Lin Chengyou tilted his head in thought. Though Tang Yuyi had a fierce temper and held grudges, her insight and capabilities were remarkable. Knowing this was someone else’s magical artifact, there was no reason she would keep it without saying a word.

So why hadn’t she returned it yet?

Perhaps he hadn’t been clear enough when giving her the item that day, causing her to mistakenly think the bell was a gift.

But even if Tang Yuyi didn’t understand spiritual arts, she should have recognized the Xuanyin Bell as an exceptionally rare magical treasure. They weren’t family or close friends – why would he randomly give her such a precious artifact?

Maybe something had held her up, but it had been a full day and night. Even if she couldn’t come herself, surely she could have sent one of her subordinates to deliver it.

The more he pondered it, the more his curiosity grew. Unfortunately, he couldn’t leave the palace today, otherwise he could go ask her directly.

Never mind, he’d deal with it tomorrow when he could leave the palace. Though this meant he’d have to see her again. *Sigh*, how annoying – he’d thought there wouldn’t be any more interactions with her, yet now he had to visit the Tang residence.

When Lin Chengyou remained silent for a while, the young palace servant carefully asked, “Your Highness?”

“I understand. Tell Kuan Nu not to worry about it. I’ll handle it myself.”

Just as he finished speaking and turned around, someone called out to him: “A’Da.”

Lin Chengyou looked back to see someone walking down the corridor – a man with proper features and a gentle demeanor. It was the Crown Prince.

“A’Qi.”

The Crown Prince’s concerned expression mirrored the Emperor’s exactly: “Has the Imperial Physician checked your wound? Is it serious?”

Lin Chengyou smiled and said, “He’s checked it. The wound is quite shallow – we just wasted Uncle’s medicine powder.”

The Crown Prince made as if to throw a light punch at Lin Chengyou: “Don’t I know you well enough? You’d act fine even if the sky was falling. I couldn’t find you these past few days – I was thinking that when I saw you, I’d have a proper fight with you. But seeing as you’re injured today, I’ll let you off for now.”

Lin Chengyou dodged the Crown Prince’s punch and raised his eyebrows: “Has the Crown Prince learned new moves? We haven’t even sparred yet – how do you know who’ll be letting whom off?”

“Such an arrogant boy, still not behaving even when injured. No need to provoke me – I absolutely won’t fight with you today.”

The palace servants suppressed their smiles. The Crown Prince was usually mild-mannered and steady, but he couldn’t help but fight and argue whenever he saw the Prince of Cheng’s heir. This wasn’t strange – there weren’t many children of their generation in the palace, with only four brothers in total. The Emperor and Empress had two princes, A’Qi and A’Lin, while the Prince and Princess of Cheng had two sons, A’Da and A’Shuang.

Among the four brothers, the newly appointed Crown Prince A’Qi and the Prince of Cheng’s heir were closest in age. The two brothers had grown up together, never separated in eating, dressing, living, or traveling. They’d been fighting since childhood – it would be rare if they didn’t exchange a few moves whenever they met.

By then, palace servants had already reported to the Emperor. Chang Yi and A’Zhi happily ran out from around the corridor: “Crown Prince Brother!”

The evening family feast was set in the Great Ming Palace where the Empress usually resided. Empress Liu Bingyu was in charge of the menu while the Imperial Kitchen handled the cooking. When the dishes were served, each was indeed novel and interesting. Every dessert was made smooth as cream, and the soups were pure as jade. The younger generation was overjoyed, eating until they were drenched in sweat.

After the meal, the Empress claimed she’d eaten too much and needed to digest, taking A’Zhi and Chang Yi to feed fish at the Jade Wave Pool. The Crown Prince played chess with Lin Chengyou in the Welcoming Emerald Pavilion, while the Emperor sat quietly beside them, drinking tea and watching the game.

Gentle night winds carrying flower fragrance lightly stirred the pale yellow silk gauze around the water pavilion. The Empress stood in a pool of bright moonlight, bending to hand fish food to the two children.

Suddenly, a burst of hearty laughter erupted from the Welcoming Emerald Pavilion. The Empress looked up to see that Lin Chengyou had deliberately tried to take back a move, and the Crown Prince had seriously caught him at it, but couldn’t resist Lin Chengyou’s nonsense. His Majesty heard a few lines and couldn’t help himself, being the first to laugh, which in turn made Lin Chengyou and the Crown Prince abandon their chess pieces and laugh as well.

The Empress watched her husband’s smile, feeling genuinely happy. Chengyou had probably noticed early on that his Imperial Uncle was troubled by state affairs and was trying to find ways to cheer him up. This child was best at witty repartee – how many times had he made His Majesty laugh since entering the palace?

She called out with a laugh: “His Majesty and I would love to hold family feasts every day, but the children grow bigger with each passing day – how can they always stay by our knees? Last year Jingyi married her Prince Consort, making the palace notably quieter. Then you four brothers took turns training in the military. A’Qi and A’Da have only just returned, and now it’s A’Lin’s turn. Though A’Shuang isn’t old enough for military training, he went traveling with his parents last year. I’ve figured it out – daughters are still the most considerate. A’Qi, A’Da, you must watch over your sisters well. A’Zhi and Chang Yi should wait a few more years before choosing their Prince Consorts.”

Chang Yi lifted her tender round face: “Mother, why did you and Father suddenly decide to reopen the Yunyin Academy?”

Last night she had heard Father and Mother chatting and learned that while Yunyin Academy was ostensibly a women’s school, it secretly held the intention of selecting consorts for imperial clan members. If Brother A’Qi and Brother A’Da found suitable wives among the academy’s ladies, they would spend even less time playing with her and A’Zhi.

The Empress handed the fish food to the palace maid behind her and took her daughter’s and A’Zhi’s hands, strolling along the winding corridor: “This wasn’t Mother’s sudden idea – I discussed it with your aunts last year. Yunyin Academy was originally founded by Empress Mu at the dynasty’s founding, aimed at nurturing outstanding talents. The academy’s teachings weren’t limited to ‘Women’s Instructions’ or ‘Female Precepts,’ but were the same as what men studied, focusing on the Classics, Histories, Masters, and Collections. Although it has been repeatedly suspended over the years for various reasons, it has still cultivated many capable women. If it can be reopened during Mother’s Time, it would truly be a beneficial undertaking. Moreover, this time the female students won’t be limited to the daughters of high officials from the two capitals – daughters of provincial officials are also included.”

The Empress’s voice drifted intermittently through the gauze curtains into the pavilion. Lin Chengyou had been listening absent-mindedly at first, but paused when he heard “provincial officials.”

Ah, so this was why Uncle agreed to reopen the academy. Every official in the current dynasty knew Yunyin Academy’s origins. If they could use the recruitment of academy students to keep the daughters of several military governors studying in the capital, and then arrange suitable high-ranking marriages at the appropriate time, this would undoubtedly serve as a means of checks and balances for these powerful frontier commanders.

The Crown Prince also asked: “Father, do you plan to settle this matter while the officials are in the capital for their reports?”

The Emperor’s expression grew somewhat grave as he waved to dismiss the palace servants in the pavilion: “I’ve already ordered the Department of State Affairs to draft the edict. Tonight I’ll discuss it once more with several senior ministers. You went to the Court of State Ceremony at noon – which military governors did you meet?”

The Crown Prince replied: “Son met with Teng Shao of Huainan Circuit and Peng Sishun of Huaixi Circuit. Teng Shao led troops to transport 100,000 shi of river rice to the capital, which happened to resolve the urgent need for military provisions in the four garrisons of Guanzhong. Peng Sishun’s health isn’t good anymore – he’s lost his hair and teeth, and can’t move about without a sedan chair. In my son’s opinion, he likely won’t survive this year.”

“He has suffered much.” The Emperor sighed, “Since taking charge of Huaixi Circuit, Peng Sishun has never failed to meet the court’s expectations. Over these years, he has governed the common people externally while maintaining military discipline internally, managing the vast Huaixi Circuit in peace and order. Not only does Father, but all civil and military officials greatly admire him. Yesterday he requested to transfer military authority to his eldest son Peng Zhen, and Father has already approved it.”

