Even though the servants around Shen Chun weren’t as devoted as those in Ganlin Courtyard, none of them dared to just stand there and watch her being tossed into the lake. Once that meddling Liu Yiniang came back, would they even have a chance to survive? Soon enough, pleas, excuses, attempts to drag Shen Chun away, even scuffles with Shen Qian and the others broke out—what a spectacle!

Thanks to the crowd protecting her, Shen Chun ultimately wasn’t dumped into the lake. But Shen Qian wasn’t inclined to let her off easy. In the chaos, he grabbed a basin of water and splashed it right over Shen Chun’s head.

After all, she was just a young “little master,” and the shock made her collapse into tears—no trace left of her earlier arrogance. She sobbed and cursed a bit, then, with the servants’ cover, fled in embarrassment, leaving a dripping trail behind.

Ye Gui didn’t miss a beat, shouting from the back, “And anyone dares fetch her a doctor, I’ll personally break their legs!”

Shen Qian, whose sleeve had also gotten splashed, rolled it up and said, “She won’t get one anyway—the city’s under martial lockdown, all soldiers, nobody’s allowed out.” He was in high spirits after such a satisfying thrashing and grinned, “Karma’s a cycle—no escaping payback!”

Too bad it wasn’t a proper dunk in that lake.

“Guess we’ll have to think of something else next time.”

Ye Gui paused at that, then murmured after a moment, “…Well, I suppose you’re right.”

His body suddenly looked a bit weak, swaying on his feet. Zhan Er panicked, “Young Master, better go lie down—you’re still burning up.”

Half-supporting Ye Gui back, Zhan Er found him squirming awkwardly but too limp to resist. He was hauled back to bed, pale-cheeked and still flushed, taking ages to calm down before asking Shen Qian about the streets.

Shen Qian even told him about running into the commanding officer: “Lots of soldiers are forcing people back home. I heard the gates are sealed—martial lockdown all over. Feels like something big’s about to happen.”

Everyone but Ye Gui exchanged worried looks. But Ye Gui stared at Shen Qian for a long moment and said, “You’ve got guts and wit. From now on, stay by my side to serve me.”

All the stuff that happened after he woke up had him feeling ridiculously useless. The maids and attendants in the courtyard were loyal enough but timid, always overthinking. Only this round-faced “little master” showed some courage and decisiveness—and was actually useful to look at.

Zhan Er hesitated. “But Young Master, Xiao Die is already your personal attendant.”

Ye Gui: “…”

Shen Qian stifled a laugh. “Zhan Er jie jie, young master must be too mad to think straight.”

Ye Gui shot him a sideways glance and let out a faint “hmph.”

Shen Qian decided not to press—this wasn’t the time to expose Ye Gui’s whims. Xiao Die’s status was too low to deal with Shen Chun and the others. Ye Gui was clearly formidable, whatever his motives. As long as he was around, Shen Qian could rest easier.

Zhan Er was placated and focused on Ye Gui’s health. After the rare triumph at Ganlin Courtyard, she was elated but then worried: “I wonder if Lord Fuchang Bo will scold you when he returns? Also… did the furen really say that if you… meet with misfortune, your dowry would go back to Sheng Guogong Mansion? How do you know?”

Shen Qian shrugged, “Oh, I just made it up.”

Zhan Er: “…”

Actually, it was true—something Lady Fuchang Bo insisted on before she died. Only Fuchang Bo himself, his wife, and Sheng Guogong Mansion knew, plus there was a written agreement in their hands.

Fuchang Bo was furious— not about the dowry, but because his wife meant him too ill will. Even a ferocious tiger doesn’t eat its cub! That agreement was a needless formality, but out of respect for his dying wife’s last wish he signed it. Shen Qian had learned this from the background details of his identity.

Suddenly Ye Gui said, “I’ll make it happen.” His tone was almost grinding his teeth.

So he really did hold a grudge over a little insult—he couldn’t bear it. In this situation, he’d be an excellent ally… Shen Qian felt pleased and carefully tucked the blanket around what was once his own body.

This body was still fragile; he’d need to watch over it more for a comfortable life. Thinking this, he asked Zhan Er, “Zhan Er jie jie, have you eaten dinner yet?”

Zhan Er froze—she’d been busy rescuing Young Master all afternoon and suddenly realized the palace kitchens hadn’t delivered his meal. She bristled, “Those wretches! Fine if they neglect me, but how dare they slight the young master!”

Since Liu Yiniang took charge, every corner of the mansion either tried to win her favor or trembled at the thought. They’d been ignoring Ganlin Courtyard. Shen Qian thought of the city lockdown and decided to strike first before the other estates realized: “Let’s go to the kitchens ourselves and grab some food.”

＊＊＊＊＊＊

Yuxiang Tower

Fuchang Bo Shen Yi’an and his concubine Liu Yufu had just watched the new play upstairs; Liu Yufu then sang a personal encore in their private room.

Today was the day they first met—fifteen years ago, Liu Yufu had debuted here as a courtesan, catching Shen Yi’an’s eye and earning her freedom. Returning to the old haunt naturally stirred sweet memories. Though fifteen years had passed, her beauty had not faded; she was even more enchanting now. Her song left Shen Yi’an so distracted that his hand wandered where it shouldn’t.

Mid-flirtation, a commotion drifted up from below, as though a fight had broken out.

Shen Yi’an frowned, annoyed at the interruption. “Go see who’s causing trouble and toss them out. Don’t let them disrupt Liu Mama’s business.”

