Volume 1, Chapter 31: As Xiangzhu approached, Zhao Ye’s heart was in turmoil.

It was Zhao Ye.

Xiang Zhu sighed inwardly; this was a scene she wished never to witness.

Yet she had to admit, she was grateful for Zhao Ye’s timely arrival.

Peter did not elaborate on how he had escaped from the middleman; he simply summarized it with the words, “Sometimes, true friends are those who take responsibility and help you when you’re in trouble.”

Everyone entered the administration office. The orderly brought tea. Li Jiang took it and said, “Let me serve,” pouring tea for Monkey and Zhu Qing.

After Xu Yuanlang’s brief and concise introduction, Cheng Yaojin realized he had made a huge blunder. Although the “Eternal Heaven” sounded like a rare, superior elixir, in reality, it was quite common.

“Too alike! Your mother still looks so young, no, even younger,” Aunt Zhao said as she patted her apron with a face full of regret. This child had lost her mother long ago; she must dearly want to see her. Which child doesn’t long for their mother? Alas, she missed the chance.

However, before reaching Wang Mu, the elder suddenly furrowed his brow, sensing a cold breeze approaching from behind.

Mu Qingyu originally did not want to meddle; in fact, he wished there were no dance costumes at all, so he wouldn’t have to perform before everyone. But Ji Minhao used that matter to threaten him, so he had no choice but to call Lei Ke to bring them over.

The three of them walked and talked using silent listening, unconcerned that Mr. Zhu ahead might overhear.

But the orders from Captain Vulture were always unwavering. After futile objections, Xuan Wuji could only accept with resignation, though the resentment toward Ye Feng deepened in his heart.

Wherever the sword qi struck, the space was shattered; this stroke had clearly exceeded the limits that this realm could endure.

I noticed the way Yan Qing addressed me: she said “you,” not “you all.” That meant Lao Lai only wished for me to go, not asking Zhang Qingrui?

The carriage stopped at the gate of the Duke of Ying’s mansion. Matchmaker Yue looked up at the large “gate” and sighed quietly to herself before twisting her waist and heading back to the main courtyard to report. At that moment, the Duchess of Ying had just finished handling some household matters and had not yet rested, sitting there with a cup of tea in her hand.

Sitting in his office chair, Zhou Quan stared blankly at Yin Yi’s information, then tried dialing Yin Yi’s neural interface again.

Since he couldn’t find Zhou Bing’er, Zhong Nan could only try his luck at the Ma family. Qiu Xiang had lived with the Mas for many years, so if she were to leave Suzhou, she would surely say goodbye to them.

Occasionally, a black screen bearing Qu Xiaoxiao’s profile flickered before Yin Yi’s eyes, more often overwhelmed by surging affection.

Made with glutinous rice, cooked until each grain blossoms and the fragrance spreads, soft and sticky, then drizzled with finely ground red bean paste. In autumn, one must add a touch of sweet osmanthus on top. That sweet fragrance, even after so many years, still lingered in Xie Shuning’s heart.

Hearing this, Mother Yue’s heart relaxed further, and she carefully hid away the few packs of contraceptive soup. Since the lady had not yet found the opportunity, meaning nothing would happen for now, it was best if the second young mistress remained healthy; then the soup “medicine” would be useless.

“Sir, ‘scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants’—we merchants have always been the most despised. Only you could hold us in higher regard. For no other reason but this, I, Lou Mou, am willing to serve you wholeheartedly!” As he spoke with passion, Lou Dong wiped away an old tear.

Curiosity stirred within me, eager to ask what he and Musa had done, but I pressed my lips together, feeling I shouldn’t inquire further, lest I stir up more trouble.