The carriage stopped in front of the courtyard, and Xia Zirui got out first to negotiate with the people who came forward. Jing Hengbo got out and looked around, seeing smooth roads, continuous high walls, and pavilions with flying eaves stretching endlessly—the peaceful atmosphere of a noble residence. She nodded with satisfaction.

Today she prepared to start her Dahuang entrepreneurship dressed as a simple businesswoman. She didn’t wear her own skirts or palace attire, but ordinary Dahuang women’s clothing. She wore a veiled hat with a face veil hanging down. Her recent public appearances had all been in front of large crowds, and she feared being recognized, which would make price increases and such matters troublesome.

The seller seemed properly mannered, worthy of the upbringing from a prominent family. Only a long-robed, pale-faced man standing to the side, who never spoke, kept staring at Zirui with unblinking eyes, making people somewhat uncomfortable. However, Jing Hengbo expressed understanding—those able to undertake female official positions in Dahuang’s imperial palace were all women of both talent and beauty. A female official like Zirui, who had received years of noble etiquette cultivation, could serve as a model for women. Ordinary daughters of good families absolutely couldn’t compare, so attracting a few more glances was normal.

With Zirui in front, Yong Xue being young and unremarkable in appearance, and Jing Hengbo wearing a veil, the others paid no attention to these two. Yu Chun and his men, as usual, didn’t approach closely but waited far away nearby. It was just discussing house matters, and this family’s background was clear—there really wouldn’t be any danger.

After entering and sitting down for tea and conversation, the price had already been discussed previously. This was just bringing Jing Hengbo to see and confirm. Along the way, Jing Hengbo was very satisfied with the courtyard’s size and scenery, already sketching blueprints for the future renovated photo studio in her mind. Seeing her expression, Su Zirui knew it had passed, so she smiled and said to the steward, “Since the land guarantor is also here, why don’t we sign the contract now?”

The steward was about to agree when the long-robed, pale-faced man suddenly said, “Wait. This young lady, my master has some additional requirements for this property’s rental.”

Xia Zirui looked at him in surprise. The steward was about to introduce him when the man stopped him, only smiling at Xia Zirui, “Miss, a word in private?”

The steward shrank his neck and said nothing.

Xia Zirui was, after all, someone from the palace with little exposure to worldly affairs. Hearing this, she didn’t think much of it and said to Jing Hengbo, “I’ll be right back,” following the other party out.

Yong Xue looked somewhat uneasy, blinking at Su Zirui’s retreating figure, hesitating for a while without speaking. Though Jing Hengbo found it somewhat strange, perhaps the other party had some unspeakable difficulties they didn’t want to mention publicly. She rested her chin, thinking about house renovation matters for a while, then casually picked up the tea on the table and took a sip.

After thinking a bit more, she suddenly felt—why was there double vision before her eyes? Why were her head and eyelids getting heavier and heavier? Also, why hadn’t Zirui returned yet?

She forced her eyes open and saw Yong Xue’s frightened face. The scenery across from her seemed to sway in water reflections, and the steward had withdrawn far away with his servants.

“Damn… isn’t knockout drug supposed to be sour in legends…” she mumbled, then collapsed headfirst.

…

“Splash!” A downpour rained down from overhead—instantly crystal clear and thoroughly refreshing…

Jing Hengbo opened her eyes hazily to see several women and servants in front of her, holding empty basins and glaring at her: “Awake? If you’re awake, get out quickly! Any delay and you’ll get the rod!” Then another basin of water splashed, waking up Yong Xue beside her.

The thoroughly soaked Jing Hengbo climbed up, discovering fortunately she wasn’t tied up, just completely drenched. The veil was wet and stuck uncomfortably to her face, so she simply tore it off and wiped the water from her face.

Everything went quiet for a moment. The women and servants seemed stunned by her beauty, looking at each other. Someone said, “Hey! Didn’t expect there was a good one here too!”

Jing Hengbo looked around, discovering this seemed to be a woodshed or similar place. From the outside scenery, it was still the same courtyard as before.

“What’s going on? Where’s Zirui?” She frowned.

“Your young lady?” A woman sneered coldly. “She trespassed into our residence, disturbed our young master, causing our young master’s heartache to flare up, nearly killing him. Now she’s voluntarily staying to serve our young master in atonement. Our residence won’t pursue your crimes anymore, so hurry up and pack up and get lost!”

