《Adorable Goddess》


 Chapter 1：Wedding Festivities

    Red candles flickering around the surroundings, soft and delicate fragrance, and the sound of festive drumbeats in the distance¡­


    Ye Jiayao slowly opened her gritty eyes to the sight of crimson celebratory curtains. She immediately scrambled to sit up, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up, as if she was startled awake from a nightmare. She looked at the ancient surroundings and hesitantly bit into her fair wrist.


    Ouch!


    So, this was not a dream. She really has... time-traveled.


    The host was supposed to marry to Ji Nan prefectural magistrate¡¯s eldest son, Wei Liujiang. No one knew that halfway through the journey, she would get kidnapped to Hei Feng Gang and would be forced to enter the bandits'' nest to become the wife of the third-in-charge.


    She has already seen the first-in-charge and second-in-charge. The first-in-charge looked like a typical villain with his shady eyes and smile. Ye Jiayao could tell with one look that he was treacherous. The second-in-charge looked brawny, practically the reincarnation of Li Lu, so she deduced that the third-in-charge would probably be just more of the same type.


    "F*ck!" she thought angrily. Running into this kind of situation as soon she woke up was just asking for her to die again, isn''t it?


    No. She has to find a way to escape.


    She got off the bed where she was lying down, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, she heard laughter coming from outside.


    "Third brother! First brother said to get you a pretty wife, and I have kept my word! The chick in there is definitely fine and I heard that she is from a wealthy family. You would be satisfied for sure!"


    "Thank you, second brother," a slightly intoxicated yet gentle voice that does not fit in with the crowd of coarse voices, answered.


    "The first night is short and every moment is worth thousands of gold. Third-in-charge has to enjoy himself," someone said in an obscene tone.


    "Third-in-charge, you have to make sure that your wife is unable to get out of bed for at least three days and three nights!" someone uttered loudly.


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Upon hearing that, Ye Jiayao turned pale. They were all a bunch of lewd wolves! Heaven must have been blind if they haven''t been struck by lightning yet. Instead, they sent her - the girl who has been reincarnated through time with such difficulty - to this wolf pit.


    Hearing the sound of the door unlocking, Ye Jiayao immediately jumped back on the bed and played possum. However, as soon as she lied down, she realized that her idea sucked. She should''ve hidden under the bed and made them think that the bride had run off. Surely, they would go searching for her everywhere and she would get the chance to escape. Now though, it was too late for regrets. The door has already opened and closed.


    Opportunity often appears in a split second- once you miss it, it¡¯s gone.


    The footsteps were soft, almost inaudible, but she could feel that he was coming closer because she could smell the alcohol. As though she held a herd of rabbits in her chest, she pulled her bridal gown together nervously.


    Xia Chunyu stood by the bed, looking at his bride from above. His eyes were as dark as ink, resembling two bottomless pools void of emotions. Yet, his heart was not calm.


    He just came back from below the mountains when he got dragged to change into his wedding gown by the brothers from the stockade. They pulled him to the hall to drink congratulatory wine and announced that they have kidnapped a wife for him.


    Was this yet another test? Was this woman a spy planted at his side? Why would the first-in-charge and second-in-charge get him a wife when they themselves have yet to get married?


    Hei Feng Gang has assembled more than 3000 bandits to rob the government, disturb the civilians, and basically not shrink away from any crimes and become Qi Lu''s malignant tumor. The bandits relied on their strategic mountain typography. They also had men guarding the mountain pass to block at least 10,000 enemies from entering.


    The court has tried several times to bring them down but all of their attempts resulted in failure, as well as the loss of a large number of their men and horses. He was sent here on a secret mission to enter the mountains as a bandit and find a way to defeat them. He had done all he could to get the bandits to trust him. He has handed in the pledge of allegiance and has made outstanding contributions to the stockade. However, despite all these, the mistrustful first-in-charge was still wary of him, continuously trying to catch him in any incriminating act.


    As he looked down at his bride, her eyes slightly closed, her finely-arched brows, jade-like nose, and cherry lips, he has to admit that even though she was a little pale, she made a fine beauty.


    Outside the door, there was a slight disturbance that made Xia Chunyu sneer slightly. Since they wanted to watch a show, then he should cooperate in playing pretend. Luckily, this woman has the looks.


    Ye Jiayao was at a loss. Should she continue to play dead or should she fight back? She reckoned she was no match for him. She might even have to suffer several blows which really made the whole situation just a lose-lose for her.


    After a moment of rustling, the blanket was lifted, followed by a masculine body leaning in.


    Ye Jiayao was unable to keep up with the pretense anymore. She climbed away from him and pulled a hairpin from her hair, pointing it at her jugular - she''d rather die than submit to him. "Don''t come any closer or I will kill myself!"


    However, once she got a good look at the man, she fell into a daze.


    There was actually a handsome bandit?


    The man was lying on his side, the perfect picture of languid grace, his head resting on one hand, smiling. His almond-shaped eyes that were lusciously glistening under the influence of alcohol dazzled Ye Jiayao. His well-defined lips were slightly raised in a small smile, and the overall image was just beautiful - he was a beautiful man.


    Ye Jia Yao swallowed, forgetting her resolution. In her past life, she was an ardent fan of the appearance club. Her friends have to be good-looking, the actors in the movies and dramas she watched have to be good-looking, and she was even wishing to marry a good-looking man. Sadly, she died before her wish was able to come true. It didn''t occur to her that heaven would bless her with such a handsome bandit after time-traveling in the past.


    She lost a bit of her initial manner as she contemplated her situation. In the light of things, it seemed as though it wasn''t that unacceptable to give herself to this handsome man if she really was unable to escape.


    Peipeipei! Ye Jiayao are you out of your mind? No matter how good-looking he is, he is still a bandit! Ye Jiayao despised herself for getting caught up on his good looks and unconsciously tightened her grip on the hairpin. She resumed her previous stance and stared at him with wide-eyes.


    Xia Chunyu observed the changes in her emotions that were clearly shown in her eyes. It went back and forth between determination and contemplation. To him, it seemed like that there was an element of acting going on. If she was indeed from an honorable family, she would''ve treated her innocence as her life and wouldn''t have wavered. She might be just some inexperienced chick from some unknown brothel.


    With his eyebrows raised, the man smiled maliciously. "A strong character, I like."


    "Let me go or else my father will call the constables to catch all of you." Ye Jiayao bluffed, pointing the hairpin closer to her neck until it touched her skin.


    The man sneered, "Call the constables? What kind of place do you think Hei Feng Gang is? Don''t mention the authorities ever, not even if it is the army themselves. Once the Dragon-breaking Stone is released, tens and thousands of men and horses won''t be able to attack us. I suggest you save your energy and just obey me - while I''m still interested in you. If you annoy me, I will send you to the brothers in the stockade. I''m sure they will be more than happy to take you off my hands."


    Although he said it frivolously, the threat was mighty. Ye Jiayao was afraid of his last statement. She has entered the wolf¡¯s nest and was unable to escape. If she was really thrown to those beasts, she might not even have her bones left after it was all said and done.


    She was not like the host with such a strong character; banging the wall or hanging herself to preserve her honor. She was a modern woman, keeping her life was the most important thing to her. She has to consider how to mitigate the effects of her situation.


    Therefore, she put her hairpin down and stammered, "It''s not like I can''t adapt to the situation, but I am still a daughter of a decent family. If you want me to submit to you, I won''t be able to get over myself very easily. Besides, after a day of shock and fear, plus knocking into a pillar, my body is not in a good condition, my head is still actually spinning. I''m afraid I won''t able to serve you if you don''t allow me to take a little time to rest."


    As long as she could avoid tonight, her father would be able to come up with a plan to save her.


    Xia Chunyu was a little surprised that she would say something like that. Was it a delaying tactic or to make him loosen the reins a bit?


    "You knocked into a pillar? Where are you hurt? Let me take a look."


    Ye Jia Yao hesitated for a moment but spurred into action when she saw him raise his eyebrows with annoyance. She moved over slightly, pointing to the left side of her head, "Yeah, here, there¡¯s a huge bump."


    She lowered her head, her jet-black hair tumbled down silkily, carrying a faint fragrance as it swept past the back of his hands. It was like being drawn on by the tip of a feather; like a dragonfly skipping the surface of the pond. Xia Chunyu raised the ends of his lips mockingly at himself, how long has it been since he last touched a woman? It has been almost half a year since he has arrived at Hei Feng Gang.


    He stretched his hand out and felt that there was indeed a bump. She was not lying.


    "Ouch!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed, exaggeratedly inhaling a mouthful of cold air to appear even more sickly.


    He grasped her shoulder and lightly guided her into his embrace, snatching the hairpin away from her hand at the same time. The hairpin fell with a ting to some unknown corner, broken. He turned to lie on top of her, a hand propped beside her head to confine her underneath him. With the back of his hand, he caressed her delicate cheek, eyes full of concentration and devotion as though he was looking at a precious treasure.


    His voice low and slightly hoarse, with a hint of temptation, he said, "You don''t have to wait on me. For tonight, I''ll wait on you."


    Ye Jiayao quivered, feeling her scalp go numb. This man was a superb actor. He certainly knew how to entice a woman. If he had lived in the modern day, he would definitely become the sensation of South Asia, all those long-legged oppas would have to make way. It was a pity he was born at this time and he only ended up as a handsome bandit.


    "How¡­ how can I ¡­ you are the 3rd-in-charge," Ye Jiayao stuttered.


    "I am willing to serve you tonight," he said, lowering his head.


    Ye Jiayao saw his handsome face approaching closer, his breath filled with the fragrance of fine wine. His clothes smelled of hibiscus, and together with the intoxicating scent of alcohol, it created a special flavor, stimulating her senses to sharpen.


    Right before their lips were about to meet, an icy cold hand appeared between them.


    "Wait, can you¡­ rinse your mouth? I¡­ I can¡¯t stand the smell of alcohol¡­ I¡¯ll vomit," Ye Jiayao said quick-wittedly, knowing that no one would wish for the other party to vomit during an intimate moment.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s pupils darkened with a tinge of awkwardness and anger. How dare she resent the smell of alcohol on him? There has never been a single woman who despised him.


    He eased up from her and left the bed. He walked to the roundtable and busied himself with the teapot.


    Ye Jiayao was in disbelief. How was he being so obedient?


    The next moment, she changed her mind.


    Xia Chunyu lifted the teapot and put it down again. He turned around and brought the wine pot over, drinking it in front of Ye Jiayao. Ye Jiayao suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. What a narrow-minded man, a waste of such elegance and presence.


    In the next beat, she knew that she has thought wrong. Again.


    The man¡¯s kiss caught her off guard as he forced her mouth apart overbearingly, passing the strong liquid from his mouth into hers.


    "Mmmm¡­"

 Chapter 2：Grumble

    The spicy liquid flowed down her throat, burning its way down her stomach. Since all she had for the whole day was shock and fear, her empty stomach began to itch and spasm. She struggled in pain but Xia Chunyu had no intention of letting her go, continuing his ministrations. Not long after, she began to feel dizzy and weak.


    "Stop¡­ stop it!" Ye Jiayao cried. Why did she have to run into such petty man?


    The dense scent of alcohol around her lips disoriented her, making her timid gaze blurry. Xia Chunyu¡¯s throat constricted as he looked at her pink-tinged fair cheeks and her luscious moist lips that was like a siren call to his libido. All the blood in his body seemed to rush below his waist with her coquettish expression. He was so aroused that it was almost painful.


    He recklessly threw the wine pot away as his hand reached for her dress, which gave away with little force. The exquisite button split open, revealing her fair and delicate neckline, her deep d¨¦colletage and that faintly discernible cleavage ¨C none of which did anything to calm his lust down.


    The corner of his mouth rose up with a wanton smile. First-in-charge was certainly not mistreating him if he had found such a beauty for him.


    Despite being sober enough to know what kind of situation she was in, Ye Jiayao realized that the mental preparation she has done was useless. Being prepared for something and being able to actually go through it were entirely different matters. This was the first time in both her lives that she was treated like this, by a complete stranger no less.


    Her delicate and inexperienced body was unable to handle his impudence. The two little bumps on her chest were still developing and they shouldn¡¯t be touched. Yet, at this particular moment, he was holding them in his hands- massaging, sucking and licking. The pain coupled with numbness felt like a rush of electric current attacking her, pushing her to her limits.


    "It hurts. Please ¡­ don¡¯t!" she whimpered, unable to stand it. Acting according to her natural instincts, she grabbed his hair, not allowing him to continue his evil ways to her chest.


    "Let go," he growled, his voice husky and low, and his eyes dark with anger.


    Seeing his fury, Ye Jiayao released her hold immediately. "You were hurting me."


    She has resigned to the fact that she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape this calamity but she couldn¡¯t help but wish that he wouldn¡¯t be so rough. She would quite like coming out of this alive, with all her body parts intact and working.


    Seeing her trembling in fear, Xia Chunyu calmed down a little. "So frail, how are you going to handle it later?"


    He wasn¡¯t one to be blas¨¦ with female well-being but her origins were dubious to him. If she really was kidnapped from under the mountains, why would first-in-charge not enjoy such a delicate beauty for himself? Why did he leave her for him?


    He was infamous in the mountains for being callous, decisive and a cold-blooded killer ¨C being protective towards females would contradict his brutal image amongst the bandits. Besides, there were people outside waiting for the show he was expected to put on and he couldn¡¯t fail now.


    Decidedly, he ripped away whatever was remaining of her bridal gown while she remained rooted to the spot from shock. He spread her legs open and set about conquering her with his hot rod.


    Ye Jiayao closed her eyes in pain and resignation. She couldn¡¯t escape him so she would just grit her teeth and get this over and done with.


    Xia Chunyu grew annoyed upon seeing her look like she was about to face the death squad. Was it really so difficult to have sex with him? There were so many women out there who were dying to crawl into his bed! Granted, he really could not care less about them, but still!


    No amount of mental preparation could get Ye Jiayao¡¯s body ready for his intrusion. As he buried himself inside her, she couldn¡¯t help but moan from the ripping pain she was experiencing. Uncontrollable tears seeped out from the corner of her eyes, falling to the silk sheets beneath her.


    Filthy man! One day, she would disable his tool of evil, she thought ruthlessly as she cursed him inside her head, using all the malicious words she could think of.


    However, it was really too painful that despite her anger and determination not to show weakness, she still ended up weeping in agony. Her insides were resisting ferociously as if it was trying to squeeze him out. Also, because she was severely unprepared, the dryness was causing every movement to hurt.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to show off his masculinity and make her scream for pleasure but he only ended up stuck in the middle, unable to withdraw. Left with no choice, he lowered himself, holding her tightly and kissing her gently to suppress her whimpering. His warm palms caressed her all over, comforting her from pain and uneasiness.


    "Relax, or it will only hurt more," he whispered affectionately against her lips.


    This disgusting pig was empathizing after what he had done? F*cking hypocrite!


    He continued to pet and caress her, and even though she hated to admit it, her body slowly wilted under his experienced and skilfull teasing. She began to feel a strange thirst that scared the wits out of her. Her abdomen felt like it was on fire, the flames rapidly expanding all over her body, the heat leaving her in a daze.


    "Open your eyes, look at me¡­" he cajoled.


    His deep voice was so magnetic that she felt her heart skip a beat. She opened her blurry eyes and locked gaze with a pair of dark eyes so deep, it was pulling her in. He looked at her with eyes blazing with passion, provoking her senses.


    He really was exceptionally good looking. If they were not in their current situation, she would really be bewitched by him. If they could¡¯ve dated normally and progressed slowly, even if he was a bandit, there was a big chance that she would¡¯ve fallen for him. Unfortunately, there were no ifs ¨C only now.


    She was inexperienced, sensitive, and was a virgin, yet her reactions perplexed Xia Chunyu. She looked scared but she was acting composed as if she has accepted her reality. A woman from an honorable family would¡¯ve put up one hell of a fuss for being treated like this.


    Where exactly was she from?


    He felt her insides slowly give way to him and he lost his train of thought. That¡¯s a problem for another time.


    He started to move slowly and carefully, but it wasn¡¯t long before he was unable to control himself. His thrusts became harder as his pace quickened. He was hitting her most sensitive spot every time he plunged in deep. Ye Jiayao felt overwhelmed, her senses bombarded, though this time, it was not from pain. She felt as though she was a fallen leaf floating in the wind; like a little boat swaying with the waves, rising and falling involuntarily.


    She wanted to shrink back and move away from him, but she was unable to, as his arms were around her waist, locking her in place. What she had managed to do though, was provoke a series of even more violent thrusts.


    She bit her lip, not willing to let the embarrassing moans escape. She did not want to admit that under such circumstances, she was actually feeling an indescribable pleasure. It was all just too embarrassing because she was acting as if she was a promiscuous woman.


    "Don¡¯t hold it in. I want to hear you moan for me." He lowered himself again as he drove inside her, kissing her eyebrows tenderly.


    Definitely not! She would not let him mock her for her shamelessness. She would not let him enjoy the sense of accomplishment from conquering her. Ye Jiayao turned her face away to avoid his kisses.


    Seeing her stubborn face, the corner of his mouth rose and his hand reached down to press down on her sensitive button.


    "Ah¡­ No¡­" Ye Jiayao felt as though she had been shocked, her defenses crumbling. She had no idea that her body had such a lethal weakness.


    "Please, don¡¯t do this, please¡­" Her cries were like purrs as she reached out to stop him, yet, her efforts were futile.


    He pressed harder and she knew he just deliberately wanted to make a joke out of her.


    "Are you going to be obedient?"


    "Yes, yes¡­"


    "Do you like it like this?"


    "No, yes¡­ Yes¡­"


    "Louder, I can¡¯t hear you."


    "Yes! I¡­ like it!" Ye Jiayao wished she could strangle him.


    He hid a pleased smile. She really was a sensitive woman, a few caresses of her weakness and she became putty in his hands.


    Outside the door, the gang of bandits listened to the bride¡¯s soft, submissive moans, flushed and heartbeats pounding.


    "Third-in-charge is awesome! To think that he can turn a woman ardently fighting for her honor into a submissive, frail girl so easily." someone sighed softly.


    The people nodded in agreement, subconsciously revealing a sense of admiration through their eyes.


    "Shhh, stop talking!" Second-in-charge turned his head around, glaring at those talkative fellows.


    "Are you done? I can¡¯t take it anymore," Ye Jiayao pleaded.


    She really could not stand the burning sensation from below anymore. How was he able to last so long? Couldn¡¯t he just be done with it?


    Done? It was still early, but seeing that it was her first time, he realized that this might really be too much for her. Sympathizing with her, he finished quickly, ejecting his warm liquid on her fair and flat abdomen.


    "Looks like you still have energy, maybe you could satisfy me more," he said threateningly.


    Ye Jiayao stilled and did not dare to move anymore. She lied in his embrace obediently, listening to his strong and stable heartbeat. The events that she has gone through felt like a nightmare. She has been rebirthed, time-traveled, and was transformed from a lady to a woman not even two hours after.


    Not only that, it was a man she did not even know. Oh, this man was also a bandit. Great.


    The timing of this time-travel could not be any more f*cking accurate! She was supposed to be in the Ji Nan prefecture in 2 days and married to her childhood sweetheart Wei Liujiang. Thinking of the cultured and refined Wei Liujiang, Ye Jiayao sincerely felt that she had been done wrong. She was supposed to become a young mistress of a household, living life peacefully, yet she was now reduced to being a bandit¡¯s plaything. This was too f*cking miserable!


    "What are you thinking?" the husky sound of a languid man who has eaten to his fill asked.


    Outside, the gang who were listening through the walls have finally left.


    He had thought that she has fallen asleep but she felt her long lashes fluttering against his skin so he could not help but ask.


    "Nothing much. I¡¯m just tired and my neck is sore from lying like this. Can I turn over to sleep?" Ye Jiayao asked cowardly, a little afraid of him now. Afraid that if she annoyed him accidentally, he would torture her again.


    He withdrew his arm and propped it to support his head as he gazed at her serenely, his heart full of curiosity.


    Why isn¡¯t she crying?


    It was not that Ye Jiayao didn''t want to cry. She just doesn''t want to show weakness in front of her tormentor. Plus, she didn''t know if she has enough strength left to cry. She hasn''t had anything to eat in the whole day, and she was so hungry. She felt as though her chest had shrunk in, sticking to her back and knotting all her intestines up.


    Her stomach grumbled cooperatively at the thought of food.


    In the silent room, with only the occasional sound of the candle flickering, the rumbling sound seemed to amplify.


    Ye Jiayao held on to her stomach instinctively, her face flushed. If she thought about it, she had just been through the most distressing situation, the mere grumbling of her stomach was nothing to be feared. Nevertheless, she could not resist voicing her complaint. "I¡¯m hungry."


    Xia Chunyu glanced at the table and replied, "There¡¯s no food here. You can eat tomorrow."


    Ye Jiayao rubbed her stomach depressingly. "If it is going to continue growling, won¡¯t it affect your sleep?"


    "What are you trying to say?" Xia Chunyu frowned.


    "Why don¡¯t I sleep there?"Ye Jiayao suggested, pointing at the Rohan couch.


    He wrapped the blanket around himself tighter and turned his back to her. "Sleep," he said fiercely.


    Was that an approval or not? Ye Jiayao bared her teeth at his back, cursing him silently.


    Smarting from the reprimand, still starving, and still forced to sleep in the same bed with him, Ye Jiayao felt as though she ran out of luck. It felt like the situation she was in was more melodramatic than any of the melodramas she watched.


    Everyone in her family, stemming from her great-grandfather, was a renowned chef in the culinary industry. Therefore, in her home, the thing that was the least lacking was the food. She had never known what it was like to be hungry even when she was still little. Going through what she was experiencing now, Ye Jiayao quickly realized that it was an awful feeling. The night was so long and she didn''t know if she could bear her hunger through it.


    Grumble¡­ grumble¡­


    Initially, Ye Jiayao wanted to wrap the blanket around her tighter to cover the awkward sound. She quickly realized how useless that would be, so instead, she just lied on the bed, resigning to her fate.


    Grumble¡­


    It now has a rhythm. Fantastic.


    Grumble grumble¡­


    The two sounds rose and fell in harmonious succession.


    Mmm? That¡¯s not right. Ye Jiayao stayed silent and listened carefully for a while. She almost burst out laughing when she realized that the handsome bandit''s stomach was also grumbling. So, he was hungry after all!


    Ye Jiayao felt vindicated, knowing that he was starving as well. They were getting hungry together. It was only fair.


    Xia Chunyu lifted the blanket and sat up, annoyed to discover that his new wife was actually secretly laughing at him. She actually dared to mock him! If not for her stomach grumbling at his side, his stomach would''ve been just fine. Although to be honest, he was pretty hungry too. All he did the whole night was drink alcohol and his stomach was complaining.


    Ye Jiayao did not expect him to turn around suddenly, so he caught her with a smile frozen on her face. The corner of her mouth twitched as she awkwardly suggested, "How about I go look for something to eat?"


    Xia Chunyu snorted, bending down to gather his clothes. Ye Jiayao hurriedly put on her dress and stood up before he could even get his shirt on. "Just tell me where the kitchen is and I can manage. If there¡¯s no food, I can just make some."


    He turned to look at her, eyebrows raised in question. Wasnt'' she from a wealthy family? Did she really know how to cook?


    Ye Jiayao looked at third-in-charge with as much sincerity as she could muster, and said, "Leave small matters like that to me, third-in-charge. Just wait here for a while and I''ll bring you something to eat."


    Xia Chunyu was silent as he thought the situation through. If she really was kidnapped, she would be thinking of ways to escape from here. However, she was neither crying nor kicking up a fuss, it doesn''t really look like escape was in her plans. She was even taking the initiative to make him food. He could not help but wonder if she was merely trying to curry his favor with that level of eager attentiveness.


    Ye Jiayao took his silence as a consent and quickly finished dressing before dashing out of the house. She was afraid that if she stayed too long, he was going to change his mind. He might be able to resist his hunger, but Ye Jiayao couldn''t.


    Xia Chunyu stared after her running figure. Didn''t she just say she didn''t know where the kitchen was? Xia Chunyu hesitated for a while before deciding to just lie back down. She wouldn''t be able to escape, anyway. He''d just wait and see if she could really cook.


    The two bandits guarding the door of the courtyard were confused upon seeing Ye Jiayao come out of the house. They''ve just heard the intense war that went on between the newlywed couple and were wondering how their new sister-in-law had the strength to even get off the bed.


    "Big brothers, could you tell me where the kitchen is?" Ye Jiayao asked timidly. "Third-in-charge is hungry and wants me to make some food."


    The two guards looked at Ye Jiayao, both their eyes reflecting a sense of sympathy. The new sister-in-law really has it hard. After she had satisfied the bottom, she now has to still satisfy the top.


    The one called Song Qi said, "Go back, new sister-in-law. I will get some pork shoulder for third-in-charge."


    Hearing the term "new sister-in-law" caused Ye Jiayao to shudder. New sister-in-law my foot! She was never going to acknowledge being married to a bandit.


    "Having greasy stuff in the middle of the night will cause indigestion. Why don''t you just come along with me?" Ye Jiayao said generously, knowing that the bandits were not assured enough to just let her out.


    Song Qi and Peng Wu exchanged looks. Since it was food for third-in-charge, and the new sister-in-law was okay with one of them tagging along, they deemed it was okay to let her go.


    "I¡¯ll go with new sister-in-law," Song Qi volunteered.


    Ye Jiayao smiled gratefully, saying abashedly, "Then I¡¯ll trouble you, big brother."


    Song Qi quickly replied,"New sister-in-law, call me Song Qi. I wouldn¡¯t dare to accept the honor of being called big brother." If he dared to go along with it, and third-in-charge should know about it, he would skin him alive.


    With her empty stomach grumbling and aching, Ye Jiayao inevitably stooped as she walked towards the kitchen. It was a good thing that the kitchen was only 50 meters away from the courtyard.


    However, in Peng Wu¡¯s eyes, their new big sister was waking weirdly because of the hair-raising wrestling she had with third-in-charge. Her husband was not known for being sympathetic to women, and such delicate beauty would''ve needed a lot less intensity from her lover. Then again, the third-in-charge was not an easy person to please. In the stockade, all the brothers were afraid of first-in-charge, but even more so of third-in-charge because he was definitely ruthless.


    Song Qi walked into the kitchen and bellowed, "Auntie Jiang! Is there any more food?"


    The one called Auntie Jiang was a forty odd-year-old woman, thick in the waist and arms, and very fitting of the image of a kitchen lady. Currently, she was holding a fried pork shoulder, gnawing at it merrily, her mouth smeared with oil. Seeing that it was only Song Qi who came in, she did not bother trying to hide her food.


    "Look at what time it is! What food do you think was left?" Auntie Jang said rudely.


    "I think it is all eaten by you," Song Qi grumbled.


    "Pei! You people eat lavishly, satisfied with the wine and rice I served you. Meanwhile, here I am starving," Auntie Jang complained.


    "Third-in-charge is hungry, go see if there is anything to eat." Song Qi opened a pot, but there was only hot water inside.


    Auntie Jang immediately lost her hostility upon hearing that it was for third brother. "There are no more leftover dishes but there is still some leftover rice in the cupboard."


    Ye Jiayao looked around the kitchen and saw that there was a piece of beef hanging by a pole. There were also a few tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots in the basket on the floor. "Are there any eggs?"


    "Yes, yes, I just got some from the chicken coop this evening," Auntie Jang laughingly replied. She took stock of Ye Jiayao''s red bridal dress and immediately knew that she was third-in-charge''s wife that the second brother got from below the mountains.


    "Is the fire at the stove out?"


    "Not yet, the water is still boiling."


    Ye Jiayao replied, "Then I¡¯ll have to trouble Auntie Jiang to help me raise a fire. Oh, and also, bring a few eggs over."


    Ye Jiayao began rolling her sleeves up, preparing to get down to work.


    "New sister-in-law, let Auntie Jiang handle it," Song Qi protested.


    "It¡¯s no big deal, I¡¯ll do it myself." Ye Jiayao picked two tomatoes, one cucumber, and one carrot from the basket, scooping up a ladle of water to wash the ingredients.


    Cooking was her biggest hobby, which was a good thing because she really had no other skills.


    Song Qi and Auntie Jiang watched with their mouths wide open as Ye Jiayao waved the knife expertly. She skillfully diced the tenderloin, in equal pieces, without even breaking a beat.


    Ye Jiayao did not need to ask Auntie Jiang which condiment is which. She simply opened lids, smell the contents, and started seasoning. She really knew her way around the kitchen and it showed.


    First, she marinated the beef with soy sauce, cooking wine, a dash of salt and sugar, as well as two pieces of ginger. Ye Jiayao then began to chop both the cucumber and carrot into equal cubes.


    "Madam, do you want shiitake mushrooms?" Auntie Jang offered.


    Ye Jiayao brightened up, "Yes, yes! It''d make the dish taste better." Shiitake mushrooms could enhance tastes, a natural equivalent to MSG.


    After the preparation work, Ye Jiayao added a little oil in the wok, waited for the oil to heat up before she threw in the marinated beef. She stir-fried it for a hot minute before transferring it to a plate. Beef was originally tender and delicious, but cooking it for too long would cause the meat to become tough and chewy. By stir-frying it quickly in hot oil, the tenderness of the meat could be retained.


    Next, she beat the eggs, fried them, and broken it up into small pieces before taking it out of the wok. She then stir-fried the shiitake mushrooms, carrot, and cucumber. She fried them until they were just about cooked before taking it out. Ye Jiayao then poured two bowls of leftover rice in, kneading until the rice grains separated, and added all the ingredients back into the wok to mix.


    It wasn''t long before the kitchen was filled with a delicious aroma. Song Qi looked at the colorful egg fried rice and his mouth watered. The smell was so enticing it was making him hungry.


    Ye Jia Yao was filled with joy upon finishing her favorite beef egg fried rice. Everyone raved who has tasted it, raved about it. That detestable third-in-charge was lucky he gets to eat this.


    After completing the rice, Ye Jiayao began to make a simple tomato egg soup. This was a basic dish, but as her father said, the simplest dishes were the ones that train chefs. The tomatoes had to be cooked until the juice came out, yet, it could not be too mushy. If it was too mushy, the dish would not look good. However, if it was not cooked until the right time, there would be no juice, and the dish would be tasteless.


    "Third madam, your cooking skills are far superior to Old Head Yu," Auntie Jiang praised. This big kitchen was helmed by Old Head Yu, and Auntie Jiang and some other Aunties were only helpers. Old Head Yu loved to mix stew, and just kept on throwing in a variety of stuff, like pig feed. He was no match for the beautiful, young madam.


    Ye Jiayao smiled humbly. "I wouldn''t say refer to it as skills. It¡¯s just a hobby."


    For her, cooking was not working but purely a hobby. She, as well as her whole family, where picky when it comes to food. They were all well-versed in the art of cooking, so naturally, their standards were high.


    After scooping two big bowls of egg fried rice, and an additional bowl of tomato egg soup, there was still some food that remained in the wok.


    "Song Qi, you must be hungry. If you''d like, you can have these," Ye Jiayao graciously offered, seeing as Song Qi''s eyes haven''t left the wok.


    Song Qi chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "That would be perfect sister-in-law. I wasn¡¯t really hungry but after seeing you make such good food, I am now."


    Auntie Jiang smiled, envious as she eyed Song Qi as he took a bowl to scoop out the remaining egg fried rice. She pondered if it would be too embarrassing to exchange the half-eaten pork shoulder with that egg fried rice.

 Chapter 3：Climb All Over My Head

    Just when Xia Chunyu was about to lose his patience, Ye Jiayao hobbled in, carrying plates of steaming food.


    "What took you so long?" Xia Chunyu demanded.


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This arrogant man! She should''ve just given him two cucumbers to gnaw on since he wanted a quick meal so much.


    "The kitchen has run out of food and I made this at the last minute," Ye Jiayao replied.


    The enticing scent that drifted over made Xia Chunyu walk over to take a look. It was a bowl of egg fried rice that looked very pleasing to the eye. Each grain of rice was coated yellow, shiny with oil yet not greasy, the rice was mixed with meat, carrots, and cucumbers, plus fine bits of eggs and shiitake mushroom. All the vibrant colors made the dish looked very appetizing. It made his mouth water but he could not let her know that, so instead, he said, "What is this mess? Can this be eaten?"


    Ye Jiayao cursed inwardly. You ungrateful git! I make you something to eat and here you are, criticizing it! If you don''t like it then don¡¯t eat it!


    She plastered on a fake smile and said, "There are no other ingredients in the kitchen. I can only make this, so I''m afraid you will have to make do with this, 3rd-in-charge. At least, it is better than an empty stomach."


    He was already digging in before she could even finish her sentence.


    Ugh, this doesn''t taste bad. The meat was tender and creamy, the carrot and cucumber were fresh and crisp, and the saltiness was just right. It was actually comparable to the royal kitchen¡¯s eight treasure rice. Maybe it tasted delicious because he really was starving? After all, how could it possibly compare to the royal kitchen?


    Regardless, it wasn''t bad. In fact, he would consider it as the most exquisite food he has eaten since he came up the mountain. The past half a year has been hard on his stomach.


    Ye Jiayao sneaked a peek at his expression as he ate. He was still frowning! Is it that disgusting?


    "How is it? Is it okay?" Ye Jiayao asked softly.


    "So-so," Xia Chunyu replied indifferently.


    Ye Jiayao sneered in her head. A bandit who was a picky eater, go figure.


    "What¡¯s your name?" Xia Chunyu took a mouthful of soup. It was light, a little sweet and sour and a perfect complement to the egg fried rice.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s face darkened with anger. Was he now only bothering to ask for her name after molesting her? Was there anything more preposterous than this?


    "Ye¡­ Jinxuan, my nickname is Yao Yao," Ye Jiayao stumbled, almost saying the wrong name.


    Xia Chunyu glanced at her and commented, "That bridal gown is quite exquisite. They really take this seriously."


    What did he mean? "I embroidered this myself."


    "You embroidered it yourself?" Xia Chunyu was shocked. "I heard you are found by second-in-charge. Where exactly are you from?"


    "Found? I was kidnapped! I was on my way to Ji Nan prefecture to get married! I don¡¯t even know what the situation at home is since the bride got kidnapped. I guess it is a mess right now," Ye Jiayao resented.


    Xia Chunyu just stared at her blankly. Was she really kidnapped? This was not an elaborate ploy of the first-in-charge?


    Ye Jiayao wondered why he looked so shocked. Could it be that he doesn¡¯t know? Hope flared in her chest as she stammered, "Third-in-charge, do some good and let me go! I am not the daughter of an ordinary family. My father is the Yang Zhou prefecture government, sub-prefect Ye Bingrong. I was initially supposed to marry the Wei family¡¯s eldest son in Ji Nan prefecture. If they knew that I got kidnapped, they would find their way here, and it would not be good for the stockade. Let me go and I would eternally be grateful. I would even set up a longevity memorial tablet for you."


    Longevity memorial tablet my foot, he was not dead yet! Xia Chunyu laughed coldly. "Why? Do you still want to marry the Mr. Wei?"


    To think that she actually was not just some small fry! Yang Zhou prefecture government sub-prefect¡¯s daughter and Ji Nan prefectural magistrate¡¯s daughter-in-law; first brother was indeed generous. Though compared to the list of crimes Hei Feng Gang has committed, kidnapping the daughter-in-law of a prefectural magistrate was no big deal.


    If what she said was true, then he would not be able to just leave her after completing his work. If she was still obedient, he could consider taking her in as a concubine after he leaves. Her status as his wife would be insufficient.


    However, this was only her side of the story; the truth still has to be investigated.


    "No, no, I am a fallen flower! How can I marry Mr. Wei? I only wish to go back to Yang Zhou and stay single for the rest of my life," Ye Jiayao pleaded her case.


    The ancient people hold honor with the highest regard. Who would want a woman who has lost her virginity? Surely, she was aware of this?


    Xia Chunyu mocked, "Do you think that if you go back to Yang Zhou your family will still tolerate you? You''d be lucky if your father does not strangle you to death just to protect the family reputation."


    Ye Jiayao felt numb. That was not possible. Even though her birth mother has passed away a long time ago, and her stepmother does not like her, she was still her father¡¯s daughter. A tiger never devours its cubs!


    "Don¡¯t look so shocked. I did not say that to scare you." Xia Chunyu raised his eyebrows, cleaning the bowl of its last grain of rice.


    "Then¡­ then I will not go home! I can survive on my own without the Ye family." Ye Jiayao shuddered, heartbroken because she knew that he was telling the truth.


    Her statement caused him to sneer. "You? Survive on your own? How? Sell yourself as a prostitute or a slave? If you want to sell yourself as a slave, just sell yourself over here. A kind customer like me is not easy to find."


    Ye Jiayao flushed red with fury. She really wished that she could just pour the soup over his head and spit rice on his face. How could there be such an evil person? What does he take her for? He was a bandit and what¡¯s more than that, he was a bandit leader. How could you talk sense to a bandit?


    "I am still not full. You can¡¯t finish yours?" Xia Chunyu snatched her bowl of rice without waiting for an answer.


    "Who says I can¡¯t finish? Didn¡¯t you say this is not good? Why are you eating so much? Careful, we don''t want you to stuff yourself to death." Ye Jiayao pounced over, snatching her bowl back.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her, surprised. He didn¡¯t think that she would really snatch it from him. She looked like a hungry wolf pouncing for food.


    Yang Zhou prefecture government sub-prefect¡¯s daughter, a daughter from a wealthy family, and yet so unrefined. Xia Chunyu found this unfathomable. She really was making him doubt her wealthy claims.


    Xia Chunyu glared at her, frowning.


    Seeing his scowl, Ye Jiayao remembered that she was still in the wolf¡¯s den and her life was literally in his hand. Immediately, the fire burning within her extinguished.


    "I ate the top part, why don¡¯t I share half of the bottom part with you?" she compromised weakly.


    She was so busy talking that she barely took a few bites. She has always taken her time to chew slowly because delicacies need to be savored, even if it was just plain rice. Chewing slowly makes the food taste sweeter.


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "That will not be necessary. Get me another bowl."


    "I¡¯m afraid the leftover is all in Song Qi¡¯s stomach," she replied.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s face darkened. Why did she not bring all of it over? Did she forget that he was a man? Did she think that he has a cat¡¯s stomach like her? A bowl and he will be satisfied?


    Ye Jiayao looked at his dark expression and silently pushed her bowl over.


    Xia Chunyu took it grumpily and scooped half of it into his bowl, leaving the other half for her.


    Ye Jiayao secretly rejoiced upon seeing that he was not ruthless enough to leave her with nothing.


    This time, Ye Jiayao did not dare to take the time to savor her food in case he finished and snatch her food away from her again.


    Soon, both of their bowls were empty, but Xia Chunyu was still unsatisfied while Ye Jiayao was only half-full.


    After taking off his clothes and going back to bed, Xia Chunyu said, "Just be content up here in the mountains. Don¡¯t think of unrealistic things, and as long as you are obedient, I will not mistreat you."


    Ye Jiayao didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. What did he mean by "will not mistreat"? Didn¡¯t she almost got mauled by him today? Was that the good treatment then?


    Xia Chunyu leaned up on the bed and raised a leg, looking at her expectantly.


    Did that mean that she has to help him take off his boots? Ye Jiayao complained inwardly. Though she was not born wealthy in her past life, she was still the treasure of her parents. Her host was a respectable lady and was waited upon since her young age. Waiting on people like this was a first for her in both her lives.


    However, Ye Jiayao knew that whether it was a first for her or not, she has to do it. She was stuck in the proverbial wolf''s den and living under someone''s shelter. She has to lower her head and suck it up.


    She shifted over unwillingly to help him take off his boots.


    Why was this boot so tight? Ye Jia Yao was unable to get it off despite trying a couple of times. Then she realized it was this stinking man who was flexing his foot and making it difficult for her on purpose!


    Xia Chunyu rested his head in his hands and watched her idly as she tried with all her might to take the boot off.


    If she had a knife in her hand right now she would''ve cut his stinking foot off, Ye Jiayao thought furiously.


    She gritted and ground her teeth as she exerted all her force to tug, at the same time that Xia Chunyu relaxed his foot, causing her to fall back. She landed on her bottom, hugging his boot.


    Xia Chunyu laughed loudly, suddenly finding that it was fun to have someone to tease.


    Ye Jiayao was boiling mad and before she thought better of it, she hurled the boot towards his face.


    Xia Chunyu did not think that she would throw the boot at him and he was laughing so merrily that he did not notice until it was too late. The boot flew towards his face and landed right smack on his open mouth.


    In a split second, the house became eerily quiet, as though the air stopped moving. Ye Jiayao stared angrily at him while Xia Chunyu seemed to go blank from the impact. After a few seconds, indignation filled his eyes, his expression turning severe.


    After a few seconds of eye contact, Ye Jiayao shrunk. She crawled up obediently and took the other boot off.


    Xia Chunyu did not move, allowing her to take the boot off. After the boot was removed, he straightened up and scooped her into his arms. He flung her over onto the bed and pinned her down under him, saying fiercely, "Nobody dares to throw a boot at me."


    Seeing how he looked like he was about to eat her alive, Ye Jiayao cried fearfully, "I am wrong! I am wrong, I apologize, okay? I have never done this before at home. I am always the one who is waited upon. I am unable to adapt to such a sudden change in status. Sir, please have mercy and forgive me this once."


    "Forgive you? If you dared to throw a boot at my face, then you should be aware of the consequences. You think you can climb all over me just because I am polite to you? If I don¡¯t punish you for your mistakes, you will not learn." Xia Chunyu remained immovable with fury. If this got out, that Jing An Hou¡¯s heir got a boot thrown at his face by a woman, his reputation would be tarnished.


    "I have learned it already! I will definitely not do it again, ahhhh¡­ have mercy¡­"


    "There''s no use begging for mercy¡­"


    Outside, Song Qi, who was leaning against the railing after a satisfying meal, heard the new big sister¡¯s cries, and thought sympathetically, "So, third-in-law is really a beast¡­"

 Chapter 4：Die Of Anger

    Ye Jiayao could not remember whether she fainted or simply fell asleep from over-exhaustion last night. She was already in a deep sleep before the sun was out - that was until someone shook her shoulders roughly.


    She was actually dreaming that she was discussing her creative insights and concepts to the editor-in-chief of a delicacy magazine. The editor-in-chief was engrossed in her presentation and was so impressed by her skills and knowledge that he said, "Ye Jiayao, you will handle the delicacy column for next week."


    "Wake up! Wash and change me!" someone yelled, disturbing her dream impolitely.


    Ye Jiayao laughed foolishly in her dream, half-consciously hitting the annoying hand away as she wrapped herself up in the blanket. She turned away and said in annoyance, "Stop bothering me, I want to sleep."


    Xia Chunyu screamed her name, "Ye Jinxuan!"


    "You¡¯re so noisy! Can you not be so irritating?" Ye Jiayao grumbled, covering her head with the blanket.


    Xia Chunyu lifted the blanket away from her and howled, "Are you a pig? Only pigs sleep so much! Get up!"


    Ye Jiayao felt cold so she sat up in frustration, shouting with her eyes still closed, "Have you lost your marbles?" She pounced to get the blanket back, hugging it tightly and lying back down to sleep.


    She was hurting all over! It''s as if she just ran 3000 meters because there was not a single part of her body that was not aching.


    Ugh! Ye Jiayao felt a shiver down her spine and she opened her eyes in shock. She had thought that she was still in her home back in the 21st century! She had forgotten that she has time-traveled to another time. What did she yell at him just now? Oh, lost his marbles! Well, sh*t! She has angered him again.


    Although her back was to him, she could hear his heavy breathing from behind her and she just knew that he was about to erupt.


    Ye Jiayao coughed dryly, sitting up properly with the blanket still around her and looked at his face timidly. His eyes were dark with anger and his face was cold as ice. Ye Jiayao only thought of two phrases: dark clouds above-head, torrential rainfall about to descend.


    Ye Jiayao started kissing up to him immediately, smiling embarrassedly. "That¡­ I am so sorry! I thought I was at home."


    Xia Chunyu looked at her expressionless for a few seconds. He just told him he had lost his marbles, and even though he does not know exactly what it meant, he has strong suspicions that it was less than respectable.


    None of her demeanor was that of a wealthy family¡¯s daughter. She just looked like a spoilt and willful lady.


    "Are you really the daughter of Ye sub-prefect? Are you usually this overbearing and bossy at home?" Xia Chunyu demanded.


    Ye Jiayao cursed at him silently. You are the bossy one! You lot of bandits are bossy! "No, no, no, I thought it was Xiao Hei who was annoying me just now."


    "Xiao Hei?" Xia Chunyu raised his eyebrows in question.


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "Mmhmm, Xiao Hei is a dog, around that big." Ye Jia Yao pointed to the teapot on the table. To prove that the dog really existed, Ye Jiayao added, "Xiao Hei is the offspring of the gatekeeper¡¯s Labrador and a wild dog from somewhere. Xiao Hei is cute and cheeky so I adopted him, but he is quite annoying. He will jump on my bed early in the morning to lick me and annoy me. At night, he will lie around on my bed and I can¡¯t even chase him away."


    Stinking wench! Was she trying to call him a dog? A dog with a bastard breed?


    This was it! He would die of anger with just three minutes of talking to her.


    Additionally, he was now tempted to discuss whether the bastard breed was a metaphor or not.


    Xia Chunyu snatched her blanket away angrily.


    "Ay, a gentleman uses his mouth and not his fist! If there is any problem we should talk it out. Don¡¯t use violence¡­" Ye Jiayao thought he was about to violate her again so she clung tightly to the blanket.


    Xia Chunyu spent so much effort into getting his clothes out of the blanket and here she was, snatching the blanket away, pulling his shirt into the pile once again.


    Ye Jiayao realized that his goal was to get the shirt and she let go of the blanket awkwardly. "Oh! So, it is the shirt that you want to take? You should have said so earlier."


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s blood was boiling and he was so mad he was about ready to spit nails. He glared at her venomously before he snatched his clothes and walked off.


    "Ay, I really thought it was Xiao Hei just now!" Ye Jiayao called after him.


    Xia Chunyu almost went back to strangle her.


    Ye Jiayao breathed a sigh of relief as soon as the filthy man was finally gone. She felt like the air in the room was fresher without him. She lied back down, hugged the blanket again and went back to sleep. After all, recurring dreams were the best.


    Xia Chunyu walked out, his face thunderous and his foul mood clearly obvious. I am not in a good mood, don¡¯t annoy me.


    The brothers in the stockade, however, didn¡¯t see it that way. Was the third-in-charge dissatisfied with his new wife? Or was his desire not fulfilled?


    "It can¡¯t be that the third-in-charge is not satisfied with the bride¡¯s looks, right?" someone discussed as they saw third-in-charge walk away.


    "Is that bride still considered ugly? Such a delicate woman! Just thinking about it makes my whole body limp. If I can just hug her or kiss her, even if I have to go report to Hades tomorrow, it will be all worth it."


    "How dare you think of third-in-charge¡¯s woman? I think your bone is itching for a beating."


    "You should stop acting all righteous. Don¡¯t you think about women?"


    "The lot of you! Are you free? Don¡¯t you need to train today? If I see any more people skiving, we¡¯ll go by the stockade rules," third-in-charge berated in his deep voice that was cold as ice.


    The few bandits scattered away, warning each other, "Third-in-charge is not in a good mood today. Take it easy all of you."


    Indeed, third-in-charge¡¯s training was exceptionally harsh today. First, it was getting the lot to hike two rounds around Mist Peak, the main peak of Hei Feng Gang. Then, it was swimming 10 laps around Haze Lake at the bottom. After lunch, it was four hours of horse stance at the training grounds. The whole gang of bandits was crying for their parents before it was even over.


    "First-in-charge, third brother doesn¡¯t seem right today. I have never seen him so ruthless before," second-in-charge sympathized. The bandits in horse stance at the training ground had legs trembling and eyes flowing with tears.


    First-in-charge simply narrowed his eyes, shaking his head, seemingly deep in thought. Abruptly, he walked away with his hands behind his back.


    Why didn''t the first-in-charge say anything? Second-in-charge pondered as he watched first brother walk away.


    Xia Chunyu drilled the bandits like they were about to die, so there was no one to annoy Ye Jiayao and she has managed to sleep all the way until noon. She only woke up from hunger so she braced her aching body and got up to hunt for food.


    Outside, the noon sun was shining brightly. Ye Jiayao stretched, tilting her face up to bask in the sun¡¯s rays and took a deep breath. The air in the mountains was exceptionally fresh and the gentle mountain breeze carried with it the scent of grass and wildflower. If one thing good came out of her kidnapping, it was that she didn''t have to inhale smog anymore. Ye Jiayao laughed bitterly. Since it has already happened, she would just have to make do with it. Life goes on, or whatever life she has left that is. Right now, she was starving so her problems would have to wait until she has filled her stomach.


    Ye Jiayao made her way to the kitchen and seeing as it was way past lunchtime, everyone was already packing up. She still hasn''t gotten the chance to see Old Yu, and Auntie Jiang was nowhere to be found. There were only three aunties that were washing the pots and bowls in the kitchen.


    The three aunties saw Ye Jiayao dressed in red and immediately knew that she was third-in-charge''s bride. They all turned away and ignored her. Today, their men got tortured by third-in-charge and they heard that it was because of this new woman. Somehow she has annoyed third-in-charge, who in turn punished their men. In their eyes, it was all Ye Jiayao''s fault so they ignored her completely.


    Obviously, Ye Jiayao did not know that she has become the common enemy of the whole stockade, so she simply smiled sweetly and asked if there was anything to eat.


    After asking for the third time, one of the aunties replied coldly, "No, the leftovers are fed to the pigs."


    "Then¡­ can I make some noodles to eat?"


    "Sorry, the fire is extinguished," the auntie said, scooping a dipper of water and pouring it over the stove to extinguish the fire.


    It was clear to Ye Jiayao that these aunties did not like her. Were they jealous because she was pretty? Ye Jia Yao glanced over the kitchen quickly and took a cucumber from the basket. The vine was still fresh so it must be newly plucked.


    She would have to just nibble on the cucumber to fill her stomach.


    "Hey! You can''t just take whatever you want! This is for dinner," the auntie who extinguished the stove fire scolded.


    Ye Jiayao grinned and said, "It¡¯s just a cucumber. Don¡¯t be so stingy!"


    Before the auntie blew her top, Ye Jiayao escaped. It looked like the authority as the third-in-charge¡¯s woman was not useful. It must be because third-in-charge does not have enough power. The stinking man was only a tyrant only at home!


    While munching on the cucumber, Ye Jiayao walked around idly, checking out the topography of the place. She was blindfolded when she was kidnapped yesterday so she has no idea what the view of Hei Feng Gang is. From what the stinking man has said, it seemed like a formidable place.


    The topography of the mountains here was strategic with cliffs scattered all over. There seemed to be only one way down the mountains and there was a guard posted with every few steps. Escaping would be more difficult than scaling heaven. Attacking up the mountains would also be more difficult as it was comparable to Shui Po in Liang Shan.


    Ye Jiayao was discouraged after she had finished roaming around. Was she going to stay as a bandit¡¯s wife up here in the mountains forever?


    She turned a corner and her eyes widened at what she saw. On the horizon, the cliff has a piece of empty land about the size of half a soccer field. There was a banner waving in the wind and a few hundred bandits standing neatly in formation, all holding a horse stance. It was a spectacular view.


    "No skiving! The hardship of today will bring a large chance of survival on the battlegrounds. Iron Cow, hold your ground steady! Er Lengzi, don¡¯t let me see you skiving again or I will add another two hours," Xia Chunyu lectured coldly.


    "Hey, focus! Stop looking around. What are you looking at?" Xia Chunyu realized that everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed in one direction and turned around to have a look. A dainty-looking woman dressed in red garb appeared by the bend, her steps quick and light.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s face darkened. What is this wench doing up here?


    Ye Jiayao saw Xia Chunyu, dressed in a white gown, standing tall and straight. He certainly stood out among the group of uncouth bandits with his aura and looks. This was the first time Ye Jiayao had a direct observation for the idiom, a crane in a flock of chicken.


    Thinking that he was the best-looking bandit and she would be the prettiest bandit¡¯s wife in Hei Feng Gang, made her feel better. Of course, this was only temporary. She certainly didn¡¯t want to be a bandit¡¯s wife for all of her life.


    Ye Jiayao saw how everyone greeted her with their attention and knew that she had to play nice. It was obvious that she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape anytime soon so might as well build good relationships with everyone to make her time here a bit better. She certainly did not want a repeat of what happened with the aunties today.


    She put on her sweetest smile and waved her hand just like how famous people do it to show her good intentions.


    She just has to switch her cucumber to her other hand first.

 Chapter 5：Just A Toy

    With a sweet smile and a wave of her arm, the crowd of bandits who were tortured half to death was revitalized. Each one of them straightened their backs and steadied their horse stance. They couldn''t possibly lose face in front of a beautiful woman, could they?


    Seeing the bandits look at Ye Jiayao like hungry wolves, Xia Chunyu started to get annoyed.


    "What are you looking at? Take another look and you won''t get to eat dinner," Xia Chunyu growled.


    The gang cursed silently. Third-in-charge was so petty. What could a look do? It wasn''t like they were touching her - he wouldn¡¯t lose a piece of meat.


    Ye Jiayao left them to their training as she has already greeted them. She did not wish to disturb them any further. She turned and saw spots of wild strawberries growing on the grass patch at the roadside. She smiled merrily and bounded over. She had heard from her father that these were all over the mountains in the past. In the modern times, the place had been highly urbanized that it has become very difficult to find them, so she was happy to see so many.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her sleeves up and lifted her skirt as she began picking strawberries.


    The bandits could not control their eyes. It was not common for such a beautiful woman to appear in the stockade and they couldn''t resist staring. Even if they couldn''t touch, taking a few looks would suffice.


    Pretty lady, pretty lady look over here, pretty lady, pretty lady look over here¡­


    The bandits rejoiced in their hearts.


    It was a pity that Ye Jiayao did not have telepathy with them. Her whole attention was occupied by the red wild strawberries.


    Upon seeing their inattentiveness, Xia Chunyu turned his head over to take a look at what was preoccupying them. He raged when he saw that girl bent over, picking god knows what, with that tempting derriere raised in the air.


    F*ck! No matter how much he detested her, she was still his woman. He could not just let these lewd bandits continue ogling her. Their drool was almost dripping onto their shirts for goodness'' sake!


    Fed up with training, Xia Chunyu called Peng Wu over. "Stay here to supervise. Use the rod on whoever slacks off." He threw one last glare at the bandits before walking over to Ye Jiayao.


    The bandits were overwhelmed with joy. Peng Wu was nothing compared to third-in-charge. They looked at the new sister-in-law practically as the goddess bodhisattva that saved them from suffering. Thanks to the new sister-in-law, third-in-charge was finally leaving them alone. Everyone had already forgotten how they cursed her before that, blaming her for what they had to endure.


    "What on earth are you doing?" Xia Chunyu thundered.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him in confusion, not understanding his anger. "Can¡¯t you tell? I¡¯m picking wild strawberries. These are delicious."


    "I think you are here to embarrass yourself." Xia Chunyu grabbed her hand, dragging her back to their house.


    This sudden pull caused all the wild strawberries that Ye Jiayao has plucked painstakingly to drop to the ground. She glared up at him, her anger obvious yet she did not dare to speak, only cursing him in her head. You are the one embarrassing yourself! How is plucking wild strawberries embarrassing? I really don¡¯t know what goes on in that big head of yours!


    Back in the courtyard, Xia Chunyu flung her hand away, his voice tight as he lectured, "From now on, you are not to run around the place. To think you are from a wealthy family! Do you even know what the word modesty is? Do you think you are a courtesan from a brothel? Not an inch of you is dignified. If you want to embarrass yourself, go ahead, but don¡¯t drag me into this. If there is a next time, I will fulfill your wish and let you sell yourself as much as you want."


    Was he actually angry at her for greeting the bandits? Was he really annoyed at her for simply waving her hand?


    She chased him into the room, sneering, "I am already a bandit¡¯s wife. Why do I have to behave like a respectable lady? This is called when in Rome, do as the Romans do! If you like respectable ladies, why the hell did you come up to the mountains to be a bandit? The pot should always match with the lid. The day you retire and start doing good would be the day that I turn into a virtuous respectable lady, how about that?"


    Xia Chunyu halted, turning around to glare at her, the corner of his mouth twitching. What kind of logic is that?


    "Also, what is up with you and this perpetual scowling face? The brothers in the stockade are sure to dislike you because you are always in such a foul mood. If I am more easy-going, I can help you win some of them over. I was only trying to help and here you are, scolding me for my good deed," Ye Jiayao sulked. Actually, to be perfectly honest, she was feeling sorrier for her ruined wild strawberries.


    Xia Chunyu scoffed, "Why are you treating yourself as the wife of a Hei Feng Gang¡¯s leader? Have we matched our eight characters? Ordered betrothal gifts? Prayed to the heavens and earth or drank the nuptial wine? At the very best, you are just a toy. If I am in a good mood I will let you stay in this room and if I am not, I can always reward you to someone else. You don¡¯t have to be so eager to show yourself to others, there will be many opportunities to come."


    Ye Jiayao was so angry all she could do was laugh. "Oh, really? I didn¡¯t know you bandits have so many regulations in getting a wife. In case you''ve forgotten, you are not from a decent family. I don¡¯t care what you see me as, anyway. The brothers in the stockade call me sister-in-law when they see me. In everyone¡¯s eyes, I am your wife."


    This filthy man kept using the threat of giving her to others to keep her in line. If she did not retaliate, she would always be lead around by the nose.


    Xia Chunyu squinted, his lips rising into a treacherous curve. He slowly leaned over as Ye Jiayao leaned away. When he didn¡¯t drink, he has a clean and fresh scent on him, just like the wind in this mountain. However, she knew that the winds in the mountains were the hardest to grasp with its turbulent undercurrents that can engulf anyone up at any time.


    His lips were almost touching the tip of her nose and Ye Jiayao stared anxiously at him, almost becoming cross-eyed. Why must he come so close when he talks?


    "Maybe I can''t reward you to my brothers but I can sell you. I heard that selling out of the borders can fetch a good price and then you can forget about coming back for the rest of your life," he said, his tone gentle as though he was whispering words of endearment.


    Ye Jiayao was unable to balance herself with him leaning so close and her body fell backward. Just as she thought she was going to land splat on the ground, his arm circled her waist and pulled her back up. Ye Jiayao¡¯s nose collided into his firm chest as she took in a deep breath.


    "Don¡¯t try to provoke me. Here, what I say goes," Xia Chunyu said firmly.


    He really is ruthless! Ye Jia Yao shut her mouth despite all the barrage of curses she wanted to hurl at him.


    Xia Chunyu laughed coldly on the inside as he saw the fight leave her. Pitting against him never resulted to good things for his opponents.


    "Don¡¯t wear this anymore, it¡¯s an eyesore," Xia Chunyu demanded, eyeing the wedding garb with disgust.


    "What would I wear? Why don¡¯t you help me ask second-in-charge if he also took some stuff with him while he kidnapped me? All my clothes are in my trousseau."


    Xia Chunyu knew that he did not have any clothes for her here, and the clothes that the Aunties wear in the stockade were not suitable for her either. He really had to ask second brother if he wanted to dress his bride in something less conspicuous.


    "Do not run out here, do you hear me?" he warned, pointing at her.


    Ye Jiayao''s large eyes blinked and she nodded obediently.


    Once Xia Chunyu walked out, Ye Jiayao started hitting his pillow with her fists.


    "F*ck being your toy! You are the toy! Filthy man! Just my luck to end up with a bandit! Just you wait, I¡¯m going to play you to death," she ranted.


    After venting her anger, Ye Jiayao lied on the bed, spent. She knew that the road ahead was obscure, a long way with a heavy burden and she had to come up with a plan. She has given up on conquering his heart. She originally thought that he was quite handsome but now, she had decided that this filthy man has no merits other than good appearance. He has no respect for women. Plus, he was arrogant, aloof, cold and fickle. No matter what angle she looked at it from, it was impossible for her to like someone like that. If they were in the modern times, she would''ve already f*cking slapped him in the face.


    However, she still has to play along. Only by winning his trust and the trust of the brothers in the stockade could she have the chance to escape.


    She would need to begin with food. She would start by pampering his stomach and turning him into such a fussy eater that he would like no one''s food but hers. She would cultivate a habit in his body to get him to progress to psychological dependence on her.


    Yes, that was it, Ye Jiayao concluded, her fighting spirit reignited. Her conquering would start with delicacies.


    After a while, Xia Chunyu returned, still empty-handed. "Song Qi says they did not snatch any other things. Just make do with these for a few days and if you don¡¯t go out, it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t wear anything."


    Lecher beast, Ye Jiayao cursed inside.


    "That¡¯s weird. When you go down the mountain, don¡¯t you all steal some things up? I have quite a generous trousseau," Ye Jiayao complained. Her sister from her stepmother would stand to gain from her things if they really did not take it.


    It really did seemed a little odd to leave such a generous trousseau behind and only taking the girl. That did not seem like second-in-charge''s style. Every time second-in-charge goes down the mountain, it was a total havoc. He burned everything useless and takes everything he deemed has value.


    "Why are you out of breath? Get me a cup of tea." Xia Chunyu frowned at her.


    Ye Jiayao poured him a cup of cold tea compliantly. "There¡¯s no more hot water, will this do?"


    Xia Chunyu glared at her, face full of dissatisfaction. "If there is no hot water then go to the kitchen and get some."


    Ye Jiayao sulked, "Didn¡¯t you forbid me from going out?"


    "It is not allowing you to loiter at places you shouldn¡¯t go to. Don¡¯t you realize you are in a bandit¡¯s den? Aren¡¯t you afraid that someone will peel your skin and eat your bones?" he barked.


    Then that would mean that you are useless as a third-in-charge. Which bandit would dare to covet your woman? Ye Jiayao thought to herself.


    "If I go, I really doubt they will give me water. Just this afternoon, I wasn''t even given lunch! I asked them for food and they said there was none. I offered to make some for myself and one auntie went as far as to extinguish the stove fire in front of me. I just ran out after snatching a cucumber because I was so hungry. If it wasn¡¯t for me being fast, that auntie would have probably caught up with me and snatched the cucumber back," Ye Jiayao muttered.


    Xia Chunyu spat out the water he was drinking.


    He looked at Ye Jiayao, unable to make sense of her. She even snatches food? What, was she mad from hunger?


    "Why are you looking at me like that? I am speaking the truth," Ye Jiayao said.


    "Are you daft? Can¡¯t you just say you are my woman?"


    Ye Jiayao replied innocently, "Unless they were colorblind or fools, they should''ve known who I am as soon as they saw me in this garb! Why do I even need to announce that? I am actually puzzled too. I just came here last night so I know that I didn¡¯t offend them. Could it just be because you did not win the hearts of the people, third-in-charge?"

 Chapter 6：Call Me Yaoyao

    Ye Jiayao saw his face flush with annoyance and she immediately backpedaled, "What I mean is, third-in-charge, you are so handsome. You''re like a jade tree standing in the wind and you''re known as the top pretty boy in Hei Feng Gang. Even a woman would be ashamed to be compared to you. Besides, you are so well-versed in martial arts that the brothers in the stockade must be filled with envy and jealousy. As for the aunties, though they are of certain age and don¡¯t really have any looks, that does not mean that they are not secretly in love with you. I think that I just became the target of their jealousy!"


    Top pretty boy in Hei Feng Gang? When did he have such a nickname? However, that is a fact so Xia Chunyu felt a bit better.


    Ye Jiayao continued kissing up to him, massaging his shoulders as she asked, "Do big brother and second brother have people serving them?"


    Xia Chunyu replied defensively, "Why? Do you want to serve them?"


    "No, no, it¡¯s just that I noticed you do not have anyone waiting on you here. You are the third-in-charge, are you not? How can there be no one serving you?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "Don¡¯t I have you serving me now?" Xia Chunyu closed his eyes as she kneaded his shoulders. She was exerting just the right amount of pressure, not too soft and not too hard, and it was doing wonders for his muscles. It has been a long time since he enjoyed such treatment.


    Ye Jiayao was indignant but she did not protest. She knew protesting would lead her nowhere. She would just go along with whatever he was saying and silently do her scheming.


    "Of course, I will take care of you, but you need to know that I am new to serving people. If there is something that I didn¡¯t do well, don¡¯t be angry and allow me to learn slowly," Ye Jiayao implored even though she detested using the word ''serve''. She just needed to warn him to lower his expectations of her.


    Xia Chunyu asked, "You are from a wealthy family and after being kidnapped here, unable to marry the man of your dreams, unable to become a young mistress, don¡¯t you feel sad? Don¡¯t you hate me?"


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to bash his head as she answered woefully, "Of course I feel upset, but what use is that? I have tried to kill myself and you stopped me. Do I just wash my face with tears every day and look for every available opportunity to try to hang myself? Besides, you''re not the one who kidnapped me, so why should I hate you? If I have to blame anything, it should be fate. Honestly, I didn''t have a good life. My mother passed away after giving birth to me and my father married his second wife not shortly after that. I had brothers and sisters and if it wasn''t for the power that my maternal family has, I would''ve definitely been cast aside. Everyone has their own misfortune but wallowing in self-pity is not going to solve anything. It''d be better to just accept it and move on.


    Xia Chunyu was surprised by her wisdom. "It''s good that you are so adaptable and can think things through. If you do your role well, I will protect you. If you dare to play outward devotion but inner opposition with me, well, you already know the consequences."


    "Stop threatening me. I am a weak woman, no matter what I can come up with, how could I execute it?" Ye Jiayao protested.


    Xia Chunyu scoffed, "You''re right. I doubt you are capable of anything."


    No matter what her past was, whether what she said was true or false, as long as she does not test his limits and does not foil his plans, he would not treat her badly.


    "In the future, when I am not around, you can look for Song Qi and Peng Wu. Those are my trusted people," Xia Chunyu said. Duan Wu was sent over by 1st-in-charge so he really does not trust him. Song Qi, on the other hand, was really his person who came up two months before him.


    "Oh, okay," Ye Jiayao replied absent-mindedly, thinking about how to make him grant her freedom since she would be unable to do a lot of things if he continued to ban her from going out.


    "Third-in-charge!" Song Qi shouted from outside of the house.


    Xia Chunyu called, "What is it?"


    "First-in-charge is asking you over to discuss some matters."


    "Alright."


    Xia Chunyu rose, dispensing a warning to Ye Jiayao again, "Stay inside the house."


    Stay inside the house? What am I, a dog? Ye Jiayao scowled at his back.


    The only thing she could do inside was sleep and Ye Jiayao has had enough sleep already, so she got up and walked out to the courtyard to get some air.


    Song Qi was sitting in the courtyard paring a wooden pole when Ye Jiayao walked over. "What is this for?"


    Song Qi stood up to let Ye Jiayao sit but she just waved her hand at him. "Sit, sit, I¡¯ll stand." Before this, there was no one guarding the courtyard so Song Qi was just probably ordered by that filthy man to watch her.


    "I''m preparing to dig a trap to catch a wild boar in the mountains," Song Qi answered.


    "There are wild boars in the mountains?" Growing up in the city, Ye Jiayao has always been curious about wild animals. Of course, the first thing she thought of was the stomach of the wild boar. That was some good stuff because, in the modern times, a wild boar belly was worth quite a lot.


    "Not only wild boars but there are also wild rabbits, deer, snakes, and more."


    "There are snakes?" Ye Jiayao face grew pale. She hated creepy crawlies the most, especially those gaudy and slimy snakes. She glanced at the mountain behind the courtyard anxiously. "Do snakes come here?"


    Song Qi pared the wooden pole depressingly. "Sometimes, there will be. A few days ago, I caught a cobra. I gave it to the kitchen to make snake soup, it tasted so fresh."


    Ye Jiayao was even more worried now. What if a snake slithered onto the bed while she was sleeping at night? She shuddered at the mere thought of it.


    After paring the wooden pole, Song Qi looked up and saw how pale Ye Jiayao had gotten. He realized that what he had said must have scared her; women are all timid. He laughed and reassured her, "Sister-in-law if you are afraid of snakes, I will go get some red orpiment powder to scatter around the courtyard. It would keep snakes away."


    Ye Jiayao was skeptical. "Is that useful?"


    "Of course, it is useful. Snakes cannot stand the smell of red orpiment powder," Song Qi assured her.


    Ye Jiayao heaved a sigh of relief, turning around to take a look at the courtyard. Song Qi voluntarily introduced, "The east side is mine and Peng Wu''s room and the west side used to be a small kitchen, now it is a storage room."


    Small kitchen? Ye Jiayao''s eyes widened. "Can I have a look?"


    "It is a little messy and dirty inside."


    "It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay." Ye Jiayao gladly pushed the door open and immediately, dust fell upon her entrance, nearly choking her. There was a bunch of random stuff in the room, all piled up and broken. It was so messy that there wasn¡¯t even a space to set foot in.


    "Are these things needed?"


    Song Qi answered, "I don¡¯t think so."


    "Alright then! Let¡¯s clear these things up and chop them for firewood. Once this is clean, we could cook here, make whatever third-in-charge wants and we don''t even have to be watchful of others." Ye Jia Yao was elated. This would be her territory, the place where she could begin to take that filthy man down.


    Song Qi hesitated because the whole stockade of brothers ate at the same place. Would opening a kitchen stove on their own work?


    Seeing Song Qi¡¯s reluctance, Ye Jiayao attempted to entice him further. "In the future, I will make delicious food for all of you."


    Song Qi¡¯s eyes brightened as he thought about the delicious egg fried rice she gave him last night. He immediately rolled his sleeves up and acquiesced, "Sure, I will clean this up right away."


    Xia Chunyu came back from 1st-in-charge¡¯s place with Peng Wu and stepped into a courtyard filled with piles of trash.


    "Song Qi!" Xia Chunyu called angrily.


    Song Qi ran out of the storage room with face covered in dust. "Third-in-charge, you¡¯re back!


    "What are you doing?" Xia Chunyu demanded immediately, unable to stand dirt and mess.


    Song Qi chuckled and answered, "Sister-in-law says that she wants to clear up the small kitchen."


    "Where is she?" Xia Chunyu''s anger subsided by half as he heard that they were cleaning up the kitchen. The girl''s cooking skills were not bad, though he was still unsure if she knew how to make anything else.


    "She''s scrubbing the pot inside because it was all rusty," Song Qi replied.


    Peng Wu rolled his sleeves up and offered, "I¡¯ll help."


    "Help me to chop these piles of stuff, sister-in-law wants to use them as firewood," Song Qi said.


    "Hurry up with the cleaning, this mess is outrageous." Xia Chunyu said, casting a glance at the kitchen before going back to his room.


    In the kitchen, Ye Jiayao was in full swing and with an extra helping hand, she was able to get everything done in no time. She felt happy just looking at how much the kitchen has changed.


    "Song Qi, go to the kitchen and grab some ingredients. We¡¯re going to open our kitchen stove tonight," Ye Jiayao shouted from the kitchen.


    "Aye!" Song Qi ran out happily.


    "Hey, Song Qi, don¡¯t forget to bring wine, salt, marinated soy paste, and vinegar, get a bit of whatever condiments there is." Ye Jiayao ran out to catch up to him as she suddenly thought of it, however, Song Qi was long gone.


    "Sister-in-law, I¡¯ll make a trip down," Peng Wu, who was chopping firewood, volunteered.


    "Sure, I¡¯ll trouble you and tonight, I¡¯ll be sure to reward you guys," Ye Jiayao replied gratefully.


    Xia Chunyu, who was in the room reading, looked up upon hearing what she said. He frowned, wondering why did that sentence sound so uncomfortable?


    Well, someone has unclean thoughts.


    Ye Jiayao went back to the room to get a drink because she was just so parched. It has been a long time since she did such heavy workout, plus last night¡¯s torment caused her to back to ache and she was wiped.


    Ye Jiayao threw herself onto the table and drank three cups of water without even pausing to breathe. She then lied flat on the table, unmoving and totally oblivious to her husband''s judging look.


    Xia Chunyu looked at Ye Jia Yao in disgust. Which dog hole did this woman crawl out of? Her hair was a mess with spider webs clinging on, her face was grey with dust, and the red garb on her was extremely filthy.


    "Hey, go tidy yourself up. Looking at you kills my appetite," Xia Chunyu said, repulsed with her appearance.


    Ye Jiayao smoothed the lock of hair blocking her vision and turned her face over to roll her eyes. Can¡¯t you see that I am about to die of exhaustion? You didn¡¯t even help and yet here you are complaining. If you don''t like it then don¡¯t look¡­


    "Hey, did you hear me?" Xia Chunyu yelled at her.


    Ye Jiayao answered lazily, "I¡¯m out of strength. Also, don¡¯t call me hey, I have a name. I am called Ye Jinxuan but you can call me Yaoyao."


    Xia Chunyu shuddered. Yaoyao? There was no way would he call her such an affectionate name.

 Chapter 7：Found A Treasure

    Xia Chunyu could not stand to look at such a sloppy woman swinging around in front of him so he threw his book away, walked over, and dragged her up by the back of her collar.


    "Go wash up by the well."


    Ye Jiayao was too tired to ridicule this man and his nasty behavior, so she just quietly turned towards the back of the small kitchen and headed for the well.


    Ugh, so obedient? Xia Chunyu thought that she would erupt. After all, she had dared to throw a shoe at his face. Although she knew how to resign herself to adversity, knew how to fawn and flatter, eventually, her pride would not take any more hits.


    Xia Chunyu felt very confused as he returned to the room to continue reading.


    After a while, Song Qi and Peng Wu returned with four huge baskets containing two sacks of rice and flour. Ye Jiayao checked the condiments over and was happy to see that they also grabbed a wok, bowls, a ladle and a basin - even the cutting tools are a complete set. They also brought back a huge carp, pork ribs, slaughtered chicken, mutton leg and various types of vegetables. They brought enough to feed an army! Well, she supposed that was the nature of bandits - take everything and anything that they could carry.


    Although she was exhausted, she made a promise to cook them dinner tonight so she would deliver. This would be the first legitimate meal she would be preparing ever since her arrival in the stockade. Ye Jiayao''s spirit livened as she prepared to show off her cooking skills.


    Ye Jiayao grabbed the carp and threw it ruthlessly on the floor. After the fish had passed out from the blow, she started to remove the scales and innards, asking, "Song Qi, Peng Wu, where are you all from?"


    "I am from Hebei province," Peng Wu answered as he began to start the fire.


    Song Qi, who was in charge of chopping the ribs, replied, "I am from Zhenjiang prefecture."


    "What about third-in-charge?"


    Song Qi scratched his head. "I¡¯m not sure where third-in-charge is from. He never really mentioned it."


    Alright then. Judging from his accent, he should be from around Wu Yue, so making Huai Yang cuisine should be fine.


    China¡¯s culinary culture was profound and broad. It has developed its own particular system of distinct regional flavor and style after a long period of evolution. In the Tang and Song dynasties, it was more or less categorized into southern and northern food. Qing dynasty, on the other hand, has developed into four major cuisines; Cheng Chuan, Lu, Cantonese, and Huai Yang. It was then divided even more meticulously into eight major cuisines.


    Although Ye Jiayao has studied all of the major cuisines, she was the best at Huai Yang cuisine because her father was a chef in a five-star hotel in the Suzhou prefecture. Huai Yang cuisine was particular on the choice of ingredients and meticulous in preparation. It required precise cutting skills, flavor excellence, and wonderful appearance. The heat was also closely controlled in the cooking process whether it be in stewing, brewing, roasting, or simple steaming.


    Seeing sister-in-law¡¯s experienced motions, Song Qi inquired, "Sister-in-law, where did you pick up your culinary skills?"


    "At home¡­ I mean, I learned from the kitchen lady at home."


    "You are a refined lady yet you have to learn this?"


    Ye Jiayao raised her head slightly, looking up at the beam of the roof, her gaze complicated, as though she thought of some memories that she could not bear to recall. "Ayy¡­ it¡¯s a long story," she replied with a sigh.


    Pretending to be depressed always worked when deflecting a question.


    Indeed, Song Qi did not probe further.


    After setting the fish, Ye Jiayao stir-fried the chopped ribs, adding ginger slices, some shiitake mushrooms, cooking wine, soy sauce, and other condiments. She then transferred it to a clay pot to brew slowly. This way, the simmered ribs would absorb the flavor, making the bones rich in scent and the meat soft and well-cooked.


    She then washed the chopping board and proceeded to slice the tofu into extremely thin pieces. She looked so skillful as she continued slicing at a fast speed, her hands blurring at her pace. Peng Wu stared at her blankly, wondering if she was making mashed tofu.


    Song Qi was in awe as he observed her. "Sister-in-law, are you making Wen Si Tofu?"


    Ye Jiayao chuckled. "That¡¯s right! Have you tried it before?"


    "No, no, but I have seen it before," Song Qi replied, his mouth watering.


    "Then today you shall try the authentic Wen Si tofu. It''s a pity there is no ham."


    "Will air-dried meat work? I saw some in the kitchen," Song Qi suggested.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s eyes brightened and she nodded. "Sure! Although it does not compare to ham in color and taste, the texture would be more than enough to lift the flavor."


    "I''ll go get it then." Song Qi went off, bustling with energy.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to tell him to take just a small piece because from what she knew of him, he would surely bring back the whole chunk of meat. She wasn''t able to voice her warning though because Song Qi was long gone.


    She had just finished cutting the dried chicken, bamboo, and shiitake mushrooms into shreds when Song Qi ran back into the kitchen, huffing as he hauled a huge chunk of air-dried meat. "Old Head Yu is too petty! He chased me out with a chopping knife for just a piece of air-dried meat!" he panted.


    Ye Jiayao laughed at his antics. Welcome to the life of the bandits.


    Xia Chunyu looked at the rising smoke from the kitchen and couldn¡¯t help but look forward to seeing what kind of tricks the girl has up her sleeves. He wanted to go over there to take a look but he was afraid that it would be misunderstood as excitement. He suppressed the curiosity within him and continued on reading his book.


    He lifted the teapot to pour some water but nothing came out. He yelled for Song Qi to bring him some more but he didn''t answer, so Xia Chunyu brought the teapot to the kitchen himself.


    The strong scent of seasoning filled the entrance of the kitchen, making him eager to taste what the wench has been cooking. Xia Chunyu placed the teapot down on the table, yelling, "Where¡¯s everyone? Where did everyone go?"


    Peng Wu scuttled out of the kitchen, flustered. "Third-in-charge, please wait for a while, dinner would be served soon."


    Xia Chunyu deadpanned, "Who asked about dinner? This teapot is empty, did you know that? It¡¯s just a dinner, not a feast, is there a need for so many people? You all want to be a chef? Sure, tomorrow go work in the kitchen."


    Peng Wu, dejected from the scolding, placated, "I¡¯ll go boil some water this instant."


    That was the last straw. Ye Jiayao was just about to rush out with a ladle in her hand when Song Qi stopped her, shaking his head.


    Seeing that no one came out after his rage, Xia Chunyu returned to the room silently.


    Song Qi checked the entrance before returning inside, saying, "Third-in-charge went back inside."


    "That person is so hard to please! Everyone is preparing a meal for him with kind intentions and not only is he not grateful, he still came over here to find fault," Ye Jiayao ranted.


    Song Qi chuckled at her annoyance. "Sister-in-law, don¡¯t take it to heart. Third-in-charge is actually a very nice person."


    "Nice my foot! He throws tantrums like a child."


    "You can¡¯t blame third-in-charge for that. There is no one to get along with here in the stockade. Third-in-charge became Hei Feng Gang¡¯s third leader after being here for just two months, and many of the brothers in the stockade refused to accept it. If he was not ferocious, how can he manage to keep control of them?" Song Qi explained.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. He just wants to suppress and control everyone.


    "What about second-in-charge and first-in-charge? What are they like?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Song Qi frowned. "That is difficult to say. First-in-charge has a nice temper and I heard that he used to be a scholar. He really doesn¡¯t know any martial arts but still, all the brothers in the stockade are afraid of him. Second-in-charge has a fierce face but he is actually the most easy-going out of the three."


    In other words, the bad guy played the good guy and the good guy playing the bad guy.


    Ye Jiayao changed frying pans as she poured a thin layer of oil before proceeding to fry the shiitake mushroom stuffed with meat paste. The scent of the meat and the shiitake mushroom smelled so heavenly that Song Qi and Peng Wu couldn''t help but salivate. Just as it was almost cooked, Ye Jia Yao poured in the seasoned soup, adding a little cornstarch and leaving it to cook for a while so that the mushroom could absorb more flavors.


    This was the method for modern time teppan shiitake mushroom, but Ye Jiayao changed it slightly to make it into a new dish. Using a pair of chopsticks, she set the mushrooms on top of the stir-fried vegetables before drenching it with the soup.


    "Alright, you can bring this over!" Ye Jiayao clapped her hands in accomplishment.


    Today, there was a total of five dishes; simmered-fried ribs, sweet and sour carp, shiitake mushrooms with greens, Wen Si tofu, and air-dried meat with bamboo stew.


    Song Qi smelled the food and sighed. "Sister-in-law, your culinary skill is solid! Just looking at all those colors and smelling that delicious smell is already making me drool!"


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "Be careful not to drool into the food."


    "Sister-in-law, why don¡¯t you bring the dishes over? Third-in-charge will surely be pleased to see you," Song Qi suggested.


    "Forget it, I am not pleasing to his eye today so I shall not go hinder his view," Ye Jiayao declined, taking some food for herself to eat alone in the kitchen instead.


    She has not forgotten how she was lifted out like a rag earlier on; she has never been so embarrassed in her life.


    In the house, Xia Chunyu was pleasantly surprised to see the five dishes. It looked and smelled absolutely divine that if it was not for Song Qi and Peng Wu, he would''ve thought he was sitting in a restaurant in Jin Ling!


    "Third-in-charge, quick! Try some of the food sister-in-law made, it''s delicious." Song Qi had to stop himself from diving into the array of food.


    Peng Wu nodded, his eyes never straying from the food. "Third-in-charge, you have found a treasure."


    Xia Chunyu stared at him harshly. "What treasure? Get me the wine quickly."


    Normally he would have a huge pot of stewed meat, so this was a treat. Such exquisite food was hard to come by and he wanted to level up his dining experience by matching the food with fine wine.


    "Aye." Peng Wu brought out a jug of wine, pouring a glass for 3rd-in-charge.


    Xia Chunyu lifted his chopsticks up, ready to tuck in before he noticed Ye Jiayao missing. "Where is your sister-in-law?"


    "She¡¯s boiling hot water and told to eat first," Song Qi replied.


    "Why is she boiling water when it is time to eat?" Xia Chunyu muttered, digging into the food. He then recalled her dirty face and deduced that it was perhaps for a bath. Women are a bother; men would just either fetch a pail of water from the well and pour it over them or go to the pool at the mountain to swim a few laps.


    The fish was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The fragrance of the ribs was beyond aromatic and it was so tender, it was melting in his mouth. The shiitake mushroom was covered by a layer of streaky pork, and the crisp texture of the pan-fried meat and the silky feel of the mushroom was a great combination. However, it was the Wen Si tofu that shocked him the most. The tofu, bamboo, mushroom, and the chicken are all hair-like thin shreds. Even the head chef of Jin Ling''s famous Zi Weiguan could not demonstrate this kind of precision!


    "Is this tofu cut by your sister-in-law?" Xia Chunyu asked, still unconvinced


    Peng Wu replied, "It is. I was awe-struck with how she chopped that tofu so fast and so smoothly."


    Xia Chunyu nodded. It looked like he really had found a treasure, in a sense.

 Chapter 8：Not Even If I Die

    The dinner that the girl made was so hearty that it made them feel at ease. It didn''t escape Xia Chunyu''s notice that the dish tasted authentic as if it really was from his hometown. The three of them easily cleared the five dishes and a jug of first-class wine.


    After eating and drinking to his heart¡¯s content, Xia Chunyu decided to go out for a walk. As he passed by the kitchen, he saw Ye Jiayao through the window, struggling to carry a pail of water, even spilling some on her skirt.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to go over and help her but Song Qi moved quicker than him, rushing up to take the pail of water from Ye Jiayao¡¯s hands. Ye Jiayao straightened her back to wipe her sweat off when he saw Xia Chunyu outside the window. She rolled her eyes and turned away, expressionless.


    Xia Chunyu was unfathomably annoyed as he yelled for Song Qi.


    Song Qi rushed over just as Xia Chunyu said, "Today I shall not patrol the mountains, you go around on my behalf."


    Song Qi stared at him blankly before he replied, "I¡¯ll go after I help sister-in-law carry the water."


    Xia Chunyu growled, "NOW."


    Song Qi was startled so bad, he almost pissed in his pants. What¡¯s wrong with third-in-charge today? Why is he losing his temper out of nowhere? Didn''t he enjoy his dinner?


    After dispatching Song Qi, Xia Chunyu also sent Peng Wu away. He then he brought a chair over to the courtyard, and sat smugly, enjoying the breeze as his eyes constantly glanced over to the kitchen.


    Let¡¯s see who will help you now. How dare you disregard me?


    Ye Jiayao suspected that the third-in-charge was playing tricks on her on purpose. How could she be this unlucky? Only she could end up with a man who had no regard for others. Song Qi¡¯s praises must be out of fear of this filthy man because from whatever perspective she looked at it from, she can¡¯t see him as a good person.


    Ye Jiayao proceeded to carry the water from the well by herself, cursing the backwardness of the facilities in the ancient times.


    Xia Chunyu fanned himself leisurely, looking at Ye Jiayao as she carried the pail of water with extreme difficulty.


    If you can¡¯t handle it then ask me! I will do it on the account of the dinner you made. The corner of Xia Chunyu¡¯s lips rose undetectably, waiting until she opened her mouth to beg him.


    However, Ye Jiayao didn''t even spare a glance at his direction. She continued huffing and puffing without saying a word.


    The second trip, the third trip¡­.


    Xia Chunyu started to get fidgety. Wench! Will begging for my help kill you?


    Every time Ye Jiayao looked at that smug face of his, her heart burned with rage. Classless, filthy man!


    "Hey, get me a cup of tea," Xia Chunyu ordered, clearing his throat.


    Ye Jiayao was really tempted to just dunk the pail of water on his head. Couldn''t he see that she was busy? Did he not have hands or legs? He was merely a bandit and yet he was acting like an official by ordering her around like a servant.


    Again, Xia Chunyu was ignored. He fanned himself harder, almost making it fall apart. He was just about to rage when Ye Jiayao handed over a cup of tea, stuffing it into his hands before turning away to continue carrying the water.


    "Hey, stop there."


    Xia Chunyu wanted to demand what was with her attitude but instead, he just stood up, stuffed the cup back into her hands and took the pail from her, heading towards the well.


    Ye Jiayao was thoroughly surprised. This filthy man had actually found his conscience?


    With someone else carrying the water, Ye Jiayao rushed to scrub and wash the bowls and pots. She didn''t want to touch these greasy things after she was clean.


    "There¡¯s enough water there. Remember to clean the tub after you use it," Xia Chunyu ordered coldly, standing by the door.


    Just when Ye Jiayao had changed her mind about him, he went ahead and acted like a donkey''s butt again. Ye Jiayao suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and continued to ignore him.


    Xia Chunyu walked away gloomily, unsatisfied because he was unable to rile her up.


    Ye Jiayao entered the room after a while, ransacking the place until she finally found one of his cotton gowns, taking it with her conveniently.


    Xia Chunyu''s mouth dropped open at her audacity. This woman! She didn''t even bother to at least ask for his permission before taking his clothes. Did she really think she was the mistress of this place?


    Ye Jiayao bolted the front and back door of the kitchen shut before heading to wash in peace. She spotted a small piece of yellow soap sitting on the chair beside the tub and was surprised to see that there was actually soap here. The workmanship maybe rough but it was better than not having any at all. She would see what she could do to improve it when she has the chance. This is, after all, the quality of her life now.


    Ugh, it must be that filthy man who put it here! Ye Jiayao smiled slightly, thinking that maybe, just maybe, he wasn''t that hopeless after all.


    After making his round, Song Qi returned to see third-in-charge walking around the entrance of the courtyard with his hands behind his back.


    "3rd-in-charge, I have finished inspecting, everything is normal."


    Xia Chunyu ordered dismissively, "Make another round."


    Song Qi looked at him, clueless. Make another round? Surely, he heard him wrong!


    "What are you staring at me for? Don¡¯t come back until two hours have passed." Xia Chunyu waved his hand impatiently.


    Could it be that third-in-charge was afraid that it would be inconvenient for sister-in-law since she was bathing?


    "Yes, I will make another round again and inspect meticulously." Song Qi turned back to make his torturous round once again.


    "Even though the beautiful bubbles are just a spark of fireworks, even though all your promises are just too vulnerable, love is like bubbles if you can see through it, what is there to be sad for¡­"


    Ye Jiayao sang as she played with the bubbles, the warm water enveloped her body, erasing all the exhaustion and aches. Her mood lifted as she imagined a life beyond this place. She would find a restaurant and work there as a small chef as soon as she has managed to escape. She would slowly save and earn enough capital for her to open her own famous restaurant, spreading and promoting China¡¯s culinary culture.


    Still daydreaming, Ye Jia Yao failed to notice the moving object in the dense mist until she reached her hand out to take the soap. She cried out in shock and fear.


    The sharp cry pierced the serenity of the courtyard and Xia Chunyu almost fell off his chair. Without thinking, he rushed towards the west wing only to find that door had been bolted. The shrieking continued, so Xia Chunyu took two steps back, and with a mighty kick, shattered the door open.


    A black and white cobra, poised and ready to strike, was making its way to the tub. Xia Chunyu immediately moved forward at an impressive speed, grasping the seven-inch snake and flinging it to the wall. The hit caused its joints to shatter and it fell to the floor like a soft straw, unmoving.


    Satisfied that the threat was dealt with, Xia Chunyu turned his head to see a pale Ye Jiayao, her eyes absolutely terrified.


    "You¡­ you alright?"


    Ye Jiayao was unable to speak, still trembling uncontrollably.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. He reached into the tub to scoop her out, wrapping her in his gown before carrying her out. He could feel her continuous tremble in his arms and he hastened his pace.


    Xia Chunyu placed her down on the bed, saying grumpily, "You are too useless, being this frightened just by a snake."


    Ye Jiayao let out a pitiful wail and started sobbing. After the fright she had, her heart was especially weak and all the emotions she has been suppressing broke free all of a sudden, cascading like the floodwaters from a broken dam.


    She was not afraid of anything except snakes! She would rather get torn to pieces by lions or tigers than getting bit by a snake. Why do such disgusting creatures have to exist on earth? I want to get out of the mountains! I am not going to stay in this godforsaken place any longer!


    Ye Jiayao threw herself into his embrace, crying till her tears stained his clothes.


    This was the first time Xia Chunyu had been around a crying woman and he was at a loss. This darn woman! It is just a snake, is there a need for this? Couldn''t she cry more reservedly? His brothers might think he did something to her.


    "Alright, alright, stop crying. I killed the snake already."


    "Wuwuwu¡­"


    "Are you done? If you keep crying I will throw you into a snake pit."


    "Wuwuwu¡­"


    "Fine, fine, just stop crying."


    "Wu Wu¡­"


    Xia Chunyu patted her back clumsily to comfort her.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s crying finally subsided. However, she was still traumatized, her mind making up scenarios if she had not discovered the snake and it had slithered into the tub...


    "What if there is a snake again and you are not around?" she asked, wiping her tears on the sleeve of his gown.


    Xia Chunyu looked at the tragic sight of his sleeve, dismayed.


    "There can''t be that many snakes. It is just a coincidence," he replied lightly.


    "That¡¯s not true! Song Qi said he caught one in the courtyard just a few days ago," Ye Jiayao said in a muffled voice.


    "That is a coincidence too."


    "How is it possible to have so many coincidences?"


    "You''re just unlucky," Xia Chunyu said.


    She was indeed unlucky. Otherwise, how else would she have entered this bandit¡¯s lair? Not to mention be taken advantage of and now, almost scared to death by a snake.


    "Alright, alright, you clear up quickly and I¡¯ll pick the snake up. Tomorrow you can stew snake soup." Xia Chunyu managed to pry her hands that are tightly clutching his clothes away. The gown was hanging loosely on her body and the sight of her curves quickly stirred his lust awake. Xia Chunyu¡¯s stood up quickly, his throat tightening.


    Stew snake soup?


    "Throw the snake away! Throw it away! I don¡¯t want to stew snake soup! Throw it away!" she screeched hysterically.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s ears rang from her yelling. Wretched woman! He would have to just get Old Head Yu to do it because cobra meat is very tasty, it''d be a pity to just throw it away.


    Xia Chunyu stared at the shambles in the west wing. The floor was a mess and there were wood shavings, water stains, and clothing everywhere. He could not wait for Song Qi and Peng Wu to come back and clean this up. If these single guys see the scene like this, who knows what they would be thinking. F*cking bothersome woman.

 Chapter 9：Limitless Patience

    Xia Chunyu rushed to the east wing, kicking his two henchmen awake before ordering Peng Wu to go and get the lame physician of the mountains, Mr. Liu.


    Peng Wu ran straight to Mr. Liu¡¯s room, shaking him awake and hauling the guy out of his blanket. Peng Wu pulled him all the way to the courtyard before the physician could even finish dressing up properly.


    Xia Chunyu glared at Peng Wu as he saw the physician''s sorry state. "Mr. Liu, please take a look at her. She seemed feverish."


    Mr. Liu touched Ye Jiayao¡¯s forehead, measuring her pulse before asking, "Did she catch a cold?"


    Xia Chunyu shook his head.


    "Injured?"


    Xia Chunyu hesitated for a while before shaking his head firmly. That place might have been a little injured, but it would not have been so serious as to cause a fever! Didn¡¯t every woman go through that? He didn¡¯t see any of them fall sick just because of that.


    Mr. Liu frowned. He wasn¡¯t a professional and although he could handle superficial injuries, apply some medicinal oil and manage to bandage, diagnosing illnesses was beyond his capabilities.


    "Maybe it is from a fright? A snake crawled in last night, but I am certain that she was not bitten," Xia Chunyu said, meaning for the two idiots to hear in case they started making things up.


    "So third-in-charge kicked the door to save sister-in-law," Song Qi said in realization, exchanging a conspiratory smile with Peng Wu.


    Xia Chunyu ignored the teasing looks between the two hopeless idiots in the corner. He just could not be bothered with them at the moment. "Can she be cured?" he asked Mr. Liu.


    Mr. Liu smoothed his goatee and replied, "I will write her a nerve-calming and fever-reducing prescription. If that still doesn''t work, then we¡¯ll have to call the soul."


    Xia Chunyu was at a loss. Call the soul? How?


    Peng Wu followed Mr. Liu to get the medicine while Song Qi went to the kitchen to get some food for their sick sister-in-law.


    Song Qi¡¯s face was sour when he confessed, "Third-in-charge, I don¡¯t know how to make food!"


    Xia Chunyu replied harshly, "Who told you to make it? Even I wouldn''t dare to eat the things that you make! Go and get Old Head Yu to make it."


    "I can''t go. Yesterday, I snatched a lot of stuff from Old Head Yu and he will definitely chase me out with a knife if he sees me again," Song Qi replied weakly.


    Xia Chunyu kicked him hard. "Scram! Boil some hot water for your sister-in-law, you do know how to boil water, don''t you?"


    Song Qi rubbed his knee, embarrassed. "Yes, yes, this I know."


    Xia Chunyu went around the house, closing the windows before leaving to look for food. What is the use of having henchmen if you can''t even get them to go to the kitchen?


    With everyone gone, Ye Jiayao was finally free to open her eyes. She mulled over what the physician had said and wondered if he really was a professional. He actually said to call the soul! She could only hope that the guy was not a hoax because these three men were all completely useless in taking care of a sick person. They were just allowing her fever to burn, for goodness''s sake! They didn''t even make her a cold compress or something to bring her temperature down.


    Ye Jiayao struggled to get up, wanting to get Song Qi to fetch some water, but then thought better of it and just lied back down. If that filthy man, who lacked compassion and basic morals, saw her get up, he would think that she was just fine and probably begin ordering her around again. She would just let her fever burn for a little longer and put the blame on him to torture him for a while.


    Xia Chunyu walked back to the courtyard with a tray of breakfast in hand, attracting many peculiar looks from the bandits.


    "Well, what do you know, marriage does make a difference," someone mumbled.


    "I know! Since when did third-in-charge come to get food personally?"


    "He must love sister-in-law so dearly."


    "Of course! Sister-in-law is so pretty, if I have such an attractive wife, even I would feed her¡­"


    This is not what it looks like! That darn woman is sick! Xia Chunyu was growling inside in frustration.


    Xia Chunyu returned back to their house gloomily, ignoring all the envious and sympathetic looks everyone was giving him.


    Ye Jiayao groaned weakly upon hearing the sound of the door opening.


    "Are you feeling better?" Xia Chunyu asked, setting the food on the table before he walked over to her.


    "Water¡­ I want to drink water," Ye Jiayao croaked, looking like a dying patient as she let out a moan.


    Xia Chunyu poured water for her at once, propping her up to help her drink.


    "I feel awful, am I about to die?"


    "What nonsense are you saying? It is just a little fright," Xia Chunyu rebutted.


    "Are you sure? It hurts so badly down there," Ye Jiayao whispered.


    Xia Chunyu stared at her for quite a while, speechless. Suddenly, he let her go and walked over to the cupboard, taking a small ceramic bottle. "How about I help you apply some medicine?"


    Ye Jiayao hesitated, looking at the bottle in his hand suspiciously. "What medicine?"


    Xia Chunyu robotically enumerated its function as if he was reading from a script, "Top-grade medicinal oil, effective in healing wounds and clotting blood."


    Ye Jiayao almost choked on her own tongue in distress. Are you serious? Medicinal oil for that!


    "Let''s not do anything rash and just let Mr. Liu consult on this," Ye Jiayao looked at him in apprehension, afraid that he would really apply the medicine on her.


    Xia Chunyu looked at the medicine in his hand. Asking Mr. Liu on this kind of matters? That would be a little too awkward! However, he did not dare to apply the medicine so hastily lest it just makes things worse. It was him who would be suffering if that happened.


    "I¡¯m hungry," Ye Jiayao complained, touching her stomach gingerly.


    Xia Chunyu replied, pointing to the spread on the table, "There are porridge and buns if you want some."


    Ye Jiayao feigned struggling to get up, looking as if she was pained at the slightest movement. Xia Chunyu saw how difficult it was for her so he brought the food over, helping her up and letting her lean on him while he feeds her.


    It was apparent from Xia Chunyu¡¯s clumsiness that this was the first time he had to take care of someone. He should''ve just practiced more control last night and he could''ve avoided all this hassle. He found it weird though, most women wish for him to be rough, yet this woman fell ill with just barely a touch.


    Ye Jiayao laughed inside as she saw how awkward and uncomfortable he was. Now, I dare you to be unreasonable again!


    "It¡¯s too hot."


    Xia Chunyu blew on the porridge till it cooled and fed her again.


    "The bun has too much fatty meat, I can¡¯t take it."


    He picked off the fats in the bun patiently before feeding it to her again.


    After a few mouthfuls, Ye Jia Yao pushed his hand away, shaking her head. "This is not nice. I can''t eat it anymore."


    Xia Chunyu replied calmly, "Even if you don¡¯t want to, you still have to eat it."


    "It''s already your fault that I''m sick, and now you''re making me eat something I don''t like." She was sulking and pouting, laying it on thick.


    "Then what do you want to eat?" Xia Chunyu asked helplessly.


    "I want to eat wild strawberries."


    Xia Chunyu went out to call Song Qi. "Go pluck some wild strawberries and bring them to the room."


    "I am still boiling water!" Song Qi protested, pointing to the kitchen.


    Xia Chunyu growled, impatient, "GO NOW."


    There was no way Xia Chunyu was going to go strawberry-picking. If the brothers in the stockade saw him bending his back and raising his butt to pluck wild strawberries, his reputation would take a massive hit.


    Song Qi, afraid of getting kicked again, scuttered away, calling out a reminder, "3rd-in-charge, watch the fire! It took me a long time to build it so don''t let it go out."


    Xia Chunyu was extremely annoyed at how things were going. The arrival of this woman has turned his life upside down.


    At the same time, Ye Jiayao was rejoicing in his misfortune as she finished the remaining half of the porridge. She lied leisurely in bed, waiting for those red, wild strawberries.


    All training today had been canceled because third-in-charge has to take care of his sick wife. The brothers in the stockade were elated, praising the timely illness of their sister-in-law in as they gossip about the changes in the 3rd-in-charge''s behavior.


    "Third-in-charge must''ve been too ferocious and didn''t know how to control himself, causing sister-in-law to fall ill from his torment."


    "Ay, I didn''t know that 3rd-in-charge is such an impatient pervert."


    Hearing these discussions, Song Qi lamented the death of third-in-charge¡¯s clean reputation. He was already dreading what third-in-charge would do once he found out about what people were saying.


    Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Xia Chunyu was squatting in front of the stove, studiously keeping an eye on the fire. Who knew that raising a fire would be such a difficult task? He was the grand heir of the of the Jingan Hou family, a high-ranking bandit, and yet he still had to do this kind of manual labor and wait on a woman. He certainly was feeling exceptionally unlucky.


    *PING PANG*


    The sound of broken glass came from inside the house and Xia Chunyu rushed back. He found Ye Jiayao lying back on the bed with the bowl that contained the porridge, shattered on the floor.


    "What are you doing?" Xia Chunyu asked, furious.


    Ye Jiayao looked at his face covered in ashes and almost doubled over in laughter. "I called you many times but you didn¡¯t hear me, so I smashed the bowl."


    Xia Chunyu kicked the smashed ceramic pieces in frustration. "What is it that you want?"


    "I¡¯m thirsty."


    Xia Chunyu brought the whole teapot to her impatiently.


    "Just a small cup will do," Ye Jiayao said softly.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s anger rose. "Hey, don¡¯t ask for too much! My patience has a limit."


    Well, she was definitely looking forward to testing that limit.


    Ye Jiayao pretended to wilt under his anger. She ''tried'' to lift the teapot up but after failing for the second time, she just pushed it away and stammered, "Just forget it. I''m not drinking it anymore." She turned over, moving her shoulders up and down to look like she was silently crying.


    Xia Chunyu could not bear to see her like this. He felt like the biggest bastard in the world for getting angry at her when all she wanted was a sip of water.


    He poured her a cup of water and nudged her. "Here, drink."


    "No need, I¡¯m fine." Ye Jiayao sniffed and continued, "If I die, just burn me up! I have no one in this my world anymore since my family will not acknowledge me. Don''t bother setting up a grave, just scatter my ashes somewhere. I was already lonely alive, I don''t want to be lonely when I die too."


    The corner of Xia Chunyu¡¯s mouth twitched, both in humor and annoyance. "You''re talking nonsense. It''s just a small illness."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s shoulders trembled even more.


    Xia Chunyu, lost and guilty, went to help her up. "Here, just drink and you''ll feel better afterward."


    "I know I have caused you a lot of trouble, but I didn''t want this to happen either," she said weakly.


    "Alright, alright, I didn¡¯t say that it is your fault. Just hurry up and nurse your body back to health." Xia Chunyu has a whole stomach full of angst yet he refuses to take it out on her in case he upsets her even more.


    What a nuisance!

 Chapter 10：Beyond all bearing

    Ye Jiayao had already eaten all the strawberries that Song Qi brought and drank the medicine prepared for her but her temperature was still high. Xia Chunyu didn''t want to spend his days like this. He had already wasted a whole day today and he didn''t even get the chance to eat the snake soup made by Old Head Yu. The second-in-charge ate everything.


    "Go ask Mr. Liu how we can call the soul." Xia Chunyu ordered Song Qi.


    Ye Jiayao heard his demand and panicked. Knowing that what she was about to say was a terrible idea, but refused to have Mr. Liu ''call the soul'' on her, she called hurriedly, "I know how to call the soul."


    Xia Chunyu raised his eyebrows at her, disbelieving.


    "When I was young, my grandma taught me how to call the soul." Ye Jiayao waved at him and said, "Come around, I''ll tell you how."


    Xia Chunyu came closer with a dubious look on his face. She relayed her instructions and he became even more suspicious. "Is that real?"


    Ye Jiayao sniffed pretentiously. "Of course it is real! I remember clearly, my nanny did it this way and it was very effective."


    Xia Chunyu shook his head fiercely. "No, no. I don''t want to do this."


    "You can ask Song Qi to help?" Ye Jiayao looked towards Song Qi.


    Xia Chunyu frowned, shaking his head again. Shout nicknames to call the soul? Would Song Qi call Yaoyao, Yaoyao all the time?


    Absolutely not.


    "Go back to your room and don''t come out without my permission," Xia Chunyu dismissed Song Qi out grumpily.


    Xia Chunyu closed all the doors and windows, making sure that the idiot could not peek through before turning back to her.


    Ye Jiayao gave him a piece of paper with birthdates and said, "We can start now."


    Ye Jiayao slouched over the chair and watched him do as she directed. She laughed inside, knowing that the third-in-charge was about to do a sorcerer''s dance. It was a shame that she didn''t have anything to record this funny moment.


    Xia Chunyu filled a bowl with water and put the paper with the birthdates down on the stove. He ignited three incenses to worship the Kitchen God, then stuck them into a cup filled with rice. He turned his head and asked Ye Jiayao, "Do I really have to do this?"


    Ye Jiayao looked excited as she nodded at him. "Do this and I will cook something delicious for you."


    Xia Chunyu''s face twitched weirdly. He felt as though he would lose his face as a son of Jin''an Marquis if he performed this sorcerer''s dance. If the message passed around, what would become of his dignity?


    He saw her pair of bright and beautiful eyes staring at him with expectation and Xia Chunyu shouted, " Close your eyes! I promise, if you tell anyone about this, I will choke you to death."


    Ye Jiayao looked like the picture of innocence as she said, "I promise that I won''t say a word."


    I wouldn''t say a word because I would tell the full story! She smiled mischievously inside.


    "Shut your eyes!" Xia Chunyu shouted angrily.


    Ye Jiayao closed her eyes immediately. "You can begin now."


    Xia Chunyu took a deep breath and opened his mouth a couple of times, unsure how to begin. He raised his hands and promptly put it down. He couldn''t do this. Xia Chunyu felt that he had encountered the biggest difficulty in his lifetime.


    He looked at her for a moment before saying, "Cover your ears with your hands too."


    "If I cover my ears, how can I hear you call the soul? Wouldn''t this be all for nothing?" Ye Jiayao said sullenly. "If you can''t do it, you should just call Song Qi."


    You''re a grown man, don''t dillydally.


    Xia Chunyu ground his teeth together and took a deep breath. He was dedicated to getting rid of this trouble at all cost. He danced around pretentiously and recited, "Sky ling ling, earth ling ling, Laotse make my wish come true, evil spirits stay away from me, Yaoyao''s ghost please listen carefully..."


    Ye Jiayao peeked between her fingers and almost let out a laugh at how ridiculous he looked.


    "Yaoyao, Yaoyao, stop wandering. Yaoyao, Yaoyao, come back, your soul..."


    Xia Chunyu closed his eyes and poured out the rice, focused on reciting the soul-calling lyrics that Ye Jiayao told him. He didn''t even notice that his patient was almost choking with silent laughter.


    "Is this okay?" Xia Chunyu asked as he finally finished reciting. He turned around and became furious when saw her laughing at him. "Who told you that you can open your eyes?"


    Ye Jia Yao immediately stopped laughing and covered her eyes with her hands. "No, no, no, I didn''t see anything."


    Xia Chunyu realized that she might''ve been playing tricks on him.


    "If you dare fool me, I will make you suffer," Xia Chunyu threatened furiously.


    "I wasn''t! I just thought you are doing very well, even better than my nanny. I felt much better now," Ye Jiayao said with all the sincerity she could muster.


    Suddenly, there were footsteps outside the door, and though they were very soft, Xia Chunyu could still hear it. It must be Song Qi trying to eavesdrop on them. Perfect! Now, he could vent his anger out on someone. He pointed at Ye Jiayao and murmured, "I will come back to deal with you later."


    Xia Chunyu walked to the door and opened it furiously, shouting, "Do you want to die? Did I ask you to come out?"


    The first-in-charge and the second-in-charge stood by the door, blinking.


    "Big... big brother, second brother, why are you here? I thought it was Song Qi." Xia Chunyu laughed awkwardly, then shouted to Song Qi from afar, "Why didn''t you say that the first-in-charge and the second-in-charge are here? Why are you so absent-minded? Go and pour the tea now."


    Song Qi''s eyes were filled with miserable confusion, not understanding how he was getting blamed for everything.


    First-in-charge waved his hand dismissively and said, "Don''t bother with it. We only came here to have a look because we heard that your wife is sick. Is everything alright now?"


    "She''s alright. She just had a fright, that''s all," Xia Chunyu answered casually.


    "It is, big brother and second brother! Sorry that I cannot come to meet you because of my wilted illness," Ye Jia Yao yelled from inside the house, sounding hoarse.


    First-in-charge answered immediately, "It''s alright sister-in-law, you just take care and rest. Third brother, you should take your mind off the business in our village. Sister-in-law''s health is more important. Also, fighting against Xin Yi needs more consideration so don''t rush."


    Second-in-charge said softly, "Sister-in-law is a fair lady, very different from the wild girls of the village. Third brother, you need to take care of her more."


    "Of, course," he agreed reluctantly. Very different from the village girls, indeed. At least they wouldn''t dare talk back our laugh at him.


    "Okay then, we won''t bother you anymore. Whatever you need, just ask for it, alright?" They waved goodbye at him and left.


    Xia Chunyu went back inside and Ye Jiayao sighed in appreciation," It looks like big brother and second brother really care about me."


    "Two people who kill without even blinking an eye would care about you? Huh, not likely, unless you are theirs," he answered, high and mighty.


    "Now that I have called your soul back, you can walk by yourself, right?" Xia Chunyu asked, hopeful.


    Ye Jiayao said sulkily, "I am not drinking a magic potion here! The results are not that immediate. Yes, the shocked soul is finally back, but I still need to rest for a couple of days."


    "How many more days?" Xia Chunyu asked impatiently. He was very tempted to just kick her out and leave her to die.


    Xia Chunyu felt like a powder keg without a wire lead. He was filled with anger but he has nowhere to express it to. Instead, he carried Ye Jiayao to her room roughly, almost throwing her down onto the bed. At the patient''s request, Xia Chunyu closed all the windows before bringing the oil lamp onto the bedstand to enable him to read his book.


    "Could you bring the teapot here? Just in case I get thirsty at night," Ye Jiayao asked weakly.


    Xia Chunyu ignored her and focused on reading. After reading two pages, though, his conscience got the better of him and he still went ahead to bring her the teapot.


    After a while, Ye Jiayao said, "I still want to eat wild strawberries tomorrow."


    Xia Chunyu was beyond irritated as he said, "Eat in your dreams."


    Ye Jiayao was undeterred, proceeding to hug his arm as if she was holding onto a pillow. She intentionally stuck with him and rubbed against him to make him suffer.


    As expected, Xia Chunyu looked uneasy as she tried to shrug her off. "Get away from me, it is too hot."


    "I am not hot! I feel a bit cold." Ye Jiayao put one of her legs directly over him, hugging him tightly.


    Her body rubbing against him made his act in response. He was only a man and his hormones functioned as other men do.


    Xia Chunyu looked irritable, kicking her leg off of him. "It is so heavy!"


    Ye Jiayao put it back stubbornly, and muttered, "You said that I was too skinny last night and all you felt were bones. Now, you are saying I am too heavy?"


    Did he really say that? He couldn''t remember saying that last night. Well, whatever he had said, the fact remained that this cheeky woman was shameless, already glued to him after only two days of union!


    "Song Qi said you are cold outside but warm inside. I think you are a good person. Aye! What is your name? I still don''t know your name!" Ye Jiayao babbled.


    "You don''t have to know," Xia Chunyu said coldly.


    As if I really want to know. Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes, glad that he could not see her.


    "What should I call you then? Third-in-charge? The same as what Song Qi calls you? No, that won''t make me feel special. Ooh, I can call you Feifei?"


    It could mean both bandit or baboon. It was the perfect nickname and Ye Jiayao felt pleased with her smart thinking.


    Feifei? Xia Chunyu would certainly throw up if she ever called him that in front of others.


    "Yes, I think that''s perfect! From now on, I will call you Feifei. I like this name," Ye Jiayao announced giddily.


    "Don''t you dare call me that!" Xia Chunyu couldn''t bear this sh*t anymore.


    "Goodnight Feifei. Don''t read too late, okay? I''m going to sleep now." Ye Jiayao ignored his threatening look and kissed him on the cheek. She rubbed against his body some more and found a comfortable position before dozing off, feeling completely accomplished.


    God, please take away this crazy woman away! Xia Chunyu almost ripped his hair out in frustration.


    However, no matter how much he wanted to, Xia Chunyu dared not to move, afraid that she would wake up. If she couldn''t have a good sleep, she would still be sick tomorrow and this whole hassle would start again.


    He would have to tolerate her antics just this one last time.

 Chapter 11：To continue to pretend or not?

    Ye Jiayao slept until the sun was high in the sky, and when she woke up, Xia Chunyu had already left. A bunch of women''s clothes was next to the pillow and they seemed all new. Are these the clothes Peng Wu brought here?


    Ye Jiayao rummaged around the pile of clothes before settling on a silver and red halter-neck top, a piece of moon-white flowery Beizi (traditional Chinese gown), and a scarlet shirt. She took off the loose gown she was wearing and put the new clothes on. She got off the bed and was surprised to see eight colorful embroidered shoes neatly lined up for her.


    What kind of woman doesn''t like beautiful clothes and pretty shoes? Ye Jiayao''s mood was suddenly lifted and she felt extremely giddy as she looked them over.


    Ye Jiayao decided to forgive him for his viciousness and brutality. After all, he did the sorcerer''s dance for her and she used him as footstool last night. He had also prepared so many beautiful new clothes for her today.


    It certainly looked like anyone could change!


    There was food spread out on the round table and the first thing she saw was a bowl of red, wild strawberries. Ye Jiayao smiled unconsciously. That man liked to talk tough but he had a kind heart.


    After eating two wild strawberries, Ye Jiayao opened the nearby basket and found white porridge and buns inside. Surprisingly, the meat inside the buns has been taken out.


    Wow! Who knew that he had such a caring and thoughtful side? She was so moved that she almost teared up. She ate the porridge and thought over on whether to keep pretending that she was sick or not. She wasn''t sure if it was Mr. Liu''s medicine or her good mood that cured her fever, but she would definitely deny that calling the ghost worked. She had received higher education in the 21st century, and she couldn''t just blindly believe in that weird theory.


    It was obvious that third-in-charge''s patience was running thin and by continuing to challenge him, Ye Jiayao knew that it would eventually start to annoy and frustrate him. She knew that if she pushed him too hard, it wouldn''t work out well.


    Ye Jiayao finished her food and left the house. She spotted the open kitchen doors, the scent of medicine wafting over from it, and she went in to take a look. There, she found Song Qi squatted in front of the stove, boiling medicine for her.


    "Song Qi," she called


    "Sister-in-law, you''re up. That''s great! You are finally okay now," Song Qi said happily. Maybe now that she has recovered, third-in-charge would quit being mad all the time. Also, that meant there would be great food for them soon.


    "Where is the third-in-charge?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "The third-in-charge left early this morning but he didn''t say where he was going. Peng Wu took the brothers to practice and left me here to boil medicine for you," he said and continued on afterthought, "Oh, are those wild strawberries enough for you? I can go pick some more if you like. There are still plenty on the hill but they will be gone in a few days, so we should probably stock up."


    "Did you pick those wild strawberries?"


    "Yes! I thought you liked them so I went to pick some earlier."


    "That wasn''t what the third-in-charge requested?"


    "It was such a piece of cake, there was no need for the request from the third-in-charge." Song Qi laughed.


    Ye Jiayao''s mood dampened. She felt a bit disappointed as she thought third-in-charge had done everything for her.


    "Thank you, Song Qi." Ye Jiayao smiled reluctantly.


    "No worries, you are my sister-in-law! You can ask for anything that you want!" Song Qi said cheerfully.


    Ye Jiayao thoughts drifted and she asked, "Did Peng Wu buy the realgar powder that you talked about before?"


    "Yes, wait here and I will fetch it for you." Song Qi handed the fan to her and ran to get the realgar powder.


    "Here, he bought a huge bag of them. Should I pour it out now?" Song Qi asked as he came back. He hastily opened the paper package and the realgar powder burst out, fanning to his face and making his eyes tear up.


    Ye Jiayao frowned. "If you pour it just like this, it will be gone soon. Do we still have wine here?"


    Song Qi nodded, his eyes still streaming.


    "Bring a jug of wine here and stir the realgar powder in it evenly. We''ll spray it around the courtyard, doors, and windows," said Ye Jiayao.


    Song Qi hesitated and said, "There is only one jug left and that one is third-in-charge''s favorite high-grade Shaoxing wine."


    "We can buy more wine after this," Ye Jiayao said, thinking that it was definitely more important to keep insects and snakes away.


    Song Qi wanted to protest and say that this wine was not that easy to buy. Last time they robbed a caravan, they only got 5 jugs in total and the third-in-charge was not willing to drink it. However, big sister asked, and Song Qi didn''t want to disobey her. He would just have to blame her when third-in-charge asked. Song Qi went ahead to spray the mixture of realgar powder and wine to the surrounding of the house.


    Meanwhile, Ye Jiayao opened the medicine jug and poured the medicine out. She could not stand the smell of that horrible concoction.


    Xia Chunyu came down from the hill and gave the basket he had on his shoulder to Uncle Jiang. "Uncle Jiang, can you give this to Song Qi? Tell him to plant it in the backyard."


    Uncle Jiang smiled. "Yes, sure."


    "Oh, and ask Aunt Jiang to do me a favor."


    "Understood, I will get her now."


    Xia Chunyu looked in the direction of his yard and wondered how the woman was feeling. Her fever was gone when he left but still, he didn''t know if she felt any better.


    After Song Qi sprayed the realgar wine around the front and backyard, Ye Jiayao deemed it was safe enough and brought a basin near the well to wash clothes. Just as she was pulling a bucket of water out of the well, she heard someone call her from behind, "Third Madam, put it down, I will do it."


    Ye Jiayao turned around and saw Aunt Jiang. "Aunt Jiang, what are you doing here?"


    "The third-in-charge told me to come. You are still sick and you can¡¯t do chores by yourself." Aunt Jiang took the water basket from her, and poured water into the basin, folding her sleeves up to start working.


    Ye Jiayao thought about the underwear in the pile and was mortified. She could not let others wash her underwear! "It''s fine, I can do it."


    Aunt Jiang held up a hand to stop Ye Jiayao. "Third madam, you should be resting. Go, I will be done with this soon."


    Ye Jiayao saw Aunt Jiang twist her red lingerie and felt extremely mortified. She decided though, to just let it go since she couldn''t really take it back. Instead, she sat on a small stool and started chatting to Aunt Jiang. It was a good thing that Aunt Jiang was chatty and there were no awkward silences at all.


    "Third Madam, I heard you were intimidated by a snake."


    "Yeah, it was really scary. Have you seen snakes before?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "Oh, yes. It is usual to encounter snakes because I live on the mountain. I am not scared though, my husband grew many Sargasso grass in the backyard and snakes are afraid of the smell of Sargasso. The third-in-charge went with my husband to pick some of it this morning. My husband will come and plant some in your backyard later," Aunt Jiang said.


    Ye Jiayao was surprised that third-in-charge would really go out in the early morning just to pick Sargasso grass.


    "Sargasso grass is very hard to obtain because they grow on the cliffs. It seems that the third-in-charge loves you very much," Aunt Jiang said, smiling warmly upon seeing the surprise on the third madam''s face.


    Ye Jiayao smiled, abashed. She told herself that he really didn''t care about her and just felt stuffy when the windows were closed.


    "Aunt Jiang, why did you and your husband wanted to come up the mountain?"


    "It''s a long story but the gist is, we were forced to come up here. I mean, who would like to become bandits, right? My old man is a carpenter and makes bows, arrows, and gears for the mountain stronghold. At least, he is safe because he doesn¡¯t need to go down the mountain to rob."


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "Does the third-in-charge go down the mountain often?"


    Aunt Jiang said, "Before the third-in-charge came, the best fighter in the village was the second-in-charge. He took people down to have fights. Now that third-in-charge is here, the second-in-charge barely goes down the mountain."


    "You see, it is said that they will fight Xin Yi town and that is really hard to take. The second-in-charge tried multiple times to attack it and didn¡¯t succeed. Now it¡¯s up to the third-in-charge. If he can take it, it is a great merit."


    Ye Jiayao felt worried. I thought bandits only has to rob? Who knew they needed to attack towns? Aunt Jiang said that town was hard to conquer and she could not help but worry if Feifei would encounter danger. She just arrived at the mountain fortress and her position was not yet stable. No matter how bad Feifei was, he was her ally and if something happened to him there would be no one she could rely on.


    Aunt Jiang saw the worried look of Ye Jiayao and knew that she was thinking of third-in-charge''s safety. "Third Madam, you don¡¯t need to worry. Ever since the third-in-charge joined the fortress, there have been no defeats yet. They even took over the hardest Ju Xian Heights, and only a few people got killed. People in the village say that the third-in-charge was born at a wrong time, otherwise, he would''ve been a head general."


    Ye Jiayao wondered where could this head-general be found.


    As they were talking, Song Qi came over with an old man carrying a basket of grass.


    "Why are you here so late?" Aunt Jiang demanded when she saw the old man.


    The old man smiled and answered, "I have been here early. The Sargasso grass has already been planted outside and in the backyard."


    Aunt Jiang smiled and told Ye Jiayao, "This is my old man."


    Ye Jiayao smiled up at him gratefully. "Uncle Jiang, thanks for the hard work."


    "It was no bother. The herbs were picked up by third-in-charge, I only planted them." Uncle Jiang laughed.


    "Sister-in-law, where is the medicine in the kitchen?" Song Qi asked.


    "I already drank it," Ye Jia Yao answered.


    Song Qi scratched his head in bewilderment. So fast?


    Two people started digging a hole to plant the grass at the corner of fences and Ye Jiayao looked over them, still dubious. "Does that really work?"


    "Third Madam, don¡¯t look down on this herb. No snake will dare to go anywhere near this. It also has an amazing effect on getting rid of snake venom. If you get bitten by a snake, put a few leaves on the bite and you can be cured immediately," Uncle Jiang explained.


    Ye Jiayao decided to trust his judgment and relaxed. Realgar wine plus this supposedly amazing herb was a double protection for her, so she should be very safe.


    After washing the clothes, Aunt Jiang went to clean the room and Ye Jiayao started to plan what to cook for lunch. Aunt Jiang brought a piece of fresh marbled meat, some new lotus root and bamboo shoots in spring. They still have killed chicken, some leftover mutton, mushroom, cucumbers, and carrots in their kitchen. She could cook stewed pork ball in brown sauce, braised bamboo shoot, chicken stew mushrooms, fried lotus cake, and cold cucumber and garlic burst lamb. Six dishes should be enough food to feed six people.


    Ye Jiayao then set to work, taking a piece of marbled meat to chop into meat mud. Then, she peeled and washed a piece of lotus root and cut it into small pieces. The best way to cook stewed pork ball in brown sauce was to use crisp water chestnuts, but soft lotus roots could be good too. It would be sweet, delicious and would have a special taste. She then sliced the onions and ginger thinly before soaking them both in water.


    Next, she cracked an egg and mixed it with the meat mud and lotus root pieces. She added many flavors and starch, as well as ginger and water, then mixed it all together. This technique would make the meatballs smoother and more tender.


    Ye Jiayao was almost finished with preparing the dishes went Aunt Jiang came in. "Third Madam! Why are you busy with work again? Let me do it."


    Ye Jiayao smiled and waver her away, "I have fully recovered and plan to make a good meal. You and uncle Jiang should stay for lunch!"

 Chapter 12：Chunyu Dumb Donkey

    Xia Chunyu replied absent-mindedly, "No, it''s okay, let¡¯s end training early today."


    For the whole morning, he had been with first-in-charge, discussing the attack on Xin Yi. Second-in-charge¡¯s suggestion was to attack aggressively, dispatching 2000 brothers from the stockade to take down Xin Yi.


    This plan was favorable to him because by dispatching 2000 men and horses, the stockade would be left with only around 1000 men. The lack of manpower, plus with Song Qi around to operate from within to destroy the Broken Dragon Stone¡¯s mechanism, He Lianxuan would be able to attack up the mountains. Besides, the 2000 men and horses dispatched, upon losing their headquarters, would be trapped between Xin Yi and Helian Xuan, and would be easily defeated.


    The first-in-charge was more meticulous, however. He was opposed to the idea of almost coming out with full strength. He said that the plan to use force would result in too much loss so instead, they should use their wits. The huge difference in their opinions meant that there was yet a concrete plan to be laid out. Xia Chunyu purposely pretended to space out during the meeting, and when asked for suggestions, brought up several plans full of loopholes.


    First-in-charge waved his hand disappointedly at him, merely saying, "Forget it, I know you are still worried about sister-in-law¡¯s illness. Let¡¯s just discuss this on another day."


    He has to buy some time so that He Lianxuan would be able to make thorough preparations.


    Peng Wu went ahead to dismiss the brothers who were dying of exhaustion before coming back to say, "Third-in-charge, about lunch¡­"


    Xia Chunyu frowned, muttering, "Go to the kitchen and get some food."


    "Third-in-charge, third-in-charge!" Song Qi called, running towards them.


    Xia Chunyu watched him expectantly, wondering if something had happened to that blasted woman.


    Song Qi panted, "Third-in-charge, sister-in-law told me to call you back to eat. She made a lot of good food."


    Xia Chunyu was shocked. "She¡¯s fine already?"


    "A bit better but not completely healed. She went back to the room to lie down after cooking."


    "Are you really that stupid? Why did you let her cook if she hasn''t fully recovered yet?" Xia Chunyu scolded.


    Song Qi replied innocently, "Sister-in-law insisted that she want to make lunch."


    "And you''re telling me that you couldn''t have persuaded her otherwise? Didn¡¯t I get Auntie Jiang over to help? Where is she?" Xia Chunyu growled, his temper rising.


    Song Qi watched as third-in-charge¡¯s foot shift a little, as though he was about to kick someone, and took three steps back hurriedly, saying weakly, "Auntie Jiang helped."


    He purposely didn''t say that Auntie Jiang only helped to smell the aroma and judge the appearance of the food, otherwise, he was certain that third-in-charge would''ve erupted.


    "Scram," Xia Chunyu barked at him.


    Peng Wu walked over to Song Qi, patting him on the shoulder sympathetically. "Let¡¯s just go back to eat."


    Song Qi rolled his eyes, complaining softly, "He''s like a barrel of gunpowder, exploding with the slightest touch."


    Peng Wu laughed. "Don¡¯t take it to heart, third-in-charge is just anxious."


    "Then why doesn''t he scold you too? Why is it always me?" Song Qi was indignant.


    Peng Wu replied grudgingly, "Didn¡¯t I get an earful yesterday too?"


    Xia Chunyu returned to the courtyard and ran into Auntie Jiang who was smiling warmly at him. "Third-in-charge, the dishes are served."


    Xia Chunyu walked straight into the room without acknowledging her.


    Ye Jiayao was lying on the bed to rest, exhausted from cooking lunch. She didn''t realize that cooking while she was still slightly sick would be this tiring. Suddenly, she heard Auntie Jiang''s voice from outside, followed by someone entering the room.


    She opened her eyes and saw third-in-charge by the door. "Feifei, you''re back!"


    Xia Chunyu forgot all the things he was about to scold her with, overcome with disgust at the nickname she has given him.


    "I warned you not to call me that," Xia Chunyu growled, keeping his voice low, mindful that there were people outside that could be listening. Factoring in his raging temper, that was really not an easy feat.


    Ye Jiayao beamed at him. "You don¡¯t like it? I¡¯ll change it to another one then. Husband? My lord? Hubby? Or BB?"


    Xia Chunyu shuddered at her sheer stupidity, replying unkindly, "Chunyu."


    "What? Dumb donkey? Why are you being insulting? I just thought a nickname would sound more intimate. You may not see me as your wife but I have already treated you as my husband. I''m yours for the rest of my life, and yet¡­" Ye Jiayao trailed off pitifully, covering her face to appear as though she was crying.


    That name had followed him for 21 years and he never thought that it could be associated with a dumb donkey. Xia Dumb Donkey, what more a blind (Xia), dumb, donkey.


    Xia Chunyu could not remain calm anymore as he bellowed, "That¡¯s my name! Chunyu!" He carefully enunciated the two words to get it through her thick skull.


    Ye Jiayao was stumped for a while before going down in a fit of laughter. His name literally means dumb donkey! Oh God, I can''t breathe! She was doubled over, laughing uncontrollably, pounding on the pillows hysterically.


    "What are you laughing at? I forbid you to laugh!" Xia Chunyu yelled over her shrieks, embarrassed.


    Ye Jiayao was laughing so hard she could hardly catch her breath, tears streaming down her face. She gasped, "Not¡­not laughing any...more."


    Xia Chunyu wanted to lunge at her and wring her scrawny neck.


    "Third-in-charge, time to eat!" Auntie Jiang called from outside.


    Xia Chunyu left, still a mixture of annoyed and embarrassed. He was just about out of the door when he heard the wild laughter startup behind him. He fought the urge to hurl a teapot at her head and gloomily continued to the kitchen.


    "Third-in-charge, hurry up, it would not taste nice if it is cold," Auntie Jiang said.


    Xia Chunyu suppressed the thought of going back to deal with that darned woman and focused on his meal.


    No matter how annoying she was, he could not deny her skills. The lunch she has prepared was nothing short of sumptuous. The pork meatballs, garlic-fried mutton, lotus cake with chopped onion and bamboo shoots stewed in oil¡­ their aromas mixed together immediately increased his appetite.


    Xia Chunyu said, "Song Qi, get my Huadiao wine and let Uncle Jiang try it."


    Song Qi stared back at him blankly.


    "Are you deaf? Go get it!" Xia Chunyu barked at him.


    Song Qi looked apprehensive as he weakly replied, "Third-in-charge, there''s no Huadiao anymore."


    "Wasn¡¯t there a jar left yesterday? Did you secretly drink it all?"


    "Sister-in-law asked me to make red orpiment wine this morning and we scattered it all around," Song Qi answered carefully. Surely, third-in-charge would not be unreasonable and still blame him for this.


    It was only then that Xia Chunyu realized how much he has been drinking. Ever since he came up the mountains, he rarely even indulged in alcohol. He blamed Yaoyao''s cooking because once he saw the meal she has prepared, he would get the urge to drink. Fine food was the culprit.


    "Third-in-charge, I still have a jar of Zhuyeqing if you''d like." Uncle Jiang suggested.


    "Forget it, I am not drinking. I still have something in the afternoon and drinking too much might hold things up." Xia Chunyu waved his hand, picking up the chopsticks and poking it into the pork meatballs. "Let''s eat."


    The meatballs were bursting with so much flavor, it tasted like heaven on his tongue. It holds firm and yet, it was tender enough that it practically dissolved in his mouth. It was the perfect texture and consistency. There was even the fragrance of spring onions and garlic but he was barely able to feel the garlic bits. The lotus cake was flawlessly crisp on the outside and soft, sweet, and sticky on the inside. The bamboo shoots stewed in oil was bright red, fresh and has just the right amount of bite to it. Even the garlic-fried mutton had no stench, only delicious fragrance to go with its tenderness.


    She has managed to make home-cooked food that could compete with the standards of restaurant dishes. She really knew how to keep the original taste of the ingredients and at the same time, mix and match additional flavors to make an even more delicious taste. Her skills, from chopping to control of the fire, was something that required a long period of practice to master. He wondered if she cooked often at home. It was unheard of that a lady from a wealthy family step anywhere near a stove let alone manage to cook frequently.


    "Delicious, isn¡¯t it? My sister-in-law¡¯s skills are awesome! She''s even better compared to the head chef in Ji Nan city¡¯s Wang Xian Lou!" Song Qi ate merrily.


    Xia Chunyu slapped the back of his head. "When have you been to Wang Xian Lou? Even I haven''t been there!"


    Song Qi rubbed his head, muttering, "I heard it from someone else. Even if I go to Wang Xian Lou to be a guard, I would get rejected!"


    Xia Chunyu glared at him, sneering, "Glad you know that."


    Peng Wu and Uncle Jiang burst out laughing.


    Halfway through his meal, Xia Chunyu asked, "Did your sister-in-law ate already?"


    It was Auntie Jiang who answered, "Third madam has yet to eat. She did not have an appetite and just cooked some congee that she said she would eat later."


    Xia Chunyu thought about it for a while, and said, "Then leave some dishes for her."


    Upon hearing that, Song Qi withdrew his outstretched chopsticks that were ready to pick up some more food.


    Auntie Jiang replied, "Third madam said not to leave food for her. She said that she will make vegetable with lean meat porridge."


    Everyone picked their chopsticks back up and proceeded to continue engulfing everything on the plates. It looked like they all inhaled the food with how fast it disappeared.


    Auntie Jang cleared all the utensils after lunch while everyone else scattered to their own thing. Xia Chunyu walked around the courtyard, going back to the room with a peace of mind upon seeing all the planted Sargasso.


    He found Ye Jiayao in the bed, already heavily asleep. Xia Chunyu opened the window quietly, looked at her intently for a while before reaching out to feel her forehead. He was relieved that she was not feverish anymore.


    He proceeded to his study in the second room of the west wing and took out a map to review. Xin Yi was 80 li away from Hei Feng Gang. It was the territory of Feng Chaolin from Xin Yi''s most influential clan. Due to Feng Chaolin''s loyalty and generosity to the needy, many heroes from Lv Lin seek asylum there, making the place highly mighty. It is also one of the few rich lands in Shan Dong because of its prosperous trade.


    Hei Feng Gang have been eyeing Xin Yi for a long time yet have failed all their attempted attacks. Lately, He Lianxuan and Feng Chaolin were in talks of cooperation, and as the information leaked, first-in-charge became very worried. If Feng Chaolin sought help from the imperial court, it would be a great threat to Hei Feng Gang. Therefore, he wanted to attack Xin Yi as soon as possible before any solid deals of coordination came to place.


    What kind of plan would satisfy first-in-charge, yet would still be able to let Xia Chunyu work with He Lianxuan? This was a thorny problem.


    Ye Jiayao awoke, rubbing her tired eyes, stretching. Lethargically, she walked out of the room, starving and ready to eat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chunyu sitting at the table, a hand propping his chin up, brows tightly-knitted as he scribbled on a piece of paper. She wanted to go in to greet him but upon further consideration, she just decided not to disturb him.


    She made herself a bowl of vegetable lean meat porridge and dug in with gusto. She returned to the room, ready to nap again, when she saw him still in the same position as she left him earlier, deep in thoughts.


    Ye Jiayao turned back to the kitchen and proceeded to make him a pot of tea. The tea is top-grade Long Jing and she heard that it was raided by a group of dealers from the south. Mixing it with hot water, the tender, green tea leaves slowly opened up, like shoots blossoming from a branch, its deep fragrance seeping out.


    Ye Jiayao walked into his study softly, putting the tea by his right hand, saying gently, "Have a cup of tea to clear your mind up."

 Chapter 13：All The World’s A Stage, Acting Skills Are At Stake

    Xia Chunyu heard the noise and looked up, his eyes visibly brightening at the sight of her. She looked so simple, elegant, and coquettishly charming with that white overcoat and crimson hundred pleat dress. Her attire contrasted against her blushing face, her eyes sharp and intelligent, beautiful and moving. Indeed, the simple and elegant style definitely suited her better.


    "Have you eaten yet?" Xia Chunyu picked up the cup, taking a sip of tea.


    "Yes, I had a bowl of porridge. What are you doing? Are you coming up with a battle plan?" Ye Jiayao glanced at the map and saw an encircled place - Xin Yi town.


    Xia Chunyu calmly drew the map away. Even if she was technically his wife, he still had to be careful and put his guard up. He could not tell anyone what his true plans were.


    Ye Jiayao curled her lips angrily, forcing herself to stay quiet. I would not understand it even if you let me see it!


    Xia Chunyu leaned back leisurely, sipping his tea. He pointed to the seat beside him, motioning for her to sit.


    "Where did you get your culinary skills from?" Xia Chunyu asked casually.


    Was he suspicious? Ye Jiayao put on a miserable and helpless expression immediately, replying sadly, "I learned it from my family¡¯s chef. Although I am the eldest daughter of the Ye family, my father is not very fond of me and I rarely get to see him. Even during morning and evening visits, my stepmother would find ways to stop me from seeing him. She would either say that my father was too tired and had already gone to rest, or that he was in a bad mood and I should not disturb him. I am a dispensable person in the Ye household, Chunyu. I decided to take up cooking so that at least I could give my father something to remind him of me."


    Ye Jiayao spoke in a low voice, trying hard to force out her tears, letting them well up in her eyes. She was portraying the pitiful child lacking parental love, whose life was made difficult by her stepmother.


    As the saying goes, all the world¡¯s a stage, putting her acting skills at stake.


    That speech was craftily mixed with truths and lies. Ye Jiayao''s host did learn cooking in order to win her father''s favor. However, the dishes she made were never delivered to her father. That just went to show how little she was valued in the household. Even the host''s marriage with the Wei family had to depend on her maternal family¡¯s power in order to come to fruition.


    Although pitiful, Xia Chunyu was still suspicious with the validity of her words. Just as he was about to ask her, she sniffed and wiped her tears, saying self-deprecatingly, "Sorry for getting a bit emotional. That¡¯s why you kept saying that I do not behave like a proper lady. I am indeed no proper lady. I did not learn the four arts, only learned how to cook a few dishes from a chef. So, in the future, I can only make you food, wash your clothes and serve you tea."


    With her eyes still red with unshed tears, she looked so miserable that Xia Chunyu couldn''t help but feel sympathetic. "Well it¡¯s better than nothing," he consoled.


    "Will you despise me?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu thought about it for a long while. He did not have any expectations of her so he could not really despise her. He wondered it if saying that would be too straightforward as he looked at her hopeful gaze.


    Is it really that f*cking difficult to answer? As a lady from a wealthy family, marrying a bandit like him was considered marrying down. I am just being humble you arrogant git!


    "Forget that I even asked." Ye Jiayao waved her hand resentfully, getting up to leave.


    Xia Chunyu frowned, replying unhappily, "What do you mean forget it?"


    Ye Jiayao stopped in her tracks. "I''m just afraid of hearing something I want to hear, and also afraid of something I do not want to hear."


    "What does that mean?" Xia Chunyu asked, genuinely confused.


    "It means that it was a senseless question."


    After saying that, she left, leaving Xia Chunyu staring after her in bewilderment. What the f*ck? Did she mean that she really didn''t care either way whether he cared about her or not?


    Xia Chunyu could not stay calm and chased her to their room.


    "Hey, make yourself clear. Why was that a senseless question?" Xia Chunyu demanded.


    Ye Jiayao was arranging her new clothes and shoes, marveling over their prettiness. Truthfully, the ancient attire looked way better than modern clothes. They were just a little troublesome to wear, and even on a hot day, she had to cover herself tightly. It would be a wonder if she did not get heat rash.


    "I have a name, can you not call me hey?" Ye Jiayao said, not even bothering to raise her head.


    "I like calling you that, so deal with it." Xia Chunyu said carelessly. "Answer my question."


    "If you are going to call me however you like, does that mean I can do the same too?" Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him.


    "The husband is your guiding principle, do you know that? I have the right to call you whatever I want," Xia Chunyu raised his voice at her pompously.


    Ye Jiayao rubbed her ears, thinking that he must''ve been the god of rage in his past life. Why does he love shouting so much?


    "Ah, so you admit that you really are my husband?" Ye Jiayao suddenly smiled. "I thought so. How could you despise me when you treat me so well?"


    When did he treat her well?


    "Don¡¯t deny it. You took out the fatty meat from the buns so meticulously and even went down the mountains to pick Sargasso for me. I heard that those herbs grow at the edge of cliffs and are very difficult to pick. Feifei¡­ I mean, Chunyu, I will treat you well, don¡¯t worry." Ye Jiayao said, opening the cupboard and taking his clothes out before putting hers in.


    The corner of Xia Chunyu¡¯s mouth twitched with indignation. She was acting like the person who was worried about being despised was him. Xia Chunyu said angrily, "That is because I can''t stand how you keep being overly suspicious."


    "Whatever you say. I just want to let you know that I appreciate your intentions." Ye Jiayao tidied her clothes which took up the whole cupboard. She was unable to squeeze any of his clothes back in.


    "Hey, you took up all the space! Where am I going to put my clothes?" Xia Chunyu protested.


    Ye Jiayao looked around and carried his clothes to the Rohan couch. "We¡¯ll leave it here first! The furniture seems to be lacking with more people in the house. Chunyu, go find another cupboard and bring it back."


    Why did that sound like he was the extra person?


    Xia Chunyu walked over to open the cupboard and threw her clothes out. This is unacceptable! How dare she take over my place?


    "Hey, hey, what are you doing? Are you going to fight with a woman over a cupboard? Aren¡¯t you afraid to become a laughing stock when the word gets out? Can you just be more gentlemanly?" Ye Jiayao snatched her clothes off the floor, placing them back into the cupboard again.


    Xia Chunyu was speechless as she stared at this shameless woman. He was furious and felt an indescribable sense of defeat. She was being unreasonable, yet, it was as though he was the one being stingy. It was true, what the ancient people had once said, that only women and vile characters are difficult to raise. He could finally understand why his father would rather go to the borders than stay at home to face a bunch of women. He could barely manage with just one!


    Ye Jiayao pouted, acting like a proper young wife who was bullied.


    Forget it! A gentleman should not fight with a woman.


    Xia Chunyu flung his sleeve angrily and went to leave.


    Ye Jiayao shouted from behind him, "Chunyu, come back early tonight. I will make you a delicious dinner."


    Xia Chunyu closed his eyes in fury, knowing that the days ahead were going to be insufferable.


    Since third-in-charge was in a bad mood, all the bandits were punished. Initially, it was agreed upon that there would be no training today. Therefore, some of them went back to sleeping, some gambled with dice, and some loitered around, all of them feeling contented. However, a wave of hurried bugle horn stirred them all, disrupting their peace.


    One by one, the bandits rushed to the training grounds, only to see third-in-charge holding on to a command flag in the middle of the training ground. He looked like a mighty thundercloud, ready to blast everyone and everything in his wake. The gang knew that the third-in-charge holding onto the command flag meant that today will be a formation practice. There would be a real fight and it simply came down to either beating someone into a pulp or getting beaten to a pulp.


    For a moment, everyone felt as though they were going to face their deaths; their visions blurred, their knees trembled.


    Oh heavens, they wondered what provoked third-in-charge this time.


    The whole afternoon¡¯s training left everyone on the grounds with a bruised face. They dared not to voice it out but they were all screaming with pain on the inside. It wasn''t until it was dinner time that they saw the light at the end of their dark, torturous tunnel.


    Song Qi ran to the training ground and called, "Third-in-charge, sister-in-law called you back for dinner."


    Everyone was so spent and drained, they were about to cry. Thank f*ck, sister-in-law is finally going to collect her man!


    Unexpectedly, third-in-charge behaved as though he did not hear Song Qi. He ignored him and shouted, "Single line formation!"


    The command flag fluttered in the wind, and the bandits ran like crazy, screaming for mercy in their head.


    Song Qi remembered sister-in-law¡¯s instructions then braced himself and shouted again, "Third-in-charge, sister-in-law said that if you don''t go back, she would personally come down to call you."


    Xia Chunyu blank face finally showed some emotions as he thought of how she would call his name, rolling her tongue purposefully. If she came here screaming at the top of her lungs, everyone in the stockade would probably be calling him dumb donkey behind his back. Darn woman! She was getting braver! How dare she threaten him?


    This was the first time that Xia Chunyu started to hate his name.


    Peng Wu went up to him, smiling as he said, "Third-in-charge, the sky is turning dark and sister-in-law is waiting for you to go back. Let''s just continue tomorrow."


    Without a word, Xia Chunyu withdrew the command flag and handed it to Peng Wu.


    Peng Wu waved the command flag in the air. "Dismissed!"


    Everyone suddenly fell on the ground, their tongues hanging like a dog, huffing and puffing. If this went on, they would all be tortured to death.


    Song Qi kept quiet as they trudged back to the house, dutifully following behind third-in-charge, secretly laughing at him. He thought that sister-in-law¡¯s method was indeed effective if she could get him to come to her so easily.


    Xia Chunyu remained silent the whole way back, thinking of how to deal with his errant wife. He could not continue to indulge her stubbornness and fiery attitude. He finally realized that she was not a simple character. She was merely playing dumb in order to climb all over him. He gave her an inch and she took a yard.


    She had painted a pitiful picture of herself but from what he could see, her stepmother was no match for her at all.

 Chapter 14：Developing A Game

    Dinner was plain porridge with meat patty.


    The porridge was boiled until it was thick and mushy and the meat patty was made with fresh pork and leeks. With the addition of pickled vegetables from Auntie Jiang, the three-inch patty, which was pan-fried till golden brown on both sides, emitted a lovely fragrance that burst through with each bite.


    At first, Xia Chunyu despised the simple dinner. However, the patty was decadently delicious and the plain porridge had a tinge of sweetness amidst the fragrance. Looking at it, he could tell that it was boiled for a long time in a steady fire.


    "Have as much as you want, there is still more in the pot!" Ye Jiayao said like a proper mistress, laughing heartily while she urged everyone to eat more.


    Song Qi whispered beside him, "At first, sister-in-law told me to get some vegetables from the kitchen but Old Head Yu is too stingy. He said that the chicken that we took was meant for everyone and refused to give me any more. Sister-in-law could only use the leftover streaky pork from the pork meatballs to make patties."


    Xia Chunyu nodded understandingly. "Don''t worry about it, the few thousand brothers in the stockade still has to eat. It¡¯s not easy for Old Head Yu too."


    Peng Wu said, "The meat we got from robbing Feng village is almost finished. Looks like we have to take a trip down soon."


    Ye Jiayao served another plate of the patty. "After you''re done, give these to Auntie and Uncle Jiang for them to try," she told Song Qi.


    Song Qi agreed happily, "Sure!"


    Ye Jiayao sought Xia Chunyu¡¯s opinion, asking, "Shall we take a few to big brother and second brother for them to try?"


    Xia Chunyu replied indifferently, "Peng Wu, deliver it later."


    After dinner, Song Qi and Peng Wu delivered the patties. Ye Jiayao cleaned up the kitchen while Xia Chunyu went back to the room to prepare a change of clothes for a swim at the lake.


    Being born to the Hou family, Xia Chunyu never had a shortage of people serving him. The house was always neat and tidy and did not lack any valuable plants. Ever since he came up the mountains, not knowing how to do all those things, he had tasked Song Qi and Peng Wu to do all the cleaning. However, those two boors just go through the motions carelessly and he had no choice but to put up with it despite being unsatisfied.


    The interior of the house was suddenly changed to one that he had always desired. This made the anger in Xia Chunyu die down a little. Although she had many shortcomings and was extremely opinionated, there were still some redeeming qualities in her. For example, she could cook up a sumptuous meal. Also, unlike normal ladies from wealthy families that were spoiled and pampered, she could handle household chores professionally. Could it be that what she said was the truth? Did really being given the cold shoulder and having things made difficult for her forced her to do everything by herself?


    On the couch, a clean set of clothes that he could change into were laid out, all his other clothes nowhere to be seen.


    Xia Chunyu opened the cupboard but it was not in there. He opened the trunk at the foot of the bed and saw his clothes stacked neatly inside.


    A sense of warmth filled his heart, an emotion that Xia Chunyu himself did not recognize.


    Ye Jiayao hid behind the entrance of the kitchen, looking around. She knew that she had angered him today. During mealtime, his face was dark and he did not even take a look at her. She could not be so stupid to allow his temporary patience to breed her recklessness. As Grandpa Mao said, when the enemy advance, she should retreat, and advance when the enemy retreated. This battle tactic was also applicable to help couples get along well. Granted, they were a fake couple, but still, a couple.


    Hopefully, he would calm down after seeing her efforts.


    Seeing the door open, Ye Jiayao hurriedly pretended to be busy with chores.


    When Xia Chunyu walked pass the kitchen with his clothes, he saw her busy silhouette and couldn¡¯t help but stop by, hesitating before he said, "I¡¯m going for a swim."


    Ye Jiayao turned to him and smiled sweetly, "Remember to warm up before you enter the water, otherwise you would get cramps easily."


    How did she even know about this?


    "You know how to swim?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    I was once in the school¡¯s swimming team, what do you think? I might even be faster than you. However, she could not say the truth. In the past, wealthy ladies who knew how to swim would be inconceivable.


    "I don¡¯t know how to swim but my younger brother does. Every time, before he enters the water, I would hear the guard remind him this." Ye Jiayao smiled.


    Oh. Xia Chunyu shrugged his doubts off and went out.


    Ye Jiayao called behind him, "Chunyu¡­ come back early."


    This time, she did not roll her tongue and she called him so naturally, like a virtuous wife eagerly reminding his husband. For a very short moment, Xia Chunyu felt that having her around did not seem to be such a bad thing.


    When Song Qi returned, he presented a basketful of duck eggs to Ye Jiayao. "Sister-in-law, this is from Auntie Jiang. Fresh duck eggs."


    Ye Jiayao took it gratefully. "Auntie Jiang is too kind."


    Songqi replied, "She is, but sister-in-law, third-in-charge doesn''t like to eat duck eggs. He thinks that it is too fishy."


    Ugh! Actually, she doesn''t really like to eat it too. Duck eggs were the good stuff, being rich in protein, fats, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, and many more nutrients. It also has many health benefits that''s why in the modern times, duck eggs were difficult to find. Despite all that, she still did not care much for it.


    "How about making it into a salted egg?" Ye Jiayao inquired.


    Song Qi shook his head. "Third-in-charge doesn''t really like to eat that too."


    "What about a preserved egg?"


    "What is preserved egg?" Song Qi was at a loss.


    Now that Ye Jiayao thought about it, preserved egg was invented in the Ming Dynasty. Even though this era was not one that she has an understanding of, from the dressing and other aspects, it should be similar to the Song Dynasty. There would presumably be no preserved eggs yet.


    Alright then, she would be making preserved eggs. If he does not like it, she could just give it to someone else. There would be people who would like it, surely.


    "Song Qi, can you get some plant ash and lime?"


    Song Qi replied, "Sure, that¡¯s easy."


    "Alright, get some plant ash and lime tomorrow."


    Song Qi agreed gleefully, curious about what kind of delicious food sister-in-law would cook for them next.


    After a while, Peng Wu returned, saying that both first-in-charge and second-in-charge praised the patty. They said to share some with them should sister-in-law make more in the future.


    Ye Jiayao smiled, elated that they liked her food. "No problem. Tell first-in-charge and second-in-charge that I can make it for them anytime they want."


    Being in a wolf¡¯s den, not only must she manage her relationship well with Chunyu, she also has to butter up first-in-charge and second-in-charge. In case she had a falling out with Chunyu, at least there would be people to speak up for her.


    It was just some food, no skin off her back.


    Once Song Qi and Peng Wu found out that third-in-charge went for a swim, they hurriedly took their clothes and rushed to the lake, leaving only Ye Jiayao in the house. Although both the front and back of the house had been scattered with red orpiment wine, and planted with Sarmentosum, Ye Jiayao was still afraid. She immediately hid back into the room with the windows tightly shut.


    In the ancient times, there were no television, no computers, and you could not invite your friends to shop or drink coffee. Life was so monotonous that it could drive anyone mad. Ye Jiayao was so bored, she went to Chunyu¡¯s study to look for a few pieces of white paper. Using a small knife, she cut the papers into 108 pieces in the size of poker cards. She was going to make her own poker cards and she would teach Chunyu, Song Qi, and Peng Wu so that when they had nothing to do, the four of them could gather to play Fight the Landlord or Doubles.


    At this era, there were definitely no fun games like this. This way, she would become the inventor. Would it become popular all over the country? Thinking about the whole nation playing Fight the Landlord and Doubles made her giddy.


    By the time Xia Chunyu returned, Ye Jiayao was sitting cross-legged on the couch, leaning on the short table, drawing poker cards.


    Seeing the couch full of pieces of unknown drawings, Xia Chunyu frowned. "What are you doing?"


    "Making something fun," Ye Jiayao answered without looking at him, concentrating on drawing the pretty lady on the Q with a sharp charcoal.


    "You sure do know a lot of nonsense," Xia Chunyu scoffed.


    "You say that now but when the time comes, don¡¯t come to me when you get addicted." Ye Jiayao smiled proudly.


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "I think you are too bored."


    Ye Jiayao was not even angry as she asked, "Chunyu, what else do you do to pass your time other than reading?"


    Xia Chunyu thought about it for a while. Before he came up the mountains, he used to watch shows, drink wine and tea, gamble horses, soccer, and hunting. However, after he came up to the mountains, he could only read, and sometimes drink with first-in-charge and second-in-charge. As for gambling with dice and all that, he and first-in-charge never participated. Thinking about it now, he realized that his life had become very boring.


    "None," Xia Chunyu replied nonchalantly.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head and sighed. "That is so pitiful."


    How could this be considered pitiful?


    "No worries. There will be something fun soon. Take a seat for a while, wait for me to finish this, and I will teach you how to play," Ye Jiayao said comfortingly.


    Xia Chunyu had no idea how to respond. Was she treating him like he only wanted to have a good time?


    "Stop making these things, ugh¡­ wait, where did you get these papers from?" Xia Chunyu suddenly realized a serious problem. He picked up one of the pieces she had cut out, inspecting it. Wasn¡¯t this the Shan Xi vine paper that he treasured?


    "Who allowed you to touch my things? Do you know how difficult it is to get these papers?" Xia Chunyu bellowed angrily.


    There were many kinds of vine paper but the one from Shan Xi was the most resilient and white, it was of top grade and the production was limited. It was difficult to buy even in the bustling Jin Ling, let alone Shan Dong. He only had 10 pieces and he used it sparingly, but here she was, cutting them up and drawing silly nonsense onto it.


    Ugh! It''s just a few pieces of paper. She could not understand what the fuss was all about. Ye Jiayao was about to roll her eyes when the term Shan Xi vine paper registered in her mind. For a moment, she felt terrible as her host knew that the paper was indeed very valuable.


    Ye Jiayao smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, after searching for some time, these vine papers seemed to be the most suitable. If you''d like, I will try to get some back for you. Don''t be angry."


    "That''s easier said than done. Do you even know where to get them?" Xia Chunyu was boiling mad.


    "Ayy! Why is your hair still wet? Why did you not dry it? You will get hair fall easily, don¡¯t you know? You''d get bald at a young age and your suave image would be affected." Ye Jiayao got off the couch and took a clean cotton handkerchief, sitting him down on a chair while she started to gently dry his hair.


    This was called a distraction tactic.


    Indeed, that interruption caused Xia Chunyu''s anger to be displaced, merely telling her sternly, "Next time, don¡¯t touch the things in the study."


    "Mm, mm, I know, I won¡¯t touch them next time." Ye Jiayao nodded repeatedly, giving in.


    This was her starting to adapt to circumstances.

 Chapter 15：Rock, Paper, Scissors

    This time, Xia Chunyu had enough patience and control to work her up and make the experience pleasurable for her. He didn''t want her to hurt and he certainly didn''t want to see her looking like she was about to face the death squad. That would just be a hit to his ego. Making love was a wonderful, out-of-body experience, and he wished that she would be able to enjoy it.


    He moved his body while he watched her reactions, memorizing her body, and trying to find all her sensitive spots.


    Strange and weird feeling flooded Ye Jiayao like a tide. Every time it felt like it was going to burst out of the embankment and crash, he would stop, and she was left suspended, unable to reach her climax. She felt like she would jump out of her skin, her body tense and anticipating. She was certain she was going to go mad and she had a feeling that he was doing this to her on purpose.


    Xia Chunyu intentionally kept her from her peak, liking the way her eyes looked so cute when she doesn''t get what she wants. He could not help but tease her.


    "Do you want it? Beg for it," Xia Chunyu said playfully. Once again, he pushed her to the brink of explosion, stopping just right before she tumbled over the edge.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to kill him. How dare he play her like this? He really had no morals.


    "If you can¡¯t do it, you must not have the strength," Ye Jiayao groaned out, knowing that he could not stop.


    Xia Chunyu raised his eyebrows, his eyes darkening ominously. Even though he knew that she was only antagonizing him, he could not just let her questioning his prowess go unpunished.


    "As long as you can bear it," Xia Chunyu said coldly. He turned her body over and penetrated behind her. He had no scruples at all, thrusting punishingly hard as he pressed himself against her wantonly.


    The excitement of the intense penetration made Ye Jiayao almost lose her breath. Evil man! Was he trying to kill her?


    Ye Jiayao couldn¡¯t bear anymore and wanted to move away, but he has her waist locked tight in his iron grip. "Stop, stop, I''m sorry, I was wrong, stop!" she panted, her voice breaking and tearful.


    "What was your mistake?"


    "Questioning your strength, please, it''s me that''s weak," Ye Jiayao begged, overwhelmed with so many emotions.


    Xia Chunyu smiled smugly at her concession, his eyes bright. He changed his angle, making sure to hit her sensitive spot with his every thrust, keeping at it until he felt her walls tighten around him. He felt her reach her climax and he immediately pulled out, spraying his release over her smooth back.


    Ye Jiayao felt paralyzed in bed, every part of her tingling from what they had just done. Her mind was blank, and her eyes were blurry, still not recovered from the ultimate pleasure he had just given her.


    Xia Chunyu fetched a towel, wiping the sweat off of him before cleaning her from any traces of their love-making.


    They lied down the bed, side by side. Xia Chunyu looked at her and saw that her eyes were dull and somewhat worried. "Uncomfortable?"


    Ye Jiayao shook her head then nodded.


    Xia Chunyu laughed. "Which is it?"


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She was just too tired and didn¡¯t want to move or talk.


    "Still not satisfied?" He bent his head and kissed her.


    It sounded strange. It wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t have women. If he would so wish, there were plenty of women who would look after him. It was just that he wasn¡¯t keen on this type of things. Most of the time, he partakes just purely to satisfy his physical needs. However, whenever he was with her, he couldn¡¯t help wanting more. Was it because of his long abstinence? Or was it her beauty? Or was it because she was special? She was unlike other women who tried hard to please him, to be submissive in front of him, and flatter him even it was against their wills.


    Ye Jiayao also knew how to please him. Every time she pissed him off, she would act like a cute cat, meowling at him with wide eyes. After his anger had evaporated, she would return to her former manner and tried to take advantage of him, literally and figuratively. Perhaps, that was the reason why he felt that she was so novel.


    Ye Jiayao tried to turn her away but she couldn¡¯t, so she just accepted his kiss. However, he kept kissing her endlessly, his hands roaming around her especially sensitive body. A few more seconds of this kind of teasing was certain to make them horny. As much as she liked what had transpired earlier, she was way too tired. If they did that once again, she was sure that she would not be able to get up tomorrow.


    "I am very tired," Ye Jiayao said, keeping her voice lively and shrill.


    Ye Jiayao said sulkily, "No energy to be sad."


    "Sleep." Xia Chunyu smiled, once again finding her very adorable.


    They extinguished the candles and settled in together. After a while, Xia Chunyu heard her soft breathing and knew that she had already fallen asleep.


    Him, however, could not doze off. It wasn¡¯t because he wasn''t satisfied. He was worried how to deal with her once the business in Hei Feng ridge was over. She didn¡¯t seem to be someone sent by the first-in-charge, so perhaps she would like to be a concubine? Ye¡¯s family shouldn¡¯t have any problem with that, maybe it would even exceed their expectations.


    What if she didn¡¯t want to? Could she really be unwilling? She was already his. Even if she didn¡¯t want to, there was no other choice.


    Ye Jiayao woke up alone again. She was curious as to how she could sleep so tight that every time he woke up, she didn¡¯t even notice.


    She went to the kitchen and realized that Song Qi had already done what she told him last night. He had brought the lime and ash, as well as other food and ingredients. Saleratus and tea were already there, but they lacked cypress branches, wheat straw, and yellow powder. Ye Jiayao asked Song Qi to get them.


    While he was gone, she rolled out the pickle jar in the backyard and cleaned it. One jar should be enough since there weren''t many duck eggs.


    Ye Jiayao started to cook the ingredients as soon as Song Qi came back. She mixed the salt, tea, and cypress branches in one pot before she put lime, ash, and yellow powder in another small water tank. She then poured the cooked soup in, ordering, "Song Qi, come and stir this evenly. Be careful not to touch the lime."


    Song Qi happily took over the stick and stirred it up. "Big sister, are preserved eggs tasty?"


    Ye Jiayao put the wheat straw in the pickle jar, smiling. "You''ll see."


    After putting the wheat straw in, she then put the duck eggs in carefully, one by one. She used the leftover cypress branches to put on top of the duck eggs to prevent them from floating after pouring the soup.


    "Song Qi, pour the soup in carefully. Slowly pour it along the sides of the jar," Ye Jiayao said. Song Qi became her good helper nowadays. It seemed like he liked cooking with her and it looked like he didn''t do much of anything else.


    Ye Jiayao sealed the mouth of the jar tightly with a cloth wrapped with yellow mud, finally done.


    Song Qi carried the jar to a shadowy place before running back to ask, "Big sister, do you have other requests?"


    Ye Jiayao squinted at him. "If you have something to do, you can go."


    "I was up all night last night and I wanted to take a nap." Song Qi scratched his head, embarrassed.


    "Did you win or lose?" Ye Jiayao grinned.


    Song Qi looked cheerful. "Won a lot, they were addicted, and we will continue tonight."


    "How much is a lot?" Ye Jiayao asked with a bad intention.


    "I won 10 and Peng Wu earned more than me!"


    He really made a fortune! Plus the money he won from her, he made 10-ish bucks. Meanwhile, she didn¡¯t even have a single coin on her! If she ran away in the future, she would need some money. She would get nowhere without funds.


    "Song Qi, how about we play Rock, Paper, Scissors?" Ye Jiayao smiled even more splendidly. "If I win, you''ll return the money you won from me yesterday. If you win, I will make poke stomach and chicken for you to eat."


    Song Qi was shocked to realize that sister-in-law was still sad about the five bucks that she lost.


    "Pig stomach and chicken is absolutely delicious. If you lose, I will still make it for you." Ye Jiayao knew that Song Qi loved eating, and she continued to use food to lure him to do her bidding.


    Song Qi thought about it and deemed that the bet was fair and square. If he lost, he would just return two point five bucks. If he won, he would still have ten bucks, and he could eat pig stomach and chicken.


    "Rock, Paper, Scissors? Isn¡¯t that Hammer, Scissors, and Paper?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s play one game, okay?"


    "Let¡¯s go."


    "Rock, paper, scissors¡­"


    "Ha! I won! Give my money back!" Ye Jiayao jumped for joy. That psychologist really knew his stuff. He told me that when men played Rock, Paper, Scissors, the first round would always be rock. She played with her dad before and failed all the time. However, it worked when she played with Song Qi.


    Song Qi was frustrated. Why did he play hammer all the time? One hammer, and his two point five bucks were gone.


    He was tempted not to give away the payout, but she was his sister-in-law, he could not deny it deliberately. He handed the silvers to her, regretful and sad.


    Ye Jiayao took the money happily and consoled him, "Whenever you hunt boars, I will cook pig stomach and chicken for you."


    After saying that, Ye Jiayao walked away, hopeful as she thought about finding a chance to win her money back from Peng Wu. This was the first fortune she made in this world. It may be little, but every little made a mickle. After all, mosquitoes were small but they were still meat.


    Song Qi hung his head and went to take a nap bleakly.


    Later in the day, Song Qi saw that Peng Wu was asked for help by big sister and knew that he was doomed. He wanted to warn Peng Wu not to play hammer but changed his mind quickly. He lost to her already, why should Peng Wu escape that dilemma? He stayed quiet and waited expectantly for Peng Wu.


    Not long after, Peng Wu walked out with a depressed look on his face.


    Song Qi was happy as he asked him quietly, "The money you won last night, it was lost to sister-in-law now, isn''t it?"


    "How do you know, did you overhear?" Peng Wu asked, surprised.


    "Mine was taken by sister-in-law too. Hammer, scissors, and paper. One game, win or lose. I''m guessing that you play hammer."


    "How did you know?"


    Song Qi patted his shoulder and shook his head. "Because I played hammer too. Do you know why we always play hammer?"


    Peng Wu thought about it. Why, indeed?


    "It is all a bubble, one slap to break," a cheerful song sounded from the kitchen.


    Song Qi and Peng Wu both covered their ears and returned to their rooms.

 Chapter 16：You must lose

    Xia Chunyu was slouched on the couch, resting, when he heard Ye Jiayao humming as she made her way back to the house. "So noisy."


    Ye Jiayao shut her mouth and stealthily went over to the cabinets to hide her silvers. It was her private money and it needed to be hidden well.


    Xia Chunyu opened one eye and saw her moving around like a thief. What goodie was she hiding?


    "Go get a cup of tea for me."


    "What do you want a tea for? Aren¡¯t you sleeping?" Ye Jiayao muttered as she went to get water for him.


    "I want dragon well tea."


    Ye Jiayao narrowed her eyes at him, her tongue itching to give him a verbal lashing. He really just had to be difficult. As he was a don, Ye Jiayao had no choice but to go to the kitchen and bring him hot water.


    As soon as she left the room, Xia Chunyu got up and opened her wardrobe, reaching out with his hands. He touched some silvers that weighed almost five bucks. Wasn¡¯t that what she lost last night? Where did she get it? Did she ask them back from Song Qi and Peng Wu?


    Xia Chunyu thought she had a headache and could not sleep last night. How could she possibly do that? She lacked poker skills and gambling luck. Xia Chunyu looked down at the silvers in his hand and immediately pocketed it, softly sneering. As if nothing happened, he returned to the couch and laid back down.


    "Chunyu, tea is here."


    Xia Chunyu got up and took the tea to the study.


    Ye Jiayao stood behind the assorted lattices and peeked at him. She saw him took out the map to study, so she tiptoed to open the wardrobe to move the silvers. She thought that it was better to hide them under the bed.


    Where were the silvers? Ye Jiayao couldn¡¯t find them! She knew for sure that this was where she hid them. He must¡¯ve found out!


    Should I ask for it back? Why not? Even though he paid the debt, it was her who won the money back. It belonged to her. After some consideration, Ye Jiayao marched to his study confidently.


    "Chunyu, did you take the thing I put in the wardrobe?" Ye Jiayao asked softly, trying to stay calm.


    Xia Chunyu didn¡¯t even give any indications as to what he did. He simply replied, "What thing?"


    "Silvers."


    "Where did you get silvers?"


    "I¡­ I won it back." Ye Jiayao''s newfound confidence was slightly wilting.


    Xia Chunyu finally lifted his eyes and looked at her. "You still owe me five silvers anyway."


    How is he such a stingy man?!


    "I used my wisdom and tried so hard to win back those silvers. You should at least split half with me!" Ye Jiayao complained.


    "Oh? With your wisdom? Could you tell me how smart you were? Enlighten me." Xia Chunyu''s expression held a clear ridicule towards her.


    "It was Rock, Paper, Scissors. Don¡¯t look down on this easy game, it has lots of wisdom. If you don¡¯t believe me, then let¡¯s play one round. If you lose, return the silvers to me. If you win, you can keep it." Ye Jiayao was angry that she had to resort to this maximum compromise to win her money back.


    "It was originally mine. Why do I need to bet with you?" Xia Chunyu ignored her and continued to look at his map.


    Ye Jiayao sat down sadly and complained, "When I lived at home, I should¡¯ve been given three silvers per month, but stepmother always finds a reason to deduct. Sometimes, she said that they had less income and could not afford to spend any more. Sometimes, she said I was too easy-going that the servants might try to scam it from me. Other times, she''ll say that she forgot and she would give it all together in the next month. However, I never got any reimbursement the month after. I found it embarrassing to fight for a couple of silvers so I let it go. I got nothing while my younger sisters had new clothes made and got gifted new pieces of jewelry. My grandmother sent many things to me but they never arrived in my hands."


    "When I was 12, I had a serious illness. My father had a position in Wuzhou Council and was more than capable of having me looked at, but the stepmother didn¡¯t even get me a doctor. It was winter, and the fever made me unconscious. Nanny wanted to put some ice on my forehead but she was afraid that the wetness could get inside my body and make me worse. So instead, she went outside to get her body cold and hugged me to get rid of my fever. She went in and out the whole night to do that for me."


    "Perhaps God pitied us because, at dawn, I finally got rid of the fever. However, it left my nanny a permanent illness. Whenever the weather changed, her whole body would get joint pain. I heard that knee pads made of tiger skin were the best thing to use to keep warm. I''ve always wanted to buy a pair for her, but it cost so much and my savings weren''t enough. It kept dragging until she retired last year. I wanted to give her more silvers so that she could spend her old age happily, but I didn¡¯t even have enough. When they told me I was going to marry someone in Shang Dong, I thought my painful days were gone. I could finally repay my nanny, the only one who took care of me in my whole lifetime."


    Ye Jiayao seldom searched for the host''s original¡¯s memories because they were unhappy. She was optimistic and never liked to remember the sad past. Now, she wanted to move him, so she tried hard to remember. The more she talked about it, the more heartbroken she felt. She was originally trying to save up to prepare to run away, but as she talked about my nanny, she felt that if she had the ability one day, she must repay her.


    Xia Chunyu was worried. It was not the first time that he heard about the evil stepmother and how pathetic she was. One glance at her frustrated face and he knew that she was not lying.


    Ye Jiayao immersed herself into her terrible memories, her heart dropping into a dark valley. Suddenly, a thought jumped at her. Her stepmother had always been stingy and never treated her well, so why did she prepare such great dowry for her? She not only gave her dowry from Ye Jinxuan''s grandmother but also her own money. It didn¡¯t make sense! Was it just to please Wei¡¯s family? It couldn¡¯t be! Why was she the only one kidnapped in the whole bridal entourage? She couldn''t help but think if there was any underhanded activity that went on.


    Ye Jiayao forgot about the silvers Xia Chunyu took from her as she thought about this question. She quietly walked back to the bedroom and sat on the couch, still in deep thought. If she could only go to Wei¡¯s family, all the secrets might be revealed.


    Xia Chunyu saw her walk away quietly and instantly felt horrible. He did not take the money away because he was stingy. He just didn¡¯t like the way that she earned the silvers. If she wanted money, she could''ve just asked him for them.


    Xia Chunyu put the map away and locked it inside the cabinet. He followed her to the bedroom and placed the silvers in front of the pier table. "I''m returning your silvers. In the future, if you want money, you can ask me directly. Stop coming up with street smart."


    Ye Jiayao found it ridiculous that she won the money fair and square, yet he was treating it as a street smart. A bandit was lecturing her about stealing. Ha!


    Ye Jiayao slouched and said in frustration, "Whatever! I will never see my nanny again in this lifetime. What would I do with the silvers?"


    Xia Chunyu felt even guiltier. "You don''t know the future. Just take it! What if you have a chance and you don¡¯t have money, wouldn¡¯t that be a pity?"


    Ye Jiayao intentionally hesitated for a while before taking the silvers away.


    "Don¡¯t play Rock, Paper, Scissors with other people anymore," he warned.


    "Okay." Ye Jiayao nodded obediently and asked, "Can I play with you?"


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "I am not that bored."


    "Are you afraid of losing?"


    "I will lose?"


    Did she think I was an idiot like Song Qi and Peng Wu?


    "I assure you that you will lose," Ye Jiayao stated, smiling cheekily.


    Xia Chunyu was provoked. "What if I win?"


    "If you win, I will massage you for 15 minutes. Deal?"


    Xia Chunyu pictured himself lying down on the couch and leisurely reading books as she kneeled next to him, using her soft little hands to massage his legs and back. She would be smiling at him, eager to do anything to please him. Hmm. This bet is interesting.


    "Half an hour."


    Ye Jiayao hesitated for a second before agreeing. "Okay, half an hour. What if you lose?"


    "If I lose, I will give you five more silvers," Xia Chunyu said generously.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s eyes brightened, seeing her freedom one step closer. "Deal! Let''s play! One game."


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s lips almost curled up into a snarl. His woman was a gold digger.


    A moment later, Ye Jiayao were 10 silvers rich as she laughed on the couch, while Xia Chunyu walked out, looking ferocious.


    Peng Wu followed third-in-charge carefully.


    "Peng Wu."


    "Yes?"


    "You and Song Qi both lost to your big sister?"


    Peng Wu said honestly, "She took away what we won last night."


    "What did you play?"


    "Hammer," Peng Wu answered sullenly.


    Xia Chunyu was puzzled because he also played hammer. How did it happen? Coincidence? Or did she play a magic trick on them? How else could she win? It wasn''t like she was sure that he would play hammer.


    Peng Wu thought carefully. Did the third-in-charge also lose to sister-in-law?


    "Third brother, third brother!" Second-in-charge called, walking briskly towards Xia Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu greeted, "Second brother."


    Xia Chunyu turned to Peng Wu. "Go back to the house and tell your big sister."


    Ye Jiayao, upon hearing the message Peng Wu carried, asked, "Did he say when he will come back?"


    "No. Though most likely, if they go down the mountain now, the earliest they can come back will be tomorrow."


    Ye Jiayao secretly rejoiced inside. She could finally be free tonight!


    After dinner, Song Qi and Peng Wu went to play Double with the other bandits. The yard was empty and Ye Jiayao did not like it. She felt uneasy, so she hid inside the room with the windows closed.


    Despite her joy to finally be alone, Ye Jiayao was unable to sleep. After what felt like the hundredth time of tossing and turning, she gave up on sleep. She walked to Chunyu''s study, hoping to find a book to read to help her doze off. Yesterday, he told her not to enter his study without permission. However, he was away tonight. She was only here to find a book and she wouldn¡¯t make a mess. He would never know.


    There weren¡¯t many books on the shelf and they were all unfathomable art of war. Ye Jiayao could not understand any of them so she left them alone.


    Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. She needed to get the map! If she wanted to run away, she would need to know where she could go.


    Ye Jiayao started to look for the map but she couldn¡¯t find it anywhere. She glared at the cabinet with a lock. It must''ve been locked inside. Chunyu was certainly not taking any chances on her.


    Ye Jiayao slumped on the chair, tired and frustrated. Why must that donkey be so annoying and lock up her chance at escape?


    She idly played with the brush pot on his desk. Judging from his things and the way he acts, her husband definitely had a fondness for the finer things. The bamboo brush pot alone, that was carved with the 12 zodiacs, was a work of art and must''ve cost a fortune. Ye Jiayao spun it around haphazardly and it caught on the edge of the desk, making it snap. The bottom and the pot separated from each other, revealing a paper that¡¯s folded into a small square.

 Chapter 17：Secret

    The situation made Ye Jiayao nervous. She didn¡¯t want to know other people''s secret. Secrets that were this type could sometimes cost a life. She had to restore the brush pot, otherwise, she was a dead meat.


    How do I do this? Ye Jiayao tried to put the pieces back together and failed.


    Damn! I¡¯m doomed this time! Ye Jiayao was so anxious, she kept pulling her hair. If she knew this would happen, she wouldn¡¯t have gone into the study. They were right - the curiosity does kill the cat.


    Since she was going to get killed anyway, Ye Jiayao decided to go down swinging and unfolded the small piece of paper that was hidden in the brush pot. What the hell! If Chunyu''s going to strangle me, I might as well know what I''m being killed over.


    Wasn''t that the map of Black Wind Ridge? She could clearly see the outline of the Panlong mountain and the Yanxia lake. There were also markings that indicated covert and undercover officers. There was even a landmark that was especially marked with "Mi". Ye Jiayao also noted the bold, thick lines in twists and turns, drawn from Juyi hall to the back of Black Wind Ridge. Was that a secret tunnel? It seemed like there was an alternate route to the Black Wind Ridge.


    This must be the top secret of Black Wind Ridge! Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart raced and she immediately grabbed a pen and paper to copy down the map.


    Her escape from the mountains might depend on this map.


    However, Ye Jiayao could not rejoice just yet because there was a more pressing matter. She still had to figure out how to restore the brush pot. If she could not fix it, she was sure that she wouldn¡¯t even get a chance to use the map she just drew.


    Ye Jiayao folded the map and put it back at the notch at the bottom of the pot. She carried the brush pot and took a candlestick before returning to her bedroom. She did not want Song Qi to know that she was in Chunyu¡¯s study. She needed to find a way to restore the brush pot even if she had to sacrifice her sleep to do it.


    Peng Wu unexpectedly came back early and shouted from outside, "Sister-in-law, why are you not asleep yet?"


    Ye Jiayao was so startled that she dropped the brush pot on the bed. "I am not sleepy. I am just reading some books," she answered quickly.


    "Alright," Peng Wu said. After she heard him return to the east bedroom, she continued to study the brush pot.


    Ancient people were surprisingly smarter and more advanced than she thought. The brush pot''s mechanism design was so delicate that she couldn¡¯t figure it out, and she had been at it for more than two hours!


    Ye Jiayao was already feeling dizzy from the lack of sleep and she still hasn''t fixed the damned brush pot. She wanted to just smash the whole thing but she knew she couldn''t. Her life literally depended on that stupid thing, so she had to force herself to figure it out.


    "Big sister, haven¡¯t you slept yet?" Peng Wu called from outside.


    "Slept," she croaked, lying because she did not want Peng Wu to suspect her.


    After a while, Peng Wu said, "Be careful with the candle fire."


    "I know. I''m just afraid of being alone in the dark so I lit it up."


    Peng Wu didn''t answer but she heard him retreat to his quarters once again.


    I can''t do this anymore! My brain is fried! Ye Jiayao was frustrated and so sleepy that she decided to just take a nap. Maybe after sleeping, her mind would be clear enough to make a viable solution for her problem.


    However, instead of waking up to a bright idea, Ye Jiayao woke up to someone banging on the door.


    "Open the door! Ye Jingxuan, open the door!"


    Oh, God! It''s Chunyu! Chunyu was already back. Ye Jiayao opened her eyes in panic and immediately sat up.


    It was daybreak.


    Ye Jiayao saw the still separated brush pot she held in her arms and almost broke down in tears. F*ck! I¡¯m really dead this time!


    She called out, "Just a second, let me put on clothes."


    Ye Jiayao hurriedly walked to the study and placed the brush pot back to where it belonged. She put the brush in it, just like how she found it before and rearranged it so it doesn''t look like it was even moved.


    After she was satisfied that Chunyu wouldn''t be able to immediately tell that something was wrong with it, she ran to open the door.


    "Why did you take so long?" Xia Chunyu scowled unhappily.


    "Putting on clothes takes time," Ye Jiayao said weakly, before doing a double take, "Woah, is that blood on you? Chunyu, did you get hurt? Where is the wound?" Ye Jiayao saw the horrifying blood on Xia Chunyu¡¯s clothes and was instantly worried.


    Xia Chunyu walked into the room and said blankly, "It''s not my blood, its other people¡¯s."


    She looked nervous and worried. Xia Chunyu was used to people who dread him, especially when they find out that he''s killed somebody. There was not a single person who would come up and care for him in the state he was currently in. Seeing her troubled by his well-being warmed his heart.


    "You¡­ You killed someone?" Ye Jiayao knew that he was a bandit and that his job was robbing and killing. It was just a shock to her eyes, seeing so much blood on him.


    Xia Chunyu opened the wardrobe and took out some clean clothes. "If I don¡¯t kill them, they will kill me. Do you want to be a widow?"


    Ye Jiayao shook her head immediately. She didn''t know that being a bandit was such a dangerous job.


    "Go and fetch a pot of water for me." Xia Chunyu saw her standing in the middle of the room, looking like a fish out of the water, and couldn''t help but antagonize her.


    Xia Chunyu washed his face and body before changing into clean clothes. "I will go to first brother''s place, you can sleep for a bit more."


    After that parting comment, he left.


    Ye Jiayao stared after him and saw the east chamber¡¯s door open. Peng Wu walked out and talked to Chunyu for a bit, following Chunyu as he made his way across the courtyard.


    Ye Jiayao closed the door and ran back to study. It might take a while before Chunyu can leave first-in-charge''s place. She could only pray that she could fix the brush pot before Chunyu came back.


    Last night, she couldn¡¯t see clearly because the candlelight was yellowish. Today, as she looked at it in a better light, she noticed that one eye of the zodiac dragon head was a bit different. Ye Jiayao used a needle to poke the eye, and it revealed three small protruded parts at the bottom of the cylinder. They were able to fit in the notches of the bottom by matching them! Ye Jiayao rejoiced as she twisted it to put them together. She almost passed out in relief when she heard that they locked together stably.


    Yes! Ye Jiayao wiped her sweat and took a deep breath. God! That was terrifying! She vowed not to touch his things anymore in the future.


    She returned the brush pot to where it was. The problem was, she couldn''t remember exactly how it was placed. Chunyu hid a very important item in here, its placement was surely highly considered. He must''ve known all the details on how he arranged it by heart. Ye Jiayao intentionally brought a rag to clean the study. This way, even if Chunyu found out that the brush pot had been moved, she could find a legitimate excuse to answer him with.


    Every day, Song Qi was tasked to gather the ingredients for their meal. Ye Jiayao would only cook whatever he could find in the kitchen. Today, he barely got any food to cook, except a carp. The rest of what he was able to get was all vegetables. It was a good thing that they still have some marinated meat and mutton. Ye Jiayao decided to make braised lamb, stewed carp, stir-fried potato, green pepper, and eggplant, as well as sweet and sour lotus root.


    Song Qi, just like in any other times she had cooked in the past, was her helping hand. "I heard from the village that the second-in-charge and third-in-charge got ambushed when they went down the mountain. Second-in-charge was wounded in action," Song Qi said as he picked cowpeas.


    "Was the wound grave?" Ye Jiayao asked, not really caring if others get hurt or not. She didn''t care as long as Chunyu wasn''t hurt. She was already reassured because he saw him change clothes earlier. His body was untouched. She couldn¡¯t even find a mosquito bite.


    "They said it was very serious, but I am not sure yet. We won''t know for certain until third-in-charge comes back," Song Qi replied.


    However, Chunyu didn¡¯t come back. It was only through Peng Wu that they were informed that third-in-charge would take people to go down the mountain, Peng Wu included.


    After hearing that, Ye Jiayao put the fish she was preparing to cut back in the basin.


    "It is almost lunchtime! You don¡¯t want to eat a bit before going down the mountain?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Peng Wu answered, "I can''t, big sister. The second-in-charge is still downhill, and first-in-charge and third-in-charge are worried. We need to get him back."


    "Peng Wu, what is going on? How did they get ambushed? Who did this? Officers and soldiers?" Song Qi asked.


    "Who else can wound the second-in-charge except the Shadowless Arrow Feng Chong in Xin Yi? It was a hidden arrow. If we lose here, how do we face the prospect of surviving in the society?" Peng Wu was filled with righteous indignation as he ranted.


    "I¡¯m done, I have to go." Peng Wu waved and walked away irritably.


    "Isn¡¯t Xin Yi a town? It''s not a bandit nest, so why would we have anything to do with them?" Ye Jiayao asked, trying to get more information.


    Song Qi explained, "Big sister, it''s understandable that you don¡¯t know because you''re from another place. Xin Yi is a town, yes, but it is similar to a bandit nest. Most people there had the surname of Feng. They were led by Cover Sky Tiger Feng Chao Lin. There are many martial arts masters who worked for him, such as Shadowless Arrow Feng Chong and Thunder God-Fist Du Heng. They are bullies and gangsters, and have done more bad things than Black Wind Ridge."


    "Why doesn¡¯t the government destroy them?"


    "Xin Yi is building a chastity memorial arch to belie the truth of being a bitch. They have a close relationship with the local council as well," Song Qi sneered.


    After his tirade, Song Qi remembered that he was talking to his sister-in-law. He scratched his head, suddenly embarrassed by his thoughtless use of curse words.


    Ye Jiayao thought that Xin Yi was smart. They were doing robbery for a living and getting recognition from the government for it. They were essentially a licensed bandit group that can act against law and reason.


    "Who has more power? Xin Yi or Black Wind Ridge?"


    "Of course, it''s Black Wind Ridge! We are stronger than them, especially after third-in-charge joined. Our Black Wind Ridge has already won a couple of skirmishes against Xin Yi. This time, it must''ve been only an accident that the second-in-charge got hurt."


    No matter how strong Black Wind Ridge was, they could not win against someone with a license. Ye Jiayao wondered if first-in-charge would learn from the ancient history of Song Jiang in Shuibo Liangshan, and take a bunch of brothers to declare amnesty with the government.


    "Sister-in-law, cowpeas are picked. Do I need to peel the potatoes?" Song Qi asked.


    Ye Jiayao answered absent-mindedly, "It¡¯s okay. It''s just the two of us for lunch. We can make do with frying the cowpeas."


    Song Qi wrinkled his nose, disappointed. Whenever the third-in-charge was away, the meals¡¯ quality decreased like a straight line.


    Peng Wu didn¡¯t say when they would be back, so they took it upon themselves to find out the time of their return. At dinner time, Song Qi went to Broken Dragon Stone to wait for news. Ye Jiayao was left in the kitchen, preparing all the food to cook, as she waited.


    The sky was almost dark when she saw Song Qi running back to the house. "Third-in-charge and the other brothers are back," he panted.


    Ye Jiayao asked, "Was the third-in-charge hurt?"


    Song Qi shook his head. "I don''t know."


    Ye Jiayao stared at him, irritated that he didn''t pay enough attention. "Hurry and make a fire."


    The hot water had just boiled when Chunyu and Peng Wu entered the house. Ye Jiayao immediately sidled up to Chunyu''s side and said, "Do you want to take a shower first? The hot water is ready and dinner will be done soon."


    Xia Chunyu nodded, looking beyond exhausted.


    As soon as Xia Chunyu was done cleaning up, a delicious meal was set and prepared on the table.


    "Did you eat lunch?" Ye Jiayao asked as she scooped rice for him.


    "I had a bun on the way," Xia Chunyu answered.


    "You must be hungry. Go on, eat. You too, Peng Wu," Ye Jiayao said.


    Xia Chunyu ate the hot and delicious food, his tiredness slowly fading away. This was the first time, since he came up the mountains, that he felt at home in this small yard.

 Chapter 18：Being Doubted

    Song Qi bombarded Peng Wu with questions as they ate. Ye Jiayao simply listened quietly, finally getting the general idea of what was happening.


    The undercover agent that was sent by Black Wind Ridge overheard a secret discussion between a government officer and Feng Chaolin. Both the government and Xin Yi were preparing to attack Black Wind Ridge. The undercover agent also found out that the enemies have already sent someone inside the Black Wind Ridge who would help them wipe the gang out at the right time.


    Unfortunately, someone had discovered the undercover agent before he could get more information. He ran away as fast he could from Xin Yi, but he got seriously wounded and had to hide at a base under Black Wind Ridge. Second-in-charge and Chunyu were sent to retrieve him, where they crossed paths with the agents from Xin Yi. Second-in-charge was shot by a shadowless arrow and Chunyu had to use flying knives to beat their opponents. He then took the wounded second brother and made their bloody trek back up the mountains.


    "Someone from the government is working here? No way!" Song Qi was surprised.


    Peng Wu glanced at third-in-charge, who was eating quietly, and said, "First-in-charge said that the people who came to the mountain late were all suspects."


    Ye Jiayao anxiously looked at Chunyu, knowing that he only came to the mountain half a year ago. Was Chunyu the spy sent by the government?


    "But there are so many people who came up the mountain late! There are countless brothers that came to the mountain village just half of this year. How will we find out?


    "How would I know?" Peng Wu mumbled, his mouth stuffed with rice.


    Xia Chunyu put his chopsticks down and walked back to the room. Ye Jiayao immediately followed him, astonished.


    She found him on the study, sat in front of the study table, and concentrated on reading.


    Ye Jiayao walked in and said softly, "Chunyu, do you want some tea?"


    Xia Chunyu shifted his eyes to her and looked at her quietly for a moment. Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to fidget. She admits, she had a guilty conscience so she was being extra nice.


    "First brother is doubting me," he finally said.


    "No, no way! Without you, the second-in-charge would''ve died! If you are the spy sent by the government, why would you save him?"


    Despite what she just said, Ye Jiayao secretly hoped that he really was the spy. He was a man of striking appearance, and his military skills were unparalleled. It would be a waste if he really was just stuck on being a bandit.


    "Perhaps, first-in-charge would think that I did that just to gain his trust." Xia Chunyu¡¯s lips were raised in a snarl and his eyes were cold.


    "Did first-in-charge say anything?" Ye Jiayao worried. It doesn''t matter if he was the spy or not, if he loses the trust of first-in-charge, his position in Black Wind Ridge would be compromised. She belonged to him, so if he was in trouble, then she was too. They were in the same boat.


    Xia Chunyu was silent but it was obvious that he was troubled. "Don¡¯t think too much. After what happened, it was reasonable for first-in-charge to doubt people. Innocent people will just have to prove their innocence and have the facts speak for themselves."


    "The first-in-charge knew why I came up the mountain. He can doubt all my combat abilities but not my loyalty. I''ve hated the government for all of my life. My family, along with a hundred other people, were all killed by the government with unwarranted charge. I was lucky to escape, but I was still chased on the way from Jiang Nan to Qi Lu. In order to stay alive, and avenge the deaths of my family, I had to come up the mountain and become a bandit. I could accept whatever first-in-charge accuses, except for this." Xia Chunyu¡¯s eyes were full of hatred and pain as he relayed his story.


    She didn''t know that he came from such a miserable background. It seemed that every bandit had sad stories to make people sob.


    Ye Jiayao didn¡¯t know what to say, so she just quietly got him a cup of tea.


    "Whatever, I just hope second brother is fine. There will always be a time when we can get to the bottom of things." Xia Chunyu sighed.


    Ye Jiayao nodded, taking notice of the bags under his eyes. He ran around and fought furiously for the past days, he must be exhausted. "Get some early rest tonight," she told him gently before leaving him alone.


    Xia Chunyu watched her pensively as she left the room. He appreciated that way that she had been extra attentive and thoughtful this evening. He was about to go back to his reading when his eye caught on the brush pot on the table, as well as the shifted book on the shelves. The warmth he previously felt was replaced by a cold grip of apprehension on his heart.


    The places for everything in this room were not random. He could notice even the slightest bit of change and shift in his things.


    Xia Chunyu opened the switch for the brush pot and separated the bottom. He saw the small piece of paper still nestled at the bottom and put the brush pot back together with relief. Perhaps, he was just thinking too much of it. The study was spotless so she probably just moved it when she cleaned the room.


    I am being too paranoid!


    Now, he was starting to suspect even the littlest of things! He just had to be extra cautious. He couldn¡¯t contact He Lianxuan or his other connections in the government. He must find a way to win the first-in-charge¡¯s trust. Second-in-charge had grave wounds and would be out of action for quite a long while, so it was the chance for him to gain more power amongst the brothers.


    Later that night, Ye Jiayao tossed around in bed, unable to sleep.


    "Chunyu, are you asleep?"


    "Um¡­ yeah."


    Ye Jiayao mouth twitched in humor. Of course, everyone could hold a conversation in their sleep.


