Chapter 1410: Meng Yunzheng's Uncle

Meng Yunzheng's uncle hurriedly put down his cup and wiped his mouth. He looked at Tao Shi and asked, "What are you doing?"

Tao Shi pointed at Shu Yu angrily and said, "Didn't you hear what she just said?"

"What did she say?" Meng Yunzheng's uncle didn't quite understand.

Tao Shi sighed in exasperation, "She called Yunzheng 'Ah Yun.' Is that how a hired helper should address him?"

Looking at Shu Yu, Tao Shi sneered, "Do you not know the rules? Ah Yun is the master, so you should address him as 'Young Master.' What's with your behavior? Do you think of yourself as the mistress of this house? Do you know that Ah Yun is already engaged?"

Meng Yunzheng's uncle was taken aback for a moment but soon nodded with a serious expression.

Shu Yu was also stunned for a moment, then she understood the misunderstanding.

She smiled and took off the oversized robe, revealing a more refined and beautiful outfit underneath.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

Her already lovely appearance, combined with the change of clothes, gave a completely different impression.

Shu Yu smiled and said, "You are Ah Yun's uncle and aunt, right? I forgot to introduce myself earlier. Hello, I am Lu Shuyu, originally from Jiangyuan County, Dong'an Prefecture. I am Yunzheng's fiancée, and we got engaged last year."

After hearing her words, the four people present widened their eyes in shock.

The girl on the left almost dropped the cup cover in her hand.

Shu Yu noticed this and squinted her eyes, but before she could think further, Meng Yunzheng's uncle stood up abruptly, delighted, and stood in front of Shu Yu, "You, you are Shuyu? You've come to Changjin Prefecture!"

"Uncle, it's a pleasure to meet you for the first time." Shu Yu faced him with a warm smile.

Everyone else was unfamiliar to her, but she had heard a lot about Meng Yunzheng's uncle from Meng Pei and Meng Yunzheng.

He was genuinely happy to see her.

Meng Yunzheng's uncle waved his hands repeatedly, "No need for pleasantries, it's our fault for not informing you and just coming over like this. Did we startle you? Ah Yun often mentions you to me, saying that you are kind, generous, intelligent, and beautiful. Today, seeing you in person, it's indeed true. When did you arrive? Are you worried about Ah Yum? Hahaha, I just passed by the bulletin board earlier, and I heard that Ah Yun ranked first in this year's Prefectural examination. He's really making the Meng family proud, full of prospects."

He was beaming, talking a bit too much, but his joyful and excited emotions were contagious.

"By the way, is everything fine at home? My eldest brother went back to Jiangyuan County after the New Year. It's been almost half a year since I last saw him. Is he still in good health?"

Once he knew Shu Yu's identity, he kept talking non-stop, as if he intended to have a long chat.

Tao Shi's head was pounding, and she wanted to slam the table again.

She coughed heavily, interrupting Meng Yunzheng's uncle's chatter.

Only then did Tao Shi force a smile and observe Shu Yu, "So, you are Lu Xiangjun. Earlier, with your attire, I thought you were hired to do chores and cleaning for Yunzheng. What a misunderstanding. Please don't take it to heart, my dear niece."

Shu Yu could tell whether her words were sincere or not.

Especially when Tao Shi mentioned her, she used the title "Lu Xiangjun" instead of directly addressing her by name. And the way she mentioned Shu Yu's attire clearly had a hint of sarcasm.

What's wrong? Is it inappropriate for a "Xiangjun" to wear a robe? Or is it that even with the title, she's still seen as a lowly country girl, unfit for higher society?

Chapter 1409: The Arrival of the Meng Family

Shu Yu was taken aback and turned her head. At this time, who could be knocking on the door?

Aunt He was busy slaughtering a chicken, with blood on her hands, making it inconvenient for her to open the door.

Ying Xi was tending to the horses in the stable, leaving Shu Yu the only one available.

She wiped her hands and turned to open the door.

"Who is it?"

As the door opened, Shu Yu looked up and saw four people standing outside, one man and three women.

Among them, one man and one woman appeared slightly older, while the other two women were quite young, similar to Shu Yu's age.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

The people outside the door also looked at Shu Yu in surprise. The older woman turned to ask the man beside her, "Are you sure you didn't get the wrong place? Is this really the courtyard where Yunzheng lives?"

The man scratched his head and replied in a low voice, "No mistake, this is the place."

"Then, is this the woman you mentioned, Aunt He?"

The man shook his head, whispering, "Of course not. Maybe she's a new helper hired to do some work."

Shu Yu had just changed into clean clothes and wore a loose robe provided by Aunt He. She tied her hair back and wore a headscarf, giving her a somewhat... shabby appearance.

Her current appearance caused the people at the door to have various expressions on their faces.

The older woman, after observing Shu Yu, couldn't connect her with the hired helper mentioned by her husband. The woman was too young and beautiful. How could Yunzheng have such a person by his side and still focus on his studies?

Although Shu Yu had never met these people before, she recognized them from the way the woman mentioned Meng Yunzheng's name. Moreover, the man beside her resembled Meng Pei, so even if she were slow, she could guess their identities.

The older man and woman should be Meng Yunzheng's uncle and aunt, while the two younger girls were probably his sisters.

Today was the day when Meng Yunzheng's provincial examination results were announced, so it was not unexpected for them to come.

Shu Yu composed herself and smiled, saying, "This is indeed Meng Yunzheng's home. Please come in."

There were still onlookers outside who were curious, so it would be better to talk inside.

Shu Yu stepped aside, and the four people walked into the courtyard.

Once inside, Meng Yunzheng's uncle immediately recognized Aunt He and proudly said to his wife, Tao Shi, "See, I told you we didn't get it wrong. This is Aunt He."

He had visited this small courtyard once before, last time when the results of the county examination were announced. He had met Aunt He back then.

Aunt He also noticed them and was about to stand up.

But her hands were covered in feathers, and her clothes were stained with blood.

Shu Yu spoke to her, "Aunt He, you continue, and I will take care of this."

"Eh? Alright."

Tao Shi frowned and looked at Shu Yu. Did this girl not realize her own identity? The way she spoke to Aunt He, with that tone and attitude, was like she was the mistress of this house.

Tao Shi was not pleased and walked to the main room before sitting down. She then asked Shu Yu, "Where is Yunzheng? Why haven't we seen him?"

Smiling, Shu Yu poured tea for everyone. "Ah Yun met with some fellow candidates to discuss academic matters, so he hasn't returned yet. As for you..."

