Just then, Xiao Wenliu said: “Naturally. I only brought her when returning to the mansion – she wouldn’t dare leave my side for a moment.”

That maid immediately shut her mouth.

Lan Xian slowly released her grip on her fingers.

Throughout the entire process, Xiao Fu had been staring intently at her, observing the subtle changes in her expression.

Lan Xian smiled at him with curved lips.

Having come from the world of pleasure houses, struggling and fighting on boats, even daring to strike officials – she had this much composure.

Xiao Fu’s gaze shifted away.

The chief steward asked a few more questions but gained nothing, so he could only withdraw from this courtyard to continue inquiring elsewhere.

Lan Xian slowly exhaled a long breath in her heart.

Xiao Wenliu then said it was getting late and took leave of the old madam.

The old madam looked at her deeply, patting her hand: “You’re now someone else’s daughter-in-law and should prioritize serving your parents-in-law and husband. In the future, for minor illnesses and disasters at home, you needn’t rush back so urgently. Prince Zhao and his wife are reasonable people, but our Xiao mansion should have its own sense of propriety. Don’t you think?”

Xiao Wenliu’s eyes widened slightly, looking at her grandmother’s kind smile. After a long moment, she said softly: “Does grandmother not want me to come back anymore?”

Old Madam Xiao hadn’t expected Xiao Wenliu to ask so directly, choked slightly, then smiled: “What are you saying, child? You’re grandmother’s precious darling – grandmother has always been reluctant to part with you.” She then rubbed her forehead.

A nanny immediately stepped forward saying the old madam’s headache was acting up again. Xiao Wenliu naturally could only let go, watching the nanny escort the old madam into the inner room.

The other aunts, concubines, and sisters crowded over – some explaining, some comforting, some seeming to comfort but actually mocking. Xiao Wenliu didn’t talk much with them, leaving Fu’an Hall cleanly and decisively.

The group walked along the corridor beside Yuxi Pool. Seeing the lantern-bearer was quite far ahead and Xiao Wenliu was silent, Lan Xian said softly: “Young mistress…”

“Silence!”

Lan Xian shut her mouth, then felt cold wind rush from behind, a great force surging forward. Her body involuntarily tilted and with a splash, she fell into the adjacent Yuxi Pool.

Water splashed half a person’s height.

Xiao Wenliu turned around abruptly, seeing Lan Xian thrashing in panic in the water calling for help. She seemed stunned, standing there motionless for a long time. Watching Lan Xian drink several mouthfuls of water, desperately struggling but unable to cry out, her head slowly sinking as it bobbed up and down.

The lantern-bearing maid ahead turned back, so startled she dropped her lantern and rushed over but didn’t dare enter the water, shouting: “Help! Someone save her! Someone’s fallen in the water!”

Only then did Xiao Wenliu seem to awaken, beating the railing and shouting: “Help! Help!”

As soon as she called out, people arrived. A black shadow swept down from the corridor roof and pulled Lan Xian from the water.

Lan Xian lay on the ground with rolling white eyes, already breathing out more than breathing in.

The rescuer was Xiao Fu. Soon matrons came to help expel water from Lan Xian, and after much busy work, she finally caught her breath.

Xiao Fu stood aside watching from afar, his gaze sweeping over Lan Xian’s pale face repeatedly before silently leaving.

Shortly after, the chief steward waiting for news received Xiao Fu’s reply: “Already tested – she can’t swim.”

The chief steward nodded, gesturing to his subordinates: “Let them leave.”

…

In the carriage home, Xiao Wenliu remained silent throughout.

Lan Xian sat across from her, wrapped in a cloak and holding a hand warmer, still sneezing continuously.

Street lights and shadows passed through the crimson gauze curtains, creating mottled dark patterns on Xiao Wenliu’s face. Though her features remained delicate, her brow was much more serious than before.

Lan Xian’er vaguely thought that just last year, when first meeting her on the boat, she had been like a bright flower in sunlight – a pampered young lady. When had the flower begun to wither?

A faint guilt arose in her heart.

Taking others’ money to do treacherous things against her master, yet when caught off guard, her mistress still protected her.

In the gently swaying carriage, ornaments chimed with clear sounds that made one’s heart restless.

The carriage suddenly stopped. Lan Xian looked up to see the massive stone lions before Prince Zhao’s mansion.

The brass gates were painted deep red – dignified and luxurious, yet just an exquisite cage.

