Ren Yaoqi went over to find Xiao Jinglin and Shaniu.

Though Shaniu loved to play and make mischief, occasionally enjoying acting cute and spoiled, aside from a few masters and those who cared for it daily, she didn’t like strangers approaching.

Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin played with Shaniu for a while. When the sky began to darken, they had someone escort these young ladies back to their quarters, then sent Shaniu back as well. Shaniu was full of energy and having great fun – it was quite reluctant and unwilling when being taken away.

Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi planned to return to Lanyue Pavilion.

“What did Yan Ningshuang say when she came looking for you earlier?” Though Xiao Jinglin had been playing with Shaniu the whole time, she was always observant with keen eyes and ears, so she’d noticed Yan Ningshuang seeking out Xiao Jingxi.

Ren Yaoqi shook her head: “She said she had some urgent matter to discuss.”

Xiao Jinglin frowned, about to say something, when a scream echoed from the distance, followed by a tiger’s roar.

Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi exchanged glances.

“Oh no, it’s Shaniu! Let’s go see!” Xiao Jinglin said while running toward where the commotion had occurred. Ren Yaoqi quickly followed.

Shaniu had been taken away earlier but hadn’t gone far. Xiao Jinglin ran faster than Ren Yaoqi, and when Ren Yaoqi arrived breathlessly, she just heard Xiao Jinglin shout: “Shaniu, come here!”

Looking over, Ren Yaoqi found the scene quite familiar.

Shaniu had pounced on someone in a hunting posture, pinning them to the ground. Only after Xiao Jinglin’s command did Shaniu reluctantly move its paws away and slowly walk to Xiao Jinglin’s side, nuzzling her leg.

The one previously pinned by Shaniu was Yan Ningshuang.

This wasn’t Yan Ningshuang’s first time being attacked by Shaniu. Though still quite disheveled this time, she was at least more dignified than yesterday, at least she could get up by herself.

Xiao Jinglin looked down at Yan Ningshuang appraisingly and said coldly: “Miss Yan, may I ask what you just intended to do to my beloved pet?”

The “beloved pet” licked its paw: “Roar—”

Xiao Jinglin couldn’t help but secretly kick a certain beloved pet.

Yan Ningshuang looked at Shaniu, then at Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi, biting her lip: “I only wanted to feed it, with no ill intent.”

Indeed, there was an overturned food box on the ground containing some pickled raw meat. Ren Yaoqi remembered that when Yan Ningshuang entered earlier, she’d been carrying this food box – so she’d planned to feed Shaniu all along?

Xiao Jinglin frowned at the overturned food box, then said bluntly: “Miss Yan, my beloved pet won’t eat food from strangers. You’re not familiar enough with it to feed it. Also, thank you for not holding grudges against it, but for your own sake, I think you should stay away from my beloved pet in the future. As you can see, it doesn’t seem to like you.”

Yan Ningshuang looked at Shaniu with inexplicably stubborn determination: “I’ve read books on training wild animals. It doesn’t dislike me – it’s just not familiar with my scent yet. As long as…”

Xiao Jinglin impatiently interrupted: “Miss Yan, I don’t think you understand my meaning. I know you’re well-read and highly talented, but I don’t want you approaching ‘my’ beloved pet. You can try those animal training methods you learned from books on your pets,” Xiao Jinglin emphasized the word “my” heavily.

Hearing the rejection in Xiao Jinglin’s tone, Yan Ningshuang couldn’t help saying: “Princess, I mean it no harm – I only want to get close to it because I like it very much. Besides… doesn’t this white tiger belong to Master Xiao?”

Hearing this, Xiao Jinglin showed a look of sudden understanding. She pressed her lips together and said expressionlessly: “You liking it is your business – it doesn’t have to like you. And… I think you may have misunderstood something. This white tiger doesn’t belong to my brother – it belongs to Yaoqi and me. My brother only comes over occasionally to have someone help bathe it.”

Yan Ningshuang naturally didn’t believe this. She’d heard this white tiger was specifically brought back from Dali by Xiao Jingxi – originally a pair, with one dying en route. Xiao Jingxi was very fond of this white tiger and had even personally cared for and fed it.

