Chapter 6: An Old Acquaintance

As Zhao Jiao left, she casually tapped a few times on the tea house counter. When she stepped out, a figure followed closely behind.

In the private room, Yin Sumo continued sipping tea, admiring the view.

“Your Highness, I will investigate immediately,” Lingdang’s eyes gleamed with purpose.

It sounded sincere, but verification was still necessary.

“Truths and lies intermingle; no need to investigate further. Just have someone keep watch. A fifth-rank official’s illegitimate daughter—she’s even a mystery to me. The princess’s birthday banquet should be starting soon. Better late than never. Let’s go.”

“Your Highness, will you just let her use you like that? When did our master become so easy to persuade?”

“Consider it a rare act of kindness from me.”

Marrying an old man was indeed a pity; Xu Guodong was a poor father.

Since Zhao Jiao’s words at the palace gate, Yun Xiang had become much more obedient.

“Are you afraid of me?”

Inside the carriage, Zhao Jiao glanced at Yun Xiang, inwardly sighing—she seemed to have scared the girl.

“No, mistress! What you said is right, but I would never disrespect you, I…”

Zhao Jiao raised an eyebrow. The girl was teachable and not too foolish. In that case, she was willing to say a little more.

“Do you feel I’m different from before? Yun Xiang, I’m a woman who’s died once. If I were still timid and weak like before, I’d only die again. Surviving a catastrophe means living differently. Don’t you agree?”

Yun Xiang nodded, understanding somewhat.

Zhao Jiao didn’t delve deeper, just asked, “Have you made up your mind? Will you still follow me?”

Now she understood clearly, and hurriedly nodded.

“I will serve you all my life!” The girl perhaps forgot that when she first arrived, she was nearly beaten to death by Aunt Qiu for being incapable. It was Zhao Jiao’s kindness that saved her.

Zhao Jiao smiled slightly, ending the subject. She parted the curtain, then gave instructions. “There’s a fruit shop ahead. Tell the coachman to pull over to avoid blocking the road. Go buy some sweet fruits; Brother Jun and Auntie need medicine to mask the bitterness. Also, have the coachman buy some writing supplies—brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone.”

“Yes, mistress!”

Yun Xiang obediently carried out the orders.

Once the carriage stopped, Yun Xiang and the coachman went off to make their purchases. A shadow appeared beside the carriage.

The carriage stopped just so that no angle revealed the figure standing on the opposite side.

Tentatively, the person tapped on the carriage window a few times.

Zhao Jiao immediately replied with a few taps from inside.

“May I ask who the lady is?”

The voice was hoarse, the person’s head bowed low beneath a wide-brimmed hat, hiding their face. Yet through the gap, Zhao Jiao recognized them instantly. Though the face was now unrecognizable, those eyes were unmistakable!

Inside the carriage, Zhao Jiao closed her eyes and whispered softly, “Xuliu, is that you?”

Outside, the figure stiffened, unable to restrain themselves from lifting the window. Seeing Zhao Jiao’s face, their hopeful gaze instantly turned to disappointment.

“Sorry to disturb you.”

As the window rolled down, Zhao Jiao raised her hand to shield, tears shimmering as she smiled gently at the other. “Xuliu, is it really you?”

Such a beautiful person, now transformed into this terrifying visage.

“You…”

The other suddenly lifted their head, eyes scanning Zhao Jiao’s face again and again.

“It’s me. I’ve returned!”

Their pupils contracted, breathing heavy, body trembling slightly.

“You are…”

Words failed to form a sentence, eyes cautious, as if afraid the dream would shatter.

“You were burned? That fire was terrible. I came to see it—a grand mansion reduced to ruins. Such a huge blaze…”

Tears filled Zhao Jiao’s eyes as she looked at the other. The glance she had caught at the tea house earlier nearly made her unable to recognize him.

She had died, yet he still waited there. Was he foolish? If that person found out, how could he survive?

“…Princess?”

Xuliu’s voice quivered, disbelief overwhelming him. Yet the title buried deep in his heart for two years slipped out instinctively.

