Xiao Yai grabbed the muscat grapes and began devouring them.

Teng Yuyi curiously observed Xiao Yai. Despite the tiny old man being only two inches tall, his appetite was astounding. He cleared the entire fruit platter in one go, yet still seemed unsatisfied.

She picked up the empty fruit plate and deliberately tried to command him: “Go back into the sword for now.”

Xiao Yai let out a burp but didn’t move. Just because she fed him one plate of grapes, she thought she could order him around.

Teng Yuyi sighed: “Never mind, never mind. My skills are shallow and my virtue lacking – I’m not worthy to be your master. Don’t lower yourself by staying here, quickly go find someone more capable.”

Xiao Yai reluctantly got up: “Since we agreed on three rules, Young Lady Teng can set three conditions for me to follow. But I have quite the temperament too – don’t think you can order me around for every trivial little thing.”

“Bargaining with your master on the very first condition – how can I expect anything else?”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Xiao Yai sheepishly leaped onto the bed and vanished into the sword in an instant.

Teng Yuyi stepped forward to pick up the jade sword. Apart from the blade being somewhat warm, it appeared no different than usual. After hiding it in her sleeve, she opened the door and called for Biluo and Chunrong.

“Young Lady, why haven’t you slept yet?”

“Perhaps I’m past the point of tiredness and can’t fall asleep now. Bring me a jar of the Luofu Spring wine we brought from Yangzhou – drinking some will help me sleep better.”

Chunrong and Biluo didn’t suspect anything. The young lady was fond of drinking, and Luofu Spring wine was mild – they weren’t worried about it going to her head when used to help with sleep.

“Young Lady, don’t drink too much. Don’t forget you still have a banquet to attend tonight.”

Shortly after, the maids brought the wine. Teng Yuyi closed the door and called for Xiao Yai.

“Come out.”

Xiao Yai eagerly emerged from the sword and indeed saw a white jade wine pot on the table. The rich, mellow aroma immediately identified it as a fine vintage.

Xiao Yai’s face lit up with joy. He excitedly moved to grab the wine pot but glanced at Teng Yuyi and put it back down. He said proudly: “Young Lady Teng, may I drink this wine?”

Teng Yuyi smiled and poured the crystal-clear wine into a cup: “Not bad, at least you recognize me as your master now and know to ask my permission first. Don’t rush – not only is this pot yours but there will be fine food and wine every day going forward. I won’t make things difficult for you – just continue asking for my permission first like you just did. I’m someone who keeps their promises. If we help each other, I’ll make sure to take very good care of you.”

Xiao Yai was already dizzy with wine lust. He grabbed the cup and downed it. Though the wine made his body feel good, his heartfelt somewhat dejected. He had thought he could gain the upper hand since Teng Yuyi was young, but in the end, she still managed to subdue him.

He let out a long sigh. So be it – the Venerable Blue Lotus had an uncanny ability to predict things. Since the Xiao Yai sword had chosen her itself, how could the new master possibly be inadequate?

His attitude toward Teng Yuyi became much more respectful as he patiently waited for her to pour him a second cup.

Teng Yuyi finished pouring and moved to hand the cup to Xiao Yai. As he reached out to take it, he accidentally touched her fingertip and his mind jolted.

“Young Lady Teng, so you’re—”

Teng Yuyi’s expression grew tense: “What is it?”

Xiao Yai was utterly bewildered: “How strange.”

“What did you see?”

Xiao Yai gulped down the wine in one go, still looking shocked: “I saw what I was meant to see. Young Lady Teng, why do you appear to be someone living on borrowed life?”

Teng Yuyi’s expression changed: “What do you mean by ‘borrowed life’?”

Xiao Yai took another drink to calm his nerves: “…It means you should have died, but someone forcibly borrowed another’s life for you.”

Teng Yuyi froze. These words were utterly bewildering. Her first thought was “impossible,” but she clearly remembered dying, and then coming back to life on the boat from Yangzhou to Chang’an. Why she experienced such a strange occurrence remained unclear to her. She had assumed it was reincarnation, but now from Xiao Yai’s mouth came talk of “borrowed life.”

Teng Yuyi struggled to steady herself: “Explain slowly.”

Xiao Yai cleared his throat: “Let me put it this way – looking at your fate, you absolutely shouldn’t have lived past sixteen. But someone forcibly borrowed life for you, using secret arts to alter your destiny. However, going against the natural order inevitably leads to unnatural consequences. I suspect this return from death will necessarily disrupt some established order in the netherworld, and the person who helped borrow life for you will also face punishment.”

Teng Yuyi listened with growing alarm: “Wait…”

She tried to calm herself: “If that’s the case, why would anyone borrow life for me?”

Xiao Yai wore a strange expression: “I’ve seen many strange things with my previous masters, but in your case, it seems someone couldn’t bear to see you die so young. That person must know magical arts and have some connection to you. This old one thinks they were far too reckless – knowing they would pay a price themselves yet still doing it. But I’ve already seen that your mother passed when you were five, your father doesn’t know magic, and your aunt’s family doesn’t seem involved. So what relationship does this person have with you, this old one can’t figure out.”

Teng Yuyi’s mind was in chaos. Setting aside whether this was true or false, who in this world besides her parents would risk continuing her life?

“Can’t you see who that person is?”

Xiao Yai spread his hands helplessly: “I’m just a spirit of an artifact – how could I know everything? But regardless of what method this person used to borrow life for you, it goes against heaven’s principles. As they say, ‘When heaven and earth’s qi reverse, disaster must follow.’ Not only will that person pay a price, but you will encounter calamities as well.”

Teng Yuyi’s expression grew increasingly troubled: “You don’t mean that person and I will both die violently?”

“That won’t happen, otherwise wouldn’t their effort to borrow life for you be wasted?” Xiao Yai stroked his beard and said, “However… while that person could only help borrow life for you, the calamities you encounter after gaining this borrowed life can only be resolved by yourself.”

Teng Yuyi’s chest churned with turmoil: “Let’s set that aside for now – you said that person will face heaven’s punishment? What kind of punishment exactly?”

