The next day at noon, He Feng came to knock on Xie Chi’s door.

Xie Chi didn’t respond, so He Feng pushed the door open and pulled off her blanket. “Why are you still sleeping?”

Xie Chi was furious and yelled at him, “Casually pulling off someone else’s blanket—shameless, indecent, and rude.”

He Feng looked at her frenzied appearance. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I want to sleep.” She clutched the blanket and turned away from him. “Get out.”

He Feng sat on the bedside. Xie Chi moved inward, lying against the wall. He Feng stretched out his hand and poked her back. “Hey.”

Xie Chi pulled the blanket over her head.

“What time is it? Stop sleeping. It’s so noisy outside—how can you sleep?”

Xie Chi neither spoke nor moved.

“I found performers from down the mountain, and opera troupes too.” He Feng poked her waist again. “I even prepared new clothes for you—they’re especially beautiful.”

Xie Chi laughed coldly. “Didn’t you say you’d lock me in the room today and not let me out? Aren’t you afraid I’ll cause trouble?”

“Get up. I’d like to see if you can cause trouble right under my nose.”

“I’m not going. Take her instead.”

“Who?”

Listen to this—is he even human? Playing dumb?

“I’m asking you a question.”

“Song Wan! She’s gentle and lovely, and especially admires you.”

“Who’s Song Wan?”

“…” Still pretending. Xie Chi turned around and glared at him, cursing, “Bastard.”

“Why are you cursing me? Acting like you ate gunpowder this early morning—what did I do?” He Feng suddenly remembered the woman Liu Laosi had pushed on him. He smiled and crawled onto the bed, turning her body to face him. “Are you jealous?”

Xie Chi pushed him away. “Who’s jealous? Ridiculous.”

Seeing her flustered little expression, He Feng felt even happier. “They all call you Young Madam—did you take it seriously?”

Xie Chi wanted to grab a pillow to throw at him, but there were no pillows left on the bed. She pulled out the knife He Zhangzhi had given her yesterday from under the mattress. He Feng rolled off the bed and stood at a distance. “You’re so fierce—can the men down the mountain handle you?”

“None of your business.”

“Only I can tame you. Stay here and be my concubine.”

“How many more wives do you want?”

“Not many—ten would be fine.”

Xie Chi threw the knife sheath at him. He Feng caught it and casually placed it on the table. “Getting more worked up as we talk. You can’t hurt me—put the knife down before you cut yourself.”

Xie Chi looked displeased.

“Aunt Wang has a family and children—she can’t be with you all the time. The one sent yesterday can be your personal maid. You’re similar in age and should get along well.”

Xie Chi looked up at him. “Wasn’t she sent to you?” She paused and mumbled, “You didn’t… with her last night…”

He Feng understood her meaning. “She’s not worthy.”

Xie Chi lowered her face, and the tightness in her chest instantly cleared.

“Tell me if she serves you poorly.” Just after saying this, He Feng added, “Never mind, don’t bother telling me. With your temper, that poor girl will suffer.”

“…”

He Feng walked toward her and suddenly bent down. Xie Chi dodged backward, and He Feng took advantage of her inattention to pull away her knife. “I’m taking this for now.”

“That was a gift from Second Uncle.”

“You called him Second Uncle quite smoothly.” He Feng put his hands behind his back and leaned close, his face near hers. “You like following my lead so much—when will you follow me in calling him father?”

Xie Chi kicked him away.

He Feng rubbed his stomach. “Good leg strength—looks like you’re almost recovered.”

“Give it back to me.”

He Feng spun the knife. “Come and take it.”

“Boring.”

“Hurry up and get ready.” He Feng played with the knife as he swaggered out. “Hurry up and wash, put on pretty clothes and come out. Don’t embarrass me.”

“…”

As soon as He Feng left, Aunt Wang came in carrying clothes. “Look how happy the Young Master is—his mouth is almost reaching his ears.” Aunt Wang walked to the bedside. “I saw that new girl. She says she wants to be the Young Master’s concubine? Those men are always thinking about having multiple wives and concubines. Thank goodness my husband is poor and ugly—no one’s eyeing him.”

