Chapter 207: Don’t Mess With Them

 Chapter 207: Don’t Mess With Them 

"Heh, I told you two look alike. Just look at you both—your clothing style is almost identical."

In the palace, after Daohua and Dong Yuanyao changed into their male outfits, Zhou Jingwan immediately clapped her hands and laughed.

Daohua and Dong Yuanyao exchanged a glance and looked each other over.

Hmm, they did look quite similar.

Both wore the same moon-white robes, held the same folding fans, and exuded the same deliberate elegance.

"Swish, swish!"

Both of them flicked open their fans at the same time, and as they fanned themselves, they shifted their gaze away.

Seeing this, Zhou Jingwan and the maidservants in the room all lowered their heads and giggled.

Daohua quickly waved her fan a few times, maintaining her composure. "Alright, let’s go out. We don’t want to keep our brothers waiting too long."

At that moment, the leading maidservant stepped forward and smiled. "The palace steward, Defu Gonggong, said that if you like the riding outfits, you can take them with you."

The three girls exchanged a glance, then immediately turned and grabbed the clothes.

"Having horses and outfits, this feels really good. I just wish the Young Prince would invite us out more often," Zhou Jingwan said with a cheerful smile as she handed the clothing to a maidservant who followed them.

Daohua and Dong Yuanyao exchanged another glance, both smiling without speaking.

By the time the three of them reached the main entrance of the palace, Xiao Yeyang and the others had already been waiting for a while.

"Girls are such trouble. Everything takes so long. Not quick at all."

As soon as Yan Wenkai spoke, three pairs of eyes immediately shot him a look full of hostility.

Daohua’s tone was sharp. "Fourth brother, what did you just say? I couldn’t quite hear you. Could you say it again?"

Zhou Jingwan pouted and glared at Yan Wenkai. "Fourth Brother Yan is so boring. You’re nothing like Eldest Brother Yan or Third Brother Yan, who are thoughtful."

Dong Yuanyao gave a half-smile and said, "Fourth Brother Yan complains so much. You better not marry a wife if you're like this."

Yan Wenkai felt the full force of the three girls' combined glares. Their expressions clearly said, If you say anything more, you’ll regret it. He immediately felt a chill run down his spine and, at the same time, felt a little aggrieved.

Wasn’t it just a small complaint?

There were others who also mentioned how troublesome girls were while waiting earlier.

Why was he the only one being targeted?

Yan Wenkai tried to explain, but seeing the dangerous looks from Daohua and the others, he wisely decided to retreat. He turned his head to the side and acted meek.

Seeing this, the three girls shared a knowing smile.

What was even more arrogant was that Daohua raised her hand, and Dong Yuanyao and Zhou Jingwan immediately followed suit. The three of them then gave each other a victory high-five, all under the gaze of the others.

"Impressive, impressive! Today’s young ladies are not to be messed with!"

Su Hongxin turned his back to avoid drawing attention, speaking in a low voice to Xiao Yeyang and the others. He clearly wanted to avoid suffering the same fate as Yan Wenkai.

Hearing this, the others all nodded in agreement.

Dong Yuanxuan laughed. "It’s getting late, let’s go."

The three girls headed toward the port to meet up with their elders, while Xiao Yeyang and the others were on their way to the academy, which was conveniently on the same route.

Huayang Mansion Port

Yan Zhigao and the others were already waiting at the port. They were chatting in a boat belonging to the Dong family. Compared to when they first arrived, there were now many more people with them, all having come out to enjoy the views for the Chongyang Festival.

"Zhigao, the imperial decree has come down. The batch of grain seeds you reported is going to be requisitioned to aid the Prefect Magistrateures that have not recovered from the droughts of the past few years. I expect, in a few days, someone will come to Xingzhou to collect the seeds. You should be ready for it."

The Minister of Revenue, Dong Jiancheng, had also come to Wuhuashan for the hike. He encountered Yan Zhigao and his group on the way and decided to join them.

Yan Zhigao nodded. "The grain seeds have been carefully stored in the state warehouse. I’ll double-check them again once I return to ensure everything is in order."

Dong Jiancheng glanced at Yan Zhigao, who was respectful yet not overly deferential, and nodded with satisfaction. "I have confidence in your abilities. The matter of the grain seeds has even been personally addressed by the Emperor. Keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you."

Yan Zhigao slightly bowed. "Thank you for your support, sir." Although he was excited inside about the Emperor personally looking into the grain issue, his outward demeanor remained calm. "Sir, do you know who will be collecting the grain?"  

