The two attendants escorted Dai Yue from a distance. It was impossible for them to hear the conversation here.

Xie Hongchen’s white robes were like clouds, his silk shoes free of dust. He struggled to cast aside all emotions and spoke with the bearing of an immortal sect master: “You have aspirations to help those in distress and aid those in danger. Very good. Since that is so… this Sect Master will grant your wish.”

Huang Rang’s face showed some smile. She hurriedly prostrated herself and said, “This disciple pays respects to Master!”

Xie Hongchen watched her bow down to the dust, an indescribable sense of absurdity in his heart. He didn’t know where this strangeness came from, but it was like thorns growing in his heart, causing all kinds of discomfort.

Huang Rang personally escorted Dai Yue to Li Manor. Dai Yue’s mother’s remains were indeed buried here.

Xie Hongchen faced the villagers who came upon hearing the news, his expression solemn as he said, “Though this woman has committed grave crimes, her master is magnanimous and has her keep vigil here for her mother, to reflect deeply on her faults. You need not look after her, but you must not bully or abuse her either.”

These two sentences truly preserved Dai Yue’s life.

Dai Yue walked step by step to her mother’s grave.

She had later become Huang Rang’s personal maid, so her mother’s tomb had also been repaired and was not so desolate. Taking advantage of the opportunity while Xie Hongchen instructed the villagers, Huang Rang accompanied her to this tomb built of green bricks.

Dai Yue’s face was covered in tears. She wanted to speak, but only ugly noise came from her mouth. Huang Rang said, “You want to ask something? Why I did this, right?”

Of course she wanted to know. Dai Yue nodded repeatedly. Huang Rang turned her back to Xie Hongchen. Naturally there was no need to put on any performance of deep master-servant affection. She said, “It’s nothing much. Just that someone once stepped on me, and in the dream I’m returning the favor.”

Having said this, she turned to leave. Dai Yue lunged forward, desperately clutching at the corner of her garment.

Dai Yue had actually been assigned to serve at her side very early on. The two had been companions for many years. In those barren times, they had been sleepless together on rainy nights, whispering secrets to each other. At sunrise in the morning, they had walked together, collecting honey and flowers together.

But in the end, memories were like grains of sand, with old acquaintances mixed among them, not worth a backward glance.

Huang Rang slowly exerted force and pulled back the corner of her skirt. A bond of master and servant, severed here and now.

After settling Dai Yue, Xie Hongchen brought Huang Rang back to the Huang family.

Huang Shu was intensely excited in his heart, hardly knowing how to speak. Xie Hongchen forcefully suppressed the chaos in his heart and said, “Mister Huang’s daughter Huang Rang is naturally intelligent, diligent, and hardworking. I… value her understanding and esteem her qualifications. I wish to take her as a disciple under my tutelage. I ask Mister Huang’s permission.”

He hardly knew how he had spoken these words. Huang Shu’s heart also jolted—take her as a disciple?

Not seek her hand in marriage?

Huang Shu truly could not understand. A girl, when all was said and done, wasn’t it just that sort of thing?

Moreover, Huang Rang was not some heaven-sent prodigy. For someone of Xie Hongchen’s caliber, what disciples didn’t people line up to offer him? Was she worth him caring about so earnestly?

But Xie Hongchen’s words were already spoken. Huang Shu had no recourse. Besides, even if it was taking a disciple, being able to enter Xie Hongchen’s tutelage meant the Huang family could also benefit considerably. When the day came that she completed her training and found a suitable husband’s family, would they still worry about lacking overwhelming wealth and honor?

Huang Shu quickly calculated the gains and losses, then kowtowed and said, “That the Sect Master has taken a liking to my daughter is truly a blessing for this humble one’s family. Naturally, this humble one has no objection.”

Xie Hongchen made a sound of acknowledgment. Not wanting complications from delay, he turned to Huang Rang and said, “Since that is so, pack your belongings and follow me to the sect.” In front of disciples, he had always referred to himself as “your master.”

But he didn’t know why—in front of Huang Rang, he couldn’t say it.

Huang Rang was extremely obedient, bowing again and saying, “Yes, Master!”

She hurried back to her small courtyard and quickly packed her belongings.

Xie Hongchen stood outside waiting. He saw that she brought none of her gold or silver items, only carrying a small sandalwood box with her, and picked up the stinging caterpillar from the desk to put in her pouch. Xie Hongchen assumed the box contained gold and silver valuables, which was understandable. But this stinging caterpillar was quite incongruous. He couldn’t help but laugh: “What are you bringing it for?”

Huang Rang smiled bashfully. She opened the wooden box—inside, neatly arranged, were all coral pearl strings. Huang Rang smiled and said, “These pearl strings were gifts from an old friend. I must take them. As for this stinging caterpillar, without its supervision, how could this disciple have had the chance to take a famous teacher? Truly speaking, it was also this disciple’s former schoolmate.”

