Prepare

Prepare

“My senior sister whom I once hated to the core, and her disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Huanong understood; it turned out to be an old grudge.

"Take a break for now, and don't show your face unless absolutely necessary."

Upon hearing this, Leng Bicha realized that her mission had failed, so she remained silent.

Although this mission was purchased, it still brought considerable profits to the Chengnan organization, making more underground organizations willing to trust it and allowing the Chengnan organization to successfully establish its roots in the "underground."

After applying the medicine herself, Leng Bicha left the mansion and returned to the Zhang residence.

Xu Huanong simply stood quietly in front of the door, staring into the distance, seemingly waiting for someone.

"Sister, how have you been?"

Before the person arrived, the voice preceded them. Upon hearing the voice, Xu Huanong looked in the direction from which it came.

Zeng Chenhua waved his fan and leaned on his jade cane as he slowly walked up to Xu Huanong, smiling faintly, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"Third brother, what brings you here?"

Xu Huanong turned and walked to the pavilion. The tea prepared for him by the servants was still on the table, and the teapot was still steaming, as if it already knew that someone was coming.

"Since you're here, let's have some tea." Xu Huanong picked up a teacup and began pouring, not caring whether Zeng Chenhua had come over or not. She simply sat down and started drinking her tea.

The aroma of the tea was wonderful. At first, it tasted slightly bitter on the tip of the tongue, but then it slowly turned sweet in the mouth. Xu Huanong exclaimed as he drank it that it was indeed a fine tea.

Seeing that Zeng Chenhua was just standing there, he said, "If you weren't afraid that I, your older sister, would poison you?"

Seeing this, Zeng Chenhua lowered his head and smiled, covering his face with his fan, and slowly walked towards the pavilion.

"Sister, that's not right. How can a younger brother be afraid of his sister poisoning him? If word gets out, it'll be a laughing stock!"

That being said, when Zeng Chenhua was young, there was a story that Xu Huanong poisoned his steamed buns. However, the buns were eaten by a servant beside him, who then put on a dramatic performance of bleeding from all seven orifices right in front of him. Young Zeng Chenhua was terrified, his eyes filled with horror, and he dropped the buns in his hands. From then on, Zeng Chenhua would always test everything he ate for poison first.

However, when he was nearly starving, he wasn't wary of anything Jiang Chaoyu brought him. People only become indifferent when they're about to die; thankfully, she meant well.

However, he heard a thought in his mind: "This kid is so pitiful." Even though the girl's lips didn't move, he heard that thought. He looked around; there couldn't possibly be anyone else around.

When I tried to find out who else was, I didn't feel the same way anymore; I couldn't hear anyone's true feelings at all.

It wasn't until that rainy night, when he heard the woman's inner thoughts, and felt her breath on him and the warmth from her hands, that he realized again that she was the girl from before, the girl who had once saved him. That's why he started to test her, and sure enough, it really was her!

Zeng Chenhua stepped lightly on the newly sprouted grass, his steps seemingly light but actually already trampling it down.

In front of Xu Huanong, he took out a silver needle and placed it in the tea. Afterwards, seeing that the silver needle did not change, he wiped the water stains off the silver needle with a handkerchief and slowly picked up the teacup.

"I didn't expect you to still be wary of your older sister."

Zeng Chenhua drank the tea in one gulp, slammed the teacup down on the table, and then sat down.

"Sister, you're too kind. I should thank you, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to learn it."

These words, spoken by Zeng Chenhua, sounded like sarcasm. Xu Huanong, however, was not annoyed. She slightly curled the corners of her lips, picked up her teacup, and leaned over to refill Zeng Chenhua's teacup.

"Why haven't you come to visit me in so long? What brings you here?"

Since Zeng Chenhua claimed to have a limp, he hasn't gone out much. Xu Huanong hasn't seen Zeng Chenhua for a long time. He seems to have become even thinner. He was leaning on a jade cane in front of her, and his limping appearance made people feel sorry for the once spirited young man.

Seeing Xu Huanong's regretful look, Zeng Chenhua was already used to it and said lightly, "I've heard something about my sister..." He then stopped talking.

Zeng Chenhua turned to look at Xu Huanong's shoulder, where there was still Leng Bicha's blood on it, which had dried and remained on her clothes.

Seeing that Zeng Chenhua remained silent, Xu Huanong followed Zeng Chenhua's gaze to her shoulder, only to find that there was some blood on it when she helped Leng Bicha.

