Chapter 192: Lucky Star

 Chapter 192: Lucky Star 

"You two, how did you end up here playing chess? We've been searching for you everywhere!"

Having not seen Daohua and Xiao Yeyang return for a while, Yan Wenkai led a large group to search for them. When they saw the two of them in the pavilion, they followed in.

Seeing everyone enter, Daohua and Xiao Yeyang quickly put down their chess pieces.

"Heh, what kind of game are you two playing? Forgive my lack of skill, but I can’t make any sense of this."

Yan Wenkai looked at the mess of chess pieces on the board, completely baffled.

Dong Yuanxuan and the others glanced at the board as well, equally surprised.

To scatter the pieces so carelessly, one had to be quite a talent.

Noticing the two weren’t in high spirits, everyone wondered if they had had another argument.

Daohua didn’t want her mood to affect anyone, so she smiled and mixed up the pieces on the board. "I was just playing around with Xiao Yeyang."

Yan Wenkai came over and patted Daohua on the shoulder. "Little sister, your chess skills are a bit lacking. Even I could beat you."

Daohua immediately retorted, "I wasn’t playing seriously. If I were, I’d be pretty impressive!" She even waved her fist to emphasize her point.

At this moment, Xiao Yeyang spoke up, "If you can’t even win ten moves, I don’t think that's impressive."

Daohua wasn’t offended and raised an eyebrow. "That’s because I was facing a freak. If it were a normal person, I’d be unbeatable."

Seeing her act so unapologetically proud, Xiao Yeyang smiled but didn’t argue further.

The others, seeing that they were fine, also laughed.

Daohua pulled Zhou Jingwan over and smiled. "Alright, let’s go back. Dinner’s about to be served."

With that, everyone began to leave the pavilion one by one.

Front Yard

"How did it go? Is everything alright?" Yan Zhigao asked Steward Sun.. 

After delivering the bird’s nest cake to Shuangxin Courtyard, Steward Sun., worried about any trouble, rushed back to the front yard to inform Yan Zhigao about encountering Daohua on the way.

Yan Zhigao knew that the bird’s nest cake was made by his eldest daughter, and he was aware that there wasn’t much of it—only two plates. One was given to Old Madam Yan and one to his wife. His wife, concerned about his health, had given him her portion, and he had given his to Lin, his concubine. He was caught in the act by his eldest daughter and felt guilty about it.

Steward Sun. quickly replied, "It’s fine. The young miss and the young prince sat in the pavilion for a while, had a conversation, and are now heading to Old Madam Yan’s courtyard."

Yan Zhigao sighed in relief, stood up, and paced around the room for a moment before speaking to Steward Sun.. "A few days ago, I heard from Qian Tongzhi that a new dim sum shop opened in Xingzhou City, and it has a good reputation. Go and buy some for the madam and bring it to her."

Steward Sun. hesitated before asking, "Only for the madam?"

Yan Zhigao paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, just for the madam. Tell her I enjoyed it and that she should try it too."

Steward Sun. was shocked.

In the past, no matter what was bought, if it was for the madam, Concubine Lin would always get a share too.

After Steward Sun. left, Yan Zhigao sat back down and fell into deep thought.

If it had been before, he would have thought nothing of such things, but today, he felt an odd sense of guilt and regret.

‘Mother has worked from dawn till dusk for this family, what has Concubine Lin done?’

‘Father, it’s not just you who has supported this family. It’s also my mother.’

‘You shouldn’t ignore her efforts, and you definitely shouldn’t think they’re a given.’

‘Son, after a hundred years, the one who will be buried in the Yan family tomb with you is Li Shi. Lin Shi is only a concubine, and you should know who holds the main position.’

Thinking of his eldest daughter’s accusations and his mother’s earnest advice, Yan Zhigao rubbed his temples in pain.