Before Shu Yu could finish her sentence, there was a loud "bang," and Tao Shi slammed the table.

Everyone was startled, and Meng Yunzheng's uncle almost choked on his tea.

 Chapter 1408: A Knock on the Door

Ying Xi stopped the carriage from a distance and said, "Miss..."

Shu Yu followed her gaze and saw many students standing at the entrance of the small courtyard. Not only them, but there were also some servants and maids waiting there. In addition to them, several local women were sitting there chatting with small stools.

It seemed like all these people were waiting for Meng Yunzheng to return.

Shu Yu didn't expect that a scholar's achievement in the preliminary examination would have such a significant impact, causing so many people to wait for him.

And this was just for the provincial examination. If he were to pass the imperial examination and become a top scholar, the scene might become even more overwhelming.

Suddenly, someone ran over and shouted, "Why are you all still waiting here? Master Meng is at the Yuelai Tavern, exchanging knowledge with many other candidates. It looks like they are going to have a late-night discussion, and he probably won't return tonight. Go and check it out!"

After saying that, the person turned around and ran towards Yuelai Tavern.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

The people at the entrance of the courtyard looked at each other, and the students quickly followed the person and left. The servants and maids hesitated for a moment and also dispersed.

The remaining nearby women were still there since they wouldn't go to the tavern to discuss anything. Moreover, the courtyard was closer to their homes, so they continued to wait outside.

Shu Yu thought the crowd would disperse quickly, but it seemed that these women gathered even closer.

She could only say to Ying Xi, "Let's use the back door."

Some people had also been guarding the back door, but they left after hearing about Meng Yunzheng. Thus, no one was there now.

Shu Yu breathed a sigh of relief, got off the carriage, and used the key to open the door.

As she entered the house, Aunt He, the housekeeper, greeted her, "Miss."

She looked behind Shu Yu but didn't see Meng Yunzheng, feeling puzzled. "Isn't Master at home?"

"He met some fellow candidates and hasn't come back yet."

Aunt He nodded after hearing that and then got excited. "Miss, do you know...?"

"Did he get the top score in the prefectural examination?"

Aunt He nodded rapidly, "Yes, yes, Master Meng is truly amazing. People are saying he has a bright future ahead. The messenger came not long after you left this morning, and I was astonished when I heard the news. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and closed the door; otherwise, all those people outside would have rushed in."

Shu Yu tilted her head, observing Aunt He, who was smiling brightly. She suddenly felt a bit unsure, lowering her gaze to check herself, and then said, "Why, is something the matter, Aunt He?"

"Nothing, it's just that when Miss talks, it always makes me feel comfortable."

Aunt He laughed a couple of times, feeling that Miss's words had a unique charm.

Shu Yu sighed softly. "Aunt He, you can't say that. Your current appearance shows that you genuinely feel happy for Yun'er and treat him as your own."

Aunt He touched her head, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "I might have been a bit too talkative."

"That's not true. Your behavior shows that you are sincerely happy for Ah Yun. Please help me in the kitchen, alright?"

"Sure." Having an engaged young lady at home is different indeed.

Aunt He gathered all the ingredients and went to the courtyard to slaughter a chicken.

Shu Yu went to change her clothes. Just as she was about to start cooking, there was a sudden knock on the front door.

 Chapter 1407: The Departure of the Dongqing Temple master

Shu Yu placed the flowerpot back on the stone pedestal and clapped her hands. "Alright, let's go. We'll use the carriage."

Judging from the situation, Ah Yun probably doesn't lack a means of transportation.

Xia Yan stared blankly as she walked out of the backyard and returned to the hall. Shu Yu then invited Ying Xi and the East Clear Sect Master to leave.

She had thought about it. Meng Yunzheng's future goal was to open a large academy and become the dean to educate students, fulfilling his grand ambition.

For that, he needed connections with other scholars, students who pursued knowledge, and he also needed to increase his popularity.

This opportunity was right in front of him, a chance to showcase his talent and knowledge. How could he miss it just because he spent more time with her?

Those students might become his assistance in the future.

And there was also that Confucian scholar from the government academy...

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

He wanted to recruit Meng Yunzheng to the academy? Little did he know that the tables could turn, and Meng Yunzheng might end up trying to recruit him.

Shu Yu felt that this probably wouldn't be a big problem for Meng Yunzheng. She decided to go back and cook something delicious. Today was a joyous day and deserved to be celebrated.

However, as the celebration was in full swing, shortly after they left the tavern, the Dongqing Temple master announced that she was leaving.

Yes, she was going to the capital.

Shu Yu felt a bit numb all over. "Master, it's already getting late."

"Yes, it's only because you came to find me; otherwise, I would have left earlier."

Shu Yu, "...", it seems they won't have a chance to chat properly anymore.

"Master, it's getting late, and you won't make much progress tonight. Why not rest here for the night and I'll see you off tomorrow morning?"

Dongqing Temple master shook her head and looked at her with contentment. "No need, just live your own life well. We don't know when we'll meet again, take care."

"Master..."

"Go back, no need to see me off."

Her decision was firm, and Shu Yu knew further persuading would be futile.

Watching the Dongqing Temple Master's receding figure, Shu Yu couldn't help feeling a bit melancholic. They had only met for a few hours, and yet they were parting again. She wished she could spend another night together.

Until the Dongqing Temple master's figure vanished into the distance, Ying Xi softly called out to her, snapping Shu Yu back to reality.

She took a deep breath. "It's alright, let's go. Let's buy some things and head home."

Ying Xi nodded, pulled the reins, and the carriage moved forward.

But Shu Yu's mood was still somewhat affected. She had wanted to buy some dishes that the Master liked and treat her, as a sign of respect and filial piety, but now she didn't have the chance.

She also brought some sunflower seeds, instant noodles, and sunflower oil for her, but the Dongqing Temple master refused them all.

She said she would travel alone, relying on her two legs, and didn't need to prepare her own food. She didn't have any cravings for delicacies, so taking these things with her would be a burden.

If Shu Yu wanted to give her something, she could do so at the Dongqing Temple master

However, she had already given her things from the very beginning.

But what Shu Yu didn't want, the Master ended up taking away. In the morning, she received various gifts from Zhong Village, and they all stayed on the carriage for Shu Yu to keep.

In the end, she seemed to have gained quite a lot from this trip.

Shu Yu sighed softly, and when she looked up, she met Ying Xi's concerned gaze.

