Ding Yi let out a long breath, “Finally done. I don’t think Solun Tu is much of a formidable character, but that Yue fellow is quite difficult to deal with.”

“You noticed that?” He smiled as he lifted his robe and entered, walking while speaking, “Yue Kundou observes everything around him and listens to all directions. Having been in the business for so long, he’s like what we call a ‘Beijing slicker’—with a mind as full of holes as a sieve, able to outmaneuver people from Suifenhe. This time he put Solun Tu forward merely because he couldn’t figure out our background, borrowing another’s power to peddle his goods. Do you think Solun Tu has the resources to supply a hundred able-bodied men in one go? It’s just a front for Yue Kundou! In reality, Solun Tu only accounts for thirty percent, while Yue takes seventy percent. I figured that out long ago.”

“Then this Yue Kundou is quite composed, letting someone else take the fall for such a large deal while he stands by. Isn’t he afraid it might go wrong?” She tilted her head and thought, “Moreover, if he couldn’t figure out our background, he should have just honestly declined. In their line of work, prosperity might not be shared by all, but downfall certainly affects everyone. Is it worth taking such a big risk for a thousand taels of silver?”

Hong Ce nodded, “Everyone should be extra cautious. We shouldn’t worry about the thousand possibilities, but rather the one unexpected occurrence. If they make things difficult at the last moment, the situation could become problematic.”

Ding Yi sat in the circular chair, feeling somewhat emotional, “I remember last time when the Seventh Master paid for bird-catching and condition-checking, he recognized three thousand taels for just three small tricks. Look at the comparison—a person isn’t even worth as much as a mule. Young men in the prime of their lives, standing tall and proud, are worth only ten taels of silver. How heartbreaking to think about!”

Hong Ce said, “Ninguta lacks many things, but not slaves. Those who commit serious crimes from various regions are exiled here. Not only themselves but sometimes their entire families are implicated. The estate managers and armor-wearers at the imperial estates aren’t stupid either. They select young women and men… that is, arrange marriages to produce children. The children born are still slaves, similar to how children born in Banner households continue the lineage generation after generation.”

“Can they form families? Children born to Banner households can have their separate households, which isn’t bad.”

He laughed, “How could there be such a good arrangement! Slaves are convicted felons, while estate-born children are free citizens, so they can serve as officials. These female slaves, once pregnant, are confined to a specific place. After giving birth, they raise the children alone, rarely seeing the children’s fathers. The next year they’re assigned to another man, become pregnant again, and it continues this way.”

How is that any different from breeding livestock? Ding Yi stared blankly for a moment, then sighed, “My nursemaid was truly good to me. When I return, I must kowtow at her grave several times. If not for her, my situation now would be similar to theirs, and I wouldn’t have met you.”

Just then, Ha Gang entered from outside and reported with lowered hands, “Reporting back to the masters, this servant has discovered where the Aha is hidden. That area was originally a military camp, but after the court’s reorganization, Meile Zhang Jing led his troops to relocate to Jilin Wula, leaving the barracks vacant. However, there’s one thing this servant doesn’t understand. Yue Kundou seems too careless for such a cautious person. Although he didn’t let us see when he took the people, he had just turned back, standing outside the shed and speaking very clearly. The Aha were all brought out from Ninguta’s main camp, including not only exiles but also soldiers serving military sentences.”

This was unexpected. Hong Ce exclaimed in shock, “Even soldiers? That’s excessively bold.”

Ha Gang agreed, “Those serving military sentences aren’t considered true soldiers in the camp anyway, being bullied mercilessly by the veteran soldiers. Their families mostly have no influence, so who could appeal to them? Those with mild temperaments are sold without resistance, while the stronger ones have their tongues cut out to prevent them from speaking. The mutes still work, and their price isn’t lower than those in good physical condition. Whether Yue was careless or deliberately revealing this, it’s hard to say. But circling to implicate Solun Tu, what exactly was his purpose?”

