It was the day before Ah Xiao and her brothers were set to embark on their journey to the capital.
Ziyi was seated at the breakfast table with the other maids in the Servant's quarter. The atmosphere in the room was as boisterous as ever, filled with the chatter and laughter of her companions. Fortunately, Lin Lin and her friends had ceased their incessant bullying.
As Ziyi took a sip of the soup, the warmth enveloped her, and the earthy flavor of mushrooms danced on her palate. Everything seemed to harmonize perfectly—the rich soup, the freshly prepared meat, and the steaming rice. The aroma wafting from the food was simply irresistible.
Today, the workload was lighter than usual, prompting Ziyi to take a leisurely stroll outside to relish the crisp winter air. Despite the blanket of snow covering the ground, it created a picturesque landscape.
If only she could admire the view from above, she thought. Ziyi glanced around, searching for any high vantage points that would allow her to survey the entire Axile grounds.
The citizens of Axile resided in sturdy homes crafted from wood and stone. Though draped in snow, the houses stood resilient and warm, thanks to the robust trees that thrived in the Axile region. Compared to other areas, the timber from Axile was particularly prized for its durability, longevity, and superior burning qualities.
To the far left loomed the Axile Palace, primarily constructed from rock and nestled within a vast mountainous cave. Ziyi's gaze lingered on the grand structure, noting its impressive height—it seemed likely that one could capture a breathtaking view of the entire Axile grounds from its summit. However, the ascent appeared rather daunting.
An idea sparked in Ziyi's mind: why not approach from the back? It might take some time, but surely the effort would be worthwhile.
Before long, Ziyi found herself at the pinnacle of the palace. She cautiously navigated her way to the cliff, deftly pushing aside the branches that obstructed her path. After nearly an hour of trekking, the breathtaking view of the Axile grounds unfolded before her—stunning and serene. The land sloped gently, revealing a meandering river nestled among the rocky mountains, with wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys of distant homes. A smile graced Ziyi's lips; her hard work had paid off.
Just then, delicate snowflakes began to fall. Ziyi beamed as they landed softly on her hands, looking up to witness the enchanting spectacle of snow descending gracefully from the sky.
"Ziyi?"
Startled, Ziyi turned to the voice that had called her from behind.
"Young master Fu? What brings you here?" she inquired, surprised to see the young master approaching with an umbrella in hand.
Ah Fu stepped closer, curiosity etched on his face. "I should be asking you the same thing. How did you find this place?"
Ziyi hesitated before responding, "I stumbled upon it by chance."
Ah Fu pressed on, "And what were you doing here?"
Gesturing toward the landscape below, Ziyi replied, "I wanted to see the entire Axile land. It was purely out of curiosity, I promise."
Ah Fu observed her in silence, contemplating her words.
Ziyi, sensing the weight of the moment, added, "If you'd prefer, I can leave."
As she began to step away, Ah Fu gently grasped her hand, halting her movement. "No, it's fine. Please stay."
Ziyi glanced down at the warmth of Ah Fu's grip.
The two settled onto a log partially buried in the snow near the cliff. Breaking the silence, Ah Fu asked, "What you mentioned last time—do you truly believe that?"
Ziyi met his gaze, then slowly unwrapped her arms, nodding. "I meant it. I'm sorry. I understand that your concern comes from a place of love, but it might only exacerbate things for Ah Xiao."
Ah Fu shook his head, acknowledging her point. "You're right. Ah Xiao has always had a fragile body, and I'm sure she still feels insecure about it, even if she doesn't articulate it. She's my little sister, you see. I can't help but want to shield her from all harm, even if that inadvertently causes her distress."
"I understand," Ziyi replied with a smile, gazing into the distance. "That's why I'm only cautioning you, not trying to halt your protective instincts."
Ah Fu studied Ziyi, pondering why he felt such a profound sense of familiarity in her presence. Why did she seem both so near and yet so distant?
"You know, I've been reflecting on your words," Ah Fu began, setting the umbrella aside as the snowfall lightened.
Ziyi turned her attention to him, eager to listen.