"Oh, about me, I'm not curious." Xu Huanong didn't explain why there was blood, after all, explaining would only be a smear campaign. As for what Zeng Chenhua brought up, she was even less interested, after all, curiosity killed the cat.

Zeng Chenhua put the fan away, dipped his fingers into the tea, and looked up at Xu Huanong, his eyes gleaming. "No, sister, are you interested?"

He then began writing stroke by stroke on the table. Xu Huanong's gaze followed Zeng Chenhua's finger until he wrote the four characters "Chengnan Organization" stroke by stroke. Her pupils shrank, a look of astonishment flashed in her eyes, and she stood there stunned for a moment.

However, he quickly composed himself and his eyes returned to calm once Zeng Chenhua looked up and met his gaze.

“I don’t know what my third brother wants to say. I’m just a weak person, and I don’t even go out sometimes. How would I know what you’ve written?” Xu Huanong said calmly, her tone devoid of any emotion, as if to outsiders it was none of her business.

The water written on the table was carried away by the wind and disappeared without a trace in a moment, leaving no trace of its original location.

Zeng Chenhua's eyes were calm, but his voice was deep and powerful as he said, "Sister, all these years you've just been claiming to be sick. Only you know whether you're really sick or not!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Huanong appeared calm on the outside, but inside she was churning with turbulent emotions.

"If I'm really faking my illness as my third brother says, then all will be well. This frail body is causing me to cough incessantly in the middle of the night." After saying that, she even coughed in coordination. The cough was mild at first, but then tears streamed down Xu Huanong's cheeks.

Zeng Chenhua took out a handkerchief from somewhere and handed it to Xu Huanong to wipe her tears.

However, Zeng Chenhua wasn't just looking at appearances. He stared intently at Xu Huanong in front of him and said casually, "Sister, you don't need to work so hard in front of your family."

Xu Huanong gently stopped coughing. Although she was actually fine, she found it difficult to stop coughing once it started.

It's unclear whether Zeng Chenhua was referring to Xu Huanong's internal affairs or external organization, but his gaze seemed to be trying to see through Xu Huanong.

Zeng Chenhua took out the Flying Swallow Dart and placed it in front of Xu Huanong. He didn't want to watch her act anymore and asked seriously, "Sister, does this dart look familiar?"

He had intended to pretend and deceive Zeng Chenhua, but he never expected that Zeng Chenhua would actually present him with evidence.

The flying swallow dart was no different from an ordinary dart, but what was most special was that the shape of the inlay was a crescent shape that belonged to Xu Huanong. If it were an ordinary person, they would not have noticed it carefully, but after the fight in the passage that day, Zeng Chenhua specially picked up a dart and discovered it after a close inspection.

If it were just a simple crescent shape, no one would suspect Xu Huanong, but there was a star shape inside the crescent. Several years ago, Zeng Chenhua accidentally saw this shape in a secluded spot in Xu Huanong's private carriage.

Years later, when he saw the crescent shape again, he wondered if it was Xu Huanong's doing.

"Sister, you've been feigning weakness for the past few years while secretly building this organization, haven't you? I know what the court is investigating lately, and I can help you resolve it." Upon hearing this, it seemed Zeng Chenhua knew about the previous collusion between officials and businessmen. Their ambitions had grown too large, and now they'd brought trouble upon themselves.

Since he said so, why not just take advantage of it?

Xu Huanong hadn't expected to be able to hide it from Zeng Chenhua, so she recklessly asked, "What are the conditions?"

It's so late, and he still came to see me. If it weren't for any conditions, there would be no need for him to waste so much time with me. It seems that this younger brother has started to make a plan.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes. Under the moonlight, he smiled, realizing that his plan had succeeded and was going as he had predicted.

“Sister, of course it is…”

Zeng Chenhua leaned closer to Xu Huanong and whispered some of his future plans. He wanted to thank his older sister for establishing this organization, otherwise…

The wind was quite strong that night, howling and rustling the new buds on the trees.

Zeng Chenhua and Xu Huanong were plotting, knowing that after this night, something new was bound to happen underground.

"Miss Jiang!"

This voice stopped Jiang Chaoyu in her tracks. Jiang Chaoyu, whose injuries had not yet healed, was now suffering new wounds.

By the moonlight, Jiang Chaoyu slowly walked home through the alley.

Suddenly she was called to a stop. She recognized the voice as Xie Yunyin's and slowly turned around.

But they met eyes that burned with passion, eyes brimming with joy.

He strode quickly to her side. Jiang Chaoyu was in a lot of pain, but she still greeted him with a smile.

