After the tributary banquet, the capital city of Dingjing remained bustling with activity. To welcome the dignitaries from Da Liang and Qin, the streets appeared much more prosperous than usual. No matter when, the Ming Qi royal family always wished to display an image of prosperity and glory before other countries.

At the Shen Manor, the servants sweeping the Autumn Waters Garden were discussing the latest gossip.

“Who exactly is this new young lady who has arrived at the manor? She must be someone important for the Third Madam to treat her so courteously.”

“The newly delivered tea leaves were first brewed for that young lady. Perhaps she’s a noble guest of the household?”

An elderly woman wearing a blue cloth jacket lowered her voice and said, “I heard this young lady’s father was especially close with the Old General. Back then, he even took a blade for the Old General and nearly lost his life.”

A young maidservant quickly covered her mouth in surprise and exclaimed, “No wonder! Being in the Old General’s debt means being in the Shen family’s debt. That’s why she’s treated as an honored guest.”

“They say she came seeking refuge. Perhaps she encountered some misfortune at home. Looking at the Third Madam’s demeanor, it seems she intends to take good care of this young lady.”

“What care? Currently, even our people in the manor are living hand-to-mouth, and now we have someone else eating for free. She should be sent away as soon as possible.”

After these words, silence fell around them. While the Shen Manor appeared decent on the surface, those inside knew the truth. Since Shen Xin’s branch had separated, money had become extremely tight, and even the servants’ monthly wages had been reduced significantly. As a result, even if the guest was a most noble person, servants would be displeased with anyone who came to eat for free.

“I wonder why the Third Madam, who is usually so harsh with us, is being so generous to this young lady,” someone wondered aloud.

Meanwhile, in the Autumn Waters Garden, Ren Wanyun was sitting inside, pushing a teacup toward the woman across from her with a smile. “These are newly harvested tea leaves, Emerald Tip. Miss Chen, please try some.”

The woman sitting opposite her wore a cyan-colored elastic brocade dress. The dress had no elaborate embroidery, making it quite simple. Such a color was difficult to wear well; worn poorly, one might look like a country girl. However, this woman wore it comfortably, creating a pleasing and eye-catching effect.

The woman appeared to be in her early twenties. Her clothing and hair ornaments were all quite simple, yet she had a gentle and graceful demeanor. Most importantly, she exuded a strong scholarly aura, raised in a literary family with an excellent upbringing.

Chen Ruoqiu had always disdained military men’s preference for literary affectations, and the same applied to people. However, facing this woman, she felt a sense of kinship and became more courteous.

Seeing Chen Ruoqiu’s enthusiasm, the woman did not hesitate. She picked up the teacup, took a sip, and smiled gently. “The tea is extremely light yet fragrant, with scattered leaves but a strong aroma. Madam’s tea brewing skills are exceptional.”

“So Miss Chen is also knowledgeable about the art of tea,” Chen Ruoqiu smiled more deeply. “The art of tea is wonderful, but nowadays, few young ladies like yourself understand it.”

“A pure breeze rises from both sides; I wish to ascend to Mount Penglai,” the woman smiled. “Madam is right, the art of tea is indeed wonderful. But please don’t tease me. I’m twenty-six now—hardly a young lady anymore.”

“Twenty-six?” Chen Ruoqiu exclaimed in surprise. “Looking at Miss Chen’s appearance, I thought you were just over twenty. But it’s fine—you may have the looks of a twenty-year-old, but you possess the composure of someone in their twenties. Such poise and grace are truly rare.”

This cyan-dressed woman was the person who had come to “seek autumn wind” yesterday, named Chang Zaiqing. Her father, Chang Hu, had once been a subordinate of Old General Shen. On the battlefield, he had taken a blade for Old General Shen, damaging his health permanently, rendering him unable to return to battle. Chang Hu’s family relied entirely on him for support, and Old General Shen, feeling guilty, had been secretly providing financial aid. At that time, Chang Zaiqing was still young, while Shen Xin was almost of marriageable age. Old General Shen had even joked about having Chang Zaiqing become his daughter-in-law. However, before seeing Shen Xin marry, Old General Shen passed away. Since Old General Shen’s support for the Chang family had been kept secret, there had been no further contact between the two families afterward.