Dong Jiancheng answered, "Prefect Magistrate Guo is responsible for military affairs in the northern provinces. Most likely, he will be in charge of the transportation."

Yan Zhigao silently noted this, planning to prepare the seeds for collection once he returned.

Not far away, Old Master Zhou was chatting with others, but he occasionally glanced at Dong Jiancheng and Yan Zhigao, who were speaking quietly on the deck.

He couldn’t help but admire Yan Zhigao’s good fortune.  

Just over a year ago, he had been promoted to the position of Prefect Magistrate. Now, he had produced high-yielding grain seeds that were even mentioned by the Emperor. Furthermore, because of his ties to the Young Prince, his three children were now classmates with Young Master Dong.

Given their close relationship, it was no surprise that even the Minister of Revenue now favored him.

"Master, they’re coming."

From a distance, a group of young men, full of vigor, approached. The three shortest among them were leading fine young horses. Old Master Zhou immediately recognized one of them as his daughter.

As they were about to reach the port, Xiao Yeyang slowed his pace. When Daohua, leading the horse, caught up with him, he whispered, "The three people we met today, don’t worry too much about them. They can’t threaten me."

After saying this, without waiting for Daohua to respond, he quickly walked ahead, clearly not wanting to discuss it further.

Seeing his attitude, Daohua furrowed her brows and fell into deep thought.

Did Xiao Yeyang recognize those three people?

"I won’t go to the port," Xiao Yeyang said to Dong Yuanxuan and the others. Then, he looked at Daohua, who was still leading the horse. "The horse will likely feel uncomfortable on the boat. Don’t lead it yourself—don’t risk getting kicked into the river."

Daohua nodded. "Don’t worry. As long as I’m not on the horse’s back, it won’t be able to bully me. And don’t forget about my past achievements," she added, raising an eyebrow.

Zhou Jingwan spoke up, "What achievements? I remember today’s the first time you’ve ridden a horse, right?"

Daohua smiled and didn’t elaborate. "Anyway, I’m really good."

Seeing her smug expression, Xiao Yeyang laughed and shook his head. He knew she was referring to the incident during the Lantern Festival when they climbed the wall, and she had used sleeping powder on the two hunting dogs.

Daohua then turned to Xiao Yeyang, becoming serious. "But you should be careful. The things I gave you, make sure you carry them with you."

With that, she sent him a knowing look.

Xiao Yeyang quickly looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had given the sleeping powder and the "itchy pills" to the imperial physician for formulation. Though the recipe was fine, the pills and powder didn’t work nearly as well as the ones Daohua had given him.

For safety, he now made sure to wear the pouch Daohua had given him every day.

Yan Wenkai glanced at his younger sister, then at Xiao Yeyang, and walked over to Daohua’s side. "Big sister, I don’t care what you do with your good things, but you can’t forget to give me my share."

Daohua didn’t think that sleeping powder and itchy pills were appropriate for him, so she immediately shook her head. "I don’t have anything good."

Xiao Yeyang quickly changed the subject. "Let’s go. Your parents are waiting for you. I’ll head back to the academy first." He said, then left with Defu.

Daohua noticed that her Fourth Brother seemed like he wanted to say something, but before he could, she looked over at Su Hongxin, who was standing still. "Brother Su, my brothers are accompanying us to see our elders, but why aren’t you following Xiao Yeyang?"

Su Hongxin sighed. "I’m also going to visit my elders."

Daohua was curious. "Your family is here too?"

Dong Yuanyao looked over toward the port and was surprised. "I see the Su family’s boat. It looks like Aunt Su and the others are here. Did Shiyu come to Wuhua mountain today?"

Su Hongxin nodded. "My mother and younger sister came because Aunt invited them."

Dong Yuanyao was puzzled. "If Shiyu is here, why isn’t she joining us to have fun at the horse grounds?"

Su Hongxin rolled his eyes. "With my sister’s personality, do you think she could join you three in riding horses and having fun?"

Dong Yuanyao nodded thoughtfully. "That’s true. Shiyu is just too quiet and graceful."

Su Hongxin couldn’t help but mutter under his breath.

Wasn’t it just that you three were too rowdy?

He thought his sister’s personality was just fine.

Dong Yuanxuan stepped forward. "Let’s hurry over. We shouldn’t keep the elders waiting."

(End of Chapter)