Perhaps sensing that her previous aggressive attitude had displeased most of the Yanbei young ladies, Yan Ningshuang displayed a moment of grace this time, allowing Ren Yaoqi to pose the question first while she would identify the source.

Ren Yaoqi also wanted to test the depth of Miss Yan’s knowledge, so she didn’t decline. After thinking briefly, she said: “Future generations look forward to maintaining heavenly constancy. When farmers and craftsmen achieve their goals, men and women have clothing and food. The people treasure wealth, officials handle affairs…”

Before Ren Yaoqi could finish, Yan Ningshuang interrupted: “From ‘Records of Emperor Mu.’ Now your turn – ‘In the sea stands a golden tower, rising a hundred zhang from the water, its structure ingeniously beautiful, exhausting divine craftsmanship, casting horizontal light across rock shores, soaring brilliance toward the star-filled sky.’ From which text does this passage come?”

Ren Yaoqi answered quickly: “From ‘Records of the Netherworld.'”

Yan Ningshuang was somewhat surprised. ‘Records of the Netherworld’ was a collection of supernatural tales, and she hadn’t expected Ren Yaoqi to have read it as well.

The two then continued exchanging questions. To probe Yan Ningshuang’s foundation, Ren Yaoqi selected from various miscellaneous works, including history books, classical studies, travel records, geography, and other diverse categories. To Ren Yaoqi’s surprise, Yan Ningshuang could identify the sources of all of them. Though the books she tested were common ones, for someone of Yan Ningshuang’s age to have read all these works and still remember them was quite impressive. No wonder Yan Ningshuang dared speak so boldly about competing with her.

Yan Ningshuang, intent on defeating Ren Yaoqi, even tested her on astronomy and calendar calculations, medical texts and pharmaceutical classics, Buddhist scriptures, and Daoist treatises. But what shocked Yan Ningshuang was that no matter how obscure the sources of her quotes, Ren Yaoqi could always answer correctly. She possessed an eidetic memory, which allowed her to memorize all the books in her family’s study. Whether she understood them was secondary – she didn’t believe Ren Yaoqi possessed the same ability! Yet standing face to face, Ren Yaoqi had no way to cheat.

As the two exchanged questions back and forth, those watching below found it fascinating. Except for the three gentlemen, everyone present was female, and some of the book titles that Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang mentioned were ones they’d never even heard of, yet these two could quote passages or sentences at will.

The reason both Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang could answer each other’s questions was that whether Pei Zhiyan’s study or the Yan family’s study, both contained collections that encompassed most books circulating on the market. Especially Pei Zhiyan’s study. Many people arranged their studies by copying Imperial Tutor Pei’s collection. Unless they were rare, unique copies or precious editions that weren’t easily shown to others.

Seeing that it was nearly noon and the two still hadn’t determined a winner, with neither able to stump the other, Princess Consort glanced at the sky and consulted with Madam Xu: “Can we think of a way to determine the winner more quickly?”

Pei Zhiyan, sitting nearby, overheard their conversation and leisurely spoke up: “I do have a method that could help them determine a winner quickly.”

Princess Consort smiled: “What idea does Master Pei have? Please share.”

Hearing this, both Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang looked toward Pei Zhiyan.

Pei Zhiyan smiled slightly and asked Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang, “Have both young ladies thoroughly read ‘Autumn Sun Miscellany’?”

Just moments ago, Yan Ningshuang had quoted a passage from ‘Autumn Sun Miscellany’ for Ren Yaoqi to identify, which prompted Pei Zhiyan’s question. This book ‘Autumn Sun Miscellany’ wasn’t any masterwork – just some essays about customs and geography, painting and dance, flowers and birds, fish and insects written by an old scholar from the previous dynasty.

Ren Yaoqi replied: “I wouldn’t say thoroughly read. I’ve glanced through it briefly.”

Yan Ningshuang glanced at Ren Yaoqi: “I’ve also glanced through it briefly.”