Lin Chengyou stroked his chin, seemingly quite surprised.

The Emperor looked toward Lin Chengyou. Every time state affairs were discussed, this child never spoke carelessly. This was the harm of imperial power – even flesh and blood relatives were constrained by it. Because of his early life experiences, he deeply hated how imperial power poisoned family relationships and particularly didn’t want the children to be restrained before him, so he sighed and said: “There’s nothing to be reserved about before your Uncle – just say whatever you want to say.”

Lin Chengyou thought for a moment and said: “Peng Sishun is extremely skilled at managing troops. Huaixi Circuit now dominates the region, feared by neighboring frontier commanders. If military power continues to be handed over to the Peng family, I fear it will nurture future troubles. Once the Peng family’s influence seeps into the Central Plains generation by generation, it may become difficult for the court to reclaim military authority. Why doesn’t Uncle wait until after Peng Sishun passes away, then recall his eldest son Peng Zhen to the capital, granting him official positions and generous rewards? This way, you can both comfort the descendants of a loyal minister and prevent the Peng family from harboring different intentions.”

The Emperor’s eyes showed approval: “This matter is easier said than done. First of all, over the years Peng Sishun has never asked the court for provisions or pay – do you know why? What do the hundred thousand-plus official troops in Huaixi Circuit eat and use daily?”

Lin Chengyou said: “This nephew does know about this – as the saying goes, ‘In urgency become soldiers, in peace farm the land.’ The Loyal and Righteous Army under Peng Sishun both fights and farms, quite capable of self-supplying their provisions and pay.”

“Exactly so. Moreover, to stabilize military morale, Peng Sishun has deliberately encouraged soldiers to form marriage alliances with local powerful families and commoners. Over many years, the Loyal and Righteous Army has become deeply rooted in Huaixi Circuit, truly becoming one family with the civilians. If the court arbitrarily removes the Peng family’s descendants, which commander could smoothly take over such an army? If the new commander cannot subdue the local officers, mutiny is only a matter of time.”

The Crown Prince slightly furrowed his brows: “What about relocating the Loyal and Righteous Army?”

Lin Chengyou held a chess piece while pondering silently – this wouldn’t work either. If forcibly relocated, not only would the Loyal and Righteous Army no longer be able to farm and sustain themselves, but it would also add hundreds of thousands of mouths to feed.

The Emperor continued: “If moved elsewhere, large numbers of soldiers’ wives and children would also follow. It’s already no easy task for the court to supply provisions for over a hundred thousand Loyal and Righteous Army soldiers – these additional family members would require even more rations.”

“So that’s why Uncle thought of reopening the academy? Then… is Peng Sishun willing to send his granddaughter to study at Yunyin Academy?”

The Emperor said with satisfaction: “When Father had people gather opinions from court officials, Peng Sishun was among the first to express support. As it happens, Peng Zhen’s wife and daughter are on their way to Chang’an, and Peng Zhen also strongly expresses his approval.”

The Crown Prince and Lin Chengyou exchanged a glance – the Peng father and son voluntarily keeping wife and daughter under the court’s nose was also a way of showing loyalty to the court. When the court later arranges marriages between Peng family daughters and sons of high-ranking families, the Peng family likely won’t object. Having done this much, no wonder Father so quickly agreed to let Peng Zhen take over military authority.

“As for Teng Shao…” the Emperor continued, “It happens that Cheng Shuan’an of Jiangnan West Circuit has resigned due to illness. Father plans to put Jiangnan West Circuit under Teng Shao’s command as well.”

Lin Chengyou was somewhat shocked. He had long known Uncle trusted Teng Shao but hadn’t expected such deep trust. Huainan Circuit not only controlled the taxes of Jianghuai, but its Shou Prefecture was also crucial. This prefecture connected to Chen Ying waterways in the north and Luzhou in the south, forming an important “middle route” from the Central Plains to Jianghuai.

Moreover, Shou Prefecture was prosperous, with large tea tax revenues every year. This prefecture alone could effortlessly support Teng Shao’s Ocean-Pacifying Army.

If Jiangnan West Circuit was also given to Teng Shao’s jurisdiction, even the Jiangxia border area would be handed over. This location guarded the Han River transport route – truly crucial among the crucial.

The Emperor asked Lin Chengyou: “Tell me, why has Father arranged it this way?”

Lin Chengyou smiled and said: “Uncle’s arrangements couldn’t be more appropriate. With the Jiangxia border area under one person’s jurisdiction, Teng Shao can use the Wukou water transport to check Huaixi. In the future, before the Peng family makes any moves, they must first consider the neighboring Ocean-Pacifying Army. The two frontier commands will keep each other in check, bringing more benefits than drawbacks to the court. However… nephew has heard that since Li Changqing’s death, the Wuning Army of Jiangnan West Circuit has been unruly, changing commanders several times in just three years. Cheng Shuan’an suddenly resigned due to illness only because he couldn’t command respect while in office. If General Teng takes over this army hastily, I wonder what will happen.”

The Crown Prince said gently: “Entrusting it to others might cause disturbances, but there’s no such worry with Teng Shao. A’Da, you haven’t had deep interactions with General Teng, but I’ve personally seen how Teng Shao manages his troops. This man is as righteous as the clouds in heaven, and everyone in his army, high and low, admires him.”

Lin Chengyou nodded. He had forgotten that the Crown Prince had trained in Teng Shao’s army last year – strictly speaking, Teng Shao was half a teacher to the Crown Prince. Every time the Crown Prince mentioned Teng Shao, he showed genuine admiration.

The Emperor said: “This is only one reason. Father had Teng Shao take command of the Wuning Army also because several of its veteran generals had served under Teng Shao’s father, Teng Yuanhao, in their early years. These men must respectfully address Teng Shao as ‘Third Young Master’ when they see him – no matter how fierce and untamed they are, they wouldn’t dare cause trouble for Teng Shao. You two must have heard of Teng Yuanhao and his deeds.”

The Crown Prince and Lin Chengyou said solemnly: “Of course, we have heard of him – truly a heroic figure.”

The Emperor nodded: “That year when the Hu rebels plotted to seize the empire, if not for Teng Yuanhao leading troops to defend Nanyang and Suiyang to the death, the grain transport in Jianghuai could hardly have been preserved. The court at that time was focused on recapturing the two capitals and didn’t provide timely support to Teng Yuanhao’s army. Teng Yuanhao defended the city for months with his two sons, fighting over two hundred battles large and small, killing nearly 100,000 enemies. In the end, when the troops were exhausted and the city fell, all three fathers and sons died at the hands of the Hu rebels.”

At this point, the Emperor sighed deeply: “To speak in detail, the court owes the Teng family greatly. After Teng Yuanhao and his eldest and second sons died for the country, Teng Shao was the only male heir left in the Teng family. Teng Shao was only three years old then, too young to go to battle. Before his death, Teng Yuanhao wrote a farewell memorial instructing his young son to remain loyal and filial. After coming of age, Teng Shao hasn’t failed his father and brothers’ expectations – in his early years he led troops to guard the frontier, and in recent years he has been stationed in Jianghuai. Now that Jianghuai is peaceful and prosperous, Teng Shao’s achievements are truly great. With the commander position of Jiangnan West Circuit vacant, there’s no more suitable candidate than Teng Shao.”

Lin Chengyou thought silently that with the Ocean-Pacifying Army and Wuning Army combined, Teng Shao would command nearly 200,000 soldiers. Even if Uncle trusted Teng Shao deeply, he would still take some preventive measures following the court officials’ advice. Reopening Yunyin Academy was a good method – but would Teng Shao be willing to send his daughter to study at the academy?

Suddenly he recalled Tang Yuyi’s bright, clever eyes – with her personality, how could she be willing to let the court arrange her marriage?

Sure enough, the Crown Prince asked: “Father, how did General Teng respond to the reopening of Yunyin Academy?”