“Your residence? Which residence?”

“Just saying it would scare you to death!” The woman was impatient. “Told you to scram, so scram quickly. Your young lady being favored by our young master is her fortune. If you don’t leave, are you willing to stay too?”

Jing Hengbo wanted to laugh. What was wrong with Dahuang? She encountered playboys everywhere she went.

Originally she wanted to punish these servants, but hearing this woman’s tone, though not pleasant, her intentions weren’t bad. Probably because the other party was powerful, she didn’t want her to resist forcefully and get herself involved too.

“You’re lucky.” She nodded. “Keeping some goodness in one’s heart leaves a way to survive.”

Without waiting for that baffled woman to start cursing, she walked outside and set off a small firework.

Almost immediately, a figure flashed, and Yu Chun arrived with his subordinates. Seeing her completely soaked, he was greatly alarmed: “Your Maj—”

“Don’t say it. Tie all these up for me.” Jing Hengbo pointed at those dumbfounded servants. “Zirui was kidnapped. Find out her whereabouts.”

In moments those servant women were tied up on the ground. Before they could cry out, each was served with smelly rags. Yu Chun personally grabbed a woman to question aside. After a while he returned, looking troubled.

“What’s wrong?” Jing Hengbo had an ominous feeling. Was there something in this world that Gong Yin’s subordinates didn’t dare solve?

Yu Chun said, “These people aren’t anyone’s servants—they’re ordinary vegetable-selling women from the nearby market. They all say they were just stopped by someone who gave them some silver to come here and say those words. As for who gave the silver, what young master, what household—they don’t know.”

“Not difficult.” Jing Hengbo sneered. “Anyway, it was that long-robed pale-face who did it, and the owner of this courtyard can’t escape involvement either. Think finding a few people on the street can clear them? Find the person selling this house and we’ll know who it is.”

“No need to look—we can guess. The other party’s words had holes. What young master has illness, nearby official families, households with famous sickly young masters who constantly inquire about other people’s daughters—there’s only one family.” Yu Chun’s expression wasn’t good. “Personnel Minister Lord Zhao’s family.”

“Then go demand the person back.” Jing Hengbo didn’t hesitate. “I’m not even going to storm the door myself—I found you to solve it. Why are you dawdling?”

“My Queen Your Majesty,” Yu Chun said with a worried expression, “do you know Personnel Minister Lord Zhao is a veteran under our State Preceptor?”

“Ah?” Jing Hengbo’s eyes went straight.

How did she always run into his subordinates?

Though in other words, now throughout court and countryside, most were Gong Yin’s people. The probability of randomly bumping into one while walking around was too high.

“Lord Zhao is a three-dynasty veteran, a confidant of the former State Preceptor. You haven’t met him before because he’s been claiming illness at home recently. The illness isn’t real—it’s just soft resistance against the State Preceptor.” Yu Chun said, “If Cheng Gumo represents the military forces supporting the State Preceptor, then Lord Zhao represents the civil official group supporting the State Preceptor. But Lord Zhao differs from Cheng Gumo. Lord Zhao has seniority and high position. When the former State Preceptor was in power, he was quite condescending due to his age. When the State Preceptor took office, he was actually a secret opponent. After the State Preceptor stabilized his position, he removed his original Deputy Minister position and reassigned him as Personnel Minister. He’s quite resentful about this. But as a three-dynasty veteran who served as National Academy Grand Supervisor for many years, half the court officials came from his tutelage. Externally he’s always maintained an image of clean sleeves and noble character, very popular among scholars and civil officials. So even knowing his impure thoughts and poor character, without catching major evidence, the State Preceptor can’t conveniently move against him, so…”

Yu Chun smacked his lips, leaving something unsaid. The civil and military systems were the State Preceptor’s pillars. If it were before, if Zhao Shizhi dared touch the Queen’s female official, dealing with him would be dealing with him—perfect for punishing this wishy-washy old fellow with uncertain loyalties. But now the military’s Cheng Gumo had already been offended and the Kang Long Army was unstable. Offending the civil official faction again might affect the State Preceptor’s position.

As Gong Yin’s confidant, Yu Chun didn’t want the State Preceptor to make more enemies in these troubled times. At least wait until the Kang Long Army stabilized.

Hearing this explanation, Jing Hengbo immediately felt she shouldn’t let Yu Chun and others get involved in this matter, to avoid making things difficult for Gong Yin.

