The Old Madam had made her decision and showed A’Xing a kind smile. “A’Hao told me your name is A’Xing.”

A’Xing cautiously nodded.

“How old are you?”

“Sixteen.” Before the Old Madam, A’Xing retracted his sharp edges and answered obediently.

He had witnessed with his own eyes how his younger brother, after bathing, became clean and white, changed into thick and clean clothing, lay on a soft bed, and drank fragrant rice porridge.

At that moment, he was utterly convinced that if they stayed here and lived this kind of life, his younger brother would definitely grow up well and healthy.

He belatedly developed an intense desire to remain.

Whether sweeping floors or tending fires, no matter how bitter or exhausting the work, as long as they could stay, it would be infinitely better than returning to beneath the bridge.

For this reason, he had to be more obedient.

A’Xing was very clever—this was also why he and his brother, despite having good looks, hadn’t fallen into even more tragic circumstances.

Looking at the obedient and beautiful youth, the Old Madam smiled. “The same age as A’Hao.”

A’Xing couldn’t help but glance at Lin Hao.

The young lady had changed her clothes—a semi-new ivory white jacket paired with an onion-green pleated skirt, like mountain spring water, pure and incomparably beautiful.

He withdrew his gaze and heard the Old Madam ask again, “Which month were you born in?”

“February.”

“Then you’re a few months older than A’Hao.”

A’Xing listened, feeling it strange.

Why the constant comparisons with this girl—no, Second Miss?

From the forms of address used by the General’s Mansion servants, A’Xing had learned Lin Hao’s identity and also knew that if he wanted to stay, he couldn’t continue showing his wariness and suspicion toward Lin Hao.

“A’Xing, A’Hao would like to become sworn siblings with you. Are you willing?” the Old Madam asked gently.

A’Xing’s gaze shot toward Lin Hao, utterly unable to conceal his shock.

Had he misheard? Or was his understanding of “sworn siblings” incorrect?

A’Xing’s heart roiled with turbulent waves, yet what he saw was a calmly smiling young lady.

He instinctively refused. “No—”

Meeting the Old Madam’s slightly stunned gaze, A’Xing’s face flushed red as he knelt down. “I… I’m just a beggar. How could I become sworn siblings with Second Miss? That you would take in me and my brother to work odd jobs here is already an enormous kindness…”

The Old Madam was quite satisfied with A’Xing’s reaction. The General’s Mansion already had few family members, and if A’Hao felt a connection and the person was decent, having two more grandchildren wasn’t a bad thing.

Lin Hao’s voice rang out. “A’Xing, my family doesn’t lack servants to do odd jobs.”

A’Xing knelt on the ground and looked up at her.

Lin Hao curved her lips. “Wouldn’t being my elder brother be good?”

“But—”

Lin Hao cut off his words. “But my family really doesn’t lack people to do odd jobs.”

A’Xing didn’t know what to say anymore. His head swelled, feeling that everything he’d encountered today was utterly preposterous.

The Old Madam smiled and said, “Then that’s settled. A’Hao, you take A’Xing to walk around the mansion and familiarize him with the household situation.”

Lin Hao acknowledged with a word and tugged at the dazed-looking A’Xing.

A’Xing followed Lin Hao out in a confused daze.

Outside was spacious. Blown by the cold wind, A’Xing came to his senses and walked silently beside Lin Hao, listening to her explain the General’s Mansion’s situation.

“The mansion’s situation is more or less like this. If you can’t remember it all at once, that’s fine. You’ll become familiar with it over time.”

“Why?” A’Xing finally couldn’t hold back from speaking.

Lin Hao turned her head to look at him.

A’Xing’s handsome face was full of confusion. “I’m just a beggar, and you’re a refined young lady from a noble family. Why would you acknowledge me as an elder brother?”

Was she toying with him?

Making him accustomed to a life of fine clothes and good food, an identity that everyone envied, then casting him out to once again become a little beggar living under bridges that everyone despised?

Would manipulating someone else’s fate make her very happy?

Such speculation caused disgust to flash through A’Xing’s eyes.

Lin Hao saw his expression and guessed the general idea. She tugged at the corner of her mouth and asked, “What are you thinking? Do you suppose I’m so idle that I’m using you for amusement?”

The A’Xing who had saved her had been pitiful and soft-hearted and kind—how was it that the A’Xing who robbed her purse was like a little hedgehog?

Thinking this, Lin Hao paused, seeming to understand the reason.

Was it because their first meetings were different?