This was what Yan Ningshuang had learned after being attacked by Shaniu last night. The fact that Xiao Jingxi’s white tiger listened to Ren Yaoqi and even attacked her was something Yan Ningshuang found intolerable. Remembering a book she’d once read on training wild beasts, Yan Ningshuang had conceived the idea of building a good relationship with Xiao Jingxi’s beloved pet. The feed she’d prepared for the white tiger was carefully formulated, but somehow the white tiger wouldn’t eat her offerings and attacked her again when she approached.

What Yan Ningshuang didn’t understand was that Shaniu had been raised by Xiao Jingxi since childhood – it was different from ordinary wild beasts. The book Yan Ningshuang had read was ultimately too general. Moreover, Shaniu was carefully fed daily with refined tastes and never lacked food, so Yan Ningshuang’s meat held little attraction for it. Instead, it recognized Yan Ningshuang’s scent.

Miss Yan was normally intelligent, but whenever it involved Xiao Jingxi, she became somewhat obsessive.

Watching Yan Ningshuang, Ren Yaoqi found Miss Yan’s thinking truly incomprehensible. She’d been attacked by Shaniu just last night, scared until her legs went weak, yet here she was the next day acting as if nothing happened, trying to feed Shaniu…

Even Shaniu had better memory than her.

Shaniu was taken away again. In front of Yan Ningshuang, Xiao Jinglin instructed those caring for Shaniu: “Be more alert in the future. Don’t let people approach Shaniu casually, and don’t let it eat food from others. If it hurts someone, will you take its place and die?”

Shaniu’s attendants felt wronged – how could they have anticipated Miss Yan would pull such a stunt? Seeing her suddenly run up to feed it, they’d all been stunned.

Then Xiao Jinglin ordered someone to escort Yan Ningshuang out of the garden. Before leaving, Yan Ningshuang gave Ren Yaoqi a meaningful look.

Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi returned to Lanyue Pavilion. What they didn’t know was that after being sent back, Yan Ningshuang didn’t obediently stay in her quarters. After dinner, she came out and secretly found the head of the inner courtyard guards, saying she wanted to see Tongxi, who served beside Xiao Jingxi.

Second Young Master Xiao wasn’t someone anyone could meet at will, and naturally, his attendants weren’t easy to see either. However, Miss Yan claimed it was Master Xiao who’d instructed her to find Tongxi. The guard, being conscientious and responsible, actually went to ask Tongxi – after all, Miss Yan was still considered an honored guest, and he feared missing something important.

Since Xiao Jingxi had given such instructions that afternoon, even if it was just perfunctory, Tongxi couldn’t treat it lightly, so he came out to meet Yan Ningshuang.

Thus, Miss Yan finally managed to get her message to Xiao Jingxi.

Xiao Jingxi finally looked up from his documents at Tongxi: “She says she has a secret letter from the court to Yelu Moqi?”

Tongxi bowed his head in response: “Yes, Young Master. She says she saw it in her grandfather’s study before coming here and memorized it.”

Xiao Jingxi placed his brush on the brush rest, propped his chin and asked with amusement: “So she wants to make a deal with me?”

Tongxi kept his head lowered: “Yes, Young Master. Miss Yan seems to mean exactly that.”

“What does she want?” Xiao Jingxi raised an eyebrow.

Tongxi paused: “Miss Yan wants to stay in Yanbei. The court people will depart for the capital in a few days, and Miss Yan wants you to find an excuse to let her remain.”

After hearing this, Xiao Jingxi said nothing, apparently contemplating something.

Tongxi couldn’t help glancing at Xiao Jingxi, but couldn’t read anything from his expression.

After a long while, Xiao Jingxi asked: “What excuse does Miss Yan want me to use to keep her here?”

Tongxi thought to himself: what other reason could there be? This woman’s antics are all because she wants to stay and become your woman, aren’t they?

