Plum Courtyard
When Xiao Yaoye heard that Xiao Yaozu had become this year’s Spring Examination supervisor, he couldn’t stop cursing under his breath.
“That good-for-nothing Xiao Yaozu, how does he deserve such good fortune!”
“Don’t be angry, Ye’er. We should plan this carefully.” Liu Yuanniang gently comforted her son.
“No matter how lucky Xiao Yaozu is, he’s still just a lowly Seventh Rank official. Once my son passes the imperial examination, you’ll surely have a brilliant future ahead!”
“Mother, the imperial examination isn’t something you can just pass by wanting to.”
Xiao Yaoye didn’t have much confidence.
Upon hearing about Xiao Yaozu’s appointment as supervisor, Liu Yuanniang began to scheme differently.
When Master Xiao returned to the residence, he went directly to Liu Yuanniang’s room.
During their meal, Liu Yuanniang spoke softly: “Master, I heard Yaozu has become this year’s Spring Examination supervisor.”
Master Xiao paused while picking up food with his chopsticks: “That unfilial son, becoming a supervisor without even telling me. He doesn’t respect me as his father at all.”
Despite his words, his tone revealed a hint of pride and shared glory.
Deep down, he believed Xiao Yaozu had inherited his intelligence.
A calculating glint flashed in Liu Yuanniang’s eyes as she smiled faintly.
“Master, this is actually a great opportunity.”
“You see, our Ye’er is now a Recommended Man, and Yaozu is the supervisor. If Yaozu pulls some strings, Ye’er might achieve outstanding success in this Spring Examination.”
Xiao Yaozu, you’ll always be fertilizer for my son’s growth. My son will only get better and better.
Hearing this, Master Xiao felt tempted and thought Liu Yuanniang made a good point.
Their Xiao Family ancestors had accumulated merits, with the eldest son serving as an official and the second son being a Recommended Man.
When his beloved Ye’er passed the imperial examination, that would be his moment of glory.
“That’s what he should do as the eldest brother. I’ll speak with him when I get the chance. Has that rebellious son returned?”
“Yaozu hasn’t returned to the residence. He’s probably drinking at his usual spot.”
Master Xiao immediately flew into a rage: “That rebellious son must be fooling around with prostitutes outside again! When he returns, I’ll break his legs!”
Liu Yuanniang quickly soothed him: “Master, please calm down. It’s not good for your health to get so angry.”
Master Xiao snorted coldly, clearly very dissatisfied with Xiao Yaozu’s behavior.
But under Liu Yuanniang’s comfort, his emotions gradually settled somewhat.
Orchid Courtyard
“Madam, the Master has gone to Plum Courtyard for dinner again.” A maid’s soft report broke the tense atmosphere at the dining table.
Madam Xiao couldn’t maintain her composure, her gaze falling on the already cooled dishes.
“Mother, I’m hungry. Can we start eating? I need to return to my studies after dinner.” Xiao Yaoming complained while rubbing his stomach.
Father never came to Orchid Courtyard for meals, yet Mother always insisted on waiting.
The food had gone cold.
Madam Xiao frowned slightly, but found some comfort in looking at her son.
“Let’s eat.”
……
Meanwhile, Xiao Yaozu was leisurely strolling through the streets of Bianjing.
His outstanding figure attracted many young women’s attention.
[Host, how do you still have money?] The System sounded somewhat puzzled.
The corners of Xiao Yaozu’s mouth lifted slightly, revealing a sly expression.
[Besides the jade pendant, I also pocketed a money bag last night.]
As he spoke, he took another bite of the candied hawthorn in his hand, the sweet and sour flavor spreading in his mouth.
[This candied hawthorn is quite delicious.]
Through a street-facing window, Eighth Prince’s gaze casually swept across the scene, but was suddenly captured by a particular figure.
Xiao Yaozu, who was strolling around with a candied hawthorn skewer, once again heard Xiao Yaozu’s inner thoughts…
The evening breeze brushed against Xiao Yaozu’s cheeks, with a few strands of hair playfully resting on her smooth forehead.
Xiao Yaozu’s features were exceptionally captivating, making her stand out in the crowd at first glance.
The Eighth Prince gazed at Xiao Yaozu, watching her radiant smile and listening to her inner thoughts, when an unusual feeling unexpectedly surged within him.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, Xiao Yaozu abruptly looked up, and her gaze met the Eighth Prince’s mid-air.
When he came to his senses, the Eighth Prince was somewhat puzzled as to why he had avoided that gaze.
Xiao Yaozu blinked. Had she misread the situation?
She went upstairs and saw Yuan Bo standing at the door of a private room on the second floor.
“Yuan Bo, you’re here for a meal too? What a coincidence.”
“Lord Xiao, how could an old servant like me afford the food here?” Yuan Bo squinted slightly. When Lord Xiao smiled, she shone brilliantly—truly remarkable looks.
Xiao Yaozu’s mind raced.
