.

Seeing Lin Chengyou striding away, she hurried after him: “Lin Chengyou, stealing your bath water was indeed wrong, but it was my idea. Duan Fu was only following orders.”

Lin Chengyou laughed. “You master and servant are equally detestable. When the master wants to steal bath water, instead of dissuading their master from evil deeds, the servant aids and abets. Isn’t it fitting for such a scheming servant to take punishment for their master? Now that he’s in my hands, he should suffer properly at least once.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart went cold. Being locked in the woodshed hardly counted as great suffering – did he plan to torture Duan Fu?

“Duan Fu has been by my side for ten years, always utterly loyal. Whatever I order, he would brave blade mountains and seas of fire to accomplish it. This truly isn’t his fault – I’m the detestable one. If you want to make trouble, come directly at me instead.”

Lin Chengyou halted his steps. When they had met that afternoon, she had smiled to his face while plotting against him – first splashing him with grape wine, then having her servant sneak into Flying Ease Pavilion to steal his bath water. How hateful that he had been completely unguarded against her, even deliberately not dodging her wine flask out of concern she might be hurt by the sharp stones underfoot.

Just thinking about it made his anger flare up.

“Teng Yuyi, don’t I know you well enough by now? No matter how nice you talk right now, you’ll dare to scheme against me again next time. Today, no matter what you say, this matter won’t be settled so easily!”

Teng Yuyi was speechless. Lin Chengyou knew she was protective of her people, yet deliberately targeted Duan Fu. Even if he had poisoned her mute like last time, she wouldn’t feel as tormented as she did now.

She felt both ashamed and annoyed, but thinking it through carefully, she was in the wrong. If it had been her, she would also feel humiliated if someone stole her bath water.

Once she acknowledged her fault, her tone naturally became less forceful.

She glanced at his back, caught up to block his path, and said with a smile: “Young Master, I guarantee there won’t be a next time. You don’t understand Duan Fu’s nature – in his heart and eyes, there is only his master. No matter how you punish him, he won’t understand what he did wrong. If Young Master wants to prevent future incidents, why not settle accounts with me, his master—”

Lin Chengyou refused to stop, only laughing as he said: “You’re so protective of your people – punishing Duan Fu is the same as settling accounts with you, isn’t it?”

Teng Yuyi tried to reason with him: “Even the law distinguishes between masterminds and accomplices. The mastermind is right here – why must Young Master trouble a mere servant? Tell me, what will it take to put this matter to rest? As long as Young Master releases Duan Fu immediately, I’ll accept any punishment.”

Punish her? How could he punish her? Lock her in the woodshed or make her mute again?

He couldn’t do anything to her, so he could only punish Duan Fu.

He turned his head to look at her: “If you keep nagging, I’ll throw your loyal servant into the Justice Ministry’s prison.”

“You—” Anger rose in Teng Yuyi’s heart.

Lin Chengyou was about to turn away when he suddenly noticed something in her hand. “What’s that?”

Teng Yuyi looked down, only then realizing she had been holding the medicine jar the whole time. Had she known Lin Chengyou would torment Duan Fu, she would never have taken out the medicine.

She was about to put the jar away when she suddenly changed her mind: “I noticed Young Master’s arm wound hasn’t healed, and remembered I have a jar of barbarian medicine. This is what my father often used in the army, said to stop itching and remove corruption—”

“For me?”

Teng Yuyi made an affirmative sound and held the medicine out to Lin Chengyou. Seeing he wouldn’t take it, she said irritably: “Don’t worry, it’s not poison. Last time Young Master saved my life, and tonight you’ve helped both me and Little Ya greatly. I’m grateful and have been wanting to repay you somehow. This medicine is potent but has excellent healing properties. If Young Master doesn’t mind, you can take it back and try it.”

Lin Chengyou was quiet for a moment, then took the round jar, glanced at her, and suddenly turned to leave, tucking the jar into his robes as he walked: “Thanks.”

“Lin Chengyou—” Before Teng Yuyi could catch up, Lin Chengyou had leaped onto the wall and vanished.

Teng Yuyi glared in frustration. You accepted my gift, but what about releasing Duan Fu?

What to do now? Lin Chengyou wouldn’t yield to either soft or hard approaches. With Duan Fu in his hands, who knew what torments he would suffer? Even if she thought of a countermeasure immediately, she first needed to be able to get a message out. But tonight everywhere was under strict guard – there was no way to mobilize her people. She paced anxiously for a few steps, then heard the patrol’s footsteps approaching. Despite her worry for Duan Fu, she could only climb back over the wall for now.

Lin Chengyou had just returned to Flying Ease Pavilion when Kuan Nu came to ask: “Young Master, how should we handle that servant in the woodshed?”

“Release him.”