Zhao Jiao nodded with difficulty.

Xuliu, her personal guard—it was truly him.

“…Princess? You are the princess… you’re still alive?! How…”

Tears streamed down Xuliu’s face. Though the face was strange, why did he so easily believe?

“It’s a long story. This isn’t a safe place to stay. Tomorrow, try to come to the Xu residence. I am now the fifth miss of the Xu family.”

Not wanting to say more here, Zhao Jiao gently touched her cheek, restraining her emotions as she soothed him quietly.

At that moment, Yun Xiang returned with the fruits and climbed back into the carriage.

Xuliu hurriedly pulled down his hat and vanished into the crowd.

Soon, the coachman also returned, and the carriage slowly headed toward the Xu estate.

Yun Xiang noticed tears streaking Zhao Jiao’s face but said nothing, silently handing over a handkerchief, assuming her mistress was sorrowful once again.

The journey was silent.

When they arrived at the Xu estate, the Lu family had only just entered not long ago.

As Zhao Jiao dismounted, Madam Kang, waiting at the gate, immediately came forward.

“Fifth Miss, madam specially sent me to deliver a message.”

Madam Kang spoke while discreetly studying Zhao Jiao.

“What did mother say?” Zhao Jiao asked gently.

“Madam said the fifth miss is good. As a mother, she hopes you marry well. The marriage with the Lu family is not a good match, but she has no say in the matter. She was just following orders to arrange it. Fortunately, the fifth miss has her own talents… This is Madam’s small token of support.”

Madam Kang finished, producing several silver notes and pressing them into Zhao Jiao’s hand.

Zhao Jiao was slightly surprised—silver notes? For Madam Kang to personally wait and hand them over at this time, it must be for something important!

“Thank you, Mother. Madam Kang, I heard Mother has been unwell. Is it serious?”

Madam Kang lowered her head and sighed. “The doctor said it’s from overwork. She will need rest for a while. Fortunately, early this morning, Master sent someone to invite the matron. With her managing the household, Madam will be more at ease. Fifth Miss, Master has ordered you to see him immediately upon your return. Don’t delay—go quickly!”

Zhao Jiao accepted the silver without ceremony, nodding softly. “I will go now. I will visit Mother later.”

She then headed toward the main hall, pondering Madam Kang’s words. Was this a sign that Xu Guodong no longer allowed Mistress Qiu’s household to manage affairs?

Such a small Xu estate, yet so much drama!

Outside the main hall, voices of dispute drifted out.

“Lord Xu, your daughter is far beyond the Lu family’s reach. We have returned the fifth miss to you with all due respect. Please refund the five thousand taels of betrothal gifts in full!”

“How can a marriage be called off so easily? When that girl returns, I’ll ask for a full explanation and make sure the Lu family accounts for this!”

“There’s no need for that. My master said the Lu family’s status is low, and this marriage was indeed unsuitable. Lord Xu, just return the betrothal gifts, and this matter will be settled!”

Now Zhao Jiao understood why Mistress Qiu had sent silver notes through Madam Kang.

Seeing Xu Guodong’s embarrassed expression and recalling the silver notes delivered by Mistress Qiu, Zhao Jiao found herself speechless.

This man, who pretended to be respectable—no, he was utterly shameless!

Selling his daughter before she even left home, and the money was already spent?

Five thousand taels! He really had nerve!

“Lord Xu, surely you don’t want to make this too ugly. Even if this goes to court, the fault lies with your family. If it turns ugly, it will damage your reputation…”

“Here are five thousand taels back to you. From now on, marriages are none of our concern!”

Zhao Jiao was tired of listening. She stepped over the threshold, clutching the silver notes, and walked inside.

The Lu family, there to cancel the engagement, were stunned to see her.

How dare a mere girl speak out? Marriage was dictated by parents and matchmakers. Why did she come forward herself? Wait, is this the fifth miss?

“How dare you! Get down immediately!”

Embarrassed, Xu Guodong shouted with a dark face, but his eyes kept stealing glances at the silver notes in Zhao Jiao’s hand.