Cousin Luo made it?

The four brothers left Luo Chen’s courtyard and stood in the night breeze, doubting life itself.

Sheng Silang’s face scrunched up. “Big Brother, when you all drew lots without me, did you already know that Cousin Luo’s cooking was delicious?”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Sheng Erlang slapped Sheng Silang and stroked his chin as he smiled at Sheng Sanlang.

Sheng Sanlang looked wary. “What are you smiling about?”

Sheng Erlang reached out and hooked his arm around Sheng Sanlang’s shoulders, grinning. “Third Brother, I suddenly feel that deciding something as important as escorting Cousin Luo to the capital by drawing lots was too hasty. Why don’t we draw straws instead?”

Sheng Sanlang rolled his eyes. “Don’t even think about it.”

Cousin Luo’s quick-fried fish was too delicious. Forget just escorting Cousin Luo to the capital—even marrying Cousin Luo was worth considering. No, he didn’t need to consider it—he was willing!

In the dining hall, Fusong cleaned up the messy table and hefted the wine pot. “They barely drank any.”

Luo Chen smiled without responding.

Fusong grew curious. “Young Master, you invited the young masters to dinner because you wanted Third Young Master to take good care of the young lady cousin, right?”

“You don’t need to worry about that.” The young man kept a straight face and left the dining hall with his hands behind his back.

The courtyard was utterly quiet. Orange lamplight scattered in all directions, enveloping the vibrant green bamboo.

Luo Chen stood in the courtyard for a moment, then smiled.

Of course he’d invited his cousins to dinner to make them regret it.

Hmph, who told them to look down on his elder sister!

Thinking of Luo Sheng, the smile vanished from the young man’s lips, replaced by sulking frustration.

Leaving just like that—still so willful.

The next day was clear. Early in the morning, the streets and alleys of Jinsha came alive with activity.

Two carriages were parked at the main gate of the Sheng household. The first was for passengers, while the second was loaded with belongings. Seven or eight guards stood beside the carriages, waiting for their masters to say their farewells.

“Sheng’er, when you have time in the future, remember to come back and visit your grandmother.” Old Madam Sheng led a group of people to see Luo Sheng off at the main gate, holding Luo Sheng’s wrist reluctantly.

Luo Sheng nodded slightly. “I will. Grandmother, please go back inside and rest.”

“You must come!” Old Madam Sheng’s eyes grew moist, yet she still refused to let go of Luo Sheng.

The First Madam hurriedly urged, “Old Madam, let the young lady cousin depart early.”

What if the young lady cousin decided not to leave after all!

Only then did Old Madam Sheng release her hand. She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “Go on then. Be careful on the road. When you reach the capital, write your grandmother a letter to let me know you’re safe…”

Listening to Old Madam Sheng’s endless instructions, the First Madam and Second Madam exchanged glances.

From the old madam’s manner, she actually seemed genuinely sad? That didn’t make sense.

Though it was somewhat inappropriate to think this way, they felt like setting off firecrackers at the thought of their niece leaving.

Luo Sheng curtsied to Old Madam Sheng and the others. “These past days have troubled Grandmother, First Uncle, First Aunt, and Second Aunt.”

Old Madam Sheng continued wiping her tears.

First Uncle Sheng said gently, “Your uncle should be the one escorting you, but I can’t get away.”

He glanced at Sheng Sanlang, who had changed into brand new clothes, and switched to a stern tone. “Take good care of your cousin on the road. If anything goes wrong, I’ll hold you responsible!”

Sheng Sanlang’s smile was radiant. “Don’t worry, First Uncle. I’ll definitely deliver Cousin safely to the capital.”

The Second Madam wished she could slap her son.

Saddled with such a thankless task, why did this foolish son look so delighted?

Luo Sheng bowed to Sheng Dalang and the others with the courtesy due to peers. “I’ve also troubled my cousins.”

Sheng Dalang returned the gesture. “I wish Cousin a smooth journey.”

Sheng Erlang cleared his throat. “Actually, why don’t I escort Cousin instead? Third Brother is too young after all—”

Sheng Sanlang nearly threw a punch at him, glaring. “Absolutely not! We agreed I’d be the one!”

