The next morning, Huang Rang made breakfast and brought it over as usual.

Lord Jianzheng also sat down to help arrange bowls and chopsticks as usual, but between the two of them, there was always some awkwardness.

Di Yiqiu picked up a chopstick of food and ate for a long time without knowing what this morning’s breakfast was.

But Huang Rang didn’t speak either. The two sat facing each other, having become two wooden logs.

Di Yiqiu stole a glance at Huang Rang and only then discovered that her hands were so slender, white, and clean, each fingernail so pink and lustrous.

—She was Di Sanmeng. He should have discovered this long ago.

After all, she had such a pair of hands.

Di Yiqiu suddenly thought this. But these things, he had never noticed before.

Lord Jianzheng picked up another chopstick of food, still unable to taste anything. Until Huang Rang reminded him: “You just ate cinnamon bark.”

“Ptui, ptui…” Lord Jianzheng hastily spat it out.

Huang Rang covered her mouth and began laughing softly.

Lord Jianzheng snorted coldly. After a while he said: “I… will go to the Ministry of Rites today.”

He suddenly mentioned this. Huang Rang was baffled: “What for?”

Lord Jianzheng’s expression was cold and solemn as he said: “Though I haven’t been granted the imperial surname, if I’m to take a wife, I must still follow the court’s ritual protocols.”

He said take a wife… Huang Rang’s heart turned sweet, but on the surface she spat: “Who cares about you.”

The two buried their heads eating. Outside, someone suddenly said: “Jianzheng, Sect Master Xie is visiting.”

Xie… Huang Rang paused slightly. Over these years, Xie Hongchen’s frequency of visiting Si Tianjian had clearly increased.

Lord Jianzheng also frowned. After a while he said: “Please show him in.”

After all, Yuhu Immortal Sect was the foremost of the immortal sects. Xie Hongchen’s status was special—it wouldn’t do to be discourteous.

Before long, Sect Master Xie strode inside.

The Jianzheng only said: “Sect Master Xie comes too early. This official is eating. How rude of me.”

He called it rude, but still ate leisurely without any intention of apologizing whatsoever.

“It’s no matter.” Xie Hongchen naturally didn’t mind either. Actually, compared to the Jianzheng’s sharp tongue, Sect Master Xie clearly had more of a gentleman’s bearing.

He swept a glance over the dishes on the table, then looked at Huang Rang standing to the side and asked: “Did… Miss Arang personally cook this?”

Huang Rang could only say: “My culinary skills are lacking. I’ve made Sect Master laugh.” She politely continued and asked: “If Sect Master hasn’t eaten yet either, shall I also serve a bowl for Sect Master?”

This was only a polite phrase. She never expected Xie Hongchen to agree.

Xie Hongchen was actually quite particular.

However, Sect Master Xie actually sat down opposite Lord Jianzheng and said: “Then I’ll trouble Miss Arang.”

…

Huang Rang could hardly believe whether she’d gone deaf. Even Di Yiqiu was quite surprised. He raised his head to glance at Xie Hongchen. But Sect Master Xie was perfectly composed.

The words had been spoken and couldn’t be taken back.

Huang Rang could only take a bowl and serve Xie Hongchen a bowl of congee as well.

Sect Master Xie drank a mouthful and praised: “The congee uses crab meat to flavor the broth, making it even more delicious. Arang is truly thoughtful.”

It had crab meat?

The Jianzheng swept a glance at the congee but didn’t see such a thing.

Of course he couldn’t see it. In the past, because Xie Hongchen’s tastes were picky, Huang Rang only used these things to flavor the broth without letting any other miscellaneous items appear in the congee.

So much so that later, even after she’d long left Qilu Terrace, she still retained this habit.

Xie Hongchen drank the congee. Clearly, even though time had flowed back and forth, his taste hadn’t changed.

Lord Jianzheng set down his chopsticks and said: “Could it be Sect Master Xie came today because his stomach was hungry?”

Sect Master Xie only treated him as a sharp-tongued youth and didn’t bother with childish words.

He leisurely drank his congee, occasionally eating a couple bites of side dishes.

Huang Rang’s cooking unexpectedly suited his taste.

Only after finishing his meal did he set down his bowl and chopsticks, using silk cloth to wipe his hands and face.

