“The fifth day?” Yunyi said in surprise: “Wasn’t it said before that we’d return on the second day?”

“Isn’t it good to let you rest at home for a few more days?” Without waiting for Yunyi to speak, Li Shimin continued: “Don’t worry, Second Mother has already agreed, and your monthly wages will be paid as usual – not a single copper coin will be missing.”

“Thank you, Second Young Master.” Though Yunyi didn’t know why Li Shimin would suddenly interfere in the music pavilion’s affairs and suddenly give them so many extra days off, for her it was ultimately a good thing.

“I’ll walk you back.” With these words, the two walked side by side on the quiet cobblestone path, neither speaking, walking silently. It was still early, and they didn’t encounter many people along the way.

Li Shimin was the first to break the somewhat oppressive atmosphere: “After you returned last night, was everything alright?”

Yunyi glanced at him and said indifferently: “Everything was fine. Second Young Master also looks well – it seems you enjoyed yourself greatly last night.” For some reason, when saying these words, she felt somewhat uncomfortable, though she couldn’t specify exactly what it was.

Li Shimin stopped walking and stared at her with a strange expression, then began to laugh, leaving Yunyi puzzled. She asked incomprehendingly: “What is Second Young Master laughing about?”

Li Shimin suppressed his laughter: “Do you think I frequently visit Wanhua Tower?”

Yunyi’s face reddened as she turned away: “Where Second Young Master likes to go is your business. Meixue wouldn’t dare to overstep…”

Li Shimin interrupted: “I have indeed been going there frequently recently, but not for the reasons you think.”

“Any man who goes to a brothel has only one purpose. Meixue has never heard of a second one.” Faced with Yunyi’s words, Li Shimin sighed softly: “Living in this world, there are too many things beyond our control, just like how you came to the Governor’s residence to be a dancing girl – wasn’t that also beyond your control?”

Yunyi was silent for a moment, then said quietly: “But I’ve never heard that going to brothels also involves being ‘beyond one’s control.'”

“Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” Li Shimin didn’t continue with this topic. When he saw the house where Yunyi lived, he said: “After you pack your things, hurry home. Don’t delay. As for the reward of five hundred coins, after the accounting office calculates it, I’ll have someone deliver it to your home.”

Yunyi looked at him for a while: “Is Second Young Master afraid that Lord Wang will pester me again?”

Seeing that she had seen through his thoughts, Li Shimin didn’t deny it: “After you left last night, Wang Wei asked about you several more times, all of which I deflected. But seeing his interest in you, I’m afraid he won’t give up easily. So during this period, it’s safer for you to go home. By the time you return on the fifth day, they should be departing.”

Yunyi looked at him for a while, then curtsied: “Thank you, Second Young Master, for helping Meixue out of trouble.”

Li Shimin smiled: “You’re one of my household’s people – naturally I should protect you. Besides, last night’s incident was also due to my lack of consideration.” He knew Wang Wei and his companion were difficult to serve, but hadn’t expected them to be so lustful. Fortunately, he had arranged for Chenxiang and her sister to come to the residence in advance, otherwise this situation would have been hard to resolve.

“Meixue takes her leave.” Having performed this courtesy, Yunyi turned to go. After walking a few steps, she stopped and looked back at Li Shimin, who hadn’t yet left, her words hesitant as she lightly bit her crimson lips.

Li Shimin walked over: “What do you want to say?”

Staring at her reflection in his eyes, Yunyi finally couldn’t help asking: “Beyond one’s control… is it really true?”

Hearing this question, Li Shimin’s lips curved in a slight smile: “Of course!”

These two words made Yunyi’s heart feel clear and no longer blocked with discomfort. After performing another courtesy, she returned to her room to pack her bundle. Jiang Caiping, who was still sleeping, woke up hearing the sounds and rubbed her sleepy eyes: “Sister, what are you doing?”

While packing, Yunyi said: “Second Young Master just went to see Nanny Yang and said we can go home today, not returning until the fifth day. Our monthly wages will be paid as usual, and we’ll each get an additional reward of five hundred coins!”

Jiang Caiping stared at her blankly, and it took quite a while before she came to her senses. Without even putting on her clothes, she got out of bed barefoot and ran to Yunyi: “Sister, you’re not joking with me, are you? Return on the fifth day… and get five hundred coins as a reward?”

Yunyi quickly took the clothes from nearby and draped them over Jiang Caiping, chiding: “You silly girl, aren’t you afraid of catching cold?” Seeing Jiang Caiping staring at her without speaking, she said with amusement: “I’m not joking with you. Nanny Yang said it herself, and Second Young Master was there too. It’s absolutely true – otherwise, why would I be packing?”

Learning that this was real, Jiang Caiping became extremely happy, clapping and laughing until Yunyi shook her head: “Alright, alright, quickly put on your clothes, or you’ll spend this New Year sick in bed. Then see what you’ll do!”

Jiang Caiping nodded repeatedly, hurriedly putting on her clothes and shoes. Halfway through dressing, she couldn’t help but smile with squinted eyes, counting on her fingers: “From today to the fifth day, we can rest for a full six or seven days! Not only do we get our regular wages, but extra reward money too. Hehe, this is wonderful! Not just in Honghua Commandery – even in Chang’an or Luoyang, you probably couldn’t find such a good job.” After a pause, she continued: “With these five hundred coins, I can buy some white sugar cakes for my big and little brothers – they’ve always wanted to try them. And I can buy some delicious food for father and mother too.”

“Alright, quickly finish dressing, pack your things, and then go to the accounting office. Second Young Master should have given instructions by now.”

Hearing this, Jiang Caiping quickly finished dressing and washing, then hurriedly packed her bundle. Seeing that Yunyi was about to leave, she quickly said: “Sister, wait for me – I’ll be ready soon!”

Yunyi carefully placed a newly made outfit in her bundle and said casually: “I’m not going to the accounting office. I want to go home early to see father. Second Young Master said he’ll have someone deliver it in a few days.”

Jiang Caiping was about to agree when her expression suddenly changed, and she grabbed Yunyi who was preparing to leave: “Sister, what did Second Young Master say to you early this morning?”

Yunyi was puzzled by her question: “Wasn’t it just what I told you? What else could there be?”

“No, there must be something else.” Jiang Caiping said with certainty: “Last night you wouldn’t let me mention Second Young Master, but today you keep saying ‘Second Young Master’ this and ‘Second Young Master’ that. In just this short time, you’ve said it three or four times.” As she spoke, she seemed to discover something else and pointed at Yunyi’s face: “And, and when you mention Second Young Master, sister, you smile! And you say there’s nothing?”

Yunyi touched her cheek and scolded lightly: “Nonsense, I’m not smiling.”

“I’m not talking nonsense! If you don’t believe me, see for yourself.” Jiang Caiping pulled Yunyi to the bronze mirror to let her see her own appearance clearly.

The woman in the mirror had smiling eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, clearly showing… No, this was impossible. Li Shimin had caused Moping’s death – he was her enemy. How could she possibly…

It was wrong, something was definitely wrong. She would not fall for Li Shimin – absolutely not!