But Yu Chun probably wouldn’t let her rescue someone alone either. Sure enough, she immediately heard Yu Chun say, “Please allow me to first report to the State Preceptor…”

“Good, good.” Jing Hengbo looked around and casually pointed at a courtyard with flying eaves and brackets. “Is the Personnel Minister’s house in that courtyard?”

“That’s…” Yu Chun was thinking whether to first infiltrate and rescue or first report to the State Preceptor, answering casually, then realizing: “That’s the back wall connected to the Left State Preceptor’s residence… ah, where is she!”

He stared at the empty wall before him, dismayed to discover Her Majesty the Queen had run off again.

“One team immediately return to the palace to report to the master,” Yu Chun shouted. “One team follow me to visit the Personnel Minister’s residence!”

Jing Hengbo’s figure flashed and she was already inside the target residence.

She wouldn’t wait for Yu Chun to slowly decide, return to the palace to report, then wait for Gong Yin to decide and demand the person from old Zhao. Though Gong Yin would definitely intervene, after all that back and forth, the golden opportunity would be cold.

In such residences, every minute was dangerous once inside. Zirui’s chastity couldn’t afford the delay.

Since the Personnel Minister’s identity was sensitive and couldn’t be openly offended, she’d secretly steal the person out, then castrate him or his weakling son.

Her figure flashed and she stood in a deep mansion compound. Before her were lush vegetation, pavilions and towers, winding corridors and flowing water, red pavilions and blue waves—the same design as all wealthy families.

Only after entering the courtyard did Jing Hengbo remember the depth and complexity of ancient residences. Finding one person in such a courtyard—how easy could it be?

Her position seemed to be the back courtyard. Not far away came waves of fragrance, apparently a kitchen nearby. Jing Hengbo hid behind a tree, watching groups of maids occasionally pass by. This residence seemed to have particularly many maids—in the quarter hour she stood there, seventeen or eighteen had passed, all with varied figures and considerable beauty.

Jing Hengbo silently cursed this Personnel Minister old lecher. With so many pretty maids, he still wanted to steal Zirui.

Several maids passed before her, their laughter like silver bells.

“Master actually wants to cook personally today—what’s gotten into him? On a rare rest day, instead of resting properly, he wants to handle women’s work.”

“Yes, how many years has it been since he cooked personally? Don’t know why he suddenly thought of it, saying he wanted to practice cooking skills.”

“Wonder who has the fortune to eat his experiments today?”

“Sisters, shall we make a wager?”

“Hehe, forget it, girls. Don’t talk to yourselves here. Don’t you know what kind of person the master is? You think someone can really eat what he makes with his own hands? Let me advise you—dream less. Even if he puts the plate to your mouth, you might not actually get to eat it, believe it or not?”

At these words, everyone fell silent, then someone snorted resentfully, after which no one had interest in talking, hurrying past.

…

Jing Hengbo emerged from behind the tree, thoughtful.

Right, eating.

Eating was important. Zirui also needed to eat. If someone wanted to use force, they might drug her or something—that’s how all the melodramatic romance novels wrote it.

Today this family’s master was cooking personally—was he planning to please or drug Zirui?

Regardless, the kitchen was a good place with many pots, pans, and utensils. She could grab any one to hit people with. Knock down this family’s master, then make him hand over Zirui—wouldn’t that work?

Jing Hengbo identified the source direction of that fragrance and flashed, disappearing.

A moment later she stood before three large blue-tiled buildings—this was the residence’s kitchen.

Many people were in the courtyard washing, picking vegetables, and drawing water. She could vaguely see many people inside too.

The kitchen was steamy hot, almost impossible to see people. Jing Hengbo simply flashed again, entering the kitchen.

In the pervasive mist, everyone was keeping their heads down doing their own work. No one noticed someone had entered.

From the inner room came chopping sounds—someone seemed to be cutting vegetables, sounding skilled with the knife.

Jing Hengbo walked over to see only one person in the inner kitchen, back to her, cutting scallions. Wearing light, casual robes, tall and straight, broad shoulders and narrow waist, sleeves rolled up revealing a pair of clearly defined arms with beautiful wrist bones and clean fingers. The knife shadows created continuous white flashes, even force, movements graceful and powerful.