But outwardly, Tongxi replied respectfully: “Miss Yan says she greatly admires you, Young Master, and wants to remain in Yanbei Prince’s mansion. She also said she wants you to meet her personally, as some matters need to be discussed face to face.”

Xiao Jingxi didn’t seem surprised by Tongxi’s answer, but he didn’t give Tongxi a reply – just waved his hand dismissively.

Tongxi couldn’t help asking: “How should this subordinate reply to Miss Yan?”

Xiao Jingxi glanced at Tongxi: “If anyone with any trinket could demand entry to the prince’s mansion, could the salary the court gives my father support so many people?”

What? Does the court still gives the prince a salary? This was Tongxi’s first thought, but meeting Xiao Jingxi’s somewhat mocking gaze, Tongxi understood – this was his master joking, teasing him.

So Tongxi happily went to refuse Yan Ningshuang.

If such a troublesome woman entered Yanbei Prince’s mansion’s rear courtyard, Miss Ren would have headaches in the future. So privately, Tongxi didn’t want to see Miss Yan enter Yanbei Prince’s mansion. Tongxi also found Miss Yan’s thinking incomprehensible – a proper young lady from a prestigious family, not wanting to return home, wanting to stay in Yanbei Prince’s mansion without name or status for what? Moreover, willing to betray her own family for this – simply bewildering.

After being refused, Yan Ningshuang was very disappointed, but since she couldn’t even see Xiao Jingxi’s face, she could only worry helplessly.

After Tongxi left, Xiao Jingxi twirled his brush thoughtfully for a while, then instructed Tonghe to call Tongde over, ordering him: “Watch Yan Ningshuang carefully. Have someone search to see if she’s carrying any letters.” After a pause, he added: “Also, don’t let her approach Miss Ren in the future.”

Tongde immediately accepted the order and returned that evening to report: “Miss Yan has no suspicious letters, but there’s a bottle of medicine that appears to be highly toxic. Fearing trouble, this subordinate took the liberty of switching out that bottle.”

Xiao Jingxi nodded to show he understood and dismissed Tongde without further comment.

Xiao Jingxi originally had no intention of dealing with Yan Ningshuang further, but Yan Ningshuang wouldn’t let Second Young Master Xiao go.

The next day, when Xiao Jingxi went out, Yan Ningshuang waited on his necessary route. If Xiao Jingxi didn’t want to see someone, even if they appeared before him, he simply wouldn’t acknowledge them. Yan Ningshuang seemed to understand Xiao Jingxi’s habits well, so she only followed him from a distance, maintaining some space, yet like a little tail that couldn’t be shaken off.

In broad daylight, even the all-capable Second Young Master Xiao was somewhat worn down by Yan Ningshuang’s persistence. After consideration, he still had someone bring Yan Ningshuang before him.

“Miss Yan, what is the meaning of this?”

Yan Ningshuang’s gaze never left Xiao Jingxi’s face. She pressed her lips together and said softly, “Master Xiao, I truly have that secret letter. I’ve memorized it, and I know this is exactly what you want. If you agree to let me stay, I’m willing to write it out from memory right now.” After a pause, she looked up at Xiao Jingxi pleadingly: “Master Xiao, I’ve had an eidetic memory since childhood, and Empress Dowager trusts me greatly. I… I’m willing to do anything for you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jingxi’s brow didn’t even twitch as he said directly: “Your staying in Yanbei would be of no use to me.”

Hearing this, Yan Ningshuang became anxious: “Then I’m willing to return to the capital first to work for you, and wait… wait until the right time for you to let me come back.”

Tongxi and Tonghe, following beside Xiao Jingxi, silently exchanged glances, both wearing strange expressions. They’d never seen such a bold young lady from a prestigious family. Even in Yanbei, where customs were relatively open, probably no family’s daughter would speak such words to a man’s face. Both young attendants couldn’t help but blush for Miss Yan.

Xiao Jingxi was also somewhat surprised, but he quickly refused: “Miss Yan, I don’t need you to do anything.” He understood Yan Ningshuang’s meaning – he had many such people working for him. But he was unwilling to use Yan Ningshuang. Disdain was one aspect, but also because emotionally driven women were prone to causing trouble.