Kuan Nu was stunned. Young Master had specifically deployed two of his most skilled guards to catch this person, and after great effort coordinating inside and out, they had finally captured him. Without even questioning him, they were just letting him go.

He looked up suspiciously and could tell at a glance that his young master seemed somewhat distracted. Not daring to ask more, he simply acknowledged the order and went to make arrangements.

Lin Chengyou lay down on the window couch, holding up the medicine jar to examine it. The jar was small and quite exquisite, with a clear, crystalline glaze decorated with red, blue, and pink colors. The jar felt somewhat warm to the touch, presumably from being clutched in Teng Yuyi’s hand for so long.

He unscrewed the lid and sniffed – true to Teng Yuyi’s words, it contained high-quality barbarian medicine.

Earlier after bathing, fearing he would be late, he had only wrapped a layer of gauze on his arm before putting on his clothes. Unless one looked carefully, it was hard to notice anything amiss. But judging from Teng Yuyi’s manner, not only had she noticed his wound hadn’t healed, but she had been planning to give him the medicine jar for some time. Such good medicine could hardly be found anywhere in Chang’an. Teng Yuyi could have kept it for emergencies, and even if she wanted to repay him for the bath water, she could have given him something else. Yet she still gave him the barbarian medicine.

As he caressed the jar, he thought – when she’s bad she can be truly bad, but when she’s good she can be equally good.

However, his wound was already almost healed – no matter how good this medicine was, he had no use for it now.

He got up and set the jar aside, going to the bathroom to wash up.

When he came out, his mind was on other matters, but he couldn’t help letting his gaze drift toward the small table. That round little jar stood quietly in a patch of clear moonlight streaming through the window as if saying to him: Hey, you left me here – aren’t you afraid I might break?

Lin Chengyou glanced at it.

After a while, he glanced again, finally couldn’t resist walking to the couch to pick up the medicine jar, thinking to himself – though he had no use for this medicine, it would be a shame if it broke. Tomorrow’s birthday banquet would be crowded with people watching; better to lock it away somewhere. After walking around the room twice, he couldn’t spot a suitable box.

Maybe he should just keep it on his person for one night. With this thought, he contentedly tucked the medicine jar into his robes and lay down to sleep.

***

Teng Yuyi dozed fitfully for half the night hugging her doll, worried about Duan Fu. She got up before dawn and went downstairs herself to gather news, only to find Duan Fu had come to Moonlight Tower looking for her.

Duan Fu explained what had happened the previous night.

Lin Chengyou had indeed trapped him, but only kept him confined for a short while before releasing him.

Teng Yuyi was startled, looking Duan Fu over from left to right – he was completely unharmed.

She was puzzled. Given Lin Chengyou’s attitude last night, Duan Fu should certainly have suffered some humiliation. How strange that it had ended just like that. After pondering for a while, though she couldn’t figure out why Lin Chengyou had suddenly changed his mind, at least this incident had passed without real danger.

If Lin Chengyou had truly wanted to make things difficult for them, the bath water theft could have evolved into who knows what. Though he could be hateful, his heart wasn’t bad at all.

“Well, we master and servant now owe Lin Chengyou another debt of gratitude. Adding to the Rainbow Phoenix Tower incident, we must be even more courteous to Lin Chengyou than before when we see him. If he faces any urgent difficulties in the future, we absolutely cannot stand idly by.”

Duan Fu acknowledged this and asked: “Prince Chun’an’s bath water was taken by Young Master Lin last night – should this old servant go get more?”

“No need, Little Ya’s sword is fine now.”

“How can the sword be fine when the bath water never reached Young Miss’s hands?”

“Well—” A flash of embarrassment crossed Teng Yuyi’s face before she continued nonchalantly, “In any case, it’s fine now and that’s that. Duan Fu, you’ve done well – you need not concern yourself with these matters anymore. Go have breakfast first. Today you only need to watch Lu Zhao’an, I’ll handle everything else.”

Duan Fu was always a man of few words. He didn’t ask further, simply nodded and withdrew.

***

On this day of the formal birthday celebration, servants were bustling about before dawn. The entire vast estate was filled with the sounds of drums and pipes early in the morning.

At noon, a contingent of Imperial Guards galloped in with news that His Majesty and the Empress were coming personally to offer birthday congratulations, and the imperial carriage would arrive at the estate shortly.

The manor instantly erupted in excitement. The guests, fearing impropriety before the imperial presence, hurriedly returned to their rooms to adjust their attire. After making themselves presentable, they knelt quietly before the main hall according to their ranks. Soon after, the Emperor and Empress arrived, and the Imperial Father-in-law led everyone out to welcome them.

The Emperor and Empress showed exceptional warmth, immediately ordering the feast to begin. The banquet was set by Lotus Pool, with special permission for officials’ families to be seated together.