Hong Ce stood up and paced the room, pondering, “If that’s the case, we’ll have to wait and see whether they’re friends or foes. Keep watching them for the next couple of days…” He lowered his head, fidgeting with the longevity jade pendant at his waist, muttering, “Things may not be so simple. Surprisingly, no one in Suifenhe can explain the background of someone like Yue Kundou. Did he fall from the sky? Impossible! Judging by his facial features, build, and manner of conduct, he resembles a person from the Central Plains more. Go investigate and thoroughly uncover his background. Perhaps there’s a significant backing behind him, who knows.”

Ha Gang accepted the order and left. Hong Ce turned back to look at Ding Yi, and seeing her worried expression, he comforted her, “It’s not such a serious matter. Smile at me to see.”

He stood face to face with her, reaching out to shake her arm. She seemed somewhat distracted, saying there was something off about Yue Kundou, but couldn’t quite articulate it. It was just an inexplicable worry. She said softly, “That Yue fellow tried to make small talk with me earlier, speaking uncannily. I felt he had deep schemes. You should be careful when dealing with him, and don’t let him outsmart you.”

He raised his eyebrows, “What did he say to you? Did he take advantage of you?”

This man had become quite jealous lately, somehow connecting unrelated matters to this. She said it wasn’t like that, “He doesn’t even know I’m a woman, what advantage could he take? He didn’t say much, just tried to probe me with questions like how old I am, where I’m from, and such things.”

He made a sound of acknowledgment and said casually, “Dai Qin has returned to Ninguta to summon troops. Later, we’ll arrest them all. Whether he’s a Buddha or a demon, once in my hands, I have no doubt he’ll confess.”

She stared at him blankly, “By beating him? Until he speaks up?”

He glanced at her, “That’s one way. Previously in Khalkha, that’s how we did it. The people there are fierce and difficult to handle. If you ask them questions gently, they won’t even look at you properly. Back then I was hot-tempered, not as patient as I am now. If I couldn’t get answers, I’d resort to torture. Not because I was in a rush for results, but some people are stubborn, and that’s how you wear them down.”

So she realized she didn’t truly understand him. He had been posted to Mongolia since childhood, returning to court after ten years to be conferred as a prince. How could he possibly be a person whose depths could be seen at a glance? Though he might seem approachable on the surface, he had his calculations in mind. He was merely amiable, not someone to be trifled with. Sometimes when facing him, though physically present, he seemed distant and unreal, because while one could see his exterior, his inner thoughts remained hidden.

Seeing her lost in thought, he put on a smile again and gently shook her, “What’s wrong? Did I frighten you?”

She shook her head, “No, I’m just worried.”

He smiled, “You women are always like this. That’s why when men encounter issues outside, they don’t dare to tell the truth at home. A sesame-sized loss becomes a fist-sized hole in your mouth. I understand—I’ve handled many cases. Official duties have their procedures; I’m not fighting a tiger with my bare hands alone. Others are sharing the responsibilities.”

She thought of the master they had left behind in Ninguta and teasingly asked, “You mean the Seventh Master?”

He laughed, “The Seventh Master? I suppose so. If I earn merits here, I’ll give him half. But if there are any mistakes, he’ll have to bear the responsibility too.”

She dared not imagine the Seventh Master’s current situation and timidly muttered, “I secretly ran away this time. Will he break my legs when I return? The Seventh Master already hates me to the core; he’ll surely punish me.”

He didn’t respond, turning instead to look at the lamp’s flame. The wick had been burning for a long time, forming a flat ball at the top, flickering on and off, shaped like a miniature lingzhi mushroom. The light jumped vigorously. He took scissors and trimmed it. The weak flame was caught on the blade’s tip, gradually cooling down and turning black like a corpse. He flung his hand, throwing the singed wick far away, then turned to put the scissors back in place, saying casually, “If he truly hates you to the extreme, it would be better to remove you from his registry. If his Feather Banner doesn’t want you, my Commerce Banner would be more than happy to have you.”

