With clarity in her heart, Fuxue’s steps became lighter and more cheerful.

Ji Yun had said they came out to shop, so naturally the two visited the busiest markets. Fuxue coaxed Ji Yun into trying many local snacks, and Ji Yun naturally couldn’t eat alone—whatever she bought, she shared with Fuxue.

Fuxue enjoyed the food happily, her words sweet as honey, even coaxing Ji Yun to try the newest flower rouge at the cosmetics shop.

Ji Yun understood everything clearly, having already seen through this woman’s character completely. But following Qin Yining’s instructions, she naturally had to cooperate in the performance, continuing to let Fuxue take advantage.

At the same time on the painted boat, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were playing chess when they heard a commotion from shore.

Pang Xiao listened carefully, placed down a white stone, and smiled. “The person we’ve been waiting for has arrived.”

Qin Yining put her chess piece back in the container, stood up, and arranged her sleeves. “Bingtang, bring the rouge.” She turned back to Pang Xiao. “We’ll continue this game when we return.”

Pang Xiao smiled and nodded. “Good.”

Bingtang brought the rouge box. Qin Yining quickly applied red lipstick and changed into a garish pink jacket embroidered with gold flowers, even inserting a pink and white palace flower in her hair.

Pang Xiao crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand, smiling. “From a heavenly fairy to a wealthy earthly flower—either way, you look like a painting.”

Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh at his words, giving Pang Xiao a look before pointing at the increasingly noisy shore. “Aren’t you going out to look? They might actually start fighting soon.”

“Let them fight. It would be even better if they did.” Pang Xiao smiled. “We need to make this incident big—otherwise, how would the Lu family know about it?”

Qin Yining smiled charmingly. “You’re becoming more and more devious.”

Seeing her smile, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but smile too.

The two came onto the deck, making the argument from shore even clearer.

“…If you know what’s good for you, release Fuxue! Do you know who I am? I’m Fuxue’s fiancé!”

Lu Xi’s face was full of anger, one hand on his hip, the other pointing at the boat as he cursed loudly.

Huzi stood with two Elite Tiger Guards blocking the gangplank, all with dark expressions. If not for the prince’s orders, they would have thrown this man out long ago.

Seeing a man and woman emerge from inside, dressed in gold and silver, Lu Xi immediately knew the masters had appeared.

He struggled to control his emotions and called out loudly, “This young master looks unfamiliar—you must be from out of town.”

Pang Xiao snorted, looking at him sideways. “Hmph, so what if I am!”

Having seen much of the world alongside Lu Zheng, Lu Xi immediately judged his opponent based on this manner of speaking. He bowed respectfully, neither servile nor arrogant. “I imagine this young master doesn’t yet understand Danzhou City well. But even if you don’t know Danzhou City, surely you’ve heard of the Lu family household.”

Pang Xiao feigned surprise. “The Lu family household?”

“Precisely.” Seeing the person before him seemed fearful, Lu Xi couldn’t help but smile lightly. “I am unworthy, but I am a member of the Lu family. The Miss Fuxue you bought onto your boat yesterday is my betrothed wife. However much gold and silver you spent, I will repay in full. Please give me some face and return her.”

When Lu Xi spoke reasonably without shouting or making a scene, he indeed displayed the bearing of a great household, showing that he had truly been anxious earlier and had deep feelings for that Fuxue.

Pang Xiao exchanged a glance with Qin Yining, then said mockingly, “Oh, what are you that you can represent the Lu family household?”

Lu Xi was at a loss for words, feeling somewhat unwilling but still maintaining his smile. “I am a trusted aide by the Lu family’s eldest young master’s side. If you’re willing to sell Fuxue to me, we could also become friends.”

At this point, Lu Xi suddenly changed his tone. “If you refuse to agree, then don’t blame me for reporting back to my young master.”

“Insolent! What are you to dare threaten this young master! The Wan family has existed for generations—we’ve never been frightened by anyone!” Pang Xiao stamped his foot in uncontrollable rage. “Seize this bold servant who relies on his master’s power to swagger about outside!”

“Yes!” Huzi and several Elite Tiger Guards seemed energized as if injected with stimulants, excitedly moving forward to bind Lu Xi, dragging him directly onto the boat and throwing him on the deck.

Lu Xi had always prided himself on being the personal attendant to the Lu family’s eldest young master. When traveling outside, simply revealing this identity meant no one would give him any trouble.

He never expected that this country bumpkin from out of town would directly order his capture!

Lu Xi was furious, cursing loudly: “Don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Treating me this way now—be careful when my young master learns of this and comes for your life! He’ll destroy your family! If you obediently hand over Fuxue now, I might still put in a good word for you with the young master. Otherwise, just wait and see!”

Pang Xiao jumped with anger, cursing: “There’s actually such a brazen slave who speaks so wildly! Lock up this scoundrel and gag his mouth so he stops spewing filth!”

“Yes.” Huzi immediately found a piece of cotton cloth and stuffed it into Lu Xi’s mouth, then dragged him into the cabin.

Lu Xi’s threatening words were cut short as he lost the chance to speak, his heart filled with panic.

