Ancestor, do you enjoy eating snake soup?

Morning at the Jun Prince’s Residence, Compassion Hall

Yue’er followed Juan’er swiftly to Compassion Hall, where the Old Princess resided. A few plum trees grew in the courtyard, promising a garden fragrant with blossoms come the harshest winter. Upon entering, the air felt fresh and refined; the paintings on the walls and the arrangement of tables and chairs all exuded an elegant charm. But when Yue’er saw the Jade Consort seated beside the Old Princess, along with Lv’er and Hong’er standing nearby, she sensed an atmosphere as if she were about to be interrogated. Yue’er understood perfectly well what was happening. With light steps, she approached and offered a respectful bow to the Old Princess. “Greetings, Ancestor!” The Jade Consort watched her thoughtfully, a vague sense of unease stirring within her about Yue’er.

The Old Princess appraised Hui Yue’er with an air of authority and said, “Rise, let me have a look at you!” Yue’er lifted her head, meeting the Old Princess’s gaze with unwavering resolve. The Old Princess noticed that this young girl did not possess the demeanor of an ordinary maid; there was a force about her brow, a presence almost domineering. Such a presence should not belong to a servant girl. She then asked, “Why did you drive Lv’er and Hong’er out of your room last night? Do you think the people of the Jun Prince’s Residence are so easily bullied?” Lv’er and Hong’er put on pitiful faces, masters of feigning distress.

Hui Yue’er remained expressionless, offering no direct answer, but instead asked the Old Princess, “Ancestor, do you enjoy snake stew? Last night, I happened to find a cobra under my quilt. Unfortunately, it was too small—just enough for you alone. If the Jade Consort wishes to taste it, she’ll have to wait for another occasion!” Her question baffled everyone present, except for Hong’er and Lv’er, who understood its deeper meaning.

The Jade Consort, full of pride, rebuked Yue’er, “How dare you, a mere servant, pose questions to the Ancestor! Answer her directly and properly!” Were it not for the Jun Prince’s Residence, such words would have earned her a scolding.

This time, Hui Yue’er adopted a demure demeanor, looking at the Old Princess and the Jade Consort, smiling slightly. “I believe the Jun Prince’s Residence is not a place without reason. Last night, those two sought to end my life. Driving them from my room was nothing but self-defense. If this is considered a fault, then word might spread that the Residence treats lives as worthless. I wonder who should bear that responsibility?” Her words won the admiration of Zhao Chengxian, who listened outside the door. Hui Yue’er truly lived up to her reputation as a heroine of the wandering world; her words were unlike those of ordinary women.

The Jade Consort sneered and asked, “You claim that Lv’er and Hong’er tried to murder you. Do you have proof? If not, don’t make baseless accusations!” She was unaware of the true circumstances, merely seeking to put Hui Yue’er in her place.

Yue’er replied with a cold smile, “Yes, of course I do. It’s in the kitchen—not only evidence, but witnesses as well. Ancestor, if you do not believe me, you can call Qiqi, who shares my room, to ask her!” Zhao Chengxian, standing at the door, sent a servant to fetch Qiqi. Then, pretending he had just arrived, he entered the hall. Everyone, except his mother, rose to greet him.

Casually, Zhao Chengxian took the seat beside the Old Princess and said, “Mother, what’s happened? Little Crescent has only just arrived at the Residence; mistakes are inevitable. I’ll discipline her more strictly in the future. I’m heading out now and want Little Crescent to accompany me!” He did not wish to witness Yue’er’s arrogance any longer—since Qiqi would soon clarify matters, there was no need for Yue’er to further fuel her own pride. The Old Princess nodded in agreement, and Yue’er followed Zhao Chengxian out of Compassion Hall. This only deepened the Jade Consort’s foreboding; she wondered whether Zhao Chengxian harbored intentions toward Yue’er and grew anxious that he might fall for Hui Yue’er. She gazed confusedly at the departing figures of Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those neither old nor young—hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back; let the wild winds and heavy rains come with even greater force!