In her previous life, A’Xing had been in the role of rescuer, so naturally he wouldn’t think she would harm him. But in this life, A’Xing was a failed robber, so her actions must seem too unreasonable in A’Xing’s eyes.

It seemed she had to give A’Xing a passable reason before he could settle down with peace of mind.

Lin Hao stroked her smooth forehead, her expression growing grave. “Do you truly want to know?”

A’Xing said nothing but nodded.

Lin Hao glanced left and right and lowered her voice. “There’s an extremely formidable master who read my fortune and said that I—”

Seeing her so serious, A’Xing’s heart lifted as he held his breath.

“Said that I lack a brother in my Five Elements.”

A’Xing’s foot slipped and he nearly fell, fortunately caught by Lin Hao.

“Lack… a brother in the Five Elements?” A’Xing practically squeezed out these four words.

If she weren’t someone he couldn’t afford to offend, he really wanted to hit her…

Lin Hao nodded. “Truly. Otherwise why would I bring you home and go through the trouble of persuading my family?”

A’Xing scrutinized the young lady’s expression carefully. All he saw was utter seriousness.

Could it be true?

A’Xing was startled by this thought and inwardly cursed himself: I almost let this girl fool me silly.

But with things having reached this point, questioning further would only be making trouble for himself. A’Xing nodded slightly, accepting Lin Hao’s reason.

Lin Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

To think that repaying a debt of gratitude would be this difficult—it was hard to imagine what the situation would be like if she found the person who had blocked the flying daggers for her.

“A’Xing, do you have any plans?”

A’Xing looked over.

Lin Hao casually brushed aside an overhanging flower branch. “Do you want to study and learn characters with a teacher, like Little Moon?”

A’Xing hurriedly shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”

After a moment of silence, A’Xing spoke. “I know a few characters. It’s sufficient for daily life.”

Lin Hao was somewhat surprised.

In her previous life, she hadn’t had the opportunity to learn more—she hadn’t expected A’Xing could actually read.

In Great Zhou, children who had opportunities to study were mostly from wealthy families.

Seeing that A’Xing was unwilling to say more, Lin Hao didn’t probe out of curiosity. “Then do you want to learn some martial arts skills to pass the time?”

A’Xing’s eyes lit up. “I can practice martial arts?”

If he could learn a full set of skills, even if he left this place, he could protect his brother and help him grow up safely.

Lin Hao smiled and nodded. “Of course you can. This is the General’s Mansion—even any random household servant has decent skills.”

“I’m willing.”

“Then come with me.”

A’Xing was willing to learn things, which made Lin Hao very happy.

The world was unpredictable, mountains to lean on could collapse—at critical moments, one still had to rely on oneself. If she hadn’t practiced martial arts with her grandfather, in her previous life she wouldn’t even have had the chance to escape the Wen Mansion.

Lin Hao brought A’Xing to the front courtyard.

Steward Liu was chopping firewood.

“Steward Liu.” Lin Hao walked over, her expression showing the relaxation of facing a close and trusted elder. “Don’t be busy—I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is it?” Steward Liu set down his axe and glanced at A’Xing beside Lin Hao.

“This is my sworn elder brother. He’ll be living at home from now on. Could you spare some time each day to teach him martial arts skills?”

Steward Liu was shocked. “When did Second Miss gain a sworn elder brother?”

“Just today. Steward Liu, can you do it or not?”

Steward Liu scrutinized A’Xing several times and pulled Lin Hao aside. “Second Miss, is this person reliable?”

“Reliable.”

“Then fine. As long as he can endure hardship, he can practice with me.”

Steward Liu agreed readily. Only later did he learn from others that A’Xing was a beggar Second Miss had picked up.

Steward Liu heaved a long sigh: Being good-looking really does bring good fortune.

The matter of Second Miss Lin bringing back a handsome youth was soon discovered by Changning, a servant of the neighboring Prince Jing’s heir who paid particular attention to her.

Changning hurried to inform his master.

Qi Shuo was reading in the garden.

Though called reading, in truth the book in his hands hadn’t been turned for quite some time, just resting quietly on his lap.

Changshun at his side urged, “Heir, if you’re tired, why not return to your room to sleep?”

Why was the heir so fond of this particular spot?

He unconsciously glanced at the high surrounding wall and a guess emerged: Could it be because Second Miss Lin had climbed over the wall?

No, no, the heir wasn’t that kind of person.

Just then, Changning trotted over. “Heir, this servant has obtained some news and must report it to you.”