“That I don’t know. It depends first on how noble their fate is. If their fate is noble, perhaps they’ll suffer less, but they can’t escape some tribulations regardless.”

Teng Yuyi forced herself to remain calm: “So this person won’t lose their life for extending mine, correct?”

“Correct.”

Teng Yuyi’s expression stabilized slightly. She had no clue who this person could be, but since Xiao Yai said they had deep ties to her, it must be someone close to her flesh and blood relations. Given time, she would surely discover who it was.

“You mentioned I would face calamities too – how can they be resolved?”

This time Xiao Yai crossed his arms and pondered for a long while, hesitating before saying: “There’s a ready solution, but I’m not sure if it will work. Let me tell you a story first, and you’ll understand.

“My previous master was called the Guizhen Resident. The Resident had a close friend named Meng Yunsheng. Meng Yunsheng and our Resident were childhood friends who often spent time together.

“Meng Yunsheng ran a funeral goods shop with a Taoist temple next door. One time, Meng Yunsheng fell into the water while drunk. Because he was rescued too late, everyone thought he wouldn’t survive. Unexpectedly, Meng Yunsheng woke up that evening. He was still himself, just listless and unwilling to speak. After half a month passed this way, he suddenly came to find the Resident. As soon as he entered, he broke down crying, saying his life was borrowed and he needed to borrow the Xiao Yai sword, or he would surely die.

“Meng Yunsheng’s situation was different from yours. He had forcibly borrowed life for himself after discovering his fate. Unfortunately, his abilities were insufficient, and the borrowed life had major problems. Not only could he not change his fate, but he would have to return the life.

“Unwilling to die tragically, he searched through many Taoist texts. Hearing that slaying demons and eliminating evil could resolve calamities, he thought he had found a solution. But having never formally practiced magical arts, he absolutely couldn’t rely on his power to eliminate evil in such a short time. He could only come asking the Resident to lend me to him.

“The Resident lent me to Meng Yunsheng, but I’ve always been particular about my masters – how could I be casually commanded by others? Though Meng Yunsheng took me back, he couldn’t draw out my spiritual power at all.

“The Resident worried about Meng Yunsheng’s safety and simply moved in to live with him, personally keeping watch through the nights to protect him. But Meng Yunsheng still couldn’t escape his fate. That night, by the time the Resident heard the commotion and rushed in, Meng Yunsheng was already dead in his room. His death was quite tragic – they couldn’t even find his head.”

Teng Yuyi drew in a sharp breath, raising her hand to touch her cold neck.

“Your situation is completely different from Meng Yunsheng’s.” Xiao Yai glanced at Teng Yuyi. “The rare thing is that I’m willing to follow your commands. Though you still need to resolve calamities, you can reference the method Meng Yunsheng came up with.”

Teng Yuyi took a drink to calm her nerves, holding the cup as she mused: “You mean I should also slay demons and eliminate evil to resolve calamities?”

“Exactly.” Xiao Yai stood up and paced on the table. “Think about it – what was the first major thing you did after waking up?”

“Save my cousin?”

“Correct.” Xiao Yai nodded with satisfaction. “But the premise of saving your cousin was that you helped Lin Chengyou slay a tree demon about to become a fiend. I estimate the merit of slaying this demon was credited to you, which is why your cousin could wake up safely. After all, the tree demon had taken many women’s lives – trading its life for your cousin’s life doesn’t go against heaven’s principles.”

Teng Yuyi was stunned. That night her cousin’s condition had been extremely dangerous – even taking the Liuyuan Dan might not have woken her. But sister not only was successfully saved but also didn’t retain any unusual symptoms afterward. She never imagined it would be related to her staying in the courtyard to help kill the tree demon.

“So you should understand now – how many people’s fates have changed because of your continued life.” Xiao Yai shook his head. “The person who extended your life suffering tribulations for this is only natural. Don’t worry about that person for now. Looking at Meng Yunsheng’s experience, you only need to eliminate several demons to resolve calamities. The more fierce the demon, the better it can resolve calamities for you.”

He spoke very casually, as if slaying demons would be as easy as slaughtering chickens and ducks for Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi thought calmly for a moment: “Xiao Yai, let me ask you – that one at Cai Feng Lou last night, could you have easily slain it?”

“Well…” Xiao Yai’s beard-stroking paused. “The one last night was indeed terrifying.”

Teng Yuyi couldn’t hide the disappointment in her eyes. She had thought having Xiao Yai meant she would be unstoppable, but it wasn’t so simple.

She spread her hands helplessly: “Though your suggestion makes sense, saying it is one thing, doing it is another. Take the tree demon at Zi Yun Lou last time – even with Lin Chengyou’s abilities, it took great effort to subdue the demon. I don’t know martial arts or magical arts – even with your help, what can I do? If I encounter demons, surviving by luck would be good enough.”

“Well…” Xiao Yai blinked his tiny eyes. “Just pick demons with weak magical power – as long as you slay them, it counts.”

Teng Yuyi made a sound of acknowledgment: “So tell those demons – powerful ones step aside, weak ones come deliver themselves to death?”

Xiao Yai had an explosive temper and immediately flared up: “Young Lady Teng, this old one has suggested the best solution I can think of. If you don’t believe it then don’t, but why be so sarcastic?”

Teng Yuyi gestured downward to calm him: “You also said you’re not sure about my exact situation, and you’re not certain if slaying demons can help resolve calamities. When things aren’t clear, rashly going to catch demons – if we encounter something like last night’s monster, I won’t need to worry about resolving calamities because I’ll have given up my life early.”

Xiao Yai was quite angry: “Though I can’t be certain you’re someone with a borrowed life, it can’t be far off. Weren’t those young Taoist priests last night from Qing Yun Temple? Their temple must store many important texts. As long as you search carefully, there should be at least one recording of the origins of borrowed life. You can find an opportunity to ask them about it.”

Teng Yuyi stood up and paced back and forth in the room. The more she thought about it, the stranger this matter seemed. Just as she was about to ask several more questions, she heard someone outside say in surprise: “Is Ah Yu awake? Why do I seem to hear people talking in the room?”

