The sun radiated brilliantly in the sky as the Axile people gradually stirred awake, each preparing to embrace the promise of a new day.
"Fairy, come here!" Ah Xiao called out to her beloved wolf.
Fairy, a petite wolf compared to her larger counterparts, showcased a stunning coat of white fur that resembled the softness of clouds.
With eagerness, Fairy sprinted towards Ah Xiao, her excitement evident as she licked her affectionately.
"I understand, I understand—you've been cooped up because of the storm. But today, you can frolic to your heart's content," Ah Xiao said, her smile lighting up her face.
Today was exceptionally bright and sunny, reminiscent of a glorious day following a rainstorm.
"Young miss!" a voice called out.
Ah Xiao turned to see a middle-aged man with a beard approaching. "How did it go? Did you catch any fish?"
The old man beamed, lifting a large sack filled with enormous fish. "Enough to satisfy everyone's hunger."
"Just as I expected from you, Uncle Chen," Ah Xiao replied with a grin.
Uncle Chen, a tall man in his forties, bore a distinctive scar across his cheek.
As Ziyi stepped out of her tent, she took in the sight of people bustling around, immersed in their daily routines.
Lin Lin, accompanied by Su Er, another maid, sauntered by. "I heard you were granted a few days off," Lin Lin sneered.
"Whatever tricks you've employed to win over the Lord, I hope you realize soon enough that they won't succeed."
Su Er chimed in, "Exactly. The Lord is not someone you can easily sway. If Miss Shu Ruo Han catches wind of this, you'll be in for it."
"That's right, Ziyi. I'm warning you out of concern," Lin Lin said sarcastically before walking away.
Ziyi shook her head, feeling exasperated. Why did she have to face this hostility right after waking up? What had she done to deserve such animosity?
"Shu Ruo Han... Hmmm, perhaps I should thank them," Ziyi murmured to herself.
Shu Ruo Han, the daughter of a minister and one of the antagonistic characters in the narrative, was known for her ruthlessness and strict demeanor. She was engaged to Ah Yu and was the orchestrator behind Ziyi's unfortunate entanglement with the villain, Mu Qing. Like many antagonists, Shu Ruo Han met her demise toward the end of the story.
"Brother, isn't today absolutely stunning? Hunting in this weather would be perfect!" Ah Xiao pleaded enthusiastically.
Ah Yu sighed deeply. "Who told you that?"
Ah Xiao fell silent.
"It's Ah Fu, isn't it? That brat just can't keep his mouth shut," Ah Yu grumbled.
"My lord, everything is prepared!" Xu Yi, his subordinate, announced.
Ah Yu turned to Xu Yi, his expression incredulous. "You— you told Ah Xiao about this?!"
Xu Yi dropped the hunting gear in his shock. "I was coerced, my Lord. Young Miss wouldn't let me leave until I informed her."
Ah Yu shook his head in frustration. "Ah Xiao, do you remember what happened last time? Mother will definitely not allow you to go."
"But— brother," Ah Xiao protested, her brow furrowed.
Ah Fu approached, attempting to mediate. "It should be fine, brother. I'm going too."
"Please!" Ah Xiao implored her brother.
Reluctantly, Ah Yu relented. "Alright," he said, rubbing his eyes in resignation, "but this time, stay close to Ah Fu."
"Yes, sir!" Ah Xiao exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Several hours later, at the Axile Palace.
"Chuyuan, what brings you here?" Lady Hanying inquired as she settled into her seat.
Yu Chuyuan greeted her respectfully. "Greetings, Aunt Hanying. I apologize for the unexpected visit, but is Ah Yu here?"
"He went hunting this morning. Is there a problem?" Lady Hanying continued her questioning.
Yu Chuyuan nodded solemnly. "His Highness has requested an audience."
Lady Hanying's eyes widened in surprise. "I see. I'll have my people summon him back."
As Lady Hanying exited, she caught sight of Ziyi. "Aren't you that girl from last time?"
Ziyi smiled gently. "Yes, my lady."
"Prepare some tea for the guest. I'll be away for a while," Lady Hanying instructed.
Ziyi nodded and promptly made her way to the kitchen to brew the tea.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, a man sat with two of his subordinates, engaged in quiet conversation.
Ziyi entered quietly, serving them the tea just as Ah Yu and the others returned.
"How have you been, Chuyuan?" Ah Yu inquired, lifting his cup of tea.
As Ziyi approached to place Ah Fu's cup of tea down, she accidentally dropped it. "I'm so sorry! I truly apologize, young master."
"It's alright, Ziyi," Ah Fu reassured her while attempting to dry his sleeves.
Ah Yu sighed, turning to Xu Yi. "Take her out."
Xu Yi nodded and escorted Ziyi outside, leaving only Ah Yu, Ah Fu, and Yu Chuyuan in the hall.
Once outside, Ziyi leaned against the wall and sank down as soon as Xu Yi left her.
Yu Chuyuan? He's already here? Why is the plot advancing so rapidly?
Yu Chuyuan, an orphan who ascended to the rank of a high official, was known as the right-hand man of Mu Qing and possessed exceptional skills. In the original tale, he was responsible for Ah Yu's death.