Unexpectedly, the Chang family had now approached them.

A flash of worry crossed Chang Zaiqing’s eyes. “I feel truly embarrassed for this sudden intrusion, causing such inconvenience to the Shen family.” She looked at Chen Ruoqiu: “I understand my request is abrupt. If Madam finds it inconvenient, I will leave immediately. I absolutely will not trouble the Shen family.” Despite her words, as she lowered her gaze, she couldn’t help but bite her lip tightly.

Chen Ruoqiu warmly took her hand: “What are you saying, Miss Chen? Since your father saved my father-in-law’s life, your Chang family is our Shen family’s benefactor. Moreover, the relationship between the Old General and the Chang family was that of brothers who would die for each other. We are all one family. Since we are one family, how could we stand by when you’re in trouble?” She patted Chang Zaiqing’s hand: “Miss Zaiqing, please feel free to stay at our Shen Manor. Tomorrow I will take you to see the Old Madam, but recently the Old Madam has been unwell and her temperament isn’t very good, so I’m afraid you’ll need to be patient with her.”

Chang Zaiqing repeatedly expressed that she wouldn’t dare complain. Her attitude was natural and polite, neither overly reserved nor overly familiar, easily inspiring goodwill. Even Chen Ruoqiu, who was somewhat cautious and vigilant, spoke with Chang Zaiqing pleasantly and warmly.

Chang Zaiqing’s family lived in Liuzhou. The reason for her sudden arrival at the Shen Manor was indeed due to a troublesome situation. Chang Hu had passed away several years ago, leaving only Chang Zaiqing and her mother in the Chang family. Mrs. Chang had been bedridden for years and finally succumbed to her illness a few days ago. After burying Mrs. Chang, an official’s son from Liuzhou attempted to force Chang Zaiqing to become his concubine. Cornered with no way out, Chang Zaiqing nearly hanged herself with a white silk rope but was saved by her nanny. The nanny then told Chang Zaiqing that perhaps her father’s old friend, Old General Shen, could save her one more time.

Chang Zaiqing had met Old General Shen as a child and vaguely remembered him as a very generous and magnanimous military man. Unable to think of any other solution, she had gathered enough money for transportation to Dingjing. Upon arriving at the Shen Manor, she had fortunately encountered Chen Ruoqiu, who, after learning the details, had arranged for Chang Zaiqing to stay.

Chen Ruoqiu smiled at Chang Zaiqing: “Miss Zaiqing, living in a water town like Liuzhou, Dingjing is quite different. I wonder if the food suits your taste. Is the Western Courtyard comfortable for you?”

“Madam is too kind,” Chang Zaiqing replied with a smile. “Madam has taken excellent care of me. The accommodations in the Western Courtyard are very thoughtful. However…” She appeared somewhat puzzled, “Is such a large courtyard usually left empty?” After speaking, she realized she might have been impertinent and smiled, “I apologize for asking such an inappropriate question. Please don’t be offended, Madam.”

“I consider you as one of our own, so there’s nothing to be offended about,” Chen Ruoqiu smiled. “I won’t hide anything from you. You must know that our manor has three branches. The Mighty General, whom you’ve likely heard of, is our family’s First Branch. However, due to some misunderstandings two years ago, the First Branch moved out. My husband and I wanted to explain, but my elder brother and sister-in-law’s family went to Xiaochun City and only recently returned. We want to clear up the misunderstanding, but it has grown too deep.” As Chen Ruoqiu spoke, her face showed signs of helplessness, and she shook her head, saying, “I truly don’t know what to do.”

Chang Zaiqing was momentarily surprised: “According to what Madam is saying, that Western Courtyard…”

“That Western Courtyard was originally where my elder brother’s family lived,” Chen Ruoqiu explained.