Ah Fu chuckled softly, a hint of regret in his tone. "Sometimes I forget that Ah Xiao is no longer a child. We've been together for so long that I lose sight of certain realities. She used to leap into my arms, eager to learn about the world beyond. After overcoming her illness, she began to explore knowledge—perhaps out of fear of reliving her past. She's trying to move forward, yet we—myself included—remain tethered to the past, consumed with worry for her well-being. Maybe that's why she struggles to open up to us."
Ziyi knew this wasn't entirely accurate. Ah Xiao simply wished to spare her family from unnecessary concern.
Taking a deep breath, Ah Fu declared, "I've made a decision. I won't impede Ah Xiao's choices; I will respect whatever path she chooses. But brother Yu, I can't be certain."
"Then why not accompany Ah Xiao?" Ziyi suggested thoughtfully.
Having already anticipated Ah Xiao's intention to travel south and potentially fall under Chuyuan's influence, Ziyi felt compelled to warn Ah Fu. After all, Ah Xiao couldn't be confined forever.
"Join her on her journey. If you're by her side, His Majesty is unlikely to act against her with both of you present," Ziyi urged, reaching out to grasp Ah Fu's hand.
Ziyi's logic was sound, but would Ah Yu permit such an arrangement? It seemed a better alternative than resorting to a Imperial decree, didn't it?
"You make a valid point," Ah Fu conceded, his gaze shifting to Ziyi's hands entwined with his.
Realizing her unintentional breach of boundaries, Ziyi quickly withdrew her hand.
In Ah Yu's study, Lady Hanying approached her son, holding a wooden cylindrical container, which housed an ancient scroll.
"This is the imperial decree, now that you have assumed leadership of Axile, you will be responsible for it," she said.
Ah Yu accepted the scroll, addressing her with warmth. "Mother."
"Son, I have faith in you. Whatever decision you make, I trust it will be for the best for our family and our people," Lady Hanying replied with a gentle smile.
"My Lady, it's time for your medicine," a maid reminded her.
Lady Hanying offered Ah Yu one last reassuring glance before departing.
Ah Yu carefully concealed the imperial decree, a sigh escaping his lips as he contemplated the uncertain future ahead—he knew it would be fraught with challenges.
Breaking the silence, Xu Yi interjected, "Everything is prepared for tomorrow's journey, my lord."
Ah Yu gestured for Xu Yi to leave but then paused, asking, "Wait—have you seen Ah Fu?"
Xu Yi shook his head. "No, my lord."
"Where could that brat have wandered off to?" Ah Yu pondered.
The servants bustled about, ensuring everything was in order for the trip. As Ah Yu inspected the carriages, he suddenly spotted Ziyi with Ah Fu.
"Brother," Ah Fu exclaimed.
"Where have you been, Ah Fu? Please tell me you haven't been with her this entire time," Ah Yu demanded, frustration evident in his tone.
The lack of a response confirmed his suspicions.
Ah Fu then dropped a surprising revelation. "Ziyi will be accompanying us to the capital tomorrow as well."
"What did you say?!" Both Ah Yu and Ziyi turned to Ah Fu in disbelief.
Ziyi pointed to herself, bewildered. "Me? I am?"
Ah Yu shot Ziyi an irritated glance. "Ah Fu, you're aware of the nature of this trip."
Ah Fu lowered his gaze momentarily before looking back up, pulling Ah Yu aside for a hushed conversation. "I understand, brother. That's exactly why Ziyi should come with us. Didn't you want to verify whether she's a spy? This could be the perfect opportunity to assess her loyalty."
Ah Yu glanced back at Ziyi. While Ah Fu's logic had merit, an unsettling feeling lingered within him.
The two returned to Ziyi, who sensed the tension in the air. "I can explain, my lord," she began.
Ah Yu interrupted, "No need for explanations. Follow me," and he walked briskly back to his study.
"Should I accompany you?" Ah Fu asked, concern etched on his face.
Ziyi raised her hands halfway as if to halt him. "No, young master. I think it's best if I go alone."
Inside Ah Yu's study, he settled into a chair and demanded, "Tell me, was this your plan from the start?"
