Feng Jiu’er looked from the elder Madam Tang to Madam Yue and found herself, for a moment, at a loss for words.

Xiao Yingtao, standing behind Feng Jiu’er, couldn’t help but let out a short burst of laughter.

Of course — their Jiu’er really was something else. No matter where she went, no matter whether it was a man or a woman, people couldn’t help but set their sights on her.

Sensing Jian Yi’s irritation, Feng Jiu’er quickly gave a light cough. She looked at the elder Madam Tang and said with a small smile, “Madam, I appreciate the thought, truly.”

“Miss Long, don’t say that. My Xiaorong is a good match too, but our Tang family isn’t exactly a grand household — I wouldn’t want to do Miss Long an injustice. But if you don’t mind, you might consider my Xiaorong. He’s a good child, very filial. I just don’t know if he’s to your taste.”

Jian Yi stepped forward, placing himself protectively in front of Feng Jiu’er. Before he could speak, Feng Jiu’er pulled him back and turned again to the elder Madam Tang.

“Madam, I apologize. I haven’t married yet, but my heart is already given to someone.”

“In marriage, feelings matter most. Everything else can be worked at, can’t it? I’m certain your son and grandson will both find the right match in time.”

“Mother, the woman you’d set your sights on must be no ordinary girl — has she already been spoken for?” Tang Xiaohua said, looking at Jian Yi with a smile. “And this young man here is even more handsome than your son or grandson, and clearly skilled in martial arts too.”

“Jian Yi isn’t the man Jiu’er has chosen.” Jian Yi didn’t seem to mind Madam Yue’s remark, though Xiao Yingtao bristled a little on his behalf. “Jian Yi doesn’t have a wife yet. If either of you ladies know someone suitable, feel free to introduce him.”

It was true that Jian Yi had no wife — and everyone around him worried about it, seeing him follow Jiu’er around day after day. If, because of Jiu’er, no other woman dared approach him, that would be a real problem.

“So this young man’s name is Jian Yi.” The elder Madam Tang looked at him, smiling just as warmly. “Such a handsome young man — he won’t have trouble finding a wife. If you all end up staying in Yuecheng, I could help look for someone for you too.”

Having been mistaken for Jiu’er’s match a moment ago, Jian Yi’s expression had eased somewhat — but Xiao Yingtao’s remark darkened it again.

Just as Jian Yi was about to say “there’s no need,” Feng Jiu’er took hold of his hand and looked at the elder Madam Tang, nodding. “Sounds good. If you do know of any good girls, Madam, please feel free to make the introduction.”

Tang Xiaohua glanced between Feng Jiu’er and Jian Yi.

“Miss Long, if even someone as handsome as Jian Yi doesn’t catch your eye, the man you’ve chosen must be quite extraordinary.”

Feng Jiu’er met Tang Xiaohua’s gaze with a faint smile. “Nothing particularly special. It’s just that when it feels right, it’s right.”

If anyone could call Di Wu Ya “nothing particularly special,” it could only be Feng Jiu’er. One wonders what expression the War God Prince would make if these words ever reached his ears.

“Well said.” Tang Xiaohua looked at Feng Jiu’er, nodding in satisfaction. “I like that you don’t fuss over small things, Miss Long. It’s getting rather late — would you and your companions care to stay for dinner?”

“And, if you really are able to treat my father-in-law’s condition, perhaps you could visit the Yue residence sometime to take a look at our old master? Unfortunately, his condition is worse than my father’s, and it’s been going on far too long. I wonder if there’s anything to be done?”

“I’ll be able to answer that once I’ve seen him in person,” Feng Jiu’er replied politely.

“Miss Long and her companions are staying for dinner — let’s go,” the elder Madam Tang said with a smile, waving a hand. “We can chat while we eat.”

Since Feng Jiu’er had agreed to stay for dinner, Tang Rong had already had preparations underway.

By the time everyone arrived, the old Master Tang was already seated in the side chamber off the main hall.

“Steward, go prepare the meal,” the elder Madam Tang instructed, then turned to Feng Jiu’er, Xiao Yingtao, and Jian Yi, waving a hand. “The three of you, please — make yourselves at home, no need to stand on ceremony.”

Feng Jiu’er smiled lightly and stepped inside.

Tang Rong stood and gestured to the three guests. “Miss Long, please, don’t be shy.”

Feng Jiu’er nodded toward old Master Tang before taking the seat a maidservant pulled out for her, with Jian Yi and Xiao Yingtao seated on either side.

“Madam, how many children do you have?” Feng Jiu’er asked gently, looking at the elder Madam Tang.

“Five,” the elder Madam Tang said with a light smile. “Four daughters and one son. You may not know this, Miss Long, but once our four daughters married out, the house grew quite quiet. And Xiaorong refuses to take a wife — ah, well.”

“Mother, I never said I wasn’t looking. Don’t embarrass me in front of our guests,” Tang Rong said, standing to pour tea for Xiao Yingtao, Feng Jiu’er, and Jian Yi in turn.

“Young Master Tang, you needn’t trouble yourself,” Feng Jiu’er said, giving him a light nod.

Tang Rong smiled and sat back down.

“Thankfully my daughters all come back to visit from time to time, or these days would get rather dull,” the elder Madam Tang said, still sighing wistfully.

The steward returned with two maidservants, and soon the table was filled with food.

Xiao Yingtao hadn’t expected that on only her second day in Yuecheng, she’d already be invited to a fine dinner like this. She made no effort to hold back and spent the entire meal eating heartily.

Jian Yi stayed silent throughout, quietly watching over Feng Jiu’er.

With the elder Madam Tang and Madam Yue both present, the meal was anything but quiet. Feng Jiu’er responded to the two women from time to time, though by the time they finally left, Madam Yue still hadn’t brought up the matter of having her treat the old master at the Yue residence.

…

The next day, Feng Jiu’er and the others set out from Longying together, heading toward the pharmacy. As the carriage neared the shop, all three inside were startled by the scene that greeted them.

Feng Jiu’er lifted the curtain and looked at the person beside her. “Wasn’t today supposed to start charging for consultations? Why are there still so many people?”

“We said yesterday it was only free for one day,” Xiao Yingtao said, frowning, settling back into her seat.

“Yesterday’s effort wasn’t wasted, then.” Qiao Mu’s mouth curved slightly as she stood and went to lift the carriage curtain.

The carriage soon came to a stop. Jian Yi stepped down first and turned to look back at the others inside. Qiao Mu stepped out with her long legs, followed by Feng Jiu’er and Xiao Yingtao.

One of the brothers nearby hurried over the moment he saw them.

“Miss Jiu’er.”

Feng Jiu’er looked toward the front of her shop, brows knitting. “What’s going on?”

“Miss Jiu’er, these are all people here for consultations. Nothing seems out of order so far,” the brother replied quietly. “Miss Jiu’er, please, it’s about time to open.”

Feng Jiu’er nodded and stepped forward. Without exchanging a word, Qiao Mu and Jian Yi moved in unison, flanking her on either side.

The crowd, who had been waiting a long while, looked at Feng Jiu’er with nothing but friendly expressions — nothing seemed amiss at all.