Just then, Advisor Lin walked in, smiling. "Brother-in-law, I heard my sister must eat some pickled vegetables before she can eat her meal, so my mother made some. I brought some over to give her and will check on her while I’m at it."  

Hearing this, Yan Zhigao’s brows immediately furrowed, and he asked in a displeased tone, "What did you call me?"

Advisor Lin’s smile froze. "Sister… I mean, master."

Yan Zhigao straightened his posture, his expression stern: "Remember your position. I don’t want to hear any more inappropriate or disrespectful titles."

"Also, you shouldn’t be going into the back yard casually from now on. There’s a new addition to Shuangxin Courtyard, Liu Shi, and it’s not convenient for you to go there."

"If you need to see your sister, it's best to inform the madam first. Once she permits it, then you can visit."

"Just leave the pickled vegetables on the table. I’ll have someone deliver them to your sister later."

With every word Yan Zhigao spoke, Advisor Lin’s face grew paler, and his anxiety deepened.

His sister was pregnant, so logically, the master should be even more protective of her, but the way things were going, it seemed like he was starting to grow distant from her.

Could it be that the new Liu Shi had caught the master's attention?

That couldn’t be right. The last time his sister mentioned it, the master hadn’t even visited Liu Shi’s room. Things had been fine until just a few days ago, so why the sudden change?

With these troubling thoughts, Advisor Lin left the room in a daze, only to run into Advisor Xiao, who had come to see Yan Zhigao. Advisor Xiao shook his head with a hint of mockery.

Having no ability wasn’t a big deal, but lacking self-awareness was a different matter.

After lunch, Xiao Yeyang and the others were getting ready to return to the academy.

"Do you like eating crabs?"

Out of the blue, Xiao Yeyang asked Daohua.

The moment she heard "crabs," Daohua’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly nodded, "I love them, especially the hairy crabs from Yanghu."

Seeing how she was practically drooling, Xiao Yeyang found it amusing. "The Yanghu crabs taste great. August is the perfect time to eat them. I’ll have a few baskets sent to you."

Daohua was thrilled and kept nodding. After a moment, she looked a little embarrassed. "You already gave me a parrot, and now you're sending crabs. I don’t even know what to give you in return."

Xiao Yeyang glanced at her. "You don’t need to give anything back. I should be thanking you."

Daohua was confused. "Thank me for what?"

Xiao Yeyang lowered his eyes, said nothing, and walked away, fanning himself.

"What’s he thanking me for? He doesn’t even explain!"

Hearing her muttering, Xiao Yeyang’s lips curled into a smile. The sorrow that had been hidden in his eyes for years seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a sense of relief.

Defu, smiling, bowed to Daohua and quickly followed behind his master.

As Xiao Yeyang’s personal eunuch, he understood the meaning behind his master’s words and noticed his lighthearted mood.

Miss Yan truly was a lucky star for the master.

She had saved his life before, and now, she had helped him resolve the long-held burdens in his heart. It was only right to take care of her.

Yes, once they returned, he would make sure the crabs were delivered to her immediately.

"Daohua." 

After sending off Xiao Yeyang and the others, Zhou Jingwan grabbed Daohua, not letting go.

"What’s up?" Daohua asked.

Zhou Jingwan pouted. "I want to eat hairy crabs too."

Surprised, Daohua responded, "It’s understandable that we can’t get them at home, but your family should have no trouble getting them?"

Zhou Jingwan rolled her eyes. "My family can get crabs, but not the Yanghu hairy crabs. Those are a tribute and aren’t available to the public."

Daohua was hearing this for the first time. "Oh, I see. So, I’m taking advantage of Xiao Yeyang again?"

Zhou Jingwan gave her a look, speechless at how Daohua was enjoying the benefits while acting coy. "I was standing right next to you. The young prince didn’t even think to get some for my family."

Daohua patted Zhou Jingwan on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, once the crabs arrive, I’ll call you over to eat them!" 

(End of this chapter)