She immediately smiled. "I'm fine."

The two of them soon went to the marketplace to buy some ingredients and tools before happily returning to their small courtyard.

However, at the entrance of the courtyard, there were quite a few people gathered.

 Chapter 1406: I Guess He Wants to Recruit People

Unexpectedly, things had developed to this point for Shu Yu.

"Is Ah Yun alright?"

Xia Yan shook his head with a touch of pride, "Young Master is the top scorer in the examination, well-versed in poetry and books. Every question those scholars threw at him was ridiculously simple to him, and he answered them without even needing to ponder. He easily handled those people, and now many of them greatly admire and respect him."

Not only were they unable to pose a challenge to him, but many people also held their young master in high esteem.

Hearing this, Shu Yu became curious.

She looked around and saw a small stone pedestal not far away with a potted plant on top.

She grinned and said to Dongqing Master, "Master, it's noisy here. Let Yingxi take you to the hall to sit for a while. I'll check the situation first."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

Dongqing Master nodded and followed Yingxi out of the backyard to the hall, where they found some chairs to sit and wait.

Meanwhile, Shu Yu had already walked to the stone pedestal, took the potted plant from it, and without hesitation, stepped onto the stone.

The stone pedestal wasn't very large, and when Shu Yu stood on it, only one foot could fit on it while the other had to hang in the air.

Xia Yan's eyes widened with concern as he quickly supported her, saying, "Miss, be careful."

"It's fine, I just want to take a look."

Standing on the stone pedestal, her view became much clearer.

The place was filled with people, but there was a large empty space in the middle with tables, chairs, and writing utensils.

Meng Yunzheng stood right in the center. As the other examinees talked to him, some of them wrote something and handed the paper to him.

Meng Yunzheng was composed, talking and nodding while also writing.

Next to him was Xun Sheng, and apart from him, there was another person standing beside Meng Yunzheng.

Shu Yu lowered her head slightly and asked Xia Yan, "Who is the person standing beside Yunzheng in the light brown robe with a beard? He doesn't look like one of the examinees in this batch."

Xia Yan knew who she was talking about as soon as he heard it.

He lowered his voice even more, becoming hushed. "That's Master Geng from the Prefectural Academy. It's said that he came specifically because he wants Master Yunzheng to study at the Prefectural Academy."

Shu Yu's expression froze, and she started pondering.

Just then, Meng Yunzheng raised his head and caught sight of Shu Yu's figure, which appeared half above everyone else.

In fact, not just him, most people facing her direction saw her.

After all, she stood higher and was a woman, making her particularly conspicuous among this group of scholars.

Meng Yun Zheng's actions paused, and he seemed to be about to come out.

Shu Yu's expression changed slightly, and she quickly signaled him to stop.

Meng Yunzheng hesitated for a moment, but Shu Yu gestured twice more, indicating that she would go back to the courtyard first, and he should come over when he's done. She would prepare a celebration for him.

Meng Yunzheng furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly not entirely agreeing with her idea.

However, Shu Yu stared at him firmly and then jumped down from the stone pedestal.

Xia Yan let out a sigh of relief. "Miss, I'll go in and bring the young master out now. You wait here..."

"No need. I already talked to your young master. We'll go back first, and you can wait here for your young master to finish his business and then come back. I'll be in the courtyard getting ready to celebrate."

Xia Yan looked utterly baffled. Did she speak just now? He didn't hear a single word, so how did she reach an agreement?

 Chapter 1405: Meng Yunzheng Surrounded

After asking about the places and activities of Dongqing Temple master upon returning from the southwest, she just gave a brief explanation.

Shu Yu intended to ask about Little Shu Yu, but based on her master's words, she probably didn't know about the situation where they swapped places after she transmigrated into the novel.

Her master said that her physiognomy changed after meeting Meng Yunzheng.

But in reality, the first time she met Meng Yunzheng was when they swapped places with Little Shu Yu.

Perhaps, her changed physiognomy was related to that event.

However, since her master didn't mention it, Shu Yu didn't ask about it.

After finishing the questions, Shu Yu talked to her master about her experiences during this period and her future plans.

The Dongqing Sect Master listened quietly and didn't express any opinions, but she seemed satisfied and pleased with Shu Yu's actions.

After a while, they finally stopped talking. Seeing that it was getting late, it was time to go back home.

Shu Yu opened the box door and went out. At the entrance, only Ying Xi was present, and she said that Xia Yan went to Meng Yunzheng's place.

Shu Yu nodded and led the Dongqing Temple master and Ying Xi to the backyard.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

The third floor and the backyard of this restaurant were used as accommodation areas. Xun Sheng originally stayed on the third floor, but now that he had achieved the third place in the county exam, the innkeeper moved him to the backyard where it was quieter.

Just now, he went to find Meng Yunzheng, and then they all went to the backyard together.

However, as they approached the entrance of the backyard, they were shocked by the commotion inside.

The way ahead was blocked, and the limited space of the backyard was filled with people.

"What's going on?" Shu Yu's eyes were sharp, and she seemed to recognize a few familiar examinees—those who were discussing academic matters in the lobby downstairs earlier.

No wonder when they passed the lobby just now, there was no one there anymore.

Shu Yu had thought they had left because it was getting late, but it turned out they had just moved their gathering spot to the backyard.

What were they doing here?

Shu Yu frowned. She was about to continue walking in when Xia Yan squeezed through the crowd.

"Miss."

He was sweating profusely and seemed to be struggling.

"Miss, have you finished talking with the Temple Master? Please wait a moment; I'll go in and bring the young master out."

"Wait a moment, tell me first, what's going on here?" Shu Yu pulled him back. She wanted to know the situation before proceeding.

Xia Yan spoke in a low voice, "Originally, our young master and Xun Sheng were having a nice conversation. The young master planned to come out and wait for you at the entrance later. However, a scholar suddenly came to find Xun Sheng and asked him to join the other examinees for discussions in the lobby. Our young master was still inside the room, so Xun Sheng wanted to get rid of the scholar. However, this scholar was impolite and suspicious of Xun Sheng's evasive behavior, suspecting that he was hiding something in his room. He insisted on going in and directly pushed him away, then he saw our young master."

Describing the scholar as "impolite" was Xia Yan's more gentle phrasing. In his heart, he considered the scholar to be rude and uncultured.

After the scholar entered the room, he naturally saw Meng Yunzheng and immediately called for his friends.