“The young lady seems to be sleeping uneasily. She had us bring wine earlier – I wonder if she’s fallen into deep sleep now.”

Teng Yuyi quickly waved at Xiao Yai.

Xiao Yai nodded, jumped onto the sword blade, and vanished in an instant.

***

By evening, Teng Yuyi had rested enough and got up to have Chunrong and Biluo pack her luggage.

Madam Du and Du Tinglan came over after getting dressed and exclaimed in surprise: “Ah Yu, why are you packing?”

“I was just about to bid farewell to Uncle and Aunt. Father will be back in a couple of days. After attending the banquet at the Duan mansion tonight, I plan to return directly to the Teng residence.”

In truth, she was worried that the demon from Cai Feng Lou might come looking for her. Rather than disturbing the entire Du household, it would be better to return to the Teng residence early.

Madam Du was stunned – this was too sudden.

“Why didn’t you mention this before? It’s already so late – will there be time to pack? Why not leave tomorrow morning? Your aunt and sister can help you pack slowly tonight.”

Teng Yuyi put her arm around Madam Du’s shoulders: “Father will arrive in Chang’an by noon. If I leave tomorrow morning, I’m afraid it will be too late. Besides, I’m only taking my clothing back today – the rest can be moved gradually tomorrow.”

Madam Du found it somewhat strange. Previously, Yu’er had a tense relationship with her father. As long as she could stay at the Du residence, Yu’er would never willingly return to the Teng residence. Her volunteering to go back this time was truly unexpected.

She thought with satisfaction that Yu’er had grown up and naturally become more sensible than before.

“You’re right, your father must be missing you – it’s good to go back early.” She walked toward the couch as she spoke. “Let me see how the packing is going. You can’t sleep without your dolls at night – haven’t forgotten any daily necessities, have you?”

Teng Yuyi blocked her way: “Everything’s mostly packed. I’ll come over in a couple of days when I’m free. From now on, I’ll spend days keeping Aunt and Sister company, just returning home to sleep at night.”

Besides avoiding demons, Xiao Yai’s words had also made her extremely uneasy. Since Dong Ming Temple was a century-old major temple, it should house many texts. She planned to visit Dong Ming Temple more often in the coming days. Compared to her aunt’s home, it would be more convenient to come and go from her own home. If she encountered unexpected troubles while going out like last night, at least Uncle and Aunt wouldn’t have to worry all night.

The three of them left the residence together. Du Yuzhi and his son were already waiting on horseback at the gate. The Duan and Teng families were related by marriage – for Old Madam Duan’s birthday celebration, Du Yuzhi and Du Shaotang were naturally among the invited.

Teng Yuyi shared a carriage with her aunt and cousin. After sitting down, Madam Du said: “I forgot to mention earlier – while you were sleeping this afternoon, your uncle went to Qing Yun Temple and finally met the Crown Prince of Cheng.”

“Oh, what did Uncle say?”

Madam Du said: “The Crown Prince of Cheng was about to leave the temple on urgent business and didn’t want to receive your uncle. But hearing it was about the demon by the river, he invited your uncle into the temple and dismissed everyone around him, not even keeping his two young disciples. Seeing the Crown Prince so true to his word, your uncle told him about Lu Zhao’an inviting your cousin to the bamboo grove that night.”

Teng Yuyi glanced at Du Tinglan. Seeing her cousin’s expression remained calm, she asked: “Did Lin Chengyou agree to investigate Lu Zhao’an?”

“He seemed very interested when he heard about it but didn’t say whether he would help. He just smiled and said he understood, then had someone escort your uncle out of the temple. Your uncle told me that though the Crown Prince of Cheng likes to joke and smile, he’s as sharp as a sword inside. He’s fine when not smiling, but when he smiles, nothing good will come of it. At least we’ve told the Crown Prince of Cheng the truth – we don’t need to worry about him causing trouble for our Du family anymore.”

Teng Yuyi pondered. Anyone who went to negotiate with Lin Chengyou wouldn’t get just a bland “I understand” in return. But with Uncle’s rigid personality, getting him to engage in verbal sparring with Lin Chengyou would be harder than ascending to heaven.

“Never mind, Aunt needn’t worry too much. Lin Chengyou is arrogant and competitive – even if he didn’t agree verbally, he’ll investigate thoroughly in private. Don’t forget he suffered greatly from the tree demon at Zi Yun Lou. If he discovers that the demon is related to Lu Zhao’an, he absolutely won’t let Lu Zhao’an off easily. We just need to wait patiently for news.”

Du Tinglan said bashfully: “Ah Yu, you’ve worked so hard these days for sister’s sake. Sister truly feels guilty. We’re sisters – thanking you would be too formal. After thinking it over, I bought some fabric and plan to have my wet nurse make some clothes, shoes, and socks for Duan Fu and Uncle Cheng. When they’re done, you can help me give them all to them.”

Teng Yuyi was stunned for a moment, then quickly said: “That’s wonderful! Sister’s wet nurse has excellent needlework. Though Uncle Cheng and Duan Fu don’t lack clothes, they’ve never worn such fine things. When I tell them tonight, they’ll be overjoyed.”

Du Tinglan’s eyes reddened as she silently grabbed Teng Yuyi’s hand.

As they talked, they arrived at the Marquis Zhenguo’s mansion. The Marquis was known for his generosity. Since inheriting the title, scholars from all directions have vied to visit him. Today being the Old Madam’s birthday, the mansion was especially crowded with visitors.

Teng Yuyi put on her veiled hat and got off the carriage with her aunt and cousin. The servants of the Marquis’s mansion were busy but orderly, hurrying forward to welcome them: “Madam Du, Miss Teng, Miss Du, please come in.”

Teng Yuyi looked ahead through the gauze veil. The Marquis’s mansion was strict in educating their children – all the young people of the Duan family were at the gate greeting guests, except for Duan Ninyuan.

The ladies from other mansions also seemed to find it strange, discussing it quietly among themselves. At this moment, an extremely luxurious carriage arrived from behind, and everyone moved aside: “Princess Jingde has arrived.”