Chang Zaiqing suddenly understood. Seeing Chen Ruoqiu’s somewhat sorrowful expression, she comforted her: “Madam needn’t worry too much. Blood is thicker than water in this world. Since it’s a misunderstanding, it will eventually be resolved, especially among family members. Given enough time, even if Madam doesn’t speak of it, I believe General Shen will come to regard these matters as trivial.”

Chen Ruoqiu smiled and said, “I know all these principles, but hearing Miss Chen say it has indeed comforted me greatly.” She looked at Chang Zaiqing: “It would be wonderful if everyone in the Shen Manor were as insightful as you. You understand so much; if you have free time in the future, please teach Yue’er. This child has been cherished by us and might have been spoiled. Having someone as intelligent as you to guide her would be excellent.”

“Madam flatters me,” Chang Zaiqing smiled along. “Yue’er is knowledgeable, polite, and exceptionally intelligent. I have never seen such a bright young lady in Liuzhou. I imagine she must be among the outstanding few in Dingjing. This is how a woman should be—well-learned and talented, possessing a unique charm.”

This subtle flattery pleased Chen Ruoqiu immensely. She conversed more enthusiastically with Chang Zaiqing until nearly noon before allowing her to return.

After Chang Zaiqing left, Shiying wiped the table while cautiously asking, “Does Madam truly intend to keep Miss Chen here?” She hesitated before reminding, “The manor’s expenses are increasing, and I fear the Old Madam will be displeased if she finds out.”

Old Madam Shen had become increasingly miserly. If she learned that Chang Zaiqing had come to the Shen Manor and that the family would spend money supporting an idle person, she would naturally be extremely dissatisfied. That’s why Chen Ruoqiu had previously informed Chang Zaiqing that the Old Madam had been in a bad mood lately, hoping she would be understanding.

“What does that shallow old woman know?” Chen Ruoqiu’s face showed disdain. “She’s useless in accomplishing things but excels at ruining them. How could she see what lies ahead?”

“Does Madam perhaps believe this Miss Chen might be useful in some way?” Huayi was quick-witted and knew her mistress’s temperament well. Two years ago, Chen Ruoqiu might have been willing to play the role of a benevolent fairy to gain a good reputation, but now, with limited funds and barely able to take care of herself, helping others seemed rather strange.

“Her speech and demeanor show depth, unlike the shallowness of ordinary women. She’s attractive with a gentle countenance, and rare for her temperament to be so graceful. With such intelligence, even placed within a household, she would be a standout character. If she has no ambition, so be it, but once ambition arises, within five years, this woman will surely accomplish something,” Chen Ruoqiu smiled. Growing up in a place where female scheming was commonplace, Chen Ruoqiu’s mother had been exceptionally formidable. Chen Ruoqiu saw her mother’s shadow in Chang Zaiqing, and with Chang Zaiqing still so young, her future achievements might be even more outstanding.

“But what can such a formidable person do?” Huayi was confused. “Perhaps Madam wants to build goodwill so that when Miss Chen soars high one day, she will repay Madam?”

Hearing this, Chen Ruoqiu laughed: “Such an intelligent person with an active mind—from her conversation, I observe that while she appears gentle on the surface, she is proud and arrogant. How could she be content to be subservient to others? If she truly soars high, don’t expect any repayment; she looks down on others.”

“Then, Madam…”

“I can’t bear to give such an outstanding person to someone else,” Chen Ruoqiu looked out the window. “We shouldn’t let our resources flow to outsiders. A good knife should be used on its cutting edge. However, such a formidable woman, I feel, I cannot compete with. I wonder who could withstand her for long…”

Meanwhile, Chang Zaiqing had returned to the Western Courtyard. Once home to Shen Xin’s family, the Western Courtyard had become quite empty. Originally, the Western Courtyard had many servants. Since Shen Xin had brought his guards over for training, it had always been lively. After Shen Xin’s family moved out, the servants of the Western Courtyard had gradually been dismissed by Chen Ruoqiu to reduce expenses. Without the daily training of the soldiers, the already spacious Western Courtyard appeared even more deserted and quiet.