With so many examinees hearing that the mysterious top scorer, Meng Yunzheng, was here, who wouldn't be curious?

As a result, not long after, all the examinees from the lobby gathered in the backyard, surrounding Meng Yunzheng and Xun Sheng.

 Chapter 538: Unexpected Trouble (3)

The shopkeeper, seeing Wu Shi’s distress and the imposing presence of the young women, whispered, “Madam, it’s not that I’m being petty, but the Lin family is very powerful. If you don’t want to cause trouble, it’s best to let the young lady have these fabrics. You can choose something else, and I’ll give you a discount.”

Wu Shi, unfamiliar with the Lin family’s reputation, instinctively trusted the shopkeeper’s advice. Not wanting to cause a fuss, she nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll look at other fabrics.”

“No!” Before Wu Shi could finish, Mo Yan interrupted, turning to the arrogant young woman with a cold expression. “We were the ones who saw these fabrics first. If you want them, you should at least ask nicely. Unfortunately, all I hear is a dog barking!”

Mo Yan glanced meaningfully at the person hiding behind the young woman, curious if this person was the instigator.

Mo Yan did not want to create trouble, but she also wasn’t one to back down from a confrontation. Insulted as a dog, the young woman’s face contorted with rage. She shouted, “You insolent wench, how dare you insult me? You must be tired of living!”

Mo Yan sneered and shrugged, “I only said there was a dog barking. If you choose to take it personally, that’s your own problem.”

The young woman was furious but couldn’t find a retort. Desperate, she pulled out her companion and spat, “Qing Wu, go deal with that wench!”

Qing Wu, caught off guard, was dragged out and had no chance to escape. Her face, which was quite delicate, was now exposed to everyone.

“Er Ni’er? Is that you?” Wu Shi was the first to exclaim in surprise. She stepped forward, staring at the downcast woman in confusion. “Is it really you?”

The others, upon recognizing the familiar features, gasped in astonishment as well.

Qing Wu, startled by the recognition, looked between Wu Shi’s group and her own companion, questioning, “Qing Wu, do you know these people?”

Qing Wu quickly shook her head and explained, “Sister Qiu Yue, how could I know these ignorant wretches?”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Qiu Yue eyed her with suspicion but seemed to half-believe her explanation. “You don’t know them? Then why did you push for me to take these fabrics? Were you not trying to provoke me by bringing these people into the conflict?”

Qing Wu’s face stiffened at the direct accusation. Fear flashed in her eyes, but she quickly covered it with a pitiful act. “Sister Qiu Yue, I truly meant well. I only thought these fabrics would look good on you. I didn’t expect it would cause such a misunderstanding…”

Flattered, Qiu Yue’s suspicion eased. She arrogantly commanded, “If you don’t know them, then it’s simple. Go and tear that wench’s mouth apart. If you handle this well, I’ll speak well of you to the young lady.”

Hearing this, Qing Wu suppressed her delight and said, “Sister Qiu Yue, it’s my duty to help you. I wouldn’t dream of causing you trouble. I’ll get justice for you right away!”

Qing Wu then lunged at Mo Yan with her sharp nails, her eyes filled with hatred.

“Er Ni’er, stop! What are you doing?” Wu Shi cried out in shock and rushed to intervene.

Xin’er, Dai Ni, Li Xiu, and the others quickly moved to stop Qing Wu, successfully preventing her from reaching Mo Yan.

Recognizing Qing Wu’s familiar face and unmasked hatred, they understood that Qing Wu, known as Er Ni’er, harbored resentment towards them and had instigated trouble with Qiu Yue’s help.

Unable to retaliate, Qing Wu glared at Mo Yan with venom and threatened, “Hmph, you think stopping me will solve everything? If the young lady from the Lin family learns that her people were bullied by a bunch of country bumpkins, she will make sure you suffer!” 

  Chapter 537: Unexpected Trouble (2)

Mo Yan and Li Xiu helped Wu Shi select fabrics for a while, and soon they both settled on two pieces of fabric: one in lake blue and the other in light green. Both were suitable for people of all ages and were much more expensive than the usual fabrics Wu Shi's family used. Together, they cost two taels of silver.

"Yan girl, these fabrics are nice, but they're a bit too expensive. Dai Ni and I usually do rough work and don’t need such fine materials," Wu Shi said, touching the soft, comfortable fabric with affection but reluctance. Even though she wasn’t short of the two taels of silver, it was enough for half a year’s household expenses.

Mo Yan, willing to spend the two taels to buy the fabrics for Wu Shi, refrained from offering because she knew doing so would embarrass Wu Shi. Instead, she glanced at Dai Ni, who was examining the fabrics from a distance, and gently suggested, "Auntie Wu, Dai Ni is a young lady now; she should dress nicely! If you're worried about the fabric getting dirty, you can always wear an apron while working."

Wu Shi immediately looked at Dai Ni, who was wearing old, grayish clothes. Despite her youthful age, she seemed a bit out of place amidst the vibrant fabrics.

The shopkeeper also chimed in, "These two pieces of fabric are the best in the shop. The weaving and dyeing are of high quality. Whether for a young lady or a young wife, they look great! These are the last two pieces, and if you miss them today, there might not be any next time. Madam, please buy them now!"

Wu Shi, already somewhat tempted, was further moved by the shopkeeper's words. Seeing her daughter working hard every day without complaining, her rough hands filled her with guilt, making her previous reluctance vanish.

"Shopkeeper, I'll take both pieces of fabric. Please bundle them up for me!" Wu Shi decided, and began counting out the silver.

"Ah, Madam, please wait a moment. I’ll have it done quickly!" The shopkeeper was pleased to make a sale of two pieces, earning over eight hundred wen. He quickly grabbed a wide strip of cloth from the drawer and wrapped the two pieces together.

Just as Wu Shi was about to take the fabric after handing over the silver, a loud, arrogant voice interrupted, "Wait! I’ll take these two pieces of fabric. You, a country bumpkin, don’t deserve such fine materials!"

Mo Yan immediately turned toward the voice and saw two young women in silk garments approaching. The leader, with her chin raised, looked disdainfully at Wu Shi.

The shopkeeper, seeing Wu Shi’s unhappy expression and the formidable appearance of the young women, hesitated and said, "Miss, these fabrics were selected first by this lady, and she has already paid for them. I can’t sell them to you. The shop has other fine fabrics. Perhaps you’d like to choose another?"