“I heard that girl waited all night, fell asleep sitting by the door. Who knew the Young Master was out drinking and only came back this morning. Not only doesn’t he want her, he sent her to serve you instead. It’s hilarious.” Aunt Wang spent day and night with Xie Chi, so naturally she took her side. “Don’t worry—our Young Master isn’t fickle and doesn’t have many thoughts about women. Besides, she can’t compete with you. Her looks and figure aren’t as good as yours, and she’s not cultured like you. At most she’d just be a bed warmer.”

“It doesn’t matter to me how many he marries.” Xie Chi’s words were tough, but she felt inexplicably comfortable inside. She sat on the bedside. “I have no relationship with him.”

“You still want to leave the stronghold, don’t you?”

“Mm.”

“Sigh, it’s not that Auntie is trying to persuade you, but going down the mountain, you won’t find a good marriage. A girl who’s lost her purity will be despised by men in the future. Finding some unworthy man—you’d be better off staying with the Young Master.”

“…” Xie Chi hurriedly explained, “I… I am.”

“Am what?” Aunt Wang was stunned for a moment. “Still a virgin? The Young Master never touched you?”

Xie Chi felt her face burning and nodded.

Aunt Wang laughed so hard she fell backward.

Looking at her huge mouth, Xie Chi’s face grew even redder. “…Stop laughing… What’s so funny about this?”

Aunt Wang put her arm around her shoulder, laughing breathlessly. “Then what does he do staying with you every day? Sneaking in at night—just talking?”

“Mm…”

“The Young Master is in his prime—this shouldn’t be right.”

“Anyway… there’s none of that.”

“Do you want Auntie to teach you some tricks for managing husbands? I guarantee you’ll have him wrapped around your finger, unable to get out of your bed.”

“…” Xie Chi pushed her away. “No need, no need.”

“Look how shy you are. No wonder they all love teasing innocent young girls—even I feel tender toward you.”

“…” Xie Chi was helpless. “Stop talking, Auntie.”

Aunt Wang slapped her thigh and stood up. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Let’s change into new clothes—it’s very lively outside today.”

“Have all the guests arrived?”

“Pretty much.”

“Have all the people from Qing Village arrived too?”

“They arrived early—the banquet will start soon.”

Song Wan came in rubbing her eyes, yawning repeatedly. “A’Zhi, the Young Master doesn’t want me. He told me to follow you. Being Young Madam is out of the question now—don’t bully me in the future.”

Aunt Wang looked at her with a smile. “She has a very good temper.”

Xie Chi was in a good mood. This Song Wan was innocent and lovely, speaking directly without seeming scheming. She felt no hostility toward her. “Did you just wake up?”

Song Wan leaned lazily against the table. “Yeah, I’m exhausted. I should have known not to wait—my back hurts.”

“Then sit for a while.”

Aunt Wang helped Xie Chi into the wheelchair. Song Wan casually asked, “Need my help?”

“No need. You go get some water—I’ll explain things to you later.” Aunt Wang was reluctant to leave Xie Chi, and even more reluctant to give up the silver coins He Feng gave her. “I won’t come tomorrow. Girl, you must take good care of her.”

“Don’t worry.”

Song Wan smiled lazily with squinted eyes, then suddenly asked, “By the way, who’s that man always guarding the courtyard gate?”

“Chen Zheng.” Aunt Wang pushed Xie Chi outside.

Song Wan followed. “How old is he? Is he married? Does he have siblings? Are his parents still alive?”

…

Outside, gongs and drums thundered, people shouted and horses neighed.

He Feng headed to the main hall, his spirits high all the way. Thinking of Xie Chi’s stubborn expression made him feel very satisfied.

The entrance to the main hall was crowded with people—some setting up tables for gambling, some drinking and playing finger-guessing games, others surrounding girls and getting handsy.

Seeing He Feng, they all stopped to greet him.

People in the hall were already drinking. He Zhangzhi was at the entrance toasting guests. Seeing He Feng come alone, he approached and asked, “Where’s your little wife?”

“In the room.”

“Still sleeping?”

