After provoking the holy maiden of Miao territory, she was infected with a love curse.

The bamboo curtain hanging on the windowsill trembled.

Sang Che rested her cheek on one hand, quietly waiting for Yin Huaixi to finish reading the letter written by Jia Wan herself.

As if remembering something, Yin Huaixi clenched the yellowed paper tightly in one hand. She stared at the person who came to deliver the message and asked sharply, "Have you found out when Ah Shui left the city?"

"When will the city gates open at midnight?"

How could these two bizarre and strange things happen at the same time?

There must be countless connections between them.

According to the reports from the men Sang Che had sent out long ago, Yin Huaixi knew very well that the group of men in black guarding the gate of the Yin residence were more cautious than anyone else.

If it weren't for an urgent matter requiring the city gates to be opened, why would they risk such a great deal to leave the city?

Unexpectedly, the servant was questioned by this Han woman. His gaze unconsciously fell on Sang Che, hoping to get her approval.

Sang Wei nodded slightly, indicating that he could answer all of Yin Huaixi's questions.

She stroked the small red snake that had somehow crept onto her chest, her eyes, hidden beneath the thin veil, filled with a smile as she stared intently at her beloved.

The saintess has given her her consent.

The servant, naturally unafraid of letting something slip, whispered, "Reporting to you, sir, it all happened seven days ago."

As expected, Yin Huaixi ignored the servant and sat directly opposite Sang Che, slamming the letter in her hand onto the table.

The delicate teacup sloshed around, making a crackling sound.

"Ah Che, this group of people are actually here to capture Ah Shui. We...we need to find Ah Shui's whereabouts as soon as possible."

"Don't you know witchcraft and divination? If you used that method, you should be able to find out where Ah Shui is now?"

Hearing Yin Huaixi's deep concern for Jiawan's whereabouts, Sang Che approached Yin Huaixi and suddenly said, "Huaixi, Ah Shui is my childhood playmate. No matter the cost, I will save her."

"But why... are you so concerned about her?"

He even cared about her more than I did.

That's really frustrating.

Sang Che's question really stumped Yin Huaixi, who was feeling guilty.

Indeed, if it were not long ago that Jiawan went missing, Yin Huaixi would probably have set off a string of firecrackers to celebrate.

But right now, she is the one who least wants Jiawan to be captured alive.

If Jiawan is caught by Zhao Huining or the royal family, wouldn't all her previous schemes have been in vain?

Careful calculations can never keep up with changes.

Yin Huaixi sometimes truly hates that the world is unfair to her.

The way she dodged in that instant caused Sang Che even more pain in her heart. She had been so happy that she had finally managed to make Huai Xi laugh last night.

The lingering passion of today will soon dissipate.

Sang Che: "Huai Xi, if you can't answer, then don't force yourself to."

The feeling of having a clear mind, knowing everything, is truly unpleasant.

Sometimes Sang Che wished she would be a little more oblivious and could ignore Yin Huaixi's various little actions, but every time she reminded herself of this, she still couldn't help but care about Yin Huaixi's every smile and frown, feeling both worried and sad.

Seeing that Sang Che was about to get up and leave, Yin Huaixi quickly reached out and grabbed Sang Che's wrist, pulling her to her chest.

"Ah Che...didn't you want to find Ah Shui to put your mind at ease?"

"I only thought of bringing her back because I saw you were so worried. So... do you believe me?"

Holding Sang Che's hand tightly, Yin Huaixi spoke hurriedly, as if she was truly afraid that Sang Che would leave her there and ignore her.

That statement... is half true and half false.

Sang Che turned around, feeling the burning heat of Yin Huaixi's fingertips, even though she knew that Yin Huaixi was only saying that to make her happy.

However, the unusual fluctuations of the Gu worms buried in Yin Huaixi's body made Sang Che feel as if he were tasting honey.

The worry that had been on her brow vanished instantly, and like an obedient puppy that had been coaxed, she returned to Yin Huaixi's side.

Sang Che: "Is that really what Huai Xi thinks?"

Through this thin veil, Yin Huaixi no longer needed to face Sang Che's pure and innocent eyes. She nodded, and said quite confidently, "Yes, I've already said that. Are you still going to argue with me, complain about me, and hold a grudge against me?"

Seeing the saintess flirting and exchanging words with the Han woman, the servants silently withdrew.

Knowing when to appear and when not to appear—the first lesson a mature servant learns is self-awareness.

...

While busy worrying about Jiawan's whereabouts, Yin Huaixi did not forget her primary goal.

That is to see my eldest and second eldest sisters from afar, to see if they are well or sick.

Have you become haggard because of her situation these days?

"Please come in, esteemed guests."

Standing in front of the magnificent restaurant, the waiter could tell at a glance that the two were either rich or noble, and must be young ladies from some wealthy and powerful family in the city.

"I'd like a private room on the second floor."

Taking out the silver that Sang Che had given her before leaving, Yin Huaixi peered at the waiter's surprised face through the thin veil hanging from her bamboo hat and asked calmly, "Do you have any more?"

The waiter immediately nodded, gestured with his arms to invite the way, and eagerly led the way.

"nature!"

"What would you two gentlemen like to eat? Our signature dishes include..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yin Huaixi rattled off a long list of dishes, just like a seasoned expert.

His head was buzzing from listening, and the waiter immediately wrote it down. After all, he had been working odd jobs in the restaurant for many years, so he must have some tricks up his sleeve.

Wait until the waiter leaves.

Yin Huaixi sat in the familiar private room with ease, staring down at the bustling street below, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

If her eldest sister is safe and sound, she will definitely check the accounts of the shops under her management no matter the weather. As long as she waits here, she will be able to see her eldest sister.

soon.

The dishes ordered by Yin Huaixi were served, including two jugs of Lingshui City's world-famous pear blossom wine, which Yin Huaixi had specially ordered.

He picked up the wine pot and poured it into the wine cup.

Yin Huaixi looked at Sang Che's face and smiled slightly, saying, "A-Che, have you ever drunk any wine?"

Sang Che replied truthfully, "I've drunk the wine, and I don't like its taste."

"My babies don't like it either."

It's true that snakes, insects, rats, and ants are most afraid of alcohol. Sang Che didn't drink a drop of alcohol because of her Gu worms, which is understandable.

Yin Huaixi persisted and pushed the wine cup over.

She even threw a little tantrum, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Sang Che.

"Ah Che, can't you even drink this glass of wine just for me?"

"This wine was poured for you by my own hand."

Sang Che reached out and picked up the sake, which was infused with the fragrance of flowers. She brought it to her lips and, without any hesitation, drank it all in one gulp.

Yin Huaixi's original intention was to get Sang Che drunk so that she could focus on keeping an eye on her elder sister's whereabouts.

Unexpectedly, after downing the strong liquor, Pear Blossom Wine, Sang Che became completely drunk, his cheeks flushed red, and he refused to eat the dishes on the table.

He kept getting closer to her.

They say alcohol emboldens the timid.

Yin Huaixi, however, felt that Sang Che was just "emboldened by alcohol"!

"Ah Che...please don't be like this, just listen to me, okay?"

With no other choice, Yin Huaixi cupped Sang Che's cheeks in her hands, her words filled with helplessness.

Sang Che, drunk, said, "No... Huai Xi... I want to be close to you..."

"Please don't push me away... okay?"

After she finished speaking, she snuggled gently into Yin Huaixi's arms, like a cub clinging to its mother.

"Don't...ignore me."