Then he smiled and said: “Xie has come this time because last time, Master Di Sanmeng cultivated bitter lotus for Senior Miao. Yuhu Immortal Sect has a secret herb whose yield has always been scarce, and whose medicinal effects haven’t improved over many years. Xie wishes to ask Miss Arang to convey this to Master Di Sanmeng. If fine seeds of this herb can be bred, there will certainly be generous compensation.”

He expressed his purpose. Huang Rang understood in her heart.

She said: “Sect Master is too polite. Has this spiritual herb been brought? Also, spiritual herbs are different from improved varieties—one must thoroughly understand their medicinal properties. I’m afraid results won’t come quickly.”

Xie Hongchen naturally knew this. He took out a spiritual herb from his storage artifact and said: “Naturally. Xie is quite familiar with this herb’s medicinal effects. If Miss Arang has time, we can discuss it in detail anytime.”

Huang Rang accepted the herb and said: “I will certainly convey Sect Master’s intentions to Master Di Sanmeng.”

Only then did Xie Hongchen say: “To speak frankly, when Xie first met Miss Arang, I felt as if we’d known each other for many years. If Miss Arang has time, Yuhu Immortal Sect welcomes you to visit anytime.”

Known each other for many years? But that place—I truly never want to return there again.

Huang Rang smiled as well. She stood perfectly straight, dignified and courteous, completely different from her usual manner.

“Thank you for Sect Master’s kind invitation. Arang will remember.” Huang Rang answered with a smile. Perhaps between people, it really was a matter of habit.

For instance, in Xie Hongchen’s presence, even after so many years had passed, she still instinctively maintained a false front.

Xie Hongchen nodded and turned to leave.

Only after he’d gone out the door did Lord Jianzheng snort coldly.

Huang Rang lowered her head, collecting the bowls and chopsticks into the food box, then wiping the table clean.

Lord Jianzheng’s anger had nowhere to go. He said sarcastically: “It seems this Sect Master Xie’s intentions truly aren’t focused on the wine, but rather on this bowl of congee.”

Huang Rang couldn’t be bothered with him. After wiping the table, she turned to leave. Lord Jianzheng said angrily: “Sect Master Xie is so reluctant to part—could it be he’s also witnessed Miss Arang’s myriad charms?”

If he’d said anything else, Huang Rang wouldn’t have argued with him.

But he just had to say this.

Huang Rang turned around and silently placed the food box on the table.

Though Lord Jianzheng was angry, at this moment he couldn’t help but take a step back. His feet retreated, but his mouth remained stubborn. He sneered: “What, did I hit the mark?”

This had originally been jealous words, but Huang Rang said: “Di Yiqiu, you care so much about Xie Hongchen, don’t you?”

She asked too seriously. The Jianzheng had a vague sense of foreboding. But he still sneered and said: “So what? Should this seat not care?”

Huang Rang said: “Of course you should. I should have thought of it earlier.”

After all, she was remarrying—how could she match up to the later Master of Si Tianjian?

Outside the dream, she couldn’t speak of it, and many questions couldn’t be asked in detail.

Who knew what he was thinking in his heart?

She said: “Since Lord Jianzheng cares so much, then so be it.”

Having spoken, she turned and left.

Lord Jianzheng knew this was bad and chased out the door, but saw students coming and going outside, officials entering the offices to take up their duties.

He couldn’t very well chase after her.

Moreover, if he chased after her, what would he say?

Lord Jianzheng had his pride too!

He sat back in his room, thinking it over, only feeling that Xie Hongchen was simply the root cause of all evil.

In the future, he must forbid him from ever stepping through Si Tianjian’s gates again.

By afternoon, even worse news arrived!

Zong Zigui from the Breeding Institute hurried over and said solemnly: “Jianzheng, today Huang Rang suddenly proposed to withdraw from the academy.”

“Withdraw?” The Jianzheng’s heart jumped.

Institute Director Zong was also anxious: “Moreover, she’s holding the order you issued back then. It looks like she wants to leave immediately.”

Lord Jianzheng stood up, then slowly sat back down.

She wanted to leave… and withdraw from the academy. She was determined.