Teng Yuyi was startled – it was Lin Chengyou’s sister called Ah Zhi. Looking over, she saw Princess Ah Zhi getting off the carriage wearing a veiled hat. This year Ah Zhi was not yet nine, but she was already quite tall, radiant with noble bearing. Her servants all walked in perfect order, completely lacking the arrogance common among servants of the wealthy.

Ah Zhi quickly entered the mansion. As Teng Yuyi helped Madam Du up the steps afterward, she happened to look up and saw two short, plump maids among Ah Zhi’s servants.

These two maids had round buns in their hair and wore pomegranate red bodice dresses. They appeared to be only eight or nine years old and moved more clumsily than others.

The more Teng Yuyi looked, the more familiar their backs appeared. As she was secretly observing them, the one on the left seemed to sense the gaze on their back and turned to look at Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi’s heart jolted when she saw that rosy round face: Qi Zhi!

The one beside Qi Zhi was naturally Jue Sheng. Both had bright red rouge on their lips, and their bodies were a full size larger than the other maids.

Qi Zhi glanced back once, then lowered his head again.

Teng Yuyi was dumbfounded. What were they doing now? With such a demon appearing at Cai Feng Lou, shouldn’t Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi be busy catching demons?

Guests came and went in streams through the mansion, with maids moving in orderly lines. A servant led Teng Yuyi and the others toward the flower hall. As they passed a waterside pavilion, a maid suddenly came over with lowered head saying: “Miss Teng, Princess Jingde would like to invite you over for a chat.”

Madam Du and Du Tinglan stopped, seeing it was two plump maids who, from their attire, appeared to be servants from the Prince of Cheng’s mansion.

Mother and daughter were surprised, but Teng Yuyi saw they were Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi, so she said: “Aunt, Sister, you go to the flower hall first. I’ll be right there.”

Madam Du was worried and advised in a low voice: “Princess Jingde is Prince Cheng’s beloved daughter. I hear the Prince and his wife are very strict in their teaching – though the young princess is lively, she’s noble without being arrogant. I don’t know why she’s looking for you. If there’s any difficulty, have someone send word to your aunt.”

Teng Yuyi agreed. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi walked ahead, leading the way to a secluded rockery. Unable to hold back anymore, they let out a long breath: “Wearing this is uncomfortable. Miss Teng, why have you come to the Marquis Zhenguo’s mansion too?”

“That’s what I should be asking you,” Teng Yuyi said curiously. “Why are you dressed like this?”

Jue Sheng raised his hand to wipe sweat but was stopped by Teng Yuyi: “Be careful not to smear the rouge on your face. Here, use this to wipe gently.”

Jue Sheng pouted as he took Teng Yuyi’s handkerchief: “It’s such a bother. It’s all because Senior Brother forced us to come. Princess Ah Zhi heard her little friends would all be attending Old Madam Duan’s birthday banquet and couldn’t resist running out of the palace. Senior Brother worried about the Princess’s safety and had us disguise ourselves as maids to accompany Princess Ah Zhi at the last minute.”

Teng Yuyi burst out laughing: “This disguise is quite good – I think you two look more attractive than the other maids.”

“Miss Teng, please stop teasing us.” Qi Zhi wasn’t as impatient as Jue Sheng, clumsily wiping his sweat. “Didn’t Jue Sheng remind you this morning? The demon might come looking for you next. Before Senior Brother subdues that demon, Miss Teng had better not go out.”

Jue Sheng tugged at Qi Zhi’s collar. Qi Zhi was stunned for a moment, then remembered that Young Master Duan was Miss Teng’s fiancé – naturally she had to attend Old Madam Duan’s birthday celebration.

Teng Yuyi pretended not to notice their little gestures and asked with a smile: “Did you find anything out during the day? What’s the origin of that demon?”

“We did find out. The demon that attacked us last night was avian – originally a golden bird from Mount Zhongnan with at least several hundred years of cultivation. After taking human form, because it was good-looking, it often went to the markets to collect essence. It called itself the Golden-Robed Young Master and liked to consort with women in brothels—”

Qi Zhi and Jue Sheng blushed.

Teng Yuyi recalled the male demon’s elegant and romantic bearing, guessing it wasn’t anything good, so she coughed and said: “Golden-Robed Young Master? Such an elegant name – will this demon be harder to deal with than the tree demon from last time?”

“Of course, but the Golden-Robed Young Master isn’t the hardest to deal with. The truly difficult one is another evil spirit that was sealed with it – Senior Brother calls it a corpse demon.”

“Corpse demon? What’s its background?”

“Senior Brother isn’t very clear either. Today he had people go through all the strange records in every temple in Chang’an. We finally found some clues – it turns out the formation in Pingkang Ward was set up a hundred years ago by a blind old Taoist priest from Dong Ming Temple, who was the founding master of Dong Ming Temple.”

In Teng Yuyi’s mind appeared the five fair-skinned Taoist priests of Dong Ming Temple who spoke nonsense. The five acted erratically – who could have imagined their founding master was a blind Taoist?

“The blind priest was called Wu Chen Zi. They say his magical arts were profound. He subdued the demon in Pingkang Ward but was severely injured himself. Holding on with his last breath, he completed the formation and finally died. Before dying, he wanted to record this matter in the temple’s records of strange events, but his two disciples were illiterate. Being blind made writing more difficult than for others, so in the end, he only left some rough fragments.

“Senior Brother found those records, but what’s written on them isn’t very clear. Now we only know the Golden-Robed Young Master and the corpse demon were sealed together by Wu Chen Zi. This demon and corpse are both extraordinarily powerful. That night we only saw the Golden-Robed Young Master – the corpse demon had already broken through the formation and disappeared without a trace.”

Qi Zhi added: “Miss Teng, these demons are extraordinary. When you go out these days, remember to carry the talismans we drew for you, and that jade sword – never let it leave your side.”

Teng Yuyi touched the small sword in her sleeve: “This sword has a name now – let’s call it the Xiao Yai sword. By the way, have you heard of mystical arts like ‘borrowing life’?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi looked at each other in surprise: “Miss Teng, why do you ask about this?”