The Emperor said: “The other military governors have all expressed their positions one after another – only Teng Shao hasn’t spoken. His daughter has been betrothed to Duan Ningyuan of the Marquis Zhenguo’s family since childhood, but the two families broke off the engagement some days ago. I think his hesitation is because he’s unwilling to let the imperial family decide his daughter’s marriage. However, although the court is reopening Yunyin Academy, we don’t wish to force marriages. Later I’ll summon Teng Shao privately to have a good talk with him and tell him this is just an expedient measure. Once he understands the court’s good intentions, he won’t have so many concerns.”

At this moment, Chang Yi and A’Zhi ran in to pull at Lin Chengyou: “Brother A’Da, come quickly! The fish won’t take the bait – come help us look!”

Lin Chengyou had no choice but to put down his chess piece and stand up. Just as he reached the door, the Empress entered the water pavilion: “Speaking of the Wang sisters, I met them once back then. The elder sister married into the noble Du family, while the younger sister married General Teng. I just hadn’t expected young Lady Wang to pass away so early. Today I learned General Teng only has one daughter… he hasn’t remarried all these years?”

Lin Chengyou’s footsteps paused, while Chang Yi and A’Zhi stared blankly.

“Brother, what’s wrong?”

Lin Chengyou hissed as if his teeth hurt, pointing at the wound on his arm: “Pain.”

Chang Yi and A’Zhi immediately became flustered: “Oh no, we forgot brother’s wound hasn’t healed yet!” They crowded around Lin Chengyou wanting to look at his wound, completely forgetting about going outside to fish.

They heard the Emperor say: “After young Lady Wang passed away, many people urged Teng Shao to remarry or take a concubine, but Teng Shao was willing to entrust his daughter to his wife’s elder sister’s care rather than remarry. As it happened, his brother-in-law Du Yuzhi was demoted to serve as a civil official in Yangzhou, so Teng Shao’s daughter has lived in Yangzhou ever since. Several years later, Teng Shao was finally appointed as Military Governor of Huainan Circuit, but the Ocean-Pacifying Army’s headquarters remained in Shou Prefecture. Thus although father and daughter were in the same region, they spent more time apart than together. Teng Shao lived at headquarters year-round and wouldn’t remarry, so naturally there was no way to have more children.”

The Empress sighed: “The other day I heard people say General Teng’s hair turned white before forty – I imagine he must have missed his late wife greatly these years.”

The Crown Prince helped his mother sit down: “By the way, son met another person at the Court of State Ceremony today – a man named Li Guangyuan. When the son arrived, this man was exchanging greetings with General Teng. When the topic of Yunyin Academy’s reopening came up, General Teng wouldn’t respond, but Li Guangyuan was beaming, saying if his daughter could also have the fortune to study at the academy, she could be classmates with General Teng’s daughter. Son found this man unfamiliar – only upon asking did I learn he was the Military Commissioner of Eastern Zhejiang.”

The Emperor smiled: “It’s not strange you don’t know him. Li Guangyuan was originally a deputy general under Teng Shao – five years ago he was still serving in the Ocean-Pacifying Army as Agricultural Commissioner and Campaign Commander. When the powerful families in Eastern Zhejiang rebelled, Teng Shao dispatched troops to suppress the rebellion, with Li Guangyuan leading them. Li Guangyuan used troops with divine bravery, pacifying the Eastern Zhejiang rebellion in just one month. Teng Shao was memorialized to commend his merits, and Father appointed him as the Prefecture Governor of Suzhou. Two years ago during the Jiangzhe floods, Li Guangyuan achieved extraordinary merit again. The court promoted him to Military Commissioner of Eastern Zhejiang and later had him concurrently serve as Prefecture Governor of Hangzhou. At that time the world suffered drought and locusts, but Li Guangyuan’s Jiangdong alone was spared from the locust plague. He is astute and capable, yet doesn’t seek credit for himself. In his years in office, Eastern Zhejiang’s silk production and shipyards have flourished daily. This time he’s come to the capital to report on his duties – the court will certainly reward him.”

The Empress suddenly said: “I was wondering why Li Guangyuan’s name sounded so familiar. A few days ago I vaguely heard that he has a daughter who can predict disasters. Li Guangyuan’s repeated successes in averting disasters were all thanks to his daughter’s warnings to Father for prevention.”

The Emperor started: “So these people have even spread such talk to you. I’ve seen many capable and extraordinary people over the years – even just predicting this year’s rainfall requires considerable effort. Li Guangyuan’s daughter is said to be only fifteen or sixteen – how could she predict good and ill fortune? Unlike Teng Shao and other descendants of meritorious officials, Li Guangyuan came from humble origins. These past few years he’s been promoted faster than many others due to his outstanding abilities, attracting much jealousy. These people fear he’ll be appointed to an important position in Chang’an, so they deliberately spread rumors before you.”

The Empress stuffed a large preserved apricot into her husband’s mouth, smiling: “I severely rebuked them last time. If they dare use such underhanded tricks before me again, I’ll have them beaten and driven from the palace.”

The Emperor ate with a smile, his gentle gaze intertwining with his wife’s.

Lin Chengyou had lost interest upon hearing about Li Guangyuan. Now seeing the Emperor and Empress’s intimate state through the window, he smiled and stepped back twice, then turned his head to tell A’Zhi and Chang Yi: “Shall we go fish at the lotus pond outside Linde Hall? The fish there are cleverer – more interesting to catch than these dull ones here.”

“Can brother walk? Your wound was hurting just now.”

Lin Chengyou said with an unchanged expression: “That was then, this is now. Anyway, brother doesn’t hurt anymore.”

But the Emperor said from the water pavilion: “With your arm injured, stay properly before your Uncle and Aunt tonight – you’re not allowed to go anywhere. Help your Aunt with some ideas for the National Father-in-law’s birthday in two days.”

***

Early the next morning, Tang Yuyi sent someone to deliver a card to the Prince of Cheng’s mansion, ostensibly wanting to pay respects to Princess A’Zhi but wanting to tell Lin Chengyou about the Xuanyin Bell matter. However, neither Lin Chengyou nor Princess A’Zhi were at the mansion.

She went to deliver a message at Qingyun Temple as well, but the old cultivators and Taoist priests also said the Young Master hadn’t returned to the temple.

Tang Yuyi thought that Lin Chengyou must either be at the Court of Judicial Review or in the palace – both places she couldn’t visit without permission. She had no choice but to temporarily give up her plan to find Lin Chengyou.

Seeing it was still early, Tang Yuyi changed clothes preparing to visit the West Market. However, before she could leave, Little Ya crawled out to tell her it would be best not to go out these few days – his spiritual power was now weak, and if she encountered evil spirits again while out, she couldn’t expect him to be able to protect her.

Having just escaped danger, Tang Yuyi naturally didn’t dare take unnecessary risks. She decided to stay at the mansion and let Huo Qiu teach her sword techniques. In the evening she also invited Uncle Cheng over, and while wiping her sword said: “I thought Duan Fu would need more time to recover, but who knew his internal energy was extraordinary – just now when I went to see him, his wound was almost healed. Let him accompany me to the banquet tomorrow.”

Uncle Cheng hurriedly agreed. Back then when the master had assigned Duan Fu to the young lady’s side, it wasn’t just because of Duan Fu’s outstanding martial arts, but also because he was a eunuch – when necessary he could follow the young lady into the inner chambers without the usual concerns of regular guards.

Tang Yuyi also said: “By the way, have you found out clearly – is Lu Zhao’an on the guest list for the National Father-in-law’s birthday banquet this time?”

“He’s invited. Not just Lu Zhao’an – this year’s successful examination candidates will all attend the banquet.”

Tang Yuyi was startled: “Lu Zhao’an had both shoulders dislocated by the corpse demon at the Prince of Cheng’s mansion last time – he’s recovered so quickly?”

Uncle Cheng: “Last time the Prince of Cheng’s heir specifically invited Imperial Physician Yu from the Imperial Dispensary to examine Lu Zhao’an – probably he’s mostly recovered. Even if he’s still somewhat unwell, he must attend when the National Father-in-law invites him.”