Jing Hengbo couldn’t help leaning against the doorway to watch a bit more.

This man had a really good figure.

Who would have thought a man cutting vegetables in the kitchen could look so beautiful and… sexy.

She got a bit distracted, wondering what it would be like if Gong Yin were busy in the kitchen. Would he be even sexier and more beautiful than this man? Or like an immortal suddenly falling from heaven, face-first?

Mm, probably the latter.

Looking at this person’s fit back and flowing dark hair behind him, she suddenly felt using a copper basin full of meat paste to smash his head according to her original plan seemed somewhat cruel.

What about that basin of hot water beside?

That also seemed somewhat cruel.

What about that knife over there… forget it.

What about that pot lid further over… doubted whether she could handle it.

What about that cauldron even further… would it be too loud?

Naturally reluctant to destroy beautiful things, Jing Hengbo rarely hesitated to act. She also thought this family’s master had decent looks. If he really liked Zirui, maybe after apologizing and discussing things, they could arrange a good marriage?

Just as she was thinking, the man suddenly said quietly, “About ready.” Then muttered, “Even if I cook it, she can’t eat it…”

Jing Hengbo was wondering why this voice sounded somewhat familiar when the man had already lifted the pot lid. A rich fragrance hit her nose, and Jing Hengbo, who hadn’t eaten much in the morning, immediately heard her stomach make a loud “gurgle.”

Terrible!

The man’s figure paused, immediately turning back.

Jing Hengbo hesitated no more, mentally grabbing the nearest basin of hot water—pour!

The moment the basin tipped, she saw the man hadn’t fully turned around but his arm was already swinging back. A gust of force rushed over.

Even worse!

“Splash!”

A basin of hot water poured over her head.

Jing Hengbo wanted to cry but had no tears, standing like a wooden chicken.

Damn, that guy reacted too fast—before he’d even turned, his palm force had pushed over, pushing the basin onto her head!

At this moment she was extremely grateful the water wasn’t as hot as she’d imagined!

With water all over her face and body, she retreated while quickly wiping and grabbing whatever was nearby for self-defense, not having time to see clearly who was across from her.

But she heard a voice, also somewhat stunned: “Hey, you really came to eat?”

After pausing and looking at her appearance, seeming to understand something, the voice added mockery: “I know you’re moved that I cooked personally for you, but there’s no need to bathe and burn incense, right?”

Hearing this voice, Jing Hengbo nearly dropped the cleaver in her hand.

God! Damn! It!

It was actually Yelu Qi.

How did she end up here?

Only then did Jing Hengbo remember Yelu Qi’s residence also seemed to be in Xige Ward, though she’d never been there. Presumably Yelu’s residence was adjacent to that Personnel Minister’s.

“Hehe, sorry, wrong door, hello, good morning, sorry, goodbye.” She wiped the water from her face and turned to leave.

Her collar was predictably grabbed.

Jing Hengbo sighed inwardly, turned back, and spread her hands: “Fine, walking into the trap and falling into your hands—beat, kill, or slice as you please.”

“Really?” Yelu Qi seemed in an excellent mood, his voice full of laughter. “I’m still missing one dish of steamed beauty here. How about steaming and eating you?”

“Tender skin, fragrant aroma—should taste good.” Jing Hengbo suggested, “Add some Yelu idiot… oh no, satay sauce for perfection.”

“What is Yelu satay sauce?”

“Three pounds of Yelu Qi’s tendon meat chopped and mixed with bean sauce, triple-steamed and triple-dried.” Jing Hengbo never conceded verbally.

Behind her, Yelu Qi was laughing, his voice deep with resonance like a perfectly toned violin playing spiraling music. He seemed very close—she could feel his broad chest almost touching her back, slightly trembling, his skin warm.

Jing Hengbo sniffed—oh, could you not laugh like that? She was voice-controlled!

“Didn’t expect you hated me so much, wanting to eat my flesh and sleep on my skin?” His voice carried laughter. “Then sit down and eat.”

Yelu Qi came around to her front, placing a jar of stewed dishes before her, so fragrant it made her dizzy.

“Chicken and bone broth base, with appropriate Emerald Leaf famous wine, then chicken, duck, mutton, pig stomach, pigeon eggs, plus over ten types of overseas famous seafood products, simmered over low fire since last night until now.” Yelu Qi’s smile was as dizzying as this jar of good food. “I haven’t made this in many years. Trying it now—not bad, still sharp.” He took chopsticks from the holder, gesturing for Jing Hengbo to choose a pair, then casually selected a pair himself, first picking a piece of sea cucumber from the jar to eat, showing it was non-toxic. Then he gracefully gestured for Jing Hengbo to proceed.