Teng Yuyi observed their expressions as her heart slowly sank: “One of my maids – her relative encountered some strange events. They happened to meet a wandering Taoist who somehow mentioned ‘borrowing life,’ so I wanted to ask the two masters – is there such a thing as ‘borrowing life’ in this world?”

“We don’t know much about it either. Even if such mystical arts exist, they probably aren’t proper methods. Master and Senior Brother wouldn’t tell us much about them.”

At this moment, a maid came looking for them: “Ah Jue, Ah Qi, the Princess is looking everywhere for you.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi said quietly: “Miss Teng, we have to go now.”

Teng Yuyi nodded silently and returned to the flower hall along the same small path they had come by.

Halfway there, she ran into Du Tinglan who was hurrying along – it turned out Du Tinglan had been worried and came with her maid to look for Teng Yuyi.

“All the Duan family ladies are in the flower hall. Besides Old Madam and Madam Duan, there’s also Duan Ningyuan’s sister Duan Wenyin. They’re all holding onto Mother, constantly asking where you are.” Du Tinglan linked arms with Teng Yuyi. “What did Princess Jingde say to you just now?”

“She must have heard about me from someone and called me over out of curiosity to ask a few questions.”

Du Tinglan looked toward the flower hall in the distance: “It’s strange – with so many people coming to kowtow and wish Old Madam happy birthday, Young Master Duan still hasn’t appeared. Not just outsiders, but people in the mansion are looking for him too.”

Teng Yuyi said with a smile: “What can be done? The Duan family values filial piety above all. Everyone comes to kowtow and congratulate Old Madam, yet her grandson is nowhere to be seen.”

Du Tinglan looked around and lowered her voice: “I’ve been wanting to ask – did you do something?”

Teng Yuyi whispered something in Du Tinglan’s ear. Du Tinglan was both surprised and delighted, nodding secretly.

The two returned to the flower hall together. The hall was as bright as day with lanterns, with Old Madam Duan sitting regally on jade cushions, looking like a Buddha among lotus flowers.

Everyone in the hall was chatting and laughing. Someone saw Teng Yuyi enter and exclaimed delightedly: “She’s here, she’s here!”

Teng Yuyi looked up to see two women adorned with pearls and jade approaching. The one on the left was Duan Ningyuan’s elder sister, Marchioness Yong’an Duan Wenyin. The other looked unfamiliar – probably a distant relative of the Duan family.

Duan Wenyin’s face lit up with a smile as she came forward to embrace Teng Yuyi: “You’re finally here – Grandmother was just asking about you.”

Teng Yuyi smiled and curtsied: “Greetings to both ladies.”

“Is this Ningyuan’s bride-to-be?” The ladies couldn’t stop praising Teng Yuyi’s extraordinary beauty. “Such a lovely appearance – you couldn’t find many like her in all of Chang’an. No wonder Old Madam is so fond of her, always mentioning Ah Yu.”

At this moment, another lady with an imposing bearing came around from behind the curtain. Seeing Teng Yuyi, she paused: “This must be Yu’er.”

Teng Yuyi quickly said: “Greetings to Madam.”

This lady was the matriarch of the Marquis Zhenguo’s mansion and mother to Duan Ningyuan and Duan Wenyin. She had a magnificent bearing, with more grandeur than ordinary women.

Duan Ningyuan and Duan Wenyin’s looks largely took after their mother.

Madam Duan held Teng Yuyi’s hand and looked her up and down, growing more pleased the longer she looked: “I heard from Ningyuan that you were frightened at Zi Yun Lou that day. I had them send lingzhi to your residence – did it help after you took it?”

Teng Yuyi replied gently: “Thank you for your kindness, Madam. However, the physician said it’s not suitable for tonics right now, so we’ve put them away for now.”

“It’s good to cleanse and nourish for a few days first. In the future, if there’s anything you want to eat, just tell me.” Madam Duan led Teng Yuyi forward. “Mother, look at Yu’er.”

Teng Yuyi stepped forward and bowed solemnly: “This junior wishes Old Madam happy birthday. May Old Madam be blessed with long life and prosperity.”

Old Madam Duan smiled from ear to ear: “You’ve grown so tall after not seeing you for several years. Come, let Grandmother have a look at you.”

Teng Yuyi glanced at Chunrong and Biluo, who understood and came forward carrying a brocade box.

Teng Yuyi personally took the box and walked gracefully to Old Madam Duan: “I brought some colored silks from Yangzhou – I hope Old Madam likes them.”

Old Madam Duan was naturally delighted. After looking at the gifts lovingly, she held Teng Yuyi’s wrist and sighed with a smile: “After several years apart, this child has become even more outstanding. These old bones of mine have been ailing these past two years – I thought I wouldn’t live much longer. But seeing such an outstanding younger generation tonight, even a hundred ailments would disappear.”

The ladies teased: “It’s just that this child is too formal – at this point, she’s still calling you ‘Old Madam.’ You’re about to become family – she should be calling you Grandmother already.”

Madam Du, sitting at the head seat on that side, shifted uncomfortably upon hearing this.

Old Madam Duan’s smile grew even warmer: “Now that Yu’er is here, where’s that rascal Ningyuan? He said he would come kowtow to me – why haven’t we seen him?”

Duan Wenyin quickly said: “Many distinguished guests arrived at the front – Brother is busy receiving them.”

The ladies laughed: “We hear there’s good news coming soon in the mansion. Could it be Young Master Duan is feeling shy?”

Everyone grew more interested hearing this. Madam Duan pretended to look stern: “Yu’er isn’t even shy – what does he have to be shy about?”

She then turned to ask Teng Yuyi with a smile: “Your father returns to Chang’an tomorrow?”

Teng Yuyi nodded: “He should arrive by noon.”

Madam Duan quickly led Teng Yuyi to sit on the east side and said softly: “You weren’t here earlier – we were just discussing with your aunt. The marriage has been arranged for so long, and in the blink of an eye, you’ve come of age. Now that you’ve returned to Chang’an to settle with your father, and Ningyuan is about to be invested as heir, Grandmother is eagerly anticipating your and Ningyuan’s happy occasion. Why don’t we start preparing soon? Tomorrow when your father returns, your uncle will visit him to discuss the wedding arrangements.”