Pei Zhiyan nodded and smiled: “Then this is perfectly fair. I’ll ask a question related to this book, and whoever answers it wins. How about that?”

Pei Zhiyan looked toward Ren Yaoqi. Previously, Yan Ningshuang had posed the questions, giving Miss Yan the advantage. Strictly speaking, Ren Yaoqi had been at a disadvantage. The other two gentlemen and the nanny sent by the Empress Dowager all felt this arrangement was acceptable.

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi didn’t mind and bowed respectfully: “I have no objections.”

Though Yan Ningshuang appeared to have the advantage, her face showed no joy – beads of sweat were already forming on her forehead. Originally thinking that with her extensive reading, she could easily defeat Ren Yaoqi, she hadn’t expected Ren Yaoqi to be so formidable. Now that Pei Zhiyan proposed to pose the question, though she trusted that Pei Zhiyan wouldn’t stoop to helping Ren Yaoqi scheme against her, Yan Ningshuang remained cautious about anything without guaranteed victory.

Now she was the only one left representing those sent by the Empress Dowager. She couldn’t lose to Ren Yaoqi, or she’d have no way to report back to Empress Dowager, and she’d never be able to hold her head up in the Yan family again.

However, while Miss Yan wanted time to consider, those around her wouldn’t give her that opportunity. After all, everyone had been sitting here for half the day and was getting hungry. The nannies sent by the Empress Dowager, fearing that Yanbei Prince’s mansion and Ren Yaoqi might change their minds, hurriedly accepted on Yan Ningshuang’s behalf.

Pei Zhiyan leaned back in his chair, tilted his head in brief contemplation, then asked: “Scholar Wei once visited a place locals called Tiger Hollow. What was the main food the Tiger Hollow villagers ate in winter?”

Hearing this, Yan Ningshuang froze and thought carefully, then said: “Master Pei, ‘Autumn Sun Miscellany’ doesn’t mention this.”

Pei Zhiyan smiled amiably: “Is Miss Yan certain? What about Miss Ren?”

Ren Yaoqi stood there with a somewhat peculiar expression – this scenario was all too familiar to her.

“Miss Ren?” Seeing Ren Yaoqi remain silent, Pei Zhiyan called her name again.

Ren Yaoqi cleared her throat softly: “Sweet potatoes and bok choy.”

Pei Zhiyan raised an eyebrow, amusement spreading through his eyes as he nodded and praised: “Correct.”

Yan Ningshuang’s expression changed as she argued: “‘Autumn Sun Miscellany’ doesn’t mention the main winter food of Tiger Hollow villagers.”

Pei Zhiyan looked toward Ren Yaoqi with a smile: “What does Miss Ren think?”

Ren Yaoqi suddenly felt like laughing, but maintained her serious demeanor: “The essay about ‘Tiger Hollow’ indeed doesn’t mention it, but in the same book’s piece about neighboring county Ziyang’s ‘Yuyang Mountain,’ it says Scholar Wei climbed the mountain with friends during the Double Ninth Festival and met a woodcutter whose daughter-in-law was from Tiger Hollow, and, ahem, mentioned something about food.”

Pei Zhiyan looked toward Yan Ningshuang again: “Miss Yan?”

Yan Ningshuang bit her lip, her face pale, her eyes reddening.

A nearby nanny quickly said, “Master Pei, perhaps ask another question? The two young ladies aren’t quite ready yet.”

Pei Zhiyan glanced at the nanny with amusement, lowered his head to drink tea, and said nothing.

Someone below mocked: “Yes, it’s best to ask something Miss Yan knows but Miss Ren doesn’t – then both young ladies would be ‘ready.'”

This left the nanny’s face burning with embarrassment. Though she represented the Empress Dowager, these unruly people in Yanbei wouldn’t show her any deference.