Tang Yuyi sneered: “Such a falsely high-minded great talent. Although their sister’s letter has been retrieved, Lu Zhao’an’s mouth is still on his face. This man’s heart is not upright – if allowed to stay in Chang’an, he’ll cause trouble sooner or later.”

Uncle Cheng: “Young Lady wants to…”

Tang Yuyi thought for a moment and said: “I didn’t have time to deal with Lu Zhao’an before. Uncle Cheng, list out his movements these past days for me to see.”

The next day before dawn, Uncle Cheng sent someone to wake Tang Yuyi, saying the master was already waiting in the central hall. Yu Su Spring was in Chang’an’s distant suburbs – it would take at least two hours by carriage. Since they were going to attend a birthday banquet, they needed to set out early.

Before long, the Du family arrived. Tang Yuyi drowsily finished dressing and went out to board the calf cart.

Du Yuzhi chatted with Teng Shao, while Lady Du sat with Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan in one carriage. Duan Fu sat outside the curtain, helping the driver.

In the carriage, Du Tinglan helped adjust the green silk crown on Tang Yuyi’s head, then looked down at her white lotus-colored cloud brocade jacket and skirt: “I’ve seen other young ladies wear this color before, but it looks best on A’Yu.”

Lady Du gently pinched Tang Yuyi’s cheek: “The more precious the fabric, the more selective it is about who wears it. This child’s skin is as clear as water – she’s not afraid of any tricky colors. Just now your father told me he’s busy with official duties these days. After giving birthday congratulations today, he might rush back to Chang’an overnight. He also said since you rarely come out to play with us, you should stay and enjoy yourself for a few days… Good child, stop yawning. If you’re too sleepy, just lean on your aunt and sleep for a while.”

Tang Yuyi rubbed her eyes and leaned her head on Lady Du’s shoulder, but with this movement, several items fell from her sleeve pocket.

“What’s this?” Du Tinglan picked up the items. “A’Yu, keeping medicine bottles on you is one thing, but why do you have a worn-out brush too?”

Tang Yuyi opened her eyes slightly, then quickly closed them again: “That medicine bottle is barbarian medicine father gave me – supposedly it can stop bleeding and prevent poison. The worn brush was given by the Taoist priest from Dongming Temple. Don’t look down on its shabby appearance – I used it to block that bird demon at Caifeng Tower last time. I was scared by that corpse demon, and this time we’re staying at Yu Su Spring for two nights – I’m not at ease without bringing some items for self-defense.”

Du Tinglan’s expression grew solemn and she hurriedly put the items carefully back in Tang Yuyi’s sleeve pocket: “Where would there be so many evil spirits? Besides, there will be so many people at the birthday banquet this time – even if there were evil creatures, they wouldn’t dare come cause trouble.”

The carriage traveled for a full two hours before reaching Yu Su Spring at noon. This place relied on mountains and bordered waters, having long been an excellent location for refined interests. Besides the imperial gardens, there were many vacation estates built by noble and prestigious families. Looking out through the lifted window curtains, one could see magnificent peaks in the distance and hear springs flowing over rocks nearby.

Tang Yuyi took in the scenery, gradually losing even her drowsiness.

She had heard that National Father-in-law Liu’s Ledao Mountain Villa was originally inherited property passed down by the Liu family ancestors. Although the villa grounds were not small, the furnishings were quite shabby. A few years ago when His Majesty sent the Empress to visit her family here and saw how poor everything looked inside and out, he issued an edict to renovate it. The craftsmen, wanting to please His Majesty and the Empress, took special care in adorning the villa. After more than a year of repairs, this place became the finest among the vacation estates in the Yu Su Spring area.

Today Ledao Mountain Villa was extraordinarily lively, with precious carriages and fine horses arriving continuously. When their calf cart approached, it was difficult to even find a place to stop.

Teng Shao and Du Yuzhi father and son dismounted at the front gate, while servants guided the calf cart carrying the Teng family women through the side entrance.

As they proceeded inside, they saw winding ponds interconnected, creating a magnificent scene. Besides bamboo pavilions and lotus pavilions, there were tens of thousands of flowering trees, some rising and falling with the mountain terrain, others winding along the waterways. The colors changed endlessly with the water’s flow.

Lady Du gently waved her round fan while admiring the scenery through the window when she suddenly heard familiar voices nearby. She exclaimed in surprise: “That voice sounds so familiar.”

Looking carefully, she seemed somewhat shocked, then turned back to examine Tang Yuyi with confusion.

Du Tinglan and Tang Yuyi asked curiously: “What’s wrong?”

The two put their heads together to look outside and were also stunned. They saw a group of noble young men passing by laughing and talking, with Lin Chengyou walking shoulder to shoulder with the Prince of Chun’an. That beautiful voice belonged to Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou wore a blue-green jade belt at his waist and a pair of red ruyi cloud-patterned gold-threaded boots. The boots’ bright red color was usually worn by women, yet on him it didn’t diminish his heroic bearing at all. His tall, straight figure appeared especially handsome and outstanding under the bright sun.

Most notably, Lin Chengyou was also wearing a white lotus-colored cloud brocade round-collared robe today. Although the front was embroidered with gold and silver hidden patterns of dragons grasping pearls, anyone could see the color and fabric were exactly the same as Tang Yuyi’s jacket and skirt.

Lady Du and Du Tinglan were extremely surprised: “This… this is too much of a coincidence!”

Lin Chengyou’s senses were extraordinarily keen. With a glance from the corner of his eye, he turned his head to look at the Teng family’s cart.

Tang Yuyi leaned back to avoid his gaze. It was too coincidental as if she had coordinated with Lin Chengyou. Unfortunately, her change of clothes was in the cart behind – otherwise, she would have changed immediately.

“No need to rush change. The male and female guests are separated, and there are so many people today – no one will notice these things. After getting out of the cart, just find a chance to change in the room,” said Du Tinglan and Lady Du.

“That’s true.” Tang Yuyi settled down when suddenly she felt Little Ya’s sword growing hot in her sleeve. Probably hearing that Lin Chengyou was nearby, Little Ya had already become agitated. She patted the sword hilt, signaling Little Ya not to be anxious.

Lady Du saw the Prince of Chun’an’s figure and said: “If not for the Prince of Chun’an’s help last time, Lan’er wouldn’t have been able to enter Purple Cloud Tower to neutralize the poison so quickly. A few days ago when your father took Shaotang to thank him, not only did the Prince refuse gifts, he also hosted your father and Shaotang with wine. When your father returned he couldn’t stop praising him, saying His Highness’s literary knowledge was vast, his learning no less than the great scholars of the Imperial Academy.”

Tang Yuyi had known of His Highness the Prince’s reputation in her previous life. She’d heard he rarely smiled but was upright in conduct – even her father praised him for being generous and charitable. However, until her death, she’d never heard of the Prince marrying any lady.

She asked curiously: “Has the Prince of Chun’an never been betrothed?”

Lady Du replied vaguely: “Although the Prince of Chun’an and the Prince of Cheng are blood brothers, he was born to the second wife. When that second wife passed away two years ago, His Highness didn’t arrange marriage due to observing mourning.”

Tang Yuyi paused, suddenly remembering that in her previous life she had once heard people gossip privately that the Prince of Chun’an’s birth mother Lady Cui was over ten years younger than the Prince of Lan. Although she married the Prince of Lan, her family had another lover. Once Lady Cui conspired with her lover to harm Lin Xiao, then the Prince of Lan’s heir, but was caught red-handed by the Prince of Lan.

The Prince of Lan both hated Lady Cui’s infidelity and hated her for harming his eldest son. In great anger he drove Lady Cui from the Prince of Lan’s mansion, but to preserve the imperial family’s face, it was announced externally that Lady Cui had fallen seriously ill.

For several years after, Lady Cui was kept under house arrest in a separate courtyard. Let alone raising her son personally, she couldn’t even see his face. A few years later the Prince of Lan died of illness, and Lady Cui also died of depression.

With such a birth mother, the Prince of Chun’an’s marriage matters would inevitably be more difficult.

