Chapter Twenty-One: The Eve Before Entering the Jia Residence (1)

Shi Yi held onto Zhao Qingpan’s hand as they walked deeper into Ningrong Street, turning into a quiet alleyway along the way.

“Sir, you can let go now,” she said softly.

“Apologies, it was a moment of urgency,” Shi Yi replied with a polite smile, bowing his hand in courtesy.

Zhao Qingpan nodded, cheeks flushed red. It was the first time she’d been so closely touched by a man.

Shi Yi, however, didn’t dwell on it. He cautioned, “Miss Zhao, that Wu Qingtang is used to arrogance. Now that he’s set his sights on you, I fear you’ll need to find somewhere else to stay.”

Her expression dimmed, and she bowed in return. “You are right, sir. I am grateful for your assistance once again.”

Shi Yi accepted her gratitude graciously. “If you have nowhere to go for now, you might consider Dongcheng Zongan Alley. I live nearby; I could look after you a little.”

She looked at him, seeing sincerity and dignity—a gentleman’s bearing from start to finish. After pondering for a moment with a furrowed brow, Zhao Qingpan still shook her head. “Thank you for your kindness, sir. I have already received such favor today; I cannot ask for more.”

She had learned, living in the world, that caution was always necessary; one could never truly know another’s heart.

Shi Yi had merely acted from compassion; seeing her politely refuse, he didn’t press further. “Then I wish—”

“Wait, wait—we’ll go, we’ll go!” a hurried voice interrupted.

Shi Yi looked up to see a figure nimbly jump down from the corner of the high wall.

“Master Yi, my sister wants to go. She’s shy, so as her brother, I’ll agree on her behalf. We’ll trouble you for your care in the future!” The young man greeted them with a grin, his face vaguely familiar.

“Who are you?” Shi Yi asked in confusion.

Zhao San pointed southeast, reminding him, “Hey, sir, you don’t recognize me? At Datong Bridge dock, remember…?”

Shi Yi suddenly laughed in realization. “I remember you. Weren’t you the one who stole my jade pendant the other day?”

“I won’t steal your things again,” Zhao San replied, scratching his head sheepishly.

Hearing their exchange, Zhao Qingpan stood frozen in place.

Shi Yi turned to her, deliberately asking with a smile, “Miss Zhao, I didn’t expect you really had a brother.”

He felt tricked again—if he claimed not to be annoyed, it would be a lie.

“I… I…” Zhao Qingpan’s gaze drifted, guilt making her unable to meet his eyes. Her small hands nervously tugged at her embroidered skirt.

She hadn’t expected her own brother to steal from her benefactor.

Whatever pride she’d felt earlier was now utterly worthless.

The more she thought, the more aggrieved she felt, tears welling at the corners of her eyes.

The lie exposed, everyone now knew she had a wanted thief for a brother.

She felt mortified, tears glistening in her eyes, and she turned to her brother, crying out angrily.

“It’s all your fault!”

With that, she tossed her spear aside, wiped her tears, and fled in distress.

Shi Yi frowned, thinking to himself, “Was I too harsh?”

Zhao San seemed unconcerned, stepping forward and bowing. “Master Yi, you are upright and now have saved my sister. I have no way to repay this debt except with my life—please, I beg you, look after her.”

Shi Yi shook his head and waved his hand. “It was nothing. But as her brother, you bring her trouble. I advise you to change your ways—stop thieving.”

Zhao San scratched his head and laughed. “I don’t think I can turn back. The only thing I care about is my sister.”

He paused, eyes darting as he quietly probed, “Master Yi, what do you think of my sister?”

A question without warning.

Shi Yi was taken aback, but then his expression darkened. “If I had a brother like you, I’d give you a punch to make you blossom like a peach tree.” He raised his fist the size of a sandbag.

With that, he strode out of the alley.

Not refusing, yet not agreeing—Zhao San pondered for a moment, then smiled knowingly.

Meanwhile, in the South Study of Qianqing Palace,

Prince Zhongsun frowned and asked, “Marquis Zhongjing, how confident are you about this border inspection?”

Shi Ding’s brows were tightly knit as he answered in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, Prince, most of the southern border is guarded by the former troops of Duke Nan’an, and Hexi by those of Duke Xining. I fear little will be accomplished in the short term.”

Emperor Qiande tapped the imperial desk thoughtfully. “Whether for the court or human relations, my arrangements are already in place. Just bring back the names on that board for me.”

Both Prince Zhongsun and Shi Ding were startled, exchanging glances—they hadn’t expected the emperor’s designs to be so far-reaching.

Shi Ding hurriedly bowed. “I will not fail in your command, Your Majesty.”

…

When Shi Yi left the palace earlier, it was already midday.

He strode swiftly toward the Rongguo Mansion, passing through the main gate, the ceremonial gate, and the south hall.

Entering the courtyard, he saw Jin Chuan’er sitting under the veranda, lost in thought.

Shi Yi walked straight to her side and sat down, not saying a word.

Jin Chuan was the first to speak, delighted. “Master Yi, you’ve finally returned! I’ve looked for you three times!”

Shi Yi remembered something and took out a little doll he’d bought on the street, placing it in her soft hand.

He smiled, “Thank you, sister. I hope you don’t mind this little doll.”

He’d already rewarded her with silver earlier; now, another gift. Jin Chuan’er was startled by the favor, quickly declining, not daring to accept.

Shi Yi gently pressed her hand back, patiently saying, “Sister Jin Chuan, have we grown distant? Or do you dislike it?”

“No, no, not at all,” Jin Chuan’er replied, blushing and shaking her head.

Shi Yi laughed, “Then please accept it. Did Miss Lin say anything?”

Turning to business,

Jin Chuan hurriedly took a folded paper from her pouch and handed it to him with both hands.

“Miss Lin said nothing, just asked me to give this to you, sir.”

Shi Yi opened it curiously—a small, simple drawing, with a poem beside it. He couldn’t help but smile.

He tucked the paper into his palm, considered for a moment, then asked Jin Chuan, “Is Miss Lin with the old lady right now?”

Jin Chuan hesitated, shaking her head. “I don’t know. Should I go see Miss Lin and come back to tell you?”

Shi Yi nodded. “And see if Baoyu is there!”

Jin Chuan’er cheerfully agreed and hurried off.

Soon, she returned.

Jin Chuan came up the corridor, smiling. “Master Yi, Miss Lin is in her room, not with the old lady. I just happened to see Second Master Bao leaving Miss Lin’s courtyard.”

As expected, that thick-skinned Baoyu had gone over again.

Shi Yi asked curiously, “Did you see Baoyu? Did he say anything?”

Jin Chuan’er pouted. “Second Master Bao didn’t seem happy, he ignored me completely!”

Apparently, he’d been given the cold shoulder.

Shi Yi chuckled to himself, and without further thought, got up and headed toward Daiyu’s courtyard.

Jin Chuan stood there, looking at the doll in her hand, hesitating whether to follow.

Just then, Shi Yi stood under the corridor and called to her, “Sister Jin Chuan, if you’re not busy, I’d like to ask your help with something!”