Instead, Ren Yaoqi graciously said: “Master Pei, please pose another question.” Otherwise, she’d feel like she’d run home to tattle and bring adults to gang up on Yan Ningshuang, which seemed rather unfair.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi say this, Pei Zhiyan replied: “Then I’ll ask one more question.” He looked at Yan Ningshuang and asked with a smile: “Have you both read ‘Collection of Strange Tales’ and ‘Yinchuan County Records’?”

These two books were ones Yan Ningshuang had previously used to test Ren Yaoqi, so from appearances, Pei Zhiyan was still being considerate of Yan Ningshuang.

Ren Yaoqi nodded, as did Yan Ningshuang.

Pei Zhiyan spoke in gentle, warm tones: “‘Collection of Strange Tales’ mentions a sea demon with a bird’s head, snake’s body, and fleshy wings that hides by day, emerges at night, and feeds on fresh brain matter. My question is: if a clan of over three hundred sea demons migrated from Minchuan County to Yuyang County in the summer of Guangyuan year twenty-two, how long would the journey take?”

Another inexplicable question. Yan Ningshuang mentally calculated the distance from Minchuan County to Yuyang County. Though sea demons had fleshy wings, according to the book’s description, they couldn’t fly for extended periods before needing to hunt for food, and their movements were sluggish. Converting this, it would take at least a month. However, Yan Ningshuang didn’t dare answer casually and couldn’t help glancing at Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi’s face showed no excess expression, making it impossible to tell whether she knew the answer.

Seeing Yan Ningshuang hesitate, Pei Zhiyan leisurely added, “If your answers are the same, whoever gives the correct answer first wins.”

Just as Ren Yaoqi was about to speak, Yan Ningshuang quickly interjected: “Probably about a month.”

Pei Zhiyan remained noncommittal and looked toward Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi said, “They wouldn’t reach Yuyang. ‘Yinchuan County Records’ records that starting from late spring of Guangyuan year twenty-two, a large-scale plague broke out near Dazhou and Lizhou. Both Minchuan County and Yuyang County were in the severely affected areas – ten houses out of ten were empty, with barely any living souls to be seen.”

Pei Zhiyan laughed heartily, nodded, and said, “Excellent.” Then, ignoring the nanny beside him frantically signaling with her eyes, he simply stood and left.

The color quickly drained from Yan Ningshuang’s face. She could hardly believe she had lost to Ren Yaoqi. Faint laughter drifted up from below, and Yan Ningshuang felt all these sounds were mocking her. The words she’d spoken before competing with Ren Yaoqi now felt like slaps to her face.

Seeing Yan Ningshuang’s distracted state, Ren Yaoqi said nothing to her and returned to her seat. The court’s ten accomplished ladies had all made their appearances. Though many Yanbei ladies had yet to take the stage, everyone knew this year’s Thousand Gold Banquet’s main event had concluded.

Ren Yaoqi had single-handedly defeated the ten ladies sent by the Empress Dowager, winning beautifully. She not only brought honor to Yanbei Prince’s mansion but also made all the other Yanbei ladies proud. Though many envied and resented her success, compared to Yan Ningshuang and her companions, most Yanbei people preferred Ren Yaoqi’s victory.

Princess Consort was in excellent spirits today. After saying a few polite words, she prepared to withdraw. After the noon meal and brief rest, the Thousand Gold Banquet would continue, but Ren Yaoqi’s mission was already perfectly accomplished. Coming down from the stage, she breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Seeing this, Princess Consort couldn’t help but smile and praise: “Today’s victory was truly magnificent.”

Xiao Jinglin also said nearby: “Those people carefully selected by Empress Dowager – I thought they’d be so impressive.”

Ren Yaoqi felt rather embarrassed, remembering how Xiao Jinglin had hidden someone’s bowl earlier, and couldn’t help asking: “You can do magic tricks too?”

Xiao Jinglin curved her lips: “What magic tricks? Just quick hands, that’s all.”