Jing Hengbo, who had long been dieting and ate little, actually had low resistance to good food. She looked quite enthusiastically interested and selected a pair of chopsticks.

Yelu Qi’s gaze drifted over Jing Hengbo’s body, his smile deeper and more playful—a basin of hot water over the head had pressed the woman’s clothes tightly against her body. The so-called beauty of curves was right at this moment. This careless woman was still completely unaware, casually shaking her clothes, each shake creating a wave of temptation, truly pleasing to the eye.

Just for this scene, today’s whimsical kitchen trip wasn’t wasted.

Jing Hengbo really felt very hungry. Her wariness of Yelu Qi couldn’t resist this jar’s temptation. Who would have thought this guy from a wealthy family was actually a culinary master too.

Men who could cook had charm.

Too bad she still had to rescue someone.

“Good, thanks, save it for when I return, goodbye, mwah.” She lifted her leg to flash away.

A finger lightly touched her shoulder, and she couldn’t run away again.

Jing Hengbo sighed, too lazy to look at that person’s annoying smile. She simply picked up chopsticks and took a piece of pig belly, closing her eyes in bliss. “Mm… really good! Want to apply to be an imperial chef?”

“I only want to be your personal cook.” Yelu Qi smiled with deep affection. Jing Hengbo nodded while her chopsticks flew—since she couldn’t escape for now, eating her fill was good too. Being full would give her strength to rescue people.

“Eat more.” Yelu Qi propped his chin on both hands, his gaze focused, looking like a virtuous and considerate house-husband. “Eat more to have strength to rescue people.”

Jing Hengbo’s chopsticks paused.

“You know what I’m going to do?”

“Today you and Xia Zirui came out to buy a house. You didn’t buy the house, but ended up at my place instead.” Yelu Qi said lazily. “You would never voluntarily come to my place. You must have gone to the wrong place. Adjacent to my walls are the Personnel Minister’s residence and the Shen Tiezhi hostage residence. The hostage is cautious and has no dealings with you, so you wouldn’t have conflicts with him. But the Personnel Minister’s residence is a complete mess—the father is lustful, the son sickly, the wife petty, the concubines flirtatious, constantly creating trouble. And the house you wanted to buy seems to be the Personnel Minister’s wife’s private property. So I guess when you were discussing business, something went wrong. Someone around you was kidnapped into the Personnel Minister’s residence. You went to rescue them but came to the wrong place. Is that right?”

Jing Hengbo blinked and pointed her chopsticks at his forehead. “Sometimes I really don’t know how you people’s brains are constructed.”

“Since you know my brain works well, what are you worried about?” He intimately tapped her forehead. “Eat quickly. After eating, I’ll take you to rescue people.”

Jing Hengbo rolled her eyes—why speak so intimately? Did she have any friendship with him?

She held her chopsticks against her forehead and unceremoniously brushed away his finger. “Don’t get handsy. Sister now has a boyfriend.”

“Boy… friend?” Yelu Qi thought for a moment, seeming to guess somewhat, and smiled lightly. “A man? Gong Yin?”

His smile was slightly crooked, somewhat sarcastic.

“What?” Jing Hengbo’s eyes were even more slanted than his. “Not acceptable? Whether it’s acceptable or not, what business is it of yours?”

“Acceptable, why wouldn’t it be.” Yelu Qi suddenly broke into a smile, beaming as he leaned close to her ear. “However, whether it’s acceptable or not really isn’t my business, but it’s definitely your business. Hearing you say this, I’m really worried.”

“Yelu Qi!” Jing Hengbo slammed her chopsticks down, eyebrows raised. “Have some dignity, will you? Attacking someone’s private parts just because you don’t like them is the lowest of the low!”

“Fine, fine, I’m low.” Yelu Qi continued smiling good-naturedly, though his smile grew slightly cold. “You women—you won’t turn back until you hit the wall. Why should I be the villain? One day you’ll know. When that time comes, don’t come crying to me.”