From one cage to another.

Lan Xian sniffled and moved to get out first to help their young mistress down.

But Xiao Wenliu got out first herself, standing by the carriage without turning back: “You’ve caught a chill. Find a doctor yourself and take some medicine. Stay outside the mansion temporarily to avoid spreading the illness.”

Lan Xian knew she was giving her a chance to pass on information, but her heart sank as she said softly: “Doesn’t the young mistress want me anymore?”

Xiao Wenliu turned her face around, her eyes slightly glistening, reflecting the dim yellow light of the wind lantern: “Isn’t giving you freedom good?”

“Why did the young mistress protect this servant?”

“No particular reason. I don’t like overthinking. I didn’t want you to die, so I acted. If I hadn’t, I’d fear sleepless nights forever after.”

This bold girl – she had seen her struggle for her chastity and life on merchant ships, received her companionship and protection on Ghost Island. After coming to the capital, she could arrange hair, cook, dress up, and help deal with the arrogant nannies, ill-intentioned maids, and scheming concubines in Prince Zhao’s mansion… She didn’t even favor her original head maid anymore, preferring to take this one everywhere.

Before speaking in Fu’an Hall, she asked herself: Do you want her to die?

No – then act. Don’t ask about causes and effects.

Just like when she went to meet Tie Ci before.

“Young mistress… don’t you want to ask anything?”

“No, I don’t. I’m afraid if I ask, I’ll also have sleepless nights forever.”

Whatever was done was disadvantageous to the Xiao mansion. Surviving in the gap between family and emotion was always this difficult.

“So go,” she said. “Just this once.”

The Xiao family was different from before now. She couldn’t keep undermining them. No matter how the world mocked and hated, people she loved and who loved her still lived there.

The person behind her said nothing, bowing within the carriage.

Xiao Wenliu didn’t turn back, lifting her skirts to walk forward. The deep red gate slowly opened to darkness within.

Lan Xian got down from the carriage, watching the gate slowly close before her eyes. She turned and walked into the street alleys.

Half an hour later, in a medical hall, she met Mu Si and told him the overheard news, describing the appearance of the old man who had entered the Vice Minister’s study.

Murong Yi sat behind gauze curtains, also listening, turning jade walnuts in his hand. He thought that originally placing this girl beside Xiao Wenliu was just a spontaneous move to plant a chess piece, not expecting such usefulness.

Only now she seemed discovered.

In the past, useless people would be abandoned, but this woman was quite clever – perhaps she could be brought into his subordinates for training.

He gestured to Mu Si, who then extended an invitation, but Lan Xian shook her head slightly and stood up.

“I’m going back.”

Mu Si looked at her in amazement.

She was already exposed – what was the point of going back?

“The young mistress needs me. I’m going back to protect her.” Lan Xian’er smiled: “Young master, from now on, I’ll truly be her maid. Don’t look for me anymore.”

She curtsied and turned to leave. Women from the pleasure quarter inevitably swayed their waists and hips when walking, but she walked quickly and steadily.

Murong Yi emerged from behind the gauze curtains, watching her retreating figure.

He had contacted her before, meeting once or twice. Each time she wanted money and to see him, her eyes constantly darting about busily, making people feel annoyed.

Today she had quieted down.

Mu Si said quietly: “Master…” He made a downward chopping gesture.

According to the young master’s rules, used pawns weren’t allowed to leave independently, especially with such an unstable temperament.

Murong Yi seemed to be thinking something, shaking his head slightly.

Mu Si was somewhat surprised but still gestured to the darkness. On rooftops at the alley head, some figures slowly crouched down, letting that woman walk away briskly and resolutely.

Murong Yi propped his chin, smiling.

Going back was good too. Having received Xiao Wenliu’s help, he should repay her somewhat.

Actually, the concept of repayment didn’t exist in his dictionary, but didn’t Tie Ci like Xiao Wenliu?

…

The next day – imperial garden hunting.

The imperial garden was 150 li from the capital. Since this was imperial hunting, imperial clan nobles, hereditary nobles, capital officials of third rank and above, and their sons all had to participate. The procession stretched magnificently for dozens of li, taking nearly a full day to reach Kunhe Palace near the imperial garden.

Kunhe was a county adjacent to the capital and also the capital’s horse-breeding center. The Kunhe county magistrate had long brought garrison troops to clear and patrol the ten-thousand-acre imperial garden thoroughly, preparing the strongest and most docile horses.