Ren Yaoqi asked curiously: “Where did you hide her bowl?” The poor girl had cried from frustration.

Xiao Jinglin coughed lightly and whispered: “When I waved my sleeve, I loosened my grip – the bowl fell onto my shoe, then I hid it under my skirt.”

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help laughing, which made Xiao Jinglin feel somewhat embarrassed.

They had originally planned to return to Lanyue Pavilion with Princess Consort for the meal, but just as they returned to Lanyue Pavilion, Grand Consort Yun’s maid arrived. Grand Consort Yun invited Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin to dine at her Feiwu Pavilion.

After Grand Consort Yun’s servant left, Xiao Jinglin looked at Ren Yaoqi and frowned: “Perhaps you should stay behind while I go alone. I’ll say you’re unwell.” Xiao Jinglin had noticed last time that Grand Consort Yun didn’t like Ren Yaoqi, especially after yesterday’s incident – who knew if her grandmother might take her frustrations out on Ren Yaoqi?

Ren Yaoqi also knew Grand Consort Yun disliked her, so she wasn’t sure why Grand Consort Yun would invite her for a meal. However, Grand Consort Yun was an elder, and one who had opinions about her. Ren Yaoqi didn’t want to be too contrary, especially since there was no major conflict or clash of interests between them. If harmonious coexistence were possible, that would be ideal. If not, at least they shouldn’t be antagonistic.

After thinking, Ren Yaoqi went to consult the Princess Consort.

Princess Consort considered this and said: “Since Grand Consort has invited you both for a meal, you should make the trip.”

Seeing Princess Consort say this as well, Ren Yaoqi changed into fresh clothes and went to Feiwu Pavilion with Xiao Jinglin.

Grand Consort Yun still sat on the arhat bed in the side room, her face maintaining its cold demeanor. When Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin came forward to pay their respects, she nodded and had them sit.

As before, the atmosphere was somewhat tense and silent.

Grand Consort Yun instructed her maid: “The meal may be served.”

While waiting for the meal to be arranged, after Grand Consort Yun had drunk several sips of tea, she finally spoke: “Have you read many books?”

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Grand Consort Yun, unsure of her intent behind this question, and could only answer cautiously: “I’ve read some of the books in my father’s study.”

Grand Consort Yun nodded: “Good memory.”

Ren Yaoqi blinked, unable to determine whether Grand Consort Yun’s words were meant as praise. She could only smile, not knowing how to respond.

Grand Consort Yun seemed to sense Ren Yaoqi’s careful caution in her presence and didn’t want to ask anything more. So the three began sipping tea again, one sip at a time.

Fortunately, the meal was quickly arranged, and Grand Consort Yun led them to be seated. Only the three of them were dining, yet dishes filled an entire eight-immortals table.

Grand Consort Yun wasn’t talkative. Her maid smiled and said, “Princess, please see if today’s dishes are to your liking?”

Xiao Jinglin nodded: “Most are things I enjoy eating.”

The maid smiled: “These were specifically ordered by Grand Consort herself.”

Xiao Jinglin was somewhat surprised, then quickly said: “Thank you, Grandmother.”

Grand Consort Yun nodded without comment, picked up an eggplant box with her chopsticks first, indicating that Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi could begin eating.

The maid, apparently accustomed to serving Grand Consort Yun, had a kind smile on her face as she said to Ren Yaoqi: “Miss Ren, please tell this servant what dishes you prefer, so I can remember them. Next time you dine at Grand Consort’s, this servant will have the kitchen prepare your favorites.”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was almost overwhelmed with gratitude.

The maid’s words clearly expressed friendliness toward her. As Grand Consort Yun’s trusted maid, this represented Grand Consort Yun extending friendship.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at the silent Grand Consort Yun and replied carefully: “I’m not picky with food – I like whatever Princess likes.”

Hearing this, the maid smiled sweetly and came forward to serve her soup.

