Rest assured, I have no interest whatsoever in the prince.

Hour of the Dragon, Jun Prince’s Residence

Today, Hui Yue’er arrived at the Jun Prince’s residence as scheduled. She was led into the rear garden, and along the way, she witnessed the grandeur and opulence of the estate. Rows of two-story pavilions stood like loyal guardians, flanking the main residence, and several courtyards lay beyond—though she had not entered them, their splendor was easy to imagine. Yet, Hui Yue’er felt no envy for any of this; to her, true happiness was simply being together with her family, joyful and at peace.

She approached Zhao Chengxian and, as before, met his gaze with dignity and composure. “Your Highness, I’ve come. I hope you’ll keep your word and no longer trouble the Hui Family Escort Agency!” Unbeknownst to her, her unruffled demeanor irked Zhao Chengxian, who prided himself on his own status. He had expected Hui Yue’er, now a maid, to show some deference, but she remained steadfast and calm.

With mischief in his eyes, Zhao Chengxian decided to make things difficult for her by changing her name. In a tone that was half-mocking, he said, “To serve as a maid in the Jun Prince’s residence, you must take a name befitting our household. Henceforth, you shall be called Crescent!” He simply wanted to see her anger, perhaps to alleviate his own boredom as a prince.

Hui Yue’er bristled at this, resenting that a perfectly good name was so casually altered by this insufferable man. But under his roof, she had no choice but to bow her head. Shooting him a fierce glare, she thought to herself, I will endure you! Then, with forced politeness, she replied, “Thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing this name upon me!” Should her patience reach its limit, she would not hesitate to retaliate, but for now, she must endure and bide her time, waiting for her brother and Princess Sijou to return—only then would the escort agency be safe.

Zhao Chengxian perceived the endurance and resolve in Hui Yue’er’s eyes, knowing she would not easily yield. From the very first meeting, he had realized she was not like other girls—there was a stubbornness in her that set her apart. Just as he was about to make things even more difficult for her, the Old Princess Dowager and the three secondary consorts arrived in the rear garden.

Consort Yu, noticing Zhao Chengxian talking with a young girl, smiled cleverly at the Princess Dowager and said, “His Highness seems quite taken with that young lady. Perhaps we’ll soon have another sister among us!” Not a trace of displeasure could be seen on her face, but those who hide their feelings best are often the most dangerous.

Before the Princess Dowager could respond, Consort Qin, whose nature was impulsive, strode over, eyeing Hui Yue’er with suspicion. “Your Highness, who is she? Don’t tell me you’ve set your sights on this yellow-haired girl?” Consort Qin was famously forthright, always speaking her mind, but her question was rather tactless.

Zhao Chengxian, somewhat embarrassed, snapped at her, “Mind your tongue! Even if I were to marry her, it would not be your place to interfere!” Consort Qin fell silent. At that moment, the Old Princess Dowager, Consort Yu, and Consort Xiang all approached, each regarding Hui Yue’er with a hint of wariness. The Princess Dowager studied her intently, while the maids looked on.

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable under their scrutiny, Hui Yue’er finally spoke up, “Please don’t misunderstand—I am just a humble maid. Rest assured, I have no designs on your prince, nor would he ever take notice of someone like me.” Then, she respectfully greeted the Princess Dowager, “My respects, Grand Madam!” She had heard a little about the affairs of the Jun Prince’s residence.

Zhao Chengxian’s face darkened at her words, his pride wounded. “Little Crescent, from now on you will serve as my personal maid!” he declared and strode away. Though her words had stung his ego, he could not show it before the Princess Dowager and the consorts. After taking a few steps, he realized Hui Yue’er had not followed and turned back, shouting, “Little Crescent, come here! A personal maid must attend her master at all times!” Hui Yue’er had no choice but to follow, silently cursing Zhao Chengxian’s ancestors. And so began her life of servitude.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither too young nor too old—hurl your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts my way! Be merciless! Let the storm rage on, the wilder the better!