    "Chunyu, should I help cook for second-in-charge tomorrow?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu crawled up to find the flint and lit up the oil lamp. "Why?"


    "Didn¡¯t he get wounded? We must pay attention to his diet," she replied weakly.


    "As if you have such a kind heart?" Xia Chunyu sneered, doubting her intentions.


    "What is wrong with you? I am doing this for you!" Ye Jiayao complained.


    "For me?"


    "Yes, for you! You know why? Because we are tied to each other now. If I look good, you look good. Whether first-in-charge doubts you or not, we should use whatever opportunity there is to put our goodwill out there," Ye Jiayao explained.


    "Whatever," Xia Chunyu said, agreeing to the merits of her logic, but not wanting to show it. He turned around and turned the light off.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes in the darkness and started thinking of what to cook for the second-in-charge. She wanted to please second brother so that she could get more information about her kidnapping.


    Ever since she came up the mountain, this was the first time she and Chunyu were getting up together.


    "Chunyu, why do you get up so early every day?" Ye Jiayao asked in between yawns, eyes squinting up at him, half-open. From someone who could literally stay in bed all day, she truly couldn¡¯t understand how other people could get up at the crack of dawn.


    "I''m taking a walk around the mountain." Xia Chunyu, already completely dressed for the day, took the bow and arrows before walking out.


    Is he going to hunt?


    She tidied up the room and made the bed before walking out to the kitchen.


    Ye Jiayao had already soaked the rice last night, so she only had to add water and baking soda before she stewed it on a steady fire. The porridge would be particularly thick this way, easy to digest and deliciously fragrant. It was the best food for a patient. Unfortunately, there were no dates, otherwise, it would have helped in improving qi and enriching the blood.


    Song Qi then entered the kitchen, and Ye Jiayao immediately gave him the task of cooking the noodles she had prepared last night. She had to find cooking materials herself today.


    "Big sister, you should ask Peng Wu to accompany you. Old Yu is very stingy," Song Qi protested.


    Song Qi, every time he went on a food run, took ingredients by force, so Old Head Yu couldn''t do anything about it. However, big sister was shy and kind-hearted, she couldn''t really do those type of things.


    Peng Wu heard what Song Qi said and volunteered, "Big sister, I will go with you."


    Old Yu was annoyed at Song Qi the most, as every time he came, he would take the best food. He had no idea that someone could be more annoying than Song Qi.


    Ye Jiayao walked around the kitchen, not paying attention to Old Yu at all. She pointed at the pig liver, and Peng Wu just took it into their basket.


    "That was for the second-in-charge," Old Yu said hurriedly.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "I am cooking for second brother."


    Old Yu said unhappily, "I have always cooked for the second-in-charge. Since when did it become your job?"


    "Since now. He''s sick, and it is very important that second-in-charge eats better. How could you cook good food for him in that big pot?" Ye Jiayao disagreed.


    "Third madam, don¡¯t flatter yourself just because you can cook a few dishes. Old Yu was a famous cook before, how can you compare against him?" an Aunt sneered.


    It was the Aunt who intentionally extinguished the stove fire with water before.


    "Third madam¡¯s dishes can be compared with those from the restaurants," Auntie Jang piped in, coming to Ye Jiayao''s defense.


    "Aunt Jiang, I know that your family is trying to get closer to the third-in-charge and that their fart doesn''t stink for you. Comparable to restaurant dishes? Have you ever been to a restaurant before? Oh, I didn''t know that you have such a rich life!" the Aunt taunted.


    "Aunt Wu, watch your language. I won''t hesitate to fight you," Aunt Jiang said, arms raised in akimbo, face red with fury.


    "By all means, come on. If you really have the balls, come at me. I''m not afraid of you," Aunt Wu replied cockily.


    The two Aunties stepped close to each other, hostility evident in their stances.


    Ye Jiayao didn¡¯t mean to start a disagreement, and she certainly didn''t want Aunt Jiang to fight for her. "Stop! Stop quarreling! We are all trying to make second-in-charge better. We are all brothers and sisters. What¡¯s the point of fighting?"


    Aunt Jiang and Aunt Wu threw one last glare at each other before separating unwillingly.


    Old Yu reasoned, "Third madam, it¡¯s not that I am stingy. The food in the mountain village has a quota, and thousands of brothers need to eat. If you get more, others get less. Before, you have taken as much as you want and I didn''t say a word. However, now, the first-in-charge has requested to give up the Broken Dragon Stone, and without his order, no one can go down the mountain."


    "If we don¡¯t go down the mountain, we don''t get supplies. Everyone must save up to last through the following days. From now on, you can only take what fits your quota and nothing more. Now, regarding the meals for the second-in-charge, without the first-in-charge¡¯s request, I''m not passing the task to someone else. Third madam, if you have received the first-in-charge''s permission, then you can come back."


    Ye Jiayao almost felt chastised after what Old Yu had said. She could not argue with someone who was so reasonable. She looked at Peng Wu, who nodded and said, "It is better to ask permission from the first-in-charge."


    Damn! She just wanted to please second-in-charge. She had no idea it would be this difficult.


    Ye Jiayao heeded what Old Head Yu had said, and therefore, only took a few potatoes, some fresh lotus root, two tomatoes, two bunches of cowpeas, and a 500g marbled meat.


    Ye Jiayao looked at the food in the basket gloomily. Was that enough for them to eat? She was feeding three big bellies at home!


    "Now that they have given up the Broken Dragon Stone, no one knows when we can get it back. We might experience some tough days, but it is not a big deal. Song Qi and I can go hunting in the mountains, there are so many birds and animals there that could fill us up," Peng Wu consoled her.


    Ye Jiayao sighed weakly.


    It looks like that''s the only way now.

 Chapter 19：I Am Born In The Year Of The Rabbit

    Back in the courtyard, Song Qi saw the results that sister-in-law got back and complained, "That Old Head Yu bullies the weak and submits to the strong. I shall go myself."


    Ye Jiayao resented, "Forget it. It doesn¡¯t matter if it is a little lesser, there might be even lesser in the future. It would be harder to drink porridge, not to mention side dishes."


    "Just stop causing inconvenience. Since the Dragon-breaking Stone has been released, there would be a period where we won¡¯t be able to go down the mountains," Peng Wu told Song Qi.


    "Really?" Song Qi was shocked.


    Peng Wu sighed, bringing the vegetable basket back into the kitchen. There was too little meat. Initially, Ye Jiayao wanted to make pork buns, but now, she can only make it half meat and half cabbage filling.


    Song Qi assisted Ye Jiayao with the preparation, kneading the dough thoroughly and evenly. Ye Jiayao split the kneaded dough into equal sizes, rolling them into evenly thick bun skins, adding the filling and closing it up by pinching it into 18 even pleats skilfully.


    "Sister-in-law, is there anything that you can¡¯t do?" Song Qi exclaimed in amazement. The foods that big sister whipped up were always so exquisite, both in appearance and taste.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "I am not as capable as you think. All of these are home-cooked food, it only takes practice."


    "It is difficult to make home-cooked food so good," Song Qi countered.


    Suddenly Xia Chunyu walked in, throwing two rabbits on the floor. "Song Qi, kill them."


    "Third-in-charge, these rabbits are too timely because we are lacking meat today," Song Qi said merrily, lifting a rabbit ear to take a look. "This rabbit is meaty."


    Xia Chunyu turned to walk away expressionlessly.


    Song Qi was about to bring the rabbits out to slaughter them when Ye Jiayao stopped him. "Ay, don¡¯t kill them."


    Both rabbits had been shot in the leg by Chunyu, and they were severely injured. Ye Jiayao was born in the year of the rabbit and has a special affliction towards rabbits. Who wouldn¡¯t like such cute and obedient animals? She used to have a rabbit pet in the past but it ended up dying. She grieved its death, even getting it a small box as a coffin to bury it in.


    "Why not?" he asked.


    "I am born in the year of the rabbit, so no eating of rabbits," Ye Jiayao replied with conviction.


    Song Qi was stunned. Is that really a real thing?


    "I am born in the year of the chicken but I still eat chicken," Song Qi reasoned.


    "That¡¯s not the same. Anyway, it is not allowed." Ye Jiayao¡¯s hands were full of flour and she couldn''t care for the furry creatures herself. Instead, she ordered Song Qi, "Pull the arrows out, apply a little medicine to it and wrap it up. Don¡¯t kill them, or I will come after you."


    Song Qi was speechless and could only act according to orders, tending to the injured rabbits.


    During breakfast, Xia Chunyu did not see Ye Jiayao around, so he asked Song Qi for her whereabouts. He replied that their big sister was feeding the rabbits in the backyard.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "Feeding the rabbits? Didn¡¯t I tell you to slaughter them?"


    "Sister-in-law wouldn¡¯t allow it. She said she is born in the year of the rabbit so we are not allowed to eat rabbit meat," Song Qi replied in discontent.


    The corner of Xia Chunyu¡¯s mouth twitched. Looking at the pork filling in the bun, he thanked his lucky stars that she was not born in the year of the pig, otherwise, he won¡¯t get to eat pork.


    "I¡¯ll go up the mountains to take a look later. I made a trap a few days ago, not sure if there would be any prey caught, but it would be good if there is a wild boar," Song Qi said.


    "Mm, if you catch a wild boar, I will make you some pork tripe and chicken." Ye Jiayao said, catching the tail end of the conversation as she entered the kitchen.


    Remembering the deal that they had made involving pork belly and chicken, Song Qi''s head dropped. Peng Wu could not resist and asked her, "Sister-in-law, how did you know we would choose rock?"


    Ye Jiayao raised her hands up in a surrendering gesture. "How would I know you would choose rock? I am just lucky, either that, or you let me win on purpose."


    Xia Chunyu glanced at her, disbelieving. She was so confident then, like someone who knew they were guaranteed a certain win. He knew that there was a trick there somewhere.


    Ye Jiayao was not going to tell them that she bested them using the results of a psychological research. It was not like she was going to play with them again. She was definitely not giving them the chance to make a comeback.


    Peng Wu looked at third-in-charge for affirmation. Xia Chunyu did not express any objection which they all took as a silent consent. Xia Chunyu had thought about it last night and deemed that there was no harm in doing it.


    So, Peng Wu received the order gladly and carried the lunchbox to second-in-charge¡¯s place.


    Ye Jiayao sat down to eat just as Song Qi asked, "Sister-in-law, are you planning to care for those two rabbits?"


    "No. I will release them back into the mountains when they recover," Ye Jiayao replied, afraid that she would inadvertently kill the rabbits.


    "There would be more people hunting in the mountains the next few days," Xia Chunyu reminded her.


    That was right! There was not enough food in the stockade. People would be sure to hunt in the mountains for more meat. Those two rabbits were fat and cute, they would be unable to escape those evil clutches.


    "Then I should keep them as pets! Chunyu, can I keep them?" Ye Jiayao was uncertain if Chunyu liked small animals. This place was, after all, his territory. It would be best to seek his permission. If he didn''t like it, she would have to send the rabbits to Auntie Jiang and have her take care of them.


    Xia Chunyu shrugged, replying indifferently. "Up to you."


    He really could not care less. Any way it goes, he was not the one who would be taking care of them.


    "Chunyu, you are so nice," Ye Jiayao said coyly, smiling at him.


    Xia Chunyu and Song Qi shuddered together, shaking the goosebumps out. Xia Chunyu did not like to be called nice, and Song Qi certainly would never think of third-in-charge and nice in the same sentence.


    While they were conversing, Peng Wu returned, saying that second-in-charge drank the porridge, and refused to even touch the pig liver soup Old Head Yu delivered.


    Ye Jiayao rejoiced and felt a little proud of herself. "Who would be able to stomach eating pork liver soup early in the morning?"


    Old Head Yu certainly lacked consideration for the people who would be eating his food. What was the point of only knowing how to cook? When cooking, one must consider the preferences of the eater, the person¡¯s body condition, and changes in the seasons. No matter how great the food was, if it didn''t suit the appetite, it was useless.


    Peng Wu laughed. "I told second-in-charge that sister-in-law wants to cook for him and he said that he wants to eat sister-in-law¡¯s meat patty."


    "Sure, I will make him some for dinner," Ye Jiayao replied happily. She threw some coquettish glances at Xia Chunyu proudly.


    Xia Chunyu lowered his glance, pretending not to see. This woman is too undignified! He was puzzled, though. Second-in-charge was a typical Shan Dong man, yet he was enjoying the food with a southern taste?


    Their peaceful breakfast was quickly disturbed by a series of purging operation. First-in-charge has ordered those who came up the mountains within the span of the year to be investigated. Song Qi was one of the first waves of people to be questioned.


    Xia Chunyu said nothing as he faced those who came looking for Song Qi, though his complexion turned a little unsightly. Song Qi was hidden very deeply and so he should not have been suspected. This was most likely targeted at him.


    Peng Wu patted Song Qi on his shoulders to comfort him. "Song Qi, it¡¯s going to be alright. First-in-charge just needs to understand the situation. Just be truthful, and you''ll be fine."


    Song Qi puffed his chest, raising his chin up. "I have nothing to be afraid of. I am not a spy." He walked away with the people who came to get him, feigning confidence.


    Xia Chunyu pushed his bowl aside, saying, "Peng Wu, let¡¯s go to the training grounds."


    Ye Jiayao thought of what Xia Chunyu told her last night and shivered. Song Qi was Chunyu¡¯s person. By singling Song Qi out first, does that mean that they were targeting Chunyu?


    After a little over two hours, Song Qi came back, his face gloomy.


    "How was it? Did first-in-charge suspect you?" Ye Jiayao asked in concern.


    Songqi replied angrily, "I was boiling mad, I almost fought with them!"


    The Song Qi that Ye Jiayao knew was a happy-go-lucky guy, always has a smile on his face and was easily pleased. Seeing him this angry was a first for her.


    "Don''t be so angry at them, they were just acting upon orders," Ye Jiayao said, trying to calm him down.


    "I just can¡¯t stand how they interrogate me like I''m a common thief," Song Qi said in a low voice.


    "If they let you back, it means they trust you. Don¡¯t be so angry anymore," Ye Jiayao consoled him. Could first-in-charge really find the spy by investigating this way? Which spy would be so stupid as to admit to being a spy? Unless there was concrete evidence, this would only disappoint people and make everyone worry. It looked like first-in-charge really didn''t think things through.


    Ye Jiayao was right. The consecutive days of interrogation resulted in over 200 people in the stockade reporting at first-in-charge¡¯s place, yet, there was not even a shadow of the spy to be seen. Instead, it had caused cries of complaints, some expressing their desire to go down the mountains and find another place to go to. Xia Chunyu showed his might and locked these people up. No one dared to say anything after that.


    Only, this way, Xia Chunyu became the target of everyone¡¯s frustration. Ye Jiayao could only guess Chunyu¡¯s intentions vaguely. By standing out at this time, and helping first-in-charge take the brunt of the people''s annoyance, he was putting himself on first brother''s good graces.


    After getting Peng Wu to send the food to second-in-charge for two days, Ye Jiayao decided to take the food over herself.


    "Second brother, are you feeling better today? Your complexion looks good." Ye Jiayao smiled, carrying a goblet of pigeon soup to second-in-charge¡¯s living quarters.


    She was amazed by second-in-charge''s toughness and ability to withstand pain. After being shot by an arrow, and enduring a slash on his chest, it was said that he was almost on the brink of death. Within only a few days, he was able to gradually recuperate and show an impossible progress. If it were someone else, they would''ve lied on a bed for almost half a month, half dead.


    Second-in-charge laughed candidly and suddenly choked, holding on to his wound as he breathed heavily.


    Ye Jiayao asked with concern, "Second brother are you alright? Should I call Mr. Liu over?"


    Second-in-charge waved his hands dismissively, taking a few deep breaths as if to steady himself. "It¡¯s nothing. Just this f*cking pain."


    "I could only imagine the pain you''re going through. A small wound on my finger is already extremely painful, I wouldn''t know how to handle being shot by an arrow. I especially stewed this pigeon soup for you, it is extremely beneficial for healing wounds."


    Second-in-charge smiled gratefully. "That would trouble you."


    "It''s not trouble, it really did not require much effort. Although first brother and Chunyu didn¡¯t say it, I know they are very worried ever since you got hurt. Chunyu could not sleep in peace. Yesterday, I just mentioned casually that drinking pigeon soup would help in healing wounds, and he got up before daybreak, going up the mountains to hunt a wild pigeon. After half a day, he actually caught two," Ye Jiayao told him.


    "He wears a strict face all the time and doesn¡¯t even know how to say anything remotely nice. Fortunately, I could grasp a little of his temper, otherwise, I would have died of anger."


    "Third brother is like that, a cold face with a warm heart. Sister-in-law, you will have to just bear with it a little," second-in-charge advised her, chuckling a little.


    "I have no other choice. It was just my luck to marry him. This is all fate''s plan, there is nothing to do about it... ay! Second brother, take your time to eat, I shall go back first." Ye Jiayao was not eager to become friendly with second-in-charge. Building relationships take time.


    Immediately, as Ye Jiayao stepped out, she saw first-in-charge walking towards her direction, his hands behind his back, head lowered.

 Chapter 20：Shameless

    "Big brother," Ye Jiayao greeted with a smile.


    The first-in-charge looked up in surprise and exclaimed, "Sister-in-law! Did you come to deliver good food for second brother?"


    "Yes. I¡¯ve seen that second brother¡¯s complexion looks better."


    The first-in-charge¡¯s smile was not genuine, it was a little estranged and sinister. It was impossible to guess what he was thinking about. His stare always made everyone feel as if he could see right through them. Ye Jiayao has no liking for someone so mistrustful. However, he was the first-in-charge, the king of the mountains. Even Chunyu has to be watchful of him, and as a subsidiary, she should try to curry his favor even more.


    "Big brother, how did you get heat sores? You need to eat something cooling. I made some winter melon and spareribs soup, big brother, come have some!" Ye Jiayao invited passionately. The first-in-charge might have developed a huge heat sore on his philtrum due to his worries from the increasingly frustrating matters he has to deal with. He looked like someone from a certain island country, appearing to be even more scheming.


    The first-in-charge touched the heat sore under his nose and laughed. "No need. I still have some matters to deal with. I shall try your skills another day."


    Ye Jiayao said, "Then I shall get Peng Wu to deliver it to you. I''ll get him take the honeysuckle tea too, it would go well with the soup."


    Ye Jiayao took her leave without waiting for the first-in-charge to decline.


    The first-in-charge squinted his eyes, watching Ye Jiayao thoughtfully as her silhouette became smaller with distance. That woman was not simple. She had only been here for a few days and she had already settled down so quickly.


    Upon seeing first-in-charge enter the house, second-in-charge, who was munching on a pigeon leg with the bowl of soup clasp in his hands, paused, putting the bowl down.


    First-in-charge waved his hand. "Eat."


    "Big brother, do you want some? The soup sister-in-law made is delicious, it is so fragrant," second-in-charge said, presenting the treasure.


    "It''s alright, you have it." First-in-charge has never been obsessed with delicacies. "What do you think of sister-in-law¡¯s character?"


    "I think she is not bad. She''s cheerful and is also a good cook. Most importantly, she is pretty. If I have known, I would not have given her to third brother. I would have taken her for myself," second-in-charge answered, his tone filled with obvious regrets.


    First-in-charge muttered, "Precisely. She is too good to be true that I think something is amiss. She was extremely hysterical when she first came here and now..."


    Second-in-charge replied jealously, "Perhaps it¡¯s because she thought she would have to be married to us. With third brother¡¯s looks, why would she be unwilling? The women on the mountains all swoon at third brother. Hell, even the hens would cluck merrily when they see him."


    First-in-charge frowned, knowing that second brother has a point.


    "Peng Wu had been with him for so long and still hasn''t discovered anything strange." First-in-charge was extremely perplexed. He had to admit, third brother had made many great contributions to the stockade. If he really was reliable, he would make Hei Feng Gang immensely strong. However, first-in-charge could not put his mind at ease and he could not tell why. It was an intuition. In the stockade, he only trusts the earlier batch of people who tolled with him.


    Second-in-charge asked in a soft whisper, "Is the spy sent to check on third brother back yet?"


    First-in-charge shook his head. "I think it would be soon."


    "What I am most worried about now, is that if third brother is really the spy sent by the imperial courts." First-in-charge was conflicted. On the one hand, he cherished third brother''s talent, and on the other hand, he was doubtful and worried. Third brother has many supporters. If he was punished without concrete evidence, the masses would not be convinced and the brothers would be disappointed.


    "I think the possibility of that is small. This time, third brother did risk his life to save me. Even I was hopeless during the situation then. I told third brother to escape but he insisted on pulling me along. If he is indeed the spy, wouldn¡¯t it be better if he had left me to die under those circumstances? Even if I died, you wouldn¡¯t be able to blame him would you?" Second-in-charge looked at the pigeon leg in his hand, thinking of what sister-in-law had said just now. He recalled the bloody battle, his heart softening towards third brother.


    First-in-charge nodded. "I am very grateful to him for that."


    "What about the rest? Wasn¡¯t anyone suspicious found?" second brother asked.


    First-in-charge sighed. "That is difficult! Without any concrete evidence, it is hard to come to a conclusion. There are already complaints all around the stockade now."


    "F*ck! If only we could have heard a little more then, we wouldn¡¯t have to spend so much effort now," second-in-charge grumbled.


    "However, I have a last resort. You just focus on resting your mind and recuperating," first-in-charge said, leaving second brother to rest.


    Ye Jiayao returned to the courtyard, coincidentally, at the same time as Xia Chunyu and Peng Wu.


    "Just wait a while, I¡¯ll whip up two more dishes and then we can eat." Ye Jiayao put the lunch box down, rolling up her sleeves as she entered the kitchen. Just as she added two more firewood into the fire stove, she heard Xia Chunyu¡¯s angry howl, "YE JINXUAN!"


    Ye Jiayao jumped, suddenly remembering that she brought the two rabbits into the house to play in the afternoon and had left them there.


    "Song Qi, watch the fire." Ye Jiayao rushed to the house. Xia Chunyu''s face was mottled red with anger as he stood before the bed, glaring at the rabbits on the bed like they were his arch nemesis.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I will carry them out right this moment."


    Xia Chunyu furiously said, "Who allowed you to bring them into the house? Take a look at this! Can this bed still be slept on?"


    Ye Jiayao glanced at the bed and instantly felt like crying. Obedient rabbit babies, how could you take a dump on the bed?


    "Don¡¯t be angry, don¡¯t be angry! Da Bao and Er Bao don¡¯t know better. I would educate them properly." Ye Jiayao picked the rabbits up and set them down on the floor. "I told you not to go up the bed! Why did you disobey me? Do you want me to stew you?"


    Xia Chunyu was in disbelief. Da Bao and Er Bao? I think you are a buffoon.


    "Why are you trying to reason with them? They don''t understand you! If I find them here again, I would throw them to Old Head Yu."


    "Did you hear Father Rabbit¡¯s words? If you do this again, I won¡¯t be able to protect you," Ye Jiayao said, carrying the rabbits out.


    Xia Chunyu was flabbergasted. When did he become Father Rabbit?


    "Ye Jinxuan, if you want to become Mother Rabbit, don''t drag me with you!" Xia Chunyu was almost roaring in frustration and annoyance. An address like Father Rabbit was intolerable to him, even more unacceptable than being called Dumb Donkey.


    "Alright, alright. Da Xiao Bao, don¡¯t be scared. Father Rabbit does not like you but I do. You just have to be good, do you hear?" Ye Jiayao cooed softly as she stroked the rabbits¡¯ ears.


    Xia Chunyu was almost certain that he was about to have a coronary. This woman always had to come up with some affair that could infuriate him to no end.


    Ye Jiayao changed the bed sheets quickly. She glanced at Xia Chunyu, laying on the couch, reading a book, his face still clearly annoyed. "Chunyu, can I send the honeysuckle tea Auntie Jiang gave us to big brother? When I went to deliver the pigeon soup to second brother just now, I saw big brother. He grew a huge heat sore above his mouth, honeysuckle can clear the heat and detoxify."


    Ye Jiayao was the best at changing topics.


    Xia Chunyu snorted flippantly. "How considerate."


    "Ay! What do you want me to do? Living under someone¡¯s shelter, you have no choice but to lower your head." Ye Jiayao curled her lips in indignation.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "You know that too? Your head''s just so full of knowledge, you''re going to break the roof."


    Ye Jiayao laughed mischievously. "You''re exaggerating! You''re just mad that the rabbit babies took a dump on the bed. Why are you mad at me? It''s not like I am the one who did it!"


    This woman really did lack the basic manners of a lady.


    "What I mean is, I did not make them shit," Ye Jiayao explained embarrassingly, realizing what she had just said.


    "Besides, though they are big brother and second brother, we''re not blood-related. If we fall out with them, that would be the end. It is different with you because as husband and wife, it is only common for couples to quarrel and squabble. It creates interest, you know." Ye Jiayao said happily. She had already found a way to deal with Chunyu''s anger. She would just ramble incoherently with a smile, and it would confuse him, displacing his anger.


    "I shall go make dinner!" Ye Jiayao pouted and sent him a flying kiss, leaving with the honeysuckle tea on the table.


    Xia Chunyu rolled his eyes at her back with detest. With skin thicker than the city wall, frivolous in manner, she really was not like any decent woman at all.


    He lowered his head to continue reading, yet, all he could think of was the image of her pouting. The way her small mouth puckered cutely looked so irresistible, and he wanted to kiss it badly. Xia Chunyu closed the book in frustration. After living with that woman for too long, even his concept of right and wrong was a mess.


    Ye Jiayao finished the dishes in record time. She set the winter melon spareribs soup aside, scooping out a bowlful to put in the lunch box.


    "Peng Wu, Peng Wu!"


    Peng Wu scurried in. "What do you need, big sister?"


    "Send this over to first-in-charge, I''ve already promised this to him." Ye Jiayao handed the lunch box and honeysuckle tea to Peng Wu. "Hurry, we¡¯ll wait for you before we eat."


    Peng Wu accepted the delivery mission gladly.


    Song Qi asked jealously, "Sister-in-law, why do you always instruct Peng Wu to run errands for food delivery to first-in-charge and second-in-charge? Why don¡¯t you let me go?"


    Ye Jiayao thought about it. Was that weird? Why? Maybe she felt that Peng Wu was more reliable. It was also because she felt that he was more familiar with them.


    "You think too much. Why don¡¯t you think about how I always get you to be my helper and not Peng Wu? I don¡¯t even know why! Tell me when you thought about it," Ye Jiayao replied.


    Song Qi was confused. How would I know what you are thinking inside?


    After setting the table, Ye Jiayao walked to the door and called for her husband sweetly.


    "Chunyu, time for dinner."


    Xia Chunyu immediately put his book down and headed for the kitchen. Those who don¡¯t know would think that he was famished, eager to eat. In actual fact, if he waited for her to call him for the second time, that tongue would start to roll, and she would call louder.


    Xia Chunyu was annoyed that he had actually been reduced to a state where he was at the beck and call of a woman. She should be the one obeying him, yet it was the total opposite now. Whatever warnings or threats he gave were useless to her. She would be responding well in his presence, and in the next moment, would revert to her old ways, acting cute, acting pitiful, and any other theatrics. He had never seen a woman more difficult to deal with.


    She really was shameless.


    What else could he do?

 Chapter 21：Do you like me?

    On the second day, Song Qi came over to the house after breakfast to fix the broken table leg. After he saw how badly the table was damaged, Song Qi felt empathy towards his sister-in-law.


    "Third in charge is not in a good mood recently, please don¡¯t take it personally sister-in-law. Just treat whatever he says as passing wind."


    "You heard everything?" asked Ye Jiayao, embarrassed.


    Song Qi shrugged his shoulders. "With that scream so loud? In the middle of the night? I am not deaf."


    Ye Jiayao muttered, "I just can¡¯t be bothered to respond to him."


    Thank goodness, I put on such a show last night that no one suspected a thing!


    Auntie Jiang came to give today¡¯s portion. It was allocated per head, but Ye Jiayao was too lazy to get it. Luckily, Auntie Jiang didn''t mind coming to her house every day just to give her ration.


    "You said you were going to make dumplings for the second-in-charge, so Old Yu gave an extra 500 grams of pork and 1500 grams of flour. The food is becoming more and more scarce, even the last pig was killed," Auntie Jang said, sighing.


    Ye Jiayao sympathized, but truthfully, she didn''t have to worry about these problems. Chunyu would hunt for prey every day, and Song Qi would sometimes catch a few fishes and prawns in the Lake Yanxia. There was also a huge excavated area in the mountain to plant all kinds of vegetables. Their food supply was still guaranteed its quantity and quality.


    "That''s great! There is still some flour left from last time, so, if you''d like, you and Uncle Jiang could come and eat with us," Ye Jiayao offered with a smile.


    Auntie Jiang grinned widely. "Sure, that would be nice. Although, during lunchtime, the Kitchen need some help, otherwise, I''d lend you a hand in preparing the food."


    "That''s not necessary, Auntie Jiang. I can handle it by myself," Ye Jiayao assured her.


    It was time that Ye Jiayao needed, and the one thing she wasn''t lacking since she was brought to the mountain, was time.


    After sending Auntie Jiang away, Ye Jiayao got started on preparing the dumplings. She had to consider the four people in her own house, the second-in-charge, the first-in-charge, and the Jiang couple.


    After calculating, Ye Jiayao added three more tablespoons of flour, and another two eggs into the mixture to make the flour more resilient. She then proceeded in controlling the softness of the flour mix by playing with the water content. She decided to wait for Song Qi to massage the flour, and she started on chopping the dumpling fillings.


    According to the preference of the two brothers and herself, Ye Jiayao prepared three types of fillings. The second-in-charge wanted to eat pork filling with Chinese chives, and Chunyu liked the filling with mushroom, cabbage and pork meat. Ye Jiayao was more partial to pork with wild rice stem. The others weren''t so picky and were amenable to eat any filling.


    The deliciousness of the dumplings depended on the taste of the filling. In the modern times, because of the presence of HCL, people would boil the meat as they prepare it to get rid of any foam. However, in these ancient times, the pork was all natural and uncontaminated, that boiling it would just get rid of its natural flavor. Ye Jiayao only needed to mince the meat into fine grains and marinate it in all kinds of seasonings.


    Ye Jiayao then worked on chopping the cabbage, adding a bit of salt in it, and then squeezing the excess water out to make it especially tender. The chives, on the other hand, didn''t need to be dehydrated as it cooked so easily that drying them out would ruin the taste. The rice stem needed to be cubed and stir-fried until it was about seventy percent cooked, and the mushroom needed to be fried in oil to bring out its fragrance.


    After she has finished all these, Ye Jia Yao went to call Song Qi. "Song Qi, have you finished fixing the table leg yet?"


    "It¡¯s done!" Song Qi stepped out with his tools and smiled. "It''s fixed now, but, it could not withstand another kick from third-in-charge. Big sister, you need to talk to him."


    "As if he would really listen to me. If he breaks it again, I''ll just carry a stone and let him kick it instead."


    "That is a good idea!" Song Qi agreed laughingly.


    "Is that a good idea?" The cold voice of Xia ChunYu seemed to ring.


    Song Qi flinched and immediately looked down. He didn¡¯t want to see how terrifying third-in-charge looked.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to laugh but she didn''t want to add to Song Qi''s misery.


    "No, you''re right, Song Qi. I reckon that rock on the mountain is pretty suitable for a kick, you go ahead and carry it back," said Xia Chunyu casually.


    "B-but... third-in-charge, that rock is a few thousand kilograms. How could it be carried?" Song Qi stuttered.


    Xia Chunyu slapped Song Qi¡¯s shoulder hard, almost causing Song Qi¡¯s knees to buckle. "I believe you can do it."


    Song Qi cried desperately on the inside. Can I smash it before I carry it? I only agreed with what big sister said! Why are you punishing me?


    Ye Jiayao could not stand to see Song Qi being bullied. She threw Chunyu a deadly stare, and said, "Song Qi go and massage the flour. There''s no purpose in carrying that rock. Hurry up."


    Song Qi turned to third-in-charge in desperation. "Third-in-charge, sister-in-law is calling me to massage the flour!"


    "Go. You can carry the rock after you finish massaging the flour," Xia Chunyu said blankly.


    Song Qi needed a bit of punishment. Nowadays, he seemed to be permanently glued to Yaoyao''s side, he wasn''t even taking his master seriously.


    Song Qi cowardly slipped into the kitchen.


    "Big sister, you have to save me," Song Qi cried.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Don¡¯t you get that he is deliberately trolling you? Do you really think that he''s going to kill you or kick you down the mountain if you don¡¯t carry it?"


    She really didn¡¯t know if anyone else could get away with disobeying Chunyu, but it had always worked when she did it.


    Song Qi realized that his sister-in-law made sense. It was just that, given the temperament of third-in-charge, even if he didn''t make him carry the rock, he would still think of other ways to punish him.


    "That¡¯s okay, don¡¯t worry. I will talk to him later," Ye Jiayao consoled him. The most urgent thing was to make the dumplings.


    Song Qi started to massage the flour worryingly while Ye Jiayao went to fry a few eggs. After it was cooked, she chopped them up and mixed it with the vegetable and the meat fillings evenly.


    "Put your muscles into it! It needs to be a bit hard if its soft then it won''t taste good." Ye Jiayao told Song Qi. He was feeling so down, he didn¡¯t even have the energy to work.


    "Oh, okay." Song Qi picked up the speed.


    "You just work on the flour, and I will go and check out what he is doing," said Ye Jiayao as she left the kitchen.


    Xia Chunyu was sat in the study room, casually turning the pen bottle in his hands. It seemed as though he was in deep thought about something.


    "Chunyu, why are you back so early today? Where is Peng Wu?"


    Xia Chunyu lightly glanced in her direction, and said dispassionately, "There is so little food these few days, everyone is acting like a sick chicken. No one is in the mood for practicing."


    Ye Jiayao frowned. "If the spy wasn''t found, is the Dragon-breaking Stone going to remain closed forever?"


    "Who knows what the first in charge had in mind? Feng Chaolin had collusions with the government so attacking the mountain cottage is imperative. Right now, we were forced to save resources, and it was just making everyone starve. How could the spy be captured, if the way they were doing it was endangering everyone, and dividing people¡¯s hearts?"


    "Does he really think that the Dragon-breaking Stone could hold off the attacks of the government troops? Did he really think that their cannons could not be transported up here?" Xia Chunyu smiled coldly.


    Could the government really break through the defense? Ye Jiayao didn''t know if she wished the mountain village to be attacked or not. Even though this was the hiding place for gangsters and outlaws, there were still good people within them. Some people were forced to go up the mountain even if they didn''t anything wrong, like the Jiang couple and Song Qi. Also, there were people like herself who were abducted up the mountain. These people were all innocent. If the government troops attacked the village, would they spare these people? Would they spare her? She was the wife of the third-in-charge!


    "Then you should talk to first-in-charge!" Ye Jiayao snapped.


    "What will I say? He thinks everyone is the spy! I am not going to bring contempt on myself."


    He was right. If first-in-charge already suspected Chunyu, whatever he said would make him appear as though he has other intentions.


    "What if the cottage was broken in, what would you do? What should I do? Would you care about me?" Ye Jiayao asked, still perturbed.


    "When the government troops get up here, wouldn¡¯t you be saved? Maybe they would want to decapitate me and you can add a stab." Xia Chunyu''s tone and stare were all kinds of emotionless, it was a bit terrifying.


    Ye Jiayao suddenly felt enraged. "How could you say such a thing?"


    Even though she was forced to be his woman, and hated his arrogance, and stubbornness, she never wanted him dead. She just wanted to leave.


    "Oh? What are you saying? Are you in love with me?" Xia Chunyu smiled mockingly.


    Of course not! I am just not like you guys without any humanity! I don''t view killing people like cutting grass!


    Ye Jiayao turned and walked away, not wanting to answer his question. If she said yes, she would be lying, and he would mock her. If she said no, she would offend him. It was a lose-lose situation.


    He knew where the secret channel was, so even if the troops attacked up here, he could get away. Yes, he treated her like a toy, but surely there would be some gratitude from seeing her serve him with full dedication. Would he take her with him when he escapes?


    Xia Chunyu was simply teasing her. How could he leave her behind? There were innocent people in the cottage, and he would also think of a way to protect them. She might annoy him but she still shared the same pillow with him.


    He didn''t expect her to walk out on him. Was she mad? Or was she not in love with him at all?


    Xia Chunyu felt anxious as he thought about all the possibilities. He couldn''t wait until after everything was finished, and she could go wherever she felt like. It would save him some worry then.


    Ye Jiayao returned to the kitchen angrily.


    Song Qi saw his sister-in-law came back looking enraged. He wanted to console her, but he was scared that third-in-charge would see and punish him again. He studiously turned back to his task, quietly continuing to massage the flour.


    Ye Jiayao shoved Song Qi away, taking over the flour dough, and started squashing it with all her might. You smelly donkey! Dead donkey! You''re a first-class bastard!


    Song Qi watched as Ye Jiayao massage the flour like she was stabbing her nemesis. He couldn''t help but imagine third-in-charge at her mercy.


    If that day really came, it would surely be a great feeling to see the mighty fall.

 Chapter 22：Shameless

    Ye Jiayao made dumplings with pork and chives filling. She packed it, added some sauce, and asked Peng Wu to send it to second-in-charge and first-in-charge. After that, she went to work on the dumplings for Chunyu. However, she was still mad, so after it was cooked, she asked Song Qi to call for him. Song Qi, seeing the chance to suck up to his boss, happily obeyed.


    Xia Chunyu was used to having Ye Jiayao call him loudly to eat, that it felt wrong when Song Qi called him today.


    Ye Jiayao put the dumplings onto a plate and left the plate on the stove. Song Qi, not noticing anything different, simply took it away.


    "Third-in-charge, these are the dumplings big sister made. Don''t they look good? It has cabbage and meat filling, they''re delicious. You should eat them while they are warm," Song Qi boasted.


    Xia Chunyu gave him a hard look. This guy was always so enthusiastic when it comes to food it was irritating.


    He glanced at his woman and saw her busy herself in front of the stove. Xia Chunyu knew that she was ignoring him because even when she turned around, she would deliberately avoid looking at him.


    I didn¡¯t even say anything! Why is she mad?


    The dumplings in the plate were orderly placed. Every dumpling was in the same size and had six folds each. The dumpling skins looked like crystal steam dumplings, and it looked very delicious. As he bit into one, the delicious soup came out from the filling and treated his mouth with incredible flavors. The cabbage was tasty and refreshing, and the pork was tender and fresh. The dumplings tasted amazing and very close to the authentic Jiang Nan style. Xia Chunyu really appreciated that she could take normal, and otherwise boring ingredients, and make it into a superb gourmet meal.


    Ye Jiayao pretended she didn¡¯t hear him and kept on what she was doing.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. This woman is so emotional.


    "Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang are coming to eat dumplings soon. Big sister is still making their portion," Song Qi explained.


    Xia Chunyu just continued to eat dumplings by himself.


    "Third-in-charge, third-in-charge, something happened!" Peng Wu shouted as he ran hurriedly inside.


    "Spill it," Xia Chunyu demanded. "Clearly."


    Peng Wu was from Shan Xi, and when he talked, he always rolled his tongue. When he was anxious, people could barely understand what he was saying.


    "Third-in-charge, the spy has been seized. First-in-charge is interrogating him right now! He asked you to go there immediately," Peng Wu said.


    Xia Chunyu almost looked comical as he paused with a dumpling inside his mouth. "Really? Who?"


    "A brother called Tong Hexiang from the seventh camp."


    Xia Chunyu put his chopsticks down as he finished chewing his dumpling. "Come on, let¡¯s go have a look."


    "I''m going too!" Song Qi eagerly said.


    Seeing Song Qi pipe up, Ye Jiayao wondered if there was anything fun to see.


    As everyone left, Ye Jiayao felt angry. The dumplings would be cold when they come back, and they wouldn¡¯t be as tasty as the fresh ones. She just wasted her energy cooking it for them!


    Another thought popped into her head. If they have really caught the spy, it meant that Chunyu was not a suspect anymore, and the Broken Dragon Stone would be open again. She figured that a plate of cold dumplings was forgivable in the grand scheme of things.


    After a while, Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang came.


    "Where is third-in-charge?" Uncle Jiang asked.


    Ye Jiayao tampered her annoyance down, and answered, "He was only able to eat half of his food before first-in-charge summoned for him. They said they''ve already found the spy."


    "They found him?" Uncle Jiang¡¯s surprise was evident, yet, there was also something strange in his expression.


    "That''s what Peng Wu said. Who knows how many they''ve found these days? This one might be a wrong one just like the others." Ye Jiayao was taking on a negative route on this topic.


    Uncle Jiang gave a little laugh. "That¡¯s right."


    "Don''t worry about them, let''s just eat. Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang, do you like rice stem and meat filling?" Ye Jiayao asked. Dumplings with chives filling were already requested by Peng Wu so she couldn''t offer that. Song Qi and Chunyu both wanted to eat the ones with the cabbage and meat filling, and the only one left was rice stem and meat filling.


    "I am fine with anything. Whatever you make, third madam, is tasty," Uncle Jiang said.


    Auntie Jiang smiled. "Of course! I''m sure it''s delicious, not like the pig food Old Yu makes."


    Last time, Auntie Jiang tried to win credit for third madam, and she offended Old Yu and some aunties in the kitchen. Not to mention, after that fiasco, third madam took over the job of cooking for second-in-charge. Old Yu was mad and he was taking it out on Auntie Jiang.


    "The pot-stewed fowl made by Old Yu is not bad," Ye Jiayao tried.


    "It still can¡¯t compare with your cooking," Auntie Jiang rebutted.


    Chunyu didn''t come back for more than two hours. Ye Jiayao was slouched on the couch, resting her eyes, when she heard them come back. Reluctantly, she got up to get them food. It was her job, and no matter how unwilling she was, she still needed to do it properly. Especially now that she realized that she had such an unreliable donkey.


    Peng Wu¡¯s portion had not been cooked in the pot yet, so she went ahead on cooking it for him. Chunyu¡¯s and Song Qi¡¯s had already been cold so she just proceeded to fry their dumplings for them.


    The three men sat around the table and continued to talk about the spy.


    "I can¡¯t believe that Tong Hexiang really admitted it!" Song Qi exclaimed. "It''s just hard to see! I won a lot of money from him by playing Double."


    Peng Wu said, "You can¡¯t deny that he went down the mountain secretly. First-in-charge didn¡¯t even have to torture him."


    "That''s because first-in-charge said that if he confessed the truth, he would spare his life and deal with him leniently. In the end, he was killed in front of everyone," Song Qi said. All the things that first-in-charge said were just like a bait to get him to confess. Running down the mountain by himself would get him 100 canings, which is technically the same as a death sentence.


    "Third-in-charge, what do you think?" Peng Wu asked.


    "I hope it is him. I want the crisis in the village to be solved already," Xia Chunyu answered.


    When he realized that first-in-charge was going to kill him, Tong Hexiang''s eyes showed an incredible amount of fear. The scared and betrayed expression on his face made it seem like he blamed first-in-charge for breaking his word. Was he really dumb enough to believe that a spy can live? What did first-in-charge discuss with him that he was so surprised and unwilling when he faced death?


    Was all of that just a trap that first-in-charge set? Was it just so that the real spy would think the crisis was gone and start to act without caution?


    If he thought about it, that was not impossible. Why else did first-in-charge didn''t follow through and interrogated him more? He could''ve found out if he had any other accomplice in the stockade, and how he contacted the government. It was suspicious how the first-in-charge simply killed him without pumping him for more information.


    "First-in-charge has already informed the whole village. How can that be fake?" Peng Wu asked.


    Xia Chunyu sighed. "I''m just worried that Feng Chaolin had already contacted the government, and they are already taking action as we speak."


    Ye Jiayao listened quietly, remaining a wallflower, until the water in the pot boiled over.


    Ye Jiayao opened the pot cover and took the dumplings out. "Peng Wu, your dumplings are ready."


    Peng Wu looked at third-in-charge. Third-in-charge hasn¡¯t eaten yet and Peng Wu could not eat before his boss."Big sister, I am not hungry. You can cook for third-in-charge first."


    Ye Jiayao didn¡¯t care if he ate or not. She put a small spoon of water on the frying pan, then covered it for a moment. When she took the dumplings out of the pan, the skins looked deliciously shiny and golden from frying.


    "The food''s ready you guys, come and take them yourselves." Ye Jiayao took off her apron, glad that she has already finished work. "Clean the kitchen after you eat."


    I need to teach these men some lessons now! If they want to eat my food, then they need to behave themselves.


    The three men looked at each other. Peng Wu was lost because he didn''t know what happened, he only noticed that their sister-in-law looked a bit strange today. Song Qi knew only a little bit of the reason, but it was Chunyu who knew exactly what happened.


    "I''ll go get the food." Song Qi shot up his seat hurriedly, afraid that third-in-charge would explode in anger. He already had a dark expression on his face as it is.


    They were all starving as they weren''t able to eat their lunch until this late, that the dumplings tasted even more delicious than usual. The fried dumplings were especially tasty with their crispy skin and amazing texture. The three of them devoured their food like wolves until they were filled to the brim.


    Song Qi and Peng Wu immediately cleaned up the kitchen while Xia Chunyu walked back to his room. He was wondering if he should do anything to appease her - even if he didn''t do anything wrong. He was just teasing her! Women are hard work!


    He still hadn¡¯t thought of what to do when he saw Ye Jiayao playing with Da Bao and Er Bao on the couch. "Didn¡¯t we agree not to bring them inside the house?"


    Ye Jiayao was angry and ignored him. She intentionally brought the bunnies inside to see what he would do. She figured that since she was in a bad mood, she can get away with doing things he wasn''t comfortable with.


    Xia Chunyu looked at the wriggling bums of the rabbits nervously. He was afraid that the rabbits would shit on the couch.


    "Can you just take them outside now?" Xia Chunyu saw her motionless and shouted impatiently.


    The two small rabbits flinched and huddled near Ye Jiayao¡¯s leg, looking at Xia Chunyu anxiously. Ye Jiayao touched the baby rabbits and said softly, "Be good, don¡¯t be afraid. He is just loud, but he won¡¯t do anything to you."


    "Ye Jinxuan!" Xia Chunyu has had enough of her ignoring him. She was getting braver in ignoring his commands, and he was not happy about it.


    "Why are you shouting so loud? I am not a deaf!" Ye Jiayao gave him a hard look.


    "Oh! I just thought you couldn''t hear what I was saying. What else could be the reason why you''re not doing what I told you to do?"


    "Oh, I heard you just fine. The question is, why should I listen to you? Do you treat me well? In your eyes, I''m only a cook and the woman who does your laundry. I''m only someone who warms your bed and a toy that you can discard anytime. Well, since you don¡¯t take me seriously, stop asking me for so much," Ye Jiayao ranted passionately.


    Xia Chunyu was furious. "I am treating you with more politeness and leniency than you deserve!"


    F*ck you! That is bullshit! His words only served to add more salt to the wound, it was impossible for her not to get mad. She lifted her chin up and smiled coldly. "Politeness and leniency? Ha! I don''t need that Chunyu! You could shove your ''politeness and leniency'' where the sun doesn''t shine!"


    "Ye Jinxuan, my patience has a limit," Xia Chunyu growled out, his jaw ticking in anger. This woman pestered him endlessly.


    "Guess what, Chunyu? My patience also has a limit. I won¡¯t take any more of you treating me like your servant." Ye Jiayao saw him clench his fist tightly, obviously reigning in his anger. "What? Do you want to strangle me? Come on! What are you waiting for?"


    They said that the first time a couple fight, there would be no winner. She refused to accept that. She must continue on with this argument until he caved to her demands.

 Chapter 23：Too Much of a Bite

    "Ye Jinxuan, stop being unreasonable!" Xia Chunyu said angrily.


    "I am not being unreasonable! You are! You are heartless. I''ve treated you so well, and I always try my best to take care of you, but what do I get? Why do you always yell and curse at me? Every time you don''t like something I do, you just threaten me. Are you just that cold-hearted? What more can I do to thaw that frozen heart of yours? Can -" Ye Jiayao broke off, unable to continue speaking through her tears. This was the first time she didn''t pretend to cry in front of him. All the thoughts of what she went through in her tragic time-travel covered her face in tears.


    Women¡¯s tears are men¡¯s curse. Xia Chunyu''s anger evaporated as soon as he saw her cry. He resisted the urge to take her to his arms and comfort her. He wasn''t sure how such a small thing resulted in this turmoil. She practically accused him of being the devil incarnate!


    Song Qi and Peng Wu hid behind the door, eavesdropping. They were both wondering how the fight started between the couple.


    "Should I go inside, and urge them to make peace?" Peng Wu offered quietly.


    "Let''s just wait for a while," Song Qi replied. Right now, their sister-in-law was flying off the handle, and Song Qi wanted to see how would third-in-charge respond. This was a rare occasion to watch. Why should they interrupt? They would wait until big sister couldn¡¯t handle it anymore before swooping in to help.


    "Why are you being so sensitive? The other brothers will think that I treat you terribly. I''m just telling you not to bring the rabbits in! Did you forget that last time, they took a dump on the bed?" Chunyu evaded the crucial point.


    "Stop talking nonsense. Be honest with me. Who am I to you?" Ye Jiayao cried.


    Xia Chunyu was very close to losing his temper. This woman has lost her mind. Do I have to yield to her? She is already so cocky right now, what more if I give in to her demands? I''m getting away from this bullsh*t.


    "I have no time to play your games, Ye Jinxuan. There are heaps of things to deal with in the village." Xia Chunyu turned around and walked away.


    He was running? That little coward! Ye Jiayao was so angry, she could feel a pit building in her stomach. If he walked away without the problem being solved, she just wasted her time and energy.


    Ye Jiayao jumped down from the couch and chased after him. "No, you don''t need to go. It is your place, I will leave."


    Song Qi and Peng Wu looked at each other outside the door, both knowing that they could not let the couple out of the room until they''ve fixed their problems. Song Qi immediately pulled out the short knife from his pocket and bolted the door.


    Due to the rush of adrenaline and anger she was feeling, Ye Jiayao was able to push Chunyu away, making him stagger. She rushed to the door before he could recover.


    Why the f*ck can''t I open this door?


    "Are you insane?" Xia Chunyu didn¡¯t want her to go out looking like she was at the moment. He grasped her waist and dragged her back to the middle of the room. She wasn''t stable, and who knows what she would do? He now knew that he had to clear up whatever mess this was, or he would lose her.


    "Let go of me! Let me out! I don¡¯t want to stay here! I can¡¯t bear this any longer. I don¡¯t want to see you anymore! You''re just a prick who doesn¡¯t care about me!" Ye Jiayao screamed, throwing kicks and punches his way. Since she was already fighting, she might as well do some real damage to him.


    Poor Da Bao and Er Bao were so scared, they hid under the bed, shivering.


    Song Qi and Peng Wu were also worried as the situation seemed to just get worse and worse every second.


    Xia Chunyu allowed her to a couple of hits as he figured out his dilemma. He was dealing with a crazy woman for the very first time in his life. He carried her in and threw her on the bed. He also pounced on top of her, catching her struggling hands, pressing her down tightly. "Enough woman! Stop this madness!"


    Ye Jiayao was on a roll and she couldn¡¯t stop. Since her hands and feet were held down, she used her teeth to make her point. She didn¡¯t care where she bit him and she just targeted wherever she could get to. In the end, she managed to bit Xia Chunyu¡¯s nose.


    "Ah, ah, ah! You crazy woman! Let go, immediately!" Xia Chunyu felt the pain and shouted. To be honest, he really didn''t care about the pain. He was more worried about what he would look like if she broke his nose.


    "Umphurghff," she garbled.


    "Stupid woman! When did I say I don¡¯t care about you? Why don''t you let me finish my sentences before you get angry?" Xia Chunyu had to address the situation to make her stop.


    She bit his nose harder.


    "I don¡¯t believe you!"


    It came out muffled and distorted, but luckily, Xia Chunyu could understand her jargon. "Why would I lie to you? Loosen the teeth, please."


    "You swear?"


    Xia Chunyu was furious, but his nose was still in between her teeth, so he had to conform to her or she might go crazy again.


    "Alright. Let me go and I''ll swear."


    Ye Jiayao was not stupid. Until she got what she wanted, she wouldn¡¯t let go of his nose.


    "Swear to me first."


    "Okay! I swear, I won¡¯t leave you alone," Xia Chunyu said perfunctorily.


    "You''re not sincere."


    F*ck! Xia Chunyu took a deep breath and tried hard to control his emotions. "I swear that I will not leave you alone."


    "You need to say that, if you violate your vow, you won¡¯t take another wife for a lifetime." Ye Jiayao reached out for a yard after taking an inch. This was her life they were talking about, she had to be serious.


    Xia Chunyu demanded through gritted teeth, "Ye Jinxuan, this has gone too far!"


    "Swear!"


    "Okay, okay! If I violate my vow, I will never take a wife again in this lifetime." Xia Chunyu had no choice but to submit to her demands. The last thing he wanted was to agree to this ridiculous condition, but he couldn''t offend her openly. He already had so many problems, he didn¡¯t want to create new ones.


    Song Qi and Peng Wu tittered outside the door. Third-in-charge finally compromised! Who would''ve thought that his weakness would be his wife? Song Qi withdrew the knife he put in the door rings, and the two of them left quietly.


    Ye Jiayao finally stopped biting. Xia Chunyu immediately covered his nose and ran to the mirror to check his wound. He almost blew his top when he saw a prominent bite mark on his nose. "Ye Jinxuan! Look at what you did!"


    Ye Jiayao glanced at him and sobbed softly. She felt anxious. She admits that what she had done was a bit too extreme, and the bite mark wouldn¡¯t disappear in just a short period of time. He always took great pride in his appearance. Even when the second-in-charge was wounded in the ambush, he still went back and changed his bloody clothes before the briefing. He always wore tidy clothes before he went out. Seeing what she had done now, he must be furious.


    "A gentleman uses his mouth, not his fists," Ye Jiayao reminded him. "Also, it was you who came so close to me!"


    Xia Chunyu laughed. He has studied for ten years, but it wasn''t until today, did he finally understood the meaning of that bothersome quote.


    "So, a gentleman uses his mouth not his fists, right? Okay, let me be a gentleman then." Xia Chunyu pretended to come at her.


    Ye Jiayao hurriedly hid inside the blanket and extended her arm out. "You can bite there."


    Xia Chunyu was about to bite her when Ye Jiayao rolled over on the bed, covering her belly. "Aww! My stomach hurts!"


    "Stop pretending you''ve got a stomachache. Put your arm out now." Xia Chunyu remained indifferent.


    "No! It''s really painful." Ye Jiayao wasn''t pretending, it really was painful. It felt like her guts were knotting together, cramping excruciatingly. She has never suffered such a pain before.


    Xia Chunyu halted and stared at her. Her face was deathly pale and there were beads of sweat all over her forehead. "What''s going on? How did you get sudden pain? Did you eat bad food?" Xia Chunyu worried.


    Ye Jiayao was in too much pain to speak, so she just nodded weakly. There was no way that she ate bad food. The dumplings she ate at lunch were cooked well, and her cooking was generally clean.


    "Hang in there, I will go get Mr. Liu." Xia Chunyu went to seek the doctor immediately. He rushed out, totally forgetting the obvious bite mark on his nose.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s body was covered in cold sweat. Damn it! What was this illness? Enteritis? It can¡¯t be appendicitis because it was in the wrong spot for that. If she had enteritis, it was not easy to cure this time. Mr. Liu most likely wouldn''t even know what it was, let alone be able to cure it. This was why people in ancient times had such a short lifespan. It was because their medical skills, equipment, and techniques were underdeveloped.


    Suddenly, Ye Jiayao felt a warm gush of liquid at her lower body. The familiar feeling made her pause. Could she be getting her period?


    Her periods were never as painful as this, though. Her abdomen was almost feeling sore and her limbs were powerless.


    Ye Jiayao forced herself to go to the bathroom to check. She came out, a short minute later, her head hung. She walked out and called for Song Qi.


    Song Qi rushed out from his room and promptly freaked out when he saw the state his big sister was in. He thought that it must''ve been uneasy for his big sister to fight because it looked like it sapped her vitality.


    "Sister-in-law, what is it?" Song Qi worried.


    "Song Qi, call Auntie Jiang for me. Hurry!" Ye Jiayao requested before she closed the door to avoid further questions from Song Qi. It was hard to explain this type of things to a guy.


    Song Qi rushed to Auntie Jiang.


    Ye Jiayo had already changed clothes and was lying down on the bed when Xia Chunyu brought Mr. Liu back. Her stomach was still cramping, but it wasn¡¯t as painful as before.


    "Mr. Liu, could you please check? My wife had a stomachache a moment ago," Xia Chunyu said hurriedly.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Mr. Liu and said gloomily, "Chunyu, I need to tell you something."


    "You can tell me after Mr. Liu checks you up,"


    "No, I have to tell you now." Ye Jiayao made hand gestures to Xia Chunyu, hoping to convey her message without actually saying the embarrassing words.


    Mr. Liu coughed and excused himself. "I''ll come back after you two finished your talk."


    Xia Chunyu was embarrassed, and simply made a hurried gesture of thanks to Mr. Liu. After he had left, Xia Chunyu lowered his voice, and asked, "What do you want? Aren''t you in pain? Can''t you wait until he after he looked you over?"


    Ye Jiayao waved him over. "Come closer."


    Xia Chunyu stared at her angrily for a moment before finally moving towards her.


    Ye Jiayao tugged at his sleeves to request him to lower his head.


    Xia Chunyu lowered his head patiently.


    "I am not sick," Ye Jiayao confessed softly.

 Chapter 24：The awkward thing

    "What? Are you playing me?" Xia Chunyu was indignant.


    "Shhh! Let me finish talking." Ye Jiayao covered his mouth. She saw his red nose and immediately thought of how he rushed out to Mr. Liu on the other side of the village. He must¡¯ve taken the long route, allowing everybody to see his nose. She suddenly felt ashamed. Everyone must¡¯ve known that she was the one who bit him because no one else would dare to do that. Even the furious black dog that second brother was raising was afraid of Chunyu!


    "Huh? What?" Xia Chunyu frowned, not really understanding, or hearing, what she said.


    "It''s that, you know, that thing that women have every month."


    Menstruation! This was why she didn''t want to explain this to a guy! If they were in the modern days, she could easily ask for a casual leave from the class teacher without this psychological burden.


    Xia Chunyu stared at her blankly. He seemed to grasp her meaning after a few minutes because his cheek turned bright red and he left quickly.


    Ye Jiayao heard him talk to Mr. Liu, but she didn''t know exactly what he was saying. She only caught it when Mr. Liu started laughing. "Third-in-charge, you just got married, it is understandable. Since third madam is fine, I''ll just go now."


    Ye Jiayao could just picture how embarrassed he was as he explained the situation to Mr. Liu. He dragged Mr. Liu out in a panic, only to find out that his wife simply had a period. It was such an awkward, embarrassing situation.


    He came back, not long after she heard Mr. Liu leaving, his expression adorably shy. He looked at her angrily, like a child who was embarrassed by his mother. "How do you not know your own problem? You get it every month!"


    Of course, Ye Jiyao didn¡¯t know! She never had such painful experience, and neither did the original host. She didn''t know why it hurt like that. She was worried and frustrated, thinking that she would have to suffer like this every month.


    "I wanted to talk, but at that time, it was too painful to speak. You also rushed out hurriedly!" Ye Jiayao defended herself.


    Xia Chunyu groaned, sitting near the bed and staring at her suspiciously.


    "Why are you looking at me like that? You think I am pretending?"


    Xia Chunyu knew that it was highly unlikely that she was just pretending. It was doubtful that she could act that well. Now, he wondered if her crazy, unexpected behavior earlier was an act. The word ''bitch'' was an apt description. The way she acted just a few minutes ago was just like a typical bandit''s wife.


    "Sister-in-law, Auntie Jiang is here!" Song Qi called from outside the door.


    Ye Jiayo blushed. "I told Song Qi to call Auntie Jiang because I don¡¯t have the necessary... stuff."


    Xia Chunyu had no idea what stuff she was talking about. It must be one of those things that only women could understand.


    Xia Chunyu left them alone to talk, retreating to his study. Auntie Jiang came into the room, and Ye Jiayao dragged her to talk. Auntie Jiang confessed, "I haven''t gotten that since last year. I already threw everything away!"


    "You must help me find a way, please!" Ye Jiayao cried.


    "Okay, okay, calm down. I will go back and make one for you, just wait here for a bit."


    "How long?" Ye Jiayao was concerned. She was just spotting at the moment, but it wouldn''t be long before it flowed too much. She wouldn''t be able to move if she didn''t get what she needed! If only she could get her hands on modern-day branded pads, everything would be easier.


    "As soon as possible. I should be able to finish it before dinner time," Auntie Jiang consoled her.


    "Thank you, Auntie Jiang, and I''m so sorry for bothering you." Ye Jiayao had no choice but to wait.


    Aunt Jiang went to the kitchen and made a brown sugar ginger tea for her. "Drink this to warm up your stomach. Don¡¯t drink any cold water for the time being. I''m going to do your laundry for now, but, you have to take care of yourself. You can''t get the same treatment from your home on this mountain."


    The words might sound a bit harsh, but Auntie Jiang said it so warmly that she almost hugged her.


    Everyone''s dinner was made by Auntie Jiang. Everyone¡¯s clothes were washed by Aunt Jiang. Meanwhile, Ye Jiayao lied on the bed like a patient, rolling around carefully as she feared the flow would leak. She didn¡¯t feel secure with the thing that Auntie Jiang made.


    "How many days will this go on?" Xia Chunyu asked casually as he slouched on the couch to read a book.


    "I don¡¯t know," Ye Jiayao answered indifferently.


    "How can you not know your own... thing?" Xia Chunyu frowned.


    "This type of things change depends on the environment and moods. Even the moon and tides can affect our period," Ye Jiayao bluffed.


    Xia Chunyu was curious. He had no idea that it was so magical.


    "Will you just continue to lie down like this in the following days?" Xia Chunyu was concerned about what would happen to their meals for the consecutive days. Auntie Jiang¡¯s cooking was too bad to eat.


    Ye Jiayao said casually, "Actually, just a heads up, during this time, my temper will worsen. I''ll be very easily angered, and all the negative emotions will magnify. So, in the future, when I have a period, you have to just bear with me and try not to fight me at every single turn. I have very little self-control when I''m on my period."


    Did she mean, that every month, he would need to stay low-key and let her do whatever she wanted? Xia Chunyu''s foul mood worsened.


    "Okay. I will treat you like you have an intermittent mental disorder. I won¡¯t argue with you when you''re sick." Xia Chunyu liked the word ''mental disorder''. He found that it was quite accurate when dealing with his woman.


    Ye Jiayao glanced at him. "Are you deliberately trying to make me angry?"


    Xia Chunyu continued to read disapprovingly. He would have to just bear with it this month, next month¡­ he didn¡¯t even know how long they would still be together. The first-in-charge had made an order to open the Dragon-breaking Stone tomorrow. He asked Xia Chunyu to get in touch with the downhill and send the map out, believing that he could do it in no time at all.


    The previous attacks on Black Wind Ridge all failed because they had the Dragon-breaking Stone as an obstacle. This time, Helian Xuan brought two cannons which could easily break it. The only thing they needed to do was find out where the secret tunnel of Black Wind Ridge was and destroy it. No one could survive in the Hei Feng Gang.


    "Chunyu, you''re going to open the Broken Dragon Stone tomorrow, right? You''re going down the mountain?"


    "Most likely, yes."


    "Then, can you take me down the mountain with you? I need to buy something," Ye Jiayao pleaded.


    "You can order Song Qi or Peng Wu to do that."


    "No! I want to buy women¡¯s product. How can I ask them to buy that for me? Besides, even if I do order them, I doubt that they have the balls to go."


    Goods and materials on the mountain were lacking too much. She had so many things that she wanted that the village doesn''t have. Also, she wanted to buy some cooking ingredients for the meals she was planning. Going down the mountain was necessary.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "We''ll see!"


    Taking servants to buy some necessities might be a good excuse to get down the mountain.


    "What do you mean we will see? If you''re busy, I can just ask Song Qi to go with me." Ye Jiayao didn¡¯t like his offhand tone.


    Xia Chunyu glanced at her calmly. "You can¡¯t even move right now, why are you in a rush? Also, what will the others think if we go down the mountain the minute the Dragon-breaking Stone opened?"


    Well, that was reasonable. First-in-charge had a paranoid personality. Even if they had caught Tong Hexian, that didn¡¯t mean that he wouldn¡¯t suspect anyone else.


    "Fine! You''re going to have to take me down the mountain one day, anyway," Ye Jiayao said gloomily.


    "I know." Xia Chunyu touched his nose impatiently, breathing cold air onto it. His whole nose was still swollen. He recalled how the brothers in the village looked at him weirdly when he went out to fetch Mr. Liu. He also saw Song Qi and Peng Wu, and he could tell that they wanted to laugh at him so badly. He felt angry, yet he really couldn¡¯t take it out on her for fear of triggering another meltdown.


    All of this is that crazy woman''s fault! Now, he was acting like a well-behaved bunny. He would want to swear at her, but before he could open his mouth, she would start to cry. She would look all innocent and pathetic, he couldn''t go through with it.


    After a while, Ye Jiayao asked, "Can you sleep on the couch tonight?"


    Xia Chunyu squinted at her. "Why do I need to sleep on the couch?"


    "I have this little issue, remember? What if it gets on you?" Ye Jiayao was worried about the current safeguard measure she had.


    "Can¡¯t you just stay away from me?" Xia Chunyu asked calmly.


    Ye Jiayao thought that she had already warned him about this. If Chunyu wasn''t going to heed her warning, then he shouldn''t blame her when she freaks out on him again.


    At night, Ye Jiayao had a cramp so bad and she couldn¡¯t sleep. She was very uncomfortable. She remembered the time she saw her female classmate looking like death warmed over during her period. Ye Jiayao found it hard to understand that she was really that delicate and soft, that she used to think her classmate was only pretending. Now, she was experiencing the same painful period, and she was feeling sorry for all the ill ideas she thought of her classmate.


    "Why aren¡¯t you sleeping?" Xia Chunyu asked groggily.


    She was moving around a lot and it was making it hard for him to sleep.


    "Just go sleep. Leave me alone," Ye Jiayao snapped. Men would never know women¡¯s pain.


    She glanced at him in disbelief when she heard him snoring. The nerve of this man! Ye Jiayao rubbed her belly gloomily, hoping that the ache would go away. She had been rubbing for quite some time, that her arms started to ache.


    Suddenly, Xia Chunyu scooted close to her, his huge hand sneaking insider her shirt. He laid his hand on her belly and started rubbing it softly.


    Ye Jiayao froze in surprise. He ignored her and continued on rubbing warmth onto her belly. Gradually, the uncomfortable feeling disappeared. She felt languid and relaxed.


    "Is that better?" His voice was hoarse and lazy as he murmured in her ears.


    "Yeah." Ye Jiayao nodded and made herself comfortable against his broad chest. She felt very warm and secure in his arms, and it wasn''t long before she fell asleep.


    Xia Chunyu saw her finally drift off to sleep and he contemplated on withdrawing his hands. He hesitated for a moment before he decided to just keep hugging her. If he moved and she woke up, he wouldn¡¯t get any sleep either. Besides, it wasn''t like it was a chore to hug her soft body. She smelled fantastic, too. In fact, she looked like an absolute angel while she slept.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly felt worried. If she found out about his real identity in the future, would she behave well?


    After all, it was her behavior that would be the deciding factor whether he would take her with him or not.

 Chapter 25：Tighten Your Belt

    After the Dragon-breaking Stone was opened, Hei Feng Gang began an extensive robbing exercise. On the first day, two teams were sent down the mountains and came back with only minimal gains because it was not the season for harvesting. On the second day, seven teams of men and horses went to a farther village to plunder provisions and properties. However, when night fell, only four of the seven teams made it back. Not only that, they returned empty-handed, battered and exhausted, and reportedly exchanged blows with the army and the people from Xin Yi. There was still no news of the other three teams.


    The management of the stockade held an emergency meeting. Even second-in-charge, who was still recuperating, attended.


    Auntie Jiang came to help wash some clothes, wearing a grave expression.


    "Auntie Wu¡¯s man is gone. She cried so mournfully. If it had not been us pulling her back, she would have banged her head against the wall and died." Auntie Jiang sighed. Although she was not on good terms with Auntie Wu, her grudges were swept aside in seeing a fellow auntie wracked with so much grief.


    "Isn''t Auntie Wu¡¯s man part of the missing teams? How do you know for certain that he is gone?" Ye Jiayao knew that many died, but the detailed list of deceased had yet to be announced.


    "The brothers from the Pan Long Mountain Ridges just sent 20 corpses back, saying that the people from Xin Yi threw them there and left. Auntie Wu¡¯s man¡¯s body was almost split into half -" Auntie Jiang retched, thinking of the horrible scene.


    Ye Jiayao shuddered. Ever since she came up the mountains, though there were sullen times, life was pretty good. There was no hurry to escape and she felt that there was a lot of time to plan and look for opportunities. However, this sudden change caused her to feel a strong sense of distress.


    She could not be certain that the army would listen to her explanation after attacking the mountains. Even if she explained herself, she was afraid no one would believe her. Xia Chunyu was right. If news of her being kidnapped by Hei Feng Gang got out, the reputation of the Ye and Wei family would be damaged. Therefore, both families would definitely try to conceal the news as a way to salvage the situation. Hence, if she were to say that she was the daughter of the Ye family, and the daughter-in-law of the Wei family, no one would believe her. Her only identity would be the wife of the third-in-charge of Hei Feng Gang.


    "From what I see, our stockade is going down this time." Auntie Jiang shook her head.


    "Auntie Jiang, if the stockade is attacked, do you think we would be able to survive?" Ye Jiayao asked worriedly.


    Auntie Jiang smiled bitterly. "If the army attacks, us women, might be able to survive. If it is the people of Xin Yi that attacked, it would be hard to say. Their people are far more cruel than us! However, towards a young and beautiful woman like you, third madam, they might let you go. A ruined old woman like me would be sure to be chopped up like melon without batting an eyelid."


    Ye Jiayao could not even bother to give a bitter laugh. Even if she managed to survive, she would probably be reduced to yet another woman of a bandit! She would have been better off sticking with Chunyu! At least, he was pleasing to the eyes! Besides, Chunyu was gentle and thoughtful at times. Like these past two nights, he religiously rubbed her stomach for the whole night, no matter how she changed her sleeping position.


    She admits, that if she was placed in his situation, she would not be able to do that.


    "Forget it, let¡¯s not talk about these things. I believe first-in-charge would have a plan, and if that is of no use, there is still third-in-charge. He will protect us," Ye Jiayao said without much confidence.


    Meanwhile, Chunyu and the rest of the brothers returned.


    "Third-in-charge, I will make some preparations before setting off," Peng Wu said respectfully, cupping his fist in his hand.


    Xia Chunyu wore a grave expression as he nodded. "Take care of yourself."


    Ye Jiayao followed Chunyu into the house.


    "Where is Peng Wu going?"


    "Down the mountains," Xia Chunyu replied concisely, going straight to the study room, opening up the map to study it.


    "He is going down the mountains so late at night? Isn¡¯t there an ambush down the mountains?" Ye Jiayao asked with concern.


    Xia Chunyu glared at her with annoyance. "Can you stop disturbing me?"


    Ye Jiayao snorted resentfully, leaving the room to look for Song Qi.


    Song Qi was sending Peng Wu out, handing his dagger to him. "This dagger is handed down in my family. It is extremely sharp, sees blood and seals the throat. Bring this with you, and return it to me when you come back."


    Peng Wu placed the dagger on his waist belt, patting Song Qi on the shoulder. "Thank you, brother."


    Ye Jiayao also sidled up to the two. "Peng Wu, be careful. If you cannot fight them, run."


    Peng Wu smiled. "Sister-in-law, it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just bringing some brothers down the mountains to scope the situation better. I¡¯ll try not to exchange blows with anyone."


    After sending Peng Wu off, Ye Jiayao asked Song Qi, "Is the situation really that terrible?"


    Song Qi scratched his head. "There is a little trouble. The army and the people of Xin Yi seemed to have stationed themselves below the mountains. The villagers nearby also alert them immediately when they see us. If we cannot rob any provisions, we would be trapped up here to our deaths."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart sank. That was indeed troubling.


    That night, Chunyu and Song Qi went out to patrol and reinforce the defenses until the wee hours of the morning.


    As crisis approached, Ye Jiayao felt all the discomfort in her body disappear. The next day, she woke up early, going to the kitchen to collect ingredients.


    Today¡¯s ration was much lesser than yesterday¡¯s. There was only two catty of rice, one catty of flour, one section of lotus roots, two loofahs, and three eggs. Ye Jiayao knew that the supplies were scarce right now, but she didn''t know that it was to the extent of having porridge! Did Old Head Yu make a mistake? She had quite a few people in her house!


    Old Yu said, "Two eggs are only for second-in-charge. First-in-charge has instructed that other than second-in-charge, who¡¯s recuperating, everyone would have their rations cut by half. Everyone has to tighten their belts to pass the days."


    However, this belt was tightened too much all of a sudden. Ye Jiayao had no choice but to bring the rations back to the courtyard and begin to stew porridge. With such little rice, they could only drink porridge. Adding the newly distributed flour to some old flour, she made steamed buns as they could not afford to have buns with stuffed fillings.


    Luckily, Uncle Jiang sent over the fermented beancurd that Auntie Jiang made. Song Qi and Chunyu could each have a bowl of porridge and two steamed buns.


    At first, she thought Chunyu would complain about the quality and quantity of the food, but he had no reaction at all. Seeing Ye Jiayao only drinking porridge and not eating the steamed buns, Xia Chunyu asked, "How many buns did you make in total? Why are you not eating?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "I don¡¯t feel like eating it yet. You guys go ahead, there are still some left in the pot. I will have them later."


    "Song Qi, let¡¯s go." Xia Chunyu carried his sword out after having his fill. Song Qi finished his porridge hurriedly and said goodbye to Ye Jiayao, catching up to Xia Chunyu.


    Ye Jiayao finished her breakfast slowly and counted the steamed buns in the pot. There were eight left. She made a total of twelve, and if she doesn''t eat them, Song Qi and Chunyu could have six each. If Peng Wu returned in time, each person could only have four. They were men and they need to use their strength. Even if they could not eat well, they have to be full as much as possible.


    After clearing the cutleries, Ye Jiayao picked a stalk of Sarmentosum and placed it in her pocket, carrying a basket to look for Auntie Jiang. She wanted to make herself useful, not become a burden to others. She could not do other things, but looking for food should be manageable.


    "Auntie Jiang, I want to go up the mountains to dig for some wild vegetables." She dared not go up alone and wanted to drag Auntie Jiang along.


    Auntie Jiang replied, "Just in time! Auntie Zhao and the rest also wanted to go dig for some wild vegetables. Let¡¯s just all go together!"


    That was how Ye Jiayao found herself and Auntie Jiang joining the other aunties up the mountains.


    "There are many traps in this mountain, you guys better be careful." With more experience, Auntie Zhao was everyone''s guide. She was bringing the group around to avoid the traps like metal clamps.


    "Actually, they are all marked, you just have to take note," Auntie Zhao said, pointing to a piece of land covered with dry grass and then again to the twig beside it.


    "Also, the traps are marked with who made it. This way, there will not be a case of people fighting over the captured prey," Auntie Jiang whispered to Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao had a lingering fear from almost stepping into a trap just now. Initially, she thought that the most frightful thing she would meet up the mountains would be snakes. She had no idea that she would have to watch out for traps as well. Luckily, she joined Auntie Jiang, otherwise, she would have ended up dead in the mountains with no one knowing.


    Pertaining to wild vegetables, Ye Jiayao could only recognize wild scallions, shepherd¡¯s purse, dandelions, purslane, and fiddlehead. Under the guidance of Auntie Jiang, she managed to recognize flixweed, a soft shoot that tastes delicious when used to fry egg, and Acorus calamus, which can be used to stew soup. She also learned to spot gutweed, which has cooling and detoxifying properties, and beef plant that tasted exceptionally fresh and delicious when used in a salad.


    "Don¡¯t dig all of them out in one go. Leave some roots so that they will grow out again after a few days," Auntie Jiang explained to her.


    "Mmhm!" Ye Jiayao dug excitedly. This mountain was filled with wild vegetables and small animals. Hei Feng Gang was practically a huge treasure trove! Ye Jiayao was still worried about running out of ammunition and starving to death, but now, she was feeling a bit better seeing all the provisions available.


    Not long after, everyone returned happily from a rewarding journey.


    Ye Jiayao specially picked flixweed, Acorus calamus, and beef plant. She would use one for frying egg, the other to make a salad, and the Acorus calamus to stew soup with the addition of air-dried meat. With those vegetables, there would be three additional dishes for her household. Ye Jiayao was elated and decided to pick wild vegetables every day in the future.


    After preparing lunch, Ye Jiayao waited for quite a while before Chunyu and Song Qi finally came back.


    "Why are you so late today? The dishes are already cold. Do you want me to heat them up?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu waved his hand. "No need, we''ll just eat it now. We¡¯ll have to leave again later."


    The two sat down while Ye Jiayao went to serve porridge and steamed buns.


    Seeing the dishes on the table, Xia Chunyu couldn¡¯t help but frown. Weren''t those wild vegetables? Yesterday, first-in-charge had ordered to conserve the rations to pass the days, and today there were wild vegetables?


    "Who sent these wild vegetables over?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Ye Jiayao replied quite proudly, "I went up to the mountains to pluck them."


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s face suddenly darkened in anger. "Who let you go up the mountains? Do you know how dangerous the mountains are?" he howled.


    Wow! So much concern for little old me! This was the first time Ye Jiayao felt his concern from all his yelling. She laughed giddily and replied, "I went with Auntie Jiang and Auntie Zhao, there wasn''t any danger."


    Xia Chunyu''s angry stance relaxed a bit. "How is going with just a group of women not dangerous? What if you meet a wild boar or a wild wolf? You can¡¯t run or fight! You are not allowed to go on excursions like that again."


    Song Qi agreed, "That¡¯s right! Next time, I will set aside a time every day to go up the mountains to get something to eat. You don''t have to go again."


    "What¡¯s wrong? We are not going far, just the mountain nearby. What kind of danger can there be? You men just worry about your matters, don¡¯t meddle in women¡¯s issues." Ye Jiayao pouted resentfully. She did not want to be a useless sitting duck.

 Chapter 26：Flustered

    It has been three days since Peng Wu went down the mountains and there was still no news at all. Meanwhile, there had been corpses transported back from the Pan Long Mountain Ridge periodically and they all belong to the members of the lost teams a few days ago. The atmosphere in the mountains was growing heavier as the days passed.


    As she picked wild vegetables, Ye Jiayao stood on the elevated ground, gazing into the distance. She worried as she saw that there were more sentries posted on the steps.


    "Auntie Jiang, do you think the army would attack up from the waters?" Ye Jiayao asked, pointing at the endless haze lake.


    She had been studying the small piece of the map under the pen holder in Chunyu''s study. Adding her observations up at the mountain these few days, she had a fair understanding of Hei Feng Gang¡¯s terrain and the positions of the sentries. However, she was troubled. There was a huge chance that the army could also attack from the haze lake. Huge battleships could come in majestically and still take down Hei Feng Gang.


    Auntie Jiang laughed. "Didn¡¯t you see the cliff overlooking the lake? Only a small path leads to Haze Lake and there are men watching there. The year before, the army came to annihilate from the lake and ended up returning without any achievements. Countless of men died in that lake, feeding the fishes and prawns.


    Ye Jiayao shuddered. The fishes and prawns in the lake are so meaty! Could that be because they ate a lot of corpses to grow so fat?


    Ye Jiayao had never been to the lakeside. Looking out from the mountain, she could not really see the exact terrain of the side of the lake. No wonder the village was assured in Hei Feng Gang. They knew that they had an upper hand in terrain.


    "Besides, there are sentries along the sides. Once the army¡¯s ships draw close, we would be able to easily spot them and get ready for battle," Auntie Jiang explained.


    "What if they swim over to sneak an attack?"


    "It would be possible if there are only a handful, but it would be impossible when there are a lot of people. And I''m pretty positive that they wouldn''t take just a small handful of people when they attack. They wouldn''t stand a chance unless all of them are highly skilled like third-in-charge."


    Ye Jiayao watched the surface of the lake gleaming and reflecting the light around it. If it was so difficult to attack up the mountains, what about escaping it? Basing off on her swimming skills, she should be able to sneak out without being noticed. However, she was uncertain of the lake¡¯s size. Her current small frame was obviously not as strong as her body in her previous life. She might not be able to make it halfway through the lake before drowning.


    After plucking the wild vegetables, Ye Jiayao cut some grass back as Da Bao and Er Bao were getting bigger appetites.


    When she was on her way down, she heard the urgent sound of the bugle horn. She rushed down only to see many people running towards the meeting room.


    "What happened?" Ye Jiayao was confused.


    Auntie Jiang¡¯s face changed. "That was the signal to show that the enemy has invaded."


    "What? They have started attacking the stockade?" Ye Jiayao started to feel anxious. Does that mean Chunyu has to go out to battle?


    Ye Jiayao rushed home. She had to prepare some dried provisions to send to Chunyu and Song Qi. If they start fighting, they might not have time to come back to eat.


    Just when she was kneading the dough, Song Qi ran back.


    "Sister-in-law, third-in-charge brought some men to Pan Long Mountain Ridge."


    "Has the army started attacking?" Ye Jiayao asked fearfully.


    Song Qi nodded. "They have already camped under the mountain. The sentry at the front could already see their campsite, and there was a dense mass of at least ten thousand people."


    "Then¡­ wouldn¡¯t releasing the Dragon-breaking Stone be fine?"


    "I''m afraid it''s not going to work this time. From what the brothers had said, the authorities brought artillery to break through it."


    Then why are we bothering to fight at all? A few shells would leave everyone dead.


    "Isn¡¯t Peng Wu part of the group of people who went down to get news? Is he back yet?" Ye Jiayao asked as she suddenly recalled the missing person from her household.


    Song Qi seemed to find it difficult to speak about it. He kept hesitating as he was about to talk.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart sank. Did Peng Wu get into trouble?


    "Say something!" Ye Jiayao urged.


    Song Qi clenched his teeth as he replied, "Big sister, Peng Wu was actually the spy."


    Ye Jiayao was flabbergasted. "No, that¡¯s impossible! How could he be the spy? Isn¡¯t he part of the pioneers of the stockade? First-in-charge trusted him so much."


    "Well, as they say, you cannot judge a book by its cover. Who would have expected that? However, that is the truth. The people who escaped back said they saw with their own eyes that he got invited back, politely might I add, by the court officials."


    Ye Jiayao was speechless. She didn''t expect that the spy would come from their own courtyard.


    "Then¡­ did first-in-charge suspect third-in-charge?" Ye Jiayao wanted to ascertain the safety of Chunyu first.


    Song Qi shook his head. "Not to that extent. Peng Wu was originally first-in-charge¡¯s man. It was first-in-charge who sent him over to third-in-charge¡¯s side. Moreover, first brother was the one who sent him down the mountain this time. The most crime that could be pinned to third-in-charge was that he failed to notice Peng Wu''s traitorous ways. However, now that the stockade is facing a calamity and in need of manpower, first brother would not pursue the responsibilities of third-in-charge."


    Ye Jiayao heaved a sigh of relief. At least, she doesn''t have to worry about Chunyu on top of fearing for her life.


    "Right! Third-in-charge only got me to get some things, and I have to go now, big sister. We might not be back these couple of days." Song Qi said offhandedly as he went off to the central building.


    Ye Jiayao hurriedly took all the steamed buns left in the pot, stuffed some salted vegetables inside them and started to stow it away. Just when she finished packing them, Song Qi came back, saying, "Sister-in-law, third-in-charge wants you to stay inside within the next days. Don''t leave the house as much as possible, and he wants you to know that he won¡¯t abandon you."


    Ye Jiayao was really touched that Chunyu still remembered his promise amidst all the chaos that was surrounding them.


    She stuffed the bundle she has prepared into Song Qi¡¯s hands. "Take these dried provisions and just put up with the food for now. If you have time tomorrow, come back and I will make more for you guys."


    Song Qi nodded. "I shall get going, sister-in-law. Take care."


    Ye Jiayao said anxiously, "You guys be careful too. Watch out for each other, please."


    After Song Qi left, Ye Jiayao stood blankly, rooted to the ground. She had gone from being on edge and flustered to empty in just a blink of an eye. She never expected that this day would approach so fast. It had been barely a month since her arrival, yet she had grown fond of this place. She had grown to love the Chunyu, who was at times overbearing and at times gentle. She had learned to adore Song Qi, the footman, who was the obedient punching bag, and Peng Wu, who did not speak much but very attentive. She had become close with the loud and warm-hearted, Auntie Jiang. If they die, she would be very upset.


    Da Bao and Er Bao hopped to her side. Ye Jiayao squatted down and picked Da Bao up, caressing Er Bao. "Your Father Rabbit has gone to fight a battle. Although he was fierce and unreasonable at times, there were also times when he was nice to me. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to him, will you pray with me for him?"


    Xia Chunyu stood at the apex of the Pan Long Mountain Ridge, gazing down. Helian Xuan must have come personally because the banners below were as dense as the forest.


    As agreed, He Lianxuan began encircling the mountain at the sight of Song Qi''s dagger. First-in-charge and Peng Wu must not have thought that he used this method to pass the message, so they both cooperated with his plan. They put on an act of Peng Wu going behind the enemy lines to make everyone in the stockade mistake him as the spy, and draw the real one out. Although Peng Wu followed his orders obediently, Xia Chunyu knew that ultimately, Peng Wu was only loyal to first-in-charge. If he did not eliminate Peng Wu, his operation would be hindered greatly.


    Following their plan, Helian Xuan would send a convoy to persuade the stockade to surrender, and when the time comes, he would find a chance to send the map out. As long as he managed to block the escape route of, Bai Zongye, the first-in-charge, he can attack fearlessly.


    "Third-in-charge, sister-in-law got me to deliver this to you." Song Qi approached, handing a bundle over to Xia Chunyu. Xia Chunyu looked down at his hands and there was a piece of paper in his palm.


    Xia Chunyu squeezed the paper, asking expressionlessly, "Did you pass my words to her?"


    "I said everything. Sister-in-law wants you to be careful," Song Qi replied.


    Xia Chunyu opened the bundle and saw that there were eight steamed buns inside. His heart warmed with unknown emotions. These past few days, he only saw her drink porridge and nothing else. Whenever he asked her, she would just say that there was more in the pot. Today, before he left, he went to open the lid of the pot to take a look. There was a total of eight inside, including the four that he and Song Qi had for breakfast. Initially, there were 12, which meant that for these past days, she had been drinking plain porridge to pass by. She was leaving the steamed buns and egg for them.


    If she was really sent by first-in-charge, she would not have done this.


    Ye Jinxuan. Her name was like a mantra in his thoughts, anchoring him to the memory of the lovely days they spent together.


    Ye Jiayao was bored to death. Whenever she has nothing to do, she starts to overthink. The more she thought about the brothers'' situation, the more anxious she got. She was desperate to find something to do to keep her from worrying so much.


    First, she cleaned up the courtyard, then brought the bed sheet and bedding out to the sun. She crawled up and down to wipe the furniture in the house. It was when she was cleaning the study that she realized the pen holder on the table had been moved.


    Ye Jiayao picked the pen holder up, pressing on the dragon¡¯s eye. The pedestal swiveled open, and indeed, the little piece of paper was no longer there.


    Perhaps, they needed that map before the battle, so Chunyu got Song Qi to come back to retrieve it. Ye Jiayao did not think much about it and placed the pedestal back.


    Ye Jiayao only started making dinner after the whole house had been swept, the windows shined and the tables wiped. Although Chunyu and Song Qi would not be back to eat, she still had to deliver food to second-in-charge.


    As she prepared the food, she could not help but think of Peng Wu. How could he have been the spy? He must''ve been very good in order to trick big brother. Would he lead the army to attack the stockade? If he came personally, would he let her off on account of her making him many delicious foods?


    Ah! Forget it! These were all matters of the future. Auntie Jiang mentioned that the imperial court had sent many troops to annihilate the stockade. Each time has been bloody and dangerous, yet everything had been fine in the end. She might be able to get through the crisis this time, too.


    Ye Jiayao made a bowl of shredded meat noodles. The noodles were made by hand, cooked till medium well and taken out immediately to rinse in cold water. The expansion and contraction would cause the noodles to become chewy. The soup was made separately. She fried the streaky pork till it was fragrant, then added greens, shiitake mushroom, and tomatoes. She added some boiling water, plus a pinch of salted vegetables to make it more palatable. Lastly, she added the noodles that had been cooled to heat up for a while, sprinkled some chopped green onions on top, and the dish was finished.


    Ye Jiayao carried the lunch box over to second-in-charge¡¯s place. As soon as she entered the courtyard, the big black dog that was laying at the corner, basking in the sun, jumped up, ears straight and alert. When he realized that it was only Ye Jiayao, he plopped back down and closed his eyes.


    Second-in-charge¡¯s house always had someone outside guarding it, yet there was none today. Everyone must have gone out to defend the safety of the stockade. Just when Ye Jiayao was about to enter, she heard first-in-charge¡¯s voice from inside.


    "Let third brother guard the place. I will assign someone to send you out."

 Chapter 27：Trap

    "How can I do that? Big brother, we swore to be in it together, regardless of happiness or suffering. I am not leaving! If we have to die, we will die together," second-in-charge said.


    "Who said anything about dying?" first-in-charge chided and continued in a gentle tone, "This time, I am afraid that we could not defend this place. No matter how strong the Dragon-breaking Stone is, it cannot withstand the attack of artillery. Plus, Peng Wu, the little traitor, knew where the secret passageway is. If we do not evacuate immediately, we would be blocked and killed. None of us would be able to escape. Even if we lose Hei Feng Gang, we could always return back to Qing Long Fang and wait another day to make a comeback.


    Second-in-charge was indignant. "We''ve suspected many brothers in the stockade but we didn''t think of suspecting Peng Wu! I don''t get it! How could he betray us?"


    First-in-charge sighed. "It is hard to fathom a person¡¯s mind."


    "That rascal! If I catch him, I would tear him into pieces," second-in-charge cursed in rage.


    "Alright, we will talk about this later. Just make some quick preparations, we will leave today," first-in-charge said.


    "What about third brother?" second-in-charge asked.


    "Second brother, you and I are the real brothers. As for third brother¡­ we cannot bring the whole stockade of people with us! There has to be someone here to keep watch, otherwise, none of us will be able to escape. Third brother would just have to count his luck!"


    The more she heard, the angrier Ye Jiayao got. You f*cking pigs! You have been suspecting Chunyu since the beginning! Now that the stockade is about to fall, you only care about escaping by yourselves! You''re using Chunyu as a cannon fodder to protect you.


    Despite her anger, Ye Jiayao was aware that if first-in-charge found her eavesdropping, he''d kill her on the spot. She crept out of the courtyard silently before calling loudly, "Second brother, second brother!"


    First-in-charge walked out from the house, smiling eccentrically. "It''s sister-in-law!"


    "Oh big brother, I didn''t know you''re here as well! I came to deliver food for second brother." Ye Jiayao smiled as she met him halfway.


    First-in-charge sneered slightly. "Hand it to me. I still have some things to discuss with second brother."


    "Sure, then I shall trouble you." Ye Jiayao handed the lunch box to first-in-charge.


    After taking two steps, she turned back, and asked, "Big brother¡­"


    First-in-charge raised his eyebrows in question. "What other matters concern you, sister-in-law?"


    Ye Jiayao hesitated a little, saying, "I heard from Song Qi that Chunyu went to guard Pan Long Mountain Ridge. He won''t be in danger, right?"


    First-in-charge smiled. "The Dragon-breaking Stone is very resilient. It would not be so easy for the army to destroy."


    Ye Jiayao clutched at her chest, acting as though she heaved a sigh of relief. "Then I shall rest assured."


    After seeing Ye Jiayao leave, the corner of first-in-charge¡¯s lips raised up into a sinister smile.


    After leaving second-in-charge¡¯s place, Ye Jiayao walked briskly to look for Auntie Jiang. Although she knew some people in the mountains, she could only really trust Uncle and Auntie Jiang. She had to let Chunyu know the news of first-in-charge''s and second-in-charge''s plan to escape.


    After hearing Ye Jiayao¡¯s words, Auntie Jiang¡¯s face lost color. "Seriously?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded her head earnestly. "I heard it directly from him! We have to come up with a way to inform third-in-charge, otherwise, we would all be dead."


    Auntie Jiang hurriedly replied, "I am getting my old man this instant."


    Ye Jiayao continued, "Don¡¯t let a word of this matter spread out. First, let''s just inform third-in-charge secretly. We''ll let him make the decision in case we arouse unrest."


    Auntie Jiang nodded her head solemnly. "I would avoid it."


    Xia Chunyu was deploying the combat plan when he heard that Uncle Jiang was looking for him outside. He glanced at the door and couldn''t help but feel apprehensive. Uncle Jiang was someone on his side that he had ever since he came up the mountains. He had previously ordered Uncle Jiang to guard the Dragon-breaking Stone¡¯s mechanism and await his order. Now that Uncle Jiang had rushed over, could it be that something major had happened? He sent away his attendants and invited Uncle Jiang in.


    Uncle Jiang whispered the news Ye Jiayao heard to Xia Chunyu.


    A hint of surprise flashed pass Xia Chunyu¡¯s eyes, and he called for Song Qi.


    Song Qi entered. "Third-in-charge, what are your orders?"


    Xia Chunyu knitted his eyebrows with indecision, telling himself time and again to remain calm. This moment was a critical period. A slight change would cause a butterfly effect, a wrong move would cause defeat, so every decision he makes has to be carefully thought out.


    Xia Chunyu muttered, "Third madam said that she heard that when she went to deliver food?"


    Uncle Jiang affirmed, "That was what my old woman said."


    Doubt niggled at the back of Xia Chunyu''s mind. There should always be someone guarding outside second-in-charge¡¯s place. Would they really allow Ye Jinxuan to eavesdrop? Unless there was no one in the courtyard. That''s very suspicious. First-in-charge and second-in-charge were discussing classified matters and there was no one keeping watch outside. It also just happened to be at the same time that Yao Yao was delivering food. Did they say that on purpose for Yaoyao to hear or was it really just a coincidental negligence?


    If that was a trap, wouldn¡¯t him rashly rushing over to intercept it expose his knowledge of the whereabouts of the secret passageway? If they found out that he knew of the passageway, his identity as the spy would be revealed.


    However, if the news was true, allowing first-in-charge and second-in-charge to escape would cause his efforts for half of the year to just go down the drain.


    To cut weeds you have to eliminate the roots!


    Maybe, he could spread the message of first-in-charge¡¯s escape. This was a good opportunity to create chaos. His only problem was how to pass the news to He Lianxuan so that they could synchronize their attack.


    Xia Chunyu had to think fast.


    At this particular moment, a bandit from outside reported that the imperial court sent a person over.


    Xia Chunyu was suddenly relieved. Indeed, heaven is on my side!


    Ye Jiayao was alarmed and restless as she paced around the courtyard. Had Auntie Jiang found Uncle Jiang? Had Uncle Jiang passed the message to Chunyu? What would Chunyu do in response? First-in-charge and second-in-charge would be escaping in a few moments. If the gang knew that its leader had gone, the stockade would be in a mess. If that were to happen, she would persuade Chunyu to lead the gang of brothers into surrendering. Perhaps he could even earn himself a position as an official and wash clean.


    Only¡­ Chunyu hated the imperial court so much. Would he agree to surrender?


    No. She had to do something.


    After thinking about it for some time, Ye Jiayao decided to go to second-in-charge¡¯s place again to see if she could stall him and buy some time for Chunyu. However, when she arrived at second-in-charge¡¯s place, he was not around. Ye Jiayao knew the entrance to the secret passageway was near the meeting room, so she rushed towards it.


    From afar, she saw Song Qi run towards the meeting room. She wanted to call out to him but someone covered her mouth from behind, dragging her away.


    The other party had exceptional strength, and Ye Jiayao could not struggle. She was helpless as she got dragged into a room where she was pushed down.


    "Sister-in-law, what are you doing sneaking in the meeting room? Are you afraid that I would abandon you?" an obscene voice echoed.


    Ye Jiayao raised her head. Wasn¡¯t that second-in-charge? He eyed her up and down, laughing lewdly. How could she have not known that the huge second-in-charge was such a vulgar person deep down?


    Ye Jiayao pretended to be calm, smiling embarrassedly. "Second brother, I''m so glad it was you! You gave me a fright."


    "Well, I''m glad that you''re at ease with my presence. You have the perfect timing! Leave with me! I will care for you." Second-in-charge approached with the intention of embracing Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao dodged, scared and angry on the inside, yet, outwardly smiling. "Second brother, are you drunk? Why are you saying nonsense like these? I am your sister-in-law."


    Second-in-charge grinned evilly. "Originally, your family wanted to send you to me. Sending you to third brother was just a way to test him out. Now, there is no need, and you can return to my side."


    The news struck Ye Jiayao unexpectedly, leaving her stunned. "What¡­ what did you say? What do you mean my family sent me to you?"


    Second-in-charge shook his head, saying sympathetically, "Sister-in-law, you have no home to return to. Third brother is not even your real husband. Come on, just come with me."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s voice trembled as she spoke. "Make¡­ make yourself clear."


    Just when second-in-charge was about to open his mouth to explain, the door was pushed open. First-in-charge walked in, his jaw set straight and his eyes cold. "Second brother, do you realize the kind of hurry we''re in? I don''t know how you still managed to find the time to flirt."


    Second-in-charge replied with embarrassment, "Big brother, what is the situation outside?"


    First-in-charge ignored his question as he stared at Ye Jiayao."We''re not keeping that woman."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart stuttered. Was he planning to silence her? Could it be that they already knew that she eavesdropped on their conversation?


    "Big brother, there''s no need for that. Isn¡¯t she just a woman? Tie her up and decide when everything is over." Second-in-charge was obviously unwilling to kill off Ye Jiayao.


    "What do you know? Third brother did not fall into the trap. Now that the imperial court¡¯s envoy had come up the mountains, matters are getting more problematic. Third brother should never know about this," first-in-charge said.


    Ye Jiayao was suddenly enlightened. They purposely let her overhear their conversation and everything was a trap to set up Chunyu. She could not guess the specific details but she was certain that they were willing to go to great lengths to keep this conspiracy quiet. They would silence her to have Chunyu continue to risk his life for them.


    Second-in-charge was put in a difficult position. He looked at Ye Jiayao with reluctance, still unable to let her go. "We are still not at ease with third brother, so why don¡¯t we use this opportunity to -" Second-in-charge made a motion of slitting his throat.


    First-in-charge hesitated.


    Ye Jiayao held her breath, fearing that one wrong move would end her life.


    "Then I¡¯ll leave it to you, make it quick." First-in-charge left after throwing those words out.


    Second-in-charge brought a piece of rope and tied Ye Jiayao up, saying, "Third brother is good-looking, but good looks can''t feed you. To tell you honestly, big brother does not believe that Peng Wu is the spy. This is most probably staged by third brother. It was a pity we could not get a hold of him. Don''t worry, if there is a problem with third brother, big brother would not be keeping him anymore. Just stay here first, and when everything is settled, we can leave together."


    Peh! I don''t want to leave with a pig-head like you!


    "It hurts! Second brother, please, go easy on me." Ye Jiayao purposely pushed her hands further apart so that there would be space between the rope.


    "Second brother, did you really mean what you said? I don¡¯t want to die, you have to protect me." Ye Jiayao stammered, acting coquettishly.


    Second brother was seduced by her delicate voice and pitiful glance, that he could not help but go easy on her. Anyway, he was certain that she was not going to be able to escape.


    "Be obedient, okay? I love you." Second-in-charge caressed her soft and tender cheek, leaning in for a kiss. It was only first-in-charge''s voice calling him that made him forgo his affection. He raised his hand and hit her hard and swiftly on the back of her neck.


    Ye Jiayao felt a sudden pain in her neck and her sight grew dark as she passed out.

 Chapter 28：No Need To Act

    Ye Jiayao slowly regained consciousness to a dark surrounding and the sounds of gunfire and shouting. What happened? Is the army already attacking?


    F*ck! This time, she was too careless. She actually fell into the trap of those two baboons and almost lost her life. Thankfully, Chunyu did not heed her warnings, otherwise, she would live the rest of her life wracked with guilt. He was still in danger, though. First-in-charge was such a villain that he was making use of Chunyu even till the end to save their own hide.


    Ye Jiayao struggled mightily against her bonds. Fortunately, second-in-charge did not tie the rope too tightly and she managed to just scrape a layer off her skin before she broke free. She ignored the pain and looked out the crack in the locked door. There was not a single soul outside.


    She has to get out of here. Ye Jiayao groped around in the darkness, feeling the window. She pushed with all her strength and blessedly, it opened. Ye Jiayao was exhilarated as she climbed out through the window.


    Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip!


    Ye Jiayao looked back and saw her skirt caught on a nail. Impatient, she just tore the ripped hem off. Escaping was of the utmost importance and she could not be bothered with her image at that moment.


    There were flames blazing everywhere and people were running in all directions. Ye Jiayao was at a loss, not knowing where to go.


    "Brother, what is going on now? Where is first-in-charge, second-in-charge, and third-in-charge?" Ye Jiayao asked the man she grabbed.


    "How would I know? It is all a complete mess right now." The person shook off Ye Jiayao¡¯s grip and ran off.


    Ye Jiayao approached anyone she could talk to, and after several attempts, she finally got news of Chunyu.


    "We are not sure of the specific details, but we heard that first-in-charge is going to abandon the brothers and escape on his own. Third-in-charge would not see to it and they fought," a bandit answered, scratching his head in distress.


    "F*ck! Now, I don¡¯t even know who is fighting who! We should just try to escape," another bandit added.


    "Escape? Escape to where?" Ye Jiayao asked. Did they know where the secret passageway was?


    "Up the mountains. Hei Feng Gang is huge, we should be able to hide for a while," the bandit replied.


    Ye Jiayao hesitated for a while before saying, "You guys get to the meeting room. There''s a secret passageway in there that leads to outside."


    "How do you know?" One bandit was suspicious.


    Ye Jiayao replied, "I overheard first-in-charge and second-in-charge¡¯s conversation. They intend to escape from the secret passageway by themselves and abandon the brothers."


    Everyone felt indignant at the betrayal.


    "So, the rumor is true! F*ck that! First-in-charge is too disloyal."


    "Everyone risked their lives for him and he''s just going to run?"


    "Let''s curse him another time! Come on, let¡¯s go!" Ye Jiayao urged.


    "Third madam, I saw third-in-charge near the kitchen earlier," one of the bandits informed her.


    Ye Jiayao brightened up. She bid everyone farewell before heading for the kitchen.


    Chunyu must be looking for her back at the courtyard.


    "Everyone search carefully. Don¡¯t let a single bandit off." The voice of a soldier came from ahead.


    Ye Jiayao quickly hid at a dark corner. What do I do? If she rushed out right now to plead with the soldier, he might not kill her. But what about Chunyu? He would be in danger if he was discovered by the army.


    Ye Jiayao hesitated before deciding to look for Chunyu first.


    Suddenly, she saw a familiar muscular figure a few steps away from her. It''s Chunyu! Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart almost jumped out of her mouth. She was just about to rush out to warn Chunyu that there were soldiers, when she heard him say, "As long as they surrender, don¡¯t kill them, just lock them up."


    That soldier in charge replied, "Yes."


    Wait. What? Did the soldier actually listen to the orders of Chunyu? Could it be that Chunyu was really the spy sent by the imperial court? Ye Jiayao brain worked into overdrive as she tried to figure out what was going on.


    Did everything he previously told her was all a lie?


    She supposed she could understand his difficult position. As a spy, it was only normal for him to lie to her. In that case, she didn''t need to run! Chunyu was there to protect her. She was safe.


    Ye Jiayao was overjoyed, knowing that Chunyu was not really a bandit but a spy. She suddenly saw Chunyu in a different light, he became mightier in her eyes. Wow! This is the ancient reality version of Infernal Affairs!


    Just when Ye Jiayao was moving out of her hiding spot to show herself, she saw Song Qi ran towards Chunyu.


    "Master Crown Prince, there is no sign of sister-in-law."


    There was low light and Chunyu was facing the other side so she could not make out the expression on his face. She could only hear him say coldly, "What sister-in-law? There is no need to act anymore. I warn you, don¡¯t let me hear that term again."


    Ye Jiayao felt as if she was just thrown a bucket of cold water. She could actually feel her heart breaking inside.


    Crown prince.


    He was a crown prince. That wasn''t just an ordinary respectable status.


    No need to act. Huh. All that he did for her was just an act. Now that everything''s over, he was not intending to acknowledge her.


    Ye Jiayao stepped back, gazing at that tall silhouette. All the excitement, worries, and self-reproach she was feeling was now gone. Her heart that was about to burst from the seams just a second ago was now empty and cold.


    She told herself not to be upset. She did not expect to have anything to do with him or to have any further development with him. It doesn''t matter if he was a bandit or a crown prince, he had nothing to do with her anymore. Although she almost caused him danger due to her carelessness, he did not fall into the trap. She doesn''t owe him anything, just like he doesn''t owe her anything.


    However, the feeling of being ditched and ditching someone was indeed very different!


    "We found Shengwu. He was at the training grounds," a soldier reported.


    Xia Chunyu rushed over with some men immediately.


    When everyone left, Ye Jiayao emerged slowly from the darkness, walking back to the courtyard.


    The door of the courtyard was wide open, and a few corpses laid around, all of them are brothers from the stockade. Ye Jiayao had always been afraid of corpses. However, at this moment, she was not in the mood to be scared.


    Da Bao, Er Bao¡­ where are you? Mummy is here for you. She prayed that the rabbits got away from the fighting and were okay.


    Chunyu did not care about her anymore. His words were ultimately empty promises, but she would not go back on hers. She would not abandon Da Bao and Er Bao.


    However, after combing the place, she still could not find Da Bao and Er Bao.


    Ye Jiayao was devastated, have they abandoned her as well? That might be for the best. She might not be able to defend herself right now, let alone take care of them.


    After being dispirited for a while, Ye Jiayao wiped her tears and went to the bedroom to retrieve her secret stash of money under the bed. She wanted to be independent. She would find a way to leave this place.


    She made her way out carefully. She hid when she met soldiers or laid down to play dead. Thankfully, she was able to get through without harm.


    "To hell with you, old hag!" a voice screamed from ahead.


    Ye Jiayao shrank. That was second-in-charge¡¯s voice! Didn¡¯t they say he was on the training grounds? What is he doing here?


    A blood-curling screech echoed around.


    "Quick! Someone! Second-in-charge is here!"


    Ye Jiayao was shocked when she heard the voice and she quickly ran towards it.


    "Stop it!"


    She found Auntie Zhao on the ground, wounded. Meanwhile, second-in-charge was standing over Auntie Jiang, waving his machete. Ye Jiayao rushed over to stop him.


    Seeing Ye Jiayao, the murderous look in second-in-charge¡¯s eyes calmed. "You are just in time."


    "Let them go! I will go with you, or you can take me as your hostage," Ye Jiayao said, using the courage she didn''t know she had. She looked directly at second-in-charge as she gave Auntie Jiang signals to run.


    Auntie Jiang helped Auntie Zhao up, wanting to leave, but worried about the safety of Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao walked over and stood between Auntie Jang and second-in-charge. "Why are you still meddling around here? Do you want to get stabbed? Scram!" she demanded fiercely at Auntie Jiang.


    Auntie Jiang knew that Ye Jiayao wanted to save her and staying would not help. She had better find third-in-charge quickly and get him to save her.


    Second-in-charge did not want to let Auntie Jiang go. If she told the soldiers about his location, he would be in deep trouble.


    Ye Jiayao held on to second-in-charge to distract him. "Second brother, where is the secret passageway you talked about? Quick, bring me with you."


    Second-in-charge replied gloomily, "There are soldiers outside the meeting room. How do we even get to the passageway? F*ck! Big brother was right, third brother was a spy."


    "I just came back from that side and almost ran into him. He was with other soldiers and they''re coming here. We better go before it''s too late." Ye Jiayao pointed to the courtyard, giving Auntie Jiang a clear direction.


    Second-in-charge looked at Ye Jiayao suspiciously. "You met third brother? What are you still doing here?"


    Ye Jiayao pretended to be full of sorrow. "I saw him but he did not see me. I just found out that he is a crown prince. I heard him tell his henchmen to get rid of me. Perhaps, he did not wish for me to appear before him again, and let others know that he was once married in the stockade."


    That was the half-truth. It was a bonus that she didn''t have to pretend to be sad because she was indeed upset with how things have turned out.


    Second-in-charge clenched his teeth in anger. "They say bandits are ruthless, but I think the officials are the real heartless ones. Lady Ye, don¡¯t be upset. When we escape, I will care for you and treat you like a treasure."


    Ye Jiayao secretly heaved a sigh of relief as she saw Auntie Jiang got away.


    "Now that the secret passageway has been watched by soldiers, how do we escape?" Ye Jiayao had another motive for staying. She wanted to find out more about her kidnapping. He mentioned before that she was betrayed by her family. She could guess who it was but she still wanted to verify it.


    "The passageway might be blocked, but there are other routes. Follow me. I would be sure to bring you out," second-in-charge said, pulling her ahead.


    Ye Jiayao was brought to the cliff by the haze lake.


    "There is a small boat beneath. We will take the boat," second-in-charge said.


    "Second brother, who in the Ye family contacted you?" Ye Jiayao inquired. She did not want to leave with him. He was a wanted criminal by the army and if she escaped with him, she would only hasten her death.


    "We¡¯ll talk about it when we get onto the boat. Now, come-" Second-in-charge stopped suddenly, his eyes wide and filled with fear.


    He slowly looked down at his body. There was an arrow piercing through his chest.


    Ye Jiayao turned around and saw dots of flame from afar. A troop of soldiers had already encircled them.


    "Shoot! Don¡¯t let anyone off," one soldier ordered.


    Whoosh!


    Swift arrows whizzed past them, slicing through the sky.


    Second-in-charge, who was at death¡¯s door, pulled Ye Jiayao over, shielding her with his body as he was shot into a porcupine.


    "Quick¡­ run!" Second-in-charge used the last ounce of strength in him to push Ye Jiayao away.


    Behind Ye Jiayao was the cliff, and with his push, she stumbled back and fell straight down.


    She heard the wind rushing by her ear as she plummeted down the cliff. Her mind was blank but her body moved instinctively, her hands automatically stretching to form a cross to protect both sides of her head.


    Her body dropped vertically, just like how divers enter the water, and Ye Jiayao was submerged into cold darkness.

 Chapter 29：Why Can’t You Be A Little More Shameless

    The battle only ended when day broke. The army was victorious. First-in-charge, who escaped from the secret passageway, was blocked at the entrance and caught. Second-in-charge¡¯s whereabouts, however, were still unknown.


    Following Bai Zongye¡¯s arrest, thousands of bandits surrendered, while others refuse to submit. Those that rather die than give in were slaughtered. The notorious Hei Feng Gang finally disintegrated and ceased to exist.


    Only, Yaoyao¡¯s tracks had yet to be discovered.


    Song Qi led a gang of brothers to search the corpses but was unable to find her. Yaoyao seemed to have vanished into thin air.


    Facing the immense victory, Xia Chunyu did not feel happy. His heart felt more and more empty as the seconds passed with no news of Yaoyao. He should''ve been rejoicing, yet, here he was, sick to his stomach with worry.


    "Has no one seen her at all?" Xia Chunyu asked, depressed.


    Song Qi replied, "When we caught second-in-charge¡¯s henchman, Li Tie, he said that before the battle happened, sis¡­ Lady Ye was kidnapped by second-in-charge. She was imprisoned in the little house beside the meeting room. However, when I went over there, there was only a piece of bloodstained rope and an open window. Lady Ye must have escaped from the window."


    When Xia Chunyu heard the word bloodstained, his heart contracted into a tight vise. Second-in-charge must have realized Yaoyao eavesdropped in their conversation and captured her.


    "Some men from the group of bandits who were arrested in the meeting room said that Lady Ye told them about it. She was the reason they knew of the passageway." Song Qi visibly deflated and continued, "After that¡­ there was no news of Lady Ye."


    "Master Crown Prince, there is someone outside called Auntie Jiang who wishes to see you." A guard entered with the message.


    Auntie Jiang? Xia Chunyu ordered hurriedly, "Let her in."


    After escaping the previous night, Auntie Jiang was busy taking care of the injured Auntie Zhao. She only came to look for third-in-charge to inquire about third madam. She was going to go as soon as she finished helping Auntie Zhao settle down, but she had no idea where third-in-charge was. She had asked many soldiers but they all ignored her. She couldn''t ask her old partner because he had gone to lead the army to the secret passageway to chase after first-in-charge.


    "Third-in-charge!" At the sight of third-in-charge, Auntie Jiang was overwhelmed by an inexpressible agitation.


    Song Qi smiled. "Auntie Jiang, it''s time to call him Master Crown Prince."


    "Yes, yes, my stupid mouth! Master Crown Prince, please do not take offense." Auntie Jiang laughed in embarrassment.


    Xia Chunyu was not concerned. "Auntie Jiang, have you seen Yaoyao?"


    Auntie Jiang was astounded. "Master Crown Prince, you haven''t found third madam yet? That is terrible."


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s heart sank. "What do you mean?"


    Aunti Jiang recounted the events of the previous night. She started with how she and Auntie Zhao met second-in-charge and almost got slashed by him, continuing onto how third madam came to save them and became second-in-charge¡¯s hostage.


    "Auntie Zhao and I followed the direction third madam gave to look for you, Master Crown Prince. It was a pity we could not find you, but instead, we ran into a few soldiers. I told them where the second-in-charge of the stockade was at and they chased after him. I thought third madam would have been saved. Third madam gave herself over to save me, otherwise, she would not have been held hostage by second-in-charge. This is all my fault!" Auntie Jiang thought of Ye Jiayao¡¯s kind and selfless heart, and could not help but weep grievingly.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s brows were knitted. "Yaoyao said she saw me and even pointed you in the direction I was at?"


    Auntie Jiang nodded.


    "Which direction did she point in?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Auntie Jiang choked with emotions, "The training grounds."


    Xia Chunyu and Song Qi looked at each other in dismay. The previous night, he did chase second-in-charge, Shengwu, all the way to the training grounds, but he left when he realized that person was not Shengwu. How did Yaoyao know? Did she see him? When was it? Why didn¡¯t she come out to meet him if she saw him? Did she make use of the chaos to escape?


    "Oh, right! I remember third madam said something like, you are the crown prince and don¡¯t want her anymore." Auntie Jiang was so afraid at that moment and did not listen carefully.


    Ugh! When did he say anything like that? Ridiculous!


    Song Qi suddenly remembered something, saying hesitantly, "Master Crown Prince, could it be possible that Lady Ye was there near the courtyard at that time?"


    Master Crown Prince have said something along the lines of putting on an act.


    Xia Chunyu¡¯s face lost all of its colors. If it was really then... but wasn¡¯t she always very thick-skinned? When did she become so sensitive?


    Song Qi looked at the Master Crown Prince with sympathy. The Master Crown Prince was just reluctant to admit it, but he obviously cared about sister-in-law a lot.


    "Chunyu!" A handsome man dressed splendidly walked in.


    "Marquis," Xia Chunyu welcomed with cupped hands.


    Helian was the only king who still had a different family name from the ruling emperor, Zhao. Helian Xuan was an outstanding talent from the Helian royal family. The late Helian Marquis passed away at his prime, and Helian Xuan took over his position as the Marquis from a young age. He had a deep friendship with Xia Chunyu, and this time they worked together hand in hand to get rid of Hei Feng Gang who had been wreaking havoc in Shan Dong for more than 10 years.


    "Shengwu''s corpse had been found," Helian Xuan relayed.


    "Where is it?" Xia Chunyu shuddered at the worry of Yaoyao''s condition. Where is she?


    "It is right outside. He was shot like a porcupine. The soldiers only realized that it was Shengwu as they were cleaning up."


    Xia Chunyu walked out at a fast pace with Song Qi and Auntie Jiang following him.


    In the courtyard, a corpse lay on its stomach with more than 10 arrows piercing his back. Xia Chunyu went up to examine him.


    "That''s Shengwu. Where did you find him?" Xia Chunyu asked with a heavy heart.


    A general stepped up and replied, "Right at the cliff by the Haze Lake."


    "Find the soldier who shot the arrows," Xia Chunyu nearly howled, an ominous feeling settling deep in his heart. It was a chaotic and dark night. If Yaoyao was with Shengwu then, it didn''t bode well for her.


    The same general raised his chest, his eyes gleaming with pride as he proudly replied, "To answer your query Master Crown Prince, it was I who shot the arrows."


    At that time, he did not know he shot the second-in-charge of Hei Feng Gang, otherwise, he would have carried the corpse back earlier. This was a huge merit for him.


    Xia Chunyu stared daggers at him. "Was anyone with Shengwu at that time?"


    That general did not seem to have noticed that misfortune was about to befall him. "There seems to be a woman."


    Xia Chunyu almost stopped breathing as he forced out his words with difficulty through his gritted teeth. "Where is she?"


    The general finally noticed that something was amiss from the Master Crown Prince¡¯s expression. His deathly glare looked like he could eat him whole, and for a moment he had no idea how to answer him.


    Helian Xuan chided, "The Master Crown Prince is asking you. Why aren¡¯t you answering?"


    "I think¡­ she fell down the cliff¡­"


    Xia Chunyu gripped his collar, lifting him clear off his feet. "What did you say?"


    The general was alarmed. "The sky was dark at that time. I saw that they wanted to escape so I ordered for the arrows to be shot. I am not certain if the woman was shot, but when we arrived there, the woman was not around. I could only guess that she fell off the cliff because I did not witness it."


    Xia Chunyu was struck speechless. She was by the cliff on a period of disordered shooting? Even Shengwu got shot like a porcupine! Could Yaoyao have made a narrow escape? Where? How could she just disappear?


    A few days ago, she was still biting his nose, forcing him to swear never to abandon her. It hasn''t been long since when she was still kicking him in her sleep. The previous day, she still got Song Qi to deliver steamed buns to him.


    Each and every bittersweet scene kept replaying in his mind.


    Her beautiful smile that can range from crafty, proud, to hypocritical. The look of her acting pitiful, acting obedient, making eyes at him while she pretended to cry. Every expression of hers were still so vivid as though they were ingrained in his brain.


    Helian Xuan had no idea what happened, but judging from Xia Chunyu¡¯s reaction, he could guess that this woman must be someone Chunyu cared for a lot.


    "Master Crown Prince." Song Qi was deeply upset as well. The sister-in-law that he had grown to care for in barely a month, the Lady Ye who made so much delicious food for them, was no longer around.


    Auntie Jiang sobbed loudly, her face buried in her hands. "Third madam! I brought this upon you!"


    Helian Xuan frowned. Third madam? Chunyu had a wife?


    The exhausted Ye Jiayao climbed up the shore with the last of her energy, plopping down on the grass and unable to get up.


    F*ck! If not for my good swimming skills, I would have drowned in the lake.


    It wasn''t until her wet clothes were almost dried by the sun and wind, did Ye Jiayao finally manage to get back some strength. She lifted her hand to touch her chest, and luckily, her secret stash was still there.


    Ye Jiayao sat up with great effort and looked at her surroundings. There was a forest not far away. The previous night, she swam northwards, so if she did not get her directions wrong, she was no longer in the boundary of Hei Feng Gang. If she continued walking north, she should be able to reach the Ji Nan province.


    After her successful escape plan, she wanted to go to Ji Nan province first. She had to go to the Wei family to understand the situation.


    Standing by the lake, she gazed at the majestic mountains, her heart breaking once again.


    Hei Feng Gang, farewell¡­


    Chunyu, Master Crown Prince, although we were forced to become a couple, and you were indeed horrible, we would not see each other again so let¡¯s forget all the good and bad times! Treat it as a dream.


    Also, Auntie Jiang, Auntie Zhao, and the other kind people in the stockade, I hope you are safe and sound. I hope that you''d be leading only happy and peaceful lives from now on.


    After her personal farewell ceremony, Ye Jiayao tidied her hair and clothes, walking northwards into the forest without looking back.


    At the moment Ye Jiayao was gazing back at Hei Feng Gang, Xia Chunyu was standing at the cliff by Haze Lake, silently commemorating the loss of his ''wife''.


    He once mistook Yaoyao to be a snitch sent by Bai Zongye and because of that, he never really treated her well. He would often scold her and even purposely torture her sometimes. Now, filled with guilt and remorse, he wished that he could turn back the time.


    Wasn¡¯t she also a pitiful person? At home, she was mistreated by her stepmother, and when she was about to escape to a better life, she was kidnapped by the bandits. She ridiculously became his woman and now, she died by the cliff, her corpse nowhere to be found.


    Yaoyao¡­


    He called out her name silently. There was a time that she kept requesting him to call her that, yet he had never done so.


    Yaoyao¡­


    I did not have the intention of abandoning you when I said that! Why couldn¡¯t you have been a little more shameless and tough like always? Why didn¡¯t you jump out, point at my nose and said, ''hey, dumb donkey, I am already your woman, don¡¯t you dare think of abandoning me...''


    His eyes were stinging bitterly, hot tears flowing down his face uncontrollably.


    Xia Chunyu rubbed his eyes, gazing at the endless lake, saying softly, "Yaoyao, I brought Da Bao and Er Bao with me. I will take care of them for you. If there is a chance, I will be back to visit you¡­"

 Chapter 30：Figure it out

    Three days later, on an early morning, Ye Jiayao ventured out wearing old-fashioned grey clothes. She looked like a good-looking young boy as she waited among the crowds who were going into the city.


    The shabby grey clothes she bought from a farmer cost her 100 copper coins. It was a bit too expensive, but as she had nothing else, this attire was safe and convenient.


    She had never been to Ji Nan district, but she heard it was famous. It was a classic dialogue said by Qiong Yao: Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe from Da Ming lake?


    At five in the morning, the city gate opened slowly, and the crowds walked into the city like waves. Ancient people usually got up early because there were not busy doing fun activities at night.


    As early as it was, the shops had already opened on the street. The most popular ones being the breakfast shops. There were steamed buns with soup, steamed corn bread, deep-fried dough sticks, pancakes and pliable ramen. It emitted a heady, exquisite fragrance that wafted through the city.


    Ye Jiayao spent four copper coins on two big meat buns and one copper coin on a soup. After she had her fill, she then started to ask about the Wei family in Ji Nan district.


    It was easy to find Wei¡¯s house, it was getting inside of it that was the hard part. She couldn¡¯t just barge in hastily, otherwise, people would be suspicious. Therefore, she walked near the back door and looked for the most suitable opportunity.


    After a while, Ye Jiayao saw an auntie with a vegetable basket walk out from the back door. She looked like she was going out to buy food in the market.


    Big families usually had a specific place and time to buy cooking materials. Every day, people sent the food in. It was only when the master specifically asked for something that servants had to go out and buy them.


    Ye Jiayao followed her from a distance, trying to find a chance to talk to her.


    The auntie arrived at the market and she walked straight to an aquatic product store. Without even asking for the price, she weighed out 1.5 kg of river shrimps, two crabs, as well as two basses. She then walked to a cooked food store at the side of the market, coming out with a basket overflowing with goods.


    Ye Jiayao intentionally wobbled and carelessly bumped into her.


    "Damn you! Don''t you have eyes? Watch the roads when you are walking," the auntie shouted at her.


    Ye Jiayao smiled apologetically and immediately made a bow, with her hands folded in front, to say sorry.


    "Big sister, I am so sorry. I was looking for someone just now and didn¡¯t pay attention. I apologize to you."


    Her anger vanished as she stared at the very handsome young man with beautiful eyes. Guys were very forgiving to beautiful girls, and women were also forgiving to handsome guys.


    "Little brother, you are too reckless. If you''ve knocked off my groceries, how would you repay it?" the auntie chastised gently.


    Ye Jiayao kept bowing to her with her hands folded in the front. "Big sister, you are right. It was my fault. Big sister, did I hurt you?"


    The aunt stroked the hem of her skirt. "Don¡¯t worry, just be careful in the future."


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    The auntie turned around and walked away. Ye Jiayao thought for a moment and ran up to her. "Big sister, your basket is heavy. Can I help you carry it to compensate for my wrong-doing?"


    The auntie was not angry anymore and waved her hands dismissively. "No, no, I am alright."


    "It is okay, sister. I was looking for my village friend, but I couldn¡¯t find him. He probably went back already. I can help you carry the basket home then I will go back to the village." Ye Jiayao took over the basket in her hand as she spoke.


    "Big sister, where do you live?"


    The auntie thought she was warm-hearted, so she just let her do it. It was a long way back and the basket was, indeed, heavy. She forgot to take helpers and her arms would suffer if she was to carry the basket back alone. She was glad that someone was willing to help.


    "Wei¡¯s house," the auntie said.


    Ye Jiayao acted surprised, "Is it the prefecture of Wei Zhi?"


    "Yes, it is the prefecture of Wei Zhi."


    Ye Jiayao composed her features to show an admiring expression. "Aiya! I have found a high-ranking government official today. Big sister, I knew your manner and breadth of mind was different from other people. As it turned out, you were from the prefecture of Wei Zhi! Big sister, you are so amazing! People from big families are certainly different."


    The auntie laughed. "You, little guy, have a smooth tongue. How am I different from others?"


    Ye Jiayao said seriously, "Of course you are different. Big sister, even if you just stand among people wordlessly, your manner shows that you are superior."


    The auntie was happily flattered. The two of them shared stories and laughter on their way back to the prefecture of Wei.


    Ye Jiayao returned the basket to the auntie as they arrived. "Sister, I will just leave you here now."


    The auntie saw her sweat all over her head and offered, "Do you want to have a drink inside?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled fatuously. "I am a bit thirsty, but... I have never been in such a huge house before. I dare not to enter."


    The auntie laughed once again. "Don¡¯t worry about it! Come in and drink some water before leaving."


    "Aye," Ye Jiayao answered happily and took over the basket again. "Let me carry this."


    Ye Jiayao was right, this auntie worked in the kitchen. The reason that she glowed with health was that she could eat good food stealthily.


    "Yo, Sister Gui, where did you kidnap such a cute young guy?" The aunties who worked in kitchen teased upon seeing Ye Jiayao.


    Sister Gui played along humorously. "I kidnapped him from the market. He bumped me carelessly and was forced to carry the food back to compensate for his wrong-doing."


    Ye Jiayao laughed. She put the basket down and said, "Hello, big sisters, I am here for some water."


    Sister Gui said, "You wait for a second, I will pour some water for you."


    Ye Jiayao looked around, just like a villager who has never seen the world. She exclaimed, "Wow! The big families are really so different. This kitchen is bigger than my house!"


    "Yo, little brother, where are you from? Your accent is not local," one of the aunties asked.


    "Oh, my hometown is Yang Zhou. I came to Shang Dong to do a small business a few years ago but I lost the money. Now, I plan to go back to Yang Zhou." Ye Jiayao intentionally mentioned Yang Zhou to get them talking.


    "Aiyo! Such a coincidence! Our lady is also from Yang Zhou." Sister Gui carried a cup of tea to her.


    Ye Jiayao feigned surprise. "Really? Where about in Yang Zhou was she from? And how many years has she been in Ji Nan?"


    "She only just married here last month."


    "She is from inside the city and she is Tong Zhi governor¡¯s daughter. She is the perfect match for our young master. It is just her temper-" another auntie said, trailing off as she made a sour expression.


    Married here last month? How is that possible? Or did Wei¡¯s family find a faker?


    As they were talking, someone came in and cleared her throat and said, "Sister Gui, did you get the river shrimps and crabs that the first lady wanted?"


    Ye Jiayao heard the sound and turned around. She almost spat the water in her mouth in shock. What? Isn¡¯t that my second sister¡¯s servant girl, Tao Hong?


    Sister Gui answered, "I bought them. They are all fresh and still alive."


    "Good. Today, you can just make some Fried Shelled Fresh Shrimp and some Crab Roe Buns for lunch. Make sure it is delicate." Tao Hong turned away after barking out the orders. She didn¡¯t even spare a glance at Ye Jiayao.


    Wow! A lowly servant giving people threatening looks. Huh.


    Sister Gui waited for Tao Hong to leave before she poohed at the door. It seemed that she disliked Tao Hong.


    "Sister, who is that person? She''s so snobby," Ye Jiayao asked.


    Sister Gui had a contemptuous look as she answered sulkily, "That''s the big servant girl of first lady."


    "She is just a servant? I thought she was an actual master or something."


    Her heart was beating crazily fast and she could not stay calm. Tao Hong was the best personal maid for Jinrong. Tao Hong was here. Fried shelled fresh shrimp was Jinrong¡¯s favorite dish. Undoubtedly, the first lady in the prefecture was Ye Jinrong. The problem was, Jinrong was supposed to be in Yang Zhou. Even if her father let Jinrong save the situation, it shouldn''t have happened this fast.


    The only possible reason for Jinrong marrying to Wei so fast was that she followed her here. The second-in-charge said that she was framed by her own family. Perhaps, Jinrong followed her here secretly in preparation to take over her position.


    "Aye, who knows how to cook fried shelled fresh shrimp?" Sister Gui asked everyone.


    "We didn¡¯t learn Huiyang style of cooking. How would we know?" someone answered grumpily.


    Someone else piped in, "We have made Crab Roe Buns several times, and every time, she despised it. Pei! She has such a picky mouth and stomach. Why didn¡¯t she just bring her chef here to cook for her every whim? "


    "Aye, what can we do? She is the apple of the eye of the big young master. We are just servants. Servants just get used to being scolded."


    "Such a hassle! At least, they are going to Jin Ling next month," Sister Gui complained sulkily.


    They''re going to Jin Ling next month? Wei Liujiang must be going to join the test and visit Jinrong¡¯s family on the way. Then, it is decided! Ye Jiayao would go to Jin Ling as well. Even if she doesn¡¯t know how to make things right, she would not let this atrocity go so easily.


    Ye Jiayao offered weakly, "Perhaps you''d let me try? My father worked as a chef in restaurants and I mucked around in them when I was young. I haven''t made Fried Shelled Fresh Shrimp, but I have seen how to make it."


    Sister Gui¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, but she said unhappily, "I have the method, but we can¡¯t create the taste that first lady wanted. You haven¡¯t even done it so you probably can¡¯t, too."


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "Don¡¯t forget that I am from Yang Zhou. I am very familiar with the taste that Yang Zhou people want. Don¡¯t worry, I will make sure the first lady will be satisfied."


    This was only the way she could repay Sister Gui for taking her in.


    "What''s the harm in letting him try? If it doesn''t go well, it would not be the first time that we messed it up, anyway," one of the aunts suggested.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her sleeves up and started to work. She washed the shrimp and put them into boiling water for three minutes. Then, she got rid of the shrimp shells and placed them on a plate in a very elegant, neat and beautiful shape. Huai Yang dish was delicate. It has to have good color, smell, taste, and shape - not a single one can be omitted.


    She put the shelled shrimps in circles inside the plate orderly before she started on making the sauce. She poured sesame oil into the pot, waited until it was fragrant, and then added soy sauce, sugar, and caltrop starch to mingle. The amount of soy sauce put in the dish has to be perfectly controlled. If it was in little amounts, the shrimps wouldn''t look bright. If it was too much, the dark look of the shrimps would ruin the beauty of the food. Everything required precise control and measurements, but to Ye Jiayao, it was just a piece of cake.


    "Little guy, you don¡¯t look new at this at all," Sister Gui exclaimed as she watched her. This guy has better cooking skill than me!


    Ye Jiayao replied casually, "Normally, I cook at home as my mum is not well."


    As she talked, the sauce has already mixed well, so she used a spoon to spread it on the shelled fresh shrimps on the plate. The satisfying sizzling sound it made signaled that the plate of Fresh Fried Shelled Shrimps was done.


    Ye Jiayao also made some Huai Yang dish, Steamed Bass, Boiled and Shredded Dry Bean Curd, Bean Curd with Mince and Chili Oil¡­


    Damn! Jinrong took over my place, and yet, I still cooked for her! I hope she gets diarrhea after eating!


    Ye Jiayao cursed her sister inwardly as she finished her dishes.

 Chapter 31：Take the wrong and make the best of it

    Ye Jiayao was ready to leave after cooking. She didn¡¯t want to stay for too long. If Jinrong knew that Jiayao was alive and in her space, she would definitely kill her.


    She came out from the alley at the back door. A group of people lifted a palanquin and walked past her, nearly knocking her off her feet. Ye Jiayao flattened her back against the wall hurriedly.


    Wow! Trips for governors are so high-class.


    The street didn''t resume its hustle and bustle until the squad had passed. Ye Jiayao quickly blended in with the crowd and vanished.


    The palanquin stopped in front of the prefecture of Wei. The guards came up to their master and said, "Lord, we''re at the prefecture of Wei."


    Xia Chunyu opened the curtain and got off the palanquin. He lifted his head and saw a golden horizontal inscribed board with a black background, the words ''The prefecture of Wei'' sparkling under the sunlight.


    Initially, he was going to go back to the capital after he finished his business in Hei Feng Gang. However, he felt that he just had to come to the prefecture of Wei at once.


    Li Tie, who was the follower of second-in-charge, Sheng Wu, confessed that someone paid 3000 silvers for the Hei Feng Gang to kidnap Yaoyao. It was easy to guess who that was. Who else could gain profit from this monkey business? All he wanted was proof. If he couldn¡¯t find the truth in Wei¡¯s family, then he will search in Yang Zhou. Xia Chunyu felt that it was the only thing he could do now that Yaoyao was gone.


    The prefecture of Wei got the news of Xia Chunyu''s arrival and hurriedly sent people out to greet him.


    "Please, forgive us. We didn''t know that the Yu Hui ambassador would be arriving. This welcome was beneath you. "


    Xia Chunyu smiled calmly. "I was just passing by and thought that I''d come visit here. I''m sorry for troubling you."


    "It is not a trouble at all. My humble house is honored by Yun Hui ambassador¡¯s arrival." Wei prefecture laughed.


    The two of them made small talk as they walked inside the house.


    After Xia Chunyu took a seat, Wei prefecture requested the servants to prepare some drinks and food. "Let the first lady decide what drinks and food we get. Yun Hui ambassador is from Jin Ling."


    Xia Chunyu suspected that the first lady should¡¯ve been Yaoyao. Before he arrived, he expected Wei¡¯s family to use two strategies to react to the kidnapping of the bride. One was to maintain their composure and find a substitute to complete the wedding, and the other was to pretend that the Ye family never sent anyone here.


    However, it was difficult to use the second strategy. Normally, it only took two days for the bride to arrive at Ji Nan district. Since it was a big event, they must¡¯ve already sent the wedding invitations ages ago. If they had canceled the wedding abruptly, people would¡¯ve suspected. So, it was more likely that they found a substitute for Yaoyao.


    Although, Xia Chunyu never expected that the substitute would be a southerner. Why else would the prefecture of Wei let the young first lady decide their meal?


    The prefecture Wei dismissed the servants and turned around to ask, "Master Crown Prince, is it government business that brought you to Ji Nan?"


    Of course, it is government business! I stayed in Black Wind Ridge for more than half a year! It had been a classified secret, though, so he kept his mouth shut. Even his family didn''t know that he went to Shang Dong. Now that he had succeeded, they would be informed as he didn''t need to cover his tracks anymore. "I am coming from the Black Wind Ridge."


    Prefecture Wei had a strange look in his eyes, as expected, at the mere mention of the gang. "Helian Lord is marvelous, taking out Hei Feng Gang in one shot. You gave the Qi Lu area their peace back. You''re truly formidable and you have served the country well."


    "It is nothing. The Majesty of Jin Ling has always worried about the rampant bandits in the Lu area. He has sent troops many times but didn¡¯t succeed. This time, Helian Royal Highness went himself and finally solved a worrying problem for the Majesty." Xia Chunyu mentioned the Majesty with a respectful expression.


    "That¡¯s right! Do you know when will Helian Royal Highness come to Ji Nan? I must thank his Royal Highness for the Shang Dong people," Prefecture Wei flattered with a smile. Helian Royal Highness has such a high position, and if they ever meet, it would be a great honor for him. Meeting the Royal Highness would at least make the bowing and humbling he was doing, all worth it.


    Xia Chunyu smiled gently. "The Royal Highness has sent the head of Black Wind Ridge back to the capital. I will pass on your regards to him."


    Prefecture Wei put on a regretful, look. It would''ve been nice if he could cozy up to the Helian Royal Highness. He would just have to turn his flattery and humility to the Yun Hui ambassador for the time being.


    Technically, the prefecture of Wei and the Yun Hui ambassador were equal as they were both rank four official. Prefecture of Wei has a hold over a district and Xia Chunyu was in the military and an ambassador of the Majesty. However, Xia Chunyu was far nobler as he was the successor of the current Marquis.


    The prefecture of Wei knew that building a connection with the Yun Hui ambassador was also practically the same as bonding with the Marquis. He had always heard of Yun Hui ambassador''s outstanding deeds, abilities, and unlimited potential. The Yun Hui ambassador was the cream of the crop among the young generation of the royal bloodlines. Prefecture of Wei''s son, Liujang, was going to take the test in Jin Ling soon, and if he succeeded, prefecture Wei planned to get him a position in the capital. If Liujang could make friends with the Yun Hui ambassador, that would benefit their family a lot.


    Prefecture Wei said, "Thank you so much, Your Highness. If I may ask, how many days are you going to stay in Ji Nan? It is only so that I can prepare accommodations and hospitality for you."


    Xia Chunyu laughed. He looked around, intentionally dodging prefecture Wei''s question. "I saw the prefecture filled with happiness on my way here. Did you have a wedding?"


    Xia Chunyu acted surprised. "Is that right? If I knew, I would''ve prepared a gift!"


    Prefecture Wei laughed. "Your Highness is too modest."


    "I should, I should. It is just that I have been outside, and I don¡¯t have anything good with me now. After I get back to the capital, I will make up for it." Xia Chunyu laughed and asked again, "Which daughter of highness did he marry?"


    "It is my old family friend Yang Zhou Tong Zhiye Highness¡¯s daughter. The two had been engaged to each other before they were born."


    Xia Chunyu maintained his composure. "Is that the eldest daughter of Ye¡¯s family?"


    "How does Your Highness know?" Prefecture Wei looked at him in surprise.


    "To be honest, I am here to verify something for a friend."


    Prefecture Wei was visibly worried.


    "What is it, Your Highness?"


    Xia Chunyu slowly sipped tea from his cup, and said, "When we attacked Black Wind Ridge, I met a girl who called herself the eldest daughter of the Ye family. She said she was the daughter-in-law of Wei¡¯s family."


    Prefecture Wei was shocked and infuriated. He had been plagued by this issue for a long time. He only knew that there had been issues when he saw the second daughter of Ye in the bridal chamber, instead of the first daughter. They said that the rightful bride was kidnapped on her way to Ji Nan. Both families knew that if the news of the situation got out, their reputations would be tarnished. Luckily, and coincidentally, the second daughter was in the bridal entourage, so she took her sister''s place.


    He thought that this incident could be hidden forever. Who knew that Hei Feng Gang could be destroyed so fast? Yun Hui ambassador had seen Ye¡¯s first daughter and now he was asking for the truth.


    But what has been done is done.


    No change can be made. They would all stick to their stories and even if it was wrong, it will stay that way.


    Prefecture Wei composed himself and smiled. "Your Highness must be jesting. Ye''s first daughter has married my son last month. The female bandit must''ve just used that excuse to get away from her crimes."


    "Really?" Xia Chunyu sneered insensibly.


    Prefecture Wei nodded with certainty. "This thing can¡¯t possibly happen."


    "That is good! I didn¡¯t believe it either. If Wei¡¯s daughter-in-law was really kidnapped, there was no way you would stay calm, right?" Xia Chunyu was smiling outside but he was seething with rage inside.


    Prefecture Wei was sweating bullets and he looked like a broken doll as he continuously nodded. "That''s right! If this really happened, I would''ve raised hell to get her back. Such an awful woman to make this type of lie to destroy Wei¡¯s honor. Please hand over the girl to me, Your Highness, and let me deal with her."


    Prefecture Wei wanted to get to the girl first before she could spread the story to anyone else.


    Xia Chunyu was angry. He knew that Wei would deny this, but he didn¡¯t think that he would go these lengths. Yaoyao was gone, but even if he had her, he wouldn¡¯t hand her over to him. He was certain that they would kill her to get rid of any evidence. What wrong did Yaoyao do to them?


    "I cannot deliver what you have requested I''m afraid." Xia Chunyu tamped down his anger patiently.


    Prefecture Wei was apprehensive. "Your Highness, this concerns the Wei¡¯s honor¡­"


    Xia Chunyu raised his hand to stop him from continuing. "Your Highness thinks too much. That girl is dead from the war. I was just being cautious so I came here to ask about it."


    Prefecture Wei secretly relaxed. The memory of holding Ye Jinxuan before when she was still a baby, drove a twinge of pity in his heart. He was sorry for the girl, but it was for the best. She had already lived among the bandits and must''ve already lost her virginity. How could she face the rest of the world? If she had to blame anyone, it should be her fate for dealing her with a cruel hand.


    Servants came in and announced that the lunch was ready.


    "We have prepared food and drinks, please take a seat with us," Prefecture Wei graciously offered.


    Xia Chunyu put his fist together and said, "Your Highness is too generous. I''m afraid I still have tasks to do and I can¡¯t stay long. Since this thing has been figured out, I can bid my farewell."


    He detested eating with a hypocrite like him. He wasn''t sure that he would be able to keep his food down.


    "Your Highness, we can still eat quickly, if you''d prefer," Prefecture Wei urged him.


    "Farewell, farewell." Xia Chunyu left hurriedly. There was no necessity to stay. Now that he had figured out who the so-called Ye¡¯s first daughter was, he must bring Yaoyao her justice.


    After sending Xia Chunyu away, prefecture Wei asked his servant to call his first son to his study.


    "Yun Hui ambassador just visited and mentioned that he met a woman claiming to be the first daughter of Ye in Black Wind Ridge," Prefecture Wei said.


    Wei Liujiang was nervous. "Father, what should we do now?"


    Prefecture Wei looked calm and cold as he said, "Don¡¯t panic. I believe Ye¡¯s family would take the same stand as us. Since Ye Jinxuan is already dead, no evidence can be found. If both of our families say the same story, there won¡¯t be any problem. You just have to talk Jinrong to be careful and tell her not to give the show away."


    "I understand. Rongrong will be careful as always," Wei Liujiang said, wiping the sweat off his forehead.


    "Ji Nan district is safe but when you go to Jin Ling, you must exercise extra caution," Prefecture Wei warned.


    "There will be some trouble in dealing with Jinxuan¡¯s grandparents."


    "Your father-in-law can deal with that by himself." Prefecture Wei felt anxious. No one wanted this type of trouble, but since they had no choice, they just have to cover it up as much as possible.


    They''d take the wrong and make the best of it.

 Chapter 32：Son Of Nobility

    Once Ye Jiayao left the Wei residence, she went to the location of Da Ming Lake on the east side of Ji Nan City. However, it was not called Da Ming Lake but Lotus Lake, because of the lotuses covering it. It was also called Li Xia Ripple because it was located below Mount Li. Whatever it was called, a lake was still a lake, and the scenery was still magnificent. As the saying goes: lotuses on four sides, willows on three, a city of spring scenery, half a city of the lake.


    There were many travelers floating around on boats on the lake and it was a pleasing sight to behold. Ye Jiayao ran to the pier to rent one, but there was only one left and it cost 200 coppers.


    Ye Jiayao could not help but clutch to her purse tighter. She did not have much money, and what little she had, was allotted to supporting herself in Jin Ling. She really couldn''t spare the 200 coppers to tour the lake.


    However, it took so much effort to make the trip here. If she just walked along the bank and not even take the chance to go to the pavilion at the heart of the lake, she would regret it.


    "Boatman, could you make it cheaper? I won¡¯t stay for long." Ye Jiayao negotiated with the boatman.


    The boatman judged her from the corner of his eyes, replying impatiently, "If you want to rent it, rent it. If not, go away. Don¡¯t hinder my business."


    Ye Jiayao was still determined not to spend that 200 coppers. "Then, can I find someone to rent the boat with?"


    The boatman did not even look at her. "The base price is 200 coppers, there is no negotiating on that. If you add one more person, it would be another 100 coppers."


    Peh! It''s just a bloody old boat! Do you know how many big meat buns you can buy with 200 coppers? Exactly 100 of them!


    "Boatman, to the center of the lake." A young man dressed in magnificent clothing walked over and boarded the boat immediately.


    The boatman greeted him with a smile. "Customer, watch your step, it is slippery."


    "Ay! I rented the boat first, you can''t just snatch it away!" Ye Jiayao pulled the young man back, seeing that the last boat was about to be taken.


    The young man looked back at her. The long and thin pair of almond-shaped eyes slightly squinted as he looked at Ye Jiayao. He then shook her hand off in distaste. "You rented it first? Then why didn¡¯t you get on the boat?"


    "Who said I rented my boat to you? Can you even afford it?" the boatman cut in. He was worried that his business would be ruined by this poor chap.


    Ye Jiayao could not stand this kind of self-serving people. Screw you! I won¡¯t fight for steamed buns but I will fight for my rights! I will stand up against you today.


    "Who said I can¡¯t afford it? Open your eyes wide and take a good look." Ye Jiayao took out a handful of silver pieces, swinging them in front of the boatman.


    The boatman simply looked down on those silver pieces. Renting the boat to him would only earn him 200 coppers at most, but renting it to that son of nobility might get him tips.


    "You still have to haggle for just 200 coppers. If you cannot bear to spend money, just stand by the bank and look. Master, this way please." The boatman nodded and bowed to the son of nobility.


    Ye Jiayao blocked his path, her hands on her hips as she said overbearingly, "How can you do business like this? You should always go according to the order of arrival. I didn¡¯t say I won¡¯t rent the boat. Did you write on your boat no haggling? Or is it because he is better dressed and looked richer than me? Do you know what you are? Self-serving. If you don¡¯t rent your boat to me, I swear, I''d flip it over."


    The boatman was stupefied. He did not think that the poor chap would be so unreasonable. His business has always depended on amiability to bring in money. If this poor chap was set on making it difficult for him, there would be serious trouble.


    "Forget it, forget it! You two just partner up and get on the boat together."


    The son of nobility said in disdain, "I like to be alone. How about this? The one who can offer a higher price gets to rent the boat."


    The boatman could not contain his joy. "That would, of course, be good."


    Ye Jiayao finally managed to scare the boatman yet this rascal stirred up trouble. So what if you have money? If I did not end up in dire situations, I would not be worse off than you! Ye Jiayao moved close to the son of nobility and sniffed. "What is so smelly?"


    The son of nobility was immediately angered. "What are you saying?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. "I said you reek of copper smell. You are quite good-looking but why are the words from your mouth so hollow?"


    "You little - do you know who I am? How dare you diss me?" The son of nobility¡¯s face was flushed red.


    That f*cking southern dialect! He''s a foreigner! I''m not scared of you! I''d be gone after touring the lake, anyway.


    Ye Jiayao was not bothered as she strolled on to the boat. "I don¡¯t care who you are. Anyway, I rented this boat. I, too, don¡¯t want to share it! It is so satisfying to be alone."


    "Boatman, start the boat."


    The son of nobility just stared at her. The boat got snatched away from me just like that?


    "Hey! We¡¯ll just take it together and split the money." The son of nobility jumped onto the boat, landing steadily next to Ye Jiayao.


    The boat rocked and Ye Jiayao, not having the time to sit yet, wobbled. She frantically tugged the son of nobility''s sleeve to steady herself.


    Riiiiiiiipppppppp!


    The sound of silk ripping prompted Ye Jiyao to glance at the son of nobility, eyes widening as his sleeve tore widely.


    "Let go, you rascal! You tore my clothes." The nobleman was boiling mad as he shook Ye Jiayao off with all his might.


    "You jumped in so suddenly! Do you think this is hard ground?" Ye Jiayao was still clinging tightly onto his sleeve and the two of them tangled up, rocking the boat even more.


    "Hey, hey, hey! Don¡¯t do this please, the boat is about to capsize," the boatman said urgently.


    Riiiiiiiippppppppppp!


    Another ripping sound echoed and Ye Jiayao fell on her ass, a sleeve in her hand.


    The son of nobility stared down at his tattered clothes, his face looking murderous.


    Ye Jiayao was also shocked. She did not know that the material of his clothing could be so unreliable! It was might have looked very impressive but it was ultimately useless.


    "Take¡­ take this back." Ye Jiayao stood up, dusting her backside, returning the sleeve to the son of nobility.


    The nobleman took the sleeve and threw it ruthlessly into the water, gritting his teeth and glaring at Ye Jiayao. "What are you going to do now? This is the first-rate Hang Zhou silk, Yun Shui Bi! You might not even get a bolt for 100 taels."


    Ye Jiayao''s lips twitched as she shot back, "You still have the cheek to ask me what to do? If not for you jumping in so rashly I wouldn''t have grabbed onto you! I would''ve fallen into the water! What would you do if I drown? Can you compensate? I haven¡¯t even asked you to pay for my distress!"


    Afraid that both of them would end up getting off the boat, the boatman quickly sculled and left the bank.


    Seeing that the chap had a come-bite-me-if-you-can''t-accept-it face, the son of nobility bottled his anger in. He should''ve checked his fortune when he left the house. If he had, he might''ve known that he would meet his nemesis today.


    "Hey, we agreed on splitting the fee in half!" Ye Jiayao could not be bothered by his anger. Even if he was angry, that was still his fault. The important matter was settling the rental fees.


    The son of nobility snorted angrily, staring daggers at Ye Jiayao as he sat down.


    This episode seemed to have no effect on Ye Jiayao¡¯s mood in sightseeing. After all, why wouldn''t she be happy? She was touring the lake and she had managed to save 50 coppers.


    "Wow, there are so many fishes! There is even a gold carp!" Ye Jiayao was so giddy, she was like a little child at a fair. "Wow, it¡¯s a water bird! Boatman, what is this bird called?"


    The boatman sculled, replying lazily, "It¡¯s a little egret."


    "Is it the little egret from a row of little egrets flying up the blue sky? Truly beautiful," Ye Jiayao was deeply moved at finally seeing the little egret from the poem.


    The son of nobility looked at Ye Jiayao from the corner of his eyes scornfully. Imitating scholars reciting poems? What a pretentious guy!


    "Ay, boatman! I heard that the lake has four wonders; the frogs do not croak, the snakes are hard to find, the water level does not fall with prolonged drought, and neither does it rise with prolonged rainfall. I know the reason for the three but what is with the frogs not croaking?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    The boatman replied in disbelief, "I have made my living on this lake for more than 20 years and I don¡¯t know what you mean. Do explain, why snakes are hard to find, the water level does not fall with prolonged drought, and why it doesn''t rise with prolonged rainfall.


    Ye Jiayao was pleased. "What do I get from telling you? How about you give me 50 coppers discount for each one I answer?"


    The boatman shut his mouth tactfully. Satisfying his curiosity was not worth the money he would lose.


    However, the son of nobility sulking at the side, became interested.


    "Say, if it makes sense, I will pay your share."


    For a moment, Ye Jiayao found the youngster quite cute and naive. If it was that dumb donkey, he would''ve never fallen for it so quickly.


    "Treat me to a meal at the island and I will tell you." Ye Jiayao was the best at asking for a foot after getting an inch. Only stupid people would not jump at the chance of extortion. She heard that there were many characteristic delicacies on the island. However, things were always expensive in tourist spots, and since she was short on money, she had to spend wisely.


    "Answer it first."


    Ye Jiayao laughed mischievously."Take a look at the birds at the lake, aren¡¯t there exceptionally dense in population?"


    The son of nobility raised his brows. "What connection is there?"


    Ye Jiayao continued, "Don¡¯t you know that many birds do not only feed on fishes in the water but also snakes and insects? There are so many species of birds here that insects and snakes would naturally not be able to survive."


    The son of nobility frowned and pondered, saying unwillingly, "I guess that would make sense."


    Ye Jiayao pouted. "It makes sense because it is a fact."


    In my previous life, I especially studied travel guides just to travel to Da Ming Lake. I''ve researched everything with regards to this site, be it local traditions and customs, delicacies, cultures, myths, and legends. Trust me, boy, I''m an expert.


    "Then what about the last two?" the son of nobility asked curiously.


    Ye Jiayao kept him in suspense. "The explanation would be more profound. I don''t know if you would understand."


    "You must be boasting." The son of nobility scoffed.


    Ye Jiayao wrinkled her nose, explaining, "The water level does not rise even with prolonged rain because the lake has many drainage outlets. Any amount of water would be discharged in time. With regards to the water level not falling during prolonged drought, it is because the bottom of the lake is a layer of igneous rock with a fine texture. Therefore, it would be difficult for the water in the lake to seep through. Do you understand?"


    The son of nobility replied embarrassedly, "For all I know, you are just babbling nonsense."


    It was Ye Jiayao''s turn to scoff. "If you don''t want to, don''t believe me. Anyway, I never expected someone with average intelligence to know this."


    "It does make some sense," the boatman spoke.


    He did not know what igneous rock was, but seeing how that poor chap explained it so confidently, he decided to believe him.


    "So? So? You pay the rental fee and treat me to food!" Ye Jiayao giggled.


    The nobleman rolled his eyes. He was fretting how he could overcome the shame of touring the island with his torn clothes.

 Chapter 33：Lost money

    "Boatman, is there a silk warehouse or a clothing shop on the island?" the nobleman asked.


    The boatman replied, "I''m afraid there''s nothing of that sorts on the island. There is a philanthropist, though, who opened a charity shop. Usually, if someone fell into the lake, they can change their clothes there."


    After the boat touched down the shore, the nobleman went straight to the charity shop and Ye Jiayao followed him aimlessly. Her delicious meal plan depended on him, so naturally, she followed him closely.


    It wasn''t long after before the nobleman had transformed into an average civilian dude in yellow linen clothes. Since he has long legs, the pants were too short for him. The cropped pants look was too hilarious, Ye Jiayao couldn''t stop laughing uncontrollably after seeing him.


    The son of nobility was terribly disgusted. "What a terrible charity shop! It costs 500 grams of coppers just to get this ragged clothing," he said depressingly.


    Thinking about the cheap clothes that only cost her a few hundred copper coins, she felt proud of herself. She didn''t need good clothing if it was going to cost that much.


    "It¡¯s all your fault! If you didn''t tear my clothes, I wouldn''t have any reason to wear this garbage," the nobleman complained. Hell, even my horse-keeper wears better clothes than this.


    "For such a big man, you sure are such a sissy! Don''t you get frustrated from talking about these tiny little insignificant details? All you toffs are so squeamish and spoilt! One tiny little thing that doesn''t go your way and you think that the sky has fallen apart! What if, one day, you can''t depend on your family anymore? What would you do then, huh?" Ye Jiayao ranted angrily. Although the kid was a lot taller than her, he looked very much younger than her. He doesn''t even have a full beard!


    "A true man needs to know when to yield. What is wrong with wearing linen clothing? Does it really kill you to wear it? There are so many people in the world that don¡¯t even have linen clothes to wear! There are families who make do with one pants for all of them. You are quite lucky compared to them, so stop whining about it!" Ye Jiayao was fully aware that she was acting like a big sister, but she couldn''t help it. She just couldn''t bear how rotten this young man was acting.


    It was the first time that the nobleman had heard of such things. "I don''t think that''s true. Only one pants to wear for the whole family? How could they even wear it?"


    Ye Jiayao raised her eyebrows, challenging him. "How? The person who needs to go out wears it and the others just hide in the bed sheets."


    "You must be making that up." The son of nobility could not picture such a scene.


    "That¡¯s because there are only a few places that you have been. You haven¡¯t seen much of the world. Just because you haven¡¯t seen it, doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t exist."


    The pretty phoenix eyes of the nobleman lost its fire as he grudgingly said, "You talk as if you''ve seen many parts of the world. You look the same age as me, how much experience could you possibly have had?"


    "Of course, I haven¡¯t had more experience than you in the rich families, but I certainly understand more about the poor families," Ye Jiayao said haughtily.


    As they talked, they made their way inside an eight-sided, grandeur ancient pavilion. Ye Jiayao raised her head and saw ''Li Xia Pavilion'' written on the awning and a feeling of historical significance washed over her. She thought of the poem that was left as the old Du drank here with the protector of the north sea, Li Yongyan. Please, let the sea protect this pavilion. There are many famous people in Ji Nan. Although, I don''t think there''s an old Du yet at this time.


    As she stood in the middle of the pavilion, looking out afar, she marveled over another scenery. She could see the width of the lake, the green lotuses everywhere, the surrounding willow trees - the whole magnificence of Da Min Lake could be seen.


    "The scenery here is really good even compared to the river of Qin Zhun." Thank God, the nobleman finally stopped whining about the clothes and praises. No wonder big mountains and seas can cure a person¡¯s mood. It really opens a person¡¯s heart.


    "Are you a descendant of Jin Ling?" asked Ye Jiayao.


    The nobleman raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You know about the river of Qin Zhun?"


    "Uh-huh. I''ve even been there!"


    In another space-time, thousands of years later.


    "Where else have you been?" the nobleman asked, curious.


    "I''ve been to many places, from the ends of north and south," Ye Jiayao answered.


    "How old are you? You''ve been to the ends of north and south? You must be bluffing."


    Ye Jiayao shrugged. "Believe what you want, I don''t care."


    I have even been to foreign countries, another continent, oh, and another time! I bet it''ll scare the life out of you if I tell you.


    "Selling ice sugar and lotus seed soup! Aromatic and delicious lotus seed soup, five copper coins a bowl! It¡¯s cold and refreshing¡­" The booming voice of a seller could be heard from not far away.


    Ye Jiayao was ecstatic. Ice sugar and lotus seed soup could be counted as one of the delicacies of Da Min Lake. The lotus seed produced here were big, round, filling, snow-white in color, and it was very fresh.


    "Let¡¯s go! You promised to treat me to delicious food! Let¡¯s go and eat the ice sugar and lotus seed soup!" Ye Jiayao took his arm and dragged the son of nobility outside of the Li Xia Pavilion.


    They found the stall that sells the ice sugar and lotus seed soup beside the road. Ye Jiayao excitedly said, "Madam, two bowls of ice sugar and lotus seed soup please."


    The madam filled up two bowls happily.


    The nobleman was left bemused. Are we going to eat it while standing here on the side of the road?


    "Hurry up and eat it! This is delicious! The lotus seeds here can only be compared with the Wu Yi lotus seeds from Jin Hua palace. You can¡¯t eat it anywhere else." Ye Jiayao has already started devouring her food. Her mouth was filled with the tenderness and deliciousness of the lotus seeds, and the aroma stays in the mouth. It was indeed true to its name.


    Even though it was just an ordinary ice sugar and lotus seed soup, the cook has to be careful to make it right. The yellow dried up lotus seeds from regular shops don''t have the same taste no matter how well you cook it. The good quality seeds must be selected, rid of the bitter heart of the seed, bathed in water for a night, and then added the ice sugar, white fungus, and medlar. After that, it still has to be boiled in a steady fire until the flesh was soft.


    It was a long process.


    Ye Jiayao saw her companion eat a tiny portion at a time, pecking on his food like a bird. She said in exasperation, "No one knows you''re here! Why are you still putting on a show? It¡¯s only refreshing if you drink a lot at a time."


    The nobleman stole a glance at the sides, and when he was satisfied that no one was watching him, he took a large swallow.


    Refreshing! "Yes, it¡¯s quite good." The son of nobility smiled, revealing two adorable dimples.


    Ye Jiayao looked mesmerized. Damn! A man with dimples! He looked so charming when he smiles.


    The two quickly finished their bowls of lotus seed soup.


    Ye Jiayao put her bowl down, wiped her mouth, and said, "You are paying."


    The nobleman went to fetch his wallet. His worried look gradually started to get worse as he felt left, right, up, and down.


    Ye Jiayao had an unfortunate feeling. "What¡¯s happening?"


    The nobleman was confused. "My wallet is gone! It was just here before."


    Oh, gosh.


    "Did you forget to take out your wallet when you were changing clothes?"


    The nobleman frowned. "That¡¯s possible."


    "Look, you drank my lotus seed soup. You can¡¯t get if for free, my business is quite small." The madam scowled after seeing that they have lost their wallet. She feared that they might not pay the bill.


    "Can you pay first? I''ll pay you back when I find my wallet," the nobleman said, visibly embarrassed.


    Well, if you''ve lost your wallet, how could you get it back? I was going to get you to pay, now, it turns out that I am the one who''d be treating you. She really was the magnet of misfortune. YeJiayao looked down at her sad looking money bag rapidly becoming very flat.


    Reluctantly, she paid the ten copper coins.


    The two found their way back to the charity station. The nobleman immediately asked a worker, "What happened to the clothes I left here?"


    "I don¡¯t know. You can check it out from that old pile of clothes." The worker pointed to a basket coldly.


    The nobleman didn''t care about how dirty or messy it was right now as he bent down and sifted through the pile.


    Ye Jiayao leaned against the counter as she watched the nobleman search for his wallet, knowing that he would not find it. When he bought his linen clothes and paid, she saw the golden leaves on his purse and the silver coins in it. A large sum of wealth like that, who wouldn¡¯t be happy to have found it? There was slim to none chance of them ever giving it back.


    The nobleman had completely turned the basket upside down but still could not find his original clothes.


    "Didn¡¯t you say it was dumped here? Why isn¡¯t it here?" the nobleman asked the worker.


    "How would I know? The people coming here are all looking for their clothes. Your clothes have a good material, it¡¯s probably already taken by someone."


    Ye Jiayao observed the worker''s calm expression. He looked so collected, they couldn''t just randomly accuse him of taking the wallet.


    "Well, have you seen my wallet, then? Maybe I left it here when I was changing clothes." The nobleman was still not defeated.


    The worker said angrily, "What do you mean? We hid your wallet? We are a charity station, our specialty is doing good deeds. How could we have taken your wallet?"


    "I was just asking! Why are you yelling at me? Your specialty is doing good deeds, and yet one ragged clothing cost five hundred copper coins. Ha! I think you are just a bunch of thieves robbing people¡¯s money," the nobleman snapped back.


    "Did you just say we are a bunch of thieves?" The worker rolled up his sleeve, and shouted, "Brothers, there''s someone here looking for trouble."


    Suddenly, a few aggressive-looking dudes appeared from the courtyard behind the curtain. "Who is it? Who is looking for trouble?"


    Ye Jiayao saw the situation took a worse turn and stepped in. "Calm down everyone. My brother here lost his wallet after he changed his clothes. He is just worried, that¡¯s why he asked. He didn¡¯t say much really, just asked if you have seen it. That''s normal right? You are all doing good deeds and by beating up a kid, you''d just look like you were hiding something."


    The worker was now seething as he pointed to the nobleman and said, "He said it! He said we are just a bunch of thieves!"


    Ye Jiayao quickly replied, "When did he say such a thing? I was beside him and I didn''t hear anything like that. Don''t use the fact that you have more people to bully us! Do you know who he is? Ha! You''d pee your pants if I tell you who he really is."


    Ye Jiayao dragged the nobleman away as the workers processed her little tirade. "Let''s go! There''s no need to waste your temper on them. Losing the wallet isn''t that much of a big deal."


    Once they were outside, the son of nobility shook her hold off him. "Why did you stop me? What can those scumbags do to me? I can beat them up so bad their mother wouldn''t even recognize them."


    Ye Jiayao scowled at him. "Do you have a brain? A real man won¡¯t fight when the odds are against him. Besides, do you have evidence that the wallet is really at the charity station? If you wreck the shop but still couldn¡¯t find the wallet, what then?"

 Chapter 34：You Are The Only One I Know

    "Are you just going to leave it at that?" the nobleman asked angrily.


    Ye Jiayao saw the salesmen walk out and watch them cautiously. She decided to drag the nobleman away first.


    "I tried recalling what happened and it seems that when you were changing, the purse was already missing. Moreover, the salesmen had such nice attitude before and were coaxing you to buy the clothes with silver. When they saw that we were going back, they changed their attitude immediately and became indifferent. When you mentioned your purse, they became angry, which raises some suspicions," Ye Jiayao analyzed.


    "That¡¯s what I was thinking as well," the nobleman said heatedly. "No, I can¡¯t take this insult." He started to walk back to the store, his stance tensed.


    Ye Jiayao clung to him firmly. "Can you not be so impulsive? God, they were telling the truth when they said youth without facial hair cannot be relied upon!"


    "What did you say about me?" the nobleman¡¯s voice rose by an octave, his eyes bulging in disbelief.


    "I¡¯m just saying that you do things without thinking," Ye Jiayao hollered back. You think I''d be scared of you when I¡¯ve lived with outlaws before?


    "Then what do you suggest?" the nobleman asked unhappily.


    "Well, what can we do without any evidence? We can only chalk it up to our bad luck," Ye Jiayao stated. If they were locals, then they could''ve at least come up with some ideas. However, they were outsiders, what could they do? Even if they have tons of money, it was still of no use. Hasn''t he heard that a fierce dragon was no match for a snake in its home territory?


    "Well, don¡¯t you have any relatives or friends in Ji Nan?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    The nobleman responded in a foul mood. "I am escaping, I mean, I don¡¯t have any relatives. I¡¯m out to play and travel by myself."


    Although he corrected his mistake quickly, Ye Jiayao had already picked up on the key point. This child was in his rebellious stage and has run away from home.


    "Since you lost your money now, how will you return to Jin Ling? It''s obvious that you¡¯re not very experienced. You should''ve put your money and other belongings in various places so if you lose one portion, you still have another. Putting them all together like that was a rookie mistake. I¡¯m really beginning to have doubts about how you managed to go to Ji Nan from Jin Ling," Ye Jiayao criticized unrestrainedly.


    "Was this not all your fault? If you did not steal my boat, rip my clothes, I would not be in this predicament!" The nobleman started to recount from the start.


    "Oh God, we''re back to this again? Why don¡¯t you mention that if it was not for you fleeing from home and coming to Ji Nan then nothing would have happened? Geez! I even gave you a bowl of sugared lotus seed soup! Plus, I am about to pay your boat fee later. If you keep whining, I¡¯ll leave you by yourself," Ye Jiayao threatened.


    The nobleman immediately calmed down and muttered, "I don¡¯t care. You are still partly responsible, anyway."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s temper flared. How dare he blame me?


    "I don''t have the energy to keep arguing with you. You know, I was really excited to go on this tour, but now? Ha! We should just go back before my mood starts to get worse. I''ll send you back to the shore and we can part ways," Ye Jiayao said in a huff as she walked off.


    The nobleman followed her hurriedly. "You can¡¯t just bring me back to the shore! I don¡¯t have any silver. How can I survive? What will I eat? Where will I live?"


    "That''s your own problem, not mine. Don¡¯t ask me," Ye Jiayao rebutted without even turning to look at him.


    "You are also at fault! Who do I ask if not you?" The nobleman followed closely behind Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao stopped her tracks and the nobleman barely managed to stop before almost colliding with her.


    "Listen to me. I¡¯m a poor wretch and I am only surviving by begging everywhere and occasionally doing some odd jobs. Are you sure you want to follow me?"


    The nobleman observed Ye Jiayao from head to toe and smiled. "A beggar who wants to tour around? Who are you kidding?"


    Ye Jiayao shrugged. I can barely feed myself, little dude, how can I care for you?


    The two headed straight for the pier and boarded the boat back.


    The boatman chuckled. "Why don¡¯t you stay and tour a bit more?"


    "It¡¯s not fun at all," Ye Jiayao angrily replied.


    "Absolutely no fun at all," the nobleman agreed.


    The boatman was confused. It was the first time that he heard people say that they didn''t enjoy the island.


    Once they returned to shore, Ye Jiayao paid three hundred copper pieces. She was pretty sure she heard her purse cry from the loss. Or maybe that was her heart. How can I get rid of this fellow?


    "Hey, where¡¯s your home?" The nobleman was afraid of Ye Jiayao leaving him, so he dogged her steps closely.


    "Don¡¯t have one"


    "Then where do you live?"


    "On the streets."


    Umm. "Stop lying. What are we going to eat for dinner? I¡¯m hungry."


    "I¡¯ve got no money."


    "Don¡¯t be so stingy. Once I return to Jin Ling, I will pay you back in double."


    "I really am poor. I just came around to tour because I want an escape from my poverty. You should try and find someone else and stop following me." Ye Jiayao was about to cry from frustration. How did I end up being tangled in this mess?


    "If I had any idea, then I wouldn¡¯t be following you. Don¡¯t worry. When I go back to Jin Ling, I will repay you ten times of what was spent," the nobleman vowed.


    "A hundred times would still be useless! This is all the silver I have on me right now! I can barely survive," Ye Jiayao replied with a long face. She had emptied her pockets to prove that she really was poor. "Look, it doesn¡¯t even add up to two taels. These are all my possessions."


    The nobleman replied, "You said before that the silver should be split up,"


    Ye Jiayao wanted to choke him.


    Ye Jiayao ignored him and lowered her head, walking quickly. The son of nobility matched her pace. When she slowed down, he also did. When she hastened her steps, he rushed to meet her. This went on until the sky gradually darkened as they returned to the city.


    For dinner, Ye Jiayao could not afford anything delicious, so she could only buy a few steamed buns and some pickles.


    "This is what we¡¯re eating?" the nobleman asked incredulously.


    "This is not for us. It¡¯s only for me. There¡¯s none for you," Ye Jiayao said petulantly. She bit into the steamed bun angrily and glared at him.


    The nobleman quickly swiped a steamed bun from her and said resentfully, "I¡¯ve never seen anyone stingier than you,"


    Ye Jiayao really wanted to kick him. You¡¯re eating my food and you dare call me stingy?


    As Ye Jiayao chewed on her steamed bun, she started to look for an inn. I can¡¯t get out of the city tonight, otherwise, I would only be able to sleep in the pavilion. I should stay for the night and buy some rations tomorrow before setting out.


    After looking tirelessly, Ye Jiayao finally found a cheap hostel with a bed for five copper pieces. Ye Jiayao paid for one bed and walked in. The nobleman started to follow after her but was stopped by the attendant.


    "You need to pay if you want to stay here,"


    "I¡¯m with him," the nobleman said while pointing at Ye Jiayao.


    "I don¡¯t know him," Ye Jiayao said quickly.


    The attendant drove the nobleman away without allowing him to explain further.


    "Oi! You can¡¯t be like this! We¡¯re together¡­" the nobleman yelled from outside.


    Ye Jiayao could not be bothered caring about him. She had come to a hostel, which was not that much better than a wood storage, and she was tired. She found a bed on the edge and laid down.


    The hostel fits ten to twenty people and the room was all full of vulgar men. There were those who were picking at their feet or their nose. The air was filled with all sorts of disgusting smells.


    Ye Jiayao scrunched her nose up. She comforted herself by the thought that this was still better than sleeping in a pavilion.


    However, her heart was not at ease. Has that fellow left yet? It was more than obvious that he was an inexperienced young man who had not been out much. It seemed a bit unreasonable to leave someone who has no money on him and with no relatives in this foreign place.


    Yet, I need to have some capital before I can help others. I can barely take care of myself, so how can I help others?


    Thunder rolled outside.


    Not long after, the rain came pouring down onto the green tiled roof sounding like the sound of scattering beans.


    Ye Jiayao felt even more tormented. Everyone has times of suffering. People would all wish for someone to lend a hand and help during those times, whether it is a place for shelter, or a steamed bun, or a bowl of water.


    Ah! Forget it. She was also headed towards Jin Ling, anyway, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a partner along the way.


    Ye Jiayao sat up. If he''s still there and he doesn¡¯t mind suffering with me, then I¡¯ll bring him along!


    The hostel was already closed, but Ye Jiayao persuaded the attendant to open the doors.


    The attendant was very reluctant. "It¡¯s pouring rain and you still want to go outside?"


    "That person is actually my friend. We had a quarrel, and now that I think about it, it was not quite worth it. I want to go out and see if he is still there," Ye Jiayao said awkwardly.


    The attendant only opened the door then.


    Ye Jiayao stuck her head outside and saw him standing under the eaves watching the pouring rain, looking indescribably pitiful and lonely.


    "Oi! What are you doing huddling there? Come in," Ye Jiayao shouted at him.


    The nobleman turned to look at her expressionlessly and stood still.


    Oh, he¡¯s sulking.


    Ye Jiayao walked out and dragged him back. The rain came slanting down, making it quite cold.


    "Get inside!"


    He lowered his head, making the rain drip down along his distinctive forehead and nose bridge. His pitiful looks made Ye Jiayao feel bad about her uncharitable behavior from before.


    As she was about to talk, he suddenly looked up. His dark eyes filled with anger as he yelled, "Why would you say that you don¡¯t know me? You are the only one I know here!"


    Ye Jiayao''s temper got the best of her and she yelled back, "What are you getting angry about? You don''t even know my name!"


    He was unable to answer.


    Geez, he¡¯s really just an immature little kid. "I¡¯m Jin Yao. How about you? Give me your real name, otherwise, I¡¯ll leave you by yourself," Ye Jiayao said angrily.


    "I¡¯m Helian Jing," he murmured.


    There weren¡¯t many people with the surname Helian. If it was really his real name, it should be easy to ask around when they get to Jin Ling.


    "I¡¯m telling you now, I¡¯m poor. As it is, I am also traveling towards Jin Ling. If you are not scared to suffer with me along the way, then we¡¯ll go to Jin Ling together. However, if you are still picky about the smallest of things, then you should just get lost now," Ye Jiayao said.


    Helian Jing nodded quickly.


    "Come in," Ye Jiayao snapped.


    Helian Jing scuttled in after her.


    Ye Jiayao paid five more copper pieces for another bed.


    Once they returned to the room, Helian Jing almost fainted from the horrible smell inside. Once he thought about his situation, though, he decided to tolerate it. He was penniless and without his identification documents in a foreign land - things could be much worse.


    "You can sleep there." Ye Jiayao pointed to the spot beside her.


    Helian Jing did not want to stick together with those vulgar men, and said, "You sleep on the inside and I¡¯ll sleep on the outside."


    "You sleep where I tell you to. What are you fussing about?" Ye Jiayao demanded fiercely.


    Helian Jing could only climb to the inside obediently and lay down.


    "Take off your wet clothes. I don''t have the money for a doctor if you get sick," Ye Jiayao said.


    Helian Jing swallowed his anger as he sat up to take off his clothes, revealing his white skin and perfect muscle lines.


    Ye Jiayao stared and gulped. This guy has quite a nice body.


    It was a shame that she still found it a bit lacking compared to that stupid donkey.

 Chapter 35：You Have to Listen to Me

    Ye Jiayao couldn¡¯t help but feel dejected whenever she thought of that stupid donkey. That guy was undercover for more than half a year, and now that he has successfully accomplished his mission, he must have been promoted to a higher position. Ayy, had I known he was a prince and a "Mr. Perfect", I would have tried harder to keep him. Alas, how could she have known? Whatever, what¡¯s passed has passed. There¡¯s no point in dwelling on what could''ve happened.


    Ye Jiayao hung Helian Jing¡¯s clothes on the back of the chair and laid down next to him.


    "Why don¡¯t you take off your clothes? Your clothes are also wet." Helian Jing stuck his finger out and poked at Ye Jiayao¡¯s shoulder which was stained with water.


    "Go to sleep and mind your own business." Ye Jiayao slapped his hand away and turned around to sleep. Bringing this guy along is quite troublesome. I shouldn¡¯t let him catch on that I¡¯m a girl.


    Helian Jing made a face and stuck his tongue out at her back. You brat! I¡¯ll let you have your way. Once you know my real identity, I bet you¡¯d be kneeling in front of me.


    This outing was seriously not going as smoothly as he planned. He originally wanted to follow his older brother who came to Shan Dong to suppress the bandits, but his mother forbade him. He barely managed to sneak out, and after all the trouble he went through, he arrived yesterday only to find out that his older brother had already left. His older brother had already gotten rid of the bandits'' nest and was already escorting the head bandit back to Jin Ling. Helian Jing did not want to go back despite not catching up with his older brother, so he came to Ji Nan to travel around. He didn¡¯t know that he would have such unlucky encounters on his first day.


    Usually, it would only be his older brother who would scold him. Who else would even dare to breathe loudly near him? However, today, he was yelled at and told off by that brat and also left out in the pouring rain. When has he ever been so irritated before in his sixteen years of life? It was all thanks to that one person.


    So, I¡¯ll just tolerate all I can for now and we¡¯ll see what happens when we get back to Jin Ling. Heh heh.


    The man next to him let out a loud snore. Helian Jing covered his ears and shifted towards Ye Jiayao, putting his head next to her shoulders. A hint of fragrance drifted towards him. In this space filled with all sorts of nasty smells, this fragrance was welcome and his breathing finally became less strained.


    Helian Jing slowly drifted to sleep as he lied by her side.


    The sky gradually became brighter and people in the hostel started to wake up one by one. Ye Jiayao was awoken by the noise but found that she couldn¡¯t move because of some snoring guy who was bear-hugging her.


    Ye Jiayao pinched the arm that was across her chest hard.


    "Ah¡­ What is this? There¡¯s a bug biting me!" Helian Jing was sleeping soundly but the pain made him sit straight up.


    Ye Jiayao sat up and slowly said, "Get up."


    Helian Jing rubbed his arm and saw that it was red and swollen. "What was it that bit me so hard?" he muttered curiously.


    Ye Jiayao threw him his clothes. "A man shouldn¡¯t whine about little things like these. You''re so annoying."


    Helian Jing wrinkled his nose. This guy was even more menacing than his older brother. He let him, a prince, sleep in this run down place, and did not even allow him to complain about being bitten by an unknown bug.


    After they left the hostel, Ye Jiayao immediately purchased some rations and daily necessities which cost a little less than six hundred copper pieces.


    The shoe shop that sold a pair of shoes for ten copper pieces caught Ye Jiayao''s eyes and she dragged Helian Jing over to it. She lifted his leg and compared it with a pair of cloth shoes before turning to the salesman, saying, "This pair will do."


    Helian Jing did not want to change into the cloth shoes. "My own shoes are comfortable. Why should I change? The bottom is so rough, it''ll be uncomfortable."


    Ye Jiayao was too frustrated to talk. He couldn''t just have fancy blue satin shoes because all of the clothes he was wearing were too short for him. People might think that he just stole them.


    "Are you going to change or not?" Ye Jiayao glared at him. She didn¡¯t want to argue about how he styles himself this early in the morning.


    Helian Jing could only silently resent her. His shoes were clearly more comfortable, but why did he have to change? Did he find it uneasy to stand with someone who was clearly well dressed?


    "Fine, fine, I¡¯ll change. Why are you always so fierce? You might not be able to find a wife at this rate," Helian Jing mumbled as he changed his shoes.


    Ye Jiayao snorted with contempt. I don''t need a wife, buddy. I just like to be fierce to keep men that needed scolding, like you, in line.


    Ye Jiayao put his satin shoes away. "Let¡¯s get out of this city."


    Helian Jing walked a few steps, his spirits lifting as he found out that the cloth shoes were quite comfortable. He caught up with Ye Jiayao with just three steps.


    "Yao¡­ Jin Yao¡­"


    Ye Jiayao frowned. Does her name sound really that bad? Why did it sound so awkward when he called her?


    "Call me brother Jin. You are little Jing," Ye Jiayao told him.


    Helian Jing scoffed, "You¡¯re shorter than me! How could you be older? What makes you the older one and me the younger one?"


    Ye Jiayao waved her hands dismissively. "Height has nothing to do with age. I¡¯m more competent than you, so you have to listen to me."


    Helian Jing objected, "How can you be so sure that you¡¯re more competent than I am? At best, you just have a few more taels than I do."


    Ye Jiayao smirked. "Haven¡¯t you heard? Those who have more money are older. If you''re not convinced, then don¡¯t follow me!"


    Helian Jing took a deep breath. Keep calm, keep calm.


    "Fine. Since you have more money, then you could be the older one," Helian Jing acquiesced. Once we get to Jin Ling, you¡¯ll see who the boss is.


    Ye Jiayao was not fooled by his affirmation. She smiled tauntingly and said, "Once the boss, forever the boss. Little Jingjing, one should know how to be grateful. Not everything is about seizing power."


    Helian Jing was certain he threw up in his mouth a little bit. Little Jingjing? Even his mother would not call him by such a gross nickname!


    The mismatched pair then headed south after leaving the city and spent the night in an old temple. Helian Jing ended with a heap of mosquito bites while brother Jin¡¯s skin was still white and smooth without even one red spot. Helian Jing consoled himself at the thought that his blood was simply rarer and the mosquitoes were able to tell good from bad.


    The second day, they arrived at the town of Xin Yi.


    Ye Jiayao studied the town with curiosity. This was the town that first-in-charge wanted to get rid of. Apart from being absolutely busy and having more people, there was really nothing special about it.


    "I¡¯ve been here before. There were corpses hanging on the town square and I heard they were the bandits of Hei Feng Gang," Helian Jing said, finally finding a chance to prove that he was not as ignorant as he seemed.


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s heart turned cold. "Really? Let¡¯s go and see."


    Maybe there will be someone she knew.


    Helian Jing was a bit taken aback. Wasn''t he afraid? It¡¯s quite a horrifying sight.


    "Let¡¯s go," Ye Jiayao urged.


    There were a dozen poles erected in the center of the square with a corpse hanging on each pole. Ye Jiayao recognized the body that was hung the highest in the center ¨C second-in-charge, Sheng Wu.


    He was hated by the people for his bad reputation and he had also tried to make a move on her before. He was definitely an evil person and deserved to be whipped and have his corpse up on the street. However, Ye Jiayao could not feel any hate for him at this moment. In fact, she even felt sorry for him. Second-in-charge was a horrible person, yes, but that night, it was him who had protected her from the rain of arrows.


    "Why are your eyes red? Too scared? I told you not to come and look but you insisted," Helian Jing mocked.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes and turned to leave, not wanting to argue with him again.


    So many days have already passed but the corpses were still on the streets. Did they want to warn the people, or did they just want to show off their achievements? Are the people of Xin Yi Town all nice people?


    "Will we be eating something better today? I only had one tasteless steamed bun yesterday." He Lian Jing quickly followed after her.


    "Eat, eat, eat! Is that the only thing you know how to do? This is only the beginning and you already can¡¯t take it. We don''t even know if we could afford steamed buns tomorrow." Ye Jiayao was in a foul mood.


    Helian Jing responded gloomily, "You¡¯re so stingy! Why do you have to bring up all that other stuff?"


    Ye Jiayao did not want to stay here any longer and bought some salt before continuing on their way.


    Helian Jing was confused. Why would he buy salt? To dip the steamed buns in?


    Just as the two left the square, Xia Chunyu and Feng Chaolin arrived.


    Xia Chunyu glanced at the corpses on the poles and ordered, "Take them down! The smell will get worse since the weather is too hot."


    Feng Chaolin signaled to his subordinates and someone immediately went up to undo the ropes.


    "Has a suitable place been arranged for the rest of the people from Hei Feng Gang?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    "Those who wanted to leave have been released and those who wanted to stay have already been placed in a proper spot," Feng Chaolin answered.


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "Xin Yi has made the correct choice this time. The imperial government will definitely give out rewards accordingly. I hope brother Feng will continue to promote benevolence, righteousness, and also continue to do virtuous deeds, which will benefit the village. One day, the Feng family will definitely become a distinguished family and bring blessings to the later generations."


    That was also a warning to Feng Chaolin to not to step on the path of Bai Chongye. Feng Chaolin had always been neutral, so if there were no restraints put on him, one day, his ambitions might swell and become even more difficult to control than Bai Chongye.


    "Feng will keep what my lord has said in mind," Feng Chaolin replied solemnly.


    Two subordinates carrying the broken corpse of Sheng Wu passed in front of Xia Chunyu. He remembered how Yaoyao died because Sheng Wu abducted her and his hatred rose. "Throw his corpse to Luan Zang Gang to feed the wild dogs," he said coldly.


    Quite a few days had already passed and he would still often think of her. Whenever he thought of her, he would feel bad and regretful. He would never be able to see her again, hear her laugh, or her sarcastic quips. He would never be able to make up for all the wrongs he had done to her. There was no second chance for them and it made his heart ache with longing.


    Song Qi came running over, saying, "My lord, everything has been prepared."


    When Xia Chunyu lifted his head, the sad look in his eyes had already disappeared. He turned to Feng Chaolin and said, "Let¡¯s part here, until next time."


    Feng Chaolin bid him farewell.


    Ye Jiayao bought a bottle of Sichuan pepper, and also settled on the ceramic jar on the side, while Helian Jing looked on with despair. Will we be eating Sichuan pepper in steamed bun dipped in salt from now on?


    From behind, there was the sound of horse hooves clattering. Helian Jing instinctively turned his head around just in time to see a valiant man riding past him on a pure white horse.


    Umm¡­


    Isn''t that Xia Chunyu, the prince of the noble family Jing An?

 Chapter 36：Beggars Bird

    Helian Jing opened his mouth to call for him but then thought better of it. If brother Chunyu saw him in such an awkward look, he would surely rebuke him.


    "What are you looking at? Take this." Ye Jiayao put a terrine onto Helian Jing¡¯s hands.


    Helian Jing sulkily looked away from his chance at escape. It was probably for the best, anyway. He ran away by himself, and if brother Chunyu took him home, he would look even more terrible.


    "Let¡¯s go. I hope we can find a farmhouse to stay for the night. Otherwise, we have to sleep in a broken temple." Ye Jiayao pushed him.


    "Why don¡¯t we take a boat? Or do we have to walk to Jin Ling?" Helian Jing said in a muffled voice.


    Ye Jiayao asked, "Is there a grand canal?"


    Helian Jing scowled. "What is the grand canal? I came here by boat, though."


    Ye Jiayao¡¯s eyes turned bright. "Where did you take the boat to?"


    "Ji Ning."


    Ye Jiayao chuckled to herself. Isn¡¯t that the grand canal? How else can anyone get to Ji Ning from Jin Ling by boat? She wondered which emperor ordered for the grand canal to be built.


    "You know how to get on a boat in Ji Ning, so what?" Ye Jiayao intentionally stared at him with an angry look.


    After they left Xin Yi, they walked towards the south-west direction. They passed a village and saw some hens walking around in the wild field nearby. I am so hungry! She hasn''t eaten any fish or meat for so many days.


    She saw little Jingjing staring at the old hens with wide eyes.


    Should we steal them or not? Ye Jiayao felt conflicted.


    I just want one to treat my stomach, but ever since I was young, I''ve been taught to have a high moral standard and not to steal.


    It was not easy for these villagers to raise a few hens and they might be counting on them to lay eggs in exchange for some copper coins. They couldn¡¯t take away their means of livelihood.


    Ye Jiayao touched her tummy, trying to convey to it that no matter how hungry it felt, she would keep her principles. At this time, Ye Jiayao couldn¡¯t help but think of the stupid donkey. That guy had extraordinary martial arts kill. Every time he went up the mountain, he would always get birds or animals. If he was with her, she would never go hungry or be afraid of anything.


    "Little Jingjing, do you know how to hunt?" Ye Jiayao asked hopefully.


    Helian Jing couldn''t keep his disgust off his face at what she called him. "Hunting? It is my strong suit."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. "You''re bluffing. Show me how you hunt."


    Helian Jing held out his two hands in despair. "If you help me find a bow and arrow, I am sure that I can do it easily."


    "Crap! Where can I find bow and arrow for you?" Ye Jiayao sarcastically searched for weapons.


    Helian Jing looked around and saw two birds resting on the dates tree nearby. He picked up a small piece of stone and smiled. "You will see."


    Helian Jing aimed at the birds and threw the stone out.


    Choo!


    The two birds flew away in fear.


    Ye Jiayao sneered, "Are you hitting the birds or surprising them?"


    Helian Jing touched his tummy awkwardly. "I just have no energy right now. I¡¯m hungry, otherwise, I would have hit them accurately."


    "No skill is no skill. You don''t need to make up excuses." Ye Jiayao glanced at him. To be honest, she was really hungry too. However, they needed to save what little bit of food they have left for later.


    Ye Jiayao begged for a pot of water and they kept on going.


    Helian Jing thought about the shame he just went through and channeled it as he tried to hit every bird he saw on the road. He missed every single time.


    Ye Jiayao was exhausted just by looking at him. "Aren¡¯t you hungry? Save some energy!"


    Helian Jing groaned sulkily and aimed at a bird again.


    Dong¡­


    "Ha! I got it!" Helian Jing saw the bird fall from the tree and ran happily to pick it up.


    "Big Raorao, I hit it! We have meat to eat!"


    What the hell? Since when I am called big Raorao?


    "You called me what?" Ye Jiayao had no mustache to blow but she still stared challengingly at him.


    Helian Jing saw her mad and felt even happier. "Didn¡¯t you call me little Jingjing? Well, I am calling you big Raorao. That''s only fair."


    "Fair my ass. Don''t think that I would leave you even the bird''s ass." Ye Jiayao wanted to tickle him to death.


    Helian Jing was more familiar with her now and knew that she was just bluffing. She looked angry but he could tell it was all for show. He smiled. "You can leave me with one bird wing."


    Luckily this bird was fat and Ye Jiayao could make beggars'' bird with it. She would just adapt the beggars'' way of cooking chicken.


    They both went to the pond near the road and Ye Jiayao asked little Jingjing to pick up a few lotus leaves. Meanwhile, she crouched near the water, got rid of the bird''s hair and gutted it.


    Helian Jing returned with some lotus leaves and asked curiously. "Are we using lotus leaves as bowls?"


    Ye Jiayao couldn¡¯t be bothered to answer him and instead ordered him to dig a hole.


    She took some salt and five-spice powder from her bag and rubbed it over the bird''s body and a little bit on its stomach. She sprinkled some pepper on it and then wrapped it in the lotus leaves, using the water in the pond mixed with some clay. It was supposed to be used with Shao Xin yellow rice wine so that the roasted bird¡¯s meat would be more delicious. However, their conditions were barely livable so they couldn''t really complain. It was great enough that they have meat to eat, there was no need to be too exquisite.


    "Big Raorao, the hole is dug." Helian Jing was excited and dug a big hole neatly and quickly.


    Ye Jiayao walked over to him and looked. "You sure the hole wasn¡¯t dug for yourself?"


    They were just roasting a small bird! That hole could be used to roast a pig.


    Helian Jing mumbled, "You didn¡¯t tell me what size you want."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him. "Go pick some firewood."


    Helian Jing gladly went to pick up some firewood. He had never cooked anything in the wild before. Even when he went hunting with Chunyu, they still had chefs to cook for them. He found this new experience very interesting.


    "Yo, don¡¯t bring a whole tree back! Just pick some branches." Ye Jiayao was afraid that the dumb kid would pull a tree out from the road.


    Ye Jiayao buried the bird, which was sealed by clay, and started to make a fire. She was very familiar with using firestone as she used stove fire in Black Wind Ridge for almost a month. It wasn''t long before she had a decent fire going on.


    Helian Jing looked dubious as he peered at what Ye Jiayao was doing. "You sure it will work? Sealed with clay and buried in the earth, isn¡¯t that dirty?"


