After Bao'er came back, Bairan stood up right away and said softly, "Let's go."
Then she walked out of the room.
Bao'er's eyes caught Qing'er's side face.
She had quickly turned her back on them, as if wiping something from her face.
Bao'er paused for a second, wondering why Qing'er wasn't coming with them. She looked at Bairan. Her young miss was smiling, her almond-shaped eyes glowing.
Since the day she "came back," she became like this.
Before the accident, her young miss cared about how she looked, how she behaved the most. Her temper wasn't very good, and she used to hold her anger.
But after she returned… she was like a free soul.
Unrestrained. Calm. Not worrying about anything too much, even making her laugh from time to time
At first, Bao'er thought she was just hiding her sadness and fear.
But slowly, she believed her young miss had simply changed, matured overnight.
And that wasn't bad at all.
Feeling Bao'er's gaze, Bairan asked gently, "What?"
Then, as they stepped out of her courtyard, she continued, "You're wondering why I didn't bring Qing'er with us."
Bao'er nodded.
Bairan smiled; "I gave her a task. She should finish it before we return."
Bao'er blinked instantly, forgetting her earlier thoughts. She asked with curiosity; "A task? Which task? Why didn't you tell me, young miss? I could do it for you."
Bairan's smile deepened; "Don't worry. I have some for you too, but not now. I will tell you later."
Bao'er instantly brightened; "Okay, young miss!"
They chatted lightly as they walked to the main courtyard, where Han Yue and Zhou Yan were staying.
There was a new servant at the door—neither Dongpo nor Dongyan.
Bao'er stepped forward, holding the package of tea leaves. "Please inform your master that my young miss has arrived."
The servant went in and returned quickly, inviting Bairan inside.
Bao'er followed another servant to present the gifts.
---
Inside, the scent of sandalwood filled the room.
Hanyue was pouring tea for Zhouyan.
When Hanyue noticed her, he stood up and greeted warmly, "Miss Lin, you've come."
Bairan bowed slightly, with gentle voice, she replied, "Bairan greets the Darens."
Hanyue gestured for her to sit.
"It seems you still hold on to the identity of 'Bairan.'"
Bairan glanced at Zhouyan — he didn't even look at her, let alone greet her.
She thought to herself:
Yesterday, he greeted me first.
Today, he ignores me completely.
What a strange man."
But outwardly she smiled softly. Replied Hanyue's question, "Holding onto what is certain is better than believing what others want you to."
Hanyue nodded, impressed, not sure what she meant.
He handed her a cup of tea and gestured for her to drink it.
He himself took a sip.
Bairan rolled her eyes inwardly. "Now, should I take a sip at your command? Whatever."
She lifted it, smelled it lightly, and took a sip
Her expression almost cracked.
The tea was extremely bitter.
She forced herself to swallow and placed the cup down with clinging fingers.
Zhouyan was watching her carefully, observing her every move.
This tea was also his test.
His Xinyi had never endured bitter tastes.
Seeing this young girl try so hard not to spit it out made his heart tighten.
Even in this… she is the same as Xinyi.
Hanyue's eyes curved slightly in amusement. He didn't know why. But he was happy to see her in this situation, he asked gently, "So, how was the taste?"
Bairan forced a polite smile, joking lightly;
"It's like Master Pei's gentle face in a dark cave — hard to see."
Hanyue laughed softly.
"Glad you like it."
Bairan reached for a pastry to wash away the bitterness. She is trying to choose one.
She asked casually, "Master Pei went through quite some effort to invite me today. So what is this 'important news' about my father that I should hear?"
Zhouyan quietly pushed a plate of mooncakes closer to her.
Bairan looked pleased and even thanked him. Hanyue shook his head at her casualness, even towards His Highness.
He spoke slowly; "Yes. After our talk last night, I think you deserve to know what caused the mistrust between us. Let me tell you about the group we are pursuing."
His expression grew serious; "This group is called YaSha. The group formed almost a decade ago. They kidnap, kill, and harbor dangerous criminals. presently endangering people in our kingdom and neighboring areas. Their leader was Shen Yueran."
Zhouyan's hand clenched at his side. His eyes darkened.
Bairan listened carefully.
Hanyue continued, "We realized they connected to this group after we arrested Master Mo and Master Tong. Not only them, but your father, Master Lin, may also be involved."
Bairan thought,
What terrible luck. Why do I always end up connected to Shen Yueran…
She said, "I understand. But I truly have no information about this matter, nor do I know if my father is involved or not. However, since you said this, it seems there's something you want me to do."
Hanyue nodded; "Yes. There is something you must do to show your loyalty and to help clear your father's name."
Bairan looked directly at him; "What is it?"
Han Yue took another sip of tea.
"Master Lin is out-of-town today and will not return until late evening. You should search his private study.
We believe that recently there was a letter from Shen Yueran or one of his men."
Bairan raised an eyebrow and smiled, thinking, "You have many skilled men. Why ask me? Are you still testing me, Master Pei?"
But she nodded lightly;
"Alright. I'll try my best."
---
At that moment, Dongpo and Dongyan rushed inside; their clothes were dusty, and their faces were pale.
"Master! It's not good!" Dongpo shouted.
Hanyue's expression sharpened;
"What happened?"
Dongpo's voice trembled;
"We went to Master Mo's teahouse, but masked men ambushed us. They were extremely skilled. We think they were from Shen Yueran's group. The situation turned chaotic. We couldn't hold them off."
Bairan's breath stopped. She stood up immediately. "Was Baian with you?"
Dongpo's eyes widened;
"He… he was."
Bairan's heart tightened asked quickly,
"What do you mean, was? Where is he now?"
Dongpo lowered his head, ashamed;
"The situation was too intense… we… we forgot about him."
Bairan's voice trembled with anger;
"You…he is just a child!"
She rushed toward the door.
Hanyue stood as well;
"Miss Lin, what about our agreement?"
Bairan turned back, her voice cold as ice.
"Your men should have protected him."
But Hanyue's tone changes to a warning one;
"If you miss this chance, don't blame me for no longer trusting you."
Bairan turned and left the room, leaving only one sentence behind: "As you wish."