"Little Fish, it's you."

A smile tugged at her pale lips, her eyes crinkling as she looked at Xie Yunyin before her.

Xie Yunyin immediately noticed something was wrong; Jiang Chaoyu seemed very fragile.

"What’s wrong with you?"

Jiang Chaoyu waved her hand, indicating that there was nothing wrong with her current state, as anyone with eyes could see the problem; it was just a few minor injuries.

They then continued walking forward.

"I fought someone and I won!" He was very proud when he said the word "win," after all, that person was someone who could fight his master to a standstill, which meant that he was also on par with his master.

"Do you need a doctor?"

Xie Yunyin was also encountering this situation for the first time and didn't know how to handle it, only saying that he could find a doctor.

Jiang Chaoyu stopped and looked at Xie Yunyin, saying, "I am a young lady of the Jiang family. Although I have never gone out, how can you tell my identity from my clothes?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Yunyin fell silent, then offered an apology.

"It was my oversight."

"But I'm still quite happy to see you." Jiang Chaoyu avoided the topic and spoke about it with a smile.

Then, step by step, she walked forward. Xie Yunyin's surprised and delighted look was so dazzling that she didn't know how to start speaking.

She said softly, "Because I saved you, and you've been alive ever since, I feel like I have one more reason to live in this world."

It was because she saved others that Jiang Chaoyu realized that she had formed a bond with this world. She also saved many people, which made her feel that her life had value, even in an unfamiliar world.

But Xie Yunyin heard these words and felt something else entirely.

She would be grateful to be alive—this was the first time she had heard this answer. Having lived through misfortune, and constantly surrounded by voices of disdain, she had grown accustomed to it over the years. But why did her eyes well up with tears when she first heard this answer?

Jiang Chaoyu didn't notice this change and continued walking slowly, after all, her injuries were affecting her.

Thinking of her parents in the other world, Jiang Chaoyu could only say, "Living, it's good to be alive." As long as you're alive, there's hope. Even if things are the worst, just being alive is the greatest blessing.

"But where are you going?"

Jiang Chaoyu was very curious, having recently run into Xie Yunyin in some inappropriate places.

"Execute the mission."

This was the first time Xie Yunyin had told Jiang Chaoyu the truth. In fact, he was also part of the South City Organization, and even more so, he was the apprentice of Leng Bicha, the third-in-command.

Jiang Chaoyu didn't expect Xie Yunyin to say it to her directly, but so be it.

"Oh, be careful."

In the spring sunshine, butterflies fluttered and all kinds of flowers bloomed in competition. After a spring rain, some petals were knocked off, and raindrops still clung to the petals, slowly sliding down. After the spring rain, the royal feast was held.

The grand spring banquet is not only a celebration of spring, but also a celebration of welcoming beautiful young women into every household. This grand banquet is held in the suburbs, and everyone, whether commoners or high-ranking officials, is invited to go on a spring outing. After the high-ranking officials return from their outings, it is time for performances, and at that time, women from the royal family will be granted permission to marry into their homes.

Cui Cui was dressing up Jiang Chaoyu, hoping that her young mistress could find a good family.

Jiang Chaoyu looked at herself in the bronze mirror. The person in the mirror was more beautiful than usual. She applied rouge and lipstick, thinking to herself, "Second Prince, you must remember your promise!"

Today is exceptionally lively, perhaps because it's the day to welcome spring. Vendors are hawking their wares on the streets, and everyone is out enjoying the spring scenery.

Jiang Chaoyu was leaning back in her seat, resting with her eyes closed. The headdress on her head was a bit heavy, pressing against her neck and causing some pain. She held the headdress with her hand, and only when the headdress was supported did Jiang Chaoyu feel much better about her neck.

"Didn't we say we'd go on a spring outing first? Why did Father send this headdress through someone?"

Jiang Chaoyu looked at Cuicui beside her, who was also helping Jiang Chaoyu hold up her headdress. "Perhaps she hopes that Miss will look better."

Cui Cui didn't dare to speculate too much about her master's affairs, so she could only answer in this way.

The carriage headed towards the outskirts of the city. The muddy roads made the carriage bump around a bit, and Jiang Chaoyu freed one hand to hold on tightly so that she wouldn't be shaken too badly.

Lifting the curtain, I looked out at the vibrant spring scenery. Spring flowers bloomed across the fields, and the spring breeze carried their fragrance to everyone, as if reminding them of the arrival of spring.

Jiang Chaoyu looked around. There was even a group of people walking on the side of the road, but they were all unfamiliar faces. Jiang Chaoyu didn't recognize any of them.