“Even if sister gets dumped and has to beg on Ninth Palace Street, I absolutely won’t shed a single tear in front of you.” Jing Hengbo viciously tore at a piece of pig belly, imagining it was Yelu Qi’s vital parts.

“I very much look forward to that day, just as I look forward to all truths verified by reality.” Yelu Qi’s smile was equally malicious. “Congratulations on finding the most radiant husband in the world.”

“You mean he’s unsuitable as a husband?” Jing Hengbo wasn’t angry anymore, methodically searching for her favorite foods in the jar. “He’s unsuitable, but you are? Yelu Qi, think about yourself—how many true words have you spoken in your lifetime? How many genuine smiles have you had? To how many people have you shown true feelings? Maybe you see Gong Yin as strange in various ways, unsuitable as a husband. But I tell you,” she pointed her chopsticks at Yelu Qi like wielding a knife, “he either doesn’t speak to me, or when he does it’s unpleasant, but everything he’s said so far has been true. He rarely smiles, most of the time he’s cold and annoying to me, but when he first smiled at me, it was genuine—he smiled because I passed the welcoming ceremony. He dislikes many people, you could say the whole world is his enemy. I’m not even sure how much he likes me, but I feel that even if it’s just a little bit, it’s real.”

Yelu Qi stared at her, no longer smiling. The light in his eyes was like a wavering flame, glowing dimly.

“This dish is a bit like our Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” Jing Hengbo held up a piece of sea cucumber. “You know why this pot of food smells so good? Because although the ingredients seem unremarkable, they’re all genuinely high-quality materials. Like this sea cucumber—top-grade spiny sea cucumber, right? That’s why it has this effect. If you substituted yellow jade sea cucumber, it would look similar, even more glossy and smooth, but the taste would be much inferior. Every ingredient here is real, high-grade, moisture-free, impurity-free, carefully selected material. That’s why this pot of soup has such good flavor.” She dug out a piece of tendon and ate it, holding her chopsticks and smiling at him. “Emotions are the same way.”

The piece of abalone on Yelu Qi’s chopstick tip never made it to his mouth. His eyes stared at the abalone, but his gaze seemed to see through it to the future. “You’ve actually always been clever, sensitive to worldly matters, just don’t easily reveal it. Hearing such words from you today can be considered my good fortune. But people change, and feelings change too. I know that given my position, whatever I say will have the opposite effect. So be it. I’ll just wish that your pot of food always maintains its rich flavor and never grows tiresome.”

He smiled, and the abalone slipped into his mouth. The taste should have been delicious, but somehow it seemed like chewing wax.

Rarely hearing this playful woman speak so much, speak from the heart—was hearing these words a blessing or suffering?

Truth? What is truth? What is falsehood? The mind’s state is like wind moving a banner—who knows if the previous moment’s fluctuations weren’t real?

Can’t calculate and shouldn’t calculate—just smile.

Jing Hengbo didn’t look at him either. She put down her chopsticks and said seriously, “Since it’s rare that we’re eating peacefully in the kitchen like this, then let me leave peacefully too. I really have urgent business. I don’t expect your help—just don’t cause trouble.”

Yelu Qi didn’t answer but cleaned up the jar and took her hand. “Come with me.”

Jing Hengbo had no choice but to follow him across several curved bridges and corridors to a small building.

In the distance, several figures suddenly shot across the sky, their forms very light, like fast-moving dark clouds that no one noticed.

The figures didn’t approach the Left State Preceptor’s residence but stopped at a hidden wall of the Personnel Minister’s residence, looking toward the Left State Preceptor’s residence from afar.

The figures initially sat obediently on the wall, but gradually some leaned, some fell over, some picked their noses, some picked their toes, some yawned. Only one fellow remained focused, lying on the wall and staring intently at the Left State Preceptor’s residence.

Lazy voices drifted over.

“I say, Little Seven, why do you follow the Queen around all day and drag us along? Don’t we have things to do?”

“What things do you have? Who asked you to follow? Go away, you’re blocking my view, got it? And call me Senior Brother!”

“Senior Brother,” one fellow said unclearly while gnawing on a pig’s knuckle, “how long do you plan to peep?”

“This isn’t called peeping—it’s called close personal protection of my wife.” Yi Qi changed direction to stare. “Hey, why doesn’t my wife summon me when she’s in trouble, but goes to find that black scorpion instead? What if he abducts her? Also, what are a man and woman doing alone together? Ah, she’s even smiling at him—why is she smiling at him? Why!”