Throughout the meal, Grand Consort Yun spoke barely a few sentences from beginning to end. Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin also didn’t talk much, and the three ate their meal in silence.

After the meal, the maids attended to their hand-washing and mouth-rinsing, then served tea.

Grand Consort Yun didn’t dismiss them, so they followed her back to the side room to continue drinking tea.

When they’d nearly finished their tea, Grand Consort Yun suddenly told her maid: “Bring the items.”

The maid acknowledged and withdrew, returning shortly with a pair of red lacquered carved boxes.

“Give them one each,” Grand Consort Yun said quietly.

Thus, Ren Yaoqi found a six-inch square red lacquered carved box inlaid with cloisonné pressed into her hands, quite heavy to the touch.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jinglin inquiringly. Xiao Jinglin shook her head, indicating she didn’t know what this situation meant either.

The maid smiled: “Princess and Miss Ren, please open them and look.”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin opened their boxes. Ren Yaoqi looked down and froze – inside were hair ornaments and jewelry. Though Ren Yaoqi didn’t examine them closely, just the gems embedded in the golden step-shake lying on top were of excellent quality.

“Grandmother, what is this?” Xiao Jinglin raised an eyebrow and asked.

Grand Consort Yun said, “I have no use for them. You two take them to wear.”

Now, Ren Yaoqi was truly overwhelmed – she almost thought her previous feeling that Grand Consort Yun disliked her was just her imagination.

Grand Consort Yun paused, then added: “I know you’re not lacking such things, but it’s still an elder’s sentiment. Please accept them.”

Xiao Jinglin looked at Grand Consort Yun, then glanced at Ren Yaoqi, and smiled as she accepted the box: “Thank you, Grandmother.”

Ren Yaoqi also had to accept Grand Consort Yun’s gift: “Thank you, Grand Consort.”

Grand Consort Yun nodded and sat silently for a while longer. She waved her hand: “You may go rest. You’re tired today as well. Tell Princess Consort that I won’t be going over this afternoon.”

Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi agreed and withdrew.

After leaving Feiwu Pavilion and walking a good distance, Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi exchanged glances, then returned to Lanyue Pavilion in silence.

The two went to Princess Consort together, carrying the jewelry boxes Grand Consort had given them.

Princess Consort opened their jewelry boxes to look, then said casually, “Since they’re given to you, keep them.”

Seeing no outsiders in the room, Xiao Jinglin spoke quite directly: “Mother, doesn’t Grandmother dislike Yaoqi? What happened today?”

Grand Consort giving her jewelry was understandable – after all, she was her biological grandmother. Though her usual attitude was rather cold, she hadn’t been lacking in gifts during holidays and festivals. She treated her reasonably well. But last time they met, Grand Consort Yun’s displeasure with Ren Yaoqi was obvious – how had her attitude changed so quickly?

Princess Consort didn’t directly answer Xiao Jinglin’s question. She thought for a moment, then turned to Ren Yaoqi: “What do you think, Yaoqi?”

Ren Yaoqi looked at Princess Consort, feeling somewhat uncomfortable since she wasn’t yet part of the Xiao family, while Princess Consort and Grand Consort Yun were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Princess Consort smiled: “There are no outsiders here. Say whatever comes to mind – no one will blame you if you’re wrong.”

Ren Yaoqi asked tentatively: “Is it because of yesterday’s incident?”

Princess Consort smiled and nodded: “You’re a clever child. So accept the gifts with peace of mind.”

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Princess Consort and nodded without saying more.

Xiao Jinglin was about to ask when Nanny Xin entered, apparently having something to report to Princess Consort. Seeing this, Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin withdrew.

Back in their room, Xiao Jinglin asked Ren Yaoqi: “You just said Grandmother’s attitude changed because of yesterday’s incident?”

Ren Yaoqi nodded, handing her jewelry box to a maid to put away, then pulled Xiao Jinglin to sit on the kang: “If it hadn’t been Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang yesterday, but people from some other family, how would Yanbei Prince’s mansion have dealt with them?”