The traveling palace wasn’t large and couldn’t accommodate so many people. Therefore, besides the imperial family and some veteran important ministers staying in the palace, the rest camped on the great grassland outside the palace.

The Capital Guard and three thousand Imperial Daughter’s Nine Guards were responsible for security this time. The former had just undergone purging, selecting the most reliable and excellent soldiers to participate.

Tie Ci dined with her parents in the evening. Seeing Father Emperor quite interested, she suggested going out for a walk to digest.

The imperial father and daughter rarely had opportunities to travel together, so Tie Yan immediately agreed enthusiastically.

They brought guards out of the traveling palace, seeing from afar scattered lights like stars on that grassland – all the families cooking dinner. Imperial hunting couldn’t bring kitchens, the intention being to train the ministers.

Moreover, for safety this hunt didn’t allow families to bring many guards or carry many items – they had to make do locally with available materials.

The father and daughter didn’t approach closely, wearing cloaks and walking around the various family tents. Along the way they heard young ladies complaining about insects in the wild, dirty ground, uneven roads, and dried food rations, while seeing young masters sweating profusely setting up tents, gathering firewood, fetching water, and lighting fires, occasionally flying tents and spilling water.

Though families could bring a few guards who had to handle various duties, they naturally had to do small tasks themselves.

Everyone was busy, so they didn’t notice the lightly-dressed imperial father and daughter. Tie Yan shook his head while listening: “Pampered, too pampered! This generation of young people won’t do!”

An eunuch flattered: “Compared to the Imperial Daughter, naturally none can measure up.”

Hearing this, Tie Yan smiled with slight pride.

However, watching those young ladies carefully lifting their skirts to step over the ground, a trace of melancholy passed through his eyes.

Who wouldn’t want to truly be a princess? Ci’er’s capability and endurance – wasn’t it all forced out of her?

She had the most noble status here yet had suffered the most hardships.

“Daughter, it’s father’s incompetence…”

Tie Ci immediately said: “Stop! Old Dad! Comparisons aren’t made that way. ‘To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.’ Do you think they don’t want to suffer like your daughter? They want to but can’t!”

Tie Yan laughed.

Consort Jing followed behind them, supported by Nanny Qin’s hand, stumbling in her wide, long skirts even in these wilds.

She wore a veil over her face, claiming to fear the mountain wind might damage her skin.

Tie Ci looked around – there really wasn’t much wind. This season’s warm breeze was most gentle.

She wondered when Mother Consort had become so concerned about her skin.

An eunuch suddenly said: “Your Majesty and Your Highness needn’t be disappointed – there are still capable people!”

He pointed at a distant figure. In the firelight, that person appeared agile and efficient. While other families’ tents were still struggling, his side seemed already cooking.

Several people caught a rich aroma.

This fragrance was so penetrating that people throughout the grassland stood up to look around.

Tie Yan and Tie Ci followed the aroma over. There at the grassland’s edge, the person obviously had no particular status, having pitched a small tent alone at the edge.

However, this spot was most eye-catching.

The tent was neatly set up, scattered stones had been cleared away, and several low tree-stump stools were carved. A cluster of wildflowers hung at the tent entrance – bright colors with rustic charm.

The fire blazed prosperously. Several earth stoves surrounded the tent in a circle. Though still outdoors, somehow it conveyed the atmosphere of a bustling kitchen.

Someone already sat on a small stool, holding a grilled fish and eating happily. Seeing Tie Yan and Tie Ci approach, he waved his greasy hand and said indistinctly: “Come quickly eat little… uncle’s… delicious food…”

He spoke unclearly with some coastal accent. The imperial couple didn’t understand, but Tie Ci did and looked up in amazement. Seeing the busy figure by the large pot – indeed, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs, and a small perky bottom. A figure so good it could make tears flow to one’s mouth.

Who else but Murong Yi?

How did he get here? And openly participate in camping?

Tie Yan also recognized him now, saying in her ear: “Wasn’t this person yesterday’s dancer? I found him quite agreeable. This person’s archery is excellent – quite talented. Worth recruiting. Therefore I allowed him to participate in today’s hunt and protect you incidentally. After all, I can’t enter the mountains tomorrow.”

Tie Ci said: “You allowed someone of unknown origins into the camp? What if he’s an assassin or spy?”