Lady Du continued: “His Highness is not young anymore. Recently many court officials in Chang’an have been pulling strings at the palace, hoping to marry their daughters to His Highness. However, His Majesty and the Empress say the marriage matter is entirely up to the Prince’s wishes. His Highness keeps himself pure and his character is noble – who knows which family’s daughter will have such good fortune in the end.”

Over there, Lin Chengyou glanced from afar at the Teng family’s cart. Yesterday he had urgent matters and couldn’t find Tang Yuyi to ask for the Xuanyin Bell back. Now that she was here, she surely wouldn’t keep delaying its return. He had been curious about this matter for two days – he had to ask her about it in person to be satisfied.

The Prince of Chun’an looked where he was looking and asked curiously: “A’Da, what are you looking at?”

Lin Chengyou: “Looking for Gu Xian from Nanzhao. That kid said he would come find me, but still hasn’t shown up.”

Suddenly feeling several gazes on his face, he looked up to see several other calf carts in front of the Teng family’s cart. The window curtains were still slightly swaying, obviously just having been lowered.

Lin Chengyou had been secretly observed through windows by young ladies countless times since childhood. Seeing there were several carts carrying women, he couldn’t be bothered to pay attention and strode through the flower-draped gate.

***

Tang Yuyi indeed had no time to change clothes. As soon as she got out of the cart with her aunt and cousin, servants led them to meet the other ladies.

The National Father-in-law’s birthday was tomorrow – today wasn’t the formal banquet, so lunch was more casual, set in Autumn Forest Garden.

The ladies’ seats were divided into two groups. One group was the madams and elderly madams from various households, with dining tables set in the spacious forest pavilion. The other group was the young ladies from various households, with dining tables set outside under the flowering trees.

The ladies sat properly at their seats, with flower petals occasionally falling from the trees, either landing on the desserts or floating onto the young women’s hair. From afar it looked like a pink flower rain, adding a touch of natural charm to the banquet.

Lady Du took the two young ones to present gifts, and was quickly invited to the madams’ seats. Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan were led by servants to enter the forest together.

The noble ladies had been whispering but suddenly fell silent. After hearing the servants’ announcement, they learned that the gentle beauty with an orchid-like bearing on the left was the daughter of Scholar Du from the Imperial Academy, while the one on the right was Teng Shao’s daughter. The two sisters were both extraordinarily beautiful, immediately overshadowing all the spring scenery in the forest.

The ladies curiously examined Tang Yuyi, seeing her jade-like skin and radiant bearing, their gazes unable to look away. When Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan came closer, the girls rose slightly from their seats to bow.

Among these girls, Tang Yuyi recognized at most half, such as Deng Qingluan, granddaughter of Document Drafter Deng Zhiyao, whom she had met in her previous life, and Wu Qi, second daughter of Censor-in-Chief Wu Rujun.

However, for this banquet, she had already had Uncle Cheng obtain a list of the ladies’ names. She immediately used the opportunity of returning bows to secretly match these people’s names and appearances. Suddenly she heard someone say with a smile: “Miss Teng, Miss Du, come sit here.”

Looking up, it was Zheng Shuangyin, daughter of Supervisor Zheng. They had met at the poetry gathering at the Prince of Cheng’s mansion last time and were somewhat familiar.

Du Tinglan hesitated somewhat, but Tang Yuyi cheerfully pulled her cousin to take their seats.

After the meal, the stewards came to arrange lodging for the ladies – some were placed in White Dew Pavilion, others in Moon Bright Tower.

Lady Du took Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan to stay in a side room of Moon Bright Tower, with neighboring rooms all occupied by various officials’ women.

Tang Yuyi leaned on the corridor railing gazing into the distance. The distant mountains and waters were graceful, while nearby the flowering trees reflected like fire clouds against the clear sky. Faced with such magnificent scenery, even the heaviest worries could be temporarily forgotten. If not for still needing to prepare bath water for Little Ya, she would truly want to put aside all concerns and enjoy herself for a few days.

Biluo took out a smoke-colored purple jacket and skirt, asking Tang Yuyi with regret: “Young Lady, this new white lotus-colored outfit has only been worn half a day – do you really want to change?”

“Yes,” Tang Yuyi said returning to the room. “Eh, where’s my cloth doll?”

Biluo jerked her chin toward the inside: “Chunrong has already tucked it under Young Lady’s pillow.”

“I’ll go take a look.”

Lady Du shook her head with a smile. Being older now, she felt her whole body aching after sitting in the carriage all day. Once the servants finished arranging things, she wanted to lie down for a noon rest.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door – it was Lady Du’s stewardess Madam Gui returning.

Lady Du asked gently: “The master and young master didn’t drink too much, did they?”

Madam Gui whispered something in Lady Du’s ear, and Lady Du’s expression changed: “This child!”

“Aunt, what happened?”

Lady Du dismissed the servants in the room and said angrily: “Your father took Shaotang to settle in the side room, but discovered Shaotang had secretly hidden a cloth bag in his luggage. When pressed, we learned Shaotang had heard Lu Zhao’an was also coming and wanted to find an opportunity to cover his head and beat him up. Fortunately, your father discovered it in time – today people from all households have come, what would happen if this caused a disturbance?”

Du Tinglan bit her lip: “This matter arose entirely because of me. I’ll go talk to my brother.”

Tang Yuyi held Du Tinglan back: “Sister, Shaotang still acts somewhat childish before you and Aunt – he might not listen to what you say. Let me talk to him instead.”

***

Du Shaotang father and son’s side room was arranged in Wild Spring Pavilion, only separated from Moon Bright Tower by a garden. Tang Yuyi waited with Biluo and Chunrong in the garden’s Chrysanthemum Pavilion for a while before seeing a slender youth in fine clothes hurrying over from afar.

“Cousin.”

Tang Yuyi gestured for Chunrong and Biluo to step aside, and immediately asked: “Where’s that cloth bag? Let me see it.”

Du Shaotang still had traces of tears in his eyes and sat down glumly across the table: “Father confiscated it.”

Tang Yuyi secretly sighed – still the same as her previous life, only knowing how to cry when things happened. She asked him: “Why didn’t you hide it better? Now it’s been confiscated before you could even act.”

Du Shaotang raised his head in surprise. He had thought Cousin Yu would scold him like his father, but unexpectedly received such words instead.

“Cousin Yu, you’re not going to scold me?”

“Why would I scold you? I want to teach Lu Zhao’an a lesson even more than you do.” Tang Yuyi smiled and said, “But have you thought about it – once he realizes it was you, he’s very likely to reveal Sister’s matter. For him, this is just an inconsequential romantic affair, but Sister’s reputation would be completely ruined.”

Du Shaotang said through gritted teeth: “I had already planned it well… He definitely wouldn’t realize it was me.”

“Very good.” Tang Yuyi nodded approvingly. “You’ve grown up – you know to plan before acting. But even if you succeeded, then what? Lu Zhao’an would at most nurse his injuries for half a month, then continue being his dignified great talent afterward.”

Du Shaotang stared blankly.

“Dealing with this kind of person, just beating him up is too easy – at minimum, we should make him lose both reputation and position and get driven out of Chang’an.”

“Cousin Yu—”

Tang Yuyi stood up and paced. In her previous life, Sister’s death was a thorn in her heart. In her view, the murderer who strangled Sister in the bamboo grove that night was very likely Lu Zhao’an – otherwise, where did the men’s boot prints beside Sister’s corpse come from?

Moreover, from her observation that day, when Lu Zhao’an encountered danger he abandoned his companions to save himself, showing his vicious heart. Unfortunately, this person now had some reputation in Chang’an – taking action would be no easy matter.

She took something from her sleeve and turned to hand it to Du Shaotang: “Look at this.”

Du Shaotang unfolded it: “This is?”

“This is Lu Zhao’an’s movements these past days.” Tang Yuyi pointed at several place names on the cloth. “Besides our people following Lu Zhao’an, Lin Chengyou’s people are also following him. He must have discovered something, otherwise he would have withdrawn his people already. Why don’t we wait patiently a while longer – if there’s no word from Lin Chengyou’s side, we can plan carefully then.”