“Just woke up.”

“She promised to drink with Second Uncle until we’re both drunk.”

“What’s a woman doing drinking? I’ll drink with you.”

He Zhangzhi looked at the brothers beside him. “See that? He’s already protective before they’re even married.”

Before He Feng could pick up his wine cup, Pei Lanyuan came looking for him with a grave expression, pulling him aside.

Seeing his expression was wrong, He Feng asked, “What happened?”

“Old Jin just came to find me. He said there was an accident at the mine—two people died.”

“What happened?”

“The details aren’t clear. I’m going down to look now. You don’t need to go—there are many guests today, you should drink with them.”

“Let’s go together.”

“No need. If anything happens, I’ll have someone come up to notify you.”

“After all, lives were lost.” He Feng patted his back. “Let’s go.”

…

Song Qingtao was dragged up by Song Mang to celebrate He Zhanghui’s birthday. After presenting gifts, she left in low spirits. Just as she reached the stronghold gate, she encountered He Feng and Pei Lanyuan leading horses.

She deliberately walked past him, but He Feng didn’t even glance at her. Unable to vent her anger and feeling stifled, she proactively called out, “Third Brother.”

Hearing the voice, He Feng looked over. Seeing it was Song Qingtao, his tone was cold. “What is it?”

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

He Feng mounted his horse. “No.”

Pei Lanyuan smiled as he mounted his horse. “Qingtao, we have business now. We’ll talk when we return.”

“No.” Song Qingtao blocked the horses. “I heard Uncle Liu Si sent you a woman, and you accepted her.”

“Move aside.”

“You’ve changed. You weren’t like this before.”

He Feng ignored her and rode off directly.

“Third Brother!”

“He Feng!”

…

Xie Chi had just finished washing and dressing, preparing to go out.

Chen Zheng, guarding the door, stopped her.

“He Feng told me to go watch the opera.”

“Someone just came with word—the Young Master wants you to stay in the courtyard and not leave.”

“…”

Song Wan had a face full of smiles, blatantly sizing up Chen Zheng. Chen Zheng felt uncomfortable under her stare and turned around, seeing several people in opera costumes hurrying over from the distance. “They’re here—those are people from the Chun Troupe. The Young Master was afraid you’d be bored, so he specifically requested three people to sing just for you.”

Xie Chi had no choice. She couldn’t force her way out, so she had to return to the courtyard.

She was very picky about opera, and with things on her mind, she didn’t listen to a single line. Song Wan beside her, however, watched with great interest, even raising her hands to imitate the female roles.

Chen Zheng also watched from the side. Song Wan quietly moved closer and chatted with him. “Do you guard here every day?”

“Mm.”

“Isn’t it tiring?”

“Not tiring.”

“Very boring, right?”

“It’s alright.”

…

The outside was noisy all day.

In the evening, Song Qingtao came drunkenly to the entrance of He Feng’s courtyard and was stopped by Chen Zheng.

She held a gun in her left hand, pointing it at Chen Zheng. “Move aside.”

Though afraid, Chen Zheng didn’t dare let her pass. “Miss Song, even if you kill me today, I can’t let you in. The Young Master gave orders—I have no choice.”

“Move aside. I don’t want to fight with you.”

“Miss, it really won’t work. Please go back.”

“Are you moving or not!”

“I won’t move.”

Song Wan was carrying bedding from east to west when Song Qingtao spotted her and shouted, “You come here.”

Song Wan walked over, confused. “Are you calling me?”

“You’re the woman sent to He Feng yesterday?”

“Yes.”

Song Qingtao looked her over, then suddenly raised her hand to grab her. Song Wan forcefully shook her off and quickly hid behind Chen Zheng. “Who are you? Getting handsy—how rude.”

Chen Zheng protected Song Wan. “Miss, please don’t make things difficult for me. You can’t touch anyone in this courtyard.”

Song Qingtao’s eyes were red as she deliberately shouted toward the interior, “Let’s see how long you can hide!”

Xie Chi was writing in her room when she heard the voice. Her brush tip paused, and ink spread across the paper in a large black stain.

She finally came.

…