    Ye Jiayao sat on the extra lotus leaves and held a Setaria Viridis in her mouth. She said, "We''ll see, just don¡¯t drool later."


    Helian Jing sat next to her. He smiled and flattered, "You can do so many things. I thought we''d have to beg just to live."


    Ye Jiayao lifted her chin up and said proudly, "Of course! I''ve roamed all over the country for so many years, how can I survive without any skills?"


    Helian Jing''s mouth twitched. "Bluffing again."


    "Aye! Little Jingjing, what does your family do? Government officials or just business owners?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Helian Jing thought that if he told the truth, she would be scared. He answered humbly, "Small officials and small business."


    Ye Jiayao didn''t believe him one bit. "Can small officials and small business people wear 100ish silvers ¡®Cloud and Water Green¡¯ clothes?"


    Helian Jing decided to keep her guessing. "After we get to Jin Ling, you will know."


    "You don¡¯t have to tell me." She didn¡¯t tell him the truth about her either, so they were even.


    After almost an hour of roasting, Ye Jiayao took a stick to dig the clay package out of the dirt. The outer layer of clay was cracked from the heat and one knock by the stick shattered it. She opened up the lotus leaves, the delicious smell from inside wafting over to them.


    "Wow! That smells great!" Helian Jing couldn¡¯t stop drooling, reaching out to take the bird.


    "Be careful, it¡¯s hot." Ye Jiayao slapped his hands away and carefully cut a bird leg for him. "Here, have a taste."


    Helian Jing took a bite and was immediately amazed by the soft texture and the fragrant smell of the meat and the lotus leaves. It was especially alluring. Even though the ingredients were limited, the original taste of the bird meat stood out and it was very delicious. It was more delicious than the roast lamb his chefs cook at home.


    It was the first time that Ye Jiayao cooked beggars'' bird in such an original way. She was glad that she did it, though, because this way of cooking beggars'' bird had its special taste. The double package of lotus leaves and clay prevent water from steaming away and the smell from spreading around. The simple ingredients she used maximized the original taste of the bird meat.


    "Tasty, tasty. Big Raorao, you are awesome," Helian Jing praised her.


    "Call me brother Jing or next time I won''t cook anything for you." Ye Jiayao shook the beggars'' bird in her hand playfully.


    Under the seduction of delicious food, Helian Jing chose to lower his pride, ignore his status, and become a well-behaved little Jingjing.


    The two of them finished off the bird voraciously, still marveling over its deliciousness even after it was long gone.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I will get a few birds or something else every day in the future," Helian Jing said confidently as he wiped his mouth.


    "I think, you hitting one today was just a fluke. I''ll believe your hunting prowess when you manage to get a few every day," Ye Jiayao teased once again as she packed up to continue on their journey.


    "Aye! You doubt me now but wait until you see my skills with a bow and arrow. Using a piece of stone to hunt was a first for me and my hands were not familiar with it. After I got used to it, everything will be easy," Helian Jing bragged, afraid that she would look down on him again.


    "Okay, you''re great! I was just afraid that you were bluffing too much. I was just helping you think more realistically." Ye Jiayao held her hands up in a surrendering fashion.


    The sky turned darker and Ye Jiayao felt disappointed. They walked an average of ten kilometers today, and at this speed, it would take ages to get to Ji Ning.


    "I can¡¯t walk anymore, I''m so thirsty." Helian Jing never had such a bitter experience before. The bottom of his feet aches from the blisters he got. He plopped down on the road and took off his shoes to rub his pained feet.


    Ye Jiayao looked around. They were in the middle nowhere. There was no broken pavilion, no possible resting place. "And here you are denying that you''re weak. Get up, I don¡¯t want to spend the night in the wilderness."


    Helian Jing stared ahead of them, getting so excited that he managed to ignore Ye Jiayao¡¯s ridicule.


    Ye Jiayao turned to look at what he was staring at - it was a watermelon plantation.


    They looked at each and said, "You go..."

 Chapter 37：Sad Little Jing

    Both of them wanted to eat watermelons, but neither were willing to steal it. When it was clear that no one was going to budge in their staring contest, Ye Jiayao suggested a game to end it.


    "Let''s play Rock, Paper, Scissors, and whoever loses has to go take a watermelon." Ye Jiayao smiled cunningly. "Little Jingjing, what are we going to play?"


    Helian Jing hid his hands behind his back and stared at her cautiously. "What are you playing?"


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "I will play scissors."


    Helian Jing contemplated. Is he lying just to make me play paper? Or make me play rock? Whatever! I''ll just play scissors too and get an even game.


    "Come on, let''s get on with it! Just don''t be a sore loser, okay?" Ye Jiayao looked downright maniacal. She was not satisfied with the simple conclusion made by a psychologist. She wanted to improve her odds and find other ways for a sure win.


    "Are you sure you''re not the sore loser?" Helian Jing sneered at her.


    "Rock, paper, scissors, show..."


    Ye Jiayao laughed when she saw him play scissors. Little Jingjing really was adorably naive when it comes to the ways of the world.


    Helian Jing''s mouth gaped open, speechless. "You played it unfairly! You told me that you were going to play scissors? Why did you play rock?"


    Ye Jiayao flicked his forehead. "Little Jingjing, are you really just this easy to fool? Haven''t you ever heard of ''strategy''? It''s just like making a noise in the east and attacking from the west. You still have a lot to learn, little brother. For now, be good and go take a watermelon. I''ll teach you how to smartly play this game, afterward."


    Helian Jing was so confused and dejected he wanted to hit something. He really couldn''t do anything right with this guy.


    Ye Jiayao watched as Helian Jing sneak inside the watermelon field, walking wobbly on his toes. She couldn''t steal a chicken before, but she figured that stealing a watermelon wouldn''t sit so heavily on her conscience. She actually thought it was funny. There were so many watermelons in the field anyway, taking one or two wasn''t a big deal.


    Helian Jing really didn''t want to do it. If he continued with this, he would forever be a watermelon thief. Also, the watermelons weren''t mature yet, they might not be sweet enough.


    He turned his head and hesitantly looked at Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao gestured for him to hurry up.


    Helian Jing had to force himself to pull out the biggest watermelon he found.


    Woof! Woof! Woof!


    No one knew where the big black dog came from, but they didn''t notice it until it rushed right in front of Helian Jing and barked menacingly at him.


    Helian Jing turned pale and immediately scooped the watermelon up, fleeing away without heeding the path he was running in.


    Ye Jiayao was spooked by the incident. They didn''t know there was a big guard dog here! Ye Jiayao waved at Helian Jing desperately and shouted, "Come up, here!"


    However, the dog blocked the way Ye Jiayao was pointing to. Helian Jing ran to the other side of the field, desperate to get away. In his hurry, and factoring in the bleak sky, he stepped into a dung jar buried near the field, failing to notice it.


    Ye Jiayao blinked and small Jingjing was gone. Stupid kid! How is he such a fast runner? It wasn''t until she spotted the dog barking at one spot incessantly, did she realized that something was wrong. She waited until the dog walked away before carefully walking over there.


    Ye Jiayao was speechless as he watched Helian Jing slowly crawl out of the field, his whole body covered in shit.


    Two hours later, Ye Jiayao sat next to the river, gazing up at a sky full of stars and listening to the water''s crashing sound.


    "Small Jingjing, have you finished showering yet? It has been almost two hours."


    Ye Jiayao found it strange that when she was with little Jingjing, she barely felt any mosquitoes. Now that small Jingjing was away, it seemed that all mosquitoes in the area have come to bite her. I guess hungry mosquitoes are not very choosy.


    Helian Jing ignored her and continued to scrub his body raw. It just felt like no matter how hard he rubbed, he was still dirty.


    "Aye, just be careful with snakes and leeches in the water. They can get inside where they are not supposed to be." Ye Jiayao tried to scare him. Does he really want to stay in the water for the whole night?


    Helian Jing subconsciously covered his private part and immediately jumped out of the water. Perhaps it was a trick, but as soon as she said it, he started to itch and felt like there were worms crawling all over him.


    Helian Jing got dressed in the clothes Ye Jiayao had dried next to the fire. His back was to her, so Ye Jiayao stole secret glances at him. Wow, this kid has a good-looking body! He was tall, slim, long-legged, and has curled hips. His muscles weren''t as strong and bulky as that stupid donkey, but he had clear curves and defined muscles.


    Helian Jing felt the strange feeling of eyes on him and suddenly turned around. Luckily, Ye Jiayao had quick reflexes and was able to look away just in time. "Will you hurry up? I''m almost drained by the mosquitoes!" she complained.


    Helian Jing wrinkled his nose at her. Drained by mosquitoes? I was dropped in a dung jar! He finished dressing and walked to her sulkily. His mood was the lowest it has ever been after all that has happened to him today. He felt like his whole world was tilted on its axis.


    Ye Jiayao saw his sorrowful eyes and consoled him empathically. "Hey, consider yourself lucky you didn''t drop inside a big dung jar. Stop worrying too much. You''ve clean yourself up now, no harm done."


    Helian Jing''s face turned red and he shouted angrily, "This is all your fault! If it wasn''t for you, I won''t be so miserable."


    "Little Jingjing, I understand you''re feeling pretty crappy, but do you really need to be unreasonable? I didn''t force you to play Rock, Paper, Scissors. We agreed that whoever loses will steal the watermelons. If you want to blame someone, blame the dog. If it''ll make you feel better, we can go back to fetch the dog and steam the meat." Ye Jiayao said innocently.


    "You can go by yourself if you want. I will never go back to that place again." Helian Jing walked away angrily.


    That was a place of nightmares and he was never going to set foot in there again. He couldn''t believe that the two things he hated the most now were watermelon and dogs. He swore that he would never eat a watermelon again, and never raise a dog inside his mansion in this lifetime.


    Ye Jiayao stood up and chased after him. "Alright. Don''t be mad. No one else saw it anyway. You don''t talk about it and I won''t talk about it. No one else will know."


    Well, he''s right! No one else saw my humiliation. This will stay with brother Jin and I. No one else can know.


    Helian Jing abruptly turned around and stared at Ye Jiayao quietly.


    Ye Jiayao saw the dangerous glint in his eyes and immediately realized that what she said violated some taboo. She held her right hand up immediately and promised, "I swear that I won''t tell this to anyone, or I will get hit by a car when I go out."


    It was convenient since there were no cars in this ancient time and little Jinjing knew nothing of it. However, she really didn''t have any intention to spread it like a gossip. The kid was already tragic, and she didn''t want to add humiliation to the list of bad things he was feeling.


    Helian Jing gradually calmed down, but he was still in a saddened mood as he walked forward, head bent low.


    Tonight, they had to sleep in a pavilion again. Luckily it was summer, otherwise, the wind blowing from all four sides could get chilly real fast.


    Ye Jiayao gave him a big bun to cheer him up, but Helian Jing had no appetite and couldn''t eat.


    "Just eat it. I will make something good for you tomorrow." Ye Jiayao held the bun in front of his mouth.


    Helian Jing reluctantly bit some off.


    The past times, she was always yelling, reprimanding, and swearing at him, but tonight, she refrained. His mood was so low and he was so quiet that Ye Jiayao started to feel sorry for him.


    It rained again come midnight. Ye Jiayao was roused by the coldness. She looked for small Jinjing and found him curled up against a pole, his eyebrows knitted. She scooted closer to him, letting his head rest on her shoulder. We''ll just warm up for a bit.


    Dawn broke, and the early birds perched the handrails of the pavilion, chirping happily.


    Helian Jing opened his eyes and glanced at his surroundings. Ever since this crazy, miserable journey, he always felt disoriented and lost when he woke up.


    His heart started to flutter when he realized that his head was rested on brother Jin''s shoulder. It''s weird that he always smells good.


    He watched her at a close distance. Her skin looked translucent and soft under the morning sunlight and he could almost see the veins hidden under her skin. The way her long lashes, defined brows, and button nose stood out made her facial features appear delicate. Her lips looked deliciously light pink and could give the people an urge to bite it...


    Helian Jing averted his eyes and shifted awkwardly, the unusual feeling surprising him.


    There were some gays among the capital''s noble families. He heard funny stories about them sometimes, but he always felt that it was ridiculous. How could a man feel something towards another man?


    Only now, he not only didn''t dislike this man but also has some crazy ideas about him.


    Helian Jing shook his head promptly, trying to shake off the ridiculous idea in his head.


    Forget it! He''s just a poor kid with a bad temper. He is ferocious and always swears at him. Even if she is a girl, I won''t like her.


    Ye Jiayao opened her eyes and lazily said, "Hey! You''re already awake."


    Helian Jing moved away from her awkwardly and mumbled something incoherent. He wanted to get away from her and what he was feeling. He got up and told her he was going to take a piss.


    Ye Jiayao looked away. The sound of flowing water reached her ears and she shifted uncomfortably. She was a woman and there''s never going to be a time that she wouldn''t feel awkward hearing that.


    "Little Jingjing, I will go find some food," Ye Jiayao said, glad that she had an excuse to walk away.


    The rain was a gift of nature. It dampens everything and paves the way for food materials to grow, such as mushrooms and different types of fungus.


    Ye Jiayao learned how to distinguish edible fungus when she had followed auntie Jiang and auntie Zhao to dig wild herbs during her days in Black Wind Ridge. She now has a pretty great understanding of what was poisonous and what was edible.


    She didn''t spend too much effort in preparing the cep mushrooms she picked. She only cleaned them up, put them in a jar, added some salt in, and stewed it on the fire.


    It didn''t take long before the water started boiling and the bubbles and the fragrance came out.


    "So, the jar you bought is used to cook things." Helian Jing observed, coming up to Ye Jiayao as he smelled the delicious fragrance.


    Ye Jiayao took out a big pancake and tore it into small pieces. "Of course, it''s used to cook things. Did you think we''re just lugging it around for nothing? Oh! We can get a big pan! We can cook in it and it can also protect us during rainy days!"


    Ye Jiaoyao looked at the gray sky in apprehension. Damn it! I forgot to prepare umbrellas!


    Helian Jing tittered. This Jin brother is very funny.

 Chapter 38：Good Luck Comes

    After devouring the large bread soaked in straw mushroom soup, Helian Jing was in a better mood as they continue on with their journey.


    Halfway through their trip, it rained again, the raindrops as big as beans, pelting down and hurting their face.


    "Let''s take shelter under the tree there!" Helian Jing suggested, squinting his almond-shaped eyes as he pointed towards a tree ahead.


    "Are you crazy? Take a shelter under a tree in the rain? Do you want to get shot by lightning?"


    Right after she had just berated him, the sky resonated with a muffled thunder growl.


    They looked at each other, creeped out.


    Helian Jing clenched his teeth and took his shirt off.


    "What are you doing?" Ye Jiayao demanded.


    Helian Jing held his shirt up above their heads to shelter them both, laughing. "This way we won''t get wet."


    Ye Jiayao could not help but feel touched as she watched him bare the top of his body to the cold just to protect her. More than half of his shirt was covering her head, and his upper body was already trickling with rainwater, yet he was still smiling so radiantly. This fellow might know next to nothing and could be quite unreasonable, but he was adorably innocent. Plus, he doesn''t get angry every time she bossed him around. That was the true mark of a gentleman right there.


    "Let''s go!" Ye Jiayao inched closer to him and they both ran in the rain with their heads touching.


    Fortunately for the two, the summer rain came and left quickly, leaving a double rainbow in the beautiful azure sky.


    Helian Jing shouted excitedly, "Quick, look! There''s a double rainbow! I heard that if you see a double rainbow, good luck comes."


    Right now, he was desperately wishing for his luck to change. He''s been dealt with ill-fated days and it would be nice if that could change.


    Ye Jiayao was in slight awe. It was her first time witnessing the double rainbow phenomenon and it was stunning.


    "Say, if I make a wish, will it come true?"


    Helian Jing laughed. "Who cares whether it will come true or not? Just make the wish."


    After he said that, he put his palms together, closed his eyes, and began to make a wish. Oh beautiful rainbow fairy, please bless and protect Brother Jin and me so that we can return to Jin Ling smoothly.


    Ye Jiayao followed suit. Rainbow fairy, although I am a lowly and ordinary person, I have a big wish. I want to open Jin Ling''s most famous and popular restaurant and count money everyday till my hands cramp. Of course, it is not entirely just to make money. I also want to promote Chinese cuisine¡­


    Helian Jing opened his eyes after making his wish and saw that Brother Jin was still praying, his eyes closed. From the tiny drops of water clinging onto his curved lashes, the perfect curves from his forehead to his chin, Helian Jing found every part of him attractive.


    He''d always found that brother Chunyu was an extremely enchanting man, but there was something about brother Jin that held his attention. Chunyu''s appeal and handsomeness were more heroic and masculine, while brother Jin was... how can I describe it? Brother Jin''s look is gentle and mesmerizing.


    When Ye Jiayao opened her eyes, she saw little Jingjing staring foolishly at her. "What''s wrong? Is there something on my face?" Ye Jiayao touched her cheek, perplexed.


    Helian Jing''s face flushed red. He stretched his hand out and pretended to wipe something off her forehead to conceal his embarrassment. "You have some dirt on your face. It''s gone now."


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Ay, little Jingjing, what did you wish for?"


    "You can''t say your wish out loud, otherwise, it would not come true." Helian Jing replied, shrugging his shoulders.


    He did not want to cause further complications.


    "Tsk, I don''t believe it!" Ye Jiayao pouted.


    "Then, what wish did you make?" Helian Jing asked curiously.


    Ye Jiayao narrowed her eyes and smiled. " I wish I could become a rich person in the future and then eat all the delicacies in the world."


    "Such a simple wish?" Helian Jing smiled teasingly.


    Then, he shall help her fulfill her wish.


    "For rich people like you, it''s a small wish, but to poor people like us, having sufficient meals is difficult." Ye Jiayao said wisely. He wasn''t a fish, he doesn''t know what constituted the enjoyment of fishes.


    Helian Jing was thoroughly convinced. Hasn''t he been constantly hungry these few days with her? He thought of how she has always been getting by like this in the past, skipping meals and sleeping in the open, and he felt a huge wave of sympathy for her.


    "Brother Jin, I''m sure your wish will come true," Helian Jing told her solemnly. When he gets back to Jin Ling, he would make it sure that she would get to try all the delicacies in Jin Ling and live a carefree life.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him from the corner of her eyes, pondering over what he meant. Does he want to repay her? When the time came, how much money would he give her? Tens of taels? Or hundreds of taels? Opening a restaurant must cost a lot of money! It would be impossible without a few thousand taels. Forget it, forget it! I wasn''t seeking any repayment. I brought him along with me purely to do a good deed of sending a lost child home. She has to fight for her own happy future.


    "Ay, believe me, I have that ability," Helian Jing assured her eagerly, thinking that she did not believe he would help her fulfill her wish.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head, ending the topic. "We''ll talk about it if we make it to Jin Ling."


    Their priority, for now, was finding a place to build a fire to dry their clothes. They would fall sick if they stay any longer in their dripping wet clothes.


    Ring ring¡­


    Up ahead, bell sounds could be heard. As they looked up, they saw someone leading a donkey, and another person sitting on top of the donkey, approaching towards them.


    "Hurry, hurry, we have to find a chef before the dinner," the person on the donkey rushed urgently.


    The servant leading the donkey replied, "It is still quite a distance from the Zhao mansion. No matter how fast we go, we would not make it back in time before the dinner."


    "I know, but we have to try! How could we have known that Old Ming would fall ill suddenly? The wedding in young master''s house requires the best chef, otherwise, we''re going to get in trouble," the person on the donkey said with melancholy.


    Upon hearing the word ''chef'', Ye Jiayao''s eyes brightened. She rushed to meet them and welcomed them with a smile. "Pardon me for interrupting, did you say you''re looking for a chef?"


    The person on the donkey sized the drenched Ye Jiayao up, smoothed his beard, and replied, "That is right."


    "I just heard you say that a chef is needed for the wedding in your young master''s house. I have worked in Wang Xian Restaurant in the Ji Nan province before, perhaps I could help you," Ye Jiayao offered.


    Ye Jiayao fabricated up a random story. She has never been to Wang Xian Restaurant before, but she has heard Song Qi mention it more than once. Whenever Song Qi mentioned Wang Xian Restaurant, the corner of his mouth looked like he was about to drool. It was clear that the place was very famous.


    The servant leading the donkey was delighted. "Housekeeper Li, this is such a coincidence! We were looking for a chef and ran into one on the way."


    "Are you really a chef at Wang Xian Restaurant?" Housekeeper Li questioned suspiciously, finding that the chap looked too young.


    Wang Xian Restaurant had a grand reputation. The people who patronized the place were all people with money and power in the Ji Nan province. Their young master went there once and could not forget the delicacies served there.


    Ye Jiayao was afraid that she would go too far with her lies, so she replied humbly, "No, not as the chef. I''m just a helper, but I know how to make several dishes."


    Helian Jing looked at Ye Jiayao, bewildered. When has she worked at Wang Xian Restaurant?


    Housekeeper Li rejoiced. "Anyone from Wang Xian Restaurant, even if it is just a helper, is highly skilled. Where are you going?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled lightly, pointing at Helian Jing. "Something happened back at home, my father got my brother to escort me back home."


    "You don''t sound like a local," Housekeeper Li probed further just to be cautious.


    "You have a good ear, housekeeper. I am from Jin Ling, and though I''ve been in Shan Dong for few years to learn culinarily, I still could not change my accent," Ye Jiayao replied self-deprecatingly.


    Housekeeper Li was still indecisive. Ye Jiayao hoped to rush things along and said, "You just seem quite rushed, so I came forward to inquire. If you do not need help, then I would have to hasten on my journey with my brother."


    Housekeeper Li hurriedly replied, "The chef that we originally got happened to fall ill. We wanted to make a trip to the Zhao mansion and get the chef there. However, we do not have enough time, so if you could help, that would be the best. If the feast could start smoothly, our young master would be sure to thank you heavily."


    Ye Jiayao waved her hand dismissively. "It does not matter whether he thank me or not. My father always told me to help if I can as each good deed will accumulate good merits.


    Ye Jiayao did not haggle over price which endeared her further in the eyes of Housekeeper Li. He got down from the donkey, cupped his hands together, and said, "Then I shall trouble you. How should I address you?"


    "My surname is Li, I am called Li Yao. This is my brother, Li Jing." Ye Jiayao purposely used a surname identical to the housekeeper so that he''d feel more trusting towards them.


    The corner of Helian Jing''s mouth twitched. Change your name if you want, but why change mine as well?


    Once Housekeeper Li heard that they share the same surname, he felt more at ease with Ye Jiayao. He even offered her to sit on the donkey, but Ye Jiayao refused. Housekeeper Li was of a certain age, and even in the modern times, she has always given her seat up to the elderly. How could she snatch a seat from a man that was the same age as her grandfather? Respecting the old and cherishing the young was a traditional virtue regardless of the time.


    The four people then made their way to the Li mansion.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing followed behind. Ye Jiayao smiled broadly and told Helian Jing softly, "You are right. Seeing a double rainbow really brings good luck."


    "Did you really work at Wang Xian Restaurant?" Helian Jing asked worriedly.


    Ye Jiayao motioned for him to keep silent, glancing at Housekeeper Li. "Don''t you dare let it slip and remember to call me older brother," she warned him, lowering her voice.


    Helian Jing silently cursed. Older brother my ass! Why are you taking advantage of me all the time? No matter how you look at it, I look like the older one!


    "Can you really cook delicious meals for a wedding dinner?" Helian Jing didn''t feel that this was good luck at all. A wedding dinner was a very important feast, and if it was ruined, they were sure to be beaten to death.


    Ye Jiayao raised a brow at him. "Don''t worry, little brother, I will show you some skills today."


    Her father was an accomplished chef from a five-star hotel and was often invited to manage wedding feasts. When she was young, her mother would be the helper, and she would tag along to eat. She had seen the event so many times, she was familiar with all the trimmings and extravaganza that came with it. It was really nothing but making a few big dishes, and coming up with auspicious names for it to match the festive occasion. She might not be adept at it but it was definitely not a problem to her.


    Helian Jing saw how confident she was and decided to just trust her. After all, she made the simplest ingredients for beggars bird and the straw mushroom soup taste very exquisite. If that was anything to go on, it looked like she really was equipped for this.


    It looks like I''m eating a good meal tonight!

 Chapter 39：Show Off Some Skills

    After walking about five li of the road, they arrived at a village with a population of a few hundred families. As far as the ancient standard goes, it could be considered as a big village.


    "This is the Li Family Village where most of the people have Li as their surnames. Our master is the rich lord of this village and he''s doing business in herbs. Oh! I just remembered! He also has business at Jin Ling, brother Li. If you manage to impress him with this wedding feast, you can go back to Jin Ling with our business group," Housekeeper Li said.


    "Really?" Ye Jiayao was overjoyed. If they could follow the Li family''s business group, the way back would not be so tough anymore.


    Helian Jing''s eyes also brightened up and he looked at Ye Jiayao hopefully. Brother Jin, this time around, it is all up to your capabilities.


    Many guests have already arrived, milling around the room decorated with lanterns and colored banners. Housekeeper Li rushed them through the room and provided them with a clean set of clothes; the pitiful little Jingjing no longer has to wear three-quarter pants.


    In the kitchen, the ingredients have all been prepared, merely waiting for the arrival of the chef.


    Ye Jiayao took a look at the menu that the original chef Old Ming crafted. There were no major problems because she knew how to handle chicken, duck, and fish meat. What she didn''t like was the ordinary and tacky names of the dishes.


    She asked housekeeper Li for a pen and paper and crafted a new menu out.


    She changed the Whole Chicken to Auspicious Phoenix Cry, the Roasted Duck to Double Taste Duck Roll calling it Two Hearts Beating as One. She creatively renamed the Exotic Delicacies Hodgepodge to Distinguished Friends All Around, and even tweaked a few of the recipes.


    Helian Jing stood at the side, shocked. Brother Jin really knew how to seize every opportunity and adapt to someone''s fancy. He was just still a bit dubious if the food that he would make would be as delicious as it sounds.


    "Housekeeper Li, I would have to trouble you to bring this menu to your master to look over. If it is good, I would follow it." Ye Jiayao handed the newly crafted menu to housekeeper Li.


    Housekeeper Li walked away merrily, and after a while, came back smiling. "Our master said that this menu is extremely well done. He is very satisfied and told you to proceed accordingly."


    Housekeeper Li took two sealed red packets out and handed it to Ye Jiayao. "This is a reward for you by our master."


    Ye Jiayao declined, saying, "I have yet to start on the feast, how can I accept the reward?"


    Housekeeper Li responded, "Our master said that just by seeing the menu, he knows that you are an expert. There is no mistake, take it as an encouragement."


    Ye Jiayao accepted the packets with embarrassment, passing it to Helian Jing.


    Holding the red packets, Helian Jing found big Raorao absolutely admirable. Though she kept saying that she was just helping them out, she earned a reward money even without doing anything yet.


    After the menu was approved, and she has accepted the reward money, Ye Jiayao fastened the apron around her and began her work.


    First, she chose a prepared hen that was half a catty heavy. A hen of this weight would be delicious no matter how it was prepared. The quality of the meat was perfect, not too soft, and not too tough. Ye Jiayao deboned the chicken in a highly skillful manner that awed Helian Jing once more.


    Ye Jiayao brushed the blended seasoning on the chicken from inside and out. She then added peeled chestnuts and cooked quail eggs into the seasoning and mixed it for a while. She left 10 chestnuts for plating and stuffed the rest into the chicken''s stomach, making it full and bulging to signify a blessing for many descendants.


    She tied a knot at the chicken''s neck and placed it into the steaming tray to steam for 40 to 50 minutes.


    "Little Jing, help me take note of the time." Ye Jiayao handed him a task so that he has something to do. She was not familiar with the counting of time in the ancient times so it was best to hand it to someone accustomed to it.


    Helian Jing sat on a chair at one side, staring at the steaming tray with concentration. He also has rewards so he has to at least do something to earn it.


    Ye Jiayao felt like laughing upon seeing how earnest he was. He was indeed an innocent child.


    After she had finished the first dish, Ye Jiayao started on Two Hearts Beating as One.


    She began by mincing the prawn meat, adding chopped onions, mixing the seasoning, and slicing the roasted duck into long rectangles. She then beat the eggs and spread it to make it into an egg-skin of even thickness of similar rectangular shape. Following that, Ye Jiayao rolled the prawn paste in it, dabbed a small amount of beaten egg, and coated it in crushed almonds before deep frying it in the wok.


    This dish''s characteristic was that it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was a dual roll with a dual taste, both fragrant and tasty.


    However, to the people watching, the highlight was Ye Jiayao''s skills in vegetable sculpting.


    After getting rid of the insides of a tomato and slicing it into strips of two centimeters wide, she arranged it into a blossomed flower on the plate. For the leaves, she used sliced cucumber skin strips. A red flower with green leaves, coupled with the rolls that were fried till golden brown arranged neatly, and an exquisite dish of double taste duck roll was completed.


    The women helping out in the kitchen could not help but stare in admiration. A chef from a well-known restaurant in Ji Nan province! His skills are indeed admirable, and not only does he pay attention to the taste, he also makes sure it looks pleasing. It was making them drool just by looking.


    Ye Jiayao was agile with her movements; stir-frying, pan-frying, boiling, deep-frying, steaming, simmering, roasting, sculpting flowers and decorating. She started on all 10 dishes together, overseeing and planning, yet everything remained neat and tidy. Bonus - she also finished in the shortest time possible.


    Helian Jing''s eyes could not keep up with all the movement. Brother Jin''s aura and attitude when he was cooking were radiating. It was as if he was the king here - taking control of everything, a pair of miraculous hands changing something rotten into something magical. With skills like that, even if he had claimed to be the head chef of Wang Xian Restaurant, no one would question him.


    Helian Jing planned that when they return to Jin Ling, he would appoint brother Jin as the head chef in the prince''s mansion. He would repay his debt and he would get to eat exquisite meals! That would be the best of both worlds.


    Housekeeper Li entered the kitchen to check the progress and saw the jaw-dropping state of the dishes. They looked so precious, it was almost a shame to eat them. He definitely underestimated the little chap. Oh my! Such culinary skills, even Old Ming, the region''s most famous, is left far behind.


    He secretly rejoiced, knowing that he found just the right person today.


    When the golden hour has arrived, the feast began. There were distinguished guests everywhere and the sounds of gongs and drums rang in the sky. Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing, together with the other aunties, had their meal in the kitchen.


    Only then did Helian Jing get to enjoy Ye Jiayao''s meticulously prepared food.


    The Auspicious Phoenix Cry was a pure delight in his mouth. The fragrance of the chestnut stuffing has been sufficiently absorbed by the chicken, and likewise, the chestnuts have absorbed the chicken''s juice. The scent of the chestnut was thick and the meat was tender, rich, and mellow.


    The celery was tasty, the lily light and sweet, and the shrimp fresh and smooth in the Hundred Years of Happiness. All the ingredients harmonized together to produce a distinct flavor.


    Calling the Distinguished Friends All Around simply delicious was insufficient. The collection of sea cucumber, abalone, fish lips, fish stomach, fresh bamboo shoots and shiitake mushroom was a divine match.


    "Jin¡­"


    Ye Jiayao gave him a hard stare and Helian Jing immediately corrected himself. "Brother, after such a long time, your culinary skill has improved."


    Ye Jiayao broke into a smile. "Of course! Master has always praised me to be talented in cooking. No matter what dish it is, I can replicate it almost perfectly with just one look."


    Helian Jing rolled his eyes at her. Look at your smug face! Can''t you be more humble and restrained? Are you not afraid of people laughing at you?


    However, when he turned to look at the women in the kitchen, none of them has the intention of mocking. They were all staring at brother Jin with a look full of admiration.


    Helian Jing rolled his eyes once again. A bunch of women with no knowledge.


    Ye Jiayao scooped a quail egg for him, saying, "Eat more. This is very nutritious and you are still growing."


    It was totally the way an older brother would care for his younger brother, and it elicited more respect from the women. They have the urge to swindle this young man back home to be their son-in-law.


    Helian Jing also took an egg for her, and mocked, "Brother, eat more too. Look at you, years of being a chef and tilting the ladle so much caused you to stop growing. Those who don''t know would think that you are my younger brother."


    Ye Jiayao replied calmly, "Little Jing, having some capabilities is of the utmost importance. If you have real-life skills, you will be able to survive anywhere. With just height and no skills, you''d get nowhere. We don''t have the life of being a parasite like those rich people."


    The women all nodded their heads, agreeing with Ye Jiayao.


    Helian Jing deflated again. He could just not win with her!


    After a while, Housekeeper Li came back, a wide smile on his face. "Brother Li has good skills! The guests could not stop complimenting the dishes! They kept saying that they have never had such a delicious feast. Our master is delighted and wants to see the both of you after the wedding."


    Ye Jiayao accepted the praise humbly. "As long as everyone is satisfied, that would be fine."


    She secretly looked at Helian Jing. Aren''t I awesome?


    Helian Jing looked away expressionlessly, ignoring her.


    After the feast, rich man Li invited the both of them over to thank them personally. He even added to their monetary reward!


    10 taels! If it was in the past, Helian Jing would not even bat an eyelid. Now that they were so poor, they were about to go crazy, 10 taels were extremely precious. He could not even conceal his happiness.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him in scorn. Little Jingjing, though your dimples look good, your smile is about to reach your ears. Do you know how embarrassing is this? I thought you came from a rich family! She chose not to acknowledge the embarrassing look she had on when she rolled happily on the bed the night she managed to swindle 10 taels from the dumb donkey.


    "I heard from my housekeeper that you are going to Jin Lin. You''re just in time because my business group would be going to the area around Yang Zhou in three days. Stay here for a while and we can set off together!" rich man Li invited.


    Ye Jiayao responded gratefully, "That would be great! We can make meals for the group on the way." She knew that she has to show her value as much as possible and not just take advantage of the help that has come their way. After all, a hardworking person was welcomed everywhere.


    The biggest perks of all were that the two of them could finally sleep comfortably on a huge bed.


    However, Ye Jiayao started to fret.


    She had introduced little Jingjing to everyone as her brother, and therefore, they arranged for them to stay in a room with only one bed.


    Although she has slept in the same bed with little Jingjing before, it was a huge plank bed with 10 or more people in it. That was different.


    Now, it was only the two of them in bed. A single man and a woman. Not only that there was a physiological barrier between them, Ye Jiayao''s secret was at the risk of being exposed.


    Helian Jing plopped face down on the bed, spreading his arms and legs wide. "We''ve been sleeping in ruined temples and pavilions every day, I almost forgot how it feels like to sleep on a huge bed."


    Ye Jiayao watched him roll around on the bed with her face full of worry.


    I want to roll around too!

 Chapter 40：Just A Foodie

    Ye Jiayao stepped out to wash up first and when she returned, Helian Jing was almost unconscious, hugging a pillow.


    "Hey, get up and wash up before you sleep." Ye Jiayao nudged him awake.


    "Don''t disturb me! I want to sleep!" Helian Jing smacked her hand away, snuggling further into his pillow.


    "You''re filthy! Come on! Get up and wash!" Ye Jiayao pulled the pillow out from his arms.


    Helian Jing reluctantly crawled out of bed, his eyes only half-open as he stumbled on his way to the washroom.


    Ye Jiayao pushed the four benches that come with the square table together to make a makeshift bed. She took a pillow and a blanket to serve as her cushion from the hard wood. Luckily, it was large enough that it could also cover her. Finally done, Ye Jiayao lied on the benches, heaving a long sigh of relief.


    Although this bed was a little hard and a little uneven, it was still way better than sleeping in ruined temples and pavilions. Not to mention that it doesn''t have the odor of a huge plank bed. She''d just make do for the night and see if she could ask housekeeper Li for a couch or a straw mat.


    After washing up, Helian Jing returned to the room to see brother Jin sleeping on the bench. "Why are you sleeping on a bench when we have a bed?" he wondered.


    Ye Jiayao groaned. "I am not used to sharing a bed with someone."


    "Didn''t we sleep in a huge plank bed with 10 smelly people? Are you afraid I would molest you? I am not a homosexual," Helian Jing replied with disdain.


    If only you are gay, I''ll jump on that bed in a heartbeat.


    "Stop nagging and just sleep on the comfy bed and let me sleep on my bench." Ye Jiayao glared at him before turning her back to him. She was dog-tired and she had no energy left to banter with him.


    Helian Jing sat by the bed, a little upset as he watched her curl up on the bench. Although she acts fierce and bullies him all the time, he could tell that she was always looking out for him. She always let him eat first when there''s food, and always find a clean and dry place for him to sleep when they have to hunker down in a ruined temple. She had a busy night tonight as she had juggled making several dishes all at once. Even though the aunties helped, it was her that did the heaviest work.


    Helian Jing suddenly said, "You sleep on the bed."


    "I told you, I am not used to sharing¡­" Ye Jiayao replied, annoyed.


    "I''ll sleep on the bench, you sleep on the bed," Helian Jing cut her off.


    Ye Jiayao turned to look at him, surprised. She couldn''t believe that he was willing to give the bed up for her. He was a pampered, rich young master from a wealthy family. All throughout their journey, all he''s done was complain about every little inconvenience that they encounter. For him to offer such thing, he must''ve actually finally learned how to be considerate of others in light of the trials and tribulations he had experienced.


    She was the perfect example of making the best out of a hard deal. Growing up, she did not have to worry about money, food, or staying alive. Now that she has time-traveled to the past, she was forced to face various challenges and crisis of survival. She would''ve liked to complain, but she didn''t. She desperately wanted to spiral down into depression, but she didn''t. Staying down would only speed her death, well, the second death, up. Instead, she worked hard to survive and live a better life. It doesn''t matter even if the world deserts her because she would not give up on herself.


    "Forget it. You''re gigantic and you don''t have a good sleeping posture, you''ll just fall down halfway through the night. Leave me alone and go to sleep." Ye Jiayao''s tone might be hard but she really was feeling warm inside.


    Helian Jing settled back on the bed, despondent. As he lied on his side, he watched her slender back, and even from a distance, he could smell the faint fragrance of her body. He yearned for that scent that makes him feel warm and at ease.


    He knew that he was not easy to get along with, and just like what she said, he was unreasonable, proud, and bad-tempered. In the prince''s mansion, everyone would give him anything he wanted and he always took it for granted. He had no qualms about taking everything and it wasn''t until now that he felt guilty about it.


    He has experienced more hardship these past few days than on all of his 16 years of life combined. He would never have imagined that he would meet someone who would have a huge impact on him at Lian Hu. Although they were similar in age, he was a mere ignorant child compared to her. He does not even know how to survive on his own. He had always thought he was remarkable, and for the first time, he realized how useless he really was. Without her guidance, he might have really become a beggar.


    Big Raorao, when we get to Jin Ling, I would be sure to fulfill my promise and let you live a good life. You would never have any need to wander around ever again.


    Helian Jing silently repeated his promise over and over again. He raised his hand towards the candlestick and with a flick, the flame flickered and extinguished.


    Within the next three days, Ye Jiayao mingled around rich man Li''s home. She took to everyone like a fish took to water. From the old madam Li, to the watchman, and even the dog, everyone loved her.


    Helian Jing concluded the reasons for brother Jin''s popularity. She was good-looking, very passionate, enthusiastic, polite, and extremely hardworking and industrious.


    That thought darkened Helian Jing''s mood. She was always polite and cheerful around others, yet she was constantly snarling at him. Did he really deserve to be scolded like she was always saying? Was he that terrible?


    On the fourth day, the Li family business group sets off as scheduled.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing sat on the packets of herbs on top of the handcart. Although the transportation was a little simple, it was still a blessing because that meant they didn''t have to walk anymore. Ye Jiayao''s mood was so bright, she could not help but burst into a song.


    "The river flows towards the east, the stars in the sky are part of the Big Dipper¡­"


    There were many strong and courageous people in Shan Dong, so singing a heroic song was more than fitting. However, she deliberately made her voice hoarse and loud. The off-tune and off-beat singing made Helian Jing, who was sitting by her side, break out in goosebumps.


    "Hey, can you not howl? You are going to summon the wolves," Helian Jing complained in agony, putting his hands over his ears to block the sound.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him, continuing to sing. "Howl at the sight of injustice when it is time to attack, attack¡­"


    The crowd from the business group laughed heartily, heavily entertained by Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao sang more enthusiastically upon seeing everyone''s enjoyment. However, what everyone thought was novel the first time, became annoying after the fourth time.


    "Brother Li, aren''t you tired? If you are tired, you can take a break." The leader of the group, Li Mao, housekeeper Li''s son, hinted at her.


    Helian Jing burst into laughter.


    Ye Jiayao stopped mid-song, embarrassed. I only sang that bad to give you strength and cheer you on! Unappreciative boor!


    Ye Jiayao swung a fist as big as a bean paste bun at Helian Jing as a sign of warning. Helian Jing silenced his laughter but he still could not restrain the shake of his shoulders.


    Without vexing over where to find their next meal and where to sleep for the night, the journey became more enjoyable and interesting.


    The group reached Ji Ning after 10 days. They were traveling by boat and they were able to cover a few hundred lis in a day. Ye Jiayao calculated their course, and at this speed, they could reach Jin Ling in 10 days.


    They were almost reaching Yang Zhou and Ye Jiayao began to ponder. Should she stop by Yang Zhou and take a look at the Ye house? Would her step-mother be shocked when she sees her? Does her father know about this perpetrated fraud? Well, even if he did know, what were the chances that her father would actually do anything about it? It was more likely that he would help her stepmother and sister to save the reputation of the Ye and Wei family.


    After considering for a long time, Ye Jiayao dispelled the thought.


    Oh! I can go to my maternal grandparents'' house! Her maternal grandmother doted on her the most and surely, she would stand up for her.


    However, after some thought, Ye Jiayao decided against it. At the start of the year, someone from her maternal grandparents'' house came to deliver news of her maternal grandmother''s poor health. If her maternal grandmother were to know that her beloved granddaughter got bullied like this, she would''ve kicked the bucket. She didn''t want to go over there and cause her more trouble.


    "Hey, what are you thinking?" Helian Jing asked, coming up to the deck upon seeing Ye Jiayao sat at the bow of the boat, daydreaming.


    Ye Jiayao glanced slightly at him. Stinking fellow. Why is he like that dumb donkey, always calling people hey?


    "Thinking of what to eat for lunch," Ye Jiayao answered lazily.


    Helian Jing laughed. "You know you don''t have to come up with different fancy styles every day, right? Surely, that''s just a headache. Speaking of, you told me you''re not a chef, but how did you know how to cook so many dishes?"


    Ye Jiayao raised a brow at him smugly. "That''s not a wonder. I am a genius and I have good comprehension skills. It''s just like a lesson being taught by the same teacher, but there were students that could just grasp the techniques quickly. You are the kind of student who has poor comprehension and can never learn well so you find my knowledge a wonder."


    Helian Jing clucked his tongue, saying, "A couple of praises and you''re already flying over the clouds. You know what I think? I think you''re just a foodie who only mulls over eating."


    Ye Jiayao smirked, a fake smile on her face. "Congratulations, you are not hopelessly stupid. Interest is your best teacher and the source of motivation. It''s only when you are interested in something, would you put all your concentration and efforts in it. You''d find ways to do it to its best like I just did with my cooking."


    "You''re preaching again. I think that you can become a chef and a teacher." Helian Jing pouted mockingly.


    Ye Jiayao laughed in a self-deprecating manner. It was a pity she didn''t apply what she had just said in her previous life. Her teacher would always nag her to study more and she had always found it irritating. It was only now that she had gone through the horrible things she did that she understood her teacher. If she had heeded the advice to learn more skills, she would probably have another way out instead of just depending on her cooking.


    Li Mao came out from the hold of the ship, shouting towards Ye Jiayao, "Brother Li, we are going to reach Yang Zhou shortly. We are going ashore to deliver some goods, would you and little brother Jing want to come ashore to play?"


    Helian Jing exclaimed, "Let''s go ashore to play! I''ve been to Yang Zhou and I know of a lot of fun places. I''ll bring you there!"


    "Sure, we are going ashore too," Ye Jiayao shouted back to Li Mao.


    The boat docked ashore gently, and Li Mao commanded everyone to move a portion of the goods ashore. They were going to deliver the herbs to Ji Ren Tang, the biggest medicinal store in Yang Zhou.


    Ye Jiayao called Helian Jing over to help.


    "It''s okay, brother Li. Go and enjoy yourselves! The boat will be stopping here for a night, and you don''t have to make the dinner tonight. Everyone is going ashore to drink." Li Mao laughed.


    They''re free today!


    Helian Jing pulled Ye Jiayao ashore merrily, excitement making him practically bouncing on his toes.


    In the top grade room of the biggest inn in Yang Zhou, Yue Lai Ju, Xia Chunyu was drinking tea while listening to Song Qi''s report.


    "Your subordinate has asked around and found out that there are three sisters in the Ye family and one brother. The first young mistress is called Ye Jinxuan, 17 this year, the second young mistress is called Ye Jinrong, 16 this year, the third young master is Ye Zhongyuan, 14 this year, and the fourth young mistress is only 10. Madam Ye was originally a concubine and was only made the lady of the family after sub-prefect Ye''s wife passed away. The Ye household is very calm, as though nothing happened. The servants all said that the first young mistress got married to the Wei family in Ji Nan province but cannot be sure of the whereabouts of the second young mistress."

 Chapter 41：A Coincidence

    "Your subordinate also went to the house of first young mistress Ye''s wet nurse, Su, who has left the mansion and went back to her hometown. First young mistress Ye was indeed having a hard time at home," Song Qi reported.


    Xia Chunyu set his cup of tea down and walked to the window, his hands clasped behind his back. He looked into the distance with a frown. From where he was, he could see the dense white canvas of boats in the canal, manifesting into this flourishing city. Indeed, the river flows east, bringing tens of thousands of white sails over.


    However, the bustling scene before his eyes could not cover up his mournful and desolate heart.


    All the information that he has gathered pointed to Yaoyao telling the truth. Ye Jinxuan really was kidnapped and brought to Hei Feng Gang while the second young mistress Ye acted as a substitute for her. The second young mistress Ye took Ye Jinxuan''s rightful place as the first young lady of the Wei mansion.


    Yaoyao wasn''t lying.


    He dared not think of what Yaoyao must have been feeling when she left. She promised that she would follow her husband''s orders, even if he has always treated her badly. She took on the role of the doting wife, never complaining when she washed his dirty clothes or made him delicious meals every day.


    Chunyu, I will treat you well.


    Chunyu, you cannot abandon me.


    He shook his head, his mind occupied by her words, her soulful eyes, and her crafty, beautiful smile.


    It was a pity that he didn''t believe her back then. She treated him as a life-saving buoy in the sea of her troubles and misfortunes in her life, and he only looked down on her. He had let her down time and again just for the sake of protecting his noble status. With her gone, he was left with so much guilt and regret. At times, he would feel like there were two mountains pressing down on him, rendering him unable to breathe. Every thought of her was a sharp pain to him.


    Song Qi looked at the Master Crown Prince sympathetically. Sister-in-law was a good woman, and he believed that everyone who has interacted with her would find it difficult to forget her. Even until now, he still could not forget the pig stomach chicken that she promised to trick him into playing with her.


    "You did not tell Su the true condition of Yaoyao, right?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Song Qi replied, "Your subordinate dared not tell the truth. The only thing that got Su to trust me was telling her that the first young mistress Ye is living well in Ji Nan and misses her. Su was delighted and even said that she was relieved that the hard times for first young mistress Ye has finally ended."


    Xia Chunyu''s frown deepened. "Take another trip to Su''s house and give her a hundred silvers. Also, buy a pair of the best tiger skin you can find for her."


    He did not know if Yaoyao has any other wishes, those were the only one he has heard her mention.


    Yang Zhou, an ancient city that was as described in poems and paintings, has a beautiful Shou Xi lake, a majestic grand canal, and beautiful private courtyards. The courtyards were passed down the generations of salt merchants and have become famous tourist sites in the modern times.


    However, Helian Jing and Ye Jiayao decided that sightseeing could wait. Filling their growling stomachs were the priority.


    There was a bustling food street by the grand canal. The ancient times were not like the modern times with cars, trains, and planes. Shipping was the main mode of goods transportation in ancient Yang Zhou. People from different locations would stop by here to try the local delicacies or simply appreciate the beauty of the scenery. It made perfect sense, at least business-wise, that the food and beverage industry near the canal coastal area was the most developed.


    The two of them entered an ordinary teahouse, and Helian Jing ordered San Ding buns, jade, and a thousand layered cake. "This is called the three absolutes of dim sum, a necessity when drinking tea. However, I am not sure if the dim sum here would taste good. The dim sums in Man Fu Restaurant are absolutely delicious, but it is too expensive and we cannot afford it right now. I will bring there next time."


    Ye Jiayao smiled, replying carelessly, "Sure!"


    The dim sums in Man Fu Restaurant were indeed the most authentic and expensive ones in Yang Zhou. Jinrong loved eating them, getting people to buy them for her from time to time and even flaunting it in front of her. Ye Jiayao only had it once when she was 10 when her maternal grandfather bought some for her.


    In the range of Ye Jiayao''s cooking abilities, her pastry skills were the most lacking, because, in the modern times, her father wasn''t also very good at it. Ye Jiayao really did want to learn more about it but becoming a formal apprentice in the ancient times was difficult. Most chefs don''t allow people to watch them cook or make pastry for the fear of their trade secret getting out. At least in the modern times, there were specialized schools and training classes to nurture budding chefs.


    The dim sums were served quickly, and Helian Jing rubbed his hands together in excitement. He picked his chopsticks up and chose a San Ding bun first, relishing his first bite with a satisfied look.


    Ye Jiayao followed his lead and also tried one. The skin was still soft and chewy, and the filling was diced chicken, diced meat, and diced bamboo shoots. However, Ye Jiayao found that the chicken was not fragrant enough. It appeared that it was used to stew soup because the freshness of the chicken was all extracted out. The diced meat was too fatty, and the diced bamboo shoot was quite tough with the taste of the dregs prominent.


    Well, I''m giving this a two-star review.


    She tried the thousand layered cake next. The authentic thousand layered cake has around 20 layers, a layer of cake and a layer of sugar oil alternately stacked together and separated. It was exceptionally soft and moderately sweet. Unfortunately, the thousand layered cake in front of her was all stuck and mashed together and a little too sweet.


    Two stars.


    On the contrary, the jade shumai was an unexpected surprise. The skin was paper thin, revealing the jade green chives inside and making it worthy of the ''jade'' description. The shrimp filling was also good, fresh and tender.


    Hmmm. Four stars.


    "Delicious, delicious! This is too yummy, I miss the taste of Yang Zhou''s delicacy too much." Helian Jing was clearly very satisfied with his meal.


    Ye Jiayao watched him with sympathy. Pitiful little Jingjing. After a few days of hard times, his expectations for delicacies has sharply declined. Based on his snobbiness, if this was served to him in the past, he might''ve thrown it away to feed the dogs.


    I''m going to refrain from teasing him about this. Back in the day when Empress Dowager Cixi was seeking refuge, she considered a bread given to her delicious. Even when she returned to the palace, she wasn''t able to forget it. It really was true that when a person is starving, everything would taste delicious.


    "You can eat more if you like." Ye Jiayao pushes the dim sums towards Helian Jing.


    Helian Jing was extremely touched. Big Raorao was tough with her words, but she really was soft-hearted. She was always putting him first.


    "Have some too! I cannot finish this much alone." Helian Jing endured the pain of parting with his treasure. Big Raorao was so nice to him, he can''t be too selfish.


    Ye Jiayao broke into peals of laughter. "There is a total of three San Ding buns, four thousand layered cakes, and six jade shumai. Normally, these would not even be enough for you. Don''t try to be courteous, I''m just not that hungry and I don''t feel like eating."


    She did not want to affect little Jingjing''s appetite, and also in the principle of not wasting food, so she didn''t tell him that the food tasted horrible to her.


    Helian Jing, satisfied with her answer, finished the rest of the food.


    After having dim sums, the pair continued on to search for good food. They spotted someone selling candy man by the road and they both rushed over. Ye Jiayao paid three coppers for a phoenix while Helian Jing ended up getting a dog. He detested the dog so much that he made the vendor exchange it for a rabbit.


    The master in candy man looked perfectly fluid as though he was merely drawing, creating a flying phoenix with its wings spread and a little rabbit expertly.


    Ye Jiayao proudly compared her huge phoenix with Helian Jing''s little rabbit, laughing out loud.


    Helian Jing was bummed. They both paid three coppers but she got something so huge and he only got this little rabbit. Oh, well. I didn''t really pay for it.


    The two of them continued strolling around while they eat their candy man. Helian Jing showed interest in the roadside ring toss game. Ye Jiayao saw his eagerness to try so she handed him some coppers. "Have a go!"


    "You''re not going?" Helian Jing asked.


    Ye Jiayao raised her chin towards another direction. "I''m going to mold a dough."


    Helian Jing was not interested in dough molding. Perhaps big Raorao would ask the master in dough molding to make a mold of my face. "Then come back here to look for me after that."


    Ye Jiayao went to the dough figurine shop, inquiring. "Master, how much does it cost to mold a dough?"


    The dough figurine master replied, "Two coppers for a dough. I can mold it according to your appearance."


    "Then mold one according to my appearance," Ye Jiayao said merrily.


    She posed with a tacky peace sign and asked, "Can you mold it just like that?"


    The corner of the master''s eyes twitched as he looked at Ye Jiayao''s peace sign. "With that hand gesture as well?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded her head repeatedly. "Yes, yes."


    The dough master looked at her weirdly before heaving a big sigh and beginning to mold.


    Over at the other side, Helian Jing managed to squeeze his way to the front of the line. He scoffed upon seeing how the person before him failed to get anything for five consecutive rounds.


    "One hoop for one copper! You can loop whatever you want! If you get it, the prize goes to you! Come, come, toss some rings!" the uncle tending the store shouted loudly.


    "Give me five rings." Helian Jing handed the uncle five coppers and got five bamboo rings in exchange. He immediately targeted the fat porcelain doll. Big Raorao has a broken, black, and ugly ceramic pot to contain coppers. He would gift her a prettier one for her to contain her coppers.


    Whoosh!


    The bamboo ring looped steadily onto the porcelain doll, and the people watching all cheered loudly. Helian Jing felt proud. Throughout their unlucky journey, he has practiced hitting birds with stones and it showed with his dramatically improved accuracy.


    Following that, Helian jing looped a few other small things. The uncle tending the store worried about his hundred percent hit rate. He passed the prizes to Helian Jing and said in discontent, "Young man, what accuracy! I am only a small business, please know when to stop!"


    Helian Jing looped the things that he wanted and left the things he had no interest in. Big Yayao has taught him to always give others some leeway, hence, he stopped and carried his prizes happily to look for her.


    "Raorao, Raorao!" Helian Jing squeezed in amongst the crowd, shouting at the top of his lungs.


    Ye Jiayao turned around and saw Helian Jing carrying a bunch of items in his arms, shouting for her. It looked like he had quite a profit. She was just about to call him when she spotted a person walking straight towards Helian Jing. Ye Jiayao immediately turned away and started in the opposite direction.


    F*ck! What is dumb donkey doing here?


    Just as Helian Jing made a move towards Ye Jiayao''s direction, a tall silhouette stepped in front of him.


    Helian Jing squinted his eyes against the light. "Brother... brother Chunyu?" he stammered.


    Xia Chunyu was feeling incredibly frustrated so he came to take a walk by the river when he suddenly heard someone call Yaoyao. His heart skipped a beat and before he knew it, he was already heading towards the direction of the voice.

 Chapter 42：Jing Young Royal Highness

    "Little Jing? What are you doing here?" Xia Chunyu asked in surprise. He took notice of Helian Jing''s grey clothes and common folk attire as well as his tanned skin. "Did you run away from the mansion?"


    Helian mansion''s Young Royal Highness was a master who constantly gives people headaches. He loved stirring up trouble wherever he goes. Two years ago, Helian Xuan went to southern Fu Jian deal with the pirates, and Helian Jing used the moment to try and sneak out of the mansion. Luckily, he got caught before he could set foot outside the gate. Helian Jing must''ve followed his older brother who went to Shang Dong to get rid of the bandits. Come to think of it! Little Jing must''ve already been to Shang Dong! How else could he have met this unfortunate situation?


    Helian Jing subtly glanced at his sides, trying to estimate the probability of escaping from brother Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu looked right through what he was thinking and blocked his way. "Where are you going? Come with me to Jin Ling."


    Helian Jing cried out, "I can''t, big brother. I am here with my friend and I can''t just leave him."


    "Who did you kidnap this time?


    "How can I kidnap anyone? I was almost kidnapped! Luckily this Rao brother saved me. He''s actually helping me to go back home," Helian Jing said defensively. He did not want Chunyu to think of big Raorao as a bad person.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. Jin Rao brother? Raorao? A male?


    "Did you call this friend just then?"


    "Yes! He''s just right there, I will get him." Helian Jing wanted to run away from Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu took his arm and said, "Let''s go together." He would never let little Jing slip away under his watch.


    Helian Jing had no choice but to let Chunyu tag along as they looked for brother Jin.


    "Eh? Where is he? He was here just a moment ago." They came in front of the dough figurine store but couldn''t see Ye Jiayao. Helian Jing asked the dough figurine master nervously, "Where is the little brother who came here to do dough figurine?"


    The dough figurine master was busy with molding the dough in his hand that he didn''t even look up. He simply replied, "The little brother said that if someone came looking for him, he has a sudden stomachache and he needs to leave early."


    What? Big Raorao looked fine to him just now. How can he have a stomachache? Was it the dessert we ate? We ate the same thing, and I''m still fine.


    Helian Jing worried, "Brother Chunyu, my friend seemed to be not well. I have to look for him."


    Xia Chunyu saw his worried look, decided that he was being honest, and relented. "Where do you guys live?"


    Originally, Helian Jing wanted to play and have fun with big Raorao before they reach Jin Ling. However, now that brother Chunyu has seen him, it wasn''t possible anymore. He had no choice but, to tell the truth. He pointed at the dock and said, "We came here by boat and the boat stopped at the dock."


    Xia Chunyu signaled for his guards to come forward. "Follow Jing Young Royal Highness until he finds his friend then bring them back to the boat. Remember, if you lose him, don''t bother coming back to me."


    The two guards gave a loud affirmative, their sights already fixed on Jing Young Royal Highness.


    Ye Jiayao waited for them to leave before coming out from the alley she was hiding in.


    She didn''t know that little Jingjing knew Chunyu. She also observed that he seemed to be afraid of the dumb donkey. This world is too small! She randomly picked up someone in Da Ming lake and he just happened to be related to that stupid donkey. The rare occasion she went shopping in Yang Zhou, she ran into Chunyu.


    This is just fantastic.


    She refused to chalk it up to fate. The only fate that she and Chunyu have is doomed. She doesn''t want anything to do with him.


    "Little brother, the dough mold is done. Do you still want it?" asked dough figurine master.


    Ye Jiayao gave him two copper coins to him and take the dough figurine to chase after little Jingjing. She knew that little Jingjing was most likely going to go with Chunyu. It was good that Chunyu and little Jingjing went in separate directions so Ye Jiayao could get the chance to say goodbye.


    Helian Jing went back to the boat and shouted for Raorao loudly but couldn''t find anyone. He was getting desperate. Where did big Raorao go?


    "Boatman, boatman! Did you see my big brother?" Helian Jing asked as he spotted the boatman.


    The boatman pointed at the dock and said, "Isn''t that your big brother?"


    Ye Jiayao intentionally clutched her stomach as she slowly moved towards Helian Jing. Helian Jing saw her and immediately ran over to hold her up. "What is wrong? How did you get a stomachache so randomly?"


    Ye Jiayao waved his hands away weakly. "Don''t worry about it. It''s just probably the thousand layer cake that was too sweet. I don''t eat stuff that is too sweet because I get a stomachache."


    "Are you okay now? Should I get a doctor for you?" Helian Jing asked in concern. He could ask brother Chunyu for some money.


    "No, no! I am much better now. I just need more rest and I will be fine." Ye Jiayao was moved in seeing how worried little Jingjing was.


    Helian Jing carried her inside the boat and sat her on a bench. He went to pour her a glass of water and complained, "Why didn''t you tell me you can''t eat sweet stuff? You didn''t have to finish it!"


    Ye Jiayao reigned in the smile that was threatening to show. "I didn''t know that it would be too sweet. By the time I figured it out, I''ve already bitten into it and I can''t waste food."


    "Well, you still wasted the food eventually!" Helian Jing said sulkily.


    "Tell me, what did you get from the ring toss?" Ye Jiayao changed the topic.


    Helian Jing happily brought his loot out to her. His grin was proud as he said, "I got you a china doll to put your copper coins in!"


    Ye Jiayao really liked the adorable looking china doll, but she couldn''t let him know that. "Only girls like this type of doll."


    Helian Jing was a little bit disappointed and said unpleasantly, "At least it''s still much better than your broken jug. I got it especially for you. Don''t you want it?"


    Ye Jiayao took the doll and held it against her chest. "It cost five copper coins, of course, I want it."


    "It was my skill that won it! Did you think that was very easy to get?" Helian Jing whined, frowning.


    Ye Jiayao laughed through the pain in her heart. Little Jingjing is leaving! This awful, pitiful, and adorable little guy that brought many troubles for her was finally going home. She would never admit it, but he gave her happiness these past horrible days.


    "This is for you, it was crafted in my shape." Ye Jiayao handed over the small dough figurine to him.


    Helian Jing looked at the little dough figurine and laughed. "Big Raorao, what was that weird gesture? So funny!"


    Helian Jing imitated Ye Jiayao''s gesture and put up a scissor hand next to his ear. His elegant and almond-shaped eyes were squinted and his charming dimples were on full display. That smile was so bright, and Ye Jiayao feared that she would never see a smile that bright ever again.


    "Stupid. You can''t even copy it right," Ye Jiayao sneered, rolling her eyes.


    Helian Jing happily took the dough figurine and said, "Raorao, I just met my brother''s friend. He can take us to Jin Ling."


    Us?


    Ye Jiayao shook her head immediately. "I can''t go with you."


    "Why?" Helian Jing was surprised.


    Ye Jiayao racked her brains to come up with an excuse. "Because... because I promised rich man Li to cook for the business group. I can''t break my promise, he''s been so good to us. If I leave, what will Li Mao and the others eat? I need to finish what we signed up for."


    "Well, what are we going to do?" Helian Jing was distressed. Brother Chunyu would never let him stay here but he really didn''t want to leave big Raorao.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Little Jingjing, you can leave with your brother''s friend. I will go with Li Mao and I''ll just come and look for you when we get to Jin Ling."


    "You promise you will look for me?" Helian Jing asked sulkily, feeling torn.


    "Of course! You still owe me silvers, after all. You promised that you would repay me double in Jin Ling. You''re not going to go back on your debt, right?" Ye Jiayao teased.


    Helian Jing straightened up and lifted his chin haughtily. "You really think I am that type of person?"


    But if he knew my real identity, will she still look for me?


    "Jing Young Royal Highness, it is getting dark," Xia Chunyu''s guards urged outside.


    Ye Jiayao stared at Helian Jing in shock. Jing Young Royal Highness?


    She knew that he was from rich family. He was wearing a Cloud Water Green gown that cost at least 100 silvers when they first met, for cripes'' sake! She just never thought that he would be a Royal Highness. Good, God! What is happening? First, she met an heir-son lord in a bandits'' nest, and now she picked up a Young Royal Highness on the road. Is my luck really this good? Or are there really just too many princes in the world?


    Helian Jing saw her surprised look and knew that he should start to explain before she gets mad. "Um... I was going to tell you when we arrive Jin Ling."


    Ye Jiayao stayed silent, still shocked.


    What the ever loving f*ck! Young Royal Highness lived in the same dorm with her, slept next to her, stole a watermelon with her, and got dropped into a dung jar! Oh, and she also had a Master Crown Prince for a husband! Although, if she was being completely honest, those two nobles made her second life exciting and fascinating. It was just that it had gotten a bit too exciting and she couldn''t face it anymore.


    "Jing Young Royal Highness," the guards called again.


    "Shut Up!" Helian Jing answered angrily.


    Helian Jing held Ye Jiayao''s arm and said, "Big Raorao, I am the Young Royal Highness in the Helian mansion. When you come, and you promised that you will, just say my name and they''ll let you in. I promise to take you around Jin Ling to eat all the delicious food. You can''t break your promise. You told me a bargain is a bargain."


    Helian Jing felt nervous and frustrated as she saw him flinch away from him. He had many friends in Jin Ling, but he knew that those people were just with him because of his title. All they did was try to please and flatter him to get into the good graces of the royal family. It was big Raorao that finally made him feel like a normal person.


    Even though she always spoke harshly to him and derided him, she took good care of him. Whenever they had food, she would always let him eat first. She slept on the hard bench and let him take the bed. She let him use the umbrella even if it meant she was going to get soaked. She cooked him good meals that she knew he would enjoy. Never had someone treated him so well before without expecting something in return.


    They met by chance, like patches of drifting duckweed, and formed a real bond on the way. If it was possible, he would walk with her forever and visit all the corners of the world. He wanted to live an adventurous and wonderful life with her. He didn''t want to be a bored young Royal Highness in a mansion and surrounded by hypocrites.


    The thoughts that formed in his head surprised Helian Jing. He thought that he liked to be with her because she was funny, strong, and caring.


    It was when he was faced with the fact that he had to leave her that he figured out that his feeling was not so simple after all.

 Chapter 43：Saying Goodbye

    Ye Jiayao saw his worried look and the beads of sweat on his forehead and laughed. "Why are you so worried? You''ve got to be the only person I know who''s worried that his creditor won''t find him. I am embarrassingly poor, if I don''t charge you for your debt, how else will I survive? It''s Helian mansion, right? I promise that I''ll go look for you."


    Helian Jing relaxed a little after hearing her vow. He put his hand out and made her pledge by slapping each other''s palm.


    Ye Jiayao readily slapped his hand to ease his worries.


    "Now, go and get ready. Don''t let others wait for you for too long." Ye Jiayao punched his shoulder affectionately.


    Helian Jing gave into the sudden impulse to hug her.


    Ye Jiayao was immobile with surprise.


    "Big Raorao, you must come," he whispered next to her ear as he hugged her. He gave her one last squeeze before turning around to leave. He was afraid that he would cry if he spent a moment longer with her.


    Why is it so painful?


    Suddenly, his heart felt empty and cold. He felt like a little kid that lost his favorite toy. It was just like when big Raorao denied association to him and he stood under a roof, watching the rain fall around him.


    He stopped just by the dock and looked back at the boat. Ye Jiayao was waving at him, and he waved back unenthusiastically. "Big Raorao, you''ll come, right? If you don''t come to me, I don''t know where I can find you."


    Ye Jiayao waited until he was gone before walking back inside the cabin, carrying the china doll that he gifted her. She looked up at the planks at the top of the boat so that her tears wouldn''t fall.


    Little Jingjing left. She felt changed.


    When she had fled from Black Wind Ridge, she didn''t cry. She didn''t want to cry. She felt upset and disappointed and she didn''t want to shed a tear for that stupid donkey.


    Little Jingjing is different. In so many ways, he became just like her little brother. Bickering with him turned awful days into something bearable. He made their tough journey fun and less like a suffering.


    Would everyone she cared about leave her eventually?


    She waited until she had control of her tears before taking out the copper coins from her broken jar and putting it into the adorable doll Helian Jing got her. Ye Jiayao saved up some money so that she could buy some relatively good clothes for him when they arrived at Jin Ling. She didn''t want to send him home to his family with his ratty look.


    Now¡­ the money was useless.


    The canal at night sparkled under the cold silver moon and ethereal twinkling stars. The fishing light from faraway eventually disappeared from her sight.


    Helian Jing sat at the end of the boat, holding the dough figurine that Ye Jiayao gave him as he stared blankly at the dark night.


    What is big Raorao doing right now?


    Xia Chunyu noticed that little Jing had been sat at the end of the boat for quite a while, so he went over to him to see what was wrong.


    "Are you still thinking of your friend?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Helian Jing was not in the mood to talk and stayed quiet.


    Xia Chunyu sighed. "If you are worried about your friend, let me give him some silvers so you don''t owe him anything."


    Helian Jing said sulkily, "You can''t give him silvers. If you pay him off, he won''t come after me anymore."


    "Having a connection with Jing young Royal Highness is a dream for many people. Don''t worry, he will definitely look for you," Xia Chunyu assured him calmly.


    "Big Raorao is not that type of person! He is different," Helian Jing countered angrily.


    Xia Chunyu''s curiosity was evident in his smile. "Oh? Why do you say that? Last time I checked, you can''t see through a person''s heart."


    Helian Jing sounded like a child as he insisted, "I just know, okay? Big Raorao is different."


    You know? You know nothing! You''re just a willful kid who never grows up. You''re too naive and trusting. Just because someone gave you a bun when you were hungry, that doesn''t mean they''re a good person.


    "Running away may have made you more capable, but you still are the same child who doesn''t think things through. Didn''t you ever think of how worried your mother would be? You just did what you wanted and damn the consequences," Xia Chunyu ranted, fed up with Helian Jing''s antics.


    "Why could my brother go on an expedition when he was just 14 and I had to stay at home and do nothing? You even had people to command at 16!" Helian Jing rebutted.


    "Don''t you get it? They''re worried about you. The first time you stepped out of the palace, your money was stolen and you had to rely on someone to keep you alive. You almost became a beggar! With that little skills, it''s no wonder they don''t let you out."


    Luckily, little Jing was like his little brother so Xia Chunyu could freely give him the scolding he deserved.


    Helian Jing''s face turned red with embarrassment. "How would I learn if I they don''t let me go? Were you already perfect at the beginning?


    Xia Chunyu arched his brows and haughtily said, "You tell me."


    Helian Jing tried to settle down. He didn''t think that he was that bad. There definitely were worse young nobilities. It was just compared to his older brother and Chunyu, he was a tragic case. Even big Raorao, a poor man, was infinitely better than him.


    "When your brother and mother sees that you are mature and responsible enough, they will give you duties. I would think that after the journey you''ve just been through, you''ll understand more about having a man''s responsibility," Xia Chunyu said in earnest, patting his shoulder.


    Xia Chunyu went back inside the cabin, and Song Qi hurried to ask, "Does young Royal Highness still doesn''t want to come inside?"


    "Don''t worry, let him stay by himself. He just needs to go for a blow and refresh his mind." Xia Chunyu believed that he had given the spoiled prince a lot to think about.


    Song Qi thought he that he had been blowing for a long time now, and if he continued to stay outside, the wind will surely blow him into an idiot.


    The night breeze over the canal was cool, and the paddles of the boat made a rhythmic rushing sound. Xia Chunyu''s words sat heavily on Helian Jing''s heart and thoughts.


    Man''s responsibility. Everyone, including his family and constituents, thought of him as just a kid. Even big Raorao has always said that he was an overgrown kid. Was the problem within himself? He was hot-headed. His behavior was not stable. He had a big heart and big dreams but he lacked the initiative. Who would trust him with anything?


    He lifted his eyes to stare at the serene river bank. His eyes looked clear and bright with determination as he decided to change the path he was on. I''m going to get stronger. I''m going to stop relying on other people to survive. I''m going to be a responsible Jing young Royal Highness. I am going to be a prince that everyone would be proud of.


    Six days later, in the early morning, a boat slowly docked into the cargo wharf. Immediately after the boat pulled into the shore, a group of officers commanded it, asking for a person named Jing Rao.


    After an hour, Helian Jing arrived at the dock and boarded the boat.


    The officers standing guard all saluted in unison. "Jing Royal Highness."


    Li Mao bowed his head and shivered.


    He was just a civilian and an honest businessman who has never encountered such situation before. He didn''t know what was wrong. The little brother Li they were looking for was not a bad person. How could he have offended a Royal Highness?


    Helian Jing ordered the officers to leave.


    "Li Mao, you don''t have to be afraid. I am here just looking for Jing Rao. Where is he?"


    Helian Jing, for the past days, has been worried that big Raorao was not going to look for him. Luckily, brother Chunyu taught him a way to estimate when the boat would arrive and he was able to send people to wait at the docks. The guards immediately controlled Li''s boat when it arrived so big Raorao could not run away.


    After combing the boat to no avail, they called for Helian Jing who immediately rushed here.


    Eh? He sounds familiar. Li Mao looked up curiously and stared at Helian Jing, speechless. Wow, this handsome young Royal Highness with fancy clothes was really that Jing little brother.


    After the shock, Li Mao finally relaxed. He thought that little brother Li was a government criminal. Li Mao was scared because hiding government criminals was a ground for penalties. He was just glad that wasn''t the case.


    "Royal Highness, little brother Li has gotten off the boat in Zhen Jiang," Li Mao answered carefully.


    Helian Jing hurriedly asked, "Did he say where he was going?"


    "Little brother Li said he needed to do something in Zhen Jiang first, then he might head to Jiang Xi."


    Helian Jing was muddled. How can I find him now?


    Meanwhile, outside of the city, Ye Jiayao was lying on an ox cart slowly heading to Jin Ling.


    She was hiding from little Jingjing because of his association with Chunyu. To make sure that little Jingjing doesn''t corner her, she got off the boat in Zhen Jiang and transferred to a land route.


    "Little brother, I am not going inside Jin Ling City, but the good news is that it''s not far ahead," the old man who was driving the cart said.


    Ye Jiayao got up and jumped off the ox cart, dusting off the hay and straw that stuck to her clothes. "Thank you so much, uncle!"


    Ye Jiyao handed a few copper coins to the old man. The ox cart was a ride and she felt that it was only right to pay for it.


    However, the old man adamantly refused to take her money.


    Ye Jiayao thanked him over and over before she walked to the city, carrying her bag over her shoulders.


    Jin Ling, called Nan Jing in modern days, was famous for its history and culture. It has a history of about 6000 years evident by its prosperity. It is known as an ancient capital for six dynasties and a metropolis of 10 dynasties. Even though it looked different to the history she knew about, it still looked like a very bustling and prosperous capital city. It was not just the center of politics, but also the center of commerce.


    Ye Jiayao had planned to find a job to settle down when she arrived in Jin Ling. She would start her plan of vengeance slowly and surely. As a nobleman said, 10 years for revenge was not too long, and it just so happened that Ye Jiayao was a patient woman.


    As cooking was her only real skill, she was looking for a restaurant that had an opening for a chef, or even just a helper in the kitchen. Jin Ling City was the heaven of delicious foods. There were countless restaurants inside and Ye Jiayao was excited. The excitement quickly fizzled out, though, when she had gone through so many restaurants that refused to hire new people.


    I am the legacy of chefs from 5-star hotels. If I can''t find a job here, I might as well just quit now.


    Since she wasn''t able to find a job today, she was forced to find somewhere else to spend the night in. She didn''t have enough money on her, but it was enough to survive in for a few days.


    Now, all she had to do was find an affordable accommodation. She wasn''t having any luck on that either. Even the small and cheap rooms in small hotels cost 100 copper coins per night.


    Ye Jiayao was worried.


    Her idea was great, but the reality was just too cruel.

 Chapter 44：Put ones finger into anothers pie

    Ye Jiayao gritted her teeth and paid 100 copper coins on a room with the plate number "earth".


    After days of sleeping with other guys, finally, she was able to stay in a room by herself. Ye Jiayao carefreely took off her clothes and bra to shower comfortably. For almost a month, she only had been wiping herself clean and she was already starting to feel rotten.


    She changed into some fresh, clean clothes and set out to look for food.


    She walked to the hall where she saw a few customers quarreling with a staff.


    "Why are you serving this disgusting food with such an expensive price? Is this a tourist trap?" One of the young men slammed the chopsticks down causing the dishes and the table to violently shake.


    The staff seemed already used to it as he showed no visible signs of panic. He said calmly, "I''ve told you beforehand that the chef was not here today, and we can''t make any delicious meals. It was you who insisted to stay and eat here."


    The fat customer looked indignant and acted as if the waiter didn''t speak. "The vegetables are over-cooked, and the beans are too salty! And what is this? Is this braised meat in a brown sauce? It looks like crisp fat!"


    "It doesn''t matter now if it was disgusting or delicious. You insisted on eating here, and you''ve already finished your meals. You must pay. Four dishes and one soup totals to one silver coin." The waiter held his palm open, asking for the money.


    "We are not paying anything! As a matter of fact, we are not staying in this place anymore. We''re going!" The customers lifted their baggage, preparing to leave.


    "Aye! You can''t go! You haven''t paid the rental fee yet. If you don''t pay, I will report to police."


    "Go and report for all we care. We are looking for somewhere else to stay. Your business is disgusting. You gave us dirty sheets, cold tea, and foods that were suited for pigs! Pay you? Ha!" The customer was very cocky.


    Ye Jiayao realized that these customers were trying to get out of paying the motel. Yes, the food was bad, but the service was quite good, the room was clean, and the tea was hot. The staff especially sent two pots of hot water for her when she wanted to take a shower.


    In good conscience, Ye Jiayao could not let this pass. She went to ask the scared cashier behind the counter.


    "Sir, how long did they live in this place?"


    The cashier answered, "They have lived here for more than half a month and they asked for two rooms with plate number ''People''. They only paid two silver coins as a deposit and they still owe us six silver coins."


    "Where is your manager?" Ye Jiayao only saw the cashier and the wait staff.


    "The manager is not here. If he is here, they would have no way to repudiate the debt. They are only doing this because our manager is away," the cashier despised.


    Ye Jiayao nodded. She had seen ''dine and ditch'', but not ''live and ditch''. Well, what do you know, ancient times also has its share of reprobates.


    The tricksters were starting to cause a scene, pushing the wait staff around and gearing up to start a fight. Other tenants of the motel must''ve heard the commotion and rushed down to take a look. Even people outside the motel circled around to look.


    Ye Jiayao saw the unfair incident and couldn''t just stand by and do nothing. She went to stand between the two parties and smilingly said, "Big brothers, you can negotiate with each other and avoid this fight. Don''t get too angry or you''ll hurt your liver. Come, we can settle this inside."


    The man saw the good-looking guy meddling in their business and was immediately frustrated. They were looking for a reason to leave, they didn''t want to go inside and ''settle'' the dispute. He said angrily, "Stay out of this! It''s none of your business!"


    "I also came to live in the motel. I just heard it was a tourist trap and I wanted to know for sure. If it is really a tourist trap, I don''t want to live here any longer," Ye Jiayao replied calmly.


    The wait staff was worried. "Sir, you can''t believe what they said. Our motel is small, but our service is good. Our price is clear, and we tell no lies to anyone. Our neighbors and everyone who has stayed here can prove that."


    "Good service my ass! It is definitely a tourist trap." The fat man sounded indignant.


    "It is!" two other men with him echoed.


    "You''re saying all these awful things because you just want to repudiate the debt" The wait staff''s face turned red with anger.


    "What did you say?" The fat man grabbed the wait staff''s collar, almost lifting him off his feet and stared at him fiercely.


    "You said this place is a tourist trap. Why do you say so? You must give some reasons so that the others would be aware as well," Ye Jiayao reasoned before turning to the spectators. "How about you all? What do you think?"


    The people around them all echoed the same sentiments as Ye Jiayao.


    The wait staff felt foolish. He thought that this good-looking young man was a nice gentleman that was coming to his aid. He thought that he misjudged Ye Jiayao as she appeared to take the sides of the troublemakers.


    Ye Jiayao deliberately set them up because she knew that these rascals only made up a reason to leave. There was no way they could rationally explain their side of things once she asked them for facts.


    "I don''t need to enumerate all the bad things in this motel because the customers who live here already know. We even lost some of our things, and the wait staff was the only one who came in our room. You see they cleverly disguised their thieves as the guards!"


    Ye Jiayao sneered. This low-life really would blame anyone and anything just to get out of paying.


    "Tell us then, which one of you saw me steal your things?" the motel staff countered angrily.


    "Well, we can''t really prove anything regarding your missing stuff, as you don''t have a tangible evidence. Even if you go to the police, they can''t convict the wait staff with just your words to go on. What I''m curious about, though, is how bad the motel is. I''m wondering how did you manage to spend more than half a month here if you hated it so much? There are many other better motels in Jin Ling City, surely?" Ye Jiayao said.


    The four customers looked at each other, unable to answer her.


    Everyone around them understood the situation, and all smiled secretly.


    "It seems to me, that you like this motel seeing as you lived here for quite some time. I just arrived here today and I''m staying in a room with a number plate ''earth'', which by the way, is the lowest. The blankets were soft and clean, they have warm and cold tea, and the service is great. All of that, for the price they''re asking? I say it''s fair."


    Other tenants of the motel nodded, agreeing with what Ye Jiayao said.


    She was on a roll as she continued, "On the account of the dishes not being great as they were supposed to be, you were warned earlier that the chef was not present. It was understandable that the dishes were not as delicious as you expected. How about this? I will make you guys another round of dishes. After you finish eating, you''ll pay the rest of the rental fee, and leave. Is that okay?"


    "Manager Du is a great man who runs this motel for so many years. He''s well-liked by everyone."


    "It is not easy for them to run the business with a small capital. It would be good to just talk through the misunderstanding."


    The neighbors and tenant rounded out to call for fairness.


    "Just let it go," a voice from the crowd urged.


    The four customers had nowhere to go. Their guilty conscience was already showing on their faces and if they refuse Ye Jiayao, they would appear more unreasonable. They had no choice but to go along. "Okay, you''ve convinced us. We will let it go but we refuse to live here anymore."


    "Alright. Now, go pay the rental fee, and I will go to the kitchen to cook for you." Pulling her sleeves up, she turned to the wait staff and asked, "Where is the kitchen?"


    The wait staff pointed at the back hall. "It is behind the small yard on the left-hand side."


    After the dispute has been settled, and the four customers left, Ye Jiayao gave one silver coin to the cashier.


    "It doesn''t feel right to take that," the wait staff said embarrassedly. He thought he misjudged the little brother earlier, but it turns out that he really was a gentleman.


    "I insist." Ye Jiayao set the money down on the counter and returned to her room.


    One silver coin was a lot of money to her, but Ye Jiayao never lost money in business. Sometimes, suffering a loss is a blessing, and she knew that the silver coin would return to her in multiple.


    On the second day, Ye Jiayao woke up very early because she was going to start looking for a job.


    She was just about to leave when she heard a knock on her door. "Little brother, are you up yet?"


    Ye Jiayao opened the door to the wait staff from last night. "Good morning! What can I do for you?"


    The waiter''s smile showed excitement. "Little brother, our manager wants to see you!"


    "Your manager is back?"


    "Yes, he came back last night. He arrived very late and we didn''t want to bother you."


    Ye Jiayao followed the waiter as he led her to the manager, a short, fat middle-aged man who looked like the Buddha when he smiles.


    "Little brother Li, thank you so much for what you did yesterday." Manager Du made an obeisance by cupping one hand in the other before his chest to thank her.


    Ye Jiayao returned that with a polite gesture and a smile. "It was nothing, manager Du. You''re most welcome."


    "I''ve felt something wrong about those customers from Wei Zhou ages ago. I should''ve known that they would try to run away when I''m not here. Little Yang told me that you managed to stop them with a few words and get them to pay their rental fee. I am a man who repays his debt, little brother Li. These two silver coins are for you. I can''t let you spend money on a favor you delivered."


    Ye Jiayao refused to take it, but manager Du forced to put the money in her hands.


    "Take it, take it. Otherwise, I won''t let you live in the motel," manager Du jokingly threatened.


    Ye Jiayao finally took the silvers.


    Manager Du asked, "What are you doing in Jin Ling, little brother?"


    "I''m looking for a job here in Jin Ling. I was a chef in Shang Dong and I only arrived here yesterday," Ye Jiayao answered honestly.


    was a chef in Shang Dong and looking for a job in Jin Ling. I only arrived here yesterday, and I am looking for work right now." Ye Jiayao said honestly.


    "You are a chef?" The manager was surprised.


    "Yes! I studied for a few years and I know how to make a few dishes."


    "Do you know how to cook Huaiyang dishes?"


    "Yes, I am good at making Huaiyang dishes." Ye Jiayao was dancing inside. The way that the manager was asking her made her think that he wanted to hire her as a cook.


    Manager Du laughed and loudly called, "Second lady, second lady!"


    A woman lifted the bamboo curtain and asked, "What is going on?"


    Manager Du said, "Isn''t this a coincidence? Big uncle''s hotel needs a chef and here we have a chef in our motel. This is little brother Li who helped us solve the problem yesterday. He is a chef and good at Huaiyang dishes."


    The woman looked at Ye Jiayao with doubtful eyes. "You''re a chef? How? You''re so young."


    Ye Jiayao saw the woman''s hand stick with fish scales and guessed that she might be the proprietress as well as the cook. "Big sister, if it will appease you, you can ask me any question."


    The woman was slightly reassured with Ye Jiayao''s confidence.


    Manager Du said, "Are you going to the hotel to help during lunch time? You can bring him to see your brother. If he is happy with little brother''s work, he doesn''t have to look around anymore."


    Manager Du was a warm-hearted person. He recognized the big help that Ye Jiayao had done for him last night and he wanted to return the favor.


    The woman hesitated before saying, "Sure, I will bring him. Heads up, though, my brother is not looking for any mediocre chef. You have to impress him little brother Li."


    Ye Jiayao nodded, grateful for the help they were giving.


    It was true that a good act will always be rewarded.

 Chapter 45：Preserved Egg

    Li Er Niang''s older brother''s restaurant was right by the Qin Huai River. It was built facing the river in an excellent district, three-story high, and richly ornamented. The roof steep even boasted a domineering name of ''Heavenly Residence''.


    How did this kind of signboard did not get censored?


    Li Er Niang brought Ye Jiayao to her brother, the boss of that restaurant.


    He was talking to one of his workers when they walked in. "The ingredients must be fresh. Pick the good ones because those aristocrats are not normal people. Every single one of them has high standards."


    The henchman took the menu and went back to work.


    Li Er Niang called out, "Big brother."


    "Sister, you''re here." He saw a young man following behind his sister and asked, "Brother-in-law did not come with you today?"


    Li Er Niang smiled and shook her head. "I brought you a chef. Today, he will assist me and make a few dishes on his own. If you''re satisfied with his work, you can hire him."


    Ye Jiayao walks up to him and bowed. "Shopkeeper Li, I am Li Yao."


    Shopkeeper Li could not help but frown but frown at how young Ye Jiayao looked. He has never known a chef that was this young. However, since second sister brought him here, he would give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, this was all just a trial and he doesn''t have to keep him. "Then, have a go. Just one thing before you start, Heavenly Residence might not be Jin Ling''s top restaurant, it is still quite renowned. We have high expectations for our chefs."


    Ye Jiayao expressed her understanding respectfully. A restaurant''s success relies on many factors such as location, environment, service, and marketing and more. However, the crux was always the dishes. Were the dishes tasty? Were the meals unique? Could the food keep the customers coming back? This restaurant, in particular, had to put their ducks in order in order to gain a foothold in a place full of masters like Jin Ling.


    Therefore, regardless of what restaurant it was, the head chef was of high importance. Restaurant owners would not hesitate to attract chefs with large sums of money because a famous head chef is one of the restaurant''s main attraction.


    Ye Jiayao didn''t dare to claim to be the best as there were always better chefs than her. Moreover, she has just arrived at Jin Ling and she was not familiar with the food and beverage industry in the city.


    She humbly replied, "Thank you, shopkeeper Li, for giving me this chance. I will definitely work hard." Ye Jiayao has to work hard to get this job. This would be a high starting point for her that might mean she would struggle for lesser years.


    A workstation that was more than 10 meters long, with more than 10 helpers handling various ingredients, was prominent inside the kitchen. The chopping sounds overlapped in different rhythms and formed a whole percussion. Further inside, there was a row of more than 10 big stoves and small stoves, their fires burning a fiery red. Such scale should be considered formidable in ancient times, just as expected from a reputable restaurant.


    Once Li Er Niang stepped into the kitchen, everyone stopped to greet her.


    Li Er Niang gave a single nod of acknowledgment, rolled up her sleeves and put her apron on. She passed one to Ye Jiayao who immediately tied it up around her.


    "What kind of dishes are you best at?" Li Er Niang passed her a set of the restaurant''s menu.


    Ye Jiayao browsed the menu. She knew how to make all the dishes on the menu, but some of them she has yet to try. Today was her interview and assessment, and by letting her choose, Er Niang was going the extra mile to take care of her. Ye Jiayao has to use her special skills to pass in one go.


    "Wen Si Tofu, Pork Meatballs with Crab Roe, and Quick-fry Cuttlefish," Ye Jiayao answered.


    She selected these three dishes after careful consideration. First, today''s main agenda was the assessment so she was not allowed to make too many dishes. Second, these three dishes were the signature dishes of Jiang Su cuisine. Wen Si Tofu would showcase her knife skills, Pork Meatball with Crab Roe would display her techniques in seasoning, and Quick-fry Cuttlefish would show-off her excellent control over fire. All the three dishes she chose were enough to reflect skills and abilities that were required for a chef.


    Li Er Niang looked indifferent as she said, "Then, you will handle these three dishes. You can start now."


    Ye Jiayao washed her hands and took a piece of soft tofu. This tofu was more tender and supple than elsewhere. It was a little like egg tofu and is suitable for making Wen Si Tofu soup.


    Once the helpers saw her pose, they knew that this ''young man'' was trying out for a job. The original head chef, Niu, got poached by Xiang Yi Restaurant and shopkeeper Li had been fretting over the matter for a long time. Thankfully, shopkeeper Li''s sister who has high culinary skills saved the situation. Though, ever since Niu left, everyone had been curious as who would take over the position of head chef.


    Everyone temporarily stopped their work to watch.


    After studying in the modern education system, Ye Jiayao was experienced in dealing with stressful situations. She took a deep breath, let go of the thoughts of all unnecessary things, and started cutting decisively.


    Chop! Chop! Chop!


    The blade hit the chopping board at a set second, producing a crisp methodical sound.


    Though the way she handled the knife was impressive, her knife skills could only be judged when the tofu was placed in water. The tofu has to be in thin and complete strands.


    The chopping sounds stopped, and Li Er Niang brought a bowl of water and placed it in front of Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao used the knife to sweep up the cut tofu carefully and placed it in the water. Using a chopstick, she gently brushed the tofu strands apart.


    Everyone gasped, their surprise almost palpable.


    The phrase "as thin as hair" was only used to describe foods that had undergone meticulous knife skills. However, at the moment, the tofu strands of equal length and thickness that Ye Jiayao had done were literally as thin as a hair.


    Everyone could not help but exclaim in awe.


    A look of surprise swept pass Li Er Niang''s face. Little brother Li''s knife skills far exceeded her expectations, and she has to admit that even she could not compare.


    Ye Jiayao was still tensed. The assessment was not over yet, and she still had to do bamboo slices.


    Tofu was soft and fragile, making it difficult to cut. Bamboo shoots, however, were crisp and even easier to break. Slicing it as thin as the tofu strands was more difficult. She has raised the bar high with her tofu strands, and now, the rest of the dishes has to get on the same level.


    By the time all the ingredients were sliced, Ye Jiayao''s back was drenched with sweat.


    In the Jing An Hou mansion, the first maid in Xia Chunyu''s house, Qing Liu, came to ask for his preference for lunch.


    What to eat? That was a question that Xia Chunyu was very particular about in the past, but has now lost interest in.


    "Anything," he lazily replied.


    Qing Liu was not at all surprised upon hearing his answer. It has been eight days since heir-son lord came back, and his reply was the same every time she asked him that question. She just has been ordering the kitchen to make food based on the heir-son lord''s past preferences. Even then, Xia Chunyu only takes few small bites and dismisses the food.


    His attitude has worried the servants. They were unsure if there was something wrong with the heir-son lord''s health. This issue even alarmed the old madam so she invited a royal physician to examine her son.


    A short while after, his lunch was served. The kitchen has prepared him a steamed fish, a plate of chestnut chicken, spare ribs with Wu Xi sauce, pork meatballs, and three strips soup.


    Xia Chunyu was reminded of Yaoyao''s cooking upon seeing the exquisite dishes, especially the pork meatballs.


    Perhaps it was only a psychological effect, but Xia Chunyu, ever since he came down the mountain, thought that no one makes better food than Yaoyao. Yaoyao was the one who makes his stomach picky. Perhaps, I just miss your food.


    Seeing heir-son lord raise his chopsticks without picking anything at all, Qing Liu and Qiao Xi exchanged worried looks.


    After coming back from the trip, heir-son lord lost a lot of weight. He has also become silent as though there was something heavy weighing down in his heart.


    "Heir-son lord." Song Qi called, bringing in a bowl merrily.


    Xia Chunyu sniffed, frowning. "What did you bring? Why is it so smelly?"


    Song Qi laughed and put the bowl before the heir-son lord. "Heir-son lord, this is preserved egg. I brought it back from the mountains. Miss Ye marinated it and said that it can be eaten after 45 days. I almost forgot about it."


    Xia Chunyu raised his eyebrows, exclaiming in surprise, "She made it? This is so smelly! Are you sure it can be eaten?"


    The preserved egg does not only smell nasty, it doesn''t look particularly appetizing as well. It was a lump of black and yellow, translucent with a few specks of white snowflake-like patterns. Never before had he seen such peculiar eggs.


    Song Qi replied, "I have yet to try it, but according to Miss Ye, this preserved egg is good stuff. It can dispel internal heat and decrease inflammation. It''s good for the heart and mind also delicious."


    Xia Chunyu looks at the size of the egg, asking, "It is made with duck egg?"


    "It is. Auntie Jiang gave those duck eggs, but upon hearing that heir-son lord does not like to eat duck eggs, Miss Ye made them into preserved eggs."


    "You already know that I don''t eat duck egg. Why did you bring it here?" Xia Chunyu asked apathetically.


    Song Qi pouted. Ever since Miss Ye died, heir-son lord has never had a proper meal. Song Qi just suddenly remembered about the preserved eggs today and he brought it to the heir-son lord in the hopes of getting him to eat.


    "I will take it away right now," Song Qi muttered with discontent.


    "Leave it!" Xia Chunyu ordered emotionlessly.


    He thought he would not be able to eat Yaoyao''s cooking ever again, so knowing about the preserved eggs she made him was a relief. Even if tasted awful, Xia Chunyu would still eat it down to the last bite.


    Xia Chunyu used his chopsticks to cut the egg into small pieces. He dipped it in some sauce before taking a nibble. He was surprised at the contradiction. This thing was smelly and ugly but it tasted fresh and smooth. It has a unique taste.


    With just two eggs, Xia Chunyu actually finished a whole bowl of rice. He even requested for additional helpings.


    "How many preserved eggs are there?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    "Around 20 to 30 of them."


    Xia Chunyu sighed in disappointment. He would finish that in no time and he''d be left with none of Yaoyao''s dish again.


    "Starting tomorrow, bring me one every morning. It does not go that well with rice so I think it compliments porridge more."


    "Ay! Then I shall hand this egg to the kitchen," Song Qi acknowledged happily.


    Both Qing Liu and Qiao Xi were curious of this Miss Ye? Why was the heir-son lord enjoying the smelly thing that she made?


    "Oh! Heir-son lord, Yong An Hou heir-son lord was holding a feast at Heavenly Residence today and he invited you over. This is the invitation." Song Qi handed Xia Chunyu the invitation.


    Xia Chunyu''s enthusiasm waned. During this time, there were all sorts of invitations to celebratory feasts that he was beyond tired of handling. He simply replied, "Just say that I am feeling unwell. Return it!"

 Chapter 46：First-Class Helper

    After lunch, Xia Chunyu headed to the study room. Qing Liu wanted to follow him but he refused. "You don''t have to follow me. I won''t need your services for a while."


    Qing Liu stopped in her tracks, feeling a sudden sense of disappointment. After a half a year away, the Master Crown Prince was a completely different person. He was now cold to her and unwilling for her to go near him. Did the heir-son lord find someone he likes? Is is that Miss Ye that Song Qi was talking about?


    "Heir-son lord, are you not happy with the presence of your lowly servant?" Qing Liu asked, bitterness evident in her voice.


    "You think too much," Xia Chunyu replied indifferently, walking away without even a backward glance at her.


    Qing Liu has been serving him since she was young, right at the time when he was full of curiosity towards the opposite sex. She did not exactly set out to seduce him but something happened between them. From then on, she put in more effort in serving him, and in turn, he treated her differently from the other servants. Xia Chunyu has thought of settling her down properly in the future as his concubine. The people around him all have three or four concubines at hand, so this kind of things did not concern him that much.


    However, now, his heart was fully taken over by another woman. It was difficult to even think of entertaining such matters when his heart was still claimed by aching and longing.


    Just when he reached the study room, one of his guards reported, "Young Royal Highness Jing is here."


    Xia Chunyu''s lips twitched in annoyance. This little devil is haunting me even on a rare day where I get to rest.


    "Brother Chunyu, brother Chunyu!" Helian Jing rushed in without waiting for Xia Chunyu''s permission to enter. "Brother Chunyu, you have to help me think of something! The men I sent have almost flipped the whole of Zhen Jiang over and they still can''t find big Raorao."


    Xia Chunyu shot him a glance and slowly said, "It looks like he is intentionally hiding from you. Why do you bother finding him? Unless you get the constables to put up pictures and offer a reward for a missing person, which you don''t want because you don''t want to cause gossip, I don''t know how else you can find him."


    "Is that the only way?" Helian Jing asked with discontent.


    Xia Chunyu frowned, "I am curious as to who is this big Raorao. How can he make you think of him all the time? You told me he''s a male... are you like Zhao Qixuan?"


    Zhao Qixuan was the Yong An Marquis heir-son lord. In the imperial capital, there were many aristocrats who are male homosexuals. Most of them just play around, keeping their sexuality under wraps. Zhao Qixuan was the only one who proudly announces his preferences to everyone who will listen. He blatantly professed his affections for the left premier''s third son, chasing him undyingly. It caused the third young master to escape from the imperial capital and wander around everywhere, refusing to return to Jin Ling.


    Xia Chunyu looked at him with suspicion. "That better be the case. Otherwise, your brother would be more ruthless than Zhao Qixuan''s father."


    Helian Jing was slightly distressed. His big brother was vehemently against this kind of things and he was still not 100% sure of his feelings yet.


    "Of course not." Helian Jing muttered, shifting his gaze away.


    Xia Chunyu, as hard as he was, could not bear to watch Helian Jing like this. "When you first met that brother Jin Yao of yours, did he say for sure that he''s coming to Jin Ling?"


    "Yes."


    "Then did he say why he wanted to come here?"


    Xia Chunyu thought that if Jin Yao has a motive for coming to Jin Ling, then it is impossible for him to wander around for thousand miles and just give up. It was very likely that he did not go to Jiang Xi, but instead, came quietly to Jin Ling.


    Helian Jing wracked his brain for information to no avail. He was discouraged as he replied, "No, he didn''t say."


    He regretted not probing big Raorao further then. If he had, he wouldn''t have to run around like a headless chicken to find him, like he was doing now.


    Xia Chunyu asked again, "If he wants to survive at a place, what is the most probable job he''d do?"


    Helian Jing mulled over Chunyu''s question. Big Raorao has exceptional cooking skills. If he were to seek a livelihood, he would definitely become a chef. He already sent his men around to look at restaurants and eating houses, but they still couldn''t find him.


    "He''d be a chef. He is very good at cooking. We managed to hitch a ride with the Li family''s trading ship because he helped prepare a wedding feast for the family."


    Xia Chunyu froze.


    Very good at cooking? Jin Yao... Jinxuan... Yaoyao...


    His heart pounded against his chest, thumping so hard he was afraid that everyone could hear. Is it possible?"


    "Are you sure Jin Yao is a man?" Xia Chunyu asked nervously.


    Helian Jing broke into laughter. "Of course, he is a man. We ate and slept together on the entire journey. If he is a woman, surely I would be able to tell."


    Xia Chunyu fell silent for quite a while, bitterly laughing at himself inwardly. He was becoming too sensitive and paranoid. There was no way Yaoyao would still be alive. She was with Sheng Wu when the barrage of disordered arrows rained on him. Even if she fell into the lake, a woman like her would not be able to swim across it.


    Although he was extremely unwilling to accept the truth, he had to.


    Yaoyao is no longer around.


    "Okay, listen. First, assuming Jin Yao did not go Jiang Xi but came to Jin Ling instead, you can secretly inquire around all the major restaurants and eating houses in Jin Ling. You must do this covertly. He''s intentionally hiding from you, and if you alarm him, he would surely escape again. Second, assuming he did go to Jiang Xi, you can get Zhao Qixuan to help you. His brother-in-law is Gan Zhou''s commander." Xia Chunyu suggested.


    Helian Jing thought over Xia Chunyu''s suggestions meticulously, his frown slowly spreading. "I shall go look for Zhao Qixuan this moment."


    He got up and cupped his hands hurriedly before leaving.


    Xia Chunyu laughed, shaking his head. He has never seen little Jing so hung up on anyone. Hopefully, he finds Jin Yao, so that he could end his misery.


    At least little Jing has hope, mine has already been dashed.


    In ''Heavenly Residence'', shopkeeper Li tried the three dishes before him, nodding his head appropriately. "Authentic, not bad."


    Li Erniang said, "I think you can keep him. His knife skills, I dare say for sure, is top three in the entire Jin Ling. He also has good control over fire, and most importantly, he can come up with innovative ideas. For example, he changed the lotus root in pork meatballs to fresh water chestnut and changed the starch powder to lotus root powder. It made the dish have the crisp of the water chestnut and the sweet scent of the lotus root. The texture is even more distinctive in flavour. In the food and business industry in Jin Ling, where hidden masters are everywhere, it is difficult to compare everyone''s cooking skills, so the one who knows how to adapt and innovate would emerge as the winner. I believe he can do that very well."


    Shopkeeper Li was quite satisfied with Ye Jiayao''s culinary skills but he was apprehensive of her age. Would she be able to handle the task of being the head chef?


    Li Erniang understood her brother''s concerns and said, "Li Yao is a rare talent and his age is his disadvantage, but also his advantage. Groom him well and one day he would be the head chef that can shake the whole Jin Ling. Or, you can just take him in and let him cook for a period of time. I have my own inn to handle, I cannot come over every day."


    Shopkeeper Li took another look at the three dishes, toying with the merits and disadvantages in his head before he finally decided. "I will sign him as a helper first, temporarily taking over the head chef. If he performs well, I''ll give him the position."


    The position of the head chef was too important. It was vital to the restaurant''s survival, and he has to be extra careful. His praises do not count, the customers have to acknowledge the deliciousness of the food as well. Especially because he has many regular customers that come for the food head chef Niu makes. They were so used to chef Niu''s food, he was not sure if the customers could get accustomed to a new head chef.


    "You still have to stay today because there is a VIP reservation for two tables. We will have Li Yao show some of his skills, you just watch over him," shopkeeper Li said.


    Ye Jiayao waited nervously downstairs. Although she thought she has performed relatively well today, she was uncertain of the standards of the original head chef. Li Erniang had been gone for a long time and Ye Jiayao''s confidence was dwindling by each passing second.


    Finally, Li Er Niang came back down.


    Ye Jiayao rushed towards her. "Big sister, how is it?"


    Li Erniang smiled slightly "Congratulations! Shopkeeper Li has decided to keep you as a helper."


    Ye Jiayao was overjoyed. Although it was only a helper, being able to work in such a grand restaurant as a helper was already a chance that was hard to come by.


    "Manager Qian will look for you to sign the contract in a while. If you have any requests, you can bring it up," Li Erniang said.


    "Yes, yes! I will do well, big sister. Thank you very much!" Ye Jiayao nodded happily.


    After a little rest, manager Qian called Ye Jiayao over.


    "First-class helpers draw a monthly salary of eight taels, second class is five taels, third class is three taels, and normal workers draw one tael. The restaurant currently only has one first-class helper and you are the second one," manager Qian started.


    Yes! Ye Jiayao was very satisfied in getting the position of a first class helper. She was so elated she couldn''t say anything.


    "The contract is signed every five years. The restaurant covers meals and accommodation. There are four people in one room. If you have no other questions, then sign and press your thumbprint!"


    Ye Jiayao hesitated when she heard that the contract was signed every five years. That was too long! She does not want to become a chef for the rest of her life. Her goal is to open her own restaurant and be the boss.


    "Can I not sign for five years? I can''t leave my house for so long," Ye Jiayao asked weakly.


    Manager Qian replied, "The minimum is three years. No restaurant will sign anything under three years."


    It was an acceptable range. Based on her capabilities, three years was enough for her to gain a foothold and reputation in Jin Ling''s food and beverages business, laying the foundation for her future development.


    "Sure, three years it is. I will sign it." Ye Jiayao nods. "Also, manager Qian, if I don''t live in the restaurant, can you cover some of my accommodation fees? Any amount will do." Ye Jiayao forced a smile. Any amount was still an amount that could go to her savings.


    She could do with four men in a room but only for a short period. It would not be convenient and practical in the long run. Shopkeeper Du''s inn was not very far from here, half an hour walk was all it takes. If she rented a room permanently in the inn, there should be some discounts. With a monthly salary of eight taels and free meals, it was enough for her to slightly improve her living condition.


    Manager Qian showed a hint of impatience. "You will have to ask the shopkeeper about this. However, I suggest you stay in the restaurant because there might be customers at night and everyone can only rest after all the customers leave. What''s more, you are from out of town, the rental in Jin Ling is not cheap."


    "I know. I will not let it interfere with the work at the restaurant. It does not matter how late or early, but I would still like to live outside." Ye Jiayao insisted.

 Chapter 47：I Can Do It

    The business for lunchtime had finished and it was too early for dinner. Ye Jiayao decided to go back to the motel and book the accommodation during this spare time.


    Manager Li was such a great man and gave her almost one silver coin as a subsidy for accommodation. She was glad because it saved her a lot of money.


    After Ye Jiayao stepped out, Helian Jing and Zhao Qixuan rode to the restaurant on the back of their respective horses.


    Zhao Qixuan got off his horse first and handed his horsewhip to the greeting bellboy.


    "Helian Jing, come down!"


    Helian Jing said, "I''m not hungry. Just what you want to eat so we can leave."


    "No, no! I can mistreat anyone but not the Young Royal Highness. Hurry, come down, come down," Zhao Qixuan hastened.


    Helian Jing reluctantly got off the horse.


    "I heard that chef Niu was snatched by Xiang Yi restaurant. I don''t know what can this new chef do, but no matter, I personally like to taste new things," Zhao Qixuan said, patting Helian Jing''s shoulder.


    Helian Jing moved out of his reach. "Take your hand off me. I don''t want people to think we have sort of connection."


    Helian Jing didn''t like to spend time with this guy because he has a bad reputation. However, he had something to ask of him, so he had no choice but to deal with him.


    Zhao Qixuan cut him a cold look. "You are just an overgrown child. I am not interested. I have such strong relationship with my little Su and our love is deeper than the sea. I would never cheat on him."


    Helian Jing shivered in repulsion. The talk of love between two men was so shameless, he could not bear it.


    "If you shift your love to another person, Su''s family would play fireworks to celebrate," Helian Jing sneered.


    Zhao Qixuan sighed and looked up melancholically. "People in this world don''t understand what true love is."


    Helian Jing''s almost bit his tongue off in an effort not to say anything. True love my ass! You are the same as a gangster who kidnaps civilians. Mr. Su doesn''t even like you.


    The two royals walked into the restaurant, talking about business. Manager Qian heard that the heir-son lord of Yong An and Jing Young Royal Highness were here. He nervously ran out to welcome them, desperately trying not to wet his pants despite his anxiousness.


    "Heir-son Lord and Young Royal Highness, welcome. Come upstairs to take a seat."


    Zhao Qixuan waved him away and sat down on a random chair in the hall. "I want to get a few dishes. Bring the menu over and let Young Royal Highness order."


    "Right this instant!" Manager Qian asked the staff to bring the menu and he personally held it up for the two royals.


    "Helian Jing, order whatever you want." Zhao Qixuan had a bad reputation for harassing pretty men. However, he has his strengths. He was a generous man and he has a warm heart. He also knew how to do business, thus further extending his riches. All of the good and bad sides of his reputation made him popular in the capital city.


    Helian Jing browsed at the plain dish names and couldn''t stop thinking of big Raorao''s menu. If this menu was made by big Raorao, she might change ''Mandarin Duck Snowflake ''Roll'' into ''Envy the Mandarin Ducks but not Gods'', and change ''Steamed Mixed Stew'' into "Happiness Overload". Playing to the gallery was big Raorao''s specialty.


    "I don''t want anything else, just add a Double Taste Duck Roll and Lotus Wrapped Chicken." Helian Jing folded the menu and returned it to manager Qian.


    Zhao Qixuan raised his eyebrows and protested, "That is too little. Manager Qian, add Carp Leap Over Dragon Gate and Sandalwood Fan Duck Feet."


    Manager Qian wrote the orders down, grinning widely. "Heir-son Lord, what else do you need?"


    Zhao Qixuan said, "Just these for now. I will add more if it is not enough. Ah, Manager Qian, I heard Chef Niu left. Who is your new chef now?"


    Manager Qian had a glint in his eyes as he said conspiratorily, "We hired a chef from another city. He will take over tonight''s cooking. Heir-son Lord, you''d be the first to taste the new chef''s dishes."


    "I love tasting new things. You tell him that if I am satisfied with the dinner, I will reward him." Zhao Qixuan was interested.


    Manager Qian added, "Not to brag, and if anyone asks, this didn''t come from me, but our new chef is definitely better than master chef Niu."


    "Better than master Chef Niu? Manager Qian, don''t bluff!" Zhao Qixuan was curious. Master Chef Niu was one of the best chefs in Jin Ling. Xiang Yi Restaurant wouldn''t have paid such a high price to poach him, otherwise.


    "I won''t say such things in front of Heir-son Lord, that''s a disgrace. You can decide for yourself, Heir-son Lord, once you taste the food," Manager Qian said proudly.


    As soon as the manager left with their orders, Helian Jing turned to Zhao Qixuan and said earnestly, "Qixuan, I have to go back. I have some matters to attend to in the mansion. I will come back at night."


    "Don''t go yet. What business do you have? You don''t have a title nor any responsibility, you have no power over businesses in the mansion." Zhao Qixuan stood up and grabbed his arm, dragging him out of the restaurant. "Come with me to the lake. I have prepared a gaily-painted pleasure-boat. I also invited new head brand of Changchun attic who could play Pipa well. Let''s go to the lake and listen to music together."


    "Aye! Stop dragging me! I can walk by myself!"


    "Well, you''re a slowpoke."


    "Don''t call me a slowpoke!"


    The two royals people pulled and pushed each other as they walked out of the restaurant.


    Inside the Laifu Motel, Manager Du spotted Ye Jiayao in the lobby and hurried to her. "How did it go? Were you successful?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled proudly. "I got the job! I''m a first-class chef helper!"


    Manager Du laughed and patted Ye Jiayao''s shoulder. "Little brother Li, not bad! I''m sure that after a few years, you''ll easily become a master chef."


    "Thank you for your compliment big brother. I will treat you to a round of drinks someday," Ye Jiayao said affectionately. Since she wanted to live in his place, she would have to build a good relationship with him.


    "Why wait for ''someday''? I will treat you to a drink today." Manager Du patted his broad chest boastfully.


    Ye Jiayao gave him a patient smile. "I''m afraid, I can''t go today, Manager Du. I still need to go back to the restaurant later. They have important guests tonight, and Manager Li asked me to show off my skills."


    "Aiyo! That''s great little brother! It''s your first day on the job and you''re already being handed important task," Manager Du said. He thought that if big uncle was confident to hand important guests to little brother Li, the kid must''ve been better than he originally thought.


    "I know. I will try my best to impress them all and not make you regret giving me a shot. Thank you, again, for that," Ye Jiayao vowed. She really appreciated the help that Manager Du and second lady Li gave her. No matter how good her skills were, if she would''ve applied alone, she wouldn''t have gotten the job of first-class chef helper. If normal workers or chef would want to rise to that position, it would take years of hard work.


    "Little brother Li, you are welcome. However, if you didn''t have any real skill, my older brother wouldn''t have given you such an important task. It wouldn''t matter if I recommended you or not."


    "Oh! Big brother, I have something to discuss with you."


    "What is the matter?" Manager Du asked.


    "I actually want to rent a room for a long period. Do you do any long-term rental for your rooms?"


    "Oh, yes, we do long-term rentals. If you live for one month and above, you get 20% off your fee, and for three months and above, you get 30% off. How long do you plan to stay for?"


    Ye Jiayao thought about it and answered, "I will take three months first."


    "Okay, I''ll give you a 70% discount and you can stay however long you want," Manager Du said offhandedly.


    Ye Jiayao was stunned. She thought that Manager Du would give her a 50% discount at most, but she never thought that he''d raise it to 70%! That was practically for free!


    "Manager Du, I can''t take that. How about 50% off?" Ye Jiayao suggested, abashed. Her father has always taught her not to always accept cheap deals from others. She must give what she thought was fair as everyone has their own livelihood to think of.


    "Don''t worry about it, little brother. We have spare rooms all the time and there''s no point leaving them empty. You''re a good person with a righteous heart, and I can tell that we''ll get along really well. You''re another friend that I can chat and drink with." Manager Du truly liked this young man. He has met all different kinds of people in running his business, but it was rare to see someone like little brother Li who doesn''t expect any reward for his help.


    Ye Jiayao hesitated for a moment before saying, "Thank you so much, big brother!"


    Whenever I am free, I''ll help with the chores in the motel so I''d at least earn the huge discount Manager Du is giving me.


    With her accommodation problem solved, Ye Jiayao bid her farewell and headed back to Heavenly Residence to start preparing tonight''s dinner.


    Li second lady showed her tonight''s menu: "Here, have a look at the menu. I''ll help you in any dish that you may not know."


    Ye Jiayao flicked through the menu and realized that the people who were coming for dinner tonight must either be rich or royal. Tonight''s dinner was really important not just for the restaurant but also for her. If she could manage to make a good impression, she''d bring the restaurant a good reputation as well as start to make a name for herself.


    Another reason she was more determined than ever to amaze the diners was the way everyone looked at her. As soon as she came in a moment ago, the workers started staring at her dubiously. Ye Jiayao understood their hesitation. She was a young chef brought by second lady Li just this morning, and already, she was in a higher position than them. It was only natural for them to feel uncertain. It was up to her to prove to them that she deserved her position.


    "Big sister, let me handle everything. I can do it," Ye Jiayao announced.


    Second lady Li glanced at her, unconvinced. There were a few difficult dishes on the menu which required excellent skills and complicated equipment. Can he really do it all?


    "Tonight''s guests are very important, little brother. You can''t make any mistakes. Are you sure that you can do it?"


    Ye Jiayao chuckled brightly. "I assure you that I can, big sister. If you''re worried, you can watch over me."


    Second lady Li was still not certain. She recommended little brother Li, and of course, she wanted him to be successful immediately, but that doesn''t mean she doesn''t have any doubts.


    "Alright, then. Tonight''s dinner is all on you."


    Ye Jiayao took a deep breath and steeled herself. You can do it, Ye Jiayao!


    She started to arranging food materials and assigning the workers responsible for cutting vegetables, preparing fish, roasting, and broth-making. She has worked in kitchens ever since she was young, thus, she was very familiar with what order everything should go.


    Second lady Li''s apprehension with Ye Jiayao loosened when she saw how efficient she was.


    Ye Jiayao took some red and white carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and started to work on them.


    Everyone looked on at the little brother, confused. He assigned all the hard work to us and he''s just messing around with heaps of carrots? What is he doing?


    However, the complaints soon turned into admirations as they saw Ye Jiayao turned those carrots into flowers, white rabbits, and red-and-green-feathered parrots.

 Chapter 48：Is that possible

    Ye Jiayao focused on carving the carrots in her hands. She hasn''t played with them for a long time and handling them now felt unfamiliar. It wasn''t until she carved the first flower that she found her groove back again.


    When other kids were busy with playing the piano, dancing, and learning maths, Ye Jiayao played with carrots. At that time, she was jealous of the stuff that his father carved, so she practiced intensively to mimic them. After carving for a few years, she finally reached the point that the things she carved were better than her father. There wasn''t a challenge anymore and she eventually lost interest in the art.


    "How did you know how to do this?" second lady Li asked in surprise.


    "I learned from my father before," Ye Jiayao answered vaguely.


    The second level chef helper, Liu Qisheng, elbowed the first-class chef helper Zhong Xiang and quietly said, "Brother Xiang, this guy knows how to play a show."


    Zhong Xiang groaned unhappily. He had to admit that this Li Yao was a strong competitor. However, he knew that he wasn''t any worse than him. What Zhong Xiang lacked was chance. He was an apprentice for four years and he spent six years being a chef helper. He literally climbed from the bottom to get where he was today. He had real skills and he was a consistent hard worker. Master Chef Niu was just too selfish and didn''t want to promote chef helpers because he feared they would surpass him. Now that Chef Niu left, he thought now was finally his chance to excel, but Manager Li was reluctant to promote him. Instead, Manager Li hired second lady Li, who in turn brought Li Yao.


    Within just one morning, Li Yao had already become the first-class chef helper - the same level as Zhong Xiang. Now, Li Yao was handed such an important dinner for his first test. It was not fair.


    Zhong Xiang secretly hated Li Yao for stealing what was supposed to be his.


    Ye Jiayao carved the decorations for the plate and asked the other workers to put tonight''s dishes in a straight line. She determined different shapes for each dish before she got started on creating a pattern.


    The chef''s order goes color, fragrance, taste, and shape. However, Ye Jiayao has always thought that color and shape should be put together and placed before everything else. It was the color and shape of the dish that the customers would see first and would largely influence their decision. Also, a dish''s color and shape that was well done would set a huge appetite for the customers.


    From the moment she saw the menu, she immediately pictured how they would look individually. She decreed that every dish on the menu would get a different design of plating.


    There were eight cold dishes and 18 hot dishes in total tonight.


    There would be 26 plates and 26 different styles. Never repeated.


    Second lady Li didn''t know which dishes were in which plates, but she admired them all the same. She was amazed by the beauty and uniqueness of the patterns and designs on the plates. This Li Yao is truly talented!


    Decorations were frequently used in Huaiyang food, as Huaiyang food paid a lot of attention to refinement. They used refined materials, refined work, and beautiful matches, but Li Erniang hasn''t seen any other master chef making such exquisite accessories.


    After the food materials for the cold dishes were prepared, Ye Jiayao went to work on arranging them.


    She neatly positioned the duck tongue, using bamboo leaves to make rolls. She arranged the preserved and braised beef into the shape of a crescent moon and decorated the plate with the carrots she carved as flowers. She used honey to flavor the Chinese yam and decorated it with a few matrimony vines. She then used coriander and red cabbage to add more flourish to the plate.


    Next, Ye Jiayao made cucumber rolls by cutting the cucumber into thin slices. She sliced the lettuce leaves into slivers and wrapped it around the cucumbers. She mixed onion, garlic, coriander, spice, fish sauce, and lime and poured it over the rolls.


    It looked amazing but it was not what the guests had ordered. Li Erniang was dubious so she tasted one.


    She was surprised by how the flavors and texture worked together. "What is this dish?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled and answered, "Double crispy rolls. How do you like it?"


    Li Erniang nodded in delight. "I think we can add one more recommended cold dish in Heavenly Residence''s menu."


    Everyone burst into cheers. For the new chef''s dish to be a recommended dish on the menu was the highest compliment. Creating a new dish that would get put on the menu was hard enough, but creating one that rose to the title of the recommended dish was comparable to a heroic feat. This new Chef Li Yao was really something else.


    Ye Jiayao felt a little bit guilty. What she made was simply Thai cold cucumber rolls. She only modified it a bit to make it more suitable for the Southern people''s taste.


    "He might become the master chef in Sky Live if this goes on," Liu Qisheng commented sulkily.


    Zhong Xiang sneered. "You think being the master chef would be that easy? He was only opportunistic."


    Zhong Xiang spoke proudly but he was worried inside. The better that Li Yao performed, the more threatening he was to his career.


    "Little Lu, tell the waiters to bring out dishes," second lady Li requested.


    The guests trickled in one by one.


    "Didn''t they say this is the celebration of the success of the Heir-son Lord of Jing An Marquis? Why is Xia Chunyu still not here?" someone asked.


    Zhao Qixuan laughed flippantly. "That was just an excuse to gather everyone around. If I didn''t use brother Chunyu''s name, would any of you have come?"


    Xia Chunyu was an outstanding royal among the nobles. He worked as undercover for more than half a year in Black Wind Ridge and got rid of the bandits with Helian Majesty''s outside help. He made a great merit with that achievement. He jumped two levels from level four Yunhui ambassador to level three first-hand guard. He was favored by the Majesty and has become so popular that everyone wanted to befriend him.


    The actual reason they came was not here, and though everyone was somewhat disappointed, Zhao Qixuan knew how to create a good atmosphere. It wasn''t long before he got everyone in a cheerful mood and people started openly chatting as they drink tea.


    Helian Jing was dragged by Zhao Qixuan on the lake and they spent the whole afternoon there. He was not in the mood for any more socializing in the dinner. There were people who tried to engage him in a conversation but he only gave them clipped answers. He just wanted to go home.


    The waiters brought out eight cold dishes to the roundtable.


    Zhao Qixuan''s eyes turned brighter. "Waiter, are these cold dishes made by your new chef?"


    "Yes, Heir-son Lord, they are made by the new chef," the waiter answered politely.


    Zhao Qixuan picked up one of the double crispy rolls and said,"Not bad, not bad! What is this called? I don''t think I ordered that."


    "It is called the double crispy roll. It is a new dish in our restaurant. The new chef made it especially for you, Heir-son Lord."


    Everyone picked up their respective chopsticks and rose to taste the new dish. Helian Jing was not interested. He knew that no matter how good it was, it could not compare to what big Raorao could do.


    "Truly double crispy."


    "The taste is very special. Sour and sweet."


    "Tasty!"


    Everyone was impressed with the food.


    Zhao Qixuan said, "I have eaten the same food over and over again, and finally, there is something new." He put one silver bullion on the waiter''s tray and ordered, "Give this to the new chef. If I''m satisfied with the hot dishes, I will give him more reward."


    Manager Li was shocked. Truthfully, he was worried that Heavenly Residence''s business would quickly go bankrupt after Master Chef Niu left. In the five days without him, the restaurant only managed to make even less than what they usually make in a day! The opportunity of the Heir-son Lord dining in the restaurant could make or break them.


    It was very risky to hand the feast over to Li Yao. When the waiters brought the cold dishes out, Manager Li was impressed with how novel they looked. He was even surprised to see two dishes that he didn''t recognize. However, he was still not certain about their taste and he held his breath as the guests sampled the dishes.


    Now, seeing the delighted faces of the guests, Manager Li finally relaxed. The gamble with Li Yao paid off and he had a feeling that this was just the start of the good things that the new chef would bring to the restaurant.


    The waiter rushed back to the kitchen and presented the silver bullion in front of Ye Jiayao, smiling. "Congratulations, brother Yao! The Heir-son Lord gave you this reward for a job well done."


    The look of envy on everyone''s faces was obvious. This Heir-son Lord was famous for his generosity. Every time he came to the restaurant, he would give an extra reward. Sometimes, the bell boy got it and sometimes it would be the waiter who served him. What he never did was reward any chef, even Master Chef Niu. Li Yao has only arrived today, and not only did he managed to create a new recommended dish, he also managed to get a reward and acknowledgment from the Heir-son Lord.


    The chef helpers felt cheated and started to think whether they should suck up more to Li Yao.


    Ye Jiayao was entirely focused on making the double taste duck roll and didn''t even look up as she said, "It was everyone''s work. Go and exchange it to coins and split it with everyone."


    The waiter did a double take. The silver bullion was worth five silver coins! Did he really say ''split it''? He hesitated and looked at second Lady Li.


    Second lady Li nodded subtly and the waiter sprung into action. "Aye, Chef Li Yao!"


    Ye Jiayao said loudly, "Everyone, let''s work hard! The better we perform, the more rewards we can share."


    The helpers went back to their jobs with more energy and vigor.


    Li Erniang smiled with relief. It seemed that she didn''t need to worry after all. Li Yao knew how to cook as well as how to properly interact with his workers. He had the credit, and instead of being too proud, he shared the honor with everyone.


    The hot dishes were brought out one by one. They looked like exquisite handicrafts that made the people ravenous for them. They didn''t think that the taste could compare with the appearance, but they were wrong. It tasted even more delicious than it looked.


    Everyone was extremely pleased the dishes. Helian Jing picked his chopsticks up reluctantly and tried one of the fried eel slivers. They were smooth and fresh to the taste, and before he knew it, he had already picked up three more.


    This is actually so good.


    "Double taste duck rolls," the waiter announced as he put the dish down on the table.


    Helian Jing looked at the plate that the waiter just brought in and froze.


    Tomatoes slivers were made to look like a blossomed hibiscus flower. Cucumber slivers were arranged to look like green leaves. Why do they look so familiar?


    They were talking about a new chef earlier. Helian Jing suddenly sat up straight. "Waiter, how old is your new chef?"


    "He is quite young but he is very skillful. What do you think, Young Royal Highness? Are you satisfied with his cooking?"


    Zhao Qixuan said, "After all the dishes are brought out here, bring him over to us. I want him to make a toast."


    Helian Jing wanted to ask more questions, but the waiter had already left.


    Is it really possible?


    His heart started pounding in his chest and his hands began to shake. He wanted to run into the kitchen to find out the truth, but that would be too impolite. The new chef would come out in just a few moments. He just has to wait for a little while.

 Chapter 49：Caught You

    Shopkeeper Li personally went to the kitchen to inspect how the dishes were coming along. Since he could see that Li Yao was busy, he turned to Li Erniang and asked, "Is it all done?"


    Li Erniang replied, "I''m on the last dish. What are the customers saying?"


    Shopkeeper Li chuckled, "Heir-Son Lord is waiting until all of Li Yao''s dishes are completely served before giving a toast."


    "Well, this is done so he doesn''t have to wait any longer."


    Shopkeeper Li nodded, pleased.


    The last dish, Liyue Longmen, was taken out from the pot and Manager Li frowned as soon as he saw it. He dubiously asked, "Why is Liyue Longmen made like this?"


    It was a dish passed on from the northern part of the country. The main ingredient should have been a big red carp, but instead, shrimp was used here. Shrimp meat and minced pork were kneaded together and wrapped in a potato flour bun with two pieces of radish placed on both sides of the body and on its back to serve as the fins. The eyes were two green peas, and the shrimp tail was naturally curled, making it look like there were little goldfishes swimming towards the shrimp from all directions. In the middle of the plate was a blooming peony rolled from thinly sliced radish, giving the dish an aesthetically pleasing look.


    Yes, it looked good, but it was completely different from what the customers were expecting. Shopkeeper Li wondered worriedly how it would be received.


    Ye Jiayao laughed and said, "New chef, new cooking style. Tonight''s banquet already has three dishes of fish, another one would be too much."


    She didn''t know how this person picked his dishes. Three dishes of fish were already too many, and this uncultured man picked four. It might as well have been a fish banquet.


    Helian Jing kept count of the dishes. Including the cold dishes, there were already 25. Were there any more to come?


    "Waiter, bring me the menu," Helian Jing ordered.


    Zhao Qixuan quickly said, "Bring us the menu, waiter. Let Young Royal Highness Jing order a few more."


    Helian Jing rolled his eyes. You stupid, homosexual man. I just want to see how many dishes you ordered and if there are any more coming.


    The waiter obeyed readily and quickly handed him the menu.


    "I don''t want to order any more food. Bring us a list of what we ordered!" said Helian Jing impatiently.


    Just as the waiter was about to say something, a dish arrived.


    "Liyue Longmen. All your dishes are served, sirs, please enjoy."


    Helian Jing turned around and saw the face that he had been thinking about his every waking moment. He saw the face that had been tormenting him for many days.


    Big Yaoyao.


    It''s Big Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao also saw him and her eyes widened.


    Helian Jing stared at Big Yaoyao in a daze, smiling so bright his dimples dug deep in his cheeks. His heart suddenly started beating so fast and so hard it felt like there were a thousand horses galloping in his chest.


    How could he be this lucky?


    Before the dishes were served, Ye Jiayao had asked the waiters who were present at the feast. The waiters neglected to tell her that Little Jingjing was here.


    Seeing Big Yaoyao''s surprised face, Helian Jing was overjoyed. You thought you could hide from me, huh? Go ahead. Even God is helping me, you have nowhere to go.


    If it wasn''t for Brother Chunyu''s suggestion, he wouldn''t have come here to look for Zhao Qixuan. If he hadn''t look for Zhao Qixuan, he wouldn''t have had to come here to eat. If he hadn''t come here to eat, he wouldn''t have found Big Yaoyao. All the choices that led him here... it was all Helian Jing could do not to burst into a crazy, grateful laughter.


    "This is Liyue Longmen? Waiter, are you sure?" someone questioned.


    Helian Jing immediately said, "Why wouldn''t it be Liyue Longmen? Don''t you see this little carp? How cute is it? My mouth is watering just looking at it."


    Zhao Qixuan thought that this dish was quite interesting. He turned to Ye Jiayao and said, "Explain."


    Ye Jiayao said, "This is a new cooking method, sir. The shrimp represents wealth and fortune and we served this for last because its name meant a rich ending."


    "Well said, well said." Zhao Qixuan clapped lightly. This waiter was not only handsome, he was also good at speaking. Zhao Qixuan gave him a favorable look.


    "I''ll try one. If it''s good, I''ll tip you," Zhao Qixuan said.


    Helian Jing quickly picked up his chopsticks. He knew that all the dishes on the table would be very delicious as they were all cooked by Big Yaoyao.


    The shrimp body made of minced meat and shrimp pieces tasted fresh, it was in the right balance of tender and springy.


    Zhao Qixuan commended, "Looks good and tastes good. Excellent. I made the right decision to come here."


    Zhao Qixuan quickly took out a piece of loose silver and give it to Ye Jiayao. "You''re good at speaking, this is your tip. Now, bring me the chef who made the dish."


    Ye Jiayao laughed and replied, "I am the chef."


    Everyone was very surprised. The waiter from before said that the chef was still young, but it really couldn''t be this young? How old was this fellow? Sixteen? Seventeen? How could he already have cooking skills this amazing? Why, if he changed his clothes, with his bright eyes and graceful brows, no one would contest if he claimed that he was from a rich family.


    Helian Jing chuckled at everyone''s faces. You all are dumbfounded, aren''t you? This is my Big Yaoyao! From everyone''s faces, Helian Jing could tell that they thought the chef would be a big-bellied, shiny-faced man.


    Zhao Qixuan coughed twice to clear his throat before taking a swig of wine. "That was... unexpected. What is your name?"


    "I am Li Yao," answered Ye Jiayao.


    Helian Jing reigned in his surprise. He now wondered what was Big Yaoyao''s real name. Of course, Big Yaoyao might be hiding his real name to avoid him, but it hardly mattered now since he still found him.


    Helian Jing elbowed Zhao Qixuan and teased, "Where is the tip you promised? How much will you tip since you''re so impressed and satisfied with your food? How much, huh, Rich Zhao?"


    Helian Jing knew Big Yaoyao was short on money so he used the opportunity to coax Zhao Qixuan into giving him a big tip.


    Zhao Qixuan was well-known to all the brothers of the royal park to be generous. With the motivation of Helian Jing, he proudly said, "Thousand gold can''t buy me enjoyment. Today, I am both satisfied and contented. Xiao Shao, bring one hundred taels of silver to tip this man."


    This time, it was Ye Jiayao''s turn to be dumbfounded. No way! My income is only a hundred taels a year, but on my first day of work, I get to earn a year''s wage? This is too much! Rich men, indeed, do not have much care on how they spend their money.


    Helian Jing joined in the fun and said, "Since you''re being so being generous, I''m going to match you. I will tip one hundred taels as well!"


    Ye Jiayao was pretty sure that her heart had stopped for a few seconds. What? What is going on? Am I dreaming? Little Jingjing, what are you doing?


    "That¡­gentlemen, you visiting Heavenly Residence was already our biggest honor. Our service motto is always centered around satisfying our guests. Knowing that you are satisfied today is already our biggest reward. You really don''t need to tip. If you really like our dishes, you can just come often," Ye Jiayao said humbly.


    Shopkeeper Li breathed a sigh of relief from outside the door as he heard Li Yao. Little Li''s words were well-said, prioritizing the restaurant''s interests. If it were someone else, they definitely would have just laughed and taken the tips without a second thought.


    "I still have other good dishes that I promise you haven''t tried before. Next time you visit, I''ll cook it for you," Ye Jiayao added.


    "I''ll come as well, I''ll come," Helian Jing said, worried he won''t be invited.


    Helian Jing was familiar with the scathing look in Big Yaoyao''s eyes. He pressed his lips together, trying to contain his smile. Even though it looked like Big Yaoyao was trying to kill him with his eyes, Helian Jing couldn''t be happier. A few minutes ago, he had thought that he''d never see him again, never hear him scold him for being too much of a spoiled rich man. Now, here he was, healthy and full of fire, standing in front of him.


    Zhao Qixuan liked the chef''s humility, but he had already promised that he would tip, so he would. In the end, the chef had no choice but to accept the 100 taels of silver.


    "Heir-Son Lord is being generous to you, Little Li! You should have some response," Mu Assistant Minister''s son, Mu Qinchu, called out with a cheeky grin.


    "Exactly, exactly!


    "You must at least drink three cups of wine with us."


    Everyone started to laugh and chant.


    Helian Jing''s face changed. Ye Jiayao knew this kid couldn''t hold his temper and was about to throw a tantrum. If a fight or an argument broke out, it would be bad for Heavenly Residence, thus bad for her.


    She said, "You''re correct, sir. I will toast three cups to Heir-Son Lord. Please, join at your leisure."


    The waiters who came in with Ye Jiayao quickly served alcohol.


    Ye Jiayao proudly toasted three cups in a row.


    Zhao Qixuan gave Li Yao a thumbs up, impressed at how good he was at entertaining guests.


    Helian Jing watched as Big Yaoyao drank one cup after another, his careful liver making its own silent protest. Could Big Yaoyao handle that much alcohol? Would she get drunk?


    After Ye Jiayao finished her three toasts, she turned over the alcohol cups, showing that there was not a single drop left.


    She said, "In the future, everyone please look after our business. I also toast three cups to everyone!"


    "How are three cups enough? At least one cup per person!" said Mu Qinchu, goading for a fight.


    Before Helian Jing could get angry, Zhao Qixuan said, "Mu Qinchu, did you drink the bowl of alcohol you owed me from before? And last round you lost a feast¡­"


    Mu Qinchu turned red and immediately said, "Three cups it is. Little Li, the cups have to be full!"


    Ye Jiayao laughed and signaled for the waiters to pour the alcohol.


    Looking at the full cups of alcohol, Helian Jing''s heart started beating fast. He started, "Allow me¡­"


    Ye Jiayao quickly interrupted him before he could finish, "Young Royal Highness Jing would also like a cup?"


    Her eyes flashed him a warning.


    Helian Jing said unhappily, "I''ll also have a full cup."


    Outside, Shopkeeper Li''s face was wrinkled from silent laughter. He found Li Yao a good man. He could cook, talk, and could also drink alcohol.


    This fellow might just be what Heavenly Residence needed to become popular again.

 Chapter 50：Stalk

    After the feast ended, Zhao Qixuan played host once again and invited everyone to have a night tour along the Qin Huai River. Helian Jing waved his hand and declined, "I have already toured it this afternoon, I can''t take another round. You guys go ahead, I will be going home."


    Zhao Qixuan saw that Helian Jing clearly had other matters in mind so he decided not to force him. "Alright, you go ahead. Don''t worry about the issue that you asked help for. As long as he is in Jiang Xi, my brother-in-law would find him for you."


    "Actually," Helian Jing started. "Now that I had given it more thought, I think it would be better if I just stop looking."


    "What? Why?"


    Because I already found him! "I just realized that maybe he was intentionally misleading me. It''s possible that he didn''t even go to Jiang Xi. I''m thankful that you''re willing to help, but let''s just forget it for now."


    "Little Jing, we make a sad pair, huh? However, you are far more reasonable and clear-headed than me. Me? I am a simple fool. Even though I know that little Su is lying to me, I still keep searching for him, refusing to give up. Oh, why can''t I just get over it?" Zhao Qixuan said, dejected.


    Helian Jing stared blankly at him. They weren''t a sad pair. They weren''t a pair, period. He didn''t have the same problem as him.


    "Nevertheless, even if I crack my head open bashing against a wall, I would gladly do it. Little Jing, if there''s a will, there''s a way. I believe that as long as I persevere, there would be a day where the sky would clear and the moon would surface. I will not give up, and neither should you."


    After that, Zhao Qixuan patted his shoulder, as if he was the one who needed comforting and left. Helian Jing saw him glance up at the moon with a mournful expression.


    Ye Jiayao was feeling great even after downing six shots of Zhuang Yuan Hong. However, after she returned to the kitchen, the effects of the alcohol started kicking in. She used to be a good drinker. Her minimum was a catty of spirit, she could handle seven to eight bottles of beer with no sweat. Although she does not drink rice wine often, she could also manage half a catty of it easily. Her problem tonight was she drank six consecutive shots on an empty stomach.


    Shopkeeper Li was extremely satisfied with his new hire but he observed that Li Yao was turning a bit pale. He turned to Li Erniang and said, "Second sister, go back to the inn with Li Yao. You don''t have to come back early in the morning tomorrow, but be sure to be on time for the lunch hour."


    Li Erniang replied, "I''ll take him with me, but I won''t be coming over with him tomorrow. The inn is short of manpower and I need to be there."


    Shopkeeper Li felt bad. "It has been hard for you these few days, I know. Heavenly Residence will compensate for the losses in your inn."


    "There are no losses, and even if there is, I cannot ask you for compensation. It is only right for siblings to help each other out." Li Erniang smiled.


    "Get old Guan to send you two back." Shopkeeper Li tasked little Lu to get old Guan to prepare the horse carriage.


    Already tired and dizzy, Ye Jiayao did not refuse. She handed Shopkeeper Li a 100-taels banknote, and said, "Shopkeeper, I would have to trouble you to break the note and split this with the rest."


    Shopkeeper Li replied, "This is your reward from the Heir-son Lord, you can keep it for yourself."


    "I wouldn''t have been able to do it alone, everyone has a contribution," Ye Jiayao said with a kind smile.


    Shopkeeper Li hesitated for a while before finally saying, "Alright. I will split this up for you but I will only split 30% of it with everyone."


    Although her generosity was genuine, splitting up a hundred taels would still hurt Ye Jiayao. She was currently impoverished and although she does not have to rely on others for survival, she was still strapped for cash. Shopkeeper Li''s offer worked well for Ye Jiayao so she simply said, "Shopkeeper Li, I''ll trust you with the arrangements."


    Shopkeeper Li''s care and concern for Li Yao made other workers envious. For them, it was already quite obvious that the position of the master chef was sure to be given to Li Yao. Most of the workers have no opposing opinions on that matter and was actually wishing for Li Yao to succeed as he was amiable and generous. Li Yao acknowledged everyone''s help and even split his reward with them. Even without factoring his cooking skills in, on attitude alone, he has already surpassed Head Chef Niu by a mile.


    However, Zhong Xiang firmly thought that Li Yao only made it through because of his connection. Splitting his reward and being kind to the other workers was his way to win their heart. Without Li Yao, he would''ve been the one in the limelight. Li Yao was the sand in Zhong Xiang''s eye, the thorn in his flesh that he must remove.


    Ye Jiayao was a little surprised that she did not see Helian Jing as she walked out of Heavenly Residence. From what she knew of little Jingjing, his impatience would''ve forced him to wait for her outside to interrogate her.


    Ah, forget it! I think I just thought too highly of myself.


    Little Jingjing probably has returned to the prince''s mansion and does not need her help anymore.


    Ye Jiayao opted to walk and let Li Erniang board the carriage. Now that she was dressed up as a man, she could not just ride with Li Erniang. Although the second lady was a middle-aged woman, she was still quite attractive, Ye Jiayao did not want to tarnish her reputation.


    Li Erniang said, "Li Yao, you can take a seat with old Guan."


    "No, thank you. I want to take a walk and enjoy the breeze to get rid of the smell of alcohol. It is not a long walk, anyway," Ye Jiayao refused politely.


    The horse carriage moved slowly, the click-clacking sound that it made on the limestone pavement resonated on the empty streets.


    From afar, the sweet sound of traditional Chinese musical instruments drifted over. The Qin Huai river was dotted with lights that looked like twinkling stars. Many grand pleasure boats floated along silently among the dazzling lights in the river. The vivid descriptions of history books that she read were brought to life right before her eyes.


    Ye Jiayao vowed that when she gets rich, she would book a pleasure boat, invite the prettiest girl in Jin Ling, and tour the river with her. She thought about her dreams and aspirations when she suddenly remembered something. Little Jingjing already knew that she was at Heavenly Residence. There was a great possibility that he would either mention it to the dumb donkey or bring him at the restaurant.


    All the hiding and pretending she was doing was all because she wanted to avoid that dumb donkey. It was not like she could just leave. She had already signed a contract and she was too honorable to break it.


    Ugh! Whatever! She was going to achieve her goals and follow her dreams no matter what happens with the dumb donkey. After all, what does she have to be afraid of? The battle at the Black Wind Ridge wasn''t even over yet, and Chunyu had already denied any connection with her. It was entirely possible that he might even pretend not to know her when they cross paths.


    Ye Jiayao was too caught up in her thought that she did not realize that someone was following her from a distance.


    Helian Jing played smart and decided not to approach her so hastily. He wanted to understand the situation first lest she runs from him again.


    After stalking her all the way to Laifu Motel, Helian Jing waited for a long while. When big Yaoyao did not come out, he guessed that this must be the place he was staying at.


    The waiter came out to close the shop and Helian Jing hurriedly waved him over.


    The waiter came out to him and asked suspiciously, "What can I do for you?"


    Helian Jing pulled him aside and softly asked, "Is there a man living in the inn called Li Yao?"


    The waiter replied, "Yes, what is the matter?"


    "He is a distant relative of mine. Both of his parents passed away and he has come to Jin Ling to seek a livelihood. I wanted him to stay over at my house and arrange a good job for him, but he is too proud and is too afraid to give me any trouble. He even refused the money I gave him! Ay! I really don''t know what to do to help him."


    Upon hearing that Helian Jing was a distant relative of little brother Li, the waiter lowered his guard down. "Little brother Li is quite a nice person. On his first night here, he did our shopkeeper a huge favor so Shopkeeper Li likes him. Our lady boss is making noodles for Li Yao now!"


    Helian Jing''s heart ached. Big Yaoyao had been busy preparing delicious foods the whole night while he himself was only eating noodles now. He must''ve been famished. Helian Jing immediately pulled out a few silver fragments from his pocket and stuffed them into the waiter''s hands. "I am very worried about him living alone outside. Could you please take care of him? Don''t let him know that I talked to you, though. He''d just feel indebted to me and refuse more help."


    The waiter wasn''t comfortable in taking the silver so he returned them, and said, "I will do that even if you don''t pay me. He is our guest."


    "Keep it, keep it. Just please keep me informed no matter what happens in the future, whatever issues that he has, big or small. I will send someone to hear from you every day. If he leaves, please inform me first-hand. I am working in the Helian prince''s mansion, you can find me there, just say you need to find little Jing. I will reward you accordingly for your help."


    The waiter worked on keeping his surprise from showing. Little brother Li has a relative that works in the Helian mansion? "Sure, I''ll do it."


    "You must never let him know, okay?" Helian Jing warned him.


    The waiter smiled. "I won''t, don''t worry."


    "I also heard that he is working at Heavenly Residence."


    "Oh, yes! Little brother Li has extraordinary culinary skills and he already signed a contract as a first-class kitchen helper on his first day."


    "Do you know how long is the contract?"


    "I heard little brother Li tell our shopkeeper that it was for three years." The waiter continued, "He also booked an earth code room for three months in our motel. Shopkeeper Li even gave him a 30% discount.


    Helian Jing felt even more saddened to learn that big Yaoyao was staying in the lowest grade room. He knew that he has to think of a way for big Yaoyao to live more comfortably.


    After the walk, Ye Jiayao felt a little better. Li Erniang''s noodle also helped a great deal with her headache. She found that the second lady''s skills were indeed good as she made a normal tomato and egg noodles taste very delicious.


    "Big sister has such good skills! Why didn''t she opened a restaurant? It is more profitable than an inn," Ye Jiayao asked in between bites.


    Shopkeeper Li replied, "It is not that easy running a restaurant. It''s very tiring. Second lady is not in good health and she cannot overexert herself."


    Oh! That explains why Li Erniang looked so slim!


    "Big brother, how about your children? Why have I not seen them?"


    Shopkeeper Li let out a long depressed sigh. They''re gone. They fell gravely ill at the age of ten and just... left.:


    Ye Jiayao almost choked on her noodles. She felt like slapping herself for her big mouth. "I am so sorry, I¡­"


    Shopkeeper Li waved her apology. "It''s okay, don''t worry. Just don''t let your sister-in-law hear it. Once she gets reminded of it, she''d feel terrible and fall sick again."


    Ye Jiayao nodded her head in understanding.


    The waiter stepped back inside the inn. Shopkeeper Li frowned and scolded, "I just asked you to close shop, what took you so long?"


    "T-there was a customer who wanted to stay. He asked for the price but then left because he thinks it is too expensive," the waiter stammered


    "Expensive? I have the most reasonable price in the whole of Jin Ling! Well, let him ask around and see if anyone can give him any cheaper rates!" Shopkeeper Li ranted. "Ay! It''s really hard to run a business these days!"

 Chapter 51：Joining In

    After Ye Jiayao got back from the restaurant last night, she was so tired that she immediately conked out as soon as her head hit the pillows. She had a good night''s sleep so she was able to easily get up early in the morning. She went out to sweep the floor, clean the tables and chairs, before going to the kitchen to prepare ingredients for the breakfast meals to help out Li Erniang.


    Since her reincarnation, she had completely kicked away her habit of sleeping in. It was a problem that couldn''t be changed in her previous life, but the worry of surviving day by day fixed it.


    By the time that Li Erniang and the waiters got up to do their work, the hall had already been swept clean of all fibers and dust, with the tiles gleaming. The tables and chairs were clean and neatly arranged, and the kitchen was already wafting out the scent of buns.


    "Li Yao, you don''t have to do this. You''re a guest. How can I let you do this type of work?" the second lady gently chided.


    "It was no big deal, big sister, I was already up anyway. Free time is boring." Ye Jiayao added more firewood to the stove.


    "Free time allows you to rest your mind and body. I know that working in Heavenly Residence can be exhausting," replied Li Erniang.


    Ye Jiayao laughed dismissively. "It''s nothing a deep sleep can''t fix."


    After eating breakfast, Ye Jiayao headed to the restaurant to work.


    When Manager Qian saw Ye Jiayao, he smiled brightly. "Little brother Li, why have you come so early? The owner told you not to come in till later. You should go home and rest some more."


    Ye Jiayao paused, trying to make sure if she heard the tones of the manager correctly. Manager Qian had just addressed her very respectfully as if she was older than him.


    Huh. What''s with the attitude change overnight?


    "I wanted to come early to make a few new dishes for the shopkeeper to test. Is that alright?"


    "Yes, yes, that''s great! The shopkeeper will arrive a little bit later, though." Manager Qian suddenly gasped like he just remembered something. "Oh, little brother, I have your banknote with me. I''m afraid I''m giving you quite a small amount. The remaining 30 silvers have been distributed to the others. The kitchen help each got two silvers, the miscellaneous staff each got 800 coppers, and the doorman and old Guan got 500 coppers."


    Manager Qian was too embarrassed to say that he also took two Liang.


    "Okay, as long as you have distributed it fairly, that''s fine with me."


    Ye Jiayao took the banknote and made her way to the kitchen.


    When she arrived in the kitchen, everyone started greeting her warmly.


    "Good morning, big brother Yao!"


    Other than the two young children at the door, the other people in Heavenly Residence were all older than her. They were all calling her ''big brother Yao'' and she found it strange.


    "It''s fine to call me Little Yao or Little Li," said Ye Jiayao modestly.


    "Everyone will address you based on your cooking. Whoever has the best cooking is the boss," second chef Deng Haichuan said, smiling.


    What Deng Haichuan really wanted to say was that anyone who could pay them was the boss. Last month, they got two and a half Liang silvers which were only enough for half a month''s wage. He had lived in Heavenly Residence for five years and it last night was the first time he encountered such luck with tips.


    "That''s right, big brother Yao!" several workers agreed.


    Ye Jiayao playfully said, "Please, everyone, whatever you do, don''t call me that. You''re going to make me, your magnificent little brother, an old man."


    Everyone laughed out loud, the kitchen hadn''t had such a relaxed and happy atmosphere in ages.


    The laughter abruptly ended when the door swung open. Ye Jiayao turned to the door and saw Zhong Xiang walking in, his expression simultaneously cold and thunderous. He was followed by Liu Qisheng who was more or less mirroring his face.


    Zhong Xiang walked straight towards her.


    Ye Jiayao felt the obvious hostility and she knew where it was coming from. Zhong Qixiang had been in the restaurant longer than she had, and she knew that he felt that she has taken what was supposed to be his.


    Despite the way he was acting, Ye Jiayao was relieved. An open unfriendliness was always better than a smiling face that stabs in the back.


    Zhong Xiang quietly and menacingly put the two and a half Liang silvers he was clutching down on the tabletop of the workbench by Ye Jiayao''s side. Then, he turned around, put his apron and hat on, and started to work wordlessly.


    Ye Jiayao pursed her lips and put the silver away. This guy is pretty proud, huh?


    Ye Jiayao didn''t want to force the money on him so instead, she waved Deng Haichuan over. "Brother Haichuan, why is brother Xiang like this?"


    Deng Haichuan said, "It''s quite obvious, brother Li. Brother Xiang has worked here for seven years, and it was only last year that he was promoted to be a first-class kitchen hand. You, on the other hand, got the first-class position as soon as you walked in the door. He''s just feeling a bit cheated, but brother Xiang is really a good person. Just let it pass, he''ll work it out soon enough."


    Ye Jiayao didn''t think so. Things like this weren''t likely to disappear on its own just by wishing it away.


    "So, what dishes is brother Xiang good at making?"


    "Brother Xiang''s cooking skills are quite comprehensive, but I have to say that his best work is pastries. He had no chance to display it before because Master Chef Niu had brought his own pastry chef to the restaurant. When Master Chef Niu left, the pastry chef left with him. These days the pastries are all made by brother Xiang, it''s just a pity that no one ordered desserts last night."


    Ye Jiayao smiled upon hearing Deng Haichuan defend Zhong Xiang earnestly. "That is good for him. I am not that good at making pastries so perhaps, there would be an opportunity for us to work together."


    Ye Jiayao took two Liang from her own pocket, as well as Zhong Xiang''s two and a half Liangs, and gave it to Deng Haichuan. "After you finish work tonight, take the other brothers and get two Tan of good wine. Tell the others it was brother Xiang''s treat.


    She knew that once Zhong Xiang found out about what she did, he would get angry. She wanted to explore and test if the guy was a king attacker or simply a puffy member.


    Deng Haichuan hesitated, then said, "Okay. Will you be joining us tonight?"


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "I live outside, it''s inconvenient. I will go with you all another day."


    Xia Chunyu got back at his house from his last night''s duty at the royal court. As soon as he stepped inside his house, a servant came up to him and reported, "Heir-son Lord, Prince Jing is waiting for you outside the study."


    Wasn''t he just here yesterday? How come he''s again? What does he want now?


    "Little Jing," Xia Chunyu greeted as he walked into his study.


    Yesterday, as soon as Helian Jing got home, he sent his trusted servant to go to watch the Laifu Motel. The prince was so full of excitement and giddiness he wasn''t able to sleep the whole night. In the morning, he called for his servant who reported that big Yaoyao had already gone to Heavenly Residence to work.


    Helian Jing contemplated on inviting brother Chunyu to have lunch at the restaurant. He wanted to properly thank brother Chunyu for his advice on finding big Yaoyao. He also wanted brother Chunyu to see firsthand how different and kind big Yaoyao was.


    "Brother Chunyu," Helian Jing welcomed cheerfully.


    Xia Chunyu looked at him with a frown. Yesterday, Little Jing came to him looking so miserable, and now he was almost bursting out of happiness. Xia Chunyu was confused.


    "What happened to make you so happy? Did you find your brother Jin Yao?" Xia Chunyu teased as he sat down while the maidservants served them tea.


    "Brother Chunyu, you guessed it! I found big Yaoyao!" Helian Jing exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.


    Xia Chunyu almost spat out his tea.


    "Brother Chunyu, you really know your thing. Sure enough, big Yaoyao really came to Jin Ling. I met with Zhao Qixuan yesterday and he was holding a celebration party in Heavenly Residence for you - a party you didn''t go to, might I add. He dragged me to the party and it turns out that big Yaoyao was the restaurant''s new cook! Man, now I understand the saying ''without coincidences, there would be no stories''!"


    Xia Chunyu gritted his teeth, seething inside. Every time Helian Jing mentioned his ''big Yaoyao'', he felt like he was being stabbed in the heart.


    "That''s such a coincidence." Xia Chunyu forced a smile.


    Helian Jing said, "Brother Chunyu, we should go for lunch at Heavenly Residence. It''s my treat. This is the least I could do to thank you for all your help."


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow. "Are you trying to butter me up?"


    He Lianjing chuckled. "No, no! Big Yaoyao''s dishes are delicious, I promise."


    "You should find someone else to go with. I have already promised your older brother I''d go to Fragrant Floor," replied Xia Chunyu. If it was any other person who invited him, Chunyu would''ve declined. However, it was Helian Xuan, and he really couldn''t say no. It would also give them a chance to catch up because they haven''t really talked since they both returned to Jin Ling.


    "Why would you go to Fragrant Floor? What good dishes can that old chef make? Just go to Heavenly Residence. Brother Chunyu, I promise it won''t disappoint you," Helian Jing boasted.


    "I can''t. Your brother already booked the place. Maybe next time."


    Helian Jing was very disappointed but he knew that he there was no changing brother Chunyu''s mind. He bid him goodbye and instead, went straight to the palace of Yong An, thinking that Zhao Qixuan the slacker would definitely have the time for lunch.


    The servants informed him that Zhao Qixuan had swum in the lake until midnight last night and was still fast asleep.


    Helian Jing didn''t care and rushed directly into Qixuan''s room to wake him up.


    "Get up, get up! Let''s eat lunch!" Helian Jing flung the covers off of him and immediately looked away in embarrassment. Face red with mortification, he yelled, "How do you sleep with no clothes on?"


    Zhao Qixuan was dreaming about meeting with the very beautiful little Su, so when he was startled awake he was nearly livid. Luckily, before he went on a rampage, he recognized Helian Jing. He smiled and asked, "Little Jing, what brings you here?"


    Helian Jing did not dare to look at him. "Put some clothes on. I''m going outside to wait for you. Quick!"


    Zhao Qixuan scowled. The only person who has seen him naked was himself. Even Little Su still hadn''t seen his good figure yet.


    Zhao Qixuan put his clothes on and went out to speak with the young prince. "Little Jing, why have you come to see me so early in the morning?"


    The redness on Helian Jing''s face hasn''t gone away yet. "What do you mean early in the morning? It''s almost lunchtime. I came to see you so we can have a meal," Helian Jing snapped as he reluctantly glanced at him.


    "Is it so late already?" Zhao Qixuan had been a little bit muddle-headed lately. Old Grandpa Hou hadn''t been at the palace, so he had been very carefree.


    He Lianjing pointed to the fingers on the clock.


    "Uh, right, um, little Jing, you came to have a meal with me? Okay. It''s big brother''s treat. Where do you want to go? Fragrant Floor or Fu Ji?" Zhao Qixuan said generously.


    Helian Jing scoffed and replied, "Didn''t you say last night that you''d be treating me at Heavenly Residence?"


    Zhao Qixuan stared at him blankly for a moment before slapping a palm on his forehead. "Oh, curse my memory. I suppose I did say that, huh? Then, by all means, let''s walk to Heavenly Residence."


    Ye Jiayao had made several new dishes for Shopkeeper Li to try. Blessedly, after he had tried them all, he ordered all of them to be added to the menu. Ye Jiayao was giddy with pride of her work.


    Little Lu came rushing to the kitchen and reported, "Shopkeeper! Lord Hou''s heir from Yong An and Young Royal Highness Jing came again. They''re in the Lotus Pavillion and they asked for brother Yao to go over."


    Ye Jiayao angrily pursed her lips.


    The kid finally came, eh?

 Chapter 52：Are you messing with me?

    In the Fuqu Attic, Zhao Qixuan slouched over the flowery armchair, his lips stretched into a small smile. "Little Jing, from the second we entered this attic, I can tell that you''re uneasy. What are you nervous about?"


    Helian Jing peeled his eyes away from the door he was anxiously staring at. "Why on earth would I be nervous?"


    Helian Jing took a drink from his cup, trying to cover his agitation. He took a big sip, forgetting that the tea was just made seconds ago with boiled water. The drink scalded his tongue and he jumped up, spilling the tea all over his clothes in the process.


    "Who¡­ Who made this tea? Are you trying to burn me?"


    The waiter in the compartment, Little Lu, hurriedly came over to help the prince. He sounded absolutely terrified as he said, "Young Royal Highness, that wasn''t my intention. I am so sorry."


    "Get off me!" Helian Jing pushed Little Lu away irritably.


    "Okay¡­ I will make a new tea for Young Royal Highness, right now."


    Zhao Qixuan flapped his paper fan and laughed. "Who said that he wanted hot tea again?"


    Helian Jing stared at him angrily and wiped the tea on his clothes sulkily.


    A knock sounded on the door.


    Helian Jing sat up immediately and cleared his throat. "Come in."


    Ye Jiayao pushed the door and came in. Yong An Marquis Heir-son Lord was smiling and slouching at the side. Little Jingjing was sat in front of him, looking serious, a puddle of water in front of him.


    "What is going on? Little Lu, how did you treat our customers?" Ye Jiayao didn''t bother asking who was at fault and immediately put the blame on Little Lu. Customers were always right, and in this case, these customers were practically gods. She couldn''t offend them. Plus, she didn''t know if Little Jingjing came here to get even with her.


    Little Lu felt helpless. He knew he didn''t do anything wrong, but he didn''t dare to defend himself.


    "It was not his fault. I was careless and I spilled my tea," Helian Jing said.


    "Hurry up and change the tea for Young Royal Highness," Ye Jiayao told Little Lu, who bowed his head and hurriedly scurried out.


    Ye Jiayao then greeted her customers, her hands held together respectfully. "Li Yao welcomes you, Heir-son Lord and Young Royal Highness."


    "You told us that you still had some delicious dishes, I am here to try them out fresh," Zhao Qixuan casually said.


    Ye Jiayao smiled and nodded. "Chicken, duck, fish, abalone, sea cucumber, wild goose, shark''s fin, shrimp, crab, and fresh vegetables. Whatever you want to order, I can make it for you, Heir-son Lord."


    "I want to eat beggars'' bird," Helian Jing said, not happy that Big Yaoyao was only focusing on Zhao Qixuan.


    Ye Jiayao faked a smile. "I have an upgraded version of the beggars'' chicken, do you want to try it, Young Royal Highness?"


    "I don''t want the upgraded version. I want the original taste of beggars'' bird," Helian Jing insisted.


    Beggar''s bird was the first dish that Big Yaoyao made for him. The bird that they ate cost him so much energy to hunt and he could not forget it so easily. In fact, the memory was still fresh in his mind, and he really missed its taste.


    He really is looking for trouble. Damn it! If I am doing this dish, I will have to dig a hole in the ground.


    "Alright. Whatever Young Royal Highness wants to eat, I will cook," Ye Jiayao agreed graciously.


    You''re going to pay for this.


    "I also want grass mushroom soup with pancakes," Helian Jing continued.


    Ye Jiayao really wanted to punch him. This brat! That grass mushroom soup was made with mushrooms she dug in the wild. This was a restaurant and they only had winter mushroom, flat mushroom, needle mushroom, and monkey head mushroom.


    Ye Jiayao grinned a tad evilly. "There is no grass mushroom available, Young Royal Highness. Will you be amenable to changing it to thin mushrooms?"


    Helian Jing thought about it for a while before nodding. "It must be good enough to satisfy me."


    Zhao Qixuan had no idea what was going on. What the hell is Little Jing ordering? He was sensing a weird tension between these two.


    "What does the Heir-son Lord want to order?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Zhao Qixuan flapped his paper fan. "Whatever you are good at. It''s only me and Young Royal Highness today. You can make the decision."


    "Okay, then. Please wait for a while, I will make them right away." Ye Jiayao bowed respectfully and left.


    She returned to the kitchen and ordered a third-class kitchen hand, Cui Dongpeng, to go find some yellow clay.


    Cui Dongpeng was lost. "Brother Yao, what do you need the yellow clay for?"


    "Making beggar''s bird," Ye Jiayao answered indignantly.


    Everyone was shocked as they have never heard of a dish called beggar''s bird.


    "Haichuan, go find a pigeon. Brother Xiang, please make a pancake. You don''t need to add other ingredients for taste except for salt. White flour pancake."


    Ye Jiayao pulled her sleeves up and got ready.


    Zhong Xiang replied tartly, "I am busy. You only need to take care of two valuable customers, but I still have a few tables of dishes to cook for."


    He suspected that Li Yao was making him do such an easy job to make him look bad. Also, why did he have to listen to Li Yao? He wasn''t the master chef.


    Ye Jiayao nodded. Alright, you wanna play hardball?


    "Who can make a pancake?"


    Ye Jiayao saw that third-class kitchen hand Jiang Youli wanted to step up, but he halted after a glance from Zhong Xiang.


    The air turned a bit awkward.


    Ye Jiayao decided to just let it go. She didn''t want to trouble Jiang Youli. She took the yeast and started to do it by herself.


    She squished the dough into thin pieces and then added a little bit of salt to it. She also added some butter and rolled the skin of the dough and made it into a pancake shape.


    She was cursing Little Jing inside her head as she made the pancake. That little runt. You''ve already made my journey to Jin Ling tough, and now you''re still creating trouble?


    Inside the Fuqu Attic, Zhao Qixuan smiled at Helian Jing as if he knew what happened between him and Li Yao.


    Helian Jing felt uncomfortable under Zhao''s knowing glance. "Why are you looking at me? My face doesn''t grow flowers and I am not your Little Su."


    Zhao Qixuan immediately folded his paper fan and moved closer to him. He smiled craftily and said, "I know why you are not looking for that person anymore."


    "Why?" Helian Jing sneered.


    "Because you love someone else now."


    Helian Jing almost choked on his own tongue. He yelled defensively, "Nonsense! Love?"


    Zhao Qixuan was too smart and perceptive to believe Helian Jing''s lie. "Why are you being defensive? You''re denying it because you''re afraid. Do you now that you have a tell? When you feel guilty or afraid, you can''t meet people''s eyes."


    "Whatever you say," Helian Jing scoffed dismissively, trying to calm himself down.


    "I knew something was wrong with you since yesterday. When you saw Li Yao, your eyes lit up. Today, you rushed me to come here with you. When you didn''t see him, you were nervous and unsettled. When he was here, you couldn''t look at him directly in the eyes. You also intentionally ordered strange dishes to create problems for him.


    "Little Jing, I have been through this type of things. You are the typical guy who likes someone so much but never speaks it out. You wanted to treat someone well but because you''re confused, you intentionally do the opposite. You just started to feel love for the first time but you''re too shy to express it. You''re heart and mind are struggling."


    Helian Jing looked at Zhao Qixuan in shock. Have I been really that obvious?


    "Do you need some help from me?" Zhao Qixuan was willing to help him to save a love story and expand the gay community. The more people who could understand him, the better.


    "Help? I don''t need any help." Helian Jing tapped the table with his fingers. The chaotic rhythm mirrored his unstable emotions.


    "You are really not interested in Li Yao?" Zhao Qixuan smiled at him as if nothing happened.


    Helian Jing shook his head, his lips twitching involuntarily. "I don''t know what you are talking about."


    Zhao Qixuan unfolded his paper fan and shook it calmly. He slowly said, "Since you are not interested, I will make a move on him. Little Su had been gone for two years, he seemed to have lost interest in me. A forced relationship is never good. Li Yao looks good and he is smart. The way he talks matches my temper¡­"


    "You¡­ excuse me? You''re going to what?" Helian Jing felt nervous.


    "Chase him, of course! Li Yao is the first person other than Li Yao who stirred my feelings. I spent so many years on Little Su. I almost lost my life for him. I would do anything for him, but it all ended up just for nothing. Since there are so many beautiful men in this world, why should I limit myself to loving just one? I decided that I will go for Li Yao," Zhao Qixuan said firmly, sounding and looking as if he had already made up his mind.


    Helian Jing licked his dehydrated lips. "Umm... Qixuan, you just said yesterday that love needed persistence. Why would you give up today? I think Little Su still likes you. It''s just that his father objects it and he is trying to be an obedient son. My guess is he is sad and crying somewhere. If you give up on him, you''ll never know."


    "Also, Li Yao... yes, he is good, but he is just a chef. Your status is too different," Helian Jing reasoned, desperately trying to dissuade Zhao Qixuan from his horrible idea.


    "If it is true love, other things are unimportant." Zhao Qixuan tried not to laugh at how hopeless Little Jing looked.


    "Okay, fine, those are not important. But do you know if he even likes men? There''s a high chance that he''s not, but he''d still go along just because he''s intimidated by your power. That''d be beyond cruel!" Helian Jing cried out, his voice getting more panicky. He dragged Zhao Qixuan here so that he could boost his ego, not so he could steal his love.


    Zhao Qixuan smiled kindly. "Well, we won''t know if he likes men if we don''t ask him. Perhaps he doesn''t even know it yet. Just like me, when I was 12, I thought I was going to marry my cousin. It wasn''t until I saw Little Su that I realized that I like men."


    Helian Jing had run out of excuses and the anxiety was already eating him up. He said angrily, "Just stay away from Li Yao."


    "Why? I like him. I don''t see how this concerns you," Zhao Qixuan needled, wanting Little Jing to confess.


    "Because¡­ because¡­ because he is the one I am looking for," Helian Jing blurted out, succumbing to pressure.


    That shocked Zhao Qixuan. Didn''t he say that he went to Jiang Xi? How did he turn into Li Yao?


    "Don''t put anything into it. We are only friends. Just friends," Helian Jing hurriedly explained as he saw Zhao Qixuan trying to piece everything together.


    "As long as you don''t have feelings for him, it is fine with me," Zhao Qixuan said casually.


    "You just can''t. I won''t let him be with you. If you so much as make a move on him, we''ll cease being friends," Helian Jing warned aggressively.


    Zhao Qixuan frowned. "Aiyo! Are you threatening me? I don''t really care. I won''t stop until you confess that you like him."


    Helian Jing turned red. Yes, I want him, but I can''t say that out loud!


    Zhao Qixuan watched Little Jing became more worried with each passing second. Finally, he took pity on him. "Okay, fine. I was only joking. Ease up, young prince."


    "You are messing with me?" Helian Jing exclaimed angrily, feeling really embarrassed.


    Zhao Qixuan held his hands up and apologized. He patiently said, "Little Jing, it is not easy to meet someone you really like. Whatever other people say is not important. I''ve got your back. Don''t be afraid."

 Chapter 53：Interrogate

    Ye Jiayao made the mushroom soup and beggars'' chicken that little Jing wanted. She also prepared seasonal vegetables, tree fungus salad, pork tripe chicken, and cabbage with shredded wings, serving them personally to him.


    Shopkeeper Li waited for her at the mouth of the staircase.


    "Li Yao, ah, go have a couple of drinks with the prince. You don''t have to help out in the kitchen for the time being."


    Ye Jiayao''s jaw fell open. Am I an escort now?


    Shopkeeper Li didn''t think there was anything inappropriate about his order. It was a great honor to join Young Prince Jing during his meal.


    "You don''t have to worry, the Heir-son Lord from last night is not around."


    That Heir-son Lord was an infamous homosexual, if Li Yao was invited to dine with him, Shopkeeper Li didn''t think that his young chef would survive it intact.


    Why should I be relieved that the Heir-son Lord is not around?


    "Quick, get moving. Don''t let the prince wait for too long." Shopkeeper Li laughed as he hurried Ye Jiayao along.


    Well, it was not like she has anything to be worried about. It was just little Jinjing.


    Ye Jiayao walked into the lotus room with high fighting spirit.


    Helian Jing sat alone at the table, tapping his fingers. Zhao Qixuan''s words replayed in his mind, confusing him even more. Could it really be possible that he was becoming gay? He was feeling worried and anxious for a man. He feels disappointed when he couldn''t see him, elated when he was with him. Was that love?


    Unfortunately, Helian Jing wouldn''t know that. In his 16 years of existence, he has never experienced that love for either a female or a male. He felt like he was going crazy trying to make sense of what he was feeling.


    "Young Royal Highness, the dishes you ordered are here." Ye Jiayao placed the dishes on the table efficiently.


    She picked up a small hammer and knocked the mud wrapped around the beggars'' chicken off. A burst of flavor together with the scent of lotus leaves drifted through the air.


    Ye Jiayao looked at little Jingjing, who was sat there expressionless. What now? Is this brat going through one of his mood swings again?


    She tore off a pigeon thigh and placed it in his bowl. "Didn''t you kick up a fuss wanting to eat the beggars'' chicken? I assure you it is as authentic as it can get, try it!"


    The fragrance reminded Helian Jing of the first time he shot a bird. He remembered the joy he felt when he jumped into the lotus pond to pick a lotus leaf. He remembered how he spared no effort in digging a hole. He recalled the curiosity and excitement he felt when he got down on all fours to watch Big Yaoyao prepare the beggars'' bird.


    He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Ever since he was young, he got everything he wanted with a flick of his hand. He has never gone hungry, and neither has he slept in a run-down pavilion, getting bitten by mosquitoes. He had never gone through hardship so it didn''t occur to him that there were so many people in the world who were leading hard lives.


    Therefore, that beggars'' bird that came with great difficulty became the most delicious dish he had ever tasted in his life. The smell infused into the bones, the image of both of them sitting on a dirt pile, wolfing down the food, rushed to his thoughts.


    He just continued to sit there silently, eating and reminiscing the past, not caring if Big Yaoyao was still standing there.


    Ye Jiayao watched him slowly and expressionlessly eat the beggars'' chicken. It looked like he was savoring every bite of the beggars'' chicken and every spoonful of the mushroom soup. She might as well have been invisible for all the attention he was giving her. This brat took me away from the kitchen just to make me watch him eat?


    After finishing the whole bird and half a bowl of soup, Helian Jing wiped his mouth with a piece of the serviette.


    Finally, he slanted a look at Ye Jiayao. "Why did you not keep your word?"


    The interrogation has finally started! Ye Jiayao pursed her lips and denied, "I didn''t break my promise."


    Helian Jing''s eyes were filled with fury. "You promised to look for me. We even clapped our palms and swore."


    "I was going to look for you. I just wanted to wait until I have settled down and found a job before seeking you out," Ye Jiayao argued with conviction.


    Technically, she was telling the truth. She did not say she would immediately look for him as soon as she reached Jin Ling.


    "You''re a liar! Why did you get off at Zhen Jiang? Did you know that I waited for you in the harbor? I waited for Li Mao''s ship but you were not there! Did you know how I felt, then? I went to Zhen Jiang to look for you, my men almost ransacked the whole town to find you, but you weren''t there! Did you know how I felt, then? Just last night, I begged Zhao Qixuan to get his brother-in-law in Jiang Xi to look for you."


    "Big Yaoyao, how could you break your promise? Even now, you''re still denying it! I hate people who break their promises!" Helian Jing couldn''t help the words pouring out of his mouth. All the pent up worry, frustration, and anger he was feeling just busted out of him. He had been going out of his mind looking for big Yaoyao, and yet, here he was, looking as if he did not care.


    Ye Jiayao felt like screaming back at him. However, she stopped short when she saw his eyes welling up with tears. He looked so angry and sad at the same time that Ye Jiayao could not bear to argue with him.


    "Little Prince, you are overthinking this. I went to Zhen Jiang because I have some things to settle there. And I did intend to go to Jiang Xi, but in the end, I decided against it. Jin Ling is a flourishing city, it would be easier to find a job here. I promised you that I''d look for you, and I don''t go back on my words."


    "I even fell ill for two days on the way to Jin Ling and had to hunker down in a ruined temple to wait for the pain to pass. I only reached Jin Ling the night before. It was Manager Du of Laifu Motel who introduced me to work here. I came to apply for the chef position yesterday morning. You can ask the manager of Laifu Motel or Shopkeeper Li if you don''t believe me," Ye Jiayao explained calmly.


    Helian Jing''s anger dissipated when he heard that big Yaoyao fell ill. What illness did he contract? He would have to get the royal physician check on him after he gets back.


    Seeing his expression ease, Ye Jiayao continued, "Little Jingjing, you''re a prince. To civilians like me, you''re unreachable. I admit, I hesitated because I don''t know how to approach you in your mansion. I was going to look for you once I''ve made a decent living here in Jing Ling. I wanted to look for you for the sake of old friends catching up, not to charge you for your debt or beg for something to eat. I didn''t want you to look down on me, little Jingjing."


    Helian Jing was so touched, the tears he was holding in almost fell. He had always dislike how big Yaoyao calls him little Jingjing, but now, it felt like a term of endearment. It was just like how he sometimes call him ''big Raorao'' to get on his nerves.


    Big Yaoyao did not forget me!


    Helian Jing stood up and pulled a chair out for Ye Jiayao. "Big Yaoyao, take a seat."


    Ye Jiayao sat down on the chair he offered. The young prince immediately pushed all the dishes she cooked right in front of her. "You must be hungry? Quick, eat."


    Um? Talk about a personality change!


    "No, that''s okay. You go eat, I am not hungry. These are made especially for you," Ye Jiayao replied courteously.


    "You eat, you eat! I already had my fill. Besides, if I want to eat the food you prepare, I can just come here every day." Helian Jing smiled happily.


    Everyday?


    "That... Little Jingjing, I know that your family is wealthy, but even if you have a lot of money, this is not the way to spend it. Eating in a restaurant every day would not look nice in the eyes of others. They would think that you are idle. A man should have some accomplishment, like serving your country and the commoners. Anyway, I am contractually bound to this place for three years. You can come here occasionally if you have guests or you want to socialize. When I open my own restaurant in the future, you can go over there every day if you wish."


    Helian Jing laughed out loud. "Alright, I will listen to you.


    Suddenly, a thought occurred to him and he suggested, "Why don''t you open one now? I can lend you the capital if that''s what you''re worried about."


    The more thought he put into it, the more that Helian Jing was convinced that it was a superb idea. Opening a restaurant together would bound him to Big Yaoyao legitimately. Besides, with Big Yaoyao''s culinary skills and his connections as a royal, the restaurant was sure to be bustling with business. They could easily compete and defeat Xiang Yi Restaurant, Heavenly Residence, and Man Ji.


    Unexpectedly, Big Yaoyao rolled his eyes. "What are you talking about? I just signed a contract, do you want me to breach it?"


    Helian Jing shrugged. "So what if you breach the contract? I will talk to Shopkeeper Li, see if he dares to not let you go."


    "Don''t you dare," Ye Jiayao told him fiercely. She has only just settled down in Jin Ling and there were still a lot more for her to learn. Moreover, she got this job because of the help of Shopkeeper Du and his wife. She couldn''t just abandon the job they so generously gave her. Also, she wanted to open a restaurant that completely belonged to her. She does not want to bring in other people to partner up. She has seen too many failed business ventures in the modern times just because the partners ceased being friends. She didn''t want that to happen to her.


    "We can always discuss opening a restaurant in the future. First, we have to learn how to walk before we run. Opening a restaurant is not as easy as it seems," Ye Jiayao lectured.


    Helian Jing pouted.


    "Oh, also, you can bring anyone you want here but not the person who brought you back in Jin Ling." Ye Jiayao said, suddenly coming up with a solution to one of her problems.


    Helian Jing was puzzled. "Why?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes again. "Because I hate him."


    What? Helian Jing was baffled. How did brother Chunyu provoke big Yaoyao? They don''t even know each other. Could it be... could it be that big Yaoyao detests brother Chunyu for bringing him back to Jin Ling, causing them to part?


    Helian Jing''s heartbeat involuntarily increased as he thought of this. Is that really the case? Oh, my god! This is awesome!


    Ye Jiayao picked up a slice of potato, watching Little Jingjing stare at the wall, smiling like a fool.


    "You do know you look ridiculous when you smile like that, right? Hold up a mirror and I''m sure you''d scare yourself." Ye Jiayao missed teasing him.


    Helian Jing managed to restrain his smile for a while. After a few seconds, it burst out of him again, his eyes glistening like the spring sun reflecting in the ripples of the Qin Huai River.


    "Big Yaoyao, I am so glad I found you."


    Ye Jiayao could not help but laugh. Such a cute little child!


    "Mm, I am also happy to see you." Ye Jiayao nodded.


    That was not a lie. She was indeed fond of this little brother.


    Helian Jing smiled even more brilliantly, the joy in his heart indescribable.

 Chapter 54：Gigolo

    In a suite in Xiang Yi Restaurant, Helian Xuan and Xia Chunyu were having a few drinks together.


    "Even after little Jing returned, he continues going out every day. I have no idea what he is so busy with! Seeing him idling around the whole day gives me a headache. I want to arrange an errand for him, but I''m afraid that he would ruin it and bring shame upon the Helian family." Helian Xuan had his head in hands, troubled.


    Xia Chunyu contemplated his friend''s problem. What is Little Jing busy with? Now that he has found the person he was looking for, isn''t it time that he concentrates on more important things?


    "In my opinion, I think it would be better to arrange an errand for him. Giving him something to do would get his mind to settle down and give him a sense of responsibility. Don''t think too much if he''d do well or not. It''s the first few challenges that teach young men. Even you lost your first battles. Hell, I also made a fool of myself on my first assignment! Little Jing is quite clever. Just give him a chance and I''m sure he''d be able to achieve something," Xia Chunyu said.


    Helian Xuan bounced the idea around his head for a while. "I''ll take a look and see if there''s anything suitable for him. Help me look for something, too, okay?"


    Xia Chunyu smiled and nodded his head. "Of course, I will take note."


    "Right, what is up with the third madam back when you were at Black Wind Ridge? I never had the chance to ask you," Helian Xuan asked with curiosity.


    Xia Chunyu filled his cup up with wine and downed it in one go. The spicy liquid burned right down to his stomach, but it was still unable to dissolve the knot in his heart.


    His predicament has been weighing heavily on his heart. It was a little better in the day when he has things to do that kept his mind off it. At night, however, when all was quiet and he was left to his own devices, he would toss and turn, the memories of Yaoyao haunting him. The mere thought of her would tug at his heart and it was like an unbearable physical ache in his chest. Sometimes, he would wake up in the middle of the night and subconsciously feel around beside him, only to find it cold and empty.


    He did ponder over his feelings meticulously, trying to figure out if the reason for his obsession was guilt or because he has genuinely fallen in love with her. Perhaps, it was both.


    "She is originally from a good household but she got kidnapped up to the mountains. The first-in-charge rewarded her to me and I always thought that she is a spy¡­ it''s only after the whole fiasco that I found out that she wasn''t. I let her down. She died believing that I turned my back on her. I didn''t even get the chance to make amends." Xia Chunyu laughed bitterly, filling his cup again.


    For a long while, Helian Xuan did not know what to say to console his friend. Finally, he sighed. "Beautiful women suffer unhappy fates." He paused and said, "You don''t have to beat yourself up over it. It''s understandable that you didn''t trust her right away."


    Xia Chunyu scowled harder and when he spoke, his tone was even more bitter. "You don''t understand. I promised her that I''d get her out of there safely. I promised her that I wouldn''t leave her. She believed me. She trusted me, and I let her down."


    Helian Xuan was at a loss for words. He has known Xia Chunyu since they were young, and they''d been friends for a long time. The Xia Chunyu he knew was a capable, cold, arrogant, and an unruly person. He has never seen him become this depressed over a woman. It was clear that the woman was extraordinary to get him to act like this.


    "Forget it, brother. Let''s not think about it anymore, it is all in the past. If you really feel that you have let her down, make it up to her family. Surely, you know where her house is?"


    Xia Chunyu''s eyes darkened with cold intentions. Those vile people could not be called Yaoyao''s family. They were cold-blooded, ruthless, and conniving people. Oh, he was sure to make it up to them. He was going to get even with each one of them for Yaoyao''s sake.


    However, he did not want to let Helian Xuan in on his plans so he gave an indifferent smile. "Enough of this depressing talk. Let''s drink up."


    Helian Xuan wanted to discuss Princess Liuli with Xia Chunyu. Princess Liuli was the Empress Dowager''s pet princess, and the Empress Dowager has always been looking for a suitable partner for her. Yesterday, his mother said that she heard the Empress Dowager mention that she thought highly of Chunyu for the princess.


    This called for a celebration. However, seeing Chunyu''s current mood, it seemed unwise to bring the matter up. If the Empress Dowager made up her mind, there should be news of it soon, anyway.


    It took great effort before Ye Jiayao finally managed to coax little Jingjing to leave. She returned to the kitchen only to find the workers looking at her with envy in their eyes.


    Ye Jiayao stopped in her tracks.


    "Ay¡­ these days looks really matter most whatever you do. When you are good-looking, there will be people supporting you. If you''re like us, thick and fat, no matter how delicious you make your food, you''d still get swept aside," Li Quisheng, Zhong Xiang''s sycophant, mocked sourly.


    This imbecile! Is he really accusing me of being a gigolo? Is it my fault that you are thick and fat? Go back and blame your mother for letting you loose in the kitchen!


    "Just do your work well, and stay within your bounds, Li Quisheng." Zhong Xiang said loudly, his lips raised into a sneer.


    Hmph! You two are cowards! Do you think I''m so stupid that I won''t recognize your digs? You accuse me of this dishonesty yet here you are, belittling me when I''ve done nothing! The people who said that men are upstanding people clearly hasn''t met the two of you.


    Deng Haichuan forced a laugh. To smooth the tension out, he changed the topic, and asked, "Brother Yao, what did the little prince say about the dishes today? That beggars'' bird covered in mud seems a little worrying. Did the Young Royal Highness accept it? The beggars'' chicken nowadays is wrapped with flour seasoned with Hua Diao."


    Ye Jiayao smiled patiently. "Little Prince Jing came here to reminisce some bittersweet memories. When I was on my way to Jin Ling, I coincidentally ran into him. I was cooking beggars'' bird at that moment and he followed the scent, claiming he was hungry from his journey. He told me that he couldn''t get the taste out of his mind. So when he found out last night that I was working here as a chef, he came over to ask me to make beggars'' bird today."


    Ye Jiayao purposely left some bits of their story out. She mixed some truths and lies to get people like Li Quisheng and Zhong Xiang off her back. She has friendly relations with the prince and they really couldn''t do anything about it. She just found it insulting that they thought that she was using her looks to climb up the social ladder.


    "Oh! I didn''t know that you have such a personal relationship with Young Royal Highness Jing. It''s no wonder that he requested you to dine with him," Jiang Youli said, feeling apologetic for not helping brother Yao bake the large flatbread previously.


    Everyone suddenly understood why they got so many tips last night.


    Ye Jiayao saw how Zhong Xiang and Liu Qisheng''s faces darkened, and the corner of her lips lifts into an unnoticeable smirk. They have another thing coming if they thought that she''d be a pushover while they pit against her. She knew how to win people over and these kitchen workers were not different.


    After lunch, there was a resting period. Shopkeeper Li told Ye Jiayao that if she would like, she could go rest in the lotus room. There was a rocking chair there and the suite oversees the Qin Huai River so she can also admire the river scenery. However, Ye Jiayao did not want any more special treatment. She wanted to get familiar with everyone and integrate into the group, so she chose to stay in the kitchen to chat with the gang.


    After all, Ye Jiayao was a modern person from a few thousand years later. She was born in a family of chefs, has been the editor of a gourmet magazine, has visited various countries, and has tried pretty much all the delicacies in the world. Her knowledge and experience were not one that an ancient person could compare to.


    Ye Jiayao has her sleeves rolled up, one foot on the bench, talking about Kobe beef. "I have been to the beach and heard that a certain island produces a cow that drinks spring water from the mountains and eats tender grass mixed with herbs. Every day, it listens to relaxing music and gets a massage. If it does not have an appetite, you have to feed it malt-fermented wine. The meat from such cows is incomparably tender, sweet-smelling, and grease-free. It melts in your mouth and is practically the best among all beef."


    Ye Jiayao almost drooled as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the roof of the restaurant. Kobe beef, I miss you!


    "Brother Yao, surely you''re bluffing us! A cow with a treatment better than most human gets? I think I want to be reincarnated into a cow!" Cui Dongpeng smiled indulgently.


    "That''s right, it would be better to be a cow," someone agreed.


    Ye Jiayao laughed, shaking her head. "Then it will depend on whether you guys have good luck. Perhaps if you work hard enough in this life and earn enough money to bribe Yama, it might happen."


    Everyone laughed heartily.


    "I am not bluffing you, though. Abalone and sashimi would be inferior compared to such beef. Do you know what the top nine delicacies in the world are? The beef that I just mentioned ranked six!"


    The group stared at her curiously.


    "Alright. The first place goes to something called Bahaba. In the Guang Zhou region, it is known as Jin Quin Mian, and in the Wen Zhou region, it is called Huang Gan. Shredded abalone and assorted dried seafood soup are only authentic and tastiest if we use Bahaba''s bladder."


    Someone nodded in the crowd, agreeing with her. "I did hear about this, before. I just have never made it."


    "Brother Yao, quick, tell us the second place," Jiang Youli rushed.


    In second place was gold shavings, but it would be a lot of effort explaining this stuff to ancient people. The craft was not something that could be produced in this era, hence she skipped over it and went straight to the truffle.


    "The second most precious food is called truffle. This kind of fungus only grows in a country with terrain that looks similar to a boot. It is a few thousand lis away from here. It is very rare and has to be eaten raw. It cannot be cooked because once it meets with fire, the taste will change. This fungus is sweet and has a heavy fragrance and is not suitable for storing. You have to eat it immediately after picking it. Therefore, unless you are local, it is difficult to enjoy its taste."


    "Brother Yao, where did you hear all these from? You couldn''t probably go all the way there to taste it, right?" someone questioned.


    Ye Jiayao heaved a long sigh. "This is what my master, my grandmaster, and great grandmaster spent half their lives gathering from around the world. My only wish in this life was to tour the world and try all the delicacies like what my master and grandmaster did."


    Zhong Xiang and Liu Qisheng sat desolately outside, feeling upset as they listened to the bustling excitement in the kitchen.


    Liu Qisheng scoffed sulkily, "It is obvious that he is uttering nonsense. Touring the world, ha! Does he even know how wide and big a farmland is? He''s just making up stories and the fools inside are happy being taken along for a ride."


    Zhong Xiang remained silent, his expression a little depressed. In the past, everyone always crowded around him, and now, they have all gone to Li Yao''s side

 Chapter 55：1.73 Meters

    Now that the matter weighing in Helian Jing''s mind was lifted, he was finally able to feel more relaxed. He happily hummed the tune he learned on the river tour yesterday as he went off to find his mother and grandmother.


    "Stop," an icy and imposing voice called from behind him.


    Helian Jing''s heart skipped a beat and he froze on the spot. He hung his head low, and with great dread, slowly turned around.


    "Big brother," Helian Jing greeted.


    Helian Xuan could not help but frown upon seeing his little brother acting so carefree. Their uncles all passed away from early wars, leaving only him and his little brother to carry on the family name and position. The emperor favoured the Helian family, conferring both of them as monarchs. Before their father passed away, he had tasked Helian Xuan with taking care of Helian Jing. He had reiterated the loyalty they must show to the country and the importance of maintaining the family''s stellar reputation.


    Helian Xuan took his father''s last words to heart, working overtime to further his career and excel on all the matters the monarch has trusted him with. The same could not be said for his little brother, however. Due to Helian Jing''s weak health when he was younger, everyone has pampered and spoiled him. It was clear that even now at age 16, Helian Jing still expected everyone to cater to his every whim. He was like a child who never grows up.


    "Where have you been the entire day?" Helian Xuan demanded.


    "No-nowhere! I just went to Heavenly Residence and had a meal and some tea with Zhao Qixuan," Helian Jing answered carefully, intimidated by his brother''s imposing looks.


    It would''ve been fine to Helian Xuan if he hadn''t mention eating with Zhao Qixuan. As it was, hearing that his little brother had been hanging out with the likes of that man brought his blood to a boil.


    "How many times have I told you to stay away from people like Zhao Qixuan?" Helian Xuan scolded.


    "Brother, Zhao Qixuan is actually a good person. I mean, other than that problem, he''s a decent guy," Helian Jing softly defended.


    "You know that he has a problem, and yet, you still associated with him? Aren''t you afraid you''d that he''d turn his disgusting affections on you? And even if you had nothing going on with him, that does not prevent tongues from wagging! You''re going to cost the family its reputation if you keep this up."


    Helian Jing stayed silent in order not to further aggravate his brother.


    "I think you have too much time on your hands. You want to pass the day so you go around doing inconsequential things," Helian Xuan criticized.


    "I don''t want to do inconsequential matters, either!" Helian Jing protested. "I''ve asked you and mother for assignments in the past, but you both ignore me!"


    "Well, this sloppy look of yours certainly does not scream trustworthy." Helian Xuan fixed him with a hard stare.


    Helian Jing looked away. My looks have nothing do with this! You and mother just don''t trust me with anything.


    Helian Xuan sighed. He really doesn''t enjoy chewing his brother out. "Look, next month is grandmother''s 70th birthday. I am quite busy dealing with official businesses, so you shall be in charge of preparing grandmother''s birthday feast."


    Helian Jing visibly perked up, delighted. "Brother, are you serious?"


    "Well, if you''re just going to fail, might as well do it in front of the family first. I don''t want your first humiliation to be in front of strangers," Helian Xuan scoffed.


    Helian Jing rolled his eyes, unfazed. "Brother, don''t underestimate me. I might even throw a party that''s infinitely better than what you could do."


    "That''s possible as I''m sure you''d resort to one of your tricks again."


    Be that as it may, only smart people can come up with tricks. Helian Jing was too excited to let his brother get to him.


    "Alright, you have to prepare the party well and make sure that Grandmother is pleased. If there is anything that you don''t know, you can ask mother. If there is anything you cannot settle outside, look for me. I will arrange an official assignment for you if you do great at this," Helian Xuan said.


    Helian Jing was overjoyed, replying brightly,"Yes, brother. Don''t worry, I will definitely make it satisfactory and make sure that grandmother will have the time of her life."


    Looking at his excited face, the corner of Helian Xuan''s lips rose involuntarily. "Do a good job."


    Perhaps Chunyu was right. In the past, they were too careful, too worried, and too afraid to let go, robbing the bird a chance to learn how to fly on his own. It was time to give little Jing a chance and toughen him up.


    When his big brother left, Helian Jing also turned around, walking towards the mansion''s front door. He wanted to look for big Yaoyao and ask for his help to come up with ideas.


    "Where are you going again?" Helian Xuan asked when he happened to glance back.


    Helian Jing scratched his head, letting out an embarrassed laugh. "I was so happy I lost all sense of direction! I was going to greet mother and grandmother."


    Helian Xuan sighed and shook his head in resignation. It was not even a minute in and he was already regretting giving little Jing this assignment.