Du Shaotang was both surprised and delighted: “I thought Lin Chengyou wasn’t going to handle this matter, but never thought to go confirm it myself… If he’s willing to act, Lu Zhao’an will get what’s coming to him. Cousin Yu, you think things through so thoroughly – I… I was too rash.”

Tang Yuyi thought silently that although Shaotang was timid, he still had spirit when it came to his sister’s matter. Having spirit was good – he was only eleven, with proper tempering there would surely come a day when he could support the family.

“Remember this – when dealing with such treacherous people, either don’t act at all or when you do act you must strike at their vital point. Otherwise not only will you fail to hurt them, you’ll only bring endless trouble upon yourself.” Tang Yuyi finished speaking, saw Du Shaotang staring blankly, and coughed, saying, “Just keep these crooked words to yourself – no need to tell Uncle and Aunt.”

Du Shaotang couldn’t help smiling. If these counted as crooked words, weren’t all of Cousin Yu’s usual sayings crooked reasoning? He had liked spending time with Cousin Yu since childhood, but unfortunately, Cousin Yu disliked how much he cried and didn’t like taking him along to play.

“Don’t worry, Cousin Yu, I’ll keep it all in my heart.” Du Shaotang smiled. He already resembled his sister, and when he smiled, his beautiful eyes and brows relaxed – looking far more pleasing than his earlier miserable expression.

“If you’re free these next two days, try to get close to Lin Chengyou. Besides observing his attitude toward Lu Zhao’an, I have another task for you.” Tang Yuyi took out Little Ya’s sword. “Look, hasn’t this sword become quite dull?”

She then explained about needing Lin Chengyou’s bath water, and Du Shaotang’s mouth grew increasingly wide: “I… this…”

Tang Yuyi felt even more embarrassed than Du Shaotang, but Little Ya didn’t have much time left. So she put on a show of authority, widening her apricot-round eyes: “What? Don’t tell me you can bear to watch your cousin’s spirit sword become a useless piece of metal?”

Du Shaotang’s features scrunched up again: “Of course not… but Lin Chengyou isn’t staying in Wild Spring Pavilion – he’s staying with the other imperial clan members in Flying Ease Tower. I’m afraid it won’t be easy to get in… Ah… alright… I’ll try.”

Tang Yuyi coughed a few times: “Remember what cousin taught you – the harder something is to do, the more patience you need. Success may not come the first time – just wait slowly for the right opportunity.”

Du Shaotang stuck out his chest: “I’ll accomplish this for cousin!”

***

Evening meals were delivered to each room by servants. Right after finishing the meal, a steward came to invite them, saying Princess Chang Yi and Princess A’Zhi had arrived and had already ordered bonfires set up outside the waterfall, inviting the younger generation to come play.

Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan thus bid farewell to Lady Du and went to the waterfall on their own. Coming out, they met Zheng Shuangyin and others on the second-floor corridor, so they all went together.

Tang Yuyi walked while looking around for Du Shaotang’s figure. Just as they reached the flower shade near the waterfall, a palace maid-like person came over saying: “May I ask which is Miss Teng? Princess A’Zhi has something to discuss with you.”

The ladies exchanged surprised glances.

Tang Yuyi carefully examined the palace maid, confirming she was a servant from the Prince of Cheng’s mansion, then looked up searching, and saw Du Shaotang standing under a willow tree. She discreetly gave Shaotang a meaningful look, then said to Du Tinglan: “Perhaps it’s about the poetry society homework. I’ll be right back.”

The palace maid led Tang Yuyi through winding paths past flower courtyards, going deeper and deeper until it became quite secluded. Tang Yuyi knew Duan Fu was following not far behind her, but still occasionally glanced at the Xuanyin Bell on her wrist. It was good to have this thing on her – she could know in advance if there were evil spirits nearby.

Arriving before an exquisite mountain hollow, the palace maid said with a smile: “Miss Teng, we’re here.”

After saying this, without waiting for Tang Yuyi to ask more, she bowed and withdrew.

Tang Yuyi stood looking around. Not a single person could be seen in the surroundings. She listened carefully and heard small water sounds from ahead. Continuing forward, she was met with a fine spray of cool mist.

It turned out there was a clear green pool not far ahead, with a several-foot-wide waterfall plunging straight down from above. The banks were filled with flower clusters, the enchanting blooms amid the swirling water mist creating an almost dreamlike, immortal realm atmosphere.

Lin Chengyou sat leisurely on a rock by the spring, seeming to have waited for a while. Hearing footsteps behind him, he threw the tree branch in his hand into the pool and turned to look at Tang Yuyi, the jade pendant at his waist making a light tinkling sound with his movement.

Tang Yuyi looked at the white lotus color he wore, secretly glad she had changed clothes beforehand. Otherwise, when they met now, both would have felt strange.

“Young Master.” She smiled and curtsied.

Lin Chengyou was used to seeing Tang Yuyi in men’s clothes. Suddenly seeing her in a graceful smoke-colored purple high-waisted jacket and skirt, he found it somewhat dazzling. He coughed once: “If Miss Teng hadn’t sent someone to message me, I would have forgotten there was still a Xuanyin Bell on you. You could have just had someone deliver it to me – why arrange to meet?”

He’d had to go to the trouble of making arrangements for this.

Tang Yuyi apologetically said: “I didn’t want to do this either. Young Master, look – I can’t take this bell off.”

As she spoke she walked toward him, inadvertently glimpsing the silvery rippling pool water behind Lin Chengyou. Her face changed instantly, and her feet seemed to catch as if trapped – she couldn’t take another step forward no matter what.

Lin Chengyou felt something strange inside – her face was deathly pale, looking quite frightened. Had she seen something? Following her gaze to look behind himself, he saw nothing but the pool and flower clusters. This was odd – she wasn’t usually that timid, why such an extreme reaction?

Tang Yuyi quickly regained her normal color but still didn’t dare walk forward, only raising her snow-white wrist: “To be honest with Young Master, since that night returning from Caifeng Tower, I haven’t been able to take this bell off. I’ve tried many methods, but the bell only winds tighter.”

Lin Chengyou secretly observed her expression, noting how her gaze constantly avoided the pool. A thought suddenly popped into his mind: Could she be afraid of water?

He looked dubiously at her wrist and stood up walking toward her: “Really can’t take it off? Let me see.”

Tang Yuyi gently tried pulling it down in front of Lin Chengyou, but that round bell seemed like it had grown into her flesh – it absolutely wouldn’t budge.

Lin Chengyou watched with furrowed brows: “Hey, pull any harder and it’ll snap.”

Tang Yuyi said helplessly: “I was afraid of damaging the bell, so I had no choice but to send someone to message Young Master.”

Lin Chengyou examined her wrist, having never heard of this thing accepting a master. But how could it suddenly become impossible to remove for no reason? He thought for a moment and took out a bottle from his chest, handing it to her: “Try applying this to your wrist and try again.”

Tang Yuyi saw it was a bottle of medicine water and figured this thing would have a lubricating effect when applied to the skin: “I already tried bath beans at home – still couldn’t take it off.”

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows: “This isn’t bath beans – it’s called Reed Bait. When applied to magical items, it can make their spiritual power disappear for a while. Although I can’t figure out what trick the Xuanyin Bell is playing, all Taoist treasures have some strange habits. It’s been locked up at Qingyun Temple for all these years – who knows if it hasn’t developed a spirit? Try applying this first. Oh right, did you bring a handkerchief?”

“I did.” Tang Yuyi took out her handkerchief.

By now she had applied the medicine water to the bell and was about to try pulling it down, but Lin Chengyou said to wait, folded the handkerchief several layers thick, and handed it to her saying: “Wrap the handkerchief around it first.”

Tang Yuyi didn’t understand but did as told.

“Excuse me.” Lin Chengyou raised his hand to grasp her wrist. Tang Yuyi was startled and quickly tried to pull her hand back.

“Don’t move.” Lin Chengyou felt somewhat uncomfortable. “Just applying Reed Bait isn’t enough – I need to recite an incantation.”

