“Yes, but that four-legged snake looked different from ordinary ones. It was golden all over, and also…” This was too distant a memory, making it difficult to recall at once. After thinking for a long time, he finally remembered, “Oh right, it also had horns on its head.”

Hearing this, Yunyi could be certain that what was embroidered on Meixue’s swaddling cloth was not some four-legged snake, but a dragon—a dragon that belonged only to the Son of Heaven!

Wu Laosan was just a commoner at the very bottom of society who had never left this place in his lifetime, so he didn’t recognize a dragon and thought it was a four-legged snake.

Not only did Meixue look exactly like her, they were also born in the same year, same month, same day, and same time. Moreover, she had a swaddling cloth embroidered with a dragon. Could it be… that Meixue and she were twin sisters?

As soon as this thought appeared, she denied it. If Meixue were truly a princess, she should be in the palace. How could she appear in Honghua Commandery? Moreover, the Empress Mother had never mentioned to her that she had given birth to twins that year.

But if not, how could all this be explained? And moreover… ever since meeting Meixue, she had always felt an inexplicable sense of closeness.

“Girl, are you thinking of finding your birth parents?” Without waiting for Yunyi to speak, he continued, “If you want to find them, then go ahead. You don’t need to worry about Father here. Father still has strength and can take care of himself.”

Seeing him obviously reluctant but still forcing out a smile, Yunyi’s nose suddenly felt sour. If… if the Emperor had even half the kindness toward her that Wu Laosan had toward Meixue, these fifteen years wouldn’t have been so difficult.

In a daze, she heard Wu Laosan’s muffled voice, “Alright, Father will go cook now. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

Looking at Wu Laosan’s somewhat hunched figure, she impulsively rushed forward, grabbed Wu Laosan’s arm and said, “No matter whether I find my birth parents or not, you will always be my dearest father. No one can replace your position in my heart!”

Her words brought tears to Wu Laosan’s eyes. He stroked Yunyi’s head and said chokingly, “Good! Good! You’re truly Father’s good daughter. In any case, the most important thing is that you’re well. It doesn’t matter how Father is.”

Yunyi held back the choking in her throat and didn’t speak. If Wu Laosan knew that Meixue was already dead, she didn’t know how heartbroken he would be. If possible, she hoped Wu Laosan would never know for the rest of his life.

After his emotions settled, Wu Laosan went to the kitchen to busy himself, with Yunyi helping at his side. With Yunyi’s words, his mood was obviously much better, and he spoke from time to time.

After a while, the dishes were all ready: braised roe deer meat, steamed minced meat with salted fish, dry-fried eggplant, and a bowl of mapo tofu.

Wu Laosan wiped his hands and handed the bowl of rice to Yunyi, “Come, eat quickly. See if this roe deer meat suits your taste—it’s all made according to what you said.”

Yunyi nodded and picked up a piece of fragrant braised roe deer meat. Wu Laosan had cooked it very thoroughly. As soon as she bit down, the rich flavor spread in her mouth. The meat was tender and chewy without being tough. Although there was still a slight gamey taste, it didn’t affect the flavor.

Wu Laosan asked expectantly, “How is it? Is it delicious?”

Yunyi swallowed the roe deer meat in her mouth and smiled, “Very delicious. Your daughter has never eaten such delicious meat. It’s even better than what the cooks at the Governor’s residence make.”

Wu Laosan said happily, “If it’s delicious, then eat more. When you come back next time, Father will hunt another roe deer for you. Recently there’s nothing else on the mountain, but roe deer are often seen. We’ll keep part of it for ourselves, and the rest can be exchanged for money to save up for your dowry.” Speaking of this, he sighed, “Father’s greatest wish now is to see you marry in style.”

Yunyi put a piece of roe deer meat in his bowl, “Why are you talking about this again when things were going so well? Eat quickly.”

Wu Laosan thought she was sad about Du Ruhui’s matter and quickly said, “Right, right, right. When people get old, they talk too much. Eat quickly—it won’t taste good when it gets cold. Later, Father will show you something wonderful.”

This food was even worse than what Yunyi usually ate at the Governor’s residence, but for some unknown reason, it was particularly appetizing. She ate a full bowl and a half before putting down her chopsticks.

After cleaning up the bowls and chopsticks, Wu Laosan mysteriously pulled her into the inner room and took out a bundle from the bottom of a chest. After unwrapping layer by layer, he revealed a very complete white tiger hide. He said like presenting a treasure, “This is from a white tiger Father encountered in the mountains last month. To tell the truth, Father has hunted for so many years and only encountered white tigers twice. The first time was when I found you—it was a male and female pair. I waited until they went far away before daring to pick you up. This time I encountered a lone one. Father was lucky and hit it with one arrow, then fought with it for a while before finally wearing it down to death. I skinned this tiger hide from its body. I once saw someone offer ten taels of silver to buy a white tiger hide, so this is a treasure. Apart from you, Father hasn’t told anyone about this. I didn’t even want the tiger meat and buried it directly. If this matter leaked out, who knows what trouble it might cause—it’s better to be careful. Next time Father goes to the neighboring county, I’ll sell this tiger hide. It’s a pity there’s some damage, so it can’t sell for too high a price. But even if it can’t get ten taels, five or six taels should still be possible. That’s enough to buy quite a few things. Didn’t you say you wanted a silk dress? This time we can buy that too.”

“No need. When you exchange it for silver, Father should keep it well. Your daughter has enough clothes and doesn’t need to buy more.” Then she said, “When you caught that fierce tiger, were you injured?”

Wu Laosan smiled nonchalantly, “I got a little injured, but I’m fine now. Don’t think that just because Father is getting old, I’m still very strong. Even fighting a tiger barehanded wouldn’t be a problem.”

Seeing his appearance, Yunyi couldn’t help but smile, “Yes, yes, Father is the most capable.” After helping Wu Laosan wrap up the tiger hide, she then took out a purse from her bosom and handed it to him, “This is the monthly allowance your daughter received some days ago. Father, keep it for daily use.”

Wu Laosan quickly said, “No need. Father alone doesn’t spend much money. It’s you at the Governor’s residence who inevitably needs silver. Keep it for yourself.”

“Just take what your daughter gives you. Your daughter knows her limits.” With that, she took out several pearls and a jade pendant she had brought, “Also, Father should keep these things too. If there’s ever any urgent need, take them to pawn, or use them to repair the house.”

Wu Laosan said in surprise, “You… where did you get these? Could it be…”

Yunyi saw his thoughts and laughed, “Where are your thoughts going? These were rewards from the First Young Master and Second Young Master.”

“Rewards? Why would they reward you for no reason?” Although Wu Laosan also felt that Meixue wouldn’t steal, he was still somewhat puzzled.