Ziyi hesitated, "I don't know what you mean—"
"Let's be clear! (He paused to regain his composure.) Fine, let's assume you weren't plotting anything. Why do you want to go to the capital?" Ah Yu pressed.
Ziyi felt at a loss for words. Ah Fu had mentioned it so suddenly that she hadn't prepared a response. Even if she explained, he likely wouldn't believe her.
"Because I've never been to the capital before?" she replied, hoping to deflect.
Ah Yu stood up, incredulous. "You've never been? (He snorted.) Then how did you know to seek out Ah Fu? How did you know he was attacked? How did you even hear about the South Inspection?!"
Ziyi shifts her gaze to the side and murmurs quietly,"Did Ah Fu tell him all this?"
Ziyi slowly backed away as Ah Yu closed in on her. "Everyone knows about the South Inspection; it's public knowledge, my lord."
Ah Yu stepped closer, his intensity rising. "Then how did you know His Majesty intends to use Ah Xiao? That's an insider matter only my most trusted allies are privy to."
Ziyi took another step back, the wall pressing against her. "It's obvious! Ah Xiao is a doctor, and His Majesty doesn't favor you, so there's no way he would pass up this opportunity."
Soon, Ziyi found herself cornered against the wall.
Ah Yu tilted his head, skepticism etched on his features. "You think I'm going to buy that?"
Ziyi frantically searched for an escape, but Ah Yu placed his hands against the wall, effectively trapping her. "It's Ah Xiao, my lord! She informed me—if you don't believe me, ask her!"
Ah Yu shot one last scrutinizing glance at Ziyi before returning to his seat.
Ziyi felt her heart plummet; his intimidating demeanor was overwhelming.
"Alright, I'll allow you to go to the capital, but under one condition."
Ziyi hesitantly inquired, "What is it, my lord?"
Ah Yu clasped his hands together and leaned forward, "You must pretend to be my lover."
Taken aback, Ziyi coughed in disbelief. "I'm sorry, my lord, did I mishear you?"
Ah Yu leaned back, his expression casual. "Don't worry; I have no interest in you. There's a birthday event coming up, and I have someone I'd like to avoid—"
"So, you want me to help you get rid of her?" Ziyi asked, piecing it together.
Ah Yu nodded. "Exactly."
"But—I'm just a maid."
"Not anymore. I've established that you're not a spy. Unless, of course, you're admitting to being one?" Ah Yu retorted sarcastically.
Ziyi tried to mask her anger with a smile. "No, my lord. Thank you for trusting me."
As soon as she stepped outside, Ziyi exploded with frustration.
No longer a maid? Was he in his right mind? Was this some sort of twisted game meant to torment her? She had been working tirelessly to shield his family from trouble, and yet he seemed intent on making her life a living hell. What had she done to deserve such treatment?
Meanwhile, inside, Ah Yu chuckled at Ziyi's struggle to contain her rage.
"My lord?" Xu Yi asked, incredulously. Was his lord actually smiling? Why? Did something unfortunate occur? Xu Yi could hardly believe his eyes.
Ah Yu quickly composed himself. "What is it now?"
Xu Yi hesitated before responding, "The young miss has refused to eat again."
Ah Yu rose from his seat. "The food from this morning is still untouched?"
Xu Yi nodded in confirmation.
Standing in front of Ah Xiao's room, Ah Yu knocked several times before entering.
He glanced at the tray of food on the table and then at his sister, who lay on the bed. "Ah Xiao, you know that refusing to eat won't change my decision."
Ah Xiao stubbornly turned away from him, her voice firm. "Then let me starve to death. I would rather do that than witness my brother suffer because of me."
Ah Yu placed the tray of food beside her as he sat down on the bed. "I won't suffer, so please eat. Mother is worried about you. At least eat for her sake; you know her health isn't great." He stood up to leave, then added, "Oh, I forgot to mention, Ziyi will be accompanying us to the capital."
As soon as Ah Yu exited, Ah Xiao's interest piqued. "Ziyi is?" A smile spread across her face as she eyed the tray of food.
(stomach growls)
"I'm doing this for my mother," Ah Xiao reassured herself before finally taking a bite.