The young woman’s brows furrowed in anger. "Just return her money, then. Besides, I arrived first, and there was no indication that I wouldn’t buy these fabrics. Selling them to this bumpkin is an insult to me! I am someone from the Lin family’s household. Don’t you dare be disrespectful!"

Upon hearing her claim and seeing her attire, it was clear she was indeed from the Lin family. The shopkeeper broke into a cold sweat and quickly approached Wu Shi with an apologetic smile. "I did not realize you were from the Lin family. If the young lady likes these fabrics, I’ll refund the money and give them to you as a gift from the shop."

 Chapter 1404: The Truth from the Past

Shu Yu was taken aback, "Master, you agreed just like that? Actually, I only promised Lord Miao to meet you; I didn't mean to move his sister's eternal lamp."

"I know, but there's no need to meet him. I'll be heading to the capital soon, and I don't know when I'll be back. Besides, although Lord Miao's methods have been questionable these years, his sister was indeed a kind and gentle person. She had visited Dongqing Temple before, and I believe Lord Miao's persistence is because of her wish," Dongqing Temple master explained.

Shu Yu hesitated for a moment before accepting the letter.

Dongqing Temple master continued, "If you're worried that Lord Miao might become more extreme in the future, you can convey the words I said earlier to him."

"Yes, Master."

After discussing Lord Miao's matter, the Dongqing Temple master looked at Shu Yu again.

Was it time to get to the real matter now?

But Shu Yu grinned and said, "Master, there's one more question. Last time, when you went to the southwest, you..."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

"If you're not going to ask me seriously, Ah Yun might come back soon," the Dongqing Sect Master interrupted her.

Shu Yu immediately became serious, "Master, why didn't you tell me directly when you found out that I wasn't from the Shu family? Why did you inform the Shu family instead?"

There you go; this time she asked quickly and seriously.

Dongqing Temple master smiled and said, "I know you've been carrying this on your mind for a long time. When I was in the southwest, I originally planned to tell you everything when I saw you, but I missed the chance. There's nothing special about it. It's just that you were destined to face a deadly calamity, and I informed the Shu family to bring that calamity forward. Only then would there be a chance to resolve it."

Shu Yu was startled, looking at her in disbelief, "Deadly calamity?"

She hadn't expected the reason to be this.

"If the Shu family hadn't laid their hands on me, where would that calamity have occurred?"

"After being exiled, you would have died in the southwest, and there would have been no way to resolve it. I wouldn't have been able to save you either."

Shu Yu's fingers clenched slowly, "So, when you went to the southwest, were you worried that my deadly calamity hadn't been completely resolved, and you protected me again?"

"Although you escaped your deadly calamity, there were still concerns after my intervention. However, your luck is quite good, and you've met someone who treats you wholeheartedly. Both of your birth charts were unfavorable, but strangely, when you two came together, the physiognomy changed, and I can finally rest assured."

Originally, both Meng Yunzheng and Shu Yu had short lifespans in their birth charts.

But after their first meeting at Dongqing Temple, their physiognomy changed significantly.

As someone with vast experiences, Dongqing Temple master had never seen such a miraculous occurrence.

She found it strange, which was why she let Shu Yu stay in the temple to recuperate for half a month.

Later, she discovered that this girl had a good temperament and insisted on learning physiognomy despite having no innate talent for it. Unable to resist her, Dongqing Temple master took her as a disciple.

Since she was her master, she couldn't just ignore Shu Yu's deadly calamity. That's why she informed the Shu family about her background after seeing Shu Yu's abilities.

She had thought of warning Shu Yu in advance, but then it wouldn't be considered resolving the calamity.

Now that her calamity had passed, she didn't need to worry about her anymore.

Shu Yu hadn't expected that her changed physiognomy was related to Meng Yunzheng. But thinking about it, he did meticulously arrange everything on her journey of exile.

She arrived safely at her place of exile and even received the title of a village lord, all thanks to Meng Yunzheng's careful planning.

 Chapter 1403: Lord Miao's Downfall

In a serious tone, Shu Yu shared the information she had gathered, "Since we met Lord Miao, I don't know if it's because of what I said to him or if he genuinely wanted to improve his image to gain your favor. But ever since then, Lord Miao's behavior has undergone significant changes."

It wasn't that he had suddenly turned over a new leaf, but his methods were no longer as extreme and ruthless as before, becoming much milder.

At least there were no more incidents of forcing innocent women into the brothel, and the managers and madams in the brothel had started treating the girls and boys under their care more kindly.

However, the business was still running.

Last year, after the late emperor's death, the Qinlou Chuguan was closed for several months, and Lord Miao suddenly began searching for other avenues.

"As far as I know, in the past half year, he has tried running a fabric shop, a carriage business, and even opened a tavern, but it seems that nothing has worked out," Shu Yu explained.

It was a strange phenomenon; Shu Yu felt as if Lord Miao's luck had suddenly abandoned him.

He was someone who ran a brothel, and apart from that, he had connections, resources, and plenty of money at his disposal. Even with the city's established industries, Lord Miao shouldn't have faced such a disastrous failure.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

It was as if his only option was to run a brothel.

However, Lord Miao refused to give up and kept trying to develop other businesses, investing more and more money, but ending up with greater losses.

Currently, he had moved from the Dong'an city to a nearby county.

The situation was still unclear, and Shu Yu didn't know if he had stabilized.

To be honest, she was a bit worried. She knew some of Lord Miao's temperament from before. After experiencing repeated failures, would he return to expand the Qinlou Chuguan with even more intensity?

Upon hearing this, the Dongqing Sect Master slowly nodded and said, "That's the price he has to pay."

"What do you mean?" Shu Yu asked.

"Since he wants to move his sister's eternal lamp to the ancestral altar, do you think it's something that can be easily achieved with just a few words? Giving away wealth is the most basic step, and that's already a small price to pay. From now on, Dong'an Prefecture probably won't have such a figure again."

Shu Yu widened her eyes, "Will Lord Miao die?"

The Dongqing Temple master replied with irritation, "When did your brain become so slow? I only said that there won't be such a figure in Dong'an Prefecture, not that he won't exist elsewhere. Do you think he needs to lose his life just for his sister's eternal lamp? However, compared to his current life, there will be a significant gap."

Shu Yu understood that Lord Miao's Qinlou Chuguan probably wouldn't continue in Dong'an Prefecture, but he might be able to run other businesses successfully in a smaller place and lead a decent life.