    In the Jing An Marquis mansion, Xia Chunyu was back from his evening greeting. Qing Liu has already prepared his bath and change of clothes.


    Qiao Xi came up to him to help him take off his clothes.


    "Is Da Bao and Er Bao doing well?" Xia Chunyu asked as he always does every day.


    "Yes, they are doing well, bouncing around as always. Today, when I went to feed them, Er Bao sneaked out when I wasn''t looking. Everyone chased him around the courtyard, laughing their heads off," Qiao Xi recalled with a laugh.


    causing everyone to chase him around the courtyard, everyone was laughing their heads off at that situation." Qiao Xi laughed.


    Xia Chunyu couldn''t help but smile. If Yaoyao was around, Da Bao and Er Bao would not dare to run around. They would always stay obediently by her side.


    After they took off his outer coat, Xia Chunyu lifted his hand to stop them from continuing to undress him. He disappeared behind the screen with his inner wear on.


    Qing Liu looked at Qiao Xi meaningfully, and Qiao Xi nodded, exiting the room with a knowing smile.


    Xia Chunyu swam a lap around the pool. The pool was so small that two strokes were enough for him to reach the other end. It was not satisfying at all. This made him miss the Haze Lake at Black Wind Ridge. He could swim as much as he wanted to there, and every time he returned from swimming, Yaoyao would be there with a dry towel. She would help him dry his hair, all the while blabbering nonsense.


    At that time, he found her annoying, wondering how one tiny woman could have so much to say. He could never enjoy some peace and quiet with her around. Now, as he recalled the memory, it filled his heart with warmth.


    Xia Chunyu cupped a handful of water and splashed it on his face. He then leaned on the edge of the pool, his eyes closed as he rested.


    He heard soft footsteps approached him from behind. Xia Chunyu, with his low and magnetic voice, said lazily, "I said there is no need to serve me."


    Instead of stopping, the person came closer. He felt more than hear the ripples sweep across the water as the intruder got in the pool.


    Xia Chunyu opened his eyes to see Qing Liu slowly moving closer to him, totally naked.


    "Heir-son Lord, let your servant wait on you." Qing Liu''s face was slightly flushed, both from her shyness and from the steam of the pool.


    The water gently caressed her young and slender body, her cherry red nipples faintly discernible underneath the water. She looked alluring.


    However, Xia Chunyu could not care less about her and what she was offering. He said expressionlessly, "Get out."


    A hint of embarrassment and awkwardness showed on Qing Liu''s face, but she only hesitated for a slight while before she continued moving forward.


    Song Qi has already confirmed that the Heir-son Lord indeed had a woman, but that woman was now dead. Even if the Heir-son Lord really liked this mysterious woman, he couldn''t do anything about it. Qing Liu believed that as long as she put more attention and care for the Heir-son Lord, his affection will shift back to her.


    "Qing Liu, you know I don''t like to repeat myself," Xia Chunyu said emotionlessly.


    Qing Liu halted her tracks, her embarrassment growing. She was not a shameless woman. If she wasn''t someone who had served the Heir-son Lord in that way before, she would never dare to throw herself at him like this.


    "Heir-son Lord, you have changed." Qing Liu choked with sadness. The tenderness and loving words from before have become icy cold. She can''t even get close to him because he would not look her in the eyes.


    Xia Chunyu didn''t wish to raise his voice nor resort to violence. After all, Qing Liu served him once. If she would not leave, then he will.


    Xia Chunyu turned over, pressing one hand on the edge of the pool to leap above the water. He pulled the gown on the rack and quickly donned it on. "You are not young anymore. I will instruct the housekeeper to arrange for you to leave the mansion."


    Qing Liu lost her breath. She couldn''t believe that the Heir-son Lord she once served could be that heartless. She wailed, "Heir-son Lord..."


    Xia Chunyu did not waver in his decision as he walked out of the bathroom in large steps, not once glancing back at the broken heart that he left.


    After that incident with Qing Liu, Xia Chunyu was left feeling frustrated and antsy. Finally, he changed his clothes and decided to leave the mansion to take a walk.


    "Heir-son Lord, where are you going?" Song Qi asked as he jogged to keep up with his master. The Heir-son Lord only remained silent as he walked away aimlessly.


    Song Qi remembered that it was just like the day when they returned from Haze Lake. The Heir-son Lord didn''t say a word back then, too, as he walked through the whole of Black Wind Ridge.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly stopped, raising his head to take a look at the Qin Huai River in front of him. "Let''s take a walk by the river."


    There was not much business today at Heavenly Residence so the gang retired early. Deng Haichuan followed Ye Jiayao''s instructions and invited the rest of the men for a drink. Ye Jiayao returned to the inn and after helping the workers a little, she retired to her room to lie down. The problem was she wasn''t sleepy at all. If it were the modern times, this is when the nightlife begins. The ancient people do not have many leisurely activities to do so they could only go to bed and dream. Since she could not fall asleep, Ye Jiayao got up and decided to take a walk by the Qin Huai River since it was just two streets away from the inn.


    Gazing at the pleasure boats cutting through the river, Ye Jiayao comforted herself with the thought that she was basically also touring the Qin Huai River. Technically, she was touring the Qin Huai River every day when she gets off work. The only difference was the rich people were floating on the river while she was walking by the bank.


    "Bean cakes for sale! Sweet-smelling bean cakes, two coppers for a bean cake!" a peddler called out. Ye Jiayao looked to the direction of the vendor and saw an old man sitting in the harbour, in front of him was the bean cakes he was selling.


    Ye Jiayao realized that it was hard for the old man to sell the cakes this late at night so she walked over to him and said, "Old uncle, give me a piece of bean cake."


    The old man smiled. "Wait for a moment, young chap, I will make you a fresh one."


    Ye Jiayao struck up a conversation with the old man. "Old uncle, is there still a business so late at night?"


    The old man laughed. "Every sale counts. I can earn more this way."


    "Will those rich men buy them?" Ye Jiayao pointed at the leisure boats.


    "They wouldn''t even take a look at cheap stuff like this. The ladies and the servant boys, however, would occasionally take care of this old man''s business."


    "Give me another three then!" Ye Jiayao said. She was going to bring it back for the people in the motel.


    "Young chap, try one first. You can always buy more if you find it tasty," the old man said.


    Ye Jiayao smiled, finding the old man''s honesty endearing.


    Just when Ye Jiayao was buying the bean cakes, Xia Chunyu and Song Qi walked pass her.


    Song Qi smelled the delicious fragrance of the bean cakes and smiled merrily. He turned to Xia Chunyu and asked, "Heir-son Lord, would you like a bean cake?"


    "Buy it for yourself if you want some," Xia Chunyu replied indifferently.


    Song Qi laughed a little bit abashedly. "Then, Heir-son Lord, please wait for a while."


    Ye Jiayao paid the old man, and with a bean cake in her mouth and three other in her hands, she continued walking forward.


    By the time Song Qi reached the old vendor, Ye Jiayao was already more than 10 meters away.


    "Uncle, one bean cake please."


    "Well, the business is quite good tonight," the old man commented, bemused.


    Xia Chunyu got a little impatient waiting, and turned to look at Song Qi''s whereabouts and instead, saw another person loitering alone at a distance. Xia Chunyu smiled bitterly, somehow inexplicably comforted by the idea that there was someone like him who fancied a stroll by the river this late.


    "Song Qi, are you done?" Xia Chunyu hurried.


    "Coming, coming!" Song Qi ran back with the bean cake, biting a huge chunk of it before exclaiming, "Heir-son Lord, this bean cake is really pretty good."


    Xia Chunyu didn''t say anything as he continued on his walk.


    Never would he have imagined that that night, just at that moment, he brushed past Yaoyao and for a second, they were only 1.73 meters apart.

 Chapter 56：Furious

    The next day, as soon as Ye Jiayao stepped inside Heavenly Residence, Deng Haichuan pulled her aside.


    "Brother Xiang was furious last night, you better watch out," he warned her.


    Ye Jiayao smiled upon hearing this and asked, "How was he furious?"


    Deng Haichuan looked at brother Yao, confused as to how he was still smiling.


    "I did as you told me to. After drinking, I told everyone that it was a treat by brother Xiang. He looked so mad so I told him that you gave back his reward plus another two taels. Brother Xiang did not say anything for a long time and then he just suddenly smashed a vat of wine! He got right in my face, I thought he was going to beat me up! I was lucky he didn''t, otherwise, I''d be going to work black and blue today," Deng Haichuan said, his lingering trepidation evident. This time, he has offended brother Xiang by standing by Li Yao. From now on, he would have to stay near the new chef in case brother Xiang tried something.


    Ye Jiayao imagined Zhong Xiang''s furious expression, and could not help but laugh. Indeed, she was out to tease Zhong Xiang. She wanted to punish him for mocking her with Liu Qisheng yesterday.


    She patted Deng Haichuan''s shoulder comfortingly. "It''s okay. I forked out the money while everyone thought he was just being generous enough to treat them. The worst that he could do was pay me back!"


    Ye Jiayao guessed right, as not long after, Zhong Xiang came over to her, his foul mood obvious to everyone. He smacked four and a half taels on the table in front of her and said hatefully, "Here''s your money. I will treat everyone if I want to, there is no need for you to be hypocritical."


    Ye Jiayao purposely acted as if she was the wronged one. "Brother Xiang, I think you are mistaken. We all work together and we all work hard, it is only right that everyone shares the reward. You refuse to accept your share so I thought I would just top up a little and treat everyone to drinks. The majority of the amount was really coming from you, so naturally, you are the one treating. If I have done anything wrong, I''m sorry. I am new to here and I don''t know the rules, so please, don''t hold it against me."


    Ye Jiayao''s words won the consent of the majority. For a long time now, the kitchen had been dominated by Master Chef Niu. The other workers were always treated as if they were beneath him as he scolded and belittled them. Chef Li Yao was a blessing for them. He empathized with their sufferings and credited them for their work. They thought that what Li Yao did was merely an effort to endear brother Xiang to them. Brother Xiang was just a tad too narrow-minded to realize it.


    Cui Dongpeng stood up and said, "That''s right, Brother Xiang. Brother Yao only wants everyone to have a good time. He means no harm."


    Zhong Xiang turned to them, biting his tongue. Are you happy now? Are you happy seeing me get played by this newbie? Why do you believe him so easily? I''ve been with you for years!


    There was a saying that goes, ''there is no need to be afraid of a god-like opponent, but instead, be afraid of a pig-like teammate''. Unfortunately for Zhong Xiang, his pig-like teammate has chosen this moment to appear.


    Liu Qisheng pointed at the crowd angrily. "You people, are you really this blinded by this new guy? How does Brother Xiang usually treat you all? When did Brother Xiang not stand up and take the brunt for you when Head Chef Niu gets angry? Now that you receive a few taels from someone, all of a sudden, you found a new hero?"


    "Liu Qisheng, how can you say something like this? I think the situation has ended up like that because you are stirring up shit." Wang Mingde, who was usually silent, jumped out.


    "That''s right! So what if brother Yao has shared his rewards with us? What made him my friend was his words of encouragement and praise. The money is only secondary," Cui Dongpeng defended.


    Everyone agreed, and suddenly, Liu Qisheng became the target of everyone''s frustrations and was verbally attacked from all sides.


    Zhong Xiang''s face showed absolute defeat. He felt as though everyone was abandoning him, choosing to stand on Li Yao''s side.


    Ye Jiayao stepped in between the fight to resolve it. "Everyone, stop it. This is all my fault, it is because I lack consideration."


    "Brother Yao, you are not at fault," Wang Mingde disagreed.


    Deng Haichuan scowled and hurriedly said, "It is all my fault. I am to blame. Brother Yao didn''t want me to say anything, yet I had a drop too much, and I couldn''t think straight. Brother Xiang, brother Yao, this is all my fault, I apologize."


    Ye Jiayao stole a glance at Deng Haichuan, surprised at his quick wit.


    Public opinions all sided Ye Jiayao while Liu Qisheng has been drowned in criticism. Zhong Xiang was now isolated with no one in his corner. He turned to walk out, discouraged.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Everyone, go back to work. I will talk to brother Xiang."


    Zhong Xiang was sat on the grindstone in the courtyard, sulking. Ye Jiayao walked over, sitting beside him.


    "Brother Xiang, I know what you think of me. ''What right does this chap have to be on equal footing with me? Is it because of her relationship with Li Erniang, or because he is good-looking?''" Ye Jiayao said in Zhong Xiang''s voice.


    Zhong Xiang rolled his eyes, unamused.


    Ye Jiayao continued, "You have strived for years to get to where you are today, and yet here I am, so young and surpassing you. It''s not fair to you." Ye Jiayao let out a bitter laugh. "News flash, there is nothing fair in this world."


    "I say this without modesty - in this kitchen, no one has studied culinary for a longer time than I have. I am born in a family of chefs. My father was carrying me to the kitchen to learn before I could even speak. Before I even learned how to use a chopstick, I was already wielding a spatula. At six, I was cooking for my whole family standing on a stool. When everyone was playing with mud and catapults, I was playing with knives. Although skills and talent are important, without hard work, you won''t go far. You might think otherwise, but I definitely did not put in lesser work than any of you."


    Listening to her story, Zhong Xiang gradually calmed down. No wonder this chap is so good! He''s from a family of chefs!


    "Knowing Li Erniang is purely coincidental. I came to Jin Ling and stayed at her motel. She found out that I am a chef looking for a job, and since you guys have an opening, she brought me here to apply. Brother Xiang, I admit that in terms of skills, you might not be worse than me. You have to know, though, that cooking is not a rigid process of strictly sticking to the recipe. Cooking is like completing a unique work of art, incorporating the feelings of the cook to give it its unique flavour. A lot of people do not understand this that''s why they don''t progress to anything more than a chef."


    "With regards to this, I am better than you, Brother Xiang, you have to admit," Ye Jiayao said in a matter-of-fact way, looking straight at Zhong Xiang confidently.


    Zhong Xiang wanted to say something but hesitated. This was the first time he has heard such a novel idea, and after mulling it over, he realized that it was logical. He treated every dish as a mission to be completed. Being a chef was only a way to earn a living, he has never thought of it as something so profound.


    "Perhaps you feel that by sharing my reward, I am boasting and trying to win everyone over. I assure you, I don''t have any intentions of boasting. I personally know the sufferings of a chef, especially those at the very bottom, because I experienced it as well. I shared my reward purely in the hopes of appropriately reciprocating everyone for their hard work."


    "As for winning everyone over, I admit, it was part of my reason. However, I wasn''t trying to form cliques. It is not easy for everyone to work together, so I just wanted to get everyone in high spirits to work more harmoniously together. Also, I''m new. I don''t want you to just see me as someone ''higher'' than you guys. I wanted for you to see me as a part of the team."


    Zhong Xiang couldn''t find the words to refute her explanation.


    "From the moment I felt your hostility, I asked around the brothers privately as to what kind of person you are. The answer I got was surprisingly unanimous; they say you are a good person. Let me ask you, brother Xiang, if you were the one in that situation who has received the tips, would you share it with everyone?"


    Zhong Xiang thought about it and was a bit ashamed knowing that there was a big chance that he would not be able to do it.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "I heard that you do pastry well. With my ideas and your skills, perhaps pastry will become Heavenly Residence''s yet another signature dish. As long as we work together with sincerity, I think Shopkeeper Li would not need to hire a head chef. This is my chance as well as yours. Whether we pit ourselves against each other, or work together, is up to you, brother Xiang."


    Zhong Xiang was a little moved. Li Yao has spoken to him so frankly and sincerely that he opened his mind, making him see the error of his ways. For a moment, he felt hope stir in his heart.


    Can he really be trusted?


    With her work done, Ye Jiayao took out the four and a half taels that he returned to her and placed it on the grindstone. "If you choose to go against me all the way, then you can smack this right in front of me again. If you think that I am not that bad and is worthy of being your friend, then accept this money."


    Ye Jiayao looked at him one last time before returning to the kitchen. When she turned around, she saw more than 10 heads sticking out of the kitchen door. When they saw her turn around, all of them scattered away, acting as if nothing happened.


    These people. Were they afraid that she would exchange blows with Zhong Xiang? Ye Jiayao shook her head in amused disbelief.


    She has never been the type of person to give in and suffer in silence. If people were nice to her, then she would reciprocate. If they didn''t want anything to do with her, then she shall send them on their way. Simple.


    However, she trusted Zhong Xiang to make the right decision. If their fight gets ugly, it should already be clear to Zhong Xiang who Shopkeeper Li will choose to keep.


    Everyone was busy in the kitchen yet all of them were not working with a peace of mind, constantly looking out towards the door. They were wondering why brother Xiang hasn''t returned yet.


    "Brother Yao, why do you think brother Xiang has not returned? Should I go..." Deng Haichuan chose to stand by Li Yao but he still wished that both brother Yao and brother Xiang coexist peacefully.


    "No need. Let him think it through," Ye Jiayao said plainly.


    Only when Zhong Xiang has sorted it out by himself could this issue be settled.


    After another cup of tea, Zhong Xiang returned.


    Everyone fixed their eyes on Zhong Xiang''s figure, tracking his movement as he walked across the kitchen. Zhong Xiang took his apron and tied it on before turning to his chopping board and started chopping.


    Everyone silently heaved a sigh of relief. The kitchen was finally at peace.


    The corner of Ye Jiayao''s mouth turned up into a smile. She expected that she and Zhong Xiang wouldn''t have any more problems like this in the future. From what everyone said, and what she observed, Zhong Xiang seemed like a very tolerant man. She knew that his patience was what caused him to explode. After all, suppressed emotions never did any good for anyone.


    "Brother Yao, Brother Yao, Young Prince Jing is here again to see you." Little Lu ran excitedly to the kitchen.


    Ye Jiayao frowned. Didn''t she tell him yesterday not to come so frequently? It was not even lunchtime yet!


    "I am busy, let him wait." Ye Jiayao said.


    Everyone gasped, finding brother Yao so imposing that he dared to give the prince the cold shoulder.

 Chapter 57：Dumb Donkey Wants To See Her

    Since big Yaoyao was busy, Helian Jing did not want to disturb him further. He simply ordered a cup of tea and a plate of snacks as he patiently waited in the Lotus Suite, occasionally jotting down some ideas for the birthday feast he was throwing.


    As soon as Shopkeeper Li arrived at the restaurant, someone informed him of the current situation. He was shocked and embarrassed, finding Li Yao''s behaviour outrageous. He rushed over to the Lotus Suite and immediately apologized to the young prince.


    "I will get Li Yao to come over at once," Shopkeeper Li promised.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay, don''t bother. I will wait until he is done," Helian Jing said indifferently.


    Shopkeeper Li was surprised to find the Young Prince Jing so accommodating to a mere cook. There were rumours that Young Prince Jing was a bit spoiled and not at all an easy-going person. Shopkeeper Li was wondering what was going on.


    Helian Jing waited until lunchtime but big Yaoyao still hasn''t come out. He ordered a few dishes and continued waiting again.


    Xia Chunyu, on his way to the palace with two Imperial bodyguards, passed by Heavenly Residence.


    "Sir, I am afraid it would be way past lunchtime by the time we reach the palace," a bodyguard informed him.


    Xia Chunyu considered it for a while before dismounting the horse. "Then, we shall have our meal here."


    Little Jing has been singing praises about his friend Jin Yao''s cooking skills, so Chunyu thought that it was time for him to put it to the test.


    The waiter named Ah Xing welcomed him gracefully. "Sir, would you like to take our Orchid Suite? It oversees the river so you can enjoy that wonderful view as you eat."


    Ah Xing has been a waiter for years now and he has skillfully mastered discerning the customers, identifying their status by their clothing and presence.


    A waiter must practice till he has a pair of discerning eyes, telling the status of every customer from their clothing and presence. He recommended the best suite because one look at Xia Chunyu''s official Imperial bodyguard uniform and his imposing manner, he knew that he was not just an ordinary rich person.


    Xia Chunyu couldn''t care less about any lavishness. "Lead the way."


    Helian Jing walked to the mouth of the staircase, on his way back to his suite from visiting the latrine, when he ran into Xia Chunyu.


    "Little Jing¡­"


    "Brother Chunyu? What a coincidence! Are you here for lunch?" Helian Jing was shocked to see brother Chunyu in the restaurant, big Yaoyao''s warning flashing in his head.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. What else will I do in a restaurant? Practice sword fighting?


    "Yes, what about you? Who are you here with?"


    "I¡­ I am about to leave!" Helian Jing squeaked in panic.


    Ah Xing was baffled and asked, "Young Royal Highness, the dishes that you''ve ordered are not served yet."


    Helian Jing wanted to strangle the meddlesome waiter. He said fiercely, "I just don''t feel like eating. Am I not entitled to leave whenever I want to?"


    Xia Chunyu raised his brows, finding little Jing''s reaction very unusual for him. He looked flustered and Xia Chunyu found it odd that he''d leave without eating what he ordered. Wasn''t he always boasting of Jin Yao''s cooking skills?


    "Brother Chunyu, why don''t we go to another restaurant. Come on, I''ll treat you to Fu Ji." Helian Jing smiled and tried to pull Xia Chunyu away.


    Xia Chunyu refused to budge. "I went here because I wanted to support your friend. Besides, we''re already here, there''s no sense in leaving. Waiter, where''s Young Prince Jing''s suite?"


    He was pretty certain that little Jing was hiding something, and as his brother''s friend, Xia Chunyu was obliged to check it out.


    "It''s the Lotus Suite," Ah Xiang replied.


    Xia Chunyu immediately veered straight to the Lotus Suite, Helian Jing on his heels.


    "Brother Chunyu!"


    Xia Chunyu opened the door to the suite but there was no one else inside. He was a bit bewildered because he was sure that little Jing was hiding someone in here.


    Xia Chunyu took a seat and asked, "Waiter, what are your specialty dishes?"


    Helian Jing sighed in defeat. Now that brother Chunyu has made himself comfortable, he couldn''t really just send him away. He would just have to reason to big Yaoyao that Chunyu came here on his own accord. Hopefully, big Yaoyao would believe him. "Well, brother Chunyu, the pork stomach chicken here is good. It is big Yaoyao''s specialty dish, I tried it yesterday and it is absolutely delicious."


    Xia Chunyu perked up. This dish sounds familiar! Isn''t it the one that Yaoyao used to entice Song Qi and the gang to play Rock, Paper, Scissors with her? Song Qi never got to taste it and until now, kept bringing it up. Wasn''t it a big coincidence that this Jin Yao fellow also knew how to make it?


    "Okay, I''ll have one of that. What else do you recommend?"


    "Waiter, add a Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Door, a crab powder pork meatballs, and simmer-fried spare ribs," Helian Jing ordered smoothly. He knew that these were brother Chunyu''s favourites so he knew that this was a must.


    "That''s enough. This is just lunch, no need to be so grand." Xia Chunyu still has work in the afternoon!


    When the order form was sent to the kitchen, Ye Jiayao looked at the numerous orders from Lotus Suite. She asked, "Does Young Prince Jing have guests?"


    "Oh, yes. He ran into someone he knew so they sat in the same suite," Ah Xing replied.


    "Okay, then you bring these dishes over first," Ye Jiayao told him.


    Xia Chunyu noticed the little notebook on the table and he asked Helian Jing, "Are you doing homework?"


    Little Jing was notorious for being mischievous. Back in his days at Imperial College, no teacher was willing to school him because they could not stand him. Since he was not learning anything at college, the Helian family hired a tutor to teach him in the palace. Little Jing ended up setting his tutor''s moustache on fire. It was an accident, of course, but it was enough to build his reputation. No one dared to teach him so Helian Xuan was forced to be his brother''s tutor.


    "No, no. My brother assigned the preparation of my grandmother''s birthday feast to me. Those are some ideas for the program." Helian Jing smiled embarrassedly.


    "That is good! If there is anywhere you need my help in, just tell me." Xia Chunyu smiled encouragingly. He was glad that Helian Xuan heeded his advice.


    The waiter came in and served their dishes; one grilled shiitake, one seasonal vegetable, and one sweet and sour carp.


    "Brother Chunyu, try it! Big Yaoyao made them, they are delicious! Especially this shiitake mushroom, you can''t find it anywhere else," Helian Jing said.


    Ah Xing smiled. "This is a new dish that the restaurant just launched."


    Xia Chunyu froze. Indeed, it couldn''t be found anywhere else, except... I''ve seen this at Black Wind Ridge.


    Although it wasn''t served in an iron pan then, the fragrance of the still sizzling meat, made his heart race. Xia Chunyu tried the shiitake mushroom, the meat patty on top was crispy, and the shiitake mushroom at the bottom was succulent and tender. The familiar taste of the dish was scrambling his memory.


    He tried the sweet and sour carp next and found that the balance of the sweetness and tanginess was just right.


    He felt as though his heart was about to jump out of his mouth.


    Multiple thoughts flashed through his mind. Perhaps this Jin Yao and Yaoyao have the same master¡­ perhaps, Yaoyao did not die and she taught Jin Yao this dish¡­ perhaps Jin Yao is Yaoyao¡­


    "Well, how is it? Delicious, right? I told you!" Helian Jing urged excitedly.


    Xia Chunyu told himself to calm down. The higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment. If he made a rash mistake, it would be very embarrassing. Anyways, there was still the crab powder pork meatballs and the simmer-fried spare ribs to judge. Yaoyao has also made these dishes before and he wanted to taste them first before he let himself expect more.


    "It is passable," Xia Chunyu said in an off-handed manner.


    Helian Jing pouted. Everyone has always said that he has a picky mouth, well, in his opinion, Chunyu was pickier than the two of them. How could big Yaoyao''s divinely delicious meal just be passable?


    "How old is this Jin Yao of yours?" Xia Chunyu asked casually.


    Helian Jing thought about it for a while. Big Yaoyao looked a lot younger than him, he just liked to be the boss and lecture him.


    "16 or 17, I think? I never asked, actually."


    Xia Chunyu''s heart stuttered. They were not far apart in age.


    "He intends to stay in Heavenly Residence? After he gave you so much help, you are not going to find him a better job?"


    Helian Jing wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I want to, but Big Yaoyao wants to make it on his own. He wants to succeed on his own. He doesn''t want to be looked down by others that''s why he purposely hid from me."


    Xia Chunyu nodded in understanding. Yaoyao was like that too, a little unreasonable and very hardworking. She never asked for anything from him. The only thing she begged him for was keeping Da Bao and Er Bao and... not to abandon her.


    "He has principles and a backbone, I''ll give him that," Xia Chunyu replied.


    "Yeah, he''s impressive. I don''t even come close compared to him," Helian Jing admitted discontentedly.


    Xia Chunyu sneered jokingly, "At least you have self-awareness."


    Helian Jing ignored the jibe and said, "Brother Chunyu, my brother said that if I''m successful in organizing grandmother''s birthday feast, he will arrange an assignment for me.:


    Xia Chunyu patted him on the shoulder, cheering him up. "Don''t worry. You can do this."


    Helian Jing smiled gratefull. "Go on, eat, eat."


    Dish after dish was served.


    Xia Chunyu could count two dishes tasting similar to Yaoyao''s as a coincidence, but all of them? He was afraid to hope, but he could not help it.


    "Little Jing, this friend of yours has quite the skill. Invite him out here, I want to meet him. You''ve also got me curious as to how this man could get your admiration," Xia Chunyu jested, forcing himself to adopt a relaxed posture.


    Helian Jing was very hesitant. Big Yaoyao told him not to bring brother Chunyu to the restaurant, and yet here he was. Big Yaoyao would be angry for sure.


    "He''s... um, he''s very busy!" Helian Jing stammered.


    Ah Xing, hoping to please both noblemen, said, "Brother Yao should be free right now. There are not many customers this afternoon."


    Xia Chunyu immediately ordered, "Invite him over."


    "Yes, sir, I will go at once." Ah, Xing ran to the kitchen excitedly. The new customer seemed to be satisfied with brother Yao''s dishes, and might even give them some tips.


    Helian Jing opened his mouth to stop him but Ah Xing was already gone.


    In the kitchen, after Ah Xiang relayed the message to Ye Jiayao, she carefully asked, "Do you know who is with the prince?"


    Ah, Xing answered, "I heard Young Prince Jing call him Brother Chunyu."


    All the blood drained from Ye Jiayao''s face. She got so lightheaded she thought she was going to pass out.


    F*ck! That dumb donkey wants to see her! What could she do? She doesn''t want to see him!


    Deng Haichuan walked over to her and said, "Brother Yao, Cloud Suite on the second floor just ordered another grilled shiitake."


    Ye Jiayao stared at Deng Haichuan, an idea forming in her head. She pulled him aside hurriedly and carefully whispered her plan to him.


    Deng Haichuan''s eyes widened. "Brother Yao, this is not a good idea!"


    "Well, good or not, it doesn''t matter. I am busy. I have no time to chat with those big masters. It''s alright, Young Prince Jing will not scold you. If anything happens, I promise, I will take the blame. Remember what I said, okay? Go, quick! If there are rewards, it will all go to you!" Ye Jiayao pushed him out.


    Deng Haichuan could only brace himself as he went up with Ah Xing to the Lotus Suite.


    "Will this work? What if the customers get angry? That new sir looks imposing, even Young Prince Jing was respectful to him," Ah Xing worried.


    Deng Haichuan was covered in cold sweat. "I don''t know, but whatever happens, brother Yao said he''ll take the blame."

 Chapter 58：You Must Be Mistaken

    "Sirs, the chef is here." Ah Xing was mindful to say ''chef'' instead of ''Brother Yao''.


    With his back to the door, Helian Jing could only clench his fist nervously as he muttered under his breath, "Big Yaoyao, you cannot be angry. This is not my fault, I didn''t bring him here¡­"


    Deng Haichuan entered, cupping his hands together as he said, "Greetings, sirs."


    Upon hearing his voice, Helian Jing''s eyes widened. He turned around and was even more surprised at what he saw. How is this Big Yaoyao? But, no, this is better! Helian Jing kept silent and buried himself in his food.


    Xia Chunyu watched Little Jing''s reaction calmly. The chef standing before him looked like he was in his twenties, tall and sturdy, and not at all like the Big Yaoyao that Little Jing mentioned.


    "Did you make these dishes yourself?" Xia Chunyu leaned back, drumming his fingers leisurely against the surface of the table.


    Deng Haichuan braced himself and answered, "Yes, I made them. Are they to your liking?"


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow and said, "Not bad. What is your name?"


    Helian Jing''s heart was hanging by a string.


    Deng Haichuan could not bring himself to do it. Brother Yao wanted him to pretend to be him, but how could he?


    "I¡­ I am called Li¡­" Deng Haichuan stuttered guiltily.


    Helian Jing fell into a violent coughing fit.


    "Little Jing, what''s the matter?" Xia Chunyu asked with concern.


    Helian Jing pointed at his throat, answering with a husky voice, "Fishbone, stuck¡­ stuck in my throat."


    Ah Xing reacted immediately. "I will go get vinegar."


    Deng Haichuan seized the opportunity and rushed, "I will go with you."


    After finishing half a bottle of vinegar, Helian Jing said with a bitter face, "This won''t do, it''s not coming out. I have to see a physician. Brother Chunyu, accompany me to the physician''s, I feel terrible."


    Helian Jing pulled Brother Chunyu away without giving him the chance to say anything else.


    At Jiu De Hall, the physician asked Helian Jing to open his mouth. He took a look and said, "I think it is still better to go back and drink more vinegar or swallow some rice or buns. That should be able to make it go down."


    "What if it doesn''t go down?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    The physician replied, "Then he will have to take medicine. The medicine will soften the fishbone."


    "Then why does he need to swallow rice or buns? Get him some medicine now. Travelling back and forth is such a hassle," Xia Chunyu said.


    "I don''t think there is a need, Brother Chunyu. I am not used to medicines. I think I''ll just go back and swallow some rice." Helian Jing shuddered at the word ''medicine''. He has grown scared of medicines after taking so much when he was young.


    Xia Chunyu pressed him down and told him firmly, "This is not a small matter. Listen to the physician."


    Do you really think that I can''t tell that you''re just pretending? You purposely came up with a situation that would allow the cook to slip away. Are you that afraid that I will see Jin Yao? Whatever you are hiding, I will find out about it sooner or later. You''re still young Little Jing, you can''t fool me.


    "This herb does not need simmering, just add water and you can drink it. It is just a little bitter," the physician said as he went to prepare the medicine.


    Helian Jing was pressed down by Xia Chunyu and could not move. He couldn''t express his disdain, so for the sake of selling his act, he kept coughing so much he almost hacked out a lung. He also downed half a bottle of vinegar. His stomach was so full of acid by now that it was twisting painfully.


    After watching Little Jing finish the last drop of medicine, Xia Chunyu ordered the bodyguards, "You two are responsible for sending the Young Royal Highness back to the Helian mansion. Bring him to the Yu De Princess and say that he choked on a fishbone and it still hasn''t come out yet."


    "Brother Chunyu, surely there is no need to inform my mother? This is just a small matter," Helian Jing said, flustered.


    His mother doted on him excessively. If she so much as hears him cough once, she''d dog his steps the entire day, fussing over him. If she found out about this, Helian Jing was sure that she''d make him spend at least three days in bed.


    Xia Chunyu said earnestly, "You choked on a fishbone while eating with me. If something happens to you, your mother would skin me alive."


    He knew that after Yu De Princess found out about this incident, Little Jing would definitely not be able to leave the house for the rest of the day.


    As soon as Little Jing was escorted home by the guards, Xia Chunyu mounted his horse and made a trip back to his mansion. Once he arrived, he ordered Song Qi to go down to Heavenly Residence and investigate Jin Yao.


    "Be careful. Don''t let him see you. I want definite information when I return from work."


    He was 90% sure that Jin Yao was Yaoyao, but that 10% of uncertainty was enough to unsettle him. He did not like the expectation and fear.


    He kept telling himself to remain composed, to wait a bit more. The answer would be out soon, he just has to be patient for a little longer.


    Xia Chunyu settled his work quickly and left early. He could not wait any longer. Every moment felt like an eternity, every second was torture.


    Song Qi was waiting for him outside the palace door. As soon as he dismounted his horse, Song Qi walked up to him agitatedly and said, "Heir-son Lord, I... I saw Miss Ye."


    Xia Chunyu''s hearing tunneled, and for a moment, all he heard was static.


    "Are you certain?" he asked, his voice wavering, unable to believe the sudden good news.


    Song Qi nodded. "I am sure, Heir-son Lord."


    Xia Chunyu looked up at the sky. The red clouds looked as soft as cotton, and two birds fluttered past, disappearing behind a colorful roof. How long has it been? He felt like he has been living in a blanket of darkness from the moment he returned from Black Wind Ridge. Now... now, his desolate heart was starting to come back to life.


    Yaoyao is still alive.


    She''s alive.


    "Heir-son Lord, Miss Ye has disguised herself as a man and is working as a first-class helper in Heavenly Residence under the name Li Yao. She is staying in the Laifu Motel. When I saw her, I was shocked. I thought I saw a ghost¡­" Song Qi could not stop rambling.


    Xia Chunyu lowered his head, smiling. "Did she see you?"


    "No, I remembered your instructions. I was very careful."


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "Go back and report to Madame that I have an appointment tonight so I shall not eat with her."


    "Yes, sir," Song Qi answered merrily. This is great! Miss Ye is still alive so Heir-son Lord could stop acting so miserable now!


    Ye Jiayao was unable to concentrate the whole afternoon. Little Jingjing choked on a fish bone. Did he get it out? Was it serious? Why didn''t that fellow send anyone to tell her some news? Didn''t he know that she''ll be worried?


    There was no sign of anything unusual even until she knocked off for the night. There was no servant informing her of Little Jingjing''s condition, there was no Dumb Donkey barging in the kitchen - nothing.


    Ye Jiayao heaved a sigh of relief, thinking that everything would be just fine.


    "Brothers, I shall leave first. Brother Xiang, I will treat you to a drink another time." Ye Jiayao waved her hand, bidding everyone goodbye.


    Zhong Xiang did not answer her but his face was no longer hostile.


    Li Yao called him Brother Xiang as though they were very close, and that made him feel sort of embarrassed.


    "Brother Yao, take care!" everyone told Ye Jiayao successively.


    Outside Heavenly Residence, the lights were already lit up, making the streets as bright as the daytime. The Qin Huai river at night was dotted with lanterns, and under the faintly discernible music, it appeared to be even more charming.


    Ye Jiayao sashayed unhurriedly, enjoying her leisure time after a busy day at work.


    Xia Chunyu followed her from afar. This silhouette, this walking posture... it''s all familiar. Xia Chunyu recounted his walk last night. Could it be that the person he saw last night was her?


    How could he have not recognized her?


    "Ye Jinxuan!" Xia Chunyu shouted.


    Ye Jiayao froze.


    He found her.


    "Yaoyao¡­"


    Xia Chunyu walked slowly towards her, his heart beating rapidly, his breathing ragged.


    He was actually nervous.


    Ye Jiayao instinctively ran. She didn''t want to see him. She wanted to hide from him forever. He has the most intimate relationship with her, and yet it was the most unfamiliar. There was never trust between them. They were both just acting, but she pathetically and unknowingly took it seriously. Meanwhile, he was just playing a role the entire time.


    She has always refused to reminisce the past, but the events of that night were still clear, flashing past in her mind like a sharp knife. She looked for him without caring for her own safety. She was worried that he would be in danger. She was a fool.


    She was glad that she had heard what he said, otherwise, she would''ve remained by his side stupidly.


    She could not even fathom the insults and ridicule that he was thinking of when she shamelessly called him her husband. He must''ve been sneering at her. Such a stupid woman. Do you really think that I''d like someone like you?


    She really, really did not want to have any sort of relationship with this person. He was just as repulsive as her stepmother and sisters who plotted against her. They were all full of deceit and completely ruthless.


    Xia Chunyu did not expect her to run so it took him a few seconds before he chased after her.


    He also didn''t expect her to run so fast. After chasing her for a while, it was clear that he would not be able to catch up to her. He had to use his martial art skills. With a few leaps and soars, he landed in front of her, grabbing her hand. "Stop running, you won''t be able to outrun me."


    "Who are you? Why are you grabbing me? Do I know you?" Ye Jiayao flung her hand hard but she did not manage to shake his hand off.


    "Yaoyao, don''t be like this. It took me great trouble to finally find you." Xia Chunyu sounded bitter and astringent.


    He thought that Yaoyao would be angry, maybe even cry and scold him. He was prepared and determined to endure that because it was all his fault. He lost her due to his negligence.


    However, she did neither of those. She looked at him so apathetically as if he was a mere stranger. He was at a loss.


    Ye Jiayao laughed darkly, "Sir, you must be mistaken! I am not your Yaoyao."


    "Then why did you run?" Xia Chunyu questioned her, smiling faintly.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes and answered fiercely, "Can''t I do some physical training? Did I block your path or hinder you in any way? Let go of me now or I will scream."


    "By all means, scream as loud as you want. Don''t you know that the people in Jin Ling don''t like to meddle in other people''s business?" Xia Chunyu replied.


    Ye Jiayao was speechless. "How can someone be so thick-skinned? I already said that I don''t know you. What else do you want? Is there something wrong with your head?"


    Xia Chunyu remained unmoved despite her insults. His gaze shifted to her shoulder and he smiled lightly. "So you wouldn''t mind showing me your shoulder? I remember that my Yaoyao has a cinnabar mole on her left shoulder."

 Chapter 59：Im Sorry

    "You''re insane! Let go of me!" Ye Jiayao shouted, glaring at him.


    "Yaoyao, you''re looking good - even if you are dressed up as a man," Xia Chunyu teased, doing his best to pretend that he was relaxed.


    That smug, teasing face of his just served to rile Ye Jiayao up even more. She cooed bitingly, "Heir-Son Lord, why are you doing this? We''re nothing to each other. I am just a plaything that you abandoned. You''ve already thrown me away, so why are you pestering me again? I already did you a favor by not looking for you, what more do you want?"


    "Who says I want to abandon you?" Xia Chunyu countered.


    Ye Jiayao sneered, "Isn''t that so?"


    "Of course not," Xia Chunyu replied defensively. "I have never intended to abandon you. It was just chaotic that night and I lost track of things. I searched for you after Auntie Jiang said that you were held hostage by Second-In-Charge, but someone said he saw you fell off the cliff, I thought¡­"


    "You thought I died? Well then, just carry on thinking as if I''m dead and we can all go on our merry way."


    Xia Chunyu was silent for a while. There was a rarely seen gentleness and heartache in his eyes when he said, "I brought Da Bao and Er Bao back with me. They have grown big and fat, and are very mischievous."


    Ye Jiayao turned to look at the river to avoid his eyes. She missed Da Bao and Er Bao a lot. Before she escaped, she combed the entire house trying to look for them. When they didn''t turn up, she thought they have escaped back to the mountains.


    This donkey actually brought them back.


    What was this supposed to mean? He rejected her, but he took care of her pets. What exactly does he want?


    "You want the truth? Fine. I admit I was Yaoyao once, but that Yaoyao has already died when she fell off the cliff after you abandoned her. The person standing before you now is Li Yao, an orphan with no home to go back to. That''s okay, though, I don''t have to depend on anyone to survive. I will rise up and live a colorful, happy life. So, if you are looking for me because of guilt, there''s no need. I''m more than alright. You don''t have to ''make up'' for anything, there is nothing between us anymore," Ye Jiayao said coldly.


    Xia Chunyu did not know what to say. There was a huge lump stuck in his throat and he felt helpless.


    There was once a time that she depended on him, but he let her down. He didn''t know how she managed to escape death. The Haze lake is ten lis wide, swimming across that, especially for someone her size, would''ve been nearly impossible. He has no idea how she managed to come to Jin Ling from Ji Nan. A weak woman like her, with Little Jing who knows nothing tagging along with her... she must have suffered much.


    "Yaoyao, please don''t be like that," he said, his voice breaking. "I won''t make excuses for whatever happened in Black Wind Ridge. I know I have let you down. I wanted to help you settle down appropriately after the matter was over¡­"


    Ye Jiayao pierced him with a sharp glare. "Help me settle down appropriately? How exactly did you plan to do that? Were you going to bring me back to the Jing An Marquis Mansion and make me your mistress? Or were you just going to dismiss with a few taels?"


    The corner of Ye Jiayao''s lips rose in a self-mocking sneer when she saw the guilt in his eyes grew deeper. She was right.


    If that was the case, she was truly glad to have just fallen off the cliff. She would rather roam the streets as a beggar than become his concubine.


    "Heir-Son Lord, the show has ended, it''s time for the audience and the actors to go their separate ways. What''s in the past stays in the past, there is no need to rehash it again now that we''re both living our own lives." Ye Jiayao made a show of looking around before pulling her hand away from his grasp. "It''s getting dark, I need to go back before the inn closes."


    Xia Chunyu refused to let her go, his grip becoming tighter.


    "Xia Chunyu, don''t make me hate you."


    Xia Chunyu didn''t know what to say or what to do. This meeting has gone so awry, so different from the sweet reunion he imagined. He was powerless. The happiness, frustration, helplessness, and the love he was feeling was all jumbled together, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.


    He pulled her into a tight hug, wishing that she could melt into his body so that they would never separate again, wishing that they could stay like this forever.


    He inhaled her scent greedily, taking comfort in her. For countless nights, he dreamed of hugging her just like this. It had always felt so real that when he wakes up alone, the ache in his chest would throb like a live wound. He has never told anyone about this, his pride would not allow him to. Only the lantern by his bed knew how he truly felt, that he missed her so much he was going crazy.


    "Yaoyao, I''m sorry, so, so sorry. This is all my fault. You can hit me, yell at me, I don''t care, just give me another chance. Please. I will never let you down again, I swear..."


    In his whole life, he has never begged someone so humbly like this, but he was prepared to do anything, give anything just to see Yaoyao''s sweet smile again.


    Ye Jiayao stood still as a statue as he hugged her, her heart aching. Even if she gave him another chance, what could happen? He could never marry her. He didn''t care much for her when he found out that she was a lady of the Ye family, what more now that she was a mere chef in the city?


    They have no future together. She had seen too much, been through too much to allow herself to believe in a silly daydream.


    Once bitten, twice shy.


    Her fear has taught her that without hope, there will not be a disappointment; if she does not love, she will not get hurt. Her innate pride wouldn''t let her give in to him. She''d rather be a shattered vessel of jade than an unbroken piece of pottery.


    And it was her pettiness that urged her to seek revenge for all the hurt that she suffered, for all the pain that she felt.


    She kneed his crotch.


    With his guards down, Xia Chunyu didn''t see it coming. His hold on her loosened as the pain hit him. He curled up into a ball, cradling his crotch and grimacing in pain. He managed to say through gritted teeth, "Ye Jinxuan..."


    "Xia Chunyu, I may be of a humble social status, but that does not mean you have the right to put your hands on me whenever you want. I''m warning you, don''t bother me again." Ye Jiayao turned and ran away.


    Xia Chunyu broke out in cold sweat, the pain holding him temporarily immobile. He could only watch her run away as he ground his teeth with hatred. You insufferable wench! If this does any lasting damage, I swear you''ll pay.


    Ye Jiayao ran back to the inn as fast as she could. When Little Yang saw her huffing and puffing, he asked, "Little Brother Li, is there a dog chasing you outside?"


    Ye Jiayao panted, "Yeah, yeah, a huge dog, I almost got bitten. I''m going back to my room to calm my nerves."


    Little Yang watched Little Brother Li retreat, all the while thinking whether he should report this to the Young Royal Highness Jing or not.


    As soon as Ye Jiayao shut her door, she plopped face down on her bed, exhausted. Her mind, however, was more active than before, echoing all that he said, flashing his guilty eyes...


    Ye Jiayao gloomily covered her face with a pillow. No. She would not believe him. He just said all those things because he was feeling guilty. He just wanted to redeem himself. You can''t fall for him again, Yaoyao.


    Just as her thoughts stopped running a mile a minute and started to settle down, she recalled the violent knee kick she gave him and paled. That must''ve hurt badly.


    Would he become infertile from that?


    Well, that would serve him right for getting fresh with her.


    Ye Jiayao tried to sleep but she could not stop her imagination from running wild.


    What if he refuses to let her off?


    What if he pesters her every day?


    No, no, no! You are thinking too much, Ye Jiayao. If he really cares so much about you, he would not have abandoned you in the first place. You are not important to him.


    Xia Chunyu limped and hobbled with great difficulty back to the Jing An Marquis Residence.


    He did not bring anyone along with him tonight, so he had no choice but to suffer alone. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that Yaoyao would do this to him.


    Song Qi, who has been waiting at the front door for news, immediately hurried to Chunyu''s side upon seeing his terrible state. "Heir-Son Lord, what..."


    Xia Chunyu snorted melancholically but didn''t say anything.


    Song Qi thought that the Heir-Son Lord would return happy, and possibly bring Miss Ye back with him. What on earth happened? Did the two of them quarrel? How bad did their fight get that the Heir-Son Lord got injured?


    "Should I get a physician to take a look at you, Heir-Son Lord?" Song Qi asked worriedly.


    Xia Chunyu replied coldly, "No need."


    "Heir-Son lord, be careful of the doorstep."


    Xia Chunyu lifted his foot and had to clamp his mouth tight so that he wouldn''t cry out from the sharp pain the movement caused.


    The next day, Ye Jiayao went to work listlessly. She was so keyed up that she happily welcomed the distraction of Little Jing''s arrival.


    "Have you gotten that fish bone out? Really, Little Jing, you didn''t even get someone to deliver a letter," Ye Jiayao reproached him immediately.


    Helian Jing replied sulkily, "There''s no fish bone. I was just putting on an act. I had no choice, Brother Chunyu was poking around too much. I was afraid you''d get angry. I was so miserable yesterday! After finishing half a bottle of vinegar, I was forced to drink a huge bowl of medicine by Brother Chunyu. When I went home, I vomited everything out. Worst of all, my mother kept hovering over me the whole day that I could not reach out to anyone."


    Aye! From Ah Xing and Deng Haichuan''s vivid description yesterday, she really thought that he got a fish bone stuck in his throat! Only Little Jing would come up with such ridiculousness just because of what she said.


    "What medicine did he make you drink? You can''t just take any medicine. Are you okay?" Ye Jiayao asked, concerned.


    Seeing Brother Yaoyao care and worry about him so much was worth any amount of medicine Helian Jing had to take.


    "It''s nothing. I am fine after vomiting," Helian Jing assured with a smile.


    "If he wants to come in the future, just let him, don''t worry about it," Ye Jiayao said. "Oh right, why were you looking for me yesterday?"


    Helian Jing sat up straight and began, "Next month is my grandmother''s 70th birthday. I have thought of a few programs, but I still would like you to give me some advice. Also, I want to invite you to be the chef."

 Chapter 60：Promotion

    Ye Jiaoyao needed to give this problem a serious thought. The birthday celebration of the old royal consort wasn''t like any other ordinary birthday celebration. There were too many rules and customs involved and there should be no mistakes. She had never done anything quite like this before so she didn''t just readily agree to it.


    But this is a rare opportunity. If she organized this birthday celebration well, she would be famous. It would really help pave the path for her career in Jin Ling.


    "Big Yaoyao, you must help me with this, you are the key to success," Helian Jing said expectantly.


    Ye Jiaoyao smiled. Little Jingjing was really nice. He was clearly the one doing her a favor. Normally, big chefs were invited to cook for serious celebrations like this. The power of the Helian Mansion was great enough that they could get any chef they want, yet, Little Jingjing was giving this opportunity to her. He was willing to believe in her and take this risk.


    "Little Jingjing, this feast is very important. I''ve never organized a celebration of this caliber before, I don''t know if I can do it," Ye Jiaoyao told him honestly.


    Helian Jing said, "There''s always a first time for everything, right? How do you know you can''t do it if you don''t try? This is also my first time handling something like this, and I''m very confident that we can succeed this together.


    Ye Jiaoyao held back a laugh and said, "Well, look at you, talking smartly. Okay, how about this? If you can get a copy of the celebration menu that big chefs usually put together, I''ll take a look at what''s in there before I decide."


    "That''s a piece of cake. I''ll get it for you right away," Helian Jing said, smiling.


    Helian Jing left Heavenly Residence and went to the Duke Yongan Mansion. He remembered that the grandmother of the mansion celebrated her 70th birthday last year. He knew that Zhao Qixuan would be able to help him.


    However, Zhao Qixuan wasn''t in the mansion. The servants told him that he was on duty. Helian Jing wrote down a note for them to pass to Zhao Qixuan.


    Xia Chunyu proclaimed that he caught a cold so he retired to his home to rest. The news startled his mum and aunties and they ran all over the place calling doctors and cooking him healthy foods which annoyed him greatly.


    In the afternoon, Song Qi reported that there was news in the Yang State.


    Xia Chunyu closed the fan in his hand and sat upright. He looked at the maids and gave them a stern look. They left without a word.


    "Speak."


    "A servant kicked out of the Ye family said that Wei Liujang was already with the second daughter of the Ye family when he went to visit them last year. She said she once caught the two of them in the garden at night. I know that she could just be saying this out of anger and thirst for revenge, but when there is smoke, there is fire..."


    "Where is this person right now?" Xia Chunyu asked coldly.


    Song Qi answered, "I''ve already arranged for her to come to Jin Ling. She''ll be here in a few days."


    "I will interrogate her personally," Xia Chunyu said.


    If it was just the second Ye daughter wanting to harm Yaoyao, he could deal with her easily. It was another thing if Wei Liujiang was involved. Xia Chunyu promised that that sorry ass excuse for a man would pay greatly along with his lover. Of course, there was also Mrs. Ye. He believed that she definitely knew about all this betrayal. There was no way that the second daughter could come up with 3000 silver pieces on her own to pay Hei Feng Gang for the abduction.


    Song Qi was contemplating if he should tell the young master more.


    Xia Chunyu saw Song Qi''s confused look and said impatiently, "If you have something to say, spit it out."


    "Young Master, this morning, Jing Young Royal Highness went to find Ms. Ye. It was said that the two of them are quite close," Song Qi reported feebly.


    Song Qi didn''t know that Ye Jiayao was the person Jing Young Royal Highness was looking for.


    Here was Helian Jing, permitted to stick like glue by her side, but when Xia Chunyu tried to get to her, he was kicked and almost lost his manhood.


    Stinky girl! I''ll let you be for a few days, but be ready when I finally come for you.


    Ye Jiayao looked over the menu and sniffed.


    She was looking at the Man Han''s Long Life Feast. Man Han Feast was formed from the essence of the Han and Man ethnic group. It was the most famous Chinese feast. There were six parts to it, Meng Gu Feast, Yan Chen Feast, Long Life Feast, Qian Sou Feast, Nine White Feast, and Jie Ling Feast.


    There were 196 types of hot and cold dishes, 124 types of dessert, and 320 soup types in total.


    Her dad only made four feasts and it was all modified. It was a pity that she was in university at that time and she didn''t get to see this big feast.


    This conjugated the essence of thousands of years of Chinese cuisine. With that and her dedicated practice, she could become the next leader in the cuisine industry.


    Ye Jiayao was confident. She was going to make good use of this opportunity to make a name for herself.


    When she reached the master chef level and opened her own restaurant, earning big money wouldn''t even matter that much. As long as she could buy a house beside Qing Huai River, she would be okay. In her free time, she would invite her friends to drink on the boat or go out for a holiday. She would be a free and single upper class. If Dao Bao and Er Bao could come with her, it would be even more perfect.


    Ye Jiayao bit the pen, laughing dumbly. She was getting carried away, yes, but it was good to dream.


    "Brother Yao, the manager wants to see you," Xiao Lu called from outside.


    Ye Jiayao quickly put her book away in her clothes. This was what she was going to become wealthy with, she had to take good care of it.


    Manager Li made the decision, after careful thought, to promote Li Yao be the head chef.


    There was nothing to doubt about Li Yao''s cooking skills. The business these few days have been getting much better. A lot of customers came back, reacting avidly to their new dishes. Li Yao also got along with everyone quite well. It seemed that other than Zhong Xiang, who didn''t seem to like him, other people have already taken in Li Yao as the leader. He was able to accomplish this in such a short time, it was a solid testament to his ways of socialization.


    If he didn''t give this valuable asset higher privileges and a better contract, he would likely be poached away by others.


    Ye Jiayao knocked on the door and called, "Manager Li?"


    "Come in."


    Ye Jiayao pushed the door and stepped in, smiling politely. "Manager Li, you were asking for me?"


    Manager Li waved his hand to the envelope in front of him. "Come look at this first."


    Ye Jiayao took it and opened it. It was a contract raising her to head chef.


    "Manager, this¡­."


    "Li Yao, I look at your abilities favorably. From the first day you came here, I knew you had the capabilities to be the head chef. After a few days of observation, you didn''t disappoint. The kitchen needs a head chef, and you are the one I''m putting in this task," Manager Li said.


    Ye Jiayao was very happy to have reached head chef this quickly. A head chef''s salary was more than double of what normal chefs get. The salary was 18 pieces and it would increase by five each year. It was said that great chef level was at least 30-40 pieces, but the top chef had no limit. It could be 100 or more. Some owners would even give the top chefs a share of their business just to keep them.


    She hesitated when she noticed the date. It was for another five years. If she just wanted a job to feed herself, this was perfect. However, her goal was to open her own restaurant. Five years was too long, and from the contract, the cost of leaving halfway was a bit too much.


    "Manager Li, can we change this period? I don''t even know if I''ll be staying in Jin Ling for five years," Ye Jiayao said.


    Manager Li shook his head and said, "This is the rules of the profession. A third-grade chef has a minimum of one year, and a first-grade chef has a minimum of three years. Brother Yao, cultivating a head chef is hard, and the treatment I''m offering you is much better than other restaurants. Even Xiang Yi Tower and Fu Ji only give their head chefs 15 pieces a month with only two to three pieces increment. I can prepare you to be the greatest chef in Jin Ling, Brother Yao."


    "Manager, I''m grateful for this, I really am. It''s just that... I''m used to traveling all over the place. If you can change it to three years, during of which, I''ll prepare someone to be as good as me, I can accept it," Ye Jiayao offered.


    Manager Li hesitated. From the restaurant''s perspective, the longer the contract the better because changing chefs also meant losing customers. However, Li Yao has offered to prepare a head chef that would be as good as him. A chef''s art was the basis of their survival so Li Yao''s proposal had him thinking.


    "I can see the merits of that, but... how about both of us think about it some more? Okay?" Manager Li still wanted Li Yao to sign with the restaurant for five years.


    Ye Jiayao headed downstairs and was immediately dragged to the backyard by Deng Haichuan and Cui Dongpeng.


    "What are you guys doing?" she protested.


    The two looked around to make sure no one else was within hearing distance.


    Deng Chuanhai asked conspiratorially, "Brother Yao, I heard that the manager was promoting you as the head chef?"


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "Wow! Your ears are really good, where did you hear this from, again?"


    Cui Dongpeng laughed and said, "Brother Yao, tell us, is it true?"


    "Do you want it to be true?" Ye Jiayao asked them instead.


    "Of course, Brother Yao. We all want to work with you," Cui Dongpeng said honestly.


    Deng Haichuan nodded.


    Ye Jiayao actually really liked the work environment here, there were no higher-ups abusing them nor people scheming against each other. Everyone worked together happily here. If it was just for three years, she would''ve signed the contract in an instant.


    "Yes, the manager wants me as the head chef, but I''m still thinking about it."


    Their jaws dropped.


    "Brother Yao, this is a good thing! Most chefs could only dream about this! What else do you need to think about?" Deng Haichuan asked in disbelief.


    "He''s right, Brother Yao. If you don''t accept this, the manager would get a head chef from somewhere else. If it''s someone that''s hard to get along with, everyone would suffer again," Cui Dongpeng said, his face sour.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to do it, the problem is that the manager wants to sign me for five years," Ye Jiayao explained.


    "Did you reject it?" Deng Haichuan asked.

 Chapter 61：Would you please leave

    Zhao Qixuan finished his duty and went out with a few friends to drink. He came back home very late and saw Helian Jing''s message. In the morning, he got up early to get the menu from his mom and personally delivered it to the Helian Mansion.


    Helian Xuan and Helian Jing were eating breakfast with their mother and grandmother when the servants reported that the son of Duke Yongan came to find the Young Royal Highness.


    "Grandma, Mum, Big Brother, I''m going out for a bit," Helian Jing excused, quickly putting his chopsticks down before rushing out excitedly.


    Helian Xuan frowned, staring after his younger brother. He said, "Grandma, Mother, I''m going out, too."


    He wasn''t comfortable with the son of Duke Yongan getting close with Helian Jing.


    Princess Yi Dechang knew her son''s character. He was very capable, yes, but his temper also runs hot. She had also heard about the proclivities of the Duke Yongan''s son, so it wasn''t hard to put things together.


    "He''s a guest, don''t be rude," she reminded her son sternly.


    Helian Jing ran all the way to the front foyer.


    "Zhao Qixuan, did you bring what I wanted?"


    "Would I dare to come emptyhanded?" Zhao Qixuan said as he rubbed his temples. Drinking too much last night and getting up this early was giving him a huge headache.


    "Come on, give it to me," Helian Jing rushed.


    Zhao Qixuan gave him the menu and said, "The chef we invited was Fu Ji. He''s the best cook in Jin Ling for birthday celebrations."


    Helian Jing looked at him contemptuously. "Whatever he can do, I''m certain that Big Yaoyao can do it better."


    "Big Yaoyao? Are you talking about Li Yao?"


    "Yeah."


    "You''re going to let him do the celebration? Helian Jing, this is no joking matter!"


    "Well, why not? You''ve tried his food, you know it''s much better than Zhen Fugui''s!" Helian Jing reasoned.


    Zhao Qixuan shook his head and said, "This isn''t just about making good food. If it''s an ordinary family''s birthday celebration, I support you hiring Li Yao. Helian Jing, this is the ancestor of the Helian Mansion''s birthday! There are too much customs to consider. You can''t let someone without experience do this.


    "I know you want to help Li Yao, give him a chance to raise his name and all that, but... have you really thought about this. What if he screws this up? Helian Jing, this isn''t a smart move. And, do you think your brother will let you do this? He''s going to question your motives! Young Royal Highness, sometimes you need to lay low if you want to live longer. I was too impulsive and look what I got. Don''t follow in my footsteps."


    Helian Jing stared at Zhao Qixuan, weighing his words. The Duke Yongan''s son was right, he didn''t think this through. When his big brother gave this job to him, his first thought was hiring Big Yaoyao to be the chef. He had thought that if Big Yaoyao did well in the feast, he''d be famous in the city. It didn''t cross his mind that this could harm Big Yaoyao.


    "Then¡­. what should I do? I already told Li Yao."


    "Just say that your brother didn''t approve of it, I''m sure he''ll understand. I have to say, he''s really brave for daring to take on something this big," Zhao Qixuan said as he waved his fan around.


    Helian Xuan was shocked by what he had heard.


    Lay low to live long? Don''t follow in my footsteps? And who is that Li Yao?


    Helian Xuan left and immediately told a servant, "Call Ping An over."


    The servant replied, "Ping An hasn''t been here these past few days. He seemed to have been sent out by Young Royal Highness Jing to do something."


    Helian Xuan frowned, displeased. Ping An was Helian Jing''s closest servant. Whatever Helian Jing was up to must be confidential for him to send Ping An out. Did it have something to do with that Li Yao?


    "Fine. Follow the Young Royal Highness. Find out where he goes, who he talks to, and report it to me. Take note of someone called Li Yao, find out who he is," Helian Xuan ordered.


    Helian Xuan wasn''t going to let his younger brother fall into the wrong path.


    After Zhao Qixuan left, Helian Jing retreated to his room for a long time, disheartened. He suddenly lacked the motivation to do anything. However, after torturing himself with negative thoughts, he decided to follow Zhao Qixuan''s advice and went out to find Big Yaoyao.


    "Your brother won''t agree?" Ye Jiayao couldn''t help but feel disappointed. Ever since Helian Jing told her about this, her thoughts had been consumed with plans to make this birthday celebration great. She was still thinking about the menu last night right before she fell asleep, comforted by the feeling of a bright future ahead.


    Helian Jing''s words felt like a bucket of cold water thrown in her face. However, she could understand the situation. Despite Helian Jing''s desire to help her, he still has to obey Duke Helian. She could even understand why Duke Helian didn''t approve of her. After all, who would give such an important celebration to someone who has never even been heard of?


    "Big Yaoyao, I''m really sorry I couldn''t convince my brother," Helian Jing said apologetically.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "It''s fine, Little Jingjing. I was just thinking about how to break it to you that I wouldn''t be able to accept the job. Now, we both don''t need to worry."


    Helian Jing didn''t feel relieved. He knew that Big Yaoyao was only saying this to comfort him.


    "Hey, don''t be like that. It''s your grandmother''s birthday, you need to look joyful and arrange it well. You need to show everyone what you''re capable of. Come on, tell me what preparations you''ve made." Helian Jing looked so dejected and pitiful that Ye Jiayao couldn''t help but try to comfort him.


    "I haven''t really done much yet. I was thinking of doing something new like inviting the circus, but my mum said that Grandma loved watching the opera, so I invited the famous Chun Opera in Jin Ling. I hate listening to opera! Yi Yi yay a! I don''t even know what they''re singing," Helian Jing complained.


    "Well, it''s not your birthday, it''s your grandmother''s. You have to do it according to what she likes. When it''s your birthday, I''ll help you prepare your celebration and you can invite the circus," Ye Jiayao said with a laugh.


    Helian Jing perked up for a second before deflating again. He muttered, "But my birthday has already passed this year! The next one would be next year."


    "Okay, then, I''ll invite you out to drink when it''s my birthday," she said.


    "When is your birthday?"


    Ye Jiaoyao replied, "August 8th."


    Her birthday was the same as the original host''s which she found quite strange.


    "That''s soon, Big Yaoyao! What present do you want?" Helian Jing asked joyfully. His grandmother''s birthday was July 28th.


    Ye Jiayao shrugged. "I''m okay with whatever. I''ll be happy regardless of what you give me, you''re my only friend."


    Helian Jing was very excited to know that he was Big Yaoyao''s only friend! He silently vowed to make Big Yaoyao''s birthday great and happy.


    Helian Xuan soon got the report. Li Yao was a chef from Heavenly Residence. He was new, pretty-looking, and Helian Jing visits him almost every day.


    A chef. Helian Jing is infatuated with a chef.


    Helian Xuan shook with anger and disgust. Zhao Qixuan was into the handsome third son of the left prime minister, at least. What was a chef?


    This has to end now, while Helian Jing wasn''t too far down the rabbit hole yet. He must remove this Li Yao.


    Thus, in the evening, Helian Xuan came to Heavenly Residence and asked for Li Yao to come and personally serve him.


    Ye Jiaoyao knew that Little Jingjing''s big brother was here so she didn''t dare to be careless. She made the dish with extra attention and delivered it to him herself.


    Everyone thought that since Brother Yao had a close relationship with the Young Royal Highness, Duke Helian must''ve come here to support him.


    As Ye Jiayao arranged the dishes on the table, she sneaked glances at Duke Helian. Just like Helian Jing, he had almond-shaped phoenix eyes. However, the similarities stopped there. Helian Jing''s eyes were clear and innocent. Duke Helian''s eyes were deep and looking at it felt like staring into the abyss. His eyes didn''t betray his thoughts, only his serious temperament.


    She knew that the Black Wind Ridge was annihilated by Chunyu and him.


    "Duke Helian, please enjoy." Ye Jiayao was uneasy. He didn''t seem like he was here to befriend her.


    Helian Xuan studied this Li Yao.


    His face was delicate. He had watery eyes and distinctive features. His face was more exquisite than a girl''s and was indeed very handsome. Helian Xuan could understand how Helian Jing fell for the chef, because even him, a duke with vast experience, was captivated by his looks.


    Li Yao was also well-mannered and polite, but not scared. This fellow wasn''t simple.


    This made Helian Xuan more adamant about his decision.


    "Li Yao."


    "Duke Helian, what are your orders?"


    Helian Xuan motioned for his servant. The servant dutifully stepped forward and placed a stack of cheque on the table.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Helian Xuan in confusion.


    Helian Xuan said, "This is a cheque for 500 silver pieces, three years worth of your salary here. Now, please take this and leave Jin Ling. I don''t care where you go, just don''t let Helian Jing find you again."


    Ye Jiayao was stunned. "Why?"


    "There''s no why," Helian Xuan replied coldly. "You just need to do as you''re told. I will compensate for the restaurant''s losses, but you must leave here."


    Ye Jiayao was so angry all she could do was laugh.


    "Duke Helian, I believe I haven''t offended anyone while working here. If you don''t want the Young Royal Highness to be friends with a lowly citizen like me, you just need to tell him. What has this got to do with me?"


    What the fuck? She had seen rich families use tactics like this to break up their children''s relationship, but was that necessary for friends? Helian Jing treated her as a friend and she considered him as a little brother. They weren''t lovers!

 Chapter 62：Bullshit

    "How dare you!" the guard yelled, taking a step forward, his hand poised to draw his sword out.


    Helian Xuan stopped him with a wave of his hand. The guard retreated warily.


    He could tell that the reason Li Yao was this bold was because he knew that he wouldn''t be able to persuade his little brother to let him go.


    Helian Xuan had a smirk on his face as he said, "You better do as I say, or you''ll find may people harmed. Maybe this restaurant? Or the hotel you live at? Li Yao, I''m paying you generously to just leave. Don''t wait until I stop being magnanimous."


    Ye Jiayao gasped. This cruel ass!


    "Duke Helian, aren''t you here for the birthday celebration? I already said I won''t do it, and Young Royal Highness Jing has also given up the thought. I really don''t get why you''re going to these lengths just for something so small?


    Helian Xuan''s eyes thinned. "If Little Jing can do this for you today, he can do more tomorrow. I won''t allow someone with a bad influence to dig his claws deeper into my brother."


    What the actual f*ck? What kind of bullshit was this? How was she being a bad influence on Little Jing?


    Ye Jiayao''s annoyance got the best of her and she spoke, "Duke Helian, I am not being a bad influence on Young Royal Highness Jing. Yes, I am of low status and I have no right to be friends with him, but I didn''t ask for this. Young Royal Highness Jing only wants to help me because I gave him help when he needed it the most. How is that being a bad influence? I''m just a poor kid but I don''t steal. I am an honest person. How is that being a bad influence? F*ck! What more do you need? Just because you have money and power doesn''t mean that you just get to insult people like that!"


    Helian Xuan was speechless. No one except his dad has ever dared to swear in front of him.


    "And here I thought good people get good fortune! All I did was help him! If you harm the hotel or the restaurant, I will spread the news of how people in the Helian Mansion use their power to oppress normal citizens," Ye Jiayao threatened. "Oh, and if you want to kill me, you should ask Duke Jing An''s son if he''d allow it."


    Content that she had said her piece, Ye Jiayao walked out of the room, slamming the door.


    The guard said in fury, "Duke, I will go kill that kid now."


    Helian Xuan stopped him.


    Li Yao was on a roll and he wasn''t able to react. So the person who saved Little Jing was Li Yao? But what has this got to do with Xia Chunyu? Was he protecting him?


    Where did this arrogant kid come from?


    F*ck! This was the first time he was sworn at and had the door slammed in front of him. He would clear the things Li Yao said, then, he would make the little chef pay for disrespecting him.


    "Let''s go to Duke Jing An''s mansion." Helian Xuan stormed off.


    Ye Jiayao was so overcome with anger earlier that she didn''t think before she blew up in front of Duke Helian. Now that all she has said came back to her, she started to feel scared. If he really wanted to kill her, it could be done within a matter of minutes. However, she mentioned Xia Chunyu. Duke Helian must have some concerns, right? Even Little Jing addressed that Dumb Donkey respectfully. Surely, these two families were quite close?


    Manager Li walked over to the kitchen and asked worriedly, "Li Yao, what happened? Why did Duke Helian storm off?"


    Ye Jiayao answered, "Nothing. He and his brother had a fight so he wasn''t in a good mood. I can''t really help."


    Manager Li was confused, but nevertheless, he believed Li Yao.


    Xia Chunyu heard that Helian Xuan was outside the mansion and quickly told Song Qi to invite him in.


    "Why are you here?" Xia Chunyu asked before ordering the servants to fetch some tea.


    After the two sat down, Helian Xuan questioned, "Do you know someone called Li Yao?"


    "Yeah, I know him," Xia Chunyu replied, hiding his surprise.


    "If I kill that kid, would you mind?"


    Xia Chunyu blinked. "What did he do?"


    Helian Xuan hesitated. Could he really say that Little Jing might be interested in a man? Could he say that some punk swore at him? Oh, and slammed the door in his face?


    This is humiliating.


    On the way to Xia Chunyu''s place, Helian Xuan thought about all that has transpired. Yes, it was possible that he was overreacting just a bit. He could be taking things too seriously. Perhaps all Little Jing wanted was to repay Li Yao out of gratitude. If that really was the case, Helian Xuan could admit that his actions tonight were out of line.


    "Did you know that he was Little Jing''s savior?"


    Xia CHunyu nodded. "Yes, Little Jing told me about this a long time ago."


    Helian Xuan sighed, "Little Jing always comes to you. He never talks to his brother."


    "That''s because you''re too serious."


    Helian Xuan rolled his eyes. "As if you''re not the same."


    Xia Chunyu smiled. "Just drink some tea."


    "The older brother adopts the role of the father. Little Jing is naughty. If I don''t control him, who knows what sort of trouble he''d get into."


    "Little Jing isn''t actually as bad as you think. Helian Xuan... your hopes are too high. You''re judging him based on your standards," Xia Chunyu told him honestly.


    "What is your relationship with Li Yao?"


    "I owe him big time," Xia Chunyu answered seriously.


    Helian Xuan nodded. It was no wonder that the kid wasn''t afraid of him.


    "What did he do?" Xia Chunyu was curious. He doesn''t understand how Yaoyao could''ve offended Helian Xuan.


    "Nothing. Ignore what I said." Helian Xuan waved his hand dismissively.


    The two chatted for a bit before Helian Xuan bid him goodbye and left.


    After he was sure that Helian Xuan left the mansion, Xia Chunyu called for Song Qi.


    "Send people to follow Ms. Ye. If something happens, report back to me quickly. If someone is going to harm her, stop them. She must not be harmed."


    Helian Xuan wouldn''t just make the threat of killing her for no reason. Something must''ve happened.


    For three days, everything was calm. Little Jing didn''t come to the restaurant so Ye Jiayao was happy in her peace.


    Manager Li finally accepted her offer but made the compensation for violation of the contract much harsher.


    Ye Jiayao believed that she wouldn''t leave mid-contract anyways, so she signed it.


    Manager Li notified every one of the news. Deng Haichuan and the other workers hugged Ye Jiayao happily, congratulating her. They started ribbing her to treat them to food and drinks.


    Ye Jiayao smiled and asked the manager, "Manager, after dinner, how about you give me a room? Discounts for food and wine, too?"


    Manager Li was actually generous this time. "Wine is 30% off and the food is base cost, you''re cooking it anyways."


    After everyone finished cooking the foods, Xing Xiao ran in and set up two tables. Everyone took their places including Zhong Xiang who was pulled in here by Deng Haichuan.


    "Brother Yao, congratulations on becoming the head chef! We will be listening to you from now on." Deng Haichuan raised his wine cup and everyone stood up.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "You only have to listen to me when we''re working. If anyone tries to slack... well, my spoon isn''t just used for cooking. Now, come on brothers! Let''s drink and eat to our heart''s content. Who doesn''t drink is a little dog!


    "Drink, drink! Whoever doesn''t drink has to crawl on the ground," Cui Dongpeng cajoled.


    Everyone finished the wine in the bowl.


    Zhong Xiang also drank, but he was unsatisfied. He couldn''t beat Li Yao, whether it was about cooking or socializing.


    Ye Jiayao found that this sort of life was much better than hiding in some house, being some rich man''s wife. Here, she didn''t have to care about her image. She could say whatever she wanted without studying people''s expressions to gauge if she''d offended them.


    She pulled her sleeves up and started to play drinking games.


    "I''ve already thought this over. My contract is for three years, and in that time, I will personally teach you all to at least graduate to assistant chef. You all need to work hard for me, okay? We''ll be the best kitchen team in Jin Ling," Ye Jiayao announced.


    Everyone fell silent as they stared at Ye Jiayao.


    "What are you all doing?" Ye Jiayao was weirded out by their reaction.


    Deng Haichuan stood up and said seriously, "Brother Yao, no head chef has treated us lowly kitchen helpers as brothers. Only you, Brother Yao. So today, I promise that anytime you need me, I''ll be there."


    Zhong Xiang also stood up, holding the bowl of wine in his hand. "Li Yao, just from what you have said, I, Zhong Xiang, approve of you," he said before drinking the wine.


    No big chef would say this sort of words. Even if they were willing to take you as a disciple, they wouldn''t teach you their best skills. No head chef would allow anyone to be better than him. What Li Yao had just said was a testament to his gracious and kind heart.


    Everyone stood up with misty eyes.

 Chapter 63：Fall Into the River

    Ye Jiayao''s alcohol tolerance was high and no one could keep up with her as she drank to her heart''s content.


    After they had finished their meal, Wang Mingde, who was still sober, offered to take her home. Ye Jiayao looked down at the mess of a guy on the floor and waved her hand in dismissal.


    She said, "That''s alright, I''m not drunk. You''d already have a hard time carrying these drunkards to the house with Old Guan. Oh, and make some sobering soup for them to drink, alright? Shopkeeper Li would go ballistic if no one would be able to work tomorrow."


    In truth, Ye Jiayao knew that she had drunk too much. She had only been forcing herself to act as if the alcohol didn''t affect her one bit. However, as soon as she left the restaurant, she gave up the pretense and allowed herself to stagger home, occasionally burping loudly.


    In her drunken stupor, she thought of Little Jing. He didn''t come to the restaurant today, and perhaps, Ye Jiayao thought sadly, he wouldn''t come in the future either. Cute Little Jingjing, I don''t know what is wrong with your brother! Ah! Forget it. It''s better this way. You, Young Royal Highness, should be looking for something respectable to do. Hanging out all day in the restaurant will only make people think that you''re just a good-for-nothing royalty.


    As for Dumb Donkey, it was good that he didn''t come again. She could not stand to see him staring at her so lovingly. What was up with that? Did he forget what he had done? Did he think that after ripping her heart in two, he could just apologize and everything would be a-okay again? Ha! I''m not that easy, you stupid donkey.


    Ye Jiayao''s gaze was already a bit blurry so she didn''t notice the small stones on the road. On one particularly bad step, she slipped. She braced herself for the pain of falling, but just as her butt was about to hit the ground, a pair of arms caught her around the waist and pulled her up.


    "Th¡­thank you!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed.


    "Dead drunk at midnight. Are you really a woman?" an angry male voice retorted.


    Xia Chunyu had come to the restaurant earlier and waited outside for Yaoyao. An hour passed before he saw her walk out of the establishment drunkenly.


    She was really getting wilder and brasher these days. Did she think that dressing like a man automatically made her untouchable? She even dared to drink with a bunch of men! The mere thought of that made Xia Chunyu hate the nameless guys. It made him want to close the restaurant down and put all the people inside there in a big prison.


    Ye Jiayao turned sideways to look at her savior. Was she really that drunk? She had to be hallucinating, because why else would Dumb Donkey be here?


    Xia Chunyu swore under his breath, his grip on her tightening in fear that she might fall over. He was unbelievably angry but he couldn''t exactly unleash that on a drunk woman.


    "You¡­are you Dumb Donkey?" Ye Jiayao, bleary-eyed, poked her tongue out and pointed it at his nose.


    Xia Chunyu furrowed his brows. This woman.


    "Chunyu," he corrected her. "It''s actually remarkable that you can still recognize me since you can barely even walk."


    Oh. It''s really him.


    Ye Jiayao immediately pushed his hands away from her, tottering a few steps back. "I already told you not to bother me. Why are you here?"


    Xia Chunyu noticed that she was swaying dangerously close to the river.


    "Yaoyao, come here. You''re going to fall into the river if you go further back," Xia Chunyu told her, his eyes darting to her feet nervously. If he thought that she wouldn''t move away from him the second he goes near her, he''d go over to her pull her back right now.


    Ye Jiayao waved away his concern impatiently. "I don''t need you to take care of me."


    "Okay, okay. Can you just explain to me why Helian Royal Highness came looking for me?" asked Xia Chunyu.


    He had known that before Helian Xuan came to find him that night, he had gone to Heavenly Residence and apparently left there angry. Xia Chunyu went to ask Little Jing about it, but he, too, knew nothing because Helian Xuan had been keeping him close to his side these days. Helian Xuan claimed that he was teaching him how to manage general affairs, but it seemed to Xia Chunyu that it was just a ploy to keep Little Jing from leaving the palace.


    With no one else that could answer his question, he could only come to Yaoyao.


    Yes, that''s a very good excuse. Xia Chunyu told that sarcastic voice inside his head to shut up.


    Ye Jiayao was slightly embarrassed, remembering how she used Chunyu''s name as a shield.


    "Why would I know that? He is crazy!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed in exasperation, beyond tired of thinking about the rude Helian Royal Prince.


    "How is he crazy?" Xia Chunyu squinted at her, his body tensed and prepared to rush over to her at any second if she falls.


    "First, he offered me money to leave Jin Ling and to never contact his brother again. When I refused, he said he''d kill me. What kind of idiot does that? What, just because he''s a prince, that automatically gives him the right to bully people?" Ye Jiayao ranted angrily.


    Xia Chunyu could feel his forehead crinkling in confusion. Why would Helian Xuan do that? What could possibly be his reason for wanting Yaoyao out of the city?


    "He even said that I had made Little Jing bad - that I''m a bad influence. Me. I''m telling you, that prince is mental," Ye Jiayao continued.


    Xia Chunyu didn''t know what to make out of this.


    "Well, in that case, I agree that he is very detestable. Do you want me to help you vent?" asked Xia Chunyu with a smile.


    "No need. I am not scared of him. If he comes at me again, I will just let loose another stream of curses at him." Ye Jiayao ruthlessly snapped off a willow branch. When she went to toss it into the river, she almost came with it.


    Xia Chunyu slapped a hand to his forehead. It was no wonder that Helian Xuan got so mad at her. She actually cursed at him! Xia Chunyu could hardly imagine what that scene must''ve looked like.


    "Yaoyao, you shouldn''t go against him like that again. It''s not good to mess with that guy," Xia Chunyu advised well-meaningly, finally understanding what had happened.


    Helian Xuan did not know that Yaoyao was the person who brought Little Jing back to Jin Ling. He must have heard that Little Jing was close to a chef and thought that he was turning into Zhao Qixuan. That must be why, even with the immensity of his anger, Helian Xuan couldn''t explain what was going on. It was a good thing that Yaoyao mentioned his name, otherwise, Helian Xuan would''ve truly destroyed Yaoyao in a fit of his temper.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him and mumbled, "You guys are terrible."


    "How did I get dragged into this? I wasn''t asking for trouble when you almost maimed me," Xia Chunyu said innocently.


    That one well-placed kick put him in bed for two days. He wasn''t even sure if he could still function well.


    Ye Jiayao stared at him in disbelief for a moment before shouting furiously, "I haven''t even started with you yet! You broke your promise! Even when I was knocked out and locked in a small dark room, I thought about your safety! I was afraid that you got hurt by the army so I searched everywhere for you. I shouldn''t have. If I had just left you all alone, I wouldn''t have had to listen to what you really think of me. I trusted you and you lied to me. You''re a liar Chunyu. A goddamn liar!"


    Her tears fell from her eyes involuntarily, her chest tightening with anger, hurt, and betrayal. She felt so wronged.


    "Everyone said that Second-in-charge was cruel, and yet when he was facing death, he protected me. He shielded me from all the arrows and gave me time to get away. Where were you then? Huh? You were with your troop, weren''t you? Because that''s what you only cared about - your achievement."


    Xia Chunyu felt her words cut through him like a knife. He could only imagine how terrified and helpless she had been as she looked for him. He could picture how heartbroken and desperate she was when she heard him denounce their connection. She was right. When she was facing death, all his thoughts were on catching the leader of the bandits. All his efforts were focused on adding to his achievements.


    "Xia Chunyu, I hate you. You know why I didn''t hate my stepmother and sister when they sold me? It''s because I never loved them. They''re my blood but they''re not my family. You - I really believed in you. You promised me that you won''t leave me alone and I believed you."


    Maybe it was because she was drunk, or maybe it was because she had had enough, but Ye Jiayao just exploded. She was so mad, so hurt, so... tired.


    Xia Chunyu took a few steps toward her, his heart aching. He wanted to wipe her tears, unable to bear seeing her so broken.


    Ye Jiayao slapped his hands away that was reaching for her. "You f*cking prick! Why now? Why are you still bothering me? Go live your royal life! I don''t want to see you anymore!"


    "Yaoyao, Yaoyao¡­" Xia Chunyu wanted to hold her against him.


    Ye Jiayao pushed him away angrily. "Stop calling that! You don''t get to call me by that name."


    In her need to get away from him, and also her drunkenness, she fell back into the river.


    "Yaoyao!" Xia Chunyu cried out and tried to pull her back only to end up falling in with her.


    There was a reason that people don''t go swimming drunk. Ye Jiayao was an excellent swimmer, but the alcohol had numbed her hands and feet. She tried to paddle up the water but she had no strength.


    Fortunately, Xia Chunyu got his bearings together quickly and was able to pull Ye Jiayao up from the water. It was hard to swim to the dock with a heavy weight on him, but Xia Chunyu managed to get them both to dry land.


    The water was cold, Ye Jiayao thought giddily as she floated about. Her head lolled around, sleep claiming her.


    Xia Chunyu panicked when he saw her eyes closed. He slapped her face but she didn''t even so much as flinch.


    He put his fingers in front of her nose, relieved when he felt her breathing. He then made her lie down on his legs and shook her a few times until she spat some water out.


    Ye Jiayao mumbled, "I feel terrible."


    He murmured softly, "Don''t worry, you will be fine soon."


    Xia Chunyu didn''t take anyone out with him today because he didn''t want anyone to see him get berated like a naughty child, so he had no help. He decided to just bring her back to Laifu Motel since it was closer than his mansion. She needed to get dry and rest as soon as possible or she would get sick.


    Little Yang sat in front of the motel, waiting for Little Brother Li. It was already so late and he was wondering why Little Brother Li hasn''t come back yet.


    Suddenly, a man carrying another guy, drenched from head to toe, came rushing over to him. "This is Li Yao, he fell into the river."


    Little Yang was horrified.


    "Hurry, take him to the room. I will call the manager." Little Yang let them in.


    "No need to call the manager, just bring clean towels and cook some ginger soup. Which one is his room?


    Little Yang pointed at the corridor and said, "On the left of earth room, the innermost room."

 Chapter 64：Keep You Guessing

    Helian Jing rushed back to the military department. His brother''s guard told him that the Royal Highness had been looking for him for a while. Helian Jing wiped the sweat off of his forehead and forced himself to face his big brother.


    "Where were you?" Helian Xuan asked sullenly. He knew that Little Jing ran away, but with other ministers around, he couldn''t say anything. At first, he thought that Little Jing was just bored and went out to get some air. It was the guard who had told him that Little Jing went to Heavenly Residence. He spent three hours going back and forth the mansion and the restaurant just so he could spend half an hour with Li Yao.


    "You were in the middle of a meeting and I couldn''t say anything. I just went out to get some air," Helian Jing lied.


    Helian Xuan stared at his sweating forehead and sneered, "Get some air or get some sweat?"


    "It is hot outside," Helian Jing said feebly.


    Helian Xuan hated his lies the most. He wanted to give Helian Jing some responsibilities to keep him busy, but he didn''t think he''d run away whenever he has a free time.


    "You must be hot as you ride the horse rapidly. Did you eat at Heavenly Residence before coming back?" Helian Xuan asked coldly.


    Helian Jing looked at his big brother in surprise. "Did you have me followed?"


    "I was only curious to see where you''re going. I heard that you kept going to Heavenly Residence. Tell me, what is attracting you so much there?" Helian Xuan conversed patiently, trying to avoid getting Little Jing mad.


    "I like the dishes in Heavenly Residence. They''ve recently changed the head chef there and the food is amazing. I want to try something new." Helian Jing remembered Zhao Qixuan''s warning so he didn''t say anything about Li Yao.


    "Really? I''d like to try that someday," Helian Xuan said. "Or, maybe we should go at lunchtime later?"


    "I just went to see if there were new dishes out. I am sick of the other dishes already," Helian Jing said hurriedly.


    Helian Xuan smiled. "You get sick so fast, huh?"


    "Big Brother, we can go to Family''s Fragrance. It is new, and I heard it is good."


    Little Jing tried so hard to keep him away from Heavenly Residence. What was he afraid of? If Li Yao really was just Little Jing''s savior, there shouldn''t be any problem. He could even ask Helian Xuan to repay Li Yao. Instead, Little Jing exerted all these efforts to keep this hidden... Helian Xuan was even more worried. How could he persuade himself to believe Little Jing when he was acting so suspiciously?


    And that Li Yao had some connection with Xia Chunyu as well. He couldn''t make a move. This thing is such a problem!


    Song Qi informed Xia Chunyu that the former servant of the Ye family has already arrived in Jin Ling. Xia Chunyu dropped what he was doing and met with the 40-year-old woman immediately.


    "I swore that what I said was the truth," she vowed. "And I''m not the only servant who knew about this. The other servants who knew just didn''t dare to discuss this because they feared the Lady. The maid who was responsible to clean the main yard also heard that Master quarreled with the Lady about the first daughter''s marriage. The lady meant for the second daughter to marry the first son of Wei''s family.


    Master said that the marriage was planned ages ago, and with the Wei family already waiting, they could not change it. When the first daughter left to marry, the second daughter, as well as her personal servant, also disappeared. Your Highness, if I see the first lady of Wei''s family, I would be able to recognize her."


    The servant lost a little money to gambling so she used a bit of the public money, which got her kicked out of the mansion by the Lady. Meanwhile, Mother Yang who also took some public money carried on unpunished just because she was next to the Lady. The servant didn''t find it fair, so when people asked her about the Ye family with the offer of a big reward, she blabbed everything she knew. The Ye family had a high social status and paid attention to traditional Chinese courtesy, but they have done many terrible things.


    Even though she didn''t know why this rich and powerful man was asking about the affairs of the Ye family, she didn''t care. As long as she getting a reward from him, she''d keep talking.


    Xia Chunyu believed her story. It would also explain why the second daughter wanted to set Yaoyao up.


    He wanted to know how Ye''s second daughter planned to keep this charade up. Was she that certain that Yaoyao would never make it back?


    "What was the first daughter like in the mansion?" Xia Chunyu wanted to know more about Yaoyao''s past.


    The woman exclaimed, "The first daughter was pitiful even though she was a lady. Her life was not even as good as the servants. Master didn''t care about her, and the second daughter always bullied her. The Lady would say that she liked the first daughter''s cooking so the first daughter had been obligated to cook for her every day. The Lady would secretly feed the dogs with that food.


    "Even when the first daughter fell ill, the Lady didn''t bother to get a doctor for her. She wouldn''t even pay the first daughter''s monthly pocket money. Every season, the second daughter and the second son would get four new sets of clothes, but the first daughter would be lucky if she''d get one new set.


    The glass in Xia Chunyu''s hand broke.


    Song Qi quickly ran to his side and cried out, "Sir, are you hurt?"


    Xia Chunyu stared at his hand angrily. Yaoyao had been so mistreated by her family. Last night, she had told him that she wouldn''t even be sad no matter how her family has set her up. She told him that they were all wolves and she didn''t love them.


    The servant stopped with her story, shocked by Xia Chunyu''s reaction.


    After a while, Xia Chunyu calmed down enough to say, "Song Qi, take her away and settle her properly. She''ll get her reward when we''ve confirmed what she said. Wei''s first lady would be arriving in Jin Ling any day now."


    Song Qi took her away and Xia Chunyu paced around the room.


    He was incredibly furious. Ye''s Lady was the daughter of Hanlin court''s scholar, Ye Dakuan. How could someone born in a scholar''s family make such low and sinister actions? If Ye Dakuan knew about this, Xia Chunyu was sure that the scholar would boil with rage.


    This matter should be made known to Yaoyao''s maternal grandparents. They have to know what was done to Yaoyao.


    Xia Chunyu made up his mind and got started on the list of his requests.


    After a busy lunchtime, Ye Jiayao pulled Zhong Xiang aside so they could study some pastry materials together.


    At the beginning, they reviewed Bengal gelatine, a substance extracted from a mix of hot liquid of muriculate eucheuma frond and agar/gracilaria. After they cooled down, it would concentrate into seaweed essence which was filled with dietary fiber. It was a very important bodying agent for making pastry.


    Zhong Xiang said, "Buy more, I haven''t done Bengal gelatine before. This may cost a lot of material."


    The next was light cream. It was not hard to do, she would only need to cook the milk repeatedly. The solid fat would float on the surface and she would only need to separate the fat from the milk.


    Deng Haichuan told them, "There are cows in our village."


    "You can get us this then. Buy more fresh milk. We will do it ourselves. You can take money from me first," Ye Jiayao said. The early study cost should not be asked from Manager Li. Luckily, she still had 70 silvers. They could ask for reimbursement after the study was proven successful.


    The last thing they studied was shredded coconut stuffing. It was pretty hard to get because coconuts were only produced in the southern area near the sea. It was hard to find even in Yang Zhou. No one at this time was really in the habit of making pastries with coconut stuffing. They would simply use sesame powder and soybean powder.


    "We can only ask southern business ships to buy this. Oh, that Yong An Heir-son Lord is doing business in the south! Can you ask him to bring some here?" Zhong Xiang told her.


    "I will ask him."


    Deng Haichuan asked curiously, "Brother Yao, what you want are so rare. What do we do with them?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled mischievously. "I will keep you guessing. I assure you, though, that we can sell out after it is done. Zhong Xiang, this is a chance for you to be famous!"


    "I will try my best to help," Zhong Xiang said, smiling awkwardly.


    "Brother Yao, Brother Xiang, teach the rest of when you''re done," Deng Haichuan implored.


    "Of course, we''re going to teach you!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed. "You can''t just idle around, you know? You''ll need to work extra hours for this."


    Brother Yao sounded so certain that both of them filled with hope.


    "Ah, my headache''s getting worse. Let me have a nap." Ye Jiayao felt like her brain has run out of fuel and she has been absent-minded since this morning.


    "Okay, you get some rest. When we''ve got everything done, I will call you," Zhong Xiang said.


    Ye Jiayao wobbled up to the third floor and slouched on the chair in the Fu Qu Attic. She closed her eyes and napped.


    She couldn''t sleep well. She dreamt of her previous life and current life. Luckily, this situation didn''t occur frequently, and they mostly happened in dreams, otherwise, people might think she had split personality.


    She didn''t know how long she slept. She only woke up when she heard someone shout her name.


    "Brother Yao, Brother Yao!"


    She opened her eyes and saw Deng Haichuan standing over her. She closed her eyes again and asked lazily, "Is it time?"


    "Manager Li is asking for you," Deng Haichuan said.


    Her drowsiness disappeared almost immediately. She got up and fixed her clothes before heading to Manager Li''s office.


    Manager Li looked sad as he asked her to sit down. He kept quiet for a long moment, looking slightly dazed.


    Was the restaurant going bankrupt, Ye Jiayao thought. Or did Helian Xuan made good on his threat and did something bad to the restaurant?


    She was not patient enough to wait for him to snap out of whatever he was thinking, especially with him looking so sad. She prompted, "Manager, what do you need me for?"


    Manager Li finally sighed and said, "Today, we had a talk in the Chamber of Commerce. Fu Ji asked to hold a chef match, and every restaurant will choose someone to participate. There will be gold, silver, and bronze reward. Now I know why Xiang Yi spent such a huge money to hire Master Chef Niu. They found out about this earlier than I did."

 Chapter 65：Return Money

    Ye Jiayao knew that this competition had a lot riding on it, both for the reputation of the restaurant and hers. There would be no friendliness here. There would be definite winners and losers, and the results would determine fame and profit. This was why there was such a big difference between winning a gold medal and a silver medal in the Olympics.


    "This culinary competition was organized five years ago. Back then, Heavenly Residence sent Master Chef Niu to compete. He won the third place and that established Heavenly Residence''s status in Jin Ling''s food and beverages industry," Shopkeeper Li told her.


    Ye Jiayao asked curiously, "Who won the first and second place?"


    "Lu Yiming won the first place, he''s a chef from Vegetarian Place. He entered the Imperial kitchen after that. The Vegetarian Place only makes vegetarian feasts, and even though it is famous, its business is not as good as the other restaurants. In second place is Zheng Fugui from Fu Ji. He rewarded Fu Ji with a high status that''s still going strong even five years later.


    "I heard that the Imperial court also had the intention of summoning him to work in the Imperial kitchen then, but Zheng Fugui rejected the offer. An Imperial chef only offers title, it can''t beat the chance of opening your own restaurant and earning truckloads of money.


    "Xiang Yi Restaurant was a newcomer, but they rose impressively. And now that they have poached Master Chef Niu, it looks like they''re really hellbent on winning the competition. There''s also Kylin Pavilion and Ju Fu Lin, they''ve both developed quite well these past few years while Heavenly Residence is only going downhill." The more thought he puts into it, the more depressed Shopkeeper Li became.


    On the contrary, Ye Jiayao was pretty interested. "Shopkeeper, no matter what, Heavenly Residence will take part, right?"


    "Even if we don''t want to compete, we have to. If Master Chef Niu was still around, everyone would be more than happy if we don''t compete. Only now, there are... rumors circulating that Heavenly Residence can''t find someone capable for the competition. If we compete now, in our current situation, you are our only candidate," Shopkeeper Li told Li Yao, his face full of worry.


    Ye Jiayao smiled and said, "Shopkeeper, don''t you worry about me. Who knows, maybe I''ll emerge as a new force to be reckoned with. I just might surprise everyone with my skills! Now, tell me more about that Zheng Fugui and Master Chef Niu. What are the specialties that make them the best?


    Shopkeeper Li sneered, "Master Chef Niu is not the best. In the whole of Jin Ling, he''s the fifth at most. The real master is Madame Rong, Li Erniang got her skills from her. It was a pity she has become a nun."


    Ye Jiayao was shocked. The best chef is actually a woman? And she''s now a nun? Why?


    "Why did she become a nun?"


    "This is her private matters and it''s inappropriate for us to discuss." The stern words from Shopkeeper Li stifled Ye Jiayao''s curiosity. He continued, "The second would be Lu Yiming, third is Zheng Fugui, and fourth is Duan Qilin, the head chef of Kylin Pavilion. However, he wasn''t able to attend the competition then because he was ill. Niu Shunbao only comes in fifth."


    Ye Jiayao brightened up and said, "Lu Yiming has already entered the Imperial kitchen and would naturally not compete. Zheng Fugui placed second so he would probably be too embarrassed to compete again. In that case, there is only Duan Qilin and Niu Shunbao! We still have a chance at this!"


    Shopkeeper Li shook his head dejectedly. "I''m afraid that''s not the case, Li Yao. Lu Yiming and Zheng Fugui are not participating, but their sons, Lu Xiaotian and Zheng Sanduo are. They have all the handed-down techniques from their fathers, and they are both impressive."


    F*ck! Ye Jiayao finally saw how grim the situation was.


    "Shopkeeper Li, we don''t have any other choice. I have to compete no matter what, so why don''t you say something encouraging instead? You''re being a serious wet blanket," Ye Jiayao complained, pouting.


    Shopkeeper Li sighed. Li Yao was right, they had no choice. He would just have to fake it till he makes it. He said, "Of course, of course. You''re right. Don''t mind me. I called you here today to give you a heads up. When the competition date and rules are set, we''ll think of a plan together."


    "Ay!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed, her lips pulling up into a smile full of mischief. "No matter what rules they set, it''ll still be under the category of cooking, right? Wouldn''t you say that it''d be better if I know the rivals I am up against? Do you think I should make a trip to Fu Ji, Kylin Pavilion or Xiang Yi Restaurant to try some of their foods?"


    Shopkeeper Li laughed in spite of himself. "Go, bring your bills back so I can reimburse them."


    Ye Jiayao made a show of putting on a serious face. "Yes, Shopkeeper Li. I will make sure that every meal I eat will translate into gains. I will not waste a single cent of the restaurant."


    Shopkeeper Li didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at Li Yao''s antics. He waved his hand to shoo him off. Though even after Li Yao has left, Shopkeeper Li continued to frown. His new chef was full of spirit and enthusiasm, but that could only take him so far. This cooking competition was a platform for the restaurant and its chef. This was the shortcut for fame, a great opportunity for chefs and the restaurant they represent. He wasn''t sure how they would be able to pull through this successfully.


    That night, Ye Jiayao returned to the motel and found Manager Du waiting for her.


    "Little Brother Li, come over here," he called, smiling.


    "Big brother, what''s the matter?"


    Shopkeeper Du pointed at the 100-tael banknote on the counter, and said, "Your friend sent this over, insisting that you change to the first-grade room. The room comes with free breakfast, dinner, as well as additional furniture."


    It doesn''t take a genius to figure out that the ''friend'' who sent that note was that stupid donkey. Why the hell was he meddling in her affairs? Was that 100-tael note enough to buy him a peace of mind? Ha! He''s got another thing coming if he thinks I''m going to make this easy on him.


    "Big brother, ignore him. I am fine where I am, I don''t need to change rooms. I will return this banknote to him," Ye Jiayao said.


    Manager Du nodded. "If that''s you want, sure, but I''ve thought about something for a while now. You''ve been helping around the motel every day, and I don''t feel good letting you stay in the lowest grade room. How about this, I shift you to the second-grade room on the second floor and you could just pay me a tael every month."


    "Big brother!" Ye Jiayao uttered in disbelief, "Surely there is no need for that!"


    A second-grade room costs 300 coppers for a night, and a month would equal to around nine taels. Manager Du only asking for one tael - she might as well be staying for free! They already have been too generous, giving her a 70% discount on her current room. She couldn''t take a 90% discount on an upgrade!


    "It is all set, your sister-in-law and I have already discussed it." Manager Du laughed merrily.


    Ye Jiayao replied resolutely, "Big brother, you two have taken more than good care of me. It wouldn''t feel right to take advantage of you like that. I will stay in my room, or else I''ll look for another place to live in."


    Manager Du was offended as he responded, "Little brother, saying that means you''re seeing me as an outsider. Are you calling me big brother for nothing? I own an inn! Do you know what I lack the least? It''s the rooms!"


    "But your rooms are not here for you to leave vacant, it is for your business," Ye Jiayao reasoned.


    None of them were willing to budge. It was only when Li Erniang interfered that they both took a step back. They compromised in the end. Ye Jiayao would be moving to the second-grade room and she would be paying three taels a month.


    Now that her salary would be increasing soon, Ye Jiayao felt that it was only right that her quality of life should improve as well, so she gave in.


    Ultimately, this was all stirred up by that Chunyu. After shifting rooms, Ye Jiayao took the banknote and made her way to the Jing An Marquis'' mansion.


    After asking around, Ye Jiayao arrived at the massive doorstep of the mansion. There was a huge stone lion on both sides of the entryway, lit up by a row of hanging lanterns. The uniformed guards lined up on every step just added to the mansion''s imposing manner.


    Ye Jiayao was just about to climb up when the guards blocked her way.


    "Open your eyes wide, little guy. This is the Jing An Marquis'' mansion. It''s out of bounds for unauthorized persons."


    Ye Jiayao looked down at her clothes. Yes, she admitted, she looked kind of shabby, but it was not as if she was dressed like a beggar. Her clothes were clean and there were no holes! It seemed like the watchdogs of the mansion took after their pompous master.


    "Did you hear me? Scram!" the guard told her, his voice slightly raised.


    Ye Jiayao took out the 100-tael banknote and slapped it against the guard''s chest. "I am here to return some money. I would have to trouble you to pass this banknote to your Heir-son Lord. Tell him that if he has nothing better to do with his time, he can visit a brothel or drown himself in wine. Tell him not to interfere with my life again. And if you dare take this for yourself, don''t blame me if your Heir-son Lord asks about it."


    After finishing her piece, Ye Jiayao walked off with her hands behind her back.


    The guard looked at the fellow''s retreating figure. For a moment there, he was intimidated by the attitude that the scrawny guy has shown. He was dressed in such shabby clothes and looked like a poor fellow, but he was quite bold to ridicule the Heir-son Lord.


    After some thought, he went out to seek for his master.


    Xia Chunyu listened to his mother half-heartedly as she talked about matters that he had no interest in - matters that were giving him a headache.


    "Chun-er." Jing An Marquis'' lady, Xia You, smiled gently, the crow''s feet on her face doing nothing to hide the joy in her heart.


    Ever since Yaoyao gave him the nickname ''Dumb Donkey'', the name he once proudly carried never sounded quite the same. Every time his mother would call him ''Chun-er'', all he could hear was her calling him ''Stupid''.


    "Today, Mother went to the palace to meet the empress, and she gave me a piece of news. The empress dowager has intentions to marry Princess Liuli to you. This is a joyous event, Chun-er! Everyone knows that the seventh prince is the empress dowager''s favorite son and the brother that the emperor relies heavily on. It was a pity that he passed away so young.


    "The empress dowager raised Princess Liuli up on her own and is only waiting to title her ''princess'' until she gets married. Whoever marries her will be able to inherit the seventh prince''s land, becoming the king of the vassal state. All of the princes and noblemen are thinking of it and the empress dowager has preferences solely for you¡­"


    Xia Chunyu''s lack of concern was notable in his voice as he replied, "Your son does not have the good fortune to enjoy it."


    He has heard the rumors of Princess Liuli''s pampered ways. If he marries her, the whole mansion would be turned upside down to cater to her whims. He also has no doubts that she was not above using tears to get her way.


    Xia You clicked her tongue in disapproval. She reproached, "How can you say that? This is the empress dowager''s idea, and the empress dowager''s idea is the majesty''s idea! Are you thinking of going against the Imperial edict? Other men are praying for this chance, and yet, here you are, disregarding it. Have you gone mad?"


    "Madame, someone is looking for the Heir-son Lord outside," a servant reported.


    Xia Chunyu quickly jumped up. Just in time! "I will go out to have a look. This might be an official matter."


    He fled without another word.


    Xia You is worried for her son.

 Chapter 66：Intrigue

    Xia Chunyu stared at the banknote in his hand as he listened to the guard, his eyes gradually turning stormy with anger.


    "Where is this person?"


    The guard saw the anger on Heir-son Lord''s face and answered with fear, "He''s gone, Your Highness."


    "How long ago did he leave?"


    "He just left. As soon as he turned away, I immediately rushed here to tell you, Heir-son Lord. I don''t think he has gone far, yet."


    Xia Chunyu took a saddled horse and quickly chase after Yaoyao.


    As expected, he caught up with Yaoyao not too far away from the mansion.


    It is already late, and this infuriating woman isn''t even afraid to wander alone in the street!


    Xia Chunyu spurred the horse faster and moved closer to her. He used his long arms to drag her onto the horse.


    Startled, Ye Jiayao started to scream.


    Xia Chunyu pushed her to sit in front of him and plastered her against him with an arm around her waist. He was afraid that all her struggling would cause her to fall off the horse.


    He said softly, "Stop screaming."


    Ye Jiayao closed her mouth and gaped angrily at Chunyu. "Why the hell are you kidnapping me?"


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "How is this kidnapping?"


    "You took me against my will! What else would you call it? You know what, don''t answer that. Just let me go!"


    "No way. You came to me first. I''m not letting you go," Xia Chunyu said stubbornly.


    "I only came to return the money and tell you to stay out of my business," Ye Jiayao retorted angrily.


    "It doesn''t matter. We''re here now, and I think that it''s high time that we have a chat."


    "We don''t have anything to say to each other. We''re nothing to each other. What will we talk about? We only acted on a show together," Ye Jiayao said coldly. His close proximity to her was wreaking a havoc on her hormones. With her back against his muscled chest and his arm around her waist, she couldn''t help but think of the steamy nights they spent in bed. She squirmed, starting to feel hot. She was extremely aware that she was blushing.


    "Can you stop mentioning that? You have to understand my situation back then." Xia Chunyu''s jaw brushed her ear. Her long, soft hair floated to his face and he felt a bit ticklish. Despite her hostility, Xia Chunyu''s heart was happy and at peace as he held her close to him.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. Oh, she understood his situation perfectly. She also understood that denying connection to her and telling Song Qi that ''there''s no need to act anymore'' was him trying to ditch her. She might have acted shamelessly towards him in the past, but she was not a complete airhead.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about the past. Can we just pretend that we don''t know each other? You are an Heir-son Lord and I work as a chef. We have nothing to do with each other. Deal?" Ye Jiayao offered sulkily.


    "No," Xia Chunyu answered without even pausing for a beat.


    Neigh¡­


    The horse stopped. Xia Chunyu nimbly maneuvered his body and got off the horse. He was going to help Yaoyao down, but when he turned around, she has already jumped down to the ground. Woman, for once, can you pretend that you need my help?


    Ye Jiayao dusted her hands and said, "I am going now. There''s no need for us to see each other again, alright?"


    She turned to walk away but Xia Chunyu dragged her back easily. "I said we need to have a chat."


    "Yo, Heir-son Lord, you should be sitting in a boat, drinking alcohol, listening to music, and hugging beautiful girls this time of the night. You shouldn''t drag unwilling people with you," Ye Jiayao mocked.


    Xia Chunyu smiled at her roguishly. "That''s a good idea, and that''s exactly what I am going to do. Come along!"


    He pulled Ye Jiayao to the dock.


    "Yo, don''t corrupt me! I am only a poor guy. I don''t want to learn what you rich kids do." Ye Jiayao struggled against his hold.


    "Don''t worry, it''s my treat. You don''t need to spend a single cent."


    Xia Chunyu dragged her straight into a boat and immediately said, "Boatman, start the boat."


    The boatman immediately did as he was told, happy to get a business this late at night. He acquiesced, "Yes, sir! I will start the boat right away."


    Usually, there would be male or female - or both - prostitutes inside the boat. It depended on the customer''s preference, so the boatman really didn''t blink an eye as he saw the two men board his boat.


    Xia Chunyu made her sit down.


    A coquettish woman appeared before them, bringing up some snacks and wine. She winked at Xia Chunyu and softly asked, "Sir, what else do you want to order?"


    This lady didn''t even spare Ye Jiayao a look. There was no point to look at such a poor kid since it was clear that Xia Chunyu, with his clothes in gold, was the rich master.


    Xia Chunyu put a 100-silver note on the table. "Bring whatever you have and get us a pot of Liu An tea."


    The lady''s eyes brightened and her smile turned wider. "Of course. Please, wait a second, sir, I will go fetch it now."


    Ye Jiayao stared at the 100-silver note and thought that it was so easy to make money in a boat. They only had to bring drinks, a few plates of dry fruits, cruise for a while, and they already get 100 silvers. When I get rich, I''m going to buy a couple of boats.


    Xia Chunyu saw her staring at the silver note and started to feel sorry for her. "You can take this note if you''d like."


    Ye Jiayao suddenly snapped awake from her daydream and called, "Boatman, stop the boat!"


    The boat kept its cruising pace. The boatman wouldn''t stop the boat unless the rich man ordered him to do so.


    Ye Jiayao was furious as she saw Chunyu''s cocky look. She really wanted to kick him.


    The beautiful lady brought out some green grapes, almonds, preserves, and a plate of crispy small dried fish, as well as a pot of Liu An tea.


    Xia Chunyu waved her away.


    "Do you want to know Aunt Jiang''s situation?" Xia Chunyu poured tea for Ye Jiayao and he poured himself a glass of wine.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes and ignored him.


    Xia Chunyu just kept talking, "Their family is going to be coming to Jin Ling in a few days. They just set out to look for their son in Ji Ning first. They were forced to become bandits. It was a good thing that this time, Uncle Jiang did the right thing and cooperated with me. I had the police take their case off so they can go back to their hometown without any concerns."


    Ye Jiayao was happy to hear that. She was curious as to what kind of case Uncle Jiang was involved in, though.


    "Do you know why they became bandits?"


    "There was a gangster who was interested in Uncle Jiang''s daughter and wanted to rape her. In the urgent situation, Uncle Jiang used a hoe to knock him out but he accidentally killed him, instead.


    Ye Jiayao didn''t know that the fatherly Uncle Jiang she met had that much guts.


    "I also let Auntie Zhao and the rest of the people who were forced to go up the mountain free. I tasked Feng Chaolin take care of the people who didn''t really do bad things."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t stop herself from asking, "What about Peng Wu? I heard that you framed him."


    Xia Chunyu squinted at her and smiled ambiguously. "What do you think?"


    "He treated me very well and called me big sister all the time. He was hardworking and he helped me out a lot."


    Xia Chunyu scoffed, "You can''t judge someone''s nature just by that. He didn''t talk much and he worked very hard, yes, but he was also the fiercest killer in Black Wind Ridge. At the time when the group of Bai Chongye has just expanded, most of the bloody cases involved him and Sheng Wu. They wiped out whole villages. Their hands were full of blood."


    Ye Jiayao was shocked. I guess it''s true that you never really know what''s inside a person''s heart.


    "He was as a serious criminal, and I handed over to the governors to take care of. He might not be able to evade death." Xia Chunyu finished the alcohol in his cup. The topic of their conversation seemed to have gotten very heavy and it was not his intention. He only wanted to get closer to her by talking about the old memories they shared.


    Ye Jiayao drank her tea in silence, her heart saddened. Even though he was as bad as Second-in-charge, he has never shown her anything but kindness. Ye Jiayao has always believed that even the evillest person has a good side.


    "Yaoyao, go back to your family. I am here, I won''t let them do anything bad to you again," Xia Chunyu told her earnestly. He was starting to actualize his plan.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him as if he was the biggest idiot she has seen. "You don''t need to worry about my issues."


    Her life was full of happiness now. Why would she want to face the people she hated? To torture herself? No, thank you.


    "Do you want to stay in Heavenly Residence for life?"


    "Of course not! I''ll be working there for three years at most, and then, I will open my own restaurant and earn lots of money," Ye Jiayao said casually. Ay! Why did I tell him my plans?


    "So you''re planning to be a ladyboy for the rest of your life?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Ye Jiayao blinked and said unhappily, "What do you mean ladyboy? I''ll have you know, everyone praised me as a pretty, young man."


    Xia Chunyu frowned. She even called herself pretty. Truly admirable.


    "Pretty is a word used to describe beautiful girls. Handsome is the word for guys, or smart, or dashing. Understood? If they''re calling you pretty, they might mean that you are a bit..." Xia Chunyu trailed off.


    Ye Jiayao put the teapot aside and stared at him angrily. "What? Your brain is full of strange ideas!"


    "It is because I know who you really are." He looked at her flat chest which was wrapped and concealed tightly by her clothes.


    Ye Jiayao covered her chest. "What are you looking at?"


    They might have done the deed before, but they don''t have any relationship now. He has no right to see or even think of her in that state anymore.


    Xia Chunyu smiled as if he couldn''t care less at how indignant she was. "I heard that if you wrap it tight like that, the blood will clot and you''re going to fall ill easily.


    "That is none of your business." Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes.


    Another boat matched up to their pace. It was a summer night so the windows on both boats were open from all sides to let in the cold wind. It also made watching the night scenery of the river easier.


    "Oh? Is that Xia Chunyu?" Zhao Qixuan who was cruising in the boat next to Ye Jiayao''s exclaimed. "Xia Chunyu! Xia Chunyu!"


    Xia Chunyu looked to the side and saw Zhao Qixuan on the boat beside theirs, waving his paper fan. He really didn''t want to have a conversation with him so Xia Chunyu merely nodded and held up his wine glass as a greeting.


    Ye Jiayao found the calling voice familiar so she also turned around to take a look.


    Zhao Qixuan was taken aback when he saw Li Yao. "Um... Li Yao? What are you..."


    Zhao Qixuan found this too odd. It would make sense if it was Li Yao and Little Jing cruising together... but he was with Brother Chunyu! How did the two of them know each other? And why were they cruising together on a very late night?


    Ye Jiayao smiled and waved awkwardly, silently cursing herself. Why did I have to show my face? Damn you curiosity!


    "Xia Chunyu, do you want to have a drink together?" Zhao Qixuan offered.


    Xia Chunyu smiled calmly and said, "No, thank you. Perhaps some other day."


    "Alright. It''ll be my treat then," Zhao Qixuan said graciously, still perplexed.


    As the two boats drifted apart, Zhao Qixuan worried. Did Xia Chunyu turn down his offer to drink together because he was spending time with Li Yao? Did Little Jing know about this relationship?

 Chapter 67：Snitch On Her

    "He knows you?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    "Of course! He even gave me a 100-tael reward!"


    Ye Jiayao intentionally wanted to annoy him. She wanted him to know that him giving her a 100-tael banknote wasn''t such a magnificent thing. She could easily earn that in tips alone.


    Xia Chunyu''s face went tight with anger. Wasn''t Zhao Qixuan faithful to his Xiao Su? Why was he so generous towards Yaoyao? Was it because she was good-looking?


    ven dressed up like a man, Yaoyao was still in danger.


    "Don''t interact with him so often in future. Actually, it''s best if you don''t interact with him at all," Xia Chunyu told her gravely.


    Ye Jiayao has always disliked that commanding tone of his. In the past, she has no choice but to obey him because her life was in his hands. Now, her life was her own and she doesn''t have to do anything he tells her.


    "And why should I listen to you? He is one of Heavenly Residence''s best customers. He''s a nice person, he doesn''t have the arrogance of a certain Heir-son Lord I know, and he is quite generous. What is the problem with that?" Ye Jiayao demanded.


    Xia Chunyu''s dark expression only got worse the more he listened to her. He said through gritted teeth, "Aren''t you afraid he''ll take advantage of you?"


    Ye Jiayao paused. "He is a man, and I am currently a man. What is there to take advantage of?"


    Xia Chunyu really did not want to discuss that topic with her, but he knew that if he didn''t make it clear to her, she''d never heed his warning. In fact, he was sure that she''d do the opposite of what he told her just to spite him.


    "He would want to take advantage of you precisely because you''re a ''man''. Zhao Qixuan is Jin Ling''s most famous homosexual," Xia Chunyu said, his tone unkind.


    Ugh¡­ Homosexual? Gay?


    Ye Jiayao stared at him blankly for a few seconds before bursting out in laughter. She has read about gay relationships in novels in the past, but she has never met one in real life. Perhaps it was because they hide well. She didn''t imagine that she''d run into one in the ancient times of all places!


    "Is there anyone he likes? He seemed so happy to see you earlier that he couldn''t stop smiling! Does he like you?" Ye Jiayao asked, half-teasing.


    Xia Chunyu spat his wine out and stared disdainfully at her. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Ye Jiayao replied in a disappointed voice, "Oh, it''s not you? That''s such a pity! With your looks, he should be attracted to you! Could it be that he is the top and he prefers someone weaker? Someone like Little Jing?"


    Shopkeeper Li''s warning to her made sense now. He once had told her that if it was that Heir-son Lord asking for her company, she should be worried.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her in disbelief. Why doesn''t she find people like Zhao Qixuan disgusting? It even looked like she was very interested in the dynamics of these homosexual relationships! She even dragged Little Jing to her ridiculous mutterings. Didn''t she know that Helian Xuan almost killed her because he suspected that Little Jing was in a homosexual relationship with her?


    This woman is going to be the death of me.


    "I am not kidding, Yaoyao. Stay far away from him, and stay far away from Little Jing, too," Xia Chunyu said angrily.


    The angrier he got, the more Ye Jiayao wanted to oppose him.


    "Why should I listen to you? I actually find being with you even more dangerous!" Ye Jiayao retorted.


    Xia Chunyu was furious. "You will listen because you belong to me."


    Ye Jiayao laughed bitterly. "Xia Chunyu, is your brain working fine? I belong to you? Did you marry me or buy me? You think I belong to you just because we acted as husband and wife for a while, and had some physical intimacy? That I should just be a good little lap dog for you? Ha! Dream on."


    Xia Chunyu was confused as to how could she say something like that. Didn''t all women place their chastity over their lives? Well, of course, the women in the brothels are the exceptions. How could she, a lady from a noble family, be so alright with this?


    He thought that she was only angry at him for not keeping his promise and hurting her. He thought that despite this hostility, she was holding him deep in her heart, so he apologized and groveled. He didn''t retaliate when she hit him, didn''t talk back when she scolded him. He was prepared to take on the responsibility of his mistake. However, she was acting like he didn''t really matter to her, like what they had was nothing more than an act.


    It stung.


    "Ye Jinxuan, don''t push your luck."


    Ye Jiayao lifted her chin up and looked at him straight in the eye. She has no intention of backing down. She had submitted to him for far too long.


    "In the mountains, I had no choice but to say ''how high?'' every time you told me to jump. I am my own person now. I don''t have to listen to you. Chunyu, we can''t see eye to eye, so we should just go our separate ways. We don''t need to see each other ever again." With that said, Ye Jiayao swiftly turned around and jumped out the window.


    Xia Chunyu almost had a heart attack at her sudden movement. He rushed after her, jumping into the river without even thinking about it.


    However, she was nowhere to be seen in the water. The only sign she was in it was a splash in the distance.


    He should''ve realized that she was a good swimmer. Haze Lake was 10 lis wide, and if someone who doesn''t know how to swim falls in, the impact alone would knock them out. Even if they managed to survive the fall, the current and the depth would''ve drowned them. Yaoyao survived that.


    That wench! If you think that a few ruthless comments would make me give up and let you go, you don''t know me at all. You belong to me, Yaoyao. You''re not going to get away from me - not in this lifetime.


    Xia Chunyu slapped the water surface in annoyance, making a large splash.


    Ye Jiayao swam away a good distance, only coming up at the next harbor.


    The quality of the water in the ancient times was excellent. There was no pollution unlike the rivers in the modern times. She couldn''t even think about going down for a swim in a river in the 21st century. Even fishes in the water were about to go extinct.


    Ay, that was cooling. I wish I could do that every day.


    Ye Jiayao returned to the motel dripping wet.


    Little Yang stopped in his tracks when he saw her. "Um, Little Brother Li, did you... um, did you fell into the river?"


    Ye Jiayao replied embarrassedly, "I went into the river to catch some fish, but I didn''t manage to catch any."


    She didn''t want to say that she didn''t fall in today, otherwise, that spy would snitch on her again. Why must Little Jingjing plant a spy around her? What was the need?


    Ye Jiayao returned to her room to change, grateful that it was summer and the clothes dried fast. She could wear the clothes she had on yesterday. However, what little clothes she owned were all for sloppy dressing. She still had to go to Fu Ji to scout for information, and she wouldn''t even make it past the door with the current state of her clothes.


    Tomorrow, she''d go out to shop for some decent clothing.


    She would not think about anything else for the next few weeks - that includes Dumb Donkey. She has her culinary competition to focus on, she doesn''t need additional distractions. Anyways, after her heartless words today, she doubted he''d bother her anymore.


    Ye Jiayao closed her eyes and slept in peace.


    Xia Chunyu rode on the back of his horse to the mansion, dripping wet. The servants were all curious as to what their Heir-son Lord was up to. He looked like he jumped into the river fully clothed. Though from his gloomy expression, no one dared to say anything. They silently gave him blankets and fresh clothes, serving him cautiously.


    Xia Chunyu got more and more frustrated as he thought about what had just happened. He has already humbled himself so much, what more does she want? How long would she continue to torment him for?


    Ah, forget it! That woman was too much trouble. She''s not the least bit gentle and she mingles around the marketplace like a hooligan. Why do I need to worry about her?


    He settled down on his bed and tried to sleep, but instead, spent the night tossing and turning around. He couldn''t get his mind to shut off because all his thoughts were filled with her.


    Xia Chunyu, you''re already a goner over this pesky woman.


    The next day, in the morning, the first thing Zhao Qixuan did was look for Little Jing.


    Helian Jing was just about to leave with his older brother when he heard that Zhao Qixuan has arrived looking for him. He immediately rushed to meet him.


    "What''s the matter, Zhao Qixuan? It''s very early," Helian Jing asked.


    In a low voice, Zhao Qixuan told him, "Guess who I saw last night when I was touring the river?"


    Helian Jing was not in the mood to play along. "I don''t have the patience for your games. Just tell me."


    Zhao Qixuan leaned in closer to Helian Jing, afraid of being heard by anyone else. He whispered, "I saw Xia Chunyu and Li Yao touring the river, just the two of them."


    "Just the two of them? Are you sure?" Helian Jing asked, stricken.


    "Yes, I''m sure. I even greeted them. I saw how awkward Li Yao looked when he saw me," Zhao Qixuan said. "Don''t you think that two men touring the river in the middle of the night is too weird? If it is me with Little Su, that''s fine, but..."


    Last night''s incident had him thinking. He thought of the possibility that Xia Chunyu might be a homosexual. If that was true, that''d be great. Xia Chunyu would be a great boost to the gay community! The whole of Jin Ling''s princes and noblemen looked up to Xia Chunyu as their role model. Perhaps he would be able to take the bad connotation of gay men away.


    The problem was that Little Jing liked Li Yao. If what he imagined was true, Little Jing would suffer from heartache.


    "Little Jing, I just thought that you should know about this. I came here to tell you first thing." Zhao Qixuan patted Helian Jing''s shoulder sympathetically.


    Helian Jing replied, "Don''t tell anyone else about this. The situation is still not clear. If this gets out and causes a big scandal, Brother Chunyu is going to murder you."


    Zhao Qixuan unconsciously puts a hand over his heart. "I definitely won''t go around telling anyone. If it wasn''t Li Yao, I wouldn''t have even told you."


    "That''s good."


    After sending Zhao Qixuan away, Helian Jing resumed his activities. However, he wasn''t really able to concentrate on anything. He could not fathom what kind of relationship do Brother Chunyu and Big Yaoyao has. What has happened these past few days that he did not go to Big Yaoyao?


    Ping An insisted that there was nothing going on. The only news there was to report was Big Yaoyao falling into the water last night. Did Brother Chunyu save Big Yaoyao? He wanted to look for Big Yaoyao to get some answers, but his big brother was bringing him to the army today.


    Oh, that''s right! Feign illness. Helian Jing immediately started coughing uncontrollably.


    Helian Xuan came over to take a look at Little Jing upon hearing that he was not feeling well.


    "What''s wrong? Weren''t you just fine yesterday?"


    Helian Jing mustered some coughs before he replied, "I didn''t close the window last night, maybe I caught a cold."


    Helian Xuan looked at him suspiciously. "Don''t tell me Zhao Qixuan spread it to you."


    "That is not possible. He only came here to ask if there was anything he could do to help with Grandmother''s birthday feast. He organized the birthday feast for his grandfather so he has some experience," Helian Jing lied guiltily.


    "Then don''t go to the camp today, stay home and rest," Helian Xuan told him after some thought.


    Helian Xuan immediately called the servants over to him. "Tell the princess that the little prince is ill and get a physician quickly."


    With Mother keeping an eye on him, Helian Xuan believed that Little Jing would not sneak out.

 Chapter 68：Seek Confirmation

    Ye Jiayao began to busy herself with tasks as soon as she reached Heavenly Residence. Today, she wanted to experiment with the extraction of agar and cream.


    Zhong Xiang bought all of the euchema, seaweed, and Gracilaria in the market - a whole truckload of them.


    That gave Manager Qian a fright, but after hearing that Li Yao was going to use it, he left them alone.


    Everyone worked together as they washed the vegetables and soaked them in some soda. The huge basins took up all the space in front of the kitchen and in the courtyard.


    Ye Jiayao and Zhong Xiang were extracting cream in front of the stove while Deng Haichuan was in charge of keeping the fire burning. Whenever the milk would come to a boil, a layer of fat would float to the surface. With a fine cotton ladle, Ye Jiayao would take them out then wait for the next batch of fat to float to the surface before scooping them up again.


    Zhong Xiang frowned as he watched Li Yao. "The extraction of these two things seems to be a little expensive. Are you sure you can make a profit from this?"


    Ye Jiayao replied, "Don''t worry, I''m positive we''ll make big bucks from this."


    In this era, no one has tried the ice cream mooncake. They certainly haven''t seen a crystal mooncake. Such novel food would be a hit with the wealthy people in Jin Ling. Their money would allow them to satisfy their curiosity.


    "There are icehouses in the city, right?" Ye Jiayao asked him.


    Zhong Xiang answered, "Yes, there are 16. 12 of them are run by the government, provided especially for the palace and other princes and officials. The other four are run by civilians for the use of wealthy people."


    "Are the ice run by the government for sale?"


    Ye Jiayao knew that the quality of the ice in the icehouses run by the government and by the civilians was different. Usually, the ones run by the government were brick kiln, therefore, the ice inside was purer. The ones run by civilians were earthen kilns so it was difficult to guarantee the quality of the ice. It basically just satisfies the function of reducing temperature and freezing food.


    "Yes, they''re for sale, but people usually do not have the qualification to buy them. Even officials only have a fixed amount of ice that they can buy. Some of the wealthy people build a little icehouse in their residence, though. It''s just for the use of their family and there aren''t really many of them," Zhong Xiang explained.


    Ye Jiayao was surprised at how much he knew.


    "How much are the ice in the ones run by the civilian?


    "It depends on the weather. If it is especially hot, 100 catty of ice can go up to 10 taels, but for a normal day, it is usually just around five taels. Why, do you need ice to make this thing?" Zhong Xiang smacked his lips, thinking of how expensive the end product would be.


    Ye Jiayao answered, "Only for storing the food. Get someone to buy 100 catty, that should be enough for now."


    For the time being, she would use the civilian-run ones. When the new product is fully developed, she would just find connections to get the government-run ones.


    There were only able to extract one small basin of cream from the four buckets of milk that Deng Haichuan carried over.


    Deng Haichuan worriedly asked, "What do we do with all these milk?"


    "Don''t fret, it won''t be wasted." Ye Jiayao replied. "Get someone to tell Manager Qian that there will be a few new drinks in today''s menu - iced double milk, iced pink lady, and iced peach milk."


    "Cui Dongpeng, go buy 20 catty of bananas and eight big watermelons."


    "Brother Xiang, help me make some glutinous rice balls. We''ll use tomato juice, vegetable juice, and some purple cabbage juice. The size of the balls should be smaller than nails."


    "Tell Little Lu and Ah Xing to advertise to the customers these few drinks today."


    Ye Jiayao gave orders smoothly. The advantage of being the head chef was that she could call the shots in the kitchen without anyone questioning her.


    Shopkeeper Li heard that there were a few drinks added to the menu and they were all iced. He found that smart since on such a hot day, everyone would be craving for some refreshing ice-cold drinks. He wondered what kind of drinks would Li Yao make. They all have such interesting names, especially the iced pink lady, and he was very intrigued.


    Shopkeeper Li came to the kitchen to personally find out what was going on.


    He first saw Wang Mingde and Cui Dongpeng pounding something on the table, which he found upon closer inspection, were bananas and watermelons. They seemed to be separately making a banana mash and watermelon juice. Zhong Xiang was at the corner making small glutinous riceballs of various colors.


    "Li Yao, where is that pink lady?" Shopkeeper Li asked curiously.


    Ye Jiayao pointed at Cui Dongpeng and said, "He''s making it."


    Shopkeeper Li scratched his head, a little worried. Li Yao was full of antics, giving an alluring name to a simple watermelon milk. What would the customers say? He wouldn''t actually care as long as this gets him more money.


    All the customers this afternoon ordered drinks as expected. There were very few restaurants that carried iced drinks, and those that do, only served iced plum juice, iced white fungus or lotus seed soup. Everyone was sick of them. The drinks that Heavenly Residence was serving have such novel names, especially the iced pink lady, and the customers were expectant.


    The waiter served the drinks in no time.


    The iced double milk was served in a top grade Long Quan ceramic bowl. The iced pink lady was dished up in a small, expensive crystal bowl, while the iced peach milk was placed in an exquisite little bowl with a pink and white base.


    They all looked exquisite and Ye Jiayao knew that these alone would increase their grade.


    The iced double milk was slightly yellow in color, carrying a strong fragrance of milk and a hint of banana. It tasted smooth and the combination of the fragrances made the drink dance between the line of mellow and rich.


    The iced pink lady has an alluring pink color of the watermelon juice and tasted as fresh as a 16-year-old beautiful woman.


    The iced peach milk was pure white milk dotted with small squares of yellow peach in the middle. The combination of the colors yellow and white makes bodily fluids rise.


    The drinks weren''t as simple as it seemed, however. With the scoop of a small silver spoon, the customers would find out that the drinks contained translucent glutinous rice balls of different colors. These rice balls looked cute but were also soft and chewy.


    Everyone in Heavenly Residence, from Shopkeeper Li to the runners and waiters, were nervously waiting for the reaction of the first customer who ordered the drinks.


    It was only Ye Jiayao who seemed unperturbed, she was focused on cooking dishes like it was just a normal workday.


    After what felt like an hour, Ah Xing walked out from the suite, smiling. He gave them a thumbs up and said, "There are customers who want another bowl."


    Shopkeeper Li heaved a long sigh of relief and said happily, "Go get them."


    The news spread to the kitchen and everyone cheered. Brother Yao was indeed full of ideas. Not only did he solve the problem of the leftover milk, he also managed to earn more money. They were even more impressed by him.


    Ye Jiayao pouted. She only made the simplest of drinks, what more if she was done making ice cream? They would surely go gaga over it. She wondered how much would it sell for. Haagen Dazs in the modern times was so expensive, but there were still people who buy it because it was marked as top-grade. The brand had become a form of fashion and a symbolism of status that''s why everyone scrambled for it despite its hefty price tag.


    69 bowls of drinks were sold at lunchtime. Customers started coming in continuously just for drinks alone, and they managed to sell 20 more bowls. It was apparent that the news spread quickly over the city.


    Shopkeeper Li was smiling so much, his eyes almost disappeared.


    "Shopkeeper Li, the remaining ingredients should be enough for another 70 to 80 bowls, but the milk and fruits are bought with my money," Ye Jiayao informed him.


    Shopkeeper Li smiled and said, "Claim however much you used from the restaurant. From tomorrow onwards, whatever ingredients you need, the restaurant will pay for them."


    Ye Jiayao calculated loudly, "There is a total of three buckets of milk, a bucket costs six taels, including the transportation fee, it should be 20 taels, the fruits cost five taels, the ice also cost five taels, and the vegetables and all cost eight taels, including the transportation fee¡­"


    "Alright, stop that. Go to the accounts room and get 50 taels," Shopkeeper Li said generously. Li Yao has smartly thought of this money-making and reputation-building method, a capital of 50 taels could easily be tripled.


    Ye Jiayao did not expect Shopkeeper Li to be so generous. Well, he was going to be earning a big profit from this, so she readily accepted his offer. A few more taels would mean that she could buy a few more clothes.


    "Li Yao, prepare more ingredients tomorrow. I reckon there will be more people coming," Shopkeeper Li reminded her.


    The people in Jin Ling liked to chase novel things and good food. This was sure to be an even bigger hit tomorrow. They might just hit the sales of 300 to 400 bowls.


    "Brother Yao, Young Royal Highness Jing is looking for you," Ah Xing reported.


    Ye Jiayao told Shopkeeper Li, "I know there would be more demand tomorrow, but if we only sell 200 a day, people will find the stuff precious. It wouldn''t be something that they could have anytime they want. The more that they can''t have it, the more that they''d want it. They''re going to come here every day, not just for the drinks, but also for the other foods. Do you agree with me, Shopkeeper?


    Shopkeeper Li seemed to be speechless.


    Ye Jiayao bowed and said, "Okay, I''ll take a leave first."


    Shopkeeper Li pondered over what Li Yao has said, and the more thought he gave it, the more he realized how right Li Yao was. That is the human nature - the easier you get it, the less you will appreciate it. Wow! This little fellow is better at running a business than I am!


    Ye Jiayao has actually a lot more tips in running a business, but she can''t share them all because she was still thinking of opening her own restaurant!


    "Young Royal Highness, what brings you here?" In front of outsiders, Ye Jiayao still abides by the rules and addresses Little Jing properly.


    Helian Jing''s gaze flickered. "I have some matters to ask you."


    He managed to sneak out, after much difficulty, but he could not stay out for long. This was what his life came to, sneaking out like a thief. In the past, he was able to come and go as he pleased, staying out however long he wanted.


    Ye Jiayao told Ah Xing, "Get Brother Xiang to make a bowl of iced double milk, put it on my tab."


    Both of them headed to the Lotus Suite to talk.


    Helian Jing has spent almost the entire day thinking of how he should confront him. He hated how suspicious he was being. He was like a nagging woman! However, what Zhao Qixuan had said made sense. He has the right to find out what was going on.


    "Big Yaoyao, I came in a rush yesterday and I did not have the chance to ask how have you been these past few days," Helian Jing stuttered.


    "I am doing fine. I''ll let you try my latest invention, the iced double milk." Ye Jiayao smiled, hoping to put him at ease as Little Jing seemed to be a tad agitated.


    Helian Jing hesitated for a second before asking, "You fell into the water the day before, are you okay?"


    Ye Jiayao spread her arms wide and said, "Take a look at me. Don''t I look okay?"


    "Then¡­ then who saved you? I must thank him."


    Ye Jiayao pouted and answered, "It is the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-son Lord, he happened to pass by."


    Dumb Donkey didn''t save her. She jumped on her own to get away from his demanding, meddlesome self. If it wasn''t for him, she wouldn''t have jumped in the river.


    Helian Jing said absent-mindedly, "Oh, so it is Brother Chunyu! What a coincidence."


    "Yeah, it is quite a coincidence," Ye Jiayao agreed drily.


    "No wonder Zhao Qixuan said that he saw you and Brother Chunyu touring the Qin Huai river last night. I thought he was just spouting nonsense!" Helian Jing observed Big Yaoyao''s expression carefully.

 Chapter 69：Brothers Quarrel

    As soon as he mentioned Zhao Qixuan, Ye Jiayao understood why Helian Jing seemed a little off today. That loquacious, homosexual man! Zhao Qixuan must''ve assumed that she and Chunyu were out doing unspeakable things last night. He must''ve told Little Jingjing, scaring him enough to make him come all the way here just to fish for some information.


    To appease Little Jingjing, and also because she did not want to have anything to do with Xia Chunyu, she calmly replied, "He did not make a mistake. To tell you honestly, the Heir-son Lord came to look for me the other day. However, I had a drop too many and I fell into the river, so he looked for me again. It was just all because of the incident where I asked Deng Haichuan to pretend to be me."


    Helian Jing was surprised. "What? He knows that?"


    "He is so shrewd and could already tell what the problem was. He just watched you drink vinegar and medicine to prank you!" Ye Jiayao spoke in a muffled voice.


    Helian Jing was horrified. "Did¡­ did he make things difficult for you?"


    "He thought I was some sort of bad person. He was afraid that I have ulterior motives for getting close to you, but it is all settled now, don''t worry."


    Helian Jing suddenly stood up with indignance. "How can Brother Chunyu do that? How can he just accuse you of having evil intentions when he doesn''t even know you? I have already explained it to him that you''re a good person! No, I will not let this pass. I''m going to speak with him."


    Ye Jiayao tugged at his hand to get him to sit back down. "I said it is alright already. If you go look for him now, you''ll just be finding trouble. Tsk tsk, Little Jing. Look at you, all hot-tempered, so quick to light just like a barrel of explosives. It''s no wonder your brother is so worried about you."


    "My brother? When did you meet my brother?" Helian Jing asked.


    Ugh! Ye Jiayao silently cursed her tongue. Why didn''t she think first before speaking? To salvage the situation, she quickly said, "I haven''t. It''s just... you said it yourself, your brother is so strict towards you and he''s not willing to let you handle important matters."


    "Yeah, yeah, I guess you''re right." Helian Jing smiled embarrassedly, scratching his head.


    Now that he finally has some answers and the dark clouds above his head had dispersed, Helian Jing was glad he didn''t jump to conclusions. If he had come up here asking dumb, awkward questions, Big Yaoyao might''ve kicked him down the stairs.


    This is all Zhao Qixuan''s fault! That fellow would see a strong wind and immediately assume that it was raining. He was just glad that he reined himself in and didn''t embarrass himself.


    Ah Xing served the iced double milk.


    Helian Jing has absolute faith in Big Yaoyao''s skills, but, after drinking a mouthful, he was still surprised at how good it tasted. "Big Yaoyao... this... this is simply delicious."


    It was sweet and fragrant, smooth and refreshing, and it quenched the thirst he worked up after rushing all the way here. This was the perfect drink for a hot summer day.


    "If you like it, I can get Little Yang to send it over to you when I finish making it. What do you think about that?" Ye Jiayao smiled craftily.


    Helian Jing nodded absent-mindedly. "Mmm-hmm..."


    He was on his third gulp when what Big Yaoyao said finally registered in his head. The glutinous rice balls he was about to eat fell back to the bowl. Helian Jing glanced at Big Yaoyao timidly.


    "Who is Little Yang? The waiter just now?" Helian Jing was determined to claim innocence until the end.


    Ye Jiayao sneered. You are the worst liar ever, Little Jing.


    He was lucky that she was feeling gracious today. Regardless, whatever he had done, Ye Jiayao knew that his heart was in the right place. She would let him off easy this time.


    Helian Jing requested another bowl as soon as he finished. A little later, even after gulping down three bowls, he was still unsatisfied.


    Ye Jiayao started to feel a bit guilty. Was she being too greedy using such a small bowl on purpose just to earn a few more taels?


    She lamented how pitiful the ancient people were. They were ecstatic just by a simple bowl of a child''s drink. She imagined how they would react to the other delicacies in the modern times - mango sago, lychee dew, kiwi ice shavings, and of course, her favorite, durian pancakes. Just thinking about all these foods was making her drool.


    In the future, she would need to come up with a way to make them all to satisfy her cravings and also earn more money.


    Dishes and desserts all dominated by my recipe, a dessert shop next to my restaurant, a few boats in the river that includes the services of eating, drinking, and playing...


    Ye Jiayao felt that the blueprint of her future was getting more and more achievable every day.


    After seeing Little Jingjing off, the restaurant immediately welcomed its first wave of climax ever since the departure of Head Chef Niu.


    Both the second and third floor was packed, and the first floor was also swimming with people.


    There were only 89 bowls of chilled drinks and the demand was higher than the supply. Shopkeeper Li used this opportunity to declare the chilled drinks'' limited availability.


    "Because we could only get little ingredients, there will only be 200 bowls made every day. Our head chef, Li Yao, is trying very hard to solve this problem, but in the meantime, he hopes that everyone will be satisfied," Shopkeeper Li announced. This also served as a push to Li Yao''s fame and to get people talking about the upcoming culinary competition.


    The drinks of Heavenly Residence become famous overnight.


    Li Yao''s name also became known overnight, his popularity quickly rising.


    Ye Jiayao only came up with the drinks as a way not to waste the milk. She knew that they will be well-received but she didn''t expect them to become this popular. She felt like she was going to go to a frenzy keeping up with everyone''s demand.


    Meanwhile, the Helian Mansion was turned upside down by a quarrel.


    Upon returning to the mansion, Helian Xuan heard that when Mother was busy entertaining Madame Xia You of the Jing An Marquis, Little Jing took the chance to sneak out to Heavenly Residence. He was instantly furious.


    He originally suspected that Little Jing was only feigning illness. He suspected that it had something to do with whatever Zhao Qixuan had told him, but for once, he chose to believe in his younger brother. Little Jing had only proven that he could not trust him.


    Helian Xuan went in search for Little Jing, his stomach unsettled with anger.


    Little Jing sat leisurely on the Rohan couch, conversing with the housekeeper about the matters regarding the birthday feast.


    "I have settled with the He Chun troupe, but are we still getting the acrobatic troupe?" the housekeeper asked.


    Helian Jing answered in a matter-of-fact tone, "Of course! The women like to watch shows so we invited the best acting troupe, however, the men cannot stand the noise, acrobatics are more exciting. This way, everyone watches what they want. Hire the one I told you about, the troupe that does handstands and knows how to do magic, the one in front of the Cheng Huang Temple. We can''t hire the ones doing stuff with knives and fire, that would not be good for the old lady''s birthday feast."


    "Alright, then I shall follow your orders."


    Helian Jing stopped him. "Wait, has Fu Ji sent the menu over?"


    "Not yet. They said they will do it as soon as possible."


    Helian Jing sneered, "Don''t they do this thing often? Drafting a menu should be as easy as ABC. It has already been two days! If they can''t do it, they should say it soon. It''s not like there is no one else who can do it."


    He only approached Zheng Fugui because he has no choice. He was still very unwilling.


    Helian Jing suddenly spotted his big brother come in the room with a dark face. He immediately stood up and said to the housekeeper, "You''re dismissed."


    The housekeeper bowed respectfully and took his leave.


    Helian Jing smiled and welcomed, "Brother, you''re back!"


    "Where have you been today?" Helian Xuan asked him in a low voice, glaring.


    "In the mansion!"


    "You still dare to lie to me? Were you in the mansion this afternoon?" Helian Xuan''s expression clearly showed his fury.


    Helian Jing looked down guiltily. Whichever big-mouth had tattled on him would be very sorry.


    "You went to Heavenly Residence in the afternoon and chatted with Li Yao for an hour in the Lotus Suite before rushing back to the mansion. Little Jing, do you think I don''t know what you''ve been up to? Do you think Ping An is still keeping an eye on Li Yao? Does that Li Yao attract you so much that you cannot control yourself?" Helian Xuan asked aggressively.


    He had thought that separating them would make Little Jingjing''s feelings fade away, but again, it looked like he thought wrong. At first, he wanted this matter to die down quietly. If word gets out of this affliction, it will taint Little Jing''s reputation and also the Helian Mansion''s reputation.


    However, he has now reached the state where he has no choice but to poke a hole in the window paper.


    If other means do not work, he has to use the simplest method - suppression. It just might be the most effective one.


    Helian Jing looked up, stunned. He looked at his big brother with disbelief in his eyes which slowly morphed into anger and shame.


    "Brother, you sent someone to stalk me? What do you see me as? A three-year-old child? You''re having me followed everywhere I go? What, I can''t have some freedom now?"


    Big Yaoyao was the first person in 16 years to touch his heart. He made him understand what a soulmate is, someone that you could let your guard down with, someone you could open up to.


    He liked to eat her cooking, liked to talk to her, and whenever he was with him, he felt at ease. He was not afraid that he''d be looked down upon. There was no hypocritical compliments and flattery.


    Even though he was the Young Royal Highness who holds a very precious position, finding someone like that was very difficult.


    When he heard that Brother Chunyu and Big Yaoyao toured the river at night, the first thing he thought of was how unsafe it would be for Big Yaoyao if he and Chunyu really had an ambiguous relationship. The Jing An Marquis would kill him.


    It was not jealousy but worry for Big Yaoyao''s safety.


    This thought gave him the courage to challenge his brother. For the past weeks, he had been unsure and afraid to tell his brother about Big Yaoyao''s existence. He was afraid that Helian Xuan would behave like Zhao Qixuan had suggested and misunderstood their relationship. He was afraid that he would do things to harm Big Yaoyao.


    Helian Xuan stared at his younger brother with wide eyes. He was extremely shocked. Ever since he was suppressed for half a year when he was 12, Little Jing has always been very obedient and submissive in front of him. He never dared to raise his voice.


    Today, he actually raised his voice at him.


    "I think you are worse than a three-year-old child. You''re mixing with a bunch of indecent people all the time. Look at yourself, what have you become? Leaving home just like that, not sparing a thought to your family members. Now you have even followed in the footsteps of that Zhao Qixuan! Did you ever think how Mum would feel if he knows that you... you..." Helian Xuan could not even bring himself to say the words.


    Helian Jing found it darkly hilarious that his brother could not even bring himself to say the words. He retorted, "What have I become? What did I learn from Zhao Qixuan, Brother? You despise me for being useless... yes, I could never compare to you. You went out to war with Father when you were only 14 and you''ve accumulated so much merit over the years. I am not as good as you, but I am not a coward either. I am so useless because you''ve always refused to give me a chance! You''ve never even considered my feelings."


    Helian Xuan found this argument ridiculous and off-topic. His uselessness was not the subject here. It was regarding the mansion''s reputation.


    Helian Xuan sneered, "Stop changing the topic. You know what you have done. Do you really want me to say it out loud? Do you really want to lose face that bad?"


    "Yes. I want to know what kind of heinous crime I have committed to warrant an anger like this," Helian Jing snapped back.

 Chapter 70：Who The Hell Are You

    Helian Xuan was about to explode with anger. Why was Little Jing still denying it when all the facts were already clear?


    "Tell me, are you in love with that fellow Li Yao?" Helian Xuan questioned.


    Helian Jing blinked, momentarily stupefied. Then he doubled over and busted out laughing.


    "How can you laugh about this? Don''t you know how embarrassing this is? All your life, I''ve set up a good example for you, I don''t know how you''ve become... this. Helian Jing stop laughing!" Helian Xuan clenched his fists, fighting the urge to slap his brother sober.


    Helian Jing was laughing so much he had tears rolling down his face. He tried to stop, he really did, but it took him about a few more minutes of roaring out loud before he could pull himself together.


    "Brother, I thought only brains like Zhao Qixuan''s would think of something like that. You even managed to be more preposterous than him! I am close with Li Yao because he is my rescuer. If not for him, I would''ve had to beg my way back to Jin Ling. Besides, we click together very well, even more than the other princes and noblemen. Brother, we are close, but Li Yao and I are only friends," Helian Jing explained.


    Helian Xuan scoffed, "If that''s really just the case, then why are you trying to hide it? Why are you always sneaking around to meet him?"


    "That''s because I am afraid you would put too much into it - just like you''re doing now. I don''t want to cause him harm."


    Helian Xuan was quiet for a while. When he finally spoke, his voice was low as he said, "Do you swear to heaven that there really is no such thing going on?"


    "Brother, if someone says you and Brother Chunyu are having that kind of relationship, how would you feel? You''re both of age and you''ve yet to get married. If you really want to talk about suspicious..." Helian Jing hinted.


    Helian Xuan really wanted to smack his brother then. However, as mad as he was, he couldn''t help but feel a bit impressed that Little Jing actually had learned how to checkmate him.


    "What is all this ruckus about?" Princess Yu De demanded. She had heard from a servant that the brothers were fighting so she came over to see what was going on.


    Helian Jing quickly replied, "Mother, it is nothing. Big Brother is lecturing me because he heard that I want to hire acrobats."


    Princess Yu De looked at both her sons with suspicious eyes. She asked Helian Xuan with a stern face, "Xuan-er, is this true?"


    Helian Xuan glared at Little Jing and answered, "It is Grandmother''s birthday, I don''t see the reason why he should invite acrobats."


    "Little Jing has already discussed this with me. Honestly, son, I don''t think it is such a big deal. You men don''t like to watch opera shows and an acrobatic act to entertain you instead is not a bad idea," Princess Yu De said.


    Helian Jing looked at him smugly.


    Helian Xuan rolled his eyes at his little brother. Mother has always pampered Little Jing. If he comes to her with no evidence of his suspicions, she''d just end up siding with Helian Jing just like what she was doing now. He had to put this matter with Li Yao on hold for now until he could gather concrete evidence.


    "Xuan-er come with Mother, I have some things to discuss with you," Princess Yu De told Helian Xuan.


    As soon as his mother and brother left, Helian Jing leaned back on the couch, heaving a huge sigh of relief.


    Ye Jiayao has already taught everyone how to make the chilled drinks so she doesn''t have to oversee it that much. There really weren''t many skills involved, but of course, they couldn''t let the customers know that. They had to make the drinks sound as magical and complicated as possible to keep attracting patrons.


    Extracting agar alone used up a whole day of work. The next step would be drying it in a shady area, and to complete the whole work, it would require about half a month''s time.


    She could finally get on with her plan of shopping for clothes and trying out the other restaurants'' food that has been delayed for two days.


    Ye Jiayao was going to go shopping after the lunch orders. For the past few days, the newly served chilled drinks brought so many businesses that there were almost always no seats vacant during lunchtime. The restaurant at night, however, was a lot quieter so she could afford to leave for a bit.


    She just stepped out the hall when she saw a young man rudely pointing a finger at Manager Qian, scolding him.


    "What kind of lousy restaurant is this? You''re only selling 20 bowls of chilled drinks so that the people will come back every day? You''re just trying to cheat people on purpose! Don''t you know that I can close this restaurant down?"


    Little Lu told Ye Jiayao softly, "That person is here for the chilled drinks, but since it''s so late, he didn''t manage to get any, so he just settled on scolding everyone."


    Ye Jiayao nodded. It was inevitable that they''d run into someone difficult. Hopefully, Manager Qian would be able to handle this well.


    "Also, your head chef, Li something, who does he think he is? Does he think he''s a master chef to limit only 200 bowls a day?"


    Ye Jiayao took back her earlier stance on letting Manager Qian handle the situation. She sashayed over to them, her eyes squinted as she looked over the chap with such a loud voice.


    He has quite the looks with his willow brows, almond eyes, jade-like nose, and delicate red lips. He was shorter than her by around four to five centimeters. Another brat who has yet to be fully grown.


    Ye Jiayao made a show of sniffing around. "Mm? What''s so smelly? Manager Qian, did you fart?"


    Manager Qian blushed, replying embarrassedly, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who farted?"


    Ye Jiayao went to the young boy''s side and sniffed again. She exclaimed, "Oh! So that smell is from you."


    The young boy''s face flushed red, her willow brows raised so high. "Who the hell are you? If you dare to spout that filthy lie again, I''ll have your head cut off."


    Ye Jiayao used her hand to fan her nose lightly. "Sir, you have a lot of internal heat. I think your constipation must be very serious, otherwise, your breath would not stink so much."


    Little Lu and Ah Xing standing by the side snorted, trying to stifle their laughter. Brother Yao was too sarcastic.


    The young boy was so angry he was shaking. He pointed a finger at Ye Jiayao and stammered, "You... you..."


    Ye Jiayao raised her chin defiantly. "You, you what? There is no lack of princes, noblemen, and influential officials who eat here. There are a great number of them who return after not getting to try the chilled drinks. Unlike you, they don''t lack proper manners and common human decency. Ha! Who are you to make threats about closing the restaurant and cutting people''s head off?


    "If you''re really that affronted just because you were not served chilled drinks, let''s take this to court. I''m sure people would love to hear your side of the story, you know, fighting for your right to chilled drinks and whatnot. Come to think of it, maybe they''d think your certifiable, but they could also think that Heavenly Residence''s drinks are just that good. Win-win for us."


    The brat looked at Ye Jiayao incredulously. This young boy who was dressed so shabbily was actually lecturing her. Her. Worst of all, she was unable to clap back because she can''t have people finding out her identity.


    "You¡­ I''m not going to talk to someone who is so full of crap anymore. Just wait and see."


    The brat walked away furiously with the good-looking servant boy who came with him hurrying behind him.


    Manager Qian smiled and gave Li Yao a big thumbs up. "That was awesome! You sent him off with just a few sentences."


    "However, judging by that chap''s dressing, he doesn''t look like someone ordinary. Is it okay to offend him?" Manager Qian worried a bit.


    Ye Jiayao shrugged, indifferent. "What''s there to be afraid of? We have the right to send him away, we are not in the wrong. If this gets out, it won''t be us who would lose face. Next time you encounter someone as difficult as him, just stand straight and hold your ground. There''s no need to be afraid of bullies like him."


    "Big Brother Yao is formidable," Little Lu and Ah Xing praised. It was not their first time to encounter such a rude customer, and as waiters, they almost always took the brunt of the people''s displeasure. Today, although that young mister was not targeting them, they were still delighted to see Brother Yao show off his prowess.


    That young master exited angrily, murmuring, "Infuriating, infuriating! I must get my revenge on that chap."


    The servant advised, "Princess, just let it go. If the empress dowager finds out that you sneaked out of the palace, there will be many more people who will be punished. There is no need to take a poor fellow so seriously!"


    "Little Ya, I cannot just silently take this insult. I have already risked getting scolded by the empress dowager by sneaking out just to try the chilled drinks, and all I got was a slew of insults. I might as well take this fellow down if I''m going to get in trouble anyways," Princess Liu Li said, kicking a stone in her path angrily.


    "Princess, calm down, please. That fellow looks like he works in the restaurant, so when you return, you can just find some reason to arrest him. You can vent your anger at him however you want when the time comes," Little Ya reasoned.


    Princess Liu Li''s smiled and patted Little Ya on the shoulder. "That''s a fine idea. After all, it is never too late for revenge."


    Ye Jiayao walked to the most flourishing decorated archway. There were many shops here selling ready-made clothes as well as silks and satins. Fu Ji was also just around the corner, and she could head straight there for dinner after getting her clothes.


    Ye Jiayao entered the shop that does not stand out and was also quiet in business. She chose three sets of clothes, two sets of normal cotton clothing, and a set of slightly better silk clothes, spending a total of six taels. Ye Jiayao put on the silk clothes merrily. She gave the helper of the satin shop five coppers as tips to get him to send the other two sets of clothes to Laifu Motel. She still has to go out to eat and she didn''t want to carry a baggage as she does.


    When Ye Jiayao came out of the shop, it was still a little early to eat so she decided to walk around and familiarize herself with this ancient city.


    "Princess, princess.." Little Ya tugged on the princess'' sleeve urgently.


    Liu Li glared at her with her large, round eyes. "What''s the fuss about?"


    Little Ya corrected herself, "Young Master, look at the person there! Isn''t that the chap from Heavenly Residence?"


    Liu Li looked towards the direction Little Ya was pointing at. Hey, that''s the chap! He has changed clothes and looked a bit more human now, but he was still detestable.


    "Go ask around in the shop he just entered," Liu Li ordered.


    Little Ya went to ask. She came out after a while with a grin. "Young Master, that chap is Li Yao! He is staying in the Laifu Motel, and he even got the worker to send his clothes back to the inn."


    I''m going to get even with you, Li Yao.


    "Let''s follow him."


    Little Ya protested, "But Young Master, it is not early anymore, what if¡­"


    "Stop nagging! It is not dinnertime yet, no one will be looking for us." Liu Li had already gone to so much trouble just to sneak out, she didn''t want to return without achieving anything.


    Ye Jiayao browsed through a few female products in a stall. There were hairpins, earrings, cosmetics, and many more. They all looked so beautiful that she wanted to buy some, but since she was a ''man'' at the moment, she really couldn''t use them. She bought a white jade hairpin, though, to gift to Li Erniang.


    Just as she was about to leave, a beggar ran over, knocking into her.


    "Ay, watch where you''re going!" Ye Jiayao cried out.


    The beggar bowed and apologized profusely, even offering to help Ye Jiayao up.


    "Forget it, forget it, just be careful next time." Ye Jiayao waved her hand, she did not wish to make things difficult for a child.


    The beggar turned away and ran off.


    Ye Jiayao took a few steps away before she felt that something was off. She felt around for her money pouch, it was still there, but it didn''t feel right.


    She pulled it off to look at it and gasped.


    This money pouch was not hers!

 Chapter 71：Who Is Pranking Who

    Before she could even process what was going on, someone bumped into her again.


    The person walked away without even a backward glance.


    What the hell? Have I suddenly become invisible? Why is everyone knocking into me?


    She glared daggers at her latest attacker''s back before she focused back on the money pouch that just appeared out of nowhere. This pouch was a lot heavier than hers, but where did my money pouch go?


    "Aiya, my money pouch is gone!" the person who had bumped into her screamed, looking back at Ye Jiayao.


    It was that rude young man from the restaurant earlier!


    "Aha! You bumped into me purposely just to steal my money!" Liu Li accused, pointing at the money pouch in Ye Jiayao''s hands.


    The passersby gathered around both of them, wanting to get in on the gossip. They all looked at Ye Jiayao with disgusted eyes and talked among themselves.


    "He does not even dress like a poor person, why must he steal¡­"


    "You really can''t judge a book by its cover. Do you think only beggars dressed in rags will steal?"


    "That''s true. Perhaps dressing this way would make it more convenient to steal since people won''t suspect him¡­"


    Ye Jiayao finally understood what was going on. She has fallen into the trap of this young chap. This f*cking undergrown brat. What a sore loser.


    "Young Master, this prank is not funny at all. If you''re trying to get back at me for all the things I said to you back at the restaurant, then I apologize. Take your money pouch back and return mine. Tomorrow, I will reserve two cups of chilled drinks just for you, you can come anytime you like," Ye Jiayao placated, knowing that if she didn''t give in, things would only get worse.


    The corner of Liu Li''s mouth turned up in an undetectable sneer. It was too late now. She already had been humiliated and a princess would never forgive that.


    "I have no idea what you are talking about." Liu Li then turned to the crowd and said loudly, "This petty thief stole from me, and to get away from punishment, he''s talking nonsense, making it seem like we know each other. Look, he is holding my money pouch in his hands! There are five taels of golden leaves and a 100-tael banknote in there. If you don''t believe me, get him to open it. Guys, please be my witnesses, and I will give each and every one of you a tael. I despise petty thieves the most so I''ll make sure that this one will get the appropriate punishment!"


    The crowd''s mood rose upon hearing that there would be a reward for those who would become a witness. Everyone started shouting their support for Liu Li.


    "Little brother, we will be your witness! Drag him to the court."


    Ye Jiayao gritted her teeth. Fine. I tried to play nice but you insisted on being a jerk. You wanna play, little guy? Let''s play.


    Ye Jiayao straightened her back and turned to the crowd. "What are you all shouting about? And why are you here? This is a fight between husband and wife, why are you all meddling in our affair?"


    Everyone was dumbstruck. Husband and wife? They were obviously both male!


    Liu Li was stunned, too. Did he see through her disguise?


    While everyone was in a state of shock, Ye Jiayao bowed to Liu Li and said in a low voice, "Little Su, I understand your intentions. I feel the same for you, and my love is definitely no lesser than yours, it''s just... Father disapproves. I can''t just defy him especially now that he fell ill from worrying over our relationship. I am the only son in my family, Little Su, and if I take on this path, Father will die of anger. I love you so much but I can''t be with you. I know you''re angry and I don''t blame you. Hit me, kick me, do whatever you want... just know that I will never stop loving you. I will pray that hopefully, in the next life, we''d finally be able to be together the way we want to."


    After Xia Chunyu told her that Zhao Qixuan was gay, Ye Jiayao asked around about the Heir-son Lord''s love affairs. He was, indeed, the most famous homosexual in the city. It was also well-known that he was very much in love with someone called Little Su. They were Ye Jiayao''s muses for this particular acting show.


    "So the two of them are gay¡­"


    "Aiyo! What a sin! Two fine young men just became¡­"


    "You really can''t blame him. If it is my son who goes on this crooked path, I would die of anger, too."


    "That''s right¡­"


    Everyone was deceived by that depressingly loving look in Ye Jiayao''s eyes. They don''t see Ye Jiayao as a thief anymore, but rather, just as a pitiful pervert. Liu Li became the repulsive pervert. His lover''s father was ill, and still, he wouldn''t give in.


    Liu Li''s head spun at how the events had changed so rapidly. How did that poor chap gain the upper hand?


    "Who is your Little Su¡­" Liu Li was flustered and panicked.


    Ye Jiayao was not going to give him the chance to say anything else that will get the people in his favor. With a voice full of sorrow, she said, "Little Su, remember, whether it is in this life, or the next, or the ones after that, you will always be my Little Su."


    Ye Jiayao did not know how she kept from shuddering as she said that.


    "Little brother, you have to understand his situation! Stop kicking up a fuss."


    "That''s right! This is not a glorious matter. Why are you making a fuss on the streets, aren''t you ashamed?"


    Everyone''s mood dampened. The ancient people were very conservative and were generally against this kind of things. They would tolerate Young Masters playing around like this and creating a scene, but they really do not have the patience when it comes from ordinary folks.


    The crowd dispersed, mumbling their displeasure.


    "Ay, don''t go away! I don''t know him! He really did steal my money pouch!" Liu Li stomped her feet angrily.


    Ye Jiayao winked at him. Ha! That serves you right, you horrible fellow.


    Little Ya, who was ordered to hide in a corner far away, rushed over to the princess as soon as she saw what happened. "Pr- um, Young Master..."


    Liu Li''s eyes were glistening with tears. She was so angry that all she could do was cry and glare at Li Yao who was giving her a smug look.


    Her parents had passed away early so she grew up by the empress dowager''s side. The empress dowager held her dear in her heart, pampering and loving her so much that even the emperor and empress have to give in to her to some degree. She had always been the one doing the bullying because no one had ever dared to go against her.


    Today, she was insulted and humiliated twice by the same poor fellow!


    "Li Yao, you jerk! I won''t let you off!" Liu Li bellowed


    The onlookers who have yet to leave completely believed in Ye Jiayao''s story upon hearing that high-pitched bellow.


    Ye Jiayao winced at the sound. His bellow had the power of a shrewd wife''s. She was not at all surprised that he knew her identity. It was clear that this nobleman was not one to lose graciously so he must''ve done some digging around to take revenge on her.


    "I told you, your internal heat is too strong. That''s not very good. That would give you constipation, a bad liver, and skin rash. Go home and take some cooling medicine. Next time, don''t leave home without your medications, alright? You''re polluting other people''s air," Ye Jiayao said harshly.


    If not for her quick wits, she would have probably ended up beaten by the crowd, tied up, and paraded through the streets just because this brat can''t take a lecture. She was not going to go easy on him.


    Just when Liu Li was sure that she was about to combust with anger, she saw a familiar face in the distance. Elated, she immediately ran over to him and pulled on his sleeves.


    "Brother Chunyu, someone stole my money pouch and refuses to admit it. He even bullied me! You have to stand up for me!"


    Xia Chunyu looked down at the person pestering him, shocked. "Princess Liu Li, what are you doing outside the palace?"


    "That''s not important! You have to fight for me, or... or I''m not returning to the palace and I will say that you are the one who brought me out," Liu Li threatened.


    Xia Chunyu took a deep breath, his eye twitching in annoyance. Of course, I get to be your scapegoat. Apparently, I don''t have enough stubborn, pain-in-the-ass women on my hands.


    "Tell me, Princess, who dares to bully you?


    Liu Li pointed at Li Yao. "Him."


    Ye Jiayao cursed her luck when she realized that the brat was asking help from Xia Chunyu. This was the one time that she gets to shop and she immediately runs into him. Was Jin Ling that small? Or does Dumb Donkey just doesn''t have anything to do other than roam the streets?


    Ye Jiayao wanted to run but the brat''s servant was firmly grasping her arm, refusing to let go.


    Xia Chunyu followed the direction of the princess''s finger and got his second shock in minutes.


    Yaoyao?


    How did she provoke Princess Liu Li? This spoiled girl was the most demanding master of all of Jin Ling!


    Yaoyao''s ability to create trouble has certainly increased.


    For three days, he had tried very hard to control himself and not look for her. For that whole three days, he was ill at ease, dispirited in all his tasks, and just plain miserable. He told himself that if this continues for two more days, he would cease torturing himself and just go see her. The opportunity came earlier than expected and with more headache than he had planned.


    "Brother Chunyu, bring him to the court and give him a good beating. Make him squat in jail until he dies."


    It was clear to Xia Chunyu that Liu Li''s hate for Yaoyao was very strong.


    "Don''t fret, Princess. Wait for me here and I''ll get to the bottom of this."


    "There''s nothing to ''get to the bottom of''! He bullied me and he made a fool out of me. I have never been so humiliated in my life. I want him to die." Brother Chunyu was about to become her husband soon, it was only right that he helps her with anything she demanded.


    Ye Jiayao stood in place in annoyance, waiting for Dumb Donkey to come over.


    After Xia Chunyu calmed Liu Li down, he walked over to Yaoyao and gave her a cold look. "What''s going on? Why did you do the princess?"


    Princess? Ye Jiayao looked at the pouting chap who was staring daggers at her. He''s actually a woman? And a princess? Well, that explained why she was so unruly and arrogant.


    But... what is the relationship between this princess and Dumb Donkey? The two of them seemed very close.


    Ye Jiayao threw the money pouch in her hand to Xia Chunyu and concisely relayed to him what had happened. She made sure that she had explained herself very clearly as she was going against a princess.


    "Okay. So you''re telling me that she spoke rudely in Heavenly Residence so you taught her a lesson. After that, she followed you here, gets a beggar to take your money pouch and replace it with hers to frame you for stealing?" Xia Chunyu repeated.


    Ye Jiayao put on a fake smile. "Heir-Son Lord has a smart mind. So in this case, are you going to side with reason, or with someone of noble blood like you?"

 Chapter 72：Dine And Dash

    Xia Chunyu sighed helplessly. Why must she be so sarcastic all the time? Does she really despise him that much?


    Liu Li retorted angrily, "Nice try. Why don''t you spin another tale again, Brother Chunyu is not so easily deceived."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. This woman was so fake she doesn''t see how anyone would believe her.


    Xia Chunyu handed the money pouch to Liu Li. "Princess, Li Yao is my friend, and he''s also a friend of Young Royal Highness Jing. If he has offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf."


    "Brother Chunyu, what did you say?" Liu Li asked in disbelief, thinking that she misheard him.


    Ye Jiayao snorted and said, "You don''t have to apologize on my behalf. I didn''t do anything wrong. She was the one being disrespectful to the people in the restaurant, I only lectured her about her behavior. I don''t care if she''s a princess, I''m not apologizing for something I didn''t do."


    She wasn''t going to apologize to this retarded, arrogant princess. She must learn that not everyone was going to bend to her whims just because of her title.


    Liu Li glared at Li Yao in disbelief, wondering where he got the audacity to speak like that. He really didn''t care that she''s a princess? Wasn''t he just chef from a restaurant? He was no match for her.


    "I don''t care for apologies. I want you to pay for your arrogance," Liu Li seethed, her anger boiling hot. For a second, she has considered letting it all go since her husband-to-be requested it, but she has quickly changed her mind.


    Xia Chunyu said gently, "Princess, why is there a need to get angry at him? Won''t doing so just lower your status?"


    Ye Jiayao opened her mouth to speak but stopped short when Xia Chunyu gave her a malicious glare. He looked like he was going to eat her up if she talked. She shut up unwillingly, silently protesting his words. What did he mean by ''lowering the princess'' status by getting angry at her''? If anything, it was Ye Jiayao lowering her status by getting angry at someone who was so clearly off her rocker.


    "Besides, if this matter gets out of hand, the empress dowager would find out that you sneaked out of the palace. Since she''s ill at the moment, any anger or strain may cause unfortunate events, especially since she dotes on you so much." Xia Chunyu intentionally emphasized the empress dowager. Liu Li might be unruly and willful, but she was definitely afraid of the empress dowager.


    "But..." Liu Li was unwilling to let Li Yao off just like that.


    "I will teach him a lesson. I would even get Helian Jing to join in. We will stand up for you, Princess, just let this go." Xia Chunyu could really be persuasive when he wanted to be. "Alright, let''s get you back to the palace, it''s already getting late."


    Xia Chunyu nearly pushed the princess in his haste to get her away. He turned around and fiercely told Ye Jiayao, "I''ll take care of you when I come back."


    Then he gave his guards a meaningful glance.


    Ye Jiayao was so pissed off she very nearly threw a shoe at his head. Logically, she knew that he was just helping her, but she didn''t like seeing him hold another woman. She didn''t like him with another woman, period.


    After that whole fiasco, Ye Jiayao wasn''t really in the mood to eat. However, this meal was for work. When she has just entered the workforce in the modern times, she was warned from day one not to bring her personal emotions to work. Work life and personal life should always be kept separate.


    Ye Jiayao took a deep breath, steeled her nerves, and marched into Fu Ji.


    Fu Ji was indeed deserving of its title as Jin Ling''s big boss in the food and beverage industry. In that expensive city center, the restaurant was unexpectedly an imposing and grand three-story tall building, its area more than twice that of Heavenly Residence''s. Its interior was decorated simply but elegantly, it was low-key luxurious. She heard that this building was Zheng Fugui''s personal property.


    The ambiance of the restaurant and its interior design was a solid five-star on her ratings.


    Ye Jiayao smacked her lips in anticipation. A well-established restaurant was really a good money-making business.


    She was here alone so she opted to seat on a space in the hall on the first floor instead of occupying a suite.


    The waiter served her tea and brought the menu over, smiling warmly. "You look quite unfamiliar, sir, is it your first time in Fu Ji? Would you like me to recommend some of our specialty dishes? I guarantee that you''ll be satisfied with them."


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Sure, let''s hear them."


    "How does Fu Ji brewed stew, Fu Ji sauce meat, and Fu Ji all happiness soup sound? I would recommend a plate of crab roe steamed dumplings for the main since it is our signature dish. The skin is soft and thin, and the soup is delicious."


    Ye Jiayao gave another five stars for the waiter''s service.


    He was passionate but not overly so. He did not fawn over his customer and he also didn''t sound like he''s rehearsed what to say. He was good at making the customer feel comfortable. He also recommended dishes with a reasonable fusion of both vegetables and meat, not cheap, but not too expensive either.


    "Sure, let''s go with that!" Ye Jiayao was targeting their specialty dishes today, anyway.


    "Would you like some wine? We have pure Gao Liang Shao, authentic Shao Xing Nv Er Hong, Zhuang Yuan Hong, and also rice wine from Jin Hua prefecture. If you do not like alcohol, we also have chilled sour plum juice, white fungus and lotus seed soup. They''re perfect for such a hot day."


    Ye Jiayao considered her options for a while before settling on a bowl of chilled sour plum juice.


    "Alright, please wait for a moment. I will arrange for your dishes to be served." The waiter walked away smiling.


    As she waited for the dishes, Ye Jiayao went about observing the customers coming in the restaurant. They came in wave after wave and it did not take long before the whole hall was fully seated. It made her envious as Heavenly Residence did not have such good business at night.


    The dishes were served in record time. However, Ye Jiayao did not immediately dive into eating. Instead, she first observed the appearance of the dishes.


    The brewed stew was cooked in a vessel, the various ingredients were equal in thickness and length, and it looked lustrous and translucent under the light. There was a layer of raw vegetable underneath and the top was decorated with shiitake mushrooms, big shrimps, fried fish maw, and a few thin spring onions. It looked exquisite.


    If the food served in the hall was this good, the plating for the customers in the suites must be beyond compare.


    The Fu Ji sauce meat has six pieces of streaky pork placed evenly in the center of the plate, surrounded by fresh and vibrantly green broccoli florets. The meat was ruddy, glistening with oil, and the fragrance assails the nostrils pleasantly.


    Just from the color of the meat alone, it was apparent that the chefs in Fu Ji have a very accurate gauge of the coloring procedure. For the coloring, the modulation of the red food dye rice flour is of utmost importance. Too thick and the color would become diluted, resulting in a color that was not red enough. Also, if they stewed it for too long, or too short, the color would not take hold.


    Last came Fu Ji all happiness soup. It contained black chicken, freshwater soft-shelled turtle shell, prawns, hoof tip, the core of Jinhua Ham, shiitake mushroom, and many more. There was an abundance of ingredients and the fragrance was strong and rich, a little like the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.


    After she has cataloged how all the dishes looked, she then began to dig in leisurely.


    The various stripped ingredients in the brewed stew consisted of carp, prawn, and pork meat. They were chopped till mushy and mixed together with some pepper. The texture was soft, chewy, and smooth.


    Five points.


    The sauce meat melted in her mouth almost immediately. She had nothing else to say.


    Five points.


    For the soup, she could only say one word: fresh.


    Ye Jiayao silently cheered in admiration. Despite how divine the food tasted, she knew that all the dishes in the main hall were only made by the first-class kitchen hands. The head chef and master chef were usually only in charge of the food for the customers in the suites.


    The standard of this first-class kitchen hand was higher than that of Zhong Xiang''s. If the kitchen hand''s skill was already of this caliber, Ye Jiayao could only imagine how formidable the head chef and the master chef must be.


    If it was just a competition of culinary skills, she doesn''t have that high of a chance of winning. Her only chance was to impress with novelty. However, she has yet to try Zheng Fugui or his son''s skills, so she really couldn''t come to any definite conclusion.


    Ye Jiayao savored every bite of her meal as it was not every day that she gets to have free meals this exquisite. Ye Jiayao ate so much that she felt like her stomach was going to burst. Although she has yet to finish all of the food, she could not eat another bite. She was just about to settle the bill when she thought of a very serious problem.


    Her money pouch got swiped by the little beggar upon the orders of that unruly princess, and she has already returned the princess''s money pouch.


    She was currently penniless.


    Ye Jiayao broke out in cold sweat, looking timidly at the waiter. The waiter smiled and quickly walked over to her. He asked, "Sir, do you want to pay the bill now?"


    Ye Jiayao quickly replied, "No, not yet. The food in your restaurant is too good, I feel like I won''t do the chef justice if I don''t finish them all."


    She picked her chopsticks back up and started eating the broccoli.


    The waiter smiled again. "Enjoy your meal, sir."


    What to do? What to do?


    Was she just going to dine and dash? No, that was not possible. She was sitting at the innermost part of the hall and she would have to pass around six waiters and a doorman in order to get to the exit.


    There were no phones in this era, she couldn''t just send a message or call someone to ask for help.


    Ye Jiayao furiously tried to come up with a plan as she ate. She has already finished all the raw vegetables and broccoli but she still hasn''t come up with anything. She was now only left with the remnants of the all happiness soup.


    The waiter seemed to have noticed that something was wrong. He still smiled at her, but his eyes revealed his cautiousness. He also has started to whisper to another waiter, making that waiter take note of her, too.


    Ye Jiayao wished that the ground would just open up and swallow her whole.


    Could she just tell the waiter to get someone from Heavenly Residence?


    No. That would expose her identity. It was a taboo for people in this industry to spy like this.


    Could she get Little Jing to save her?


    What if his brother finds out? It would look bad to the already suspicious Helian Xuan if she gets Helian Jing to pay for the food she ate.


    No, no.


    Look for Manager Du?


    This is the time where Manager Du and Er Niang are the busiest!


    Look for Dumb Donkey?


    I think I''d rather get beaten up and humiliated.


    Ye Jiayao scooped the remnants of the soup hopelessly.


    "Are you the reincarnation of a hungry ghost? Are you going to lick the plate clean, too?" a cold voice mocked from behind her.


    Ye Jiayao dropped the spoon in her hand and closed her eyes in despair. F*ck! I just had to invoke his name, didn''t I?


    "Took you long enough. Reluctant to part with a certain someone?" Ye Jiayao derided, trying to calm her emotions down.


    She could not let Dumb Donkey know that she did not bring any money with her. He could not know that his arrival has just saved her.

 Chapter 73：Too Embarrassing

    "You knew that I was coming? Were you waiting for me?" Xia Chunyu was a little surprised.


    It took him much difficulty to coax Princess Liu Li back to the palace so it was a long time before he was able to come to Yaoyao. He also had been forced to say things in front of her that he knew she wouldn''t like. This woman was very petty so he knew that if he didn''t explain himself to her, they''d be in an even worse relationship than they already were. Luckily, he had instructed his guard to follow her, otherwise, he would''ve never found out where she currently was.


    "I was waiting for you to settle some scores. Why else would I sit here and stuff myself?" Ye Jiayao leaned on the chair painfully, gingerly touching her stomach.


    Xia Chunyu flushed red. Was she really that unconcerned with her image? He felt like walking away and pretending he didn''t know her. She''s too embarrassing!


    He said in a low voice, "I''ll wait for you outside."


    "Hey," she protested. "You made me wait for so long, you have to pay for this meal."


    Ye Jiayao said it so loudly that the customers around her all turned to look at them.


    He snarled at Yaoyao, hoping that his glare was conveying his annoyance. Ye Jiayao simply raised her chin challengingly.


    "How much?" Xia Chunyu asked the waiter.


    "Seven taels, sir."


    Xia Chunyu paid and left.


    With that crisis averted, Ye Jiayao was finally able to walk out of the place dignified. Well, as dignified as she could with her stomach too full.


    She stood by Fu Ji''s door with her hand on her stomach and looked around. She could not see Chunyu anywhere. Where is he? Did he run away?


    "Come on up."


    Ye Jiayao turned to see the curtain of a horse carriage lift up. Dumb Donkey was looking impatiently at her, motioning for her to climb up.


    She huffed and puffed as she spent a great deal of effort to hoist herself up the carriage. She pushed Chunyu to a side and took more than half of the space in the carriage as she lied down. She was literally stuffed to the brim with food and her stomach was revolting with every move she makes.


    "Why did you get a carriage?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu snorted, "I couldn''t very well walk with someone who can''t even take half a step without doubling in pain, could I?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes angrily.


    "Would it have killed you to take one less mouthful? Are the dishes in Fu Ji so delicious? Better than the ones you make?" Xia Chunyu really could not stand how sloppy she looked. Up in the mountains, he used to tell her that she does not behave like a rich man''s daughter, but this was on a whole new level. She was behaving and looking like a total greasy ruffian.


    "What do you care?" Ye Jiayao retorted. Do you really think I chose to do this? This is all because your precious princess is so spoiled that she can''t take it when someone''s right! I lost my money!


    "Do you think I want to care? You''re the one who begged me to, remember? Or have you forgotten biting my nose just to make me swear not to abandon you? Aren''t you angry with me now just because I didn''t fulfill that promise?" Xia Chunyu mocked before instructing the coachman to move.


    Ye Jiayao barely heard him as she curled up in pain. Her stomach was aching so much, she has no energy left to bicker with him.


    "Is it really very terrible?" His big hand reached over and rested on her stomach.


    "Go away! If you don''t want to care, then don''t!" Ye Jiayao slapped his hand away.


    Xia Chunyu placed his hand on her stomach again and started rubbing it tenderly. "Just shut up and accept help for once."


    Even through the thick layer of clothing she had on, she could still feel the warmth of his palm. This scene reminded her of the night in Black Wind Ridge when she was struck by horrible period cramps. He patiently rubbed her stomach like this, too, back then. For the whole night.


    When did she start growing dependent on him? She wrinkled her nose in displeasure. Ye Jiayao turned her face away, not wanting him to see the weakness in her eyes.


    "In the future, if you come across people or things you disapprove of again, just ignore it. Let the manager and the shopkeeper handle the disputes in the restaurant. This is Jin Ling, Yaoyao, anyone on the streets could easily be a nobleman or a prince. You might offend someone powerful unknowingly," Xia Chunyu said in a gentle but firm voice.


    Princess Liu Li spent the ride back to the palace complaining to him about how Yaoyao has scolded her in Heavenly Residence, and how she was humiliated and teased on the streets. Of course, he knew that Princess Liu Li was not telling the whole truth, but he also knew how ruthless Yaoyao could be when she was scolding someone - he had experienced it first-hand.


    Being spoiled rotten, today was the first time Liu Li has met someone who did not bow and scrape the ground before her. This hit her too hard, and Xia Chunyu knew with certainty that she was not going to let this go. The princess'' favorite past time was holding grudges.


    He has to make Yaoyao see reason. She has already provoked Helian Xuan, a formidable enough enemy on his own, but now that Princess Liu Li has joined the mix... Yaoyao could not afford to offend another powerful noble.


    Ye Jiayao knew he was right. She really didn''t want to interfere at first, but that brat mentioned her and she could not help jumping in.


    "Some people are not so reasonable, unlike me who talks things over¡­" Xia Chunyu continued.


    Ye Jiayao snorted, rolling her eyes. You? Talk things over? Since when?


    Xia Chunyu ignored her and said, "Princess Liu Li is the seventh prince''s daughter. The seventh prince and his wife passed away in an accident, leaving the two-year-old Liu Li behind. The empress dowager pitied her so she raised her by her side, doting on her extremely. Even the emperor spoils her! Ever since she was a child, she has gotten whatever she wanted, it''s unavoidable that she''d grow up willful and arrogant."


    Ye Jiayao was surprised to hear that Princess Liu Li lost her parents. That was quite pitiful. No matter how much care and material things she was given, it could never compare to parental love.


    "The year before, West Mongolia wanted to arrange a marriage with Song. His majesty merely mentioned that Liu Li was already of age, and the empress dowager erupted. In the end, His Majesty could only send his 13-year-old princess, Jing He, over to West Mongolia," Xia Chunyu said.


    Ye Jiayao clicked her tongue. It was apparent that Liu Li has a higher position in the empress dowager''s heart than the actual princess! She was suddenly worried that she has kicked an iron plate.


    "Now you know what kind of person you have provoked!" Xia Chunyu saw her distress and could not bear to scare her further. It was sufficient that she was wary. Jin Ling was right under the nose of the emperor, the center of power. She has to be cautious, especially since she worked in a restaurant where all kinds of people congregated.


    Ye Jiayao pouted. "But she is in the wrong."


    "There are many things that cannot be judged by simple right and wrong."


    "Alright, alright! Stop lecturing. I understand. There is no absolute fairness in this world, money will make the devils turn millstones, power will make the millstones turn devil, yadda, yadda. However, I''m still gonna throw this out there - if no one dares to stand up against injustice, there would be no more justice in this world. If you are in the wrong and no one corrects you or punishes you, you''d only carry on thinking that what you were doing was just fine. The empress dowager was doing Liu Li harm, pampering her so much."


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "You have a point, but, if you run into Liu Li again and she provokes you, what would you do?"


    Ye Jiayao''s eyes glinted mischievously. "It will depend on the situation and my mood. If I am in a good mood, then I will kiss the ground she walks on. If I am in a bad mood, I will sing her praises - sarcastically."


    Xia Chunyu could only shake his head in exasperation.


    "Sir, we have arrived." The coachman stopped the horse carriage.


    Xia Chunyu was not in a rush to get off the horse carriage, instead, he asked, "Are you feeling better?"


    She was actually feeling much better, but Ye Jiayao refused to admit that to him. "I''m still feeling terrible!"


    Xia Chunyu lifted the veil and said, "You get off first."


    Ye Jiayao wriggled out and frowned. Why were they in Ruyi Motel?


    She looked at Xia Chunyu questioningly. "What are we doing here?"


    "You know Zhao Qixuan, right? He has also offended Liu Li before, and in the very night he spoke against her, he was dragged out of his bed and thrown into the pond in the backyard of the Marquis Mansion. Mm¡­ I remember it was the twelfth lunar month, it was snowing heavily."


    Xia Chunyu omitted someone''s habit of sleeping naked - it was quite a disastrous situation.


    Ye Jiayao shuddered. Liu Li was too insolent! If she knew that she was staying in Laifu Motel, would she send someone to set a fire in the middle of the night?


    Xia Chunyu walked into Ruyi and Ye Jiayao follow behind him compliantly. She''d put aside all her adversity to Dumb Donkey for the moment, saving her life was more important.


    Xia Chunyu laughed on the inside. He knew that she had to be terrified to have followed him so meekly.


    "I have to tell Manager Du that I won''t be staying there tonight, otherwise, Little Yang would be waiting at the door," Ye Jiayao told him after receiving the key to the first-grade room.


    "I will send someone to inform Manager Du. Just stay here for a few days, lie low, and when Liu Li''s anger subsides, everything will be fine."


    "What if her anger never subsides? What if she goes to Heavenly Residence to make trouble?" Ye Jiayao was really starting to worry.


    Xia Chunyu pretended to have a headache. "What was I thinking promising you that I will shoulder anything no matter how troublesome."


    Ye Jiayao wanted to get angry at him but she couldn''t. Instead, she pressed her lips together and stared at him gloomily.


    Xia Chunyu found it funny that she would only be decorous in these kinds of situations.


    "Go up. Don''t worry, no one will come here." Xia Chunyu pointed towards the direction of the room.


    In her room, Ye Jiayao settled on a chair depressingly.


    Of all the people she could provoke, it just had to be the devil incarnate, didn''t it? Should she leave Jin Ling while she still can? She was waiting for Jingrong, but she could always look for her in a few years. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.


    Ye Jiayao contemplated for a long time before finally getting up to wash her face dispiritedly.


    Knock, knock, knock!


    Ye Jiayao thought that it was the waiter who was serving water so she called out, "Come in."


    Xia Chunyu came in.


    "What are you doing here?" Ye Jiayao was cautious. Don''t tell me he is thinking of staying here?


    Xia Chunyu placed a bag of things on the table. "Fresh hawthorn fruit, it aids in digestion, and also clothes for you to change into."


    He walked off before Ye Jiayao could say anything.


    Ye Jiayao stared at that bag of hawthorn fruit and spare clothes, an indescribable feeling unfurling in her heart. Other than that incident, Dumb Donkey had been pretty good to her. However, that incident cut her deeply. She was afraid that if she let her guard down with him again, this time, the pain and hurt would be much harder to overcome.


    Song Qi was waiting for Xia Chunyu outside the inn.


    "I will hand it over to you from here. Ensure her safety and you must follow her closely these next few days. If you find anything out of the ordinary, report back to me immediately."


    "Yes, Heir-son Lord, don''t worry," Song Qi replied solemnly. Although he was unsure of what happened, the grave expression on the Heir-son Lord''s face was enough to get him to take this seriously. Even when Duke Helian Jing was unfavorable towards Miss Ye, the Heir-Son Lord was never this worried.

 Chapter 74：Reinforcement

    It rained the night before so the morning of the next day dawned clear and fresh with a cool breeze.


    Unexpectedly, she found Song Qi waiting for her outside the inn.


    "Song Qi, what are you doing¡­"


    Song Qi smiled in delight. Habitually, he greeted her, "Sister-in-law!"


    Ye Jiayao coughed dryly. "Uh, Song Qi there''s no need to call me that. Besides, didn''t your Heir-son Lord made it clear to you never to address me like that again?"


    Song Qi laughed. "Heir-Son Lord didn''t mean what he said. He actually likes you a lot!"


    She looked at him doubtfully. Really?


    "Still, it is better to not call me that. I am Li Yao now," Ye Jiayao told him.


    "Yes, Master Li," Song Qi said in a weird tone.


    Ye Jiayao glared at him. "Is anything the matter?"


    Song Qi gestured toward the inn. "I have been staying in the room next to yours since last night. The Heir-son Lord wants me to keep an eye on you."


    Ye Jiayao remembered Princess Liu Li and decided not to protest.


    So be it.


    "I am going to Heavenly Residence."


    Song Qi said, "The horse carriage has been prepared for you."


    The first thing Ye Jiayao did when she arrived at Heavenly Residence was extract cream. They have extracted quite a significant amount of cream these past few days, but it was still far from enough.


    Deng Haichuan rushed in and reported, "There''s trouble! I heard from Ah Xing that someone reserved the whole of the third floor."


    Zhong Xiang remained calm as he asked, "What''s so strange about that? The whole Heavenly Residence has been reserved before. It might be just some family holding a feast."


    "No, no! Ah Xing says that the person who reserved the place did not place an order for any dishes and just said that his master would be the one to decide what to eat once he''s here. The only thing he ordered was two sets of each chilled drink, which means there are not many people coming," Deng Haichuan explained.


    Zhong Xiang frowned. "That is a little odd."


    Cui Dongpeng laughed it off. "I don''t think there is anything strange. Maybe this customer was just afraid that he would not get to try our chilled drinks since it was so in demand these past few days."


    Ye Jiayao listened silently, feeling uneasy. Why does she have a feeling that this involved her?


    Not long later, Shopkeeper Li entered the kitchen, looking for Ye Jiayao. "There might be an important customer coming to the restaurant today, so when the time comes, you have to prepare the meal personally."


    "Do you know who the important person is?" Ye Jiayao asked worriedly.


    Shopkeeper Li shook his head. "I have no idea."


    Just before noon, a grand horse carriage arrived at Heavenly Residence.


    "Brother Crown Prince, quick!" Liu Li, dressed as a boy once again, hurried.


    "Aren''t I coming?" The crown prince fanned himself leisurely as he got off the horse carriage.


    "You are too slow!" Liu Li pouted, unsatisfied.


    "Are you eager to try the chilled drinks or to settle scores with that chap who offended you?"


    "Both."


    The crown prince smiled indulgently, shaking his head. "I really don''t know what to do with you. Yesterday, you sneaked out of the palace, today, you pester me to bring you out. If the empress dowager finds out, I''m dead meat."


    Liu Li fluttered her lashes and smiled coquettishly. "Brother Crown Prince, you know you love me. Anyway, I''ll harass you every day if you don''t stand up for me today."


    The crown prince could only gape at Princess Liu Li''s antics. He looked at the signboard of Heavenly Residence and muttered dubiously, "Are the chilled drinks here really that good?"


    Song Qi, who was posted outside Heavenly Residence, went on high alert as he spotted the crown prince and the princess'' arrival at Heavenly Residence. This was something out of the ordinary. He would have to report this to the Heir-son Lord.


    Manager Qian waited by the door to greet the arriving guests and almost took a step back as he saw the rude young man from yesterday. Didn''t he threaten to close down the restaurant? And he brought an even more imposing young master with him along with four knife-carrying guards. Was he making good on his threat today?


    That rude young master was wearing a smile but his eyes were showing his evil intentions. He wasn''t here just to eat and try the chilled drinks.


    Liu Li smiled at the shocked manager, a hint of her sinister purpose peeking through.


    Manager Qian did his best to hide his fear as he smilingly escorted both young masters upstairs. Little Lu followed them up to pour tea.


    "What is your specialty dish here?" Liu Li asked arrogantly as she took the menu.


    Manager Qian answered with a smile, "Our signature dishes are abalone with oyster sauce, three fresh sharkfins, money squid soup, and mandarin duck snowflake roll. However, the new dishes we''ve launched are also very popular. They are Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Door, hot plate shiitake, Drunken Prawn, and lotus yellow Catfish."


    Liu Li said indifferently, "Serve one of each dishes that you just mentioned and also the chilled drinks."


    Manager Qian nodded and bowed politely. "Please wait for a moment, sirs, I will send in your orders now."