So that was it. Tang Yuyi coughed awkwardly: “I understand! Young Master, please begin!”

Lin Chengyou had been quite natural about it, but when she said this, it made it seem like he was really going to do something to her.

He glanced at her: “What do you think I’m going to do to you?”

Tang Yuyi said curiously: “Of course not, I just…”

“Good then, stop overthinking.”

Tang Yuyi choked – who was overthinking?

Lin Chengyou instantly regained his serious expression and helped her pull down through the layer of a handkerchief. Fortunately, the handkerchief was folded quite thick – his fingers couldn’t feel the temperature of her skin.

But although the bell was slippery, it still firmly clung to Tang Yuyi’s wrist.

Lin Chengyou recited the incantation several times back and forth, but it had no effect at all.

“Strange.” They said in unison.

Lin Chengyou released Tang Yuyi’s wrist: “Never mind, there must be some reason. Let me look into it when I return – just keep it on you for now.”

Tang Yuyi paused for a moment, only hoping no evil spirits would come looking for her these few days. Otherwise, as soon as her bell rang, Lin Chengyou would immediately know.

“By the way, leaving this medicine on too long will damage the Xuanyin Bell’s spiritual power. Quickly go to the pool and wash off the medicine from the bell.”

Tang Yuyi didn’t rush to return the bottle of Reed Bait to Lin Chengyou, but first removed the handkerchief from her wrist, seeing the medicine had indeed seeped into her skin. She didn’t look at the pool over there, only saying: “Alright, I’ll wash it when I get back.”

But Lin Chengyou said: “There’s no time – the longer you wait, the more it will damage the spiritual power. Besides, just washing isn’t enough – an incantation needs to be recited. Otherwise, if thieves steal this medicine to harm people, wouldn’t all magical items in the world become ineffective? So even after washing, another spell needs to be undone.”

Tang Yuyi frowned slightly. She didn’t even dare approach the pool – how could she go to the poolside to wring out a handkerchief? But Lin Chengyou had just saved her life, and this bell was given to her to guard against corpse demons. If its spiritual power was damaged because of her, it would be too unreasonable.

Looking up to examine Lin Chengyou’s expression, seeing he didn’t appear to be lying, her doubts diminished somewhat. She had always been clear about debts of gratitude – although terrified inside, she still nodded saying: “Alright. Young Master, please wait a moment – I’ll go wash it right away.”

As she walked toward the pool edge, she kept telling herself it was just a small pool, nothing to be afraid of. However, after just a few steps her legs began trembling uncontrollably.

She thought while breaking out in cold sweat that if she left out drowning to death in her previous life and only said she developed a fear of water after falling in on the way to Chang’an, Lin Chengyou probably wouldn’t be suspicious. But this wasn’t a solution going forward – why not take this opportunity to overcome this problem?

Lin Chengyou watched Tang Yuyi’s back with a complex gaze. He hadn’t guessed wrong – she was indeed afraid of water. Actually with her intelligence, if she truly didn’t want to wash the handkerchief, she wouldn’t lack for excuses. Then he suddenly remembered that night when she and Juesheng were trapped by the corpse demon – whether out of pity for Juesheng’s youth or out of loyalty, she risked her life to save Juesheng. In that moment she had put aside all calculations, acting purely from her heart.

Moreover, since that night at Caifeng Tower, she seemed to have become much friendlier toward him. Now she probably saw him as her life-saving benefactor, so she was willing to force herself rather than play tricks in front of him…

Tsk found this version of Tang Yuyi somewhat adorable.

Tang Yuyi finally managed to move another two steps, but her face grew increasingly worse. At this point, Lin Chengyou suddenly walked up from behind and snatched the handkerchief from her hand.

Tang Yuyi was greatly surprised.

Lin Chengyou crouched by the pool and wrung it out, then stood up and handed the wet handkerchief to her: “Are you afraid of water?”

Tang Yuyi came back to her senses, carefully wiping the medicine off the bell with the wet handkerchief while gratefully saying: “I fell into the water on the way to Chang’an recently – I’ve been terrified whenever I see water since then.”

She thought silently that although Lin Chengyou saw she was afraid of water, he didn’t deliberately make things difficult for her. It seemed that although this person had an arrogant temperament, he could also be quite reasonable at times. She immediately changed her mind and tried saying: “Last time Juesheng and Qizhi said most magical items contain item spirits – I didn’t believe it at first, but looking at today’s situation, it seems even the Xuanyin Bell has a temperament. I’ve heard some magical items need to be offered bath water from people – I wonder if this is true?”

“Bathwater?” Lin Chengyou snorted. “Magical items prefer pure things – how could they use bath water as offerings? Not just the magical items at Qingyun Temple, but even the ‘Infinite Treasure Mirror’ which specifically records Taoist treasures has never mentioned such a thing. Could it be someone who has ulterior motives and is deliberately using this to fool you?”

Tang Yuyi kept her mouth tightly shut – indeed someone had ulterior motives, and that person was her. She had originally wanted to discuss it with him, but seeing Lin Chengyou’s disdainful attitude, she estimated that even if she talked herself hoarse, he would never give her his bath water.

They were already entangled enough because of Xuanyin Bell – what if Lin Chengyou misunderstood that she coveted him…

Moreover, even if he eventually believed her explanation, bath water was such an intimate thing – giving bath water to a not-very-familiar woman, wouldn’t anyone feel shame, embarrassment, anger…

If Juesheng and Qizhi happened to find out, how could she face them? Therefore not only could she not openly ask Lin Chengyou for it, but she had to do it without anyone knowing.

Lin Chengyou came back from the pool after wringing out the handkerchief again and looked at her suspiciously: “What are you thinking about?”

Tang Yuyi smiled sweetly: “I’ve been out a while – I’m worried my cousin is looking for me.”

Lin Chengyou waited for Tang Yuyi to completely wipe off the medicine, then bent two fingers and softly recited an incantation.

The bell instantly became bright and clear, making Tang Yuyi’s delicate white wrist appear even more translucent.

Lin Chengyou thought of the Bell-Responding Stone in his chest. Even with Tang Yuyi’s bad luck, there was no reason for her to keep encountering evil spirits. Keeping this thing on himself, for now, he needn’t worry about nighttime disturbances.

“Alright. Go back the way you came – someone will guide you out.”

“Mm.” Tang Yuyi nodded to Lin Chengyou, walked two steps then seemed to suddenly remember the Reed Bait in her hand. She hurriedly turned back, “I forgot to return this to Young Master.”

Unexpectedly her foot caught, and her body fell straight toward Lin Chengyou. She was greatly alarmed and desperately protected the bottle of Reed Bait in her hand. As a result, she used too much force, and something the size of a fist flew out from her sleeve, happening to hit Lin Chengyou’s leg.

It was a pouch of rouge-colored liquid. Even though Lin Chengyou dodged quickly enough, he was still splashed all over.

Both were stunned. Lin Chengyou looked down at his sorry state of dress and was silent for a good while. He shook the liquid from his sleeve and said flatly: “Miss Teng hasn’t practiced martial arts much these days, has she? Your movements are still so clumsy.”

For the first time, Tang Yuyi felt guilty about trying to trick Lin Chengyou, but Little Ya was urgently waiting for the bath water. She handed the undamaged Reed Bait to Lin Chengyou and kicked the sharp stone at her feet in frustration: “I tripped on this stone… Young Master, I’m sorry – I truly didn’t mean to—”

“Never mind.” Lin Chengyou said irritably. He could have dodged completely but hesitated precisely because he saw those sharp stones at her feet. With Tang Yuyi’s stable lower body skills she might not have fallen, but once falling on those sharp stones, she would have been badly hurt.

He wordlessly stuffed the Reed Bait into his chest and unexpectedly smelled a sweet wine fragrance in the air.

He sniffed and his expression grew even worse: “Don’t tell me this is grape wine…”

Tang Yuyi nodded sheepishly: “Young Master’s clothes probably…”

This wine was both sweet and sticky – just changing clothes wouldn’t be enough. If the residual wine that had soaked into his skin wasn’t quickly washed off, no matter how many new clothes he changed into they would still feel sticky.