He had his considerations. Ding Yi felt that sometimes she was being redundant. Since her heart was with the Twelfth Master, with his great capabilities, he would never let her suffer any grievances.

From outside came the voice of the waiter, saying the meal was ready and asking whether the masters wanted it served in the room or if they preferred to dine in the main hall. Ding Yi listened for his preference. He lazily said, “The dining hall is crowded and noisy, making it difficult to eat in peace. Have them bring it in here. Let’s finish the meal and retire early; I’m tired.”

After speaking, he gave her a fleeting glance, that glance full of unspoken meaning. Ding Yi’s face burned hotly. She quickly turned to instruct the waiter according to his wishes. After delivering the message, she stood at the door, feeling awkward. He smiled with pursed lips and softly asked if she was tired. Seeing her dazed expression, he sighed, “You’re still afraid of me, not truly liking me.”

She hastily denied it, smiling shyly, “That’s too distant a thing to say. Don’t I know in my heart whom I like!”

“Then do you like me?” He moved closer, his handsome face magnified, his eyes reflecting the bright candle flame on the table. Taking her hand, he asked repeatedly, “Do you like me? Hmm, do you truly like me?”

Ding Yi was cornered by his persistence and covered her face, saying, “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you this question? Since when do men chase after others asking if they like themselves!”

She covered her face well, with both palms covering her entire face, leaving only the crimson lips exposed between the bases of her palms. His thoughts stirred, and he leaned forward to kiss her once, persistently entangling, “Then ask me. Why have you never asked me?”

“If you have such feelings, why need to be asked? Can’t you say it yourself?” She turned away, her heart pounding like a drum. This question had troubled her for a long time, but she never dared to speak of it. When someone is in your heart, there’s no need to constantly mention them. If you mention them too often, it becomes a habit, and the feelings fade. So she preferred that he kept it hidden—the longer hidden, the more precious.

He found it amusing. These days he had done so many childish and laughable things: competing with Old Seven, secretly meeting behind his back. The foolish things he had done in his entire life combined were not as many as during this period. How else could he express himself? He had almost dug out his heart. Among his brothers, he was relatively reserved. His determination of likes and dislikes toward a person wasn’t formed overnight. Blindly declaring love wasn’t his habit, but once he showed it through actions, it meant he had made up his mind and wouldn’t easily change. However, she wasn’t him. The time they had known each other wasn’t particularly short or long, and she still had concerns about him.

He organized his thoughts, wanting to tell her how much he liked her, but just then, the inn’s waiters came in with wine and dishes. Three or four people filed in, bringing the Eight Great Muslim Dishes. Looking over, there were dishes like clear-stewed mutton, and braised yak meat—all local Muslim cuisine from this area.

Seeing such a lavish table, Ding Yi clapped her hands and said, “The people here really know how to enjoy food. If it’s like this on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month, what will they eat on New Year’s Eve?”

Just as they were about to take their seats, the waiter brought in wine jugs and cups, placing them carefully—three cups and three pairs of chopsticks. Ding Yi was puzzled; Ha Gang and the others had all been sent out, so why was there an extra set? Just as she was about to ask, a long leg stepped in from outside, wearing a black cloud leopard fur coat, with a four-slit robe underneath embroidered with gold and silver threads gleaming brilliantly. Looking up, it was the Seventh Master!

Both of them were stunned. How did he get here? The Twelfth Master felt helpless. From infiltrating the human market to now, he had been busy for most of the day, and just as they were about to wrap up the operation, this troublemaker arrived. Truly a fortunate person, not an exaggeration.

The Seventh Master unfastened his jewel-encrusted collar fastener, looking down at them haughtily, “Well, well, having a great time here, leaving me alone in Ninguta to dig up dead people. Old Twelve, you’ve calculated quite well.”

Hong Ce was disgusted with him and didn’t try to hide it. He already couldn’t stand his frivolous manner, and now he had come over to taunt them. Who was to blame?