    "Hold on. I want your head chef Li Yao to make these dishes personally," Liu Li ordered.


    After walking out of the suite, Manager Qian exhaled loudly and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He called Little Lu over and said, "Go send in the orders and tell Li Yao that the young master that he lectured yesterday is back. He didn''t seem friendly so tell him to be careful."


    After hearing the message that Little Lu passed on, a sudden chill ran down Ye Jiayao''s spine. F*ck! That bitch certainly didn''t want to waste time, did she?


    Does Song Qi know?


    Ye Jiayao tried to maintain her composure as she said, "Alright, serve cautiously."


    While Zhong Xiang was making the chilled drinks and the others were preparing the ingredients, Ye Jiayao ran out to look for Song Qi. She looked around for a moment but she didn''t find him. Wasn''t he supposed to follow her closely? Did he take a break? Of all the times he could take a break, he took one now?


    Ah, forget it! She would just have to play it by ear and settle her own problem. Dumb Donkey couldn''t possibly protect her forever.


    Xia Chunyu immediately rushed outside when a guard told him that Song Qi was waiting for him outside the palace.


    "What is the problem?" Xia Chunyu asked anxiously.


    Song Qi replied, "I saw the crown prince and Princess Liu Li arrive at Heavenly Residence. I am not sure if this is considered out of the ordinary, but..."


    Xia Chunyu was alarmed. Liu Li actually dragged the crown prince down to Heavenly Residence to aid in her revenge? That vindictive quick witch.


    Xia Chunyu was silent for a while before he came up with a plan. He instructed, "Go to the army department and invite Duke Helian and Young Royal Highness Jing to Heavenly Residence. Just say that Li Yao is facing some trouble and they have to be there to save him. Tell them it''s best if they bring more people along."


    With the crown prince around, he could not settle the matter alone. It was best to get help from Helian Xuan.


    "Yes, Heir-son Lord." Song Qi set off to the Helian Mansion.


    Xia Chunyu returned to the palace and made some arrangements.


    Helian Jing was listening to the officials discuss the West Mongolia problems dispiritedly. Something about West Mongolia having an internal conflict with two uncles fighting against each other. The king nephew tried to stop the fight but ended up attacked by both uncles, and now the king was asking Song for reinforcement. Some of the officials said that they should send reinforcements, while others say that they should not interfere with family matters.


    It was all so incredibly boring that he started to fall asleep. Helian Xuan shot him a glare and he quickly sat upright. However, a minute hasn''t even passed before his eyes started to close again.


    Suddenly, he noticed Song Qi hiding outside the door, waving at him. Helian Jing pointed at his own nose and Song Qi nodded.


    Helian Jing took a look at the arguing officials and quietly left.


    "Young Royal Highness, I am here under the orders of Heir-Son Lord Chunyu to invite you to rush over to Heavenly Residence. Li Yao is in big trouble, and it is best if you could bring Duke Helian along," Song Qi explained.


    Helian Jing''s heart dropped and he exclaimed angrily, "Who is the fellow that dares to find trouble with Li Yao? I will go over there right now and finish him off."


    "It''s the crown prince and Princess Liu Li," Song Qi replied weakly.


    Helian Jing''s flame immediately extinguished to a little spark. He stuttered, "Cr..crown... crown prince and Princess Liu Li? What¡­ what is going on? How did Li Yao provoke them?"


    Song Qi shook his head. "That''s a long story. The urgent matter right now is to save Li Yao. Young Royal Highness Jing, you better hurry, otherwise, Li Yao would be dead meat. Our Heir-Son Lord is preparing to rush over, too."


    Helian Jing was unsure how to approach the situation. This involved the crown prince and Princes Liu Li! However, he still has to try for Big Yaoyao''s safety. "Go back there and keep watch, I''ll be over soon."


    Helian Jing returned to the discussion room where the officials were still arguing. Fed up, Helian Jing walked up and said loudly, "What are you still arguing about? The West Mongolian king is weak in nature that''s why the old king prepared for the arranged marriage before he passed so that we would be able to give support. The two kings are vicious and have long been coveting our land. If we allow them to usurp the throne, when the conflict in West Mongolia settles down, it would be disadvantageous for us. Now, is this still considered other''s family matters? Dispatching troops is not only to help the king but also to keep the peace of Song. We have to send reinforcement."


    Helian Xuan looked at Little Jing in shock. After so many days of listening to the political discussion, he has not once voiced his opinions. Helian Xuan didn''t think that his little brother actually listened to the report, let alone have a valuable input.


    "Well said, Young Royal Highness Jing. All you muddle-headed people cannot even analyze the situation as thoroughly as Young Royal Highness Jing," an official who was pro-war agreed.


    The pro-peace faction was unconvinced. They were about to start arguing again when Helian Xuan said, "I will present all your opinions to the court. The decision still lies in His Majesty. Today''s discussion will end here, everyone is dismissed!"


    The officials glared at each other, dispersing with an angry fling of sleeves.


    "You have finally made progress. That speech was quite impressive." Helian Xuan gave Little Jing an approving look.


    Helian Jing was still worrying about Li Yao and could care less about how impressed his brother was. He said anxiously, "Big brother, Brother Chunyu just sent someone over to say that Li Yao is in big trouble. We have to rush to Heavenly Residence."


    Helian Jing raised his brow in question. "What has Li Yao''s trouble got to do with me?"


    "Brother, you can''t say that! He is my benefactor! Even Brother Chunyu is lending a helping hand. You can''t just sit and do nothing. The people finding trouble with Li Yao is the crown prince and Princess Liu Li. If Brother Chunyu can''t handle them and ends up offending the crown prince, wouldn''t it be his trouble too?" Helian Jing reasoned desperately.


    Helian Xuan was silent for a moment. He really couldn''t be bothered about that Li Yao, but if Xia Chunyu was involved, he could not just sit and watch.

 Chapter 75：Well Done

    Inside the Lan Xuan Attic of Heavenly Residence.


    Liu Li finished the three cold drinks at once and sighed with satisfaction.


    The prince, still taking his time in tasting his, smiled at her. "If you like the cold drinks so much, why don''t you get this chef to work in the Imperial kitchen? That way you can have him make whatever you want, whenever you want."


    The cold drink really was special and delicious. It would be popular in the palace.


    Liu Li''s big eyes gleamed with mischief. "That''s a good idea! Get him inside the palace, so that I can torture him anytime. Ha!"


    She wanted to teach Li Yao a lesson. He could not just disrespect and humiliate her without any consequence. She had to admit, though, that the cold drinks were really tasty and the palace''s master chef wasn''t even able to make something like it. His skills would justify her bringing him to the palace under her control. She could turn him into a plaything whenever she''s unhappy. That would teach Li Yao to bow at her feet.


    Liu Li spirits lifted the more she thought about this.


    After a short while, the dishes started to come up.


    Little Lu announced the dishes'' names as he presented them.


    "Mandarin duck snow roll¡­"


    "Iron plate mushroom¡­"


    "Eel slices with oyster sauce¡­"


    "Lotus leaves yellow thorn fish¡­"


    "Please have them slowly, sirs. There are a few more dishes coming up."


    The prince carefully looked at the deliciously smelling dishes in front of them, folding his paper fan.


    They looked as delicate as the emperor''s food, the decorations and placements artfully and beautifully arranged. The carving design was especially amazing and life-like. The overall look of the dishes was doing wonders to his appetite.


    Liu Li picked a flower made of carrots and cradled it in her palm. She said admiringly, "This is so beautiful, what is it made of?"


    Little Lu answered, "It is made of purple carrots, sir. Our head chef is really good at carving. He could carve anything and everything flying in the sky and running on the ground. He could even carve flowers with tofu!"


    Liu Li''s mouth set into a straight line when she heard that this was done by Li Yao. She threw the carrot back to the plate and scoffed, "It''s mediocre. Compared with the emperor''s..."


    The prince coughed twice, warning Liu Li.


    Little Lu worked not to scowl. This brat was so amazed just a moment ago, but when he heard that it was made by Li Yao, she immediately changed her mind? Really? What kind of person does that?


    Little Lu came back to the kitchen. Ye Jiayao immediately asked, "How was it?"


    Little Lu told the truth, acting out Liu Li''s despicable expressions.


    Ye Jiayao sighed, her heart heavy. That spoiled princess was not budging. She said, "You take this to him and say that it''s compliments from the chef."


    Inside the room, Liu Li was talking shit about the dishes as she enjoyed them.


    The prince laughed at how ridiculous she was being. "Well, since his dishes are so terrible, you can''t hire him to the palace."


    Liu Li shook her head. "Hiring him to the palace has nothing to do with his skills. I want to hire him to make it easier for me to torture him."


    The prince nearly choked on his food at the word ''torture''.


    "Liu Li, I think you shouldn''t be too hard on him. He didn''t know who you were. It''s not right to punish him for something unintentional. Just let him apologize to you and let it go. Okay?" the prince said.


    "No, no! He humiliated me - no one has ever done that. I''m not going to just forgive him that easily," Liu Li said, pouting.


    The prince couldn''t help but smile.


    The waiter brought up a soup made by half of a papaya and set it down in front of Liu Li. "Sir, this papaya braised snow clams was given to you by our head chef. We haven''t put this on the menu yet, so you''d be the first one to try it."


    The prince asked in confusion, "Why don''t I get one?"


    Little Lu responded, "Sir, our head chef said that this is only effective for the young. It will have a counter effect on you. Our head chef is doing another special dish and it will come up soon."


    The prince still didn''t understand why it was only effective to Liu Li.


    Liu Li''s face turned a bit red. Is it because the dish is made for women and he knew that she was really a girl?


    Did Li Yao make this as a token of his apology? Hmph. Her forgiveness wouldn''t be bought with just a cheap dessert. Liu Li wanted to tell the waiter to take it down and throw it away, but the carved papaya and the sparkling, crystal-clear snow clams were too tempting.


    Whatever. I''ll try it first and if they taste bad, I will throw it away.


    She ate a spoonful and was immediately impressed by the sweet taste. The clams had the fragrance of papaya and it melted decadently in her mouth.


    Delicious!


    In fact, it was too delicious that it made her angry. She was a princess who lived in a magnificent palace and ate the most delicate food in the world, but she has never tasted anything as good as this. It felt like other civilians have better gourmet''s luck than her.


    Little Lu looked at the young man with barely concealed anticipation and carefully reminded, "Sir, that papaya is also edible."


    Liu Li rolled her eyes at him. "Go away. I don''t need you looking over my shoulder as I eat. Call your head chef here."


    "The head chef is still cooking. Do I need to call him now?" Little Lu said.


    Liu Li said angrily, "Are you deaf? I told you to bring him here. Go."


    Little Lu ran away.


    Ye Jiayao stayed calm. She really couldn''t get out of this so she just has to face it. Before she trudged upstairs, she requested Little Lu to do something for her.


    She stood outside Lan Xuan Attic and did her best to tidy herself before knocking on the door.


    She smiled and greeted politely, "I am Li Yao, wishing you two sirs peace."


    Liu Li mocked, "Li Yao, weren''t you so cocky yesterday? Why are you acting so nice now?"


    Ye Jiayao said patiently, "You must be joking. I am always humble and polite, especially to customers who come often. However, if I meet provocative troublemakers, I wouldn''t give in. If no one offends me, I offend no one."


    Ye Jiayao raised her brow, adopting a confused look, and continued to Liu Li, "What did you say about yesterday?"


    Liu Li saw his questioning eyes and got so angry.


    "Did I meet you yesterday, sir? That''s not possible because, with your look and attitude, you must be the best among people, and I definitely would''ve remembered you." Ye Jiayao tried to look as if she was thinking hard. "I''m sure that I haven''t seen you before."


    Liu Li was furious. "Do you think that I''d let you go if you pretend to lose your memory?"


    The princess had thought that Li Yao would be scared and more respecting of her now that he knew her real identity. It had never occurred to her that he would pretend that he didn''t know her.


    Ye Jiayao said innocently, "Sir, I truly have never seen you before. Is it possible that you remembered the wrong person?"


    The prince smiled and looked at this good-looking chef, interested at how things would unfold.


    "Why are you are still pretending? I even talked to your manager yesterday and all your friends saw that!" Liu Li shouted angrily.


    "Is that so? Shall I call the manager and the staff members here to ask?" Ye Jiayao asked for permission.


    Manager Qian and Little Lu were called in.


    Ye Jiayao asked, "Manager Qian, this young sir said that you had spoken with him. Do you remember him? How about you, Little Lu?"


    Manager Qian remembered Li Yao''s previous warnings. He knew that this person had a special status and he couldn''t just confess that he had offended him. He pretended to study Liu Li closely. "No, I''m sorry. I definitely remember the customers who come here, and I haven''t seen him before."


    Little Lu also shook his head.


    Liu Li felt like she was going to go berserk with anger. She said to the prince hysterically, "They are lying! They made up this lie together to make me look bad!"


    "Sir, why would we lie? It is true that a guy who was a similar age as you stirred up some trouble in the restaurant yesterday just because he couldn''t get a cold drink. He berated the staff and swore so much like a street punk. I taught him a lesson. But you don''t look like that guy, sir, you are so elegant and posh," Ye Jiayao said.


    "Right, right! That young man had a terrible attitude. Everyone in the restaurant was not happy about him at that time," Manager Qian added.


    Liu Li was taken aback. Should she confess or not?


    Liu Li persisted, "How do you explain the incident on the street yesterday then? Xia Chunyu also saw you! How do you explain that?"


    "There was truly an accident in the down-up street. My wallet was swiped and replaced with another one, and a guy tried to set me up by making it look like that I stole his wallet. Sir, are you saying that you''re the one who stole my wallet ?"


    Liu Li didn''t understand what was going on. "Nonsense! It was you who stole my wallet!"


    Ye Jiayao frowned mockingly. "I would never steal from someone. Manager Qian, am I that kind of person?"


    Manager Qian replied, "Our head chef here would always share with others the reward he''d get from the customers. How could he ever steal money?"


    Little Lu also said loyally, "Our head chef can easily get money from making cold drinks. Why would he need to steal?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled and said kindly, "So, I thought that the whole wallet incident was a mistake, and sir only wanted to prank me."


    Liu Li pounced on what Li Yao said. "Ha! So, you do know me?"


    Ye Jiayao was getting tired of this. "I was doing you a favor by denying that I know you."


    "A favor? You are cunning and crafty, full of lies. You are full of shit," Liu Li rebuked, pointing insultingly at Li Yao.


    The prince asked Liu Li to settle down. When Liu Li approached him with her story, he was already skeptical because the princess was famous for her antics in the palace. Everyone, even him, has become the victim of her pettiness and lies. It turned out now that he was right to withhold his judgment.


    He was impressed at how Li Yao could face Liu Li so calmly even after knowing her true identity. The way he handled the confrontation clearly showed that the princess was being unreasonable. After so many years, Li Yao was the first person who was able to win arguments against Liu Li and make her so mad.


    He actually wanted to congratulate Li Yao on a job well done! He had exacted revenge for those who were hurt by Liu Li in the palace.


    Winning against Liu Li was not an easy feat. It looked like this Li Yao was also smart on top of his other skills in the kitchen. He looked so pretty, too. The prince kind of liked him.


    But if I don''t punish him, Liu Li won''t give up. What should I do to him?

 Chapter 76：What A Coincidence

    Outside Heavenly Residence, Xia Chunyu waited for Helian Xuan. If he went in by himself, there was a chance that Princess Liu Li would think that he was there to help Yaoyao and get even madder. He wanted their meeting to appear coincidental.


    "Are you sure Young Royal Highness Jing will come?" Xia Chunyu asked Song Qi.


    Song Qi answered, "Young Royal Highness looked worried when I told him the news, he will definitely come."


    A short while later, Helian Xuan arrived on the back of a horse.


    Xia Chunyu came up to him immediately. "Why are you alone? Where is Little Jing?"


    "What is wrong with you? He''s just a chef! Why would you risk offending the crown prince and the princess for him?" Helian Xuan was puzzled and exasperated.


    Xia Chunyu smiled awkwardly. "If anything happens to him, I will have a guilty conscience for a lifetime."


    Helian Xuan looked at him as if he was a stranger. "I don''t understand you anymore. You are stranger than Little Jing. What magic does that guy have? Why are you all protecting him?"


    Helian Xuan only met Li Yao once before, and the only way he''d describe him was bold.


    "You will understand it in the future," Xia Chunyu said, smiling.


    Helian Xuan shrugged and said, "I asked Little Jing to find more people to help. More people can make things easier. They should arrive soon."


    As if on cue, Helian Jing arrived with other people in tow.


    Helian Xuan squinted and spotted Zhao Qixuan and the usual company he kept. He frowned. These were not the people he had in mind.


    Zhao Qixuan got off the horse and came up to greet them laughingly, "Hello, Royal Highness and Brother Chunyu. I heard you guys were the hosts so I immediately rushed here."


    "What happened?" Little Jing asked worriedly.


    Xia Chunyu said, "Let''s talk about it inside."


    Zhao Qixuan and the others had no idea what was happening and felt that this dinner was dodgier than they were led to believe.


    As the group walked into the restaurant, Manager Qian immediately recognized Zhao Qixuan and Young Royal Highness Jing. Manager Qian happily greeted them, knowing that Young Royal Highness Jing has a close relationship with Li Yao.


    "Young Royal Highness and Heir-son Lord, please, come upstairs."


    Ah Xing took them to the second floor and neglected to offer the higher suite.


    Xia Chunyu gave Helian Jing a meaningful look.


    Luckily, Helian Jing understood and said discontentedly, "Why are we only on the second floor? I want the Fu Qu Attic."


    "I''m sorry, Young Royal Highness, though the Fu Qu Attic is empty along with other rooms, the whole of the third floor was already rented out," Ah Xing responded.


    "Who is so rich that he hires the whole floor and leave the other rooms empty? What purpose does that even serve?" Zhao Qixuan demanded. How many people in Jin Ling could be as extravagant as him?


    Helian Jing added, "Yeah, who dares to be that cocky? What, do they just want to show their riches off?"


    Zhao Qixuan rolled his eyes. "Let''s go and have a look there."


    "Let''s go," Helian Jing agreed.


    The two of them rushed to the third floor and walked directly into Lan Xuan Attic.


    Zhao Qixuan took the lead and pushed the door open. His eyes looked like they were about to pop out when he saw who were inside.


    "C...cr... uhm, Crown Prince," Zhao Qixuan stammered, too nervous to speak properly. He never would''ve thought that the people he''d see in here were the crown prince and Princess Liu Li. The prince was creepy enough. The addition of that evil woman was too much for his heart. She''s my nightmare.


    Helian Jing was much calmer than Zhao Qixuan, especially when he saw that Big Yaoyao was fine. He smiled, adopted a polite hand gesture and said, "Crown Prince and Princess Liu Li. Excuse our barging in here, we are down on level two and there are no more compartments left. I was informed that someone hired the whole third floor and I was just wondering if we could share. Forgive us, we didn''t know it would be you. Sorry for the intrusion."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t even focus on the happiness she felt from Little Jing''s arrival. This is the Crown Prince? She knew that he might be someone of high status, but she didn''t think that he was the Crown Prince, the future king.


    Ye Jiayao kneeled immediately, followed by Manager Qian and Little Lu.


    "We didn''t know Crown Prince has visited us, if we have offended you, please forgive us, Prince Highness."


    The prince smiled and said, "Get up. I know you didn''t know, I don''t blame you."


    Ye Jiayao was secretly happy. What he just had said conveyed a double meaning. He was not blaming her for scolding that brat of a princess!


    "You''ve paid your respects, you can leave now. Don''t interrupt our meal again." Liu Li tried to rush these two out as she had more important things to complete.


    Zhao Qixuan was relieved and immediately began pushing Helian Jing out of the room. If the prince wasn''t present, he would''ve left as soon as he laid eyes on that evil witch. The year before last, that little bitch dumped him into a lotus pond in the middle of the night, buck ass naked. He was sick for a whole month! Whenever he heard the name of Liu Li, he would run away.


    "Wait up," the prince called.


    They turned around.


    "Who else are you guys with?"


    Helian Jing answered, "My brother and Chunyu is treating us today. They are still looking for places to sit downstairs."


    The prince smiled kindly. "No need to look anymore, let them come up. I haven''t seen them for a while. We can all just sit together.


    Helian Jing was happy. "I will call them up now."


    Zhao Qixuan and Helian Jing rushed out together. Zhao Qixuan asked unhappily, "Little Jing, what date is it? Why would Crown Prince eat out with Liu Li?"


    "How would I know? Ask Liu Li if you want," Helian Jing mocked.


    "There is absolutely no way that I am going anywhere near that evil woman again. I''d rather hang myself to a crooked tree," Zhao Qixuan swore, shuddering.


    Ye Jiayao was moved upon hearing that both Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan came. This was not a coincidence. Chunyu must''ve known her situation and brought people to help.


    "Li Yao," the prince called.


    Ye Jiayao recovered her spirit and saluted at him, waiting for his request.


    "You can go now and arrange the dishes for us."


    "Okay, Prince Highness."


    Ye Jiayao was almost out of the room when the prince spoke again. "Wait. What is the thing that you will make for me exclusively? Why are papaya snow clams only for Princess Liu Li?"


    Ye Jiayao answered abashedly, "Papaya snow clams are good for beauty, which are suitable for women. I will prepare other desserts for Your Highness."


    What she didn''t say was that the desert had the function of breast enhancement. Liu Li had flat breasts so Ye Jiayao was sure that if she had said that, the brat would take it as an insult.


    The prince nodded, face a tad red. He was envious that such decadent dessert was just for women.


    "Brother Crown Prince, why are you letting him go?" Liu Li didn''t want him to leave.


    "If we don''t let him go, who will cook?" the prince asked patiently.


    Eh¡­.


    Ye Jiayao decided to take advantage of Liu Li''s disorientation and said, "I will go and prepare the food now."


    As soon as they left the compartment, Manager Qian''s knees buckled. "Oh, God. I can''t believe that the prince, the crown prince, is here!"


    Little Lu confessed, "I almost peed on my pants, I was so scared."


    Ye Jiayao patted Manager Qian''s shoulder to comfort him. "Don''t worry. The prince said he doesn''t blame us since we didn''t know. Also, we should keep the prince''s visit to the restaurant confidential. It''s best that only the three of us know. There are so many customers downstairs, if this gets out, it might cause unnecessary trouble for him."


    Manager Qian nodded. "Yes, of course. Little Lu, shut your mouth. If any of this leaks out, I will kick you out."


    Little Lu scratched his head. "I know, I understand."


    Ye Jiayao saw Chunyu and the other people he brought with him and smiled, showing him her thanks.


    Xia Chunyu''s expression didn''t give anything away, but inside, he was so relieved. Yaoyao''s smile meant that the crisis was solved.


    Inside the Lan Xuan Attic, Liu Li was still being moody.


    "Brother Crown Prince, you didn''t fulfill your promise. You are not helping me."


    The prince said, " Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan are here as well as other royal people. Embarrassing Li Yao would not benefit you, especially if word of this gets out. If he was really at fault, I would''ve immediately punished him without a word. But he''s not, Liu Li."


    Liu Li wanted to throw a fit. Why was everyone helping that guy? In the palace, even if she was the one to make a mess, other people would take the blame. Doesn''t that apply outside the palace? These guys just don''t take me seriously anymore! Alright, if you''re not going to help me, I''ll find my own way.


    "You guys can eat, I''ve lost my appetite. I am leaving."


    Liu Li got up and left.


    Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan were on their way upstairs when Liu Li rushed out of the compartment.


    "Princess¡­"


    Xia Chunyu saw Liu Li''s red eyes and sad face. It was obvious that she was mad. Hopefully, she was not mad about Yaoyao.


    Liu Li pushed Xia Chunyu away and said, "F*ck off!" She then furiously rushed downstairs without a backward glance.


    Helian Xuan smiled and teased, "Your future wife is running away. Chase her!"


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "Shut up."


    He would never agree with that marriage proposal.


    Zhao Qixuan, hearing what Helian Xuan has just said, looked at Xia Chunyu with sympathetic eyes. "Brother Chunyu, my condolences."


    Helian Jing sneered and knocked Zhao Qixuan''s shoulder: "Shush! Do you want to die?"


    Xia Chunyu looked serious as he said, "Whoever is spreading that gossip, just be careful that you don''t wake up in a lotus pond."


    Everyone busted out laughing.


    Zhao Qixuan''s face turned red.


    He just couldn''t escape that humiliation, could he?


    The atmosphere became relaxed and happy. Everyone entered the Lan Xuan Attic.


    Ye Jiayao, too, felt relaxed as she happily began cooking. She wanted to make the best dishes poured with love for those people who came to help her.


    "Brother Xiang, I can take over here. You can go make a plate of Si Xi dumpling and a Sam Sun Orecchiette. Do it well, okay? This is a good chance for you to show off."


    Zhong Xiang answered enthusiastically, "Sure!"


    Li Yao rarely gave him chances, he must not fail in this.

 Chapter 77：Crown Princes Calligraphy

    In the suite, after a satisfactory meal, the Mao Shan clouds and mist tea were served. As everyone enjoyed their tea, the prince remarked, "The head chef here is very different. He can make ordinary dishes taste so extraordinary. He''s clearly highly skilled and very clever."


    "Your Highness is right. Li Yao gives his heart and soul into his cooking that''s why he could make even the simplest dishes taste superb. After all, as long as it was made with effort, even a wild bird cooked in mud and a few mushrooms picked from the bushes can taste like heaven," Helian Jing said proudly.


    Xia Chunyu snorted quietly. You haven''t even tried the preserved eggs Yaoyao made! It was the only one in the world. However, sadly, he has already finished them. One day, he has to get Yaoyao to make him another vat.


    "Li Yao is not only good at cooking, he has an excellent personality and he also has good drinking habits." Zhao Qixuan also wanted to put in a few good words for Li Yao, however, it was not for the crown prince''s benefit but for Helian Xuan''s.


    Xia Chunyu and Helian Jing simultaneously glared at him. Of all the things he could say, he has to mention drinking! The last time Yaoyao drank, she fell into the river.


    Zhao Qixuan was bewildered. What did he say wrong? Weren''t all that he said flatteries?


    Helian Xuan fanned himself and lazily said, "Since Your Highness also praises Li Yao''s cooking highly, why don''t you pen down your comment on paper and gift it to Li Yao as a form of encouragement?


    Xia Chunyu secretly rejoiced. That was a brilliant move. The crown prince''s recognition and calligraphy would be akin to the crown prince''s protection. Anyone who would want to harm Yaoyao would have to think twice.


    "A few days ago, I heard that His Majesty and the grand tutor mentioned that Your Highness'' calligraphy skills improved, and can even be considered a master. I wonder if we would have the honor of witnessing Your Highness''s calligraphy?" Xia Chunyu cajoled.


    The crown prince was a little hesitant at first. Gifting words to a chef seems a little below his status, and although he does have a good impression of this Li Yao, it was not to the state where he would dedicate a writing to him. However, when Xia Chunyu mentioned the grand tutor and his father praising him, he gave in. "Get the writing materials."


    Zhao Qixuan volunteered merrily, "I''ll go, I''ll go."


    Zhao Qixuan found Manager Qian and said, "Quick, get some top grade writing materials. Today is your restaurant''s lucky day because the crown prince is going to leave his calligraphy! Get Li Yao over to the attic to thank His Highness."


    Manager Qian gaped at Zhao Qixuan in absolute shock. Is he dreaming?


    Zhao Qixuan snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "What are you waiting for? You''re going to miss this opportunity!"


    Manager Qian jolted upright and immediately rushed downstairs to look for the shopkeeper. In his excitement, he walked a little too quickly and slipped.


    The customers eating in the downstairs hall heard a thud. They all looked up towards the sound and saw someone rolling down the stairs. The person then climbed to his feet calmly and walked away as if nothing happened.


    Everyone was dumbstruck. It was good that at his age he still had strong bones!


    The moment he turned the corner out of anyone''s view, Manager Qian rubbed his throbbing buttocks, cursing silently. F*ck!


    Half an hour later, Ye Jiayao was kneeling on the ground, both hands outstretched to receive the crown prince''s calligraphy, kowtowing to thank His Highness. She was so emotional that the words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat. She wanted to shout all over the place and pump her fist in victory.


    When the crown prince inherits the throne, this calligraphy would upgrade to the emperor''s calligraphy. She was totally going to frame this up when she opens her restaurant in the future. She was getting too excited just thinking about it.


    The crown prince smiled graciously. "If you launch anything new, don''t forget to send a set to the east palace."


    Ye Jiayao nodded enthusiastically. This was a great way to earn the crown prince''s good favor.


    "As long as Your Highness likes it, it will be my honor to send my food to you over every day."


    The corner of Xia Chunyu''s mouth twitched, his heart sour with jealousy. I ran all over the place just to keep you from getting beheaded, shouldn''t I get a set, too?


    Helian Jing looked at Big Yaoyao merrily. His heart was indescribably happy. The better Big Yaoayo does in Jin Ling, the less he would be likely to leave.


    Her crisis had not only been solved but instead, became good luck. The saying, the kind of people you mix with would determine the kind of life you''ll have, came to mind. At the moment, she found it to be very true.


    Her fake marriage to an Heir-Son Lord, and accidentally picking up a Young Royal Highness as a little brother gave her one of a kind opportunities and chances.


    After sending the crown prince off, Helian Xuan returned to the army department while the other princes and noblemen also dispersed. The only ones left in the restaurant were Xia Chunyu, Helian Jing, and Zhao Qixuan.


    The four sit down for tea.


    Only then did Helian Jing asked, "Can you tell me now how you managed to offend Princess Liu Li?"


    Xia Chunyu fanned himself emotionlessly as he drank his tea, acting as if this was none of his business.


    Ye Jiayao narrated the rough course of the events.


    Zhao Qixuan slapped the table in amazement. "Li Yao, you''ve avenged me! I wish I could''ve been there to witness this. It''s high time that someone takes care of that little she-devil."


    Xia Chunyu cleared his throat as a warning. "Take it easy, Zhao Qixuan. Your loose tongue may cause trouble and you might wake up in the pond again tomorrow."


    Ye Jiayao, who has heard of this story, pursed her lips to keep from laughing out loud.


    Zhao Qixuan scowled miserably. "Brother Chunyu, can you please stop opening that old wound? Besides, as long as you don''t tell her, she''d never know."


    Xia Chunyu frowned, his eyes becoming icy cold.


    Knowing that he had said something wrong, Zhao Qixuan backpedaled. "Just kidding, just kidding. Don''t take it seriously."


    Helian Jing said worriedly, "Liu Li is not one to let things pass. She might not be able to openly harm Yaoyao, but she''d definitely find a way to do it secretly."


    Xia Chunyu put his cup down and drawled, "I don''t think she would be able to come out of the palace for a while."


    Everyone looked at Xia Chunyu curiously and chorused, "Why?"


    "She should be listening to the empress dowager''s lecture right about now," Xia Chunyu replied.


    Helian Jing asked dubiously, "Are you sure?"


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow, smiling lightly.


    Of course, he was sure. He was the one who arranged it.


    The empress dowager does not allow anyone to lecture Liu Li or badmouth her because the empress dowager reserved that as her right. If it was a matter of principles, the empress dowager would not concede. In fact, when news about Zhao Qixuan''s incident reached her ears, the empress dowager grounded Liu Li for three months. Now that the empress dowager was helping Liu Li pick a husband, she would not allow Liu Li to get into trouble. If he guessed right, the empress dowager would keep a close eye on Liu Li from now on and put a stop to her spontaneous trips outside the palace.


    Besides, he has also arranged for someone to protect Yaoyao. He won''t allow Yaoyao to be plotted against.


    "Then, I can relax a little," Zhao Qixuan said.


    Helian Jing said, "You still cannot let your guard down, Yaoyao. I will ask my brother to send someone from the guards'' camp to protect you."


    Ye Jiayao immediately protested, "Don''t, there''s no need. It is not really a big deal. There is no need to get so many people involved."


    Helian Xuan already has unsavory opinions about her, if Little Jingjing asked for someone from the camp to be sent over, Helian Xuan would probably exterminate her. Helian Xuan''s presence today was 80% on behalf of Xia Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu was uncomfortable hearing Little Jing call Ye Jixuan Yaoyao. Although the Yaoyao he and Little Jing knew were different, it still bothered him. No one else can call her Yaoyao, damn it!


    "Your brother''s guards'' camp can be used whenever you please? Little Jing, it would be more convenient if I send some people over," Xia Chunyu said casually. Protecting Yaoyao was his responsibility, no one could take it away.


    Helian Jing was discontented and unhappy. He hated how he does not have a troop under him. He even had to beg others if he wanted to protect Yaoyao. He has to become strong quickly so that he doesn''t have to beg people for anything.


    Zhao Qixuan sighed resentfully. "If only it was the devil who got married to West Mongolia, there would not be so much trouble."


    Xia Chunyu warned again, "Have you forgotten what happened to Princess Jing He?"


    Zhao Qixuan pouted gloomily. "I can''t even say what I want."


    "Don''t worry, I will handle whatever comes and be more careful," Ye Jiayao assured them.


    Actually, she was not afraid of anything that comes at her openly. What she was afraid of was being plotted against.


    Xia Chunyu rose and said, "I have to go back to the palace to check some things, I''m off now. Little Jing, your brother wants you to go back early, let''s head off together."


    Helian Jing grumbled, "I don''t want to go. They just debate over a simple problem for three days, I''ll be bored to death."


    "Your brother came today because you performed well. If you take this chance to slack off, I don''t think you can ask a favor from him ever again," Xia Chunyu told him patiently.


    Helian Jing considered Brother Chunyu''s words. He was right. The quarrel with his brother a few days ago was very difficult to patch up. He should take it easy and not make his brother mad again.


    "Then, Yaoyao, I''ll be off. Take care, alright? If there is anything you need, come look for me. I would rush over immediately," Helian Jing said, reluctant to leave.


    Zhao Qixuan added with a smile, "If you can''t find them, you can look for me, too. The way you stood up to the princess was enough to get me on your side. Your troubles would be mine in the future, I would never turn you away."


    "Then I shall thank you in advance," Ye Jiayao said, smiling gratefully.


    After sending the three off, Ye Jiayao let out a relieved breath. She thought about how detestable Liu Li must be for people to cheer Yaoyao on for going against her. Even the crown prince refused to help her! Ay, that was quite pitiful.


    Ye Jiayao was greeted by a smiling Shopkeeper Li when she returned. "Li Yao, can I have a look at the crown prince''s calligraphy?"


    Ye Jiayao saw the greedy look in Shopkeeper Li''s eyes and instantly knew what his intentions were. No, this is my treasure!


    "Shopkeeper Li, I can let you take a look, but the crown prince instructed that unless I make it as a first-rate chef, I cannot display it. Perhaps the crown prince thinks that I am not qualified yet. It would shame him if I take it out," Ye Jiayao lied smoothly.


    Shopkeeper Li was a little disappointed. "Oh, is that so? Then¡­ I''ll just have a look."


    He wanted to hang it up in the shop, but since the crown prince has an order not to, he would just have to settle on looking at it.

 Chapter 78：Dont Forgive Him So Easily

    After all her work was done, Ye Jiayao walked out of Heavenly Residence with a small box clutched tightly in her arms. She got the box from Shopkeeper Li who gave it to her to keep the crown prince''s calligraphy in.


    When she reached the intersection, she stopped in her tracks, unsure whether to head to Laifu Motel or Ruyi Motel. Xia Chunyu told her that Liu Li was not going to bother her anytime soon, so returning to Laifu should not be a problem, right?


    Song Qi appeared out of nowhere. "Sister-in-law."


    Ye Jiayao winced and rubbed her ears. That address was making her feel awkward since she no longer has anything to do with Xia Chunyu.


    "Song Qi, can you please stop calling me that? The next time you call me that, I''m going to ignore you." Ye Jiayao''s annoyance was clear in her tone.


    "What should I call you, then?" Song Qi genuinely didn''t know what to call her anymore. Miss Ye? Young Master Li?


    "Just call me Brother Yao like what everyone else does."


    Song Qi, unsure, called weakly, "Alright... Brother Yao."


    Ye Jiayao smiled. That was much better.


    "Brother Yao, for your safety, the Heir-Son Lord has ordered for you to continue staying in Ruyi. You can move back to Laifu Motel when the news in the palace is confirmed," Song Qi told her.


    Ye Jiayao followed Song Qi to Ruyi Motel without protest. For this instance, she would do as she was told. Many people have been bothered just to ensure her safety, she didn''t wish to bring any more inconvenience to people.


    Randomly, a thought popped into Ye Jiayao''s mind. She asked Song Qi, "Are you still playing Double?"


    Laughingly, Song Qi replied, "Of course! Most of the people in the mansion now know how to play. Ha! I even got a lecture when the housekeeper told the madam of what we were keeping busy with. But, guess what did Heir-Son Lord told the madam when she complained to him?"


    "Hmmm, did he tell her to leave you be because he finds it quite fun?" Ye Jiayao said sarcastically. Yeah, right. Chunyu was a buzzkill of the highest order.


    "Brother Yao, how did you know?" Song Qi was surprised.


    Ye Jiayao blinked at him momentarily. What?


    "Madam was quite shocked with how Heir-Son Lord answered her. She lamented that his stay up the mountains for half a year has corrupted him," Song Qi relayed.


    "What happened after that?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "After that¡­ well, I heard that Madam plays with the mistresses secretly. Sometimes, she would even drag Heir-Son Lord, and if he refuses to go, he would get a scolding from her."


    Ye Jiayao could not hold her laughter in. Chunyu''s mother sounded amusing.


    Suddenly, Song Qi sobered up. "Brother Yao, um, there is something that I have to tell you."


    Ye Jiayao smiled encouragingly. "Shoot."


    "Do you remember the vat of preserved eggs you made just before... everything got chaotic?Ever since we left the mountains, thinking that you''re already dead, Heir-Son Lord had been lost. For the longest time, he wasn''t able to eat very well. The chef in the mansion tried different techniques and cuisines, but the most we could get Heir-Son Lord to eat was a few bites. Everyone thought that he was ill. Madam was so anxious that she got the Imperial physician to look over him over and over again..."


    Song Qi paused, observing Ye Jiayao''s expression.


    Ye Jiayao was confused. She recalled the night when he was frantically searching for her - the guilt in his eyes. It was too bad that it was not his guilt that she wanted.


    Song Qi continued, "I understand why Heir-Son Lord denied his marriage to you back then. He is the Heir-Son Lord of the Jing An Marquis, he has rules and expectations to follow. Honestly, if he would''ve brought you back to the mansion, introducing you as his wife, I''m not sure if Marquis and Madam would''ve dealt with you pleasantly and -"


    "Stop," Ye Jiayao cut him off. She knew that he was in a difficult position, but that wasn''t the reason he did what he did. She knew that it was simply because he didn''t love her. If he loved her, he would''ve never given her up.


    "No," Song Qi said resolutely. "I have to say this because no one else will. The Heir-Son Lord would rather take an acid bath than to admit to this. He made a mistake. He was confused and he chose the wrong thing, but believe me, Miss Ye, he regrets it deeply. When I bought him the preserved egg you made, that was the first time since we left Black Wind Ridge that he was able to finish a meal. He sat there, tearing up as he quietly ate a whole bowl of rice with just the preserved egg.


    "When I told him that you were alive, he looked so stunned, so shaken up that I thought he was going to pass out. He immediately went to look for you that night, and imagine my surprise when he came back limping. The days following that, he''d been impossible to deal with, getting angry about anyone and anything, and blowing his top for no reason. I figured you haven''t forgiven him yet. Am I right?"


    Ye Jiayao was about to defend herself when Song Qi added, "And you shouldn''t. Not so easily, anyway. You have to let him reflect on what he did wrong so he doesn''t do it again."


    Ye Jiayao stared at Song Qi in shock. Did she hear him right? Song Qi painted Xia Chunyu as a wretched, heartbroken lover just to tell her to not forgive him?


    She cleared her throat awkwardly and said, "Song Qi, it''s all in the past. Let''s not... let''s not talk about it, okay?"


    "Alright, I will not mention it again." Song Qi smiled. He has already achieved what he wanted. Miss Ye already knows the Heir-Son Lord''s feelings, maybe she''d treat him a little better now. "But you have to teach me how to make preserved eggs! The Heir-Son Lord has already finished that vat of preserved eggs so he''s asked me to make some more, but I don''t know how!"


    Ye Jiayao broke into a peal of laughter. "Alright, I will teach you another day."


    She saw how Song Qi got bossed around and scolded by Chunyu in the mountains. Now, he''s getting him to make preserved eggs? Ay, Dumb Donkey, do you think your attendant is Doraemon?


    Their conversation made the journey feel short, and before they knew it, they''ve already arrived at Ruyi Motel.


    Ye Jiayao handed the box containing the crown prince''s calligraphy to Song Qi for safekeeping. She obsessively reminded him to safeguard it well before she retired to her room to rest.


    She intended to sleep, however, every time she would close her eyes, Song Qi''s words would start ringing in her ears. Does Dumb Donkey really care about her that much? She has turned him away so many times now, berated and scold him, and even injured his precious jewels... but he was still protecting her. Was all that out of guilt?


    That frustrating man! Ye Jiayao tossed and turn, trying to think of something else, anything that''s not related to him.


    What should she think about? Oh! Chunyu said that Little Jingjing has been performing well lately. That made her proud and happy. Little Jingjing wasn''t really that bad. She knew that as long as he was given a chance, he could master things quickly.


    And that Zhao Qixuan! What a remarkable, amusing person. She wondered if he was the top or the bottom. He seemed to be a bottom, but he could as easily be a gentle top, too.


    Aiya! Ye Jiayao sat up suddenly and slapped her forehead. She forgot to ask Zhao Qixuan to help her get some coconuts!


    Ye Jiayao lied back down helplessly. Her mind was a mess!


    The next day, Ye Jiayao went to work and found Manager Du waiting for her in the restaurant.


    "Big brother, why are you here?" Ye Jiayao asked, surprised.


    Manager Du answered, "When you had someone tell us that you were in trouble and wouldn''t be coming back to the inn temporarily, we got worried. I thought perhaps you''d come by last night, but when you didn''t, your sister-in-law sent me here. Little Brother Li, are you alright?"


    Ye Jiayao''s heart warmed. They were strangers who she met by chance and yet, here they were, personally visiting to check on her.


    "Big brother, it is nothing. I''m fine. I will be going back after a few days, you don''t have to worry, really."


    Manager Du nodded. "That''s good. If you need my help in any way, just tell me, alright?"


    Although Little Brother Li swore that he was fine, Manager Du was unconvinced. How can something that forced him to hide just be nothing? He was unbelieving, but since Li Yao didn''t want to discuss it, he didn''t probe further. Manager Du just wanted him to know that he was there for him.


    "Of course. Big brother, I''m sorry but I have to hurry back, the shop is about to get busy."


    At noon, when Ye Jiayao was the busiest, Helian Jing arrived at the restaurant and pulled her out of the kitchen. "Big Yaoyao, I have good news for you!"


    Ye Jiayao''s mind was on the vegetables in the wok. She wasn''t sure that the other kitchen hands could control the fire and she was afraid they might end up burning the vegetables. Imagine serving burnt vegetables. Ye Jiayao held in a shudder.


    "What''s the good news? Hurry up, Little Jing, I''m busy."


    "My brother has agreed to let you do my grandmother''s birthday feast."


    Ye Jiayao''s eyes brightened joyfully. "Really?"


    When she lost the chance, she was very dejected, but she didn''t want to put Little Jingjing in a difficult situation so she kept quiet. She never imagined that she''d get the opportunity back again.


    Helian Jing smiled, the cute dimples on his cheek appearing. "Really! Zheng Fugui from Fu Ji has contracted gout so he could not do the feast. He proposed to let his son do it, but I argued that if it was going to be his son cooking, we might as well just let you do it, and my brother actually agreed! It might''ve also been because he was impressed with the food you made yesterday!"


    Well, he would''ve been impressed sooner if he had actually eaten the dishes I prepared when he first came here to accost me.


    Things like culinary competitions were like gymnastics. If everyone finishes their routine similarly, the judges'' rating of the performance would be affected by the contestant''s reputation as well the country he/she was representing. Judging food was an even more difficult task because people have different tastes - that''s when fame comes in handy.


    She has obtained a little fame from the chilled drinks she released, but it was not big enough. The crown prince''s calligraphy was her trump card and should not be used so easily, so that was out, too.


    What she really needed to raise her name in the food and beverage industry of Jin Ling was a platform where she could display her skills. This was the platform. This was her chance.


    "Big Yaoyao, are you going to do it?" Helian Jing asked.


    Ye Jiayao smiled confidently. "Yes. If you really trust me this much, I will do it."

 Chapter 79：I Want To Eat Egg Fried Rice

    After the lunch frenzy, Ye Jiayao called Zhong Xiang, Deng Haichuan, Wang Mingde, and Cui Dongpeng over to a little teahouse outside for a meeting.


    Such an important feast was impossible to manage on her own. She needed to bring some helpers along.


    She has her own reasons why she chose those four.


    Zhong Xiang''s skills were more holistic but Ye Jiayao wanted him to focus on pastry. Deng Haichuan would be in charge of ingredients and the materials. Wang Mingde was good at making soup seasoning. He once mentioned that he learned how to make vegetarian food, and Little Jingjing had told her that the old princess was a Buddhist and a vegetarian. As for Cui Dongpeng, he was a very hardworking person, his cutting skills were excellent, and he could follow directions very well.


    Of course, the most crucial point was that the four of them have a good relationship with her.


    Ye Jiayao briefed them about the feast. "When the time comes, I want to invite you to go over with me. If we do a good job, we could be hired to do more feasts. This is our chance. Are you in or not?"


    Without a second of hesitation, the four of them replied in unison, "In."


    Their faces were all filled with excitement. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, they''d be fools to refuse.


    Deng Haichuan said, "Brother Yao, just tell us what you want us to do. We won''t let you down."


    Wang Mingde and Cui Dongpeng nodded eagerly.


    "Brother Yao, we will follow your orders," Zhong Xiang declared.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Alright, but I have to tell you, only success is allowed. I will not tolerate failure. Every one of you has to put in your 110% to do this. I will delegate the tasks out tomorrow. Whoever screws up will not be given a second chance."


    Zhong Xiang said, "Don''t worry, Li Yao, we will give this our best shot."


    "Then it''s all settled. Tomorrow, I will draft out the menu and pass it to the Helian Mansion for checking. Once it is passed, everyone has to get ready immediately. Oh, and also, before the menu is confirmed, everything should be kept a secret."


    Everyone nodded. "Okay."


    After that, Ye Jiayao made a trip back to Laifu Motel to retrieve her little booklet, her manual to success.


    She has seen the menu that Little Jingjing gave her from Zhao Qixuan''s grandmother''s birthday feast last year. It was done by Fu Ji and was no different from the regular birthday feast, just more expensive dishes. Indeed, the meals from the Manchu Han Imperial feast menu was more detailed, with reasonable arrangements. What she wanted to do now was to make slight changes to the Manchurian dishes that the southerners were not used to.


    After that, she loitered around the streets for a while. She went to a preserved fruit stall and bought a huge bag of things.


    "Brother Yao, are you buying these back as snacks?" Song Qi''s mission today was to help her carry stuff.


    "Do you want to have some while we play Doubles tonight?"


    Song Qi''s eyes brightened up."Sure, sure! The Heir-Son Lord is not on duty today, but we are still lacking one person. Nevermind! Finding another player is easy."


    Ye Jiayao bit her lip. She didn''t want to play with Chunyu.


    "I am just joking about playing doubles. You can eat these, though. Right, which pastry shops sell the best pastry in Jin Ling?"


    Song Qi answered, "Bai Wei Zhai. Other than the pastries from the Imperial kitchen, they are the best - and most expensive too."


    "Okay! Let''s go to Bai Wei Zhai." Ye Jiayao wanted to understand the standards of the pastries in the market. She needed to gauge how good they were.


    Both of them went to Bai Wei Zhai. They bought some of all types of pastries, like Split Yellow Pea Cake, Lotus Cake, Walnut Cookies, Chestnut Cake, Thousand Layer Oil Cake, and many others, making yet another huge bag.


    Ye Jiayao was about to take her money out when she saw Song Qi pass some silver to the shop assistant.


    "Song Qi, let me get that." Ye Jiayao wanted the shop assistant to return the silver to Song Qi.


    Song Qi laughed and said, "Brother Yao, does it really matter who pays? Besides, you bought so much and I reckon more than half of it will end up in my stomach."


    Actually, when she was paying at the preserved fruits stall, Song Qi noticed that she did not have a lot of money with her. And anyway, Heir-Son Lord has given him some silver with the instructions to buy whatever Miss Ye required.


    Ye Jiayao let him pay, not wanting to cause a scene. Besides, it wasn''t as if she could really fight him.


    After buying so much, both of them went straight to Ruyi Motel. Song Qi got the waiter to brew a pot of Da Hong Pao and both of them started to unpack and eat.


    When Xia Chunyu arrived at the inn, he saw the both of them munching busily, the whole table filled with dried fruits and pastries.


    Song Qi looked as though he has been relieved of a heavy burden when the Heir-Son Lord arrived. As a grown man, he really wasn''t used to eating such sweet stuff. The scariest part was that for every one that he eats, Miss Ye would ask him how it tasted. What were the strengths and weaknesses?


    He has always just swallowed his food in and shit them out, how would he know what were the strengths and weaknesses? He was being slowly stuffed to death with sugar.


    "Heir-Son Lord, take a seat here. I will brew some tea for you!" Song Qi said hurriedly.


    "Song Qi, quick, continue, we are not done yet!" Ye Jiayao shouted after him.


    Song Qi escaped quickly. With the Heir-Son Lord taking over his place, he would never return.


    Xia Chunyu frowned and asked, "Not done yet? What are you two doing?"


    Ye Jiayao pointed to the little booklet in her hands. "I am doing some investigation. I am in charge of Little Jing''s grandmother''s birthday feast so I have to do some research on which dried fruits and desserts to use. I have to be the best out there."


    Xia Chunyu was shocked. "Little Jing handed the birthday feast to you? Did Helian Xuan agree to that?"


    This was no simple matter. A birthday feast was not just cooking up a few dishes, there were different aspects involved. Could Yaoyao really handle it?


    Ye Jiayao smiled proudly and replied, "Would Little Jing dare to entrust it to me without the consent of Helian Xuan?"


    "Ay! Don''t look so doubtful. Do you think that I can''t do this?" she continued challengingly.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her blinking large eyes that were shining with a hint of sly threat. For his safety, he was not going to voice his reservations.


    "Then, you go do a good job. Do you need help?"


    "Yes!"


    Xia Chunyu stifled his surprise. You do? Really?


    Ye Jiayao smiled even brighter, pointing at the table full of food. "Help me eat."


    Xia Chunyu''s eyebrows form a deep furrow. He doesn''t usually eat snacks.


    "Try this Split Yellow Pea Cake and this Lotus Cake, and tell me which one tastes better. Tell me how does it compare to the ones you had in the palace or at home." Ye Jiayao passed him the pastries eagerly.


    Xia Chunyu''s heart started beating quickly upon seeing her expectant gaze and her blooming smile. Does this mean she was no longer angry at him? Was this the sun after the storm?


    He took the pastries gladly.


    "How is it?"


    "The Split Yellow Pea is very fine, it melts immediately in the mouth. The fragrance of the pea is strong, but it is a little too sweet, and you could get fed up with this easily. As for the Lotus Cake¡­ it''s soft and sweet, but it is too soft from steaming. It''s not chewy enough. As a whole, it''s not bad." He paused and suddenly exclaimed, "This is from Bai Wei Zhai, isn''t it?"


    Chunyu''s cultured upbringing really shows. His comments are very precise and detailed, unlike the uncouth Song Qi who has nothing to say other than ''nice'' or ''not nice''.


    "Your taste buds are quite keen. Yes, it is from Bai Wei Zhai. Song Qi says that in the whole Jin Ling, Bai Wei Zhai is the best," Ye Jiayao said as she took down some notes of what Chunyu said.


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "Why would you listen to him? Bai Wei Zhai is but a popular brand with long history. Ju Xiang Yuan is actually better. Take the Split Yellow Pea, for example, the color of that in Ju Xiang Yuan is light yellow, making it more attractive. It is fragrant, sweet and refreshing."


    Ye Jiayao looked up. "Song Qi said it with such conviction, though."


    "Ju Xiang Yuan''s shopkeeper is originally a pastry chef from the Imperial kitchen," Xia Chunyu added.


    "No wonder it''s good. I will have to try it tomorrow," Ye Jiayao said. "Here, try this Osmanthus cake."


    Xia Chunyu reluctantly ate another piece. "The smell of the Osmanthus flower is not strong enough. This must be made with last year''s flowers. The best time to eat Osmanthus cake is during the blooming season of the Osmanthus flower. The Osmanthus cakes then are usually made of freshly picked Osmanthus flowers, making them especially fragrant."


    Ye Jiayao clicked her tongue, impressed. "I think you have the potential to be a gourmet."


    "Of course. Even if you bring all the pastries from the various shops in Jin Ling and jumble them up, I would be able to tell which comes from where," he said proudly, looking at her from the corner of his eyes.


    Ye Jiayao pouted. Bluff.


    After eating eight pastries, Xia Chunyu was starting to feel sick. Didn''t Song Qi go out to brew some tea? Where was he? And where was the tea?


    Even if he went up the mountains to pick the tea leaves, he should''ve been back by now.


    Xia Chunyu reached out to take Yaoyao''s teacup.


    Ye Jiayao blocked him. "Hey, I already drank from this."


    "We''ve kissed multiple times, we''ve done other things multiple times... do you really think drinking your tea will bother me?" Xia Chunyu drawled.


    Ye Jiayao blushed but still refused to relinquish her drink.


    Xia Chunyu was annoyed. "I helped you by eating so many of these things, yet you can''t spare me your tea? Do you want me to choke to death?"


    Ye Jiayao instantly felt apologetic. She only tore a small piece of each pastry to try and was already so sick of them. What more of him who has eaten so much?


    "Didn''t Song Qi leave to brew some tea for you?" Ye Jiayao pouted.


    "Do you think he really went to brew some tea?" he replied dryly. "He must have fled away in fear of you force feeding him pastries again. I suffered through that, and yet, you won''t even give me a sip to drink."


    "Take it, take it all. I will just get one myself." Ye Jiayao left her seat to get some tea.


    Xia Chunyu called, "Don''t bother. I haven''t had dinner yet, and now I am filled with pastries. Come with me to get some food to get rid of this taste, otherwise, I am going to puke."


    "It is so late! Go eat by yourself. It is time you should leave, anyway." Since the food tasting has already ended, he could leave.


    Xia Chunyu pointed outside. "Didn''t you hear that it is raining heavily outside? I didn''t come with a horse carriage. I''ll leave when the rain stops."


    Ye Jiayao actually felt like eating something else too, but it was raining outside. There were no boots in this era so walking in the rain would be wet, slushy, and uncomfortable.


    "Why don''t I get the waiter downstairs to lend us their kitchen to make some food?" she suggested.


    After some thought, he said, "Cook some egg fried rice!"


    The first dish Yaoyao made for him was an egg fried rice, the taste of it still fresh in his mouth.

 Chapter 80：What Rights Do You Have To Kiss Her

    Ye Jiayao proceeded to make some food while Xia Chunyu lied down on the bed, reading through her little booklet.


    The booklet was filled with little scribbles of the positive and negative points of every type of dried fruits in detail.


    Xia Chunyu admired how much thought and preparation she was putting on this feast. If it were others, they would''ve just definitely bought some from Bai Wei Zhai or Ju Xiang Yuan out of convenience. The guests would not say much about it either. There were only few who aim for perfection like her.


    He was initially a little worried that she would not do well with this task. However, now, after seeing the lengths she was willing to go to, he knew that she would definitely do great.


    Ye Jiayao carried the finished Yang Zhou fried rice up to her room. Just as she reached the second floor, she heard someone shout, "You think you are formidable with three Kings? I am gonna kill you with a bomb¡­"


    Isn''t that Song Qi''s voice?


    Ye Jiayao followed the voice to a room. She leaned forward to peer through the crack of the door and saw Song Qi and a few guards playing cards.


    I thought this fellow was going to brew tea?


    Ye Jiayao decided to leave this alone for now and continued to her room.


    Xia Chunyu sat up upon smelling the fragrance of the fried rice. He moved the few things on the bed and said, "Eat here, by the window. It is cooler."


    "There isn''t any beef in the kitchen so I used pork. There is also no vegetables left so I added pickled cabbage. If you say anything bad about this, I''ll dump this over your head," Ye Jiayao declared upfront, knowing that this chap was extremely picky about food.


    Xia Chunyu shrugged. "So what? Before you came up the mountains, I ate worse food than that and survived."


    "I made so many delicious foods for you every day, but you always made it seem like you don''t like it!" Just thinking about it was making Ye Jiayao''s blood boil.


    Xia Chunyu explained, "I am not clear about your background then! I thought you were a spy sent by First-in-charge! You have to admit that it''s strange that they didn''t keep a beautiful woman for themselves. First-in-charge has always been wary of me so I was naturally suspicious."


    Ye Jiayao cooled down a bit after hearing him praise her beauty. Still, she glared at him and said, "Excuses."


    Xia Chunyu didn''t say anything more. He told her the truth.


    Although there wasn''t an abundance of ingredients, only pork cubes, and eggs, everything Yaoyao made was delicious.


    He wasn''t actually hungry. He just missed her egg fried rice so he was able to clean his whole bowl out.


    He glanced at her and noticed that the rice in her bowl hasn''t decreased much.


    "If you''re not eating, just give it to me." Xia Chunyu stared at her bowl.


    Ye Jiayao covered her bowl quickly. "You have already eaten a lot! I especially gave you a big bowl."


    "Who said that every grain and meal does not come easy, that we shouldn''t waste food, hmm? Besides, I took a trip to the Purple Mountains today and I used up a lot of energy. I need to eat more." Xia Chunyu snatched her bowl over and poured half of the rice into his bowl before promptly returning it to her.


    "If there ever is a famine, whoever is with you will definitely starve to death," Ye Jiayao said gloomily.


    Xia Chunyu smiled as he looked at her, his eyes as dark as obsidians. "You don''t have to worry about that. I wouldn''t let you starve even if it means I have to cut my flesh out."


    Ye Jiayao was a little embarrassed. What does that mean? Was she really that important to him?


    Ye Jiayao scooped rice into her mouth silently. She looked up when she felt a set of heavy eyes on her.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Ye Jiayao snapped.


    Xia Chunyu pointed at her cheek. "There''s a grain of rice."


    Ye Jiayao wiped it hurriedly. There isn''t any!


    "Are you lying?" Ye Jiayao demanded, her eyes narrowing.


    Xia Chunyu lowered his head and resumed eating his rice. "It was there just now. It''s gone already."


    His lips turned up into a faint smile. He was genuinely enjoying simple things like this. There was a time that he thought that there would never be a chance for them to eat face to face like this again. The scene right now was so similar to the night they got married. The only difference was Yaoyao was meeker then.


    "Chunyu, guess where Song Qi went," Ye Jiayao quizzed.


    Xia Chunyu replied lazily, "He won''t be next door, definitely not sitting in the lobby downstairs... I would have to say that he is hiding somewhere playing Doubles."


    Ye Jiayao looked at him in surprise. It seemed like he knew his henchman well.


    Xia Chunyu gave her a faint smile. "Are you going to Ju Xiang Yuan tomorrow?"


    "Yes. I would have to take a look since you gave it such a high praise."


    "I''ll get Song Qi to accompany you there. I will fork out the money, you get Song Qi to try all the pastries there until he does not have the strength to play cards," Xia Chunyu said.


    That fellow is getting out of control. How dare he throw me, his boss, the tough job and sneak away to play cards?


    Ye Jiayao found that a bit too mean, but she had to admit that it was a good idea.


    Outside, the rain had already stopped.


    "You should be going, it is very late," Ye Jiayao urged.


    Xia Chunyu seemed to sigh. "Yeah, it is time to go back."


    He knew that he should leave but he really didn''t want to go. However, he dared not stay either. Improving his relationship with Yaoyao was more of a hard work than he originally thought.


    "Then I shall get going. Tomorrow, though, I might not have the time to come over." Xia Chunyu rose, wishing to see a hint of disappointment from her expression, but he found none.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Go do what you need to do. There isn''t much here, anyway."


    Xia Chunyu was melancholic and frustrated. How could he get through to her?


    "Go, go! I am tired," Ye Jiayao hurried him on continuously.


    Xia Chunyu frowned, walking out quickly.


    Ye Jiayao followed behind to walk him out the door for courtesy purposes. She was not really paying attention to him so she didn''t realize that he stopped just before the door. Her face smashed into his back unceremoniously.


    Ye Jiayao covered her nose in pain, grumbling, "Why did you stop so suddenly?"


    "I forgot something," Xia Chunyu said thoughtfully.


    Ye Jiayao was about to ask him what it was when he leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead.


    He said in a calm, deep voice, "I''ll come again tomorrow."


    Then he turned around and walked out.


    Ye Jiayao stared blankly at the open doorway for a long while.


    Why did she let him kiss her? Why didn''t she slap him to the next continent? Didn''t all the dramas have that scene? Did he think that just by helping her out he gets to have some sort of payment? Did he think that just because she was nice to him this time, she has forgiven him completely?


    Even if she has forgiven him, that does not mean that she has accepted him back.


    There were too many problems between them. They weren''t even in the same social status! Even if they did end up together, what would become of her? His concubine? Always wary of the first wife? No, thank you. There was no meaning to a life like that.


    Ye Jiayao closed the door angrily.


    Early next morning, Ye Jiayao headed to Ju Xiang Yuan and bought a ton of pastries. Song Qi flinched the moment they entered the shop.


    "Brother Yao, why do you have to buy so many pastries every day? Are you thinking of opening a pastry shop?" Song Qi sounded her out carefully.


    Ye Jiayao smiled as though she was keeping a big secret. "I have plans for that!"


    Song Qi resisted the urge to wail like a child. He was hoping that Sister-in-law would open a restaurant so he could get free meals. If she opened a pastry shop, would he be frequently asked over to do taste testing?


    "Brother Yao, I think that a restaurant is better than a pastry shop. See, people would only buy one or two boxes of pastries at most. However, if they eat a meal, they would order a whole table of food. That is very lucrative. For things like pastries, they only attract women and not men."


    Ye Jiayao said leisurely, "Then I''ll set up both a restaurant and a pastry shop to accommodate all markets."


    You have such a huge appetite, Song Qi thought.


    "Song Qi, after this, bring all these pastries¡­" Ye Jiayao trailed off, gleefully observing his face slowly crumble.


    "Brother Yao, spare me, please. I had so much last night that I feel like I can go without food for the next seven days. Why don''t I find some servants for you to do the food tasting?" Song Qi pleaded.


    Ye Jiayao could not resist her laughter. "I haven''t finished what I wanted to say, why are you in such a hurry? I want you to bring the pastries back to Heavenly Residence. Today, I want to treat the brothers."


    Song Qi immediately straightened his back, beaming into a smile. "I can do that."


    After the busy lunch hour, Ye Jiayao called everyone for a meeting. This meeting, however, has better welfare because other than tea, there were pastries.


    "Come, all of you. Try these and tell me the unique qualities of each pastry." Ye Jiayao opened up the boxes, taking the pastries out.


    Deng Haichuan was bewildered. "Brother Yao, why did you get so many pastries? Aren''t the dishes more important?"


    Ye Jiayao patted his shoulder endearingly. "Haichuan, that''s not all of it. Of course, you have to make good dishes, but there are already many people in Jin Ling who can cook very well. Pastries are in a different league. If you can come up with some innovative and unique flavors, guests will surely remember that. The brilliance often lies in the details. There is a saying that goes, ''success or failure depends on the details''. Didn''t we say that our goal isn''t to just have a smooth-sailing, but to amaze the world?"


    Everyone nodded pensively, seeming to have understood Ye Jiayao''s point.


    "In a feast, the dishes are the key components, yes, but the arrangement of drinks, dried fruits, pastries, and desserts are important as well. Even the plate that you use, the chopsticks, and the spoons can become the determining factors of our success. We have to pay close attention to every detail and strive for perfection," Ye Jiayao continued.


    Zhong Xiang gave out the pastries to others. "Eat, taste them carefully, and we can all discuss the various opinions that we have."


    Zhong Xiang felt that compared to Li Yao, he was miles behind. Li Yao was someone with opinions, someone who controls the situation through the little details - just like a general devising a battle plan.


    Ye Jiayao has already drafted out the dishes for the birthday feast and has also settled the dried fruits yesterday. Only the pastries were left. She was still undecided. She wanted to wait for everyone to finish eating and discussing before she finalized it.


    She was considering four desserts: Split Yellow Pea Cake, Walnut Cakes, Thousand Layer Cake, and Kidney Bean Roll.


    "Li Yao, these are all very common pastries. You said you are going to come up with something new, how are you planning to go about doing it?" Zhong Xiang was uncertain.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Innovation comes from deep pondering. Everyone, think these all through. I am going to the Helian Mansion, and if the menu is settled, we can start tomorrow."

 Chapter 81：Chunyus Mother

    This was Ye Jiayao''s first time to go the Helian Mansion so she now only realized that the Helian Mansion and the Jing An Marquis'' mansion was actually very near each other. They were just two streets apart.


    The gatekeeper went to announce her arrival and shortly after, Helian Jing welcomed her with quick steps.


    "Big Yaoyao, you are finally here! I have waited for so long." Helian Jing didn''t dare to step foot outside the house at all in fear that he would miss Yaoyao when he comes.


    "Did I hold you up?" Ye Jiayao asked, embarrassed.


    "No, not at all. I am just anxious, and also, Mother said that she wants to confirm the menu personally," Helian Jing said. "But, don''t worry, my mother is very easy-going. She won''t give you much of a hard time."


    Despite his reassurance, Helian Jing was still uncertain. He had thought that he only needed his brother''s consent in this matter, so his mother''s interference was a surprise. If Big Yaoyao was rejected again, Helian Jing didn''t know if he could face him again.


    Ye Jiayao scoffed, "I am not worried. It is actually good that your mother would be taking matters into her hands. At least, she knows more than you do."


    If it was just Little Jing, he would approve everything on the menu without even looking at it properly. It would be better if the old princess herself goes through it so Ye Jiayao could get an honest opinion.


    In the mansion''s main room.


    Princess Yu De was in the middle of chatting with Jing An Marquis'' lady, Xia You. For the past three years, their topic has always been on the marriage of their sons.


    Both families have outstanding sons, the cream of the crop. Chunyu was 21 years of age while Helian Xuan was already 23. Most men at that age were already fathers, but both boys had yet to settle down. Mainly because they were both too busy, but also because they were very opinionated and have high standards. They were never satisfied with their parents'' arrangement so their marriage just kept getting delayed.


    Luckily, there were certain prospects for Chunyu''s marriage. However, Xia You was a bit worried seeing as her future daughter-in-law seemed a little unsettled.


    "Liu Li is a little willful, but she is still young. It is only normal for her to be curious about the things outside the palace. Whose child isn''t just a bit mischievous? I feel that the Empress Dowager is making a mountain out of a molehill this time," Princess Yu De said nonchalantly.


    Xia You forced a smile. Liu Li is Princess Yu De''s niece, so naturally, Yu De would side with Liu Li.


    Her initial excitement about this marriage proposal had already faded. If Chunyu really marries Liu Li, his future would be bright and it would bring great things to the Xia family. However, with Liu Li''s powerful guardians, there was a strong possibility that Chunyu would just get bullied by this pampered and willful princess. Besides, if Liu Li ended up living in their mansion, Xia You was going to have to bow down to her daughter-in-law''s will.


    She always had the last say in the Marquis Mansion and she was used to being the one who calls the shots. It would be difficult for her to accept the sudden appearance of someone with a higher status suppressing her.


    Therefore, these past few days, she had been in a conflicted turmoil.


    "Empress Dowager also did it with Liu Li''s interest in mind," Xia You reminded Yu De.


    "Liu Li merely had fun out of the palace once. What is the big deal? When I was her age, I was also extremely curious about the world outside the palace. I would dress up as a little eunuch and sneak out several times! That was also when I met the prince¡­" Princess Yu De''s lips lifted into a reminiscent smile, her gaze seeming to drift off.


    Xia You didn''t know how to react to that. Mm, you did great sneaking out, sneaking a beautiful marriage out, sneaking a happy-ever-after out, perhaps Liu Li would be as lucky as you¡­


    The problem was that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor think highly of Chunyu. In their minds, what was left to discuss of this marriage was just its announcement. It should be time for Liu Li to control herself and await the marriage instead of sneaking out of the palace like an errant child.


    Xia You just lowered her head to drink her tea to attempt to conceal the awkwardness.


    Luckily, Princess Yu De did not reminisce the past for too long. She sighed and said, "The Empress Dowager is just too uptight over Liu Li. She is the only one left in our seventh brother''s family so she''s being very overprotective. The Empress Dowager originally planned to finalize Liu Li and Chunyu''s marriage before Mid-Autumn, but there had been trouble with West Mongolia recently and the Emperor is very worried. I heard from Xuan-er that they might have to dispatch some troops."


    Xia You secretly heaved a sigh of relief, grateful for the sudden change of subject. She thought that it was lucky that West Mongolia got in trouble, or else, Chunyu would''ve been rushed into marriage.


    Xia You was puzzled by her reaction. Why was she glad that the wedding got postponed? Could it be that between the interest of the Marquis Mansion and her personal preference, she was choosing the latter? She has to think this matter through thoroughly.


    "Reporting to the Princess, the birthday feast''s chef is here with the menu. Young Royal Highness asks if you would like to take a look?" the servant reported.


    "Where is he?" Yu De Princess asked.


    "He is currently waiting in the reception pavilion," the servant replied.


    Seeing that Yu De had something to settle, Xia You rose to take her leave. She had only come today to find out about the incident on Liu Li''s punishment, but as soon as she and Yu De got talking, time got away from her.


    Yu De stopped her from leaving. "Don''t be in a hurry to leave yet, go with me to take a look. I heard that this chef is new. I don''t like this, but this is Little Jing''s first task and he is putting all his effort on this. I don''t think he''d take a heavy blow like this well. Just back me up in there so he would dispel the intention of hiring that chef."


    For the second time, Xia You didn''t know how to respond to what Yu De said. So you''re dragging me along so I can be the bearer of bad news? You want me to play the bad guy so your son doesn''t hate you?


    "In my opinion, newbies have their benefits. After all, only newbies can come up with new tricks. Since Little Jing thinks so highly of him, he must have his merits. Don''t worry too much. Besides, Little Jing is a sensible child, if he gets shot down, I''m sure he''d understand. This is the Old Lady''s big event so I''m sure he knew that this can''t be done carelessly," Xia You refused tactfully.


    "The severity of the feast doesn''t matter because he allows his emotions to affect his decisions. I heard that this chef was his friend. I asked him a few questions about this last night, and he got annoyed and frustrated. I''ve pampered him since he was young so my words would not weigh as much as yours to him. Come with me. You can provide more opinion, and if I left anything out, you can cover for me." Princess Yu De pulled Lady Xia You over resolutely.


    Xia You was unable to refuse, but she vowed that she would not play the bad guy.


    In the reception pavilion, Helian Jing was in awe after taking a look at the menu Big Yaoyao had prepared.


    "Big Yaoyao, this is too detailed! How did you think of all these? This is almost the standard of an Imperial feast! The one from Fu Ji pales in comparison with yours."


    Of course, it is the standard of an Imperial Feast. This is the improved version of the Imperial Feast with the best reputation in history.


    "Does it violate the regulations and system of the ceremony?" This was the only thing that Ye Jiayao was worried about. The ancient feudal society was strict with hierarchy, paying particular attention to eating, dressing, and even marrying. The consequences were dire if the boundaries were crossed.


    Helian Jing replied, "There are regulations for the ceremony, but my grandmother''s status deserve the standards of an Imperial Feast."


    His grandmother was the only first-class lady who got her title granted by the Imperial court in Huai Song. Her son was the only king with a different surname who got bestowed the title due to his outstanding contributions. On top of that, her daughter-in-law was the Emperor''s blood sister, the Empress Dowager''s blood daughter, Princess Yu De. Even if the Empress Dowager summons her in, she was allowed to be on an equal footing with her.


    Ye Jiayao said, "If you think that this is too extravagant, I still have two other plans with me. I designed a total of three sets in different grades."


    Her experience in the modern workplace had taught her to plan backups in case the first proposal got rejected. Failing to prepare for possible changes or refusal would be equivalent to passing up an opportunity.


    Helian Jing thought about it for a while before he said, "My mother likes extravagance while my grandmother prefers frugality. My brother likes parties to not be overly extravagant that it makes people jealous, but not too simple either that it becomes a laughing stock. He kind of prefers moderate feasts."


    Ye Jiayao nodded in understanding. It really didn''t surprise her that Helian Xuan was the most thorough with his considerations. "Then I better let your mother look at the middle-grade menu later on."


    Helian Jing shook his head. "My mother would definitely like this set. The more extravagant it is, the more she will like it. Let her take a look at this first. If there is anything to be taken out, we''ll let grandmother do it. If you take the middle grade or the low grade to her straight away, she would definitely reject it on sight."


    In the middle of their conversation, Princess Yu De and Lady Xia You entered the room.


    With both their graceful presence and bearings of upper-class women, Ye Jiayao could not tell which one was Little Jing''s mother. Both of them didn''t seem to resemble Little Jing or Helian Xuan. However, the lady with an oval face looked very familiar. She just couldn''t recall when or where she saw her.


    Helian Jing rushed forward to bow. He greeted with a smile, "Mother, I thought you wouldn''t have the time to come over because Auntie is here!"


    "Your grandmother''s birthday feast is not important only to our family. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor place high importance on it and have even asked about it several times. Of course, I have to be here to check on it, Little Jing," Princess Yu De said.


    Helian Jing did not reply to his mother, but instead, turned to greet Xia You. "How are you, Auntie? What is Brother Chunyu busy with these days? He doesn''t drop by to play anymore."


    Ye Jiayao''s heart skipped a beat. She looked so familiar because this was Chunyu''s mother! Sh*t! I''m not prepared for this!


    After greeting Xia You, Helian Jing introduced Ye Jiayao, "Mother, this is Li Yao, the head chef of Heavenly Residence that I mentioned to you before."


    Ye Jiayao cupped one fist in the other hand, bowing respectfully.


    Princess Yu De shot a glance at Ye Jiayao. So young? This is more of a disaster than I thought.

 Chapter 82：Sidelines

    Ye Jiayao was not a stranger to the suspicious and negative look Elder Princess Yi De was giving her. For a man, she was considered scrawny and ''pretty'' so everyone looked at him as just some naive kid. She knew that this would not be the first nor the last time that she would have to face rigorous questionings because of what she looked like.


    She would rather be doubted and questioned than be ugly.


    Elder Princess Yi De and Lady Xia You took a seat. Elder Princess Yi De did not invite Big Yaoyao to sit, so Helian Jing decided to stand with him.


    "What restaurants have you worked at before?" Elder Princess Yi De asked.


    Ye Jiayao could make up a fake background like she did when the people at Heavenly Residence asked her, but somehow, lying didn''t feel right to her with Chunyu''s mom present. On the other hand, her resume was too unimpressive and certainly doesn''t speak the extent of her skills.


    With a prayer, she answered, "Honestly, the biggest restaurant I''ve worked at so far is Heavenly Residence. I was traveling all around the country before that, tasting all the delicious foods, learning about the essence of Northern and Southern foods and fusing Eastern and Western cuisines. However, I don''t believe that my resume, or any resume for that matter, is a way to judge skills and probability for success. In a few years, though, I believe that not one single person in Jin Ling will ask me that question again."


    Elder Princess Yi De took a sharp intake of breath. This kid was really arrogant. Was he just young and frivolous, or does he really have the skill he was claiming?


    Helian Jing looked at Ye Jiayao with a mix of respect and admiration.


    Lady Xia You, on the other hand, regarded the young chef with interest. It was seldom that someone could one-up Elder Princess Yi De.


    "You are quite confident," Elder Princess Yi De remarked with a glare.


    Ye Jiayao smiled calmly and answered, "I''m not being proud, but I''m also not going to pretend to be modest and downplay what I can do."


    Ye Jiayao had always believed that the best way to beat the arrogance and prejudice of superiors was to be prouder than they were. She was not going to roll over for anyone, princess or not.


    Elder Princess Yi De already had doubts about Li Yao''s skills and age, and the way he talked was not helping him convince her otherwise. She found him arrogant, brash, and... distasteful.


    Helian Jing was aware of his mother''s temper ¨C the prettier her smile, the worse the situation was about to get. He quickly handed her the menu. "Mum, this is the menu that Li Yao created. What do you think?"


    Elder Princess Yi De took the menu leisurely. She was already completely uninterested and dissuaded but she could not ignore Little Jing''s eager and pleading look. She was prepared to glance over the menu for a few seconds and declare it lackluster. However, as soon as she made her way down the list, her mind quickly changed.


    She had hosted all kinds of banquets, family banquets, seasonal banquets, and banquets for guests. She had also held feasts for celebrating the first month of a newborn, passing the civil examinations, birthdays, and even feasts for the Imperial family. In that vast experience, she had never seen a menu as detailed as this.


    Li Yao listed everything, from the choice of plates and bowls to the tea and dried fruits and cakes to be served before the banquet. It contained the number of pickled dishes, the number of appetizers, the number of hot dishes, and even the longevity of the noodles. Every part and aspect of the banquet was accounted for.


    Every dish had a name with an auspicious meaning. There were notes marked for the ingredients needed, a brief description of the cooking method, and the characteristics and efficacy. There were even some dishes that she had never heard of before.


    Elder Princess Yi De found the menu extraordinary. The balance of meat and vegetables, the nutritional value, and the choice of delicacies from land and sea were all very particular. It was definitely presentable and fit for a feast. In fact, it could very well compete with an Imperial Feast.


    Elder Princess Yi De handed the menu over to Lady Xia You who carefully read it over.


    Lady Xia You asked, "You can cook all the dishes that are listed on this menu?"


    "Yes. If you''d like further assurance, I can cook a few dishes first for you to sample," Ye Jiayao replied.


    "Mum, that''s a great idea," Helian Jing chimed in. He would''ve definitely rained down praises on Big Yaoyao in the past, but he has learned to play it smart now. His mother has her notions and prejudices against Big Yaoyao and Helian Jing complimenting him would not help. He would have to just let Big Yaoyao''s cooking speak for itself.


    "There are a few dishes which might not be able to be done by tomorrow, like the hundred year fish. Ingredients such as fresh white mushrooms are not easy to find and will take some time," Ye Jiayao clarified with a polite smile.


    "Let''s skip over this first," Elder Princess Yi De said. "I want to ask you about the seasonal dessert called ''Reunite (Tuantuan Yuanyuan)''. What is this and why is there a question mark next to it?"


    Ye Jiayao answered, "The elder''s birthday is on the 28th of July, close to the mid-autumn of August. The dessert would allow everyone to eat mooncake in advance, symbolizing the reunion of every year. I marked it with a question mark because this mooncake is one that I have created. It was originally going to be launched in August, so no one has tried it so far. Also, it is quite expensive, so I am not too sure if you would like to add it to the menu."


    "What type of mooncake is it?" Lady Xia You asked curiously. She had never understood what was so delicious about sweet mooncakes, whether it be Suzhou-style, or Cantonese style or Beijing style. However, she was intrigued if this new type of mooncake would finally be the one she would like.


    Ye Jiayao subtly shook her nerves off. This is Chunyu''s mum!


    "To be precise, there are two types of mooncakes. Before the launch, these are all considered trade secrets, but since you asked, I''ll reveal a bit of information about them. One of them is called the Crystal Mooncake. The skin of the cake is clear like crystal, soft, and bouncy. The filling is made from various fruits and it is sweet, but not sickly so. The other type is called Ice Cream Mooncake. This ice cream is what my master learned from Western countries oceans away. It is so good it''s addicting," Ye Jiayao described, already missing the taste of ice cream. She reminisced how her worries would fade away as she enjoys a cup of blueberry ice cream in a dessert cafe with airconditioning in midsummer time.


    Lady Xia You and Elder Princess Yi De exchanged a glance, both perplexed and fascinated.


    This was also the first time Helian Jing heard of something like this, but he was absolutely confident in Big Yaoyao''s ability.


    "Mum and Auntie, have you heard of the chilled drinks that are popular in Jin Ling now? Like the iced pink lady and iced peach milk?" Helian Jing asked.


    Yi De frowned a little. "I think I heard that Liu Li left the palace to have a taste of these cold drinks. Are those really that good?"


    Helian Jing smiled proudly and said, "I''ll go out and buy some for you to try tomorrow. These cold drinks were created by Li Yao and they are now the most popular drinks in Jin Ling."


    "Young Royal Highness, there is no need for you to go out and buy it yourself. If you want them, I can send some over anytime," Ye Jiayao said.


    Helian Jing turned to Big Yaoyao and exclaimed excitedly, "Really?" He could turn this as an excuse to invite him over.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him with a smile on her face, but her eyes conveyed a menacing look. Of course, not really! If she had to come over everytime he calls her, she would never get anything done. I like you, Little Jinjing, but you really are slow sometimes.


    Helian Jing, quickly realizing his blunder, looked away and scratched his head awkwardly.


    Ye Jiayao returned back to the topic at hand, "The cost of making these two mooncakes are very high and there are many steps involved, so the price really cannot be decreased. The price of a small Ice Cream Mooncake will be at least five taels of silver, and the Crystal Mooncakes would not be cheaper than three taels each. If I were to include all the guests, well... the cost would be frighteningly high. I marked it with a question mark so you can decide whether to include it or not."


    Elder Princess Yi De gracefully touched her pearl headpin and gave a slight smile that hinted of her arrogance. "As long as it is actually good, this amount of silver is nothing."


    According to the plan, there would be thirty-six tables for the feast, each table would seat ten people, so there were three hundred and sixty people in total. Five taels for each person meant that it won''t be over two thousand taels. That was not frighteningly high. This little chef was underestimating the Helian Mansion.


    "According to your menu, each table is already a few hundred taels. Why would Elder Princess mind about this small amount when she has already spent so much? What''s important is that the food is truly good," Lady Xia You spoke with a slight smile.


    Yi De wanted her to find faults, but Lady Xia You did not want to listen to her. She thought that this chef, a younger age than most, would have new and refreshing ideas. The Ice Cream Mooncake he mentioned was very unfamiliar and hard to imagine, but Lady Xia You was already looking forward to it.


    She has also thought that the menu was designed quite well. Heavenly Residence was quite famous in Jin Ling City and if this young man was able to become a head chef there, how bad could he be? She was in favor of letting this chef handle the feast.


    At first, Ye Jiayao thought that Chunyu''s mother was agreeing with Elder Princess. However, as the conversation progressed, it seemed that Lady Xia You was backing the Elder Princess to a corner. If Little Jing''s mother back out now, it would look like that she found the menu too expensive.


    Elder Princess Yi De hesitated for a bit. It wasn''t because of the money. It didn''t even matter how much it cost. She also didn''t have any problems with the menu. No. It was because the empress dowager told her yesterday to just leave the birthday feast to the Imperial chefs if there was no one suitable. Elder Princess Yi De just so happened to agree that letting the Imperial chefs take over was more appropriate.


    "Mum, come on, let''s settle this. If we debate any longer, it will just hold everything up. Big brother and I both believe that Li Yao can do this," Helian Jing urged.


    Lady Xia You shot a glance at Elder Princess Yi De who was still deliberating and said mischievously, "Next year, my Lord will be turning fifty. We''re going to hold a feast then, too. I''m telling you now, Li Yao, when we ask you then, you can''t make the prices any higher."


    Ye Jiayao was touched. Who knew that Chunyu''s mum could be so kind?

 Chapter 83：An Unlucky Person

    Half an hour later, Helian Jing escorted Ye Jiayao and Lady Xia You out of the mansion.


    When it was time to part, Ye Jiayao bowed and said to Lady Xia You, "Thank you for speaking for me before, Lady Xia You."


    Lady Xia You just turned to Helian Jing and said, "Little Jing, if you have time, you should come to our mansion, Chunfeng came back yesterday."


    Ye Jiayao awkwardly straightened her posture, her lips pulling up in the slightest. Fine, I''ll just get ignored. Stupid me, thinking that Chunyu''s mum really liked me.


    "Really? Wasn''t he going to come back at the end of the year together with his father?" Helian Jing asked, surprised.


    "He is not accustomed to that side where there is yellow sand everywhere. It is only your uncle who can stay in those types of places," Lady Xia You said in a mocking tone, a hint of bitterness in her smile.


    "Well, that''s good! I''ll go and find him tomorrow," Helian Jing replied happily as he escorted Lady Xia You to her carriage.


    "Well, I''ll also be leaving now," Ye Jiayao said, "I''ll come and find you if there are any problems."


    Helian Jing said, "I''ll go to Heavenly Residence for dinner tomorrow. Leave some dishes and cold drinks for me, okay? I''ll invite Xia Chunfeng, Brother Chunyu''s younger brother. He''s one year older than me and we played together all the time when we were younger."


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "Xia Chunfeng? Will he look similar to his older brother?"


    Helian Jing ignored her question and said instead, "I''m also going to invite someone else."


    "That''s not a problem. You can invite whoever and as many people as you wish. I''ll reserve the Lotus Attic for you."


    Ye Jiayao waved goodbye and left.


    Helian Jing silently watched Big Yaoyao walk away. The person I wanted to invite is you¡­


    Song Qi was waiting for Ye Jiayao at the street corner. "Did you get the deal, Brother Yao?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled secretively and responded, "It was all thanks to your Lady."


    She was beginning to understand why Lady Xia You helped her. It was not because she favored her, but most likely because Lady Xia You and Elder Princess Yi De were at odds. Chunyu''s mother sided with Ye Jiayao simply because she wanted to spite Elder Princess Yi De.


    "I was kind of worried when I saw my Lady walk out of the Helian Mansion," Song Qi admitted.


    "What were you worried about? That I would be eaten by your Lady?" Ye Jiayao joked.


    "It just seems a bit unexpected that you two would meet like this."


    Ye Jiayao lowered her eyes. Yes, it was indeed unexpected.


    "Let''s go and have a look around at the bronze shops," Ye Jiayao said, changing the topic.


    "Bronze shops? Are you buying bronze ware, Brother Yao? What for? Bronze cauldron? Bronze pot?" Song Qi was puzzled. Don''t most people use iron made cooking utensils?


    "Ice holder," Ye Jiayao simply said.


    However, the ice holder she wanted was not the big and heavy ones which required a lot of complex work. She wanted a simple ice holder to sell the Ice Cream Mooncake in so that it could be stored for at least three to five days. Preservation was the key because if the ice cream melted, the Ice Cream Mooncake would not be worth much.


    The place for bronze casting ware and forging iron were on the same street and the name was also easy to remember ¨C Forging Iron Alley. The livelihood of the people here depended on iron forging or other trades that extended from it. Even before walking into the alley, the clanging sounds of forging iron could already be heard.


    Ye Jiayao walked up and down the alley and found out that there was only one shop for bronze ware. She could only hope that the master here could make what she wanted.


    Ye Jiayao took out her design and discussed with the master for a long time. Overall, the ice holder was separated into two simple layers. One of the layers had ice in between and the inner layer was for food. It had to be lightweight as well as presentable.


    The master pondered over it for a while before saying, "I''ll have a try first. You can come back three days later and see the goods. However, if I can''t make it, you won''t be able to find anyone else in Jin Ling."


    "Okay, I''ll leave this to you." Ye Jiayao paid the deposit.


    By the time Ye Jiayao and Song Qi left Forging Iron Alley, it was already dusk.


    "Brother Yao, you''re not going back to Heavenly Residence, right? How about we go to Fragrant House for tonight''s dinner?" Song Qi suggested.


    Ye Jiayao liked that idea. "Yeah, let''s go. I was also thinking of going to try Chef Niu''s dishes."


    Although the birthday banquet was important, she could not fall behind in the cooking competition. She heard that the rules for the competition were going to be out in mid-July.


    Song Qi initially thought that it was going to take a lot of effort to complete the mission that Heir-Son Lord had tasked him with. Who knew that Miss Ye would agree right away?


    Ye Jiayao observed the surroundings of Fragrant House and quickly realized why this restaurant was able to earn so much. There were many chambers of commerce, security firms and banks in the area, so there was no need to worry about the source of customers. Not to mention that these people were all quite wealthy. It would also be very convenient to come to Fragrant House to celebrate once they close a deal.


    Song Qi immediately purchased the best private room. Ye Jiayao knew that if they sat outside, they wouldn''t get to taste Chef Niu''s cooking, but she still found it a bit wasteful to rent such an expensive room for just the two of them.


    After ordering, Ye Jiayao excused herself to go to the bathroom.


    Although the ancient bathrooms were simple, there was an advantage. One bathroom holds only one person, disregardless of the gender. It rid of Ye Jiayao''s worries as to whether she''d have to go to the men''s or women''s bathrooms. It was also private so she could rest assured - as long she doesn''t accidentally step in the hole.


    The sign on the bathroom door said that it was occupied. Ye Jiayao waited for a long while, but no one came out.


    "Is anyone in there?" she called out.


    Silence.


    "Is there anyone in? If there''s no one there, I''m going to come in," Ye Jiayao called again.


    Someone hurriedly replied, "It''s occupied!"


    Then why didn''t you say something earlier? She wondered how long this person has been squatting there. Diarrhea? Constipation?


    Ye Jiayao waited for some more, cursing internally.


    A few minutes later, the person weakly asked, "Excuse me, is it possible to borrow a piece of toilet paper?"


    Ye Jiayao glared daggers at the ''occupied'' sign on the door. You were stuck in there because you didn''t bring any toilet paper? This person really has a problem with speaking up when needed to.


    Ye Jiayao felt around for a piece of paper. Just as she was about to pass it in, the person inside the bathroom said, "I can buy it from you. What do you think about ten coppers for a piece of paper?"


    Well, looks like we have Mr. Money Bags here. A pile of toilet paper costs only two copper coins! "How about five taels of silver because there isn''t even enough for me here," Ye Jiayao jested.


    She was surprised when he actually agreed. "Fine, five taels."


    An ingot of silver was thrown to her.


    Ye Jiayao was laughing hysterically on the inside. Who knew that she could earn five taels just by going to the bathroom? The guy inside must be some rich prodigal son.


    That was alright since Ye Jiayao doesn''t really feel bad about earning money from rich people.


    "Okay, I''ll be giving you the only two pieces of toilet paper I have," Ye Jiayao said and shoved the two pieces of paper inside before returning to the hall with the silver.


    The guy inside must be embarrassed and he probably didn''t want people to see him stuck in the bathroom. She also didn''t want to be recognized as the person who rips off others so its best that she waited away from the bathroom.


    Not long after, a man wearing pale green silk clothing walked out of the bathroom and headed upstairs, his head bent low.


    Only then did Ye Jiayao wandered about to the bathroom.


    Once she returned to the private room they rented, she unexpectedly found that Song Qi had turned into Xia Chunyu.


    "Why are you here? Where''s Song Qi?"


    "Why are you gone for so long? I thought you fell in."


    The two spoke at the same time and stared at each other, both waiting for an answer.


    Xia Chunyu was the first one to break the silence. "Didn''t I say yesterday that I would come?"


    Ye Jiayao didn''t remember that because she was pretty certain that he did not say anything about coming to eat with her. However, she couldn''t be bothered arguing with him as she knew that nothing good would come out of it anyway.


    Xia Chunyu told the waiter to bring the dishes and ordered him out.


    "I heard that you are taking care of the old princess'' birthday feast?" he began.


    "Yes," Ye Jiayao calmly answered as she poured a cup of tea for herself.


    Xia Chunyu handed his cup over, motioning for her to serve him some. Ye Jiayao reluctantly poured a cup for him.


    "I also heard that you met my mum today?"


    "Yes," Ye Jiayao replied once again.


    Xia Chunyu felt a bit uneasy with her acting so indifferent towards him. Was it because he kissed her last night? This just piled up to his anxiety about his mum and Yaoyao''s meeting. That ruined all his plans.


    "My mum didn''t make it difficult for you?" Xia Chunyu asked in a casual pretense, his deep black eyes locked on her face, looking for any slight changes in her expression.


    Ye Jiayao looked up slightly and glanced at him. "In your mum''s eyes, I''m just a chef. I''m not cooking a banquet for your family, so I have nothing to do with her. Why would she even bother making things difficult for me?" Ye Jiayao responded with a hint of self-ridicule.


    Xia Chunyu thought about it. She was right. His mother had always disregarded things that had nothing to do with her. Yaoyao was cooking for the Helian family, so his mother couldn''t care less about her.


    There was nothing to be worried about. His frown turned into a smile. He said merrily, "Where do you want to eat tomorrow? Qi Lin Pavilion? Or Vegetarian House?"


    "Why are you taking me out to eat?" Ye Jiayao looked at him warily.


    "The food at home doesn''t taste good. Helian Xuan is also very busy now, so there is no one to eat with me beside you," Xia Chunyu answered idly.


    Ye Jiayao scoffed, "Are you seriously telling me that you can''t find anyone else to eat with you? I''m pretty sure that if you call out on the streets for a dinner companion, people would queue up."


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "Eating is not just about the dishes. The mood as you eat is also important, and that mood is greatly dependent on who you''re eating with. Eating with you is good for my mood. First, we have similar tastes in food. Second, you have the plain face that could help people focus on their meals..."


    Ye Jiayao glared at him fiercely. You stupid donkey! Did you really just say that I look plain?

 Chapter 84：Enemies Meet

    Xia Chunyu saw her face darken and immediately backpedaled, not wanting to make her angrier at him than she already was. "I''m kidding, I''m kidding. Lighten up, Yaoyao."


    "I actually heard about this culinary competition and I wanted to bring you around to some of the more popular restaurants to familiarize yourself with your opponents'' skills. It''s helpful to at least know what you''re going up against, right?" he continued.


    "How do you know about the culinary competition? Who did you hear it from?" Ye Jiayao asked curiously.


    As if Xia Chunyu would tell her that he had a few drinks with Manager Du from Laifu Motel who blabbered everything out to him. He replied nonchalantly, "Who else? Song Qi, of course. That chap is a really good informant, you know."


    Yes, as a matter of fact, she did know. All the brothers in Black Wind Ridge thought that Song Qi was merely a little attendant who was just barely capable of fetching things. In reality, Song Qi was actually Xia Chunyu''s most able helping hand. It looked like having him around, following her everywhere, would pose some trouble. There would be no secret that she could keep.


    Ye Jiayao pursed her lips and said nothing.


    Fortunately, the waiter came up with the dishes and prevented the long moment of awkwardness. Xia Chunyu changed the topic hurriedly to discuss Princess Liu Li.


    "Sneaking out of the palace was no big deal actually. Isn''t it just the nature of a child, being a little too naughty? A few reprimands would''ve been sufficient, but Liu Li''s nonchalant attitude angered the empress dowager. I think she can forget about going out of the palace doors before mid-autumn..."


    Ye Jiayao secretly exhaled a relieved breath. The crisis was over for the time being. It would''ve been a miserable ordeal trying to keep her guard up against Liu Li''s mischief as she prepared for the big feast as well as the culinary competition.


    Head Chef Niu''s cooking emphasized strong flavors and a particular attention to freshness. It was not the freshness that the ingredients possessed originally, but the freshness of additives like 13 fragrances seasoning. People who liked that kind of flavor would find these dishes delicious.


    Ye Jiayao was a bit disappointed to find out that this was all Head Chef Niu was capable of. She removed him from her list of formidable opponents.


    After having her fill, Ye Jiayao wiped her mouth and asked Xia Chunyu, "What do you think of Head Chef Niu''s skills?"


    Xia Chunyu gave her a teasing look and said, "Not as good as someone I know."


    Whether it was Head Chef Niu, Head Chef Zheng, or even an Imperial chef from the palace, no one could make food that suited his taste more than Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao raised a brow. "Who is that someone?"


    "You should know!"


    "What should I know? I don''t know anything." Ye Jiayao pressed her lips together. Why does everything have to be difficult with you? Would it really kill you to compliment me just this once?


    Xia Chunyu replied, "Looks like you are not knowledgeable enough. You need to go out more, see and try more things so you can discern between good and bad."


    Ye Jiayao bit her tongue to keep from lashing out at him. You insufferable git.


    "I am leaving," Ye Jiayao snapped and stood up.


    "Hang on, I''ll see you off."


    "There is no need for that, I know the way."


    "I know, but I don''t feel assured letting my woman walk back home alone," Xia Chunyu said firmly.


    Did he just say she was his woman?


    "Excuse me? I am not your anything," Ye Jiayao protested.


    Instead of getting angry with her rejection, Xia Chunyu pinched her nose indulgingly as if she was an adorable stuffed bunny. "Let''s go, woman."


    It was only when he walked out of the suite did his words registered in Ye Jiayao''s mind. He was not allowed to call her his woman, or a woman, whenever he likes, especially in public. It was not like he would take responsibility if her identity gets exposed and cause detrimental consequences.


    Ye Jiayao chased after him at the same time that two people exit the suite next door, the three of them crashing against each other.


    "ARE YOU BLIND?" one of them howled angrily.


    Ye Jiayao frowned. Isn''t this Mu Qinchu who loved pitting himself against me? The one that Zhao Qixuan invited the last time?


    The other young man held on to the railing to steady himself, asking hurriedly, "Cousin, are you alright?"


    Ye Jiayao eyes widened. This was the man who was stuck in the bathroom because he did not have any paper with him. If she had known, she would''ve asked for 500 taels or even 5000 for that toilet paper instead of five.


    She would''ve never dreamed of bumping into Wei Liujiang here.


    And to think that Wei Liujiang and Mu Qinchu were relatives.


    A thought immediately flashed through her. If Wei Liujiang is here, Jinrong would be here, too...


    "Hey, I''m talking to you, you blind chap! If I am hurt in any way, you won''t be able to compensate for it even if you have nine lives." Mu Qinchu did not recognize Ye Jiayao. Why would he? He only sees and remembers people who are of a higher status than him. He would never give a small chef from Heavenly Residence the time of day.


    Today, he arranged a welcoming feast for his cousin in Fragrant House to show off his wealth. This incident would be the perfect opportunity to show off his authority to his cousin, Mi Qinchu decided, so he became more arrogant and aggressive.


    "Really? So Young Master Mu''s life is worth so much?" a voice from behind Ye Jiayao said calmly.


    Mu Qinchu turned to the meddlesome fellow, ready to berate him for interrupting, but his rage quickly dissipated when he saw who spoke. His voice and expression changed faster than the Si Chuan Opera specialty.


    He was all smiles when he exclaimed, "Brother Chunyu, greetings from Qinchu."


    In Jin Ling, the princes and noblemen who were close with Xia Chunyu would call him Brother Chunyu. Mu Qinchu adopted the name, wanting to worm his way to the acclaimed noble''s circle of friends.


    "Who are you to call me Brother Chunyu?" Xia Chunyu asked coldly.


    Mu Qinchu gulped loudly.


    Xia Chunyu walked over to them, frowning when he saw Ye Jiayao staring at these two hooligans with a blank look. Did Yaoyao really got frightened by this shouting weasel? Or did she get hurt?


    "Li Yao, where did you get knocked into?" Xia Chunyu touched her head gingerly.


    Ye Jiayao pointed at her forehead, face full of grievance. "I got knocked here and I am still a little dizzy."


    When she opened her mouth, Wei Liujiang''s expression changed as though he just remembered something.


    Mu Qinchu was in a greater shock than Wei Liujiang. What is happening? Xia Chunyu looked to be close with this chap. If that was the case... he must have offended Xia Chunyu by shouting at this chap just now!


    In the whole of Jin Ling, there was a list of top three people that should never be offended. First was the Helian Marquis, Helian Xuan. He was high in status, has a great authority, and absolutely merciless when he attacks. The second was Princes Liu Li. She was petty, gets annoyed very easily, and no one could ever reason with her. Last, but certainly not the least, was Xia Chunyu. He was not one to display his power ostentatiously but he definitely had an immense amount of it. He was ruthless and efficient - the most formidable out of the three.


    Mi Qinchu suddenly changed his tune and laughed apologetically. He said to Ye Jiayao, "My cousin and I were in a rush just now so we weren''t paying attention to where we were going. I apologize for causing you any harm."


    Xia Chunyu remained eerily calm as he responded, "Is an apology enough? If you hurt my brother, 10 lives won''t be enough to compensate."


    Xia Chunyu used Mu Qinchu words to refute him. How dare he scold his woman? That was equivalent to slapping him in the face. He was not in the mood to play the polite diplomat to this meritless person. He was not going to relent even if his father, Assistant Minister Mu, came.


    Mu Qinchu shuddered in fright. Xia Chunyu was obviously standing up for his brother! He could just nod continuously and bow. "It is our fault, please forgive us."


    Wei Liujiang had already figured out that the one who knocked into them was the person who swindled five taels out of him for toilet paper. What he didn''t understand was how impressive this guy was to get his cousin to bow to him.


    Just to be safe, he said, "I am extremely sorry for my brashness and knocking into you. This is all my fault."


    "Liujiang, this is none of your business!" Mi Qinchu hissed. Although he was a coward, he still wanted to save face. He doesn''t need his cousin to take the blame for him.


    Xia Chunyu immediately looked at Ye Jiayao as soon as he heard that name. Ye Jiayao blinked twice in confirmation.


    Only the two of them knew what that meant. Wei Liujiang was the ''Mr. Right'' of Ye Jinxuan, the original host.


    Xia Chunyu now understood why Yaoyao seemed to be frozen earlier. She had met the heartless rat that was supposed to be her intended.


    Xia Chunyu looked at Wei Liujiang from the corner of his eyes with contempt. "And which corner did you appear from?"


    Ye Jiayao hid her smile. Who knew that watching Dumb Donkey fight for her would be satisfying? The Wei Liujiang who considered himself as the best in Ji Nan was nothing but a little ant in Jin Ling, the land of nobles.


    Wei Liujiang paled. Jin Ling is indeed a place full of hidden dragons, anyone I meet on the street could be someone influential, he thought.


    Mu Qinchu introduced hurriedly, "Heir-Son Lord, this is my cousin. He just came over from Ji Nan yesterday. He is the Ji Nan''s prefectural magistrate''s eldest son, Wei Liujiang.


    Xia Chunyu nodded as if in understanding. "You are Wei prefectural magistrate''s son, huh? I didn''t see you when I went over to the Wei residence a while back."


    Mu Qinchu reminded Wei Liujiang softly, "This is Jing An Marquis Heir-Son lord, first-class Imperial bodyguard, Xia Chunyu."


    Wei Liujiang felt like he was going to pass out. It was Commander Xia that came to his house before, seeking confirmation about the Ye family''s eldest daughter, Ye Jinxuan. That incident made his father nervous for quite a while.


    It was just his luck to run into Commander Xia in his second day in Jin Ling.


    Wei Liujiang replied embarrassedly, "Master Xia, the last time you came, I was attending to some matters. I deeply regret not managing to meet you then."


    Xia Chunyu sneered faintly as he noted his evasive gaze, the obvious look of someone guilty. You''ve seen nothing yet. There is more to come for you.

 Chapter 85：Taking Advantage Of The Situation

    Ye Jiayao was secretly astounded. Chunyu actually went to the Wei family? When did he go? What did he go there for? To seek confirmation of her identity? It looked like he really didn''t trust her, after all.


    Xia Chunyu did not want to mention that imposter First Young Mistress in the Wei family for the time being, but he also did not want to let Wei Liujiang off so easily. He said arrogantly, "There is no need for you to suck up to me. If I wasn''t here today, how would you have dealt with my brother?"


    Mu Qinchu trembled with fear, laughing apologetically. "Heir-Son Lord, all the fault lies with me. I drank too much and got intoxicated, so I was a little louder. Heir-Son Lord, why don''t I arrange a feast especially to apologize to this young brother?"


    Xia Chunyu turned to look at Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao mimicked Xia Chunyu''s tone, and said smugly, "There would be no need for the feast. If Young Master Mu is sincere in his apology, then get me 1000 catty of government ice share allocation!"


    She knew that this detestable fellow was the son of Assistant Minister Mu of the Ministry of Works. The government ice cellar was under the charge of the Ministry of Works so getting a thousand catty share allocation should not be difficult for him. She was going to take advantage of this situation as much as she could.


    Mu Qinchu took a deep breath, his expression sour. It was not that he didn''t want to do it, but getting that much of ice allocation was a little difficult. The supply for the allocation of the ice in the government cellar does not meet the demand every year. Even the highest ranking official would not get more than 600 catty of share allocation for one summer. This young brother was asking for a thousand! Arranging a feast to apologize would be much simpler.


    "A thousand catty? Are you sure you want so much?" Mu Qinchu asked.


    Ye Jiayao nodded seriously. "Yes, 1000 catty. It actually might not be enough."


    Xia Chunyu knew Yaoyao was making iced drinks, but, 1000 catty was a shocking number. However, since Yaoyao requested for it, he would make sure that Mu Qinchu agrees to it.


    "Don''t tell me you cannot accede to this little request by my brother?" Xia Chunyu looked at Mu Qinchu, his gaze full of threat.


    Mu Qinchu braced himself and forced out a smile. "I¡­ I will do my best."


    Xia Chunyu continued, "Since you are rightfully apologetic, we shall pretend that this unpleasant event did not happen. Send the share allocation to my residence in three days'' time. Li Yao, let''s go."


    He wanted Mu Qinchu to know that he would be keeping an eye on the matter, and if he failed to deliver, there would be hostile consequences.


    Ye Jiayao broke out into a smile. She trailed behind Xia Chunyu, the both of them proceeding downstairs.


    Wei Liujiang looked down from above and waited until both of them exited the restaurant before asking Mu Qinchu, "Cousin, who is that chap? Why is Xia Chunyu so protective of him?"


    Mu Qinchu felt that the little fellow seemed familiar, but he could not remember where he saw him. He was certain, though, that this Li Yao was definitely not any nobleman from a respectable family. In the social circle of Jin Ling''s noblemen, there was no one that he didn''t know.


    "This Li Yao, could he be the one who got famous recently from selling chilled drinks?" Mu Qinchu''s attendant suggested hesitantly.


    Mu Qinchu slapped a hand on his forehead. "I remember now! It''s that fellow, the head chef of Heavenly Residence!"


    Wei Liujiang found it unbelievable. "A chef could become brothers with Xia Chunyu?"


    Mu Qinchu replied with annoyance, "This fellow is no simpleton. I heard that Young Royal Highness Jing from the Helian Marquis is very close to him. It seems that now, Xia Chunyu is added to the list."


    He could not afford to provoke just the Young Royal Highness Jing alone, and now that Xia Chunyu was in the mix¡­ This is f*cking annoying! He was just a chef! Even if he was top-notch, he was still just a chef! Thinking about how he had to apologize humbly to a chef was making Mu Qinchu''s blood boil.


    This matter was a huge blow to Wei Liujiang. Before he came to Jin Ling, he had thought that he could be considered a very important person, because, in Ji Nan, he could be as unreasonable as he wanted.


    He thought that his cousin was formidable here in Jin Ling. His father has a lucrative post at the Ministry of Works and by extent, Mu Qinchu was also a core figure in the society. Hell, he even saw a few noble princes being extremely polite to his cousin just last night.


    However, in front of Xia Chunyu, his cousin turned into a meek bobblehead. It looked like Xia Chuyu had the final say in the matters and was the real hegemon of Jin Ling. It was no wonder that his father kept reminding him to be careful before he left for Jin Ling. The son of a prefectural magistrate couldn''t even compare to a fart in the Jin Ling filled with influential officials.


    What puzzled him the most, though, was how this chef called Li Yao became brothers with someone like Xia Chunyu. It seemed like the chef was quite capable. He had to think of a way to get close to this Li Yao. Perhaps he could give him connections with the Helian Marquis Mansion and Xia Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu and Ye Jiayao boarded the horse carriage. Ye Jiayao was in deep thought and she looked depressed.


    "That is the guy you used to like?" Xia Chunyu recalled how regretful Yaoyao sounded when she mentioned Wei Liujiang, and couldn''t help but become jealous.


    "Like? I wouldn''t even take a second look at someone like that," Ye Jiayao said with disdain.


    The original host may have liked Wei Liujiang, treating him as the redemption from her horrible life, but to Ye Jiayao, Wei Liujiang was just another stranger.


    "Looks like he doesn''t recognize you anymore. What does this mean now?" Xia Chunyu teased with a slight smile.


    Ye Jiayao glared at him. "I was 10 when we last met. How were we supposed to recognize each other after such a long time?"


    She would never tell him that she sneaked a peek at Wei Liujiang when he went over to the Ye family last year.


    "Do you know how the Wei family and Ye family dealt with the aftermath of you being kidnapped up the mountains?"


    From his tone, it was clear that he knew something she didn''t. Ye Jiayao asked, "When did you go over to the Wei family?"


    "After the matter in Black Wind Ridge was settled. I think the current imposter of the first young mistress in the Wei family is your second sister, Ye Jinrong." Xia Chunyu said.


    Ye Jiayao was not even surprised. She already knew that.


    "Furthermore, your second sister and Wei Liujiang already had an affair. I reckon that Wei Liujiang was the one who supplied her the information of Black Wind Ridge. Otherwise, how would the Ye family in Yang Zhou be able to get the people of Black Wind Ridge to work for them?" Xia Chunyu analyzed.


    Ye Jiayao felt like a pail of cold water was thrown in her face. She looked at Xia Chunyu and his eyes conveyed nothing but seriousness. She didn''t want to believe that. She might not like Wei Liujiang, but she had thought of him as a cultured and refined young scholar. Although she had never been in contact with him ever since she was 10, when he came over to stay at the Ye household just last year, she saw him speaking courteously even to the servants.


    "You can''t just say that Wei Liujiang had a part to play in this! Do you have concrete evidence?" Ye Jiayao questioned.


    "Of course, I have evidence, but now is not the time to bring it out." Xia Chunyu''s eyes seemed cold.


    Did he launch an investigation into this matter? Why would he do that? So he could have a peace of mind?


    "Let me ask you, what do you plan to do about this whole situation?" Xia Chunyu already had an idea, and no matter what Yaoyao says, he would never let that adulterous pair off. He still wished to listen to Yaoyao''s thoughts, though.


    Ye Jiayao bit her lip. What should she do? She had been asking herself that question for a long time now. She would definitely not let them off. She was not some type of a saint that could just forgive the people who wanted to harm her.


    She came all the way to Jin Ling just so that these evil people could get what they deserved.


    "I want to expose their lies and let the whole world see their ugliness. I want Jinrong and Wei Liujiang to lose everything they have, and I want my stepmother thrown out of the Ye family," Ye Jiayao said with a hateful voice, unconsciously clenching her fists.


    That was her ultimate goal. Although she has no idea what she has to do to achieve it, she believed that it will happen as long as she advanced towards it.


    A warm hand enveloped her fists, caressing her gently and comforting her. Xia Chunyu said in a deep voice, "They will get their retribution, I promise you."


    The warmth of his hands and his hot breath near her ear made half of her body go limp. She couldn''t contain the shudder that went through her. F*ck! Why must he lean so close?


    Xia Chunyu felt her body stiffen up and couldn''t help but smile. His Yaoyao was still as sensitive as ever. He knew every sensitive spot on her body and he remembered how he would purposely tease her back then. He recalled how she panted, confused and distracted under his ministrations.


    Xia Chunyu started to lose control as thoughts of their steamy nights at the mountains flooded his mind. He slowly leaned over and flicked his tongue out to lick her earlobe, indulging in her unique scent.


    "Yaoyao¡­" he breathed. "I missed you¡­"


    Ye Jiayao felt as though there were an infinite amount of electrical current scattering in her body. She wanted to resist Xia Chunyu, but her limbs felt weightless.


    She was annoyed. Didn''t she get over him already? Why was she turning boneless the minute he puts his hands on her? Or any body part on her?


    Xia Chunyu was now alternating between soft kisses and sultry licks, and Ye Jiayao felt so hot she thought that the heat might drown her.


    "No¡­" she protested feebly. In fact, her voice came out so delicate that it sounded like she was acting coquettishly.


    "No what?" he asked, a hint of enticement evident in his deep, husky voice. His hand slowly moved up her slim waist, and with little strength, she fell into his embrace.


    He was trying to tempt her, wanting to ignite the passion they previously shared. She had been on a roller coaster ride today and she was disoriented. Xia Chunyu supposed that what he was doing could be considered as taking advantage of the situation, but honestly? He didn''t care. As long as it would win her back, he was not above using despicable moves and using her attraction to him against her.


    He thought that he had everything under control, but he quickly realized that that was far from the case. He was suffering, probably more than Yaoyao. His skin felt heated and he was so hard, it was painful. He wanted to just push her down and take her to sate both of their hunger, but he knew that he couldn''t act that brash. Yaoyao was no longer that young married woman that would meekly submit to whatever he wanted. She was now a rose filled with thorns, and if he was not careful, he could get pricked.


    Xia Chunyu shifted a little, groaning at the friction it created.


    Yep. He was getting burnt as he played with fire.


    "Let me go..." Ye Jiayao tried again. She felt so ashamed at how she was acting. She wanted to slap him, get away from him as far as possible, but her body was not cooperating. Her body was a slave to his hands and lips. Why?

 Chapter 86：None of Your Business

    What the hell, Yaoyao! You''re a dumbass! Why do you keep falling for his seduction techniques? Even if he did get rid of your troubles, sent people to protect you, and stood up for you, that doesn''t mean he truly likes you! Yaoyao, wake up!!


    Chunyu maybe handsome and one of a kind, but in this era, love doesn''t rank high on people''s, especially noble''s, list of priorities. Even if he did fall in love with her, he couldn''t just marry whoever he wanted. At best, she''d be his mistress, and she was never going to be okay with sharing her man with other women.


    The bindings on her breast were loosened, and she felt the warmth of his palms on her breasts. He stroked them expertly, alternating between soft caresses and firm touches.


    If she let this go for a second longer, she would never be able to get away from him. As it was, it already took all of her willpower to push him away.


    Xia Chunyu was caught off-guard by her resistance and he fell back on the seats, his head colliding against the wall of the cart with a heavy thump.


    Ye Jiayao was too busy arranging her clothes back to pay attention to him. She said fiercely, "You''re such a prick! Why are you always bullying me? If you touch me again, I swear I''m going to castrate you!"


    Xia Chunyu touched his head gingerly. "How did I bully you? I was loving you!"


    Ye Jiayao didn''t answer him and instead continued to arrange the wrap on her chest. Damnit! In order to put the bindings back, she must take her outerwear first and if she does that, she''s just going to flash him again. However, if she doesn''t put the wrap back now, people would definitely notice her considerable peaks. After staying at the inn for a few days, all those guys would definitely recognize her.


    Xia Chunyu saw the look of helplessness on her face and suppressed a laugh. She looked adorable. He teased, "Do you want me to help?"


    Ye Jiayao threw him a scornful look. Help? Ha! As if!


    "Turn around, you horrible man! You''re not allowed to see," Ye Jiayao demanded.


    Xia Chunyu dropped his smile. He really did not want to see her continue to harm her own body. Without hesitation, he snatched the strip of cloth from her and unceremoniously tossed it out the window.


    Ye Jiayao''s jaw dropped. That was an important prop for her disguise and he actually threw it away!


    Annoyed, Ye Jiayao kicked at him. "Why the f*ck did you throw it away? Pick it up!"


    This time, Xia Chunyu was prepared so he was able to push her leg away. "I should have thrown that thing away a long time ago."


    "Do you want that thing to be picked up by someone else?" she questioned frustratedly.


    Xia Chunyu paused for a moment. Oh. Yaoyao used that to wrap her breasts up and it carried her scent. If it was picked up by some wretched man¡­ Xia Chunyu called for the carriage to stop. He jumped off the cart, picked it up, and stuffed it inside his clothes.


    Ye Jiayao stretched out of the cart to watch what Xia Chunyu was doing and found the carriage driver looking at her weirdly.


    Ye Jiayao glared at him.


    The carriage driver, startled by her fierce eyes, quickly turned around and focused on the road in front of him. He was missing the good old days where homosexuals weren''t so arrogant.


    Xia Chunyu jumped back into the carriage and the carriage moved forward.


    "Give it to me," Ye Jiayao demanded, holding her hand out.


    Xia Chunyu had a blank expression. "I didn''t find it."


    "Nonsense. I just saw you pick it up." She scanned his body up and down and figured that he probably hid the cloth by his chest.


    "You saw wrong." Xia Chunyu knew what her plan was before she even moved. The corners of his lips curved up into an imperceptible smile, waiting for her to start.


    Ye Jiayao pointed out the window. "Look, what''s that?"


    While Xia Chunyu turned his head away, Ye Jiayao pounced and pulled at his jacket.


    She still hadn''t found it when she was stopped by a strong pair of arms.


    "Now you''re throwing yourself at me?" Xia Chunyu said quietly, his smile deliciously devious.


    Even though she was embarrassed, Ye Jiayao only tossed him a glare but did not stop pulling at his clothes. I''ll deal with your arrogance after I find this cloth.


    "Tsk, tsk. So impatient. I can see you''ve been holding yourself back so much, you poor thing." Xia Chunyu couldn''t help but laugh as he watched her little hands roam all over his chest.


    Ye Jiayao wasn''t in the mood to play with him.


    "Alright, okay, okay!" Xia Chunyu caught her wandering hands in his grip. "You''re inside a carriage, no one can see you right now. Just let them breathe freely for the time being."


    Xia Chunyu pointed to her wide open collar. He could see the deep marks that the cloth left where it was tied tightly. It made his heart hurt. She had to go through this every day, and more, just to earn a living.


    "Don''t you see? You''ve made such deep marks on your skin. I asked the doctor and he said if you bind it up for a long time, it will not only affect the development there but also will cause various illnesses due to poor blood flow," Xia Chunyu said seriously.


    Ye Jiayao felt her cheeks heat up. He actually went to ask the doctor! How could he have the nerve to ask about that?


    Of course, she knew the consequences of binding her breasts, but it was not like she had any other choice if she wanted to continue working as a chef.


    "Stop controlling me." Ye Jiayao pursed her lips.


    Xia Chunyu hated when she said things like that. ''Don''t control me. ''What right do you have to control me?''


    "I am not trying to control you. I want to take care of you." Xia Chunyu lifted her chin and forced her to look up at him.


    His gentle voice was like a sigh. It revealed just how strongly he pitied her. Just this one sentence seemed to contain infinite magical power. In an instant, he had broken through the barrier in her heart and exposed the vulnerability that she didn''t want to acknowledge.


    Since starting this new life, she has always felt like her nerves were strained like clockwork springs pulled tautly. She didn''t dare to relax and get comfortable because she felt like there were surprises for her at every turn. She thought that she could be strong enough, that she could endure each difficulty in this hard, perplexing new life. But she was still a woman. Sensitive and soft. There were times that she wanted to succumb to her weariness, to find a shoulder to lean on...


    Ye Jiayao buried her head in his chest, not wanting to let him see her moment of weakness. "Chunyu, why won''t you let me go?


    She hated it when he leaves her in the dark, puzzled and confused.


    Xia Chunyu stroked her hair and said with a soft voice, "I ask myself that, too. You yell at me, you push me away, and yet every time, I always eagerly go back to you. You infuriate me but I can''t stop thinking about you. Do you think there''s something wrong with me?"


    Ye Jiayao refrained from snorting. Oh, Chunyu, there are many things wrong with you.


    "In all my years, you''re the only one who reproves me to this extent. Even my father never cursed at me like you have!" As he talked, Xia Chunyu reveled in the feeling of her in his arms. He rarely gets to hold her like this.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. "Ha. You''ve just probably forgotten the times when you were scolded during your childhood. I don''t believe that your father never disciplined you. You''re such an abominable person¡­"


    Xia Chunyu smiled. "Maybe. I just... I just want to tell you that you''re not like the others. You''re different to me."


    Her heart sank. Not like the others? Is that the best you can do? This wasn''t the answer she wanted.


    Ye Jiayao struggled free from his embrace, her heart aching. Ah! Forget it! Did I really expect him to say he loves me?


    Xia Chunyu stared at Yaoyao''s turned profile, perplexed. She was fine a moment ago as she leaned into her embrace like a gentle, docile cat. Now, she''s become cold and isolated again. What happened? He hastily recalled the last few seconds, had he done or said something wrong?


    "Yaoyao, what''s wrong? Why aren''t you talking?"


    "I''m annoyed, I don''t want to talk."


    "What''s there to be annoyed about?" Xia Chunyu went to hold her hand but she shook him off.


    "Xia Chunyu, we are nothing to each other. I don''t want to continue being entangled with you. Tonight, I will check out and go back to Laifu Motel. Thank you for these past few days," Ye Jiayao said indifferently.


    She couldn''t continue on like this. She and Chunyu weren''t a good match. Whatever connection or romantic moments they''ve shared was all in the past. She should move on because, despite everything, they have no future together.


    Her cold expression and her careless tone made Xia Chunyu''s heart hurt. What did she mean? Does she want to run away again?


    Xia Chunyu forced himself to smile. "Alright.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to keep her happy, but there were some things that his pride wouldn''t allow him to say out loud. However, he was lost. Yes, he made some mistakes, but how long will she punish him for it? What more does he need to do in order for her to accept him again?


    The two of them fell silent.


    The carriage stopped and the rickshaw puller said, "We have arrived, sirs."


    Ye Jiayao was the first to lift the curtain and jump down from the carriage.


    Umm... what the...


    "Where are we?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu waved the rickshaw puller away before pulling Ye Jiayao by the hand down the alley.


    "Hey, where are you taking me? I want to go back to Ruyi," said Ye Jiayao, struggling.


    Xia Chunyu stopped in front of a red lacquered door of a courtyard and knocked.


    "Coming! Coming!" someone called from inside the house.


    The young man that opened the door looked no more than 20 years old with bushy eyebrows and big eyes. "Heir-Son Lord, please come inside."


    Xia Chunyu introduced him, "His name is Jiang Li, Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang''s son."


    Ye Jiayao''s mouth dropped in surprise.


    Jiang Li cupped his hands in front of him politely and bowed. "You must be Third Madam!"


    Excuse me? Ye Jiayao quickly denied, "No, I''m not."


    Jiang Li frowned in confusion and turned to Xia Chunyu questioningly. Didn''t the Heir-Son Lord tell them that he''d bring Third Madam today?


    "Third Madam¡­" an excited voice said.


    Out of the door, spilling water, came Auntie Jiang. When she saw Ye Jiayao, she tossed the copper pot in her hand and ran over to her in a flurry. Her eyes were filled with tears of joy as she excitedly stammered, "Th-third Madam! When the Heir-Son Lord told me you''re here... I-I couldn''t believe it. You''re really here, Third Madam! I thought I''d never see you again..."

 Chapter 87：Dont call me Third Madam

    She saw Uncle Jiang ran out of the room, with a young girl, about 16 or 17 years old, following behind him. She must be their daughter.


    Ye Jiayao''s face split into a wide smile. She was beyond ecstatic to see their familiar faces. "Auntie Jiang, Uncle Jiang, you have no idea how happy I am to see that you''re alright!"


    Auntie Jiang wiped her tears and said, "It was all because of you, Third Madam, that I am alive. And thanks to the Heir-Son Lord, we get to live a peaceful life now."


    Xia Chunyu said, "Let''s talk inside the room. It looks like it''s going to rain soon."


    "Right, right, come inside. Forgive my manners, I am just so happy to see you. Yue Er, go and make some tea for Third Madam and Heir-Son Lord," Auntie Jiang said.


    The young girl called Yue Er obeyed her cheerfully.


    After sitting down, Xia Chunyu said, "Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang just arrived in Jin Ling and I made them settle down here. You don''t have to look for motels anymore, Yaoyao, you can just live with Auntie Jiang. You don''t have to cover yourself and we can take care of each other. This place is also close to Heavenly Residence."


    "Heir-Son Lord is right, Third Madam. If you live here, we can take care of you very well!" Auntie Jiang seconded with a smile.


    What? No! Ye Jiayao didn''t want to live here. What''s Chunyu trying to do? Hide his mistress in a golden house? Did he really think that she would go along with this? She didn''t want to be hidden away or taken care of. She wanted her freedom.


    However, with Auntie Jiang''s family here, she could not just flat out tell Chunyu hell no. They were a kind family and she didn''t want to hurt their feelings.


    Before she could figure out an underhanded way to rip him a new one, Xia Chunyu said, "Your stuff has already been moved here."


    Aunt Jiang said, "We''ve already tidied up your room, Third Madam. If you''d like, I can take you there now so you can go see whether it is up to your satisfaction."


    This sneaky bastard. How dare he make choices for me?


    "Wait," Ye Jiayao said as calmly as she could. "I didn''t say that I want to live here."


    Aunt Jiang looked surprised and disappointed.


    Xia Chunyu expected this. After all, ever since he met her, Yaoyao has been nothing but stubborn.


    Xia Chunyu took a sip of his tea and carefully said, "You''re free to choose where you want live. You can stay here or not, no one will force you. But, let me just say that I think it is better for you to live here. It will be easier for you to practice and experiment with your dishes because you will have your own kitchen as well as helpers. Manager Du is kind, but there are so many kinds of people that live in a motel, it can be hard to get along with everyone."


    Ye Jiayao hesitated. Annoyingly, he has a point. That doesn''t mean she wasn''t uncomfortable with this whole idea, though.


    "This house is not mine," Xia Chunyu added. "It is a reward from the empire. It was Auntie Jiang''s idea to make you stay here. I think this will be good for you, so I brought you here to look around."


    Xia Chunyu hoped that Auntie Jiang was quick to think on her feet, otherwise, he''d be in deeper trouble than he already is if Yaoyao finds out that he''s lying.


    Fortunately, Auntie Jiang understood him. She suggested, "Third Madam, the Heir-Son Lord is right. I felt bad when I found out that you were living by yourself in a motel. How can I let someone who saved my life live in a motel when there is more than enough room for you here? If you stay here, we could at least have a friend nearby! My Yue Er even asked me if you could teach her how to cook!"


    "Third Madam, just live here! Treat it as your own home! We know that it is too simple and a bit shabby for you, but at least we could serve you here," Uncle Jiang said.


    Ye Jiayao looked torn. If she refused them after what they said, she''d come across as rude and snobby.


    Knowing that at least half of the battle was won, Xia Chunyu got up. "I have some work to do. You guys can keep discussing this among yourselves."


    No, I can''t stay here! No matter how they phrased it, this is still a handout and I am NOT taking a handout. Ye Jiayao prepared to follow after Chunyu but she was dragged away by Auntie Jiang.


    "Third Madam, you have to check out the room. It took Yue Er a while to decorate it," Auntie Jiang urged.


    "Sorry, Auntie Jiang, I also have things to do. I will check it out some other day¡­"


    "You''re already here, why not now? Come on. Yue Er, show the way."


    Xia Chunyu left the yard, Uncle Jiang escorting him. He told the older man, "You must make her stay here."


    "My wife is here to do that. She''ll definitely make her stay," Uncle Jiang said laughingly.


    Xia Chunyu smiled, pleased. "If there is a problem, get Jiang Li to deliver a message to me."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t resist Auntie Jiang''s enthusiasm so she decided to stay for a bit. Plus, if she refused their generous offer, it would seem as though she was looking down at them.


    The house had three divisions. Jiang Li stayed in the first one, Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang stayed in the second, and Jiang Yue and Ye Jiayao lived in the third one. Inside the yard, there was a small kitchen that was well-stocked and contained well-prepared pieces of equipment.


    She doubted what Xia Chunyu had said. How could the empire be so generous and reward some citizens who helped destroy bandits such a huge house in a good area? She was sure that this was all Chunyu''s doing.


    However, despite her misgivings, this house was perfect. She needed a place to test out the ice cream recipe and this house would provide her with a much-needed privacy. This place would also serve her well for the special dishes she would make in the future.


    The more she thought about it, the more she warmed up to the idea of living here.


    After showering, Ye Jiayao dressed, for what felt like the first time, in a girl''s clothes.


    Jiang Yue was shocked when she saw her. She exclaimed, "Third Madam, you look like a goddess!"


    Ye Jiayao laughed and said, "You''ve seen what goddesses look like?"


    Jiang Yue shrugged. "Not really. But when my brother and I worked for a big family in Liao City, we saw a lady in that family. The locals said that she looked like a goddess. She was pretty, yes, but compared to you, Third Madam, she''s simply mediocre."


    Ye Jiayao laughed, flattered. "Yue Er, you are just like your mother."


    "Right." Jiang Yue suddenly felt shy, her face turning red. "My brother look like Father, who''s good-looking. I look like Mother, not so good-looking."


    "No, no! I didn''t mean that you look like your mother!" Ye Jiayao hurriedly corrected, chuckling. In fact, both brother and sister looked like Uncle Jiang, all dark brows and big eyes. Uncle Jiang must''ve been quite handsome when he was young.


    Jiang Yue was lost. "Then what are you talking about, Third Madam?"


    "I just meant that you are good at talking like your mother."


    "I only speak the truth," she said weakly.


    "Alright, alright, I was only kidding," Ye Jiayao said. "So your mother said you wanted to learn how to cook?"


    Jiang Yue visibly perked up. "Yes, yes! My mother said that your dishes are delicious. My brother learned carpenter''s work from my dad and wherever he goes, he can make money. I know nothing but washing and sewing clothes. I really like cooking, so can you teach me to be better at it, Third Madam?"


    Ye Jiayao was pleased to finally meet a friend who shared the same dream as her. She responded happily, "It will be my pleasure. But first, I have a request."


    "What request?" Jiang Yue asked.


    "Don''t call me Third Madam anymore." That title was far too awkward for her!


    "What should I call you then? Even my mother calls you this."


    Ye Jiayao waved her concern away dismissively and said, "Your mother shouldn''t call me that, too. You can just call me Yaoyao."


    "That is too impolite! You are the Third Madam!" Jiang Yue protested feebly.


    "No, I am not. That was a mistake. Don''t call me that in future, or Heir-Son Lord will be unhappy," Ye Jiayao told her.


    "That''s not true. Heir-Son Lord is happy. Whenever he talks with my mother about you, he always calls you his wife," Jiang Yue said.


    What? Chunyu will never say something like that. Will he? Ye Jiayao looked at Jiang Yue doubtfully.


    Jiang Yue saw her disbelief and nodded seriously. "It is true. I heard it directly from him. I promise that I am not lying."


    Ye Jiayao was confused. Why would he call her his wife in front of other people in Jin Ling? In the city where he was known as a respectable nobleman?


    "What else did Heir-Son Lord say to your mother?" Ye Jiayao hedged.


    Jiang Yue looked at her cautiously. When Third Madam was in the shower, her mother told her to be careful with answering her questions as Third Madam could be quite sneaky.


    "Heir-Son Lord said that it was so hard to find you. He told her that you are in Jin Ling as well and has become the head chef of Heavenly Residence. I... that''s all I heard," Jiang Yue answered a bit hesitantly.


    That''s it? Ye Jiayao felt a bit disappointed. There she went again, thinking too much about Chunyu''s actions.


    Jiang Yue saw the emotions playing and warring on Third Madam''s face and took a step back, wondering if she said something wrong. She nervously excused, "Third Madam, go rest first. I will wash these clothes."


    She gathered the dirty clothes and ran away.


    Ye Jiayao felt sulky so she went for a walk outside.


    "Uncle Jiang, Ah Li, what are you doing with these? Are you going to sell these?" Ye Jiayao asked, taking a seat on a small stool.


    Jiang Li blushed and lowered his head when Third Madam called out that nickname.


    Uncle Jiang smiled and said, "This is made for you, Third Madam. My wife said that you would use this."


    Ye Jiayao started to feel embarrassed. They made her a shower bucket! "I am not that picky, Uncle Jiang. Honestly, it is good enough for me to have a bed to sleep on. You don''t have to go through all this trouble just for me."


    "It''s no trouble at all!" Uncle Jiang assured. "We''re handcrafters. Making a bucket is very easy."


    She did remember Chunyu saying before that Uncle Jiang was a good crafter and that he made all the traps that were used in Black Wind Ridge. A thought came to her and she asked, "Uncle Jiang, do you know how to make molds for pastries?"

 Chapter 88：Family Meeting

    "What mold? What type do you want?" Uncle Jiang asked.


    "Just this big." Ye Jiayao gestured with her hands. "In various types, like heart shapes, flower shapes, and others. Regarding the patterns on them, would you be able to make what I draw?"


    Uncle Jiang thought about it. "That''s fine. Shuanzi could also do this type of skillful work, and he is even better than me at carving flowers."


    "Shuanzi?" For a few seconds, Ye Jiayao didn''t realize that Uncle Jiang was using Jiang Li''s pet name. She turned to Jiang Li and teased, "Should I call you Shuanzi in the future? I think A-li still sounds better, though."


    Jiang Li looked like he was really thinking about it. Uncle Jiang replied, "It''s just a name. It doesn''t matter what Third Lady calls him."


    Ye Jiayao frowned, troubled by that term. "Uncle Jiang, just call me Yaoyao from now on."


    "How can I do that, Third Lady?"


    "I like it when you call me Yaoyao, it seems more affectionate. You see, I call you Uncle Jiang and you call me Yaoyao. Isn''t that great?"


    "No, no. You''re Third Lady," Uncle Jiang protested.


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to shout at him. He''s so stubborn!


    Whatever. They could call me whatever they like.


    "Then I''ll go and draw the patterns soon. How long will it take to make?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Uncle Jiang looked at Jiang Li, clearly intending to let his son take the job.


    Jiang Li responded, "If it''s not a complicated pattern, then it will most likely be done in one day,"


    "That quickly?" Ye Jiayao was glad.


    Jiang Li nodded. And by ''one day'' I meant that includes day and night. As long as it is something Third Lady needs, I''ll be happy to give up food and sleep to make it possible.


    "Okay, then I''ll go and draw the patterns now. You don''t need to rush, okay? As long as it is completed in three days, it''s fine with me. All I want is for the work to be meticulous."


    The patterns on the mooncake were usually flowers accompanied by various words, like good fortune, longevity, Number One Scholar, Mid-Autumn, or the brand. This time, as it was especially for the Elder Princess, Ye Jiayao decided to use ''Fu Shou An Kang'' (good fortune, longevity, and good health), along with their surname ''Helian'', to create five blessing. The flowers she decided to use were tree peony and hibiscus which symbolized wealth and auspiciousness.


    She had learned carving flowers before, so her drawing skills were quite good. She drew five designs in one sitting and chose the peony with the word good fortune first for Jiang Li to work on. If it was made well, then they would make the rest. She not only needed these molds for the mooncakes, but also for the other pastries.


    When she went to find Jiang Li after finishing her drawing, he was not there.


    Uncle Jiang said that he told Jiang Li to go out and buy some things and he will be back soon. He told her that he would just hand the drawing over to Jiang Li.


    Ye Jiayao was perplexed. It was already so late. Apart from entertainment and dining places, all the other shops were closed. What could they possibly buy?


    Meanwhile, in the Jing An Mansion, they were holding a family meeting.


    The meeting was presided by Lady Xia You and the participants included the eldest son, Xia Chunli, who was born of a concubine, and his wife, the eldest daughter-in-law, Lady Xia N¨¦e Qiao, the two legitimate sons ¨C second son and future successor Xia Chunyu and the third son, Xia Chunfeng, who just returned from the frontier.


    There were two main focuses of the meeting. First was the present for Helian Mansion''s Old Ancestress'' 70th birthday, and the second was the Lord coming back to Jin Ling for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It had been many years since he came back, so Lady Xia You wanted to ask the sons for ideas on how to make this Mid-Autumn Festival livelier.


    Lady Xia Qiao had already started thinking about these problems long ago. She had wanted to please her mother-in-law. "Old Ancestress is a Buddhist, how about we let Mingxiu embroider a portrait of Guanyin as a gift?"


    Qiao Mingxiu''s mother was from the number one embroidery family in Ji Nan. Most of the embroidery from the Qiao family was given as an imperial tribute. Her mother''s embroidery was exquisite, unparalleled, and very precious. Qiao Mingxiu''s embroidery was also amazing, especially the double-sided embroidery, which is a skill that was handed down to her. She was most proud of this skill and naturally would not leave out any opportunity to show it off.


    Lady Xia You calmly said, "Your idea is good, but on the Old Ancestress'' 60th birthday, Elder Princess Yu De already gave her a Suzhou-style Guanyin portrait embroidery. If I remember correctly, the Guanyin embroidery was from the Qiao family too."


    "Then¡­ we can still stitch a million ''Fu'' (good fortune) picture," she tried again.


    "Next year is the Empress Dowager''s 70th birthday. I heard that the Empress is going to personally stitch a million ''Fu'' picture. If you were to stitch one before the Empress and also gift it to the Elder Princess, I''m sure the Empress would not be happy to know this," Lady Xia You said.


    Qiao Mingxiu was at her wit''s end. Can''t gift this, can''t gift that, she already couldn''t think of any other ideas and turned to Xia Chunli, hoping that he could think of something better, but Xia Chunli just lowered his head and drank his tea, pretending not to see.


    "We''re been family friends with the Helian family for generations, so I think we don''t need to be so picky, as long as they feel out sincerity,"


    "Then tell me how will they feel the sincerity?" Lady Xia You asked.


    When talking to her biological son, Lady Xia You used a completely different tone which showed her hopes.


    Xia Chunfeng had only mentioned it casually. How would he know what to give?


    "Ask Second Brother. He has the most ideas," Xia Chunfeng pushed this difficult task to his Second Brother.


    Xia Chunyu was still thinking about Yaoyao''s matters at this time, and he didn''t know if Uncle and Auntie Jiang could persuade Yaoyao to stay. There was still no news as of this moment.


    Everyone''s gaze locked onto him, but Xia Chunyu was in a daze and had not reacted.


    "Second Brother, Second Brother? What are you thinking about? Mum''s asking you!" Xia Chunfeng elbowed his second brother.


    Xia Chunyu finally responded, and asked in a puzzle, "What?"


    This immediately resulted in Lady Xia Yao rolling her eyes. "You didn''t hear what we were talking about just then? What were you so engrossed in thinking about?" she scolded.


    "Elder Princess'' birthday present," Xia Chunfeng whispered.


    Xia Chunyu immediately understood and mused, "I heard that on the 8th of August, there will be a consecration for the Golden Buddha at Puji Temple which will be presided over by Master Hongji. They have also invited eminent monks from the five famous temples in Huai Song. We can ask for a string of blessed Canaan prayer beads then. I think this present won''t be too bad,"


    "Elder Princess has been vegetarian for decades and has also been praying for decades. What type of prayer beads would she not have?" Qiao Mingxiu said.


    Her embroidery had been rejected, so what good were prayer beads?


    Lady Xia You was naturally inclined to help her son, and said calmly, "How is it the same? The scale of the consecration ceremony this time is like never before. The six famous monks from Huai Song will be chanting the sutras, so even trying to a get a talisman is hard, not to mention praying beads. I''m sure Elder Princess will like the gift,"


    Qiao Mingxiu was not happy. Mother-in-law was just more biased towards the younger brother and whatever he said was good. Her husband, as the eldest, received lesser treatment because he was not her biological son.


    "Mum is right, Second Brother''s idea is great," Xian Chunli quickly said, "It''s just that it might be difficult to get the prayer beads,"


    Xia Chunfeng smiled, "Eldest brother, this might be difficult for other people, but if it''s our second brother asking, then there should be no problem. Who doesn''t know the friendship between second brother and Master Hongji?"


    Lady Xia You also saw no problem and said, "Then we''ll leave this matter to you, Chunyu,"


    Xia Chunyu agreed.


    "Now, let''s move on and discuss how we should celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival this year. We haven''t had a proper reunion during the Mid-Autumn for many years now," Lady Xia You threw out the second discussion point.


    "Mum, I think you should just decide for this. Every Mid-Autumn is basically the same," Xia Chunfeng said unenthusiastically.


    This resulted in Lady Xia You''s scolding, "You''re so simple minded! How many years has your father been away from home? It is rare for him to come back once and you don''t even think about doing filial duties? It was all for nothing to raise you up,"


    Xia Chunfeng innocently said, "It''s because there are so many complicated matters that father doesn''t want to return to Jin¡­"


    He stopped halfway after a death glare from Xia Chunyu. That brat! Doesn''t he have a filter on his mouth after going to the frontier?


    Xia Chunfeng had touched a sore spot. If Mum wasn''t happy, then everyone had to look at her expressions.


    Xia Chunyu was about to talk, but saw Song Qi at the door signally to him with his eyes, and said, "There is no rush. Everyone should have a think about it since there is still time, and we can discuss it another day,"


    "Second Brother is right. We should all have a think. There is no need to have it full of liveliness, as long as father spends a happy Mid-Autumn," Xia Chunli also said.


    Lady Xia You sighed, "Then we will continue discussing tomorrow,"


    As soon as the family meeting was dissolved, Xia Chunyu was the first to rush out. "Already stayed," Song Qi said quietly.


    Xia Chunyu smiled, a heavy weight was lifted. Yaoyao had a safe place to stay. If Uncle Jiang looked after her, then that would get rid of a lot of his worries.


    "And about Wei, how much have you found out?"


    "Second daughter Miss Ye is still in Yang Zhou, and will only be back in Jin Ling after a few days. Wei Liujiang is currently staying with Vice Minister Mu''s family. However, his own residence has almost finished renovating. Wei Liujiang will be coming to take the metropolitan examination this time. Apparently his talent surpasses many people and there are quite a lot of people who have expectations of him,"


    Xia Chunyu sneered. Talented? Not matter how talented he is, these type of playboys are jerks no matter what. Everyone has expectations of him? Then everyone should take a proper look.


    "Keep an eye out there and report back if there is any news," Xia Chunyu instructed.


    "Second brother, what are you muttering about? Who is this Wei Liujiang? Did he offend you? I''ll go and teach him a lesson," Xia Chunfeng had caught on earlier that his brother was distracted and had eavesdropped out of curiosity.


    Xia Chunyu looked at him apprehensively, "It''s none of your business. You just worry about yourself,"


    Xia Chunfeng was disappointed and said sullenly, "What do I have? Nothing! I''m bored out of my wits. Second brother, I heard that even Helian Jing that kid has things to do. Let me do something as well!"


    Xia Chunyu glowered, "You''re already prepared for the military exam in autumn? Nothing to do? Aren''t you going to hurry and practise? You''ll be going to replace Father guarding the frontier if you don''t rank in at least third place this year,"


    "Is it that easy to come in third place? Not everyone is like you!" Xia Chunfeng said dispiritedly.


    When he thought about it, he and Little Jing were equally pitiful ¨C they both had such strong and able older brothers so they seemed so incompetent in comparison.


    Seeing that Second Brother was about to scold him again, Xia Chunfeng quickly escaped.


    When he got to the door, Eldest Brother was waiting for him. Xia Chunli patted his shoulder lightly, "Your second brother is only doing this for your benefit, don''t mind too much. In fact, I think that you''re quite good. I''ll be supporting you,"


    "I know that Second Brother is doing it for my good," Xia Chunfeng said in embarrassment.


    In reality, Eldest Brother was also very capable, but his status meant that he was destined to always be in the shadows of the one who everyone focuses on. However, it couldn''t be helped. Who told him to be an illegitimate child?


    Qiao Mingxiu

 Chapter 89：My Brother

    As soon as Ye Jiayao arrived at work in the morning, she told Shopkeeper Li that she had accepted the invitation to cook for the Helian Mansion''s banquet. She was the head chef of Heavenly Residence after all, and such matter still required the support of Shopkeeper Li.


    Shopkeeper Li was delighted. "This is great! If you do an excellent job with this, you will become famous."


    "I signed up as the head chef of Heavenly Residence," Ye Jiayao replied modestly.


    Shopkeeper Li paced his office, excitedly rubbing his hands together. "Do not hesitate to tell me what you need and feel free to deploy the kitchen staff as you please. This is a rare chance and you must perform perfectly."


    Although Heavenly Residence was quite renowned in Jin Ling, most private banquets of such caliber were only catered by Fu Ji. This would be the first time that Heavenly Residence accepted such task, and success in this would elevate them to a new level. It would give them the right to challenge Fu Ji.


    "I have already chosen my assistants ¡ª Zhong Xiang, Deng Haichuan, Wang Mingde, and Cui Dongpeng. The restaurant''s business will not be affected, don''t worry. I just need to use the kitchen when it''s available in order to study recipes, and I might waste some ingredients," Ye Jiayao told him.


    "No worries. Just fill a form with the specifics and hand it to the accountant," Shopkeeper Li replied. Compared to the benefits he could receive in the future, these were all small gestures.


    For restaurant owners, lifting chefs to fame was a conflicting task. There was always a huge chance that if their chefs gain fame, they''d jump ship to a bigger restaurant. That would just ultimately benefit their competitors. On the other hand, a chef that nobody knows would affect the business badly. It was all a big gamble.


    However, Shopkeeper Li was not troubled this time because the contract had a clause that would benefit the restaurant. The clause basically stated that Li Yao would groom a head chef for the restaurant that would be as good as him in his three-year stint. Li Yao does not hold on to secrets and even taught his kitchen hands how to make cold drinks. That kind of generosity was rare in the industry.


    Li Yao was truly a lucky charm sent to him by the heavens!


    "How are we going to split the earnings from the private banquet, Shopkeeper Li?" Ye Jiayao asked. According to her knowledge, chefs who attend private banquets usually had to pay the restaurant management fees. Cases such as Fu Ji, where Zheng Fugui was the shopkeeper himself, were a different matter.


    Shopkeeper Li thought about it for a short moment. "Usually, the fee is forty percent. How about you just pay ten percent as a token gesture?"


    Shopkeeper Li sure was willing to provide a gesture of goodwill, Ye Jiayao thought to herself. That ten percent would not even cover his expenses.


    "How about I pay twenty percent? I can''t let the restaurant lose money, after all, can I?" Ye Jiayao offered.


    Shopkeeper Li smiled and nodded. "Fine, twenty percent it is. In the future, we will go by this rate too."


    Li Yao was definitely special and not someone who could be restricted. Shopkeeper Li knew that he couldn''t keep Li Yao tied to him so he might as well help him along his way.


    "This time, I chose the assistants according to their individual strengths as well as recent performances. As long as everyone works hard, there will be many more chances in the future."


    This announcement was to reassure and motivate everyone. She wanted them to know that everyone has a chance and they simply have to fight for it.


    Ye Jiayao intended to build a top-notch team to accept private tasks like this banquet, and a team of just four or five people was insufficient.


    The air of excitement in the kitchen was almost palpable. Those who were chosen were practically bouncing with eagerness, while those who were left out were filled with envy. Their envy was a good thing, though, because it was fueling them to do better in order to gain Ye Jiayao''s attention and good graces.


    The only one who was low in spirits was Liu Qisheng.


    He had helped Brother Xiang oppose Li Yao, only to end up with Brother Xiang joining Li Yao eventually. Now, everyone was ignoring him and he was stuck in a no man''s land. Amongst the second-class kitchen hands, he was the only one left out, and in favor of a third-class kitchen hand no less! He didn''t believe Li Yao''s claim that everyone had a chance. He had severely offended him and he was sure that Li Yao would give anyone but him a chance.


    Liu Qisheng immersed himself in chopping vegetables, the hit of the knife against the chopping board echoing in the room as he vented out his frustration. The others simply thought he was making a determined effort.


    After lunch, Ye Jiayao called the four that she chose to assign their respective tasks.


    "Brother Xiang, focus on working on the four desserts. Based on the requirements we previously came up with, determine the optimal recipe so we don''t make mistakes later."


    Zhong Xiang nodded. "No problem. I''ll go and prepare the ingredients in a while."


    "Wang Mingde, I want you to make me a very tasty vegetarian noodle broth. I want you to go all out."


    "I''ll try my best," Wang Mingde replied.


    "Deng Haichuan, I will prepare a list of the ingredients tomorrow. Go and find the manager of Helian Mansion and go over the quality of the ingredients together. Remember, the ingredients must be carefully chosen."


    "No worries, I will make sure of that," Deng Haichuan guaranteed.


    "There''s not much time left so let''s get a move on," Ye Jiayao said, gesturing with her hands for them to get cracking.


    "Brother Yao, what about me?" Cui Dongpeng asked.


    Ye Jiayao slightly winced at her forgetfulness. "Go to the Forging Iron Alley and have the best blacksmith make me a set of knives. While you''re there, go to the store that manufactures bronze products and check if the ice holder is done yet."


    "Sure! I know which store Chef Niu and Chef Zheng had their knives made. I''ll have the blacksmith make you the exact same set," Cui Dongpeng said with a grin.


    "I don''t want the exact same set. I want something that is more nimble. Oh, and I also want a set of carving knives," Ye Jiayao said. Her arms were not as strong as the male chefs. The knives in this kitchen were already too heavy for her as it is.


    "You want them fine and nimble. Got it."


    Ye Jiayao gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Smart."


    They were still in a meeting when Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng arrived.


    "Isn''t it too early to eat now?" Xia Chunfeng exclaimed. "How about we go to the teahouse to chat for a while first?"


    "No, it''s not too early. I''ll introduce you to someone first."


    "Such mysteriousness. Who is it? Who''s this mysterious friend that you''ve made these few months I''ve been away?" Xia Chunfeng asked curiously.


    Helian Jing pulled him inside. "You''ll know when you see him."


    Ah Xing saw Helian Jing arriving and hurriedly went up to greet him. "Young Royal Highness, Lotus Suite has already been prepared for you. Please head upstairs."


    "Go and call Li Yao over," Helian Jing ordered.


    Little Lu hurriedly ran to call Li Yao.


    "Brother Yao, Young Royal Highness Jing has arrived. He''s now in the Lotus Pavilion and has asked for you to head over there."


    Ye Jiayao paused for a second. This early? Was he really here for dinner? This was more like a time for refreshments!


    "How many people came?"


    "Just two."


    "Brother Xiang, would you mind making two cups of iced double milk? Little Lu, go and make a pot of first-class Lushan Mist Tea and also bring down some Cha Kwo. The rest of you can leave!"


    Xia Chunfeng entered the private room and looked around. The breeze blew gently through the open windows that overlooked the sparkling river and the willows lining the embankment.


    "The view is not bad at all," Xia Chunfeng mused.


    "The scenery is only secondary, it''s the food here that reaches the pinnacle of delicacies. Oh, and there are also cold drinks." Helian Jing always felt a surge of pride whenever he tells others of Heavenly Residence. It was almost as if Heavenly Residence was his own home.


    Xia Chunfeng sat down in a chair. "What cold drinks? Chilled Hawthorn Juice?"


    "That stuff is old-fashioned. You might not know as you just came back, but right now, iced double milk, iced pink lady, and iced peach milk are all the rage in Jin Ling. This is the only place that has them, and if you don''t pre-order them, you won''t get any."


    Xia Chunfeng became very curious. "That''s... ridiculous. Is that really so?"


    "It isn''t ridiculous at all. They only make two hundred bowls of cold drinks every day - exactly two hundred. It''s in short supply every day and if you come late, you definitely won''t be able to get one," Helian Jing replied.


    Xia Chunfeng raised a brow, impressed. "The shopkeeper here sure knows how to run a business. He clearly knows that rare commodities are worth hoarding. Very well, I must give it a try."


    "Eat all you want. After you try the cold drinks, there are still other delicacies," Helian Jing boasted with a laugh.


    Xia Chunfeng snorted. "It''s not like I haven''t tasted Chef Niu''s dishes, you know? They are just all mediocre at best."


    "Well, as I said, you''re behind the times. Chef Niu has already gone to Fragrant House, there is a new head chef here now."


    "You just like to try new things, just like Zhao Qixuan." Xia Chunfeng chuckled.


    "What do you mean try new things? I''m just looking for the flavor that suits me best and I''ve found it now. I won''t swap places anymore. If I want to eat, I''ll come to the Heavenly Residence," Helian Jing said in a huff.


    "Oh! The cook here must be really amazing if can make Young Royal Highness Jing stay in one place," Xia Chunfeng teased. He felt that Helian Jing was exaggerating way too much.


    "Believe me, in a while, the food you''ll taste will be so delicious, your tongue will fall off," Helian Jing huffed.


    "Little Jing, can you stop boasting? You''re going to exaggerate my skills," Ye Jiayao joked as she walked in.


    As soon as Helian Jing saw Ye Jiayao, his expression relaxed. "Yaoyao, this is Xia Chunfeng, the blood brother of Brother Chunyu. He is also a good brother of mine."


    Ye Jiayao clasped her hands and bowed. "I am Li Yao. Pleased to meet you, Young Master Xia."


    Ye Jiayao discreetly looked Chunyu''s brother up and down. Unlike Chunyu, who only resembled their mother by his eyes, Xia Chunfeng looked very much like their mother.


    Xia Chunfeng nodded in acknowledgment and turned to face Helian Jing. "This is ¡­"


    "Li Yao, he''s my brother and also the head chef here," Helian Jing replied.


    Xia Chunfeng''s expression became cold. Little Jing referred to him as a brother first rather than as a chef. That implied that Little Jing held this person in high regards. Chunfeng and Little Jing grew up together and he had always thought that he was the only one Little Jing regarded as a brother. Hearing him refer to this Li Yao as his brother was very unexpected. It was now apparent that he really did miss a lot during his absence.


    Little Lu brought the food in.


    "Your Royal Highnesses, these are the iced double milk you ordered."


    "Yaoyao, have a seat. It''s still early anyway." Helian Jing pulled out a chair for Yaoyao.


    This act once again surprised Xia Chunfeng. Holy crap! Was Little Jing really pulling out a chair for a chef now?


    Ye Jiayao sat down without objection


    Curiosity clawed at Xia Chunfeng. This Li Yao just a little cook, how come he''s able to refer to Little Jing as a brother? It can''t be that Little Jing has all of a sudden became a foodie, right?


    "Hey, how did you guys meet?" Xia Chufeng asked as he drank his iced double milk.

 Chapter 90：Two Terrible Friends

    Helian Jing did not intend to hide from him.


    "Do you remember a few months ago when my brother went to Shandong to defeat the bandits?"


    Xia Chunfeng drank a big mouthful of his iced double milk, loving how outrageously delicious it was. He nodded and said, "Yeah, I knew about it. My brother was undercover there for half a year!"


    "Right. I slipped to Shandong after him. Unfortunately, when I arrived, the war had already ended. My brother was nowhere to be seen and my purse was stolen. I was almost lost in a foreign territory. Thanks to Yaoyao, I managed to get back home in one piece. If it wasn''t for him, I might be begging for food right now!" Helian Jing confessed.


    Xia Chunfeng choked on his drink. He about coughed out a lung just to clear his throat, his eyes full of questions and surprise as he stared at Helian Jing.


    Ye Jiayao stifled a laugh and said, "Don''t worry, drink the milk first. There''s more to that story."


    Helian Jing immediately thought of the incident where he fell into the septic tank. "Yaoyao! Brothers are loyal to each other!"


    Ye Jiayao once again did her best to stuff down her laughter. She said seriously, "What do you think I''m going to say?"


    Helian Jing huffed. "As long as you don''t reveal anything."


    Xia Chunfeng, still red-faced from his coughing fit, said to the chef, "Quick, tell me what had he done."


    "No. Don''t tell him," Helian Jing protested anxiously.


    Xia Chunfeng teased, "What''s the matter? I know about all the embarrassing things you have done since we were young anyway!"


    That greatly interested Ye Jiayao. "Let''s do an exchange. You''ll tell me one and I''ll tell you one, too."


    "Okay, but it must be at the same level," Xia Chunfeng bargained laughingly.


    Helian Jing could only look at them in shock. They were actually enjoying themselves as they make a deal about regaling each other about his embarrassing moments!


    Ye Jiayao told Xia Chunfeng to go first.


    Xia Chunfeng began, "When Little Jing was only ten years old, the left prime minister''s eldest son got married. Several of us children wanted to attend the shivaree, so we hid under the bed¡­"


    "Xia Chunfeng, I swear to God, if you keep talking..." Helian Jing warned.


    "Aye, isn''t Li Yao your buddy? It''s okay to tell him, many people know about this anyway," Xia Chunfeng teased.


    Ye Jiayao nodded solemnly. "Yes, it''s fine. I promise not to make fun of you."


    Helian Jing said moodily, "I''m going to unfriend both of you."


    He was now regretting his decision to introduce Yaoyao to his best friend. Yes, he was expecting them to bond, but he never thought that it would be at his expense!


    Ye Jiayao and Xia Chunfeng couldn''t hold their laughter in as they looked at each other.


    "Alright, alright! Calm down, we were just joking," Ye Jiayao said, taking pity on him.


    Xia Chunfeng added, "Well, I wasn''t, but I''ll spare you this time."


    Helian Jing frowned. "Who''s sparing whom? You think you don''t have any awkward incidents? There are still those that your brother doesn''t know, do you want me to tell him?"


    Xia Chunfeng swiftly changed the topic. He was smart enough to know when to retreat.


    "Li Yao, this iced double milk taste like bananas."


    Ye Jiayao responded with a smile, "That''s because it is made out of milk and bananas. How do you find the taste? Is it nice?"


    Xia Chunfeng nodded. "I thought Little Jing was just exaggerating, but this is really nice."


    Ye Jiayao snapped his finger and called Little Lu over. "Tell Brother Xiang to give us two more servings of the iced pink lady and iced peach milk."


    "What do you want to eat tonight? I''ll cook for you." Ye Jiayao passed the menu from Little Lu to Xia Chunfeng.


    Helian Jing said, "This guy can''t ever settle on an order. Yaoyao, just casually arrange it, whatever you make is delicious anyway."


    Xia Chunfeng shrugged and acquiesced. "I''m not picky, unlike my brother. I can''t believe he managed to stay with the bandits for such a long time."


    True. That guy is really a picky eater. If I hadn''t had went up the mountain, he would''ve had died at the mere shame of eating pig food.


    "Alright, I''ll arrange it myself. You guys go ahead and drink some iced drinks and tea, and I''ll head off to prepare the meal."


    Helian Jing caught Big Yaoyao''s hand to stop her. However, the feeling of his warm, soft hand stirred up weird feelings in Helian Jing and he forgot what he wanted to say.


    "What''s wrong?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Helian Jing let go of her hand and stammered, "N-no, no, nothing, I just... I just wanted to say don''t cook too much."


    Ye Jiayao nodded with a smile and left.


    Helian Jing relished the strange warmth he had just experienced.


    Xia Chunfeng stared at him curiously." Little Jing, why is your face red? You were drinking a cold drink, not alcohol."


    Helian Jing flushed even more and obtusely touched his cheeks. "Really?"


    Xia Chunfeng simply raised a brow.


    Helian Jing lied guiltily, "Maybe it''s just too stuffy in here."


    Xia Chunfeng pointed at the window. "Why don''t you jump into the river to cool down if you think it''s too stuffy when the window is open."


    Helian Jing simply stayed silent.


    "Aye, Little Jing, is Li Yao just a chef? Does he have any background?" Xia Chunfeng asked.


    "A background? All I know is that he is a cosmopolitan that was born in a family of chefs and he thrives in cooking. I don''t care if he''s a civilian or has a richer background, I like him and I want to be friends with him," Helian Jing declared.


    "I haven''t found a merit in him yet. I just feel like he''s good looking and generous, unlike us who are flatterers and obsequious," Xia Chunfeng said, giving his fair evaluation.


    Helian Jing said objectively, "If you get to know him, you''ll know what kind of person he is. Even both our brothers approve of him, which just goes to show how upstanding he is."


    Xia Chunfeng was astonished. "Really? My second brother? There aren''t even many that please him in Jin Ling, much less gain his approval."


    "Yes, your second brother." Helian Jing paused. "There''s one thing that I didn''t have the chance to tell you. A few days ago, Princess Liu Li and Li Yao had an argument and the princess lost. She went here with the prince to take revenge on him. Both our brothers rushed here to interfere but in the end..." Helian Jing halted to take a sip of tea.


    "Spit it out! What happened?" Xia Chunfeng urged. He couldn''t believe he had missed such an exciting occurrence.


    "In the end, it was a false alarm. Yaoyao had conquered the prince with a few dishes. Not only did the prince took his side against Liu Li, he even left him with a piece of calligraphy," Helian Jing finished.


    Xia Lianfeng gasped. A calligraphy? And Li Yao actually won against Prince Liu Li? Given how vile that princess was, Li Yao was abnormally courageous for standing up against her.


    "If that really is true, then I... I have to say I admire him," Xia Chunfeng said.


    As Ye Jiayao was cooking in the kitchen, Ah Xing came in and told her, "Brother Yao, Heir-Son Lord Yong An is here. He knew that Young Royal Highness Jing is here so he made up a table and is ordering now!"


    Ye Jiayao was actually glad that Zhao Qixuan came over. That would save her the trouble of finding him later to ask about the coconuts.


    In the Lotus Suite, a full table was sat.


    Zhao Qixuan said giddily, "Mu Qinchu is treating us today because he wants to introduce his cousin to everyone."


    It was usually difficult for Mu Qinchu to get Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng to come to his get-togethers, and today was a happy coincidence. He smiled obsequiously and said, "This is my cousin Wei Liujiang. He just arrived in Jin Ling recently to partake in the Imperial examination. Please, look after him in future."


    Xia Chunfeng frowned, looking over at Wei Liujiang calculatingly. Wasn''t this the Wei Liujiang that his second brother and Song Qi mentioned? From Chunyu''s tone then, he didn''t seem to like him! How did this guy offend Chunyu when he had just arrived?


    Whatever the case was, if Chunyu disliked this guy, he''d support his brother. Xia Chunfeng said lazily, "We are not the examiner nor the proctor, how could we look after him? We couldn''t leak the questions even if we wanted to!"


    Mu Qinjiang and Wei Jiangliu''s heart sank as they heard the obvious distaste in Xia Chunfeng''s voice. Could he have known about them displeasing Xia Chunyu?


    Mu Qinchu tried to laugh it off. "Brother Chunfeng, you''re funny! I just meant to get to know each other."


    "I''m not a casual person. What would happen if I befriend everyone who comes up and say hello to me? And also, who are you calling Brother Chunfeng?" Xia Chunfeng said without glancing at them.


    Zhao Qixuan glanced at Xia Chunfeng. He was a bit too cocky today. Granted, Chunfeng was normally quite cocky, but he was downright embarrassing Mu Qinchu and his cousin today.


    To cut into the tension, Zhao Qixuan said, "Chunfeng, it''s been a few months since we''ve last met! Where have you been?"


    Helian Jing also found that Xia Chunfeng was acting weird. He was speaking spitefully as if these two had done him a grave offense. He answered for Xia Chunfeng, "He went to the frontier pass to visit the Old Lord as the Old Lord hasn''t returned to Jin Ling for a few years."


    Zhao Qixuan was surprised. "Really? It''s actually quite peaceful at the frontier these few years, the Old Lord didn''t have to guard there."


    Xia Chunfeng said proudly, "Why did you think the frontier is so peaceful? If it wasn''t for my father guarding there, do you reckon the people up north would be so law-abiding?"


    "Yes, you''re right. If it wasn''t for the Old Lord, how can we drink and chat freely, huh? We would have to mount on horses to fight against our enemies," Zhao Qixuan echoed. Nowadays, Old Lord Jing An was the most reputable and most powerful general in Huai Song. He could never be praised enough.


    Mu Qinchu knew that the Young Royal Highness Jing and Li Yao were good friends. Since he couldn''t please Xia Chunfeng, he moved on to Young Royal Highness Jing instead.


    "I actually came today for another matter. I came to give Head Chef Li Yao something."


    Helian Jing asked curiously, "What are you giving him?"


    Mu Qinchu smiled and answered, "Yesterday, Li Yao asked me to get some ice quota for him. I came to give him a couple of ice tickets today."


    "Really? Maybe it''s to make those iced drinks," Helian Jing said with a slight twinge in his heart. Why would Yaoyao entrust Mu Qinchu with such matter and not him?


    Zhao Qixuan laughed. "You better help him on that. If not, all of us wouldn''t have icy drinks to drink."


    "Yes, yes, that''s why I got it done immediately," Mu Qinchu agreed with a polite laugh.


    Xia Chunfeng was surprised. Li Yao doesn''t seem like a simple person. He was like a fish swimming in the water of the nobility circle. He had thought that only Little Jing was giving him the special treatment, but it seemed that special treatment extended from other nobles as well.

 Chapter 91：Homemade Chicken Essence

    Ye Jiayao had thought that it was Zhao Qixuan that was treating for dinner today so she wasn''t expecting to see Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang.


    "Li Yao, I was just about to look for you. I have the ice tickets you mentioned yesterday," Mu Qinchu said eagerly as if he was really familiar with the chef.


    Ye Jiayao''s lips twitched. "So fast?"


    Mu Qinchu nudged Wei Liujiang who immediately took out a set of ice ticket and handed it to Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao looked over the ice tickets calmly as she counted them. "Why are there only 500g?"


    Mu Qinchu explained, "It wasn''t easy to get 1kg at once. I''ll bring you another 500g in a couple of days."


    "No need!" Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng said simultaneously.


    Xia Chunfeng, finding himself in an awkward position, signaled for Helian Jing to speak first.


    Helian Jing immediately said, "Li Yao, tell me how much you need and I''ll get it for you no matter the amount."


    Was Mu Qinchu''s help really needed for this? Helian Jing wanted to be the one to help Big Yaoyao.


    Xia Chunfeng couldn''t help but wheedle, "It''s just 1kg of ice, how hard can it be to get it done?"


    Mu Qinchu held in his words of resentment. That''s easy for you to say because you all are careless. I had to suffer a scolding just to get this 500g of ice!


    Ye Jiayao smiled. She had no doubt that Little Jing can get the ice easily, but this was blackmailed from Mu Qinchu. She was not going to let this arrogant guy off the hook so easily. She said to Mu Qinchu, "In the next days then. I know that you wouldn''t want to delay because this ice is to be used for Helian Mansion Old Princess'' birthday celebration."


    Mu Qinchu''s eyes widened. If that was really the purpose of the ice, then he must obtain the remaining 500g as soon as possible.


    "The weather has been hot lately so the ice supply had been short. Don''t worry, though, I''ll do my best and I won''t cause a delay to the Old Princess'' birthday celebration," Mu Qinchu promptly promised.


    Zhao Qixuan shooed the child on the seat next to him and subsequently offered it to Ye Jiayao. "Li Yao, sit and drink with us."


    Those who didn''t really know Li Yao were stunned. The seating arrangements had always been exquisite, very distinct. The Young Royal Highness Jing was seated in the main seat, while Xia Chunfeng and Zhao Qixuan sat on the seats on either side of him. No one had any objections to this seating arrangement because their statuses were distinguished. Why on earth would Zhao Qixuan allow this chef to sit by his side? Wasn''t that a bit weird?


    Out of all of them, it was Wei Liujiang who was the most shocked. This Li Yao must be the best chef ever! He had such good relationships with a group of Royal Highness and Heir-Son Lords. If Liujiang hadn''t seen this with his own eyes, he would have thought that it was impossible.


    "Move away." Helian Jing pushed Zhao Qixuan. "Li Yao, come sit here."


    Zhao Qixuan happily gave up his seat. "Yes, yes! Li Yao, come and sit."


    What was happening? Everyone was confused.


    Mindful of the flabbergasted expression on the people''s faces, Ye Jiayao walked over to Helian Jing, yet she didn''t sit. Instead, she picked up a flagon and poured herself and everyone else a glass of wine. She picked up the glass and said, "Everyone, thank you for coming! I hope you all drink and eat happily. Cheers!"


    Helian Jing added, "Come, come, let''s drink up."


    Everyone dutifully drank.


    Ye Jiayao topped up the glasses again and said, "Young Royal Highness Jing, this is to thank you for your trust in letting me organize the Old Princess'' birthday celebration. I can''t thank you enough. Cheers!"


    Helian Jing frowned and said, "Nonsense. You''re not an outsider."


    Nevertheless, Ye Jiayao drained her glass and looked over at Little Jing, smiling.


    Helian Jing had no choice but to drink up as well.


    On her third glass, Ye Jiayao wanted to toast to Zhao Qixuan. "Brother Xhao, I have something to ask of you."


    "You don''t have to ask, just say it if there''s something bothering you," Zhao Qixuan immediately replied.


    Ye Jiayao smiled and said, "Then I''ll assume you already agreed. I''ll tell you about it later."


    After she had downed three glasses of wine, Ye Jiayao announced, "I have some errands to run in the kitchen, excuse me. I''ll join you all in another day."


    "Are you really that busy? Aren''t there other chefs in the kitchen?" Helian Jing asked disappointedly.


    "But I''m the main chef." Ye Jiayao turned to the others. "Alright, you guys continue drinking. I''m going to leave now."


    Once she exited the door, the welcoming smile on Ye Jiayao''s face turned into a sneer. Oh, Wei Liujiang, Wei Liujiang. You''ll get what''s coming to you.


    After the feast, Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng went with Zhao Qixuan to find Li Yao. They wanted to hear what Yaoyao wanted to ask Zhao Qixuan for.


    "What do you need, Li Yao?" Zhao Qixuan asked.


    "I heard that you have business in the south. I want to ask if you can get me some coconut fruits from there," Ye Jiayao answered.


    "Coconut fruit? That thing isn''t tasty," Zhao Qixuan protested.


    "I have use of it."


    "Okay, sure. How many do you want?"


    "These things are not spoiled easily, so if it''s convenient, the more the merrier. Can you obtain a few hundred?"


    Zhao Qixuan waved her concerns away. "That''s not an inconvenience. You can have as much as you want. You''re in luck because there will be a ship going to the south tomorrow. I''ll just instruct them to get your fruits."


    Ye Jiayao exclaimed happily, "Thank you."


    "Yaoyao, if you have a problem, just come and find us. There''s no need to seek help from Mu Qinchu," Helian Jing told her.


    Ye Jiayao chuckled a bit. "I was just ripping him off. I wanted to cause him trouble."


    Xia Chunfeng laughed out loud. This Li Yao was really interesting.


    Helian Jing was relieved now that he finally knew that Mu Qinchu and Yaoyao weren''t becoming friends. He said to Zhao Qixuan, "I never liked that guy. Next time, I won''t come if he''s there."


    "I only met him halfway here," Zhao Qixuan explained.


    After the three nobles left, Ye Jiayao got off work and headed over to Auntie Jiang''s house, carrying a massive bag. Tonight, she was making a very important condiment - chicken essence.


    Chicken essence was a very common condiment in the modern days, but it had not been invented yet in this era.


    Jiang Li opened the door. He took over the bag Ye Jiayao was carrying and shouted, "Mother! Third Madam is back!"


    Auntie Jiang came out from the kitchen. "Third Madam, have you had dinner? I made dumplings."


    Ye Jiayao shook her head with a smile. "I already ate at the restaurant. You guys eat. Jiang Li, help me bring these to the little kitchen, will you?"


    "Sure!"


    Jiang Yue ate the last dumplings quickly and ran out. "Third Madam, are you going to cook?"


    Ye Jiayao replied, "Why, yes. If you have nothing to do, you can come help me."


    "Mother, I''ll go and help Third Madam!" Jiang Yue called happily.


    Auntie Jiang laughed. "Go ahead, little girl, learn from Third Madam."


    Jiang Li went to chop the firewood and lit up the fire.


    Ye Jiayao washed her hands and took out two stone mortars, passing one to Jiang Yue. "Crush that bag of rock sugar to a powder."


    Jiang Yue happily obeyed.


    Ye Jiayao handled the chicken meat herself and tore the chicken breast that had already been cooked and drained this afternoon to tiny shreds. She removed the veins and placed it in the stone mortar to pound it into fine pieces.


    Jiang Li was keeping busy with the fire, wondering when should he show the Third Madam the mold.


    Ye Jiayao placed the tiny pieces of chicken onto the plate and separated it with chopsticks, gradually adding some fine salt into it until it was the right level of saltiness. She then proceeded to cut the ginger, spring onions, and mushrooms into tiny pieces before placing it in the crock.


    "Is the pot heated?"


    Jiang Li tuned back in and nodded. "It''s heated."


    "Place some salt at the bottom of the pot," Ye Jiayao instructed.


    There weren''t ovens in this era, so she could only do this the old-fashioned way. She placed some salt at the bottom of the pot and placed it on the crock to grill it.


    She turned it around periodically, continuing to grill it again and again until the water has vaporized and the tiny pieces of vegetables had become crispy little granules.


    Next, she grilled the chicken shreds. When it was softened, she mixed all the ingredients together and pounded it over until it turned into powder. She added some sugar and stirred it all up.


    Ye Jiayao put a bit of the chicken essence on her fingertip and tasted it. Yes! It tasted really incredible! Her first attempt at making chicken essence was successful!


    "Third Madam, what are these?" Jiang Yue asked curiously.


    Ye Jiayao smiled mysteriously. "This is my secret condiment. Don''t tell anyone else about this, okay?"


    Both brother and sister nodded. "We won''t speak a word."


    Ye Jiayao transferred the finished chicken essence into a dry container and gave the rest to Jiang Yue. "Give this to your mother and tell her to use it when cooking soup or vegetables. Just add a pinch in. Only a small pinch, okay? And only add it when the food is almost ready to be served. This would make the dish taste amazing."


    "Really? That''s really great stuff." Jiang Yue carefully held it, worried that she''d spill it.


    "Find a dry container to store it in. Don''t let it get wet because it wouldn''t be nice to use then," Ye Jiayao reminded.


    Jiang Yue nodded. "I''ll go and find a container now."


    Ye Jiayao felt great as she looked at the container of the chicken essence on the stove. This was her secret weapon. Whether she could shine on the Old Princess'' birthday celebration not only depended on the Ice Cream Mooncake, but also on this chicken essence.


    "Third¡­Third Madam, I''ve completed the mold," Jiang Li said hesitantly.


    "That quick?" Ye Jiayao was surprised.


    Jiang Li nodded. "It''s done."


    "Well, bring it out and show it to me!" Ye Jiayao said excitedly.


    Jiang Li had kept the mold with him so he just quickly took it out and handed it to Third Madam.


    Ye Jiayao was amazed at how delicate the mold was made. It was tiny and could easily be opened and closed. The carvings inside were exactly what she wanted.


    "I took some flour and tried it on. Do you want to see the effect, Third Madam?" Jiang Li wasn''t sure if Third Madam liked it. Third Madam said she wanted it to be delicate so he made it small and dainty, but when it was done, he thought that it was too tiny.


    "Yes, yes, I want to. Go get it, quick." Ye Jiayao was just thinking of getting something to try this with.


    Not long after, Jiang Li came back with some flour.


    "Oh my gosh, that is so adorable!" This was what she was after! The rich mooncakes would be too filling if made any larger. This mold was perfect to just sate the appetite and the curiosity of the guests.


    "Jiang Li, you have such fine hands. I love this mold very much. I have four more sample drawings here, just follow this size and make the other four." Ye Jiayao cradled the mold admiringly.


    Jiang Li smiled abashedly and scratched his head. He was happy that Third Madam was pleased.

 Chapter 92：Not Renting

    After he reached home, Xia Chunfeng went straight to his second brother''s room.


    Xia Chunyu was lying on the bed, his mind occupied. Today, His Majesty has gathered the various ministers from the Ministry of War to the royal study to discuss some issues. His Majesty had the intention to send troops to West Mongolia to help settle the armed rebellion. He already expected that the army would be led by Helian Xuan. What he didn''t expect was Helian Xuan asking him to join him in West Mongolia.


    Should he go?


    If it were in the past, he would not even hesitate, but now, there were things he could not leave in Jin Ling.


    "Second brother." Xia Chunfeng barged in energetically.


    Xia Chunyu fidgeted with his jade thumb ring and glanced at his younger brother. "Where did you go? You were not even home for dinner."


    Xia Chunfeng smiled, "Little Jing treated me to dinner today. Second Brother, guess who I saw today?"


    Little Jing no doubt brought Chunfeng to Heavenly Residence and introduced him to Yaoyao.


    Xia Chunyu played along and asked, "Who?"


    "You know him, too! He is the head chef of Heavenly Residence, Li Yao. I heard from Little Jing that you seemed to admire him."


    Xia Chunyu snorted, "So what?"


    "Nothing. I just also think that he is quite an interesting fellow," Xia Chunfeng replied. He picked up the orchid pea in the plate, threw it high up and caught it with his mouth.


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow, amusedly, smiling lightly. "How is he interesting?"


    "I can''t really explain. I just feel that he is quite interesting. Not to mention that his temperament matches mine. Little Jing holds him with high regards and since he is Little Jing''s friend, then he is my friend too," Xia Chunfeng stated.


    Yaoyao is indeed lovable! What more if they find out that she''s really a woman?


    "Aye, Second Brother, the dishes Li Yao made are really delicious. Why don''t we invite him to our house to cook during the Mid-Autumn festival?" Xia Chunfeng suggested.


    "NO." Xia Chunyu rejected the idea without a second thought.


    "Why?" Xia Chunfeng asked curiously.


    "It is not like we have no chefs at home. The Mid-Autumn feast is a family gathering, we can just eat casually here. There is no need to go through all that trouble," Xia Chunyu answered.


    He could not keep Yaoyao from working in Heavenly Residence, neither could he oppose to Yaoyao accepting the Helian family''s birthday feast. This was one thing that he had control over. He would never allow Yaoyao to cook in the Jing An Marquis Mansion, to be at their beck and call like a common servant.


    Xia Chunfeng did not push the matter again. He continued, "I saw that Wei Liujiang you talked about last night. I was told that he was Mu Qinchu''s cousin."


    Xia Chunyu froze. "They went to Heavenly Residence?"


    "Yeah, Zhao Qixuan was there too and everyone sat together for a meal. Don''t worry, I even ridiculed the two of them. Do you want to deal with him? I don''t exactly find him pleasing to the eye either."


    Xia Chunyu forced an off-handed answer, "They only went to have a meal?"


    "No, Mu Qinchu proclaimed that he went there just to look for Li Yao."


    Xia Chunyu stood up. "What business does he have with Li Yao?"


    "To deliver the ice ticket. He said Li Yao requested for them. That made Little Jing unhappy, but Li Yao clarified that he was only making use of Mu Qinchu."


    Xia Chunyu heaved a sigh of relief. Mu Qinchu was careful after all. Chunyu guessed that Mu Qinchu knew that if he creates trouble for Yaoyao, he''d go over and break his bones.


    "Alright, alright. The Imperial military examination is around the corner, you should concentrate on that. Don''t embarrass the Jing An Marquis residence, or father will come back to put you in order," Xia Chunyu threatened.


    Xia Chunfeng pouted. "You are even naggier than Mother! You two only know how to criticize me all day long."


    "It is all for your own good. You better train well as I will check with you after three days. If you could not withstand more than 20 moves under me, don''t think about going to that examination." Xia Chunyu waved his hand to chase him out.


    Xia Chunfeng wrinkled his nose angrily. His brother was belittling him. 20 moves? Ha! 200 wouldn''t even be a problem. I went through Father''s vigorous training at the borders.


    Xia Chunyu''s thoughts drifted away once again. He wanted to go to Yaoyao but he couldn''t keep going over to her too frequently. That lass was already particularly smug as it was!


    That night, in Yu Shu Palace.


    "Princess, as per my investigation, that Li Yao came to Jin Ling just recently and accepted the offer to work in Heavenly Residence. He was originally a first-class kitchen hand, but he got promoted to head chef in a few days'' time. Now, he has accepted the offer to do the Old Helian Princess''s birthday feast. I heard that Li Yao saved the Young Royal Highness Jing and has a deep friendship with him," a guard reported.


    Liu Li''s eyebrows furrowed tightly. It was no wonder that Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan rushed over that day. It wouldn''t really be that big of a deal if others wanted to protect Li Yao, but with Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan participating, it would be a sticky situation.


    No matter. If she could not do it openly, then she would attack secretly. Whatever happens, she has to get her revenge.


    "What is the situation in Heavenly Residence?"


    "The owner of Heavenly Residence is called Li Xudong. He used to run a small restaurant, but seven years ago, he started Heavenly Residence which became quite famous in the Jin Ling food and beverage industry. The land where Heavenly Residence is located was only rented out to him."


    Liu Li ordered, "Go check who owns the property and Li Xudong''s family situation."


    "Yes! Your subordinate would go immediately." The guard bowed and withdrew.


    Liu Li''s almond eyes showed a cold, hateful look. I''m going to have fun with you, Li Yao.


    Early next morning, Ye Jiayao brought Jiang Li to Laifu Motel. Since she has decided to stay with Auntie Jiang, there would be no need to keep the room. The autumn Imperial examinations were around the corner and many scholars would flood into Jin Ling to take it. The inns in Jin Ling would be bustling with business and many of them would be full. If she empties the room, Manager Du could rent it out to someone else and earn more money.


    "Little Li, you''re here!" Manager Du stopped what he was doing and immediately went over to Li Yao.


    "Big Brother, how have you been?" Ye Jiayao asked with a smile.


    "Very well, actually. Couldn''t be better! Look at all these people in the inn." Manager Du laughed heartily.


    "There are insufficient rooms in the inn, right?"


    Manager Du immediately understood Little Brother Li''s concern. "We are not lacking that one room. Oh, have you settled your troubles? Isn''t it time for you to move back?"


    Ye Jiayao replied, "I actually came here to tell you that I already found a place to stay in. They are an old acquaintance of mine when I was in Shan Dong. His whole family came to Jin Ling and they have a spare room in their house so they wanted me to move in there."


    Jiang Li cupped his fist and greeted Manager Du.


    Manager Du laughed embarrassedly before pulling Li Yao over to the side. "Little Brother Li, you don''t have to this. I really do not lack that rental fee."


    Ye Jiayao replied, "Big Brother, it''s okay. Uncle and Auntie Jiang are extremely nice to me, just like my family. They also wished for me to move in with them so that we can take care of each other."


    "Really?" Manager Du was skeptical.


    "Of course! Why would I lie to you? You can go over there when you have the time if you want to check."


    Manager Du, finally convinced that Li Yao was not lying, heaved a sigh of relief. He patted Li Yao on the shoulder and said, "Then I''m happy for you. If you have any difficulties, just tell me. Even though I am not very capable, I still have a few rooms here. You can come to stay whenever you want."


    Ye Jiayao felt extremely touched. Although her time traveling experience was miserable and melodramatic, she was met with only good people throughout her journey. She found strangers, who she met only by chance, that treated her like family.


    Ye Jiayao nodded solemnly "I will, I promise."


    After packing up her stuff in the room into a small bundle, she got Jiang Li to bring it back while she went straight to Heavenly Residence to work.


    She has to start making pastries today. Ye Jiayao was excited as she was weakest in pastries. She really hoped she could learn from Zhong Xiang.


    In this era, there were no pressure cookers so they could only boil the soaked peas slowly. When the peas were soft and have reached a paste state, a fine gauze was used to remove their skins. They added some melted agar, icing sugar, and powdered osmanthus flower and stir-fried the mixture in a pot. They then spread it out evenly and waited for it to solidify. The color would be a translucent light yellow, like split yellow pea jelly.


    Throughout the process, Ye Jiayao used a pen and paper to take note of the quantity of each ingredient, the duration of steaming, and the amount of heat used.


    "After adding agar, the split yellow pea would be even more translucent in color and lustrous." Zhong Xiang was very satisfied with this excellent-looking batch of split yellow pea cake.


    "So this can be used in this way..." Cui Dongpeng clicked his tongue in wonder, the agar he used all his strength to extract was actually a good stuff.


    Ye Jiayao picked up a piece to try. After a few seconds, she commented, "The amount of agar is enough, the tenacity of the cake is just right, the powdered pea is also very fine, but it is still too sweet."


    "Really? Let me try." Zhong Xiang also tried a piece.


    "Yeah, you''re right. It is a little too sweet," Zhong Xiang agreed.


    "A little too sweet would not do. Next time, we have to reduce the amount of sugar by a tenth." Ye Jiayao wanted it to be just right. She realized that it was impossible to cater to everyone''s taste so she wanted this to be perfectly balanced. That way, those who liked it sweet wouldn''t find this too bland, while those who liked it bland wouldn''t find it too sweet.


    "We have to make walnut biscuits tomorrow, too. Remember not to add too much sugar," Ye Jiayao instructed.


    If she ensured that all the pastries taste just right, she would definitely succeed.


    "Brother Yao¡­" Deng Haichuan returned with a huge food box in his hand.


    "Haichuan, what good stuff did you bring back?" Cui Dongpeng asked as he moved to snatch the food box over.


    "Ay¡­ be careful! Don''t knock into it, this contains top-grade porcelain." Deng Haichuan immediately held onto the box tighter.


    "Brother Yao, these are the three types of plates for the dishes supplied by the Helian Mansion. They asked you to choose whichever is more suitable."


    Deng Haichuan opened the food box.


    There was a set of tableware with longevity diagrams glazed onto the porcelain, a set of tableware glazed with auspicious jubilation diagrams, and a set of tableware glazed with riches and honor diagrams.


    The three sets of tableware were brightly colored and well-glazed, showing off the Helian Mansion''s wealth.


    After deliberating for a long time and seeking everyone''s opinion, they came to a consensus that the longevity diagrams were the most suitable.


    "Then this set it shall be. Let the housekeeper of the mansion prepare the full set."


    Deng Haichuan replied, "Alright, I will make another trip later."


    "Oh no, oh no." Litte Lu ran in, flustered.


    "What happened? Did someone make a scene again? It isn''t even time to eat yet!" Deng Haichuan asked.


    Little Lu explained, "The landlord of this building came. When I went in to offer him some tea, I heard him say that he wants to reclaim this building. He is not renting it out anymore."

 Chapter 93：Riding Together

    This news shocked everyone.


    "Didn''t the contract just got renewed last year? Wasn''t it a renewal for five years? Why does he suddenly want us to move out?" Zhong Xiang asked in bewilderment.


    "How would I know? I didn''t dare listen to more," Little Lu cried.


    "Let''s go and find out," Ye Jiayao said.


    The survival of the restaurant would directly affect the benefits and interest of everyone. It was only natural that they would be concerned about it.


    The gang tiptoed up to the second floor, crouching at the door, as though they were forming a human pyramid, to eavesdrop.


    "I have no say in this matter. You have to leave this place after three days," the landlord said firmly.


    "Boss Sun, isn''t there any room for discussion? The contract clearly stated that if we were to move out, or if you were to stop renting the place to us, there has to be a three-month notification in advance. With only three days, where do you want us to move to?" Shopkeeper Li asked, worry evident in his voice.


    "I will compensate you according to the contract and you need not pay the rental fees for this year. Will that do?" Boss Sun sighed.


    Ye Jiayao knew that there was something amiss. She had found out that in this district, the rental fees for just a storefront would cost more than 2000 taels per year. A whole building cost at least 6000 taels to rent. 6000 taels was a huge amount, but the landlord had no qualms about refusing it just like that. Could it be that he had a bigger interest in giving it up?


    They heard Shopkeeper Li say, "Boss Sun, this is unfair. We have worked together for eight years and never have I once delayed rental payment. Even if the business cannot go on, you still have to be humane. You''re not giving me a way out!"


    "Shopkeeper Li, I don''t want to do this either, but I really have my difficulties." Boss Sun sounded apologetic as well.


    "Is someone trying to sabotage us?" Shopkeeper Li tried to sound him out.


    Everyone pricked their ears to listen but it stayed quiet. Finally, Boss Sun said, "I have to take this building back, Shopkeeper Li. I''m sorry that I have let you down."


    That was an implicit admittance if Ye Jiayao ever heard one. Shopkeeper Li replied, "Boss Sun, give us some clue on account of our partnership for all these years. If there is any conflict, I would find a way to solve it and you need not be caught in the middle, right? I will never reveal that you are the one who told me, how about that?"


    "Shopkeeper Li, please don''t make this difficult for me than it already is. If I could tell you, I would have done so already. You should already know who you offended. I am taking my leave now but I will be back three days later to reclaim the building."


    Before everyone could retreat, the door opened. Cui Dongpeng, who was right at the bottom holding on to the door, lost his support and fell forward. The others fell on top of him and the group sprawled down on the ground.


    Boss Sun only shook his head at them.


    Everyone hurried to get up, making a way for Boss Sun. When he left, everyone swarmed into the room, talking all at once.


    "Shopkeeper, let''s just not move and see what he can do about it. This is too unreasonable."


    "With only three days, we don''t even have enough time to find another place. He is deliberately making it hard for us."


    "Which bastard is making mischief behind our backs? If I find out, I would chop him up into mincemeat."


    "Shopkeeper Li, what do you think we should do? We wouldn''t be afraid of a fight."


    "That''s right! When the time comes, we will seize the guy and protect the restaurant. We''ll chop anyone who dares come¡­"


    Shopkeeper Li was distraught with anxiety. He could understand how everyone was feeling, but a fight would only make more trouble instead of solving the problem.


    "Alright, alright, go back to work! Let me be alone for a while," Shopkeeper Li said with annoyance. The restaurant''s business has been improving at this juncture and the future looked bright. He had even thought of renovating it slightly. He would never have thought of a calamity like this befalling the restaurant.


    Ye Jiayao waved her hand and motioned for everyone to get out.


    Right now, the mastermind behind this was still unclear. Whether it was someone in the same trade or simply someone who wanted to make things difficult for Heavenly Residence, they didn''t know. Without that knowledge, every plan was useless.


    Ye Jiayao had a suspect in mind, though. For Boss Sun to act that afraid, this person must be extremely influential. Perhaps, this person was specifically targeting her.


    Heavenly Residence has met with an unprecedented crisis, while everyone was feeling indignant at such injustice, for the most part, fear was lurking around. What would happen if the restaurant really closes? Where would they go? Other than Ye Jiayao, the people working here had all been in their jobs for several years. It was not easy to look for a job now, and even if they found one, they would not get the same treatment they have here.


    For a moment, Heavenly Residence seemed to be shrouded with depression, the atmosphere was extremely heavy.


    "Li Yao, can you look for the Young Royal Highness?" Zhong Xiang broke the silence. He seemed to have hesitated for a long time before saying it.


    Everyone was worried about their future. Li Yao was the only one who need not worry that he had no place to go because based on his current fame, many restaurants would scramble to hire him. He would not think of coming to the Young Royal Highness Jing for help. However, all the other brothers need it. As difficult as it was to say, Zhong Xiang had to steel himself and try.


    Zhong Xiang''s words were like a ray of light piercing through the haze. Everyone turned to look at Li Yao hopefully.


    Ye Jiayao propped her chin on her hand and thought about it. After a long while, she nodded and said, "I shall look for the Young Royal Highness this instant."


    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief, their faces relaxing into smiles. They believed that as long as the Young Royal Highness intervened, the situation would turn for the better.


    Ye Jiayao also wanted to find out what or who was behind this. If it really was her fault, as she strongly suspected it was, she would have to take full responsibility. If it was not, then she would still do everything in her power to help all these people.


    Just as she arrived at the Helian Mansion, Chunfeng walked out.


    "Li Yao!" Xia Chunfeng greeted. "Are you looking for Little Jing? He''s not back yet."


    Xia Chunfeng went to the mansion to find Little Jing so they could have a meal together at Heavenly Residence. Eating at home would only mean listening to his mother''s nagging and that would just decrease his appetite. He didn''t know that Little Jing went to the Ministry of War with his brother and has not yet returned.


    Ye Jiayao smiled slightly. "I''ll just wait for him."


    Xia Chunfeng asked curiously, "It is almost dinnertime, don''t you have work to do?"


    "Business is slower at night. Besides, if distinguished guests like you don''t come, I wouldn''t really have to cook."


