A Quiet Homecoming
At the Shen residence.
Having received the imperial decree to accompany the imperial envoy south for disaster relief, Shen Yunxiu was busy packing her belongings with focused attention.
"Yunxiu, sister, how long will you be gone this time?"
Chen Yao's gaze followed her movements closely, her voice tinged with reluctance.
She had actually wanted to offer help, but Shen Yunxiu had smiled and gently stopped her, leaving her empty-handed and obediently seated on the couch.
Shen Yunxiu looked up, her hands never pausing as she placed the wrapped ledgers and documents into the official leather case before her.
In a mild tone, she replied, "There were some issues with last month's disaster relief funds. Our mission is mainly to audit the accounts and rectify local governance, but it will likely take some time—at least two or three months."
Chen Yao didn't understand much about official matters, but hearing that the assignment would keep her away so long, she couldn't help but frown worriedly and ask, "Won't it be a grueling journey?"
"Don't worry, Yao. Since the imperial envoy is traveling, arrangements will be made properly, and I'll take good care of myself," Shen Yunxiu replied with a light laugh.
When Chen Yao saw her latch the brass lock on the leather case, clearly indicating she was nearly done, she quickly rose from the couch.
Then, in front of Shen Yunxiu, she carefully pulled an embroidered sachet from her sleeve and shyly offered it to her. "Yunxiu, sister, this is for you."
Shen Yunxiu took it, examining the bean-green sachet embroidered with gold-thread orchid patterns. With surprise, she looked at her. "This is..."
Chen Yao curved her apricot eyes and explained gently, "I had Dou Kou embroider this sachet. Inside is a peace talisman I had a temple bless for you, and... the cord at the bottom is something I learned to braid myself."
Hearing this, Shen Yunxiu unconsciously touched the cord hanging below, her expression softening. With joy in her voice, she said, "Thank you, Yao. I'll keep it safe."
Moved by the genuine smile on her face, Chen Yao also couldn't help but purse her lips and smile softly.
*
Five days later, Shen Yunxiu set out.
It wasn't until the carriage at the mansion gate slowly drove away that Chen Yao turned and returned to the rear courtyard, feeling that the spacious Shen residence had suddenly become empty and quiet.
After all, Shen Yunxiu had already told her before leaving that she had specially entrusted Yuan Wangshu to take care of her in her absence.
This was because, among those traveling on this mission, the imperial envoy was led by Censor-in-Chief Ji Liangxu, and Yuan Fuju, a judge of the Dali Temple, was also among them.
"It feels like half the mansion is gone now that the young master has left," Dou Kou remarked softly, noticing Chen Yao's far-off look.
Because the three of them shared a secret, they were even closer. And since the mistresses, Chen Yao and Shen Yunxiu, were usually not aloof, Dou Kou spoke with less restraint.
Snapping back to the present, Chen Yao couldn't help but smile. "How could it be that exaggerated?"
As she spoke, she stepped forward and pushed open the door before her, her gaze falling into the room.
When a tall, imposing male figure caught her eye, Chen Yao stiffened, the smile on her face freezing.
Her heart tightened, and almost reflexively, she slammed the door shut again.
The loud bang of the door closing echoed distinctly through the quiet rear courtyard.
"Madam, is something the matter?"
Dou Kou, startled by the noise, immediately came over with concern.
Chen Yao quickly turned around, pressing her back against the door. She pursed her lips slightly, suppressing the panic in her heart, and shook her head. "It's nothing."
Her voice paused, her thoughts racing to find an excuse, then she said, "It just occurred to me that I think I asked the kitchen to steam some poria cakes. Could you go check if they're ready?"
Dou Kou was momentarily stunned, then said in a puzzled tone, "Madam, did you give such an order before?"
She had been by her mistress's side all day and was certain she didn't remember such a thing.
"No?" Chen Yao blinked. "I can't quite recall. Just go to the kitchen and tell the cook to steam some poria cakes."
"Yes." Dou Kou quickly complied.
She thought to herself: with the young master away on business, the mistress must be a bit flustered and forgetful—it was normal.
So she did not suspect anything and soon curtsied before hurrying toward the kitchen.
Only after Dou Kou's figure had faded did Chen Yao let out a slow breath.
She pursed her lips, a slight frown forming, and then reached out to push the door open again.
But just as she opened a narrow crack, a slender, long-fingered hand shot out and seized her delicate wrist.
Giving the girl no time to react, he pulled her entirely into the room.
Chen Yao instinctively bit her lower lip to stifle the gasp that almost escaped.
The next second, the door closed behind her again.
Her steps faltered slightly, and then she was pulled securely against a broad chest by a pair of strong arms around her waist.
Xiao Mingting stepped forward, pressing the girl in his arms firmly against the door. The heavy pressure, along with the faint scent of sandalwood from his body, enveloped her like a fine net.
He chuckled lowly, then leaned in with practiced ease.
The light was dim before her eyes. Chen Yao only felt the warm breath of the man brushing against her face. Her heart tightened, and instinctively she thought he was going to kiss her again.
As if by reflex, she quickly raised her hand to cover her lips, staring up at him warily with wide apricot eyes.
Xiao Mingting paused in his lean, raising an eyebrow with amusement in his deep gaze. "What is Yao doing?"
It seemed since the last time, he had taken to calling her by her nickname with too much familiarity.
Chen Yao's mind wandered, and she watched as the man slowly reached out. Then, as if deliberately, he leisurely plucked a green bamboo leaf from her shoulder.
"I was just removing a bamboo leaf from your shoulder," Xiao Mingting said teasingly.
Chen Yao's gaze fell on the leaf, realizing she had overthought it. A blush spread across her fair cheeks.
"System, is he telling the truth? Do I really have a bamboo leaf on my shoulder?" She muttered in her mind, finding him suspicious no matter what.
System 04 said flatly, "Of course not."
Chen Yao couldn't help but secretly huff. She knew he was lying! If a leaf had actually fallen on her, Dou Kou would have noticed long ago.
...This wretch!