"Ziyi?" Ah Xiao's voice broke through her thoughts.
"What are you doing here? Are you alright?" Ah Xiao asked with concern.
Ziyi quickly sprang to her feet. "Yes, I am fine, Young Miss," she assured her.
"Just call me Ah Xiao like always," she suggested, scratching her head awkwardly. "It feels strange to hear you refer to me as young miss."
"But—"
Ah Xiao interrupted, "You were calling me Ah Xiao just fine a few days ago, but now you refuse?"
Ziyi sighed in resignation. "Alright," she relented, meeting Ah Xiao's gaze. "I have a question to ask." Ah Xiao looked on with anticipation.
"Is Lord Yu Chuyuan close to Lord Wu?" Ziyi inquired.
Ah Xiao considered the question for a moment before nodding. "That's right. They're practically childhood friends. My brother met Brother Chuyuan at the Cold Academy 15 years ago. I suppose you could say we're technically family... Why do you ask?"
"It's nothing."
Inside the Main Hall:
"His Highness requested an audience; I just received the message not long ago, Ah Yu," Chuyuan informed him.
Ah Yu slammed his hand on the table in frustration. "What could he possibly want?! I—"
"Calm down, brother," Ah Fu interjected, trying to maintain peace.
Ah Yu frowned, his agitation palpable. "How can I calm down? Not only has he severed our trade access on the border, but now he seeks an audience? Does he want to drive me mad?"
Chuyuan intervened. "Ah Fu is correct. Complaining won't solve anything, Ah Yu. I'm not sure why His Highness wishes to meet, but I suspect it pertains to the recent South Inspection."
"Are you referring to the outbreak?" Ah Yu asked, concern etched on his face.
Chuyuan nodded gravely.
"But what does that have to do with us?" Ah Fu questioned, puzzled.
Chuyuan took a sip of his tea before responding. "Ah Xiao's skills have become quite the topic of conversation in the capital, you know?"
"Are you implying—" Ah Yu's worst fears were beginning to materialize.
Chuyuan confirmed, "Yes. I'm afraid His Majesty will undoubtedly involve Ah Xiao in this matter."
Ah Fu pondered the situation. "Is there any way to keep her out of it?"
Chuyuan sighed heavily. "I can't say, Ah Fu. No one can predict His Majesty's intentions."
"He wants to use Ah Xiao to control us! I—I won't allow that to happen," Ah Yu declared vehemently.
Chuyuan lowered his gaze, feeling helpless and unable to offer further assistance.
In the Kitchen:
Ziyi watched as Ah Xiao eagerly devoured her meal. "Is it truly that delicious?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
Ah Xiao nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Food is simply the best. Ahhh, Aunty Su's cooking is unparalleled!"
"You flatter me excessively, young miss," Aunty Su replied modestly as she brought another bowl of food to the table.
Aunty Su, a middle-aged woman adorned with a mole beneath her right eye, had once served as a soldier but had since retired to pursue her passion for culinary arts.
Ah Xiao's face lit up. "Oh, I almost forgot! How is little Bao? Has she recovered?"
Aunty Su's smile broadened. "Yes, thanks to you, little Bao is no longer unwell."
"Still, remember to continue administering the herbal medicine I provided last time. Even though she's feeling better, we can't afford to be careless," Ah Xiao advised.
Ziyi glanced at Ah Xiao, impressed. "You're quite knowledgeable about medicine, aren't you?"
Ah Xiao looked bashful, scratching her head. "I still have much to learn."
"But you were the one who nursed me back to health when I had a high fever. And the ointment you crafted for my feet was remarkably effective," Ziyi praised sincerely.
Ah Xiao beamed with warmth at the compliment.
"Why do you want to become a doctor?" Ziyi asked, genuinely curious.
Ah Xiao tilted her head thoughtfully. "Because I was once a very sick child. I grew up frail and felt utterly helpless. I didn't want anyone else to endure what I went through. (She chuckled softly) I used to despise my weak body and the dependency I had on others. I longed to be self-sufficient and capable of caring for myself; perhaps that's why…"
"I understand," Ziyi replied, nodding in empathy.
As Ziyi prepared to return to her tent, she noticed Chuyuan and his subordinates exiting. Quickly, she ducked behind a nearby tree adjacent to the rocky structure of the building.
"Xuan Ji, stay here and keep an eye on Ah Xiao. Ensure nothing suspicious transpires," Chuyuan ordered before mounting his horse and departing for the capital.
"Ah Xiao," Ziyi whispered to herself.
A wave of concern washed over her for Ah Xiao. She seemed too innocent and unprepared for the harsh realities that lay ahead. Chuyuan would undoubtedly attempt to manipulate her.
If the story followed its original trajectory, Ah Xiao would fall for Chuyuan and eventually discover his sinister plot to annihilate her tribe. In the original narrative, Ah Xiao held herself accountable for the misfortunes that befell her family.
Ziyi sighed heavily. What should she do? Ah Xiao and Ah Fu had saved her; it was only right that she repay their kindness, wasn't it?
"This is just a novel, Raina," Ziyi reminded herself as she made her way back.