“Because he’s better looking than you.”

“As the most beautiful one in our group of eight, I think that statement completely negates yourselves.”

“Hope Master didn’t hear that, or you’ll have to sleep with that black bear on the back mountain all winter.”

“Oh ho ho ho whether Master hears it or not, he’ll still go sleep with the bear. Who told him to draw pimples on Master’s mirror making Master think he had pimples? Oh ho ho ho Master cried for three hours. If I don’t make him face the wall with the blind bear for three years, I won’t be surnamed Si… oh ho ho ho did he think he could escape by hiding in Imperial Song and not going home…”

“Oh ho ho ho I escaped but why did you six follow too? Huh? Was I the only one who drew pimples? Was I the one who deliberately dyed Master’s hair white and tricked him into thinking he was old? Was I the one who got that face-changing mirror for him to look in? Was I the one who put flowering powder in his food trying to give him a rash…”

“Hey, do you think he’s crying in the cave now?”

“Crying my ass. At most he feels a bit lonely. Sigh, those bears, tigers and leopards on the back mountain are going to suffer again, having to listen to that old narcissist ramble about his beauty…”

“Sigh, so disappointing…”

Seven disappointed people happily rolled over to sunbathe.

…

Along the way, Jing Hengbo constantly encountered beautiful maids. Everyone who saw her showed strange expressions, but no one dared ask or approach. They all withdrew to the side and bowed respectfully. When Jing Hengbo passed by, she listened for whispered conversations, but heard nothing. She glanced at Yelu Qi, thinking this guy had a playboy’s face but kept strict household discipline. This heap of beautiful maids was probably just for show to create misunderstandings.

In front of the small building was a lake—not small, with vegetation and rocks that seemed unintentionally arranged, giving a natural, wild charm.

The building’s name was also simple: “Ascend Heights.”

Yelu Qi led her up the building, saying, “Let me first show you the full view of Imperial Song, familiarize you with the ministers’ houses so you won’t go to the wrong place again. Of course,” he smiled, “today’s wrong turn was excellent.”

“I think it was terrible,” she glared at him. “You’re dawdling and delaying my business!”

“Don’t rush,” his thin lips curved. “I’ll take you to the Personnel Minister’s residence right away.”

“Then why climb the building? Are you planning to jump from the building to the Personnel Minister’s residence?” She glared at this unreliable fellow. She’d thought her words could strike or persuade him to let her go, but this guy was sometimes more troublesome than Gong Yin.

They’d reached the building’s height, facing the Xige Ward below. Only then did Jing Hengbo discover Yelu Qi was right—his building had an excellent view, overlooking most of Imperial Song. She could clearly see the nearby rows of houses stretching endlessly, ancient blue-green crouching beasts on flying eaves, vermillion glazed tiles reflecting vast patches of sunlight like a lake of crimson water.

More importantly, she discovered that on this side, the adjacent lake was very narrow, with most of the lake surface actually next door. Because it was a lake, it couldn’t be separated by walls, but there was a large row of aquatic cedars growing densely that boats and people couldn’t pass through.

In other words, this had originally been one lake, but somehow the Personnel Minister’s residence and Left State Preceptor’s residence each occupied half. Dahuang had few such good waters—both families were reluctant to give up, both choosing to build by the water, including the water area in their residences, finally planting a row of water cedars as separation.

Golden cedar reflections in the water made the lake rich and layered—one layer gold, one layer green, dotted with golden leaves, beautiful to the point of brilliance.

Even Jing Hengbo was attracted, understanding why both families shared one lake.

“You were right just now,” Yelu Qi’s voice suddenly sounded by her ear, very close, his breath lightly brushing her earlobe, very ticklish. “I do plan to jump down… remember to look for me below, my little concubine…”

“Ah?” Jing Hengbo hadn’t reacted yet.

“Whoosh!” Yelu Qi leaped, his figure cutting a smooth arc in the air. Jing Hengbo stared dumbfounded following that arc, watching him cross the narrow lake surface, cross the row of towering water cedars, and splash into the Personnel Minister’s lake on the other side!

Almost immediately, sounds exploded from the other side below.

“Left State Preceptor is practicing martial arts and accidentally jumped over again!” It sounded like a female voice, very excited, and it seemed this wasn’t Yelu Qi’s first time accidentally jumping over boundaries while diving.