Where did this hothead come from who wouldn’t even show face to the Lu family and dared to capture him! This person must not value his life!

But on second thought, now that he was in their hands, if this hothead really did something to him, he’d be dead before the young master could come looking—wouldn’t that be his loss?

With this thought, Lu Xi stopped struggling and stopped making muffled sounds, becoming as quiet as a dead chicken.

Pang Xiao pointed to a room right next to the main hall.

Huzi understood, threw the man inside, and closed the door.

Several Elite Tiger Guards and Huzi deliberately made their footsteps heavy, stomping on the floor as they left.

Bingtang also positioned herself in a corner at Qin Yining’s signal.

Pang Xiao pulled Qin Yining into his arms and first gave her a loud kiss.

“Oh my, my darling, you’re going to be the death of me. Didn’t I serve you well enough last night, hmm?”

Seeing Pang Xiao speak such crude words with a straight face, Qin Yining found it both amusing and irritating, cooperating by saying: “Young master is just deceiving me. Now you call me your darling, but soon you’ll fall in love with someone else. I’m just like a little cat or dog that the young master likes—only petted when you’re in the mood.”

“Nonsense,” Pang Xiao laughed and pinched Qin Yining’s buttocks, causing her to cry out in surprise. “When has this young master only petted you? You say I treat you like a cat or dog? I have no interest in cats and dogs. Besides, I brought you along on this business trip—how have I fallen in love with anyone else? You little jealous jar.”

“No?” Qin Yining said sweetly. “Yesterday with that young lady, didn’t you take a fancy to her at first sight?”

“What are you talking about.” Pang Xiao’s voice turned cold as he scolded: “If you keep being jealous unreasonably, I’ll send you home.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining immediately cooperated by whimpering: “Young master is bullying me. You fall in love with every woman you see, then speak so harshly to me. In the future, just don’t enter my door!”

While fake crying, she made a face at Pang Xiao, then turned and ran back to the bedroom.

Pang Xiao was almost made to laugh out loud, coughed once, and cursed: “This little minx—I’ve really spoiled her.”

Bingtang smiled secretly in the corner and also walked toward the bedroom.

Everything in the front hall was heard clearly by Lu Xi, separated only by a wooden wall, and he had already cursed “beast” countless times in his heart.

Soon, footsteps sounded on the deck, followed by a familiar female voice.

“Young master, this servant has brought you tea and refreshments.”

It was Fuxue!

Lu Xi’s heart leaped with joy as he quickly squirmed toward the door.

At this moment, Fuxue had already approached Pang Xiao carrying a black lacquered tray, gently setting down pastries and hot tea.

She and Xiao Lu had just returned when they heard that the young master and Madam Ning had quarreled. Xiao Lu hurried to attend to Madam Ning with their purchases, while she came here.

She never missed any opportunity to climb upward, and with such a good chance now, how could she let it pass?

“Young master, please drink your tea.”

Pang Xiao, who had been frowning while deep in thought, came back to his senses and took the tea bowl. His fingers inadvertently touched Fuxue’s fingertips.

Fuxue’s heart pounded, her face reddening as she said in a trembling voice: “Young master, please don’t be sad. Madam Ning certainly didn’t mean to anger you—she’ll come around soon.”

Pang Xiao took a sip of tea, set down the bowl, and said: “Her temperament—I’ve simply spoiled her rotten. If she had half your understanding, I’d be spared so much anger.”

“Not at all—this servant is quite clumsy and could never compare to Madam Ning.”

Pang Xiao sneered inwardly: You indeed can’t compare—you’re not worth even my Yining’s toenail.

But outwardly, Pang Xiao appeared very moved: “You come from a great household and can read and write—naturally you’re different from those who can’t recognize a basketful of characters. Moreover, you’re so outstanding in appearance. Yesterday at Caixiang Pavilion, I spotted you immediately.”

Just as she thought! If he hadn’t taken a fancy to her, who would spend so lavishly just to buy a rough servant girl?

With this thought, Fuxue became more convinced that yesterday’s attitude from Pang Xiao was because he didn’t want to show his affection for her in front of Madam Ning.

Fuxue was secretly pleased but showed infinite shyness on her face: “Fuxue is not as outstanding as you say, young master. Fuxue is just an unfortunate person.”

Pang Xiao propped his chin and said: “Actually, I’ve heard quite a bit of gossip these past two days—many people talking about the Lu family’s eldest young master selling a head maid to a flower house. They were talking about you, weren’t they?”

Fuxue’s face paled, her eyes blinking rapidly as she said pitifully: “What Young Master Wan heard seems to be about this servant. But this servant had her difficulties.”

Lu Xi next door had been shocked by Fuxue’s soft voice, but hearing this, he immediately suppressed his anger and listened carefully. Since the eldest young master had insisted on selling Fuxue to Caixiang Pavilion, he had asked many times without learning the reason and was also puzzled.

Here, Fuxue had already taken out her handkerchief to wipe the corners of her moist eyes: “From what Miss Xiao Lu said, Young Master Wan also comes from a great family background. Telling you these things, you should understand.”