She spoke quite loudly, and everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Du Tinglan, sitting beside her mother, had a smile so faint it was almost invisible.

According to what Mother said, that night at Zi Yun Lou, Ah Yu had turned the situation around and blamed everything on Duan Ningyuan. Not only had she insisted on breaking off the engagement, but she had also gotten the ladies present to corroborate. Now that the Duan family was openly mentioning the wedding date, could it be they had found a respectable excuse for Duan Ningyuan’s behavior?

She clutched the painted silk in her arms. How truly shameless. From the Duan family’s stance, they were confident that Yu’er couldn’t produce concrete evidence of Duan Ningyuan’s affair with Dong Er, and intended to completely absolve themselves of blame.

Madam Du was also quite angry – the Duan family was putting Ah Yu on the spot.

Tonight was Old Madam Duan’s birthday celebration, and Madam Duan deliberately brought up their marriage in public. If Yu’er flatly refused without regard for both families’ faces, people would inevitably think Yu’er didn’t know proper etiquette. Such a young lady who showed no respect for elders would surely face criticism in the future. Yu’er also couldn’t publicly prove that Duan Ningyuan had been involved with Dong Er, so even if the engagement was broken, the blame couldn’t be placed on Duan Ningyuan.

But if Yu’er vaguely agreed, and news of the two families breaking off the engagement came out in a few days, people would surely be shocked. How could they break off an engagement that had been agreed to at Old Madam’s birthday celebration? People would not only think the Teng family didn’t keep their word but might even question Yu’er’s character. No matter how you looked at it, in the end, it would all become the Teng family’s fault.

She looked at the Duan family members with suppressed anger.

Duan Wenyin seemed somewhat guilty, her gaze flickering before she turned her face away.

But Old Madam Duan and Madam Duan’s smiles didn’t diminish at all.

Madam Du, fearing Ah Yu would be provoked into falling for their trap, was about to interject with a smile when her daughter suddenly leaned to her ear and whispered something.

Madam Du looked at Teng Yuyi in surprise and indeed saw her give an almost imperceptible nod.

Seeing her aunt understand, Teng Yuyi said with concern: “Aunt, your complexion is so poor – are you feeling unwell again?”

Madam Du immediately held her forehead: “To be honest, that day at Zi Yun Lou I was affected by an evil spirit. These past few days I’ve had no appetite and have taken many prescriptions. Only after sitting here chatting with the birthday lady for so long has my heart felt somewhat better.”

Everyone hurried to praise Madam Du for her propriety and courtesy, though they couldn’t help wondering – the Du family came to wish Old Madam Duan a happy birthday even when unwell, for the sake of proper etiquette. In comparison, how discourteous Young Master Duan appeared.

The Du family elders had all come to visit, yet Duan Ningyuan didn’t even show his face. Even if he was receiving guests at the front, surely he could spare time to come to pay his respects.

Madam Duan eagerly came forward to look after Madam Du: “If Madam is feeling tired, would you like to rest in the side hall?”

Madam Du replied humbly: “Today is Old Madam Duan’s birthday – how can guests go rest while the birthday lady hasn’t had her fill of enjoyment? We’ve been talking for so long – why haven’t we seen Ningyuan? Since my husband was transferred back to Chang’an, I haven’t seen Ningyuan for quite some time. The other day we finally met at Zi Yun Lou but barely exchanged words before returning home. Now that we’re discussing the children’s marriage, please have Ningyuan come show his face and say a few words.”

Madam Duan quickly smiled and said: “Ningyuan will come over once he’s finished at the front.”

Madam Du nodded with a smile: “Old Madam is the birthday lady today – the younger generation kowtowing and offering birthday wishes should be the top priority. How can he leave Grandmother aside and only attend to outside guests? I saw those young masters who came to kowtow earlier – each one knew proper etiquette. As the eldest brother, Ningyuan should set an example.”

Madam Duan’s expression stiffened slightly.

Duan Wenyin quickly smiled and said: “Brother hasn’t been feeling well these past few days. I hear he drank at the front and isn’t feeling his best. Perhaps he’s afraid of offending the elders and is trying to sober up.”

The people in the hall exchanged glances – this excuse made no sense. On Grandmother’s birthday, even if Young Master Duan was half dead, he should force himself to come to pay respects, otherwise the reputation of being “unfilial” would be impossible to shake off. Besides, Young Master Duan had always been healthy – how could he suddenly fall ill?

Madam Duan withstood the gazes shooting at her from all directions and frowned as she scolded the servants: “Quickly go find the eldest young master for me.”

Duan Wenyin also couldn’t sit still and crossed the flower hall to personally go outside and inquire about news.

Just then, a group of noble young ladies led by Ah Zhi returned. They were all daughters of various noble families and princes, all around ten years old, who often played together normally and today was no exception. They had been playing games with grass and composing poetry in the garden, having great fun until they grew tired and returned to the flower hall together.

When they entered, the hall was suddenly filled with fragrance and cheerful chatter.

Ah Zhi walked enthusiastically to sit at the head of the east side. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi followed behind Ah Zhi with lowered heads. Seeming to sense the strange atmosphere in the flower hall, they couldn’t help glancing at Teng Yuyi.

Madam Du kept looking toward the door. Seeing Duan Ningyuan still hadn’t appeared, she sighed disappointedly: “That day at Zi Yun Lou, Young Master Duan groundlessly accused me and Ah Yu. In my anger, I scolded him a few times. Could it be Young Master Duan hasn’t gotten over it and is unwilling to come to see me, his elder?”

At these words, everyone’s expressions subtly changed.

Madam Duan smiled and said: “Madam is overthinking it. That day’s incident was purely a misunderstanding – we cleared it up at the time. Ningyuan is grateful for the elder’s teachings. Knowing that Madam and Ah Yu are here today, he’s too happy to contain himself – how could he avoid seeing you?”

