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

Once Yin Huaixi's figure had completely disappeared, Sang Che seemed to be deep in thought. She returned to her seat and stared at the densely packed gu-raising vessels.

"Yiyun, Acai."

"Come in."

"I have something to ask you."

The two, who had originally planned to sneak away, were now stiff as cats with their limbs frozen, as if their life had been grabbed by the scruff of their necks.

A mournful cry escaped from within.

Ok!

She was caught by the Holy Maiden after all!

Carefully stepping over the threshold, A-Cai vowed in her heart that this was the most serious she had ever been since she began serving the Holy Maiden!

Compared to A-Cai's panic, Yi-Yun, who had seen many "big scenes," remained calm, bowing and greeting her humbly.

"What does Your Excellency wish to ask? I will certainly have a long story to tell you."

"It is our blessing to help the Holy Maiden relieve her worries and troubles."

After hesitating for a long time, Sang Che finally picked up the vessel again and played with it in his hand.

She ran her thumb along the edge of the seam, making a crackling sound. The whole room fell silent for a moment, and Yiyun and Acai didn't even dare to breathe.

She was afraid that if she made even the slightest noise, Sang Che would drag her out to answer questions.

There was a long silence.

Finally, Sang Che lowered her stance, looking sincerely at the two people standing in front of her, and asked softly, "You must have heard my conversation with Huai Xi just now. What are your thoughts on that?"

She was not unaware that Sang Che had been too arbitrary in the past.

At that time, Sang Che didn't care about other people's opinions of her. What did those insignificant people have to do with her, whether they were angry, happy, or sad?

But... Huai Xi is not a stranger to her. Sang Che cares about Yin Huai Xi's joys and sorrows, and also about every word she says.

From Sang Che's perspective, she didn't think she had done anything wrong. Therefore, Sang Che had no choice but to ask her subordinates.

Let's see what they're thinking.

The two men, who were being punished by standing, had a thin layer of sweat on their foreheads, swallowed their saliva, and secretly groaned in their hearts.

This is... a difficult question to answer!

I could tell they were both nervous.

Sang Che smiled slightly, pursing his lips.

"We've known each other for so long, there's no need to be so formal with me. Sit down and talk it out."

"There's also hot chrysanthemum tea and snacks on the table."

Having never received such treatment from the saintess, the two exchanged a glance and then silently sat down.

Yiyun said, "Holy Maiden, since Yin Huaixi wants to go with you, why don't you take her with you? As the Han people often say, 'Having more friends means having more options.'"

"It seems she considers you, Holy Maiden, to be an extremely important person who would risk her life for her."

These were flattering words. Having served Sang Che for so many years, Yi Yun was well-versed in the art of subtle and pervasive flattery.

A-Cai poured herself a cup of tea, and just as she brought it to her lips, before she could even drink it, she received a look from Yi-Yun.

She quickly followed up, echoing, "Your Majesty, I also think Sister Yiyun is right. Since... Yin Huaixi wants to go with you, Your Majesty, please grant her request."

"It'll be good to have someone to look after on the road."

"The Han people are the most cunning. Holy Maiden, by bringing Yin Huaixi along, you can also guard against her own people!"

He got more and more excited as he talked.

A-Cai seemed to think she was a strategist sent from heaven, and her endless chatter almost scared Yi-Yun out of her wits.

Pretending to reach for tea, Yiyun secretly glanced at Sang Che, only to see him listening intently with his eyes lowered.

It seems they are genuinely considering the feasibility of what A-Cai said.

...

After storming out in a huff, Yin Huaixi hadn't gone far when she felt a pang of regret.

No matter what, Sang Che's intention in not letting her go was good; the palace was indeed not as trivial as she thought.

Moreover, the area around the capital is teeming with the emperor's lackeys, and even under the emperor's nose, there is no room for a "dead person" like her to act recklessly.

There were still many servants hired by Sang Che sweeping up fallen leaves in the courtyard. When they saw Yin Huaixi swinging the sash of his robe, he walked over dejectedly.

They quickly gave way.

She said softly, "I hope you are well, Miss."

This kind of life is no different from what Yin Huaixi experienced in the Yin family. In fact, it could be said that Yin Huaixi is more free without her sisters' nagging.

Watching the plump koi swimming in the emerald green pond, Yin Huaixi stretched out her palm and waved it at the servants.

"Is there anything you need, Miss?"

The servant, holding a broom, cautiously approached, barely daring to breathe, for fear of angering his master who was already in a bad mood.

They were servants hired by the steward. The people of Lingshui City often said that this street was haunted, so anyone who could find other work would not come here.

Originally, they also thought that this place was inhabited by wandering ghosts, so they went to the Taoist temple to ask for amulets to carry with them, just to drive away the little ghosts and have peace of mind.

Who knew?

I've been here for quite a while, but I haven't seen any wandering ghosts or spirits. And the monthly allowance is quite substantial.

However… there are quite a lot of insects in this house, to the point that it's abnormally numerous.

It's the rainy season, and the courtyard is full of trees. The previous owner moved away a long time ago and neglected to take care of it.

That's normal.

At first, I had a vague desire to leave, but gradually my resolve hardened. I had elderly parents and young children at home, and countless mouths were clamoring for food.

They certainly don't want to lose this lucrative job!

Seeing the man trembling like a leaf, Yin Huaixi was speechless and softened her tone: "Bring me a bowl of fish food, I want to feed the fish."

...

Holding the fish food.

Yin Huaixi threw the fish food at the koi's heads, watching them scramble to grab it.

The water in the pool sloshed and rippled.

Yin Huaixi felt much better.

She planned to vent her anger on Sang Che for a while, then forgive him in the evening, and then ask him if he had figured things out after a whole day.

If she hadn't figured it out, she could still ignore Sang Che, this guy who just looked infuriating.

After being fed countless bowls of fish food, the koi gradually ate their fill, rolled over, and swam away, no longer paying attention to Yin Huaixi.

Watching the koi fish devour their food and leave with smacking mouths, Yin Huaixi thought, "..."

Indeed, you can't feed fish too much! The same applies to people; you can't be too lenient with them!

Otherwise, the other party will give her a hard time!

Just as she thought of this, a blue butterfly flew over and gradually landed on the back of Yin Huaixi's hand, extending its antennae to please her.

Seeing the blue butterfly looking like a puppy, Yin Huaixi reached out and poked it, then whispered, "Good boy, has your owner come yet?"

"If she comes over... well, remember to tell her not to be a coward."

"If you're going to come out and see me, then do it openly and honestly."

Originally, it was just a joke to vent, and Yin Huaixi didn't really believe that the butterfly's owner would appear here.

However, the next second, the butterfly's antennae swayed, as if it had understood Yin Huaixi's instructions. Just as it flapped its wings and took off, the familiar, indistinguishable clinking sound of silver ornaments came from behind Yin Huaixi.

Suddenly looking back.

Yin Huaixi saw Sang Che walking towards her.

Even though Sang Che only smiled slightly at her, Yin Huaixi couldn't help but want to get closer to him.

"Huai Xi".

Hearing Sang Che call her name, Yin Huaixi felt a little smug; Sang Che still cared about her.

At least they didn't really leave her hanging and ignore her all night, just as she had imagined.

He deliberately kept a straight face.

Yin Huaixi ignored Sang Che, but quietly moved away.

"What do you want?"

Sang Che walked up behind her and bent down.

She was almost pressed against Yin Huaixi's cheek, her gentle voice carrying a smile.

"I miss you... so I called your name."

"Huai Xi, is that not allowed?"