Xiao Jinglin thought: “Whether they could keep their lives would be questionable.”

“Then why were Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang unharmed?” Ren Yaoqi raised an eyebrow.

Xiao Jinglin understood immediately: “Naturally, because my grandmother was protecting them.”

Seeing Xiao Jinglin understood, Ren Yaoqi said no more.

Grand Consort Yun had protected Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang, allowing them to return to the Yun family unharmed without pursuing the Yun family’s responsibility. This naturally involved Yanbei Prince’s mansion, making compromises.

Understanding this in her heart, Grand Consort Yun also gave face to Princess Consort and Xiao Jingxi. So today, Grand Consort Yun helped her save face, invited her for a meal, and even gave her a box of jewelry – this was actually because she felt indebted to Princess Consort and Xiao Jingxi.

Though knowing Grand Consort Yun’s actions weren’t due to a change of heart about her, Ren Yaoqi didn’t find Grand Consort Yun’s behavior disagreeable.

As Yanbei Prince’s birth mother, Princess Consort’s mother-in-law, and Xiao Jingxi’s grandmother, Grand Consort Yun didn’t consider everything she did as naturally justified. At least after covering for her family members, she still understood she was in the wrong and knew to seek ways to remedy and compensate. There were too many people in this world who used their status, position, seniority, and age to act willfully. In comparison, Grand Consort Yun was quite understandable.

As for whether Grand Consort Yun liked her or not, Ren Yaoqi didn’t insist. No one could be comprehensive enough to make everyone like them – being able to achieve mutual respect was already very good.

After the noon rest, the afternoon Thousand Gold Banquet continued.

However, compared to the morning’s liveliness, the afternoon seemed much quieter.

Neither Old Princess Consort nor Grand Consort Yun attended. Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu also didn’t appear, reportedly resting in their quarters after being exhausted in the morning.

Though Ren Yaoqi still sat with Madam Xu and the others, starting from the afternoon, only Yanbei ladies took the stage, and no one specifically requested “Master Ren’s” guidance. Compared to the morning, Ren Yaoqi spent this afternoon very leisurely.

After the day’s Thousand Gold Banquet concluded, several Yanbei young ladies came over to find Ren Yaoqi, saying they wanted to see Shaniu.

What Ren Yaoqi didn’t know was that since last night’s majestic appearance by Shaniu, the entire hot spring manor was filled with legends about Shaniu. Though these wealthy young ladies had a natural fear of fierce beasts, quite a few were curious, especially since those who’d seen how the fierce-looking tiger became as docile as a cat upon seeing Ren Yaoqi were very envious.

Learning of this, Princess Consort smiled: “Take them to see her then. But remember to keep a safe distance and don’t let anyone get hurt.”

Princess Consort’s intention was also to help Ren Yaoqi become familiar with these young ladies from prominent Yanbei families, making future social interactions more convenient after marrying into the Yanbei Prince’s mansion.

Since Princess Consort had spoken, Ren Yaoqi naturally agreed.

So Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin took some bold young ladies to Qizhen Garden.

These ladies all had lively personalities, chattering excitedly along the way.

Someone specifically tried to flatter Ren Yaoqi: “Miss Ren, you’re truly amazing. Those people sent by the court were all arrogant, thinking they were so superior, but in the end, they all fell to you.”

“Yes, especially that Miss Yan, relying on being from the Empress Dowager’s family to speak wildly, thinking she was truly learned and talented! In the end, Master Pei tested her and exposed her true nature. People like her could study books their whole lives and still not pass the scholar examination – just blockheads!”

This young lady came from a good family background, was young, and had a straightforward personality. Earlier, when Yan Ningshuang was competing with Ren Yaoqi, she’d been making snide comments below, not fearing to offend anyone.