The First Madam and Second Madam stood dumbfounded.

Today, the old madam and Dalang and the others were all acting strange. Could they be possessed?

Luo Sheng’s gaze swept across Sheng Jiayu’s face before settling on the silent Luo Chen.

The twelve or thirteen-year-old boy stood like a young bamboo shoot—upright and verdant, carrying the unique stubbornness of that age.

He had shown up, as he would, but he’d made up his mind not to acknowledge Luo Sheng.

Luo Sheng walked over, her tone gentle. “Remember to take your medicine.”

Luo Chen turned his face away.

“Then I’m leaving.” Luo Sheng didn’t mind and turned around.

As for deep sibling affection, the original Miss Luo hadn’t had any, much less herself. But since Luo Chen had jumped into the lake to save his sister, she would treat him as a younger brother.

Seeing that Luo Sheng was really about to leave, Luo Chen couldn’t help calling out, “Wait.”

Luo Sheng looked at him.

The young man’s face was solemn. “Don’t cause more trouble and get sent back by Father.”

She might not care, but he still had his pride.

“I understand.” Luo Sheng smiled and reached up to ruffle the young man’s hair.

Luo Chen frowned but didn’t dodge.

Sheng Jiayu stood beside the First Madam, watching helplessly as Luo Sheng and Hong Dou climbed into the carriage. Several times she wanted to speak but ultimately remained silent.

After so much unpleasantness, she and Luo Sheng truly had nothing to say to each other.

Go ahead and leave. Once she was gone, the Sheng household could return to normal.

The carriage rolled past the Su household gate in the morning light, just as Su Yao was leaving.

Mounted on his horse, Sheng Sanlang called out a greeting. “Second Brother Su, heading to the academy?”

Like Sheng Dalang and Sheng Erlang, Su Yao was also preparing for this year’s autumn examinations.

“Yes. Third Brother Sheng, this is—” Su Yao’s gaze swept over the carriage with its blue curtains.

Sheng Sanlang flashed a smile. “I’m escorting my cousin back to the capital.”

Upon hearing this, Su Yao’s expression showed little change, but the book boy behind him already wore a look of astonishment.

Heavens, the Sheng household’s young lady cousin who harbored improper thoughts toward his young master was returning to the capital!

“Then I wish Third Brother Sheng a smooth journey.” Su Yao cupped his hands.

“I accept Second Brother Su’s good wishes. When I return, let’s drink together.” Sheng Sanlang squeezed his horse’s flanks and caught up with the carriage that hadn’t stopped.

“Thank heaven and earth, that Miss Luo is finally leaving.” The book boy was overjoyed.

Su Yao stared expressionlessly at the gradually retreating carriage for a long while before saying flatly, “Don’t talk too much.”

She was only returning to the capital. Sooner or later, they would meet again.

Luo Sheng’s departure was like a stone dropped into a lake—after causing some ripples, it eventually dispersed.

However, according to rumors, Old Madam Sheng was so reluctant to let her granddaughter leave that she cried through two handkerchiefs.

Of course, hardly anyone believed such gossip.

After leaving Jinsha County, they traveled for several days straight. Sheng Sanlang went from initial anticipation to deep disappointment.

The wonderful scenario of his cousin making various delicious foods to reward his stomach never happened at all!

On this day, the carriage stopped by the official road to rest. Drinking the astringent tea from the roadside tea stall, Sheng Sanlang finally couldn’t help probing. “Cousin, I heard you know how to cook.”

Luo Sheng didn’t deny it. “I do.”

Sheng Sanlang put on an ingratiating smile. “Why doesn’t Cousin show off your skills?”

Watching Cousin Luo eat simple meals these past days with more ease than him, she seemed nothing like someone who could make that quick-fried fish.

He couldn’t take it anymore. Just thinking about the quick-fried fish made him want to drool.

Luo Sheng turned her eyes slightly to look at Sheng Sanlang. “I generally only cook when I’m in a good mood.”

Sheng Sanlang’s eyes lit up. “How is Cousin’s mood today?”

Luo Sheng’s gaze shifted to the road ahead as she said lightly, “Under normal circumstances, my mood is never good.”