Luo Bo paced back and forth outside the gate of the young master’s residence. When he saw someone returning, he hurried forward to ask, “What did the young lady say?”

Yan Shi’an had removed the parts about trust from the conversation but didn’t conceal anything else.

“She wants to stir the waters in the capital—only then can she fish in troubled waters.” Luo Bo followed the young master inside. “The young lady seems to suspect the Prime Minister and the Grand Tutor.”

“There aren’t many people who can touch the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household. Those nobles have depended on them for years. Even if there were some friction, it wouldn’t be enough to warrant exterminating the entire family. It’s normal to suspect those two.”

Luo Bo nodded. “You’re right, Young Master. Even though the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s house isn’t as powerful as before, its foundation is still there. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare move against them.”

Yan Shi’an took a handkerchief from Yan Yi and wiped his hands. “The Buddha peaches delivered this morning were quite good. Pick the best ones and send them to the young lady.”

Yan Yi responded and, seeing the cook had brought the food, helped set the table.

“Do it now,” Yan Shi’an urged.

Startled, Yan Yi quickly withdrew to carry out the order.

It looked like he was trying to appease someone. Luo Bo mulled this over and cautiously asked, “The young lady’s upset?”

Upset was an understatement—she’d been angry enough to throw him out on the spot. Yan Shi’an picked up his chopsticks and counted grains of rice. Trust—he had always been taught how to guard against others. But deep down, he was a little happy. There was someone at home who would lose her temper with him, who would be blunt with him. That kind of reaction made her feel real—and made him feel alive too.

“Young Master, a letter has arrived.” Yan Ze came in quickly, lifting his robes, and handed over a sealed letter.

Yan Shi’an paused, chopsticks mid-air. He didn’t take the letter right away, only receiving it and opening it after he finished his meal at a leisurely pace.

This letter had arrived later than expected. He had someone new by his side now—it was impossible for them not to know.

There were only a few words inside:
“Tomorrow, si hour (9–11 a.m.), Jianguo Temple.”

Folding the letter back along its original creases, Yan Shi’an said, “Tell my teacher I’ll be taking leave tomorrow. I’ve had a nightmare and will go to Jianguo Temple to offer incense.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jianguo Temple was renowned for its incense offerings. Over time, a bustling market had naturally formed just outside. People came and went—it was lively and chaotic.

But once you stepped into Jianguo Temple, the noise seemed to vanish. Though just as crowded, the atmosphere inside was calm and devout.

Yan Shi’an offered incense in the main hall, looking up at the gold-gilded statue of the Bodhisattva. His gaze was so solemn that no one dared disturb him. When he turned around, an old maidservant who had been waiting in the corner stepped out to lead the way.

He followed her slowly, as if indifferent, and entered a courtyard. The door closed behind them.

Inside the main hall, a woman dressed in white sat on a meditation cushion with her back to him. Her hair was tied into a simple bun with a single wooden hairpin. She wore no other adornments.

Yan Shi’an stepped over the threshold and bowed deeply. “Mother.”

The woman didn’t move. Her voice was raspy. “From childhood, I taught you never to act on impulse, and never to place yourself in danger. Your life does not belong to you alone. Have you forgotten all of that?”

“I haven’t.”

“If you haven’t forgotten, then you certainly haven’t listened. Who is she?”

“Shi Buyu, the so-called jinx from the Shi family who died young. We made a deal.” Yan Shi’an looked at her back and recounted the details of their agreement and the negotiations with the Shi family, subtly highlighting Shi Buyu’s talents while downplaying her methods.

The woman seemed as though she wanted to turn around, but ultimately suppressed the urge. “The Shi family is willing to serve you?”

“They are.”

“They acknowledge her?”

“They do.”

“She can be trusted?”

“Yes.”

“Is someone backing her?”

“Most likely.”

The woman was silent for a moment. “Even if she’s immensely capable, you shouldn’t place yourself in danger.”

Yan Shi’an’s lips curved slightly. “Don’t worry, Mother. I never forget that my life isn’t mine alone. I won’t lose it so easily.”

The woman was quiet for longer this time. “Will she continue living under your roof?”

“She’s now my cousin—her parents are gone, and she’s come to seek refuge with me. I’ve already settled her identity.” He paused briefly, then added, “There’s someone capable behind her. Whether I use them through her, or bring them out to serve me directly, it benefits me all the same.”

“There’s no need for wordplay. If someone is useful to you, I won’t touch them. But you must know what can and cannot be done. You must never let a hidden threat remain by your side.”

“I understand.” Yan Shi’an’s tone was calm. “Do you have any other questions, Mother?”

After a while, the woman said hoarsely, “You may go.”

Yan Shi’an bowed again. “Take care of your health, Mother. Your son takes his leave.”

The woman didn’t respond. She listened to his footsteps recede, heard the door open and close. Then her straight back suddenly slumped, and a series of low, persistent coughs echoed through the hall.

---

Shi Buyu lay sprawled at one end of the rain-covered corridor, munching on a Buddha peach while tossing rice grains to the fish in the pond below.

Wan Xia walked over with a cup of tea. “You’ve fed yourself Buddha peaches all morning and given those fish rice all morning. They’re all stuffed by now.”

“Gotta fatten them up quickly—there are so many ways to cook fish.” Shi Buyu licked the juice off her dripping fingers. “Later, when Yan Shi’an comes, I’ll ask him where he got these Buddha peaches. They’re delicious.”

“They are good-looking,” Wan Xia said, wiping her hands with a damp cloth and teasing, “Just one peach and you’re not mad anymore?”

“Well, I ate his peach, so I let it go.”

Wan Xia’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Shi Buyu tossed the cleaned peach pit into the pond, scattering the fish. Resting her chin on her arms, she muttered, “If he were the type to trust people so easily, his grave would’ve sprouted weeds three feet high by now.”

“Then why were you still angry?”

“So what if he’s never trusted anyone? I’ve never not been trusted before—why can’t I be angry?”

Fair point. Wan Xia stood firmly on her young lady’s side. “If he comes, just ignore him.”

“Unless he brings more Buddha peaches. I love those.”

Wan Xia couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Her young lady was something else—fierce and fearless outside, greedy and lazy at home. But she was just so endearing. You’d want to bring her every good thing in the world.

The two stopped talking and leaned on the railing, watching as the scattered fish slowly regrouped, swimming around the same spot as if they knew they’d get fed there.

Shi Buyu’s rebellious streak flared up again—so she decided not to feed them anymore.

Yan Shi’an walked in on this exact scene: Shi Buyu lazily sprawled there, Wan Xia smiling indulgently beside her. It looked less like a mistress and her servant, and more like a mother and daughter.

Far more affectionate than his own relationship with his mother.

“Young Master Yan,” Wan Xia stood and offered a slight curtsy. When she saw he really was holding a plate of Buddha peaches, her smile deepened.

Nodding to Wan Xia, Yan Shi’an approached. “Buddha peaches don’t keep long. I can’t finish them all myself, so I’ve brought more for my cousin.”

Shi Buyu rested her chin in her hand and looked at him. “Where did you buy them? Are there more?”

He instantly realized she liked them. Placing the peaches in front of her, he said, “I’ll have someone bring more.”

Alright then—relations temporarily restored.