Lin Chengyou laughed: “Tang Yuyi, you’re something. Carrying poison and hidden weapons is one thing, but you even carry grape wine.”

He glared at her and strode off in another direction.

Tang Yuyi guiltily watched him leave, fortunate that this time she hadn’t aroused Lin Chengyou’s suspicions. But she couldn’t guarantee the next time, only hoping in her heart that Shaotang would succeed in one try without any more mishaps.

After a while, the palace maid from before appeared again and led Tang Yuyi back along the way they had come.

When they reached the flower garden, young lords and ladies from various households had already filled the cushioned seats.

Lin Chengyou’s arrangements were flawless – just as Tang Yuyi walked over, Princess A’Zhi came from another direction. The two appeared almost simultaneously as if they had arranged to meet.

Du Tinglan had been worried Lin Chengyou would use Princess A’Zhi’s name to trouble Tang Yuyi again and had been waiting in place. Later Shaotang came to tell her that Cousin Yu had other arrangements and told Du Tinglan to return to her seat first. Du Tinglan had anxiously taken her seat but hadn’t felt at ease. Now seeing Tang Yuyi appear, her worried heart finally settled.

The gathering was already very lively, but several seats were empty as if waiting for someone. Upon asking, she learned that the women from several provincial military governors had just arrived in Chang’an and were still on their way to Yu Su Spring. They would formally begin the banquet only after these people arrived.

Tang Yuyi chatted idly with her cousin while looking toward the path they had come from.

Before long, Shaotang indeed came, but instead of going to the men’s seats, he walked straight to sit beside Tang Yuyi and Du Tinglan. No one thought it strange – firstly because Du Shaotang was still young, and secondly because everyone knew he was their brother.

Du Shaotang’s hands trembled slightly as he secretly passed a bamboo tube-like object to Tang Yuyi, saying with relief and nervousness: “Cousin Yu’s arrangements were perfect, and Duan Fu’s skills were even more outstanding – we got the thing successfully.”

Tang Yuyi was overjoyed: “Good.”

She secretly felt the sword hilt in her sleeve to reassure Little Ya. Soon she felt something bulging in her sleeve – Little Ya seemed to impatiently hug the bamboo tube and smell it. However, after being quiet for just a moment, Little Ya quickly began writing characters on her arm.

“Not good! Someone else’s bath water is mixed in here – it’s contaminated, contaminated! Can’t use it!”

Tang Yuyi was startled. Flying Ease Tower only housed imperial clan members, and with Lin Chengyou’s status, if he wanted to bathe, servants would certainly heat new bath water.

But Little Ya wouldn’t be temperamental at such a crucial time. She asked Du Shaotang softly: “Shaotang, are you sure this is Lin Chengyou’s bath water?”

Du Shaotang put down his wine cup in surprise: “Yes, as soon as I saw Lin Chengyou enter the hot spring pool I told Duan Fu.”

Tang Yuyi was shocked – Flying Ease Tower had a hot spring pool?! The water in hot spring pools flowed together, with no separate pools per person. If other nobles had bathed before Lin Chengyou, naturally it wouldn’t count as pure embryonic breath transformation water for Little Ya.

Du Shaotang said anxiously: “Although the hot spring pool is large, only Lin Chengyou went in at that time – won’t that work?”

From Little Ya’s reaction, it probably wouldn’t. Tang Yuyi thought for a moment, then comforted Du Shaotang: “You did very well. Many talents have come tonight – you should go to the men’s seats now. Remember a great man must be able to keep secrets in his heart – don’t act guilty when you see Lin Chengyou later.”

Du Shaotang hadn’t expected to be so helpful on his first try and was already greatly encouraged. He nodded happily and strode off to the men’s seats.

Du Tinglan grabbed Tang Yuyi’s sleeve: “What mischief are you and Shaotang up to?”

Tang Yuyi whispered the reason to Du Tinglan. Little Ya suddenly scratched forcefully on Tang Yuyi’s arm: He’s coming!

Tang Yuyi looked up and saw a group of noble young men arriving, with Lin Chengyou walking at the back, surrounded by many privileged youths.

Lin Chengyou had changed into a new bamboo-green robe, his temples still somewhat damp. While laughing and talking he glanced from afar in Tang Yuyi’s direction, then quickly turned his head away. Tang Yuyi’s eyelid twitched – Lin Chengyou was exceptionally astute, could he have become suspicious?

To force Tang Yuyi to think of another way, Little Ya kept pushing at her arm. Tang Yuyi helplessly wrote on the sword hilt: I say, can we change to someone else?

Little Ya seemed provoked by these words – not only did he refuse to answer, but he also stomped heavily several times on Tang Yuyi’s arm. However, after just two stomps, he collapsed weakly.

Tang Yuyi grew increasingly uneasy – Little Ya’s spiritual power was disappearing rapidly.

She patiently coaxed him: If he won’t work, I can find a way to get anyone else’s.

After waiting who knows how long, she felt Little Ya lightly scratch out a character: Chun.

The Prince of Chun’an?

Little Ya seemed to have compromised: His bath water wasn’t as good as those three people’s, but it could make do.

Tang Yuyi reluctantly searched with her gaze and saw the Prince of Chun’an in the nearby Precious Jade Pavilion.

The Prince of Chun’an sat cross-legged on a cushion in the pavilion, with a glossy, well-polished zither before him. He rarely smiled, and even while playing the zither his face showed no smile, but that bamboo-like graceful bearing truly drew attention.

There were many other refined scholars in the pavilion, some sitting, some reclining, some reciting poetry, some tasting tea – all relaxed and elegant.

Several noble ladies stood in the gallery outside the pavilion, appearing to stroll leisurely but occasionally glancing toward the Prince of Chun’an inside.

Tang Yuyi’s heart pounded. After the banquet, the Prince of Chun’an would surely bathe and change clothes – at worst they could steal bath water using the same method. But if Lin Chengyou had truly become suspicious, trying again would be like walking into a trap.

No, she couldn’t let Shaotang and Duan Fu take the risk again.

Moreover, what if the Prince of Chun’an also went to the hot spring pool to bathe like Lin Chengyou? Wouldn’t their theft be in vain again?

Thinking it over, the best solution now would be to have Father make an excuse to ask the Prince of Chun’an for bath water. The Prince of Chun’an was modest in character and should be much easier to talk to than Lin Chengyou, especially since Father already had a good relationship with him.

As soon as the thought arose, Tang Yuyi hurriedly ordered Biluo to go relay a message to Father. Father had told her this morning he would rush back to Chang’an overnight – hopefully it wasn’t too late to catch him.

But Biluo returned saying the master had already left.

“Huo Qiu said master left most of the guards behind before leaving, telling them to look after Young Lady these few days… Master left after dinner, with the National Father-in-law and several National Uncles personally seeing him off outside the villa.”

Tang Yuyi’s brows furrowed. That little old man Little Ya hadn’t said earlier that the Prince of Chun’an’s bath water would also work. What to do now – should she ask Uncle to help? But compared to Father, having Uncle act would be much more troublesome. Looking down at her sleeve, Little Ya had already lain motionless for a long while – she truly feared he wouldn’t last through tonight.

She anxiously considered for a while, then stood up with Biluo and Chunrong.

Du Tinglan asked in surprise: “What are you going to do?”

Tang Yuyi said softly: “It’s still because of this sword – Little Ya is almost finished. I need to quickly go ask Aunt for help.”

Du Tinglan also stood up: “I’ll go with you.”

Tang Yuyi shook her head: “Two sisters leaving our seats together would be too conspicuous. Sister stay here and help cover for me. Anyway, Duan Fu won’t stay far from me – I’ll be right back.”

Over there, Lin Chengyou thought about what had happened earlier – the more he pondered it, the more something felt wrong. Although he played and joked with those around him, his eyes occasionally glanced at Tang Yuyi and Du Shaotang across the way.

Suddenly he noticed Tang Yuyi looking inquiringly ahead. He discreetly looked over and discovered she was secretly observing Imperial Uncle.