Sister Moon, you are so cool.

The Hui Family Escort Agency—Outer Hall

In fact, the Hui Family Escort Agency was divided into an outer and an inner hall. The outer hall included the large training yard outside, where the guards honed their skills, as well as a spacious parlor for business negotiations. The inner hall was the living quarters of Hui Yue’er and her family. The other escorts resided near the agency, for the Hui Family only hired local guards from the capital and did not provide accommodation. Naturally, this meant that the Hui Family’s escorts were the highest paid in the city. In ancient times, delivering parcels was no easy feat; one had to be constantly vigilant against bandits. Their profession was governed by strict rules—for instance, never revealing the identity of the client, referring only to the package’s weight, and absolutely never opening the parcel to inspect its contents. These rules were ingrained in Hui Yue’er, who had grown up in the agency.

Today, Hui Yue’er brought Qiqi along to the agency. Qiqi was full of curiosity about everything. The brothers at the agency were delighted to see Hui Yue’er return. Senior Brother Qi Shang asked, “Junior Sister, are you still looking for Brother Qinghui?” None of them knew that Hui Qinghui had eloped with Princess Silky; they assumed he had left after a quarrel with Hui Yue’er. They looked down on Hui Qinghui for leaving his sister to shoulder the agency’s heavy burden, thinking it unmanly.

Hui Yue’er shook her head and smiled. “No, if he wants to return, he will. If he doesn’t, there’s no point in searching.” She knew the Prince’s Mansion was looking for them, so she hadn’t sent anyone out.

Qi Shang laughed, “Exactly! Brother Qinghui isn’t a child—he ought to know his responsibilities.” Turning to the others, he said, “Junior Sister, you’re finally back. Do you realize how exhausted I was without you? I had to run the escorts and negotiate business. You know business is not my strong suit. We lost several deals while you were away. Now that you’re back, I can finally hand over the reins!” He made it sound as if he’d suffered terribly.

Hui Yue’er patted Qi Shang’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Senior Brother. Now that I’m back, I promise to win back every lost contract—and more!” She looked confidently at her brothers, these men who had fought at her side through thick and thin. Together they shouted their rallying cry, “Not a single escort lost, not a single contract dropped, as long as we’re here, the agency stands…” It was a magnificent sight.

Qiqi watched Hui Yue’er in amazement, never expecting her elder sister could command so many men. She walked over, her eyes shining with admiration. “Sister Yue, you’re so cool!” Qiqi truly admired Hui Yue’er. (Ying Ying: Of course, novels written by modern authors have a touch of modernity. Compared to “Encounter and Stay Together,” this one is less modern!)

With a serene smile, Hui Yue’er led Qiqi into the inner hall. She handed her bundle to Ju’er. Madam Hui, who was reading, looked up and joyfully pulled Hui Yue’er aside, asking all sorts of questions, “Yue’er, will you stay home tonight? Did you suffer any hardship at the Prince’s Mansion? The weather’s getting cold—do they provide any warmth for the servants?” Don’t begrudge a mother’s nagging; such care is the deepest kind of love.

Hui Yue’er laughed at her mother, “Mother, you ask so many questions at once, how can I answer them all? This time, I won’t be returning to the Prince’s Mansion. Aren’t you pleased?” Hui Yue’er had many sides—obedient daughter to her mother, decisive leader to her brothers, yet always resilient and optimistic to everyone.

Madam Hui could hardly believe it. “Really?” When Hui Yue’er nodded, Madam Hui hugged her, then worried anew, “Is your brother coming home soon? I wonder how the Prince will punish him?” The worries never ceased. Indeed, the heart of a mother is ever anxious, as the saying goes: raise a child for a hundred years, worry for ninety-nine.

Hui Yue’er shook her head. “It’s not that Brother is coming home. Who knows what’s gotten into that bookish prince? He suddenly grew compassionate and let me go. Whatever the reason, being home is a blessing. I even brought a little sister to visit!” She pulled Qiqi over to Madam Hui. “This is Qiqi, who’s always helped me at the Prince’s Mansion. Qiqi, this is my most understanding mother!” Madam Hui looked gratefully at Qiqi.

Qiqi greeted Madam Hui politely. “Auntie, hello. Now I finally know why Sister Yue is so beautiful—it’s because she takes after you!” There’s never harm in a compliment. As they say, flattery never wears out. Besides, Madam Hui was indeed beautiful, so it wasn’t a lie. Qiqi added, “Sister Yue always says your cooking is delicious. I’ve been longing to try it. Will I have a chance today?” She made a cute face on purpose.

Madam Hui smiled warmly. “Of course, as long as you don’t mind.” She was very fond of Qiqi.

Yue’er patted Qiqi’s shoulder. “Mother, don’t worry. She’s just a little greedy cat!” The three of them headed to the kitchen together.

Women, men, old and young, and those neither old nor young—quick, shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm come even fiercer!