Chang Zaiqing’s nanny, Nanny Zhao, seeing Chang Zaiqing return, quickly went forward to help her remove her cloak and asked worriedly, “Young Miss, how did your conversation with the Third Madam go today?”

Coming to Dingjing to seek help from the Shen family had been Nanny Zhao’s idea, as Chang Zaiqing would have no other path if they didn’t find a solution. However, the Shen family and the Chang family had not been in contact for many years. People’s hearts change easily; while the late Old General Shen had been willing to care for the Chang family, with him gone, who knew how the Shen family would treat Chang Zaiqing now?

Chang Zaiqing rubbed her forehead and sat down on a couch at the edge of the room, saying, “The Third Madam was very enthusiastic and also agreed to let us stay for a while. Even if those people came to Dingjing, I don’t think they’d dare to offend the Shen family.”

Nanny Zhao finally patted her chest in relief and said, “Amitabha Buddha! The Master always said that the Shen family is all compassionate people. I was worried for the Young Miss, fearing what would happen if the Shen family refused to help. Now it seems we can rest easy.”

“Nanny, you worry too much.” Chang Zaiqing gave a cold laugh, showing disdain. “When has there ever been a free lunch in this world? Even if Old General Shen cared for the Chang family, it was because Father took a blade for him back then. There is no such thing as kindness without reason in this world. The Third Madam’s enthusiasm is merely because she sees some use in me.”

Nanny Zhao was startled and looked at Chang Zaiqing: “Does the Young Miss mean that the Third Madam is not a good person? What should we do now?”

“Don’t worry, Nanny,” Chang Zaiqing reassured her, though her gaze emitted a chilling light. “The Third Madam wants something from me, and I need something from her as well. Although I don’t know exactly what she’s planning, we’ll find a way.”

“But…” Nanny Zhao was still uneasy.

“Don’t worry, Nanny,” Chang Zaiqing smiled. “We’ve overcome more difficult situations. Having come this far, with a path to survival in sight, what do I have to fear? The Shen family is a stepping stone, and we must use it well. The Third Madam wants to use me, but I am also using her.”

Nanny Zhao looked at Chang Zaiqing and finally nodded in agreement: “This old servant only wants what’s best for the Young Miss. Whatever the Young Miss says is right.”

Dingjing City was the capital of Ming Qi, and naturally, the land beneath one’s feet was worth its weight in gold. The most precious area in Dingjing City, apart from the palace, was Yanqing Lane. Located in the south of the city, not far from the most prosperous taverns and shops, it faced the river, offering a unique view. The reason for Yanqing Lane’s exorbitant land prices, besides being home to nobles of the previous dynasty, was that a famous immortal Daoist had once examined the feng shui there and declared that this place was extremely valuable, possessing dragon energy. Only those of imperial descent could suppress the dragon energy of this place, and only the most respected in the world could live there.

The Ming Qi royal family did not reside in the south of the city, and they couldn’t undertake major construction to rebuild the palace—that would cause discontent among the people, and the national treasury couldn’t afford such expenditures. But who would dare to live in a place with dragon energy? Even those brave enough couldn’t afford such expenses. As a result, Yanqing Lane had remained empty as a mere ornament for many years.

However, now Yanqing Lane finally had residents—none other than the guests from Qin and Da Liang. Qin had sent their Crown Prince, while Da Liang had sent their Prince, both legitimate imperial descendants. Money was not an issue for them. In truth, there was no more suitable place for them to stay than Yanqing Lane. They couldn’t reside in the palace; if they did, Emperor Wenhui would probably lie sleepless day and night. Having people from another country staying in his palace—how could one be comfortable with others sleeping on one’s couch? It would certainly be unpleasant.

Currently, at the innermost mansion in Yanqing Lane, soldiers stood guard. Although it was a residence, it resembled a small palace, with luxurious and extravagant decorations, immense. Even the mansions of high officials would need several combined to match such a residence.