Liu Yufu nestled in his arms, cheek against his neck, smiling, “Mama will be so grateful for your help, Ba Ye.”

Liu Yufu was quite the oddity. Most courtesans who married into nobility would cut ties with their past, mortified by their origins. But she treated Yuxiang Tower like her second home, often partying here with Fuchang Bo, and remained close with the madam who raised her.

Shen Yi’an, absurdly enough, was proud to be this brothel’s gentleman patron.

The footman returned, pale as death, walking beside Liu Mama herself. “Ba Ye, the Imperial Guards and City Watch have sealed the city gates—no commoners in or out. Everyone downstairs demanding to leave was turned back. We can’t get out either.”

Shen Yi’an’s face darkened. “They’ve locked down the whole city? What’s happened?”

The footman looked miserable. “We don’t know. I asked. The soldiers wouldn’t say a word.”

“Even I can’t leave?” Shen Yi’an pressed his hand over Liu Yufu’s and whispered, “I’ll go down myself to see.”

Once downstairs, Liu Mama quietly explained the lockdown. She, being open for business, had heard whispers. “They say something’s happened to the crown prince, connected to the regent king’s faction. The emperor is furious and investigating—hence sealing the city. That young master from Jingguo Gong’s mansion is down there too; they tried to leave and got blocked.”

Liu Yufu laughed softly. “Our household never meddles in court matters. It’s none of our business.” Then she smirked. “Actually, the longer the lockdown, the better…”

Her plan was to keep Shen Yi’an here overnight, forcing Shen Chun’s servants to deny him a doctor. With the lockdown, it wouldn’t be “cannot,” it’d be “physically can’t get out.” If anything happened to that “eldest young master,” it was fate’s decree. If the lockdown lasted three to five days… well, that might just seal it.

Liu Mama saw her grin and knew exactly what she was plotting—an idea she and the other sisters had helped hatch. She laughed, “Heaven truly helps you out of this bind! Has Ba Ye been treating you well lately?”

Liu Yufu’s smile deepened. “Thanks to Mama and the sisters for those… little gifts you procured. Ba Ye loves them very much.”

At that moment Shen Yi’an returned, face thunderous. The commanding officer of the East Palace Guards downstairs hadn’t spared him any courtesy: “He gave me a vague lecture about my servants running wild and told me to keep better order. That’s it.” He turned to Liu Mama, “Don’t know when we can leave. We’ll need a clean courtyard prepared.”

Of course, Liu Mama wouldn’t refuse her “Countess’s lady’s husband.” She agreed cheerfully. Liu Yufu tugged Shen Yi’an’s hand shyly, “Why don’t I show you the rooms I once lived in…” She whispered something, and Shen Yi’an suddenly grew impatient, swooping her off toward the back garden.

＊＊＊＊＊＊

Ganlin Courtyard’s dozen or so maids and attendants marched toward the palace kitchens in a grand procession.

Zhan Er nervously tugged at Shen Qian’s sleeve. “Are we really doing the right thing? Isn’t this a bit over the top…?”

Shen Qian: “Zhan Er jie jie, what are you afraid of? Stand your ground! You may be a servant to your master, but among servants you’re the vice‑miss—you’re the eldest young master’s top personal maid. You must be firm to protect him, understand?”

What’s a vice‑miss? Think Qing Wen or Si Qi—burst into the kitchen and smash everything, uh, I mean, grab everything!

Who knows how long the lockdown will last? If it’s three or five days, the village suppliers won’t get through, and the household’s rations will run low. With Ganlin Courtyard’s usual standing, they’d be the first to be cut off.

That won’t do—this body kept burning with fever, craving nourishment. How could they let it starve? Even in this Xiao Die body, he needed good food.

As the first to learn of the city lockdown, Shen Qian wanted to snatch their share before the others even realized. After getting Ye Gui’s blessing, he picked a dozen loyalists—those who yelled the loudest for battle this afternoon. The slackers stayed behind.

Ye Gui narrowed his eyes. “Why didn’t you bring these others?”

Shen Qian guessed he’d noticed the others weren’t reliable and grinned, “Because I know Young Master can handle them!”

Ye Gui snorted.

And there he was, acting all petulant.

Shen Qian looked at him. “So, Young Master, can you keep them in line?”

Ye Gui, trying to suppress a grin, straightened his lips and said solemnly, “Go on—I won’t let you down.”

Zhan Er, usually soft and gentle, had never wielded vice‑miss authority. With Shen Qian’s pep talk, she forced herself to rally. “Alright! For Young Master, I’ll do my best!”

Shen Qian: “Here, I’ll coach you—say it like this…”

Zhan Er looked at him admiringly. “Xiao Die, you’re so amazing today, you’re so different!”

Shen Qian tapped his nose. “It’s all taught by Young Master. See how powerful he is today? I’ve been secretly learning from him for ages.” He cheerfully pushed the blame away.

Zhan Er pouted. “Why didn’t Young Master teach me…” You guys get ahead without me.

“Young Master knows you’re soft‑hearted,” Shen Qian encouraged. “You have to show him your change, your determination, your super-fast learning!”

Fired up, Zhan Er declared, “Yes! I won’t let you or Young Master down!!”

They reached the kitchens. Zhan Er took a deep breath and charged in. Inside, six or seven cooks were eating, and two little kitchen boys stood by serving tea and wine.

Zhan Er flung herself against the door and, in her best sarcastic tone, yelled, “Well done, you lot! Starving the eldest young master while you feast here—so I guess in this Fuchang Bo mansion, you’re the real masters, huh?!”