“I appreciate the kind intention, but I don’t need it. Please return, Miss Yan.” Xiao Jingxi said coldly.

Yan Ningshuang’s face showed some sadness: “Master Xiao, I only want a chance to stay by your side. Why won’t you even give me this opportunity?”

Xiao Jingxi didn’t answer Yan Ningshuang’s inexplicable words, only nodding politely but coldly: “Please don’t follow anymore, Miss Yan. My subordinates are all rough men who might accidentally cause harm.” After saying this, Xiao Jingxi turned and left.

Yan Ningshuang stared blankly at Xiao Jingxi’s retreating figure. When she could no longer see him, she finally crouched down, covered her face, and began crying.

From the first moment she saw Xiao Jingxi, Yan Ningshuang had become obsessed, her heart and eyes unable to hold anyone else thereafter. Though she could count on one hand the times she’d seen Xiao Jingxi over the years, her desire to stay by his side had only grown stronger. Except for Master Xiao, Miss Yan couldn’t accept any other man as her husband. In Yan Ningshuang’s eyes, all men in this world became filthy objects when compared to Xiao Jingxi.

While Yan Ningshuang was desperately pestering Xiao Jingxi here, the Thousand Gold Banquet continued elsewhere.

Today was the final day of the Thousand Gold Banquet. After all these young ladies finished competing, they would return to Yunyang City.

Perhaps because the outcome was already obvious, the Yanbei aristocratic young ladies participating in the Thousand Gold Banquet lacked enthusiasm, so the banquet ended early that afternoon.

Of the ten selected champions, seven spots went to the ten court ladies sent by the Empress Dowager, with Yan Ningshuang receiving a champion position.

On the surface, it appeared the ladies from the capital had won decisively, but none of these ladies was happy. They hadn’t forgotten Empress Dowager’s original purpose in sending them here, yet not one of them could defeat Ren Yaoqi – all had fallen to her instead. They’d completely lost face for the Empress Dowager and couldn’t imagine what thunderous fury they’d face upon returning to the capital. So when Madam Xu announced the rankings, several of these ladies had already begun crying softly.

Especially Yan Ningshuang, on whom Empress Dowager had placed such high hopes – her loss to Ren Yaoqi meant Empress Dowager had lost to Noble Consort Wan. When she heard she’d become the Thousand Gold Banquet’s champion, Yan Ningshuang felt it was a mockery of both herself and Empress Dowager.

Conversely, the Yanbei ladies who’d only won three champion positions were all beaming with joy – the scene looked quite bizarre and absurd.

Next, Princess Consort ordered arrangements for these young ladies to leave the hot spring manor and return to Yunyang City.

When Ren Yaoqi arrived in Yunyang City with Yanbei Prince’s mansion’s carriage, it was nearly dinner time. Ren Yaoqi declined Xiao Jinglin’s invitation, not going to Yanbei Prince’s mansion but returning to her own home instead.

When Ren Yaoqi went to Li Shi’s room, Li Shi and Nanny Zhou were sitting on the south kang making small clothes while chatting and laughing. Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help smiling: “What are Mother and Nanny Zhou discussing so happily?”

Seeing her return, both Li Shi and Nanny Zhou were delighted. Nanny Zhou smiled teasingly: “Our young lady made such a splash this time – naturally we’re very happy.”

Xi’er said nearby, “Miss, quickly tell us about your single-handed battle against the capital’s ten beauties! What we’ve heard are just outside rumors – surely not as exciting as what you’d tell us.”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was somewhat amused and exasperated: “What single-handed battle against the capital’s ten beauties?”

It turned out that Yanbei’s Thousand Gold Banquet had always been a favorite topic of discussion among Yanbei’s common people. Though ordinary citizens couldn’t attend the banquet, it didn’t affect their enthusiasm for following the event. This year’s Thousand Gold Banquet was more attention-grabbing than any previous year, so before these young ladies had even returned, news of what happened at the hot spring manor had already spread throughout Yunyang City.