Madam Du smiled and sighed: “You’re right – I’m being narrow-minded as an elder. Young Master Duan has quite a reputation – I don’t think he would be so foolish.”

She looked toward the entrance again – if he wasn’t being foolish, why hadn’t this junior come to pay respects when his elders had come to visit?

The distinguished guests in the hall had planned to remain observers, but now they also found it hard to watch. With Grandmother present and the ladies of both the Teng and Du families here, Young Master Duan only hiding and not showing his face was truly cold and discourteous. Could it be he was dissatisfied with this marriage and deliberately trying to put pressure on the Teng family?

Among the ladies present were several madams who had been at Zi Yun Lou that day. They already knew there was something improper between Duan Ningyuan and that Dong Er. Now seeing Teng Yuyi’s red cheeks as if holding back grievance, they couldn’t help feeling indignant.

This Duan Ningyuan dared to bully Ah Yu like this before marriage – what would happen after marriage?!

The husband of one of the marchionesses was Teng Shao’s fellow officer. She was the first to raise her voice in anger: “That day at Zi Yun Lou, Young Master Duan claimed he was confused because he had been drinking. Today the food and wine have just been served – is Young Master Duan drunk again? Madam Teng is unwell, Miss Du is just recovering from a serious illness, and Ah Yu is tired from days of travel, yet they still come together to offer birthday wishes. For Young Master Duan not to come to pay his respects – isn’t that a bit unreasonable?!”

At these words, those ladies who had been secretly harboring dissatisfaction also hurried to agree. In an instant, the flower hall was filled with murmuring. Old Madam Duan couldn’t sit still anymore and said tremulously: “The eldest young master isn’t that kind of person – he must be held up by something. Quickly tell the master to send people to look for him.”

The servants responded and left, but when they returned they could only shake their heads – they had found nothing.

The flower hall fell silent – could it be Duan Ningyuan wasn’t in the mansion at all?

On Grandmother’s birthday, for the eldest grandson to not be in the mansion was unfilial and disrespectful to the extreme. If he was in the mansion, to insult his bride-to-be like this – who could swallow such treatment?

Teng Yuyi felt everyone’s sympathetic gazes. She apologized to Madam Duan and Old Madam Duan, then listlessly returned to her aunt’s side, deliberately sitting between her aunt and cousin. The three of them shared an unspoken understanding – some holding back tears in silence, others with faces full of anger.

Everyone looked pained – what more could the Teng family do at this point?

Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin tried to find words to smooth things over, but everyone’s thoughts were scattered.

The situation was truly awkward, with neither hosts nor guests knowing what to do. Suddenly there was some commotion outside, and the servants exclaimed joyfully: “The eldest young master is here!”

Before the words faded, Duan Ningyuan strode in, wearing brocade clothes and a jade crown, his features handsome and elegant. As soon as he entered, he knelt on one knee: “Grandson is late.”

Old Madam Duan and Madam Duan were greatly relieved, both laughing and scolding: “Coming so late – making everyone worry for so long! Where did you run off to? No one could find you anywhere! This beating will be recorded today – tomorrow your father will make it up to you!”

Duan Ningyuan kowtowed three times with resounding thuds and said in a clear voice: “Grandson deserves punishment. For today, my grandson specially prepared a birthday gift for Grandmother. Who knew the servants would be so clumsy and soil the decorative brocade outside? Grandson feared offending Grandmother’s eyes and specially ordered them to replace it with new brocade, which took some time. Fearing punishment, the grandson personally wrapped it to present to his Grandmother. I don’t know if Grandmother likes it – if Grandmother finds it acceptable, perhaps reduce grandson’s beating by a few strokes.”

As he spoke, his body involuntarily shuddered slightly.

Old Madam Duan smiled from ear to ear: “Speaking so pitifully – you can’t escape a beating anyway. Madam Du and Yu’er are over there – haven’t you seen them yet? Why are you still kneeling? Quickly go pay your respects.”

“That’s right.” Madam Duan pretended to be angry. “Yu’er came happily to wish Grandmother happy birthday, and you left her waiting for no reason. If you don’t properly apologize to Yu’er today, I’ll be the first one not to let you off.”

Only then did Duan Ningyuan turn toward Teng Yuyi and the others, bowing deeply: “Junior apologizes to Madam. Junior was late due to matters – I hope Madam won’t blame me.”

Madam Du forced a smile: “No need for such ceremony – quickly rise.”

Duan Ningyuan then turned to Teng Yuyi, bowing with lowered brows: “Forgive my negligence… my lady.”

Teng Yuyi turned sideways to avoid the bow: “Young Master Duan is too formal.”

Old Madam Duan and Madam Duan watched the two with smiling faces. Duan Ningyuan straightened up but unexpectedly shuddered again. The movement was barely noticeable and hard for people to detect, but it didn’t escape Teng Yuyi’s eyes. She showed a slight smile and lowered her eyelashes inconspicuously.

Duan Ningyuan had greatly overestimated himself – still daring to show his face when afflicted by the itching bugs.

He had probably been enduring painfully for some time already, only forcing himself to come out and see guests because it was truly impossible not to.

Not coming to see guests would be unfilial and arrogant.

Coming to see guests meant inevitably revealing signs.

But if he could keep enduring, wouldn’t that mean Lin Chengyou had been bragging? Since he said this bug would “make you wish you were dead with endless itching,” it should naturally be able to make someone wish they were dead.

She wasn’t in a hurry – let’s see how long Duan Ningyuan could endure.

After paying his respects, Duan Ningyuan was about to go to Old Madam Duan’s side, but just as he took a step, his body suddenly shuddered again. This time the movement was too large and drew everyone’s attention.

Duan Ningyuan secretly clenched his teeth and casually instructed the servants: “Present the gift to Grandmother first.”

Everyone stared for a moment, thinking their eyes were playing tricks on them. Just as they were about to look away, Duan Ningyuan couldn’t help twitching again.

This time even Madam Du and Du Tinglan noticed. Madam Duan asked curiously: “Eldest son, what’s wrong with you?”

Duan Ningyuan stood tall and straight, his back as rigid as ever. Even at this point, his pine-tree-like bearing still left no room for criticism. He forced a smile and said: “Nothing.”