"But won't the disparity be too great? Would Lord Miao be able to avoid going astray again?" Shu Yu worriedly asked.

Dongqing Temple master replied, "He is even older than you and has experienced everything he needs to experience. His thoughts are mature enough, so why would he go astray again?"

He had already walked the path he once walked before.

Feeling relieved, Shu Yu watched as the Dongqing Temple master got up and walked to the door, asking a servant to bring pen and paper.

The servant soon brought a tray, and the Dongqing Temple master sat down and began writing a letter.

"I won't meet Lord Miao, and as for moving his sister's eternal lamp, let Qiu Shijie do it. This letter is for Qiu Shijie, so take it with you when you go back."

She wrote the letter quickly and handed it to Shu Yu in no time.

  Chapter 536: Unexpected Trouble (1)

In Da Chu, one tael of gold could be exchanged for ten taels of silver at the money house. Five hundred taels of gold equated to five thousand taels of silver, which would be enough for a family of five to live comfortably for a lifetime.

Even though the Mo family was relatively wealthy, five thousand taels of silver was no small amount. To put it in perspective, it would take a whole year of operating the Mo family’s fragrant rice shop to earn that much.

Having just spent two thousand taels of silver to buy barren mountains, the arrival of another five thousand taels felt almost too good to be true. Mo Yan thought she would be remiss if she didn’t indulge in some shopping in the city, given the hard work she had put in over the past six months.

Mo Yan prepared the carriage and, along with Xin’er, Li Xiu and her niece, Tang Xin, and the two siblings San Ni'er and Shi Tou, cheerfully headed into the city. They arrived at the spot where Wu Shi and her daughter were setting up their stall, planning to join them for shopping after they finished their work.

By the time they arrived, it was nearly noon, and there was a sizable crowd around the stall waiting to buy food. Wu Shi and her daughter worked swiftly and harmoniously, not appearing flustered despite their busyness.

Dai Ni’s shoulder injury had healed completely within a month, thanks to the miraculous spring water from Old Doctor Du and Mo Yan. Old Doctor Du was astonished by her rapid recovery but couldn’t find the reason, attributing it to her youth and quick healing, without suspecting Mo Yan.

Now fully recovered, Dai Ni was eager to help Wu Shi at the stall, hoping to earn more money to improve their family’s situation.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but the remaining batter is only enough for one more pancake. Would you still like it?” Wu Shi asked the old man who had requested five pancakes but found the batter nearly finished.

“Just one? Yes, yes, please make it quickly. I need to take it home for the children!” The old man, disappointed but still hopeful, hurried Wu Shi to prepare the pancake, and asked her to reserve five pancakes for him tomorrow, as his grandchildren loved them.

“Alright, I’ll definitely save some for you tomorrow!” Wu Shi agreed with a smile, her wrinkled face full of satisfaction.

Seeing this, the others who didn’t get any also asked Wu Shi to reserve some for them. Once Wu Shi agreed to all their requests, the crowd dispersed contentedly.

Mo Yan had long known that the stall’s business was thriving, so the pre-orders didn’t surprise her. However, Xin’er and the others were visiting for the first time. They were both amazed and proud of the bustling scene. As Wu Shi and her daughter began to pack up, they quickly got out of the carriage to help.

Shopping was a woman’s instinct, a truth that held in any era. Wu Shi and her daughter readily agreed to join them for shopping when they arrived.

Over the past six months, their business had kept them so busy that they never had a chance to browse leisurely. Even when they needed to buy essentials, they only did so quickly before returning to prepare for the next day’s ingredients. They had never enjoyed a proper shopping trip.

Since their large items made shopping difficult, Mo Yan and her group left the items on the ox cart and took it to the rice shop in the East Market. After a simple lunch at the shop, they were ready to enjoy their shopping.

The sun was blazing, and with it being the afternoon, the streets were not crowded. Most of the shops were empty, which suited Mo Yan and her group perfectly.

Feeling the heat, they decided to find a moderately sized fabric shop where they could help Wu Shi select suitable materials for autumn clothing.

When they entered the fabric shop, they found two young women already inside, their backs to the newcomers as they busily selected fabrics. Mo Yan glanced around and thought the shop’s fabrics were good quality, with a nice variety of patterns, and the prices seemed reasonable.

  Chapter 535: A Clear Reward (4)

Xiao Ruiyuan cast a meaningful glance at Yan Junyu and coldly responded to the initial question, “I sent two shadow guards to protect Yan’er, which is how I learned that you went to Liuyang Village today!”

After speaking, Xiao Ruiyuan ignored Yan Junyu's changing expression and left the pavilion directly. His purpose for visiting tonight had been achieved; regardless of whether Yan Junyu had any intentions toward Yan’er, he had to be prepared.

Yan Junyu's expression shifted between anger and confusion. By the time he recovered and wanted to ask more, Xiao Ruiyuan had already disappeared from view.

When Emperor Hui’an received the fruit presented by Yan Junyu, he immediately recognized the underlying intention. He had planned to support Yan Junyu and, after enjoying the fresh and delicious fruit, was even more determined to reprimand the Agricultural Bureau through his nephew.

At the morning court session the next day, the fresh fruit presented by Yan Junyu served as a direct slap to the faces of the Agricultural Bureau officials, who had nothing to say in response.

They were thoroughly convinced by Yan Junyu’s superior results.

Yan Junyu, relishing his triumph, was careful not to overstep and kept his satisfaction in check. However, Emperor Hui’an awarded him five hundred taels of gold for cultivating rare fruit as a glory for Da Chu. This was a blatant slap to the Agricultural Bureau!

The Agricultural Bureau could only swallow their embarrassment, as the one delivering the slap was the Emperor himself.

With this unexpected windfall, Yan Junyu showed no modesty and flaunted his success, especially in front of other princes and royal sons. Observing their forced smiles, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

Though he didn’t lack wealth, the honor of such an award was rare. He didn’t believe Emperor Hui’an used the excuse of national glory to mask a personal slight against the Agricultural Bureau. For the ruler of a grand nation, having to import rare fruits from a distant land was a form of disgrace.

Otherwise, the annual expenditure from the Ministry of Revenue to transport fruit seedlings from faraway lands for careful cultivation wouldn’t be necessary. It was all to restore the royal family’s prestige and impress neighboring small states with the capabilities of the empire.

Thinking of the high-yield rice that Mo Yan had mentioned would soon be harvested, Yan Junyu's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He could almost foresee the impact that the high-yield rice, with an output of a thousand jin per mu, would have on Da Chu and neighboring countries!

