025 As long as she doesn't deceive me, that's enough.

It was only much later that, even with all my stubborn denial, I had to admit my brother was right: I had indeed been sold off, and for quite a sum, too. For those who want to keep up with the latest updates of this book, just search online. I never expected that, though my brother was five years younger than me, his intelligence was easily on par with mine, perhaps even surpassing me in certain ways. It’s true what they say—everyone has their strengths.

After a few days of rest, I returned to my role as a maid, serving Yun Heng, fetching water and bringing tea. I often encountered Yun Rong and Qiao Ruoqing. Since my incident in the river, neither of them troubled me anymore. Occasionally, we exchanged a few words, usually when Yun Heng was present. If he wasn’t around, they simply ignored me, and I would have to lower myself, bow, and greet them, “Miss,” or “Cousin Miss.”

“General, when will I be able to go out with Wan Chun?” I placed the tea before him, not intending to hand it directly. I was losing patience, having asked Yun Heng several times already, and every time his answer was, “You’re still recovering; it’s not suitable for you to go out yet.” At first, his concern made me happy, but gradually it lost its effect, and finally, I became impatient.

Wan Chun would come every night, urging me and saying that if I didn’t go soon, the Bodhisattva would blame me. Honestly, I wanted to tell her that even if I was blamed, there was nothing I could do—Yun Heng wouldn’t let me go out. Was the Bodhisattva supposed to come looking for me? Still, I resolved to speak frankly with Yun Heng.

I knew Yun Heng wouldn’t get angry, so when no one was around, I grew bolder. I even wondered what would happen if he did lose his temper.

He leisurely set down the book he was reading, picked up the teacup, and took a sip.

“Tea brewed by Mu Fan is indeed extraordinary,” he said, smiling as he met my gaze.

Then he asked, “Are you impatient?”

“Impatient, very impatient, extremely impatient.” I repeated the word three times to show just how eager I was.

“Oh, I understand.” Yun Heng said, and picked up his book again.

Was that it? I wasn’t satisfied. I walked over and took his book away, and he actually smiled at me.

“General, you promised me,” I said, puffing out my cheeks in annoyance.

“Alright, Mu Fan, it’s all arranged—two days from now.”

He said it so casually, as if he’d planned it all along, teasing me. Still, I was overjoyed, and handed him another cup of tea.

“General, please, have some tea.”

At last, the day to go out with Wan Chun arrived. Early in the morning, we got up, dressed, and set off.

Wan Chun took me to a well-known temple nearby, the Five Manor Temple. Sitting in the newly hired carriage, we passed through the bustling market, lifting the curtains to gaze outside. If Wan Chun hadn’t insisted that getting to the temple early meant fewer people and more peace, I would have liked to walk instead.

But arriving too early wasn’t entirely fortunate—we encountered a robbery. Was this the fate of being reborn, to experience every possible or impossible melodramatic scenario? I clutched my forehead, wondering if a handsome man would step in, sword in hand, and rescue me. Perhaps we’d exchange a few glances, and just like that, we’d connect...

While I was lost in wild fantasies, Wan Chun was growing frantic. There was only the driver, Wan Chun, and me—three people, but not much use.

“Come out and hand over your silver,” a menacing voice called. The driver hurriedly pulled open the curtain and ushered us out.

We two weak girls had no choice but to step down. The driver bowed and handed over the silver to the thugs, then drove the carriage away at full speed, not sparing us a single glance.

“How could he do that? Mu Fan, what will we do?” Wan Chun clung to me, frightened.

“He’s just looking out for himself, disregarding us,” I replied, my eyes fixed on the thugs. Their gaze was lecherous, and I regretted dressing up today—it would surely bring trouble.

Sure enough, a few of them separated us, hands gripping our shoulders. Wan Chun was treated the same.

I tried to shake them off in disgust, but couldn’t.

“This little girl is feisty,” a scarred hand brushed across my face, making me sick to my stomach.

“Let us go…” Wan Chun sobbed in distress.

“Rare to find such fine goods, why would we let you go, eh, brothers?”

They laughed boisterously.

We struggled, but two grown men easily overpowered us. Yun Heng was far away at the general’s estate—how could he possibly rescue me now? I looked up at the sky in despair.

Suddenly, two sharp darts whistled through the air, striking the hands gripping me. The thug screamed, blood streaming from his hands.

I fell into someone’s arms.

Li Yexuan—him again.

Wan Chun was rescued by Li Yexuan’s men as well.

After he released me, he turned back to deal with the thugs, who fled in terror within moments.

“Shi Yan, take this to the magistrate and have them handle it,” Li Yexuan said, unfastening the jade pendant from his waist and handing it to his subordinate.

“Yes, sir.”

I took Wan Chun’s hand and approached Li Yexuan.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for saving us.”

“I’m glad you’re unharmed. Where were you headed?”

“We were on our way to the Five Manor Temple.”

“It’s not far from here. I have nothing pressing today—I’ll escort you.”

Looking in the direction Yun Heng had pointed, I saw a temple atop the distant mountain.

“Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare trouble you,” I said, feeling awkward about accepting Li Yexuan’s escort, especially with Wan Chun present.

Unexpectedly, Wan Chun stumbled and fell. I tried to steady her, but was pulled down as well.

“Wan Chun, what’s wrong?”

“Mu Fan, I’m so frightened—I think I want to go back.”

“Let’s return together, then.”

“No, Mu Fan, the vow must be fulfilled—you go with His Highness.”

“What about you?”

Wan Chun insisted she wouldn’t go, but wanted me to continue.

“I’ll have someone escort her back,” Li Yexuan offered.

“There’s no other way,” I agreed.

Fortunately, Li Yexuan had brought two attendants—one went to the magistrate, the other escorted Wan Chun home.

Standing midway up the mountain, I watched Wan Chun’s retreating figure, my gaze turning cold. If, at first, she was anxious and prayed for me, I felt grateful; but in this moment, that gratitude vanished.

“What’s wrong, are you upset?”

“Not at all. Wan Chun is simply afraid to be with you, Your Highness,” I replied, saying little more, and turned toward the temple.

Wan Chun, I hope you’re only afraid of Li Yexuan’s status, or perhaps just embarrassed. I know well enough that Wan Chun isn’t A Fu—she’ll never be wholeheartedly devoted to me, nor have I ever expected it; I only hope she won’t deceive me.