However, as he spoke, his eyebrow twitched again, as if unbearably itchy. Before he could adjust his expression, his neck twisted to one side, as if trying to scratch an itch. He gritted his teeth and rubbed against his collar.

This behavior was extremely improper, almost like something a country bumpkin would do.

People found it increasingly strange. Duan Ningyuan seemed to have forgotten about paying respects and hurriedly walked toward the exit.

Old Madam Duan and Madam Duan didn’t understand what was happening. Seeing Duan Ningyuan’s strange behavior and feeling they had completely lost face, they shouted in unison: “Eldest son!”

Duan Ningyuan walked a few steps then suddenly stopped. He abruptly raised his arm and desperately scratched his back. This behavior was already near losing control. Many ladies exclaimed in surprise – what… what was happening?

Duan Ningyuan’s whole body trembled as he tried to control himself, but cold sweat poured down his face and his expression was extremely contorted.

Everyone was too shocked to move. Several ladies, who had been at Zi Yun Lou remembered a scene from that day and said in horror: “Isn’t this the itching poison that affected Dong Er that day?”

“Dong Er?”

Madam Du was stunned: “I thought it looked familiar but couldn’t place it until now. How strange – how did the poison from Dong Er end up on Young Master Duan?”

The flower hall erupted.

“Itching poison? What’s itching poison?” someone asked.

“It’s a kind of bug that makes people itch.”

“Who is Dong Er?” another group asked.

“Dong Er is the second daughter of County Magistrate Dong from Wannian County. On the Double Third Festival, she pretended to be ill to trick the Crown Prince of Cheng’s Six Origins Pill. The Crown Prince saw through her deception on the spot, and she’s been locked in the Capital Prefecture jail since then. She was infected with itching bugs.”

“Ah? If Dong Er is in the Capital Prefecture jail, why would Young Master Duan be infected with this poison?”

Amid the discussions, Duan Ningyuan’s body alternated between hot and cold, with every pore tingling.

The itching was heart-piercing and uncontrollable. Sweat dripped down steadily, and his limbs couldn’t help twitching. He wanted to leave the flower hall, but unfortunately, every muscle in his legs was trembling and wouldn’t obey him.

His heart was filled with terror. Dong Er had been suffering torture in prison these past few days. Unwilling to give others leverage against him, he hadn’t sought out Lin Chengyou, but unable to bear Dong Er’s suffering, he had found several physicians to examine her.

The physicians tried many methods but all said Dong Er’s poison had no cure and was contagious – extreme caution was needed when approaching her.

He had kept these words in mind and hadn’t met with Dong Er these past days. When had he been infected with this poison? He had no idea at all.

As he was lost in thought, he suddenly felt two cold gazes fall on him. His senses were keener than ordinary people’s. He gritted his teeth and looked up to see a young lady watching him in panic. This lady had snow-white skin and flower-like features, wearing a green-calyx colored jacket and skirt.

Duan Ningyuan was stunned for a moment. When they were betrothed, they had been young, and he hadn’t even seen Teng Yuyi’s appearance. Then she went to Yangzhou, and they had no chance to meet. After several years, his impression of Teng Yuyi had completely faded.

When he came in to pay respects, he hadn’t even raised his head. Who would have thought… who would have thought Teng Yuyi’s beauty would be so extraordinary?

Were those two cold gazes from her just now? He grew suspicious, but Teng Yuyi’s panicked expression was truly flawless – he really couldn’t see any flaw.

As he pondered, his arm had already lost control and scratched at his front collar. Seeing Duan Ningyuan so out of control, Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin were already panic-stricken: “Quickly report to the master that the eldest young master is ill – have the master find physicians to come examine him immediately.”

Old Madam Duan had seen much in her life and immediately said tremulously: “Yes, yes, yes – what itching poison? This is feeling unwell. The eldest young master had wind disease when he was young – it must be wind wheals appearing on his body.”

“Yes, wind wheals!” Duan Wenyin hurriedly joined in. “I hear this illness is quite troublesome – when it itches it looks just like this.”

Unexpectedly, Teng Yuyi suddenly spoke: “Wind wheels can’t stand the wind. All the windows in the flower hall are open – if Young Master Duan stays in the hall any longer, I’m afraid the itching will become more severe.”

Reminded by these words, Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin hurriedly went to support Duan Ningyuan.

Duan Ningyuan shook his head and tried to back away quickly, but he was too late. Though Duan Wenyin managed to withdraw her hand in time, Madam Duan had already grabbed her son’s arm.

Duan Ningyuan’s whole body trembled as he used all his strength to push Madam Duan away, shouting: “Mother, don’t- don’t touch me.”

Madam Duan’s heart jolted. Before she could understand what was happening, a strange sensation crawled up her arm, making her shudder with itching. After the first time naturally came the second and third.

Madam Duan’s cultivation was far inferior to her son’s. Once the effects started, she was far less able to endure than her son. The flesh of her face began to twitch as she scratched everywhere: “Itchy- itchy- itchy.”

Everyone was horrified. Before they could understand what was wrong with Young Master Duan, Madam Duan had suddenly gone mad. Wind wheals weren’t contagious – these were poisonous bugs!

“These are the itching bugs!” Several marchionesses were panic-stricken. “Dong Er looked just like this that day. The Crown Prince of Cheng said this poison was contagious and told the palace maids not to touch Dong Er. Look – Madam Duan was infected just from one touch.”

Hearing this, everyone was both surprised and confused: “But according to what you say, there were so many people at Zi Yun Lou that day, yet no one except Dong Er was infected. Why would Young Master Duan suddenly be infected after just a few days?”

“That we don’t know. These bugs don’t just run around randomly – there must be some reason for being infected.”

Duan Ningyuan’s face grew increasingly unsightly. The Duan family ladies listened with trembling bodies – what should have been a happy birthday celebration had turned into this scene, completely losing face.

As they spoke, the Duan mother and son’s movements grew increasingly violent. The servants, fearing infection, scattered like the tide. In the vast flower hall, only the suffering, struggling Duan mother and son remained.