“Jianzheng, you must make a decision!” Zong Zigui urged. “The Breeding Institute has finally achieved some results. If she leaves…”

The old Institute Director chattered on. Di Yiqiu’s heart was in turmoil: “Institute Director, please return first. I’ll find a way regarding her matter.” He said perfunctorily.

Zong Zigui was old but shrewd. He knew these two had an unusual relationship. So he didn’t forget to remind him: “Jianzheng, if she returns to Ruyi Sword Sect, it’s a thousand miles from the capital. If you want to meet again, it will be difficult.”

Did Di Yiqiu need his reminder? He immediately said: “Sir, please go!”

Zong Zigui left. Di Yiqiu paced back and forth in the study.

Regret? Of course he regretted it. But as a dignified seven-foot man, could he really lower his head and apologize?

Moreover, what had he done wrong?

She spoke to Xie Hongchen word by word with soft warmth, not only greeting him with a smile, but actually serving him congee!

Ha, how wonderful Xie Hongchen was—a man of noble character. Even congee couldn’t shut his mouth—he could still discern six or seven flavors from it!

The more Lord Jianzheng thought about it, the angrier he became. Where had he been wrong?!

Just then, Jianfu Li Lu also sent someone to inform him that the Breeding Institute had already processed Huang Rang’s withdrawal.

Before long, someone else came to report that Huang Rang was packing her luggage in her study quarters.

After a while, someone else came to report that Huang Rang had already gifted some miscellaneous items to students at the Breeding Institute.

Lord Jianzheng sat restlessly. Finally, he found paper and brush, and with a few hasty strokes, hurriedly wrote a letter.

“Bao Wu!” Lord Jianzheng’s face was solemn as he said casually: “Deliver this letter to the study quarters, and give it to… Huang Rang!”

Lord Jianzheng stood on the high steps under everyone’s gaze and simply couldn’t come down. So his expression was serious as he said: “After she reads it, whether she goes or stays, let her decide for herself!”

“This subordinate obeys!” Jianfu Bao accepted the letter and came to the study quarters in a few steps.

At this time, the study quarters were already surrounded by students. After two years together, how could everyone bear to let Huang Rang leave?

Zong Qiguang and Sha Ruoen had already tried to persuade her with kind words countless times. At this moment, everyone’s emotions were very low.

Just then, Bao Wu said: “Miss Arang, the Jianzheng has a letter. This subordinate is ordered to deliver it!”

His voice was already loud. Huang Rang could have ignored it, but upon hearing, her anger immediately flared like adding oil to fire! She sneered coldly: “What, your Jianzheng still has a letter?!”

What hurtful words did he want to say? Must he sever all feelings?!

The angrier Huang Rang thought about it, the more she shouted fiercely: “Read it to me! This old lady wants to hear what else he has to say!”

Under the gaze of all the students, Jianfu Bao could only open the letter. He pulled out the letter and read loudly: “Letter of Repentance! I have erred today and have reflected while facing the wall. My words were improper, angering my wife—this is crime one. I was disrespectful to my superior and disrespectful to my wife—this is crime two. Being overly suspicious…”

Bao Wu was about to continue reading when Huang Rang rushed over and snatched the letter away.

—He only had that tiny bit of dignity, and you just had to help him lose it all?!

The students’ wide-open mouths slowly closed. After a long while, someone laughed quietly.

“What are you all laughing at?! Get out, all of you get out!” Huang Rang drove everyone out, then closed the door.

She leaned her back against the door and slowly unfolded that letter that had already been crumpled. On the letter paper, the writing was vigorous like dragons and snakes. The youth’s brushstrokes were already extremely powerful and forceful.

He just barely maintained his dignity while writing a full page of pleading words.

Huang Rang carefully folded the letter and kept it close to her body.

Outside the dream, she and Xie Hongchen had never quarreled like this. Naturally, she didn’t know how to reconcile.

No matter when, he always left her at Qilu Terrace, ignoring her until she calmed down herself.

But this time, Huang Rang received a written apology.

And this written apology spread throughout the court within just two days.

When this matter reached the ears of Qu Manying, Feng Zheng’er, and Dai Wushuang, all three felt Lord Jianzheng was “quite a character.” They then required their husbands to associate with him more.

Good. The three henpecked immortals were happy to add a new member.