He pulled back the curtain and sat casually in the carriage, doing whatever made him comfortable.

It takes an hour to travel from the capital to Chunhua Temple. Whether commoners or officials, everyone goes to Chunhua Temple to pray for a smooth and prosperous year. Officials usually travel by carriage, so the people Jiang Chaoyu saw earlier were all ordinary people, dressed in what they considered their best clothes to pray.

Perhaps because she had gotten up too early, Jiang Chaoyu felt sleepy and leaned back listlessly, feeling weak all over, her upper and lower eyelids constantly fighting each other.

Jiang Chaoyu slowly closed her eyes, muttering, "Cuicui, call me when we get there..."

"Miss, Miss." Jiang Chaoyu was shaken awake by Cui Cui. She felt like she had just closed her eyes and hadn't even had time to fall asleep yet. Jiang Chaoyu dodged Cui Cui's hand, turned her face to the other side, and said a little impatiently, "Cui Cui, I haven't fallen asleep yet. Let me sleep for a while."

But Cui Cui kept shaking Jiang Chaoyu, saying helplessly, "But Miss, we've arrived."

Jiang Chaoyu was so sleepy that she didn't even notice the carriage had stopped. But as soon as she heard what Cui Cui said, she was wide awake and pulled open the curtain of the carriage.

All that could be seen were the carriages of other officials' daughters, each wearing a heavy headdress. Just then, Jiang Yuyao walked up to Jiang Chaoyu, who suddenly pulled back the curtain, her face still showing shock.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing this, Jiang Yuyao had no choice but to ask, but Jiang Chaoyu shook her head and said it was nothing. When Jiang Chaoyu got off the carriage, she was still holding onto her headdress, and it was only with Cui Cui's help that she was able to get off the carriage steadily.

Standing before Jiang Yuyao, she wore an elegant cloud-patterned robe that trailed on the ground, but the most elaborate adornment she wore was her headdress.

Jiang Chaoyu had never worn this before. Perhaps Prime Minister Jiang was thinking of finding a suitable family for Jiang Chaoyu, so he sent over the most precious thing a young lady could afford. But this made things difficult for Jiang Chaoyu, who had to alternate between using both hands to support herself.

"Sister, you should be more mindful of your behavior in front of guests." Jiang Yuyao said this casually, as if she was reminding Jiang Chaoyu of something, or perhaps she was simply annoyed with Jiang Chaoyu.

After saying this, Jiang Yuyao walked in front of Jiang Chaoyu. Jiang Chaoyu saw that Jiang Yuyao was also wearing such a heavy headdress and wondered how she could walk with such ease.

Seeing Jiang Yuyao's words, Jiang Chaoyu had no choice but to put her hands down. However, as soon as she put her hands down, the entire weight of the headdress fell on her neck again. Jiang Chaoyu could only comfort herself in her heart that she would feel better by evening.

So they followed Jiang Yuyao into Chunhua Temple. The maids and servants who followed were only allowed to enter and pay their respects after their mistress came out.

Jiang Chaoyu wanted to hurry inside and pay her respects before getting into the carriage, so she quickly walked to Jiang Yuyao's side.

Upon entering the main hall, I took the incense offered by the monk and knelt on the prayer seat.

With her eyes closed, Jiang Chaoyu followed the monk's instructions step by step, making a wish in her heart: "I want to go home, back to my home in the modern world."

With a bow and a gesture, the weight of the headdress nearly caused Jiang Chaoyu to stumble forward, but fortunately Jiang Yuyao caught her.

"If you don't want to worship, go wait outside." Jiang Yuyao's face darkened upon seeing this, and her words carried a hint of reprimand.

Seeing that the cigarette in her hand had been extinguished, and since she didn't believe in such things anyway, Jiang Chaoyu followed Jiang Yuyao's words and walked out of the main hall, leaving Jiang Yuyao alone inside.

The small courtyard seen from the side gate appeared deserted, with pear blossoms in full bloom.

Jiang Chaoyu rubbed her neck, feeling a bit sore.

Goldfish swam in the pond beside her, and Jiang Chaoyu leaned over to look at them. A pear petal fell into the water, causing ripples on the surface. The fish seemed startled, flicked their tails, and swam quickly away.

"This fish is so timid." This casual remark reached Jiang Chaoyu's ears. Looking at the rippling water, she saw Zeng Chenhua standing in front of her. He was smiling at her, and Jiang Chaoyu, like that timid fish, trembled.