Were you together all day yesterday?

The capital, the Jun Prince’s Residence

Early this morning, Hui Yue’er changed out of her maid’s attire, cheerful and ready to return home. Qiqi smiled at Yue’er’s happy face and asked, “Sister Yue, where is your home? Is it far from here?” Qiqi admired Hui Yue’er greatly—for her talents in both literature and martial arts, for her striking looks, but above all, for her open-hearted nature, her sincerity, and her lack of pretense or affectation.

Yue’er, brimming with excitement, glanced at Qiqi and replied, “My home isn’t far away. It’s a shame you have lessons today, or I’d take you to visit!” This bookworm seemed genuinely good to Qiqi! As Hui Yue’er opened the door, she saw Juan’er, the old Princess’s maid, waiting outside. For the past few days, only Yue’er and Qiqi had occupied this room. In the Jun Prince’s Residence, Yue’er had been demonized; after all, there were few girls bold enough to catch snakes. Rumors abounded that Yue’er practiced sorcery and could command serpents, gossip that spread like wildfire throughout the residence. Yet Hui Yue’er was utterly unconcerned—those who believed such rumors were not people she cared about.

Juan’er’s voice trembled as she said, “Miss Yueya, the— the old Princess— the old Princess is looking for you!” She believed the rumors and was thus a little afraid. The intelligence of these people was questionable; if Hui Yue’er truly had magical powers, wouldn’t she have already found Hui Qinghui and Lady Si Rou? Why would she remain a maid in the prince’s residence? Of course, they didn’t know Yue’er was Hui Qinghui’s sister—only Zhao Chengxian and Chen Gui knew, for Zhao Chengxian feared that if the old Princess found out, it might bring Yue’er unnecessary trouble.

Hui Yue’er and Qiqi couldn’t help but laugh. Yue’er wanted to deal with the old Princess quickly so she could go home as soon as possible—after all, she had only asked Zhao Chengxian for a single day. She hurried off to the Hall of Compassion, where she found the old Princess and the three consorts all present. With poise and dignity, she offered a respectful curtsey and said, “Greetings, Your Highness, greetings to the three ladies. May I ask why Your Highness has summoned me today?” Hui Yue’er looked calmly and directly at the four seated women, neither servile nor arrogant.

It was Consort Qin, seated at the old Princess’s left, who spoke first. “Where did you and His Highness go yesterday? His Highness has never taken any woman out for an entire day before. You must have used some kind of potion to make him accompany you so long!” Ah, jealousy could truly deprive people of reason. In reality, Zhao Chengxian had taken Hui Yue’er along because of her skills in martial arts and horsemanship—if it had been any of the others, not only would they have been of no help, they’d have been a burden. More importantly, Hui Yue’er had experience traveling the jianghu, knew a bit about reading people, and could offer sound advice.

Hui Yue’er found it rather boring—was this all they wanted to ask? Besides, shouldn’t they be questioning Zhao Chengxian, not her? With great seriousness, Yue’er explained, “If you wish to know where His Highness and I went yesterday, you should ask His Highness himself. He instructed me not to tell anyone—this was our agreement, and I must abide by it!” Good heavens, that bookworm—why did he drag me into this? Didn’t he know his wives were all tigresses? You’ve truly landed me in trouble, you bookworm! The matter involved state secrets; how could Hui Yue’er divulge them? Besides, she had promised Zhao Chengxian to remain silent, and for someone who ran an escort agency, trust was paramount.

The old Princess fixed Hui Yue’er with a steely gaze, her tone forceful. “Does ‘anyone’ include me as well?” She did not want her son to grow too close to this girl, though she could not say exactly why she disliked Hui Yue’er. Perhaps it was Yue’er’s powerful presence—even the old Princess herself felt somewhat overshadowed. In her youth, she had cowed many of the old Prince’s concubines, but she had to admit she was wary of Hui Yue’er’s aura.

Yue’er smiled with unwavering resolve. “Your Highness, is it really so necessary for you to know? I can assure you, there was nothing improper; your son, so lofty and distinguished, could scarcely look upon someone like me. Rest assured, I am but a guest passing through your residence; when I leave, all will be clear to you.” Eager to end the conversation, Hui Yue’er deliberately belittled herself. Seeing everyone still stunned, she continued, “I have tasks to attend to outside the residence today. Your Highness, I shall return another day to receive your instructions.” With those words, Yue’er turned to go. If not for the old Princess’s age, so close to that of Lady Hui, she would never have shown her such deference. In fact, she rather hoped to anger the old Princess enough to be thrown out of the residence altogether.

Everyone present could not help but admire Hui Yue’er’s nerve—no one had ever been so bold before the old Princess. The old Princess stared coldly at Yue’er’s departing figure. What future clashes might arise between Hui Yue’er and the old Princess?

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old—shower me with medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Spare nothing; let the storm rage all the fiercer!