Until the princess returns safely, you will serve as my maid.

Hui Family Escort Agency

Upon entering the main hall, she saw two young men dressed in fine clothes. One wore a black hat and a long black robe, with a large saber fastened at his waist—clearly a bodyguard. The other donned a blue robe, with a golden jacket draped over his shoulders; his features radiated both nobility and a commanding presence, unmistakably marking him as the master. Hui Yue’er’s heart fluttered with unease, but outwardly she maintained a composed demeanor; at the very least, she could not afford to lose in terms of bearing. She strode forward, clasped her fists, and addressed them, “Are you here at the Hui Family Escort Agency to entrust us with a delivery? What exactly do you wish to transport? Our fees depend on the distance—if the journey is long, the price will be higher!” It was not unlike a modern courier service, after all—they both delivered goods.

Zhao Chengxian regarded this young girl, who could barely be called anything but, with growing curiosity. There was a quality about her that other girls lacked—a stubborn resilience in her eyes that seemed capable of matching his own force of will. He felt an urge to temper her sharpness. With deliberate disdain, he cast a glance at Hui Yue’er and asked, “Where is Hui Qinghui? Tell him to come out!” Zhao Chengxian went straight to the point, giving Hui Yue’er no time to ponder. He wanted to see how this little girl would handle such a challenge.

Hui Yue’er had traveled far and wide, weathered many storms, and was not easily intimidated by such questioning. Still, she sensed that these two were not here with friendly intentions. She offered a faint smile and replied, “I am in charge of the Hui Family Escort Agency. If you have any business, speak with me. There’s no need to find my brother!” She could already guess their purpose, but since they had not revealed it openly, she saw no reason to do so herself.

The bodyguard at Zhao Chengxian’s side, Chen Gui, declared, “Hui Qinghui abducted the Soft Jade Princess from the Prince Jun’s Palace. You had best hand her over at once! Little girl, do you even understand the gravity of kidnapping a princess? Tell Hui Qinghui to surrender her now!” There were four chief bodyguards in the Prince Jun’s Palace, and Chen Gui was one of them; the others had gone elsewhere in search.

Hui Yue’er’s annoyance flared at Chen Gui’s pompous attitude. She had intended to plead her case, but upon hearing such accusations, her temper got the better of her. Fixing her gaze on Zhao Chengxian and Chen Gui, she retorted, “What grounds do you have to accuse my brother of abducting your so-called Princess Rou? For all I know, she could have abducted my brother! I haven’t stormed your palace seeking justice—so what right do you have to come here, making such a scene at our agency?” Hui Yue’er was a woman of immense presence; once angered, she feared neither heaven nor earth.

Zhao Chengxian sneered coldly, “Miss Hui, you certainly have a sharp tongue. Since you’re so eager, why not go to the magistrate’s office together?” On the way to the Hui Family Escort Agency, Zhao Chengxian had already investigated Hui Qinghui’s background thoroughly. He knew the Hui family’s affairs were decided by this young girl, and even though Hui Qinghui was a man, he bore none of the responsibilities of supporting the family. This only deepened Zhao Chengxian’s worry about how his own sister would fare with Hui Qinghui.

At the mention of going to the authorities, Hui Yue’er grew worried. If things escalated, she and her mother might end up in jail. Her tone softened. “Let’s not do this. If word spreads, it won’t do your princess any good either. What matters most now is finding them and bringing them back; the rest can be discussed once they return.” By then, her brother and the princess would be a done deal; perhaps their families would even become in-laws. She resolved to delay as long as possible, no matter what.

Seeing Hui Yue’er’s wavering confidence, Zhao Chengxian pressed his advantage. “To prevent your entire family from fleeing, either you or your mother must come to the prince’s residence and serve as a maid until my sister and your brother are found!” His tone brooked no refusal, his eyes fixed on Hui Yue’er, curious to see how this stubborn girl would react.

At that moment, Madam Hui stepped forward and agreed, “Very well, I will go!” She could not allow Hui Yue’er to go—after all, the escort agency still needed her daughter.

Yet Madam Hui was not in good health; Hui Yue’er could not bear to let her mother serve as a maid. She said, “Mother, let me go. The agency can be managed by our senior brother. Your health is poor, and if anything happened, how would I explain it to Father?” She patted her mother's hand reassuringly. Reluctantly, Madam Hui acquiesced to her daughter’s wishes. Hui Yue’er then approached Zhao Chengxian and declared, “Very well, I’ll go. But from now on, you must not trouble the agency again!” She had always been decisive in her actions.

Zhao Chengxian gave her a cold glance and sneered, “That goes without saying. As long as you do not attempt to escape, I guarantee there will be no trouble for the Hui Family Escort Agency. Report to the prince’s residence punctually at the hour of Chen tomorrow. If you fail to appear, you know what will happen!” With his threat delivered, he departed.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old, quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts—hold nothing back! Let the storm rage as fiercely as it will!