Though the pearl strings in the box were exquisite, they were not priceless treasures after all. Xie Hongchen said, “You value sentiment.” Seeing her appear all packed and ready, he couldn’t help but ask, “You’re not taking anything else?”

Huang Rang looked around at the four walls and said, “Everything in the house was granted by Father. I… have been unfilial in many ways these years. Now that I must leave home, I will leave all these items here.”

This woman’s character was truly noble and pure. Xie Hongchen nodded and said, “Then let us depart.”

Huang Rang walked out of the small courtyard and solemnly bid farewell to Huang Shu. Huang Shu, thinking of the Huang family’s future status, was already so pleased he couldn’t close his mouth. He said repeatedly, “My child, rise, rise. In the future at Yuhu Xuanzong, you must be filial to your elders and friendly to your fellow disciples. And don’t forget to often return to Immortal Tea Town to visit.”

Xie Hongchen observed quietly, seeing Huang Rang answer earnestly without the slightest impatience. Upon stepping out the door, Huang Rang said again, “Master, may I be allowed to… bid farewell to my mother?”

Ah. How thoughtful. Xie Hongchen said, “Very well.”

Huang Rang thus made her way to the farmland, stopping at the corner where divine immortal grass was planted. She knelt on both knees and bowed toward the field. Xie Hongchen stood beside her, vaguely feeling this scene was incredibly familiar.

Huang Rang did not look back at him. Just like in the fifth year of Chengyuan outside the dream, she had also brought Xie Hongchen here to pay respects to her deceased mother.

Unfortunately, the Xie Hongchen of that time had only thought she was putting on an act and had not been so patient.

Huang Rang performed three bows and three kowtows, then looked at this farmland again.

Because her mother had committed suicide, Huang Shu was especially furious and ordered that no grave or monument be erected for her. So her remaining sand was spread here, nourishing all living things. Huang Rang stood up, gazing at this small plot of land.

In the fifth year of Chengyuan outside the dream, she had left Immortal Tea Town. From then on, she had never returned.

She wondered if this woman would miss her even a little. Or would she still, as in life, detest and curse her?

When Huang Rang kowtowed to her, her face showed grief, but her heart was cold as ice.

—

And at this time, in the capital’s imperial palace, outside the Yuanrong Tower.

Li Lu and Bao Wu had come many times but were blocked from entering by Qiu Shengbai. On this day, Bao Wu finally became desperate. He didn’t even care about his head anymore and actually cursed loudly outside the tower, frightening the four eunuchs Fu, Lu, Shou, and Xi until their faces turned white. If His Majesty heard this, it would be a crime punishable by extermination of nine generations of kin.

Qiu Shengbai had no choice but to allow him entry.

Qiu Shengbai led this military man inside, speaking kindly along the way: “His Majesty has not issued orders forbidding visits to the princes and princesses. It’s just that things were too frightening before, and their temperaments were unstable, which is why visits were delayed. Now that they’re better, if people from the household want to send something, I’ll just check it over.”

Bao Wu hadn’t seen Di Yiqiu for many days and was already frantic with worry. Now he had no mind for conversation, only following him all the way to the tower’s base. The heavy medicinal smell inside and a strange fishy odor made him furrow his brow tightly. Then he saw Di Yiqiu in the cell.

With just one glance, Bao Wu’s hair stood on end.

In the cramped cell, Di Yiqiu had shackles on both his wrists and ankles. He wore a black robe on his body, with the skin exposed outside swollen and blue-black. Because of the excessive swelling, his entire person looked as fat as two people.

“Jianzheng!” Bao Wu rushed over in two or three steps, tears finally unable to hold back. Even his voice was trembling: “What is this… what is this…”

Qiu Shengbai said, “His emotions are very stable now. Speak properly. A dignified Deputy Supervisor—you’re not even as composed as a woman.”

“What woman?” All of Bao Wu’s anxiety transformed into fury. He drew his blade and pointed it at Qiu Shengbai, about to split him in half: “What exactly have you done to them?”

“Bao Wu.” Di Yiqiu’s voice was hoarse. Because his nasal cavity was also too swollen and breathing was difficult, it carried some nasal quality.

Bao Wu quickly released Qiu Shengbai and came before Di Yiqiu in a few steps: “Jianzheng… Jianzheng!” He wanted to reach out and touch him but didn’t know where to start. Di Yiqiu had been appointed as Si Tianjian’s Supervisor at a very young age. Bao Wu and Li Lu had assisted him all along, personally watching him grow up. Their affection was especially deep.

Now seeing him in this state, how could his heart not ache?

Di Yiqiu actually consoled him, saying, “In the past two days, my manic depression has subsided. I’m already much better.”

Bao Wu suddenly realized that he was actually comforting him. During such a visit, he was the one being comforted. He took a deep breath, quickly reined in his temper, and said, “What does Jianzheng need while recuperating here? This subordinate will go back immediately to prepare it.”

Di Yiqiu shook his head. After a long while, he suddenly asked, “Outside… how are things?”