【Could my work buddy be here?】
Xiao Yaozu leaned against the doorframe, peeking inside.
“Hi~ Is this a good time?”
The Eighth Prince sat alone in the room, his gaze fixed on the distant bustle outside the window.
The light cast shadows behind the man, giving him an aura of unapproachable nobility.
He glanced sideways at her by the door: “Compiler, is there something you need?”
Hearing no resistance in his tone, Xiao Yaozu immediately straightened up and walked in confidently.
“Let me join Your Highness for the meal.”
The table was full of dishes that appeared untouched, with the man having taken at most one bite.
No one else could say they were mooching a meal so matter-of-factly.
After all, she really didn’t have much silver left.
It was only the beginning of the month, and payday was at least a month away.
The Eighth Prince responded with a low hum.
“Your Highness, I heard the roast duck is this restaurant’s signature dish—crispy and refreshing.”
Xiao Yaozu picked up a piece of duck meat, dipped it in sauce, put it in her mouth, and chewed contentedly.
“Mmm, it lives up to its reputation. Your Highness, you should try some too.”
She simultaneously picked up another piece of duck meat and placed it in the Eighth Prince’s dish.
The Eighth Prince stared at the duck meat extended before him but did not move his chopsticks.
Yuan Bo whispered a reminder: “Lord Xiao, my master dislikes others…” serving him food.
Before he could finish, the Eighth Prince suddenly picked up the piece of roast duck with his chopsticks.
The man’s deep eyes flickered slightly—it tasted a bit better than usual.
“Yuan Bo, what were you going to say?”
“Nothing, Lord Xiao.” Yuan Bo scratched his head and stepped aside.
Seeing the Eighth Prince eat, Xiao Yaozu’s eyes curved like crescent moons.
So her work buddy was the cold, aloof type—stern on the outside but warm inside.
She’d have to take the initiative.
The Eighth Prince set down his chopsticks and said indifferently, “Passable.”
Xiao Yaozu’s eating manners weren’t particularly refined—very down-to-earth. Sometimes her cheeks bulged when she stuffed too much food in her mouth, yet it made her seem like she was enjoying the meal immensely.
The Eighth Prince watched quietly and, unconsciously, found himself reaching for the dishes she had served.
Yuan Bo noticed this behavior with some surprise. It seemed his master treated this Lord Xiao somewhat specially—he’d have to pay closer attention in the future.
【Host, there’s gossip about the Eighth Prince.】
【Really?】
【To be precise, it’s about Yuan Bo beside him. This Yuan Bo is a martial arts expert.】
Hearing this, Xiao Yaozu’s eyes sparkled. As a fragile workhorse, she was so envious.
She dreamed of mastering qinggong—flying around freely and unrestrained.
The System continued: 【He is utterly loyal to the Eighth Prince, but his identity is actually that of an elder of the Five Poisons Sect.】
【The Five Poisons Sect—so the martial world truly exists?!】
【Yes. The Five Poisons Sect is considered a heretical faction in the martial world, employing imperceptible poisons. Years ago, Yuan Bo was betrayed by someone close to him, stabbed clean through, and nearly died. He was saved by the Eighth Prince, who happened to be passing by.】
【After Yuan Bo regained consciousness, he stayed by the Eighth Prince’s side to repay the debt of saving his life. There’s one more thing: Yuan Bo believes his wife and daughter are dead, but that’s not actually the case…】
【What happened then?】
【His wife and daughter narrowly escaped death, though they were injured. They faked their deaths and fled. When Yuan Bo returned and saw the aftermath of the great fire, he mistakenly believed they had perished. Moreover, the perpetrators left behind evidence implicating the Chu Country’s royal family.】
【What a coincidence. But only through such means could the two of them escape alive. So, Yuan Bo has always suspected that the Chu Country’s royal family sent someone to kill his family? His decision to stay with the Eighth Prince isn’t just about repaying kindness—it’s also about seeking revenge.】
Xiao Yaozu’s thoughts churned.
【System, do you know where Yuan Bo’s wife and daughter are now?】
【Host, Yuan Bo’s wife and daughter have gone into hiding under assumed names. They are not in Bianjing.】
Xiao Yaozu gazed at Yuan Bo’s graying hair. If Yuan Bo knew his wife and daughter were still alive, he would surely be overjoyed.
She needed to find an opportunity to secretly inform Yuan Bo.
The Eighth Prince, listening to Xiao Yaozu’s inner monologue, subtly rotated the rim of his wine cup with his fingers, his eyes sharp and penetrating.
To stumble upon such a significant secret over a single meal—was this the joy of “eating melons” that Xiao Yaozu had mentioned?
It seemed the Spring Examination would not be much calmer either…
Xiao Yaozu’s gaze unconsciously drifted to the Eighth Prince’s distinctly knuckled hands.
The man lifted his cup, tilted his head back, and his throat moved as he drank…
His lips seemed slightly moist…