With Emperor Hui’an’s praise and his high-profile display of success, both the Agricultural Bureau and others were eager to learn how Yan Junyu cultivated those rare seedlings and ensured their successful fruiting.

It wasn’t a secret that Mo Yan and Yan Junyu were working together, and it wasn’t long before people discovered her identity. Learning that Mo Yan was a poor farm girl with no extraordinary background and that her relationship with Yan Junyu was merely a business one, they quickly dismissed her, attributing her success to luck rather than merit.

She was just a small figure, not worth much attention!

Unbeknownst to them, all facts about their relationship had been erased by Yan Junyu, leaving only the misleading information he deliberately left behind to confuse the public.

...

When Mo Yan received the five hundred taels of gold sent by Yan Junyu’s people, she had just finished measuring the land with officials from the government!

Yes, she had bought more land!

This time, she spent a full two thousand taels of silver to purchase all the barren mountains around suitable for planting trees. These seventeen mountains added up to two thousand mu and connected with the previously purchased vineyard.

Mo Yan planned to use these mountains entirely for fruit trees to provide the necessary raw materials for winemaking once the vineyard was established. The two existing orchards alone couldn’t meet the winery’s demand.

This was a massive project that wouldn’t be completed in a year or two. Mo Yan wasn’t expecting instant results; her current priority was to build the winery first.

After dismissing the government officials with a red envelope, Mo Yan opened the large, heavy mahogany box sent by Yan Junyu. The golden light pouring from the box almost dazzled her eyes.

“Wow, so much gold! Sis, it’s all gold!” Xin’er exclaimed, rushing forward to grab a shiny gold ingot and shouting excitedly to her sister.

Mo Yan was also stunned. Even the fifty percent profit from selling the fruit wouldn’t amount to this much! This was an entire box of gold!

At that moment, Li Xiu took out a letter from her sleeve and said, “Yan’er, this letter was given to me by Young Master Yan’s people. Please read it.”

Mo Yan quickly took the letter, opened it, and after reading it and looking at the gold, she waved her hand grandly and said, “This gold is a reward from the noble for buying the fruit. It’s now ours! Let’s go, we’re going on a shopping spree in the city!”

  Chapter 534: A Clear Reward (3)

Upon returning to the capital, Yan Junyu wasted no time selecting two baskets of fruit and sending them to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Hui’an. He intended to use these fruits to make a point at tomorrow's court session against the Agricultural Bureau.

That night, after handling his affairs, Yan Junyu was about to call for someone to help him change and rest when he heard a knocking sound at the door. Guan Yu's voice followed: “Master, Young Master Xiao has arrived and is waiting for you in the lakeside pavilion.”

Yan Junyu raised his elegantly arched eyebrows in surprise, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He picked up the jade fan from the table and went to the lakeside pavilion.

Under the cold moonlight, the calm lake surface seemed to add an extra layer of desolation.

In the octagonal pavilion, Xiao Ruiyuan, whose expression was as cold as the moonlit lake, glanced impatiently at the unmoving small gate not far away. His face darkened further at the thought of the news brought by his shadow guards earlier that evening.

When Yan Junyu arrived at the pavilion, he felt the cold aura emanating from Xiao Ruiyuan even before he got close. Yan Junyu assumed it was just another foolish person who had offended Xiao Ruiyuan, completely unaware that he himself was the “culprit.”

With a snap, Yan Junyu opened his jade fan and, directing his question at the cold-eyed Xiao Ruiyuan, asked, “Who has offended our Northern General this time?”

Xiao Ruiyuan had returned to court after his injury, and with his military achievements and compensations from Emperor Hui’an, he had been promoted three ranks, becoming the youngest General of the First Rank in Da Chu. "Northern General" was his title.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s aura was colder than ever. He didn’t answer Yan Junyu’s question but instead inquired about something unrelated: “What were you doing in Liuyang Village?”

Hearing this, Yan Junyu’s expression immediately hardened: “Did you have someone follow me?”

Xiao Ruiyuan shot him a contemptuous glance and said nothing. His eyes clearly conveyed the message: Don’t flatter yourself; there’s nothing about you worth following.

Yan Junyu, seeing this, became enraged and retorted, “Xiao Ruiyuan, are you looking for a fight? Come on, I’m not afraid of you!”

Without waiting for Xiao Ruiyuan to respond, Yan Junyu launched a strike.

Xiao Ruiyuan, already frustrated and eager to vent his anger, didn’t hesitate to meet Yan Junyu’s strike head-on, and the two engaged in combat.

Both were of similar age and martial prowess, having trained since childhood and fought countless times without ever achieving a decisive victory.

Each sparring session saw them give their all, and this time was no different. They fought from the pavilion to the lake surface and then onto the corridor across the way, battling fiercely and evenly.

Guan Yu, peering out from the pavilion, watched with excitement and admiration, showing no concern, as he was used to their sparring and knew they wouldn’t truly harm each other.

As the two fighters, now on the rooftop, became increasingly intense, Guan Yu’s view became a blur. Just as he sought a better spot to watch, he suddenly heard a crash. A figure slid down the inclined roof, and upon closer inspection, Guan Yu realized it was his master, causing him to panic.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

At that moment, Xiao Ruiyuan swiftly descended and caught Yan Junyu’s arm before he hit the ground, allowing both to land safely.

Recent continuous rain had caused moss to grow on the roof tiles, making them slippery. Yan Junyu had slipped, nearly falling off. After this incident, the two had vented enough and stopped fighting.

“Alright, what’s this really about? You didn’t come all the way here in the middle of the night just to fight, did you?” Yan Junyu, fanning himself with a curious expression, asked Xiao Ruiyuan.

 Chapter 533: A Clear Reward (2)

“Yan’er, I just remembered that I still have some clothes to wash, so I’ll be going now. If you need anything, just call for me.” Da Nier quickly found an excuse, and before Mo Yan could respond, she fled in a hurry, only to trip over the vines again. Fortunately, Mo Yan managed to support her in time, preventing her from falling to the ground.

Watching Da Nier leave in a rush, Mo Yan thought she was just embarrassed by the presence of a stranger and didn’t give it further thought.

This little incident didn’t bother either of them, and they continued discussing the details of the winery.

...

Yan Junyu’s subordinates were remarkably efficient. Before the sun set, they had transported all the fruit to the capital, except for a few baskets kept for the Mo family’s personal use.