This mansion was where Prince Rui stayed. Yanqing Lane had several mansions; the Qin Crown Prince had chosen the one closest to the entrance, while Prince Rui had selected the innermost one, perhaps deliberately maintaining distance from Qin. Regardless, this mansion was the most expensive in Yanqing Lane, twice as costly as the Qin Crown Prince’s, yet Prince Rui had secured it without batting an eye, lending credence to the rumor that Da Liang’s treasury was indeed filled with gold.

Da Liang’s Prince Rui was quite arrogant. On the first day he moved in, he had the plaque at the entrance removed and replaced with a golden one that read: “Prince Rui’s Mansion.” This made people both angry and amused—Da Liang’s Prince Rui coming to Ming Qi, buying a mansion, and hanging such a plaque—did he truly intend to stay?

At present, in a courtyard within Prince Rui’s mansion, something snow-white was tumbling on the ground.

“This creature is born delicate, yet it’s too fierce. So small yet so ferocious. Why would the Master think of keeping it?” A woman in yellow crouched on the ground, teasing the snow-white ball of fur with a wooden stick. Looking closer, one could see that the creature was entirely furry, like a stuffed toy. Upon careful observation, a pair of clear, shining eyes revealed considerable intelligence. It was currently scratching at the woman’s hand with its claws and attempting to bite with its teeth. This was none other than a tiger cub, seemingly born not long ago, still very young, with a rare light-colored coat. The markings were not very clear, and from a distance, it looked just like a snow-white white tiger. It was truly adorable.

As the woman played with it, she suddenly let out a hiss, dropping the wooden stick and angrily saying, “This little creature looks so docile, yet it’s a biter! It hurt me. Just wait until I tear you apart!”

“You’d better not,” another female voice sounded. It was a somewhat alluring woman in a light red dress. She looked at the bundle on the ground and said, “This is something the Master personally brought back to raise. Yeyuan, I fear you would be torn apart by the Master before you could even touch it.”

The woman called Yeyuan stood up. The white tiger cub playfully grabbed her skirt hem, turned its head, and bit it, persistently pulling backward. Yeyuan kicked it away and walked to the red-dressed woman’s side: “Huolong, has the Master gone mad? Why raise a tiger out of nowhere? The tiger may look beautiful and cute, but its nature is fierce. What if it hurts someone in the future?”

Huolong shrugged: “Perhaps he was in the mood. This white tiger has just been eating and sleeping since it was brought back. It’s only been awake for a few days and already knows how to bite people.”

“If the Master brings a full-grown tiger back in the future, and His Majesty finds out, he’ll surely have a headache,” Yeyuan said with a bitter expression.

“What are you two slacking off for?” A man’s stern voice rang out. The two women turned to see a middle-aged man striding toward them. He walked to the cage, picked up the bowl on top, looked at it, and then gazed at Yeyuan and Huolong with considerable displeasure: “I told you to feed it, and you’re just lazing around!”

“Tieyi!” Yeyuan said angrily, “We came out of the tower prison thinking we’d have a good job serving the Master, only to find out we’re here to feed a tiger. We are members of the Ink Feather Army, not wet nurses. Who has nothing better to do than play with a tiger all day long?”

“Just do what the Master has instructed without asking so many questions,” Tieyi crouched down and used the bowl to feed the white tiger on the ground. The cooked meat had been cut into mince and mixed with eggs. The white tiger approached, sniffed, and happily ate. Tieyi stroked the tiger’s head, creating a harmonious scene between man and tiger.

It was somewhat strange to see such a burly man sitting with a delicate and exquisite tiger in such a tender moment.

The tiger ate half a bowl before refusing to eat more. Tieyi put away the bowl and turned to see Huolong and Yeyuan suddenly bowing to someone behind him: “Master.”

Xie Jingxing waved his hand as he walked out of the room. Following behind him were two men, Ji Yushu and Gao Yang.

Ji Yushu spotted the white tiger and his eyes widened: “What kind of dog is that?”

Tieyi’s body trembled, and Gao Yang said, “Are you stupid? It’s a spore.”

Spore.