Many guests were facing the Emperor for the first time and were so frightened after being seated that they dared not touch their cups or chopsticks. As time passed and they heard the Emperor and Empress’s pleasant tones, they gradually became less constrained.

The Empress then had palace maids bring out freshly picked honey peaches from the palace.

“These were brought from the palace. Usually, they only ripen at the end of the third month, but somehow this year – perhaps it’s an auspicious sign – they ripened by mid-month. Take them and distribute them. The fruit tastes better fresh than preserved.”

The palace maids carried bamboo baskets, distributing the honey peaches still bearing dewdrops on their leaves and branches. Several wives and daughters of officials from other regions sat quite far back, assuming they would not receive any imperial gifts. However, the Empress’s bestowal was not a mere ceremony – regardless of intimacy or rank, almost everyone received some. Seeing the Empress’s kindness, people couldn’t help but feel both respect and love.

The entire day, ruler and subjects watched numerous performances by Lotus Pool, listened to string music, sampled fragrant dishes, tasted fine wines… truly endless pleasures.

By evening the feast had not yet dispersed. The Empress seemed to be feeling tired and told the ladies they need not remain confined to their seats – while it wasn’t too late, they might as well walk around. After saying this, she led her palace attendants away from the feast.

Shortly after, various ladies found excuses to return to their rooms to change clothes.

Madam Du had been feeling dizzy and feverish for some time, so she took Du Tinglan and Teng Yuyi back to Moonlight Tower.

After returning to their rooms, drinking tea, and changing clothes, they finally felt much refreshed.

Madam Du leaned against the armrest of a low couch by the window, lightly fanning herself while admiring the setting sun outside: “We’re returning to the city tomorrow morning. This Pleasure Way Mountain Manor is so magnificent, yet we rarely visit. We haven’t properly explored it. If there’s nothing else this evening, you siblings should take a thorough walk around and enjoy yourselves.”

Du Tinglan said: “Mother if you’ve rested enough, come downstairs with us for a walk later.”

“I’m exhausted from today, I won’t go.” Madam Du asked curiously, “Child, what are you looking for in the room since coming back?”

Teng Yuyi was walking around the room with her hands behind her back, first letting her gaze fall on the crystal cups on the table, shaking her head, then turning to examine the clothes on the bed frame, again shaking her head.

Hearing her aunt’s question, she responded absently: “I owe someone a favor, and I’m thinking what gift might be worthy of them.”

Someone called from outside the door: “Yu’er, Sister Lan, have you rested?”

It was Li Huaigu and her mother.

Though the Li family’s status was unremarkable compared to the day’s assembly of high officials and noble families, Li Huaigu’s beauty and bearing stood out among the young ladies, drawing considerable attention at the feast.

Li Huaigu had changed into a light, misty pale-pink silk robe. Her entire appearance was clean and elegant. She first paid her respects to Madam Du, then said to Du Tinglan and Teng Yuyi: “Just now several stewards came downstairs with a message. Princess Changyi and Princess Azhi said they didn’t have enough fun last night, so they’ve arranged pleasure boats on Smoky Water Lake and invited the young people from each household to go enjoy themselves.”

Madam Du smiled and said: “That’s perfect. You should hurry along – I’ll have a good chat with Madam Li.”

The three took their leave. Li Huaigu asked: “Were you discussing gift-giving in your room?”

Teng Yuyi made up an excuse: “An old steward in my household is having a birthday. He’s my loyal old servant, and I want to reward him properly.”

Li Huaigu said gently: “I brought quite a lot of silk from Hangzhou, currently piled in my room. They were meant for gifts – Yu’er, if you like any of it, take a bolt to reward your old steward.”

Du Tinglan, not knowing that Little Ya had used Lin Chengyou’s bath water last night, assumed Teng Yuyi wanted to send a gift to Prince Chun’an using her uncle’s name, and quickly said: “Yu’er’s old steward has peculiar tastes – he might not care for fine silk or money, which is why Yu’er is worried about what to give him.”

Li Huaigu smiled and said: “I see. I was wondering – Yu’er comes from a noble family, she must have seen countless treasures and fine things since childhood. How could there be anyone who wouldn’t appreciate a gift from her?”

Teng Yuyi quietly looked at her for a moment, then suddenly pointed at Li Huaigu’s skirt hem: “Third Miss, watch out at your feet.”

Li Huaigu looked down – it was a flying insect. Her face turned pale with fright and she quickly hid behind Du Tinglan: “Oh my!”

Teng Yuyi unhurriedly shooed away the insect: “I didn’t expect you’d still be as afraid of insects as when you were little.”

Li Huaigu clutched her chest, still unsettled, and said self-mockingly: “Indeed… I get dizzy just seeing such things.”

After this sudden incident, naturally, no one mentioned gifts again.