“How could that be?” Tie Yan said. “Yesterday I later remembered – isn’t this the person we met at Zhegui Tower before? Speaking of which, he’s quite passionate toward you. A dignified man dancing for your birthday – even I was moved.”

Tie Ci remained silent, thinking: Weren’t you really moved by the crickets?

Even bringing Golden Horn King hunting.

Tie Yan said: “Speaking of which, I had people investigate his background and experience. Later remembering, it seems the Grand Tutor mentioned in court…”

Just then Murong Yi turned around, bowing to several people with a smile: “Since distinguished guests have arrived, why not taste this humble person’s cooking?”

He turned back, bringing rich food aromas. The Emperor forgot his interrupted words.

Consort Jing frowned, tugging the Emperor’s sleeve: “The wild ground is cold, and that pot doesn’t look very clean…”

The pot wasn’t unclean – she just didn’t want to sit on those carved tree-stump stools, not knowing if they were dirty, and sitting wouldn’t look good either.

Moreover, she had other concerns. Her maternal relatives should have arrived before the Imperial Daughter’s birthday, but because too many came, they were delayed on the road and only arrived last night. She had previously requested permission for her family to join today’s hunting group. But today required traveling, and her low-status family members were ranked last in the procession – the Emperor and Imperial Daughter hadn’t seen them yet.

She was planning to return and discuss this with the Emperor, asking him to summon her family – her mother, two sisters-in-law, and several nephews and nieces had come from far away. Having traveled so far with difficulty, she hoped to obtain some rewards to bring back.

But Tie Yan, smelling that aroma and feeling hungry again despite having just eaten, sat down naturally, laughing: “I remember your cooking skills are quite extraordinary. Let’s see what delicious food you can make in these wilds.”

Murong Yi smiled: “Just watch!”

He first presented a skewer of grilled fish – not a whole fish but several pieces of thick fish meat skewered together. Between the fish pieces were other meats, emanating an extremely distinctive rich aroma.

With Old Dad seated, Tie Ci also sat. She was used to eating Murong Yi’s cooking. Usually, whatever Murong Yi made, she always got the first portion. After sitting, she instinctively reached out her hand, but Murong Yi respectfully gave the first skewer to her father.

Tie Ci: “…”

I reached for nothing.

For the second skewer, she wisely didn’t reach out. Sure enough, the second went to her mother.

Though this was the normal order, Tie Ci knew Murong Yi’s sequence definitely wasn’t because of her parents’ status.

But honestly, though she got the third skewer, it was also the best-grilled one with the meatiest portions.

Eunuchs routinely stepped forward to test for poison first. Tie Ci didn’t stop them, but seeing the eunuch who had tasted the fish meat for poison actually wanting another bite, the Emperor couldn’t help taking it first.

One bite revealed thick, tender fish skin obviously rich in collagen – smooth and glutinous with slightly sticky lips. Through perfect grilling, the fish skin was tender, fragrant, and glutinous while the fish meat was sweet and delicate with very layered textures. Without any dry, burnt sensation of grilled food, and not knowing what seasonings were applied, the rich, concentrated aroma had a slightly sweet-sour aftertaste. Tie Yan’s eyes lit up with one bite.

Even Consort Jing, who had initially felt grilled food was dirty, followed the Emperor’s example and took a bite, then clutched her skewer refusing to let go.

Murong Yi opened another earth stove cover. Not knowing how he had brought so many things, a stone pot sat on the stove. When the cover lifted, the aroma could practically knock someone over. Looking inside, it was still fish – large fish pieces floating in thick broth. The broth was milk-white, the fish meat snow-white. Murong Yi scattered chopped green mountain onions, and immediately that aroma grew almost tyrannically several-fold. Officials from near and far walked over.

Observant eunuchs had already sent little eunuchs to fetch the Emperor’s silver bowls. Murong Yi smiled: “This is sturgeon from nearby Dingjiang River – most tender and glutinous. Though grilling tastes wonderful, the soup broth is also extremely thick. The wild ground is windy, so I specially made this pot of fish soup to ward off cold. Please try it, Your Majesty, Your Ladyship, and Your Highness.”

No one listened to his chatter – all held bowls drinking happily. But Consort Jing felt somewhat uncomfortable with so many onlookers.

Suddenly her eyes brightened as she stood up joyfully: “Mother!”