    "Why wouldn''t we come? I was just about to get Little Jing to go to Heavenly Residence. How about this, I''ll leave a message with the gatekeeper and we''ll wait for him at Heavenly Residence?"


    Before Ye Jiayao could respond, Xia Chunfeng had already turned back to pass the message to the gatekeeper and a servant led a horse out.


    "Do you know how to ride a horse? Why don''t I bring you along?" Xia Chunfeng asked.


    Ye Jiayao waved her hands frantically. "No, I am afraid of heights."


    Riding on the same horse through the marketplace would invite lots of gossips. In this era, everyone was still quite sensitive to homosexuality. She was even previously misunderstood when she was on a night tour around the Qin Huai river with Chunyu. If another scandal breaks out again, she would soon have a new identity¡­ the male pet of princes and noblemen.


    "A grown man afraid of heights? You suck! Horse-riding is not as scary as you think, you know. Come on, try it. I guarantee you will fall in love with horse-riding."


    Xia Chunfeng, without waiting for further excuses, propped Li Yao up and pushed him onto the horse. Huh? Why is he so light? Xia Chunfeng found that strange for a guy who worked with foods - or for a guy, period.


    "Ah¡­ I can''t, I am going to fall." Ye Jiayao deliberately made herself look as if she were to fall, pretending to be afraid and panicky. How dare this brat touch my butt?


    Xia Chunfeng mounted the horse nimbly and held on to the reins with both arms, confining Ye Jiayao in his arms.


    "Don''t be afraid, sit up straight and squeeze your legs tight. Look forward, that''s right, just like this, sit tight¡­" Xia Chunfeng squeezed his legs and tightened the reins.


    Hyaah! The horse started galloping.


    Ye Jiayao felt like crying. F*ck! If Chunyu sees this, he''d pull Chunfeng down and bash him up!


    Ye Jiayao dismissed the thought. No. He was his brother. If that donkey was going to beat someone up, it would be her. He''d go on a lecture of how she was being shameless and promiscuous.


    Like I care about what he thinks. My life is none of his business.


    However, she really didn''t like being confined by someone like this. It felt awfully a lot like a hug, and it was even more uncomfortable because this is Dumb Donkey''s brother.


    As the horse galloped through the wind, an exotic fragrance wafted over to Chunfeng. It was different from the incense on their clothes, and it wasn''t also the powder that men liked to use. It was very mild but enticingly sweet and it was making him want to move closer to Li Yao.


    He didn''t understand what was going on. This wasn''t the first time that he was riding a horse with a man! He had even slept in the same bed with Little Jing and he never felt this kind of weird sensation.


    Xia Chunfeng looked down and saw Li Yao''s exposed neck, slim and slender, fair and delicate, like a graceful swan. He had the strangest urge to put his lips on it and bite it, his mouth watering at the picture that made in his head.


    "Ay! Ride slower, there are many people in front." Ye Jiayao cried out in alarm. Riding so quickly on the street bustling with people was too dangerous.


    "Oh¡­" Xia Chunfeng snapped out of his daze and slowed the speed down.


    In front of a stationery shop, Song Qi cried out, "What was that? Isn''t that Third Young Master and Brother Yao on that horse?"


    Xia Chunyu, who came out a beat later, looked up after hearing Song Qi''s words. He could only see the back view from afar but he recognized Chunfeng''s stature immediately.


    "Are you sure the one in front is Ms. Ye?" Xia Chunyu asked, his face unreadable.


    Song Qi replied meekly, "I... I''m not sure. I didn''t see very clearly."


    Song Qi wanted to give himself a tight slap. Why do you have to be so loud?


    Xia Chunyu glared at him and instructed, "Bring this stuff back."


    "Heir-Son Lord, what about you?" Song Qi asked carefully.


    Xia Chunyu ignored his question and swiftly walked to his horse stopped by the road. He quickly leaped up onto the horse and went off in the direction that Chunfeng took.


    Song Qi''s face turned bitter. Ms. Ye, pray for the best! I promise I did not do this on purpose.


    Xia Chunyu followed the two all the way to Heavenly Residence but he stopped far back from them. He saw Chunfeng help Yaoyao down the horse, and Yaoyao even lost her balance, falling into Chunfeng''s embrace.


    Xia Chunyu was so furious he almost jumped off his horse.Yaoyao, what are you doing? Riding together with another man, parading about town? Did she think that just because she was dressed as a man that would excuse her behaviors?


    The most hateful part was she was with his brother. You are his f*cking sister-in-law! Aren''t you afraid that it would get awkward in future?

 Chapter 94：Interrogate

    Ye Jiayao and Chunfeng entered Heavenly Residence together.


    Xia Chunyu was infuriated. He wanted to barge in and grab her, but this was a restaurant and it would not look good if he caused a ruckus. He could only grit his teeth and ride back to wait for the right time.


    Seeing that Li Yao brought the Third Young Master of the Jing An Marquis residence, the waiters served them especially attentively.


    Ye Jiayao said to Xia Chunfeng, "Take a seat for a while, I''ll take a look in the kitchen."


    Xia Chunfeng asked, "Didn''t you just say that you didn''t need to cook?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "That is under the circumstances of not having an extinguished guest. Now that the extinguished guest has arrived, I have to cook personally. This is the restaurant''s rule."


    Xia Chunfeng frowned. He has no idea when Little Jing would arrive and if Li Yao cooks, that would just leave him alone. He said, "Forget it. We will just eat casually today. Don''t go, sit with me."


    Xia Chunfeng pulled out a chair and pushed Li Yao down onto it without allowing him to say anything.


    Xia Chunfeng was again surprised at how thin Li Yao was. He and Little Jing were also skinny, but not this skinny. They had good physique with lean muscles. Li Yao, though, felt soft, as if she had no toned muscles, like... like a woman.


    Ye Jiayao really didn''t like how Xia Chunfeng was manhandling her. Yes, it was normal for men to behave like this with each other, but she was not really a man! But he doesn''t know that... Ye Jiayao held in her sigh.


    "The embarrassing story about Little Jing you were talking about yesterday, what is it? Little Jing is not here yet, so share it." Xia Chunfeng smiled evilly.


    "You have to share one first. The story about the bridal room, what happened after that?"


    "That story¡­ haha¡­ it is killing me¡­" Xia Chunfeng started laughing before he even began telling the story, clutching his stomach.


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to roll her eyes.


    "Let me tell you, haha¡­" Xia Chunfeng looked like he was not going to stop laughing at any minute.


    "Okay, okay. We were lying down under the bed prepared to eavesdrop, right? After that, the groom came in and we were extremely excited. Guess what happened?" Xia Chunfeng began when he finally composed himself.


    Ye Jiayao held in her scorn. You''re just perverts. Why are you so interested in sex at such a young age? "What happened?"


    "The bride and groom just sat there for two hours without moving! We were so anxious then because these two were just wasting time. Everyone said that every moment of that joyous night was worth thousands of gold, but that was all just a bore!"


    This time, Ye Jiayao didn''t hold in her eye-roll. She sneered, "How old were you to know that every moment of that ''joyous night'' is worth thousands of gold? That clearly shows that all you know were bad things!"


    Xia Chunfeng blushed a little. He justified, "We really didn''t know all of that back then. We were just curious and being nosy. I just learned that saying afterward."


    "Okay, continue your story."


    Xia Chunfeng took a sip of tea before he continued, "It was midsummer at that time and it was sweltering hot underneath the bed. Little Jing started to fidget around uneasily beside me. He looked like he was in pain so I asked him what was wrong. He told me he wanted to pee and he couldn''t hold it in any longer. Of course, I told him to just endure it no matter what, because if we get caught..."


    Ye Jiayao had a pretty good guess of what happened next. How could Little Jing be so unlucky?


    "What happens after that?"


    Xia Chunfeng started laughing out loud again.


    "Little Jing peed in his pants and cried out loud, giving the bride and groom a scare! Oh, they were so embarrassed! We got lectured badly by the adults because of that and we were grounded for a whole month."


    Ye Jiayao almost spat out a mouthful of tea. Even if she already knew what was going to happen, she could not help but laugh still. She could only imagine how hilarious must''ve Little Jing''s embarrassed face looked.


    Xia Chunfeng chuckled and urged, "It''s your turn!"


    Ye Jiayao took a deep breath to dispel her giggles. "It actually isn''t that funny."


    She wanted to tell all Little Jing''s embarrassing feats on their way to Jin Ling, but she was afraid that he''d get mad at her and end their friendship.


    "If it isn''t funny, then what is it?"


    Ye Jiayao said, "Does sleeping on a plank bed with more than 10 people counts? How about sleeping in pavilions and run-down temples? Or maybe eating only one bun every day?"


    Xia Chunfeng was shocked. "Are you serious? That pathetic?"


    "He doesn''t have a single cent on him back then, and I also don''t have much money on me. It really is a miracle that we got back to Jin Ling," Ye Jiayao told him.


    "Tsk, tsk. Little Jing was pitiful on that trip," Xia Chunfeng concluded, sympathizing with his friend.


    Ye Jiayao nodded. Noblemen like Chunfeng who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths have never suffered before, so hearing that story must''ve been a shock. In reality, there were many people in the world who couldn''t even afford a single bun. There were families out there of more than 10 people that have to squeeze in in a run-down little house.


    "Are they inside?" Little Jing''s voice carried from outside.


    Both of them quickly changed the topic.


    "Li Yao, do you only have three types of chilled drinks here?"


    "Currently, there are only three types, yes. If the restaurant can survive, I am preparing to come out with more," Ye Jiayao said with a sigh.


    "What are you guys talking about?" Little Jing pushed the door open and entered the room.


    "Oh, we were talking about chilled drinks." Xia Chunfeng pointed to the seat by the side, motioning Little Jing to take a seat. "Li Yao, what do you mean ''if the restaurant can survive''"?


    Ye Jiayao poured a cup of tea for Little Jing, explaining, "I went to look for Little Jing today for this matter, I hope you guys can help me out."


    Helian Jing''s eyebrows knitted together. "What happened?"


    "Today, the owner of this building, Boss Sun came and said that he wants to take this building back. He wants us to move out within three days. I think he is implying that there is someone who''s making him do this, someone who wants to shut Heavenly Residence down," Ye Jiayao said honestly.


    Xia Chunfeng''s sharp inhale was audible. "What?"


    "Don''t you have a contract? How can Boss Sun breach the contract just like that?" Helian Jing asked.


    "Boss Sun said that he would forgo this year''s rent. What else can we do?"


    After some thought, Helian Jing said, "Give me Boss Sun''s information. Chunfeng and I will go investigate."


    "Mm, the two of us would definitely be able to settle this," Xia Chunfeng agreed, nodding. Just as he finally found a great place to hang out, it''d be shut down? No, that won''t do.


    Ye Jiayao knew that they would help, but their eager agreement and lack of hesitation touched her. She was really lucky to have friends like them.


    "Alright. I''m going to get Shopkeeper Li so that he can talk to you."


    Ye Jiayao went to look for Shopkeeper Li, but he was not around. Manager Qian said that he went to look for Boss Sun.


    "Do you know any information about Boss Sun?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Manager Qian replied, "Of course I do, we know each other."


    "Okay. The Young Royal Highness and Third Young Master Xia are in the Lotus suite right now and they have agreed to help. Tell them what the situation is."


    "That''s great! I''m going over there now!" Manager Qian was elated.


    There weren''t many customers that night and no one was really in the mood to do anything. After sending Little Jing and Xia Chunfeng off, everyone just packed up early and went their separate ways.


    Ye Jiayao went back to Auntie Jiang''s house where Jiang Li told her that the Jing An Heir-Son Lord was waiting for her. He warned her that he wasn''t in a good mood.


    Not in a good mood? Fantastic. We''ll just be foul with each other, then.


    Inside her room, she saw Xia Chunyu sitting on her bed, his face dark and stormy.


    "Hey! This is a woman''s room, Chunyu. You can''t just come here whenever you want." Ye Jiayao suddenly recalled that she left in a hurry that morning and left her undergarment lying on the bed. How mortifying!


    Xia Chunyu stared straight at her, his eyes barely holding his emotions concealed.


    "So you know you are a woman?" His tone was obviously mocking her.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Ye Jiayao stared at him. "And how many times do I have to tell you that what I am and what I do is none of your business anymore?


    "Ye Jinxuan, I dare you to say that again!" Xia Chunyu yelled.


    Ye Jiayao stood frozen in shock at his sudden outburst. She was surprised to hear him shout at her. Ever since they''ve reconnected, he never so much as raise his voice at her. He would just patiently bear it if she started screaming and hitting him. Was he trying to turn the tables around today?


    "What are you yelling at me for? If you want to exhibit your prowess as an Heir-Son Lord, go back to your mansion because that''s not going to fly with me," Ye Jiayao retorted rudely. I have too many things to worry about, Dumb Donkey. I don''t have the spare time to bother with arrogant young masters like you.


    Xia Chunyu stood up with a growl, his gaze piercing, and his whole body practically vibrating with tension. He slowly walked towards Ye Jiayao, his ruthlessness evident by each step.


    Ye Jiayao had never seen him like this before and she could not help but feel a little afraid. She stepped back warily. She might act fierce, but if Chunyu was really angry, she knew that she''d just cower off.


    "You¡­ w-what do you want?" she stuttered.


    Outside, Jiang Yue ran out to look for her parents. "Father, Mother, Heir-Son Lord and Third Madam are quarreling!"


    Auntie Jiang was surprised. "Really?"


    "Really, really. I heard the Heir-Son Lord shouting extremely loud and Third Madam doesn''t seem to be giving in. Mother, what should we do?" Jiang Yue was at a loss.


    "What do you mean ''what should we do''? This is their problem. Why should outsiders like us get involved? We are only going to make it worse," Uncle Jiang said.


    Auntie Jiang nodded in partial agreement. She said worriedly, "Yue-er, go and keep watch. If things get out of hand, we''d go up and help."


    Jiang Yue nodded and ran back.


    In the room, Xia Chunyu was still steaming with anger. This woman was too heartless. Yes, he was the one who was wrong in the first place but wasn''t he already paying for that? He had done everything to help her. He even arranged a place to stay for her! He tolerated her time and again, not retaliating when she hit him, staying quiet whenever she scolds him. He had thought that once she got over her anger, they''d live happily again.


    She did not care about him at all. If she did, she wouldn''t have ridden with Chunfeng today.


    "Ye Jinxuan, you are a heartless woman," he growled. "Listen to me. You are my woman. Mine. So don''t even think about flirting with other men, especially Chunfeng. You don''t want to see what I''d do if this happens again."

 Chapter 95：Ruthless Words

    Ye Jiayao finally understood where his anger was coming from. He saw her and Chunfeng riding together in the streets!


    Ye Jiayao suddenly stopped feeling afraid. Equally angry now, she raised her chin up and said, "Your woman? I don''t belong to you, Xia Chunyu. I was once yours but you denied me, you don''t just get to act like that didn''t happen! And for your information, your brother was the one who insisted that we ride together. What, did you think that I seduced him to give me a ride? Do you really think that you Xia brothers are just so irresistible? Stop accusing me of baseless things, because you don''t have the right."


    She continued ruthlessly, "I will be with whomever I like. Even if I sleep around with someone else, that is none of your goddamn business."


    Her every word felt like a dagger piercing right through his heart. It hurt and it made him so angry. It felt like she just threw a stone right at the mouth of a volcano that''s about to erupt.


    Xia Chunyu raised his huge hand high up, rearing to slap her.


    Ye Jiayao didn''t shy away and instead, met his gaze with her own cold ones. Go on. Hit me. Hit me if you dare.


    Xia Chunyu''s hand was trembling, his heart growing heavier and colder. He dropped his fist, barely scraping her hair, and punched the table behind her, breaking it into pieces.


    Ye Jiayao jumped. She didn''t expect that he''d fist would really land. She looked at the debris of what used to be the table and she couldn''t help but tremble with lingering fear. If he had punched her...


    Xia Chunyu took great efforts to calm his rage. When he raised his eyes again, his eyes were blank. He said coldly, "Ye Jinxuan, who do you think you are? Did you really think that I tolerated your attitude because I liked you? I merely pitied you. I showed you benevolence because you''re pathetic. Since you don''t appear to need my kindness, I shall take it back."


    She knew... she knew that he really didn''t like her. She knew that whatever he had done for her was out of the guilt he was harboring. Still, hearing those words struck her deep. She could feel the hope that she had previously held onto turning to dust.


    This was just like that song... all the good things are just bubbles that would burst upon a soft touch.


    "I am never coming to look for you again. We are just strangers from now on. Make no mistake, though, you are never going to be with my brother again. If I found out that you two are in contact, you''d face harsh consequences," Xia Chunyu threatened cruelly before he flung his sleeves and left the room.


    She was not the only woman in the world. There were many women out there who were far better than her. Why should he let her trample on his sincere heart?


    The door shut with a bang, making the room shake.


    Ye Jiayao stared blankly at the closed door.


    He left.


    He said he won''t look for her ever again.


    We are just strangers from now on...


    Her vision started to blur, tears filling her eyes. Why was she crying? She didn''t want to cry! She knew that their situation was impossible from the start. Why was she upset now? She tried to steel herself but her tears still fell uncontrollably.


    She slowly sank to the floor, picking up the mess that was left behind.


    She recalled all the things that Chunyu had done for her.


    He was afraid that she would get bullied so he tasked Song Qi to protect her.


    He knew that Liu Li came to the restaurant to create trouble so he immediately rushed over to help her out.


    He was afraid that it would be inconvenient for her to stay outside so he arranged a place for her to stay in.


    Were all of those done merely out of pity?


    Those confused and impassioned gazes, pampering and helpless bitter laughs, tender words of concern¡­


    Did he do all that because he pitied her?


    Jiang Yue carefully pushed the door open.


    Ye Jiayao wiped her tears away. "You heard what he said. Don''t call me that anymore."


    Jiang Yue, too, felt like crying as she watched how upset Third Madam was. She had always felt that she and Heir-Son Lord made a beautiful couple. Although they couldn''t be together properly, they were still very compatible.


    Was this all going to end just like that?


    Jiang Yue didn''t know how to console Third Madam. She could only squat down and help her clean up.


    "Aiya! Why did it happen like that? Heir-Son Lord had been obviously worried about you but why did he just blew up like that? Why must it end like this?" Auntie Jiang grumbled upon entering, looking at the mess on the floor in dismay.


    "I''m sorry to have caused trouble for you." Ye Jiayao was embarrassed. She must look so wretched right now, a pitiful little creature who got dumped by a guy.


    "Mother, don''t," Jiang Yue said softly. Third Madam was already heartbroken and saying all these would only make her even more upset.


    Auntie Jiang shut her mouth but she could not help sighing.


    The mother and daughter cleared the mess on the floor. After a while, Jiang Yue stepped out of the room and came back with a basin of water. "Sister Yaoyao, don''t be upset anymore. Wash your face and you will feel better."


    Ye Jiayao nodded and softly thanked her. "Thank you. I am fine. You should rest, Jiang Yue."


    Of course, she would be fine. She had been through worse things than this. What was this little setback to her? Without him, there''s still Little Jing, and even without Little Jing, she still has her culinary skills, she won''t starve.


    This is not a big deal.


    Ye Jiayao consoled herself with that thought.


    Xia Chunyu returned to the Marquis residence angrily. His foul mood only became worse when the servants reported that Chunfeng has yet to return to the mansion. That brat.


    He returned to his room to take a bath, washing away the negative emotions. Xia Chunyu grabbed a book and laid on the bed, but even after a few pages in, not one word has registered in his mind.


    His ears kept ringing with the hard words that she said.


    Let''s see if you don''t regret this, wench.


    Qiao Xi entered with a pot of tea and took the initiative to report on Da Bao and Er Bao''s condition.


    "Da Bao seemed to be unable to eat properly for some reason."


    Xia Chunyu asked, "Is it ill? Get a physician to take a look."


    Qiao Xi blinked. Get a physician? What physician? Is there a physician for rabbits?


    Xia Chunyu closed his eyes, realizing the mistake in what he just said. "Tell the housekeeper to find someone experienced in rearing rabbits to take a look."


    Just after Qiao Xi left, Song Qi entered the room. He said cautiously, "Heir-Son Lord, Jiang Li is here."


    "What for?" Xia Chunyu said coldly. He was listening attentively, though.


    Song Qi felt guilty. If he hadn''t been such a blabbermouth, the Heir-Son Lord and Ms. Ye would not have quarreled.


    "Heir-Son Lord, Jiang Li said that Ms. Ye was crying terribly."


    Xia Chunyu sat up straight but laid back down after some thought.


    Wasn''t she very arrogant? Why would she cry? She doesn''t mince her words. She just says whatever comes to mind without even caring whether others could take it or not. Now that it was her turn to suffer, she could not take it? Let her cry.


    "So what?" Xia Chunyu said indifferently.


    Song Qi''s shoulder slumped in defeat.


    Song Qi watched the Heir-Son Lord''s expression and carefully said, "I think you can''t blame Ms. Ye for this, Heir-Son Lord. It was most probably initiated by Third Young Master, you know that Third Young Master is a little excitable and Ms. Ye is dressed as a man¡­"


    Xia Chunyu threw the book aside, and looked at Song Qi expressionlessly, making the latter shudder with fear.


    "You''ve said enough. Scram."


    Since she doesn''t care about him at all, then he should just let her be. Besides, he made his stand. Men should always follow through on what they say.


    However, the image of her tearful face surfaced in his mind. Xia Chunyu flung his head back and forth, but he could not seem to shake that image away. He covered his face with the book and thought with annoyance, Was I too ruthless?


    Song Qi left dejectedly.


    He went out to meet Jiang Li. "Heir-Son Lord is still in a fit of anger. Perhaps it will all blow over after he calms down."


    Jiang Li silently sighed. His father said that this matter was just between the two of them and no one should intervene, but he couldn''t help but try to make things right. He sincerely thought that Third Madam was a good woman and has a pitiful plight. She was a well-off young lady who was reduced to having to dress up as a man to make a living. How difficult was that? She could have lived a life of luxury with the support of Heir-Son Lord, but she chose to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to work. She didn''t depend on anyone. How many young ladies in the world would be able to be as strong as her?


    Perhaps men liked weaker women and more obedient women, so they could not see the positive points of Third Madam.


    "Go back home. Tell your mother and sister to take good care of Ms. Ye, and I will try my best to think of something on this side," Song Qi said apologetically.


    Jiang Li nodded. When he was leaving, he ran into Xia Chunfeng who was just now returning to the house.


    "Third Young Master," Song Qi greeted, clasping onto his fist.


    Xiao Chungfeng pointed at the silhouette of Jiang Li. "Who''s that?"


    "Someone Second Young Master called to do some work," Song Qi replied perfunctorily.


    "Oh." Xia Chunfeng nodded. "Is my second brother asleep?"


    "Not yet, he is reading in the study."


    "I''m going to talk to him." Xia Chunfeng walked towards the study purposefully. He felt that he had to tell Chunyu about what happened to Heavenly Residence. He went to investigate with Little Jing and found Boss Sun. After using threats and rewards, they finally found out that the mastermind was from the palace. It really didn''t take a genius to figure out that Liu Li was behind all of these.


    "Ay¡­ Third Young Master, it''s best that you don''t disturb him now." Song Qi blocked him.


    Xia Chunfeng raised a brow. "Why not?"


    Well, because Ms. Ye and Heir-Son Lord had a fight because of you. If you go in there now, with him feeling so terrible, he might just take a swing at you.


    "Second Young Master is not in a good mood and he even lost his temper just now. Third Young Master, with his current state, I think you''d just get criticized and scolded," Song Qi said.


    Xia Chunfeng backed away. He definitely wouldn''t like that. He and Helian Jing could handle this by themselves.


    "Then I better not disturb him." Xia Chunfeng curled his lips and walked straight to his courtyard.


    Song Qi massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming. Please let this crisis end.

 Chapter 96：So Thats Why

    The next day, Ye Jiayao went to Heavenly Residence with prominent dark circles under her eyes. Luckily, everyone was equally lethargic.


    Ye Jiayao clapped her hands to get their attention. "Everyone, keep your spirits up. As long as the restaurant is open, we''ll do our job and serve well. Let''s welcome our customers in our best condition, our best service, and our best dishes. Besides, things might not be as bad as we thought. It might just get better so don''t act as if the restaurant''s already gone. If we are absent-minded, we''d offend all our customers."


    Deng Haichuan seconded, "Brother Yao is right. The restaurant has yet to close down, so we must be confident. Even if today is the last day, we have to end it off beautifully."


    "Everyone, get back to work!" Zhong Xiang chirped in and he took the lead by cleaning up.


    Not long later, Shopkeeper Li came in with his head hung low, gathering everyone for a meeting.


    "You guys stay here first, I''ll take a look," Ye Jiayao said.


    Shopkeeper Li looked as though he was gathering everyone to talk about a funeral. The three days grace period was not over yet, it was too early to give up.


    "Shopkeeper¡­" Ye Jiayao and Manager Qian entered.


    Shopkeeper Li looked up, he looked wan and sallow and his eyes were bloodshot. "Where''s the rest?"


    "Shopkeeper Li, do you intend to give up?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Shopkeeper Li sighed heavily. "I even kneeled in front of Boss Sun yesterday and it still didn''t work. This restaurant could not be saved. Seven years... I have poured everything into this restaurant to get it to where it was now and it''s just going to end like this."


    Manager Qian said, "Shopkeeper, while you were gone yesterday, Li Yao invited Young Royal Highness Jing over and he agreed to help."


    Shopkeeper Li''s shocked eyes swung to his blessed chef. "Li Yao, is this true?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "Young Royal Highness agreed to help and had started investigating the situation. If we find out the reason behind this, I believe we can find the appropriate steps to solve the problem."


    Shopkeeper Li couldn''t control the tears of relief that started pouring out of his eyes. He choked out, "Li Yao, thank you. If not for you, my years of hard work would go down the drain. Everyone who has followed me all these years would end up with nothing. I''d let everyone down..."


    Ye Jiayao smiled bitterly. She couldn''t accept his gratitude because she might just very well be the cause of this whole mess.


    "Brother Yao, the Young Royal Highness Jing has sent someone over," Deng Haichuan reported.


    Ye Jiayao''s spirits jolted up.


    Shopkeeper Li said anxiously, "Li Yao, quick, get going."


    "What about the lunch?"


    "Why are you still thinking of lunch?The most important matter is at stake! Go take a look at what is the situation. If you need me to show up or spend money, just tell me," Shopkeeper Li said impatiently.


    Ye Jiayao headed out and found Little Jing''s attendant, Ping An.


    "Where is the Young Royal Highness?"


    Ping An replied, "He is in the teahouse up ahead. Young Royal Highness said that it is inconvenient to speak here so he invited you over there to talk."


    Ye Jiayao''s heart skipped a beat. If Little Jing was being that careful, it could only mean that this predicament has something to do with her.


    She followed Ping An to the teahouse and she found Xia Chunfeng there as well. Seeing him made Ye Jiayao feel awkward. If not for him being so touchy yesterday, Dumb Donkey wouldn''t have flipped out. Ah! Forget it! He''d already said his piece, it''s time for her to move on.


    "Yaoyao, take a seat," Helian Jing started.


    "What did you find?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng glanced at each other. Helian Jing answered, "We got it out from Boss Sun that someone from the palace sent a word out to get him to take the building back. His son is working in the palace and seemed to have been threatened."


    Palace¡­ Ye Jiayao immediately thought of Liu Li.


    "We probed around and guessed that it might be Liu Li trying to find trouble with you," Xia Chunyu added.


    Ye Jiayao laughed coldly. "She is one stubborn mule! For a stately princess to use such underhanded means to deal with a commoner... ha! How honorable!"


    "Stately princess?" Xia Chunfeng smirked. "Confucius once said that only women and vile characters are difficult to raise. Liu Li is the perfect combination of the two. She never does ''just'' or ''honorable'' things. She can be as despicable and treacherous as she wants. Many have already suffered under her."


    Helian Jing continued, "And precisely why this matter is troublesome. Liu Li will not stop until she achieved her goal. Even with Empress Dowager controlling her, she would think of other ways and means to achieve her motive."


    "All her life, it has always been people giving in to her. She has never been rejected or beaten. You''re the first, and she won''t stop until she has taken revenge on you," Xia Chunyu told her seriously.


    Ye Jiayao shuddered. "Okay, you can stop scaring me now."


    The two of them looked at her somberly.


    "Alright!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed in despair. "I take it that I have provoked a demoness, according to what you two just said. Her goal is not just to close down Heavenly Residence, right? I don''t own the restaurant."


    Xia Chunfeng held his fan, tapping it against his palm. "Perhaps Heavenly Residence would only be the first restaurant that would close down because of you. Perhaps she would spread the word that whichever restaurant hires you would end up just like Heavenly Residence."


    "She wants to cut my livelihood?" Ye Jiayao laughed. "The world is so big! I can still survive even if I leave Jin Ling. She doesn''t have power everywhere."


    "That''s right! Yaoyao could even come to the Helian Mansion to work, I''ll hire him as my personal chef," Helian Jing added, his worry decreasing.


    "Just wait." Xia Chunfeng looked deep in thought. "This is probably not her ultimate goal."


    Helian Jing turned to Yaoyao and said, "I came up with an idea last night. Yaoyao, why don''t I just buy the building? No matter how overbearing Liu Li is, she would not dare to touch the Helian Mansion."


    "That''s a great idea!" Xia Chunfeng agreed exuberantly.


    Ye Jiayao hesitated before asking, "How much does a building cost?"


    "Money is not a problem. The building is like a hot potato in the hands of Boss Sun, and if someone wants to take over, I bet he would be more than willing. I will use this chance to slash the price down," Helian Jing said with a smile.


    Ye Jiayao figured that a building would cost at least tens of thousands taels. No matter how wealthy the Helian Mansion was, it was still a significant amount of money. The idea of Little Jing spending so much money just to help her was too much for her to bear.


    "Little Jing, you don''t need to do that. Just help me arrange a meeting with Liu Li. Whoever started the trouble should end it, so we have to talk this out face to face. No matter what I do, she''ll still be after me so it''s better that we just settle it at one go," Ye Jiayao said. This started with her and it''s her responsibility to fix it.


    "Yaoyao, it is impossible to reason with her. I think my idea is better. Besides, if I buy this building, it would mean that I bought Heavenly Residence. Yaoyao, you can be the shopkeeper! With my influence and your culinary skills, Heavenly Residence would be the top restaurant in Jin Ling!" Helian Jing relayed excitedly. This was shaping to be more and more of a good plan as he thought it through.


    Xia Chunfeng''s spirits were up as well. "Great! I want to have a share, too! I still have some savings with me, and I can get some from my brother. Little Jing, let''s just settle it this way."


    "If it is not enough, let''s add Zhao Qixuan in. That fellow has tons of money and he is the wealthiest nobleman in Jin Ling. He has lots of friends so the next time he treats them, he can just come to Heavenly Residence!" Helian Jing reasoned, smiling widely. "With the power of Helian Mansion, Jing An Marquis Mansion, and the Yong An Marquis Mansion behind you, Liu Li could not touch you anymore!"


    "This is a wonderful business plan! I know that Zhao Qixuan would definitely agree to this," Xia Chunfeng said, rubbing his palms together.


    These fellows were talking about buying a restaurant like it was just a dumpling! Shopkeeper Li has struggled for a lifetime to open a restaurant and managing it painstakingly for so many years. He would not just let them buy it.


    "Calm down, you two. If you want to open a restaurant, go somewhere else. Heavenly Residence is Shopkeeper Li''s life, he would never sell it," Ye Jiayao said.


    Xia Chunfeng and Helian Jing looked at each other. They did not think of that.


    "But if we don''t buy it, then there would never be an end to Liu Li! What should we do?" Helian Jing vented angrily.


    "Just help me arrange a meeting with Liu Li. I will talk to her."


    "No, no! Liu Li would definitely make things difficult for you. I am not going to let you get bullied," Helian Jing disagreed firmly.


    After some thought, Xia Chunfeng said, "You can talk to her, but we have to be with you. If worse comes to worst, then we will all fall out. When she marries into our house, I will never call her my sister-in-law. Ay, whichever house gets her would be unlucky."


    Ye Jiayao heard a strange buzzing in her ears. Sister-in-law? Who was Liu Li marrying? Chunyu?


    Helian Jing turned to Xia Chunfeng. "Is the marriage already settled?"


    Xia Chunfeng shook his head. "Almost. But it''s not like Empress Dowager would change her mind about the match."


    "That''s true. I heard from my mother that Empress Dowager has taken her fancy on Brother Chunyu."


    "That''s why the misfortune is befalling on my family."


    Ye Jiayao asked meekly, "What does your brother think about the arrangement?"


    "I''m not sure," Xia Chunfeng replied with a shrug. "I have never really asked him."


    "Well... there are benefits and loss in that marriage. Whoever marries Liu Li would be able to inherit the seventh prince''s inheritance and that is not small," Helian Jing told her earnestly.


    Ye Jiayao was having mixed emotions.


    No wonder Chunyu never liked her. Why would he even bother when there was such an important princess waiting for him? Marrying Liu Li would guarantee him a bright future.


    She felt herself shrink as she made the comparison between her and Liu Li. She was a mere ant compared to her.


    "Yaoyao, what are you thinking?" Helian Jing noticed that she seemed out of sorts.


    "Oh, nothing." Ye Jiayao forced out a smile.


    "Ay. If my brother were to handle this, this matter wouldn''t be so difficult to settle. Liu Li would certainly listen to him. But I don''t know what''s wrong with my brother recently, I heard that he has been quite temperamental." Xia Chunfeng sighed.


    "Perhaps it is because of the West Mongolia matter. My brother has prepared to volunteer himself to go to war! My brother and your brother are inseparable, so they might join hands once again," Helian Jing mused.


    Ye Jiayao had no idea what they were talking about and she couldn''t even pretend to care. Her mind was full of images of Chunyu and Liu Li together.


    That was why he was so ruthless with his words last night. He was about to marry Liu Li and he was eager to cut off all his ties with his first ''wife''.

 Chapter 97：Apologizing

    Ye Jiayao spent a sleepless night. She felt as though she might''ve spoken too harshly. Chunyu was right, she really shouldn''t have ridden with Chunfeng.


    But he spoke cruel words to me, too!


    She felt like she had become a big joke. She was bullied by that donkey and she was also being bullied by his brat of a fiancee. What, does she have a target painted on her back that she doesn''t know about?


    Aye! She was intending to just bow and apologize to solve the problem peacefully, but it has just gotten bigger!


    Now, there was nothing she could do but fight it. The princess wanted to flaunt her influence and power, right? Well, Ye Jiayao would make sure that everyone would see just how great she was.


    Her heart blazing with the will to end this once and for all, she waved Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng over to her to give them tasks.


    The two noblemen were stunned with the plan that Yaoyao has relayed to them. That was so cruel!


    "What do you think?" Ye Jiayao asked. "Chunfeng, if you are afraid of your future sister-in-law, you don''t have to join this plan."


    "Why would I be afraid of her? I don''t even want her to be my sister-in-law," Xia Chunfeng answered dramatically. "It''s Little Jing that you should be worried about. Liu Li is his cousin."


    Helian Jing shook his head and said, "Since she is my cousin, it''s my duty to teach her some lessons. Otherwise, she would just become worse in the future. She is already too spoiled as it is."


    "So does that mean that both of you agree with my plan?"


    They both nodded. The thought of Liu Li''s face when she gets her punishment was enough to get them excited.


    The next morning, Xia Chunyu headed to Puji temple as soon as he got off duty. He didn''t get back to the city until the afternoon where he ran into Zhao Qixuan.


    Zhao Qixuan asked him, "Brother Chunyu, did you also go to Lan Ting Xuan?"


    Xia Chunyu scowled, confused. "Why would I go to Lan Ting Xuan?"


    Zhao Qixuan paled when he saw his reaction. Crap! He thought that Chunfeng had informed his brother of their plans! He hurriedly said, "Never mind! I''ll, um, I''ll go now!"


    Zhao Qixuan left immediately.


    Xia Chunyu frowned at Zhao Qixuan''s retreating back. Why did he look so worried? Did something happen in Lan Ting Xuan?


    He tried to ignore it as he rode his horse, but the tugging feeling in his gut was insistent. He had a bad feeling about this. He halted and called, "Song Qi, go to Lan Ting Xuan and report to me what''s going on there."


    "Yes, Heir-Son Lord." Song Qi immediately turned his horse around and carried out his orders.


    A splendid horse cart drove towards Lan Ting Xuan carrying two well-dressed and pretty nobles.


    Helian Jing said softly, "Liu Li, I owe Li Yao a debt of gratitude. Just let him go for me, okay? He didn''t offend you intentionally. He didn''t know who you were back then, you shouldn''t blame him. If he knew you that you''re Princess Liu Li, he would''ve treated you nicely."


    "Helian Jing, I don''t really care how much you owe him. It''s not my problem that you ran away from home and barely made it back. And even if he helped you, he''s just a chef, Helian Jing! A chef. Why are you lowering yourself to the likes of him? Where''s your pride?"


    "Liu Li, stop talking about chefs in such a disrespectful tone! Stop looking down on ordinary citizens. Our great great grandfather was born as an ironmaker, and my ancestor was only a horse keeper. People''s lives don''t depend on the status they were born with," Helian JIng admonished.


    "Lives were chosen by God. The great great grandfather was the real dragon. Even though he was born low as a dragon, he could still fly high to the sky." Liu Li was sneering as she gave him a haughty look.


    "Is there anything that Li Yao could do for you to let him be?" Helian Jing asked.


    Liu Li was annoyed. Why was Young Royal Highness Jing negotiating on behalf of Li Yao? Hell, even Chunyu and the prince was helping him! Why does everyone want to help Li Yao?


    "That will depend on my mood," Liu Li answered arrogantly.


    Helian Jing was extremely speechless. How could he be related to someone like this? He wanted to convince her to let this whole matter go so she could save face. However, since she was so stubborn and evil, he''s now more than content to let her suffer this humiliation.


    The horse cart stopped outside Lan Ting Xuan. Liu Li took one look at the signboard that says ''Lan Ting Xuan'' and scoffed, "This is where he wants to apologize to me?"


    "Lan Ting Xuan is the best tea palace in Jin Ling," Helian Jing said.


    Liu Li smiled coldly and walked in.


    "Didn''t you say it''s the best tea palace in Jin Ling? Why is it empty?" Liu Li asked as she looked around for other customers.


    Helian Jing responded, "We booked out the whole venue. There shouldn''t be other people around for this kind of dealings."


    Liu Li squinted at him. "You are just trying to save the chef some humiliation. I prefer more people around."


    Helian Jing stayed quiet. Well, just remember that you said that yourself.


    Ye Jiayao was waiting for them in the lobby of the second floor. She made a polite gesture and said, "Greetings of peace to the princess."


    Liu Li totally ignored her and sat in front of the table which was laden with tea and fruits. She tried to look cool like other noble guys as she unfolded her paper fan.


    Helian Jing began, "Li Yao, you need to apologize to the princess sincerely, otherwise, no one can help you."


    "Certainly. If I have known that it was Princess Liu Li, I would''ve never dared to speak so rudely," Ye Jiayao answered automatically.


    Ye Jiayao filled up the teacup and delivered it to Liu Li. "I didn''t see how precious and important you are, and I offended you. I am truly sorry for that, Princess Liu Li. I hope that you can forgive me and Heavenly Residence as well. All the workers in there are innocent, and if it closes, they will have nowhere to go. This is all my fault, I can bear the punishment alone."


    Liu Li mocked, "Bear it alone? So you can afford it?"


    "The debtor will pay his debt," Ye Jiayao said sincerely. "Everything was my fault."


    "Of course, it was your fault. But Heavenly Residence is involved, too! I didn''t forget how you guys treated me that day. I remember everything. There is no way that I will forgive you. I will close down Heavenly Residence and everyone in it will pay for what you''ve done to me," Liu Li said coldly.


    "You blamed Manager Qian because you couldn''t have a cold drink and you threatened to shut the restaurant down. Manager Qian didn''t say anything bad to you, right? He just kept apologizing. Even the other workers didn''t say anything. It was only me who talked back to you. I only make 200 bowls per day so I could not provide you with a drink. I am sorry for disappointing you, Princess. It was all my fault."


    Liu Li was a bit confused at how Li Yao was phrasing the events. There''s something fishy...


    "I am sorry. It was our honor that Princess came to Heavenly Residence. If we had known your true identity, we would''ve prepared a welcome team. If we knew you were coming, we would''ve saved all the bowl of cold drinks for you. You could''ve had as many as you want. You''re right, it''s all my fault," Ye Jiayao finished.


    "Stop that! You''re being cunning and you''re just playing games here. You knew how awful you were at that time!" Liu Li said angrily.


    "You''re right, I was awful. I should die for my sin. At first, when you talked about closing down the restaurant, I didn''t react because it was none of my business. It was only when you talked about putting me in jail that I jumped out. I was selfish. At that time, I didn''t really think that I would go to jail for not being able to make one more bowl of cold drink," Ye Jiayao said.


    Helian Jing did his best to contain his chuckles, turning his face away and covering his mouth.


    "Stop talking nonsense! How dare you say that I have a potty mouth?" Liu Li''s face was mottled red with anger.


    "No, no! I only meant that you have a bad temper, I didn''t mean that you have a potty mouth."


    "You... you..." Liu Li spluttered, her eyes bulging out. She truly felt like knocking all this chef''s teeth out.


    "Forgive me, I am not going to talk anymore. I am not a very cultured person, I don''t know how to talk properly. I would never dare to say that Princess has a potty mouth. Your mouth smells really good. Even your fart smells good, too!" Ye Jiayao apologized carefully.


    Helian Jing''s sides were hurting with the effort it was taking him to keep from laughing out loud.


    Liu Li smashed the table angrily and thoughtlessly, hurting her hand in the process.


    "Li Yao, you are a prick. You will never get my forgiveness. You will work hard and slow to pay your debt. I will make sure that you will live the rest of your life miserable. You will regret that your parents have brought you out to this world," Liu Li swore.


    Ye Jiayao cocked her head to the side innocently. "Do I have any other debt?"


    "Stop playing dumb!" Liu Li have never met anyone with such arrogance and audacity.


    Ye Jiayao pretended to think it through before jumping up. "Princess, you mean that thing that happened in the street? Aiya, Princess, I had no other choice! You swiped my wallet for yours and announced that I stole it. Everyone in the street was calling me a thief! I was almost thrown in jail!"


    "You deserved it. You''ve offended your princess and you dare to run away? Ha!"


    "I didn''t know that you were the princess back then. If I had known, I would''ve rather be stripped on the street than tell them that you dressed up as a male. When you dressed up as a male, you just look like a pretty guy. My eyes were stupid, I couldn''t really tell. I was panicking and I didn''t know what else to do," Ye Jiayao explained.


    She continued, "If you''d like, I will go back to the street and explain to everyone that the young man that day was not my lover, but the most precious Princess Liu Li. That way, you could clear your reputation, Princess. Is that alright?"


    Liu Li felt her blood boiling, she was beyond angry. She took the sword that was around Helian Jing''s waist and pointed it at Li Yao, shaking with fury.


    "I will kill you¡­"


    "Stop!" someone shouted furiously from behind them.

 Chapter 98：Like It or Not

    Xia Chunyu received the news that Liu Li was going to Heavenly Residence. He was informed that Little Jing reserved the Lan Ting Xuan in an attempt to resolve the conflict between Liu Li and Yaoyao.


    However, in the eyes of Liu Li, Yaoyao was a mere low-life and she could do anything to her as she pleased. Attempting to resolve the conflict with peace talks was ridiculously na?ve and it would never work.


    Xia Chunyu was afraid that Yaoyao would get overpowered, so he rushed to her aid immediately.


    Xia Chunyu was not surprised to hear Liu Li''s death threats even before he climbed up the stairs.


    The door to the room opened and its three occupants turned to look at in surprise.


    Did Chunfeng tell Brother Chunyu of their plan? Helian Jing figured that his friend thought that they would need a more imposing figure.


    Ye Jiayao was equal parts shocked and angry. Did he rush here to protect his fianc¨¦?


    Liu Li barely managed to hold in her groan. Great! Xia Chunyu''s here to oppose me again!


    Under the gaze of the three puzzled and angry people, Xia Chunyu showed no emotion. He simply strode towards Liu Li and snatched the sword from her. He casually flicked the sword away and it plunged into the pole on the opposite side of the room.


    "Are you done?" Xia Chunyu asked Liu Li, his voice raised.


    Liu Li looked at Xia Chuyu mournfully. This man was about to be her husband, why was he looking so fiercely and hatefully at her?


    Feeling wronged, Liu Li suddenly burst into tears. "Why are you yelling at me? I am being bullied, you should be helping me!"


    Ye Jiayao was muddled. She had thought that Chunyu was going to yell at her for daring to go after his fiance, but instead, his anger seemed to be directed at Liu Li.


    "You were being bullied?" Xia Chunyu sneered. "Liu Li, how many people have you made miserable in your 17 years of life? Do you remember General Zhu? He only looked at you a little longer than you liked, and you made him an archery target. He lost an eye and almost lost his life, too. The prince''s companion, Mr. Liu, who you had locked in an alley overnight, drenched from head to toe, just because he read a poem that mentioned your name. He contracted a high fever and was sick for three months after that.


    "And there''s Zhao Qixuan, who you had thrown into a lotus pond in the middle of the night just because of a joke. Did you even care that he almost drowned? The servants and the eunuchs in the palace don''t last long, not because they were doing a poor job, but because you are too difficult to serve."


    Xia Chunyu stepped closer to her. "You feel good when you throw your weight around and make others suffer for some imaginary crime. Just once, did you even think of how they would feel? You are the bully, Princess. Li Yao only bested you with words, and yet you act as if he''d physically assaulted you. What, you can''t take what you dish out?"


    Liu Li took a staggering step back. If she hadn''t held onto the table behind her, she would''ve fallen down.


    However, Xia Chunyu wasn''t done yet. He wanted his message to really resonate with the spoiled princess. "Do you really think everyone respects and loves you just because they''re bowing and kissing the ground you walk on? Don''t you know what they''re really thinking? What they''re calling you behind your back? Tell me, Liu Li, have you ever thought of what would happen to you if you were to lose the aegis of the Empress Dowager? When you get in trouble, will anybody come to your aid?"


    "Stop! I don''t want to listen to you. You are a bastard! I don''t want to talk to you!" Liu Li screamed hysterically, feeling like she was going crazy. No one had ever dared to speak to her like this before. How could he? Tears flowed out from her eyes uncontrollably.


    Ye Jiayao watched what was happening with the fascination she reserved for car crashes. She knew it was going to be horrible, but she couldn''t look away. Oh, Chunyu. Aren''t you worried that your fiance will call off your wedding after this?


    Helian Jing looked at the tightly closed door on the left, his anxiety rising. This was so much more than the humiliation they were planning for Liu Li.


    "You don''t want to listen because your noble ears are only used to sweet talks. You don''t want to listen because you can''t face the ugliness of your heart. Liu Li, your father was known for his nobility. Yet, here you are, shaming him by how horrid and vile you are acting. You are bringing disgrace to his reputation," Xia Chunyu said frankly. "Even if you don''t want to hear it, I had to say this, Liu Li. I just couldn''t stay silent anymore. Take care of yourself, Princess."


    Xia Chunyu grabbed Yaoyao''s hand and made a move to leave.


    "Xia Chunyu, don''t you dare walk out on me!" Liuli shrieked, throwing a teacup to the floor by their feet. How could he leave holding her enemy''s hand after scolding her?


    To their surprise, the door on the left opened and a handful of people rolled out.


    "Ay, ay! I told you not to squeeze me. Get up, my leg is going to be crushed!" Zhao Qixuan, who was squashed at the bottom, nagged.


    The strangers get to their feet and met the eyes of the four people in the room.


    Xia Chunyu took a closer look at the interlopers. Zhao Qixuan, Chunfeng, Mr. Liu, General Zhu¡­ all the gentlemen bullied by Liu Li.


    What''s going on? Xia Chunyu glared at Yaoyao and she looked down, her mouth set into a thin line.


    Xia Chunyu shifted his glare to Little Jing, but he dodged his eyes, too.


    This was Ye Jiayao''s initial plan, invite those who had been bullied by Liu Li for the past few years. They were hiding in the closet to watch how Ye Jiayao was going to beat the princess. She never imagined that Chunyu would rush here to her defense.


    Liu Li was indignant. So many people had witnessed the most awkward and mortifying moment of her life! Everyone heard her being teased by Li Yao and being scolded by Xia Chunyu. How could she ever show her face again? For the first time in her life, she became the joke.


    "I will never forgive all of you! This is not over!" Liu Li cried in despair. She pushed past Xia Chunyu and ran downstairs.


    Helian Jing said, "I''ll make sure she really leaves."


    He raced out after his cousin.


    Zhao Qixuan laughed merrily. "Brother Chunyu, you were great! You''ve done what no one else had been able to. I admire you!"


    Xia Chunyu rolled her eyes and made a shooing gesture. "This is nonsense. Get going, all of you."


    Everyone rushed out, feeling relieved. They felt like a huge weight on their chest had been lifted up and they could finally live peacefully. The female monster had been slain...


    "Um, your brother doesn''t look too happy," Zhao Qixuan told Xia Chunfeng.


    Xia Chunfeng was concerned about that, too. This was the first time he saw his second brother lash out like that; it was scary.


    "Is it alright for us to leave Li Yao there with him?" Zhao Qixuan glanced up at the stairs worriedly.


    Xia Chunfeng said hesitantly, "It should be fine. My brother''s not unreasonable."


    "Why don''t we just stay and see for ourselves?" Zhao Qixuan suggested.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to slip out with the others, but Xia Chunyu held onto her tightly.


    "Care to explain all that?" Xia Chunyu asked coldly, his intense gaze boring into her.


    "What, um, what is there to explain?" Ye Jiayao stumbled.


    "What were they doing hiding in that room?" Xia Chunyu wasn''t stupid. He already had a pretty good guess of what had happened, but he wanted to hear Yaoyao say it.


    "I called them to here for, erm, uh, moral support. Was that not okay?" Ye Jiayao lied. Damn it! How was she supposed to know that he''d come here and scold Liu Li?


    "You called them? Really? I didn''t realize that you have such great power," Xia Chunyu said sarcastically. "Tell me, Yaoyao, whose idea is this?"


    Ye Jiayao flung his hand away. He was holding onto her so tightly, she felt like her bones were going to break.


    "Why are you so angry? What did I do to you? And why are you even here? Didn''t you say that you didn''t want to see me anymore?


    Xia Chunyu said angrily, "How could you be so stupid to go against Liu Li on your own? Did you really think that a few clever words will shame her enough to leave you alone? Did you think that if you embarrass her, it will solve all your problems? If it wasn''t for me..."


    "I can take care of my own problems. No one asked you to come here!" Ye Jiayao huffed.


    "You can take care of your own problems? Ha! You dragged Chunfeng and Little Jing to this harebrained scheme of yours! I didn''t know you could be so good at taking advantage of people."


    Xia Chunyu really didn''t mean that. Yaoyao was never one to take advantage of others'' generosity. What he was really annoyed about was that she didn''t ask for his help. Why must she always seek Little Jing and Chunfeng? Those idiots would only provide her with bad ideas.


    Ye Jiayao bristled. She got right into his face and spat out, "If you call standing up for your friends taking advantage, then sure, I exploited them real good. Do you want to punish me? Do you regret offending your intended? Go on then. Tie me up and bring me to her as a peace offering."


    His brows scrunched up. "What are you talking about? What intended? What nonsense rumors did you hear from others this time?"


    "I don''t know, you tell me." Ye Jiayao stared at him coldly. "Heir-Son Lord, if there''s nothing else, I''d like to leave."


    "Stop!" Xia Chunyu yelled after her.


    Ye Jiayao ignored him and continued walking.


    Xia Chunyu''s jaw tightened. Stubborn, silly girl! Why can''t you just listen to me?


    He marched forward, grabbed her arm, and hauled her downstairs as if he was lifting a little chick.


    "Hey, hey! Ease up! That hurts!" Ye Jiayao cried out, piqued.


    Xia Chunyu harrumphed. His pace didn''t slow down, but he did loosen his grip on her. He dragged her to his horse and gently deposited her onto the back of the animal.


    "What are you doing? I don''t want to ride with you! I am perfectly capable of walking on my own!" Ye Jiayao wanted to jump down.


    Xia Chunyu hopped onto the horse and held onto her tightly, caging her in. He said fiercely, "Shut up."


    "Who are you to tell me to shut up? I thought you said we don''t know each other anymore! Why are we riding the same horse?"


    He stayed quiet.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. "Aren''t you worried that your fiance might see us? She might think that you''re gay."


    "For the last time, I don''t have a fianc¨¦," Xia Chunyu said grumpily. Nothing had been finalized yet, why was this rumor going around?


    "I don''t care. It''s none of my business. I only care about my reputation. Now, let me down or else..."


    "Or else what?"


    Well, she really couldn''t do anything to him. For one, they''re on a moving horse, not to mention that he''s stronger, bigger, faster... she really was no match for him. Desperate, she said, "I''ll bite you."


    They both fell silent at that, their thoughts going back to the moment they shared on the little cottage at Black Wind Ridge. Suddenly, the hostile tension between them sweetened.


    Zhao Qixuan and Xia Chunfeng came out from the corner of the street, watching Li Yao and Chunyu''s retreating form thoughtfully.

 Chapter 99：Arguing Strongly For What Is Right

    The Emperor strode into the palace hall with Helian Xuan following behind him.


    Everyone called out Long live His Majesty thrice.


    The Empress Dowager said in fury, "Emperor, take a look at your subjects. They don''t know respect! This is too atrocious."


    His Majesty sighed silently. Chunyu was absolutely right, too much pampering has harmed Liu Li. She''s already 16. It was time for her to grow up, but she could not do that because the Empress Dowager is fiercely protective of her and listens to no one.


    "Chunyu, you are a subject that I heavily rely on. I always feel that you have a sense of propriety and boundaries. Why are you so impudent today? Aren''t you going to offer your apologies to the Empress Dowager?" The Emperor intended to help Chunyu resolve this matter.


    Xia Chunyu kotowed and said, "Your humble servant is aware of his mistakes. Please, quell your anger, Your Highness."


    "Knowing your mistakes is not payment enough. Liu Li has yet to enter your family and she''s already being ganged up on. You even dare to contradict me. How can I hand my Liu Li to you with a peace of mind?" the Empress Dowager demanded, her rage not subsiding.


    Well, don''t hand her over to me then. I would be more than happy not to marry her. Xia Chunyu struggled not to let his elation show as he imagined the Empress Dowager canceling the arrangement.


    Xia You stood silently at the side. If that''s the case, terminate the marriage agreement. I wouldn''t want a daughter-in-law like that.


    The Empress Dowager was expecting the pair of mother and son to express their remorse in front of her, but neither of them spoke up. What was the meaning of this? Do they not like Liu Li?


    Yu De, sensing the rising tension, braced herself to mediate. "The children are just playing around. I''m sure that they would make up tomorrow. We shouldn''t take this too seriously. However, Little Jing, Liu Li is still younger than you. You should just indulge her instead of going against her deeds. If something like this ever happens again, I''m going to punish you myself."


    Reluctantly, Xia You followed Yu De and turned to ''chide'' her son. "The two of you better get your act right. Go and apologize to Liu Li after this."


    The Emperor seized the opportunity to add in, "This is just a misunderstanding, Empress Dowager. Don''t lower yourself to the children''s level. It is so late, you should retire to bed. Everyone is dismissed."


    Just when they were about to heave a sigh of relief, the Empress Dowager said solemnly, "I can let this matter go on account of His Majesty, but I have to punish that chef severely."


    Helian Jing panicked and exclaimed, "This has nothing to do with Li Yao."


    Xia Chunfeng agreed enthusiastically, "Liu Li sneaked out of the palace in plain clothes and dressed up as a male. Besides, Liu Li was in the wrong at that time, so Li Yao told her off. How was he supposed to know that she was a princess?"


    "Today in Lan Ting Xuan, many of the princes and noblemen witness what happened. If Your Highness insists on punishing Li Yao, I''m afraid people would protest. Liu Li is in the wrong, do you need others to point that out?" Xia Chunyu said firmly.


    The Empress Dowager was annoyed. "Who is this Li Yao? Why are you all so protective of him?"


    "To answer you, Your Highness, Li Yao once saved Little Jing''s life. He is a benefactor of the Helian family," Helian Xuan, who has stayed silent throughout the discourse, started.


    This statement has clearly shown that the Helian family was bound to oppose the Empress Dowager if she insisted on punishing Li Yao.


    Helian Xuan did not say that for Li Yao, but for his younger brother, his best friend, and his best friend''s brother. They were not afraid to offend the Empress Dowager just to defend Li Yao, and if this goes on, things would get out of hand.


    The Empress Dowager snorted. "The benefactor of the Helian family, huh? What a great influence. So, in that case, he is relying on the Helian family''s influence when he harassed Liu Li?"


    "Your Highness, Li Yao is not that kind of person. He has shown your humble servant great kindness, yet he did not seek compensation. He hid in Heavenly Residence as a chef, and if not for a chance encounter, I would''ve never seen him again," Helian Jing defended Li Yao.


    The Empress Dowager laughed coldly. "Chanced encounter? How could you be sure that he wasn''t just merely using a long line to catch a big fish? Only an airhead like you would fall for this ruse."


    "Your Highness, it is Liu Li who kicked up a fuss over not being able to try Heavenly Residence''s chilled drinks. She threatened to tear the restaurant down and lock the chef up in jail. Li Yao only told her off because he could not stand it anymore. In order to get revenge on him, Liu Li tried to frame him as a theft. She tried to rile the common people up to catch Li Yao and bring him to the constables. It was only Li Yao''s quick thinking that saved him. I would like to ask, what wrong did Li Yao do?" Helian Jing had poured all his emotions in his defense of his friend. After all, Brother Chunyu had done it, why couldn''t he?


    "Not only that, but Liu Li even dragged the Crown Prince to the restaurant to stir up some trouble for Li Yao. Luckily, the Crown Prince recognized Li Yao''s culinary talent and did not listen to Liu Li''s urgings. That angered Liu Li even more so she threatened the restaurant''s landlord to take the building back so the Heavenly Residence will be forced to close down. Your Highness, Li Yao wanted to apologize to Liu Li, but the Princess was unwilling to forgive him. Whether in emotion or in reason, Li Yao is right," Xia Chunfeng said.


    The Empress Dowager was secretly shocked. Why was their story different from Liu Li''s? Was it possible that Liu Li was lying?


    The Emperor frowned. "If that''s what really happened, then it is Liu Li''s fault."


    "Your Majesty, your humble servant has not told a single lie. Today in Lan Ting Xuan, many people have witnessed this and Liu Li has also admitted it herself," Helian Jing told her.


    Hearing that so many people have witnessed the event, the Empress Dowager shook her head. Liu Li had become a laughing stock! "Even if Liu Li was in the wrong, couldn''t you just have reported this to me? She''s still a woman who has yet to get married! You shouldn''t have schemed against her like that. She''s still a part of the royal family and you''ve embarrassed her. With Li Yao now knowing Liu Li''s identity and still daring to plot against her... that''s unacceptable. He should be put to death for that intention."


    The Empress Dowager''s words made everyone''s skin crawl with fear. Was she trying to give Li Yao a death penalty?


    Helian Jing kowtowed heavily. "Your Highness, this is your humble servant''s idea. I lack consideration. Li Yao was not aware of the plan and simply came because she wanted to apologize to Liu Li. Your humble servant called so many people because I wanted them to act as witnesses in case Liu Li decides to settle old scores."


    "The rotten idea was thought of by me and Little Jing," Xia Chunfeng supported smoothly. "It has nothing to do with Li Yao. If Your Highness wants to punish someone, punish your humble servants instead."


    Xia Chunyu cupped his hands together submissively. "Your Highness, ultimately, this is all your humble servant''s fault. I didn''t investigate properly and I acted hastily. I was overwhelmed by anxiousness when I saw Liu Li holding a sword, preparing to kill Li Yao. If I knew that there were other people in the room, I would''ve never spoken like that against Liu Li."


    "Chunyu, that Li Yao is Little Jing''s benefactor. It is understandable that Little Jing stood up for him, but what do you have to do with Li Yao?" the Emperor asked, a bit confused.


    "Your Majesty, Li Yao has contributed greatly to the destruction of Hei Feng Gang. If not for his assistance, Bai Chongye would''ve figured out my true identity and would''ve strung me up to die in front of the whole stockade. He is my benefactor, too. However, he does not like attention so he did not allow me to report his heroic deed," Xia Chunyu answered sincerely.


    Helian Xuan was bewildered. Why didn''t he know about this? No wonder Chunyu said that he was indebted to Li Yao.


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng exchanged glances, stunned.


    Xia You tried hard to recall the young man named Li Yao. So, the pretty chef has saved Chun-er''s life before! If she had known, she would have been more polite with him. Well, at least she helped him get the birthday feast.


    The Emperor looked at Helian Xuan, seeking his confirmation on the validity of the claim.


    "Yes, that is the case," Helian Xuan calmly said.


    The Emperor nodded. "Well, it looks like this Li Yao can be considered a chivalrous character. I also heard about the famous chilled drinks in Heavenly Residence. Did he invent it?"


    Xia Chunfeng replied eagerly, "Yes, yes! It is absolutely delicious. Li Yao said that he is going to launch more delicious things in the future."


    "He is going to be the one preparing my grandmother''s birthday feast. I heard that he is going to make crystal mooncake and ice cream mooncake. He said that it is a fresh idea he brought over from foreign lands over the seas," Helian Jing offered.


    "Oh? He''s even been to foreign lands?" The Emperor was starting to take interest in this young man.


    Xia Chunyu laughed inwardly. Yaoyao could really bullsh*t. Foreign lands? A young lady like her who has never stepped out of her house? Ha! In her dreams, maybe! Only these two brainless gits would believe her.


    The Empress Dowager was speechless. How did they end up talking about food?


    "Emperor, how do you think we should settle this matter? That Li Yao might not have bad intentions, but this matter started from him. Don''t tell me you are going to let Liu Li suffer in vain?" the Empress Dowager said, pulling them back.


    The Emperor gave two dry coughs. "Since this matter rose from the chilled drinks, then I shall punish him to send a portion of chilled drinks to Liu Li every day. If there is any other delicious food, he has to send it, too, as a form of apology to Liu Li. As for the two of you¡­"


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng were both exhilarated, quickly kowtowing to thank the Emperor for his favor.


    Yu De and Xia You were also immensely pleased. However, the Empress Dowager was still pulling a long face so they couldn''t make their joy so obvious.


    "Chunyu," the Emperor called.


    "Your humble servant is here." Xia Chunyu awaited the Emperor''s orders respectfully.


    "You were rude to the Empress Dowager today. Although it is pardonable considering the situation, it is still a loss of etiquette. I shall punish you to reflect on your errors. After three days, hand in a written repentance. If it''s not to our liking, you shall rewrite it until the Empress Dowager and I are satisfied."


    The Empress Dowager wasn''t stupid. The Emperor was making it seem like he was punishing Chunyu, but really, he was just trying to cover up for him. This made her furious. She would just feel even more frustrated seeing him loiter around the palace.


    The Empress Dowager turned to the Emperor. "Emperor, you consider this a punishment?"


    The Emperor waved his hand dismissively."It is getting late. All of you are dismissed."


    Everyone kowtowed, bowed, and stepped down.


    It was only when everyone was gone did the Emperor said, "Empress Mother, the fault in today''s matter lies with Liu Li. If I punish them, the reputation of the royal family would be tarnished. Besides, Helian Xuan and Xia Chunyu are young and outstanding talents, the pillars of the country. How can I disappoint them because of such a small matter?"


    "Then Liu Li¡­" The Empress Dowager was still feeling sorry for Liu Li.


    "It is a good thing that Liu Li was taught a lesson this time. She is no longer young. She has reached a marriageable age. If she doesn''t change her temperament, how will she get along with her husband and in-laws? With the character she''s exhibiting now, do you think she''ll be respectful to her elders and kind to her brothers and sisters-in-law? I''m afraid there would only be chaos every other day when she goes to the feudal fiefdom in the future. How can she become the mother of the citizens?" the Emperor said earnestly.


    The Empress Dowager was silent. She has to admit, the Emperor made sense.

 Chapter 100：Have We Passed The Ordeal

    Helian Jing wiped the sweat from his forehead as the group exited the palace. His relief was obvious in his voice as he said, "Man, I was so terrified I broke out in cold sweat! I thought we would definitely get hit."


    Xia Chunfeng also voiced out his lingering fears, "My legs and stomach are still trembling¡­"


    Helian Xuan and Xia Chunyu both rolled their eyes at their younger brothers.


    "Thank heavens that the Emperor is wise enough to give us jobs in the pretense of punishing us! This is a blessing in disguise, right?" Helian Jing said, sounding pleased with himself.


    Yu De rebuked, "Stop being so smug. I was scared to death in there! When we reach home, face the wall to reflect on your mistakes. You are also grounded for a month."


    Xia You also turned to Chunfeng and said, "You, too. If this happens again, I will break your legs."


    "His Majesty is assigning me to work in the army tomorrow! How can I do that if I''m grounded?" Helian Jing countered, smiling triumphantly.


    His mother simply gave him a cold stare.


    Xia You noticed that Chun-er and Helian Xuan were standing close together as if they have something else to discuss. She called out, "Chun-er, go home early, alright? I have something to ask you."


    Xia Chunyu nodded and watched them leave.


    "What is going on with you and Li Yao?" Helian Xuan asked.


    Xia Chunyu sighed. He never intended to keep his best friend in the dark, but he didn''t want to mention it earlier to him either since he has yet to confirm his feelings. Now that Helian Xuan was entangled with his lies, he has to come clean. Maybe he could even be of some help to them.


    "She is the woman I married in the stockade."


    "I''m sorry, woman? You''re saying she''s a woman?"


    "Her real name is Ye Jinxuan. She is the oldest daughter of Ye Binghuai, the Yang Zhou''s government sub-prefect, and his first wife¡­" Xia Chunyu proceeded to tell Helian Xuan how Ye Jiayao got captured to the mountains and became his woman. He told him how they got separated because of a misunderstanding and how she eventually escaped death and traveled to Jin Ling.


    Helian Xuan was speechless for a few seconds, deeply moved. "That''s incredible. It''s such a bizarre turn of events, even more brilliant than the stories in books."


    Helian Xuan laughed inwardly as he recalled how he used to think that Li Yao and Helian Jing were homosexuals. "What do you intend to do now?"


    Xia Chunyu smiled. "Marry her."


    "Marry her? How?" Helian Xuan was astonished. "She can''t even return home. And even if she is reinstated as the eldest daughter of the Ye family, her status is still far beneath yours. Besides, you can''t decide on your marriage. Even if Liu Li decides to cancel, she''d just be replaced by other princesses."


    This is precisely the problem that Xia Chunyu was stuck with.


    "She can become your concubine. That would be easier to settle," Helian Xuan suggested.


    "That will not do. Do you really think that she''d dress up as a man and work as a chef if she''s willing to become a concubine? She has a very strong character. Besides, I don''t wish for that either," Xia Chunyu told him with a bitter laugh.


    Helian Xuan looked at him in surprise. "I didn''t know you were such a romantic!"


    Xia Chunyu laughed and punched his shoulder playfully. "Wait until you meet the right person, and then you''ll understand how I feel."


    "Well, it''s a pity that my Miss Right may still be in someone''s womb." Helian Xuan laughed mockingly at himself.


    "Quick, take a look at which family has a cute little baby and carry her home to raise her," Xia Chunyu cajoled.


    Helian Xuan replied with a punch. "How about you quickly give birth to one for me to carry home."


    "That won''t do," Xia Chunyu said, playing along. "I don''t want my daughter to marry an old man."


    Helian Xuan raised his fist as though he was going to beat him up, and Xia Chunyu nimbly dodged it, laughing heartily.


    A few palace maids passed by and Xia Chunyu immediately made his expression somber.


    "Hey, keep this matter a secret for the meantime, okay?" Xia Chunyu reminded Helian Xuan.


    Helian Xuan raised a brow. "Get my sister-in-law to bring me some delicious food so my mouth would be occupied."


    In the palace, Liu Li lays on the Empress Dowager''s lap, sobbing. "Empress Dowager, I know I was wrong, but they were too ruthless! How can you expect me to face everyone again..."


    Earlier on, someone had told her what happened in the palace hall. The Empress Dowager wanted to take her side, but the Emperor kept supporting them. Instead of punishing the rascals, he even arranged jobs for them. Liu Li was a little panic-stricken. What does this imply? Was the Emperor dissatisfied with her? Does the Empress Dowager no longer have the ability to shield her?


    The Empress Dowager tenderly brushed her hair. "Liu Li, the Emperor is right. You are all grown up, it is time to be sensible. If you continue like this, how are you going to become someone''s wife? How are you going to become a mother? I am already old, who knows how long do I have left? But with you like this... how can I pass on peacefully..."


    Liu Li looked up at the Empress Dowager tearfully. "Empress Dowager, Liu Li knows her mistakes. I will not make you worry again. Please, don''t say such things to scare me. I am scared..."


    "I am not trying to scare you, Liu Li. To be born, to grow old, to get sick, and to die are all part and parcel of life. Everyone has to go through them. I thought you''d be alright with the Xia family since they have a hundred-year Marquis name, and they''ve never faltered despite the changes of the imperial politics. Xia Chunyu seemed earnest and reliable so I thought you''d be okay in his hands.


    "But what he''s shown today... no, this won''t do. He has yet to marry you and he''s already treating you like this! He even dared to challenge me! This marriage agreement should cease immediately." The Empress Dowager sighed. Xia You and Xia Chunyu''s performance today disappointed her deeply.


    "But Liu Li only likes him. I won''t marry any other man!" Liu Li blurted out in a moment of desperation.


    She has liked Chunyu for a long time. When the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and her aunt were choosing her marriage partner, she had been so afraid that they wouldn''t pick Chunyu.


    It was because she likes him that she was unable to take it when he scolded her so harshly. She felt so wronged and abandoned. However, even though she hated him for embarrassing her like that, she has never thought of giving up on their impending marriage.


    The Empress Dowager sighed again, wary with all this back and forth. Ah, forget it. The younger generations will do alright on their own.


    Liu Li softly bit her cherry lips, a ruthlessness flashing through those teary eyes. This incident has given her a huge punishment and has taught her a valuable lesson. Next time, she would not be so brash. She would not be so guileless to be plotted against by someone so easily. She would not waste time punishing whoever offends her, she''d simply make them vanish off the face of the earth.


    Ye Jiayao was agitated, worried about Chunyu and the rest of the guys. She has no idea how the Empress Dowager would deal with them.


    Seeing how Liu Li had ended up so arrogant and willful, she has no doubt that the Empress Dowager would be just as unreasonable.


    Finally, she could not bear to stay any longer in the house. She ran out and sat on the steps by the door, waiting for some news. She believed that if Chunyu was alright, he would send someone to tell her that.


    Jiang Yue also came out to keep her company.


    "Sister Yaoyao, Heir-Son Lord would be fine."


    Ye Jiayao said discontentedly, "How do you know?"


    You have no idea how much trouble we are in.


    Jiang Yue pouted. "My father said so. He says this is just like children fighting and falling out with each other. How serious can that be?"


    Ye Jiayao could not help but laugh. If it only were that simple. This was the royal family they''re talking about. All it takes is one wrong word for them to lose their heads.


    However, she believed that Chunyu and the others were very unlikely to be beheaded just because of this matter. After all, the Helian Mansion and the Jing An Marquis'' residence were not the kinds of forces to be reckoned with.


    No, she knew that they''d be alright. What she was really feeling bad about was her hand in all this mess. They were in this predicament because of her.


    Ugh! This is so f*cking depressing! Modern age or the ancient times, they''re all the same! All you need is wealth and prestige to get everyone to fall in line behind you.


    "Third Madam, do you think this can be used?" Jiang Li walked over to them and handed her a ''whisk'' made of bamboo.


    Ye Jiayao looked it over. The whisk was made with dexterity, with a single thin bamboo split into eight thin strips. A fine bamboo strip was used to fasten the eight strips into a bulge at the base. This looked incredible!


    "Yue-er, get me an egg and a bowl."


    Jiang Li replied, "I''ll go."


    Jiang Li returned with an egg and a bowl after a few minutes. Ye Jiayao cracked the egg and separated the yolk. Using the bamboo whisk, she beat the egg white in a clockwise direction. In no time at all, the egg white transformed into a stiff bubble.


    "What is this?" Jiang Yue found it very novel. Why would an egg white become like this after stirring?


    "This is good stuff," Ye Jiayao answered, extremely pleased with the whisk. "There are many uses for this, I''ll teach you them in future."


    "Ah Li, is there anything you can''t make?" Ye Jiayao asked, feeling immense admiration for Jiang Li''s talent and imagination. She''d only tell him a rough idea and he''d build it to perfection.


    Jiang Li scratched his head, abashed. "I can''t make delicious food."


    Ye Jiayao snorted. It looked like the honest and unsophisticated Jiang Li has such a cute side to him, too. The worry in her heart lightened significantly.


    It was almost nighttime.


    Ye Jiayao leaned on her hand, glancing at the door of the courtyard from time to time. Jiang Yue was leaning on the pillar, almost falling asleep. Jiang Li sat in the courtyard, doing some carpentry work. He wanted to make a dressing case for Third Madam.


    In the courtyard, where the rhythmic sound of chiseling echoes, the sound of horse''s hooves sounded like an ominous boom.


    Ye Jiayao suddenly got up and ran to open the door.


    Song Qi was about to raise his hand to knock on the door when it opened, his fingers almost knocking onto Ye Jiayao''s face.


    "Madam¡­" Song Qi''s hand froze on the spot.


    "Song Qi, how is it?" Ye Jiayao asked hurriedly, swiping his hand away.


    "Oh, the Heir-Son Lord sent me to tell you that everything''s fine. There''s nothing to worry about."


    "Really? What about the Young Royal Highness Jing? What about Chunfeng? Everyone''s alright?"


    "Everyone''s alright. The Young Royal Highness and Third Young Master were even given jobs by the Emperor."


    "Not a single punishment?" Ye Jiayao couldn''t believe her ears. Was the Empress Dowager really that reasonable? Or was it just because Chunyu does not want her to worry so he''s just making Song Qi deliver the good news and not the bad?


    "The Emperor got the Heir-Son Lord to go home and write an essay of repentance. Other than that, there is nothing else." Song Qi continued, "This is absolutely no punishment. The Heir-Son Lord can even take this chance to stay at home and rest for two days. That''s more than he could ask for."


    Jiang Yue, who crept up behind them, exclaimed, "That''s great! I told you, Third Madam, the Heir-Son Lord will be alright."


    Ye Jiayao almost keeled over from the overwhelming relief she felt. "Where is the Heir-Son Lord now?"


    "He is back in the residence. He was called over by Madam so he couldn''t come in person like he wanted," Song Qi answered.


    It looks like he''s going to get a lecture from his mother. Well, a lecture by his mother is more favorable than any punishment by the Empress Dowager!


    Ye Jiayao just has no idea whether this ordeal really has passed or not.

 Chapter 101：Tell Us Honestly

    The next day was the final deadline that Boss Sun had given the restaurant. However, he didn''t come.


    Everyone was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.


    It was dinner time. Little Lu ran to the kitchen happily.


    "Brother Yao, we will be busy today!" he announced.


    "Are there customers on the third floor?" Ye Jiayao asked absentmindedly.


    "The compartments on the third floor are full. Young Royal Highness, Xia''s third son, Heir-Son Lord of Yong An, and many other people are there," Little Lu answered.


    Ye Jiayao was shocked. "Who''s treating them?"


    "I don''t know. It seemed that Young Royal Highness has his group of friends, Xia''s third son is with a separate circle, and Heir-Son Lord of Yong An is also in another group."


    Ye Jiayao wondered what was going on.


    "Which compartment is Young Royal Highness Jing at? I will have a look."


    "Fu Qu Attic was taken by Xia''s third son, Young Royal Highness is at Heng Fu Attic."


    Ye Jiayao ran straight to Heng Fu Attic. While Xing was preparing some tea for the customers, Ye Jiayao asked him to call the Young Royal Highness out.


    A few seconds later, Helian Jing came out looking happy. "Yaoyao, I was just about to look for you!"


    "Chunfeng and Zhao Qixuan are here, too, do you know that?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Helian Jing smiled. "I know. We ran into each other when we came in. It is my first day to take an official job so I am treating a few colleagues to dinner."


    "What about them?"


    "Oh, that''s Chunfeng''s colleague''s treat. Zhao Qixuan is here to talk about business, and the other people... um, they were the ones here yesterday. They probably admired you so much that they came here to cheer up the business." Helian Jing looked at the opposite compartment, his mouth twitching as he saw Mr. Liu. It was a miracle that he was here since he rarely ventured out ever since Liu Li got him sick with her tricks.


    Ye Jiayao finally relaxed. She had thought there was an urgent situation again because so many people had turned up.


    "Okay, then. I will go cook your foods now." Ye Jiayao turned around to leave.


    "Yaoyao," Helian Jing called. "Come cruise with us tonight! I booked a boat and Chunfeng and Qixuan are coming, too."


    Ye Jiayao gave him a fake smile. "I don''t think I will have the strength to go on a cruise tonight."


    She had seven compartments and seven big tables of dishes to do alone since Zhong Xiang was absent. She was not even sure if she''d have the strength to walk home after this.


    Helian Jing said, "It''s cruising, not swimming. You''ll just sit on a boat. Everyone is going, Yaoyao. Come on!"


    "We can talk about that later. If I don''t have the spirit, I won''t go," Ye Jiayao told him placatingly.


    She returned to the kitchen and was welcomed by seven full order lists. They were also all hard and energy-consuming dishes.


    Ye Jiayao braced herself, rolled up her sleeves, and started to get to work.


    She was on fire.


    "Deng Haichuan, take care of the eels. Wang Mingde, take care of the cuttlefish. Cui Dongpeng, cut the meat. Jiang Youli, place the cold dishes¡­"


    She started to cut eggplants into pieces, using a special tool to take the inside of the eggplants out. She minced the inside of the eggplants and mixed it with minced mushrooms, minced meat, and some garlic. She added flour to the ingredients and put everything back into the eggplant shells and steamed them.


    After the shark fins were softened by water, she put them in the hot soup to stew together.


    When the roasted duck was ridden of its skins, she added cucumber slices, onion slices, and some flour skins to it. She made a small dish of ingredients. She found that Bei Jing ducks were way innovative at this time.


    She waited until the oil inside the pan was hot before she put the carrot pieces, bamboo shoot slices, and green chili slices in the pan. She stir-fried them until they were about 60% cooked before putting them inside a dish. She then fried the cuttlefish pieces on a controlled fire and mixed it with the dish she just prepared to finish cooking. She poured a bit of garlic oil over the fish and plated it up.


    Ye Jiayao then turned to change a stove and cook the eels. Immediately, someone went to clean out the pan she just used.


    She changed to another stove, but she didn''t rest. There was no time wasted during planning. The chef helpers worked with her seamlessly. They knew what to do even without her ordering them around.


    The delicious dishes came out to the tables one by one.


    Immediately after the last dish was called out, Ye Jiayao threw the pan down and cheered. Everything was done!


    That was an intense hour! Now that she finally paused long enough to rest, the exhaustion and dizziness caught up with her.


    Being a chef was definitely very tiring. She couldn''t figure out how other chefs managed to have round faces and bellies.


    "You guys take care of the rest of the work," Ye Jiayao requested as she retired to a chair to relax.


    Ah Fu came in and told her that the customers in Narcissus Attic asked to see her.


    "Who are they?"


    "The person called himself General Zhu."


    Oh! The general who lost an eye to Liu Li''s arrow. What does he want with me? Can''t they just leave me alone? I don''t want to be the hero!


    "Tell him I can''t go. Just say that I am busy," Ye Jiayao rejected.


    "General Zhu said that you can come after you finish working."


    "Then just say that I''ve already finished working and I''m now going home." Yes, she really should leave now, otherwise, Little Jing would just take her to that cruise.


    She hurriedly tidied up a bit and left the kitchen. She didn''t know that the one-eyed general was waiting for her by the doorway.


    The general made a polite gesture with his hands and said, "Brother Li Yao, I am coming to invite you personally now."


    Ye Jiayao returned the greeting and pretended to be clueless. "General Zhu, do you have something to ask me? Are you not satisfied with the dishes?"


    "No, no. Your dishes are the most delicious things that I have ever eaten. I am extremely satisfied with it," General Zhu flattered.


    "Thank you for the compliments. I am not worth it, though," Ye Jiayao said humbly. "You are welcome to visit here frequently."


    "Of course. Brother Yao, your personality is as excellent as your dishes. I will come here frequently in the future. Brother Li Yao, some brothers upstairs wanted to see you. Can you do me a favor and indulge them?"


    Ye Jiayao said awkwardly, "I have been busy the whole night... can I go to the toilet first?"


    She was for sure going to escape the moment he turned his back.


    "Hey, I feel like going as well. Okay, let''s go together," General Zhu said with a laugh.


    What? Ugh!


    "Yaoyao!"


    Ye Jiayao held in her sigh of relief as she heard Little Jing call for her. Impeccable timing! She turned around and watched as Little Jing walk down the stairs with Chunfeng and Zhao Qixuan following behind him.


    General Zhu greeted Helian Jing immediately.


    Helian Jing nodded and returned the greeting before turning to ask Yaoyao, "Have you finished your work?"


    Ye Jiayao immediately jumped at the chance to get rid of General Zhu. She said, "I just finished. Are you guys done, too?"


    "Almost. My colleagues wanted to sit a bit longer. We are going to cruise first. Come on, let''s go together!" Helian Jing suggested eagerly.


    If given the choice between cruising with Little Jing or going to the restroom with General Zhu, there was no question.


    "Alright! I''m kind of sweaty so some air would be good," Ye Jiayao answered.


    General Zhu sighed when Li Yao walked away with Young Royal Highness Jing. His brothers heard about yesterday''s event and they all wanted to see this smart and bold chef. He shouted for dinner today to satisfy the brothers'' curiosity, but unfortunately, the chef had been elusive.


    When they were a distance away from Heavenly Residence and about a hundred steps away from the dock, Ye Jiayao said, "Little Jing, I don''t want to go anymore. I''m just too tired."


    Xia Chunfeng asked, "Didn''t you say you wanted some air? The wind in the river at night is very cooling.


    Ye Jiayao replied sulkily, "I was just trying to get rid of General Zhu because he asked me to go to his compartments. Aren''t they going to spread around what happened yesterday? It was finally solved, I don''t want to make a mess again."


    Helian Jing had been warned by his big brother yesterday to keep the incident lowkey. He said, "Zhao Qixuan, you''re familiar with Zhu Youxu, right? Talk to him privately and tell him to keep quiet if he wants his other eye to stay safe"


    Zhao Qixuan nodded. "Okay. I will talk to him tomorrow."


    "Yaoyao, come on, have a seat. No one else is around, just rest." Helian Jing looked at her expectantly.


    Xia Chunfeng pushed her slightly. "Go, go, go!"


    Ye Jiayao had no choice but to get on the boat despite her exhaustion.


    The boat was cruising quietly with the wave over the reflection of the starry sky. The music playing in the background sounded elegant and soothing. Ye Jiayao slouched down on the comfortable chair, holding a cup of tea. She had to admit, this was really nice.


    "I was worried that you guys would get severe punishment," Zhao Qixuan began. "But you all made it through so easily!"


    "You were worried? Imagine how we felt! You don''t know how dangerous it got last night," Xia Chunfeng sneered.


    Ye Jiayao inconspicuously started to listen, wanting to know the gritty details of what happened at the palace.


    "What? Tell me what happened! How did you escape punishment?"


    Helian Jing sipped his tea and sighed. "It''s quite a long story."


    "Just say it. Stop being pretentious, Little Jing," Ye Jiayao told him impatiently.


    Helian Jing turned to Yaoyao and said instead, "You should tell us where you went with Brother Chunyu."


    He got Yaoyao to join them on this cruise because he wanted to inquire about his relationship with Brother Chunyu.


    "Yes, what was that about? I saw you and my brother riding together last night," Xia Chunfeng added.


    Ye Jiayao flushed with embarrassment. "We didn''t really go anywhere. We just found somewhere quiet. Why are you asking me that?"


    The three nobles looked at her questioningly.


    Ye Jiayao got defensive and exclaimed, "Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I''m lying?"


    Zhao Qixuan, who paid more attention to details than anyone else, said thoughtfully, "Li Yao, your ears are red."

 Chapter 102：I will hug you when you are tired

    Ye Jiayao tried her best to appear unaffected. The curious and suspicious looks these guys have do not bode well for her. This all seemed too planned. It was like she walked in on an ambush... holy sh*t! Was it possible that Chunfeng followed her yesterday?


    "You know what, I can''t be bothered talking to you guys," Ye Jiayao muttered sulkily, shrinking back to hide in the shadows. She could feel her face burning up.


    Helian Jing looked at her meaningfully. "Yesterday, even when my brother mentioned that you were my benefactor, it did no good. It''s only when Brother Chunyu said that you and him..."


    Ye Jiayao''s heart was beating so fast she was afraid that it''d jump out of her chest. What the f*ck did Chunyu say?


    Xia Chunfeng continued, "My brother said that he met you at Black Wind Ridge. Yaoyao, why were you at Black Wind Ridge?"


    Ye Jiayao forced herself not to show her relief. They''re asking about Black Wind Ridge so that means... they don''t know that I''m a girl.


    "I was a chef there, of course!" Ye Jiayao responded blithely. "One day, when I was traveling, I was captured and brought to the mountains."


    At least, that was some semblance of the truth. She was abducted to the mountains, and she was indeed, Chunyu''s personal chef.


    "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Helian Jing said.


    "What is there to tell? My time up there was anything but good. I wanted to forget about it," Ye Jiayao said bitterly.


    "My brother said that you achieved great merit in defeating the Hei Feng Gang. Tell us, what was the situation like? Were the bandits there cruel?" Chunfeng asked, the interest clear in the sparkle of his eyes.


    Ye Jiayao almost choked on her tongue. Chunyu does know how to talk nonsense. What possible merit could she have achieved?


    "Of course, the bandits were cruel. And I really didn''t do anything. I just tipped him off," she answered casually. Well, she wanted to tip him off, but she ended up relaying a trap instead. Oh, and she also got locked up by the underboss. Great times.


    Zhao Qixuan said, "Hey, don''t sell yourself short. May it be war or business, the most important thing is information. An essential intelligence will determine a triumph. Li Yao, you are too humble and so indifferent to fame, it is admirable."


    Oh, no. I''m definitely not indifferent to fame.


    "That''s just who Yaoayao is," Helian Jing declared proudly.


    "My brother said you saved him," Chunfeng added.


    Ye Jiayao raised a brow. It seemed like Chunyu was willing to use any excuse just to save her.


    "It wasn''t like that, really. I just cooperated in a few acts with him. I wanted to save myself, too, you know," she said humbly.


    The three of them looked at her with obvious admiration.


    "You''re making light of what happened. From what I know, the situation back then had been extremely dangerous. We heard that Bai Chongye was very sly and very cunning," Helian Jing countered.


    "Yes, that was what my brother said. The boss was always on guard around him," Xia Chunfeng supported.


    Zhao Qixuan cheered, "Li Yao, you are truly amazing! From now on, you are my brother!"


    Xia Chunfeng raised his teacup and said, "Yaoyao, you are one of the few people I respect."


    Ye Jiayao had no other choice but to toast with them as she hid the shame she was feeling. If they were to find out the truth about her, how would they react?


    After assuaging their doubts, Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng moved on to other topics. They talked about what happened yesterday in the palace, echoing each other from time to time. Xia Chunfeng even mimicked his brother''s expression vividly.


    Ye Jiayao was moved. It was all thanks to their upholding safeguard last night that she was still able to continue on her life.


    Thinking about how she got to this point befuddled her. She started off as a woman that was forced into a relationship with Chunyu. She escaped and picked up Little Jing along the way. She helped solve a small scuffle which landed her a job in Heavenly Residence. Now, as a head chef, she was connected to a bunch of enthusiastic and distinguished nobles. Was it just all her charisma or was she really that lucky?


    Xia Chunyu waited at Uncle Jiang''s house for a while. He was supposed to stay at home and ponder over his mistakes so he wasn''t able to leave in the morning time. He had to wait until dark to sneak out and find Yaoyao.


    Which was why he was so irritated that she still hasn''t come back until now.


    "Heir-Son Lord, according to the people at the restaurant, Lade Ye went to the lake with Young Royal Highness Jing and Third Young Master," Song Qi reported as soon as he ran in.


    Xia Chunyao''s eyes dimmed. That woman was outrageous. He said that he would come and find her!


    Meanwhile, on the boat, Ye Jiayao and the three nobles were being entertained by some beautiful and graceful dancing women. The lute and pipe flute were being played in the background by two musicians.


    The three nobles looked at Li Yao, wondering if anyone has caught his fancy, but he seemed to be disinterested which they found quite odd.


    Ye Jiayao was barely able to conceal her boredom. What does she care for pretty women, she is a beautiful woman. It would''ve been better if it were a few handsome men dancing. She imagined a picture of four attractive men dancing to ''Little Apple'' to entertain herself.


    It was almost 11 PM by the time they went back to the shore.


    Helian Jing said, "Yaoyao, where do you live now? I''ll send you home."


    Since Ping An had been cautioned by his big brother, he hadn''t sent anyone to follow Yaoyao again. Anyway, he only did it then because he was afraid Yaoyao was going to run away.


    "I''m living in someone else''s place at the moment. And there''s no need to send me home, I can get back by myself," Ye Jiayao declined tactfully.


    "It''s not a bother, we''re free tonight anyway," Xia Chunfeng said.


    Uh, that''s not going to happen. I''m not giving your brother any more ammunition against me.


    "There''s no need for that, I''m not a woman. If you do that, I''ll just have to return the favor," Ye Jiayao reasoned with a laugh.


    "You would look gorgeous if you dress as a woman," Zhao Qixuan said jokingly.


    However, Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng sized up Yaoyao seriously. They had always thought that Yaoyao looked delicate and a bit too pretty for a man. Zhao Qixuan''s words made them rethink Yaoyao in a new light. He would indeed be a gorgeous lady. He already has a fair skin, slim waist, petite figure...


    "Little Su would still be prettier, though," Zhao Qixuan added. He was nothing but loyal to his heart.


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng turned to him scornfully.


    Ye Jiayao played along and said, "Whatever you say, Zhao Qixuan. I''m going to leave now so I don''t get sucked into all your activities again!"


    Ye Jiayao walked away immediately in case they start protesting. When she got a distance away and confirmed that she wasn''t being followed, she relaxed a bit. They already had their suspicions, she can''t give too much away again.


    She walked down the dark alley, so lost in her thoughts that she didn''t realize that someone had been waiting for her in the shadows.


    "Did you have fun tonight?"


    Ye Jiayao jumped about a foot in the air in shock.


    Xia Chunyu walked out slowly, his hands behind his back, his eyes cold.


    "Wha¡­why are you hiding there? You almost scared me to death," Ye Jiayao berated. She would have probably scampered away if she hadn''t recognized his voice.


    Xia Chunyu just continued to look at her with those cold eyes. "I told you that I''d come see you today and yet you went cruising on the lake with others."


    His voice wasn''t raised but it was tight with anger.


    He did say that, but Ye Jiayao thought that he couldn''t leave since the Emperor has commanded him to stay home. From how angry he was, he must''ve been waiting for her for a long time. Her first inclination was to yell at him defensively, but then she remembered how he risked his life to protect her.


    "I thought that you couldn''t leave your home today. And I really didn''t want to go to the lake since I am so exhausted but Little Jing insisted. They interrogated me because of what you said yesterday in the palace," Ye Jiayao explained.


    Xia Chunyu blinked. "What did they ask you?"


    "They want to know what kind of relationship we have. Don''t worry, I didn''t tell them the true story."


    "I didn''t have a choice."


    Ye Jiayao didn''t mean to blame him. "I know. I muddled through their questions and luckily they believed my answers." Suddenly, she groaned and complained, "Ahh, my back hurts. Go home, Chunyu, I''m going to retire to my room and rest my back."


    Xia Chunyu stopped her with a hand on her arm. "You want to run again? We haven''t talked this through yet! Even if they persuaded you to come with them, couldn''t you have come back a bit earlier?"


    Ye Jiayao was helpless. "I''m not running. My back really does hurt. Do you think I''ve emerged unscathed from how rough you were yesterday? Chunyu, I''m tired and I feel like I''ve been run over by a carriage. I don''t have the patience for this."


    Xia Chunyu stepped back carefully. He really had been a little harsh with her yesterday. He asked with concern, "Where are you hurting? Do you want a doctor to take a look?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes angrily. "Yes, why don''t we seek a doctor''s opinion, hmm? I''m sure he''ll tell me to avoid getting manhandled by arrogant Heir-Son Lords."


    Xia Chunyu had the grace to look embarrassed. "Then it''s best not to have the doctor over."


    "As long as you quit," Ye Jiayao retorted.


    "What? You want to be a widow?" Xia Chunyu laughed and swept her up into his arms.


    "Hey, put me down. This is so embarrassing! What if someone sees? Chunyu..."


    "It''s so late, there wouldn''t be anyone else out. Aren''t you tired? Let me carry you," Xia Chunyu told her with a soft smile, his earlier melancholy and anger miraculously disappearing.

 Chapter 103：Bothered

    When they arrived at the courtyard entrance, Ye Jiayao''s struggle began anew.


    "What''s the matter? They are not strangers." Xia Chunyu didn''t want to put her down.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Don''t you think that this is really mean? What do you treat me as? Your mistress? My reputation and fame would be ruined, more so than it already is. I don''t need your support. I can provide for my own needs."


    Xia Chunyu didn''t know how to respond. He wanted to give her silver so she wouldn''t have to work so hard, but he knew she''d never take it. She''s more than likely to throw it in his face rather than accept it.


    Xia Chunyu had no choice but to put her down. "Then I''ll go in, too, and sit with you for a bit."


    "No." Ye Jiayao had suspicions of what that ''sit'' really meant.


    Xia Chunyu tamped down the urge to yell at her for turning him away. "I''ll pick you up tomorrow night."


    "You shouldn''t. There are too many people in the restaurant. If you were seen strolling outside when you were meant to be staying at home, the Emperor would think you''re insincere."


    Ugh! I can''t do this, I can''t do that... I''ve already waited for so long! Do I really have to go back now?


    Xia Chunyu said cheekily, "If you compensate me, I''ll go."


    Ye Jiayao pinched his nose and laughed. "Come earlier tomorrow night, I''ll make you something nice."


    Food temptations don''t work with him. He has a craving for something even more delectable.


    Xia Chunyu backed her up against the wall, holding her against him. He stared down heatedly at her, his breath coming out in ragged pants.


    Ye Jiayao could feel his eyes on her as if it was a physical touch. She placed her hand on his chest and she could feel how fast his heart was beating, almost as if it was keeping pace with her own. They were standing so close together that all she could breathe in was his scent, making her weak in the knees.


    "What are you doing? Why aren''t you leaving yet?" she whispered hoarsely.


    "Compensation." His lips were raised in a gentle smile, like a kid who was asking for an extra sweet treat.


    A guy who was normally so cool and collected was acting cute all of a sudden. Ye Jiayao shook her head in confusion.


    "What compensation?" Ye Jiayao tried to push him away but she failed. In the next second, his lips descended on hers.


    She tasted like flowers, clean, pure, and lovely. He couldn''t tear himself away. All he wanted to do was stay right here in this moment. He pressed on her deeper, wanting more, wanting everything.


    The courtyard door suddenly opened and Jiang Li stuck his head out.


    They jumped apart so fast, it was like they were cattle prodded.


    Ye Jiayao glared angrily at Chunyu, her cheeks beet red. She told him not to do this again!


    Xia Chunyu looked up and acted as if he was looking at the stars.


    Jiang Li opened the door because he heard some noise outside, not even thinking that he might disturb something. He closed the door immediately, put the latch in, and leaned against it. Why did he open the door like that? He should''ve just peeped out quietly! Now he had placed Third Madam and the Heir-Son Lord in an awkward situation.


    Xia Chunyu pounced back on her the moment the door closed again.


    "Stop!" Ye Jiayao dodged his advances and tried to open the door but it wouldn''t budge. What? Did that idiot Ah Li lock this?


    Xia Chunyu laughed and stepped back. "Go call for someone, I''m going to go back now."


    Ye Jiayao scowled at his retreating back and knocked again. A few seconds later, Jiang Yue came and opened the door.


    "Sister Yaoyao, you are back! I told my brother to stay by the door, where did he go?" Jiang Yue mumbled.


    Ye Jiayao figured that he must have felt embarrassed and hid away.


    "Maybe he had something else to do. Yue-er, do you have hot water?"


    "Yes, it had been boiling on the stove! I''ll grab it for you."


    Ye Jiayao returned to her room and was surprised when she was immediately surrounded by two rabbits as soon as she opened the door.


    Ye Jiayao looked down, stunned. "Da Bao, Er Bao..."


    Oh, my. It''s my precious little babies.


    Ye Jiayao knelt to carry Da Bao.


    "Sister Yaoyao, Da Bao is pregnant. She''ll be a mother rabbit," Jiang Yue said as she brought the water in.


    Ye Jiayao touched Da Bao''s bumpy stomach and exclaimed furiously, "Who did this? Who did this?"


    It had only been a few months since she had last seen Da Bao and now, she will be a mother? Which bastard did this?


    Jiang Yue pointed at Er Bao and smiled. "Ask him."


    "What? It''s Er Bao?"


    Ye Jiayao''s turned him over and spread his legs to check. How did she miss this? How could she not know that Er Bao was a male?


    Er Bao, surprised by the intrusion, struggled away from her hands. He jumped onto the bed and hid in the corner, his red eyes staring at Ye Jiayao innocently.


    Ye Jiayao said angrily, "How dare you run away? Don''t you know that rabbits don''t eat grass near their burrow? Tell me, who did you learn this from?"


    Jiang Yue couldn''t stop laughing as she watched Sister Yaoyao talk to the rabbits as if they really understood her.


    "Da Bao, tell Mummy, did you volunteer? Did Er Bao force you?"


    Da Bao jumped onto the bed and cuddled with Er Bao in response.


    Ye Jiayao sighed in defeat. "Alright, I won''t bother you. You better love each other forever, okay?"


    That night, Ye Jiayao slept peacefully, hugging Da Bao and Er Bao.


    Early next morning, as the bell rang from the clock tower at 5 AM, four sides of the city gates opened. Three luxurious carriages drove into Jin Ling City, heading towards Assistant Minister Mu''s house.


    Ye Jinrong flipped open the carriage''s curtain and looked at the bustling city of Jin Ling. Her chest filled with hope and ambition as she sensed a brighter future in this rich capital.


    Ji Nan and Yang Zhou were nothing compared to Jin Ling. This was the underfoot of the Emperor, the most flourishing place in Hua Song. As long as Liujiang stands out in the examination, his uncle would be able to make sure that he stayed in Jin Ling. She too would gradually blend in with the higher society of the women in Jin Ling and become one of them. That would surely be an honor.


    The carriage arrived in front of Assistant Minister Mu''s house where Wei Liujiang, Madam Mu, and Mu Qinchu were waiting for them.


    Not far away, Song Qi was hiding at the street corner with a woman.


    "Did you see her clearly?" Song Qi asked.


    The lady answered, "Yes, I saw it clearly. The woman who''s standing next to the son-in-law is the second lady of the house of Ye."


    Song Qi sneered distastefully. "Let''s report it to the Heir-Son Lord."


    Xia Chunyu was sitting in the study when Song Qi rushed in to give his reports.


    Xia Chunyu turned to the lady and asked, "Would you like to leave with twenty ounces of silver now or stay and help me complete another mission? I''ll give you another thirty ounces of silver then."


    The lady nodded, eager for more silvers. "I am willing to stay and listen to your orders, Heir-Son Lord."


    "Alright. Song Qi, give her the twenty ounces of silver and arrange for her to be sent to the hamlet to work. Wait for my next orders."


    Song Qi ushered her out as Manager Zhao, who was taking care of the shipping logistics, came in for a meeting.


    "Heir-Son Lord, the matter at the Heavenly Residence is solved."


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow. "Did you trouble them?"


    "No, no. Boss Sun was terrified by the previous matter and wanted to sell the restaurant. He didn''t even care about the price. Shopkeeper Li was a bit harder since Heavenly Residence was the result of his years of hard work. I managed to convince him in the end, though, and he reluctantly agreed," Manager Zhao explained.


    Xia Chunyu nodded, pleased. "When will the contract be signed?"


    Manager Zhao laid out a paper in front of him."I had arranged it to be tonight. This is the contract that Boss Sun, Shopkeeper Li, and I drafted. Please take a look at it, Heir-Son Lord."


    Xia Chunyu looked at it carefully and smiled.


    According to the contract, Shopkeeper Li would need to help to take care of Heavenly Residence for another three months without revealing that it had been bought from him.


    "This is great!"


    "Heir-Son Lord, after we spend this money, we wouldn''t have any left to buy products."


    Manager Zhao felt arduous. Both the building and Heavenly Residence cost one hundred and sixty thousand ounces of silver. It''s almost all of what they had gained from sailing these past few years. He felt sorry for the Heir-Son Lord. What business was better than trading on the sea?


    "Why are you panicking when I''m not? I heard that it hasn''t been peaceful on the sea lately. We''ll just stop for a while and see how it goes later," Xia Chunyu told him.


    He and Helian Xuan worked together and got two ships. Hua Song''s silk, tea leaves, and porcelain were very popular overseas. They earned quite a bit every trip, and after four years, he has managed to save hundreds of thousands of silver.


    However, this business'' risks were huge. If they were to encounter tsunami or pirates, they would lose everything. They were just very lucky that no problems had risen in their three years of running.


    He had always wanted to invest in a more reliable business that would have a stable earning. The idea of buying a restaurant came to him after Liu Li''s incident.


    He believed that as long as Yaoyao was in charge, the business would continue to be great.


    Xia Chunyu was excited to see Yaoyao''s reaction when she finds out that the restaurant was soon to be his.


    Manager Zhao nodded in acquiesce and said, "I shall head on to arrange it."


    After he left, Xia Chunyu picked up a piece of paper and wrote a letter. He then asked Song Qi to send it to the Helian Mansion.


    After Helian Xuan received the letter, he asked Little Jing for the guest list and found out that Assistant Minister Mu''s name wasn''t on it.


    "Write an invitation for the Assistant Minister Mu of the Ministry of Industry. Remember to mention that he should bring female companions," Helian Xuan told his younger brother.


    Helian Jing asked, "Why are you inviting him?"


    First of all, Assistant Minister Mu wasn''t qualified to attend the celebration. Second, he never had any interactions with their family. Third, he just simply disliked Mu Qinchu.


    Helian Xuan pursed his lips. He didn''t know what Xia Chunyu has planned, but since it wasn''t really a big deal, he''d indulge him.


    "Just write it," Helian Xuan ordered.


    Helian Jing obediently wrote an invitation according to his brother''s orders and sent it to the Assistant Minister Mu''s mansion.

 Chapter 104：Ice Cream

    It looked like Zhao Qixuan really had warned all those people. The gentlemen who suffered under Liu Li''s cruel hands did not show up at the restaurant tonight. However, Heavenly Residence was still full so Ye Jiayao stayed busy all through the night.


    When she finally stepped outside, she saw Song Qi waiting for her.


    "Brother Yao, please get on the cart," Song Qi called.


    Ye Jiayao sighed, knowing that Chunyu would be inside the cart.


    "I told you not to come here," Ye Jiayao chided, trying to hide the thrill she was feeling. It was just like a modern love story of guys picking up their girlfriends after work.


    Unluckily, there were no flowers.


    Xia Chunyu simply responded, "I don''t want people to take you cruising again."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes.


    "It''s better that I just take you away," Xia Chunyu continued and pulled her against his chest.


    "Chunyu, you better not move those hands," she threatened him.


    Xia Chunyu''s eyes gleamed as bright as his smile. "Okay. I''ll just move my mouth."


    He lowered his head and kissed her lips.


    Ye Jiayao struggled for a few beats before giving up and sinking into him. His tongue slipped past her lips and roamed her mouth, tasting her greedily.


    The heat rose inside the cart, stifling and carnal. Both of them were lost in each other, lost in the passion of their embrace.


    "Yaoyao¡­"


    "What?"


    Xia Chunyu grabbed her hand and pressed it on top of his groin, letting her feel how hard he was for her. The lust and longing in his eyes were unmistakable as he stared down at her, his breathing ragged.


    Ye Jiayao blushed, feeling embarrassed. She might''ve come from the modern age where girls were not as conservative but this was still new to her. She knew that if girls were too open and liberated, guys would just treat them casually.


    "If you keep looking at me like that, I will get off the cart." Ye Jiayao took her hand back, fixed her clothing, and adjusted her seating position.


    Xia Chunyu almost groaned in frustration. He knew that what he did was improper, but he couldn''t help it. Whenever she was close, his desire for her just overtakes his rational brain.


    "What did you make tonight?" Xia Chunyu asked to distract himself.


    "You will know when we get there," Ye Jiayao answered coyly. This was her first time to make ice cream and she didn''t know if she would succeed. It was best not to hype it up.


    When they returned home, Jiang Yue had already prepared all the materials Ye Jiayao would need. There was even a large ice room which had cost Ye Jiayao a fortune because it was custom-made.


    "Where is your brother?" Ye Jiayao asked because she didn''t see him last night nor this morning.


    "My brother is doing carpentry work in the house. I told him to come out, but he didn''t want to leave."


    Ye Jiayao and Xia Chunyu exchanged glances. How long was this kid planning to hide himself?


    Paying no more mind to it, Ye Jiayao started on the process of making ice cream. First, she cracked two eggs, separating the yolks, and mixed it with sugar. She then used the beater Ah Li made to whisk the egg whites until it developed stiff peaks.


    A pot of milk was heating on the stove and Ye Jiayao waited until it was just shy of boiling before taking it off the fire. She let it cool a little bit before she made Jiang Yue pour it slowly into the eggs as she whisked them all together.


    "Slow. No, slower."


    The temperature of the milk and the speed of whisking were the keys during this process. Higher temperature or faster pouring could either scramble the eggs or dilute it, so everything should be controlled.


    "What are you doing?" Xia Chunyu asked, confused. He has never seen a process like this before. "That''s so strange."


    Ye Jiayao put the egg and milk mixture back to the pot to boil before replying, "Something you''ve never eaten before."


    A thought then suddenly occurred to her. She smacked her forehead and exclaimed, "I forgot! This will only be edible after three hours! Do you want to just come back tomorrow?"


    Xia Chunyu shook his head. "Just three hours? I can wait."


    It would be great to spend more time with her.


    Ye Jiayao nodded, secretly happy that he wouldn''t leave just yet.


    After the egg and milk mixture has boiled, she set it aside to cool for about 20 minutes or so.


    During that wait, Jiang Yue was smart enough to find an excuse to leave so that the small kitchen would just belong to the two lovebirds.


    Ye Jiayao kept her distance from him for security.


    Xia Chunyu saw her wary look and smiled.


    "Are there books here?"


    "None."


    "You don''t play doubles anymore?" Xia Chunyu asked. She invented this gambling game and Song Qi made it popular. Now, it wasn''t just the Jing An Mansion that was playing it, but also people outside.


    She muttered, "I''m tired when I come back every day, and sometimes, I still have to study the dishes. When will I have the time to play? Besides, I don''t think I have enough money to play." She was still poor, she couldn''t afford to gamble away her savings.


    "Rock, Paper, Scissors? Are you not playing either?" Xia Chunyu thought about that terrible rock. He was actually still smarting from that loss and he wanted revenge.


    Ye Jiayao joked, "I don''t want to give you any chance to win it back. You''ve lost to me now. That''s going to my achievement belt."


    He laughed at how easy she figured him out. "Alright, alright. I admit I lost to you."


    "Well, you don''t have to sound so miserable about it!"


    "I don''t sound miserable." Xia Chunyu frowned. "Do I?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded, smiling mischievously.


    He made a show of clearing his throat before saying, "Yaoyao, I lost to you. There. Does that sound better?"


    Ye Jiayao giggled, liking this playful side of Chunyu. "So, if you lose, the money you earn later would belong to me. Can you handle that?"


    "I already belong to you, why can''t I handle that?" Xia Chunyu smiled at her.


    Ye Jiayao flushed red. Was he just teasing or was he actually serious? What? No! What are you thinking, Ye Jiayao? Of course, it was a joke!


    "Or we can play pick up stones?" she suggested. She saw Jiang Yue play it before and Ye Jiayao had also been an excellent player when she was young.


    Xia Chunyu shrugged. He was willing to do whatever makes her happy.


    Ye Jiayao ran in and borrowed a handful of peach stones from Jiang Yue for their game.


    "How do you play this?" he asked. He actually knew the rules but he wanted her to tell him.


    "It is very simple." Ye Jiayao then proceeded to demonstrate the game to him.


    "Do you get it now?" she asked him.


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "Almost. You go first. I''ll learn from your moves."


    Ye Jiayao hadn''t played this for a while, but going through a round wasn''t a problem. What she didn''t expect was for him to be good at this, too. Every time she would progress to one level, he''d follow at her heels. He just wouldn''t lose!


    When it was the turn to cut the vegetables, Ye Jiayao played smartly. She put a few peach stones enough to only span the width of her palm. If she dropped her palms and touch the peach stones, she would lose. Her palms were slender and his were thick so there was no way he''d pass this round.


    Xia Chunyu saw right through her attempt to thwart him and smiled faintly. He picked up the peach stones agilely, quickly and accurately cutting in the gap.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him closely. "Have you played this before?"


    Xia Chunyu shook his head. "No, but this is such an easy game."


    Easy? Ha! Bring it on, Dumb Donkey.


    The final round was one dragon which consisted of putting the peach stones in a line or a circle. The difficulty depended on the distance or the circumference of the circle.


    Ye Jiayao intentionally made a huge circle. Xia Chunyu shook his head and said, "That''s is too easy."


    You''re too arrogant. Ye Jiayao huffed, "You do the placement then."


    Xia Chunyu placed a peach stone at each corner of the table and put two in the middle before gesturing for her to start.


    Ye Jiayao''s brow furrowed. How would she catch that?


    "What? Do you want to give up?" Xia Chunyu mocked.


    Ye Jiayao glared at him. "Who said anything about giving up? This time, you go first."


    Xia Chunyu smiled calmly and stood up. He threw the peach stones in the air, and with his long arm painting a circle, he leisurely caught each stone.


    Ye Jiayao was speechless. This guy was amazing.


    "Do you want to see something more powerful?" Xia Chunyu smiled.


    Ye Jiayao nodded blankly.


    Xia Chunyu casually threw his arm, flipping his palm, and the peach stones shot out.


    Dong!


    Yes, just one sound.


    Xia Chunyu pointed to the pole inside the room. "Go and check it out."


    Ye Jiayao complied and was stunned by what she saw. There were six peach stones mounted on the pole. There were five in a circle and one was perfectly placed in the middle.


    How on earth?


    "Chunyu, you are awesome! How many years did you study Kung Fu?" Ye Jiayao also wanted to learn this!


    "That was just children''s Kung Fu," Xia Chunyu answered coolly, breaking Ye Jiayao''s newfound dream.


    Accepting her loss, Ye Jiayao then went to gather some refined cream from the cold room. She stirred it in with her cooled egg and milk mix before transferring it into a porcelain bottle to freeze in the ice room.


    "Is this the tasty stuff you are talking about?" Xia Chunyu asked doubtfully.


    Ye Jiayao grinned. "Playing pick up stone might be your strong suit, but making food is mine. Please don''t doubt me just like I''m not doubting your Kung Fu."


    Xia Chunyu coughed twice on his fist. He shouldn''t have questioned her.

 Chapter 105：Jealousy

    20 mins passed easily, but the two more hours of waiting was painful.


    Ye Jiayao said to Xia Chunyu, "Maybe you should go and rest in your room. I will call you when it''s ready."


    "You go rest, I will wait here," Xia Chunyu countered.


    "And do what? You''re useless here. I will need to mix this every 30 minutes."


    Xia Chunyu suddenly smiled and said, "Come on, let me take you somewhere."


    "Where? I need to watch the stuff here," Ye Jiayao protested.


    He didn''t bother replying and simply dragged her outside. Xia Chunyu put his arms around her waist and carried her up to the roof nimbly.


    "It is cooler here. You can enjoy stargazing and still stay close to whatever you''re making," Xia Chunyu said.


    That''s... that''s actually romantic. Who knew that this bear of a man could actually act all lovey-dovey?


    Ye Jiayao leaned against his chest and stared up at the beautiful sky. This kind of view, where the stars were all so clearly visible, was a rare occurrence in the modern age. The heavy pollution has destroyed beautiful sights like this.


    The Big Dipper, Vega, Orion, Cygnus¡­ they were all in the same location she has studied before. She felt like she was seeing the same starry sky in a different world. It made her think about what would happen when she dies at this time. Would she ever go back to her original world?


    "What are you thinking?" Xia Chunyu asked after a while, breaking the pensive silence they were wrapped in.


    "I am wondering if you have stargazed with other people before," Ye Jiayao lied.


    "Of course."


    Ye Jiayao frowned and looked up at him. "With who?"


    Xia Chunyu laughed. "It was in the past, there''s no point talking about it now."


    "Whatever. You don''t have to tell me if you don''t want to. I stargazed with other people before, too," Ye Jiayao mumbled and moved away.


    Xia Chunyu grabbed her back and demanded, "With who?"


    "It was in the past, there''s no point talking about it now," Ye Jiayao mocked.


    "Was it with that Wei Liujiang?" Xia Chunyu asked angrily.


    Ye Jiayao lifted her chin up defiantly. "I asked you first. I''ll tell you if you answer me."


    Xia Chunyu answered roughly, "Who else can I stargaze with? It''s my brothers when we were on night duty during wars. Your turn."


    Ye Jiayao wrinkled her nose at him, unconvinced. He was over 20 years old and from their previous encounters, she knew that he was very experienced. She wasn''t the first woman he had.


    "Alright," Xia Chunyu sighed. "It''s with Qing Liu. When she was first brought into the mansion, she missed her home so much that she goes out in the yard to cry. I felt sorry for her, so to comfort her, I brought her stargazing."


    "Qing Liu? Your servant girl?" Ye Jiayao knew that Young Masters in a big family usually have their servant girls as their enlightening teachers for romantic lessons. If they endear themselves to their charge, they could usually become a mistress or a concubine.


    Xia Chunyu nodded.


    "Did you have a relationship with her?"


    Xia Chunyu hesitated for a second before nodding weakly.


    Ye Jiayao''s heart turned heavy. Men are bad. Why do they have to have so many women? Couldn''t they just stay loyal to one person?


    "So she''s your mistress now?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu shook his head. "No. I made her leave after coming back from Black Wind Ridge."


    "Why? She entrusted herself to you, why would you just turn her away?" Ye Jiayao rebuked. She might be jealous of the woman but she''s not completely heartless.


    "It was my responsibility to make her leave."


    "I''m sure she insisted to stay," Ye Jiayao sneered.


    "I don''t want my one and only to be jealous. I like only one woman and she''s already more than enough," Xia Chunyu replied.


    Oh, God. His promise...


    Ye Jiayao felt her heart beat faster as she asked hopefully, "Have you found that person yet?"


    "What do you think?" He stared at her closely, his eyes and lips smiling.


    "How would I know that?" Ye Jiayao mumbled sulkily, her face red.


    Xia Chunyu merely smiled at her adorableness. "It is your turn. Who did you stargaze with?"


    Ye Jiayao made a show of counting her fingers.


    Xia Chunyu was surprised. Was it more than one?


    "Tell me," he insisted.


    She shushed him. "Don''t interrupt me, I am counting."


    Xia Chunyu''s eyes lost its warmth. Counting?


    "I stargazed with my grandmother, my nanny, and the big yellow dog¡­" Ye Jiayao began with mock seriousness.


    Xia Chunyu laughed out loud. However, as relieved as he was, he still felt a pang of sadness for her. She stargazed with her dog because she had no one else in her life. He cuddled her closer to him, trying to give her comfort to erase all the melancholy and suffering she went through.


    "And Little Jing, then you¡­ umm, that''s what I have got so far," she continued.


    Xia Chunyu asked jealously, "You went stargazing with Little Jing?"


    "Yes, on our way to Jin Ling. We rested in a pavilion and a broken temple and every time we open our eyes, we''re greeted by the starry sky. I guess that counts, right?"


    Xia Chunyu squinted at her, trying to control the urge to throw her down and make sure she knows that she only belonged to him.


    "What do you mean that''s what you''ve got so far? Would you want to stargaze with others?"


    Ye Jiayao saw his gloomy face and laughed inwardly. He''s so possessive.


    She said shrugged and replied, "Who knows what will happen in the future?"


    Xia Chunyu took her face between his hands and warned her, "No future, no other people. Okay?"


    "What, I can''t stargaze with my children?" she shot back.


    Xia Chunyu, realizing that he''d been played again, released her face and nodded. "That''s fine, but it has to be our children."


    Ye Jiayao''s face turned red. "Who would want to have children with you?"


    Xia Chunyu smiled lovingly at how cute she looks when she blushes.


    "Oh, no! It''s time. I have to go down and mix the thing!" Ye Jiayao scrambled to stand up.


    Xia Chunyu reclined calmly, his hands interlocked behind his head. "You can go."


    Ye Jiayao looked down at the ground. How the f*ck did we get so high? "Send me down immediately. If I failed in making my ice cream, it would be your responsibility."


    So that gloopy thing is called ice cream? Xia Chunyu said, "Pay me."


    Ye Jiayao huffed angrily. "Are you going to get me down or not? If you don''t move, I''m going to jump down by myself."


    Xia Chunyu replied nonchalantly, "I think you should ask Jiang Li to carry a ladder here. It would be easier. If you jump down from this height, you''ll break your bones."


    This arrogant idiot! You''ll get your time, mister, just wait and see. Ye Jiayao threw herself into his arms and pecked his cheek. "Are you happy now?"


    "Nope." Xia Chunyu was not satisfied with that.


    Ye Jiayao bit his nose.


    "Ahh! Are you a dog?" Xia Chunyu touched his nose, glaring at her.


    Ye Jiayao grinned unrepentantly. "I am born in the year of the rabbit. There is a saying that when a rabbit is annoyed, it will bite. Do you want to annoy me more."


    "Okay, rabbit, I am officially afraid of you." Xia Chunyu got up and picked her up. "Are you ready?"


    Ye Jiayao wound her arms around his neck tightly. "Yes, yes."


    Xia Chunyu immediately jumped down, the speed and the moment of weightlessness making Ye Jiayao scream.


    Xia Chunyu put her down and taunted, "Hush. Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang would think I''m doing nefarious things to you out here."


    Ye Jiayao leaned in to bite him again, but Xia Chunyu was able to dodge her this time.


    Xia Chunyu playfully chided, "You really are just like a rabbit."


    Ye Jiayao stuck her tongue out at him and stomped away. She opened the cold room and took out the ice cream. She used a soup spoon to scoop some of it to have a taste. It was smooth and soft, the pure milk smell heady and appetizing.


    She grinned, happy that her first attempt turned out to be a success. She then scooped a big spoonful to feed to Xia Chunyu.


    "Try it. It''s delicious."


    Xia Chunyu tried a tiny bit and tasted it carefully. It was especially silky and soft that it just melted in his mouth. It was just the right amount of sweet and cool, too. "Yaoyao, this is delicious. Much better than broken ice!"


    "Of course, it is better than broken ice. It can''t even compare to this." Ye Jiayao was so thrilled. She still would like to study a bit more about this so she could make an ice cream that''s even better than Haagen-Dazs, but this was an excellent first attempt.


    Xia Chunyu requested, "Can I have some more? I waited for so long and you''re just going to give me one bite?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled and went back to the room. She brought out some oily paper which she rolled into a cylinder. She used scissors to cut a wavy hole in it before scooping out some ice cream and placing it in her makeshift cylinder. She then squeezed the ice cream onto a dish, fashioning it into a flower.


    "All ready." Ye Jiayao presented it to him. "You are the first person to eat ice cream in the Song Dynasty!"


    Xia Chunyu exclaimed, "You made it look so good, it''s almost a shame to eat it now!"


    Yaoyao was so amazing. How could she know so many weird stuff that tastes so great?


    Ye Jiayao made a flower for herself as well and they ate their ice cream opposite each other. If there was a plate of tiramisu or some cookies here, it would''ve been perfect. She wasn''t sure if she''d be able to make some without an oven, but she''d try that some other day.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly recalled what Little Jing had told the Emperor. "Aren''t you going to make this into a mooncake?"


    "Yes! Ice cream mooncake, isn''t that creative?" Ye Jiayao asked merrily.


    Xia Chunyu was speechless, amazed by her imagination. "You''ve convinced me. I promise that I will never doubt anything you make again. Yaoyao, there''s nothing that you can''t do."

 Chapter 106：I Want Everything

    When Ye Jiayao arrived at Heavenly Residence in the early morning, she was surprised to see that Shopkeeper Li was already there. She greeted him but he did not respond, only continued to pace the lobby as if he was in trance.


    According to Little Lu, when he opened the restaurant earlier, Shopkeeper Li was already at the front, looking dazed.


    Ye Jiayao frowned, hoping that this wasn''t a sign of an early onset of Alzheimer''s. He was only fifty years old!


    With one last glance, she let the shopkeeper be and went to find Zhong Xiang. She would like to try and make an ice cream mooncake today with his help.


    They first gathered the ingredients such as glutinous rice flour, sticky rice flour, starch, sugar, milk, amaranth juice, and a little agar.


    The process started with them adding the glutinous rice flour into the pot to fry and mixing it with milk and sugar to form a paste. It has to steam in the steamer and set to cool before it could be wrapped around the ice cream fillings.


    The first few steps weren''t difficult, but it was the last one that required good technique. The ends needed to be round and the thickness should be perfectly even. Luckily, Zhong Xiang has great craftsmanship, and he was able to wrap the chewy skins around the ice cream that she made last night. Ye Jiayao took the mold and pressed the mooncake lightly to it for the final touch.


    "It looks so delicate, I almost don''t want to eat it," Deng Haichuan said. The crystal-like, light purplish skin of the mooncake and the beautiful pattern looked so stunningly elegant.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Today''s batch is just an experiment, it will look even better in time."


    "It looks really good, but... isn''t it too small?" Zhong Xiang was a little worried as most mooncakes were big and packed with fillings.


    "I really intend for them to be small," Ye Jiayao said. "How many people do you think actually find mooncakes delicious? They only eat it because it''s a festive food. Bigger mooncakes tend to be greasy and too filling. I want our mooncake to not only look good but to also taste delicious. One that people would never be able to get enough of. Plus, its small size would make people think that this is precious."


    Zhong Xiang nodded in understanding. "That''s great thinking, Brother Yao."


    "Can I try one?" Cui Dongpeng asked eagerly.


    "Not yet. We need to freeze these before you can eat it so the texture would be better." Ye Jiayao stowed the six mooncakes away in the icebox to freeze.


    Later in the afternoon, Ye Jiayao took one out and cut it into little pieces for everyone to taste.


    They all enjoyed it.


    "Brother Yao, you are awesome! This tastes too good, I can''t even begin to describe it," Deng Haichuan praised.


    Cui Dongpeng gave her a thumbs up, his mouth full of food.


    Wang Mingde said, "It is really delicious but it tastes so different from the normal mooncake. In fact, this could be considered as a whole new cake. Would people be open to this?"


    "It''s different, but it''s also better," Zhong Xiang said. "The skin is soft and chewy, cool and refreshing, and the ice cream inside is an indulgent treat. The whole thing practically just melts in the mouth. I think people would happily accept such delicious food."


    "That''s why the birthday celebration is a good opportunity for us to introduce this to the public. If the Helian Mansion said that this is a mooncake, people would believe that it is a mooncake. I need to go the Helian Mansion today so I could convince the Elder Princess of the merits of our creation," Ye Jiayao told them.


    Ye Jiayao took the icebox that contained the remaining five mooncakes and made her way to the Helian Mansion. This was the perfect timing since it was a hot and stuffy afternoon. The ice cream would be a refreshing treat for her.


    When Ye Jiayao got to the palace, though, she changed her mind about that. The Elder Princess was entertaining a few ladies of the upper-class. Ye Jiayao tried to turn around, but when the Princess heard that she was here with the mooncake, she ordered her to stay.


    Yu De frowned at the peculiar-shaped copper box that the chef laid in front of her. "What is this?"


    Ye Jiayao answered, "This is an icebox, Elder Princess. I designed it so that it could keep the ice cream mooncake cold and fresh."


    "Ice cream mooncake? What is that?" a lady asked curiously.


    Ye Jiayao replied, "It''s a food that came from overseas."


    Ye Jiayao arranged her expression and gave a pleasant but bland smile. So arrogantly narrow-minded.


    "Madam, we cannot look down on the barbarians. There are some things that they have that are way more advanced than us. For example, while madams are still using incense here, they have already discovered the technique to extract and purify perfume. The scent would linger around much longer once it is sprayed on the body. While we''re still using paper to cover our windows, they''ve already discovered glass. It is much more effective in keeping the wind and the rain out," Ye Jiayao said in a polite tone.


    "Is it really that amazing? Have you seen it?" The ladies were doubtful.


    Ye Jiayao refrained from laughing. Of course, I''ve seen it! I wonder how you''d react if you find out that people in the future could fly to the moon with a spaceship...


    Yu De heard from Little Jing that Li Yao had been to many places around the world and was very knowledgeable. It didn''t seem like he was making this up. "Present those ice cream mooncakes for us to try."


    "Yes, Princess Yu De." Ye Jiayao eagerly opened the icebox and took out a plate of ice cream mooncake.


    It immediately caught their attention.


    The ladies didn''t care that it was small, what they paid attention to was its exquisitely excellent appearance that fits their high status.


    Ye Jiayao smiled at the interest she saw on their faces. She took a knife out and cut the mooncake evenly, presenting it to them.


    The ladies elegantly tasted it with a little spoon.


    Ye Jiayao stood aside and narrated the advantages of the ice cream mooncake.


    "The traditional mooncake is sweet and oily, while our mooncake is lusciously sweet and silky. This type of ice cream mooncake is low in sugar and low in fat so you won''t gain any weight from it. It is refreshing and a most suitable after dinner snack. If you have an icebox, you can keep it for a few days and it won''t crack or rot. The only disadvantage with this was the steep cost of making them. We have to price it expensively to offset the expenses, so I''m afraid that simple civilians would not be able to afford it."


    "If the food tastes good, the price isn''t a problem," one lady dismissed.


    They don''t want to eat what everyone else was eating. If normal civilians couldn''t afford it, that was better as it would distinguish the nobles'' and the rich ladies'' hierarchy.


    "Would you really not gain weight from eating this?" someone asked, almost finished with her portion.


    Ye Jiayao smiled triumphantly. "This is definitely a healthy snack."

 Chapter 107：30% and 70%

    When she got back from the mansion, Ye Jiayao immediately went to find Shopkeeper Li.


    The ice cream mooncake has been added to the feast''s menu so she knew that people would be going to the restaurant after the banquet to get ahold of it. She wanted a share in the mooncakes'' future profits. Of course, she knew that as the head chef, it was her responsibility to bring out new dishes for the restaurant, but this was different. She had already relinquished the profits she should''ve gotten for the chilled drinks, she couldn''t give up the mooncake, too.


    However, when Ye Jiayao told Shopkeeper Li about it, his response wasn''t as enthusiastic as before. He told her that he''d have to think about it first and that dampened Ye Jiayao''s excitement. She wondered if he wanted to keep all the profits that the mooncake would make to himself. If that was the case, she''d definitely keep all the other good things she was planning to herself.


    The icebox didn''t seem to be enough so Ye Jiayao asked Cui Dongpeng to order a hundred more carry-on iceboxes. This could be a trend that she could profit from.


    Xia Chunyu handed in his letter to the Emperor today. The Emperor gave him a proprietary scolding before he tasked him with a new assignment. The third day of August was the tenth death anniversary of the Seventh Prince. The Empress Dowager had decided to have a memorial at the Puji Temple and Xia Chunyu would have to guard her and Liu Li there.


    Xia Chunyu didn''t want this job, but he didn''t dare decline.


    When he returned to the mansion, his brother Chunli came to find him.


    "Second Brother, I have something to discuss with you."


    Xia Chunyu nodded and gestured for him to sit.


    Chunli said, "Second Brother, your sister-in-law wants to open an embroidery shop. I''m tight with cash and I''m too shy to ask Mother, can you lend me some money?"


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "Doesn''t the Qiao family already have an embroidery shop in Jin Ling?"


    "Yes, and the business is great there that''s why your sister-in-law wants to open one herself. Mother-in-law thinks that it''s a great idea."


    Xia Chunyu thought that that was a bit odd as the two stores would just compete with each other.


    "The Qiao family initially wanted to open a branch for your sister-in-law, but she thought that it would be better to open one herself," Chunli continued.


    Xia Chunyu barely has enough money left to buy some stock to sell overseas. However, it was his brother, he couldn''t just deny him. "How much capital do you need?"


    "All in all, including the renovations, the rent, appliances and tools, stock purchases... I''m still short of eight thousand ounces of silver. If it''s okay with you, I''d like to borrow ten thousand ounces just to be sure. I know that you have some business outside, you should have this kind of cash, right?" Chunli said.


    Ten thousand? If Chunyu lets him borrow that amount, he''d only have a couple of ounces left. No way! And that kind of money could simply be forked out from his sister-in-law''s dowry, why does his brother need to borrow from him?


    Honestly, Xia Chunyu didn''t want to lend Chunli the money. He, too, was tight on cash. He just bought a piece of land last year and he has just acquired a restaurant! But this is my brother...


    "Let me ask my staff if I could spare ten thousand ounces." Xia Chunyu could not bear to reject his brother who was in need.


    "Thank you, Second Brother," Chunli exclaimed happily.


    During dinner, Xia Chunyu noticed that his sister-in-law was extra solicitous and he felt bad.


    After dinner, Xia Chunfeng pulled him away and asked, "Did our brother borrowed some money from you?"


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow. "How did you know?"


    "He asked me for some, too. I have thirty thousand ounces but I didn''t lend it to him."


    "He''s our brother, we should help him."


    "I would if it''s an emergency. However, he''s only lacking money now because he spent twenty thousand to buy a set of yellow stone. And what did they do our sister-in-law''s dowry? Mother didn''t ask them to hand anything to her and they even kept their red packets! With that kind of money, why do they still need to borrow cash from others?


    "She actually has been nagging Mother for the family to contribute to the shop that she''s going to open. Mother agreed as long as the family would have a cut in the profits, but she refused! Why weren''t they asking Mistress Wei to contribute to her own daughter-in-law''s shop? She has some money, too!" Xia Chunfeng broke it down, finding the whole situation irking. They were taking advantage of the family''s generosity and he was having none of it.


    Xia Chunyu tried, "He''s our brother, I don''t want to cause trouble."


    "Look, if you lend him the money, you won''t get it back again," Xia Chunfeng told him confidently.


    Xia Chunyu was helpless. He had already said yes! It doesn''t matter if he could not get the money back because he''d already agreed!


    Song Qi announced that Manager Zhao was already here.


    Xia Chunyu went to the study immediately.


    Manager Zhao was in charge of the restaurant. Heavenly Residence was about to release the ice cream mooncake and the head chef had asked for a part of the profit so he came to ask for Xia Chunyu''s opinion.


    Xia Chunyu tried the ice cream last night. He was certain that the ice cream mooncake would be popular once it was released.


    It cost five silvers each and though it was expensive, he knew that the rich people in Jin Ling would still pay for it. The more expensive things were, the more popular it''d get.


    "How much profit does he want?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Manager Zhao answered, "The head chef only mentioned that he wanted a percentage, not the exact amount. Shopkeeper Li hasn''t agreed to it yet."


    Xia Chunyu thought about it for a while and said, "30%/70% then!"


    "He''ll take the 70%?"


    Manager Zhao laughed. "I understand. He''ll take the 30% and we''ll take the remaining."


    The 30% was an exception because it was Yaoyao. If it were others, he wouldn''t have given them anything. It might be selfish and ruthless, but it was the rule of this industry. If he were to break the rules, other chefs would follow.


    "Tell Shopkeeper Li to order a hundred of those carry-on iceboxes," Xia Chunyu said. That was a really handy tool. If people don''t have iceboxes and they bought an ice cream mooncake, they could sell them an icebox, too. They could gain a large profit there.


    "Yes, I''ll tell Shopkeeper Li immediately. Just, um... are you sure that those ice cream mooncakes would sell, Heir-Son Lord? Just last year, it was the Jin style moon cake that was popular in the city," Manager Zhao voiced out, dubious of this new food.


    "Just do what I said." Xia Chunyu didn''t have the time to sell to him how delicious ice cream was.


    Manager Zhao nodded and turned to leave.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly remembered his brother''s request. "Wait. How much money do we have left?"


    Manager Zhao answered, "We still have thirty thousand ounces."


    "Go to the Da Tong exchange to change ten thousand silver notes for me."


    "Heir-Son Lord, I know that we''re taking a break on the sea trading, but we must leave at the start of October. We have yet to purchase the stock and if we were to take ten thousand ounces out, we won''t have enough," Manager Zhao reasoned.


    "There''s still two more months until October, let''s see then," Xia Chunyu said.


    After showering, Xia Chunyu wanted to go to Yaoyao, but his servant told him that Helian Xuan was in the mansion looking for him


    The next day, Shopkeeper Li told Ye Jiayao about the share of profits.


    "This had already been an exception. No other restaurant would give such generous profit."


    Ye Jiayao''s lips twitched. Even if she found this completely unfair, she had no choice. She was an employee and she would continue to be one for the next three years since she signed a contract. She comforted herself with the image of a future where she''ll have her own restaurant that produced profits just for her.


    "I heard that you have a carry-on icebox. Take it out and show me, we''ll order a hundred more. Maybe we could use it when we sell the mooncakes," Shopkeeper Li continued.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to cry. The seventy percent of her profit had already been exploited, now the icebox, too?


    The rich were greedy, horrible people.


    Ye Jiayao went back to the kitchen feeling dejected. She told Cui Dongpeng, "Get the money for the iceboxes you''re going to order from Manager Qian."


    "Didn''t you say you were going to pay for it?" Cui Dongpeng was puzzled.


    "I was. I wanted to earn some wine money for us brothers, but the restaurant now wants to order it," Ye Jiayao explained.


    Chui Dongpeng scowled, but he too couldn''t do anything. He was a mere employee.


    "Brother Yao, there''s someone looking for you outside," Ah Xing called.


    "Who is it?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "I don''t recognize her. She looked like a servant," Ah Xing replied.


    Ye Jiayao went out to meet her. It was indeed a servant, and from her silk dress, she''s probably a housekeeper from a wealthy family.


    "Are you Head Chef Li Yao?" the woman asked.


    "Yes, that''s me. What do you want?"


    That woman glanced around before saying softly, "My master heard that you have ice cream mooncakes and they wanted to buy some. Money is not a problem."


    She only revealed the ice cream mooncake at the Helian Mansion yesterday so this servant was probably sent by one of the ladies there.


    That woman saw Ye Jiayao''s unconvinced expression and continued, "We will keep it a secret. We won''t say anything, I promise. It''s just for the family."

 Chapter 108：Black-Hearted Boss

    Ye Jiayao laughed. "I''m sorry. We have made an agreement with the Helian Mansion that we couldn''t sell the mooncake before the birthday feast."


    The woman persisted, "We''ll promise that we''ll keep it a secret."


    "Honesty is important in business. I am very sorry, but we can''t sell you this. Please ask your master to wait for a couple more days. He can have as many as he wants after the birthday feast," Ye Jiayao said.


    "I will pay you 10 silvers for each one," the woman offered, trying to tempt Ye Jiayao with the money.


    Ye Jiayao was kind of impressed. 10 silvers each. For five pieces, I would get 50 silvers. This master knew that she already had an agreement with the Helian Mansion and still came to buy it secretly. It seemed that the temptation of the mooncake was great. Maybe they could consider raising the price later on?


    Despite the amount of money on offer, though, she still wouldn''t sell it. "I am really sorry. According to the agreement, if I break the deal, I would have to pay 500 silvers. Just tell your master to wait a bit longer.


    When the woman realized that she couldn''t make Ye Jiayao sell it to her, she left sulkily.


    After Ye Jiayao finished working that night, Xia Chunyu came to pick her up again. She had been feeling gloomy all day and couldn''t help but complain to him.


    "I know the restaurant has its rules, but I invented the mooncake! It will go places, and yet, I only get to take 30%? That''s terrible! The worst is that they''ll even take away the portable ice cube I invented. That''s intellectual property. I was counting on that to make a little bit of money! Ugh!"


    Xia Chunyu bit his lip. He really didn''t mind the percentage she was complaining about, but the ice cube... He didn''t think that Yaoyao had been behind that as well.


    He''s the terrible boss she was talking about.


    "Don''t be mad. You''re just an employee so you have to play nice. Do you want me to buy you out so you can open your own restaurant?" Xia Chunyu offered, trying to soothe her anger.


    "No," Ye Jiayao rejected without hesitation. She wasn''t really anything to him so she''d never ask for things like that.


    "Why don''t you tell the shopkeeper that you invented the ice cube? Tell him that if he wanted it, he could buy them from you," he suggested.


    Ye Jiayao waved her hands dismissively. "I am not interested in one or two silvers as a payment."


    Xia Chunyu laughed. "How much would you sell it?"


    "I planned to sell it as five silvers each, 500 silvers for 100 pieces," she said, her nose scrunched up.


    Xia Chunyu frowned slightly. He was thinking at least 10 silvers!


    "Ah, I don''t want to talk about this anymore. I still have many other good things I can think of. I will bring them out when I open my own restaurant so everything I earn will be just for me," Ye Jiayao declared.


    "If you don''t bring the good stuff out, how can you gain fame and get listed as a famous chef?" he reasoned. "Those master chefs bring out new dishes from time to time so that they won''t get eliminated through selection or competition."


    Ye Jiayao looked at him grumpily. "Is that the only way to become a master chef? To be famous? There would be a competition soon, so if I get a gold, silver, or bronze plate, wouldn''t I be a master chef then?"


    Xia Chunyu challenged, "Do you really think that the gold plate is so easy to get? There are many professional chefs with excellent skills in Jin Ling, Yaoyao."


    "You don''t have to worry about that. I have my own ways," she said. "By the way, have you submitted your letter of apology? Did you pass it?"


    "It is called self-examing letter," he corrected.


    "Isn''t that the same?"


    "No. An apology letter sounds bad. That makes me look like I have done something treacherous."


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "Talking back to the Empress Dowager is treacherous! But did you pass it?"


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "Yeah. Nothing went wrong. The Emperor really just did it all for the show of ''punishing'' me. I''m actually back on duty today."


    What disappointed him was that the Emperor was still trying to push a marriage between him and Liu Li despite him talking back to the Empress Dowager.


    He couldn''t really decline because it wasn''t as if he could just blurt out to the Emperor that he hated Liu Li and that he already had a wife.


    Ye Jiayao relaxed at his answer. She told him, "I will be very busy tomorrow. The birthday feast is in five days so I need to get some stuff ready this early on."


    "How are you feeling about that?" Xia Chunyu asked. The Queen Consort''s birthday feast was an extraordinary affair. Every one of high status in Jin Ling would be present and if she succeeds, she''d be famous. If she fails, however, she could kiss her career goodbye.


    "Everything is already ready and everyone has been preparing for this. We won''t make a mistake," Ye Jiayao answered confidently.


    "Let me give you a kiss." Xia Chunyu didn''t wait for her answer and instead planted a hard kiss on her lips immediately.


    Ye Jiayao moved her head back. "What? Stop taking advantage of me!"


    Xia Chunyu sounded innocent as he said, "I am celebrating your success in advance."


    She snorted. As if.


    That night, the staff in Heavenly Residence finished work and went to bed. At midnight, someone quietly got up and dragged out a bag of stuff from the corner. He then opened the sweet rice flour bag, which Ye Jiayao prepared before, took a few spoons out, and put a different powder to mix in. After that, he quietly went back the room to go to sleep.


    Wang Mingde opened his eyes in a daze and turned back around to continue sleeping.


    Ye Jiayao spent two nights making a few tubs of ice cream as mooncakes should be prepared earlier. On the day of the feast, she would need to cook the dishes and she wouldn''t have time to do these things.


    The day after tomorrow would be the birthday dinner. After she finished that night, Ye Jiayao brought out a few helpers with her. Helian Jing had sent a horse cart for their transport and also to carry all the necessary cooking materials to the mansion.


    "Yaoyao, I don''t have any duty in the military department tomorrow. The King gave us three days of holiday so that we could prepare for the birthday party at home. If you need me for anything, just let me know." Helian Jing said with a smile.


    He just started working in the military department and he needed to familiarize himself with the business there. He had been too busy to meet Yaoyao. He could now finally understand why his brother didn''t have that much freedom to do leisurely activities.


    Ye Jiayao squinted at him and tried, "Alright, you can be a kitchen helper. Make a fire for me."


    It was a joke, but Little Jing answered happily. "Okay. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it."


    He could watch the fire while chatting with Yaoyao. That was also a win-win because he enjoys watching Yaoyao cook.


    Ye Jiayao raised a brow, surprised. She appreciated his eagerness, but if his mother and brother find out that she was ordering Little Jing around, they''d probably fire her on the spot.


    "Don''t worry. I was kidding. You have many things to prepare, you don''t need to help me burn some fire," Ye Jiayao told him.


    "If you need me, I''m here," Helian Jing told her seriously.


    Ye Jiayao looked at him expressionlessly. "If the servants from your mansion see you burning some woods in front of a stove, they will drop dead in surprise."


    Helian Jing laughed in agreement. "Totally."


    The carriage suddenly stopped - they''ve arrived at the Helian Royal Mansion. The only ones who have been here before were Deng Haichuan and Ye Jiayao. The others were new to the mansion''s lavishness. They looked around excitedly, not quite believing that they get to cook in here. Even Master Chef Niu had never been awarded that kind of chance!


    Ye Jiayao coughed twice to get their attention. "Everyone, stay calm. If we do our best here, there will be many opportunities like this in future."


    Cui Dongpeng moved closer to her and flattered, "Following you, Brother Yao, can get us rich. Rest assured, I''ll be following you in the future, no matter what."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. Kiss ass.


    Together, they hauled their ingredients and materials into the kitchen. Helian Jing waved two people over and introduced, "This is Manager Liu. If you need something and you can''t find me, you can come to him. This one here is Manager Hu, the master chef in the royal mansion and the manager of the kitchen. He will follow your orders in the next days."


    Ye Jiayao greeted them politely.


    Manager Liu and Manager Hu humbly returned her greeting.


    Helian Jing turned to the two staffs of the mansion and said sternly, "You will completely answer to Li Yao''s orders for these next days. If you give him any grief, I will make you suffer."


    Everyone who works in the royal mansion, even the doorkeepers, think that they''re superior to others. Li Yao was only a young chef and he wasn''t famous just yet. Helian Jing was afraid that they would look down on Li Yao and make him feel embarrassed when he''s not around.


    "Yes, Young Royal Highness," they acquiesced. No matter how contemptuous they might feel, orders were orders.


    "I know that we can work together and make the birthday feast great," Ye Jiayao told them with a warm smile.


    Deng Haichuan came in to report, "Brother Yao, we''ve already moved all the things here."


    Ye Jiayao nodded and turned back to the managers, "We will use the kitchen tonight, but we don''t need your help yet."


    They would start doing the mooncake and others were not allowed to watch.


    Helian Jing persisted to stay and Ye Jiayao couldn''t exactly make him leave, so she just let him watch.


    "I heard from my mother that this ice cream mooncake is extremely delicious. I can''t wait to taste it. Yaoyao, where is the ice cream you talked about?" Helian Jing asked, looking around.


    Ye Jiayao opened a big ice cube and took out a scoop for him to eat. "Try this. If there are leftovers later, I will let you have more."


    Helian Jing eagerly took it from her.


    Ye Jiayao turned back and rolled her sleeves up to start working. She was busy arranging her materials when she saw Deng Haichuan made a face at her. She turned around and saw Helian Jing opening the ice cube where the ice cream was placed in.


    This fat cat...

 Chapter 109：Sabotage

    Everyone shared laughs and stories as the first pot of flour layer was made. Zhong Xiang was responsible for the filling while Wang Mingde was in charge of pressing it into shape.


    "It looks delicious," Helian Jing commented, drooling as he stared at the exquisite looking mooncake.


    If only it weren''t needed to be frozen, he would''ve finished a few already.


    Ye Jiayao checked the finished products to pick out all those who weren''t up to her standards. Luckily, Zhong Xiang''s technique was so good that there were almost no failures.


    "Put them on plates and freeze them," she ordered once she was done with her inspection.


    The first 100 batch needed to be put in iceboxes.


    "How long do I have to wait before I can eat it?" Helian Jing asked, sounding a little desperate.


    Ye Jiayao resisted the urge to smile at how cute he was. "You''d have to wait at least half an hour, Little Jing."


    Helian Jing nodded acceptingly and brought a chair over to sit by the icebox.


    The team then went on to cook the second pot of sticky rice powder.


    When the half-hour mark passed, Helian Jing started pushing them for a taste. Cui Dongpeng went to open the icebox for the Young Royal Highness and immediately backtracked.


    He yelled, "Brother Yao, come here! Something''s not right!"


    Everyone stopped what they were doing and crowded around him.


    Ye Jiayao took out a moon cake and noticed that it wasn''t as round and clear as the ones they made before. It was all dried up and some places were even cracked. It was easily broken in half and not as stretchy like before.


    "It cracked? How? Why?" Zhong Xiang exclaimed.


    "Was the recipe wrong?" Wang Mingde muttered questioningly.


    "How could that be? We tested the recipe so many times and it succeeded every time," Deng Haichuan said.


    Was there something wrong with the ingredients?


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "Check the ingredients, we must find the cause of this."


    Helian Jing picked up one of the defective mooncakes and said, "I''m sure it''ll still be very delicious."


    "No. It has to look good and taste good," Ye Jiayao said. She was hoping to catapult mooncakes into fame so she has to make their debut nothing less of spectacular.


    Everyone split up to look for what might have been the cause, but no one could find anything. They all turned to Ye Jiayao, not knowing what to do.


    Ye Jiayao frowned as she stared at the second pot that was about to be ready.


    They''ve run through this recipe numerous times so that wasn''t the problem. They all tried to find what faulty ingredients caused this, but they found none. What the f*ck is the problem here?


    "Put this batch in the freezer and test it. Don''t make any more until these come out." If they turned out to be the same, it meant that somehow, something went wrong with the recipe.


    The lighthearted talks and laughter that was previously running in the kitchen disappeared. Everyone was now looking at the icebox with wariness and apprehension. Every second of the wait was filled with tension and anxiety.


    Helian Jing had never seen Yaoyao looked this worried before. "Yaoyao, don''t worry too much. I think that looks okay like that."


    Ye Jiayao knew that even if looked like utter horse crap, Little Jing would still tell her that it was the most appetizing thing in the world. She knew that she could present these as it was and she would still get paid in full. However, she wasn''t wired like that. She had worked long and hard at this and she''ll be damned if it wasn''t going to look perfect.


    "Little Jing, can you please give us a few minutes? My mind is in chaos right now," Ye Jiayao told him.


    Helian Jing wanted to protest, but Deng Haichuan said, "When we find the problem, we''ll inform you, Young Royal Highness."


    Helian Jing reluctantly left the kitchen.


    "Time''s up," Zhong Xiang called out.


    They opened the lid and took the mooncakes out.


    "Hmm? This batch is fine!" Deng Haichuan announced happily.


    Ye Jiayao tried one and smiled.


    "Two batches of mooncakes, same recipe, same process... but one came out differently. It only meant that the previous ingredients we used had problems," Ye Jiayao concluded.


    Zhong Xiang frowned. "But they''re the same batch of ingredients! If some are faulty, they should all be faulty."


    Ye Jiayao had a cold look in her eyes when she suggested, "What if someone did something to it?"


    Everyone was shaken.


    Ye Jiayao continued, "Brother Xiang and Wang Mingde bought the ingredients together and I trust them."


    "We checked the ingredients before and they were all fine," Wang Minde said.


    "The first batch used ingredients from the top of the pile. It''s obvious that someone did things to the top of the stack. Our ingredients are kept in the kitchen so everyone can see it as they walk in and out. They couldn''t have done it during the day so they probably did this at night. Think. Who would do such thing?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Ye Jiayao felt anxious. Why would anyone do this? Was he jealous? Angry? Regardless of his motive, she had to pull this bastard out. She can''t risk accepting huge deals like this when someone''s out there just waiting to sabotage her.


    "I really don''t know anyone who would do this," Zhong Xiang said helplessly, shaking his head.


    "Yeah, ever since you came, everyone in Heavenly Residence had been good," Deng Haichuan said.


    "No, no. Some people weren''t happy that we were the ones chosen by Brother Yao," Cui Dongpeng pointed out.


    "Those are all just complaints and grumbles. They wouldn''t harm us like that," Deng Haichuan defended, clearly knowing who Cui Dongpeng was talking about.


    "You can''t say that for sure. How can you know what''s really in a person''s heart?" Cui Dongpeng reasoned.


    "You mean Liu Qisheng?" Ye Jiayao guessed. Liu Qisheng was Zhong Xiang''s previous crony who held a rally against her. Now that Zhong Xiang had given up going against her and instead became her right hand, Liu Qisheng must be feeling betrayed.


    Zhong Xiang''s face dropped.


    Cui Dongpeng analyzed, "We did a test the day before yesterday and everything was fine so you said that we don''t need to test anymore. There weren''t many people around, but I remember that Liu Qisheng was there. He must''ve done it between two nights ago and last night because he''s sure that we wouldn''t check the ingredients again."


    "That''s very logical," Ye Jiayao agreed.


    "But we can''t just point fingers at Liu Qisheng. Everyone there is also suspicious," Zhong Xiang said, trying to stand up for Liu Qisheng.


    Wang Mingde suddenly blurted out, "I remember something! Two nights ago, at midnight, I''m pretty sure I saw Liu Qisheng sneaking back to his room."


    "Perhaps he just went to the toilet," Zhong Xiang tried.


    Wang Mingde shook his head. "No, it didn''t look like it. Since when did he care about not waking anyone up when he goes to the toilet? No, that was different. He was sneaking back in, tip-toeing and trying to be stealthy."


    Everyone fell silent at that. Zhong Xiang looked sad and disappointed.


    Ye Jiayao deduced, "From how the flour base cracked open, I''m guessing it was because the sticky rice powder was mixed with flour. Yang''s white flour is very fine and is very hard to distinguish from the sticky rice powder. Right now, Liu Qisheng is our only suspect. However, until we have concrete evidence, this stays among us. We''ll get to the bottom of this once the feast is finished."


    "What do we do with these 100 mooncakes?" Deng Haichuan asked.


    "It''s useless." That almost physically hurt Ye Jiayao. This lot cost 100 silver pieces!


    "We can eat it ourselves," Wang Mingde suggested.


    Ye Jiayao nodded helplessly. "You guys can keep 20, I''ll take the rest."


    She would give it to Uncle and Auntie Jiang.


    "Okay, get back to work. Brother Xiang, I''ll leave this to you. You must keep everything in check, alright?


    "Where are you going?" Zhong Xiang asked.


    Ye Jiayao replied,"We don''t have enough fillings, I need to go back to make them!"


    Everyone worked until the sun rose. After they have made 400 mooncakes, they then moved on to steamed longevity peaches. They needed to make a large quantity of this so that they could give it to neighbors and passerby.


    In order to get the day off to participate in the Old Royal Concubine''s birthday celebration, Xia Chunyu worked for three days in a row.


    He came to the Helian Mansion early in the morning to help accommodate the guests. He and Helian Xuan stood side by side welcoming guests. One wore a purple and gold snake cloak and another wore sea and cloud cotton cloak. They both looked handsome and regal.


    "I heard sister-in-law has quite the heart. Helian Jing told me that there was a problem with 100 pieces of mooncakes. Sister-in-law decided to just throw it away instead of serving it," Helian Xuan told him.


    "How could something like that happen?" Xia Chunyu was surprised. Yaoyao always did things carefully and meticulously. Yaoyao must be heartbroken with that much waste.


    "That I don''t know." Helian Xuan shrugged. "By the way, I''ve invited Mu Shilang like you asked. What are you planning?"


    "I want to see someone from his family," Xia Chunyu answered vaguely.


    "Man or woman?" Helian Xuan turned to him, intrigued.


    Xia Chunyu smiled and shook his head. "You''ll know in time."


    This was a good opportunity to rub elbows with high ranking nobles that Wei Liujiang wouldn''t pass up. Xia Chunyu was hoping that Ye Jinrong would come as well so he could set things in motion.


    If all goes to plan, this was the first step in his quest to avenge Yaoyao.


    Xia Chunyu tried to sneak into the kitchen, but just as he was about to enter, Helian Jing came out the door.


    "Brother Chunyu, what are you doing here? Are you looking for some food or Yaoyao?" He Lianjing asked. "If you''re looking for Yaoyao, he''s really busy now. He even kicked me out."


    Xia Chunyu lied, "I came to find you. Your brother and I are so busy that we don''t even have the time to go to the toilet but you''re just here, scrounging for food. Your brother told me to bring you back."


    Helian Jing protested, "I wasn''t running away, I promise. I was just keeping watch with the food since that''s the most important part of the celebration!"


    "You don''t need to explain to me. Go tell that to your brother." Xia Chunyu turned away and left.


    Helian Jing quickly followed behind him. "Where''s Chunfeng? He said he would help in the morning."


    "He''s already here. He''s watching the circus with Zhao Qixuan and the others."


    "Is that what he calls helping?" Helian Jing murmured exasperatedly.


    The two was just coming out of the kitchen when they overheard someone report, "Lord Mu Shilang is here."


    Xia Chunyu stopped and watched as Mu Shilang walked in with Mu Qingchu and Wei Liujiang. Behind them, with a manager maid and Mu Shilang''s wife, was Ye Jinrong.

 Chapter 110：Losing Face

    Helian Jing noticed Xia Chunyu watching the lady with Assistant Minister Mu with great interest. He teased, "Brother Chunyu, do you like her? Do you want me to ask which family she''s from?"


    Xia Chunyu threw him a cold glare. "Your brother asked me to pick a wife for you. I am checking out which family is suitable."


    That sobered up Helian Jing quickly. "He''s not even married himself! Why would he care about me?"


    Assistant Minister Mu spotted Xia Chunyu and Helian Jing so he came up to them to say hi.


    "Official Xia, Young Royal Highness," he greeted.


    Xia Chunyu returned his greeting politely.


    "Little Jing, congratulations," Mu Qinchu said, using Helian Jing''s nickname casually.


    Helian Jing rolled his eyes at him. This little rat. Even your dad called me ''Young Royal Highness''.


    Assistant Minister quickly rebuked, "Don''t you have any manners? Have you forgotten how to properly address our royalties?"


    "I apologize, Young Royal Highness," Mu Qinchu said, properly embarrassed and chastised.


    Trying to shift the attention from his cousin, Wei Liujiang greeted, "I wish Young Royal Highness and Officer Xia good health."


    "This is my nephew. He was the scholar who won first place in the provincial imperial examination and he''s now come to Jin Ling to take the examination," Assistant Minister Mu introduced proudly.


    "Minister, let''s have tea inside," Xia Chunyu said, ignoring Wei Liujiang completely.


    Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang were upset. It seemed that Xia Chunyu still remembered the mishap that happened between them and his friend. Even Helian Jing didn''t pay them any attention.


    Ye Jinrong was dressed especially elegant today. She wore white silk lingerie, a pale pink and grey coat with a matching pale pink watery patterned dress. The delicate scattered flower patterns were made of gold silk that cost about 100 silver per unit. She was also wearing a gold necklace adorned with jade and pearls. The beads and gold hairpins she was wearing were also the most popular ones at the time.


    She figured that this was the only chance she would get to dress this extravagantly so she made certain that she would dress well.


    Madam Mu Qie walked ahead of her looking faint. She didn''t want to take her nephew''s wife here. This kind of occasion was a good chance to get their own daughter into the limelight and show her off to other nobles. However, Liujiang begged her to take Jinrong here so she had to acquiesce.


    The housekeeper led them to drink some tea in the flower hall.


    The flower hall was filled with the rich women of the capital city. It was said that all the most powerful women, except those from the palace, were here.


    Qie knew some of them so she went over there to say hi. Ye Jinrong followed her and dutifully say her greetings from behind Mu Qie. Her gestures and mannerisms showed her good upbringing so some young women went ahead to chat with her.


    Qie saw that she was doing well on her own so she left Jinrong behind to chat with some familiar madams.


    "I''m the first daughter of the Yang governor. My mother''s house is also in Yang Zhou. Maybe I have some connections with your family," one scholar madam said with a smile.


    Ye Jinrong smiled back. "What''s the surname of your mother?"


    "Zhu."


    "The Zhu family that had been famous for a century?" Ye Jinrong tried to look surprised.


    The madam smiled. "That is right."


    Ye Jinrong said happily, "We do have a real connection. I remember Zhu''s first madam eating with my family before."


    "Is that right? First Madam is my mother¡­"


    The two quickly got familiar with each other as they exchanged stories and gossips.


    The servant girls came in and out with tea and fruits. The housekeeper reported progress and such to Princess Yu De from time to time to keep her apprised of how the guests were doing.


    "Old Ancestress is ready. Are we going to a theater?"


    Yu De smiled. "Yes. You can take the madams to the theater and I will welcome Old Ancestress by myself."


    Everyone moved to the back garden.


    There were an inner garden and an outer garden in the royal mansions. The outer garden was for a variety show and the inner garden was holding a troupe.


    "Second Lady?" a servant woman called in a stunned voice.


    Ye Jinrong was chatting with Zhu so she wasn''t paying much attention to her surroundings.


    No one knew who the servant was calling for so they ignored her.


    Suddenly, she chased up and blocked Ye Jinrong. She exclaimed excitedly, "Second Lady, it is really you! I thought I was seeing things. Second Lady, ever since the First Lady married to the Wei family in Ji Nan, you also disappeared. We thought you''ve been harmed. Second Lady, where have you been for half a year?"


    Horror settled into Ye Jinrong as she recognized her as a servant in the Ye household. How did she get here?


    "You¡­ who are you? I don''t know you," Ye Jinrong stuttered in panic. She never thought that this would happen!


    "Second Lady, why do you say that? Of course, you know me. I am Lee! I took care of you when you were young. I can still remember the red mole on your nape."


    Xia You turned around upon hearing the commotion. "What''s going on?"


    Yu De immediately went ahead to check what was making such a ruckus.


    Lee didn''t wait for Ye Jinrong to respond and hurriedly said instead, "Madam, I saw my second lady who had gone missing for half a year and I got too excited. I meant no offense. Please forgive me, my lady."


    "Nonsense! Who is your second lady?" Ye Jinrong nearly yelled, frantic to get away.


    Zhu narrowed her eyes. It was clear that the servant really knew Ye Jinrong because she was right about the mole on her nape. However, why was she denying their association? And the business about the first lady marrying to the Wei''s...


    "I heard that Ye''s first lady was married to the Wei family. What is going on? How many ladies in your family have been married to the Wei family?" Zhu asked.


    Lee answered, "The Ye family only had one lady married. Second Lady and Third Lady were yet to be married."


    Ye Jinrong could feel sweat beading on her forehead. Backed into a corner, she could only scold meanly, "I don''t even know you. What nonsense are you talking about? Why is there such a graceless servant in the royal mansion?"


    Yu De only caught the tail end of the conversation, but that was enough. Who was so arrogant that they dare to reprove a servant in the royal mansion?


    She said coldly, "The servant in my royal mansion have been ill-behaved and have offended you, madam. I, as the master of this house, apologize to you."


    It was clear to everyone who heard this that the ''apology'' was conceded with anger.


    People that have been talking to Jinrong just now all moved back, keeping a distance from her.


    Ye Jinrong felt like she was going to throw up. She said in a rush, "Elder Princess, it was not that serious. My temper got the best of me and I made a mistake. Please forgive me, Elder Princess."


    Elder Princess Yu De glanced at Lee, finding her unfamiliar. She couldn''t remember ever seeing her around the mansion. She might''ve been just someone who was temporarily hired by Manager Liu for the birthday celebration. Regardless, temporary or not, she still belonged to her.


    She wanted to teach this arrogant lady a lesson, but she didn''t want to make the Old Ancestress angry over such a trivial thing. Yu De said graciously, "Good show will begin soon, so let''s not waste time. Mum Gui, take this servant and get to the bottom of this. If she really made a mistake... well, our royal mansion has its rules."


    Everyone followed Yu De and the Old Ancestress to watch the show. Ye Jinrong was left alone with no one wanting to talk to her. She barely managed to hold in her sobs. Why am I so unlucky?


    Qie, who has been absent for the altercation, saw Jinrong by herself and asked, "What''s wrong? Why don''t you watch a show with them in the courtyard?"


    Ye Jinrong''s eyes were red and she looked like she was barely holding it together. However, there were people around her auntie so she stayed quiet.


    Those people saw Ye Jinrong''s state and quickly excused themselves.


    When there was no one else around, Ye Jinrong relayed what had happened.


    "Damn it!" Mu Qie exclaimed angrily. "I told you not to come yet you still insisted. You should''ve just kept silent and walked away! I think you''re forgetting the gravity of what you did. You should''ve just stayed home. Now what? Someone recognized you and revealed your identity. If this gets out, you''re going to ruin Liujiang''s future. Even the Mu family would lose face..."


    "Auntie¡­" Ye Jinrong sobbed.


    "Where is the servant?" Qie asked. She has to settle this. If the servant changed her statement and confessed that she recognized the wrong person, it would be just fine.


    "She was taken by the people next to the Elder Princess. They said that they''ll interrogate her," Ye Jinrong answered weakly.


    Mu Qie wanted to rage. If they interrogate the servant, they wouldn''t have the chance to bribe her to change her statement!


    She turned to their own maid and told her to pass a message to Assistant Minister Mu.


    Assistant Minister Mu and some government officials were chatting casually when he got the bad news. His son and his nephew were out with a bunch of young nobles watching a sideshow so he had the servant look for them.


    No, no! Assistant Minister Mu felt his body get cold. This could not happen.


    "Heir-Son Lord, it was wonderful. That Lee really had some balls and called out the Second Lady in front of so many people," Song Qi reported.


    "It didn''t get too out of hand, right?" Xia Chunyu wanted to rattle Ye Jinrong and Wei Liujiang but he didn''t want to ruin the Old Ancestress'' mood.


    "No, no. Second Lady Ye was worried and panicked so she scolded Lee. The Elder Princess heard that and she satirized the Second Lady. Lee was now taken by Mum Gui."


    Xia Chunyu assured, "Don''t worry, just follow the plan."


    He knew Elder Princess'' temper. She would never let things go as easy as that without a reason. He was certain that she was planning something to get even with Ye Jinrong and the Mu family.

 Chapter 111：Breathtaking

    Qie was too embarrassed to continue sitting there and watch the show. She has been in Jin Ling for more than 10 years and though she has never been assimilated into the noble circle, her reputation was stellar. She thought that this feast was an opportunity for her to finally get in with the nobles, but then this happened. She wanted to strangle Ye Jinrong.


    Ye Jinrong didn''t dare to make any sound as she obediently sat next to her aunt. She trembled with fear as she saw people around her murmuring and occasionally throw glances at her.


    The upper-class women gave tips to the singer at the stage and Qie followed their example. She got someone to seal some money in an envelope to throw it up as a gesture of goodwill to the Elder Princess. However, no matter how much silver she gives, it would be of no use. The Elder Princess already has made up her plan.


    When Wei Liujiang received the news, he instantly paled.


    "Cousin, there is trouble," Wei Liujiang told Mu Qinchu when he pulled him out.


    "What problem could there be?" Mu Qinchu asked vacantly, his attention still on the acrobats.


    Wei Liujiang has no other choice but to tell him the truth about Jinrong. His father made it clear to him that this matter should only be known by his aunt, but this was an emergency.


    "What?" Mu Qinchu cried out in alarm. "What have you done?"


    "Tone it down! Quick! Help me clean this up or we''ll both be in trouble," Wei Liujiang pleaded desperately.


    Mu Qinchu thought about it for a while before saying, "I''ll look for Zhao Qixuan. He has close ties with Young Royal Highness and he might be willing to help."


    "You must not tell him the truth. Just ask to see a servant woman. Once we see her, we can talk things out," Wei Liujiang reminded him.


    Upon hearing that Wei Liujiang was requesting to see the servant woman who used to work in the Ye family, Zhao Qixuan replied nonchalantly, "Why do I need to step in for such a small matter? Just order the housekeeper to bring the servant over."


    Both of them were unable to speak of their difficulties.


    Mu Qinchu said, "I don''t think that it''s appropriate to take things into our hands since this is the royal mansion."


    "Isn''t it just a servant? What is the matter?" Zhao Qixuan asked, still riveted with the show.


    The two have no other choice but to look for Assistant Minister Mu.


    At the theater troupe, Mum Gui returned and whispered something to Princess Yu De. The latter sneered and nodded before instructing, "Keep a close eye on her."


    Qie and Ye Jinrong were sitting far away and could not hear what Mum Gui had said so they only continued sitting anxiously.


    "Didn''t you just return from Yang Zhou? Haven''t you seen the servant woman?" Qie asked softly.


    Ye Jinrong replied, "I didn''t see her, but I didn''t know that she has left the Ye household."


    Qi warned, "Whatever happens, just insist that you are the oldest daughter of the Ye family. Otherwise, be prepared to be divorced!"


    Ye Jinrong held her tears back, not daring to say anything else.


    Ye Jiayao has been busy working in the kitchen. The original 36 tables have increased to 39 which meant more work for her. Luckily, there were enough ingredients.


    "Brother Yao, the dried fruits, honeyed preserved food, pastries, and appetizers are all plated and arranged," Cui Dongpeng reported.


    "Brother Yao, the candy box is also ready," Deng Haichuan said.


    "Brother Yao, the antelope penis soup, and the happiness soup are ready," Wang Mingde told her.


    The antelope penis soup was going to be served to the male guests while the happiness soup was reserved for the female guests.


    "Alright. Wait for Manager Liu to send word." Ye Jiayao was busy decorating a few dishes.


    She woke up at three in the morning today to carve various flowers from white radishes because they would lose moisture when exposed for a long time. They have to be carved on the day of the celebration and placed in a basin of ice water.


    Zhong Xiang concentrated on making the dragon-whiskers noodles. They have to be hair-thin, long and continuous; the finest strand must be able to pass through a needle.


    After a short while, Manager Liu sent word to the kitchen that it was time to start the banquet.


    Manager Hu arranged for a group of servant girls to serve the dishes.


    Ye Jiayao has trained these servant girls before the banquet on the order of serving the dishes. She also taught them how to announce the names of the dishes, which have to be paid particular attention to.


    Just as the guests settle down, the servant girls entered in a line, carrying a silver basin for them to wash their hands. They then passed them warm, white handkerchiefs to wipe their hands dry.


    This procedure alone made the guests feel that the birthday banquet today was going to be extraordinary as they have never experienced this before.


    After washing their hands clean, they were served some Lu Shan''s clouds and mist tea. It was light but the deep and pure aroma of it was evident. The guests'' attention was not on the tea but on the food being set on the tables, though.


    There were four dishes of dried fruits: milk dates, fragrant peanuts, salt and pepper cashew nuts, and double-colored soft candies.


    There were also four dishes of pastries: split yellow pea, walnut biscuit, thousand layered cake, and kidney bean roll.


    The dried fruits did not seem special, but the pastries made everyone''s eyes light up.


    The split yellow pea was not in the common rhombus but in a heart shape. The orange-yellow color was glossy and luster, making it look very appetizing. The walnut biscuit was in a V shape, the thousand layered cake has changed from the regular square to a rhombus, and the kidney bean roll has beautiful white patterns drawn on them. They looked different and very delicious.


    Xia Chunyu didn''t want to admit it, but he was nervous at how people would think of the food. Their reactions would affect Yaoyao greatly. Before he could even lift his chopsticks up, he heard Zhao Qixuan exclaim from afar, "What is this on the kidney bean roll? It is cool, sweet, smooth, and extremely delicious!"


    "Mm¡­ this split yellow pea is too delicious. Is this from Bai Wei Zhai or Ju Xiang Yuan? Wait, no. Even they can''t get their pastries to be this delicious," Xia Chunfeng also commented in pretense.


    Xia Chunyu rolled his eyes. Those two didn''t know what subtlety meant.


    Some old people frowned at the scene that the young nobles made, but they too were pleasantly surprised when they took a piece to try. They almost automatically reached for seconds even before they finished.


    Since someone got the ball rolling, others started to voice out their praises as well. They were wondering who made the pastries or where they were bought.


    Xia Chunyu was happy that they were liking Ye Jiayao''s cooking, but he found this a bit exaggerated. They might be delicious, but they were still just plates of dried fruits and pastries. How could they compare to the ones made by the royal kitchen?


    He changed his mind as soon as he tried a piece of the split yellow pea, though. He has tried many delicate pastries, but this one was hands down exceptional. These were extremely soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. Everything about it was just right that he could not help but exclaim in admiration.


    It looked like all the pastries Yaoyao made him eat weren''t in vain. All the research she made, collecting the positive points from different shops and shunning their negative ones, really paid off. Xia Chunyu was wrong. Just these four pastries were enough to compare with those made by the imperial kitchen. At this point, he honestly didn''t know why he continues to doubt Yaoyao''s skills.


    "These pastries cannot be bought elsewhere. They are personally made by the head chef of Heavenly Residence," Zhao Qixuan announced proudly.


    "Is that true? Is the head chef of Heavenly Residence really so formidable?"


    "You are too slow on the news. Who doesn''t know about Heavenly Residence now? Have you heard of the chilled drinks?"


    "Oh, that''s him? It''s no wonder that he can take on the birthday banquet in the Prince''s mansion!"


    "Leave some space in your stomachs, the good things are yet to be served. They are all so delicious, you would bite your tongue off," Helian Jing said, smiling widely.


    Helian Xuan shook his head. He would let his bragging pass because this time, Little Jing really has found the right person for the job.


    Meanwhile, on the main table, everyone''s eyes were glued to the red-crowned crane carving presented for the event.


    "Mother-in-law, take a look at this red-crowned crane, it looks alive," Yu De exclaimed in amazement.


    "Oh, yes! Even the eyebrows are so distinct!"


    "I wonder what this is carved with? This is so amazing."


    Mum Gui answered, "This is carved out of white radish by Head Chef Li Yao. He said that this is specially presented to the Old Ancestress to wish you happiness as immense as the East Sea and live as long as the Zhong Nan mountains."


    Everyone''s jaw dropped upon hearing that it was carved from some white radishes.


    The Old Ancestress was a Buddhist so she was pleased with the carving. She said with a smile, "That head chef is so considerate. Reward him."


    Yu De smiled. "Did you hear that? Pass the news to Head Chef Li Yao."


    Ye Jiayao was frying vegetables in the kitchen when Manager Liu ran over to tell her what just happened. "Brother Li, the Old Ancestresses has rewarded you! She loves your red-crowned crane."


    Ye Jiayao replied with delight, "Is that true? That is great!"


    She came up with the idea of a red-crowned crane when Little Jing had told her that the Old Ancestress was a Buddhist.


    "What about the other foods?" Ye Jiayao asked. She has spent a lot of time and effort on the dried fruits and pastries.


    Manager Liu replied, "The response is enthusiastic. Everyone is trying to find out where the pastries were bought."


    Ye Jiayao and Zhong Xiang exchanged pleased looks. It''s a success! All their efforts weren''t useless!


    One after another, the delicacies are served, stimulating everyone''s taste buds.


    Usually, in this kind of events, people only attend with the motive of getting more connections. In today''s banquet, however, the most discussed topic was the food.


    "The longevity noodle is served."


    A bowl of longevity noodles was presented.


    The Old Ancestress has to take the first bite.


    Yu De quickly extended her help. No matter how she scooped, she couldn''t seem to get to the bottom of it. The noodles were too long and it took a great effort before she finally has the noodles in the bowl.


    "This is a good sign, Old Ancestress! You''ll live a ripe old age," Xia You said.


    The Old Ancestress chuckled merrily. "Good, good. This is the first time I have eaten such long noodles at my age."


    "Here, try it." Yu De scooped two spoonfuls of soup into the bowl.


    The Old Ancestress took two mouthfuls. "Not bad. The chicken soup is rich and the bamboo shreds are tasty."


    Mum Gui smiled. "Old Ancestress, this is not made with chicken soup."


    "How is this not chicken soup? This is obviously the taste of a chicken soup. Try it," the Old Ancestress insisted.


    "It is the taste of chicken soup, very pure and fragrant, but not greasy," Xia You commented after trying some.


    Yu De laughed. "Mum Gui, stop keeping us in suspense. What is this made of?"

 Chapter 112：Old Ancestress Reward

    Mum Gui said, "It''s not really made with chicken soup. I heard Manager Hu say that Head Chef Li Yao used a few types of vegetables for this. I have no idea which vegetables he used as it is his secret recipe."


    Everyone was amazed.


    "Master Chef Lu also made this type of veggie chicken soup, but the taste was as strong as it," Xia You supplied.


    Yong An Madam, who had tasted the ice cream mooncake, smiled and said, "If I had known him earlier, I would''ve invited Head Chef Li Yao for my Old Ancestor''s birthday. These dishes were not only tasty but so thoughtful."


    "That''s right. From the scented tea to the final dessert, they were all made by him. I initially thought that he was too young and that he could not take on this responsibility, but Little Jing was insistent about him. I''m glad I listened to my son. This chef... he really is amazing," Yu De said happily.


    Old Ancestress smiled. "If your family wants to have a party, we have to wait for Elder Sister to turn 80 years old."


    "9 more years?" Yong An Madam looked disappointed.


    "If you could afford it, you should hire Head Chef Li to become your home chef," Yu De joked.


    "Only if Helian Mansion doesn''t take him away," Yong An Madam played along.


    The minutes passed by and everyone was still talking about this little chef.


    Ye Jinrong slowly relaxed. Perhaps Elder Princess Yu De has already forgotten the unhappy moment that happened before.


    "Sister, this octopus soup is delicious and special. You should try it," Ye Jinrong said to Zhu who was sat next to her.


    Zhu, who was clearly poised to taste the soup, sat back when Jinrong spoke. "I don''t like octopus."


    During the show, Zhu thought about what the servant said and arrived at a terrifying conclusion. If there''s any sliver of possibility that this woman was pretending as the Ye''s first lady, she definitely wouldn''t like to be associated with her.


    Ye Jinrong knew that Zhu was trying to keep her distance from her, but she was having none of it. Zhu''s husband was the youngest scholar in the government and his grandfather was the left chancellor. They have connections everywhere. If she could build a good relationship with Zhu, Liujiang might be able to get close to the left chancellor.


    "Then you should try this double taste duck roll! The duck was roasted extremely crispy¡­" Ye Jinrong tried again.


    Zhu cut her off coldly, "Madam Wei, I will eat whatever I want to eat. You don''t need to trouble yourself, just mind your own food."


    A few younger madams on the same table sneered at her.


    "Madam Wei, are you really the first lady of Ye?" someone asked aggressively.


    Ye Jinrong thought about what her auntie told her and said affirmatively, "Of course, I am. It was that servant who made a mistake."


    "But she knew that you have a mole on your nape!" another one protested.


    "My two sisters and I all have moles at the back of our neck. I look so much like Second Sister that she''d just mistaken me for her."


    "It doesn''t matter how similar the two of you looked. She''s your servant, she wouldn''t make a mistake like this."


    "To be honest, I don''t even remember that woman. For all I know, she might''ve just been someone who worked on the farm. Second Sister and Mother frequent the farm and they must''ve met her there. I really don''t remember her. If you don''t believe me, you can ask around in Yang Zhou," Ye Jinrong lied with great conviction. She has calmed down enough to get into the pretense without missing a beat.


    "Then why did she say that Second Lady Ye went missing the same time that First Lady Ye got married. Are you saying that''s just a coincidence?" Zhu questioned doubtfully.


    Ye Jinrong schooled her features to look as if she was in despair. "I don''t really want to tell others about this but since I have no choice now... my sister didn''t go missing. She''s sick. Mother wanted her to rest well so she sent her to another home. As soon as she recovers, she''d be back in Yang Zhou."


    Everyone eased up on their hostility and settled back on their chairs. Ye Jinrong gave a logical explanation that they couldn''t help but believe. Perhaps that servant really recognized the wrong person.


    Ye Jinrong relaxed a bit and hid her sigh of relief.


    The servant girls came in with copper boxes, the star of tonight''s banquet.


    "It is not mid-autumn festival yet, but it is Old Ancestress'' 70th birthday. There is a special dessert for everyone called ice cream mooncake. Please, try it. I hope for everyone to have a happy and peaceful life," Elder Princess Yu De brought up a toast.


    The ice cubes were opened and a dish of crystal-clear, lovely and delicate mooncake was presented in front of everyone.


    Yong An Madam''s eyes were bright as she exclaimed, "I have been waiting for this mooncake! I tried one the other day and it was beyond excellent!"


    She actually sent people to find Li Yao in Heavenly Residence to buy a few more, but the chef didn''t want to sell it. She was forced to wait until this birthday celebration to taste it again.


    "Is that true? Is it really that delicious?" Xia You asked even though she wasn''t at all worried that it would disappoint. Every dish that Li Yao had prepared for the feast was nothing short of heavenly.


    "You will see when you try it," Yong An Madam replied.


    "Old Ancestress, Head Chef Li said that this was made especially for you."


    Ye Jiayao had been mindful of the Old Ancestress'' age. Given that she was an elder, Ye Jiayao knew that cold food wouldn''t sit well with her and might even give her diarrhea. Instead, Ye Jiayao made a sweet peach filling according to the Old Ancestress'' favorite flavor.


    "My, this looks very scrumptious," Old Ancestress praised.


    Mum Gui helped her cut it into small pieces.


    The Old Ancestress had a bite. The skin was cool and soft and not sticky at all. The sweet peach filling was deliciously sweet with just the right amount of richness.


    "I heard that the ice cream mooncake is low in sugar and fat and is good for the health. Old Ancestress, how do you like it?" Yu De asked.


    Old Ancestress said with a pleased smile, "Is this the only one? This is not enough!"


    Mum Gui laughed. "Old Ancestress, there are more. Head Chef Li is making a box for you."


    "He is really clever. Yu De, I am very satisfied with this birthday feast. Good troupe and a better chef. Give him a big red pocket as thanks." Old Ancestress paused and said, "No, no. Ask him to come here. I will reward him personally."


    Ye Jiayao was so exhausted but she could not bring herself to relax without hearing the guests'' final comment about the mooncake.


    Manager Liu ran to her hurriedly. "Brother Li, Brother Li! Clean up fast, Old Ancestress wants to see you! She is rewarding you!"


    Deng Haichuan and the others cheered loudly. They had already received three red pockets from outside and they''ve made a lot of money. However, the best reward was the praises they got for their hard work.


    "Brother Yao, hurry! Get rid of your apron!" Deng Haichuan rushed.


    Ye Jiayao cleared her head and tidied herself up before following Manager Liu out.


    Helian Jing heard about what his grandmother was planning and he immediately bounded to Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan. "Grandmother wants to reward Yaoyao personally!"


    "Really?" Xia Chunyu actually felt a bit excited. Yaoyao exceeded everyone''s expectations today. She performed marvelously and he couldn''t wait to see how she''d flourish even more after this.


    Helian Xuan patted Xia Chunyu''s shoulder and said, "You are really lucky."


    Helian Jing looked at them in confusion, "Big brother, why is Brother Chunyu really lucky?"


    Chunyu squinted at Helian Xuan. You big mouthed fool.


    Helian Xuan cleared his throat, feeling a bit stupid. He said to Helian Jing, "Little Jing, you should go to Grandmother, too. Ask her for the best reward because you actually deserve it this time."


    Helian Jing laughed. "That''s what I intend to do!"


    "Go, go. Let me handle everything here," Helian Xuan said.


    Helian Jing walked to flower hall happily and ran into Yaoyao and Manager Liu. He called proudly, "Yaoyao, you''re amazing! You''ve conquered everyone''s stomach today!"


    Helian Jing barely held himself back from giving Yaoyao a huge hug.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "It was all thanks to you, Young Royal Highness Jing, for giving me a chance."


    Helian Jing returned the smile, and together, they walked to the flower hall.


    "Old Ancestress, Head Chef Li Yao is here," Manager Liu informed.


    Everyone looked at the young man next to Helian Jing with obvious surprise. He''s such a pretty young boy! How could he be the chef? Weren''t chefs normally pot-bellied with sweaty faces?


    Ye Jinrong looked surprised than most. The chef looked awfully familiar. She looked like her older sister... Jinxuan? No, that can''t be. Jinxuan might be a good cook, but not this good. No, it couldn''t be her older sister. Absolutely not.


    Also, when Officer Xia came to the mansion, he said that Jinxuan was already dead.


    No, it''s not Jinxuan.


    She must''ve only been feeling guilty so she''s seeing her sister''s face.


    "Grandmother, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Your life will be long and your fortune will be boundless," Helian Jing said his wishes as he kneeled in front of his grandmother.


    Old Ancestress smiled fondly at him. "Alright, get up now."


    Helian Jing has always been Old Ancestress'' favorite. If there weren''t that many guests, he wouldn''t have been so formal.


    "Little Jing, your arrangement for this birthday celebration is successful. I am very happy," Old Ancestress commended.


    Helian Jing scratched his head abashedly. "Old Ancestress, those were all Li Yao''s idea."


    Yu De softly said to Old Ancestress, "When Little Jing ran away to Shang Dong, it was Li Yao who brought him back to safety."


    Old Ancestress glanced in surprise at Li Yao. This was the first time that she heard about this. He wasn''t just a great chef, he''s also Little Jing''s benefactor. That meant more reward.


    "Little Brother Li, come." Old Ancestress said.


    Ye Jiayao got up and walked up to where Old Ancestress was seated. She glanced around and almost did a double take when she saw an unexpected face in the crowd.

 Chapter 113：Lee Is Missing

    Second Sister? Ye Jiayao was surprised. How was she able to join this kind of social circle?


    Ye Jinrong saw the chef squint at her and her heart stuttered a bit.


    Fortunately, Ye Jiayao recovered from her shock immediately and was able to look away as if she just had a quick and casual glance.


    "Little Brother Li, if we invite you to work in the royal mansion, would you accept the offer?"


    Ye Jiayao was stunned. She never expected for the Old Ancestress to ask this question.


    Helian Jing beamed and turned to Yaoyao expectantly, waiting for her to say yes.


    Working in the royal mansion would mean that she would have a strong support system to rely on. Even Princess Liu Li would hardly be able to lay a finger on her. Not to mention the connection that she could build! She could gain hundreds of benefits from working in the royal mansion.


    But what about Heavenly Residence? What about the promises she made to Shopkeeper Li? Also, what about the brothers? They placed their hope and loyalty in her. If she left, she''d be abandoning them in the lurch.


    Furthermore, if she worked in the royal mansion, it wouldn''t be as convenient to see Dumb Donkey anymore.


    "Old Ancestress, thank you so much for the honor. I really want to work for the royal mansion, but I have a contract with Heavenly Residence and they can''t survive without me. If Old Ancestress would like to eat anything, I would happily make it for you anytime. We can use warm bottles or ice cubes to keep the freshness of the food," Ye Jiayao said with a smile.


    Once again, the Old Ancestress was surprised by this chef. She had thought that Li Yao would readily accept the offer. However, he rejected it in a very humble way that Old Ancestress couldn''t help but admire him even more. He put fame and money behind righteousness and that wasn''t something she sees every day, especially from commoners.


    Helian Jing, on the other hand, was extremely disappointed with Yaoyao''s answer.


    Old Ancestress lifted her head and laughed in delight. "I will hold you to your promise. Just don''t complain if I get too troublesome!"


    "Old Ancestress, it is my honor that you like my dishes. You would never be troublesome," Ye Jiayao said pleasingly.


    "Alright, Yu De. How do we reward him considering how much effort he put in?" Old Ancestress asked her daughter-in-law. However, before Yu De could answer, Old Ancestress declared to herself, "Silvers are too common. Or... yes, that''d do. Cui Yan, take the Wish Jade from my room."


    Yu De and Helian Jing were both shocked. Would Old Ancestress really reward Li Yao the Wish Jade?


    Ye Jiayao was surprised as well. The Wish Jade sounded expensive. And it was inside Old Ancestress'' room! She couldn''t take that!


    "Old Ancestress, your recognition is already the best reward. I have gotten enough rewards today, I can''t take more," Ye Jiayao said to her.


    Yu De said nicely, "Li Yao, the reward from elders cannot be refused. Today, it''s the reward from the god of longevity and it brings good fortune."


    Ye Jiayao bowed, not daring to decline the reward again lest she offended them.


    Others might not know the gravity of that gift, but Xia You understood it perfectly. The Wish Jade was a masterwork of fine white tallow jade. Its preciousness was not just from the item itself but also the sentimentality and the history behind it. It was a gift to the Old Ancestress from the mother of the Empress Dowager.


    She couldn''t figure out how a chef could be rewarded of such a precious thing. They get salaries for doing a good work, not the Wish Jade. If they wanted to reward him, 200 silvers would''ve been perfect.


    After a short while, Cui Yan came out with the Wish Jade and everybody gasped at the sight of it. They knew how priceless this item was. They couldn''t believe how ostentatious the Old Ancestress was being.


    "You must visit here often in the future, okay?" the Old Ancestress said with a kind smile.


    Ye Jiayao held the Wish Jade in her hand anxiously. She didn''t really understand jade stones, but she knew enough to know that this was way too much for her. She felt as though the Wish Jade was burning a hole in her palms.


    "I will, Old Ancestress," Ye Jiayao acquiesced shakily.


    "Old Ancestress, where is my reward?" Helian Jing asked cheekily.


    Yu De stared at him chidingly. "There are people watching, Little Jing. Don''t you have any shame?"


    The corner of his mouth twisted. He wanted to get rewarded in front of other people to prove how well he has arranged the birthday banquet.


    Old Ancestress laughed, unoffended. "I will reward you later."


    Ye Jiayao held the Wish Jade carefully as she walked out the flower hall.


    "Little Jing, this thing is too precious. I don''t think I deserve this."


    Helian Jing shook his head with a smile. "It seems that Grandmother is really happy with what you''ve done. She wants to reward you with this, just take it. If you really want to pay it back, just make more good food for her in the future."


    Ye Jiayao was embarrassed, but there was nothing she could do.


    "By the way, Little Jing, I saw Wei Liujiang''s wife just now," Ye Jiayao brought up, suddenly remembering Ye Jinrong.


    "That guy is really something else," Helian Jing said with distaste. "The invitation was for his uncle. He''s just a scholar and yet he has the nerve to show up here! He even brought his wife!"


    "I dislike his wife even more," Ye Jiayao sneered.


    "What happened with that whole ice ticket last time? Why did you clash with them?" Helian Jing asked as he remembered the incident with Mu Qinshu and Wei Liujiang.


    Ye Jiayao told him about what had happened.


    "Those f*cking bastards! If I had known of this earlier on, I would''ve taken care of them!" Helian Jing got mad at the thought of those two pansies bullying Yaoyao. "I''m going to look for them now."


    "Ay, what are you doing? Today is Old Ancestress'' birthday. Don''t ruin her mood with your hotheadedness," Ye Jiayao said, dragging him back.


    Helian Jing said angrily, "It was Brother Chunyu who requested that we invite the Mu family. If I have known what they did, I wouldn''t have let them step foot inside the mansion."


    Ye Jiayao hid her surprise. Chunyu asked him to invite the Mu family? They didn''t seem to have any connection with each other. Chunyu barely even interacts with Mu Qinchu! Why did he do that?


    As she was pondering over this, a servant girl ran inside and asked to enter the flower hall.


    Helian Jing stopped her. "Why are you in a rush?"


    She answered, "The servant that the Elder Princess asked to look after has gone missing."


    Helian Jing scowled. "How? And which servant? Tell me everything."


    Everyone was enjoying the festivities inside, Helian Jing doesn''t want to let a stupid thing ruin their enjoyment.


    "That woman had a disagreement with Assistant Minister Mu''s nephew''s wife, Madam Wei. Elder Princess asked us to look after the servant girl, but when Manager Liu brought Mu and Wei back to ask the servant a few questions, she was gone," the servant girl replied.


    Helian Jing didn''t quite get what was happening. What he was certain about, though, was that this mess was related to Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang. He''d be damned if he''d let them get away with messing around in the Helian Mansion.


    Ye Jiayao''s skin prickled as she processed what the servant girl was saying. "Do you know what happened with the servant and Madam Wei?"


    "That servant woman said he worked for the Ye family before. When she saw Madam Wei, she went to talk to her and called her Second Lady. Madam Wei insisted that she was the first lady and denied seeing her before."


    Ye Jiayao wanted to snort in derision. Was Jinrong really going to use her name forever? She asked, "What is the name of the servant?"


    "I only know that her surname is Lee."


    Lee? There were about three or four servants with the surname Lee in the Ye household.


    "What did she look like?"


    The girl gestured in front of her and said, "About this height and a bit fat. She has small eyes and there''s a mole near her nose.


    Ye Jiayao remembered her now. How did Lee get a job in the Helian Mansion?


    And what were the odds that she''d see Jinrong here?


    Was this related to Chunyu asking Little Jing to invite the Mu family?


    This was too much of a lucky hit to be considered a coincidence. There had to be someone who was behind this and she''d bet everything she has that it was Chunyu.


    "Why, Yaoyao? Do you know the woman?" Helian Jing asked.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "No. I heard about this thing when I was in the kitchen so I''m just a bit curious. I think I saw her earlier."


    Helian Jing nodded. "Okay, you go back to the kitchen and finish up. I will go find these bastards and ask them." He turned to the servant girl and said, "You don''t have to report this inside, I''ll handle it."


    Ye Jiayao watched Little Jing leave and she made a mental note to grill Chunyu about this later.


    On the other side, Song Qi was reporting the events to Xia Chunyu.


    "She''s already out of the mansion as planned. Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang would never be able to explain this now."


    Xia Chunyu smiled coldly. They walked into the trap so easily.


    "Alright. You can get off now." Xia Chunyu waved him away and went back to the dinner.


    Ye Jiayao was still holding the Wish Jade when she got back to the kitchen


    Everyone gathered around her and started chattering excitedly.


    "Brother Yao, what reward did you get from Old Ancestress?"


    "The red packet must be huge!"


    "Did Old Ancestress praise our dishes?"


    Ye Jiayao hesitated to show them the treasure she was given. Would they be too jealous of her because she wouldn''t be able to share this with them?


    Ye Jiayao revealed the Wish Jade a bit nervously. "This is the reward."


    "Brother Yao, wow! How much is this thing worth?" Deng Haichuan''s eyes were wide as he stared at the precious stone.


    "I don''t know and I really don''t care. This represents the recognition of the Old Ancestress and that''s all that matters," Ye Jiayao told them proudly.


    "Brother Yao, we finally made it," Zhong Xiang said happily.


