What should I say when I get back?

Evening, Peach Blossom Town

After bidding farewell to their uncle and aunt in the morning, the four of them reluctantly left Bamboo Heart Village. Because they had to take care of Silk Soft’s health, their journey was especially slow, and by the time they arrived in Peach Blossom Town, dusk had already fallen. Everyone was anxious, worried that Moon might not be able to attend Hui Qinghui and Silk Soft’s wedding. That would be the greatest regret for these four young people.

They went to Siyuan Tavern for dinner, sitting near the counter as they discussed how to explain things to the people at Jun Prince’s residence upon their return. Silk Soft looked at the other three gathered around the table, her face full of concern, and said, “Everyone at Jun Prince’s residence knows that Moon has already entered the palace. We can’t possibly say that she sneaked out just to find us. My sisters-in-law would make a huge fuss out of it, so we absolutely can’t tell the truth. What should we say when we return?” She believed that even her brother no longer blamed her, so she could safely become Hui Qinghui’s wife. Silk Soft cared very much about her status—it represented a woman’s honor, which in ancient times was more precious than life itself. Silk Soft wasn’t worried that Lady Hui wouldn’t accept her, because Moon, who was in charge, had already welcomed her.

When Moon heard Silk Soft mention her sisters-in-law, her expression remained blank, with no particular reaction. She only stole a glance at Zhao Chengxian. If it hadn’t been brought up, she might have forgotten that several women still stood between them. She could compete with others for business, but it was hard for her to convince herself to fight for someone else’s husband. She lowered her head, pretending to eat, to hide her feelings.

Hui Qinghui looked at Moon in surprise, then at Zhao Chengxian, and asked, “You already have a wife? And more than one?” He remembered Moon once said she would never marry a man with a family—too exhausting to fight all the time. Now, she had fallen for Zhao Chengxian, who had several wives. It was simply incredible. Although having multiple wives and concubines was commonplace in ancient times, it was still hard to accept when it involved someone Moon cared about. After all, Moon was not a fragile girl.

Zhao Chengxian understood very well that Moon still refused to share love with other women, which was why he hesitated to pursue her boldly. But faced with Hui Qinghui’s question, he chose to remain silent, unable to erase what already existed. No matter how awkward, he had to admit it. It felt as if he and Hui Qinghui had swapped places—ah, who told him to fall for someone else’s sister? Having a sister was useful after all.

Silk Soft realized she might have said something wrong and wanted to speak up for her brother. She smiled and said, “Those women weren’t chosen by my brother, and besides, they are only secondary wives. The title of Jun Princess is reserved for the girl he loves, right, brother?” Though they didn’t often talk, siblings understood each other without words.

Moon didn’t want to continue this topic and said, “Alright, let’s focus on the main issue. When you return to Jun Prince’s residence, just say you found me in Peach Blossom Town. My brother and the princess fled to Peach Blossom Town and started a small business here. One day, a scout sent by Bookworm spotted them. Bookworm, worried about the old princess, didn’t tell her, nor did he bring others along, fearing it would damage the princess’s reputation. This explanation should be reasonable, right?” Perhaps she was avoiding the subject. After all, she wasn’t marrying Zhao Chengxian immediately—some things could wait. Take it one step at a time.

Silk Soft and Hui Qinghui found no flaws in the plan and nodded in agreement. At that moment, a fine carriage passed outside the tavern. Hearing the sound, Zhao Chengxian rushed out to chase after it. He knew that only by traveling overnight could they reach the capital by tomorrow. The passersby found it strange that Zhao Chengxian was chasing the carriage. Moon followed him and helped stop it. In the busy marketplace, many gathered to watch, chattering among themselves. Some wondered if Zhao Chengxian was a robber—how bold to attempt a daylight robbery! Others speculated he was seeking work at a wealthy household, though his attire hardly matched that of a servant. Still others guessed he might be mad. As the crowd debated, a man in his fifties, somewhat resembling the Laughing Buddha, stepped down from the carriage. Zhao Chengxian, with the bearing of a prince, asked, “Is this carriage for sale? How much?” With his words, the crowd fell silent. Zhao Chengxian was not one to flaunt his status, but in special circumstances, he had to adopt the prince’s demeanor. Usually, he was friendly and gentle with common folk.

Before the Laughing Buddha-like gentleman could reply, his driver shouted, “Where did this wild brat come from? Don’t you see whose carriage this is? If you frighten my master, you’ll pay dearly!” He was merely trying to flatter his master, but he lacked judgment, unable to recognize noble attire, and blustering so loudly. Zhao Chengxian simply looked at Moon and smiled calmly, accepting the driver’s complaints since he was at fault.

The Laughing Buddha-like gentleman looked at Zhao Chengxian and Moon and asked, “Are you two buying the carriage? Where are you headed?” He suspected their identities were unusual and was curious why they appeared in such a remote town.

Zhao Chengxian, of course, couldn’t tell the truth. He thought for a moment and said, “My wife, my sister, and brother-in-law and I went out traveling. Unexpectedly, urgent matters arose at home, and I must return at once. My sister is unfit to ride horseback, so I wish to buy your carriage to hurry back to the capital overnight. Sir, please grant us this favor!” Moon glared at Zhao Chengxian—he was quick to take advantage.

The Laughing Buddha-like gentleman sympathized with their situation and said, “Very well, just give me ten taels of silver.” Clearly, he had a kindly heart and didn’t demand a high price. Even if it had been one hundred taels, Zhao Chengxian would have bought it.

Zhao Chengxian quickly handed over the silver and thanked him profusely, “Thank you, thank you!” Then he led the carriage back to the tavern, and, facing Silk Soft and Hui Qinghui’s delighted surprise, declared with pride, “Aren’t I amazing?” Hui Qinghui and Silk Soft were so astonished they didn’t know what to say, and soon they set off on their journey.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old, quickly throw your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts at me without mercy! Let the storm rage on with even greater fury!