He pointed to the seat across, “Since you’re here, Seventh Brother, please sit! I don’t deserve to be called ‘having a great time.’ I came to handle a case, not to idle away sightseeing.”

“Then why hide it from me?” He glanced at Mu Xiaoshu, pointing his finger, “And taking my person away, sneaking off before dawn. Those who don’t know might think you’ve eloped!” Seeing her standing there stupidly, he became even more agitated, “Sit down, you ungrateful wretch! Enjoyed being a spy? If my men hadn’t found out that Lu Yuan was ordered to mobilize troops, I wouldn’t have known that His Serene Highness Prince Chun had come to Suifenhe… Hey, let me ask you, do you feel any remorse toward me? Despite how well I’ve treated you!”

Ding Yi was speechless, nodding repeatedly, “This slave has failed the master and has no face to see you.”

What did that mean? No sign of remorse? The Seventh Master just stared, ignoring her, and turned to ask Old Twelve, “How’s it going? Any clues in the case?”

Hong Ce temporarily set aside personal grudges and recounted the events from beginning to end, including the news Ha Gang had brought back, telling everything to the Seventh Master. The Seventh Master sipped his wine and said, “We should investigate this person’s background. He doesn’t seem to be working against us; perhaps he’s someone’s subordinate, planted in the human market to gather information. What if he’s a professional setting a trap? Those in this business are full of tricks!”

Hong Ce agreed, “Men have already been sent to watch him. If he’s one of our own, we won’t wrong him. I’m just afraid he’s a professional setting a false trap.”

The Seventh Master made a sound of agreement, “Just like you? Appearing to be a fine gentleman, yet always doing ambiguous things?”

Who was he referring to? Hong Ce felt both angry and amused at being turned back upon. In terms of being erratic, who could compare to him? This master was good, immediately accusing others and bringing up issues. He looked helpless, poured him a cup of wine, and after much thought, decided some things needed to be restarted. So he patiently said, “Seventh Brother is a sensible person. Sometimes taking a step back shows a gentleman’s grace. Knowing something is impossible yet persisting is foolish, isn’t it?”

“Don’t give me that eight-legged essay.” The Seventh Master responded quite boldly, turning to Xiaoshu, “Shu’er, hurry and eat. Eat well and then go to your room. Such a great prince, not going to find a way for empty rooms, just taking three rooms as said—who are you trying to fool? Our Shu’er is innocent; don’t take advantage of her simplicity. A grown man sharing a kang with a young woman, what are you trying to do? If I hadn’t come today, wouldn’t you… huh?”

Ding Yi wished she could dig a hole and bury her head. What was originally a quite suggestive matter had become like this in the Seventh Master’s mouth.

Hong Ce was also flushed with embarrassment, “Seventh Brother, these words…”

The Seventh Master extended his hand, “I’m speaking plainly, surely you understand. If I’m right, don’t be embarrassed; if I’m wrong, don’t take offense. Men and women should keep their distance. When it’s time to avoid suspicion, you must do so. You’ve read Confucius and Mencius for so many years, don’t you know this principle? You almost became a sinner; it was I who rescued you from deep waters and raging fires. Don’t thank me, it’s my duty. After all, we’re brothers!”

He was just a troublemaker, and Hong Ce felt stifled in his chest, seeing Ding Yi silently picking at her food, barely eating any dishes. Both of them were made uncomfortable by him. He wanted to rebut but feared making her more uncomfortable, so he finally restrained himself.

Ding Yi couldn’t stay any longer and quickly finished her meal. She was also angry. How many times had it happened—whenever she and the Twelfth Master were being romantic, the Seventh Master would come to disrupt. This wasn’t liking her; it was having a grudge against her. She couldn’t stand him, wiped her mouth, stood up, and glared at the Seventh Master. The Seventh Master shrank back, “What are you doing? Want to eat me alive? Rebelling, are you!”

She ignored all that and just asked, “How many rooms did you take?”

He said, “I chased someone out and took a single room. Don’t worry about me; I’m fine. Let’s switch—tonight I’ll sleep with Old Twelve.”