Ren Yaoqi could be said to have achieved fame overnight.

Li Shi smiled: “It’s all over town – they say you outcompeted all those young ladies carefully selected by the Empress Dowager. I heard even the storytellers in teahouses are talking about this now.”

“Miss, you’ve brought us great honor!” Que’er said.

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but blush, saying she fought ten single-handedly was truly an exaggeration. She could manage the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but for the rest, she hadn’t won through real skill. She hadn’t expected news to spread so quickly that even Li Shi and the others had heard.

Being bombarded by their comments made Ren Yaoqi somewhat dizzy. Seeing Li Shi and Nanny Zhou sewing small clothes, she picked some up to examine: “Are these for Sister’s child?”

Li Shi looked at Ren Yaoqi with a smile: “Yes, your sister will give birth in two months. There’s still much preparation work to do in advance to avoid being flustered when the time comes.”

Ren Yaohua’s due date was estimated for August, while Ren Yaoqi’s wedding was scheduled for September – two major events less than a month apart.

Ren Yaoqi touched the garments, feeling their soft texture: “Are you making so many that they can all be worn?” Li Shi and Nanny Zhou had been making small clothes for several months, and by now had accumulated a whole chest full.

Xi’er, nearby, giggled and winked: “It’s not just for the eldest miss.”

Ren Yaoqi was stunned. Seeing everyone’s suppressed smiles, she suddenly understood – Xi’er meant Li Shi and Nanny Zhou weren’t making small clothes just for Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but blush.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi’s discomfort, Nanny Zhou sternly scolded the maids: “Go do your work! What are you all doing crowding around here!”

Xi’er and Que’er stuck out their tongues and withdrew.

When Ren Yaoqi left the main room, Nanny Zhou saw her out and said, “Miss, yesterday the Ren family sent someone again, and Fourth Miss also came.”

Ren Yaoqi frowned: “Was there something?”

Nanny Zhou replied: “They said Old Master’s health gets worse each day – looks like he won’t make it much longer. They’re hoping our master will return. Fortunately, our master is firm in his word – having said he won’t return to the Ren family, he truly won’t go back.”

“How is Old Master Ren’s condition?” Ren Yaoqi asked.

Nanny Zhou whispered: “This time it’s probably really serious – don’t know if he can survive this year.”

Ren Yaoqi was startled: “Wasn’t he fine before?” She’d always had people keeping watch on the Ren family’s situation. Though Old Master Ren had been ill for some time and wasn’t improving, he could still hold on for a while.

Nanny Zhou shook her head: “I heard someone wants to pay a high price for the Ren family’s ancestral home. Old Master either doesn’t want to sell or something, but his condition suddenly worsened.”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. Someone wanted to buy the Ren family’s ancestral home? Could it be the Han family?

Nanny Zhou muttered, “Thank goodness we’re no longer connected to the Ren family, otherwise if something happened… even Miss’s wedding date would be affected.” Nanny Zhou meant that if Old Master Ren died at an inopportune time, Ren Yaoqi would have to observe mourning for him, which would delay her wedding. Li Shi’s experiences over the years had left Nanny Zhou with no good feelings toward the Ren family elders.

“What did Fourth Sister come for?” Ren Yaoqi asked again.

Since Ren Yaoyin’s return this time, neither she nor Ren Yaohua had contacted her. Ren Yaohua held grudges about past events, and Ren Yaoqi could no longer treat Ren Yaoyin as family.

“She came to visit Eighth Miss and stopped by to see our mistress. But since you’d given instructions before, our mistress didn’t keep her as a guest. However, this servant learned that Fourth Miss came to Yunyang City with the Grand Madam, who is currently looking for a suitable match for Fourth Miss.”

Ren Yaoqi nodded, not particularly concerned with these Ren family trivial matters. However, the person Nanny Zhou mentioned wanting to buy the Ren family’s ancestral home at a high price caught Ren Yaoqi’s attention.

The next day, Ren Yaoqi sent Yuan Dayong to investigate the background of the person wanting to buy the Ren family’s ancestral home.