Bao Wu hurriedly said, “Everything at Si Tianjian is well. It’s just that everyone misses Jianzheng very much. Li Lu has been running around everywhere these past days—he’s worn through his shoe soles.”

Di Yiqiu made a sound of acknowledgment. There were some things he wanted to ask, but he never spoke them. It was Qiu Shengbai who asked, “He wants to know about that young lady who came to breed plants last time—how is she?”

Ah! Bao Wu suddenly understood and hurriedly said, “Miss Dai Yue—she’s not doing well at all. This subordinate also wanted to consult Jianzheng about this very matter.”

Qiu Shengbai clicked his tongue, deeply feeling this person was a blockhead.

But Di Yiqiu asked, “Dai Yue? What happened?” After all, she was that person’s personal maid. If something happened to her, then that person might… He hurriedly asked, “Did something go wrong with breeding the twin serpent fruit?”

Bao Wu said, “The twin serpent fruit matter went very smoothly with Miss Huang Rang’s help. She delivered sixty seedlings to His Majesty. This woman’s talent is truly immeasurable. However, just a few days ago, Xie Hongchen of Yuhu Xuanzong appeared in Immortal Tea Town. He suddenly exposed Miss Dai Yue, claiming she deceived her master and stole fame, taking the excellent varieties bred by Miss Huang Rang as her own. I initially suspected this matter was false, but Li Lu said that given Xie Hongchen’s status, for him to say such things in public, his words are probably true.”

“Xie Hongchen.” Di Yiqiu softly spoke this name. He naturally knew of Xie Hongchen—currently the most prominent figure among the immortal sects. He asked, “Then… what about Tenth Miss?”

He had finally asked this question. Bao Wu was slightly stunned and said, “Tenth Miss is very well! Now everyone in the world knows she is the true breeder. Everyone praises her kindness and achievements. Her reputation has soared, and even Xie Hongchen admires her greatly. Right now many people want to form marriage alliances with her.”

“…Xie Hongchen?” Di Yiqiu’s gaze dropped to the ground. He said nothing more.

On the side, Qiu Shengbai had truly never seen someone so bad at conversation. He said, “If you’ve said enough, hurry up and leave!”

Bao Wu glared at him angrily. Thinking it was he who had harmed their Jianzheng to this state, he wanted nothing more than to go forward and flay this old fellow. But Qiu Shengbai was better at asking questions than Di Yiqiu. He asked, “Has that Tenth Miss agreed to any family’s marriage proposal?”

Huh? Bao Wu was baffled: “No.”

Di Yiqiu’s body stiffened. Qiu Shengbai asked again, “Why did Xie Hongchen stand up for her?”

Bao Wu looked suspicious and cursed, “You old thing, why are you asking these questions? Could it be you’re lusting after Tenth Miss?”

Qiu Shengbai didn’t even want to deal with him: “Answer this old man!”

Bao Wu could only say, “Li Lu said that Xie Hongchen has always hated evil like an enemy. He probably just couldn’t stand Dai Yue deceiving her master and stealing fame.”

Only then did Qiu Shengbai make a sound of acknowledgment and ask, “Is there anything illicit between the two of them?”

What did he mean by illicit… the two of them were unmarried man and unmarried woman. Bao Wu felt extreme contempt for this kind of disrespectful elder who actually wanted to eat tender grass, saying, “Nothing has been heard. But you old thing had better not entertain delusions. Tenth Miss now has a beautiful reputation far and wide, and it was Xie Hongchen who stood up for her. No matter what, it wouldn’t be your turn, you toad lusting after swan meat. You should care more about our Jianzheng. If anything happens to him, I’ll make you pay with your life!”

Qiu Shengbai was truly convinced by this military man. He said, “Fool! If something happens to your Jianzheng, at least half the responsibility lies with you!”

“Old dog, what are you spouting?!” Bao Wu was about to draw his blade again. Di Yiqiu said, “Bao Wu! Enough. Go back.”

Bao Wu still felt resentful in his heart, but as he was leaving, he suddenly said, “Oh right, Li Lu said official documents have piled up considerably at Si Tianjian. If Jianzheng improves, we’ll bring some over daily to help him pass the time.”

Qiu Shengbai very much disapproved of Di Yiqiu taxing his mind, but he still agreed. Ordinary people simply could not bear serpent venom. If even one’s mental state collapsed, then even immortals could not save them. He very much hoped these princes and princesses could have something to do, something to look forward to. Whether real or illusory—at least this way, they would want to live.

And in the days that followed, Li Lu began bringing official documents over every few days.

Li Lu’s intelligence was not comparable to someone like Bao Wu. Each time, he would intentionally or unintentionally mention matters of Immortal Tea Town. When speaking of Immortal Tea Town, naturally he had to bring up Tenth Miss. He used a completely casual tone to tell of how Tenth Miss received the sympathy and admiration of the world.

This one knew how to converse. When Di Yiqiu heard more, he would slowly take in some soup and water.

Seeing this, Qiu Shengbai felt that Si Tianjian was not entirely full of fools, and so no longer prohibited him from coming to visit.