The Twelfth Master’s mouth twitched, “The kang is small.”

“It doesn’t matter; I sleep well,” the Seventh Master said with a smile, his voice soft, “Shu’er, tired from getting up so early? Get a basin of hot water to wash up and go rest early, be good.”

Ding Yi’s anger rose like a mountain, and she suppressed her voice to shout, “I love the Twelfth Master!” Then she turned and left.

The Seventh Master was stunned, unable to react for a long time. When he finally understood, he almost collapsed, “This shameless girl, daring to show attitude to the master? Treating her kindly has spoiled her to not know her place…” He turned to look at Old Twelve, who was visibly delighted, holding his wine cup in an utterly hateful way. He felt even worse, “It’s all nonsense. She caught a cold on the road; her mind is muddled with fever. Later, find a doctor to prescribe two doses of medicine. After drinking for two days, she’ll be fine. Love the Twelfth Master, love the Twelfth Master… Is this something a young woman should say? She’s just a child, what does she know about love!”

Ding Yi hadn’t gone far. Disregarding the shocked looks from the Seventh Master’s guards, she pressed her ear against the door curtain to eavesdrop. She heard the Twelfth Master say, “Seventh Brother, let’s make a deal!”

The Seventh Master was very annoyed but still gave face, “Speak.”

“How many consorts do you currently have in your mansion?”

“One side consort and three secondary consorts,” said the Seventh Master. “Why are you asking this?”

The Twelfth Master changed to a more sincere tone, “Can’t Seventh Brother have some compassion for his brother? Your brother will be twenty-four this New Year, with not even a household manager in the residence. Are you just going to watch me live such a lonely life? You already have four consorts, one more or less makes no difference, so why not yield to your brother? Xiaoshu has had a hard life, and I want to treat her well. In Prince Chun’s mansion, there are no other women, so she won’t face bullying after entering. You already have four, each claiming their territory, whose domain she enters would be problematic. Why cause internal strife?”

The Seventh Master probably gave it serious thought, pausing for quite a while before saying, “I can arrange a separate residence outside for her; it won’t cause conflicts.”

The Twelfth Master set down his wine cup with a clatter, “You find ways to compete with me just to make her a concubine in an outer residence? How is she inferior to any woman in your mansion that she must be hidden away from sight?”

The Seventh Master seemed to have never considered this question, “What else can be done? Her background remains what it is; it might not be easy for her to officially enter the mansion…”

The Twelfth Master gave a cold laugh, “If you truly love her, there wouldn’t be so many taboos. I won’t say much else, but there’s one thing I want Seventh Brother to understand clearly: if I welcome her, it will be with an eight-bearer bridal sedan through the front gate. If Seventh Brother can grant her the position of principal consort, then come compete with your brother. When the time comes, we’ll each rely on our abilities. Even if I lose, I’ll accept it wholeheartedly. But if you’ve just taken a momentary interest and, after all your efforts to snatch her away, casually give her the position of a concubine, I’ll think you’re deliberately targeting me. In that case, if brothers become estranged, damaging our fraternal bond, that would be unfortunate.”

Ding Yi listening outside felt her nose stinging with emotion. The Twelfth Master had his intentions: as long as the Seventh Master nodded, regardless of who won or lost, her position as principal consort would be secure. But considering her circumstances, forcing such a demand would be presumptuous. She appreciated his sentiment; she had said before that even without a formal position, she was willing to follow him, valuing him as a person because he truly cared for her.

She fully expected that this time the Seventh Master would have nothing to say because he couldn’t meet the bottom price, and retreating in the face of difficulty would be the wise choice. But he didn’t. The Seventh Master was just that unique—he thumped his chest and said, “If you dare to offer this price, how do you know I can’t match it? It’s a deal! We both promise her the position of principal consort. Whoever backs out is a tortoise bastard!”

This gave Ding Yi a cold sweat. She stepped back twice and sat down heavily on the ground.