    Ye Jiayao patted his shoulder. "Today is just the beginning. We can achieve more if we work hard together. We can beat everyone else in Jin Ling!"

 Chapter 114：Must get to the bottom of it

    After the birthday celebration ended, Helian Xuan asked someone to call Yaoyao over to him.


    He had to admit, being alone with Yaoyao again was making him a bit uneasy. Her red lips, beautiful eyes, and delicate brows... how could he have believed that she was a guy?


    The last time they met was still a humiliation that he didn''t want anyone else to know. He was indignant about that for a long time, but when he found out the truth about her, he decided to let it go. Chunyu''s woman was his sister-in-law and he should give her utter respect.


    "This is your salary," Helian Xuan said, gesturing for a servant to bring the tray to her. "There are two more silver notes there, a reward just for you. The birthday feast was a tremendous success and Old Ancestress was very satisfied. I am actually very pleased with it, too."


    "You must take good care of the Wish Jade. That precious stone has an extraordinary meaning," Helian Xuan continued.


    Ye Jiayao was curious. Was it a family heirloom? Was it a favor from the Helian Mansion?


    Helian Xuan smiled as he saw her confused expression. "If you encounter any problems that you can''t solve in the future, you can bring the Wish Jade to find me. No matter what the problem is, as long as it''s in my ability, I will take care of it - but just once."


    After Helian Xuan found out about her real identity, he''d been wondering how he could repay her for helping Little Jing. It was a good thing that his grandmother gave him the perfect opportunity today.


    Did I hear him right? Ye Jiayao was befuddled at how Little Jing''s older brother was acting.


    "You can also ask small favors from Helian Jing." Helian Xuan was amused to see her surprised look. She must be wondering why I was being so nice to her.


    Ye Jiayao remained silent, still not quite grasping what has gotten into Helian Xuan. She was so sure that she''d have to endure his sneering and hurtful barbs, but he was nothing but... civil. What happened?


    "Okay, that''s all. I know you are tired, you should get some rest." Helian Xuan had his servants send her out.


    Ye Jiayao had just stepped out of the room when Manager Liu came in. "Royal Highness, Elder Princess has requested your presence."


    Helian Xuan nodded, silently cursing his best friend. Xia Chunyu used his grandmother''s celebration to punish Wei Liujiang and his wife, and now he left him to take care of the rest of the problems. What''s more was that Xia Chunyu only revealed this to him after the incident had already happened! I''ve got a terrible friend!


    Yu De could finally deal with the earlier problem as the guests have already left and the Old Ancestress has retired to her room to rest.


    She was a prideful woman, and the little bitch from the Mu family humiliated the royal mansion. They were delusional if they think she''d just let it go that easily.


    "The wife of Mu''s nephew is really the Second Lady Ye, yet she was calling herself First Lady. When the servant called her out on it, she had the nerve to drag the mansion''s name!" Yu De told Helian Xuan angrily. "The servant told Mum Gui that the second daughter had a secret relationship with Wei Liujiang. When the first daughter was sent to marry Wei, the second daughter had gone missing, too.


    "It seemed that she took over the first daughter''s place to become Wei Liujiang''s wife. No one even knows if the first daughter is still alive! That woman is simply horrible! I wouldn''t normally care about other people''s business, but she brought this to our mansion! I won''t have anyone humiliating our house and our workers!


    "And the woman! She disappeared, Xuan-er! How could she disappear inside the royal mansion? How could she be here one second and gone the next? When did our mansion become so unsafe?" Yu De finished her tirade, her anger still as intense as it was when she started.


    Helian Xuan sympathized with Ye Jinxuan for having such an evil stepmother and half-sister. It was fortunate that she survived all their cruelty.


    "Mother, calm down. We won''t let this go unpunished, I promise you. Little Jing told me that the woman had only gone missing after she saw Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang. They seemed to be having a fight then and talking about bribery as well. I know that they have something to do with this. I''m not sure if they bribed her or they asked people to dispose of her, but I will find out for you."


    Yu De slapped the armrest in her fit of anger. "How dare they do this kind of things inside the Helian Royal Mansion?"


    "Today is grandmother''s birthday, Mother, please relax. If Grandmother finds out about this..." Helian Xuan tried to settle her mother down.


    Yu De took a few deep breaths, trying to find her composure. "You''ll get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. You''ll report everything to me."


    "I will, Mother." Helian Xuan bowed and left.


    On the other side, Ye Jiayao and the others moved the leftover ingredients and other materials back to Heavenly Residence. They closed the kitchen door and talked about their share of the silvers.


    "The salary for this time is 300 silvers. The restaurant wants 20% which is 60 silvers, so we''d have to distribute 240 among us. What do you guys think? How do we share them?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Zhong Xiang said, "Li Yao, you take them. Just treat us to a good meal next time and we''ll call it even. I know that according to the rules, we are just helpers who are not eligible to take a share. You gave us a chance to work this feast, we are already very grateful for that."


    Ye Jiayao smiled at Zhong Xiang. He was really an honest man. It was the reason why Ye Jiayao didn''t give up on him.


    "He''s right, Brother Yao. Besides, we already got enough rewards today. More than 20 silvers! That''s more than a few months salary. It is enough," Deng Haichuan said.


    Wang Mingde piped up, "Brother Yao, you take it."


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "No, I am different. We''re different. As I told you, we are a team. Everyone worked hard so you all deserve a reward."


    Cui Dongpeng slapped his pocket and laughed. "I already have my reward here!"


    "It was you who overdrew the money to buy materials for testing. We shouldn''t split your reward anymore," Zhong Xiang said.


    "That is different. How about I keep the half and I split the rest between the four of you? That''s 30 silvers each."


    "Too much," Zhong Xiang protested. "We''ll take five silvers."


    "Five is enough," everyone echoed.


    Ye Jiayao didn''t care and started to split the notes. "As long as you work hard, you''ll succeed. I promise you that if you continue doing your best, in the future, you''ll be able to afford your own house, get married, and have a great life."


    Everyone''s spirit rose up again at Brother Yao''s words. He really was the best. The rewards in their pockets were the best evidence of how far they''ll come if they follow Li Yao.


    "Brother Yao, we will commit ourselves to you," Deng Haichuan said solemnly.


    Everyone nodded determinedly.


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Hide your money. Don''t show it off or others might get envious and do bad things."


    The shadow of the sweet rice flour incident popped into everyone''s head.


    "I need to find a chance to ask him," Zhong Xiang said.


    "He won''t confess," Cui Dongpeng sneered.


    "He might even swear that you framed him up," Deng Haichuan told him as he was familiar with Liu Qishen''s temper.


    Wang Mingde sighed. "We should look for evidence first. If we get that, we won''t need his confession anymore."


    Zhong Xiang asked hesitantly, "Li Yao, if it was really him, what would you do?"


    What would she do? Ye Jiayao didn''t know. She has always shared her rewards with him and yet he still set her up. If Little Jing wasn''t greedy, they wouldn''t have found out about the problem in time.


    She could not just let this pass, but she also has to consider Zhong Xiang''s relationship with him.


    "I am not sure. It will all depend on his attitude." If he showed remorse, she''d let him go for Zhong Xiang''s sake. If not...


    Zhong Xiang nodded acceptingly. "We''ll find the evidence first."


    Everyone took their silver notes and left.


    Ye Jiayao got up and stretched, mindful of her aching shoulder. She really wasn''t looking forward to the walk back. All she wanted to do was lie on the two stools in the kitchen and sleep for about two days.


    She walked out of Heavenly Residence and was disappointed when she didn''t see Chunyu''s horse cart. You Dumb Donkey, where are you when I need your care?


    She only made it a few steps away when she heard the sounds of a horse cart coming towards her. She hesitated for a bit because it wasn''t normally what Chunyu rides in.


    "Yaoyao?"


    Ye Jiayao stopped.


    "Thank heavens, I made it. Get on the cart." Xia Chunyu jumped down the cart to lift her up.


    "Why did you still come when you''re so busy?" Ye Jiayao chided softly, not wanting to show how happy she was that he came.


    "Why wouldn''t I come? I was just a bit late because my mother kept talking my ear off!" Xia Chunyu complained, pausing when he saw her weary face. "Are you tired?"


    "Yeah, and my arms are swelling." Ye Jiayao shook her arms a bit.


    Xia Chunyu massaged her right arm gently. "Does it hurt much?"


    Ye Jiayao closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands. "It is alright."


    Xia Chunyu''s heart ached when he saw how exhausted she looked. She''s been working non-stop for the past few days. She was so skinny, it was a wonder she was able to last that long.


    "Ey, I am wondering what happened to Lee?"


    "Ey, I heard, Old Ancestress rewarded you with the Wish Jade."


    They started, talking on top of the other.

 Chapter 115：Sales on Fire

    They both stopped short.


    Ye Jiayao moved first and handed the box that contained the Wish Jade to him. "This looks so precious, I don''t think I should''ve taken it."


    Xia Chunyu opened the box and admired the stone inside. "Your box doesn''t match the Wish Jade. I will get you a better one tomorrow."


    "That''s just a temporary box because I was afraid I''d break it," Ye Jiayao explained.


    "Look after it well, alright? This thing is rare. The whole Huai Song only has one."


    "Of course, I''ll take care of it. But what do I do if a thief breaks into my house?" Ye Jiayao worried. She has two treasures now, the Crown Prince''s calligraphy and the Wish Jade. Oh, scratch that! She has the recipes she wrote and the 600 silvers she earned. That was all that she had as well as her first bucket of gold.


    There were no safe boxes these days. She couldn''t even build a secret closet because she doesn''t own the house she''s living in.


    "Uncle Jiang and Jiang Li are good at making gears. You should ask them for help," Xia Chunyu suggested.


    Ye Jiayao perked up. He''s right. She could ask them to make a box that''d release poisonous gas or arrows if anyone tries to steal it.


    "It is your turn now," Ye Jiayao told him.


    Xia Chunyu feigned innocence. "Turn for what?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him. "Don''t tell me that you asked Little Jing to invite Assistant Minister Mu to the banquet because you''re just such good friends with him."


    Xia Chunyu''s lips twitched. Yaoyao really was smart. "That servant Lee was kicked out by your stepmother. I learned many things from her. For example, I learned that Wei Liujiang had a part in your abduction. I also knew that your second sister is very vain and showy. She wouldn''t miss the chance to show up at a high profile party, so I set this up."


    Ye Jiayao was moved. Finding a servant who was kicked out from the Ye household all the way in Yang Zhou must''ve cost a lot of effort! It seemed that he''s been at this for a long time.


    "So you also arranged Lee''s disappearance?" Ye Jiayao asked rhetorically. She already knew the answer. With Chunyu''s power and connection with the Helian Royal Mansion, it was easy to get a person in and out soundlessly.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her with a happy smile. "Just wait, the good part is yet to come."


    The next day, the talk of Jin Ling City''s was Heavenly Residence''s ice cream mooncake.


    The ice cream mooncake''s debut yesterday was huge. Everyone in the banquet only had one, and it was not enough for them. No one had ever seen such novel and delicious dessert that they were clamoring for more.


    So the next morning, people came to Heavenly Residence to get the famous ice cream mooncake.


    Ye Jiayao had anticipated this so she prepared a sign to be put at the door.


    Ice cream mooncake is five silvers each. Everyone can only buy five pieces. We''ll start to sell it at 1 p.m. onwards until it''s sold out. The ice cream mooncakes need to be kept in cold storage, so if you don''t have an icebox at home, we sell them for 10 silvers each.


    Ye Jiayao was happy about the deal with the icebox. When Shopkeeper Li came in the morning, he told her to sell the ice cubes for herself. He even suggested to price it at 10 silvers each.


    Ye Jiayao was touched. Shopkeeper Li really was a good guy!


    "Five silvers each? That''s too much!"


    "That''s so expensive. My two months salary is worth one bite."


    "There really are so many rich people nowadays. We poor people are simply satisfied with rice."


    "Damn, limited purchase. Will it really kill you to make a few more?"


    "Don''t you want to make more money, dumbass¡­"


    "What do you know? Good products are in short supply."


    "It makes people like us, who run errands, tired. Cold drinks made us run around so much, and now the mooncake? I''d probably have to line up here before dawn."


    "It would be too late before dawn. I am going to sleep over here tonight."


    A group of people gathered at Heavenly Residence''s door, complaining about the price and the hassle, but no one left. They just found a cool place to sit down and waited. They were afraid that they''d miss the queue if they left. Most of them were ordered by their masters to buy this famous ice cream mooncake.


    In the kitchen, Ye Jiayao and the others were working hard on making the mooncakes.


    "Li Yao, people outside have objections about the limited purchase," Manager Qian told her.


    Ye Jiayao was compressing the material and said off-handedly, "Limited purchase is just a trick. Only rich people could afford this and I''m certain that five pieces will not be enough for them. The harder it is to buy, the more valuable it''d seem."


    Manager Qian laughed. "That''s reasonable, but I think 500 would not be enough."


    "Then they''ll just have to come again tomorrow."


    She only made a limited filling for the ice cream and could not make more. She also didn''t want to tell anyone else how to make ice cream so she had to do it by herself at night and have Jiang Li bring it over when it was done.


    As expected, the 500 ice cream mooncakes they made were sold within 30 minutes. They also sold about 80 iceboxes.


    The sales of mooncakes were through the roof. The customers who came to eat also increased drastically. All the tables were full during lunch and the compartments were booked out for tomorrow and the day after that.


    Heavenly Residence became the most popular restaurant in Jin Ling City overnight, and Head Chef Li Yao was the one behind it all.


    After they finished their work, Shopkeeper Li asked her to come to his office so he could pay her. For the 500 mooncakes she sold, she got 725 silvers, and on the 76 iceboxes, she got 760 silvers. She got a total of 1485 silvers in just one day.


    Ye Jiayao was shocked. She finally knew what it was like to make a bucket of gold every day.


    Shopkeeper Li almost cried with jealousy as he looked at the numbers. "Li Yao, you are rich now! Your one day''s income is more than what the restaurant get for days! But this was all thanks to your skill so you deserve this."


    "Manager, don''t be sad. You are making more than me. I only get 30% and you take the remaining 70%. Despite the cost, you still have 60%. One day''s sale of mooncakes is 3000 silvers, not even adding all those from other meals. I heard from Manager Qian that all the compartments were booked until the day after tomorrow, so cheer up. You''re the rich one!" Ye Jiayao said.


    Shopkeeper Li tamped down his tears. If he had known that Li Yao''s ice cream mooncake would sell this well, he would''ve never given up the restaurant. He was so jealous and bitter, but he couldn''t take it out on Li Yao. All the chef ever did was work hard and bring fame to the restaurant.


    He forced a smile and said, "I will give you your salary every three days as well as your silver notes. Are you okay with that?"


    "No problem. I don''t really mind." Ye Jiayao shrugged.


    It would be better if it was a few days later since she was still waiting for Jiang Li to make her a safe box.


    Manager Li handed over a few lists to her. "Five families have invited you to do their dinners. I think that the timing is good, but I am afraid that you''d get too tired as you''re still doing the mooncakes."


    Ye Jiayao looked at the list. They were all high-status governers! There was even Left Minister Su''s family for the celebration of his wife''s birthday. Ye Jiayao suddenly remembered Zhao Qixuan''s Little Su. Would the son show up on his mother''s birthday?


    "I gave the quotes of 300 silvers and 400 silvers for you," Shopkeeper Li said.


    "I''ll take this. Making money is supposed to be tiring so I have no complaints." Ye Jiayao nodded. "Shopkeeper Li, if there''s nothing else, I''m going to leave now."


    Ye Jiayao bowed and proceeded to the kitchen to take an ice cube for the gifts she needed to send.


    When she walked out of the restaurant, Ye Jiayao saw Chunyu''s horse cart parked under a willow tree about 30 meters away. She was walking towards it when she heard someone call her name.


    "Yaoyao!"


    Little Jing?


    "Why are you here?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Helian Jing jumped down the horse and smiled enthusiastically. "I am looking for you!"


    Oh, crap. Ye Jiayao glanced at Chunyu''s horse cart anxiously. It looked like she wasn''t getting on that today.


    "Yaoyao, I am bringing you the money for the mooncake. It''s 1100 silvers, you can count them if you like."


    Ye Jiayo put the money in her pocket without even looking at it. "I don''t need to count it."


    "Oh? Is the mooncake inside that?" Helian Jing went to grab the icebox.


    Ye Jiayao moved it out of the way. "This is for the Crown Prince."


    "It doesn''t matter if I eat one," Helian Jing teased.


    "Or you can come tomorrow and I will make a few for you."


    "I''m kidding, Yaoyao!" Helian Jing rolled his eyes at Yaoyao''s tight grip at the icebox. "Are you going to the Crown Prince''s mansion now? I can take you there."


    "No, no, there''s no need. I can go there by myself."


    "Do you know where the Crown Prince''s mansion is?"


    Well, I don''t actually.


    Helian Jing laughed. "Let''s go, I''ll take you. Horse riding is faster than walking."


    Horse riding? Together? Ye Jiayao glanced at the horse cart again. If she gets on the horse with Little Jing, Xia Chunyu would get mad at her again.


    "I don''t like horse riding. I will just walk. It is healthy to walk," Ye Jiayao declined.


    "The Crown Prince''s mansion is far from here, but if you really want to walk, I''ll walk with you." Helian Jing took the icebox from and wound the horse''s leash with his other hand.


    Ye Jiayao had no choice but to follow him.


    Xia Chunyu scowled as he watched Yaoyao and Helian Jing walk away. He has waited for her for hours only to get stumped by Little Jing again. The worse part was that he couldn''t even take her back!


    He was furious.


    This whole disaster with the Ye family needs to be over soon so that Yaoyao could reclaim her status again. I am not going to be able to sleep well knowing that anyone could just take her anywhere!

 Chapter 116：Flattering

    It was the beginning of autumn, but the weather was still hot. The afterheat this year was extra strong.


    The night sky was dark, the air pressure was low, and it seemed that there was a storm coming.


    Ye Jiayao was worried. She didn''t know what she''d do if it rained since both of them didn''t have an umbrella.


    Helian Jing, on the other hand, was relaxed. As long as he was with Yaoyao, he wouldn''t care even if it hailed.


    "Yaoyao, I am telling you, that Wei Liujiang is disgusting. He even has the nerve to say that we intentionally framed him!"


    Ye Jiayao nodded sympathetically. Well, to be honest, they really did frame him. Chunyu planned this thing out so perfectly that Wei Liujiang wasn''t able to defend himself. However, to actually come outright and say that the Helian Royal Mansion framed him was equivalent to asking for a death sentence. Helian Mansion had nothing against him, who would believe him of that accusation?


    "You really cannot find the servant? What will you do now?" Ye Jiayao asked curiously.


    Helian Jing sneered, "My mother said that Wei Liujiang and his wife are dogs. It''s possible that they had worked together to set First Lady Ye up. Now, they even dare deny it and accuse the Helian Mansion? Mother will not let this go that easily. My brother has already sent people to Yang Zhou to investigate."


    Ye Jiayao hid her astonishment. Was it really possible? She had thought that Wei Liujiang was a kind man because the servants of the Wei Mansion adored him. She was not so sure now. And if she actually thought about it, it was indeed strange that he did not care when his real wife was taken away by the bandits. Instead, he immediately moved on to Jinrong. If that didn''t scream cold-blooded man, she didn''t know what will.


    Ye Jiayao mused, "Since Second Lady Ye substituted for the First Lady Ye, then the Ye and Wei families must''ve covered up for it, too. It would be hard to find anything that can incriminate them."


    Helian Jing smiled coldly. "The truth will always prevail. It was a guarantee that they missed something and that''s where we''ll start. During the dinner, Wei Liujiang''s wife said that the Second Lady Ye is sick and was sent to her grandmother''s house to rest. We''ll check up on the grandmother''s house and see if Second Lady Ye is really there."


    The Ye family would not be able to go against the Helian Mansion, especially with how determined and ruthless this royal family was. That thought actually settled Ye Jiayao.


    It seemed that those two dogs would encounter bad fortune soon.


    "Arrgh! Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang are such douchebags! I will beat them to a pulp if I see them again," Helian Jing exclaimed angrily.


    "Why are you so indignant?" Ye Jiayao felt bad. Chunyu used the Helian family to exact their revenge and now they were caught in the middle of it.


    Helian Jing replied, "They made my mother mad and they did horrific, shameless things inside our home. For that, I will make them suffer."


    "So if I make your family mad one day, you''ll make me suffer, too?" Ye Jiayao was upset. If Little Jing finds out the truth one day, would he be angry at her? Would he blame her?


    Helian Jing turned to her with a slight smile. "You? How could you ever do that? My grandmother adores you. When I greeted Old Ancestress this morning, she gushed about you!"


    Helian Jing cleared his throat and squinted his eyes, thinning his lips a bit. He said, mimicking his grandmother''s voice, "Little Jing, Li Yao was not born in a rich family, but he has a good personality. He is much better than your other rich and spoiled friends."


    Ye Jiayao laughed, kicking him playfully. "Stop that! That''s creepy!"


    Helian Jing dramatically said, "I was praising you! Why are you kicking me? Gosh!"


    The two of them talked and laughed until they finally arrived at the Prince''s mansion.


    Helian Jing reported their presence and after a short wait, someone came to take them inside.


    The Prince was still discussing business with some people in the study when they arrived so they were asked to wait at the side hall.


    They waited for a while before they were permitted to enter the study.


    The Prince didn''t look well and kept pressing his temples.


    "Peace with Your Highness ¡­"


    "Peace with your Prince Highness¡­"


    Helian Jing made a hand gesture while Ye Jiayao had to kneel down.


    The prince didn''t recognize Ye Jiayao at the time so he simply smiled at Helian Jing. "Young Royal Highness, to what do I owe this visit?"


    Helian Jing laughed. "Crown Prince, I accompanied Li Yao here because he wanted to bring you a few new ice cream mooncakes to taste."


    Li Yao? The prince frowned slightly before suddenly exclaiming, "You''re Li Yao from Heavenly Residence?"


    Ye Jiayao worked hard to keep the disappointment off her face. The Crown Prince has already forgotten her?


    "Yes, Your Highness. Last time, you asked me to bring anything tasty to you so I brought this special mooncake that I made for Your Highness to taste," Ye Jiayao said respectfully.


    "Your Highness, this mooncake is really delicious. It was served at my grandmother''s dinner last night and everyone was so impressed!" Helian Jing gushed.


    The Prince smiled. "Yes, my lady talked about that new ice cream mooncake. She wanted to get a few to try at dinner."


    Ye Jiayao brought up the ice box. "If Your Highness and Lady like it, just ask someone to deliver a message and I will bring them to you immediately."


    The Prince waved for one of his servants to take it and said happily, "You really have a good heart."


    Ye Jiayao said, "It is Your Highness'' goodwill that got me to this point. I am very grateful to you and since making good food is all I know, this is the only way I could repay you."


    "It may be the only skill you know, but you''ve more than mastered it. And since you''re offering this, I have one thing to ask you," the Prince said.


    "Your Highness, I will do whatever you ask. Even if it''s not in my capabilities, I will do my best to deliver it to you," Ye Jiayao immediately said submissively.


    Helian Jing stayed silent. Yaoyao did not need any help talking to the Crown Prince, he was already saying all the right things. Yaoyao really did know how to properly suck up.


    The Prince was impressed with Li Yao. He had met up people who could utter flatteries so easily, but he rarely met someone who''s sincere in what they say.


    "My lady is pregnant and she doesn''t have a good appetite recently. She is sick of the food in the Emperor''s kitchen already. Since you seem to know new and fresh dishes, could you make her one?" The Prince requested.


    Ye Jiayao suddenly felt pressured. It was not easy to please the Prince''s wife. She was pregnant with the future heir and Ye Jiayao was sure to be drawn and quartered if she made any mistakes.


    "So? Could you?" the Prince prodded.


    Ye Jiayao swallowed back her unease. It wasn''t as if she could really say no. "I will try my best. However, I need to know what kind of physique your lady is in, what she can eat, what she can''t, and her favorite food and flavors."


    The Prince nodded, approving of how thorough and meticulous Li Yao was.


    "Little Chuan will take you to see Doctor Liu and Wet Nurse Zhang. You can ask them anything about my lady''s health," the Prince said.


    Helian Jing and Ye Jiayao walked out of the mansion about an hour later.


    The heavy rain that was looming the whole night finally came down as they got out. The Prince had someone send them home with a cart. Helian Jing had no choice but to leave his horse at the palace and come back for it tomorrow.


    Helian Jing insisted to send Yaoyao home first.


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t dissuade him so she just allowed it.


    When they were near the alleyway, Ye Jiayao wanted to get off but Helian Jing didn''t let her. "You''ll get soaked if you go out in this heavy rain. Don''t you live in the alley? Driver, please get in."


    "I''m here, you can go back now," Ye Jiayao said as she knocked on the door.


    Helian Jing studied the house. It was relatively new and pretty quiet in a noisy area. It was a relief to see where Yaoyao lives because he''d been worried that he''d been living in a bad condition.


    "Aye, open the door."


    The door opened and everyone fell into a stunned silence.


    Ye Jiayao didn''t expect for Chunyu to actually open the door.


    Chunyu didn''t realize that Little Jing would actually walk Yaoyao to the door. After all, why would Little Jing do that for a man?


    Helian Jing was stupefied. So the friend that Yaoyao talked about was Brother Chunyu? Brother Chunyu arranged the living place for Yaoyao?


    Chunyu was the first to recover from the shock. "Little Jing, you took Li Yao away. I couldn''t find him and I was just getting ready to leave. Come, come inside and talk!"


    Xia Chunyu turned around and called loudly, "Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang, there is a guest."


    He wanted to warn the Jiang family not to give away Yaoyao''s real identity yet.


    Everyone came into the room and Jiang Yue brought some tea while Auntie Jiang gave them clean towels. She then excused herself to make some eggs.


    They wiped the water off their clothes and Helian Jing asked, "Brother Chunyu, why are you here?"


    Xia Chunyu replied casually, "Oh, it is Uncle Jiang and Auntie Jiang''s house. They''re from Black Wind Ridge and I come here to visit them sometimes."


    Helian Jing nodded in understanding. He was initially surprised why Brother Chunyu was here so late at night. However, he was feeling a bit cheated. He wanted to take Yaoyao home many times but he always refused while Brother Chunyu could just sit around here any time. Now that he knew where Yaoyao was living, Helian Jing would be sure to come visit often in the future.


    Ye Jiayao cleared her throat and asked, "Heir-Son Lord, why were you looking for me?"


    "It is not a big deal. I just wanted to ask you for a few ice cream mooncakes since my servants couldn''t get any today. The women in my family wanted them. I had a chat with Uncle Jiang since you were not here and the rain caught up with me," Xia Chunyu answered.


    "Okay. I will make a few more tomorrow and you can come and take them," Ye Jiayao said.


    "I want some as well," Helian Jing reminded her immediately.


    Ye Jiayao''s lips twitched. "I know. Don''t worry."


    "Right, where did you two go so late at night?" Xia Chunyu asked perfunctorily. He already knew that they went to the Prince''s mansion since he followed them there.


    Helian Jing responded, "Yaoyao was sucking up to the prince."


    Ye Jiayao turned to him and knocked his head with her finger. "I did no such thing!"

 Chapter 117：Slip of the Tongue

    Helian Jing immediately backtracked laughingly. "Alright, alright. You were delivering some good food for the Prince and you just happened to say a few flatteries to him."


    Ye Jiayao lifted her hand, wanting to knock him again. "I think you are looking for trouble."


    "Guests, I prepared some sugar water egg," Auntie Jiang announced with a warm smile as she got back from the kitchen.


    Helian Jing was the first guest in this small courtyard so Auntie Jiang naturally wanted to entertain him properly.


    "What is that? That''s the first time I''m hearing about that. I have had phoenix eggs, quail eggs, spiced corned egg, fried egg, scrambled eggs, but... sugar water egg? Oh! Auntie Jiang, you gave me a double-yolked egg!" It was now Helian Jing''s turn to suck up. He wanted to come here often in the future so he wanted her to like him.


    Ye Jiayao thought that sounded weird, too.


    Auntie Jiang laughed and said, "That''s my first egg and it''s a double-yolked egg. That''s a good sign."


    Ye Jiayao and Xia Chunyu both spat out their tea.


    Helian Jing looked at them curiously. "What? Are you jealous that Auntie Jiang gave me eggs to eat? We can share if you''d like. Auntie Jiang''s eggs taste really good - for real."


    "No need to share, there is more in the pot. I will bring them up now." Auntie Jiang walked away happily.


    Ye Jiayao was laughing so hard that her sides ached. Xia Chunyu, too, could barely keep up his dignified image.


    "Aye, what'' s wrong with you two?" Helian Jing felt unsettled by their laughter. He didn''t have anything on his face, does he?


    "Auntie Jiang''s egg. Hahahaha! Her first egg¡­ aiyo, stop!" Ye Jiayao doubled over, clutching her stomach.


    Xia Chunyu was more controlled in his laughter. "Only hens lay eggs! Why would you say it like that?"


    Helian Jing''s eyes widened in realization and the three of them laughed together.


    Xia Chunyu said in a serious tone, "Stop laughing. Eat. These are Auntie Jiang''s eggs, very precious."


    Ye Jiayao busted out laughing again. She cried, "No, no, I am done! My cheeks hurt so much. You go eat. I will change my face and wash clothes."


    Xia Chunyu and Helian Jing looked at her.


    "What are you looking at? Eat your eggs," Ye Jiayao told them.


    Helian Jing said stonily, "Yaoyao, don''t change your face. Your face is already quite good."


    Ye Jiayao then realized her mistake. Ugh! That was monumentally stupid!


    She spluttered, "I don''t know what you are talking about."


    Ye Jiayao then hurriedly walked away.


    Helian Jing said to Xia Chunyu, "Change his face? That''s creepy."


    Xia Chunyu nodded and played along, "It is creepy. If he has the other face, though, I want to see that."


    "No, I like the way he is," Helian Jing said as he ate his sugar water egg.


    The gleam in Xia Chunyu''s eyes was different when he teased, "Why do you like him?"


    Helian Jing looked taken aback for a second before he flushed red. He carefully said, "What do you mean? I''m just used to him the way he is. I don''t want any change."


    Xia Chunyu''s raised a brow and faked a smile. "I''m just asking. Why is your face red?"


    Helian Jing was getting more embarrassed. "It''s not red."


    He was afraid that people would start asking this kind of question. At times, he was very determined to think that his relationship with Yaoyao was very simple. However, there were still moments that he was confused. He didn''t know how to describe what he was feeling toward Yaoyao.


    But, why would Brother Chunyu ask that? Did he find anything wrong with how he was acting?


    Xia Chunyu stopped his questions with a faint smile. Yaoyao was still a woman. Even though she dresses and acts like a man, her appeal as a girl was still undeniable. Xia Chunyu just vowed to pay close attention to the friends that surrounded Yaoyao.


    He still wasn''t sure what Little Jing thought and felt for Yaoyao, but based on his reaction, Xia Chunyu knew that it was nothing casual or normal.


    Perhaps Little Jing had already discovered Yaoyao''s original features. Maybe he was just inexplicably attracted to her. It could also be that Little Jing himself was not sure about his feelings for Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao returned to her room, washed her face with water, and was just about to get dressed when she saw a box on the table.


    The material of Huanghua pear was carved on it with a beautiful pattern of tangled flowers. When she opened it, there was a deep, soft red velvet lining inside.


    Chunyu...


    With a smile, Ye Jiayao moved the Wish Jade to the box that Xia Chunyu brought. This box was definitely worthy of the Wish Jade''s preciousness.


    "The rain stopped," Xia Chunyu observed.


    "Ah, it stopped," echoed Helian Jing.


    "You''re still not going back?


    "Are you not going either?"


    "Well, my house is nearby."


    "Mine is just two streets away and I have a horse cart."


    "Time to go."


    "Well, it is a bit late."


    But neither of their feet moved.


    Ye Jiayao looked on at the two idiots.


    "It is late, guys, go home. I''ll get you your mooncakes tomorrow," Ye Jiayao said to them. She needed to make ice cream and she doesn''t have the time to chat with them.


    Xia Chunyu nodded at Helian Jing. "Okay, we''ll leave now."


    Helian Jing said, "Come ride with me, I have a cart."


    Xia Chunyu said indifferently, "Nah, I like taking a walk."


    "Only the elderly likes to walk," Helian Jing muttered.


    "What does a child know?" Xia Chunyu gave him a haughty look and walked away.


    "Aye, Brother Chunyu, the door is over here," Helian Jing called when he saw Chunyu walking in the wrong direction.


    Xia Chunyu said in a low and muffled voice, "I am saying goodbye to Uncle Jiang."


    "Right. I will say bye to Auntie Jiang, then." Helian Jing followed.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Auntie Jiang is in the kitchen."


    When the two nobles returned, Helian Jing said, "Yaoyao, I''ll look for you after I finish my duty."


    Xia Chunyu''s face turned dark and he stared at Yaoyao warningly.


    Ye Jiayo resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "If you come after duty, you won''t have any food to eat as the seats are fully booked. You should come after dinner."


    "Alright, I will come after dinner," Helian Jing said with disappointment.


    Ye Jiayao finally sent them away.


    Jiang Yue came over and handed her a note. "Sister Yaoyao, the Heir-Son Lord asked me to give you this."


    Ye Jiayao opened it. Leave Heavenly Residence using the back door tomorrow night. I will wait for you in the alley.


    The next day, Ye Jiayao made about 600ish mooncakes and left eight each for Little Jing, Chunyu, and Zhao Qixuan.


    If possible, the sales were even hotter than yesterday. Most of the buyers yesterday were governors and today was predominantly businessmen.


    People who came yesterday even brought two to three people with them so they could purchase more.


    After a busy lunch, Ye Jiayao sat in the seat on the street to rest and drink some tea. She was feeling terrible because of the heavy workload she had these past two days.


    Twenty minutes before 1 PM, people who were lined up outside the restaurant under the sun were swimming in sweat.


    Ye Jiayao called Ah Fu over and whispered something to him. Ah Fu happily left to comply with her request.


    After a short while, Cui Dongpeng and Wang Mingde came out with a big teapot. Ah Fu and Ah Xing were just behind them carrying numerous bowls.


    Cui Dongpeng loudly announced, "Anyone like to have some tea?"


    There was suddenly a buzz.


    "I want, I want..."


    Ye Jiayao smiled, pleased. Making more money was really just about seizing business opportunities when they present themselves.


    Although tea doesn''t really generate a lot of money, it didn''t matter. Money is still money.


    When the people in line had quenched their thirst with a bowl of tea, their irritation subsided. The wait was not so anxious anymore and they started to chat with one another.


    "Hey, did you hear about the affairs of Assistant Minister Mu''s nephew?"


    "Of course, I heard it! Everyone in the city has heard of it."


    "I heard that he''s still the scholar of the Ji Nan government. He might be knowledgeable but he acts like a despicable dog."


    "I know, right? Second Lady Ye is a horrible person as well. A poisonous woman! You know, I think that they murdered First Lady Ye."


    "Such a terrible couple!"


    "They should be forced to ride a wooden donkey and paraded in the streets."


    A few more people added to the gossip.


    Ye Jiayao inconspicuously listened to what the people were talking about. At this rate, Wei Liujiang and Jinrong would be ranked the worst couple in the history of Huai Song by the end of the week. She wasn''t sure if the public derision was also part of Chunyu''s plan.


    "Come on, mooncakes are on sale. Everybody, line up!" Deng Haichuan shouted.


    The people immediately left their gossip groups and returned to their original position.


    Ye Jiayao looked at the rough estimate of the people in the queue and knew that the six hundred mooncakes were not enough.


    Other materials were easy to obtain, but the amount of agar and butter were limited. She couldn''t do more even if she wanted to.


    Suddenly, Ye Jiayao saw Eunuch Little Chuan, who was always by the Prince''s side, walk towards Heavenly Residence.


    Ye Jiayao got up and welcomed him enthusiastically.


    "Eunuch Little Chuan, is it the Prince''s lady''s order?" The Prince''s lady told her last night that she''d think about what she wanted to eat and would just send someone over to tell her.


    Little Chuan replied, "No, I''m here to buy ice cream mooncakes. Today, Empress Mei Fei went to see the Prince''s lady and tried the mooncakes you sent last night. Empress Mei Fei was impressed by them so she wanted to bring some back. The Prince''s lady asked me to come here and buy some more."


    "No, no, you don''t need to buy that. How many do you want? I''ll give them to you," Ye Jiayao said.


    "Can I get ten?"


    "Yes, of course! Wait here."


    Ye Jiayao called Ah Xing and told him, "Take ten mooncakes out for this eunuch."


    Little Chuan handed her some money but Ye Jiayao just pushed them back to his hands. "I told you, there''s no need to pay for it."


    He smiled and said, "I will go back and tell the Empress that this is your filial piety."


    "What kind of food can the Prince''s lady have?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "Prince''s lady wanted to eat something sour and delicious. She said it''s up to you what to make."


    Suddenly, people in the queue started shouting, "That''s unfair!"


    "We lined up in the heat for these mooncakes!"


    "Why are you giving it so easily?"


    It seemed that Eunuch Little Chuan''s special treatment did not go unnoticed by the people.

 Chapter 118：Do You Want to See Susu?

    The people started rallying, shouting their indignation.


    Little Chuan was embarrassed. "I... I don''t..."


    "Don''t worry. We''ll handle this," Ye Jiayao assured him.


    Ah Xing brought the mooncakes out and Ye Jiayao said, "Take this eunuch and escort him to the back door."


    Eunuch Little Chuan dutifully followed behind Ah Xing.


    Manager Qian ran down from upstairs when he heard the racket that the people were making. "What is going on? What''s with all that noise?"


    Ye Jiayao took huge steps outside and stood at the door. "What are you shouting for?"


    "You gave someone ten mooncakes when you said five is the limit!" someone shouted angrily.


    "That''s unfair!"


    "He didn''t even stand in the line!"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes and snapped back, "He''s from the palace! Do you want me to call him back so you can air your grievances with him?"


    The angry crowd fell silent.


    Even their masters would not dare challenge the people in the palace.


    Manager Qian was shocked and asked Li Yao softly, "Is he really from the palace?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "He''s from the Prince''s mansion."


    "That''s wonderful!" Manager Qian exclaimed, elated.


    After all the mooncakes were sold, Ye Jiayao asked Deng Haichuan to deliver the mooncakes to the Helian Mansion and Yong An Lord''s mansion.


    After a short while, Deng Haichuan ran back to the restaurant, looking alarmed. He panted, "Brother Yao! Sh*t! I saw someone take an ice cream mooncake to Fragrant House. I was curious so I followed him and I saw that he handed it over to a pastry chef that works for Master Chef Niu."


    "They''re trying to copy our work!" Cui Dongpeng said, angered.


    Ye Jiayao calmed them down. "That''s only normal. It wouldn''t surprise me if other restaurants are trying to copy that as well. Don''t worry, let them try. They won''t get very far."


    "They can study our mooncake as much as they want, but they won''t figure it out. The materials we use are rare. What do they know about agar?" Zhong Xiang said.


    Wang Mingde chimed in, "They won''t succeed. Don''t forget that we have the recipe here¡­"


    Everyone was silent, their thoughts turning to the same path. They acted normally around everyone these past two days, but they were still wary of the traitor.


    The other helpers in the kitchen participated in the extraction of agar and butter and they knew what materials to use and what to do. However, the final and most important step, the production of ice cream, was only made by Ye Jiayao.


    "Don''t worry," Ye Jiayao repeated. "Even if they manage to successfully copy it, I''ll just make new products again."


    Their distressed expressions finally relaxed.


    Assistant Minister Mu''s mansion was overshadowed with sadness and shame as the people''s contempt for them grew.


    Assistant Minister Mu was the most furious out of all of them. He worked long and hard for his position and he was actually hoping for a promotion this year. Now, everything has fallen apart.


    "Send a letter to Ji Nan and tell them to deal with this themselves. I can''t and won''t help them anymore."


    Assistant Minister Mu didn''t even go to work today. He said that he was sick just to have an excuse to hide in his house. He could not bear the people''s scrutiny and scorn.


    Lady Qie replied, "They have sent letters to Ji Nan and Yang Zhou. The problem is on Jinrong and Liujiang was simply dragged into it. If worse comes to worst, he would need to divorce her."


    "All the mistakes are on you! You adore Liujiang too much and you comply with all his request. It was you who promised that you''ll bring Jinrong to the Helian Mansion," Assistant Minister Mu complained.


    "I did not expect this to happen! They said everything had been dealt with and there would be no more problem. How was I supposed to know that this would blow back like this?" Lady Qie felt wronged.


    "Look at what your lack of vigilance did. Our reputation is totally destroyed," Assistant Minister Mu said in a raised voice. The more he thought about it, the madder he got.


    "Why are you shouting at me? I didn''t want this to happen either!" Lady Qie cried.


    Assistant Minister Mu calmed down after seeing his wife''s distraught state


    Lady Qie said, "If Liujiang is right, Lee must be hidden by the Helian Royal Mansion''s people."


    Assistant Minister Mu snorted, appalled by how his wife was always so quick to defend her nephew. "Woman, think! The Helian Royal Mansion had nothing to do with us. Liujiang only came to Jin Ling recently, how would the Royal Mansion even know him?"


    "Master, I don''t know if I should tell you something or not," Lady Qie hedged.


    "What is it?"


    "This morning, Qinchu told me that he and Liujiang had offended the Heir-son Lord Xia Chunyu before. After that, Third Young Master Xia and Young Royal Highness Jing had been rude to them. Master, I think there''s a problem there."


    Assistant Minister Mu scowled for a moment and before ordering a servant to call forth his son and Wei Liujiang.


    After a short moment, Mu Qinchu and Wei Liujiang entered the room.


    "Peace with Father and Mother."


    "Peace with Uncle and Aunt."


    "Qinchu, when did you offend the Jing An Heir-Son Lord? And why?" Assistant Minister Mu asked. If they find out the real problem, solving it would be easier.


    Mu Qinchu relayed how they accidentally offended Heavenly Residence''s Head Chef Li Yao and how Heir-Son Lord had stepped in on his behalf. Mu Qinchu also told them about the 500kg of ice ticket that they extorted from him.


    Wei Liujiang added, "Jing An Heir-Son Lord came to my house after the Black Wind Ridge was destroyed and asked about the First Lady Ye. He said that First Lady Ye was killed in a fight against the bandits and the army. I don''t know if this is related to that but..."


    Wei Liujiang was panicking. His exam was coming soon and if they don''t settle all the rumors, his future would be ruined.


    "I''d say that it must be the Jing An Heir-Son Lord that was behind this." Lady Qie was certain.


    Assistant Minister Mu squinted at her and said, "We must not make hasty judgments. We have already offended the Helian Mansion, and if we offend the Jing An Marquis Mansion... we''re better off disappearing off the face of the earth."


    "What do you think we should do, Master?" Lady Qie asked anxiously.


    "At the moment, we can only wait for the Ye family and see if they have any way to prove that Jinrong is First Lady Ye. As for that servant, we could just say that Lee got terrified that her lie would be revealed so she fled. I will personally apologize to the Helian Royal Mansion to ease up the tension," Assistant Minister Mu said.


    Lady Qie sighed. "I told my sister and brother-in-law a thousand times not to hide the fact that Jinrong was the one that married Liujiang. It was not their fault that First Lady Ye was kidnapped by the bandits! Why do they have to use all this ruse? Now, this one lie would need countless other lies to cover it up."


    Wei Liujiang looked away, fear spreading throughout his body. Even his father didn''t know what really happened!


    After making dinner, Ye Jiayao got ready to leave. If she didn''t clock off early, she wouldn''t be able to get away when Little Jing comes.


    "Brother Yao, the shopkeeper asks you to go to see him."


    Ye Jiayao thought that Shopkeeper Li would settle her salary with her so she excitedly hurried up to his office.


    She opened the door and Little Jing greeted her.


    Ye Jiayao was surprised. "Little Jing, when did you come?"


    Helian Jing smiled and responded, "Ages ago. I already finished a whole pot of tea."


    "Li Yao, are you finished working?" Shopkeeper Li asked.


    "Ah... um, almost."


    Helian Jing got up and said, "Let''s go. I''ll take you to a good place."


    "What good place? I have to go back to work."


    "We have to hurry, we don''t have much time," Helian Jing said and dragged Yaoyao out. He called over his shoulder, "Shopkeeper Li, see you next time!"


    Xia Chunyu is still waiting for me at the back door!


    She wanted to ask someone to send Chunyu a message, but she didn''t see a credible messenger. Before she knew it, she was already pulled out of Heavenly Residence.


    "Go and get on the carriage. You said you don''t like horse riding so I called a horse cart," Helian Jing said.


    "Where the hell are we going?" Ye Jiayao asked uneasily.


    "You will know when we get there."


    "I don''t like this. If you don''t tell me where we''re going, I am not going with you," Ye Jiayao said, trying to scare him into fessing up.


    "Do you want to know what Zhao Qixuan''s Susu looks like?"


    Ye Jiayao perked up. "He is back?"


    "Yeah. His mother''s birthday party is in a few days so he sneaked back. Zhao Qixuan knew, though. He came to me this morning, excited and nervous, but he did not know what to do. His Little Su went away for three years without any message for him. Poor Zhao was so heartbroken."


    "What is he going to do?"


    Ye Jiayao had completely forgotten that Chunyu was still waiting for her, the attraction of this juicy gossip was too great.


    Susu was said to be Jin Ling''s most beautiful man. She thought that Chunyu was already very handsome and the two Helian brothers were not bad either, so just how handsome was this Susu? How could he ensnare Zhao Qixuan''s heart that bad?


    "He asked Susu to meet with him under the white tower temple tonight where they first met. We could go first and lurk to listen to what they will say," Helian Jing said conspiratorially, dancing with giddiness.


    "Well, alright! What are you waiting for? Let''s go!" Ye Jiayao hopped on the cart hurriedly.


    The carriage stopped before it reached the white tower temple.


    "We should go around and walk there in case Zhao Qixuan arrived very early," said Helian Jing.


    He commanded the driver to hide the carriage in an unobtrusive place.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing carefully walked to the white tower temple and hid under a bush of trees.


    As Helian Jing expected, Zhao Qixuan was already there, holding his fan restlessly and pacing back and forth. From time to time, he would stop and look around expectantly before resuming his anxious pacing.


    "What time are they supposed to meet?" Ye Jiayao whispered.


    "10 pm and it is close."


    After a little while, Helian Jing suddenly said, "There is a sound of a carriage coming."


    A carriage slowly entered their sights.


    Ye Jiayao held her breath in anticipation.

 Chapter 119：Stop Susu

    Xia Chunyu spent a long time waiting at the back door. He thought that the restaurant business was just so good today that Yaoyao could not leave early.


    However, this was way too late.


    Xia Chunyu could not wait anymore so he told Song Qi to go and have a look.


    Song Qi ran to back door and saw that it was already closed. He ran to the front just as the staff was preparing to lock it.


    "Hey, is Li Yao available?"


    Little Lu, the person who was closing the door, said, "Brother Yao has already left."


    "He already left? No way! Can you go in and check?"


    Little Lu replied, "It''s true. He left with Young Royal Highness earlier."


    "Was it Young Royal Highness Jing?"


    Little Lu nodded.


    Song Qi''s heart sank as he looked up at the dark sky. He did not know how he would tell this to the Heir-Son Lord.


    Xia Chunyu''s face clouded over at Song Qi''s report. He was angry and hurt. He knew that Yaoyao could not really get rid of Helian Jing, but couldn''t she have asked someone to send him a message? How could she just leave without even a thought for him? What was he to her? Was he really that dispensable?


    "Let''s go back," Xia Chunyu told Song Qi coldly.


    Ye Jiayao hid behind bushes. Under the dimness, she saw a guy in a moon-white clothing get off the horse cart. Even though it was just a silhouette, his long body shape and the movement of his feet gave away his elegant nature.


    Zhao Qixuan came up quickly to welcome him but he was so excited that he could not speak. He simply stared at him like an idiot.


    Susu started first, "How are you?"


    His voice was so nice, warm and smooth.


    Chunyu''s voice was also good. It was low and hoarse, especially when he was feeling emotional. It was magnetic and has a charm that could kill people.


    Umm... what? Ye Jiayao berated herself silently. Why was she thinking of Chunyu? And why those specific thoughts? She shook her head, trying to dump the impure thoughts.


    "What are you doing?" Helian Jing looked at her strangely.


    Ye Jiayao blushed. "There are bugs. Don''t mind me."


    Ye Jiayao thought that Zhao Qixuan would complain about Susu''s apathy and demand where he went for three years. She thought that Zhao Qixuan would be in tears by now, confessing his love and longingness for Susu...


    Zhao Qixuan smiled and giggled. "Susu, you haven''t changed at all."


    Susu lowered his brows. "And you are still the same."


    Wait. What? That''s what a gay couple say to each other after they reunite for the first time in three years? No kisses, no tears, no passion? Ye Jiayao was feeling a bit disappointed.


    "Will you go away again after your mother''s party?" Zhao Qixuan asked with a forced smile.


    Susu looked up at the moon and sighed softly. "Why are you so persistent?"


    Zhao Qixuan smiled at him indulgently. "You know me. I''ve only been obsessed with one thing in my life."


    Ye Jiayao grinned. The show would begin soon.


    "I think it is better if I just leave." Susu still had an indifferent tone, but there was still an underlying touch of sadness in it.


    "Why? I said I won''t force you. I only need to see you occasionally and know where you are, to know that you''re okay. Is there something wrong with that?" Zhao Qixuan said hurriedly, feeling a bit panicked.


    Susu did not say anything and just simply looked at him.


    From where Ye Jiayao was hiding, she could not see his face. She could only see his silhouette so she could not tell what expression was on Susu''s face.


    "Let''s move to the other side," Ye Jiayao mouthed to Little Jing, pointing at a closer hiding spot.


    Little Jing shook his head and mouthed back, "Susu''s Kungfu is strong, he''ll spot us."


    "Qixuan, your persistence is dedicated to the wrong thing. You''ll just make your life hard," Susu told him.


    "I don''t think it is wrong. And even if it is hard, I enjoy it. I am willing to suffer for it," Zhao Qixuan responded.


    Ye Jiayao secretly cheered for Zhao Qixuan. He''d been pining for Susu for way too long, it was time that he reached his goal.


    "You may be willing, but I am not. Qixuan, I have already given up," Susu said emotionlessly.


    Zhao Qixuan sneered, "Who are you lying to? Even if you''ve deceived everyone, you can''t fool me. You haven''t let it go. Why else would you be wearing those jade beads on your neck?"


    Susu looked away uneasily, his hand flying to the beads on his neck. "So now I can''t like jade beads?"


    "You like it because I gave it to you."


    "Anyway, I will leave after Mum''s birthday."


    "Susu, you are a coward!" Zhao Qixuan shouted.


    They stared at each other wordlessly, emotions a knot in their throats.


    Ye Jiayao felt anxious for them.


    After a while, Susu said defeatedly, "I am done with this meeting. Take care, Zhao Qixuan, and goodbye."


    Susu turned away but Zhao Qixuan pulled him back. "I know you''re worried, but don''t you think all of this is too cruel to us? If you want to leave, tell me. I am willing to leave everything behind to be with you."


    Susu refused to look at him. "I told you, I am not a willing participant in this. You said you won''t force me."


    Zhao Qixuan''s face crumpled with sadness which tugged at Ye Jiayao''s heart.


    Poor Zhao Qixuan! He looked so cheery all the time, no one knew the desolation he was carrying inside.


    Zhao Qixuan, don''t give up! Ye Jiayao silently urged him to fight harder. She didn''t want to see her friend continue on with a broken heart.


    Zhao Qixuan loosened his grip on Susu little by little.


    Susu choked a bit and strode away.


    One step, two steps, three steps.


    Helian Jing sighed. How could it end the same way as before?


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t stand it anymore. She stood up and yelled, "Susu, stop!"


    Helian Jing looked at Yaoyao, his jaw falling open. What are you doing, Yaoyao?


    Zhao Qixuan was so immersed in his sorrow that he did not really pay attention to Yaoyao. However, Susu turned around and stopped, his eyes curious.


    Helian Jing stood up, too, scratching his head embarrassedly. He waved to Susu sheepishly and said, "Hi, Susu."


    Ye Jiayao recklessly rushed forward and stood in front of Susu.


    She got her first look at the man and she almost stumbled back. What? How could a man look this enchanting and beautiful?


    "Zhao Qixuan''s right, you are a coward. Do you think you''re the only one with family? He has people he cares about here, too, but he''s willing to give them up. And what do you do? You just run away, hoping that the problem would solve itself when you get back. Well, news flash, Susu, Zhao Qixuan loves you. He will always love you and it doesn''t matter how much time passes, that will still be true.


    "Are you just going to be forever afraid of doing things because your parents don''t approve of it? Every problem has a solution! If you are strong enough, if you are persistent enough, things will work out! You want love, but you can''t give it back. You are just torturing Zhao Qixuan! What do you even want? The way you''re stringing him along... I have two words for you: pretentious and stupid."


    Susu was completely stunned. Who the f*ck is this guy?


    Zhao Qixuan looked at Li Yao, deeply moved by his devotion and his defense. Li Yao, you''re really a good friend.


    Helian Jing had seen Yaoyao scold people, but this was a whole new level. He was almost scared of his friend.


    Ye Jiayao continued, "Why are you so afraid of coming out as a gay man? Even emperors have been gay! Who says you can''t be one? I know you love him, I see it in your eyes, so why are you punishing the both of you?"


    She then turned to Zhao Qixuan and proceeded to rebuke him, "Are you a fool? Why do you just accept what he says? Why don''t you just take him down and drag him home with you?"


    Zhao Qixuan opened his mouth to reply, but he saw Susu''s face darkening so he swallowed back his words. If I can do that, I would have already done it a long time ago. Unluckily, I cannot win a fight against him.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Zhao Qixuan''s uncomfortable expression and remembered what Little Jing said about Susu''s Kungfu. "If you can''t fight him, then use other tactics! Knock him out with a medicine if you have to! You can even declare your love in front of the Su''s mansion. People already knew about the two of you, so why not own it? After a few times, Governor Su and other people will just get used to it."


    The three men looked at Ye Jiayao, all in varying degrees of shock.


    Susu turned to his lover. Zhao Qixuan, don''t listen to this kid''s nonsense!


    Zhao Qixuan felt a renewed sense of hope. Why did he not think of that? If they were to move past this hurdle, he would have to force Susu.


    If this was how Yaoyao deals with her offenders, Helian Jing would do his best never to cross his friend in the future.

 Chapter 120：Caught

    Susu had always been calm and cool but right at this moment, he was feeling unsettled.


    This guy was a madman. He couldn''t believe that Qixuan would associate with the likes of this chap.


    Susu''s face darkened and he turned around to leave.


    Ye Jiayao''s voice rose when she said, "Zhao Qixuan, if he dares to leave the capital city, you should visit their mansion every day and pay your respects to Governor Su. You can just say that you are doing filial piety for Susu."


    Susu went on, his fists clenched.


    "And when you adopt a child, you can say it''s your and Susu''s love child. On new years or festivals, you can take him to see his grandpa and grandma."


    Susu felt himself stumble.


    "Let him hide. That''s what he does best, isn''t it? Don''t worry, even if he crawls to the deepest hole at the end of the earth, everyone in Jin Ling already knows that he belongs to you."


    Susu couldn''t take it anymore. He turned around and glared at his former lover, "Zhao Qixuan, if you dare to do those things, I''ll destroy you."


    Zhao Qixuan wasn''t intimidated. Li Yao enlightened him and gave him a glimmer of a chance. If he wanted Susu, dancing around him wasn''t going to cut it. No, if Zhao Qixuan wanted Susu, he''d just have to take him.


    "Then, you better destroy me now," Zhao Qixuan said affirmatively.


    "You¡­" Susu spluttered angrily.


    He stepped towards Zhao Qixuan and grabbed his collar.


    Zhao Qixuan just looked at him calmly, fully prepared to let him do whatever he wanted.


    "Susu, Qixuan, can''t you two talk properly? Just calm down¡­"


    He might as well have been air for all the attention that the two lovers paid him.


    Ye Jiayao dragged Helian Jing away. "Let them solve their problem. This has gone on for far too long. We have to let them hash this out because all this evasion and waiting around is not healthy for either of them. Life is too short for them to continue with this back and forth when it''s clear as a day that they love each other. Come on, Little Jing, let''s go."


    Ye Jiayao turned around and walked away, feeling a little bit mad at the two gays and their annoying pseudo-relationship.


    Helian Jing watched Yaoyao walk away and turned to the two men. He said worriedly, "Just talk this out, don''t fight. Zhao Qixuan, I''ll come back to find you later."


    When they returned to the horse cart, Ye Jiayao hugged herself and didn''t say anything.


    Helian Jing was also quiet, his thoughts occupied. Zhao Qixuan and Susu weren''t the only ones affected by Yaoyao''s words. It actually made him examine his own heart properly.


    He and Yaoyao met in Shang Dong which was thousands of miles away. They went on the same boat, slept on the same bed, and from there, they basically lived together for a while.


    There was a time when he thought that he''d lost Yaoyao forever, and that greatly devastated him. Their meeting at Heavenly Residence was his second chance and here he was, still dawdling over his feelings.


    No more. Yaoyao was right. Life is short, and he must seize every chance and leave no regrets. He couldn''t just be like Susu and run away everytime the going gets tough. Even if it''s a road with no way back, Helian Jing was still determined to take it.


    "Yaoyao¡­" Helian Jing hedged.


    "What?" she snapped. She was feeling all kinds of raw and annoyed so she was out of patience at the moment.


    Maybe, Helian Jing figured, he''d travel on that one-way road next time. "I''m just worried that they would fight."


    "It doesn''t matter if they fight. They''ve kept their feelings bottled for too long, they need a release. Sometimes, we hurt the ones that we love the most, may that be physical or verbal abuse."


    Yaoyao swore at him a lot. So does all that verbal abuse meant that he loved him? Helian Jing smiled foolishly.


    "Yo, what''s with the creepy smile?" Ye Jiayao looked at Little Jing strangely. This kid''s really weird.


    "Oh? Um, nothing. I just remembered how hilarious Susu''s face is earlier," Helian Jing lied.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes, her annoyance returning. Susu might look beautiful and carved but his pretentiousness ruined his appeal.


    By the time they returned to the small yard, it was already 7 PM. In ancient time, it was already very late.


    "You should go back! I have some things to do." Ye Jiayao didn''t want him to come in because she knew that Auntie Jiang was already resting by this time.


    "Okay. I will come and find you tomorrow, then."


    "Don''t you have a job? Why do you always seem to have ample free time?"


    "I don''t have a lot of free time! There are many things to do in the military department. We even needed to fight West Magnolia recently."


    "I think you are idle," Ye Jiayao told him. "See you."


    Helian Jing smiled affectionately. "See you."


    Jiang Yue and Jiang Li were still awake as they have to help Ye Jiayao make ice cream every day.


    Ye Jiayao asked them, "Did Heir-Son Lord come here today?"


    Jiang Yue shook his head.


    "How about Song Qi?"


    "He didn''t come either."


    "Should I go to the Heir-Son Lord''s mansion?" Jiang Li offered.


    "No, no, I am just asking." Ye Jiayao was worried that Chunyu might be mad at her. She didn''t meet him and she even neglected to send the mooncakes she promised!


    It was the middle of the night when someone carrying a bag sneaked into the kitchen stealthily. The person opened the sack of the sweet rice flour on the ground.


    A fire lit up.


    The person covered his face and made a run for the door.


    "Liu Qisheng," Zhao Qixuan breathed disappointedly as he stopped him at the door. "It''s really you."


    Deng Haichuan lighted the oil lamp.


    "Liu Qisheng, do you really think that we are that dumb to let you screw us over twice?"


    Liu Qisheng schooled his features to look indifferent, knowing that he could not escape this situation.


    "Why are you doing this?" Zhong Xiang questioned him.


    Liu Qisheng rolled his eyes but remained quiet.


    "Do you think your silence will save you? We caught you red-handed! The evidence is all here and there''s no way you can deny it." Deng Haichuan wanted to wipe that look off his smarmy face.


    "Have you caught the traitor?" Cui Dongpeng and all the other chefs rushed in.


    "Liu Qisheng, it is really you. How can you even do this?" Cui Dongpeng scolded.


    Everyone looked down on him.


    "It is too much."


    "Jealousy does not excuse this!"


    Zhong Xiang lifted his hands, gesturing for everyone to stop talking. He stared at Liu Qisheng somberly. "Give me one reason. Tell me why are you doing this!"


    Liu Qisheng said, "I don''t have anything to say. You already caught me. I will just leave you guys be."


    Deng Haichuan laughed coldly. "Leave? You''re not going to get away that easily."


    "You set us up in the birthday party at the royal mansion and we let it go. Now, these mooncakes belong to the restaurant and you are making a mess again. Are you trying to ruin Heavenly Residence''s name?" Cui Dongpeng demanded angrily.


    "I didn''t want to harm Heavenly Residence. I did it because I don''t like you guys," Liu Qisheng said answered bitterly.


    "So? I don''t like you either." Deng Haichuan punched him and Liu Qisheng fell over.


    Deng Haichuan still wanted to give him few more beatings but Zhong Xiang pulled him back. "Lock him up first. We''ll deal with him in the morning when Li Yao and Shopkeeper Li are here."


    Cui Dongpeng found a rope and tied him up.


    "This is against law," Liu Qisheng yelled, struggling against his bonds.


    Cui Dongpeng snorted. "So is sabotage, you blithering idiot."


    Ye Jiayao came to work in the morning and saw Zhong Xiang waiting for her at the door.


    "Li Yao, we caught him."


    "Is it Liu Qisheng?" Ye Jiayao was not surprised. He succeeded once and that gave him the confidence to do it again.


    Zhong Xiang nodded silently.


    "We found 20 silvers and one prescription in his bed. The prescription should be his dad''s as his dad has tuberculosis."


    "What do the 20 silvers mean?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Zhong Xiang said, "His family is quite poor. His father has tuberculosis and his mother went blind last year. He''s the eldest son and he has five younger brothers and sisters. His salary is used to cure his father and mother. When he didn''t have enough, he would borrow from me. It''s not possible for him to have so many silvers. I asked others in the restaurant too, but no one lost money nor lent him some. I think the 20 silvers has a dubious background."


    Ye Jiayao nodded, already having an idea of what was going on. She was surprised, however, to learn the hard life that Liu Qisheng was leading.


    "Is Shopkeeper Li here yet?


    "Not yet."


    Ye Jiayao said, "Take me to see Liu Qisheng."


    Liu Qisheng was locked in the bedroom and tied up in the corner. Half of his face was swollen and his lips were broken, too.


    He turned his face to the other side when he saw Ye Jiayao coming.


    Ye Jiayao took a stool and sat cross-legged in front of him.


    "Do you really find me annoying?" Ye Jiayao asked casually.


    Liu Qisheng remained expressionless.


    "Last time in the royal mansion, we already suspected that it was you who did it. We didn''t say anything afterward because we didn''t have enough evidence. I really didn''t think you''d be so stupid to try again.


    "I figured that you did that because you were jealous. You were jealous of my skills, my connections, the money I earn, and how I''m treated by everyone. You hate me because Zhong Xiang, your best friend, left you and partnered up with me. You hate that you''re a first-class kitchen hand and yet people like Cui Dongpeng who are a level below you got the chance to cook for Helian''s birthday feast..."


    "You hate the five of us, so you want to destroy us."


    Liu Qisheng still didn''t show any reaction.


    Ye Jiayao said coldly, "That was all the reason why you did what you did the first time. Now, what could be the reason for the second time?"

 Chapter 121：Palace Invitation

    Zhong Xiang and the others waited outside the room and listened. They didn''t know how Li Yao would deal with Liu Qisheng.


    Ye Jiayao continued, "We found a 20 silver-note in your bag. Let me guess where it came from."


    Liu Qisheng blinked.


    "The sale of ice cream mooncakes is quite good so it''s not surprising that other restaurants would want to ruin it because they can''t replicate it. They would figure that everyone in Heavenly Residence would know how to make it. What they also know is the staff of the restaurant. They know who needs money the most and can be bought easily. Am I right?


    Ye Jiayao spoke casually but she was observing every micro change in Liu Qisheng''s expression.


    "Since you are so good at guessing, why don''t you just become an advisor to the governor?" Liu Qisheng said calmly.


    Ye Jiayao pretended to laugh. "Was that a compliment? Or were you just mocking me? Hmmm... I think that was a compliment."


    Liu Qisheng rolled his eyes to express his disdain.


    "I don''t really care who gave you the silvers nor your purpose. You did things that would harm the restaurant and that automatically kicks you out of Heavenly Residence. You know that, and yet you still went through with it. That makes me think that you''re prepared to leave. Someone must''ve promised to take you in if you get caught," Ye Jiayao said softly. She cajoled in a different voice, "Just do it, Liu Qisheng. If anything happens, you can come to us. We won''t treat you as bad as Heavenly Residence..."


    Liu Qisheng''s mouth twitched.


    Ye Jiayao laughed. "Betrayal is the worst thing to do in any industry. I will suggest to Shopkeeper Li to make an official notice to tell people about what you did. Do you think anyone will still take you then? Do you think that the person who got you into this mess will still keep his promise?"


    "Do you think that the 20 silvers in your hands can guarantee your family''s life in the future? What will you do when you''ve used them all up? What if you can''t find a job?"


    Liu Qisheng''s bravado began to crumble. His family was his weakness and Li Yao''s words struck a fear in his heart.


    He didn''t think that the consequences would be so serious. Before, he held the idea that he could move to somewhere else and start over. He thought that he had a safety net to fall back on.


    Zhong Xiang wanted to go in and beg forgiveness for Liu Qisheng. If Li Yao does what he said, Liu Qisheng was as good as done and that would include his family, too.


    Wang Mingde pulled him back and shook his head at him.


    "Brother Yao always knew how to deal with things. Just wait for what Brother Yao would say," he whispered.


    "I am very kind, Liu Qisheng, and I think that despite your hatred of me, you know that. I will give you a chance. If you tell me who put you up to this, I will persuade Shopkeeper Li to just let you resign and we''ll pretend that this has never happened. If you refuse to admit your mistake..." Ye Jiayao said.


    Liu Qisheng said with difficulty, "I will tell Brother Xiang."


    Ye Jiayao sneered, "I am the manager in the kitchen now and you will report to me. If you want to see Brother Xiang after, that''s okay. However, you have to tell me everything first or I''m not sure if your best friend would ever want to see you again."


    This assh*ole has the nerve to bargain with me? Hey, buddy, you''re the one at fault here. You should be groveling at my feet, not making stupid demands.


    "I don''t have time to let you think this over. Shopkeeper Li will come soon and everyone will start to work," Ye Jiayao said impatiently. "My offer expires at the count of five."


    "1."


    "2."


    "3."


    "Okay, okay!" Liu Qisheng rushed.


    "Who is it?" Ye Jiayao demanded.


    "The first time I did it was because of my jealousy. The second time... it was Master Chef Niu. When I went to the drugstore yesterday to get some medicine, their people found me and it was just like what you said. I told them the way to extract agar and cream and they gave me a 20 silver-note. If I could create problems for Heavenly Residence, they will give me 30 more. That is it," Liu Qisheng confessed.


    "What do you think now?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Liu Qisheng lowered his head and said weakly, "I was wrong. I thought it was the best course since everyone here hates me anyway because I offended you. Even Brother Xiang was alienated from me! I didn''t think that I have a future here and I really need the money."


    Ye Jiayao was torn between sympathy and hatred.


    "It was your self-abasement. They don''t hate you. They are avoiding you because you walk around looking as if someone owes you five hundred silvers. Liu Qisheng, if you want others to like you, you should show them that you are worthy of their kindness and affection. How could they befriend you when you act so arrogantly? Also, friends are made by heart, not by mouth."


    Liu Qisheng blinked a few times and his tears fell down.


    Ye Jiayao got up and opened the door and saw the staff waiting for her. She asked Zhong Xiang to go in.


    "All of you, go to work with me," Ye Jiayao ordered, taking everyone else away.


    When Shopkeeper Li arrived, Ye Jiayao relayed to him what happened and convinced him to allow Liu Qisheng to just resign.


    When Liu Qisheng left, only Zhong Xiang sent him away.


    "I saved 20 silvers for you and the other 20 silvers are from Brother Yao. Don''t go to Master Chef Niu, he''s not a good man. We have seen that before. Just find another place to work!" Zhong Xiang pleaded. "And... you shouldn''t hate Brother Yao. It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have left you just like that."


    Liu Qisheng said with shame, "No, it''s my fault. I can''t accept the money. You live a hard life, too. I just want you to help me apologize to Brother Yao."


    Zhong Xiang forced the money on his hand. "Brother Yao said that the money is not for you. It is for your father and mother. He said that even if you didn''t treat him as a brother, he still thought of everyone in the kitchen as his brother. Just take the money and work hard. Maybe we''ll have a chance to work together in future."


    "Brother Xiang, I don''t know how I will face everyone again," Liu Qisheng sobbed.


    Zhong Xiang patted his back comfortingly. "You know your mistake now, just don''t do it again. I''ll visit your parents when I am free."


    Liu Qisheng left. The traitor inside the team was finally eliminated, but Ye Jiayao felt a bit bad. If she had known Liu Qisheng''s family status earlier, she could''ve pulled him up and he wouldn''t have ended up like this...


    Before dinner, Jiang Li came to Heavenly Residence as promised. Ye Jiayao gave him a box of mooncakes and told him to take it to Xia Chunyu in the Jing An Marquis'' mansion.


    "Remember to tell Heir-Son Lord that something came up that''s why I missed the date with him."


    Jiang Li nodded.


    Ye Jiayao thought that Chunyu would come after he received the mooncakes but she didn''t see him even after work.


    Little Jing didn''t come either, and she went back to the small courtyard sullenly.


    Xia Chunyu struggled whether he should go to Yaoyao or not. She sent Jiang Li to give him mooncakes and explain about last night so that meant she was apologizing, right?


    However, he was wondering why she didn''t tell him that he was with Little Jing. Jiang Li told him that Yaoyao got home last night at 7 PM. Where did Little Jing and Yaoyao go for such a long time? Xia Chuyu thought about it and got angry all over again.


    No! I''m going to leave her for a day. I can''t let her know the effect she has on me otherwise, she just might take it for granted.


    The day after tomorrow was the third day the of the month and he had to escort the Empress Dowager and Liu Li to an event in Puji Temple that would take seven days. He would just look for Yaoyao tomorrow and say goodbye to her.


    Early on the next day, someone invited Ye Jiayao to the palace.


    Ye Jiayao was immediately terrified. Liu Li and the Empress Dowager were in the palace, both of which wanted to punish her severely.


    "Eunuch, which master in the palace summoned me?" Ye Jiayao asked nervously.


    The eunuch smiled and said, "Chef Li, you will know when you go."


    What''s with all this cloak and dagger bullsh*t?


    Ye Jiayao sneered, "Please wait for me, Eunuch. I need to arrange something here then I will follow you to the palace."


    The eunuch said gently, "Just don''t let masters wait for too long."


    Ye Jiayao nodded and went back to the kitchen and called for Deng Haichuan.


    "Go to the Jing An Marquis'' mansion and look for the Heir-Son Lord. If the Heir-Son Lord is not there, look for someone called Song Qi. Tell him that I was invited to the palace. I don''t know who invited me or if it''s good or bad."


    Chunyu had told her that she should look for him if something happens, so it''s what she was doing.


    Deng Haichuan nodded and said seriously, "I''ll go and find him right away."


    Ye Jiayao took off her apron and went to the accounting office to take a few hundred silvers to put in her pocket. She didn''t know how or why she would need it, but it always pays to be prepared.


    Along the way, Ye Jiayao asked the eunuch, "How do I call you?"


    "My family name is Shi."


    "Oh, so Eunuch Shi," Ye Jiayao greeted with a gesture and gave him a silver note. "Eunuch Shi, it is my first time to enter the palace and I don''t know the rules there. I need you to guide me."


    Eunuch Shi looked at that silver note and his brows rose in surprise. 100 silver-note? How could this little chef afford to be generous?


    Eunuch Shi took it expressionlessly and said, "Just follow me. If there''s anything to be careful with, I''ll tell you."


    "Okay. Thank you so much, Eunuch Shi."


    "You don''t have to be afraid, you know. Concubine Mei asked for you because she wanted some ice cream mooncake," Eunuch Shi said, his tongue loosening up because of the bribe.


    Concubine Mei? A few days ago, a eunuch came to fetch mooncakes and said that it was for Concubine Mei. Did she want to reward her? I should''ve brought a few mooncakes with me!

 Chapter 122：No Such Thing As Most Shameless

    Deng Haichuan ran to the Jing An Marquis'' residence but was told that the Heir-Son Lord has gone to Puji Temple with Song Qi. He tried for the Third Young Master Xia, but the gatekeeper said that he was working at the Zhan Shi residence.


    Deng Haichuan could only request for the gatekeeper to tell the Heir-Son Lord that Head Chef Li Yao of Heavenly Residence was in the palace.


    Deng Haichuan, not finding the help he needed in the Jing An Marquis'' mansion, made his way to the Helian Mansion. He found Manager Liu and relayed the urgency of his visit.


    Manager Liu then got someone to take Deng Haichuan to the army to look for the Young Royal Highness Jing.


    "What? Who summoned him to the palace? When was this?" Helian Jing asked anxiously.


    Deng Haichuan shook his head helplessly. "I don''t know. Brother Yao himself probably doesn''t know, too! He has been gone for almost an hour now."


    Helian Jing fretted. Today was really a bad day for Yaoyao to get in trouble. The two people who have the most power were all quite a distance away. His older brother has gone to the campsite and Brother Chunyu has gone to Puji Temple, so he was on his own now.


    The Crown Prince! The Crown Prince likes Yaoyao!


    Helian Jing ordered, "Go back to the restaurant. I will handle this."


    Deng Haichuan replied, "Then I shall leave now." He was halfway out when he stopped and looked back worriedly, "Young Royal Highness, will Brother Yao be alright?"


    "I won''t let any harm come his way," Helian Jing answered. If he could not find any help, he''ll go alone.


    After Deng Haichuan left, Helian Jing asked the guard at the palace doors if a eunuch had brought someone from outside into the palace. The guard said that Eunuch Shi from Concubine Mei''s palace brought a young man in just a while ago.


    Helian Jing was puzzled. Why did Concubine Mei summon Yaoyao? Yaoyao has nothing to do with her!


    The concubines'' palaces were not a place where officials like him can just barge in, so Helian Jing could only get Ping An to watch the outside of Zhao Hua palace while he looked for the Crown Prince.


    However, the Crown Prince was still in a meeting with the Emperor discussing national affairs, and it was uncertain when they''ll be done. Helian Jing was so anxious he could feel his heart burning.


    Ye Jiayao has never seen anyone so shameless.


    Initially, when she heard that Concubine Mei liked the ice cream mooncake, she had thought that she''d be rewarded. She didn''t expect that the concubine would demand her recipe! Concubine Mei reasoned that despite Ye Jiayao''s willingness to make the food for her anytime, there were still dangers outside the palace. She said that Ye Jiayao should just teach the royal chef the process to save everyone the hassle.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to slap her upside the head. This was her money-making skill, how dare she demand to just give it to her?


    Ye Jiayao tried hard to control her anger, replying tactfully, "If Your Highness likes them, I can send it to you daily. The food I make is definitely clean and hygienic."


    Concubine Mei frowned, unhappy with the little chef''s refusal. She asked for it, why wouldn''t he just give it to her?


    "Delicacies like this would definitely be very popular with the imperial concubines. If all of them wants it, can you manage to send them over every day? If you''re afraid that the imperial chef would disclose your secret recipe, don''t worry. The palace has strict rules, no one would dare to break them," Concubine Mei assured, leisurely using the cover of her cup to brush away the floating tea leaves.


    "It is not that I do not trust the imperial chefs, Your Highness. It''s just that there are rules, secret recipes are not passed on to outsiders that easily. Even if the palace wants it, it has to be levied in the form of a tribute. It is unheard of for the palace to make someone hand over their secret recipe," Ye Jiayao tried to reason. If she gave in now, it was guaranteed that this would happen again.


    Concubine Mei''s expression changed slightly and her tone became cold and threatening as she said, "I summoned you to the palace today because I think highly of you. Don''t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."


    Ye Jiayao smiled as politely as she could. "I would stand by my words. If Your Highness wants to eat them, you can have your servants get them from the restaurant. I will not collect a single cent as a show of filial respect to Your Highness. However, I would definitely not agree to hand over my secret recipe."


    Concubine Mei placed her teacup heavily on the side table. "I have heard that you are rather daring, Li Yao. I didn''t believe that anyone would ever dare to offend Princess Liu Li, but now that I''ve met you..."


    Ye Jiayao replied honestly, "I am not daring, Your Highness. In fact, my legs are shaking right at this moment. However, I stand by my words and principles because it is all that I have."


    "Don''t think that I won''t punish this." Concubine Mei was the Emperor''s favorite. She always gets what she wants so the rebuttal of a commoner was a hard pill to swallow.


    It took all of Ye Jiayao''s willpower to appear calm. "Everyone in Heavenly Residence knows that I am summoned to the palace by Your Highness. If I don''t return, the Crown Princess wouldn''t be able to have the yogurt ice cream she ordered me to make, the Old Ancestress of the Helian Mansion wouldn''t be able to have the osmanthus cake I made, and the mooncakes that the Jing An Marquis residence wanted would not get sent. Someone will start asking questions and I don''t think Your Highness would want to tarnish your reputation..."


    "You actually dare threaten me?" Concubine Mei demanded in rage.


    "I would not dare do such a thing, Your Highness. I am only analyzing the situation and breaking it down to you." Ye Jiayao could feel her palms sweating. Why wasn''t Chunyu here yet? If he doesn''t come soon, she doesn''t know what this crazy bitch would do.


    Concubine Mei snorted. "You sharp-tongued chef, do you think that by relying on your gift of the gab, I will pardon you? Guards, drag him out and smack his mouth."


    If she wants to punish a mere chef, would someone really dare jump out to oppose her?


    Ye Jiayao cursed silently. F*ck, f*ck, f*ck! This f*cking bitch is as crazy as Liu Li! Are all royalties batshit insane like this?


    A palace maid entered and hurriedly said, "Your Highness, Eunuch Little Chuan from the East Palace seeks your audience."


    Concubine Mei''s heart skipped a beat. Someone from the East Palace? Could it be for this fellow?


    "Bring him down first," Concubine Mei ordered.


    Ye Jiayao was dragged out by two eunuchs, her mouth covered.


    Little Chuan entered the Zhao Hua palace hall, greeted Concubine Mei and said, "Your Highness, your servant has received orders from the Crown Prince to summon Li Yao."


    Concubine Mei was secretly astounded; he really did come for Li Yao. How was that fellow able to alarm the Crown Prince so quickly? I have underestimated him.


    Concubine Mei smiled gently. "Li Yao has left long ago. I summoned him to reward him and he left the palace after receiving the reward."


    Little Chuan knew that she was lying. Young Royal Highness Jing has assigned someone to keep an eye outside the Zhao Hua palace hall and he has not seen Li Yao leave. If Concubine Mei has to lie, it only meant that some harm came to Li Yao under her hands.


    "May I enquire how long ago did he leave?" Little Chuan asked politely.


    Concubine Mei made a show of thinking about it. "At least 15 minutes ago. If you go to Heavenly Residence now, you might find him."


    "But the Young Royal Highness Jing is right outside waiting for Li Yao for an hour and he did not see him come out. Is it possible that Your Highness remembered wrongly?" Little Chuan said, using Helian Jing as a shield.


    Concubine Mei''s heart skipped a bit. Young Royal Highness Jing was waiting outside for Li Yao? What on earth was going on? How could a measly chef get the attention of both the Crown Prince and the Helian Young Royal Highness?


    She was nervous, but since she had already said her lie, she could not take it back. "I am not sure about it, Eunuch Little Chuan. Why don''t you carry out a search here?"


    Little Chuan broke out in perspiration, quickly declining the facetious offer.


    "Since Li Yao has left the palace, your servant had better go take a look at Heavenly Residence," Little Chuan said and took his leave. He went to the imperial garden and relayed the situation to the Young Royal Highness Jing.


    Helian Jing was enraged. "Lies! Li Yao must still be in Zhao Hua palace hall."


    "We know that, but if Concubine Mei refuses to admit it, what can be done? We can''t possibly carry out a search, can we? Your servant doesn''t have the guts to." Little Chuan would not dare do such thing even under the protection of the Crown Prince.


    Helian Jing rubbed his hands anxiously. Why can''t I come up with a better solution? If Concubine Me was telling lies, it implies that Yaoyao really was in deep trouble.


    "What kind of game is this Concubine Mei playing? Li Yao didn''t even offend her," Helian Jing asked frustratedly.


    "I am afraid that Concubine Mei has her eyes set on the secret recipe of the ice cream mooncake," Little Chuan answered tentatively.


    Helian Jing didn''t understand. "What does she want the secret recipe for?"


    Little Chuan explained, "I heard that the shopkeeper of Ju Bao Zhai is some relative of Government Minister Mei."


    "What the hell? How shameless can she be?" Helian Jing howled angrily, turning back to charge into Zhao Hua palace hall.


    Little Chuan quickly stopped him. "Young Royal Highness Jing, you can''t do that. We should look for the Crown Prince first and see what he suggests."


    "Who is kicking up a fuss here?" a voice bellowed.


    Helian Jing and Little Chuan hurried down on their knees as the Emperor sauntered from the rockery, his attendants in tow.


    "Your subject greets Your Majesty. Long live your Majesty."


    "Your servant greets Your Majesty¡­"


    The Emperor frowned upon seeing Little Jing and Little Chuan, who was always beside the Crown Prince. "Little Jing, why are you still so bad tempered? Didn''t I send you to the army to improve yourself? Is the army very idle for you?"


    Helian Jing''s face flushed. "Your Majesty, forgive me. This matter is just too infuriating that I lost my temper."


    The Emperor raised a brow. "Oh? What is the matter you are referring to?"


    Helian Jing recounted the whole incident of Li Yao being summoned into the palace by Concubine Mei and how she wanted to seize Li Yao''s ice cream mooncake recipe. He also relayed how Concubine Mei lied about Li Yao not being in the palace halls.


    His Majesty''s brows furrowed. This Li Yao again?


    And what was Concubine Mei thinking? How could she just demand someone''s secret recipe? If word of this gets out, even he would lose face!


    The Emperor has already witnessed the lengths that the Helian brothers and Jing An Marquis brothers would go to protect this Li Yao. If any harm comes to this chef in the palace, Little Jing and his big mouth would be sure to spread it around. His Majesty could not have that.


    The Emperor turned to Eunuch Gao and said, "Go to Zhao Hua palace hall and pass my decree. I want to eat Li Yao''s cooking for lunch, get Concubine Mei to release him."

 Chapter 123：First Time In The Imperial Kitchen

    Eunuch Gao arrived and declared His Majesty''s decree. Consort Mei was shocked and flustered.


    She couldn''t believe that this matter has actually alarmed His Majesty.


    "Why are you all asking me for him? Do you think that Li Yao is still here even after he received his reward? Yang Momo, go and take a look." Consort Mei glanced at Yang Momo meaningfully.


    Yang Momo nodded understandingly and disappeared into the back room.


    Ye Jiayao still has her mouth covered but she didn''t bother struggling. It would be better for her to save her energy.


    "Today, on the account of the Crown Prince, Consort Mei will pardon you temporarily for your impudence. If you dare spout nonsense after you leave, Consort Mei can claim your life anytime," Yang Momo warns. "Do you understand?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded.


    Yang Momo gestured for the two Eunuchs to release her.


    Ye Jiayao massaged her aching wrists and said, "Please have Consort Mei rest assured that a commoner like me only wants to live life peacefully. If no one offends me, I won''t offend anyone."


    Yang Momo''s jaw almost dropped. This little chef was too savage. She wanted to throw out a few more threats but the thought of His Majesty waiting made her swallow them back in.


    "Remember, Consort Mei has already released you a long time ago. You are delayed by the palace maids in Zhao Hua palace hall who ask you for pointers in pastries."


    Ye Jiayao sneered silently. They''ve detained her and now they wanted to help her with their lies? Fat chance.


    She nodded dutifully and slipped out of that godforsaken place.


    "Yaoyao, are you alright? Are you hurt?" Helian Jing asked with concern when he saw Yaoyao come out.


    "No. However, if you guys were a little later..." Ye Jiayao trailed off distastefully. The females in this palace were all turning out to be just rich brats.


    Eunuch Gao said, "Head Chef Li, His Majesty personally appointed you today to prepare his lunch. Please follow me to the imperial kitchen!"


    Ye Jiayao gaped at him. She was going to what?


    I don''t even know what my life is right now.


    Helian Jing chimed in encouragingly, "Yaoyao, this is your chance! Go for it!"


    Ye Jiayao nodded vigorously. She would pull out all her special skills and pour everything she has into this meal. She would make a meal that His Majesty would not forget.


    She squared her shoulders and followed Eunuch Gao to the imperial kitchen.


    The moment she stepped foot in the imperial kitchen, Ye Jiayao nearly burst into tears. Oh, my God! This kitchen is so huge! And so many chefs! This is amazing!


    Eunuch Gao brought her straight to the innermost row of the building and said, "This is the kitchen where His Majesty''s meals are made."


    An imperial chef immediately bounded over to Eunuch Gao. "Eunuch Gao, what are His Majesty''s orders?"


    Eunuch Gao replied, "You can take a rest today, Head Chef Lu. His Majesty has personally appointed Head Chef Li to make his lunch."


    He continued, "This is Head Chef Lu who is personally in charge of His Majesty''s meals. This is Heavenly Residence''s Head Chef Li Yao."


    Lu Yiming looked Li Yao over. So this was the Heavenly Residence''s head chef who was currently the talk of the food and beverage industry of Jin Ling. Everyone was marveling over his chilled drinks, his ice cream mooncakes, his vegetarian longevity noodles, and many other dishes he just invented.


    He thought that someone with such culinary skills would be at least over 30 years old, but the person standing in front of him was a mere young chap who was yet to grow a beard. This astonished him greatly.


    Lu Yiming was wondering if he could really perform as well as everybody was saying or if he was just overly hyped.


    Ye Jiayao asked cautiously,"May I dare ask if you are Lu Yiming, Head Chef Lu?"


    "I am," Lu Yiming replied.


    Ye Jiayao was elated. "Head Chef Lu, it is an honor to meet you! You have always been my role model. I am so beyond happy to meet my idol today, I don''t know what to say."


    Ye Jiayao''s excitement was a little exaggerated. She didn''t want for Lu Yiming to think that she was replacing him. She knew how easy jealousy and suspiciousness could ruin a person''s credibility so she wanted Lu Yiming to like her. He was top notch character in Huai Song''s food industry and as he was her senior, she has to humble herself before him. And yes, even bootlick if necessary.


    "Idol?" Lu Yiming asked in confusion.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to slap herself for her slip up. "It means role model, like a person you respect the most in your heart."


    Lu Yiming chuckled a little, finding this chap weird but cute.


    Ye Jiayao was thankful for the practice in acting that Black Wind Ridge gave her. At this point, she could probably praise a lump of shit into a stalk of a flower.


    "What are you intending to make today?" Lu Yiming asked.


    Although Ye Jiayao has pondered over the dishes she was going to prepare on the way here, she still has to know more about the Emperor''s preferences.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Eunuch Gao.


    Eunuch Gao smiled and said, "His Majesty said you just have to bring out your specialty dish. The Young Royal Highness Jing did recommend your iron plate mushrooms to His Majesty."


    Ye Jiayao asked quickly, "Is there anything that His Majesty cannot eat? Does he prefer strong flavors or something light?"


    Eunuch Gao laughed. "You have to ask Head Chef Lu."


    With Eunuch Gao around, Lu Yiming would naturally tell her everything without leaving anything out.


    Ye Jiayao found out that His Majesty liked to drink soup so she decided that she''d make Budda Jumps Over the Wall. This soup smelled and tasted fantastic, a definite pleaser. And since she knew the imperial kitchen has all the ingredients under the sky, she knew that she''d be able to make this.


    Ye Jiayao picked her ingredients carefully and started.


    Lu Yiming pointed at a few chefs in the kitchen and said, "If you need help, feel free to order them around."


    Ye Jiayao smiled gratefully. "I just need some help to wash these vegetables clean."


    She actually really didn''t need anyone''s help. In Heavenly Residence, she has to make more than ten tables of dishes all by herself so this wasn''t really any trouble. However, she was making a royal meal for the Emperor today, she has to be extra conscientious.


    She intended to save this dish for when she opens her own restaurant, but for this special opportunity, she''d let the Emperor be the first to enjoy it.


    Lu Yiming was still skeptical of Li Yao''s skills. He doesn''t know how could such a young chef be worthy to cook the Emperor''s lunch.


    Ye Jiayao washed the sand off the shark''s fins before stacking them neatly on top of a bamboo grate. She added some Shao Xing yellow wine, spring onion, and ginger into boiling water before putting the shark''s fins into the boiling water to cook. After removing their fishy smell, she scooped them up and placed some lard on top of the shark''s fins. She drizzled a bit of Shao Xing yellow wine before putting them in a steaming tray to steam over a large fire.


    Immediately after that, she sliced the fish lips into equal sizes and also put them in the boiling water to remove the fishy smell.


    After that, she moved on to the rest; abalones, chicken, duck, pig trotters, pork belly, goat elbows, beef tendons, duck gizzards, fish maws, sea cucumbers, scallops, calipash, pigeon eggs, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms.


    Lu Yiming watched Li Yao cook, growing more and more confused. He didn''t know what dish he was making. It all seemed complicated and out of order.


    While the ingredients for Buddha Jumps Over the Wall were steaming, Ye Jiayao moved on to the preparation of the other dishes.


    She sliced an X on the shiitake mushrooms, minced the streaky pork, and made a meat patty with starch and other seasonings. This would be pasted on the bottom of the shiitake mushrooms, which would be pan-fried.


    The eggplant was cut into sections, dug out, filled in with seasoned ground meat, and placed in the steaming tray.


    The heads, shell, and tendons of the prawns were removed, leaving only the tail of the prawn. Another plate of shrimps was grounded into a paste and placed beside the ground meat for further use.


    Potatoes were cut into strips, then fried until golden-brown in hot oil. The cowpea and eggplant were cut into the same length and were also deep fried.


    After all of these were done, she picked up a radish and started carving. Following some knife shaves, digs, and spirals, realistic flowers of different forms started to come together.


    Lastly, Ye Jiayao picked up a huge carrot and began to carve a flying dragon.


    Everyone in the imperial kitchen was stunned into absolute silence. They were all riveted to the carving knife and the carrot in Li Yao''s hands.


    They weren''t impressed with her thorough and methodical process earlier as everyone in the imperial kitchen could do that. It wasn''t until she started to produce lifelike radish flowers and carrot dragons that they started to notice her. They were all amazed by the exquisite carving skills.


    Lu Yiming''s dubious expression turned grave. Although some chefs knew how to carve, their patterns were simple and easy to replicate. Complicated patterns like Li Yao''s was a first for him and it astonished him. Li Yao''s estimation of the shape, the control, the preciseness... it all spoke of his excellent skills.


    While Lu Yiming admired Li Yao''s excellence, he was worried. Why was this young chap here?


    Eunuch Gao was extremely astounded by the flying dragon that was slowly taking shape. Who is this young chef?


    After carving two flying dragons, she made a quick carving of a cloud and set the two dragons on it with bamboo sticks. Finally, she scooped up a luster ball made of radish and embedded it between the two dragons'' mouth, forming the image of two dragons playing with a pearl.


    Ye Jiayao then proceeded to slice cucumbers, tomato strips, and other supplementary ingredients before plating up.


    The ingredients in the steaming tray were almost done. Ye Jiayao prepared them in order and placed them into a vat that had Shao Xing wine. She added the chicken and duck soup before finally sealing the vat with a lotus leaf, cupping a bowl over it, and putting the vat over firewood to simmer over a small fire.


    Lu Yiming finally understood the various ingredients Li Yao had prepared beforehand. They were all for one dish! He could not help but be flabbergasted. He has never seen such complicated cooking method before. It looked like a pot of mixed stew, but every ingredient was prepared very meticulously.


    The urgency and pressure he was feeling earlier began to rise.


    He felt as though he was about to be replaced.

 Chapter 124：Serve

    Helian Jing was in Zi Chen Palace accompanying the Emperor in a game of chess as he recounted the interesting events on his way from Ji Nan to Jin Ling. He especially enjoyed telling the Emperor of his experience in digging the soil in order to make beggars'' bird.


    The Emperor occasionally let out a cheerful chuckle, finding that young chef really clever.


    "Checkmate. Little Jing, you lost again," the Emperor said.


    Little Jing pouted. "Your Majesty, this match does not count. I was distracted."


    The Emperor laughed out loud. Although Little Jing was a chess addict that was terrible at the game, he was candid and delightful. Playing chess with him always interests the Emperor. If it were his other subjects, they would just humbly concede to him. It was only Little Jing that would make excuses.


    "Okay, I will give you a cavalry handicap. Let''s go again," the Emperor said generously.


    "Can you give me another canon handicap?" Helian Jing wheedled.


    His Majesty glared at him. Brat.


    Helian Jing said confidently, "Your humble subject''s chess skills are not on par with Your Majesty''s, it is only fair to give me another canon handicap."


    The eunuchs and the palace maids standing by the side could not help but secretly laugh at the pair.


    The Emperor sneered, "You''re the only person I know that would admit his weakness so proudly."


    "Your Majesty, I am simply aware of my capabilities," Helian Jing stated with a chortle.


    The Emperor laughed in amusement. It was no wonder that this young man was adored by his mother. "Then I shall give you another handicap. If you lose again, I''ll give you a severe punishment."


    Helian Jing asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, can you tell me what the punishment is first? Otherwise, I would just spend the whole game anxious and I wouldn''t be able to play well."


    "Ha! Don''t make excuses for your lousy chess skills. Come on, let''s play."


    The two royals started another round. However, even with Helian Jing''s entire attention focused on the game, he still lost.


    "What excuse do you have this time?" the Emperor teased, extremely pleased with his win.


    Helian Jing replied discontentedly, "Your humble subject accepts defeat wholeheartedly."


    "Your face doesn''t really say that you accept it wholeheartedly."


    Helian Jing was about to argue when a eunuch reported that the Emperor''s wife was arriving.


    The Empress has a distinguished air of elegance and coquetry as she stepped into the Zi Chen Palace Hall and greeted the Emperor.


    Helian Jing rose immediately to greet her.


    The Emperor asked, "What brings you here?"


    The Empress smiled gently and answered, "Your concubine heard that Your Majesty summoned Heavenly Residence''s Li Yao over to prepare your lunch. If it''s alright with you, I would also like to join in the meal."


    The Emperor nodded and ordered the palace servants to check on why the meal was taking so long.


    "Li Yao is very particular with his cooking. This is his first time to prepare a meal for Your Majesty so he was being more thorough," Helian Jing explained on behalf of his friend.


    "Little Jing is right, Your Majesty. If you''re hungry, I can get the imperial kitchen to prepare some snacks," the Empress suggested.


    "There is no need," the Emperor said. "I will wait. Empress, why don''t you summon the Crown Prince as well? I have not had a meal with him for quite a while."


    The Empress smiled joyously. "I will get someone to summon him this instant."


    The Crown Prince arrived about the same time as Eunuch Gao came out of the imperial kitchen, a few servants following behind him carrying several plates of food.


    Eunuch Gao announced the name of each of the 18 dishes as it was laid on the table.


    The Emperor looked at the food set out in front of him, amazed by how extravagant they look. The palace''s royal chefs always served him with excellent meals, but what Li Yao made far surpassed their exquisiteness.


    The Empress said in wonder, "These two flying dragons are so life-like! Oh, and these flowers, what are they made of?"


    Eunuch Gao was about to reply when Helian Jing interrupted, "Your Majesty, these are carved from radishes. It is Li Yao''s expertise."


    The Crown Prince, who has tasted the dish when he went to Heavenly Residence before, added, "This Carp Leaping over the Dragon Door is Li Yao''s creation and is more delicious than the original method of cooking it."


    "Your Majesty, this hot plate shiitake is also Li Yao''s creation. Try it, it tastes very unique," Helian Jing told the Emperor with an eager smile.


    Eunuch Gao used a pair of silver chopsticks to pick up the dish for His Majesty.


    Another palace maid did the same for the Empress.


    The Emperor took a bite. The pan-fried meat patty was crunchy and fragrant, fusing harmoniously with the soft and smooth shiitake mushroom. Its taste was unique, indeed.


    "Not bad, not bad," the Emperor complimented, nodding satisfactorily.


    After trying a few dishes, His Majesty had grown impatient. He does not want to wait for Eunuch Gao to pick up the dishes for him. These foods were all so delicious that he just wanted to devour them all.


    "Why is there no soup? Eunuch Gao, didn''t you tell Li Yao that His Majesty likes to drink soup?" the Empress asked.


    Eunuch Gao replied, "Li Yao says that the soup would have to take a little longer."


    As if on cue, a eunuch came to palace hall carrying a Shao Xing wine vat.


    Everyone was puzzled. Was Li Yao serving wine or soup?


    "This is it. Your humble servant saw Li Yao make this. The procedure is so complex, I couldn''t follow it," Eunuch Gao said with a proud smile.


    Helian Jing deflated a bit. Oh no, Yaoyao. Why did you use a wine vat for soup? There are so many containers in the palace, why did you pick this one?


    Helian Jing saw that everyone was disappointed with the wine vat, too. Every dish served was breathtaking so they expected for the soup to be the same.


    The eunuch lifted up the bowl covering the opening and removed the lotus leaf sealing the vat. Immediately, a strong fragrance wafted through the air, following the steam.


    "That smells so good..." The Empress could not help but take another whiff of the mouthwatering scent.


    "Quick, scoop a bowl up for me," His Majesty rushed urgently. He has never smelled a soup with such strong fragrance before. He could not even tell what ingredients were used to create it.


    Everyone watched the Emperor with anticipation, already chomping at the bit to try the delicious-smelling soup.


    "Fragrant and rich! This... this has unparalleled taste," His Majesty complimented, in awe of the food.


    The eunuch prepared three more bowls for the Empress, the Crown Prince, and Helian Jing.


    "This is incredible!" Helian Jing exclaimed upon trying it. "I''ve tasted Li Yao''s cooking many times, but this is extraordinary!"


    The Crown Prince laughed. "This is probably Li Yao''s hidden skill!"


    "What is the name of this soup?" the Emperor asked the eunuch who served the dish.


    The eunuch replied, "Your Majesty, Head Chef Li said that this soup doesn''t have a name yet. If you''d like, he said that Your Majesty should have the honor of naming it."


    The Empress suggested, "Your Majesty, why don''t you summon Li Yao to the palace hall?"


    Ye Jiayao has been standing outside, waiting to be summoned, when Eunuch Gao came out and said, "Head Chef Li, His Majesty wants you in the palace hall."


    "Is His Majesty satisfied with today''s lunch?" Ye Jiayao asked softly.


    Eunuch Gao beamed. "Extremely satisfied. Head Chef Li, this is your good luck."


    Ye Jiayao heaved a silent sigh of relief. She has done her absolute best today, but she was still unsure. Every palate has different preferences and it was entirely possible that the Emperor would not be impressed with her cooking. Not to mention that this place was where the most skillful chefs gather. Everyone here has excellent skills.


    When she entered the palace hall, Ye Jiayao kept her head down, not daring to look anywhere else. Although she really wanted to see the Emperor, she restrained herself. If she somehow offended him, no one could stop him from chopping her head off.


    Helian Jing tried to suppress his laughter. Yaoyao has already started bootlicking.


    It was the first time that the Emperor and the Empress have heard such novel greeting and they enjoyed them.


    "Li Yao, is this soup your creation?" His Majesty asked amiably.


    Ye Jiayao said honestly, "This soup is an improved version of what I saw from the locals when I traveled the coast of Li Nan Sea."


    His Majesty grew fonder of Li Yao after hearing that. He could have easily said that it was his creation and no one would doubt it. He could become even more famous for this alone, and yet he opted to tell the truth.


    "The same dish but different taste, right? That''s because of the effort. Li Yao, today, I have seen your effort," the Emperor said.


    "Your humble commoner''s teacher has always taught me that every ingredient has its unique taste. As long as one knows the characteristics of each ingredient and one puts in the effort, they can create unlimited delicacies. This was just like how a musician''s audience could feel his emotions when he performs. Your humble commoner is grateful that Your Majesty has tasted my efforts. Your Majesty really has a deep understanding and appreciation for delicacies more than the average person," Ye Jiayao responded humbly.


    The Emperor laughed out loud, extremely thrilled with this young fellow.


    The Crown Prince and Helian Jing exchanged amused glances. They already knew how good Yaoyao was with words.


    "Li Yao, you may not have created this but it has become the epitome of delicacy through your hands. I shall name this dish for you," the Emperor said.


    Everyone turned to the Emperor, curious as to what he would name the dish.


    "Your dish has an intoxicating fragrant that I think even the Buddha would forgo meditating and jump over the wall to taste it. I shall bestow it with the name ''Buddha Jumps over the Wall''! What do you think?"


    Ye Jiayao was startled. The history was starting to come together. It looked like this was really fated!


    "A million thanks to Your Majesty for giving this humble dish a name!" Ye Jiayao praised, unable to contain her joy.


    The Crown Prince gently added, "His Majesty has personally bestowed a name for this dish, Li Yao. You are the first person in this dynasty to enjoy such honor."


    Ye Jiayao immediately kowtowed and said, "This is your humble commoner''s honor, and also this dish''s honor, to be so lucky to obtain Your Majesty''s favor. I am willing to offer this dish to Your Majesty, to become an imperial dish, to signify its preciousness."


    The Emperor finally understood why Helian Xuan, Xia Chunyu, and Little Jing showed such favor to this little chef. This young man not only has superb culinary skills but also has the gift of the gab. It was really difficult not to like him especially considering his good looks and adorable ways.


    The Emperor joked, "This is your expertise, can you really bear to offer it to me?"

 Chapter 125：Mobile Imperial Chef

    Ye Jiayao responded solemnly, "Everything under the sun belongs to Your Majesty, even I. There''s nothing to bear."


    The Crown Prince silently laughed at how Li Yao was charming the Emperor. For a couple of weeks now, His Majesty had been stressed over the events in West Mongolia that he''d been so grumpy.


    The Emperor smiled. "Li Yao, your words are pleasing to my ears. Why don''t I hire you to work in the imperial kitchen?"


    Ye Jiayao''s heart skipped a beat. Oh, no. She has gone too far in sucking up. Although working in the imperial kitchen was every chef''s final goal, it was not hers. She only wanted to make money and live a carefree life. The palace rules were strict, just like an invisible Band-tightening spell* around her. Moreover, she was a woman dressed as a man. If she ends up working in the imperial kitchen, she''d be directly deceiving the Emperor. She would lose her head.


    "Many thanks to Your Majesty''s favor, but¡­ your humble commoner is used to being carefree and undisciplined. There are times that I will offend people because I am not good with words. There are so many Masters in the palace and not everyone is amiable like Your Majesty and Her Highness. Your humble commoner is afraid that if I enter the palace, I would just spend my time worrying about my head instead of cooking," Ye Jiayao declined tactfully.


    The Empress was initially a little unhappy. Rejecting His Majesty''s favor was a huge offense that not even she could do. However, she didn''t speak up since the Emperor didn''t look offended or irate. In fact, His Majesty was even smiling.


    It was obviously a rejection, but Li Yao put it in such a polite way that His Majesty could not bear to be angry. "If you don''t enter the imperial kitchen, I wouldn''t be able to try your cooking again if I want to."


    Ye Jiayao answered hurriedly, "If Your Majesty wants to eat my foods, I would rush into the palace to prepare it for you."


    The Emperor really wanted him to work in the palace but he also did not wish to force him. However, it would be too much of a hassle to summon him every time.


    The Empress smiled and suggested, "Your Majesty, why don''t you give him the title ''Mobile Imperial Chef''. That would mean that he''s not officially working in the imperial kitchen, but could still enter the palace conveniently to prepare royal meals. It''s the best of both worlds."


    "Mobile Imperial Chef?" the Emperor muttered to himself. This was a novel concept for him, but the more thought he put into it, the more it appealed to him. "Very well. Li Yao, I appoint you as the Mobile Imperial Chef. You can enter the palace anytime to prepare my meals."


    Ye Jiayao knew that the imperial chefs do not have official ranks. They are but servants that prepare meals for the Emperor and the Masters in the palace. A Mobile Imperial Chef would be even lower than them. However, that was still a million times better than the other chefs outside. It would give her a very significant advantage over them.


    She kowtowed immediately, thanking the Emperor and gracefully accepting the title.


    Liu Li''s stood up agitatedly from her seat.


    "What? Li Yao is in the palace? His Majesty summoned him to prepare his royal meal?"


    "That''s right! They''re at the Zi Chen Palace Hall with the Empress and the Crown Prince," Little Ya replied.


    Liu Li was in disbelief. Li Yao did her wrong but instead of punishing him, His Majesty even gave him the honor to prepare his meal? What does that mean?


    "Let''s go and take a look."


    Little Ya pleaded, "Princess, don''t forget what the Empress Dowager said. We will be going to Pu Ji temple tomorrow and that''s a good opportunity to ease the tension between you and Lord Xia. Don''t cause any more troubles, please. Li Yao is not worth it."


    Liu Li''s eyes were cold when she turned to her maid. "I am not stupid. There are some mistakes that only need to be made once. I would definitely not allow myself to fall at the same place twice."


    Liu Li stalked out of her room and headed to the palace hall. Little Ya was muddled. Was the princess going to settle scores with Li Yao or not?


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing left Zi Chen Palace with joyful hearts.


    Ye Jiayao played with the imperial chef token in her hand. "I can''t believe I''m an imperial chef now. I never thought I''d be one."


    "Your culinary skills are superb, Yaoyao. It is inevitable that you would gain recognition from the palace. The usual imperial chefs are hand-picked by the imperial kitchen manager, but you are the only one that His Majesty titled as a Mobile Imperial Chef. That is way more impressive than the other imperial chefs." Helian Jing was ecstatic for his friend. It turned out that Consort Mei''s manipulation actually worked for Yaoyao''s favor.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "Imperial chefs are only impressive outside the palace. In the palace itself, they are only servants."


    Helian Jing slapped a hand over Yaoyao''s mouth immediately and lowered his voice, saying, "Don''t say things like that. You''d get in trouble if anybody hears you."


    Ye Jiayao brushed his hand away. "No one else is here. I''m not a fool, Little Jing."


    Helian Jing flushed red, a combination of his embarrassment by his impulsive move and how Yaoyao''s lips felt against his palm.


    "This token is not the best thing I got today, though. It''s actually having the ice cream mooncake made as a tribute. No one would dare target my secret recipe from now on." Ye Jiayao fumed at the thought of that shameless Consort Mei.


    "Consort Mei really had her eyes set on the secret recipe, huh? Little Chuan said that the shopkeeper of Ju Bao Zhai is Government Minister Mei''s relative," Helian Jing said with a frown.


    "Isn''t Ju Bao Zhai a place that sells antiques? What has that got to do with them?" Ye Jiayao was bewildered.


    "Ju Bao Zhai and Ju Xiang Yuan pastry shop share the same shopkeeper. Shopkeeper Mei used to make pastries in the imperial kitchen but he broke his leg a few years ago so he had to leave. He opened Ju Bao Zhai and Ju Xiang Yuan shortly after that," Helian Jing relayed.


    Ye Jiayao was finally enlightened. She really needed strong backers and supporters in order to survive in Jin Ling what with all the horrible people around.


    "Right, how did you know I got summoned to the palace anyway?" Ye Jiayao asked, puzzled. She told Deng Haichuan to inform Chunyu, not Little Jing.


    "Deng Haichuan came to look for me. He could not find Brother Chunyu since he went to Pu Ji Temple to settle some matters. My brother is at the army camp, so I can only go the palace alone. I sought some assistance from the Crown Prince and luckily, he gave it.


    "Consort Mei is too cocky, though. The Crown Prince got Little Chuan to go over to get you but she lied and said that she has released you a long time ago. If I didn''t get Ping An to keep watch outside, I would have been fooled by her. I was so angry that I kept cursing outside and that''s how His Majesty found me."


    Ye Jiayao lowered her head, feeling sorry. "I have troubled you again."


    Helian Jing raised a brow unhappily. "What are you talking about? Your problems are mine."


    "You really are a loyal friend, Little Jing."


    "Hey, the two of you, stop right there," someone yelled from behind them.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing turned around, confused.


    Liu Li sashayed over to them, her chin raised as she looked at Ye Jiayao arrogantly. Ye Jiayao immediately cupped her hands and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness."


    "Li Yao, His Majesty has punished you to bring whatever delicious food you have to me. I heard you made ice cream mooncakes but nothing was sent to me," Liu Li demanded.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Helian Jing questioningly. He gave two dry coughs and whispered to her, "The Emperor did say that, but no one really cared."


    Ugh! You should''ve told me even then!


    Ye Jiayao laughed embarrassedly, saying in a perfunctory tone, "I thought Your Highness is still mad at me! I didn''t dare to send them to you in case I provoke you even more."


    Liu Li snorted, "Don''t you have a lot of courage?"


    "I don''t, Princess. I have already reflected deeply and I know my mistakes. Princess Liu Li, please be generous and forgive me." Ye Jiayao was actually sincerely apologizing this time. She didn''t wish to be entangled in this fight anymore. She didn''t want everyone to worry about her all the time and even risk their lives to stand up for her.


    "Liu Li, this matter is over¡­" Helian Jing began defensively.


    Liu Li raised her hand to stop him. "That''s in the past. I don''t have the time to mull over my anger."


    Did she just say what I think she said? Ye Jiayao didn''t know what to feel. Was it really over?


    "Why do you look like that? Are you disappointed that I am no longer angry?" Liu Li asked impatiently.


    "No, no. We are more than happy, Princess. I will send you the mooncakes as soon as I get back. Tell me what flavors you like and I will make them especially for you," Ye Jiayao quickly assured.


    "That''s more like it."


    Little Ya chimed in, "Princess likes to eat sweet and sour flavors."


    "Alright. Little Ya, let''s go."


    With that, Liu Li left, leaving Ye Jiayao staring after her, dazed. As much as she wanted this to be over, that whole thing was just... too easy. Liu Li was such a proud person. For her to forgive her just like that... what is she planning?


    Helian Jing smiled happily. "This is great, Yaoyao! Liu Li has forgiven you so you don''t have to worry about her again!"


    Ye Jiayao nodded, forcing a smile. If that was really the case, why was she even more worried?


    "Let''s go visit Zhao Qixuan at the Yong An Marquis Residence," Helian Jing suggested.


    "I still have to return to Heavenly Residence. I have been out for more than half the day, everyone is bound to be worried," Ye Jiayao told him. Although she was dying to know whether there was any development between Zhao Qixuan and Susu, she has to return and inform everyone that she''s safe.


    "No need. I have already sent Ping An to inform the people in Heavenly Residence."


    Ye Jiayao had no other excuse so she simply followed Helian Jing to the Yong An Marquis Residence.


    It has been two days since Zhao Qixuan stepped out of the door. He has shut himself in and refused any visitors. However, he made an exception for Helian Jing and Li Yao.


    Ye Jiayao got a shock upon seeing the state that Zhao Qixuan was in.


    "Zhao Qixuan, what happened to you?" Helian Jing demanded, flabbergasted.


    "How can he do this to you? That''s too cruel!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed.


    Helian Jing consoled him, "Don''t be upset. Hitting is loving. The way he beat you up so terribly showed how much he loves you."


    "You f*cking try getting walloped, then," Zhao Qixuan snapped back.


    Helian Jing stole a glance at Yaoyao, his face blushing all of a sudden. He muttered shyly, "If it is someone that I like, I wouldn''t mind!"

 Chapter 126：Jealous

    Ye Jiayao ignored Little Jing, already immune to how useless he could be. She asked Zhao Qixuan, "What happened after he beat you up?"


    Zhao Qixuan replied discontentedly, "He dragged me back to a horse carriage and threw me at the front door before leaving!"


    Ye Jiayao was speechless. She thought that Zhao Qixuan was the top! How could he be that weak?


    "Zhao Qixuan, I think you should just give up. Even if Susu is a Ferghana horse, it is no use if you cannot dominate him," Ye Jiayao tried to sound him out.


    "No way! I have a feeling, that as long as I endure it, I would succeed," Zhao Qixuan replied. "I have known Susu for so many years and this is the first time he beat me so badly. This means that he has nowhere to run. I can break through his defense soon and completely conquer him."


    His swollen eyes show confidence.


    "Forget it! You should train your combat capability first before you go anywhere near him again," Helian Jing said with a haughty scoff.


    Ye Jiayao glared at him. "Stop being so discouraging."


    She turned to Zhao Qixuan and said, "Not conceding despite multiple setbacks is the quality of a true man. I''ll teach you some tricks to help you take him down." Ye Jiayao''s mind was filled with ideas to help her friend out.


    The three of them exchanged plans, muttering quietly to each other.


    In the Su Mansion, the third young master, Susu, was idly drinking tea when he suddenly started shivering and sneezing.


    Meanwhile, Xia Chunyu rushed back from Pu Ji Temple. He reported in the palace first before heading back home, prepared to wash up and change.


    He was going to meet Yaoyao tonight.


    Just as he got off the horse, the gatekeeper told him that earlier in the morning, someone from Heavenly Residence came and said that Head Chef Li got summoned to the palace. Xia Chunyu immediately spurred his horse back to the palace to check, his heart beating fast with fear. When the servants of the palace informed him that Yaoyao has already left, he felt a mixture of relief and anger. Why didn''t she send word that she''s okay? Does she enjoy making me worry?


    For the second time, he rode back home from the palace, his thoughts uneasy. It was fortunate that Yaoyao was called to the palace for a good thing, but what if it had been something bad? He was not here and he could not protect her!


    After a bath and a change of clothes, Xia Chunyu headed to Heavenly Residence, planning to have his dinner there as well. It has been days since he had Yaoyao''s cooking and the glutton in him was protesting.


    When he got to the restaurant and asked for Yaoyao, Deng Haichuan told him that she wasn''t around and that she actually hasn''t returned yet.


    "Didn''t he leave the palace already?" Xia Chunyu was confused.


    Deng Haichuan replied, "I am not too sure. It was Young Royal Highness Jing''s servant that came here and informed us that Brother Yao is okay."


    Xia Chunyu frowned. "He is with Young Royal Highness Jing?"


    "He should be. When Brother Yao got summoned to the palace, he got me to tell it to you, but you were not around. I was afraid that something might happen to Brother Yao so I went to look for Young Royal Highness Jing. He went to the palace so I think he helped Brother Yao," Deng Haichuan said.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly lost all his appetite. Why is that brat always in the way? He was a hundred percent certain that Little Jing''s feelings towards Yaoyao were not simply that of a friend. Now they were off to god knows where and it was making Xia Chunyu''s skin crawl.


    He tried to stifle his anger because he could already feel his blood boiling. He decided to forgo his plan for dinner and instead headed to Uncle Jiang''s place to wait for Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to return to Heavenly Residence to work, but Zhao Qixuan insisted on having her stay for dinner and she couldn''t very well decline his hospitality. She would just treat this as a break for her self.


    A servant woman came in, saying that the Yong An Marquis Madam has sent her to deliver medicine to Zhao Qixuan.


    Ye Jiayao''s eyes squinted, finding the servant familiar. When the woman smiled sheepishly at her, Ye Jiayao recalled her as the one who insisted on buying the mooncakes before the birthday feast.


    The greedy owner was Zhao Qixuan''s mother?


    Finally, Ye Jiayao rose to leave as the sky grew dark.


    Zhao Qixuan said, "When the plan is put into action, you guys have to be there to support me!"


    Helian Jing patted his shoulder assuringly. "Even if Yaoyao isn''t free, I will definitely be there."


    "Your presence doesn''t matter. It''s Li Yao that has to be there so he can give me courage," Zhao Qixuan replied.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him.


    Little Shao was just about to send them out when Ping An arrived. He said that the Elder Princess has an urgent matter to discuss with Helian Jing and he has to rush back immediately.


    Helian Jing scowled. He wanted to take Yaoyao home first.


    "Yaoyao, I shall be off. I''m sorry I can''t send you home. I''ll look for you again tomorrow."


    Ye Jiayao waved her hand dismissively, "Go on, go home now. Don''t let your mother worry."


    Ye Jiayao returned back to the courtyard and Jiang Yue opened the door for her. The younger girl whispered softly to her, "Sister Yaoyao, the Heir-Son Lord is here. He is drinking with my father! He doesn''t look like he is in a good mood, and is drinking a little too much."


    Oh, f*ck! Ye Jiayao slapped a palm on her forehead. She forgot to have someone inform Chunyu that she''s alright.


    "Okay, okay. Let me get changed first," Ye Jiayao said hurriedly.


    Jiang Yue entered the dining hall just as her father was pouring another cup of wine for the Heir-Son Lord. She said, "Father, Heir-Son Lord, Sister Yaoyao is back."


    Uncle Jiang stopped mid-pour and chuckled. "Your Sister Yaoyao is back early today. Ask her if she has eaten. If not, get her over to eat."


    Xia Chunyu said blankly, "I''m sure she already ate from wherever she came from."


    "Heir-Son Lord, Sister Yaoyao said she will be over after changing," Jiang Yue told him.


    Xia Chunyu took the pot of wine and filled his cup.


    Uncle Jiang and Jiang Yue glanced at each other. It looked like Heir-Son Lord''s mood has not improved.


    After Ye Jiayao changed, she headed out, bringing the token with her so she could tell Chunyu about what happened.


    The atmosphere in the dining hall was a little awkward, so Jiang Yue gave Yaoyao a sympathetic look. Uncle Jiang said, "Yue-er, get your mother to make a few more dishes. I shall check if there is any wine left."


    The father and daughter left hurriedly.


    Ye Jiayao sighed, feeling a bit guilty. She knew she was in the wrong today.


    "Chunyu, how long have you been here?" Ye Jiayao asked with a sweet smile as she sat opposite of him.


    Xia Chunyu just glared at her and continued to drink his wine.


    "Look what I got today." Ye Jiayao presented the token to him.


    Xia Chunyu did not even bat an eyelid.


    Ye Jiayao pushed with a pout, "Look at it. I spent a huge amount of effort to get this."


    Xia Chunyu flicked a glance at the token but his face remained expressionless.


    "I even ran into Liu Li in the palace! She said that she already forgives me, but do you think I can trust her with that? I''m still feeling a little bit uneasy!"


    Xia Chunyu retorted, "What is there to be uneasy about? Young Royal Highness Jing is at your beck and call should you get in trouble."


    What? Is he jealous of Little Jing? That was ridiculous. Little Jing was just like her little brother!


    "What are you talking about? I went to look for you first but you weren''t there," Ye Jiayao justified.


    Xia Chunyu laughed in a self-deprecating tone. "Well, then, thank goodness for Little Jing, right? Even if I''m not around, at least he''s there."


    "Can you not talk like that? I admit, I forgot to inform you that I am alright. That was entirely my fault, I''m sorry," Ye Jiayao said. She did not like his sardonic tone.


    "How do you want me to talk? Do you want me to talk like Little Jing? As though I''m a little puppy eagerly waiting for your attention?" Xia Chunyu asked with a mean smirk.


    Ye Jiayao frowned, unhappy with this side of Chunyu. "What did Little Jing do to you? Why are you talking about him like that? If you are angry, then be angry at me. Why are you putting others down?"


    "Am I putting him down?" Xia Chunyu seethed. Her quick defense of Little Jing was just making him angrier. "Aren''t I just stating facts? He smiles like a fool when he sees you and whenever you are in the room, his eyes are glued to you. He wouldn''t even go against you! Ye Jinxuan, don''t tell me you are unaware of his feelings? Or maybe you''re just enjoying his adoration?"


    "You''re jealous! Don''t even deny it, I can practically see the green monster coming out of you!" Ye Jiayao exclaimed, laughing.


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "Jealous? You think too highly of your self, Ye Jinxuan. Do you think that just because you''re a Mobile Imperial Chef now, you''re everyone''s fantasy?"


    The smile on Ye Jiayao''s face froze. Chunyu''s words felt like a physical barb striking her heart.


    "Then why are you drowning your sorrows in wine here?"


    "This is Uncle Jiang''s home, not yours. If I want to sit here and drink, that''s my business. I didn''t invite you here to watch."


    Ye Jiayao poured a cup of wine for herself, hands shaking with the anger she was feeling. "For your information, Xia Chunyu, when I got summoned to the palace today, my first thought was you. I told Deng Haichuan to look for you, but he could not find you. Thankfully, he was smart enough to look for Little Jing. If it was not for Little Jing today, I would have died in Consort Mei''s palace."


    She then proceeded to down her cup of alcohol in one go and stood. "Enjoy your drink, Heir-Son Lord."


    She wasn''t interested to get into a squabble with someone who was clearly not in the right mind.


    Only¡­ I can''t stay here any longer. He said that this was Uncle Jiang''s home but they both knew that it was really Chunyu''s. If he''s willing, he will give her a shelter over her head. If he''s unhappy, he could kick her out any time.


    She detested that feeling of dependence on him.


    That won''t do.

 Chapter 127：Making Up

    Xia Chunyu didn''t know about Consort Mei''s incident, so when she dropped that bomb, he was shocked. What did Consort Mei want with Yaoyao?


    He was still pondering over that when Yaoyao left.


    He stared at the empty seat in front him, recalling her tone and her expression...


    No! This is not good!


    He stood up and rushed to her room.


    Ye Jiayao placed a square homespun cloth on the bed, opened the cupboards, and started packing. She did not have many things. All the woman''s clothing she has was what Chunyu asked Song Qi to buy, and she wouldn''t be taking those. He could keep it or throw it away.


    However, even though she only has a few things, they were all valuable so staying at an inn would not be safe. She did not want to go to Lai Fu Inn because Manager Du would just worry about her. Her only other option was Heavenly Residence. Now that she was the Head Chef, and an Imperial Mobile Chef, at that, she was positive that Shopkeeper Li would permit her to stay in the Lotus Attic for the night. Maybe she could even talk him into giving her her own room tomorrow. Mmm, I think I''m set...


    Just as Ye Jiayao was bundling up her bag, her door opened.


    Xia Chunyu, upon seeing the baggage she was holding, raced in and snatched it away.


    "What are you doing?" Xia Chunyu asked, flustered.


    Ye Jiayao replied emotionlessly, "Give me back my baggage."


    "No, stop. Don''t be so childish. How do you think Uncle and Auntie Jiang will feel when you leave the house?" Xia Chunyu said softly


    Ye Jiayao sneered, "Leave me alone. I''m very grateful for making all these arrangements for me, but I don''t need nor want it anymore. I accepted it then because I thought you were doing it because I was special to you. Now, though, since you''ve made yourself clear, I can''t stay here any longer. I don''t care if I have to sleep on the streets, I''m not going to continue to stay here."


    Ye Jiayao made a move to take her bag back but Xia Chunyu held on tightly to it.


    "What? I didn''t say anything! You are putting words in my mouth."


    "Just stop, okay? If yanking me around like this is fun to you, well, count me out."


    "I had a drop too much, I was spouting nonsense. I''m sorry," Xia Chunyu apologized. The last time she left him, he spent a great deal of effort to coax her back. If she leaves now, with Little Jing dogging her step all the time, she might not come back.


    Ye Jiayao scoffed, "In vino veritas."*


    "Alright. I admit I said all those things just to spite you. It''s just... you don''t consider my feelings. The day before, I waited so long for you at the back door but you ended up leaving with Little Jing without even telling me. When I came back today to the news that you were in the palace, you can''t even begin to imagine the fear I felt. I only found out that you''re safe when I rushed into the palace!


    "Then I went to look for you at Heavenly Residence, intending to have a meal with you, but your co-workers informed me that you were with Little Jing. Again. How do you want me to think? You are dressed up as a man, you can land yourself into all sorts of trouble. Yaoyao, I was so angry because I care about you.


    "When we fight, it is just natural that we would talk brashly. We''d try to make each other feel horrible and guilty, but I... don''t like seeing that I hurt you. I felt terrible saying those words. I''m sorry. Don''t leave, alright?" Xia Chunyu said, pouring his heart out in every word.


    Ye Jiayao''s heart lightened up. She forgives him, but she still could not stay at the house anymore.


    "Chunyu, I... I really don''t want to stay here anymore. I have never liked staying here. It''s not that I don''t want to live with Uncle and Auntie Jiang, but it''s the feeling of staying here. I feel like I am some mistress that you are hiding from everyone else."


    "This is only a temporary arrangement. When your status is reinstated, I will find a way to marry you," Xia Chunyu explained to her. He knew that Yaoyao was a strong, prideful woman who would not settle for less.


    Ye Jiayao stared at him in shock. This was the first time she heard him say that he would marry her.


    While she was still in a daze, Xia Chunyu stuffed her baggage back into the cupboard.


    "Don''t go. Auntie and Uncle Jiang treats you like family. If you leave, they will be extremely upset. They''ll think that you don''t like them. Plus, I would just constantly worry about you if you stay somewhere else."


    Xia Chunyu pulled her into his embrace, slowly tightening his arms around, rubbing his cheek against her silky hair. He said in a low voice, "I was just jealous. I don''t like to see you and Little Jing being so close."


    "I treat Little Jing as a little brother!" Ye Jiayao protested.


    "But he is still a man. Believe me, I can tell that Little Jing does not treat you the same," Xia Chunyu said worriedly.


    "Nonsense. Little Jing doesn''t even know that I am a woman."


    "That''s not an issue. You''re friends with Zhao Qixuan, right?"


    Oh. Oh, no.


    "If he finds out the truth in the future, it''ll be so awkward, don''t you think? You have to be more mindful and keep your distance."


    Ye Jiayao was still in disbelief. Does Little Jing really like her?


    "Tell me what happened with Consort Mei," Xia Chunyu asked, changing the topic.


    "Huh? Oh. Consort Mei wants me to hand over the secret recipe to the ice cream mooncake. I heard that the shopkeeper of Ju Xian Yuan is a Mei and is actually Government Minister Mei''s relative."


    "They are," Xia Chunyu confirmed.


    This Consort Mei really dared to use His Majesty''s adoration towards her to give her family business more profits? And to think that she was the daughter of the Director of the Board of Rites. All the moral teachings have gone to waste on her.


    "Did she do anything?" Xia Chunyu asked.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. "No. I was almost beaten, but thankfully, Eunuch Little Chuan by the Crown Prince''s side came."


    "This matter would not end so easily," Xia Chunyu said through gritted teeth.


    "Forget it. I doubt she would do it again since even His Majesty was alarmed this time." Ye Jiayao did not want to make too many enemies. She has enough on her plate with just Liu Li!


    "Who does she think she is? Just because she''s favored in the palace, doesn''t mean everyone else likes her, too. There are people who are just waiting to bring her down," Xia Chunyu ranted.


    "The women in the palace are trouble," Ye Jiayao lamented.


    Xia Chunyu nodded empathetically.


    She still did not wish to believe that Little Jing liked her. How were there so many homosexuals in this era?


    Xia Chunyu''s blood started to heat as he stared at her soft, pink pouting lips. He lowered his head, wanting to kiss her.


    "No. You just drank." Ye Jiayao dodged him.


    Xia Chunyu smiled, shaking his head. "Didn''t you drink some, too?"


    He held her head firmly and kissed her.


    "Sister Yaoyao¡­" Little Yue''s voice called from outside.


    The two of them separated quickly, Ye Jiayao''s face beet red. She tidied her dress and calmly asked, "Yue-er, what is it?"


    "Young Royal Highness Jing is here. He is looking for the Heir-Son Lord. My father is holding him back!"


    They exchanged confused glances. Why was Little Jing looking for Chunyu?


    "I''ll go out first, you change your clothes," Xia Chunyu said.


    Little Jing must not see Yaoyao in a woman''s clothing.


    "Little Jing, you''re looking for me?" Xia Chunyu asked as he stepped into the room. He was surprised to see that Chunfeng was here as well.


    "Brother Chunyu, you are here, indeed," Helian Jing said.


    Chunfeng chuckled. "Little Jing said you''d be here but I didn''t believe him."


    Xia Chunyu gave him a cold look and said flatly, "I heard that Li Yao got summoned to the palace today. I came to ask what happened."


    "It''s that Consort Mei that''s shamelessly coveting Yaoyao''s mooncake recipe," Helian Jing complained, his voice filled with righteous indignation.


    "I already know about that. Don''t tell me you were looking for me just for this?" Xia Chunyu asked, feigning boredom.


    "No, it is another matter."


    The three of them sat down to talk.


    "Brother Chunyu, do you still remember that Wei Liujiang?"


    Xia Chunyu nodded.


    "My brother sent someone to Yang Zhou and they reported that the family said that Second Lady Ye has recovered from her illness and is now back with them. My mother does not believe it and thinks that there is something wrong, but she can''t pinpoint exactly what. My brother is still not back from the army camp so I''m asking you for your take on this," Helian Jing relayed.


    If the news is true, the Helian Mansion would be put in an awkward position. They created such a fuss with this that if it turned out that the Helian Mansion''s servant was the one lying... well, Helian Jing didn''t want to think about that.


    Xia Chunyu said resolutely, "That''s impossible."


    "Why?" Helian Jing asked.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to confess everything to them, but he knew that it was not the right time yet. "Firstly, if the servant lady is lying, why would Wei Liujiang and Mu Qinchu so anxious to see her? Why would they attempt to bribe her? Secondly, your brother only sent someone over the next day. I reckon that Wei Liujiang has already sent someone over to Yang Zhou to deliver news that night. When your people reached the city, the Ye family already concocted a plan to deal with it."


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng nodded thoughtfully.


    "This must be a fake news released by the Ye family. No one even saw Second Lady Ye''s return! And even if they let you see her, you wouldn''t know if she was the real deal. We have never seen the Second Young Lady Ye."


    Both of them nod again.


    "How can we expose their lie?" Helian Jing asked.


    Xia Chunyu muttered, "Just wait. I''m sure that the Ye family will send someone over to explain things soon. When that time comes, we''ll play it by ear."


    Xia Chunfeng was bewildered. "Isn''t the First Lady Ye born to the first wife? How is it possible that the Ye family allows the Second Lady Ye to impersonate her? Could it just be that the First Lady Ye simply refuses to marry in a faraway place?"


    The corner of Xia Chunyu''s lips rose into a sneer. "Chunfeng, not everyone is as kind as you think. Wei Liujiang is the first young master of the Ji Nan prefectural magistrate. Who doesn''t wish to marry him? The first young lady was born to the first wife and that''s where the problem lies. She''s not born by the current Madam Ye, the second young lady is."

 Chapter 128：Not Going To Budge

    "Besides, didn''t that servant lady mention that Wei Liujiang and the Second Lady Ye have long set their sights on each other? Wouldn''t First Lady Ye just spoil things for them? They might have even conspired against her," Ye Jiayao said as she walked in. She has actually arrived long ago, but when she heard them talk about the Ye family affairs, she stood outside for a while to listen to their theories.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her profoundly.


    Helian Jing sighed and said, "If that really is the case, then those two fellows are just too shameless!"


    "They should not be pardoned. We have to expose their wrongdoings and humiliate them in front of everyone," Xia Chunfeng said resentfully.


    "Mm." Helian Jing nodded in agreement. "Brother Chunyu, Yaoyao, think of a plan. How do we expose their plot?"


    Ye Jiayao shrugged. "I think it''d be best if we create some discussion. Put some pressure on them."


    "After that, we should find the real First Lady Ye. As long as the original appears, all their lies will unravel," Xia Chunyu said nonchalantly, trying not to look at Yaoyao.


    Ye Jiayao frowned slightly. Make her appear? She wasn''t sure if she could let go of her identity as Li Yao.


    "That''s a good idea, but where should we go looking for the First Lady Ye?" Helian Jing asked.


    Xia Chunyu stifled his smile. The person they were looking for was right under their noses. "I don''t know. What I know is that they can''t hide the truth forever. I''m sure that the first young lady is waiting for her chance to exact revenge."


    "But if they really plotted against First Lady Ye, won''t all the traces of that be destroyed by now?" Xia Chunfeng was not confident in the plan that they were hatching.


    Ye Jiayao said ambiguously, "Then we shall put our trust in heaven! It is just a matter of time before the good and evil reap their karma."


    The four of them chatted for a while. Xia Chunyu noticed that the other two didn''t seem to have any intention of leaving so he stood up announced, "It''s getting late. We should leave because Li Yao still has to make ice cream."


    "Ah? Yaoyao, you make the ice cream at home? I want to stay and watch.. and also eat," Helian Jing said eagerly.


    Xia Chunfeng also expressed his interest. "I want to stay and watch, too. That thing is too incredible. I only managed to have one of those that you sent over yesterday."


    Xia Chunyu cursed his mouth. Why on earth did he mention ice cream? Now, the two gluttons only found an excuse to stay longer.


    "What are you yapping about? This is Li Yao''s secret recipe, you can''t just watch him make it," Xia Chunyu said darkly.


    Helian Jing still didn''t see anything wrong with that. "It doesn''t matter. We are not going to open a restaurant and steal from Yaoyao''s business. Can we stay, Yaoyao?"


    Ye Jiayao was torn. If she agrees, Xia Chunyu would be unhappy. If she doesn''t, it would seem like she was being petty.


    Xia Chunyu, fed up with making up excuses, simply dragged them out, one brat on each arm. "How can you have the nerve to ask that? Come on, let''s all go home."


    "Ay, ay, ay¡­ don''t pull me, I can walk on my own."


    "Second Brother, let go! I am suffocating!"


    Ye Jiayao could not help but laugh at them. Little Jing was really just like a simple child! Chunyu must be thinking too much.


    Xia Chunyu was on his way back when he suddenly remembered that there was something important he wanted to tell Yaoyao today. The two brats just screwed it up for him.


    He was going to the Pu Ji Temple for seven days tomorrow. He could not just leave without a proper farewell.


    "Second Brother, you bought that house two years ago, right?" Xia Chunfeng asked suddenly.


    Xia Chunyu was shocked for three seconds before he managed to quibble guiltily, "Says who?"


    "Don''t even try, Second Brother. I won''t go around telling people about it. Anyway, you bought it with your own money, no one really cares."


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Second Brother, you don''t have to lie. Way back, I went to your study to look for you but you weren''t around. There was a property deed on your table and I saw it all. I even passed by here at one point to take a look at the house. I think its location is pretty good, you know? It''s a quiet area in a busy place."


    "I heard from Little Jing that the Uncle and Auntie Jiang staying there have helped you when you were in Black Wind Ridge. Li Yao also saved you before, giving them a place to stay is the right thing to do," Xia Chunfeng continued.


    Xia Chunyu shot him a glance. "You didn''t tell Little Jing, right?"


    "No, Second Brother. Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone. Even if you hide your mistress there, I won''t tell anyone," Xia Chunfeng said laughingly, putting an arm around his brother''s shoulders.


    With a flip and a twist of his arm, Xia Chunyu has Chunfeng under his grip.


    "Aiyo, hurts, hurts, hurts..." Xia Chunyu cried loudly.


    "Rascal, if you dare to spout such nonsense again, I am going to rip your arm out."


    "It''s not gonna happen again! Never again!" Xia Chungfeng exclaimed loudly.


    Only then did Xia Chunyu let him go.


    Chunfeng massaged his arm, grumbling with a pout, "Second Brother, we are brothers from the same mother, how can you be so ruthless?"


    Xia Chunyu looked at him from the corner of his eyes. "Do you want to have another go?"


    "No, no. I know you love me the best."


    After accompanying his brother back to the residence, Xia Chunyu snuck out again.


    Unless he tells Yaoyao personally about his departure tomorrow, he wouldn''t feel at ease.


    Back in the courtyard, Xia Chunyu was shocked when he saw Helian Jing sitting at the grindstone in the courtyard, playing with the Kong Ming* lock that Jiang Li made. That little devil actually snuck back!


    "Helian Jing," Xia Chunyu shouted furiously.


    Helian Jing looked up, startled. "Mm? Brother Chunyu, what are you doing back here? Oh... you must be back for the ice cream!"


    Xia Chunyu glared at him. No, you idiot, I''m not back for the ice cream. Also, unlike you, I don''t use the ice cream as an excuse to hang around Yaoyao.


    "I left something behind," Xia Chunyu said unpleasantly.


    "What is it? I''ll get it for you," Helian Jing offered.


    Xia Chunyu really felt like giving him a flying kick.


    "Where''s Li Yao?"


    Helian Jing pointed to the direction of the kitchen. "He is making ice cream with the Jiang siblings inside! I''m not going in to watch, don''t worry. I am just going to wait here until the ice cream is ready."


    Xia Chunyu ignored him and turned to head to the kitchen.


    Helian Jing blocked him immediately, saying firmly, "Brother Chunyu, you must not go in! This concerns the secret recipe."


    "There is something I have to ask Li Yao," Xia Chunyu replied impatiently.


    Helian Jing did not budge. "You were here a long time ago, shouldn''t you have asked him already?"


    Helian Jing might act simple and childish at times but he has an acute intuition. He did not miss how especially close Brother Chunyu and Yaoyao are. The way he looked at Yaoyao was just like how Zhao Qixuan looked at Susu, full of tender feelings.


    Although he has always held Brother Chunyu in high regards, Yaoyao was dear to him so he would not just roll over to him.


    Xia Chunyu looked at Little Jing, confused and irritable. He saw the resolution in Little Jing''s eyes and he sneered. Was this brat really willing to fight him over Yaoyao? Ha!


    Ye Jiayao heard some movement outside so she came out to take a look. She saw the two of them standing in the middle of the of the courtyard staring at each other. Little Jing even has his arms open wide to stop Chunyu.


    What the f*ck is going on?


    "Hey, what are the two of you doing?" Ye Jiayao broke their staring contest.


    Xia Chunyu turned to her, his eyes furious. You didn''t me believe me when I told you about Little Jing''s crush, right? Well, take a good look for yourself right now. Your little brother has evolved into a bull in oestrus.


    Helian Jing puts his arms down and said with a smile. "Nothing. Oh, Brother Chunyu, you said you left something behind, right? What is it?"


    Xia Chunyu answered thoughtlessly, "I dropped my thumb ring in your room."


    Helian Jing''s heart sank a little. He was in Yaoyao''s room?


    "I''ll help you look for it," Helian Jing said, walking towards Yaoyao''s room.


    No! What the f*ck is this brat trying to do? Ye Jiayao remembered that the dress that she had changed out of was still lying on the bed. What if he sees it?


    "Stop right there," Ye Jiayao shouted frantically. "You don''t know where it is, you''ll just mess up my room. Go to the kitchen and help beat the eggs." She pulled him back and pushed him into the kitchen.


    Helian Jing was fuming but he didn''t dare say a word.


    Xia Chunyu followed Ye Jiayao into the room.


    Once the door shuts, Xia Chunyu pressed her against it and kissed her deeply and passionately, pouring all the pent-up aggression he was feeling in the kiss.


    He panted, "You still think he has no interest in you? I saw it with my own eyes. If you came out a little later, we would have fought."


    Ye Jiayao was getting dizzy from the lack of oxygen and from the lust she was feeling. "I know. I tried to chase him out but he just won''t leave."


    "You are not firm enough," Xia Chunyu said.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. What did he want her to do? Throw Little Jing out with a broom?


    "Alright, alright, I know. Where did you leave your thumb ring?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Xia Chunyu stared at her deeply and said with a gravelly voice, "It was not my thumb ring that I left here, it''s my heart."


    Ye Jiayao flushed with pleasure from his words.


    "Yaoyao, I am going to Pu Ji Temple tomorrow to escort the Empress Dowager for the Seventh Prince''s ritual. I will be gone for seven days so you have to take care of your own safety. I will have Song Qi stay in the residence to await orders. If there is anything you need, look for Song Qi, he will find a way to inform me. What happened today will not happen again. I''ll always be here when you need me, one way or another," Xia Chunyu said sincerely.


    "Seven days¡­" Ye Jiayao could not help but feel down.


    Her melancholic expression touched Xia Chunyu''s heart. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her over and over again. "Seven days will pass by quickly. Remember, don''t get too close to Little Jing, okay? I will be jealous and I will go crazy."


    A man who gets jealous and goes crazy for a woman must be madly in love with her, right? Ye Jiayao giddily embraced him. "Alright, naggy."


    Xia Chunyu pinched her nose. "I am not nagging! Wait until my return, I''m going to punish you for that."


    He pressed harder against her, letting her feel his desire.


    Ye Jiayao understood the punishment he was referring to when she felt his enormous bulge. She blushed shyly and pushed him away half-heartedly. "We should get going. Little Jing might get suspicious."

 Chapter 129：First Time In The Chamber Of Commerce

    Little Jing wasn''t able to wait for the ice cream because the Elder Princess wanted to know the conclusion of his discussion with Xia Chunyu and got someone to call him back.


    The next day at work, the entire Heavenly Residence was buzzing when Ye Jiayao showed the token she received yesterday.


    The staff was amazed that Li Yao has already achieved so much and he has even yet to join the culinary competition. Being a chef of the imperial kitchen, especially for someone so young and new, was not an easy feat. The only way to even qualify there was ranking high in the culinary competition. Even the low-level helpers would still need to pass the imperial kitchen''s strict and rigorous test and would have to wait about 10 years to match with an imperial chef.


    Everyone knew that Brother Yao was very skillful but the speed of his rise was a little scary. He practically did it overnight!


    "Wow! Heavenly Residence has an imperial chef now! If word gets out, the restaurant will be packed with customers¡­" Deng Haichuan said proudly.


    "If anyone asks for the imperial chef to cook for them, they''d have to pay more," Cui Dongpeng added laughingly.


    Ye Jiayao explained, "No, it''s not like that. It''s just the permission to enter the imperial kitchen to make royal meals if the palace summons me."


    "That is impressive!" Deng Haichuan exclaimed happily.


    "Li Yao, Shopkeeper Li wants to see you," Manager Qian called.


    Zhong Xiang watched Li Yao disappear upstairs, his emotions a mess. He wasn''t feeling jealous as he has been long convinced of Li Yao''s superb culinary skills. However, the ever-growing distance between him and Li Yao was making him uncomfortable. He felt as though Li Yao has risen so quickly and so highly that he left nothing but smoke behind.


    Shopkeeper Li couldn''t help but bemoan his luck. If he knew that these consecutive fortunate events would happen, he never would have sold the restaurant. He couldn''t stop blaming himself for being so short-sighted and cowardly.


    "Shopkeeper Li," Ye Jiayao greeted with a smile.


    "Li Yao, take a sit."


    Ye Jiayao sat obediently.


    "Today, there will be a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Go with me," Shopkeeper Li started, looking at this energetic youth before him. Shopkeeper Li still could not believe how someone of his age became an imperial chef.


    "Are there some rough ideas for the culinary competition?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Shopkeeper Li nodded. "Today''s meeting will touch on the specific plan and if everyone agrees, we will set it down. Go with me to hear it out so you can also mentally prepare."


    Ye Jiayao acquiesced cheerfully. She''d finally be able to meet all the big shots in Jin Ling''s food and beverage industry.


    "There is also something else that I want to discuss with you. Now that your status is different, I think the private rooms on the third story should increase in price. How much do you think it should be?" Shopkeeper Li asked.


    "Also, you''ll have a pay raise. I will pay you according to the rank of a head chef, 50 taels a month. There will also be a bonus from time to time."


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "I am fine with anything, Shopkeeper, you can decide."


    Her earnings every day counted in thousands now so the salary and bonus really don''t matter to her.


    "Then, all the private rooms on the third story will increase by 2% and this 2% will go to you," Shopkeeper Li declared. This restaurant does not belong to him now so he was fine being generous.


    "Sure, whatever you decide."


    Ye Jiayao was already running the numbers in her head. There were eight private rooms on the third story and the average spending for each private room is 50 taels. With an additional 2%, she would get 40 taels in total, and in a month, that would be 1200 tales. In a year, it will be more than 10, 000 taels. That wasn''t even counting her commission from the mooncakes and iceboxes. If this continues on, in a year, she would have enough capital to open her own restaurant.


    Skill comes with gold and silver, indeed.


    While Ye Jiayao was building castles in the air, Shopkeeper Li handed her a stack of banknotes, all of them worth 2000 taels each. "It was decided that you would be paid once every three days but you were not around yesterday. This is the commission for the mooncakes for the past four days. A total of 2300 mooncakes was sold in four days so that would be 3450 taels. We sold 136 iceboxes so that would be 1360 taels, and 4810 tales in total. Do check."


    It was only the third day of the eighth month and there were still twelve days to mid-autumn. If everything goes well, she would be able to earn 20, 000 taels! Ye Jiayao couldn''t even comprehend that.


    "There is no need for that! I told you that I trust you." Ye Jiayao held the thick stack of banknotes, grinning so widely it felt like her face would split.


    Shopkeeper Li smiled, amused by Li Yao''s enthusiasm. "I suggest you deposit your money into Da Tong Exchange. There would be a 0.05% interest every month. Besides, it is not safe to have so many banknotes with you."


    "Okay. I''ll do that," Ye Jiayao agreed.


    At the Wei hour, Shopkeeper Li called Ye Jiayao to go with him to the Chamber of Commerce. They dropped by Da Tong Exchange on the way so that Ye Jiayao could deposit her money.


    Da Tong Exchange was Huai Song''s largest bank, with a total of 56 branches. It was the bank of choice among the wealthy in Jin Ling.


    The Commerce Street was a street where all the Chambers of Commerce were, be it for medical, silk and cloths, tea leaves, pottery, or antiques. Any industry that you can name would have its Chamber of Commerce here, showing how advanced Huai Song''s economy is.


    The front of the Food and Beverage Chamber of Commerce was pretty imposing. One after another, horse carriages stopped in front of the door.


    Shopkeeper Li has already given Ye Jiayao a holistic introduction on the way here.


    There would be an election once every three years in the Chamber of Commerce. The current president of the Commerce was Zheng Fugui and the vice president was Qi Lin Pavilion''s Duan Qilin. The previous president was Zhang Youcheng, the most senior member and also the only one who does not own a restaurant. The reason why he became president was that he has many disciples and all of them have impressive skills, like Lu Yiming and Zheng Fugui.


    Ye Jiayao was very impressed with the old man. Lu Yiming was a master at vegetarian food but he''s also great at other culinary styles. Zheng Fugui does not do vegetarian food, but he''s still well-skilled in the other aspects. If there''s a chance, she has to ask that old man for guidance.


    The meeting room in the Chamber of Commerce was quite large, almost like that of Black Wind Ridge''s. There were three seats of honors and on both sides, there were two rows of six seats and a table in between each. Judging by the looks of it, this meeting room could only seat 27 people, representing the most powerful bunch of people in Jin Ling''s food and beverage industry.


    Ye Jiayao felt a little agitated.


    Shopkeeper Li pointed to a middle-aged man with a huge belly, introducing him as Zheng Fugui and on his right was Duan Qilin. On his left, the old man with a beard reaching his chest was Zhang Youcheng.


    "Do you see that guy with droopy eyes? His name is Lian Xingwang, the shopkeeper of Xiang Yi Restaurant and the one with small eyes beside him is Niu Baoshun. The one drinking tea there is called Mei Xiuguang, the shopkeeper of Ju Xiang Yuan¡­" Shopkeeper Li said softly.


    Ye Jiayao could not help but take a second look at Mei Xiugang. That''s Consort Mei''s relative!


    When people noticed Shopkeeper Li''s arrival, they started to come over to greet him. Everyone ignored Ye Jiayao, thinking that she was just Shopkeeper Li''s attendant.


    Shopkeeper Li signaled her to find a seat in the second row while he took a seat on the third chair on the left. Ye Jiayao knew her place as a newbie and a young chef so she sat on the last seat of the second row on the left.


    Just when her butt touched the seat, someone walked over and said meanly, "Who are you? Don''t you know the rules? Do you think you can just sit in this seat?"


    Ye Jiayao raised her head and saw a young man of about 20 years old looking down cockily at her.


    Ye Jiayao gave him a pleasant smile. "Is this your seat?"


    "What do you think?" he retorted haughtily.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to call him out for his holier-than-thou attitude, but seeing as this was her first visit here, she didn''t want to cause trouble. Wordlessly, she stood up and gave him the seat.


    When she searched around, she realized that all other chairs were already taken. What, am I supposed to just stand?


    Left with no choice, Ye Jiayao headed to the back and stood in a row with all the attendants that the restaurant owner''s brought.


    The young man who told her to give up her seat turned back and glanced at her, the corner of his lips rising in a smirk. He told the person beside him, "Whose attendant is that? So unruly."


    The person replied kindly, "Maybe it is his first time here and he doesn''t know the rules."


    "Ay, Xiaotian, my father said that you are a hot favorite for the champion in this culinary competition. I guess like father like son," the cocky guy praised.


    Xiaotian? Lu Xiaotian? Could he be Lu Yiming''s son?


    Ye Jiayao has taken a liking to Lu Yiming, and it seemed that this Lu Xiaotian was also as nice as him.


    "Uncle Zheng is too kind. There are so many seniors and masters here, how would I be able to compete? I only go for the experience, but you, Brother Sanduo, is the skilled one that can really win the competition," Lu Xiaotian replied.


    Ye Jiayao frowned. This arrogant guy is Zheng Sanduo? The young master of Fu Ji?


    Zheng Sanduo only said, "I am not that skillful. I am just going to join in the fun."


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him. Disgusting hypocrite.


    Someone joined in the conversation and said, "I heard that the new head chef in Heavenly Residence is formidable. What do you guys think about him? Do you think he can win?"


    Zheng Sanduo scoffed, "Formidable? He''s just full of tricks. All those chilled drinks and ice cream mooncake nonsense... pfft."


    "You cannot put it like that. He was the one in charge of the Helian Mansion''s birthday banquet and was very highly praised. He wouldn''t be hired if he wasn''t capable," Lu Xiaotian reasoned.


    "The only reason he was hired is that he is friends with the Young Royal Highness Jing of the Helian Mansion. Besides, the Helian Mansion originally wanted my father to do the banquet but he declined because of his health," Zheng Sanduo said in disdain.

 Chapter 130：Protest

    "Oh, so that is why."


    Shopkeeper Li, who was sitting in the first row, heard what Zheng Sanduo said and felt extremely annoyed. He wanted to rebut him but it was inappropriate for a senior to argue with the younger ones.


    Lu Xiaotian laughed. "Brother Sanduo, you have underestimated him. I heard that His Majesty summoned him to the palace yesterday to prepare his royal meals - 18 dishes and a soup. His Majesty even personally bestowed a name for his dish and conferred him as a Mobile Imperial Chef."


    Everyone gasped.


    "Surely not?"


    "What kind of official is a Mobile Imperial Chef?"


    "Even imperial chefs are not officials! What kind of official is a Mobile Imperial Chef? It is just a servant in the palace," Zheng Sanduo said, feeling salty. He could not believe that the new chef actually became a Mobile Imperial Chef.


    Lu Xiaotian said, "It is indeed not impressive to be an imperial chef. After all, only the first place in the culinary competition has the qualifications to become an imperial chef. Even the second place can only do odd jobs in the imperial kitchen."


    The statement was obviously a jab at Zheng Sanduo. Everyone seated knew that Lu Yiming only became an imperial chef by winning the first place in the culinary competition. Zheng Fugui might have the qualifications to enter the imperial kitchen, but his status was clearly incomparable to that of Lu Yiming''s.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to cheer for Lu Xiaotian. That''s right! Put that arrogant brat in his place.


    Zheng Sanduo immediately regretted his slip of the tongue, his face paling with embarrassment.


    "If you put it that way, then that Li Yao must really have some skills," someone chimed in.


    "Since he is so incredible, he should have the qualifications to join today''s meeting."


    "That''s right. Shopkeeper Li, why didn''t you bring him along? We could''ve gotten to know each other."


    Someone snorted.


    Ye Jiayao looked to the direction of the sound. It was Niu Baoshun who was sitting on the first seat on the second row.


    "We can only find out about his so-called skills in the competition," Niu Baoshun said.


    Zheng Sanduo, finally founding his ally, added, "That''s right. We have only heard rumors about Li Yao''s capabilities, but fame does not represent his skills. Who knows how he was able to win His Majesty''s favor? This Li Yao obviously knows how to get into the good books of the wealthy and powerful so he might really just be good at bootlicking."


    F*ck you, you douche canoe. Ye Jiayao stared daggers at the back of Zheng Sanduo''s head, reigning in the urge to kick him.


    Lu Xiaotian chuckled coldly. "I think Li Yao would definitely participate in this culinary competition. When the time comes, Brother Sanduo will be able to see for himself whether Li Yao really lives up to his name or whether it is all unwarranted fame."


    The shopkeeper of Ju Fu Lin, Lin Changchun, who was sitting beside Shopkeeper Li, laughed in amusement. "Shopkeeper Li, five years ago, your Heavenly Residence has Niu Baoshun who managed to clinch in the third place as a dark horse. This year, your restaurant is the hot topic even before the competition begins. Your head chefs are no simpleton!"


    Shopkeeper Li said humbly, "You are too kind. I heard that the head chef of your Ju Fu Lin is the real hidden master."


    Zheng Fugui, who was sitting on the seat of honor, took a sweeping glance of the meeting room. Since all the seats were filled up, he began, "Since everyone is present, let''s start the meeting!"


    "First on the agenda is the protest that a few pastry shops in Jin Ling raised."


    Immediately, everyone turned to Shopkeeper Li, who turned a blind eye to their stares, sipping his tea calmly.


    Ye Jiayao''s heart stopped for a while. Why are you so envious of my mooncakes, you f*ckers? What have we ever done to you?


    Zheng Fugui continued, "Although it is not explicitly mentioned by the committee, it is the common consensus in the industry that restaurants, pastry shops, teahouses, wine houses, and even vinegar shops have their specific range of operations. The boundary should not be easily crossed. I heard that recently, Heavenly Residence launched their ice cream mooncake and greatly impacted the pastry shops in Jin Ling. Shopkeeper Li, why don''t you give an explanation."


    Shopkeeper Li set his cup of tea down and responded calmly, "A restaurant''s range of operation is comprehensive. We do not simply cook dishes. Restaurants also brew wine. For example, the Fu Shou Chun of your Fu Ji is self-brewed and brings good business to you. The wine houses haven''t raised a protest because of that, no?"


    Zheng Fugui''s face turned ugly.


    "Restaurants also make chilled drinks. For example, every restaurant will launch the iced sour plum soup, the lotus seed with fungus, and more during the summer period. Restaurants also make pastries. Some even marinate their preserved food. For example, Xiang Yi Restaurant''s pastries, Qi Lin Pavilion''s preserved food, all of them are very famous. Why didn''t anyone come out and protest? If you''re talking about selling mooncakes, who, among all the people sitting here with restaurants, do not sell mooncakes every year? Now that our Heavenly Residence starts selling mooncakes, how is that a hindrance?" Shopkeeper Li stated.


    The bald Mei Xiuguang sitting at the opposite side jumped out to say, "Others who brew wine, make pastries, and marinate preserved foods did not constitute a destructive impact towards others. Your ice cream mooncakes caused our mooncakes to sell poorly! We simply can''t sell them anymore!"


    Shopkeeper Li directed a patronizing smile at him. "Calm down, Shopkeeper Mei. Our Heavenly Residence''s ice cream mooncake is targeted at the wealthy people. Although Jin Ling has a lot of rich people, the commoners still far outnumber them. There is still an abundance of customers for pastry shops like yours. Business has always been reliant on competitiveness. Whoever has better things would naturally have better business. Otherwise, Xiang Yi Restaurant wouldn''t have the need to poach talents, would it?


    "How is it my problem if you can''t sell your foods? If you are unable to win the people''s favor, then don''t you think that you should come up with a better plan? If you cannot sell top-grade mooncakes, then sell low-grade ones. Shopkeeper Mei, you are also an experienced businessman. I don''t have to teach you that, do I? If you insist on using an egg to knock a stone, who do you think will be the one to suffer?"


    Ye Jiayao barely restrained herself from clapping. Who knew that Shopkeeper Li was capable of such eloquence?


    Mei Xiuguang was dumbfounded and speechless.


    "Shopkeeper Li, don''t be so aggressive. Fortunes rise and fall every day. Do you think your head chef will stay in Heavenly Residence forever?" someone reproved, disapproving of Shopkeeper Li''s sharp tongue.


    "No one knows what the future holds so it is best to be in control of the present," Shopkeeper Li replied in an offhand tone.


    Zheng Fugui said, "Shopkeeper Li, we are all in the same trade and would cross paths often. Harmony breeds wealth, you know that. Why don''t Heavenly Residence reduce your quantity by half so that others can have a means of subsistence."


    Most of the people in the meeting room agreed. It was clear that many were envious of the fame Heavenly Residence was suddenly getting.


    "I do not agree. Business has always been based on capabilities. As long as we do not swindle, cheat, or steal, any legitimate strategy should be fine," Duan Qilin disagreed.


    Ye Jiayao looked at the man in shock. She didn''t think that the fierce-looking man would jump to their defense.


    "Please pardon this younger generation''s bold words." Lu Xiaotian stood, his hands cupped in front of him.


    "Chefs have their specialties because one''s skills and energy is limited and could not stretch out so far. So when the head chef of Heavenly Residence, Li Yao, appeared, we were all shocked and threatened. He is someone who not only makes exquisite and delicious dishes, but also a master in pastries - and, from what I heard, he''s also skilled in carving. Heavenly Residence is fortunate to be able to hire him as their head chef.


    "Simply put, if your business is not as good as theirs, you have no one to blame but yourself for not being able to hire such an all-rounded chef. As for the pastry shops who are supposed to specialize in pastries and were beaten by a restaurant''s chef, you need to take a hard look at your business. If you''re in a fight and the other party defeats you, you can''t request to have his hands and legs tied up just because you lost. That''s a shameless act that''s only done by desperate, uncouth people."


    Mei Xiuguang''s old face was flushed red with anger and embarrassment but he was unable to respond.


    "What Lu Xiaotian said makes sense. Ju Fu Lin''s business is slowing down but do you hear us blaming anyone?" Lin Changchun said.


    Lu Xiaotian''s words were incisive. Everyone present didn''t dare to disagree with him lest they get labeled as a shameless person whose skills were not up to par.


    Zheng Fugui sought the opinion of the old president beside him, who said, "You should settle this matter privately amongst yourself! Next topic is the discussion with regards to the culinary competition."


    "Jin Ling''s culinary competition is held once every five years. It was initially an event launched to raise the reputations of various restaurants and provoke innovation. However, this year, the government is hoping that the scale can be increased to not only limit the competition to the various restaurants but also to include anyone who feels that they have excellent culinary skills."


    Immediately, the whole hall was filled with chatter. This meant that the level of competition has risen. It was no longer just a matter within the community. When the time comes, the participants would definitely increase, including those from other towns and cities. The competition would be stiff.


    "Why? The money for the competition is going to come out from the committee," Lian Xingwang from Xiang Yi Restaurant opposed.


    Zheng Fugui answered, "The committee will only bear 30% of this year''s expenses. The rest would be shouldered by the government."


    He, too, did not wish for the scope of the competition to increase as it would be unfavorable for his son, Sanduo. If it was just within Jin Ling, Sanduo''s culinary skills have the chance of winning. However, he was not sure if it would still hold true once the competition is open to all. There is always someone better out there.


    Since the government was going to bear the majority of the cost, they could not even object even if they wanted to.


    Ye Jiayao, however, was thinking about getting Zhong Xiang and the rest to enter the competition.


    "How are the prizes going to be set?" someone questioned.


    "Since the scope is wider, the prizes would naturally increase. The government has said that this year, the top 10 would be able to enter the imperial kitchen. Also, this time, the competition would also include pastries and noodles and the top three will be chosen," Zheng Fugui answered.


    Once again, there was a moment of chattering. The top 10? Was the imperial kitchen just using this competition as an opportunity to hire chefs?


    Ye Jiayao could understand the logic behind the government''s decree. The masters in the palace must already be tired of the cooking of those chefs and wanted to try something new for a change.


    It was normal. A restaurant changes chefs after a few years for fear that their customers would grow tired of the food.


    "Therefore, everyone here has to prepare. This time, the competition is not just a fight for fame for yourselves. It is a fight for the reputation of Jin Ling''s restaurants." Zheng Fugui obviously wanted to encourage everyone but as he said the words, he too felt a little heavy.

 Chapter 131：Becoming A Monk

    Everyone''s mood sank after hearing Zheng Fugui''s words. With a wider scope and more participants, the competition would be tougher than ever. Even Master Chef Niu''s expression has become grave. The only one who looked as confident as ever was that Zheng Sanduo, which made Ye Jiayao suspicious.


    Was that assh*le really that confident with his skill or was there some conspiracy going on? Did his father somehow manage to reserve him a place in the top 10?


    Zheng Fugui announced that the competition would be held around mid-October, which meant that there was still around two months left. He made it clear that every contestant would have to pay 200 coppers for the preliminary round, an additional two taels if they make it to the semi-finals and another five taels for the finals. The contestants would also have to buy and prepare the ingredients themselves.


    What the hell? Ye Jiayao frowned. It seemed that even in another era, people of power are still money hungry.


    When the meeting was finally over, Mei Xiuguang was the first to walk off, giving Shopkeeper Li a deathly glare. He didn''t care about the culinary competition. His aim for today was to get rid of the ice cream mooncake but things did not go as he planned.


    Shopkeeper Li ignored him and instead gestured to Li Yao that they were leaving.


    However, Ye Jiayao wanted to do something before they leave.


    Lu Xiaotian stood up when he felt someone pat him on the shoulder.


    "Brother Lu, greetings from me."


    Lu Xiaotian turned around, his brows furrowed. Wasn''t this the young man who sat at Zheng Sanduo''s seat just now?


    "Brother Lu stood up for justice today. Your overwhelming sense of righteousness makes me admire you." Ye Jiayao cupped her hands in front of her sincerely.


    "And you are?" Lu Xiaotian was touched but he still did not know this young fellow.


    "I am Li Yao of Heavenly Residence."


    Those who were just about to leave suddenly stopped in their tracks, turning to look at Ye Jiayao.


    Lu Xiaotian''s jaw dropped open in shock.


    Zheng Sanduo looked so pale and horrified. "You are Li Yao? Head Chef Li?"


    It was said that Heavenly Residence''s Head Chef Li was young, but they didn''t know that he would be this young. Hell, the guy doesn''t even look like he''d been with a girl yet!


    Shopkeeper Li slowly said, "He is not just Head Chef Li anymore. He''s Mobile Imperial Chef and Heavenly Residence''s Master Chef Li Yao. Now, if you don''t mind, we have places to be."


    Ye Jiayao cupped her hands again and smiled at the crowd before following Shopkeeper Li.


    They were dumbstruck, staring after Li Yao and Shopkeeper Li blankly.


    "Xiaotian, your father is in the imperial kitchen, is this the truth?" Ju Fu Lin''s Lin Changchun asked.


    Lu Xiaotian smiled helplessly. "It is."


    Lin Changchun glanced at the shopkeeper of Xiang Yi Restaurant, Lian Xingwang, who looked like he was about to pass out, and purposefully said, "Shopkeeper Li is indeed lucky! He might have had his chef stolen, but he sure did found someone infinitely better."


    Ye Jiayao boarded the horse carriage and grumbled merrily, "Shopkeeper, that was mean! I think you scared them!"


    Shopkeeper Li laughed proudly. "Good. That is what I intend to do. You know, I''ve spoken more today than I have in all of seven years that I''ve been on that committee. It is exhilarating!


    "I''ve always disliked that Mei. He thinks that because he''s worked in the imperial kitchen before, he''s above everyone. Ha! My head chef is also now from the imperial kitchen!"


    Shopkeeper Li usually liked to keep a low profile, but now that he has sold the restaurant, he has nothing to be afraid of anymore. He can say whatever he wants and the blowback wouldn''t be directed at him.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to tell Shopkeeper Li what happened with Consort Mei and their theory of its connection with that Mei Xiuguang. However, Shopkeeper Li was a bit of a coward and Ye Jiayao was afraid to give him a fright. Luckily, she was now the Mobile Imperial Chef. The Meis, or anyone for that matter, would think twice before plotting against her.


    After dinner, Ye Jiayao had everyone in the kitchen stay back for a short meeting.


    She discussed the new rules of the culinary competition and also her thoughts about them joining in. This was a rare chance that they couldn''t and shouldn''t pass up. Although it would be difficult to enter the top 10, they would at least be able to gain experience and knowledge if they compete.


    Deng Haichuan said, "Brother Yao, our skills aren''t suited for the competition yet. Brother Xiang, you should go."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Zhong Xiang was slightly interested but he''s still too unsure.


    "I''m afraid I won''t be able to make it."


    "Perhaps you can participate in the pastry competition. Your basics are strong and you are creative. I think it is worth a try," Ye Jiayao encouraged.


    Zhong Xiang''s eyes lit up with excitement. Very mindful of Li Yao''s opinion, he asked, "Do you really think I can try?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "Of course I do! In the Old Ancestress'' birthday banquet, your pastries were highly praised."


    "Brother Xiang, go for it. When the time comes, we will all go and support you and Brother Yao," Cui Dongpeng said.


    "All of you go back and consider it. Registration starts in three days. Don''t be too caught up in winning, just take it as an experience," Ye Jiayao told them.


    "Now, let''s talk about the second matter. You should all know that we recently have accepted many private banquets. We can''t cope with that if it''s just the five of us, so I have decided to split us up into two groups. Me, Deng Haichuan, Wang Mingde in one group, Brother Xiang and Cui Dongpeng will be in another. The rest of you will fill in the remaining slots. I told you before that everyone here has a chance. This is it. If you perform well, you stay. If I see you slacking off, others will take your place."


    Ye Jiayao wanted to take care of her brothers. She would pull up whoever she could but she has to make it clear that inept and weak workers were not welcome.


    Her declaration overwhelmed the brothers with emotions.


    "Brother Yao, we will not disappoint you."


    Ye Jiayao smiled, pleased with how the meeting went. She still wasn''t sure whether everyone would be up to the task, but that was now out of her control. She had done what she could.


    The family banquet of Governor Su was on the fifth day of the eighth month. There was another event on the fourth for the family of a fourth rank official. Ye Jiayao set the menu and put Zhong Xiang mainly in charge. On the day of the banquet, she''d just have to make a few key dishes to guard a pass.


    Today, Ye Jiayao has something more important to do.


    She has to find out what happened with Zhao Qixuan.


    She was the one who came up with the idea so naturally, she wanted to see how it would turn out.


    Early in the morning, Su Yi was practicing calligraphy in his study when a servant came in to report that Little Shao from the Yong An Marquis Residence was seeking his audience.


    Without even lifting his head, Su Yi replied, "No."


    The servant said, "Little Shao said that if he doesn''t see you, he will kneel in front of the residence until Young Master comes out."


    Su Yi frowned in annoyance. He thought that after giving him a harsh beating, Qixuan would exercise restraint. He didn''t think that he''d really follow that Li Yao''s asinine advice.


    He has actually already checked up on that shameless git. He found out that he''s Heavenly Residence''s head chef and it was only because of Little Jing that he and Qixuan became brothers.


    This chap has not even been in Jin Ling for long yet he was already well-known. Actually, almost all the nobles and aristocrats know him because of his chilled drinks, ice cream mooncakes, and his work at the Helian''s Old Ancestress'' birthday banquet. The news that shocked him most was his win against a fight with Princess Liu Li. It looked like the young guy was quite capable and courageous.


    Su Yi felt like his Achilles'' heel was in the hands of others and he didn''t like it.


    He wanted to get someone to chase Little Shao away, but he''s afraid of blowing things up. He could not have Little Shao kneeling outside so he called him in.


    "What''s the matter?" Su Yi demanded coldly. He''s determined that no matter what message Qixuan got Little Shao to pass, he would not pay attention to it.


    Little Shao wiped his eyes with his sleeve, his tears starting to pour out. He was silently cursing the chili that Heir-Son Lord gave him. It was so hot that he felt like he was going to go blind.


    Su Yi waited for a while, but when he did not hear Little Shao talking, he lifted his head to look at him. He was taken aback by the tears streaming on Little Shao''s face. "What are you crying for? Your master isn''t even dead."


    Little Shao sobbed, "S..soon¡­ he is going to die."


    Su Yi''s heart stuttered for a bit before he recovered with a smile. "Your master is using self-harming methods to move me."


    Although he bashed Zhao Qixuan up pretty badly, it was only skin deep. He had good control over the extent and power he used so he wouldn''t really hurt Qixuan. Dying? Who is he trying to bluff?


    "Yes, it is true. It is akin to dying. The Heir-Son Lord¡­ he is going to become a monk," Little Shao whimpered.


    Su Yi was stunned. He wasn''t expecting that.


    "Madam has already cried several times. No matter how much we persuade him, it is of no use. The Heir-Son Lord is determined to become a monk. He is going to the White Tower Temple today to take the tonsure."


    Little Shao brought out a little bundle wrapped in cloth from his chest and passed it to Su Yi. "Heir-Son Lord wants me to give this to you. He says it is for memory''s sake."


    Su Yi opened up the parcel shakily. Inside, there was a bead and a lock of hair.


    It was as if he was struck by lightning.


    He also has the same bead. It''s polished from the same piece of jade. They bought this piece of jade together at a temple fair after school. It wasn''t really a good piece of jade but because Qixuan insisted on him buying him a gift, he picked up a random piece of jade from a random stall. He asked Zhao Qixuan to bring it back home and carve a seal out of it for fun. Two days later, Qixuan brought two beads over, saying that he polished the jade into beads for each of them.


    He could still remember Qixuan''s wide smile, revealing all his pearly white teeth. He said, "Wear this and never remove it, okay?"


    At that time, he didn''t know Qixuan''s feelings so he obliged.


    Slowly, he started to get furious. Yes, Su Yi hid from Qixuan, but he''d never thought of removing that bead.


    Does this mean that he really has decided to become a monk?

 Chapter 132：Get Used To It

    Little Shao presented him a letter next.


    Su Yi almost keeled over after reading it.


    "Susu, I have thought things through. I finally realized that you are unable to accept me, not because I am not good enough, but because our affinity is not as deep as I thought it to be. Li Yao said that a love like ours is not something you might get even after thousands of years of cultivation. Therefore, I have decided to sit in front of the Buddha and do religious cultivation for the rest of my life. If in this life it is insufficient, I will do it again in my next one until it is enough. Susu, just remember that even after I take the tonsure, I will still miss you very much."


    Su Yi felt wrecked. Zhao Qixuan might be a shrewd businessman, but he has a one-track mind when it comes to relationships. The man was just hopelessly foolish. How could he believe Li Ya''s nonsense? How could he even consider becoming a monk?


    Little Shao''s tears were still flowing when he said, "Madam wants me to become a monk too so I can wait on Heir-Son Lord. I don''t want to become a monk! Master Su, please persuade the Heir-Son Lord! He will only listen to you.


    Qixuan, you f*cking moron! You''re doing all these because of a crazy thought that we''d be together in another lifetime?


    "When is your Heir-Son Lord taking the tonsure?" Su Yi asked, his face pale.


    Little Shao was elated and cried even harder.


    "This morning. Yesterday, the monk in White Tower Temple promised to shave his head this morning."


    Su Yi gripped the jade bead and that lock of hair, rushing off to White Tower Temple without another word.


    He could not allow Zhao Qixuan to become a monk.


    Su Yi rushed over to the temple on a horse. When he reached White Tower Temple, he practically rolled down from the horse, silently praying that he was not too late.


    He ran up the stairs, all of its 399 steps, in one breath. At one point, he fell and cut his knee, but he did not stop. He got up and ignored the pain, stumbling his way up to the monastery.


    White Tower Temple has three sections. At the second section, Su Yi was stopped by someone. "Sir, we are in the midst of a tonsure ceremony right now. We do not accept pilgrims."


    In the main hall, the sound of the mokugyo beating and the monks chanting Buddhist scriptures filled the air. Su Yi peered in and saw someone kneeling before the Buddha, the person-in-charge of the White Tower temple shaving his head. He wanted to yell for them to stop, but the words were stuck in his throat. He felt dizzy and disoriented like he was about to faint.


    He was too late. Zhao Qixuan has already taken the tonsure.


    He would never take all his scoldings and beatings shamelessly again. No one would call him Susu again.


    Susu, I feel that we are a match made in heaven¡­


    Susu, why do you think I like you so much? I liked you from the moment I saw you.


    Susu, will you say something?


    Susu, my father gave me a beating, but that''s okay. Even if he beats me to death, I will not change my mind about you...


    Susu, I don''t care what others say about me. I only care about you. Please, don''t ignore me¡­


    Susu, you are a coward¡­


    Something warm was trickling down his cheeks. Surprised, he reached up to touch it. Tears. It looks like he knew how to cry, after all.


    Zhao Qixuan has always chased him around, finding ways and means to make him happy, but he has never been willing to give in to him. Su Yi acted as though he could not stand to be near him.


    In reality, he does not find him annoying.


    In reality, he actually liked hearing him spout nonsense.


    In reality, he liked to see him being silly.


    In reality, he liked hearing him call him Susu...


    He never wanted to leave Jin Ling. On those days where he couldn''t see Qixuan, he would sit under the moon and play the tune ''Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix'' on a vertical bamboo flute. He heard Qixuan say that he liked the tune very much so he learned it secretly. He never had the chance to play it for him.


    Qixuan was right, he''s a coward.


    He was afraid of the different looks people would give him and the hurtful words they''d say. He was afraid to be mocked and pointed at by others when he walks down the street. He was afraid that his parents would disown him.


    He was so afraid of being with Qixuan that he hid far away.


    He always thought that Qixuan was heartless. How could he not care about anything? How could he just proclaim his intentions so easily and so freely? It was only now that Su Yi understood him. It wasn''t that Qixuan doesn''t care about anything - it was just that he only cared about him. He was able to ignore all the contempt others threw his way because the only opinion he cared about was Su Yi''s. He endured being beaten so badly by his father that he was bed-ridden for months because, in Qixuan''s mind, he has Su Yi.


    Now¡­ he has given up everything to take refuge in religious life, still all for him.


    The tears were getting uncontrollable and for once, he didn''t wish to control them. His heart felt like it was ripped away. He couldn''t think of anything else but the thought of the person he cares about the most leaving him forever.


    "Susu, what are you doing here?"


    Su Yi turned around, almost jumping out of his skin in shock.


    Zhao Qixuan stood before him, donning a monk''s robe with his head still full of hair. He took another look at the kneeling person in the main hall, his hair falling, then asked a very silly question, "The person inside isn''t you?"


    Zhao Qixuan touched his head. "It is not my turn yet. Today is a good day to take the tonsure so there are three other people who are taking it."


    Su Yi''s fist clamped tightly on the jade bead in his palm, staring straight at Qixuan.


    Zhao Qixuan has never seen Susu cry. Seeing his face wet with tears, he almost couldn''t resist the urge to rush up to him and comfort him.


    However, Li Yao has made it clear; before the time is right, he has to bear with it. Bear with it, he must bear with it...  If he crumbles now, their efforts would just go to waste.


    "Susu, thank you for coming to see me. However, you don''t have to worry, I am really going to take the tonsure. From now on, you don''t have to hide anymore¡­" Zhao Qixuan stuttered.


    Su Yi just stared at him wordlessly.


    "Umm, I have a villa built there. You said that you like the scenery so I am going to give the villa to you. Someone will be going over to your residence to give you the deed of the house. I, um, I wanted to give it to you from the start¡­"


    "Sir, it is time," a monk interrupted, giving a Buddhist greeting to Zhao Qixuan.


    "Oh! Okay. Susu, I am going now. You have to take care of yourself, okay? I will chant scriptures and pray for you in front of the Buddha." Zhao Qixuan lowered his head, afraid to look Susu in the eyes.


    After taking two steps, Zhao Qixuan glanced back and said, "Susu, you should go back. Don''t watch. I am afraid I won''t look nice without hair."


    Su Yi watched him take each step towards the main step. Each step symbolized Qixuan giving up his worldly affairs, giving up on them.


    He couldn''t take it anymore and Su Yi suddenly rushed up in big steps, grabbing his arm and dragging him out.


    "Ay! Susu, what are you doing? I am going to take the tonsure soon! There must not be any delay, otherwise, the Buddha will think that I''m insincere. He might even punish me to many more lifetimes of cultivation..."


    "Then, so be it. I don''t care if we''re going to hell after death. In this life, we will be together," Su Yi said determinedly, pulling him out in fast paces. He wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.


    Zhao Qixuan stared at the back of Susu''s head in disbelief. Did he hear correctly?


    "Susu, you¡­ what did you say?"


    When they were finally out of the White Tower Temple, Su Yi flung his hand away and practically shouted, "You moron! Didn''t you say you are only persistent on this one matter in your whole life? What is this, then? If you take the tonsure and become a monk, what am I going to do? Should I take the tonsure with you?"


    Zhao Qixuan stammered, "Are you afraid that the people of my family will blame you? It won''t happen, I assure you. My parents are very reasonable. They know that their son fails to live up to their expectations and that it has nothing to do with you."


    Su Yi really felt like punching him, making his other eye swollen to even them out.


    "Didn''t you say that you don''t believe that I don''t hold you dear in my heart?" Su Yi screamed.


    Zhao Qixuan said meekly, "I¡­ I was trying to console myself. I was living in my lies."


    In the next moment, Su Yi pounced over. Zhao Qixuan dodged instinctively, thinking that Susu was going to punch him, but Susu merely grabbed the sides of his face and planted a firm kiss on his lips.


    In that split second, Zhao Qixuan felt as though everything around them was reduced to nothingness.


    "What about now? What do you say?" Su Yi lets go of him, the fury in his eyes replaced by a calmness as still as water. That Li Yao might be impertinent, but what he said was true. A lifetime is too short and he didn''t want to leave any regrets again. His family and other people would just have to get used to it.


    Zhao Qixuan was completely dumbstruck, standing there staring at Susu stupidly. "I... what did I say?"


    Su Yi rolled his eyes. It looked like he has not made himself clear.


    He kissed him again. This time, it was tender and filled with love and affection. He was actually surprised to find out that he was not repelled by such intimacy.


    "Silly, do you still want to take the tonsure?"


    Susu''s slightly cool lips made Qixuan''s whole body sing with happiness. Susu actually kissed him! They even barely progressed to holding hands after so many years! Susu has finally and truly accepted him.


    Zhao Qixuan did not remain silly for too long and threw himself into Susu''s embrace, kissing him back passionately. He wanted to make up for all the kisses they didn''t get to share all these years.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing, who was hiding in a temple to spy on them, heaved long sighs of relief.


    "Should we go out and congratulate them?" Helian Jing asked.


    Ye Jiayao stared at Helian Jing. "Do you have a death wish? If Susu finds out that all this is a trap, the three of us are going to die a horrible death."


    Helian Jing withdrew, thought back at how pathetic Zhao Qixuan looked when Su Yi roughed him up and shuddered.


    "We will just hide here and go out after they leave. You can''t tell anyone about this. You must take this secret to the grave, do you hear me?" Ye Jiayao warned.


    Helian Jing nodded immediately. "I will never tell a soul."

 Chapter 133：Long Story Short

    Madam Ye came to Yangzhou with the ''real'' Second Lady Ye.


    The well-planned visits and appearances of the two daughters changed the public''s previous bad opinions. Of course, people would not believe that the Helian Mansion deliberately lied to cause trouble for Assistant Minister Mu''s family so everyone just thought that it was all a misunderstanding.


    Ye Jinrong was finally in the clear.


    When she heard about this, Ye Jiayao wasn''t the least bit worried. In fact, she was thrilled to see the Ye jumping around to cover their lies. After all, the higher they jump, the harder they fall.


    Soon, it was the sixth day of the month and it was Ye Jiayao''s birthday. She still found it strange that she and Ye Jinxuan shared the same birthday. Maybe that was why she was reincarnated in the latter''s body.


    Ye Jiayao had long forgotten that she had mentioned her birthday to Little Jing.


    After a busy afternoon, she asked Zhong Xiang to make her a bowl of noodles with two extra eggs.


    Zhong Xiang joked, "Li Yao, it''s not your birthday, isn''t it?"


    "My digestion hasn''t been good recently. I would like to eat noodles to try and give my stomach a break," Ye Jiayao replied casually.


    If the brothers knew that it was her birthday today, they''d definitely make a whole scene of it with meals and drinks. They might even get her gifts and Ye Jiayao didn''t want that much trouble. All she wanted to do was go home and sleep.


    In the afternoon, Eunuch Little Chuan came and gave Ye Jiayao a basket of red pomegranates as a reward from the Prince''s wife because she liked the yogurt ice cream she made.


    Pomegranates weren''t really worth a lot, but they arrived at the right time. Ye Jiayao took them happily and thanked the eunuch.


    She saved five of it, one for herself and four for the Jiang family, and she shared the rest with brothers in the kitchen.


    When she finished working that night, Little Jing was waiting for her.


    "Yaoyao, let''s go cruising."


    "No, I''m too tired.


    "Just for a little while. I will make the ice creams for you tonight." Little Jing looked at her expectantly.


    Ye Jiayao returned his look with wariness. "No, that''s okay. I don''t want to trouble you."


    Last time she asked him to crack eggs, he cracked it as if he was bashing a rock. He used too much strength and the bucket of eggs fell down the floor. He wasted a few dozens of eggs, nearly bringing Jiang Yue to tears.


    Little Jing sneered at her. "I didn''t have experience before! I assure you that I will not make a mistake this time. Let''s go. I''ve rented a boat already. I heard that there will be a courtesan competition in Qinhuai River. We can go and have a look."


    When Ye Jiayao heard about the courtesan''s competition, her interest was piqued. She thought about the story of the eight famous courtesans in Qinhuai. They were rumored to be the most beautiful girls in Qinhuai and was so elegant they could pass off as royalties.


    Her moment of hesitation was enough for Little Jing to get her to the dock.


    When Ye Jiayao saw the small boat that Little Jing led her to, she asked, "We''re going on a cruise on this little boat?"


    "When I found out about the competition, the luxurious boats have all been rented out. The only ones left were this type of boats. I had to reveal to them my royal rank to rent it," Little Jing said, acting embarrassed.


    What really happened was that he exchanged the luxurious boat with other''s small boat. He wanted to tell Yaoyao something and he didn''t want others overhearing him.


    Ye Jiayao pictured Little Jing pulling rank on the boatmen to rent this measly boat and she couldn''t help but laugh.


    Once the two boarded the boat, the boatman unlatched it from the dock and pushed it softly.


    The boat just floated away - without the boatman.


    "Wait! Why is the boatman on the dock? Who is going to row this thing?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Little Jing picked up the paddles and started to row the boat. He smiled reassuringly and said to Yaoyao, "I will."


    "Wow! Not bad!" Ye Jiayao complimented when he saw how well Little Jing was doing.


    Little Jing did a happy jig inside. Of course, I am good. I practiced for a whole afternoon just for this!


    Qinhuai river was especially noisy tonight. Every light in the vicinity was on and there were countless boats on the river. Little Jing pointed to Yaoyao which big boat belonged to brothels.


    "Do you know how they compete in this kind of competition?" Ye Jiayao asked curiously.


    "The formal show has not started yet. Later, the courtesans from big brothels will gather together at one spot. See that? That''s the water stage in the front. They will compete against each other using their talents and skills.


    "Tonight is just a beginning. The competition will last for three days and then they will choose the most popular courtesan among them."


    "How would they assess that? Is there a judge?"


    "There''s really no judge. They will just see who''s the most popular. The one who would garner the highest bid would be the flower courtesan."


    An auction in public? In the ancient era? Who knew!


    "Little Jing, would anyone among your friends bid in this? Like your brother, Xia Chunyu, Zhao Qixuan. Eh¡­ I guess Zhao Qixuan wouldn''t go," Ye Jiayao tested.


    "Even though some royals would go, people like us who are traditional and decent would not bid. The best we can do is just watch," Little Jing said seriously.


    Ye Jiayao sighed in relief. If Chunyu ever dared to join this kind of place, she''d leave him in the dirt so fast his head would spin.


    "We can grab a good spot over the waterside earlier!" Ye Jiayao told him.


    "Okay, I''m going to row there." Even though Little Jing managed to navigate around the river, he was still new to this. He almost hit other boats several times!


    "Hurry up! It looks like it is about to begin." Ye Jiayao noticed that the other ships were beginning to move closer to the water platform.


    "Emm..."


    Pong!


    Their small boat hit a luxurious boat next to them.


    "Who is this? Do you even know how to row a boat?" someone from the boat came out and swore at him.


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing looked up and the man immediately retracted his head.


    Little Jing scowled at the big boat. "He''s lucky that I''m in a good mood today. I''ll deal with him some other day."


    In the luxurious boat, Mu Qinchu swore at his bad luck. He just yelled at Young Royal Highness Jing and Li Yao! He just hoped that they didn''t recognize him.


    "Cousin, what happened? Who is it?" Wei Liujiang asked when he saw Mu Qinchu''s pale face.


    Mu Qinchu whispered the names to Wei Liujiang, whose face turned pale, too. They just came out to have fun, why was this happening to them?


    "Ask the boatman to drive the boat further away," Wei Liujiang told the servant.


    Ye Jiayao noticed the boat veering away and smiled. "He knew it was us so he ran away."


    "He can''t hide forever," Little Jing said with a cold smile.


    "Oh, that reminds me. Did your brother came up with ideas on how to expose them?"


    Little Jing shook his head. "My brother and Brother Chunyu are keeping their mouth shut about their plans. Whatever. I don''t really care as long as those two suffer. I know that my brother and Brother Chunyu will make sure that they pay."


    Little Jing finally managed to row the boat in front of the water platform. It was good timing since the competition just started.


    Little Jing brought out a bunch of food and wine from the wooden box under his seat.


    "You prepared for this," Ye Jiayao commented.


    "Of course! We can''t just watch and do nothing!" Little Jing told her, looking proud.


    The music started and they saw seven girls with their beautiful bodies covered in even prettier clothes walked softly into the water platform. The cheers and shouting rose.


    "Tonight is the group debut, tomorrow will be the personal talent show," Little Jing introduced.


    "These are all of them?" Ye Jiayao asked doubtfully. They did have good body shapes and pretty faces, but weren''t courtesans supposed to be held to a higher standard?


    "Yes. There is a competition every year but the quality for each year is different. I heard Zhao Qixuan said that the most beautiful girl was Liu Yiyi from the year before. She was certainly the real flower. The night after tomorrow, Liu Yiyi will appear."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t wait to see Liu Yiyi as this year''s courtesans disappointed her.


    The audience was another matter. They were all cheering loudly, praising the girls'' beauties. Some people even started to recite poems for them.


    Ye Jiayao cringed. Unbelievable.


    Even Little Jing looked happy.


    "I don''t want to come tomorrow but I want to see Liu Yiyi. I trust Zhao Qixuan''s judgment," Ye Jiayao said.


    They haven''t heard from Zhao Qixuan and Su Yi for a couple of days now. Su Yi didn''t even come to look for her during the Su family''s dinner party. Now that they''re living the happily ever after, they forgot all about their wingman.


    "Okay. I will rent a huge boat the day after tomorrow and I will ask Liu Yiyi to come and toast to you and play the qin for us," Little Jing said.


    "For free?"


    "Of course not."


    "How much?"


    "I''m not sure. Liu Yiyi was the most expensive bid in Qinhuai river. She wouldn''t do anything for anyone expect Brother Chunyu."


    What the f*ck? Chunyu had a relationship with a courtesan? Ye Jiayao felt like she was going to throw up.


    "Why?"


    "It''s a long story."


    "Then shorten it," Ye Jiayao demanded angrily.

 Chapter 134：Birthday Gift

    Little Jing obliged.


    Last year, in the courtesan contest, Liu Yiyi was almost won by an insignificant old man who was in the coal business when he bid 8,000 silvers for her. No one dared to raise the bargaining price again even if they all saw that a flower was about to be planted on a cow dung.


    Xia Chunyu saved her by raising the amount to 10,000 silvers.


    Little Jing made Xia Chunyu sound like a hero when he saved the beauty by offering 10,000 silvers for her.


    Ye Jiayao spat her wine out. That f*cking perverted bastard!


    She was hurt and furious. He paid 10,000 silvers for one night with a woman.


    "Let''s go back. I am not watching this anymore," Ye Jiayao said testily.


    "What? Why? If you don''t like this, there will be more programs later," Little Jing said.


    "I said I want to leave. Why, are you enjoying yourself? Do you fancy their beauty?"


    Little Jing shook his head frantically. "No, no. Even if they look like goddesses, they still can''t compare to... um, someone."


    Ye Jiayao thought that that ''someone'' was Liu Yiyi and she felt more indignant.


    "Then what is there to see? If you want to watch, go ahead. I''m leaving." Ye Jiayao stood up, forgetting that she was still on the boat.


    "What are you doing? Yaoyao, you sit down! Come on, I''ll get us out of here."


    Ye Jiayao sat down and Little Jing drew their boat away from the festivity.


    "Why are you upset, Yaoyao?" Little Jing asked curiously.


    If Yaoyao was in a bad mood, it would be a bad time for Helian Jing to confess his feelings.


    "I''m not upset. I just... I just don''t like those girls," she lied. She refused to get upset because of that womanizing prick.


    "Are you really not unhappy?"


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes at him in response.


    Little Jing smiled and rowed the boat farther away. When Yaoyao wasn''t paying attention, he gently threw a basket to the river.


    "Aye, what''s that?" Little Jing exclaimed.


    Ye Jiayao looked in the direction that he was pointing at and saw a basket floating on the water.


    "Quick, pick it up!" Little Jing steered the boat towards the basket.


    Ye Jiayao immediately snatched it out of the water. When she opened up the cloth that was covering the basket, she let out a squeal of surprise.


    The basket contained two newborn puppies whose eyes were yet to open. They looked so cute!


    Ye Jiayao breathed, "Puppies."


    Ye Jiayao leveled him a fierce glare. "You''re heartless. These puppies are alive. They''re abandoned at such a young age and they need guidance. I will take them back home and raise them."


    She gently touched the puppies'' furs, loving their adorableness. She had already raised a nest of rabbits as her pregnant bunny has already given birth to five cute babies. Adding these two fur babies would just liven up her place more. Jiang Yue would certainly like them very much.


    "Do you really like them?" Little Jing asked with a smile.


    "Yes! I love them and I''m not going to throw them away." Ye Jiayao held the basket to her chest as if they were treasures that Little Jing would take away.


    Little Jing said happily, "I''m glad that you like it."


    Ye Jiayao''s brows furrowed. Wait... "Did you arrange this?"


    Little Jing tried to stifle his grin.


    Ye Jiayao softened. "How did you know that I like dogs?"


    "I didn''t. I just saw the rabbits that you''ve raised and I took a gamble that you liked all little animals. I wanted to give you some gold or silver for your birthday, but that was too conventional, so I thought of this."


    Gold or silver was not conventional, Ye Jiayao would just be too embarrassed to take them. This gift was infinitely better. She was moved by how much thought Little Jing has put into this.


    "Thank you, Little Jing. I really love this... but how do you know that today is my birthday?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Little Jing laughed. "Have you forgotten? You told me yourself! I initially wanted to throw a celebration for you, but you''ve been so busy and tired lately that I figured you wouldn''t want that.