The three quickly arrived at Smoky Water Lake, hearing laughter and chatter from afar. It seemed the young people from various households had been so constrained at the feast that when they heard about pleasure boating, they had eagerly boarded the boats already.

Teng Yuyi admired the scenery as she walked. She saw pleasure boats dotting the lake, while sparse bamboo and pink peach blossoms lined the shore – quite reminiscent of spring scenes in the South.

Reaching the shore, they saw a pleasure boat slowly approaching. The boat was carved with vermillion and painted with silver, quite large and seemingly able to accommodate many people. Happy voices and laughter could be heard from far away.

A palace attendant smiled and said: “This is Princess Changyi and Princess Azhi’s boat.”

Before the words were finished, a small plump white arm reached out from a window: “Miss Teng, Miss Du, come up quickly!”

“Princess Azhi.”

When the boat docked, two palace attendants jumped down and placed the gangplank at the shore, carefully helping the three aboard.

The boat was filled with the chirping voices of young lords and ladies from various households.

Azhi had been waiting for Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan. Seeing them arrive, she happily patted the cushions beside her: “Miss Teng, Miss Du, come sit here.”

She had become familiar with Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan last time, especially impressed by how Teng Yuyi had driven away the corpse demon with just a small sword.

Li Huaigu maintained her smile, remaining gracefully in place.

Only then did Azhi realize the three had come together, and quickly said to the attendant: “For this lady…”

Li Huaigu lowered her eyes and curtsied: “Greetings, Your Highness. I am Li San’niang.”

Azhi nodded with a smile: “Good, Li San’niang… find a good spot for Li San’niang.”

Peng Huayue and Peng Jinxiu waved: “San’niang, come sit over here.”

After the three were seated, someone said: “Second Miss Chen, it’s your turn.”

Chen Erniang shyly waved her hand: “Oh my, I can’t think of anything.”

“No, no, today everyone present must tell a strange tale they’ve heard recently, or else drink as a penalty. Second Miss Chen, since you can’t drink, it won’t be fun if you don’t tell a story.”

Chen Erniang twisted the silk shawl hanging in the crook of her arm: “Alright, but you can’t laugh at me if I tell it poorly. My wet nurse returned to her hometown last month, and on her way back to Chang’an she heard of something strange. They say that at an inn she passed by, a married couple had stayed the night – the wife was four or five months pregnant, and they were coming to Chang’an to seek relatives. But that very night after checking in, the couple was killed in their bed. The wife’s death was particularly strange – the child in her belly had vanished without a trace.”

“Ah, it must have been child-snatchers!”

“No, they say ‘pregnancy takes ten months’ – a fetus so young couldn’t survive if stolen.”

Chen Erniang said: “I-I haven’t finished yet. My wet nurse said that wasn’t even the strangest part. That night, the guest in the next room said he heard a baby crying.”

Everyone gasped – this was too eerie. A four or five-month-old fetus couldn’t possibly make crying sounds, no matter what.

Azhi and Changyi were lost in thought for a moment, then said with lingering fear: “This story seems simple, but the more you think about it, the more creepy it becomes.”

She glanced through the window toward the rear deck: “Elder Brother must have heard of such fetus-stealing demons. Chen Erniang, pause for a moment – wait until Elder Brother comes in before continuing.”

There were no fewer people on the deck than in the cabin, though they were mostly young nobles – some playing flutes, some drinking tea, some competing in poetry – all completely at ease.

“Where is Elder Brother?”

“Isn’t that him fishing over there?”

At the bow, someone was casually holding a fishing rod. Everyone looked carefully – the youth was as radiant as the morning sun – it was indeed Lin Chengyou.

Lu Zhao’an sat beside Lin Chengyou, the two chatting and laughing, seemingly getting along well. However, looking more carefully, Lu Zhao’an’s back was already soaked with sweat.

Teng Yuyi stared puzzledly at Lu Zhao’an’s back. It was only early spring, and in such a breezy, comfortable environment, logically one shouldn’t be sweating profusely unless… the person was afraid or nervous.

Just then, a breeze came across the lake, carrying a faint trace of medicinal fragrance. Teng Yuyi sniffed – wasn’t this the scent of the barbarian medicine she had given Lin Chengyou yesterday? This medicine was different from Central Plains medicines, quite pungent and cooling – just a small application would leave a lasting fragrance. It seemed Lin Chengyou had indeed needed wound medicine and was already using it, though she didn’t know how effective it was.

Someone asked puzzledly: “Hm? Why is there a medicinal smell – is someone injured?”

Changyi suddenly said: “Did Elder Brother change his medicine?”

Azhi said: “Brother said he ran out of wound medicine and couldn’t find a suitable replacement right away, so he had to make do with something else temporarily.”

At this point, a maid came in helplessly to report: “The Young Master refuses to come in. He says he’s busy fishing and tells Your Highnesses to enjoy yourselves.”