Yan Junyu spent the afternoon playing with Xiao Hua. Before leaving, he tried to coax the aloof Mao Tuan to follow him, but Mao Tuan, disdainful, ignored him completely and showed him its backside. Mo Yan found this quite amusing and rewarded Mao Tuan with a plump roast chicken at dinner.

Unfazed, Yan Junyu then attempted to win over the aloof Da Bai. Da Bai gave him a scornful glance, walked over to the wild deer, and viciously bit off its neck, showing a bloody and brutal side.

Feeling defeated, Yan Junyu announced he would leave with Xiao Hua. However, Xiao Hua, who had been clinging to Mo Yan all afternoon, quickly wrapped itself around her leg, clearly unwilling to leave.

Seeing the awkward and frustrated Yan Junyu, Mo Yan couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably.

Yan Junyu, increasingly exasperated, gave one last resentful look at the people and animals before leaving with his entourage, departing from Liuyang Village with a grand procession.

As the last rays of sunlight faded, the Mo family’s courtyard returned to its usual tranquility.

“At the dinner table, Wu Shi glanced at Mo Yan, who had grown into a young woman, and hesitated before speaking with a hint of expectation. “Yan’er, what’s the story between you and that Young Master Yan…”

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table, except for Li Xiu who knew the details, turned their attention to Mo Yan. Da Nier’s eyes widened with a touch of unspoken anxiety.

Mo Yan could tell they were misunderstanding the situation. She sighed and explained, “Aunt Wu, my relationship with Young Master Yan is merely a business one. He came specifically for the fruits. With his status, it’s not something an ordinary person can aspire to.”

Wu Shi, not noticing her daughter’s unusual reaction, responded with reluctance, “How can you say you’re aspiring to something? Besides not having a high status, where are you lacking compared to the young ladies in the city?”

She had seen many young women in the city, but she couldn’t find anyone who compared to Mo Yan. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also kind-hearted and capable. If it weren’t for her lack of a prominent background, she would be on par with anyone. Young Master Yan was handsome and had a good family background. He seemed like a pleasant person, and they looked great together.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Mo Yan, feeling both amused and exasperated, decided it was better to clarify things now to avoid future misunderstandings. She briefly explained their relationship from the beginning to the present, emphasizing, “I have only a cooperative relationship with Young Master Yan. If anyone asks, you should say the same. Make sure no one misunderstands that our family is trying to climb the social ladder. If this gets back to Young Master Yan and he gets offended, we won’t come out well.”

After this explanation and warning, Wu Shi, though disappointed, understood the situation and did not bring it up again. The others also remained silent, eating their meal quietly. Only Da Nier seemed distracted, her food tasteless as she struggled with her thoughts.

Chapter 532: A Clear Reward (1)

Soon after, the Wu mother and daughter returned from their market trip. Knowing that there was a distinguished guest at the Mo household, Mo Yan stayed in the back courtyard under the vines to keep company and did not disturb them.

At this moment, Li Xiu had just finished boiling a pot of water and was about to deliver it to the back courtyard for Mo Yan and her guests to make tea. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and urgently needed to use the restroom. She quickly asked Da Nier to take the tea water to the back while she grabbed some paper and hurried to the outhouse.

Da Nier, naturally, did not refuse. She placed the teapot on a tray and headed toward the back courtyard. As she approached, a captivating male voice drifted out from beneath the vines, brushing gently against her ears like a feather, causing her to feel a peculiar tickling sensation.

Da Nier's cheeks inexplicably flushed with heat, and her palms began to sweat slightly. She shook her head forcefully, steadied herself, and walked toward the vines.

Upon getting closer, she was greeted by a smile she would remember for a lifetime—an enchanting, handsome smile that seemed to hold an irresistible allure, making it difficult to look away.

Thud, thud! Thud, thud!

Da Nier struggled to suppress the unfamiliar fluttering in her chest, but her heart continued to pound wildly. Distracted, she took a step forward, not noticing the vines growing underfoot. She stumbled and fell forward, sending the scalding water from the tray straight at Yan Junyu’s face.

“Watch out!” Mo Yan exclaimed, jumping up from her chair in alarm, trying to rush over to prevent the accident, but it was too late.

At this moment, Yan Junyu, who had been playing with Xiao Hua, reacted swiftly. In a remarkable display of agility, he dodged the flying teapot and, at the same time, reached out to catch Da Nier, who was about to fall.

Fortunately, his quick reflexes prevented Da Nier from hitting the stone table. Had she fallen heavily, she could have injured her forehead, possibly resulting in a scar or even disfigurement—something devastating for a young woman.

Seeing that both of them were unharmed, Mo Yan quickly rushed over to check their condition, her heart finally settling down.

Seeing Mo Yan’s anxious expression, Yan Junyu released Da Nier’s wrist with a smug look and said, “With me here, why are you still worried about accidents?”

Mo Yan silently rolled her eyes in her mind but flattered him, “Young Master Yan’s skills are exceptional. I was just startled and overly concerned.”

Hearing Mo Yan’s insincere praise, Yan Junyu shook his head with some disappointment and returned to his seat. He stroked Xiao Hua’s glossy fur, noticing that there were no water stains, which meant Xiao Hua had avoided the hot water and was unharmed. He then continued to play with Xiao Hua’s tail, which was highly sensitive.

Xiao Hua, unceremoniously, flicked its tail against Yan Junyu, and every time he retracted it and touched it again, Xiao Hua flicked it once more. The two continued to play with great enthusiasm.

“I’m so sorry, really sorry. I almost burned the distinguished guest…” Da Nier, clutching her somewhat warm wrist, repeatedly apologized to Mo Yan. Her face was flushed red, a mix of self-reproach and embarrassment.

“It was an accident. How could I blame Da Nier?” Mo Yan reassured her. “Fortunately, no one was hurt; otherwise, I would have felt terribly guilty!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Da Nier quickly shook her head, placing the blame on herself, and then cautiously apologized to Yan Junyu, her voice barely audible. “This young master, it was my clumsiness that nearly harmed you. Please don’t hold it against me, and thank you for saving me!”

Yan Junyu, still engrossed in his play with Xiao Hua, casually waved his hand and said, “It was just a small effort. I don’t blame you. There’s no need for you to be so hard on yourself!”

Clearly surprised that such a distinguished guest would speak to her, Da Nier’s cheeks turned even redder. She quickly glanced at Yan Junyu before rapidly looking down again, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might leap out of her chest.