Tieyi said, “Young Master Ji, Young Master Gao, it’s a white tiger.” His tone seemed to be defending the white tiger’s dignity. Unfortunately, the young tiger did not understand human language. Having eaten its fill, it was now playing with its tail in the sunshine, much like a cat.

“A tiger?” Ji Yushu looked at Xie Jingxing: “Third Brother, are you alright? Why are you now raising tigers?”

Yeyuan said in a crisp voice: “Young Master Ji, the Master saw this on the way to Dingjing City. Hunters were going to sell the young tiger’s pelt for a high price, but our Master saved it.”

Gao Yang gave Xie Jingxing a sidelong glance: “Since when did you become so kind-hearted? This doesn’t seem like something you would do.”

Xie Jingxing ignored the two of them. He wore a dark purple brocade robe with golden vine patterns and narrow sleeves, still an extremely luxurious attire. Yet no matter how splendid the clothes, they couldn’t outshine his outstanding appearance. He leisurely walked to the white tiger cub’s side. Seeing someone suddenly appear before it, the white tiger cub, without hesitation, pounced forward with its claws extended, ready to bite—

Only to be lifted into the air by the scruff of its neck.

Xie Jingxing held the white tiger cub suspended in mid-air. The cub seemed extremely uncomfortable in this position, constantly flailing its legs. Xie Jingxing ignored this and thoughtfully examined it.

“He’s not going to…” Yeyuan made a beheading gesture toward Huolong. Huolong shuddered and shook her head.

After looking for a while, Xie Jingxing parted the white tiger cub’s legs, glanced once, and then smiled, saying, “It’s a female tiger.”

Everyone: “…”

So what if it was a female tiger? Was Xie Jingxing planning to take it back to Da Liang as Prince Rui’s consort?

The cub let out a soft “roar,” though it sounded gentle due to its young age. Xie Jingxing placed it against his chest, gathering it in his arms. The white tiger cub lay on his chest, raising its head and continuously making “roar, roar” sounds at him, as if coquettishly seeking attention, appearing both pitiful and adorable.

Xie Jingxing reached out with his finger to pull at the tiger’s whiskers, teasing her. Yeyuan gasped and exclaimed, “Master, you mustn’t! That white tiger hates having its whiskers touched by people and will bite!”

Before she finished speaking, the tiger had already bitten Xie Jingxing’s finger. Tieyi and Huolong also jumped in fright. Ji Yushu covered his mouth with both hands, showing an exaggerated look of terror, while Gao Yang seemed quite pleased with this misfortune.

Xie Jingxing calmly stared at the white tiger. After a while, the tiger appeared somewhat guilty, released his finger, and turned to look elsewhere. On Xie Jingxing’s finger was a shallow but distinct tooth mark.

“Her eyes look the same, and so does her temper. Even the habit of biting people is identical,” Xie Jingxing looked down at the white tiger in his arms. Far from being angry, he reached out to stroke the tiger’s head.

The white tiger seemed to be getting sleepy. It yawned, stretched lazily, but didn’t struggle. It simply allowed Xie Jingxing to caress its head while resting peacefully on his chest.

The sun lazily cast a golden light down. The purple-clad man was both charming and handsome. As he looked down at the white tiger in his arms, his long, curled eyelashes couldn’t hide his tender, doting gaze. The tiger’s fur was exceptionally beautiful as it obediently lay in his arms. The man and tiger together created a picture-perfect scene, entirely different from the strange feeling evoked earlier when Tieyi was feeding the tiger.

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow, looking at the nearly sleeping cub with narrowed eyes, and said, “You still need a name. Since you’re so much alike, from now on, I’ll call you Jiaojiao.”

Ji Yushu clapped his hands: “What kind of weird name is that, Third Brother? You’re giving this female tiger such a delicate name—it’s too strange!” He protested: “Change the name, something like Tiger Lord, Iron Hammer, or Brother Tiger would be much better!”

Gao Yang had an expression of being unable to bear watching this and covered his eyes with his fan.

Xie Jingxing glanced at Ji Yushu, unhurriedly continuing to scratch under the cub’s chin, and said calmly: “Shut up. This is my precious Jiaojiao.”