Jing Hengbo dazedly wiped her face.

“This works too?”

…

In the quiet chamber, a white-robed figure sat meditating silently. Throughout the great hall, pale white energy swirled, but not as gentle and orderly as usual—it seemed unstable and restless, slightly anxious.

In the silence, the white-robed figure suddenly lurched forward. With a soft “puh” sound, drops of crimson splattered on the white stone floor, tragic and beautiful like broken plum blossoms.

He bent slightly forward, seeming to look at the blood he’d coughed up, seeming to think, and seeming shocked by certain facts.

After a long moment, he let out a low sigh.

“In the end… still can’t suppress it…”

Supporting himself on the couch edge with his fingers, he slowly sat straight. His hands and fingernails were snow-white and bloodless, only beneath his shell-like nails suddenly appeared several faint red spots.

The mist above the great hall swirled more urgently.

He lowered his head slightly, his manner rarely weak.

Suddenly the golden threads beside him vibrated. He pressed with his hand, and the great hall doors slowly revealed an opening, showing the reporter’s face.

This was an improvement made after the last incident to control external situations.

“State Preceptor, the etiquette female official Xia Zirui has been kidnapped at the Personnel Minister’s residence.”

He frowned slightly, wearily waving his hand. “Take my calling card and demand the person back.”

“Yes.”

His hand waving in mid-air suddenly paused. “The female official Xia was with the Queen?”

“Yes.”

He stood up abruptly.

“Prepare carriage and sedan—go to the Personnel Minister’s residence!”

…

Jing Hengbo stood dazed on the building for a while. Turning around, she discovered a quiet room behind her with various clothes inside—mostly Yelu Qi’s, plus some women’s clothing, much of it very new.

At some point, an elderly woman had appeared behind her, examining her with appraising eyes. “Miss, the State Preceptor instructed this servant to attend you. Later, please follow this servant to the Personnel Minister’s residence. Whatever you’re told to say or do, please cooperate.”

Jing Hengbo nodded. She wasn’t surprised that Yelu Qi had arranged such a person to help her. Politicians of this status would be letting down their backgrounds if they didn’t have several mysterious, well-informed subordinates.

“Please change clothes, Miss.”

Jing Hengbo randomly chose an outfit from the presented new clothes. The woman skillfully arranged her hair in a married woman’s style. Jing Hengbo belatedly realized—ah? Sister is really going to play Yelu Qi’s concubine to fetch someone next door?

Though somewhat unwilling, thinking it over, she felt this was a good method. She could openly enter the Personnel Minister’s back courtyard to fetch someone, quietly find Zirui and take her away, avoiding conflict with the Personnel Minister. She wasn’t afraid of conflict with the Personnel Minister, but didn’t want to create more conflict with Gong Yin’s key subordinates at this time, adding to his troubles.

The clothes were a bit short, and the chest area was tight. Comparing the measurements, she suddenly thought—this couldn’t have been made according to Fei Luo’s measurements, could it?

Tsk tsk, such a small chest.

She smiled maliciously and with satisfaction.

The woman took a stack of Yelu Qi’s clothing, placed it on a tray, and handed it to her.

Jing Hengbo didn’t take it. “Why should I carry it?”

“Your status is the State Preceptor’s newly taken concubine. This is when you should be showing devotion. Carrying it personally better fits your mindset and status.”

“I think concubine is too lowly.” Queen Jing was particular about status.

“The State Preceptor is unmarried, as all Imperial Song knows. Of course, if you’re willing to publicly claim to be the State Preceptor’s legitimate wife, that’s also possible. This servant thinks the State Preceptor would be delighted. This servant would then prepare the three documents and six rites for the State Preceptor.”

Jing Hengbo obediently took the tray, silently hating that Yelu Qi’s subordinates were indeed all no good either.

She deliberately walked slowly, rummaging through Yelu Qi’s clothes. Passing a certain wall, she rubbed some dirt on her hand and used his soft undergarments to wipe it. She also turned his underpants to the top, displaying them prominently.

The middle-aged woman saw but didn’t interfere—as long as she was willing, the master didn’t mind.

At the building’s edge, two more maids joined them. Unlike those varied beautiful maids, these two had ordinary faces and were very silent—presumably secret guards.

…

In the distance, several figures on the surrounding wall sat up.

“Going next door to play!”

…