Though Ren Yaoqi disliked Yan Ningshuang, she didn’t enjoy speaking ill of people behind their backs, so she frowned. Just as she was about to remind these young ladies to watch their words, someone nearby coughed heavily.

Looking up, Ren Yaoqi saw Yan Ningshuang standing under a tree at a nearby fork in the path, looking at them with a very unpleasant expression. She’d already heard the two young ladies gossiping about her.

The Yanbei ladies also felt somewhat awkward.

Yan Ningshuang didn’t look at anyone else, just stared coldly at Ren Yaoqi for a moment, then turned and walked away without a word.

Xiao Jinglin glanced at Ren Yaoqi and whispered, “Looks like she’s holding this against you.”

Ren Yaoqi smiled helplessly and whispered back, “She didn’t like me even without this incident.”

The young lady who’d been chattering earlier asked curiously: “What are Princess and Miss Ren talking about?”

Xiao Jinglin looked at her expressionlessly: “We’re discussing solutions for when you’re caught talking behind someone’s back. Would you like to hear?”

The young girl’s face reddened as she stuck out her tongue and lowered her head, not daring to speak.

Yan Ningshuang walked ahead of them, and when they nearly reached Qizhen Garden, they saw that Yan Ningshuang was also heading to Qizhen Garden, especially since the maid beside her was carrying a food box.

Everyone couldn’t help but be curious about what Yan Ningshuang was doing.

After Xiao Jinglin entered the garden, she found someone to ask where Shaniu was currently.

“Reporting to Princess, the Young Master just took Shaniu for a bath,” a woman in the garden quickly replied.

Xiao Jingxi was here too? Xiao Jinglin raised an eyebrow at Ren Yaoqi.

The young ladies following behind also began whispering among themselves. Second Young Master Xiao had always been elusive – many hadn’t even seen his true appearance, let alone had contact with him. They couldn’t help feeling curious.

However, Xiao Jinglin had no intention of satisfying these people’s curiosity. She nodded and instructed the woman: “We’ll wait in the pavilion ahead. After Shaniu finishes her bath, have someone bring her over.”

The woman quickly acknowledged and left.

Xiao Jinglin pulled Ren Yaoqi along with the dozen or so young ladies to the pavilion in the center of Qizhen Garden.

Ren Yaoqi glanced in the direction Yan Ningshuang had gone. Xiao Jinglin noticed and whispered beside her: “Don’t worry. Even if she wants to find someone, she definitely can’t get close. There are guards everywhere in this garden. If she can still find Xiao Jingxi under these circumstances, that would mean… Xiao Jingxi wanted to see her!”

Ren Yaoqi: “…”

They didn’t wait long before Shaniu arrived, and it was certain that Xiao Jingxi had no intention of seeing Yan Ningshuang, because Xiao Jingxi appeared with Shaniu.

These young ladies had originally been frightened by the suddenly appearing fierce beast and that heart-stopping roar, nearly screaming and fleeing in panic, but when they saw the man following behind the white tiger, they froze and forgot to run.

Xiao Jingxi bent slightly and patted Shaniu’s head, timely stopping the white tiger that wanted to bound over playfully. The handsome man in black robes with dark hair and ethereal bearing, standing together with the majestic white tiger, created a scene that made all the women present blush and their hearts race. Even the originally fierce and dangerous wild beast seemed to lose its prestige.

Xiao Jinglin cleared her throat, breaking the strange silence.

The young ladies came to their senses, all blushing as they lowered their heads and curtsied. Though no one mentioned who this man was, everyone already knew the answer in their hearts.

Xiao Jingxi nodded to them.

Xiao Jinglin pulled Ren Yaoqi over, and Shaniu immediately stretched her head over to nuzzle them.

“Did you just take her for a bath?” Xiao Jinglin asked.

Xiao Jingxi replied: “Before I could start, you all arrived.”

Shaniu sat there happily wagging her tail, clearly pleased that she’d just escaped a bath.