    She almost teared up. It has been so long ago and yet Little Jing still remembered it. The kid really was very sweet and thoughtful.


    "Do they have names?" she asked.


    "I wanted you to name them."


    Ye Jiayao carefully looked at the two puppies. She can''t name them based on what they look like as they were still pink and it was impossible to figure out what color their furs would be in the future.


    "How about Little Ji and Little Rui?" she suggested. "That means good fortune!"


    Little Jing has to admit that he was worried that Yaoyao would name one of the puppies ''Little Jing Jing.''


    "That sounds good. They are lucky to have you as their master, Yaoyao."


    Her anger with Chunyu gradually dissipated as she looked at the puppies. She plucked little Ji''s ear and he moved his paw, seeming to protest the disturbance in his sleep. Ye Jiayao then went to touch Little Rui''s mouth and he stuck his tongue out, licking her finger.


    "Yao... Yaoyao, actually... I, um, I want to give you another present," Helian Jing stammered.


    "Huh? Little Ji and Little Rui are more than enough. There''s no need for more," Ye Jiayao declined distractedly, still occupied with the cute puppies.


    "But I want to give this to you."


    Ye Jiayao looked up. "What is it?"


    Little Jing gave Yaoyao a small box.


    Ye Jiayao put the basket down by her feet and cautiously took the box. "What is this?"


    "Find out for yourself," Helian Jing said, his cheeks flushing red.


    Ye Jiayao opened it and saw a piece of lucid white jade, clear and clean. It looked like a very valuable gem.


    "This¡­ this is too expensive! I can''t take it." Ye Jiayao hastily handed it back to him.


    "You can! I want to give this to you," Little Jing insisted, his heart thumping.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. It''s too expensive!


    "This is handed down from my ancestors."


    That just renewed Ye Jiayao''s determination not to take it. An ancestral heirloom was even more priceless! "No, I really can''t take this."


    Little Jing wanted to slap his own mouth. You idiot, why did you say it was from your ancestor?


    "There are a lot of things handed down from my ancestors, this is nothing!" Little Jing tried again. "Yaoyao... please take it."


    Ye Jiayao looked at Little Jing, finding his actions weird. The breeze over the river was cool yet he was sweating profusely. He was also blushing like a drunk man and was acting very skittish.


    Oh...


    Oh, no...


    "Little Jing, I really can''t accept this." Ye Jiayao had a strong feeling that the jade has some other meaning. She thought about what Chunyu said about Little Jing and she felt her heart sink.


    "Yaoyao, I...I..." Little Jing was frustrated beyond belief. He had practiced what to say to Yaoyao for countless of times and yet he still could not get the words out.


    She already has a pretty good guess of what he wanted to say. This little kid might''ve been inspired by Zhao Qixuan and Su Yi''s successful reunion.


    Crap! I never meant to turn Little Jing gay!


    "Stop. Don''t say anything else or we''ll stop being friends," Ye Jiayao told him, quickly stopping his confession.


    Helian Xuan would no doubt blame her for ''corrupting'' his little brother.


    "Why? Yaoyao, I think that we''re destined to be together," Little Jing said earnestly, his eyes shining.


    You don''t even know who I am!


    "Little Jing, there are many things that you don''t know¡­"


    "I know." Little Jing said. "I know that you like Brother Chunyu and that he likes you too. But I don''t think you guys are suitable. He will marry Princess Liu Li, Yaoyao, their marriage is all set. If she gets wind of this, do you think she''d just let it go? Yaoyao, I am serious with you..."


    "Stop!" Ye Jiayao shouted.


    "No, I want to talk. You can take Brother Chunyu, why can''t you take me?"


    Ye Jiayao was panicking. This ignorant f*cking kid!


    "Yaoyao, I have never been more certain about my feelings in my entire life. I don''t care what others will say..."


    "Stop, Helian Jing! I''m warning you, if you dare to say one more sentence, I will never speak to you again."


    "I will not give up."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t stay here anymore. She grabbed the basket and jumped into the river to escape Little Jing.


    "Yaoyao!" Helian Jing didn''t expect that Yaoyao would jump off the boat just to get away from him after he just spilled his heart out.


    He was stunned for a split second before he jumped after him, intending to be his hero.


    Ye Jiayao was preparing to swim towards the bank when she heard Little Jing screaming. She turned around and saw him drowning in the water.


    She silently swore. Why did he jump if couldn''t swim? Idiot.


    Left with no choice, Ye Jiayao left the basket floating on the water and turned around to save him.


    Helian Jing was choking. When he jumped down, he forgot that he didn''t know how to swim because his only thoughts then were pulling Yaoyao to safety.


    Ye Jiayao quickly dived down and grabbed Little Jing, who immediately clung to her.


    She held in an angry gasp. This kid was grabbing her private parts!

 Chapter 135：The Truth

    Ye Jiayao used all her strength to pull the heavy kid up.


    Helian Jing looked like a dying fish. He would''ve been fine as he only choked on the water for a few seconds, but when he felt himself grab something that he shouldn''t have, he inhaled more water in his frightened gasp.


    "Spit the water out..." Ye Jiayao turned Little Jing around and used her knee to knock his stomach as she slapped his back. She prayed that nothing serious would happen to Little Jing because Helian Xuan would kill her otherwise.


    Little Jing spat the water out and started to cough.


    Ye Jiayao was relieved. Some birthday...


    "You''re okay, don''t worry. Drink some ginger soup when you get home and you''ll be just fine," Ye Jiayao comforted.


    Little Jing stared at Yaoyao, his mind still stuck on a certain body part that he felt that shouldn''t have been there.


    She thought that his daze look was just because of the fright he got so she said, "Sit here while I go get the puppies."


    Ye Jiayao jumped into the water again and grabbed the basket and swam back. Luckily, the water didn''t get into the basket or the puppies would be in danger. Puppies this young and weak wouldn''t be able to swim yet.


    After she saved the puppies, she suddenly remembered the jade that was still in the boat. It was an heirloom for Little Jing and it would be bad to lose it.


    By the time she found the jade and came back to the river bank, she was exhausted. In her previous life, she could''ve easily swum a few thousand meters, but in this body, she lacked exercise.


    She panted heavily and handed the jade haphazardly to Little Jing. "Here. Don''t lose it."


    Helian Jing didn''t make a move to take the jade and just continued to stare at her.


    The wet clothes stuck to her body and it showed a silhouette of breasts. Even though he really hasn''t seen a woman''s body before, he could feel the difference regardless of the layers of the clothes.


    Helian Jing didn''t know what to do or say so he got up and ran away.


    Ye Jiayao stared after him. Errm?


    She rolled onto her back, shaking her head. She''d just return the jade to Little Jing another time. Musing, she found out that this Qin Huai River brings her bad fortune. Every time she came here, something bad happened. From now on, she needed to stay away from here.


    Wait. She still has to come back the day after tomorrow to see Chunyu''s old lover, Liu Yiyi. If she finds out that he was still talking to that woman, he''d regret it.


    Come to think of it, didn''t Chunyu also had a lover called Qin Liu before? What was it with him and women with the character ''Liu''?


    Ye Jiayao, in a terrible mood, got up and took the basket to trudge back home.


    In the Helian Mansion, Ping An was shocked to see Young Royal Highness Jing come back looking like a drowned rat.


    "Young Royal Highness Jing, what happened?"


    "Bring me clean clothes and get a bowl of ginger soup. Hurry up."


    "Okay¡­"


    Ping An hurriedly brought him a towel, a change of clothes, and asked someone to cook ginger soup.


    Helian Jing changed his clothes and sat cross-legged on the couch, meditating for while. After he was done, he waved Ping An over.


    "Young Royal Highness, what do you need?"


    "Ping An, why would any guy need to cover his chest with a cloth?"


    "Maybe he''s wounded?" Ping An inferred.


    Helian Jing shook his head. Yaoyao didn''t look like he was wounded. He squinted at Ping An, his eyes focused on the latter''s chest area.


    Ping An felt goosebumps cover his body. Frightened, he inquired, "Young Royal Highness, what... what do you want?"


    "Find a strip of cloth to cover your chest."


    "Why? Young Royal Highness, I am not a woman," Ping An protested, almost screaming. What was wrong with his master?


    Helian Jing tensed.


    Woman?


    "Hurry up! Do what I said," Helian Jing demanded urgently.


    Ping An cried out in fear and went looking for a strip of cloth.


    When Ping An came back, Helian Jing glowered at him. "Don''t you have any brains? Is that how you do it?"


    Ping An wrapped the cloth around his chest and on top of his clothes. He looked ridiculous.


    "How should I do it?" Ping An exclaimed.


    Helian Jing shook his head in impatience. "Come, let me touch it."


    Ping An wanted to run away and hide. He covered his chest with two hands, looking like he was a lamb up for slaughter. "Young Royal Highness, I have served you well, please let me go.


    Young Royal Highness must have learned bad things from hanging out with Zhao Qixuan.


    "Why are you crying?"


    "Young Royal Highness, my parents only have one son¡­"


    Little Jing frowned. "I''m not going to kill you. I just want to feel it. Come."


    Ping An continued to cry.


    "Don''t cry. One touch, one silver," Helian Jing offered.


    Ping An stopped crying and looked at Helian Jing eagerly. "Add 500 copper coins, too."


    Helian Jing didn''t know whether to laugh or get angry. "Fine."


    Helian Jing felt around his wrapped chest. Ping An counted in his head, once, twice...


    It was different as expected. Little Jing let out a long breath. He felt a surge of happiness that lifted away all the heaviness in his heart.


    Yaoyao''s a girl!


    Thank the heavens!


    Helian Jing laughed and rolled on the couch. Although he was prepared to be with Yaoyao even if that meant being gay, he was still troubled by how his family would react. Now, there was no need. Everything was all great!


    Yaoyao smelled nice and felt soft because she''s a girl!


    This is fantastic!


    Helian Jing kept rolling on the couch, laughing hysterically.


    Ping An was speechless. Young Royal Highness Jing has gone crazy.


    "I... I will call Elder Princess," Ping An declared, wanting to get away from his master.


    "No, no, come back," Helian Jing called, halting his laughter.


    Ping An hedged, "Young Royal Highness, are you sick?"


    "I''m not sick. In fact, I''ve never been better." He tossed five silvers to Ping An and said, "This is yours. Keep the change."


    Ping An counted the silvers and complained, "Young Royal Highness, you touched me four times so there should be six silvers here. I need one more."


    Helian Jing stared at him and Ping An ran away immediately.


    If Zhao Qixuan and the others find out that Yaoyao was a girl, what would they think? He could just imagine the shock on their faces! Ha! And if Brother Chunyu finds out that... Oh.


    Brother Chunyu must''ve already known that Yaoyao was a girl!


    Helian Jing suddenly felt torn. There was no denying that Brother Chunyu was better than him, but he was set to marry Liu Li. Would Yaoyao just become his mistress? That couldn''t be! Liu Li would just bully Yaoyao. No. Absolutely not. For Yaoyao''s happiness, he couldn''t let her become a concubine.


    Helian Jing must take Yaoyao away.


    Meanwhile, Ye Jiayao was feeling sad and ill.


    She caught a cold when she jumped at the cold river last night. The ginger soup wasn''t able to easily get rid of the cold air inside her body.


    Regardless, Ye Jiayao still headed to Heavenly Residence to work even if she was feeling extremely dizzy.


    Zhong Xiang was worried at how terrible Brother Yao looked. "Li Yao, go see a doctor and get some medicine. I can take care of things here."


    "He''s right, Brother Yao. You can''t work like this," Deng Haichuan seconded.


    Cui Dongpeng brought him some warm tea. "Go rest at home."


    Ye Jiayao wanted to cry at the brother''s concern for her health. She sniffled and said, "I''m okay. I just caught the flu. I''ll be fine in two days."


    She was forced to stop talking when she sneezed. "But, I don''t think it''s a good idea for me to cook. Brother Xiang, you will be busy. You''re responsible for the banquet in the compartments."


    They all knew the recipes for the new dishes she created and Zhong Xiang has picked up on her lessons very well. Most people couldn''t even taste the difference.


    "No problem," Zhong Xiang assured.


    Ye Jiayao stayed at the restaurant until afternoon. When she began feeling hot, everyone pushed her out of the kitchen and told her to go home and rest.


    Jiang Li found a doctor for her.


    "My mother said that it would be better if you sweat it out," Jiang Yue said as she watched Ye Jiayao drink the medicine.


    Ye Jiayao asked with a stuffy nose, "How are Little Ji and Little Rui?"


    "They get along just fine with the little rabbits. I gave them the milk that you brought back and they drank a lot of it," Jiang Yue answered with a smile.


    "I''m afraid I will trouble you in these next few days," Ye Jiayao said apologetically.


    "No worries! I really like them. Even my brother likes them and has already made them a nest!


    Pleased, Ye Jiayao fell asleep.


    She slept for quite a long time. At one time, she felt someone come in her room, sit by the bed, and speak to her. She wanted to open her eyes but she was just too tired and groggy.


    When she fully woke up, the room had already been lighted. She looked at the clock and found that it was already midnight.


    Jiang Yue was sleeping on her bedside.


    Ye Jiayao was very thirsty so she got up to get some water. However, before she could get out of the bed, Jiang Yue woke up.


    "Sister Yaoyao? Do you want a drink? Lie down and I will get it for you." Jiang Yue rubbed the sleep from her eyes and proceeded to pour a glass of water for her.


    "Yue-er, have you been taking care of me?" Ye Jiayao asked, embarrassed.


    "I have nothing else to do and it is not tiring anyway. Oh. By the way, Young Royal Highness Jing came here. He knew that you were sick so he got you a doctor. My brother told him that you already had seen a doctor but the Young Royal Highness said that he still wanted a doctor that he trusts to check up on you. He also sent you a bunch of medicinal products. I saw ginseng and bird-nest..."


    So the person she saw while she was dreaming was Little Jing?


    Well, that was just right. She got sick because of him!


    Suddenly, a thought occurred to Ye Jiayao.


    She checked her body and touched her chest. She was lucky that she was too tired to get dressed last night. Her identity would definitely have been compromised if anyone else saw her in a girl''s clothes.


    Jiang Yue, correctly guessing her thoughts, assured her, "Sister Yaoyao, don''t worry. Young Royal Highness Jing didn''t come to the room. Only the doctor came and measured your heartbeat. I was looking the whole time."


    So Little Jing didn''t come to my room? Who was the one speaking to me, then?

 Chapter 136：Liu Yiyi

    "Who else entered my room?"


    "Just me and my mum. My mother was beside herself when she saw you like that. Even when I was sick, I never saw her that worried. She sat on your bed and cried as she talked to you for a long time," Jiang Yue told her.


    Oh... it was Auntie Jiang.


    "Sister Yaoyao, are you hungry? My mom made some porridge for you. Wait here and I will bring it."


    Ye Jiayao nodded and touched her stomach. "Thank you, Yue-er. After I eat, I need to make some ice cream, too."


    Jiang Yue smiled and shook her head. "My brother and I already made it with your recipe."


    "Really?" Ye Jiayao was a bit surprised. She had thought Jiang Yue how to make it ages ago, but she didn''t expect her to take the initiative like this.


    "I''m just not too sure if it tastes good. I made the same quantity as we did a few days ago." Jiang Yue wasn''t really confident in her work yet as it was her first time making ice cream without Sister Yaoyao''s guidance.


    Ye Jiayao encouraged, "You need to trust yourself. In the next few days, when I am less busy, I can teach you how to cook. When I open my own restaurant, I will make you my manager."


    She actually had already planned this before. If she opened her own restaurant, she would need people she could trust. Jiang Yue, who was also gifted in cooking, was the ideal choice.


    "Really?" Jiang Yue was elated.


    "Of course!"


    Jiang Yue said happily, "I will bring the porridge to you now! I will even add two eggs."


    "Ah¡­ no. People who catch a cold can''t eat eggs."


    "Huh? Why?"


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t really explain the risks of foods with high protein to sick people without revealing her modern knowledge so she just said, "I don''t know either. I just heard it from a doctor."


    After she ate, Ye Jiayao went back to sleep. When she woke up the next morning, she was refreshed and all better. She dressed in a set of moon-white gown because she wanted to look her best when she meets Liu Yiyi tonight.


    Little Jing was waiting for her outside.


    "Yaoyao, are you better now?" Helian Jing looked horrible. He had bags under his eyes and his mouth seemed to have been permanently set into a worried frown.


    "I am fine! What about you? What is wrong with your eyes? You look like you haven''t slept in a week."


    Little Jing rubbed his eyes and said remorsefully, "I''m the reason why you were sick."


    "Tsk, tsk. What were you thinking? You don''t know how to swim and yet you dared to jump into the water to save people? If I wasn''t a good swimmer, we would''ve both drowned," Ye Jiayao told him seriously. She really scared him that night. If anything had happened to him, she would''ve never been able to live with herself.


    Little Jing defended himself awkwardly, "I was in a rush."


    "Well, next time, rush your head to think first!"


    "I know, I know. Don''t be so mad!" Helian Jing looked at Yaoyao with sad eyes.


    "Whatever. I need to go now and you need to go to the military, too."


    "Yaoyao, are you still going to see Liu Yiyi tonight? I can rent a more luxurious boat this time and take you to see her," Helian Jing offered graciously, hoping to please her.


    Ye Jiayao dragged Little Jing to the side and asked softly, "Will you still say those weird stuff?"


    Helian Jing shook his head. He would lay off of her for now. That doesn''t mean that he was giving up, though. Now that he knew that Yaoyao was really a girl, he''d double his efforts to woo her.


    Ye Jiayao patted his shoulder. "I will go after I finish work."


    Tonight''s show was much more lively than the night before. It was definitely a ''hunting chick'' party. There were all kinds of rich kids in Jin Ling City joining in the festivity.


    As Ye Jiayao finished work late, when she arrived, the boat could only hang around the outside.


    "So I can''t see anything more?" Ye Jiayao went on her toes, craning her head to look above all the things blocking her way.


    "Don''t worry, I will ask the boat in front of us to move." Helian Jing said to the boatman, "Boatman, raise the lantern of the Helian Royal Mansion and ask the boats in front of us to move."


    As expected, when the people saw the lantern of the Helian Royal Mansion, they gave way for them. Their boat moved forward all the way until they were close to the water platform.


    Suddenly, a voice called loudly, "Little Jing!"


    Ye Jiayao looked towards the sound and saw Xia Chunfeng waving at them. She looked more closely and saw that Zhao Qixuan was with him as well. Well, it looks like the honeymoon is over for the couple.


    Little Jing pretended not to hear them and even hid behind a curtain.


    "What are you doing? Chunfeng is calling you!" Ye Jiayao looked at Little Jing, baffled at his weird actions.


    "Come here and hide, too! Don''t let them see us." Little Jing dragged her in with him.


    "Why? Do you owe Chunfeng money? Are you afraid that he will ask you to pay him back now?"


    "No, no! I will tell you later."


    "What - stop! Hiding is useless because your big lantern is still on display!" Ye Jiayao pointed at the lantern hanging high at the front of the boat.


    "Get it down, get it down," Helian Jing yelled.


    The environment was too noisy and the boatman couldn''t hear him.


    Ye Jiayao peered outside and said, "Stop hiding, Little Jing. They are already on their way."


    Since the boats were close to each other, just a plank in between enabled Xia Chunfeng and Zhao Qixuan to cross over.


    Little Jing frowned sullenly which made Ye Jiayao suspicious. "You''ve done something bad, haven''t you?"


    "Little Jing, you lied to me. You told me you don''t have a boat! What is this?" Xia Chunfeng questioned. "I was lucky that Zhao got a boat, or I would have had to watch on the river bank."


    Little Jing said evasively, "I wasn''t able to get one until the last minute."


    Ye Jiayao suddenly understood what was happening. Geez! This kid is really trying hard.


    Zhao Qixuan''s face looked better and he looked well-recovered. He greeted Ye Jiayao and said, "Li Yao, I wanted to ask you to come along, but Little Jing said you were sick. Are you better now?"


    Xia Chunfeng smiled mischievously. "I think Yaoyao wasn''t really sick. Little Jing was just lying to us both."


    "He was sick! If you don''t believe me, ask him," Little Jing insisted, his cheeks red.


    Ye Jiayao said, "I just caught the flu. I sweated it out last night so I''m better now."


    Xia Chunfeng let it go and he and Zhao Qixuan sat down and helped themselves to some tea.


    The topic went back to the competition of the most popular courtesan.


    "Qixuan, who do you think will win the competition this year?" Xia Chunfeng asked.


    Zhao Qixuan shook his fan and said, "Lady Xiao would have a greater chance since Liu Yiyi is going to help her with the votes."


    "Yeah, I think so, too. However, the courtesan of this year is just a name since Liu Yiyi remains to be the real flower here," Xia Chunfeng said.


    Helian Jing wanted to jump in the discussion, but he thought that Yaoyao would like him better if he seemed a bit innocent in this area.


    "Of course! I haven''t seen any girl who could look as good as Liu Yiyi," Zhao Qixuan praised.


    Helian Jing held in his snort of disbelief. Even Liu Yiyi couldn''t compare to his Yaoyao. My Yaoyao looks and cooks the best!


    "Is she that pretty?" Ye Jiayao asked sadly.


    Zhao Qixuan said thoughtfully, "She''s not just pretty. It''s her quality that makes her stand out. She just looks... pure."


    Ye Jiayao has never had any problem with women like this who made a living by giggling. She knew that their life wasn''t easy as they would like others to believe. However, whenever she remembers how Chunyu spent thousands of silvers on Liu Yiyi, Ye Jiayao couldn''t help but despise the woman.


    "Of course. Why else would Chunyu pay for her?" Ye Jiayao''s tone rang with jealousy.


    Xia Chunfeng sneered. "You have heard of it, too?"


    Ye Jiayao smiled coldly. "It is quite a story in Jin Ling City, it''s hard to not know about it."


    "Since the ancient period, only lovers could imprison the heroes. Brother Chunyu clearly wasn''t an exception!" Zhao Qixuan said laughingly.


    Prisoner? Lover? Ye Jiayao asked bitterly, "If he likes her that much, why doesn''t he just buy her out?"


    Zhao Qixuan looked at Xia Chunfeng for an answer.


    "I don''t know. My brother hasn''t even mentioned anything about this," Xia Chunfeng responded.


    "Maybe your mother would not allow him?" Helian Jing suggested.


    "Yeah, maybe. After all, no matter how good Liu Yiyi is, her presence in our mansion would be bad for our reputation."


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t help but wonder if the same held true for her. Xia Chunyu promised to marry her, but could she really believe him? Would he really sacrifice his family''s reputation for her?


    Suddenly, the crowd went wild.


    "Lady Liu! Lady Liu¡­"


    Xia Chunfeng and Zhao Qixuan stood up, exclaiming excitedly, "Liu Yiyi is here."


    Ye Jiayao was brimming with curiosity. What does Liu Yiyi look like?

 Chapter 137：Bickering

    As the boat slowly came closer, the sound of the qin stopped and the green yarn slowly opened. Liu Yiyi stepped out wearing a white silk coat that emphasized her small waist and a long silk skirt with a white soft smoke pattern. Both the cuffs and the skirt were embroidered with bright yellow silk thread that complemented the goose yellow muslin on her arm. She walked gently and delicately as if she was treading on a glass, her steps crossing like a cat.


    Little Jing''s boat was positioned perfectly in front of the water stage so Ye Jiayao was able to see Liu Yiyi clearly.


    She was really a beauty. Her dark hair framed her face her seductive eyes in a way that accentuated them even more. Ye Jiayao could totally see what Zhao Qixuan was saying about the courtesan''s high quality.


    "She is beautiful but she still can''t compare with Susu," Zhao Qixuan exclaimed.


    "She is beautiful but she cannot compare with... someone," Little Jing repeated.


    Xia Chunfeng squinted at him. "What are you talking about?"


    Little Jing raised his brows, giving nothing away.


    Xia Chunfeng lips twitched. "Idiot."


    Ye Jiayao was frustrated to find that Liu Yiyi really was gorgeous. She could not compare to her! The woman was elegant, could play the qin, has a face that could launch a thousand ships and a body that men would kill for. She could grudgingly say that Liu Yiyi really was worth thousands of silvers.


    I am worth thousands of silvers, too! Well, I can make thousands of silvers, at least, so I should be much better than her! Right?


    Ye Jiayao hated feeling this unsure of herself. She''s an imperial chef, for cripes'' sake! Why was she feeling so insecure compared to a woman whose job was to just to giggle and look pretty?


    Her predicament was so shallow and so unlike her that she could not help but let out a bitter laugh.


    The three nobles turned to her, looking at her as if she had lost the plot.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. "What?"


    They shook their heads.


    "Chunfeng, go and ask Lady Liu over to the boat later," Little Jing said.


    Xia Chunfeng''s forehead wrinkled. "Why me? I have nothing to do with her."


    "Just go there," Zhao Qixuan urged.


    "Fine. I''ll try."


    Fortunately for them, Liu Yiyi was easy to invite today. After her appearance on the stage and a few rounds on other boats, Liu Yiyi came to them.


    "I wish peace to Young Royal Highness, Heir-Son Lord Zhao, and Heir-Son Lord Xia," she greeted softly, sounding and looking coquettish.


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t believe that this woman''s income relied on this.


    When Liu Yiyi looked at Ye Jiayao with her bright eyes, she smiled and asked, "May I dare to ask who this sir is?"


    "He is the famous chef who makes ice cream mooncakes in Jin Ling. He is the head chef of Heavenly Residence and he''s also the Mobile Imperial Chef, Li Yao," Little Jing responded proudly.


    "Helian Jing, stop talking me up," Ye Jiayao muttered.


    Liu Yiyi hid her surprise. "So you were the one who invented the ice cream mooncakes?"


    She has heard people talking about this chef before but she didn''t expect her to be a woman. Liu Yiyi wondered if the company of nobles she was keeping knew about it.


    Ye Jiayao said with a smile, "If you like it, I will give you 20% off."


    "Thank you for your generosity, but I already have piles of ice cream mooncakes on my table gifted to me. I am afraid I would not be able to finish all of them," Liu Yiyi declined graciously, a slight flirty smile still on her lips.


    Ye Jiayao gritted her teeth. There''s no need to rub the generosity of your customers on my face! She faked a laugh and flattered, "Of course! What else should I have expected from the head of the flowers? I''m sure that many people are already lined up to show their favors."


    "Oh, I know that there are also many people who favor Master Chef Li. It''s not easy to get recognized in a city full of talented people such as Jin Ling," Liu Yiyi complimented.


    "I don''t have another choice. I rely on cooking to live, and you rely on good looks to live. The difference is that I can rely on cooking for a lifetime, but good looks..." Ye Jiayao trailed off in a cough.


    Liu Yiyi''s indifferent look changed a fraction. "Whatever you say, Master Chef Li. However, I''m not really living a miserable life, so..."


    The three men were a bit confused, knowing that something wasn''t quite right yet they were unable to put a finger on it.


    "Liu''s qin technique is getting more and more refined as time passes by," Zhao Qixuan commended. "I won''t be forgetting the way you sound for a long time."


    "Heir-Son Lord, you flatter me too much. Don''t worry, I will play a song for you when you come to Drunk Spring Lane."


    "I will definitely come to look for you another day."


    Liu Yiyi turned to Xia Chunfeng and said, "May I ask if the Jing An Heir-Son Lord is coming?"


    "I''m afraid my second brother is busy at the moment! He went with the Empress Dowager to Puji Temple and won''t be back for at least a couple of days," Xia Chunfeng answered.


    The vague disappointment in Liu Yiyi''s eyes did not escape Ye Jiayao''s notice. She actually still remembers the man who paid for her?


    "I still have people to entertain so I will have to leave for now. I will prepare wine to drink with you guys another day." Liu Yiyi bowed to her knees and made a move to go.


    Before leaving, however, Liu Yiyi stole one last undecipherable look at Ye Jiayao to which the latter responded with a quirk of her brow and a smile.


    The three guys stared after Liu Yiyi''s silhouette, their eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. Ye Jiayao wanted to deck them. All men are perverts.


    "Are you really going to go to Drunk Spring Lane?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    Zhao Qixuan said, "Of course! That invitation is hard to come by, you know. I wasn''t exaggerating when I said that seeing Liu Yiyi is hard. Even a 500 silver-note won''t necessarily guarantee you a meeting."


    "Take me with you!" Xia Chunfeng jumped in, laughing excitedly.


    "I won''t go." Helian Jing shook his head firmly and said, "There''s nothing to do there but drink and talk."


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "You should listen to Little Jing."


    "If you want to spend money, you might as well just go to Heavenly Residence for Yaoyao''s foods," the smitten Helian Jing added.


    Zhao Qixuan and Xia Chunfeng looked at them like they were disgusting. "You don''t understand the art of love and seduction."


    Ye Jiayao looked at Zhao Qixuan and deadpanned, "Will you take Susu with you?"


    Zhao Qixuan paled and hastily said, "Well, I think Little Jing is right actually. That kind of money should not be spent so haphazardly. It''s better if it goes to food and drinks."


    Xia Chunfeng, not knowing the new progress in Zhao Qixuan and Susu''s relationship, teased, "When Susu returns to Jin Ling, you always dress up nicely."


    "I have always been loyal to him. I never looked or touch anyone else," Zhao Qixuan said rightfully.


    Xia Chunfeng snorted. "Then, why did I hear that someone wanted to meet the little official in the spring opera class?"


    "Don''t say things like that!" Zhao Qixuan yelled, sounding panicky. "That was for business!"


    Ye Jiayao and Helian Jing exchanged secret smiles. Even if Zhao Qixuan was tempted, he would not dare to do anything that wasn''t with his beloved Susu.


    Now that she had seen Liu Yiyi, Ye Jiayao has no interest in staying anymore and watching girls get auctioned off to perverts.


    Helian Jing, of course, capitulated to Yaoyao''s wishes and they went back home.


    Meanwhile, in the Puji Temple, Xia Chunyu sat in front of an old pine tree, looking at the direction of Jin Ling.


    He hasn''t seen Yaoyao for seven days now and it was starting to take a toll on him. Song Qi told him that Yaoyao and Little Jing had visited the Qin Huai River to go to the courtesan''s competition. What was bugging Chunyu was she went there with Little Jing. He has repeatedly warned her that Little Jing was romantically interested in her but the stubborn woman wouldn''t believe him.


    He also heard that Yaoyao was wet when she went back to the courtyard that night and because of that, she got sick the next day. He was still worried, not knowing the reason why she fell into the water.


    Xia Chunyu was restless and all he wanted to do was ride back to the city and rush to Yaoyao. However, he has a responsibility he couldn''t just abandon so he''d just have to buckle down and be happy that he was going back tomorrow.


    "Brother Chunyu..."


    Xia Chunyu frowned. He already hid in the backyard to avoid her and yet she still found him? The girl was a bloodhound!


    Liu Li has been finding any excuse to approach him these past few days and it was fraying his last nerve.


    "Brother Chunyu? What are you doing here? It took me so long to find you!" Liu Li said, walking over to him cheerfully.


    "Nothing. I went here because it''s quiet."


    "You are already in the quiet area of the Buddhist Temple. If you''re seeking a place that''s quieter, it means that you are not at peace. Tell me, what troubles you?"


    Xia Chunyu resisted the urge to say, You. What troubles me is you because you just won''t leave me the f*ck alone!


    "Nonsense. It is late, why aren''t you sleeping?"


    Liu Li picked up the pinecone on the ground and fiddled with it. "I can''t fall asleep."


    "Try because you have to get up early tomorrow. I''m going to rest." Xia Chunyu stood up to leave.


    "Hey, stop," Liu Li said. "Why don''t you ask me why I can''t sleep?"


    Xia Chunyu sighed helplessly. Heavens, give me patience. "Princess, I''m going to patrol."


    "Don''t interrupt me. Ask."


    Xia Chunyu wasn''t going to play into her hands. He knew that she''d find a way to turn the topic to things he did not want to hear much less talk about.


    "Hurry up and ask me!" Liu Li rushed.


    "Princess, don''t mess with me, I really have things to do."


    "Xia Chunyu, am I really that annoying? I know you don''t want me bullying people so I''ve stopped now. Isn''t that good enough? What else do you want me to do? I will improve on whatever you don''t like," Liu Li said desperately, working up her sadness.


    "Princess, you don''t have to change anything for me. You should change for your own good," Xia Chunyu said placatingly.


    "Brother Chunyu, stop being so cold to me, please? I don''t like the way you keep your distance from me. I just want you to talk to me because I don''t have any friends in the palace. It gets very... lonely," Liu Li said pathetically.

 Chapter 138：10 Thousand Silvers Of Anger

    Xia Chunyu was uncomfortable with Liu Li''s pitiful look, but he was well aware of how manipulative she was.


    He said ruthlessly, "Princess, you have the Empress Dowager to spoil you and everyone in the palace to jump at your beck and call. How can you be lonely? I don''t have time for this and I really have to go now. If anything goes wrong, the Emperor would have my head."


    Liu Li bit her tongue to prevent herself from lashing out. She had already begged him so much! What more does he want? If he was just any other man, she''d already have forced him to do her bidding. Unfortunately for her, Chunyu was a breed and a class of his own and he would never go for her high-handedness.


    "Okay, but you have to promise to take me out of the palace and play with me when you can, or I won''t let you go," Liu Li demanded, grabbing Xia Chunyu''s sleeve tightly.


    Xia Chunyu was scared that anyone would see them like that so he said, "When I''m free, I''ll let you know."


    Liu Li smiled happily. "You promise?"


    "Promise." Anything to get her to let go.


    She released him, pleased with his compliance.


    The next day, Zhao Qixuan came to Heavenly Residence to treat his friends, but Susu wasn''t with him.


    Little Jing told people that Susu was not ready to leave yet and was intending to do business with Zhao Qixuan.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Didn''t you say that he is very smart? Like Jin Ling''s most talented person or something?"


    "He''s freer this way. You have more concerns when you become an official," Helian Jing responded.


    Well, it looked like Susu finally made a sacrifice for love.


    "You should come up and sit down with us later," said Helian Jing.


    "I can''t. You know I get so exhausted after work. I just want to go home early and rest." Ye Jiayao was actually feeling particularly tired these past few days so she figured that her period was coming.


    Helian Jing''s heart ached upon hearing her woes. Then, just stop working! I''ll open a restaurant for you and you can be the manager. I will provide you with anything you need!


    He couldn''t say what he really wanted to say because he knew that Yaoyao still liked Brother Chunyu. He would just have to wait until Brother Chunyu gets married before swooping Yaoyao up. He knew that he''d win her one day with his hard work and sincerity.


    I just have to patient.


    Ye Jiayao finished the last dish and took off her apron. "Brothers, I will hand these over to you and leave now."


    "Brother Yao, you can rest assured!" Deng Haichuan said.


    Ye Jiayao paused. Why did his words sound so sad?


    Ugh. Whatever. She really couldn''t focus on anything else because she could now feel her stomach cramping. Stupid period!


    She was still baffled as to why her period seemed to hurt this much. She would have to go to a doctor soon to take care of this problem.


    When she finally made it outside of Heavenly Residence, Ye Jiayao saw Chunyu''s horse carriage. She counted in her head and found out that it really had been seven days since she saw him last.


    She had initially counted days of his return, but when she found out about Liu Yiyi, she deliberately put it out of her mind.


    Ye Jiayao pretended to not see the carriage and walked forward, her eyes staying on her path.


    "Heir-Son Lord¡­"


    "Yes?"


    "Madam walked away."


    "Huh¡­" Xia Chunyu''s eyes that were previously closed due to exhaustion flew open. He looked out and saw Ye Jiayao quickly walking away.


    "She didn''t see the horse carriage?"


    Song Qi said weakly, "She should''ve seen it because I waved at her."


    What the hell is going on?


    "Chase her," Xia Chunyu ordered.


    Ye Jiayao heard horse hooves behind her and quickened her pace even more.


    Xia Chunyu was confused. Was she mad at him again? Unbelievable! She was the one who went on a cruise with another man!


    "Stop the cart."


    Song Qi hurriedly dragged the reins.


    Xia Chunyu jumped down the horse carriage and caught up to her.


    "Yaoyao!" Xia Chunyu called, grabbing her arm.


    "Leave me alone."


    "What''s wrong? I went to see you as soon as I got back..."


    "Did I ask you to see me? Get your hands off me," Ye Jiayao said coldly.


    "What are you mad at me for? Did I do anything wrong?" Xia Chunyu asked unhappily.


    Ye Jiayao was mad at Chunyu for being with Liu Yiyi and Qing Liu and other women she might not even know. What was even her place on the list?


    "Get your filthy hands off of me!" Ye Jiayao gritted her teeth when she saw his cocky face. This guy might look like a gentleman, but he was just a playboy through and through.


    Xia Chunyu''s lips thinned, his eyes burning with anger.


    "Filthy hands?" he echoed, aggravated. "What nonsense are you talking about, Ye Jinxuan? Maybe you could enlighten me before you start throwing baseless insults?"


    "You should know what you have done," Ye Jiayao replied indignantly.


    "I don''t know what it is that you''re mad at me about!" Xia Chunyu told her frustratedly. Whoever said that absence makes the heart go fonder was a crock. He rushed to her the moment he got back, refusing to even stay and chat with his mom because he just wanted to see her. And for what? To get insulted by the woman he loves?


    "You don''t know? Oh, right, what should I expect from a playboy? Do you even know how many women you''ve played?"


    Xia Chunyu reared back. Is she jealous? He had already explained to her the situation about Qing Liu. Which girl was she jealous of now?


    "Who are you talking about? Tell me," Xia Chunyu said, calming down now that he knew the problem.


    Ye Jiayao saw the indifferent expression on his face and got so angry she tried to kick him.


    Xia Chunyu effortlessly dodged her.


    "Gentlemen don''t use hands, just mouth," Xia Chunyu reminded her with a smile.


    She bit his wrist.


    "Ah!" Xia Chunyu quickly pulled his hand away and saw the indent her teeth left. "You are such a dog."


    Ye Jiayao gave him a saccharine smile. "You told me to use my mouth."


    "Well, you''ve already kicked and bitten me, can you now tell me why?"


    "Liu Yiyi," Ye Jiayao spat out the name with hatred.


    Xia Chunyu was stunned. "Where the hell did you get this from?"


    "Everyone knows about it! You spent thousands of silvers just for one night with her!"


    He silently cursed. He should have known that Yaoyao would see Liu Yiyi when she went to the courtesan''s competition.


    "Okay. I admit that I did pay 10,000 silvers for her..." Xia Chunyu began honestly.


    Ye Jiayao felt her stomach recoil. "Fuck off! I don''t want to see you again."


    She knew it was true, but hearing him say the words drove the knife deeper. F*ck! How many more? Will someone turn up again tomorrow?


    Ye Jiayao turned away and ran but Xia Chunyu quickly pulled her back. "Can you just listen to me before you get mad?"


    She covered her ears childishly.


    Xia Chunyu grabbed her hands and forced them down. "I did spend 10,000 silvers for her, but I didn''t do anything with her."


    "Ridiculous! What, you spent 10,000 silvers just to drink tea with her? Who the f*ck are you trying to fool?"


    "We didn''t even sit down to drink tea!"


    "So you just felt like spending that kind of money to take her away from the bidders? Do you think I''m stupid, Chunyu? Did the air in that temple messed with your already crooked brain?" Ye Jiayao sneered.


    "She''s an old friend''s daughter. I had been searching for her ever since her family got into an accident. I wasn''t able to find her until the courtesan competition. I spent 10,000 to get her out of that dilemma. I was only returning a favor for old friends. I have nothing to do with her," Xia Chunyu explained quickly.


    "Old friend''s daughter? Or your ex?"


    "She really is the daughter of an old friend. When I fought pirates in Fu Jian, her father was a good local county official who helped me out. I have tremendous respect for her father. When I returned to Jin Ling, I heard that her father was involved in a corruption case and that he was killed after the arrest. His wife couldn''t take it so she killed herself as well.


    "His only daughter, Liu Qianmei, disappeared after that. She changed her name and came to Jin Ling. She entered the society to avenge her father''s death. If you don''t believe me, you can ask Helian Xuan. He knows all about this."


    Ye Jiayao hesitated. Was it true?


    "Well, even if you were helping an old friend''s daughter, you were so generous to her. Back in Black Wind Ridge, I asked you to give me five silvers and you refused! You gave her 10,000 silvers! Go die, you bastard!" Ye Jiayao may have been overreacting slightly, but she really couldn''t care less.


    Xia Chunyu laughed, liking her jealousy. "I gave her that money to repay a favor. I''m already yours, what else do you care about?"


    "That''s even more unforgivable! If you are mine, your things are mine, too. You threw 10,000 silvers out and didn''t ask for my opinion!" Ye Jiayao raged.


    Xia Chunyu smiled at her and said innocently, "I didn''t even know you back then."

 Chapter 139：Heavenly Residences New Owner

    That took the wind right out of Ye Jiayao''s sails.


    "Well... I''m not going to let this go. Just you wait!" Ye Jiayao huffed.


    Xia Chunyu stifled his laughter and said, "I will wait."


    He inched closer to her, forcing her back against the wall. He propped her up with his arms, trapping her in his embrace, and asked in a low voice, "Now, care to explain how you fell into the water?"


    It was Ye Jiayao''s turn to be distressed. She should have known that it would get back to him. He has spies everywhere!


    "I wanted to swim. Am I not allowed to do that anymore?" She did not want to tell him about Little Jing''s confession because she knew that it would only cause more trouble.


    "Really? You went to cruise the river with Little Jing and just ended up swimming in the water?" Xia Chunyu probed, his eyes narrowed into slits. "You fell so ill after that night swim that Little Jing even had you looked over the imperial physician, and you still don''t have anything to explain?"


    How did he... the Jiangs!


    Ye Jiayao snapped, "Why should I explain anything to you? What is it to you?"


    For a second, he looked stunned before his face turned back to that cold calmness he was famous for. "What is it to me? Are you still not clear about that? Or are you really not concerned about my feelings? Or maybe, maybe you just enjoy the feeling of having two men running around you in circles?"


    He might have sounded perfectly gentle when he said that, but Ye Jiayao could feel his suppressed anger and disappointment.


    How was she supposed to answer these questions? Truthfully, she didn''t have faith in their future together. He was supposed to marry Liu Li! If His Majesty bestows a marriage, could he really defy an imperial decree for her?


    Besides, Little Jing was a good friend. She couldn''t throw away their friendship just because the kid thinks he has feelings for her. Wasn''t there a middle ground? A balance?


    The pain in her lower abdomen started to become distinct, pulsing.


    "You''re putting too much thought in this. Isn''t Little Jing still a child?" Ye Jiayao said weakly.


    Xia Chunyu lifted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. "Yaoyao, look at your guilt in my eyes. You know that Little Jing is no longer a child. Many men have already settled their marriage by the age of 16.


    "Now, if you really like him that much, then, make a decision right now. I''m not going to fight a brother for a woman. I won''t force you to choose me because I will never allow my woman to think of another man when she is with me."


    He has his limits. He could allow her to run around and cook or open her own restaurant, but he could not tolerate other men.


    Ye Jiayao couldn''t even concentrate on what he was saying because her stomach felt like it was trying to rip itself apart.


    Xia Chunyu finally noticed her face getting paler and paler as beads of perspiration dotted her forehead. Sh*t! I''ve seen this before.


    "Yaoyao¡­"


    She couldn''t answer him, the pain too much for her to bear. It felt like this was even worse than the previous times.


    He immediately picked her up in his arms and brought her inside the carriage. "Go, go, go!"


    Ye Jiayao huddled in his embrace, clinging tightly to his collar, gritting her teeth to prevent herself from crying out. F*ck! Why the f*ck does it hurt so badly?


    Xia Chunyu''s heart filled with anxiety as he felt her uncontrollable trembling. "Song Qi, faster!"


    When they finally reached home, he carried her to her room and called for Auntie Jiang. Auntie Jiang quickly prepared a heat pack for Yaoyao to hold over her tummy while Jiang Yue brought her brown sugar water.


    After a few minutes, Yaoyao''s face started to regain its color.


    Xia Chunyu pulled Auntie Jiang aside to ask, "Auntie Jiang, is her problem untreatable?"


    Auntie Jiang replied, "I am not sure about that. I have heard that with proper care during confinement after childbirth, it will get better."


    He frowned. There were many women in his house, but he has never seen someone suffer from their period like Yaoyao. As soon as everything settles, he would have to ask the imperial physician about this. If it could not be cured, there could be at least something they could do to lessen her pain. Xia Chunyu didn''t like seeing Yaoyao in so much hurt.


    Ye Jiayao hugged the heat pack, curling into a ball.


    Xia Chunyu sat beside her on the bed.


    "Feeling better?"


    Ye Jiayao hummed groggily.


    Xia Chunyu sighed. If he could, he''d stay here with her and rub her stomach to make her feel better just like he did in the mountains.


    After sitting there for a long while, watching her, she finally drifted off to sleep. Xia Chunyu covered her with a blanket and just as he was about turn away, he saw a tassel peeking out from under her pillow. Not wanting to disturb her, he carefully pulled it away, intending to put it somewhere else.


    He didn''t expect to see a familiar looking jade. When he flipped it over and noticed the dragon''s plate, he finally remembered where he''d seen it from. This piece of jade was from the Helian family heirloom. Both Helian Xuan and Helian Jing has one, with Helian Xuan''s dragon head facing up and Little Jing''s facing down.


    This is Little Jing''s jade piece.


    Xia Chunyu held on to the dragon plate, his heart slowly sinking.


    Little Jing has given her his family heirloom and she accepted it.


    All this time, he''s been in a one-sided love. She has chosen Little Jing.


    Ye Jiayao spent the night in a fitful sleep. When she woke up in the morning, she felt like she went 10 rounds in a boxing ring.


    She was unable to go to Heavenly Residence to work and she didn''t want the brothers visiting her here, so she asked Jiang Li to apply for her leave when he brought the ice cream over. He told them that she has gone on a trip to visit a chef somewhere else.


    For two days, Ye Jiayao hid at home to rest. During that time, Little Jing tried to go see her, but Jiang Li sent him away, saying that she wasn''t home. Chunyu, however, didn''t make a peep. He knew she was sick and yet he didn''t visit her which disappointed Ye Jiayao.


    By the time she returned to work, a 180-degree change has occurred at Heavenly Residence.


    The moment she arrived, she was informed that the restaurant has been bought and that Shopkeeper Li has already left the day before. The new manager was a guy with the surname Zhao, but no one knows who the new owner was yet.


    Ye Jiayao was shocked. Heavenly Residence was Shopkeeper Li''s life, how could he sell it just like that? And why would he sell it at a time like this where the restaurant is raking in thousands every day? Was he forced to sell? Did someone powerful coerce him to give the restaurant up?


    Could it be Liu Li? Thinking of that possibility made Ye Jiayao break out in cold sweat.


    She has to go to Laifu Inn to ask Li Erniang.


    Ye Jiayao was just about to slip out when Manager Qian came down. When he saw her, he hurriedly said, "Li Yao, thank heavens you''re finally here! The manager is looking for you! Come on, follow me up."


    Zhong Xiang noticed that Li Yao''s complexion didn''t look too good so he consoled, "The new manager is quite amiable. Go on, it will be okay."


    The new Manager Zhao was a lean, middle-aged man. His bright eyes gave away the fact that he was a shrewd businessman.


    "You are the head chef, Li Yao?" Manager Zhao asked with a smile.


    "Yes, I am Li Yao," Ye Jiayao answered, her hands cupped together.


    Manager Qian started slowly, "I heard you took two days off?"


    "Yes. Because of the culinary competition, I took a short trip to consult an old chef."


    "Although the culinary competition would affect the restaurant''s reputation, now that the restaurant is getting busy, do not go about applying for leave too casually. In the future, you have to obtain my consent before going on leave," Manager Zhao said.


    Amiable my ass.


    "Sure. In the future, I would definitely seek your approval."


    "You need to know that most of the customers come for you, Head Chef Li. If you are not around, we cannot satisfy them. For the past two days, we haven''t been receiving the 20% from the private rooms on the third story as we cannot lie to our customers and say that you''re here when you''re not. Therefore, the 20% profit would be deducted from your wages."


    You f*cking prick! Are you serious?


    "Manager Zhao, Shopkeeper Li said that the 20% belongs to me."


    Manager Zhao chuckled. "Have you signed a contract? I didn''t see this clause in your contract. If it is an oral agreement, it wouldn''t count. Besides, this doesn''t go on the regulations, in the first place.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to cry.


    "There are also two other clauses that are unreasonable," Manager Zhao continued.


    Ye Jiayao could almost see the wings growing on the money in her pocket, lining up and flying away.


    "First, the commission for the mooncakes. Although the mooncake is your creation, it is the responsibility and duty of the head chef to develop new dishes to attract more customers. A 30% and 70% split is too much. The maximum is 10%. Let''s go according to the rules.


    "Second, the private events. According to the rules, you have to hand over at least 40% of the profit. This also has to change. I have already drafted a new contract so take a look. If you have no other questions, you can sign your name and press your thumbprint here. This way, there is proof so no one would be disadvantaged." Manager Zhao passed her a contract.


    Ye Jiayao was so angry that she could feel her stomach getting upset again. The contract removes her 20% from the rooms on the third story, her cut of profits from the mooncake... It has cut my dreams of opening up my own restaurant.


    "Manager Zhao, I am not signing this contract. This is unreasonable," Ye Jiayao protested.


    Manager Zhao seemed to have anticipated this and took out another contract, chuckling. "Head Chef Li, we have to follow the rules. All personnel of the restaurant has to obey the restaurant''s arrangement completely. Otherwise, it will be taken as a breach of contract and would have to be punished accordingly. If you do not sign this, I shall treat it as you contributing to the restaurant''s funds."

 Chapter 140：New Rules

    Ye Jiayao was cursing herself. Why did she trust Shopkeeper Li so much and did not ask him for a contract? Forget the money, all the stipulations about duties and responsibilities in the contract would drive her to an early grave!


    "So how is it? Head Chef Li?" Manager Zhao asked with a smile.


    Ye Jiayao said melancholically, "I want to quit."


    Now that Shopkeeper Li has left, she wouldn''t be able to enjoy herself. Leaving would be a better choice. Based on her popularity right now, it wouldn''t be hard for her to get a new job.


    Manager Zhao''s smile never changed. "Sure."


    Ye Jiayao was flabbergasted. Was he actually just going to let her go that easy?


    "Let''s go according to the rules. If a head chef wants to terminate a contract prematurely, he needs to compensate the restaurant for its losses. Now that the restaurant''s profit is around 6000 taels every day, a normal chef would have to compensate six taels per day. As for Head Chef Li, it has to be at least 600 taels of compensation. Your contract bounds you to the restaurant for three years, and it has only been barely two months. You do the math, Head Chef Li. If you can fork out the money, I''ll let you go," Manager Zhao said slowly.


    What the f*ck? Ye Jiayao could almost feel the blood draining from her face. 600,000 taels? She wouldn''t be able to get that money unless she robs the Da Tong Bank and that heartless man damn well knew it.


    Ye Jiayao tried hard to mask her fury. "Manager Zhao, if you do this, aren''t you afraid that I will leave immediately after my contract expires?"


    Manager Zhao just laughed. "Head Chef Li, if you stay in Heavenly Residence for three years, I would earn enough. The restaurant might even shut down after that three years!"


    "Then aren''t you afraid that I will slack off?"


    "That is actually the new rule that I am going to announce. We will use this month''s profit as the basic amount. If we cannot meet our target, the wages will be docked. As the head chef, the overall in charge of the kitchen, we would have to dock more of your pay. If we exceed our target, there will similarly be rewards."


    Ye Jiayao was completely defeated. For the past days, she had thought that she was actually climbing the ranks, becoming quite a respectable figure. Now, she was suddenly reminded of her true status. She was ultimately just a small cook, open to oppression and exploitation.


    She doesn''t have any choice. She would just have to take this as a learning curve. She would definitely be more cutthroat the next time.


    Ye Jiayao picked the pen up resentfully, signing her name on the contract. She pressed down hard on it to leave her thumbprint, imagining that the paper was Manager Zhao''s head. Gaaah! I wish I could just bash your head in!


    Manager Zhao took the contract laughingly. "There will be more changes after a while. I''ll put it up by the entrance of the kitchen. Now, Head Chef Li, gather the staff and tell them everything."


    Ye Jiayao walked out wordlessly.


    She started flipping out as soon as she entered the kitchen.


    "What''s wrong Brother Yao?"


    Everyone gathered around, concerned. They were surprised by the change of owner. Shopkeeper Li didn''t tell them anything and when the new manager came in today, he also kept mum.


    "We are going to face hard times from now on," she began.


    Everyone tensed. "Why? Are we getting a pay cut?"


    Ye Jiayao told them about everything that the new manager said.


    Deng Haichuan was the first to speak up. "What rights does he have to use this month''s profit as the baseline? If not for the mooncakes, we wouldn''t have made so much this month."


    "That''s right! It is not like we can sell mooncakes all year round," Wang Mingde raged.


    "F*ck, Brother Yao! Let''s all just quit. We will follow you," Cui Dongpeng said indignantly, throwing his apron to the ground.


    Ye Jiayao snarled. "Manager Zhao said that the second class helpers like you would have to pay 60 taels per day for compensation if you quit. Go do the maths. How long do you have until your contract is up?"


    Up until then, everyone thought that they could still find a way out. When Li Yao had told them the new condition, they felt their hopes die completely.


    "Then who would be able to leave? I knew that I have to compensate for quitting but I have never heard of such large amount," Zhong Xiang said, depressed.


    "Who is this new inhuman owner?"


    "We will find out sooner or later." Ye Jiayao was determined to get to the bottom of this.


    The only person she knew who would be this diabolical was Liu Li. She knew that that spoiled brat wouldn''t let her off so easily!


    "Go back to work. I will look for Li Erniang to find out what''s going on," she told them. This matter was weighing too much on her mind. If she doesn''t shed some light on this, she wouldn''t be able to eat and sleep in peace.


    Just as she stepped out, Little Lu came over to put up the new rules.


    "1. Everyone has to start work on time at 8 AM every day. Every night, no one is to knock off until all the customers are gone. Late coming and early leaving would amount to a deduction of 50 coppers each time.


    "2. All workers can''t go out during working hours. If one has to go out, he has to ask Manager Zhao for permission. Only with consent can he leave. If this rule is broken, 50 coppers would be deducted each time.


    "3. Every month, there is an allowance of a half day leave and only with Manager Zhao''s consent. This does not affect wages."


    "4. No one should be found slacking during working hours. If found, 50 coppers would be deducted every time."


    "5. There is a reward at the end of the year for those who have never been late or have left early, didn''t leave the shop, and didn''t receive any punishments. According to status, a normal worker would receive 10 taels, third class worker 20 taels, second class worker 30 taels¡­"


    "Though these rules are harsh, we are eating and staying in the restaurant so it''s not like it matters much," someone said.


    "The rewards seem to be quite generous."


    "If we can reach the target every month, there will be an annual bonus. I wonder how much it will be."


    "The reward can reach a few tens of taels! This is something that other restaurants don''t have."


    They were discussing with each other as though they have quickly accepted the new rules.


    The year-end bonus and rewards do not mean a thing to Ye Jiayao. However, for the others, that was already a huge amount.


    Ye Jiayao has a feeling that these rules were set because of her. Among the workers, she has the most freedom. Shopkeeper Li has never been demanding towards her.


    Again, she has no choice but to bear with it. Until she understands what was going on, she would have to play by the book.


    There were a few customers today who had a drop too much and refused to leave. The whole gang of chefs could only sit in the kitchen and wait.


    When Helian Jing arrived and realized that Yaoyao couldn''t leave until the customers don''t, he rushed in to chase everyone. Luckily, those people recognized Little Jing and obediently left.


    "When did the shop start such stupid rules? If you meet some drunkard who drinks until the middle of the night, you guys have to stay, too?" Little Jing asked angrily.


    "What other choice do we have? The new manager has already set the rules,"


    Helian Jing was shocked. "New manager? You mean Heavenly Residence changed owners?"


    "Yeah! We have no idea who it is."


    "Why haven''t I heard of that? If I knew Shopkeeper Li was willing to sell the restaurant, I would have bought it."


    Helian Jing was feeling regretful. If he has bothered to ask around, he could''ve been the one to buy the place. Now, because of his lack of vigilance, Yaoyao was going to lose her freedom.


    Ye Jiayao was feeling a bit of regret, too. When Little Jing and Chunfeng suggested buying the restaurant, she stopped them because she thought that it would be too much. If she had known that this would happen, she wouldn''t have done that. Perhaps then, she could''ve been a shareholder, ensuring that Little Jing and Chunfeng would earn a mountain of money.


    Ay¡­ it''s too late to say anything now.


    "Yaoyao, if you are unhappy working here, quit. I have the money to open a new restaurant. We will split the shares and earn money together, isn''t that good?" Helian Jing offered. Working together would definitely give them more chance to be close to each other.


    Ye Jiayao huffed indignantly. "He said that if I were to quit, I have to come out with 600, 000 taels to pay for the breach of contract."


    "What?" Helian Jing spluttered. "Who the f*ck is so bloody cold-hearted? That is even worse than the brothel madams!"


    The mention of brothels just made her more miserable as she remembered Liu Yiyi.


    "When I find out who that bastard is, I will make him suffer," Helian Jing said resolutely.


    Ye Jiayao said, "I am going to go to Laifu Inn to ask Manager Du and Li Erniang. Perhaps they would know what''s going on. I think that... I think that Liu Li is the one behind all this.


    Helian Jing grimaced. That little she-devil.


    "What? My brother sold the restaurant?" Li Erniang was in shock.


    "Are you sure? Heavenly Residence is brother-in-law''s life!" Shopkeeper Du exclaimed, equally disbelieving.


    Well, there goes my lead. Ye Jiayao sighed.


    "It was a surprise to us, too. We were afraid that Shopkeeper Li might have met with some difficulties so we came over to find out," Ye Jiayao explained.


    Li Erniang responded, "I will go to my brother''s house tomorrow morning. He would usually come and discuss such big things like this with us but he hasn''t said anything at all!"

 Chapter 141：An Adulterous Pair

    The trip to Laifu Inn ended up in vain.


    When Helian Jing saw how sad Yaoyao was, he tried to console her by saying, "Yaoyao, don''t be worried, you still have me!"


    Ye Jiayao smiled bitterly. "Don''t mind me. It''s not really a big deal."


    Of course, every owner would want to earn some big buck. Shopkeeper Li just had been too kind to her so she had been spoiled. She wasn''t used to working for someone who''s so strict so she was feeling out of sorts.


    "Oh, right. Little Jing, I have to return this to you. I really cannot accept it," Ye Jiayao said, handing the piece of jade to Little Jing.


    Helian Jing jumped away. "Yaoyao, how can I take back the thing I already gave? What I will take back are the words I said that day. We''re still brothers, right?"


    Seeing Little Jing flee from the jade, Ye Jiayao couldn''t help but laugh. Well, it looked like she was stuck with this jade.


    The next day, Little Yang came over during lunch break, saying that Li Erniang has gone to ask Shopkeeper Li and he said that he signed a secrecy pact. Unless the new owner wishes to show himself, he was not allowed to say anything.


    In the evening, Helian Jing came again. He said that he went to the constable to look for the restaurant''s modification document but it was password protected and he was unable to take a look. He reckoned that this person was in a high position to be able to pull this off.


    Ye Jiayao''s heart was cramping from the depression. Who is this greedy rat?


    "Yaoyao, tomorrow is mid-autumn, let''s go and admire the full moon! We can also go see the lanterns if you''d like," Little Jing suggested.


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. It has been a few days since Chunyu came to see her so she figured that he might be too busy. Since tomorrow is a celebration, it might be his only chance to come see her. "No, I already promised Uncle and Auntie Jiang that I will spend mid-autumn with them."


    Helian Jing was disappointed but he said, "Then I''ll go with you."


    "What? No! Your grandmother is very old, each year passing is a year lost. You should keep her company," she scolded.


    He knew that what Yaoyao said made sense, but he still wanted to spend mid-autumn with her! He said discontentedly, "Alright. We''ll celebrate it together next time."


    Ye Jiayao smiled assuringly. "Sure."


    The mid-autumn festival is a day where families have a reunion at their respective homes. Therefore, there were only a few random customers in so the crew had a free afternoon. However, Manager Qian has made it clear that Ye Jiayao has to go back by the evening to prepare supper to send over to Zui Chun Lou for Liu Yiyi.


    There was also a repeated reminder to collect the money.


    Once again, Ye Jiayao cursed Liu Yiyi out. It was rare to get a holiday and this darn woman has to torture her like that.


    In her free time, Ye Jiayao went out to buy some presents for the Jiang family as a way to thank them for taking care of her.


    She got Uncle Jiang a bottle of top-grade Zhu Ye Qing because it was his favorite wine. For Jiang Yue, she bought a jade bangle and pair of pearl earrings.


    Ye Jiayao was in the fabric shop to pick out a cloth for Auntie Jiang when she heard someone behind her say, "I am in a hurry to wear this dress, get it done quickly. I don''t want any delay in this."


    "Yes, yes, certainly."


    She turned around and nearly jumped when she saw Jinrong and Xia He. They were with a young woman who has a sharp chin, big eyes, and a mole in the center of her brows. She looked a little familiar but Ye Jiayao couldn''t recall where she has seen her.


    "Second sister, let''s go," Ye Jinrong urged.


    Second sister? Was this the fake Second Lady Ye that Ye Ning brought? Ye Jiayao wracked her brains, trying to figure out where she has seen this lady.


    Oh, right! She''s Ning''s niece, Fang Wanting! She has been to their house many years ago and Ning even praised her mole then, calling it a beauty spot.


    Ye Jiayao smirked in excitement. Fine. You think you''ve won just because you found someone to stand in as the Second Lady Ye? Just wait and watch how I expose you for your lies.


    That Miss Fang was betrothed.


    At this discovery, Ye Jiayao momentarily forgot the unhappiness brought about by the change of restaurant owner.


    Back at the courtyard, Ye Jiayao distributed the gifts to everyone. Auntie Jiang kept saying that she shouldn''t have spent too much money even though her eyes are shining with gratitude.


    Ye Jiayao said, "This is nothing. I just want to thank you guys since I have been giving you a lot of trouble by staying here."


    "It''s no trouble at all! We have actually benefited from you," Auntie Jiang said, smiling.


    "That''s right. You even give Ah Li and Yue-er wages, we are so embarrassed," Uncle Jiang added.


    "It is only right to give them wages as they have been a great help."


    "Sister Yaoyao, my brother has finished making the safe that you were talking about," Jiang Yue chimed in, making her brother scratch his head in embarrassment.


    "Is that so? Quick, show me," Ye Jiayao exclaimed.


    The ancient version of a safe has been crafted according to Ye Jiayao''s request. It was fixed on the wall and a secret door has been made in the huge closet. After opening the secret door, there was a box covered in metal that was around a foot and a half long and a foot tall. On top, there''s a row of wooden keys.


    Jiang Li demonstrated to Ye Jiayao how it worked. She would have to press a few wooden keys first before inserting the key into the keyhole. The box would open once a click sounded.


    "If the wooden keys are pressed wrong, it would not open," Jiang Li said.


    Ye Jiayao whistled, impressed.


    "Ah Li, you are incredible!" Ye Jiayao praised.


    With this safe, she wouldn''t have to worry about her treasures being stolen.


    Jiang Li replied shyly, "I''m not that incredible. An expert would be able to decipher it with just a little bit of time, but it still won''t open without the key."


    Ye Jiayao smiled. "There aren''t that many experts. This level of anti-theft measure is enough."


    After placing her treasures into the safe, Ye Jiayao told Jiang Li, "Go to the Jing An Marquis Residence and tell the Heir-Son Lord that the ''Second Lady Ye'' they''re parading around is Ning''s niece, Fang Wanting."


    Jiang Li nodded. "I''ll go now.


    "Wait¡­" Ye Jiayao stuttered, "If¡­ if he is free, invite him over tonight. I have some things to tell him."


    Because Ye Jiayao still has to work tonight, Auntie Jiang volunteered to make dinner later so they could celebrate mid-autumn together.


    Ye Jiayao returned to Heavenly Residence and prepared the food according to the menu Manager Zhao gave her. In the huge kitchen, with only her working tonight, it felt a little sad.


    After finishing the dishes, she stored them in a big food container. Uncle Guan who drives the cart was also on leave today so there was no one to take her to Zui Chun Lou. She had no choice but to walk and carry the food container.


    Zui Chun Lou was a half-hour journey from Heavenly Residence and by the time Ye Jiayao arrived, she was drenched in sweat and her back was aching something fierce.


    The pimp brought her to the backyard. It was a solitary little building with the words ''Building Leaning on the Moon'' written on it.


    From inside, a melodious sound of the zither playing and a suave singing voice could be heard.


    It looked like Liu Yiyi has an important guest tonight if she was singing.


    When she entered the building, Ye Jiayao noticed that the interior was not as grand as she had imagined. It was simple and classy, low-profile but extravagant with a whole set of yellow rosewood furniture, a set of pearl curtain, and an incense burning in the golden lion incense pot.


    Ye Jiayao begrudgingly admitted that Liu Yiyi''s taste is not at all bad.


    "Leave it here!" A servant lifted the bamboo curtain, pointing at a yellow rosewood table with embedded marble.


    Ye Jiayao wanted to pass the food container and leave after collecting the money. Personally setting the table for Liu Yiyi was making her feel low.


    However, the servant left after giving her instructions and she could only open the food container and start setting the table.


    "Miss, the food from Heavenly Residence is here."


    The sound of zither continued to resonate.


    After setting the table, Ye Jiayao peered around curiously. Even though they were separated by layers of muslin curtains, she could make out a vague silhouette of a man standing by the window.


    Ye Jiayao wondered which noble would spend mid-autumn festival here instead of at his own home. Must be a playboy.


    With Liu Yiyi still inside, Ye Jiayao could only wait to collect her money.


    After a short while, the singing stopped.


    "Heir-Son Lord, I have embarrassed myself," Liu Yiyi said in a sweet voice.


    "Your voice makes one intoxicated," the man''s low and magnetic voice resonated.


    Ye Jiayao stiffened, staring blankly at the layers of the muslin.


    Is it him?


    No, that''s not possible. Why would Chunyu be here? Ridiculous.


    The moment the muslins lifted, Ye Jiayao heard the sound of her heart breaking into a million pieces.


    It''s really him. He was looking and smiling so tenderly at Liu Yiyi, pulling the chair out for her with such consideration¡­


    She used to think that that gaze only belonged to her. On her way here, she kept thinking of things to say to him when they see each other again. She gritted her teeth and carried this heavy food container over here just so she could return early to wait for him.


    When he said that there was nothing between him and Liu Yiyi, she believed him. Oh, Yaoyao, you''re a fool.


    After helping Liu Yiyi to her seat, Xia Chunyu lifted his head as though he just noticed Ye Jiayao''s existence and smiled lightly. "Li Yao, aren''t you going to pour us wine?"


    How could he smile so nonchalantly and order her to pour wine as if he had done nothing wrong?


    Every word he said to her was still ringing clearly in her ears, gentle, romantic, tender¡­ she stupidly believed that he really has feelings for her. Stupid, stupid, stupid!


    "Head Chef Li, we meet again." Liu Yiyi smiled, showing off her dimples. That sweet face contrasted to the mockery and pride hidden in the depths of her harsh eyes.


    They deserved each other.


    An adulterous pair.

 Chapter 142：One Weak Moment

    "I''m sorry, I am only here to deliver the dishes. Since the dishes are here, would the young lady please settle the bill so I can go back and celebrate mid-autumn festival?" Ye Jiayao said emotionlessly.


    "Li Yao, don''t you also drink with the customers when you are at Heavenly Residence?" Xia Chunyu said with a smile, filling a cup with wine. "Finish this cup and we will settle the bill."


    "How is a cup enough? Head Chef Li is a famous chef in Jin Ling, it has to be at least three cups. Ying-er, get two more cups, Yan-er retrieve a gold ingot," Liu Yiyi said gracefully.


    Both servants obeyed.


    "Head Chef Li, after you drink three cups of wine, this gold ingot is yours," Liu Yiyi said with false generosity.


    Ye Jiayao was fuming. What did she ever do to this pair to deserve this humiliation?


    Xia Chunyu slightly raised a brow as if he was waiting for a show.


    Ye Jiayao picked up the gold ingot and weighed it in her hand, laughing coldly. "It is my first time to see a gold ingot. I should thank Jin Ling''s top courtesan, or should I thank the many men sending you money? However, I don''t care for this kind of treasure. Too dirty."


    Liu Yiyi''s face changed, the hand hidden in her sleeve started trembling.


    She forced out a smile and said, "Is that so? Then what should I do? The money I have here are all sent by men. Why don''t Head Chef Li treat us to this meal?"


    Ye Jiayao''s smile did not change. "The word ''treat'' should not be used so casually. I only treat my friends. Both of you are neither kin nor kith to me."


    Ye Jiayao raised her wine cup and stared straight at Xia Chunyu. "I will treat this meal as if I was feeding the dogs."


    She threw the drink at Xia Chunyu''s face and walked out of that horrible place, refusing to look back.


    Behind her, Liu Yiyi cried out in shock, "Heir-Son Lord! Quick, Yin-er, get a handkerchief! The nerve of that man!"


    Ye Jiayao kept walking, trying to put as much distance between them as she could.


    How could he do this? He''d humiliate her like that just because she went on a river cruise with Little Jing and refused to break off all relations with him?


    Why does it always end like this? Just when she finally wanted to pour her heart out, a painful blow would disable her. It happened in the mountains and it was happening now.


    She didn''t want to cry, didn''t want to show how much he hurt her, but the tears wouldn''t stop.


    The round, silver moon in the sky and the lights from thousands of homes served as a reminder to her of just how alone she was in this world.


    No, stop, Ye Jiayao. He''s just a man. A bastard at that. Shake it off, rub some dirt on it, and get up. Just because he left, doesn''t mean you won''t make it.


    The words were easy to conjure, but her heart wasn''t convinced.


    She ran to the river bay, crying out in pain.


    She cried and cried, letting out all the anguish and hurt she was feeling because this was her only chance to do so. She would only allow herself to be weak this once.


    Xia Chunyu, having already wiped his face dry, sat there drinking wine. Liu Yiyi was dancing to alleviate the tension brought about by Yaoyao''s impudence.


    The dance was graceful, the music was moving, the food and wine were fragrant, but he couldn''t care less about them. Everything had lost its appeal the moment Yaoyao left - from the moment he saw the tears that she was trying to hide.


    He was in pain. It felt like someone stabbed his heart with a sharp blade and further twisted it in. He wanted to chase after her, to tell her that he only did those things so she would know how it felt to be betrayed by someone you love.


    But he did not move. He was unable to let go of his pride.


    Yes, he admits that what he did was cruel. He should''ve just spoken to her, told her that he was letting go, but he couldn''t do it. Just like the many things he couldn''t do since he met her.


    He used to mock those people who were troubled by love, but he now has become one of them.


    Perhaps by doing this, he could allow himself to harden his heart and leave her alone, to wish her and Little Jing all the best.


    Xia Chunyu lifted his head as he downed a cup of wine, allowing that spicy liquid to burn in his body, hoping that it could also decimate his sorrow.


    When Ye Jiayao''s tears dried up, she looked up and gazed at the colored lanterns on the opposite side. She actually forgot that there was a lantern festival tonight.


    She wiped her tears away and headed to the festival, determined to push her pain away and have some fun.


    She entered a contest of guessing riddles and won a bunch of prizes when she consecutively correctly guessed a handful.


    "Li Yao!"


    Ye Jiayao turned around and saw Zhao Qixuan and Susu waving at her. It was gratifying to see them finally out in public.


    "Hi, guys!" Ye Jiayao greeted, forcing a smile.


    "I just heard that someone correctly guessed 28 riddles at one go and I thought it was some scholar that has come for the imperial examinations! I didn''t know it would be you!" Zhao Qixuan looked at all the prizes Ye Jiayao was holding laughingly. He also has 10 prizes in his hands.


    Ye Jiayao smiled shyly. "That was just some freak luck."


    Zhao Qixuan frowned slightly as he looked around. "Why are you alone? Where is Little Jing? He said that he was going to ask you to come here."


    "He should be at home. We didn''t go together because I had to work at night!"


    "Why don''t we go to the White Tower Temple to admire the full moon? That is the best place to admire the moon," Zhao Qixuan invited enthusiastically.


    Ye Jiayao looked between him and Susu. She couldn''t come with them, she''d be the third wheel!


    "No, thank you. I still have to go home to eat mooncakes! You guys go ahead! I should be going, too."


    On the way back, Ye Jiayao passes by the harbor. Someone was writing their wishes on the colored lanterns and letting them float away with the current, praying to the river god and the moon god that their wishes would be fulfilled.


    Ye Jiayao saw a little girl selling colored lanterns not far away so she walked over to her.


    "Can I exchange a colored lantern with these prizes?"


    The little girl looked at the things she was holding and her mouth opened in an impressed ''o''. "What is there?"


    "I am not sure. Some combs, calligraphy pens..." Ye Jiayao replied, searching through her pile.


    The little girl said eagerly, "Sure, sure! I wanted to get a pen for my brother so that''s perfect. Young Master, take your pick!"


    Ye Jiayao gave all the prizes to her and picked a lotus lantern. On the lantern, she wrote, "I want to earn a lot of money". After that, she ran to the harbor and released it in the water.


    From now on, her only goal would be to earn a lot of money. She had let trivial matters distract her before and look where that got her. Never again. She would earn a lot of money and then she''d leave Jin Ling to tour the world.


    When she returned to the courtyard, Auntie Jiang and her family were still waiting for her to have dinner. She couldn''t help but feel warmth in her shattered heart. Although Chunyu arranged this home, this family have been really nice to her.


    Before she went to bed, Ye Jiayao asked Auntie Jiang for an almanac*. There have been too many unlucky things happening lately and she suspected that she was going through some misfortune. Indeed, in the eighth month, those who were born in the year of the rabbit offended Tai Sui.


    There were just a few more days before the eighth month is over and she''d just have to bear with it for a while.


    Placing the almanac down, Ye Jiayao hugged Little Ji and Little Rui against her and lied down.


    The human heart is too fickle. She shouldn''t have trusted it.


    Little Ji, Little Rui, also Da Bao and Er Bao, I still have you guys, right? You won''t leave me, right?


    As though they can sense their owner''s sorrow, the two puppies used their noses to nudge her, making soft whimpering sounds to comfort her.


    Xia Chunyu stood at the entrance of the courtyard. He has tried to knock for countless of times already, but every time he would raise his hand, it would just fall back down helplessly. After hesitating for a long while, he quietly walked away.


    The next day, Ye Jiayao received a scolding from Manager Zhao the moment she reached the restaurant.


    "Li Yao, what is wrong with you? I just asked you to deliver the food and you still messed it up? I am going to deduct five taels from this month''s wages. You''ll also have to be held accountable for yesterday''s bill that was not settled, a total of 120 taels."


    Ye Jiayao left without a word, went back to the kitchen, put her apron on and started carving flowers from a radish.


    Deng Haichuan asked in a soft voice, "What is the matter with Manager Zhao? Which restaurant doesn''t treat their head chef like a Bodhisattva, especially if that someone is Brother Yao?"


    "Yeah! Why not just send someone to settle the bill? Why must he deduct Brother Yao''s pay?" Cui Dongpeng added.


    Zhong Xiang frowned. "I don''t think it is as simple as it looks. Everyone, just buck up and let''s work!"


    Deng Haichuan wasn''t at ease with this situation. He made up some reason to take a leave from the manager before rushing off to find Young Royal Highness Jing.


    "What? They dare do that to Yaoyao?" Little Jing demanded furiously.


    "Even the other brothers feel that something is wrong. Yesterday, everyone is let out on holiday but Brother Yao was asked to work. After he is done, he still has to go to Zui Chun Lou to deliver the dishes. Today, the manager said that Brother Yao messed things up and that he''s going to deduct his salary and even pay for the dishes. A total of 120 taels. Brother Yao''s monthly salary is only 50 taels! No restaurant in Jin Ling will do this to their head chef!" Deng Haichuan complained.


    Little Jing''s chest was tight with anger. Yaoyao refused to celebrate mid-autumn with him yesterday because she has to stay to work! Who the f*ck was bullying her? Which shameless slut from Zui Chun Lou dared to do this to his Yaoyao?


    "Go back and reassure Li Yao. Tell him not to be upset, I will think of a plan," Little Jing ordered.


    Young Royal Highness Jing''s promise settled Deng Haichuan. He believed that as long as Young Royal Highness was involved, everything would be okay.

 Chapter 143：It Is Indeed You

    After Deng Haichuan left, Helian Jing thought hard about who he could ask help from. His big brother was out as he would just definitely ignore him. Xia Chunfeng! That was perfect! Chunfeng was now working in Crown Prince''s Office so he would be able to check the documents in the name of the Crown Prince!


    Helian Jing immediately left and headed to Crown Prince''s Office to look for Xia Chunfeng.


    After hearing his story, Xia Chunfeng accompanied Little Jing to the constables.


    They used the excuse that the Crown Prince was the one looking for the documents which made the people from the constables retrieve it .


    When they saw the signature on the document, the two exchanged dumbfounded looks.


    "How... how can it be my brother?" Xia Chunyu asked, incredulous.


    Helian Jing also didn''t know what to make of it. Wasn''t Brother Chunyu and Yaoyao pretty close? Why was he doing this to Yaoyao?


    "There must be some misunderstanding here. My brother may have bought the restaurant but that doesn''t necessarily mean that he''s the one running it. His subordinates could be making the rules here," Xia Chunfeng guessed.


    Helian Jing nodded belatedly. Yes, that made much more sense. "What should we do?


    Xia Chunfeng replied, "Let''s go straight to my brother. This is his matter, it would be more appropriate for him to solve it."


    Both of them rushed to the palace only to find out that he has already left. They went to the Jing An Marquis Residence next where they were told that he wasn''t also there.


    "Where on earth is your brother?" Helian Jing asked anxiously.


    "How would I know? Why don''t we just go to Heavenly Residence and tell Li Yao about this?"


    In the Heavenly Residence''s kitchen, Ye Jiayao was cooking numbly. She has lost all her passion and enthusiasm to cook and her actions have become mechanical.


    Little Lu brought a new list of orders in. "Brother Yao, there is one more table added on the second floor. This is the order."


    Zhong Xiang said, "Give it to me, I am in charge of the second floor."


    "But Manager Zhao said that this customer wants Brother Yao to cook for him," Little Lu protested.


    "Bring it here," Ye Jiayao said. One more table doesn''t really matter to her. If there are still customers outside, she wouldn''t be able to leave anyway.


    "But the third floor has been constantly full all afternoon..." Zhong Xiang has noticed that Li Yao didn''t speak much today. It was apparent that he wasn''t in a good mood and Zhong Xiang just wanted to help him.


    Ye Jiayao forced a smile. "It''s not a problem. It''s just a few dishes."


    Zhong Xiang passed the order list to her. "They are all troublesome dishes."


    Ye Jiayao scanned the list and quickly ordered, "Haichuan, cut some tofu slices, Wang Mingde, Dongpeng, mince two catty of meat and prawn paste. Check if the roasted duck is done¡­"


    After the Wen Si Tofu was served, Ah Xing brought it back.


    "Brother Yao, the customer said that this Wen Si Tofu is too thick and is requesting for it to be redone."


    "What? Who is that demanding customer?" Deng Haichuan asked angrily. He was the one who cut the tofu, and it was definitely not too thick! This was the first time someone complained to him about that!


    Everyone echoed his sentiments, piqued.


    Ye Jiayao said calmly, "I''ll cut it."


    Deng Haichuan''s tofu slices were actually good, just a little thicker than hers.


    "Don''t make the dishes on this order sheet, I will do it myself."


    The second time it got sent out, it did not get sent back.


    However, not long later, Ah Xing returned again with the double flavored egg roll. "Brother Yao, the customer said that the duck''s skin is too old."


    Wang Mingde said, "This is the only roasted duck we have. We have used up the rest and this one is just slightly older."


    "Who is so f*cking picky?" Deng Haichuan was losing his patience.


    Ye Jiayao said, "Ah Xing, tell the customer that the roasted duck is all sold out for today. Get him to change his order."


    Ah Xing went to negotiate and came back saying, "The customer ordered Buddha Jumps over the Wall. Brother Yao, we don''t have this dish in our restaurant!"


    Finally, Ye Jiayao got angry.


    She put her knife down and said, "Ah Xing, which room is the customer in? I will talk to him."


    "He is in Manager Zhao''s room and he''s serving him personally."


    Everyone stilled. If Manager Zhao was serving him personally, he''s either the Emperor or the new owner. Guess which one was it?


    Ye Jiayao would finally meet this mysterious owner.


    She headed straight to the second floor and stopped in front of Manager Zhao''s room.


    She knocked on the door.


    In a flash, Manager Zhao opened it and frowned upon seeing her. "Shouldn''t you be cooking in the kitchen? What are you doing here?"


    From the way he was blocking the doorway, Ye Jiayao knew that it was indeed the owner inside. She pushed him aside and said, "Passing messages through Ah Xing is such a hassle so I came here to deliver it myself."


    Xia Chunyu.


    Song Qi was standing at his side, serving him.


    Ye Jiayao asked emotionlessly, "Are you the new owner?"


    It suddenly made sense why she was tasked to deliver the dishes to Zui Chun Lou, why her wages got deducted, why her dishes were picked on...


    There are men that turn into an enemy once the relationship fizzles out. Clearly, she had the misfortune of meeting one.


    "I am here to spot check today," Xia Chunyu simply said.


    Ye Jiayao laughed, anger swiftly rising in her. "Very well. I would suggest to you that you say everything you need to instead of inconveniencing everyone by delivering it piece by piece.


    He smiled as if everything was just perfectly normal. "I found many problems today, Head Chef Li. You better think of a way to solve it."


    "Brother Chunyu¡­"


    Helian Jing and Xia Chunfeng barged into the room and was surprised at what they saw.


    "Li Yao, why are you here? You already know?" Xia Chunfeng asked.


    Ye Jiayao watched Xia Chunyu coldly. She never would''ve thought that it''d be him. She never expected him to buy a restaurant just so he could torment her. Thousands and thousands of silver just to make her life a living hell. Well, he spent more than 10,000 silvers for me, that''s for sure.


    "Brother Chunyu, the manager that you hired keeps targeting Yaoyao. What is going on? Yesterday was a holiday and he still made Yaoyao deliver dishes to Zui Chun Lou. Is this what a head chef should do?" Helian Jing quickly started complaining.


    "Little Jing, stop it," Ye Jiayao shouted. She knew that it wasn''t Manager Zhao''s fault since he''s only acting on orders.


    Xia Chunyu let out a cold laugh. She went to Little Jing to grumble about her problems. Figures.


    "A head chef is also a worker, what is wrong with him delivering dishes? If others can do it, why can''t he? And only someone like him, with the status of a head chef, is fit to deliver dishes for Liu Yiyi, don''t you think so?" Xia Chunyu drawled.


    "Second brother, how can you say that?" Xia Chunfeng was outraged. His brother wasn''t usually like this!


    Helian Jing yelled indignantly, "What did Yaoyao ever do to you? Why must you bully him like that? Liu Yiyi is just a promiscuous woman! How could she even compare to Yaoyao?


    "Little Jing, this is my restaurant''s operational matters. As an outsider, you have no say in any of this."


    "Outsider? Yaoyao is my friend! I cannot allow you to do this to him."


    "Little Jing, stop it!" Ye Jiayao screamed, fed up with everything. "Go home! I will settle my problems by myself."


    She thought that after last night''s humiliation, she wouldn''t have to see to see that bastard again. Now, as her employer, there''s no escaping him.


    Helian Jing looked at Yaoyao, feeling sorry for her. Why was Brother Chunyu doing this to her? Did he also confess to Yaoyao? Did he get rejected so he''s turning his embarrassment into anger and picking on Yaoyao purposely?


    Ye Jiayao raised her eyes to look at Chunyu. "You want Buddha Jumps over the Wall, right? Wait."


    Helian Jing followed her out. "Yaoyao, I will help you get out of your contract."


    She was moved by Little Jing''s dedication to her. She wanted to cry but she already swore last night that that was the last time she was going to be weak. No more. I can''t afford to let Chunyu see me broken.


    "Little Jing, I appreciate your kindness, but I will not accept it. It''s just three years, it will pass by in a flash." Ye Jiayao lowered her head, now wanting Little Jing to see the sorrow and hurt in her eyes. "Go on, I still have to work."


    In the room, Xia Chunfeng asked, puzzled, "Second Brother, why are you making things difficult for Li Yao? Did he offend you?"


    Xia Chunyu looked at him from the corner of his eyes. "Why are you with Little Jing?"


    "Little Jing wanted to find out who is the new owner of Heavenly Residence so he got me to help him check. I can''t believe that it is you, Second Brother! When did you buy the restaurant? Why are you so rich?"


    Xia Chunyu snorted. Little Jing really was willing to go to drastic lengths just for her. How sweet. Not.


    "Second Brother, even if Li Yao has offended you in some ways, can''t you just be more forgiving and forget about it?" Xia Chunfeng persuaded.


    "Why do you think I am making things difficult for him? I am merely running my business. I bought the restaurant to earn some money and I do things with the interest of the restaurant at heart. I don''t think there is anything wrong with that."


    Xia Chunfeng was confused. Was that it? But Little Jing made it sound very serious and Li Yao''s expression didn''t seem right, too.


    "If he can''t take such grievance, then how is he going to continue working? He''s just like us. Don''t we also have to be lectured by our superiors?" Xia Chunyu continued.


    "But comparing him to Liu Yiyi is a little inappropriate," Xia Chunfeng told him.


    Xia Chunyu shook his head. "How is it inappropriate? Liu Yiyi sells her talent and not her body. A woman who has great talent and passion, principled and incorruptible, is worthy of respect."


    Xia Chunfeng rolled his eyes frustratedly. He could never win against his second brother. "Whatever. I''m hungry. I''ve been so busy looking for you, I didn''t get the chance to have my dinner."


    After taking two bites, Xia Chunfeng said cheekily, "Second Brother, since this restaurant belongs to you now, does this mean I can have free food?"


    Xia Chunyu didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. "Fine. You can eat here every day, but you have to keep it a secret, otherwise, I would go bankrupt. If that happens, I''m going to ask you for money."


    "I promise to keep it a secret," Xia Chunyu vowed laughingly.

 Chapter 144：Give Me Five Hundred Thousand

    Helian Jing looked for his older brother the moment he returned to the mansion.


    "Big brother, lend me 500, 000 taels."


    Helian Xuan, who was sipping tea, spat it out upon hearing that. "Excuse me?"


    "Lend me 500, 000 taels and when we split the inheritance in the future, I will take nothing," Little Jing said.


    Helian Xuan puts his tea down and touched Little Jing''s forehead. "Are you running a fever?"


    "Brother, I am serious. Give me 500, 000 taels, I am in urgent need of it."


    "Did you get into trouble outside?"


    "No."


    "Then, what do you need so much money for?"


    "I can''t tell you. I promise you, though, it''s for a legitimate reason," Helian Jing said.


    Helian Xuan said somberly, "500, 000 taels is not a small amount. If you don''t tell me why you need it, I am not going to give it to you."


    "Brother, I swear it is for serious business," Helian Jing pleaded, getting anxious.


    "Tell me."


    Helian Jing gritted his teeth at his brother''s stubbornness. Fine!


    "Brother Chunyu bought Heavenly Residence and I don''t know what''s wrong with him, but he kept making things difficult for Yaoyao. He''s coming up with ways and means to bully him and I really cannot bear to watch it anymore. I want to help Yaoyao get out of his contract."


    Helian Xuan was shocked, not because Xia Chunyu bought the restaurant, but because he was making things difficult for Li Yao. It does not make sense! If Chunyu really did buy the restaurant, it would be to protect Li Yao!


    "I think there might be some misunderstanding," Helian Xuan suggested.


    "What misunderstanding? There is no misunderstanding at all! Brother, you didn''t see how upset Li Yao was. Brother Chunyu is too much."


    Helian Xuan fiddled with his collar, uncomfortable. "Umm, Little Jing, there are some things that outsiders like us would not understand. I think you should not bother yourself with their problem. The more you get involved, the worse the matter gets. I think Chunyu knows what he is doing."


    Helian Xuan figured that it was just a squabble between the couple and would be fine after a few days. If outsiders get involved, it might just get out of hand.


    "What outsiders? What do you mean their problem? Brother, I don''t understand what you are saying."


    "You will understand it in the future. Listen to me and it won''t go wrong. I guarantee it," Helian Xuan said.


    "But¡­"


    "No more buts. Go do what you are supposed to do, don''t come and bother me anymore. I still have to look at some documents!" Helian Xuan dismissed him with annoyance.


    Helian Jing wrinkled his nose discontentedly. Fine. If you won''t give it to me, I will find a way to take it myself.


    After Little Jing left, Helian Xuan pondered over what he said. He knew Little Jing and he knew that the more you forbid him to do something, the more he would do it. But where could he get the money... Mother!


    Helian Xuan hurriedly rose and sprinted to the main room.


    Indeed, Helian Jing was harassing Yu De.


    "Mother, I want to buy a restaurant to do some business."


    Yu De replied, "You have just gone to the army to work, how can you do something else all of a sudden?"


    "Mother, I only have to come up with the capital. There will be someone doing the work."


    Yu De though about it for a while and asked, "Which restaurant? Is the manager reliable?"


    "It is Heavenly Residence. Because something happened in the shopkeeper''s house, he wants to sell the restaurant. Mother, you know how good Heavenly Residence''s business is. If I buy it and let Li Yao handle the work, it will definitely be reliable," Little Jing lied.


    Yu De wavered. Heavenly Residence was the most popular restaurant in the city right now and Li Yao''s the most popular chef.


    "How much do you need?"


    "Not much, just 500, 000." Helian Jing stretched out one hand, his five fingers wriggling about.


    Yu De looked at him in disbelief. "Not much? Do you think our family owns a bank?"


    "It really isn''t a lot. Heavenly Residence''s daily profit is a few thousand taels. It will only take a few months to break even," Helian Jing blurted out, making a wild guess.


    Yu De frowned. "If that is the case, why don''t you get the shopkeeper to discuss it with me?"


    "Mother, you are not trusting me!" Helian Jing whined, pouting.


    "It is not that I don''t trust you, Little Jing. I am just more experienced with such matters." Yu De smiled, her eyes filled with fondness for her last born.


    "Mother, don''t listen to his nonsense. There is no such matter," Helian Xuan declared upon entering.


    Helian Jing saw his big brother and scowled. He just lost his chance!


    "What?" Yu De was confused.


    "Mother, Little Jing is just kidding. Heavenly Residence has already been bought," Helian Xuan clarified, glaring at Little Jing.


    "Who is it? That person must''ve some good foresight," Yu De asked curiously.


    Not wanting to rat on Xia Chunyu, Helian Xuan answered, "I don''t actually know. I just know that the owner has changed."


    "Ay, what a pity. If I had known earlier, I would''ve bought it," Yu De said with regret.


    This was the second time that Ye Jiayao made Buddha Jumps Over The Wall and the procedure wasn''t any less complicated. Every step was so intricate that her moves blurred.


    After simmering the small wine vat, Ye Jiayao slumped on the bench, exhausted.


    "How long does this have to simmer for?" Zhong Xiang asked.


    "Two hours."


    Little Lu entered to report, "Brother Yao, the customers outside are almost all gone."


    Ye Jiayao nodded. "I got it. All of you get some rest, I will handle things here."


    Everyone but she was living in the restaurant so they don''t have any problem. Plus, she felt bad for making so many people wait with her especially if there''s no point in it.


    "It''s okay, we have nothing to do anyway," Deng Haichuan assured.


    Brother Yao hasn''t been happy these past few days and they feel bad about abandoning him to rest.


    After an hour of wait, Ah Xing said, "Brother Yao, the new shopkeeper has left."


    Ye Jiayao laughed, depleted beyond belief.


    He really was going to torture her. He has already classified her as an enemy without even giving her a chance to explain.


    Actually, an explanation would just probably be useless. He likes Liu Yiyi and he''s going to marry Princess Liu Li. How could she compete? She''s just a woman abandoned by her family, a woman without an identity.


    "Brother Yao, what do we do with this Buddha Jumps Over The Wall?" Cui Dongpeng asked.


    Ye Jiayao fished out a silver ingot. "Ah Xing, get two vats of good wine. I will make another two dishes and we''ll have supper."


    A delicacy prepared with hard work should not be wasted just like that. If he won''t eat it, everyone will.


    Zhong Xiang volunteered, "Let me do it!" He rolled up his sleeves, sorting out the remaining ingredients.


    "I will help, too," Deng Haichuan said as he rose.


    The horse carriage reached the Jing An Marquis Residence and the Xia brothers alighted. Song Qi handed the horse carriage to the gatekeeper and caught up with the Heir-Son Lord''s pace.


    "Heir-Son Lord, it isn''t very good for us to leave just like that! We should''ve notified Miss¡­ notify Li Yao. At least, explain that you left because something cropped up," Song Qi said.


    Xia Chunyu''s face was gloomy. There''s no need for explanation. She has already chosen Little Jing. He left for seven days and she has already accepted his family heirloom.


    "There is no need for that," Xia Chunyu snapped.


    Song Qi didn''t know what happened between the Heir-Son Lord and Miss Ye. When they delivered Miss Ye to the courtyard, the Heir-Son Lord was so worried and anxious about her. When he came out, his face was cold as ice.


    It was not like they haven''t quarreled before, but they would usually reconcile after a few days. However, this time... it looked serious.


    "Second Brother, I also think that it is not very nice to leave without saying anything," Xia Chunfeng agreed.


    Xia Chunyu simply threw him a glare and walked straight ahead.


    "Heir-Son Lord, Third Young Master, you are finally back. The Old Master has been waiting in the house!" the housekeeper said chirpily as he welcomed them.


    "Father is back?" Xia Chunfeng exclaimed, surprised.


    "Yes, Third Young Master. He actually was supposed to be back yesterday, but he didn''t make it in time."


    Xia Chunfeng laughed merrily. "The moon on the 15th is round on the 16th, today is just the right time to be back."


    Xia Chunyu was also overjoyed as it has been several years since he has seen his father.


    Both of them quickened their pace to the main room.


    In the Heavenly Residence''s kitchen, when Ye Jiayao removed the bowl covering the vat and peeled the lotus leaf off, and an intense fragrance immediately spread out the room.


    "That smells so good!" Deng Haichuan praised, smacking his lips.


    "No wonder it is called Buddha Jumps Over The Wall! I''m sure even the Buddha would be unable to control himself upon smelling this."


    "You really deserve to be an imperial chef, Brother Yao! You are awesome!"


    "Pour out the wine, this meal is on me. Everyone, drink to your heart''s content," Ye Jiayao said generously.


    She wanted to get drunk and wash away how f*cking unlucky she has been lately.


    "Here, here, fill this up."


    "Today, we will take it as if we are celebrating mid-autumn!"


    Ye Jiayao raised her bowl of alcohol first. "Working with you guys is very enjoyable! I hope that next time we would all celebrate mid-autumn together every year."


    "Brother Yao, we will follow you. After three years, if you leave, we leave. If you stay, we stay," Deng Haichuan said.


    Everyone echoed in loud voices, "Brother Yao leaves, we leave, Brother Yao stays, we stay."


    Their sincerity warmed Ye Jiayao''s heart. F*ck you, Dumb Donkey. I still have my friends who care about me. You won''t break me.


    "Drink," Ye Jiayao led, emptying her bowl.


    Oh, that is delightful!


    Everyone emptied their bowls and started to eat heartily, sharing the delicacies.


    Because she still has to go back, Ye Jiayao didn''t dare to drink too much. She also couldn''t allow everyone get too drunk because there was still work tomorrow.


    After three bowls of wine, Ye Jiayao told Zhong Xiang to keep watch on the rest and went back home.


    She walked alone on the silent and empty street, stumbling along while she hummed an off-beat and off-tune melody.


    "They are all bubbles, only a spark of fireworks. All your promises are just too vulnerable. I can only blame myself for not being able to see through it, I feel sad¡­"


    "Who is howling in the middle of the night?" someone scolded somewhere.


    Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes. This was the first time in days that she felt happy and she won''t let anything ruin that.


    "The majestic river flows to the east, the stars in the sky are a part of the Big Dipper¡­"

 Chapter 145：His Majesty Bestows A Marriage

    Early in the morning, Zhao Qixuan was woken up by a violent shaking.


    "Get up, get up!" Helian Jing knew that Zhao Qixuan has a habit of sleeping naked, so this time, he didn''t make the mistake of lifting his blanket.


    Zhao Qixuan grumbled. "Shut up. Stop disturbing my sleep. I want to sleep."


    He turned over and continued to snore.


    Helian Jing went up to his ear, and yelled, "Fire!"


    Zhao Qixuan sprang up anxiously. "Where is the fire?"


    Helian Jing patted his chest. "Here."


    When he saw that Little Jing was teasing him, Zhao Qixuan frowned angrily. "Little Jing, what are you doing here so early in the morning?"


    He made a move to lie back down and get back to sleep, but Helian Jing pulled him up. "I didn''t sleep a wink the entire night awaiting daybreak. Qixuan, you have to help me this time."


    Zhao Qixuan paid more attention now upon hearing how serious his friend sounded. "What happened? Did you get in trouble?"


    "I want to borrow some money from you."


    Zhao Qixuan clicked his tongue. "That''s all? Little Jing, you are my brother, you don''t have to persuade me. How much do you need?"


    "500, 000 taels."


    His words chased away the remnants of sleep clinging to Zhao Qixuan. "What was that? Did you just say you want 500,000?"


    Helian Jing nodded solemnly. "500,000 taels. You are the richest man I know."


    Zhao Qixuan stared at Little Jing, stupefied. Even if I am rich, I still can''t afford 500,000! "For what?"


    "I want to help Li Yao get out of his contract."


    Little Jing wasn''t making any sense to him. "Are you pranking me?"


    "I am being serious, Qixuan. Heavenly Residence has changed its owner and Li Yao is very unhappy working there now. I want to help him."


    "Heavenly Residence has changed owners? Why don''t I know about it?"


    "How would you know? The only thing in your mind right now is Susu. You don''t even come out to mingle around anymore.''


    Zhao Qixuan grabbed a coat and donned it on. "Quick, tell me, what is going on? Who is so generous to be able to buy Heavenly Residence?"


    Heavenly Residence was currently a treasure bowl so it must have been expensive.


    Remembering his big brother''s warnings, Helian Jing lied, "I am not sure who he is, but in any case, Li Yao feels like quitting."


    "You mean the price for breaking the contract is 500,000 taels?"


    "More than that. It is 600,000 taels, but I already have 100,000 taels with me."


    Zhao Qixuan took a deep breath, looking at Little Jing pityingly. "Little Jing... you have fallen in so deep."


    Helian Jing blushed and quickly denied, "You''re ridiculous. Li Yao is my friend and I just want to help him."


    "This is not the way you help a friend! You''re really telling me that you''re agreeing to give 600,000 taels without even blinking an eye just to help a friend?" Zhao Qixuan sneered.


    "Zhao Qixuan, if it weren''t for Li Yao, you and Susu wouldn''t be together now. He has been such a great help to you, but now that he is in trouble, you are not willing to help?"


    "I didn''t say that I didn''t want to help him, I just feel that this price is too ridiculous. If it were other head chefs, 18,000 would''ve been more than generous. But 600,000 for contract termination? What kind of joke is that? Who''s the owner? Tell me, and I''ll settle it."


    "His price is set so high because Li Yao is incomparable to other chefs. If not for him, Heavenly Residence''s business would not be so prosperous. He is the one who brought Heavenly Residence back up. I can''t tell you who is the owner. I can''t reveal who he is, and even if did, you would not be able to do anything about it, anyway. This is the price he wants. I will find some way to return the money back to you slowly," Helian Jing said.


    "You actually sounds proud of Li Yao for being quoted this price."


    "Of course! It''s an honor to be worth so much!"


    Zhao Qixuan shook his head in disgust. "Forget it. You''ve turned into such a sap that I can''t even get through to you."


    "Just tell me whether you are going to lend me the money or not. If not, I am going to tell Susu that we ganged up on him," Helian Jing threatened.


    Zhao Qixuan spluttered. This little brat!


    "I didn''t say that. When do you need that 500,000 taels?"


    This royal chap was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He''d never been short of money and has never done any business so he has no idea about the concept of 600,000 taels. He doesn''t know how many people it could feed and how many treasures it could buy. If it wasn''t for Zhao Qixuan''s prospering businesses and robust family asset, he wouldn''t be able to come up with the amount Little Jing''s asking.


    Zhao Qixuan''s reluctance wasn''t anything against Li Yao, though. In fact, he''s very grateful to him. If not for his wits, he would''ve spent an eternity dragging things on with Susu. He''d just treat the 500,000 as the payment for his and Susu''s relationship.


    "Really? Zhao Qixuan, thank you for being loyal! I will surely remember your favors. As for the money, the sooner the better." Helian Jing felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.


    Zhao Qixuan thought about it for a while. "Susu and I just recently invested some money so I don''t have much liquid cash with me at the moment. You''ll have to wait for seven days. Is that alright?"


    "Yes, yes, yes! As long as there is money, it is alright," Helian Jing exclaimed excitedly.


    Zhao Qixuan has a fond smile stretching his lips. "Take a look at your foolish self. Hopefully, after you throw that 600, 000 taels in, you''d be able to bring him home."


    The redness that just subsided on Helian Jing''s face rushed back up to his cheeks. "Nonsense. Go back to sleep, I am going to the army."


    The Old Jing An Marquis, Xia Zhuofeng, brought his second son, Xia Chunyu, into the palace to see His Majesty after breakfast.


    His Majesty received him amiably.


    "My beloved subject, I am very grateful to you for protecting the borders for many years and ensuring the peace of the area. You''ve done a great service to the nation with your hard work."


    Xia Zhuofeng quickly rose, saying modestly, "Protecting the nation is your humble subject''s duty. I would never dare to let down Your Majesty''s benevolence!"


    After they exchanged a few polite greetings, the conversation shifted to Xia Chunyu''s marriage. The Emperor has purposely waited for the Old Marquis'' return to broach the subject.


    "The child that the seventh prince had left behind is already 16. The Empress Dowager has been asking me to choose a good husband for Princess Liu Li and after looking around, amongst all the royal princes and noblemen in the land, I found Chunyu to be the most suitable groom. My beloved subject, what do you think?"


    Xia Zhuofeng has been away from the capital for several years and was not very familiar with Liu Li. He only knew that the Empress Dowager pampers the princess a lot. However, he had a deep friendship with the Seventh Prince so he was pleased with this marriage.


    He was just about to agree to it when Chunyu, who was behind him, took a step forward and kneeled on the ground to kowtow.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your royal benevolence. However, your humble subject is unable to agree to this marriage," Xia Chunyu said firmly.


    His Majesty''s expression changed slightly. He never expected for Chunyu to reject such a huge favor without a second thought.


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Xia Zhuofeng hissed, embarrassed and infuriated. "His Majesty is only willing to let Princess Liu Li marry you because he appreciates you. This is a heaven-bestowed marriage that others could only hope for! You should be grateful."


    Xia Chunyu raised his head and straightened his back defiantly. "Pardon your humble subject for being unable to obey your order."


    If not for court etiquettes, Xia Zhuofeng would have already kicked the crap out of his son. What the f*ck is this git doing?


    "Your Majesty, your humble subject has failed in teaching my son, please pardon me," Xia Zhuofeng apologized, fear coloring his words. You f*cking bastard! I will beat you black and blue when we get home, Chunyu.


    His Majesty laughed out loud. "My beloved subject, quick, rise. This straightforwardness is precisely what I like about Chunyu."


    "Chunyu, get up and talk, too," His Majesty said amiably. "I know that Liu Li is a little too spoiled and is still a little childish, but when she becomes a wife and a mother, she''d naturally be more sensible."


    "My son is not any better. He is stubborn and extremely inflexible. Due to my long period of absence, I failed to discipline him properly," Xia Zhuofeng placated as he wiped his sweat.


    The Emperor smiled reassuringly. "Youngsters will be youngsters. It is normal that they are a little temperamental and brash. It is fine as long as he thinks it through."


    Xia Chunyu said resolutely, "Your Majesty, your humble subject really cannot agree to this arrangement. If I do, I would be guilty of deceiving the ruler."


    This time, His Majesty got frustrated. Why would Chunyu deny him? Why would he deny an imperial decree knowing that it is a mortal crime?


    "Bastard, I dare you to say one more word!" Xia Zhuofeng exploded angrily. What was happening to his son?


    His Majesty suppressed his anger and asked Chunyu, "Why do you say that?"


    Xia Chunyu said, "Your Majesty, your humble subject has already gotten married in Black Wind Ridge. That woman is also a lady from a good family and was kidnapped up the mountains by the Second-In-Charge. Due to the circumstances, I had no other choice but to marry her. Even though it was rashly executed, we still have sworn to the heaven and earth."


    The Emperor was stunned. "Why have I never heard you mention this before?"


    Xia Chunyu said dimly, "She was the one who discovered the secret passage in the stockade. When she informed me of it to prevent Bai Chongye from escaping, she got held hostage by the Second-In-Charge. In order to not be a burden to your humble subject, she jumped off the cliff and fell into the Haze Lake. I searched for her but I wasn''t able to find her. After much inquiry, I heard that a villager saved a girl from the lake and so I thought it was her and began my search. The villager said that the girl seemed to have lost her memory and could not remember who she was and left a few days before¡­"


    Speaking of all the tragedy that has happened hurt Xia Chunyu and he could not help but choke on his words.


    His Majesty and Xia Zhuofeng sighed, lamenting what happened. This woman was willing to sacrifice herself for her country. She''s righteous and benevolent, and it was as inspiring as it was tragic.


    "Did you continue inquiring?" Xia Zhuofeng asked.


    "I have, all with the hopes of continuing our predestined affinity. She has fallen into dire straits because of me and if I abandon her to marry another, I would be an unloyal and unrighteous person. Therefore, I cannot accept Your Majesty''s grace and could only request for Your Majesty to reconsider," Xia Chunyu said sincerely.


    The Emperor muttered, "What is this lady''s name?"


    With his hands cupped together, Xia Chunyu said, "She is the eldest daughter of the first wife of Ye Binghuai from the Yang Zhou''s government prefecture. Her name is Ye Jinxuan."

 Chapter 146：The Period Of Three Months

    His Majesty frowned, his fingers gently tapping on the armrest of the royal throne. With a name and a surname, it could not possibly be fake. Besides, despite Chunyu''s bravery, the Emperor didn''t think he would have the gall to lie to him.


    That only leaves the question of what would become of Liu Li. This was the Empress Dowager''s imperial decree and if it''s forced upon, it couldn''t be justified with reasons or feelings.


    Xia Zhuofeng was also thinking through his son''s story. If he''s telling the truth, then this Ye Jinxuan was indeed an admirable woman. Their meeting or union wasn''t arranged, and yet, his son''s feelings were clearly strong.


    After a long time, His Majesty raised his eyes and asked, "If you are unable to find this Miss Ye, what would you do?"


    Xia Chunyu says with resolution, "If I can''t find her, your humble subject would never marry anyone again."


    "That will not do," His Majesty said, "Having no male offspring is the biggest unfilial act. Besides, you are the Jing An Marquis'' heir. I will set a deadline for you. If you are unable to find her in three months, you will marry Liu Li."


    The Emperor was certain that Chunyu would never be able to find this woman in the period he set. This way, he would still be able to marry off Chunyu and Liu Li without seeming heartless.


    "Your Majesty, how are three months enough?" Xia Chunyu pleaded anxiously.


    "Chunyu, I have already been exceptionally gracious on the account of your loyalty and faithfulness. Don''t push my generosity," the Emperor said, his voice becoming serious.


    Xia Zhuofeng understood His Majesty''s intentions. There was no way that Chunyu would be able to find this woman in just three months. That space was just given to him by the Emperor to clear his mind and prepare himself.


    When the news reached Liu Li''s palace, Liu Li was dejected. Why did a Ye Jinxuan suddenly came out? Although His Majesty said that there was no hope of finding this person, there''s still a what if...


    Liu Li called for a servant and ordered, "Go investigate the Yang Zhou''s government prefecture Ye Binghuai''s daughter, Ye Jinxuan. Report to me as soon as possible."


    When the servant left, Little Ya advised, "Princess, didn''t the Heir-Son Lord previously mentioned that Li Yao saved his life in Black Wind Ridge? Why don''t you summon Li Yao over to ask him?"


    Liu Li jumped up. That''s right! Li Yao will definitely be able to clear this Ye Jinxuan matter.


    Ye Jiayao was busy in Heavenly Residence at that time.


    The peak season for the sales of mooncakes was over so they had to think of other ways to keep the restaurant relevant. She already had tasked Jiang Li to make few new molds to change up the looks of the mooncakes. Although the sales weren''t that bad, it''s still not enough to guarantee profits and secure her brothers'' wages and bonuses.


    She has to think of something.


    The most popular upcoming event would definitely be the imperial civil service examination in the ninth month where all the scholars all over Huai Song would converge in Jin Ling. When the time comes, every restaurant would launch a few dishes with auspicious names to entice the scholars to eat for a good omen.


    Instead of coming out with a few dishes, Ye Jiayao would simply upscale an existing one and launch the Dragon Gate Feast.


    The dishes were actually just the same as the Carp Leaps Over The Dragon Gate only with a few twists to it.


    Of course, marketing and advertising are important. After all, these scholars came from outside the city and were not very familiar with the market price in Jin Ling. Ye Jiayao personally wrote a slogan and got Manager Zhao to hire a few people with good handwriting to copy a few hundred sets. During their lunch break, everyone would give them out in various inns.


    The slogan went like this:


    For the numerous scholars, the empire lights up the Heavenly Hall in brilliance.


    The carps swim a thousand lis to leap over the Dragon Gate, hearing the news of the top scorers and those who pass.


    The blessings of the gods and Buddhas are still needed on top of talent, cleanse in propitious in Heavenly Residence.


    In this autumn period, at Jin Ling''s Heavenly Residence, the Mobile Imperial Chef, Head Chef Li has put in all his efforts to create this Dragon Gate Feast for all scholars. The Top Scorer Banquet wishes all scholars to flow with inspiration and win the top positions in the imperial examinations with the help of the gods.


    After the advertisements were given out, a few waves of people came that same night and ordered Dragon Gate Feast, Top Scorer Banquet.


    The delicious food, exquisite dishes, and auspicious names made the scholars come in high spirits and leave in contentment. The news quickly spread.


    After knocking off, Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan went to a teahouse.


    Helian Xuan laughingly pulled out an advertisement he saw earlier and showed it to Xia Chunyu. "Sister-In-Law is full of ideas! Who else would have thought of this? Although the poem is not very well done, it''s still very effective.


    Xia Chunyu looked at the advertisement and laughed with his friend. "She really knows a thing or two about business."


    "You have married a treasure," Helian Xuan teased.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to cry. Don''t you know that your little brother has already come between us?


    "What do you intend to do with the three months His Majesty gave you? When do you want her to show herself?" Helian Xuan asked him.


    "Let''s take it one step at a time!" Xia Chunyu thought that he''d be able to let Yaoyao go, but now that His Majesty has mentioned Liu Li, he quickly realized that he couldn''t accept any woman other than her.


    "I heard from Little Jing that there has been a little misunderstanding between you and your wife."


    "There is a little trouble, but it will be settled in a few days." Xia Chunyu has to sort out his emotions first.


    "I told Little Jing not to meddle. If he does anything, just ignore the kid."


    Xia Chunyu sneered.  A kid? A kid who stole his woman. "I know."


    "If you need any help, just let me know. Now that I don''t have to go to West Mongolia, I am a little idle!" Helian Xuan swallowed a mouthful of tea resentfully. It was initially agreed upon that he would lead an army to West Mongolia but the Emperor changed his mind and sent Admiral Huo instead.


    "Everything''s fine for the time being. Just come out to help me say a few words at the last moment," Xia Chunyu said. He has played up some of Yaoyao''s deeds and admirable qualities today so His Majesty wouldn''t be able to fault her for dressing up as a man and deceiving him.


    After the tea session, Xia Chunyu returned to his residence to find that there was someone waiting for him.


    "My Lord, I have already investigated Fang Wanting''s background thoroughly. She is the second daughter of the sister of Madam Ye and is already engaged to someone. The other party is called Du Heng, the third young master of the Hai Ning government prefecture. I heard that he has come for the imperial civil examinations this year."


    "Go find out where this Du Heng has settled himself," Xia Chunyu ordered, pleased at how everything was lining up.


    Song Qi started, "Heir-Son Lord, what are you planning to do?"


    Xia Chunyu laughed coldly, "Just settle in and watch the show. This is getting more and more interesting."


    Ning has gotten her niece to act as a substitute but has never taken any other measures to ensure that they''d never be caught. That''s a deadly mistake, Ning.


    "In the next few days, spread the word that I am looking for Ye Jinxuan, the First Lady Ye. I want to make this matter know to everyone. Also, let Yaoyao''s maternal family know that it is about time they show up," Xia Chunyu said.


    Song Qi was an efficient servant. Within three days, the news of the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-son Lord looking for his stockade wife, First Lady Ye, who has been through thick and thin with him, has become the hot topic among the people in Jin Ling.


    It was not simply a story of a sentimental man looking for his wife. It has also made Ye Jinxuan a courageous, witty, faithful, and righteous woman of wonder. People would definitely link this back to the rumor of the fake First Lady Ye and questioning gazes would once again fall upon Assistant Minister Mu''s residence. Ye Jinrong would boil on the hot seat again.


    "Mother, what should we do?" Ye Jinrong asked desperately.


    They have just managed to tamp down the rumors! Now that the clamor has awoken old stories again, it was even worse than before.


    Ning, who had been preparing to return to Yang Zhou, was also troubled.


    "No wonder the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord came to visit last time and specifically asked about the First Lady Ye." Wei Liujiang gritted his teeth, cursing Xia Chunyu. He really hated that guy for sinking his reputation. Now, no one was willing to accept him even though he wanted to become an apprentice.


    "But didn''t he say that Jinxuan is already dead?" Ye Jinrong asked.


    "Who knows if he is speaking the truth?" Wei Liujiang snapped resentfully.


    Ning muttered, "If she is really dead, it is easy to settle. If she''s still alive..."


    "Now that the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord has caused a huge commotion over the search for Jinxuan, we cannot just play dumb!" Jingrong nearly yelled, anxiety overpowering her.


    "What else can we do? We had so many ways then, but you guys just had to choose this path. We''re here now so we''d just have to make sure that this doesn''t blow back on us more than it already has," Ning said in a huff.


    Wei Liujiang pouted. "We just wanted the bandits to settle the matter! How were we supposed to know that they wouldn''t kill her?"


    "They must have lusted over her beauty and couldn''t bear to do it," Jinrong said, indignant and a tad bit jealous.


    Ning stared at the two of them, sighing depressingly. If she knew this would happen, she would have done it herself.


    "I have no idea what to do. We have to get your father involved in this. We don''t have anything to be afraid other than Jinxuan''s maternal family coming over to ask for her. If that happens, even your dad would not be able to do anything," Ning said worriedly.


    "Mother, if they really come, we would tell the truth. We''ll just say that we spent so much effort hiding the fact that Jinxuan''s been captured by the bandits because we wanted to protect the family''s reputation. They shouldn''t scare us. What I''m worried about is that Jinxuan''s still alive and watching this whole show from the sidelines," Jinrong said.


    Wei Liujiang nodded, expressing his agreement with Jinrong.


    "You must''ve known that cutting the weeds without plucking out the roots would just cause endless trouble," Ning reprimanded.


    Both of them lowered their head, afraid to talk back. It was really a negligence on their part. They thought that the plan was meticulous and flawless, not really accounting that something could go wrong along the way.


    "Are we still going to hold the housewarming party the day after tomorrow?" Wei Liujiang asked weakly.


    His new residence has been renovated and the geomancy said that the place was a priced land with the star of Wen Chang hanging high over it. The imperial civil service examination was taking place next month, and he wished to move in soon to seek good fortune.


    "Yes, of course! It is better to be bustling with noise and excitement rather than just playing dead. We don''t even know, maybe the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord was just bluffing. I will liaise with your father-in-law for this matter. You just wash your hands off this and prepare for the examination. Your future prospect is more important," Ning said.

 Chapter 147：Family Members Are Here

    The news of the search for Ye Jinxuan reached Ye Jiayao.


    Others may be clueless as to where and how it began, but Ye Jiayao knew that it was Xia Chunyu who started the whole thing.


    What on earth was this fellow trying to do? Didn''t he already make it clear that he wanted nothing to with her anymore? Why was he all of a sudden creating such a big hoo-ha over the search for her?


    Was he just trying to make himself to be some kind of a hopeful hero? That thought infuriated Ye Jiayao.


    While Ye Jiayao was stewing in her anger, Helian Jing was overwhelmed with anxiety that he didn''t dare to go visit Heavenly Residence for the past two days.


    Li Yao has stayed in Black Wind Ridge. Li Yao is a woman.


    Brother Chunyu was so protective of Li Yao that he even risked the wrath of Liu Li and the Empress Dowager just to defend her.


    Helian Jing also found it odd how certain Brother Chunyu was that the wife of Wei Liujiang was not the real First Lady Ye.


    And the way Brother Chunyu gazes so tenderly at Li Yao...


    Could Li Yao be the First Lady Ye, Brother Chunyu''s rumored wife?


    The mere possibility of that devastated Helian Jing.


    He wished that that wasn''t the case, but he was too afraid to seek confirmation and the uncertainty was driving him crazy.


    Finally, when he thought he''d climb the walls out of madness, Helian Jing turned to his brother.


    "Big brother, that day when you talked about outsiders and their matters, what do you mean by that?" His instincts told him that his brother knew exactly what was going on.


    "What? I don''t understand. Can you make yourself clearer?" Helian Jing pouted.


    "How much clearer could it get? Their conflict will be resolved only by themselves." Helian Xuan thought that his brother was still hounding him for that 500,000 taels so he added, "Even if you manage to get the money, Chunyu still won''t let him go."


    Helian Jing was confused. "Why? What rights does he have to not let him go? He can''t go back on his words."


    "Did Chunyu personally promise to let Li Yao go after paying 500, 000 taels?" Helian Xuan asked.


    Helian Jing shrugged. "I don''t... I don''t know."


    Helian Xuan snorted. "See? You''re meddling in things you know nothing about."


    "Yaoyao said it so I believe it''s true," Helian Jing said as if he was daring his big brother to contradict it.


    "Little Jing, I promise you, they will work this out in just a few days." He was afraid that Little Jing would stick his meddlesome nose in the couple''s business and just ruin things.


    "How can you guarantee that? On what grounds? Did Brother Chunyu tell you something?"


    "He didn''t say anything, but I know Chunyu. He doesn''t do useless things and he always has a plan."


    "A plan? What possible plan could he have had to compare Yaoyao with Liu Yiyi in front of everyone?" Helian Jing told his brother angrily, recalling Xia Chunyu''s cruel words that day.


    "Perhaps Li Yao offended Chunyu so Chunyu is spiting him on purpose," Helian Xuan suggested. Chunyu could be very generous but he could also be extremely petty.


    Helian Jing thought that Brother Chunyu was acting like a woman. And speaking of woman...


    "Big brother, have you seen Chunyu''s wife?"


    "No."


    "Could it be someone we all know?" Helian Jing tried to sound him out.


    Helian Xuan tensed. "Didn''t you hear that she jumped off the cliff? Where would have I seen her?"


    "Are you certain?"


    "I don''t have time to fool around with you, Little Jing. Get lost," Helian Xuan dismissed, trying to deter his brother''s suspicions.


    Helian Jing walked out of the study gloomily, his mood worsening.


    In Heavenly Residence, Ye Jiayao was called over by Manager Zhao.


    "This is a list of a few private banquets. I have offered a price of 300 taels for 10 tables on your behalf. The prices used to be 300 taels for 20 tables, but since you''re an imperial chef now, it''s only fitting to raise it. Take a look at the dates and make some arrangement beforehand."


    Ye Jiayao browsed the list. There''s a total of six banquets, which would add up to 160 tables and would equate to 4800 taels. Even after the 40% was deducted and the wages of the helpers were distributed, she''d still have about 2,000 taels left. Finally, she could earn some decent money.


    A name suddenly caught her eye and she stopped short.


    Wei residence? Which Wei residence?


    Understandably, Ye Jiayao was particularly sensitive towards the surnames Wei and Mu.


    She couldn''t figure out which Wei was this because the name wasn''t written on the list, just the date and the address of the house.


    "Alright. Manager Zhao, can I ask when the shopkeeper will be coming over?" Ye Jiayao wanted to ask Xia Chunyu what on earth was he doing.


    Was he trying to reinstate her status? What''s going to happen after she recovers her identity? He made such a huge deal of looking for her lost ''wife'', was he intending to marry her? Ha! Fat chance of that happening now, Stupid Donkey.


    Manager Zhao smiled blandly. "The shopkeeper would come when he wants to."


    She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and pocketed the list. "Okay. Manager, there is something else I have to discuss with you."


    "What is it?


    "I hired two people to help me make the ice cream and the molds. These kinds of labors should be paid wages, right? I am also working for the restaurant, so you can''t possibly have me pay them from my wages, right?" Ye Jiayao was being smart this time. If they were going to continue to gang up on her, she''d damn well take advantage of them.


    "Shopkeeper Li previously made a verbal promise to pay them their wages. If you don''t agree to this, I would never be able to ask them for their help again in the future."


    Manager Zhao said, "The ice cream labor will be calculated once a month and you can compute the pay. As for the molds, since they are all well done, we will use the market price, with an addition of 20%. Just make a bill and I will get the accounts to pass you the money after I take a look at it."


    Ye Jiayao nodded and left.


    She actually has already given Jiang Li and Jiang Yue their pay. The one she was asking for was hers, and although it''s not a huge amount, it would still benefit her.


    Ye Jiayao returned to the courtyard and Jiang Li opened the door for her. "Madam, your family members are here."


    She stopped short. "I''m sorry? My family members? What? Who?"


    What family? Was it Jinrong and the gang? How did they even find her?


    "Xuan-er¡­"


    A middle-aged couple walked out from the room.


    Ye Jiayao cried out in disbelief, "Uncle? Auntie?"


    "Xuan-er! My poor Xuan-er, I really can''t believe that they would be so ruthless. We have been kept in the dark the whole time, thinking that you were living well in Ji Nan. This is so heartbreaking." The woman hugged Ye Jiayao, crying.


    "Auntie... um, you know what happened?" Ye Jiayao was still confused.


    "We do. We rushed here immediately after receiving the letter that the Heir-Son Lord sent detailing the whole story. We didn''t believe it at first because it all sounded so outrageous and horrible! Don''t worry, Xuan-er, we will avenge you. Your grandparents'' health isn''t just too good, otherwise, they would have come as well," Uncle said.


    Did Chunyu get Auntie and Uncle to come over? Motherf*cker! Her grandmother''s health was deteriorating so she has hidden her plight on purpose!


    "Are Grandpa and Grandma still alright?" Ye Jiayao asked worriedly. She had planned to return to Zhen Jiang to visit her grandparents after she has gained a foothold in Jin Ling.


    "They''re alright, don''t worry, dear," Auntie Fang said, wiping her tears.


    "Let''s all go inside and talk!" Auntie Jiang said, ushering everyone into her home.


    Ye Jiayao and her family settled down inside the house with the tea Jiang Yue prepared for them.


    Fang took a look at her niece''s male get up and felt even sorrier for her. She knew that she''s working as a chef in a restaurant just to support herself. Ye Jinxuan, a perfectly fine young lady from a wealthy family, was forced to dress up as a male in order to make a living. Just thinking about all the sufferings her niece went through made Fang burn with anger.


    "Old Master, we cannot just let this matter go. We, the Fang family, cannot be bullied just like that," Fang said, enraged.


    Uncle assured, "We''re not going to turn a blind eye on this. We will go along with Heir-Son Lord''s plan and take our retribution."


    He then turned to Ye Jinxuan and reprimanded, "Xuan-er, why didn''t you even look for us after coming back? Were you even planning to tell us? If it wasn''t for the Heir-Son Lord, we would''ve remained ignorant! Do you think you have no one to depend on? No family?"


    Despite the scolding words, Ye Jiayao was touched. In her insistence to climb up and support herself, she had forgotten that she still has a family that cares for her.


    "No, Uncle. I was just afraid that when Grandma finds out, her condition would worsen," Ye Jiayao choked out, her emotions running high.


    "You foolish child, didn''t you think that doing this would hurt your grandmother more? Her heart is breaking," Fang said.


    "Xuan-er, just remember that no matter what happens, you have the Fang family to support you," Uncle said seriously.


    Ye Jiayao nodded vigorously as tears trickled down her cheeks.


    "That ingrate Ye Binghuai! If not for the help of our family, he wouldn''t be where he is today! How dare he treat you like this? You''re his first daughter!" Uncle raged.


    "Uncle, have you seen my father?"


    "No. We came straight to Jin Ling to see you. However, we received a letter from your father last month. Your grandmother misses you so she sent a letter asking about your well-being. Your father actually replied that you''re doing well in Ji Nan!" Fang answered.


    "I think that it''s mainly Ning and Jinrong behind this," Ye Jiayao analyzed.


    Her father might be cold towards her, but she suspected that it was all because of Ning''s doing. Her father used to treat her well before her evil stepmother came into the picture.


    "From the first time I saw her, I knew that that slut with her high cheekbones and thin lips was a cold-hearted woman. Even your grandmother knew that that''s why we were all worried when we sent you back to Yang Zhou," Fang relayed.


    "She''s been cruel to me the entire time. It''s only when people from the maternal family comes over for a visit that I get dressed up prettily. Once you leave, I live a life worse than the servants," Ye Jiayao confessed. They already knew what happened so she might as well just come clean.


    Fang started tearing up again after hearing that. "You should''ve been honest with us! If you had told us earlier, you wouldn''t have landed in this state."


    Ye Jiayao didn''t know how to respond to that. Even she was also wondering why the original host didn''t say anything.

 Chapter 148：Liu Li Requests For A Meeting

    Ye Jiayao was so grateful for the heartwarming words and support that Uncle and Auntie gave her. She also appreciated them rushing over to her even when they live so far away when they found out what was happening to her.


    The only thing she didn''t understand was Chunyu. After all that he did to hurt her, why was he helping her? What''s his angle? He wasn''t showing himself these days so she couldn''t really ask him.


    Ye Jiayao initially wanted Uncle and Auntie to stay in the courtyard, but Uncle said that Chunyu has already made living arrangements for them as well as a horse carriage to fetch them from here. Besides, staying here would expose her identity. They should not contact each other for the time being.


    The next day, someone from the palace summoned Ye Jiayao.


    Ye Jiayao was not familiar with the eunuch who came for her and that worried her. She was naturally very apprehensive of palace summons given what happened with Consort Mei.


    "Yes."


    "Do you work at Zi Chen Palace?"


    "What are you asking so many questions? Just hurry up," the eunuch urged, annoyed.


    "Then¡­ can I ask what your surname is?" Ye Jiayao smiled meekly.


    "My surname is Yao. Can we go now?"


    Ye Jiayao nodded and turned to tell Little Lu, "Go tell Manager Zhao that I left with Eunuch Yao to the palace. Tell him to settle the things in the restaurant."


    Ye Jiayao followed Eunuch Yao into the palace. After walking for a while, she found something amiss. Although the palace buildings look similar, she has a good sense of direction and she took special notice the previous time she went to Zi Chen Palace and the imperial kitchen. She was certain that this route doesn''t lead to either Zi Chen palace or the imperial kitchen.


    "Eunuch Yao, where are we going?"


    Eunuch Yao said in a sharp voice, "Just follow me."


    He ignored Ye Jiayao from then on.


    Ye Jiayao silently memorized the route.


    She was mentally grumbling when she suddenly saw a familiar face.


    It''s Susu.


    Ye Jiayao quickly said to Eunuch Yao, "Eunuch Yao, I am going to greet the Third Young Master Su."


    Before the eunuch could even react, Ye Jiayao was already running over to Susu.


    "Third Young Master Su, what a coincidence! I would''ve never thought that we''d run into each other here."


    Su Yi turned and a brief flash of shock passed through his eyes. He really didn''t want to exchange pleasantries with Li Yao but he still nodded perfunctorily.


    "Third Young Master Su, can I inquire whose palace is up ahead?"


    "The Empress'' Ning He Palace," Su Yi answered.


    Ye Jiayao''s brows furrowed. Was the Empress Dowager looking for her?


    Su Yi glanced at the eunuch that was standing behind Li Yao and frowned. "You don''t know who summoned you here?"


    Ye Jiayao shook her head and laughed bitterly. "The people in the palace are weird. They always do things secretively that I just tremble with fear and apprehension every time I enter here. Hopefully, it wasn''t like the last time where I almost didn''t make it out."


    She dropped implicit hints. Su Yi wasn''t her first choice for an ally, but at least someone would know where she is if she doesn''t make it out.


    "We should go now," Eunuch Yao rushed.


    Ye Jiayao cupped her hands and bowed. "I shall make my move."


    Su Yi nodded again and watched Li Yao enter the Ning He Palace.


    After a few turns, Ye Jiayao was finally brought to the person who summoned her.


    Princess Liu Li.


    "Li Yao, where are the mooncakes you promised? Where are the delicacies?" Liu Li demanded, huffing angrily.


    This whole thing was just about the mooncakes? Are you kidding me? Ye Jiayao laughed apologetically and responded, "Princess, the people from the palace say that the food outside cannot be sent in here so casually. If my food upsets the stomach of the masters here, my head will be chopped off."


    "But didn''t you send food over to the Crown Princess and the Old Ancestress? You can deliver to them but not me? Li Yao, I think you are doing this on purpose." Liu Li pouted.


    "I was able to send the Crown Princess some food because it was under the orders of the Crown Prince with the imperial physician keeping watch. As for the Old Ancestress'', Young Royal Highness Jing brought her the food himself so it has nothing to do with me," Ye Jiayao explained. The things that she makes is definitely safe to eat, but the same could not be said about the person who would deliver it. She would have no proof of it if Liu Li tries to sabotage her.


    "Forget it now. Say, Li Yao, you stayed in Black Wind Ridge, right?" Liu Li asked, dropping her ruse.


    Ye Jiayao''s heart skipped a beat. She could already guess where Liu Li was going with this so she had to think of an answer that matches Chunyu''s story.


    "I didn''t stay there for long before it got destroyed by the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord and Prince Helian Xuan," Ye Jiayao answered.


    "Do you know that the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord married a woman there?"


    Ye Jiayao pretended to think about it. "Yeah, I think something like that happened.


    "Have you seen what she looks like?" Liu Li asked curiously.


    The information she recently found out said that the First Lady Ye was already married to the Ji Nan prefecture magistrate''s oldest son. She''s now in Jin Ling, but there was a rumor that she''s only pretending to be the First Lady Ye. Liu Li was confused as to which story was true.


    In any case, this matter has been making her feel quite depressed. Now that everyone knew about Brother Chunyu''s marriage in Black Wind Ridge, even if she gets to marry him in the future, she could only become a concubine. A princess as a concubine. How pathetic!


    "Princess, I was working in the kitchen then, making meals for the ruffians. The Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord was the third-in-charge and they live at the core of the stockade. It was a place that I wasn''t permitted to go to so I have never seen her," Ye Jiayao said.


    Liu Li was extremely disappointed. She had thought that Li Yao would know something about this elusive Ye Jinxuan. She rolled her eyes and said disdainfully, "Useless."


    Ye Jiayao suddenly thought of a diabolical idea. "Princess, why don''t you ask the First Young Madam Wei about this? Even if she''s not the real First Lady Ye, she''s still from the Ye family and she would know the most about this Ye Jinxuan."


    She would leave the hot potato in Jinrong''s hands. Let her come up with the answer.


    Outside the Ning He Palace, Su Yi watched his mother and Elder Princess Yu De come out together.


    Yu De was extremely envious of Su Yi''s gentlemanly demeanor and scholarly flavor. She has two sons but only one of them was engaged in martial arts. She had hoped that Little Jing would be more engaged in his studies so she could be a mother of both a fine scholar and a fine soldier, but alas!


    "Su Yi, the Empress Dowager very much likes the Vajra scripture that you copied," Yu De praised. Even she wanted a book for herself. Su Yi''s calligraphy was elegant and clean, just like the man himself.


    Madam Su smiled, pleased. "If Elder Princess likes it, Su Yi can copy one for you, too."


    Su Yi cupped his hands respectfully. "Which scripture does the Elder Princess like?"


    "Do you have the Amitayus script? The Empress Dowager''s birthday celebration is next year." Yu De was overjoyed.


    Su Yi replied. "I can borrow it from Master Hong Ji."


    "Then, I will trouble you with that."


    "It is my honor to serve the Elder Princess."


    Yu De laughed. "Madam Su, I must admit that I am very envious of you. How can you give birth to such an outstanding son?"


    "Elder Princess, Prince Helian is the real cream of the crop, the model of all young man in Jin Lin."


    Both started to praise each other, both feeling satisfied.


    "Mother, did you see Heavenly Residence''s Li Yao just now?" Su Yi asked.


    Madam Su shook her head. "I did not see anyone come."


    "Li Yao entered the palace?" Yu De asked.


    Su Yi nodded. "I saw him enter Ning He Palace and thought it was the Empress Dowager who summoned him."


    It didn''t take long for Yu De to figure out what was going on. It must be Liu Li who summoned Li Yao over here. What''s the princess trying to do again? If anything happens to Li Yao, Little Jing was going to be anxious.


    Yu De turned to the mother and son and said, "You guys go ahead, I still have some things to do."


    Su Yi smiled. With the Elder Princess here, Li Yao should be alright.


    In Liu Li''s palace, the princess'' eyes brightened up upon hearing Li Yao''s idea. Why didn''t she think of that?


    "Li Yao, have you seen the Jing An Marquis'' Heir-Son Lord recently?" Liu Li asked again.


    "I haven''t, Princess. I have been busy with the restaurant and it seems quite a while since the Heir-Son Lord came there."


    "Maybe he has to stay at home to do his filial duties because the Old Master has returned."


    Their father is back? No wonder that both Xia brothers seemed to have disappeared.


    Come to think of it, even Zhao Qixuan was a rare sight these days now that Susu has returned. It also has been a few days since Ye Jiayao saw Little Jing, inside the restaurant or out.


    What''s happening?


    "The Elder Princess arrives," a palace servant reported.


    Liu Li quickly got up to greet her and Ye Jiayao lowered her head at the side in respect.


    When Elder Princess saw Li Yao, she asked calmly, "Li Yao, what are you doing here?"


    Liu Li interrupted, "Royal Aunt, I summoned him here. I wanted to ask him to teach me how to make some delicious food."


    "You have yet to get married, how can you summon a man from outside casually? If you want to learn how to cook, we have our own imperial chefs," Yu De reproached slightly


    Liu Li blushed in embarrassment. That was why she had Li Yao brought in secretly! Since she was unable to go out of the palace, this unorthodox method was the only choice.


    Yu De said to Li Yao, "Why are you still here? Don''t think that this place is someone you just can come to."


    Thankful, Li Yao bowed and left immediately. She was glad that the Elder Princess arrived when she did because the conversation with Liu Li had become so stressful. If she slipped up and said something wrong, there would be another chaos.


    Liu Li stared helplessly after Li Yao. She had wanted to hear Li Yao talk more about Brother Chunyu when he was in Black Wind Ridge.


    Helian Jing was unaware that Li Yao has entered the palace as he went to Zhao Qixuan''s place early in the morning. Today was the seventh day that Zhao Qixuan promised.


    After waiting for quite a while, she finally got his hands on 500,000 taels banknotes. Carrying the money, he then marched on to look for Xia Chunyu.

 Chapter 149：Want to cancel the contract

    This was Xia Chunyu''s resting day and he didn''t want to go out. There were many gossips about him and he was in the eye of the storm. If he went out, people would pretend to sympathize with him and ask questions to satisfy their curiosity. He didn''t want to answer them. He''d rather stay in here to read books and drink tea.


    "Heir-Son Lord, Young Royal Highness Jing is here," Song Qi reported.


    Xia Chunyu frowned. What is Little Jing doing here?


    "Tell him to come in." Xia Chunyu put his book down and fixed his clothes.


    Immediately after Helian Jing entered the door, he placed the 500,000 taels banknote he received from Zhao Qixuan and his own 100,000 silver banknote in front of Xia Chunyu.


    "Brother Chunyu, this is 600,000 silvers from Da Tong Bank. Give me Li Yao''s contract."


    Xia Chunyu looked at the banknotes and at Little Jing. "What do you mean? Why should I give you Li Yao''s contract?"


    Helian Jing said, "Li Yao wants to cancel the contract so this is the compensation."


    Xia Chunyu smiled a little and asked casually, "Did Li Yao ask you to do this?"


    "You don''t need to know that. Here''s the money so I want the contract now."


    "Little Jing, I thought that now you''re in the military department, you''d have more experience and understanding of how things work. How are you still so naive?" Xia Chunyu ridiculed laughingly.


    "I am not naive," Helian Jing denied, blushing. "I know why you''re purposely creating difficulties for Li Yao."


    Xia Chunyu leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Please, why don''t you enlighten me?"


    "I don''t want to play this game with you. Give me the contract now," Helian Jing said, sounding mad.


    Xia Chunyu responded expressionlessly, "First of all, Li Yao did not say that he would cancel the contract. At least, he did not mention it to me. Second, even if he wanted to cancel the contract, I wouldn''t agree. Li Yao is the pillar of Heavenly Residence. Heavenly Residence makes so much money with him there, why would I let him go? I don''t care about six hundred thousand silvers. Hell, you could make it a million and I still wouldn''t agree."


    "You ... how can you do this? Li Yao is a free person, not a tool for you to make money."


    "Li Yao might make money for me, but he also earns a large amount for himself. We both benefit each other."


    Xia Chunyu really did not expect Little Jing to do this for Yaoyao. 600,000 silvers are not easy to get a hold of! Even Helian Xuan couldn''t save 300,000 for three years. Little Jing had to have borrowed from others. In the whole Jin Ling City, only Zhao Qixuan could be that rich and generous to lend him the money.


    "Mutual benefit? You are torturing him! I''ve always admired you, Brother Chunyu, but what you''re doing is despicable," Helian Jing told him spitefully.


    Xia Chunyu''s lips twitched when he said coldly, "This is something between me and him. Stay out of our business."


    "I don''t care! I can''t just let you bully him. If it is someone I like, I would never make him sad or let him cry a single tear." Helian Jing grabbed the silver notes and walked away.


    Helian Jing was walking so fast, blind with anger, that he didn''t notice Chunfeng until he crashed with him.


    "Little Jing, why are you in such a rush?" Xia Chunfeng asked, rubbing his nose.


    Helian Jing pushed him away and walked out of the house wordlessly.


    Xia Chunfeng frowned, confused. "Second Brother, what is with Little Jing? Who is he mad at?"


    Xia Chunyu was in a bad mood. If it wasn''t for Little Jing, things wouldn''t have gone so bad with him and Yaoyao.


    "Second Brother, someone from Heavenly Residence came to say that Yaoyao was called to the palace by a Eunuch Yao," Xia Chunfeng added when Chunyu didn''t respond.


    "What? When?" Xia Chunyu jumped out of his chair. He was pretty sure that Eunuch Yao was Liu Li''s servant.


    "I don''t know. That''s all they said to me."


    "Song Qi, get a horse ready," Xia Chunyu called loudly.


    Helian Jing went to look for Ye Jiayao. Since his plan failed, he''ll just make her quit work. Let''s see what you do then, Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu frantically rode his horse to the palace and ran straight to Ning He. He saw Elder Princess Yu De elder come out from there and gave her a quick greeting.


    Yu De smiled and asked, "Chunyu, are you here for Li Yao?


    "Did Elder Princess see Li Rao?" Xia Chunyu didn''t bother denying it.


    Yu De said with a sigh, "Li Yao is so lucky to have so many people worry about him."


    Xia Chunyu was confused. Did others come as well?


    "Don''t worry now. I already got him out of the palace," Yu De told him.


    Out of the palace? How did he not see her?


    "You don''t believe me?" Yue De challenged when she saw Chunyu looking stunned.


    "Come on, let''s get out of the palace together," Yu De said.


    Xia Chunyu wanted to go to Heavenly Residence to check on Yaoyao, but he could not deny the Elder Princess the company she asked for.


    "Is your father all good? He has been back for a few days and still hasn''t visited his good brother," Yu De said unhappily.


    Xia Chunyu explained, "He was going to see the Royal Highness, but there are too many people coming to the mansion these days. He couldn''t even leave the door."


    "Oh, that''s right, your father hasn''t been back for a few years." Yu De wasn''t buying that. No matter how busy he was, he should still carve out the time. She figured that the old saying ''when people left, the tea would get cold'' was right in this case.


    When Ye Jiayao returned to Heavenly Residence, Little Jing came to drag her out before she could rest.


    "Little Jing, what are you doing?" Ye Jiayao was weirded out by Little Jing''s behavior. He always has this mischievous and playful look on him, but his face was dead serious right now.


    Helian Jing only released her after they walked to the river where no one was around.


    "Yaoyao, just quit your job. Don''t worry if you break the contract. Let him sue you if he wants to," Helian Jing said angrily.


    "Little Jing, what happened?" Ye Jiayao has never seen Little Jing like this.


    "Nothing. I just cannot let you stay there and get bullied every day." Little Jing did not want to tell her about the 600,000 silver banknote incident because he knew that she''d just get mad.


    Ye Jiayao smiled at his thoughtfulness and assured, "Don''t worry. Manager Zhao is quite good and fair. He''s my superior so it''s only natural that I get scolded. Even the chancellor would get scolded by the emperor, right?"


    "Yaoyao, stop lying to me. I know about your things," Helian Jing told her, his heart pumping.


    Ye Jiayao paused. What did that mean?


    "What do you know?"


    Suddenly, Helian Jing just didn''t care anymore. He''d give it his best shot and lay everything out.


    "I know you are the first daughter of the Ye family."


    Ye Jiayao stumbled, looking at Little Jing in disbelief. How did he figure it out?


    "You are Ye Jinxuan, but I wish you were not." Helian Jing looked away, licking his lips. He opened his eyes and tried to blink away the tears forming.


    When did he found out? Was it the night they were in the water?


    "But what can you do even if you are Ye Jinxuan? He doesn''t treat you well! If you choose me, you''ll never be sad. It doesn''t matter if you are Ye Jinxuan or Li Yao, I will always be good to you," Little Jing swore ferociously, his tears threatening to fall.


    It didn''t matter that she was Chunyu''s wife before. He loves her and nothing could stop it. As long as Yaoyao was willing, he would do anything for her.


    Ye Jiayao was speechless. Was little Jing about to cry? She didn''t want to cause him any misery. She really loved him... as a little brother. They were always happy when they''re together and he always goes out of his way to accommodate her.


    She really wished she could feel any romantic feelings for the friend who has always been good to her, but fate was a cruel bitch who placed her in the path of a ruthless man.


    "Little Jing¡­" Ye Jiayao started sadly. "I am Ye Jinxuan but I wish I could be Li Yao so that I can have a great friend like you and a bunch of brothers in Heavenly Residence. As Li Yao, I can support myself and make a lot of money. I can drink and eat with my friends. I can forget those unhappy things that happened to me before.


    "If it is possible, I wish I could be Li Yao forever. We can be good friends and good brothers forever."


    Helian Jing''s lip trembled at Yaoyao''s rejection.


    "You can wish whatever you want. I just want you to know that no matter who you are, I will always be your Little Jing. I will do whatever you want, just say the word. I can leave everything behind and take you away."


    After Helian Jing said those words, he turned away to leave. If he didn''t leave, she would see his tears and the pain in his eyes. He''d never hurt like this before. It almost felt like a physical pain that was so insistent in reminding him of what he would never have.


    Ye Jiayao watched him walk away, hating herself for hurting Little Jing. She wished she could return his affection, but she couldn''t persuade her heart. Even if Chunyu didn''t exist, Little Jing had always been just her brother and friend.


    When Little Jing''s silhouette disappeared from her sight, she turned around and walked back to Heavenly Residence, her heart aching.


    Xia Chunyu stood near a willow tree that was not far away from them. He couldn''t hear what they said, but their conversation seemed to be unhappy.


    It didn''t seem like a fight.


    Were they just both disappointed that he didn''t release Yaoyao from the contract?

 Chapter 150：Mess It Up

    Ye Jiayao was in a bad mood for the whole day.


    If it wasn''t for Deng Haichuan asking, she wouldn''t have even remembered to arrange the private dinner tomorrow. She actually didn''t even remember that there''s an event tomorrow!


    As there were many private dinner parties they were hired for, if it was not a very important family, only one between she and Zhong Xiang would go. The business of the restaurant was very good so they needed people there at all times.


    For the party tomorrow, she made Zhong Xiang''s group stay at the restaurant and brought Deng Haichuan and Wang Mingde instead.


    The next day, when they got to the Wei''s house, she instantly knew that this was Wei Liujiang''s. Just her luck.


    If she had known that he owned this, she would''ve assigned Zhong Xiang instead.


    However, since she was already there, she''d just have to suck it up. I hope they get serious diarrhea after the meal.


    The people who joined the dinner party tonight were Assistant Minister Mu''s friends and some old friends of the Wei and the Ye.


    Wei Liujiang was famous due to the whole Ye Jinxuan conflict so many people came to the party.


    Ning and Qie were afraid that some accident would happen. They were very cautious about this and got half of the servants from Mu''s mansion here today. No one could come in without an invitation.


    All the people in attendance here were quite powerful. If an incident like the one in the Helian Mansion happened, they would lose so much face.


    Su''s elder wife Zhu also got the invitation. Ye Jinrong was very fervent towards her and even personally accompanied her around. The fake second daughter Fang Wanting also made a debut in the party and chatted happily with other young girls.


    Everything was in harmony as if the rumors outside don''t affect them.


    People outside gradually forgot about the problem. Maybe it was the Jing An Heir-Son Lord that made a mistake.


    The twenty-seat banquet feast and the private banquet hosted by Heavenly Residence was of very high quality and everyone ate with relish. The food was just especially and inexplicably delicious and no one knew what recipe they used.


    While everyone was enjoying the magnificent meal inside, a well-dressed woman stood in front of Wei Liujiang''s mansion. She was followed by about eight powerful men and a young scholar.


    "Lady, please show us your invitation," the Mu family''s housekeeper requested with a smile.


    "I will pass on the message."


    "That won''t be necessary. I''ll go in myself." The woman made a move to walk inside.


    The housekeeper quickly stopped her. "Madam, I am very sorry, but my host gave a special request that guests who have no invitations are not allowed to enter."


    The woman looked at the men behind her.


    One of the men came up and pulled the housekeeper to the side, restraining him.


    The woman took her people and went straight into the house.


    The servants of the Mu family thought that they were let in by the housekeeper so no one stopped them.


    The woman walked up to a servant girl and asked, "Where is the feast for the women?"


    The servant girl, thinking that the madam was merely late, said enthusiastically, "I will take you there, lady."


    The woman asked the scholar to stay at the door and wait for her orders. She then proceeded to the flower hall and saw Ning and Jinrong sitting at the main table.


    Rage simmering inside her, she loudly called, "Ning and Jinrong, why don''t you come and greet me?"


    Ning was talking to the Assistant Minister''s wife when she heard someone call for her. She raised her head and felt her blood run cold when she spotted Fang Wen.


    All the women who were there put their chopsticks down and watched the woman who had suddenly barged in questioningly.


    Who was this impolite woman? Was she trying to ruin the banquet?


    Qie asked Jinrong cluelessly, "Who is she?"


    Jinrong couldn''t answer her. She never imagined that Fang Wen would come here.


    Ning got up and walked to her. She whispered, "Can we speak outside?"


    "Why? Are you afraid that I''ll reveal your lies? Ye Ning, I didn''t know that you and your daughter have such evil hearts," Fang Wen said with a cold smirk.


    Ning''s face was pale when she insisted, "There must be some misunderstanding. We can go outside and talk about it."


    "Misunderstanding? Fang Wen sneered and walked a few steps forward to the center of the flower hall. She raised her voice and said, "I am the sister of Ye Binghuai''s ex-wife in Yang Zhou. I am the wife of Ye Jinxuan''s mother''s brother. I came here today to seek justice for my niece, the elder daughter of Ye, whose death was unknown."


    The flower hall suddenly erupted in chatters.


    "Servants! Drag this troublesome person out!" Ning spluttered angrily.


    Unfortunately, no one came from outside because they were completely stopped by the men that Fang Wen brought.


    Fang Wen smiled. "Are you afraid, Ning? You look very agitated. Are you afraid that your karma has come? Ye Ning, I knew that you were tough on Jinxuan. I didn''t expect for you to be good to her, but I really didn''t think that you had it in you to do such evil things to her.


    "Everyone, this stepmother and her daughter Ye Jinrong, the one sitting on that main table pretending to be the First Lady Ye, paid 3,000 silvers for the bandits of the Black Wind Ridge to kidnap the real Ye Jinxuan and kill her. Ye Jinrong then pretended to be the First Lady Ye so she could marry into the Wei family.


    "Why? That''s because she had a relationship with Wei Liujiang. She couldn''t continue their affair if Wei Liujiang marries my niece so she concocted a plan to get rid of her own sister. Tell me, how could anyone do such heartless actions?"


    The temperature in the flower hall dropped. Everyone looked at Ye Ning and her daughter with suspicion and disdain. They were horrified that they mingled with such evil women.


    "Nonsense. I''m the First Lady Ye. Who are you? How dare you spout this horrible lies?" Ye Jinrong demanded.


    Fang Wen stared at her angrily and shouted, "Oh dear, you''re still pretending to be Ye Jinxuan?"


    Ye Jinrong pulled Fang Wanting up from her side and refuted, "Second Lady Ye is right here. This is my sister. I don''t even know where you came from. How much do you take from other people to slander us? I''m going to sue you for this."


    Everyone got confused. Who was telling the truth?


    "Du Heng, come in," Fang Wen sneered.


    A scholar walked in with his head down.


    "Du Heng, take a look at the Second Lady Ye."


    When Fang Wanting heard the name Du Heng, her legs became weak. When she saw her intended coming in, her palms turned clammy and she quickly lowered her head.


    Du Heng looked in the direction Fang Wen was pointing at and immediately recognized Fang Wanting.


    "Wanting, how did you become Second Lady Ye? What are you doing?" Du Heng asked.


    Ning was in a panic, beads of cold sweat appearing on her forehead. Fang Wen came here prepared. If Wanting buckles under the pressure, it was all over. Ning cast a warning look at her niece.


    "I...I...who is Fang Wanting? I''m Jinrong, the Second Lady Ye," Fang Wanting denied, afraid of her aunt.


    Du Heng said angrily, "Since you are not Fang Wanting, I will go back and tell my parents that we can''t marry anymore."


    Fang Wanting looked at him frantically. She was so fond of Du Heng. He can''t cancel their marriage!


    Overwhelmed with the pressure, Wanting broke down in sobs. "You guys stop forcing me into this farce..."


    Ye Jinrong let go of her hands and slouched on her chair.


    Fang Wen smirked. "Spectators, let me introduce you to Fang Wanting, the fake Second Young Lady Ye. She is the daughter of Ye Ning''s sister and she''s also a part of my family, too. She''s engaged with the Hai Ning prefecture''s Young Master Du. She was forced by Ye Ning and Ye Jinrong to act as Second Lady Ye.


    "Let the world take a look at your ugly face, Ning and Jinrong. You bullied my poor niece because her mother died at an early age. She accepted the marriage you set with the Wei to escape your abusiveness, but she didn''t know about the evil scheme that you planned. You would''ve gotten away with it, too, if we hadn''t found out the truth."


    "You''re right," Ning admitted, knowing that she can''t deny this again. She''d just have to spin the story so that they come out as victims, too. "I asked Jinrong to pretend to be Jinxuan because we can''t disclose that Jinxuan was kidnapped under the jurisdiction of Ji Nan. She was kidnapped by bandits! Even if she''s alive, her chastity would still be a question. In order to preserve the reputation of the two families and hers, we resorted to this. Is it wrong to want to protect your family?


    "We were greatly saddened after Jinxuan''s incident. I could understand your feelings, but we cannot agree with your accusations. We were based in Yang Zhou, how could we have known bandits from Black Wind Ridge? Just because I''m not her real mother, that doesn''t mean that I want her harmed. I loved Ye Jinxuan," Ning said righteously as if she was innocent in all this.


    Fang Wen retorted, "Oh, I know how much you want her harmed, Ning. The people in the Ye''s mansion were very clear. Do you want me to bring out a few people to confront you? You might not know any bandits in Yang Zhou, but Black Wind Ridge is in Ji Nan. Prefecture Wei spent a lot of years at the office there dealing with the bandits.


    "It is very easy for Wei Liujiang to find a bandit to take care of your dirty work. You had previously said that the day Jinxuan headed to Ji Nan to marry Wei Liujiang, Jinrong fell sick and was sent to her grandparent''s house to rest. Why and how did she end up marrying Young Master Wei so quickly, then, huh? If it wasn''t a scheme, why did she secretly followed Jinxuan''s route to Ji Nan? Ye Ning, you must think that everyone is as stupid as you."

 Chapter 151：Deeply troubled

    What Fang Wen made so much sense that it made Ye Ning''s defense looked ridiculous.


    Everyone suddenly understood.


    Qie really didn''t care that Fang Wen was criticizing Ye Ning and her daughter. All she cared about was his nephew. "How could you say that Liujiang colluded with the bandits? Do you have the evidence?"


    "Miss Mu, please be patient. We have to solve the problem one by one. I can confirm everything I have said today and everyone here can make a witness. I also won''t forgive you. I am going to find support upon leaving here and I will claim the justice for my niece," Fang Wen said with a scornful smile.


    Fang Wen glared at the lot of them and swung her sleeve angrily. "Let''s go Du Heng."


    She had achieved her goal today. However, it was just the beginning. She would make them pay for what they had done and shaming them in public was nowhere near enough.


    Fang Wanting glanced fearfully at Ye Ning and walked to Du Heng silently. She wanted to save her marriage.


    Du Heng took her hands and they left quickly.


    Though the food was delicious, nobody wanted to eat finish the meal and stay here after finding out what happened. Zhu left first and the rest followed.


    The garden which was previously busy turned silent in mere seconds.


    Minister Mu hadn''t known something had happened until the men''s wives came to their hall. He quickly took Wei Liujiang and proceeded to the flower hall where they saw Ye Ning quarreling with Qie.


    "It''s your daughter who influenced Liujiang to be bad," Qie accused angrily.


    "If your nephew did not seduce my daughter, this would''ve never happened. It was his idea and he found the bandit. How can you blame my daughter?" Ning defended.


    Qie just got angrier. "He has always been a well-behaved boy. He wouldn''t have done that if you hadn''t persuaded him to do it.


    "You can ask your good nephew yourself!"


    The two women glared at each other.


    "Stop it! What happened?" Assistant Minister Mu yelled loudly.


    Qie said angrily, "Ask her."


    Ning said nothing.


    Assistant Minister Mu was so angry that he said, "How can you still be so stupid?"


    Qie, feeling wronged, cried out, "Jinxuan''s maternal aunt came here and revealed everything in front of everyone. We can''t lie anymore."


    Assistant Minister Mu was so stunned, he almost fell down.


    Ye Jiayao was busy in the kitchen so she did not know what happened outside. She just figured out that something was wrong when the servant girls stopped serving the dishes.


    The women were discussing what happened and Ye Jiayao listened to them carefully.


    "The aunt was so fierce when she broke in with so many guys."


    "I really can''t believe that Miss Wei is fake and so is Miss Ye. To think that we served them without even knowing the truth!


    "Our master will truly lose his face this time."


    "That''s true. It is too embarrassing that he was exposed in public."


    "The guests are leaving but we forget to serve the dishes."


    "Who knows? It may be unnecessary. The housekeeper will tell us what to do."


    "The housekeeper can''t move! He was taken to the doctor.


    Ye Jiayao was frightened. Was the aunt that the girls were talking about was her Auntie Fang Wen? Did she come here to embarrass Ning and Jinrong? How could she have missed such a fantastic show?


    She wanted to see the look on their faces when they realized that their lies have crumbled around them. However, this was not the right time.


    "Brother Yao, you''re overcooking the fish," Wang Mingde reminded her.


    Ye Jiayao snapped back from her daydream and found that she really was overcooking the fish. She threw it away and told the others to stop cooking.


    The guests have already left, there was no point.


    She made them go back to Heavenly Residence while she headed to the state office. She was very curious if her aunt would really go to court and sue them.


    When she arrived at the state office and nothing happened there, Ye Jiayao thought that her aunt was merely scaring Ning and Jinrong.


    What she didn''t know was that she was simply too late. Fang Wen had already filed a lawsuit against those evil people. The master of the court recognized Assistant Minister Mu and Wei Liujiang''s names so he said that he''d investigate before giving judgment.


    Assistant Minister Mu did not want to settle the matter in court. He would give the apologies if it was necessary. If they really were involved in the lawsuit, it would tarnish Wei Liujiang''s record and destroy his eligibility to join in the imperial examination.


    The Fang Old Master''s address was in the Jing An Marquis'' residence so Assistant Minister Mu headed there. However, the lord of the mansion denied knowing Old Master Fang so they turned him away.


    Assistant Minister Mu was helpless. He was forced to send someone to Yang Zhou to ask Ye Binghuai to come to Jin Ling to put this matter to rest.


    Ye Jiayao went back to the Heavenly Residence and requested a meeting with Xia Chunyu to Manager Zhao. She didn''t know where her aunt and uncle was residing and the only person she could turn to was Xia Chunyu.


    However, Manager Zhao said that the Heir-Son Lord was very busy and could not make time for such matters.


    Since that was a fail, Ye Jiayao went home and told Jiang Li to go the Jing An Marquis Mansion and deliver a message to Chunyu.


    Jiang Li came back saying that he wasn''t able to see the Heir-Son Lord.


    Ye Jiayao was irritated. Did she have to find Xia Chunyu herself?


    Ye Binghuai heard of what happened and immediately left for Jin Ling.


    The two families sat together to discuss their next move.


    It was clear to everyone that the two children really did something they shouldn''t have, but since it has already happened, they could only do damage control now.


    "Go and look for that Mister Xia. He''s clearly the one behind all these," Ye Binghuai said.


    Assistant Minister Mu seconded, "I think so, too. The state office can''t be held off for a long time, and Mister Xia is refusing to show.


    If Xia Chunyu was not willing to meet with them, it only meant that he refused to stop.


    Ye Binghuai looked dignified when he said, "Then think of a way to see him! Block the door, block the road - I don''t care."


    He wasn''t expecting Ye Jinxuan''s kidnapping to escalate like this. When the Weis sent a letter about Jinxuan''s abduction, he agreed to keep it quiet to preserve the two families'' reputation. He didn''t think that there was more to it than that.


    He should''ve known that something was wrong when Ning proposed to cancel the marriage arrangement between Jinxuan and Liujiang.


    Binghuai has struggled for a long time and just finally managed to climb to this position. This scandal would ruin what he built and all his potentials.


    "Let them sue. They don''t have anything concrete against me," Wei Liujiang said arrogantly.


    "Bastard!" Assistant Minister Mu cussed out. "How do you know that people don''t have evidence? Do you think they''ll dare to sue officials if they don''t have anything to back up their claim? Have you forgotten that Mister Xia destroyed the Hei Feng Gang?"


    "You failed to execute your plan properly and now, you left us to pick up your mess for you. You don''t have a say in this!"


    Wei Liujiang fell silent, afraid to get cursed at again.


    "Even if we see Mister Xia, what will we do if he still refuses to give up?" Qie asked worriedly.


    Assistant Minister Mu was already in a bad mood and snapped, "How would I know that?"


    Qie buried her face in her hands, embarrassed. She knew that her husband hated her for supporting her nephew so much and landing them in so much trouble.


    Ye Binghuai sighed. He didn''t know whether it was fortunate that Jinxuan was lucky, or whether it was terrible she was too lucky.

 Chapter 152：Who Cares

    Zhao Qixuan toppled the pieces on the chessboard and said brattily to Su Yi, "I quit."


    They were playing chess in the Zhao''s house compound near the Bai Ta Temple and it was clear that Su Yi was beating Qixuan by a mile.


    He then turned to Little Jing who was playing with a bird by the window and remarked, "You''ve been here for days, haven''t you? You should go home, Little Jing."


    Qixuan and Susu seldom have free days together and here was Little Jing, playing the third wheel and destroying his romantic plans.


    "I have no place to go. Leave me alone and just mind your own business," Helian Jing retorted, teasing the bird with a hair clasp.


    "How can I do that when you''re here every day?" Qixuan said as patiently as he could.


    Su Yi couldn''t help but laugh at the sight of his lover reigning in his temper.


    Qixuan glared at him and frowned. He couldn''t just kick Little Jing out of his home since it would look disgraceful and disloyal to turn away his friend. However, he wanted and needed his own personal space back. He has to make his friend see reason and get him out of here.


    "Just tell me what the problem is, Little Jing. If you''re angry at your family and want to avoid them for a while, you are more than welcome to stay at my other house as long as you want to. If you''re angry at Heavenly Residence''s new shopkeeper for not agreeing to release Li Yao, I will talk to him for you. Little Jing... hiding like this won''t solve your problem. The only way you''ll overcome it is if you face it head on," Zhao Qixuan said.


    "It''s my problem, you can''t solve it," Helian Jing threw him a supercilious look and continued to play with the bird.


    Zhao Qixuan was on the verge of breaking down. "The player sees less clearly than the bystander. We can help you, you know? Two heads are better than one."


    "Don''t rope me into your scheme," Su Yi said softly.


    "I''m just making an analogy," said Zhao exasperatedly.


    With a muffled sigh, Helian Jing tossed the hairpins away. "I''m going out."


    He couldn''t tell them that Yaoyao was really a girl and what''s more, the now famous First Lady Ye. That was Yaoyao''s secret to tell, he couldn''t just go blurting it out to everyone.


    So no, Zhao Qixuan couldn''t help him.


    "He''s never going to leave," Zhao Qixuan cried out.


    Su Yi put the last piece in the chess box and stood up. "I''m going out, too."


    "Where are you going? I will go with you."


    "If you want Little Jing to leave, stay here," Su told him firmly.


    He walked to the edge of the garden pool where Little Jing was sitting and started, "You know that Qixuan was right. You''re not going to solve anything by hiding out in here."


    Helian Jing stayed silent.


    Su Yi sighed and continued, "If you want to hide in here, though, that''s fine. I''m just a bit worried that with all of us cooped up in here, no one would be able to help Li Yao if Liu Li decides to look for him again."


    Helian Jing suddenly tensed. The last time Liu Li summoned Yaoyao to the palace, it was only Susu''s quick thinking to involve Elder Princess Yu De that got her out of there. Now, if she gets in trouble again, there would be no one to help her, especially now that she and Chunyu had a falling out.


    The more he thought about it, the more nervous Helian Jing got.


    "I''m... I''m going back home. I''ve been out for a few days and I''m sure my family''s worried. Thank Zhao Qixuan for me," Helian Jing said and swiftly walked out of the place.


    Su Yi watched his retreating figure, smiling at his success.


    Ye Jiayao reached the end of her patience and set out to the Jing An Marquis Residence in the evening.


    The guard recognized her and immediately said, "He''s not here."


    Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. She was just about to turn away and leave when Xia Chunfeng came out.


    "Li Yao, what are you doing here?" Xia Chunfeng wondered.


    "Ah? Chunfeng... "


    "Are you here to see my brother? Come on, I''ll take you inside."


    Ye Jiayao looked at the guard accusingly. "You said he''s not here."


    The guard shrugged and said quietly, "I just take orders from him. Many people have come here to see him but he refused them all."


    "Let''s go, I''ll show you the way," Chunfeng ushered her in with a smile.


    In the study, Xia Chunyu was drinking a cup of tea and listening to his older brother plead a case.


    "My brother, these people have apologized sincerely. You should just accept it and forgive them, otherwise, you''ll unnecessarily offend three families," Xia Chunli said. "Besides, one of them is still your father-in-law, you have to at least let him save some face."


    "An apology does not absolve them of doing harm to others," Xia Chunyu said.


    "You can''t take an eye for an eye. They''re sincerely sorry for what they''ve done. Isn''t that enough? Wei Liujiang''s political career is already ruined as well as that of the Assistant Minister Mu and Ye Binghuai''s. The girl doesn''t even come out now because she''s so ashamed. Don''t you think they''ve learned their lessons?" Xia Chunli rallied, trying to persuade his brother.


    "Why are you taking this up with me? It''s the Fangs that holds the key. They love Ye Jinxuan very much so they will do everything to avenge her," Xia Chunyu explained.


    "The Fangs take orders from you. If you tell them to stop, they will," Xia Chunli said with a smarmy smile.


    "Second Brother, look who came here to see you." Xia Chunfeng came into the study with Li Yao in tow.


    Xia Chunyu looked at Yaoyao before turning back to his older brother. "Give me some time to consider this. I''ll get back to you with my answer."


    Xia Chunli smiled. "Fine. I shall go now."


    When Xia Chunli left, Xia Chunyu turned to his younger brother with a scowl. "Leave us alone."


    "But..." Xia Chunfeng looked at the two of them worriedly. "You guys behave, okay?"


    "Close the door," Xia Chunyu told him.


    When they were finally left alone, Xia Chunyu began indifferently, "What is it?"


    "Where are my aunt and uncle? I want to see them," said Ye Jiayao.


    "You can''t. Not now."


    "Why? They are my family!" Ye Jiayao insisted furiously.


    Xia Chunyu sneered, "Don''t you know how many eyes are watching us? It''s dangerous times for all of us. You are an imperial chef, don''t you understand what that means? You''ve intentionally deceived the Emperor. I don''t think you realize just how severe the punishment of that will be. It''s not only your head that will be on the chopping block if he finds out about it the wrong way."


    Ye Jiayao was properly chastised. She didn''t think that it would be really that complicated.


    "Then why did you even bother with all this?" she demanded. "I was perfectly content just to stay as Li Yao. My life is none of your business."


    Xia Chunyu felt disturbed. He had risked so many things for her and yet she wasn''t even the least bit grateful.


    "Not my business? Then whose is it, Jing?" Xia Chunyu snapped back, his frown fierce.


    "So what?" Ye Jiayao goaded him purposely.


    Xia Chunyu suddenly stood up and walked to her, his form vibrating with anger. Ye Jiayao actually stepped back a little, afraid of what he might do.


    "Ye Jinxuan, you will do as I say and stay in Heavenly Residence and out of trouble. Don''t even think about involving Little Jing here, he won''t be able to help you. In fact, I really wouldn''t count on him too much. Do you think that the Helian family will accept you? You are and always will be my woman, Ye Jinxuan. It''s best that you keep that in mind," Xia Chunyu hissed.


    "Your woman? Is that why you came to Liu Yiyi?" Ye Jiayao asked angrily.


    Xia Chunyu''s eyes were cold when he replied, "You are more open than a whore, Jinxuan. It seems that you are more suitable to be in a brothel than Liu Yiyi."


    "Don''t f*cking compare me to that bitch!" she yelled, so angry that she was seriously so close to punching him.


    Xia Chunyu felt his anger growing by the second. If this conversation went on any longer, he wouldn''t know what he''d do.


    "Song Qi, show her the way out," Chunyu demanded loudly.


    Song Qi hurriedly came in and paused at the sight of the Heir-Son Lord and Miss Ye going toe-to-toe with each other.


    Ye Jiayao turned around stalked out of the room without another word.

 Chapter 153：Negotiation

    Ye Jiayao was so angry that when she went back to the yard, she almost missed the laughter ringing across the place.


    Little Ji and Little Rui were chasing Little Jing at the yard while Da Bao and Er Bao''s rabbit babies watched them with big eyes. Jiang Yue was also at the sides, cheering for Little Ji and Little Rui.


    "Little Ji, bite him! Oh, come on, Little Rui, you''re too slow."


    Little Jing dodged the two ball of furs frantically. "How dare you two? I held you when you were born and now you want to bite me?"


    Woof! Woof!


    "You''re bad boys."


    Woof!


    The silly scene quenched Ye Jiayao''s anger.


    "Don''t be ridiculous, little boys," Ye Jiayao called.


    When the Little Ji and Little Rui heard her voice, they left Little Jing alone and sprinted to her, circling her and begging for a hug.


    Da Bao and Er Bao, not to be outdone, also took their children and hopped to where Ye Jiayao was standing.


    She alternated petting her pets and cuddling them, her heart gradually warming up with love for her wards.


    Helian Jing walked over to her laughingly and said, "Yaoyao, your rabbits are very lovely."


    Little Ji and Little Rui bared their teeth at him when he tried to come closer.


    "Hey! Biting is not cute!" Helian Jing reprimanded the puppies.


    Jiang Yue herded the dogs and picked them up in her arms. "I''ll take them to the backyard."


    When it was finally quiet, Ye Jiayao asked, "What are you doing here, Little Jing?"


    "I came to see you. I went to the camp with my brother these past few days so I wasn''t able to visit you," he lied. He didn''t want to damage his ego further by confessing that he was hiding out to recuperate from her rejection.


    "Oh..." Honestly, Ye Jiayao thought that he''d never see Little Jing again.


    "What about you? How have you been? Did Liu Li messed with you again"


    "No, no, everything was fine."


    "That''s good," Helian Jing commented and they moved on to talk about other things as if his confession never happened.


    Wei Yannian finally arrived at Jin Ling to help his son clean up his mess.


    Qie finally found an in with the Heir-Son Lord through his older brother Xia Chunli. She found out that Xia Chunli and his wife needed a lot of money for their tailoring shop so she offered them some in exchange for Xia Chunli arranging a meeting with Xia Chunyu.


    Assistant Minister Mu, Wei Yannian, Ye Binghuai, and Wei Liujiang met with Xia Chunyu, Old Master Fang, and Fang Wen at Lan Ting to talk things through.


    Wei Yannian began, "It is my fault as a father that I haven''t taught my child very well. When I heard what happened, I got so angry that my son could be that stupid. I admit that he made a mistake. Please, Mr. Xia and Old Master Fang, give him the chance to correct it."


    "A mistake? I don''t think so. Planning to kill someone is not a mistake," Fang Wen said coldly.


    "Tell me, what mistakes are you apologizing for?" Old Master Fang demanded.


    Wei Yannian and the others exchanged glances. Before they arrived, they have discussed that they would only talk about compensation, and never confess any sin.


    Old Master Fang sneered. "You can''t even admit what you''ve done. How can you throw out apologies if you don''t even acknowledge the vileness you''ve committed? We have nothing more to talk about. I''ll see you in court."


    "Please calm down, Old Master Fang, we have a sincere desire to apologize to you," Assistant Minister Mu said with a smile.


    "Yes, so sincere that you''re not even willing to admit your own crimes," Fang Wen satirized.


    Wei Liujiang replied, "I admit that we shouldn''t have hidden the truth that Ye Jinxuan was kidnapped. However, if it were known, it would be disgraceful to Ye Jinxuan''s reputation as well as the Ye and Wei families."


    Old Master Fang barked out a menacing laugh. "If that''s the case, you don''t have to apologize. It appears we should even thank you for your consideration for Jinxuan. Wen, we should go."


    The couple got up to leave.


    "My lord, please wait," Ye Binghuai called out humbly. "Let''s talk this through."


    The anger that Old Master Fang was reigning in busted out. "I have nothing to say to you, you ungrateful bastard. We gave you my sister, the only daughter of my mother and father, to support you. Don''t you think we know that it''s your fault that she died? That as she was ready to give birth, you told her you''re marrying that slut Ning? Now, your new wife and your own daughter plotted Jinxuan''s death and yet here you are, ''apologizing''?


    "No, we won''t talk anything through, Binghuai. You''re done. Our family will do everything to make sure that you''re placed in a pig cage and riding a wooden donkey in the streets. People will just how horrible and pathetic you are."


    "Yes, it''s all my fault. I''m sorry. I am really sorry. I didn''t take care of Jinxuan well and it''s my fault that this happened. But we can''t do anything now. Even if you kill them, it won''t help..." Ye Binghuai pleaded desperately.


    "That may be so, but it would still please me to make the people responsible for my niece''s suffering pay," said Old Master Fang.


    Wei Yannian''s turned pale. "No one wished for her to encounter that kind of accident.


    "An accident? Ha! You mean no one wished for her to actually still be alive?" Old Master Fang retorted angrily.


    Xia Chunyu calmly put his teacup down.


    Everyone quietened and turned to look at him.


    "Wei went to a man known to have thousands of hands. He''s a famous thief and actually served the Second-In-Charge. He''s looking for Li. He was paid 3000 to steal the bride and to leave the other treasures and property in the carriage alone. I don''t need to hear any of your explanations because I already know the full story. I have Li and his accomplice, Cui, and I am going to the court. There''s no need to waste time here," Xia Chunyu said.


    Wei Liujiang thought that he was going to crap his pants. He was so confident that Xia Chunyu wouldn''t be able to tie any evidence back to him, but now that the Heir-Son Lord and Cui and Li...


    Wei Yannian got down on his knees in front of Xia Chunyu. "My lord, I wish you be kind."


    He knew that they had no upper hand in this. He just wished that the Heir-Son Lord would soften his heart and hear their pleas.


    Xia Chunyu gave him a blank stare and said, "Then, indulge Old Master Fang and be honest."


    Wei Liujiang confessed the whole story.


    The Old Master Fang was so angry that he kicked the young man. "I will kill you, you f*cking prick!"


    "My lord," Fang Wen said, "we can''t get our hands dirty."


    Assistant Minister Mu said, "The child is guilty of the crime. The Lord knows that he is young and insensible, please just forgive him.


    Xia Chunyu snorted. "Forgive him? You, Mister Wei, and Mister Ye are all officers. Do you grant your subjects forgiveness when they commit a crime like this?"


    "First Lady Ye is safe. I will try my best to help you find her," Wei Liujiang offered.


    "I will do the same. I will personally drag my wife and my Jinrong to Yang Zhou so that we could all ask for her grandmother''s forgiveness as well," Ye Binghuai said.


    "That will be unnecessary," Xia Chunyu said, his tone cold. "I will find Ye Jinxuan myself. Forgive me if I don''t trust you one bit around my wife. And you don''t have to go to Yang Zhou, they won''t want to see you."


    "So... that''s it?" Assistant Minister Mu asked, hopeful.


    Xia Chunyu smiled, looking like a predator that just cornered his prey. "Wei Liujiang, you are banned from taking the imperial examination. You will never be an officer. From the way you acted, you are more likely to do harm than protect the people."


    Wei Yannian''s heart sank. Liujiang was a talented young scholar and was the hope of the Weis. If he wouldn''t be allowed to take the imperial exam, he wouldn''t amount to anything.


    "My Lord, my son knows that he was wrong and he has vowed to correct it. I assure you that if he steps a toe out of line again, I will be the first one to punish him. However, I wish that you be kind this time."


    "It''s too late. Lord Su and Prince Helian, you can come out now," Xia Chunyu called.


    The door of the compartment opened, and Su Xiang and Helian Xuan stepped out.


    Wei Yannian looked at the two officers, despairing. Xia Chunyu tricked them and forced Liujiang to admit his guilt.


    Su Xiang was the main invigilator and Liujiang had no chance.


    Su glanced at Wei Liujiang contemptuously and said, "I will let His Majesty know about this. The imperial exam is for people with both knowledge and morality, not for some scheming evil man.


    The words confirmed Wei Liujiang''s doom.

 Chapter 154：Just Signed It

    Ye Jiayao clarified, "What? You''re going to use me as your shield?"


    "You don''t have to sound so surprised," Xia Chunyu said, rolling his eyes. "After the contract expires, we can just divorce. Anyway, people in Jin Ling already knows that you''re mine. Even your ancestral home recognizes me. This deal just makes sense."


    Ye Jiayao doesn''t really think so. In fact, she actually felt insulted.


    "What if I do not agree?"


    Xia Chunyu thought about it for a moment before saying, "Then the Heavenly Residence would have to be given as a gift to Princess Liu Li. I will announce your real identity and let you return to your family in Yang Zhou. Oh, and I''ll dismiss Zhong Xiang and the others and hire my own workers."


    She wasn''t even surprised that Chunyu resorted to baiting her like this.


    Zhong Xiang and the others have yet to make a name for themselves. They were all following her so that they''d earn money to put food on their table. If they were dismissed on such a short notice, where would they go? Furthermore, her family had already counted on him caring for her. If he ends up marrying Liu Li, her grandmother would be angry.


    F*cking hell! He doesn''t have anything to lose here!


    Ye Jiayao had to think of something to even out the playing field. Heavenly Residence earns an estimated daily income of 5,000 and a monthly income of 450,000. That''s a very substantial amount and that''s not even including their peak season.


    She just found her leverage.


    "You mean we''ll have a fake marriage?"


    Xia Chunyu nodded. "But you still have to fulfill your obligations as a Lady. You''ll have to respect your parents-in-law, preserve my reputation..."


    "Are we going to be sleeping in separate beds?" she tacked on.


    "That''s impossible. There are people serving in the room who''ll see that and I definitely can''t withhold."


    If they were going to do all that, it''s not really a fake marriage now, was it?


    "Don''t think that I want this. There''s a reason why people easily believed your male disguise..." Xia Chunyu looked her up and down, disgusted.


    Ye Jiayao kicked him and yelled, "You''re shameless!"


    He rubbed his calf painfully and glared at her. "You really are not a lady!"


    Go to hell, you f*cking bastard! She really wanted to spit on his face.


    Was this how her life going to be from now on? A business transaction? She''d have a source of wealth and a loveless marriage.


    It really doesn''t matter, does it? No matter if they''re handsome or ugly, from the ancient era or the modern world, men are unreliable pigs.


    "If I agree to this, I have two conditions," she started, throwing daggers at him.


    "Tell me."


    "First, I will leave after two years and eight months and the people must know that it was me who asked to leave."


    Xia Chunyu frowned lightly, "Why must the people know? We can just separate quietly."


    "That would also be my decision if I wanted to go that route or not," Ye Jiayao riposted. She has to protect her reputation.


    Xia Chunyu conceded with a smile. "It''s up to you."


    "Second, during this period, I want 50% of the income of the restaurant, the common property of the husband and wife."


    Xia Chunyu deliberately considered it for a long time before answering with gritted teeth, "Fine."


    "Third is-"


    "Third? Didn''t you say that there are only two conditions?" he interrupted.


    "I just thought of it.


    "What is it this time?"


    "While we''re married, you are not to have any promiscuous sexual relations with others. If I hear of such things, I promise you that I''ll save my reputation before yours."


    Xia Chunyu raised a brow questioningly. "How do you propose I satisfy my needs?"


    "I really don''t care," Ye Jiayao said meanly.


    "Okay. I promise. Is there anything else? Once we get out of here, the agreements that we made are final."


    "Let me think about it again." She has to cover all her bases. She couldn''t afford to be so trusting again, especially since Chunyu had the habit of hurting her.


    "Okay. Fourth, if your family deliberately make things difficult for me, I will defend myself and you must stand by me." She was going to be living with the Xias for almost three years. She was definitely not going to endure snide comments and unnecessary bullying from any of them.


    "That depends on the situation. If you''re being unreasonable, I won''t back you up just so you could preserve your ego."


    "Well then, look for someone else to use as your shield. How about Liu Yiyi? I''m sure she''ll give you all the comfort you need," Ye Jiayao said sarcastically.


    "I can''t do that. Her status will bring shame to our family."


    "Oh? But I thought only a head chef like myself can bring her food?" Ye Jiayao said sourly.


    Xia Chunyu could not help but laugh, "You''re jealous."


    Pleased with her jealousy, he took out a pre-made contract. He wrote some additional conditions in the blank space of the paper and gave it to Ye Jiayao. "Look this over. If you agree with everything, we''ll put our handprint on it."


    Ye Jiayao grabbed it haughtily and looked it over. "Where are the other conditions I stated?"


    "There''s no more space. I will make up a supplementary agreement tomorrow."


    That won''t do. She won''t just blindly trust his words anymore. "This isn''t complete. I''ll wait for the new draft tomorrow."


    "Alright. Just remember, once you''ve put your handprint on it, the agreement is effective. Sleep well tonight, we have very important things to do tomorrow."


    "What important things?" Ye Jiayao asked.


    "We have to go to the palace."


    The carriage stopped.


    "Heir-Son Lord, we''re here."


    "The palace?" Ye Jiayao echoed. Does he plan to restore her identity tomorrow?


    "Don''t worry. All you have to say is that you lost your memory when you fell off the cliff. Everything you know now from our time in Black Wind Ridge, you learned from me." With that, Xia Chunyu got out of the carriage and helped her out.


    "Can''t we just slow down? I''m not prepared for this yet." When she was Li Yao, she might get from the hard work, but she was very happy. She didn''t want to go back to being First Lady Ye and deal with the evilness of the Ye family.


    "We can''t slow down. It''s only a matter of time before your identity is exposed. The Weis and the Mus are gunning for both of us. I even heard that Ye Jinrong had gone to the palace today. We''ve run out of time. We have to solve this matter now."


    "But... but what if the Emperor couldn''t forgive my lies?" Ye Jiayao asked worriedly.


    Xia Chunyu gave her a tender smile. "What are you afraid of? If he wants to cut your head, I will be there with you.


    Ye Jiayao was surprised to hear him say that. This guy really was very mercurial.


    "Go in and rest. Don''t go to Heavenly Residence tomorrow, just stay here and wait for me," Xia Chunyu told her and got back to his carriage.


    She watched the carriage drove away, feeling like everything that had just happened was a dream.


    Despite Chunyu''s order to rest, Ye Jiayao couldn''t seem to sleep. Just the thought of seeing the Emperor tomorrow and confessing her deception was enough to make her heart pound.


    And what was up with Chunyu? Did he really just want to get rid of the Emperor''s marriage arrangement?


    Is there no possibility that he really likes me?


    Ye Jiayao shook her head. She was so confused. She doesn''t know what to think and what to feel.


    Eventually, her thoughts lulled her into sleep.


    Meanwhile, Wei Liujiang''s new house was bustling.


    Ye Binghuai began, "Lady, things have been gone awry here. Heir-Son Lord will not stop until he punishes all of us."


    "I don''t care if he doesn''t give up. If you dare to divorce me, I will kill you," Ye Ning said angrily.


    Ye Bing assured her, "It''s only an expedient measure. When it all calms down, I''ll be with you again."


    Ye Ning sneered, "Binghuai, I have been sleeping with you in the same bed for more than 10 years. I know what you''re thinking about. Don''t even think of trying to fool me."

 Chapter 155：Son of A B*tch

    "Ye Binghuai, I know everything you have done these past few years. Don''t try and back me into a corner."


    Ye Binghuai closed his eyes in frustration. What was I thinking when I married this crazy woman?


    "Do you think that I want to do this? Either we do this or you go back to your mother''s home for a while and lay low!" Ye Binghuai reasoned.


    Ye Ning huffed in distaste. "I will not hide and cower like a dog, Binghuai. Get that idea out of your head!"


    The following day, Xia Chunyu came to pick up Ye Jiayao. They both stayed silent the whole ride, their nervousness almost palpable. Xia Chunyu just held on tightly to her hand, trying to give her comfort.


    Ye Jiayao looked over to the palace wall, hoping that this would be the last time she would need to go here.


    When they arrived at the Zi Chen Palace, she noted the two Helian brothers, Zhao Qixuan, Chunfeng, and Susu waiting outside the hall. There was also an elderly man next to Xia Chunfeng that looked a lot like Chunyu.


    "Why are they all here?" Ye Jiayao whispered to Chunyu.


    Xia Chunyu looked at her, not understanding her surprise. "What do you mean? They came for you."


    They came for me? Ye Jiayao''s eyes stung with unshed tears. Her friends might not be perfect, but they do love her.


    Zhao Qixuan looked Ye Jiayao up and down, puzzled. "Why can''t I see it?"


    Helian Jing didn''t want to be here at all. He was just afraid that Yaoyao wouldn''t be able to handle all the stress, so against his better judgment, he went, dragging Zhao Qixuan and Su Yi with him.


    Xia Zhuofeng observed Ye Jiayao silently. So this is Lady Ye? A privileged woman who dressed up as a man and made her living through cooking? That was beyond impressive. Even when Chunyu told him all about this situation last night, he couldn''t really believe it.


    "If everyone''s here, let''s go in," Xia Zhuofeng called out. This was such a delicate situation that every move they make should be calculated correctly. Chunyu and Lady Ye lied outright to the Emperor - that''s not a crime that His Majesty would just wave away.


    Helian Xuan turned to Helian Jing and the others and said, "You all can wait here."


    Ye Jiayao followed Xia Chunyu and walked inside the Zi Chen Palace.


    As Eunuch Wei led them into the house, he said, "The Emperor is not in a good mood today."


    Xia Chunyu glanced at Helian Xuan.


    Helian Xuan shrugged helplessly.


    Ye Jiayao tugged on Chunyu''s sleeves. "Can''t we just come back another day?


    Chunyu shook his head. They needed to get this over with. They''ve been battling with this secret for far too long, he was tired of it.


    "Chunyu, you said that you have found Miss Ye? Where is she?" the Emperor asked, his face harshly stoic. His dark mood was not just because of their military disadvantage but also because of this whole Miss Ye situation. He could not believe that Xia Chunyu managed to find her this quickly. He felt as if though he was somehow being tricked.


    Xia Chunyu kneeled and kowtowed on the ground. "Your Majesty, she''s here - the Mobile Imperial Chef, Li Yao."


    Ye Jiayao nervously stepped forward and kowtowed. "I am Ye Jinxuan, Your Majesty."


    The Emperor shot up from his seat, anger emanating from his form. "How dare you lie to my face? Execute her!"


    Ye Jiayao flinched, fear pumping through her veins. Is this how I''m going to die? Again? Being beheaded? What kind of sick reincarnation is this?


    Xia Chunyu immediately went to her defense. "Emperor, you can''t bestow death to Ye Jinxuan for lying to you."


    The Emperor turned to Chunyu furiously. "I can''t? Ye Jinxuan dressed up as a man, deceived me, worked in the imperial kitchen as a fraud... this is a direct crime against me!"


    "Your Majesty, Ye Jinxuan only dressed up as a man because she feared for her life. She had to travel thousands of miles from Ji Nan to Jin Ling, and if she hadn''t dressed up as a man... I can''t even imagine the horrors that could''ve happened to her.


    "And Your Majesty, she only worked in the imperial kitchen because of the summons from the royalties. She didn''t deliberately set out to integrate herself with the palace. She was simply following orders. It was not like she could refuse the mandates coming from the palace!"


    Helian Xuan added, "Emperor, Ye Jinxuan didn''t ask for the things she was given. Your Majesty offered her a place in the imperial kitchen because you believed in her skills. She might be wrong about not confessing her true identity, but she didn''t do it with the intention to deceive you."


    The Emperor listened to the two nobles, seeing the reason in their words. Indeed, it wasn''t right to blame Ye Jinxuan for the actions he perpetuated himself, but he could not just let the matter go.


    "Your Majesty, Ye Jinxuan is just an ordinary woman," Xia Zhoufeng said with a smile. "She was just trying to make the best out of a very difficult situation. Please find it in your heart to forgive her."


    The Emperor sighed. Old Lord Zhoufeng was of high status and has been an important ally of the crown, he couldn''t just ignore his request. "Alright. For you, Old Lord, I will forgive her. I have another concern, though. Chunyu, why did you ask for a three-month period when you knew where she was all along?"


    "Your Majesty, I encountered a problem. Ye Jinxuan lost her memory, and I have been trying to make her remember me as gently as I could. I didn''t want to force her into anything. I asked for a three-month leeway because I wasn''t sure if I''d succeed and if I didn''t - if she couldn''t remember the past - she would always be Li Yao. If she didn''t remember who I am, even if she''s around me, she''d always be a stranger. When I said that I didn''t know where she was, that wasn''t a lie. At that time, I truly didn''t know if I''ll ever get her back." Xia Chunyu''s words sounded so heartfelt, there were even tears in his eyes.


    Ye Jiayao looked at Chunyu in awe. She knew that he was good at acting, but she didn''t know that he''s this good. For a moment there, he even almost had her.


    "Emperor, I can testify to the truth behind Chunyu''s words," Helian Xuan swore.


    "Of course you do. You two practically breathe through the same nostrils," the Emperor dismissed impatiently. "You said she lost her memory? That does not line up with what you said in the Queen''s Palace."


    "Emperor, if she hadn''t lost her memory, why would''ve I let her suffer in Heavenly Residence? Wouldn''t I have just brought her to our mansion?"


    "Xia Chunyu, do you even hear yourself? Do you think that just because of what you''ve done for me and for the palace, I''ll wave this away? Or do you think that I am just that gullible to believe your lies?" the Emperor demanded.


    "I would never dare to do such thing, Your Majesty."


    "Don''t patronize me," the Emperor yelled furiously.


    Xia Zhuofeng was drenched in cold sweat. He wanted to say something but the Emperor''s sharp eyes shut him up.


    "This farce has gone too far. I can forgive Ye Jinxuan, but not you, Chunyu. You will be demoted three levels and will become a third-class guard. And in three months, you will be marrying Princess Liu Li. You can have Ye Jinxuan as your concubine," the Emperor decreed.


    Xia Chunyu kowtowed again and said, "Please take back the order, Your Majesty. I have already married Ye Jinxuan, I can''t marry another woman."


    "Xia Chunyu, are you really daring to refuse my order?"


    Ye Jiayao has had enough. She couldn''t stay silent anymore.


    "Your Majesty," she began. "I know that your word is the law. You can order your people to do whatever you want and they''ll obey. However, destroying a marriage is beyond your power. There will be curses and consequences that will follow your actions. I am volunteering to step down. I can''t compete with Princess Liu Li and she really is the best fit for Chunyu. She can take my position as Chunyu''s wife but I wouldn''t be his concubine. I may not be a royalty, but I still have my morals and integrity. Your Majesty, I will let my husband go and I will willingly take a plaque and vow never to marry anyone ever again."


    Everyone waited with bated breath as the Emperor mulled over her words.


    "Emperor," Xia Chunyu called out, cursing Yaoyao inwardly. Why couldn''t she have stayed silent? She was ruining his plan! "That is not fair to her. Please, just execute me."


    "What? The Emperor wants you to marry Princess Liu Li! That''s a huge reward! You can''t refuse an order like that! Don''t worry about me, Chunyu. The man I originally wanted to marry turned out to be a vile creature, the person I married was being taken away from me... this is fate telling me that I am destined to be alone. I need to accept that," Ye Jiayao said, wiping her tears mournfully.


    "Your Majesty, the whole city already knows about Xia Chunyu and Ye Jinxuan''s story. If Your Majesty insists on breaking them up, I am afraid that there would be a backlash," Helian Zhen advised solemnly. He admired how smartly Ye Jinxuan played this. She really was a formidable woman.


    "Helian Lord, it''s okay. After all, what''s a good story without a tragic ending, right? I am not afraid to be cast out. I just can''t let Chunyu suffer for me. I am merely a plebeian, he''s an Heir-Son Lord. He''s a great man with a bright future ahead of him. I can''t let that be taken away. Everyone will understand why this happened," Ye Jiayao said tearfully.