Among the young ladies, some bolder ones, seeing how docile Shaniu was, approached and curiously tried to imitate Xiao Jinglin by touching Shaniu’s head. Unexpectedly, the white tiger that had just been as gentle as a kitten suddenly stood up and bared its sharp fangs at the young lady reaching toward it, letting out an earth-shaking low growl that scared the young lady into screaming and falling to the ground.

Ren Yaoqi quickly had someone help the young lady up. Xiao Jinglin smacked the show-off Shaniu.

“Shaniu doesn’t let strangers touch her head. Don’t touch her and she won’t hurt you,” Xiao Jinglin glanced at the young lady, rarely explaining to Shaniu.

A tiger’s head and rear are equally untouchable – even as a tiger, one must maintain dignity!

Xiao Jinglin took Shaniu to play her favorite spinning wheel game in the garden. The young ladies found it fascinating and followed to watch, though they didn’t dare get too close. Some watched the tiger while secretly stealing glances at Second Young Master Xiao.

Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi didn’t follow. Standing behind watching the two of them, they truly looked like a perfect pair.

Xiao Jingxi was in excellent spirits as he teased, “Master Ren, congratulations.”

Ren Yaoqi glanced at him: “Master Xiao, what joy do I have?”

Xiao Jingxi’s lips curved: “Overwhelming victory and widespread fame – doesn’t that count?”

Ren Yaoqi glared at him: “Why didn’t you give me advance notice?”

Without realizing it, Ren Yaoqi’s complaint sounded like coquetry. Though it seemed like reproach, it came across as flirtation. Hearing this made Xiao Jingxi’s heart flutter as he looked at her and said softly, “You secretly used my techniques without giving me advance notice either.”

Ren Yaoqi’s face reddened as she fell silent.

She hadn’t thought much when playing chess earlier, but having Xiao Jingxi mention it now made it seem intimate.

Seeing her silence, Xiao Jingxi smiled and said, “Are you angry? From now on, all my techniques are yours to use. When you win, I share in the glory.”

Just as the two were talking in this pleasant atmosphere, someone who couldn’t stand seeing them happy had to interfere.

Yan Ningshuang appeared from nowhere, looking displeased as she approached them.

“Master Xiao,” Yan Ningshuang’s eyes saw only Xiao Jingxi as she blushed and curtsied.

Xiao Jingxi nodded, though his expression remained unchanged; he was already somewhat displeased.

Yan Ningshuang looked at Xiao Jingxi: “Master Xiao, could I speak with you privately? I have important matters to discuss.”

Xiao Jingxi frowned and replied politely but coldly: “Miss Yan, if you have business, you may seek out Princess Consort or Jinglin. I don’t handle inner courtyard affairs.”

Yan Ningshuang quickly said, “I’m not speaking of inner courtyard matters.” She glanced at Ren Yaoqi and added, “Master Xiao, I won’t take much of your time.”

Xiao Jingxi considered this, then called over his attendant Tongxi and said to Yan Ningshuang courteously: “Miss Yan may discuss outer courtyard matters with my servant. He can handle many things on my behalf or relay messages to me.”

Hearing this, deep disappointment appeared in Yan Ningshuang’s eyes. She wanted to say something, but with Ren Yaoqi present, she couldn’t bring herself to plead with Xiao Jingxi. She could humble herself and set aside her dignity before Xiao Jingxi to gain a single glance from him, but she wasn’t willing to display her humble side to anyone other than Xiao Jingxi.

Yan Ningshuang’s eyes dimmed as she looked at Xiao Jingxi, then finally walked away.

Xiao Jingxi didn’t linger long either. After Tonghe came looking for him and they’d talked briefly, Second Young Master Xiao had to leave first.

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help wondering whether Yan Ningshuang’s claim of having business with Xiao Jingxi was real or just an excuse.

Yan Ningshuang was still in Qizhen Garden, sitting in the pavilion with her head down, lost in thought.