Gu Yunxi held a jar of Liyu tightly and rushed back to Sanqing Hall to find Qinger.

Half the way, she found Qinger arguing with a little boy Taoist. Qinger said the Pengxian Temple was not decent because they kidnapped people. She demanded the boy servant to give her Lord back. A lot of people gathered around and discussed it.

While Gu Yunxi was going through the crowd, Qinger already kicked the boy Taoist, and he fell on the ground.

"How can you kick people?"

The boy Taoist was furious and feeling wronged. But he didn't know Kungfu, so he just sat on the ground and cried.

Qinger was relentless. When she was about to step forward, someone grabbed her arm.

She looked back. It was Gu Yunxi.

"Lord! Why did you come back so late?!"

Qinger immediately turned happy, but she was extremely worried at the same time. Qinger reached out and grabbed Gu Yunxi instead. She saw Gu Yunxi holding a jar in her other arm.

"Qinger, I got the Liyu. Don't make trouble here!"

Gu Yunxi lowered her voice and said to Qinger. Then she apologized to the boy Taoist and ran away with Qinger.

With Liyu, Gu Yunxi got everything she needed. Her worried heart finally lightened up a bit.

They went back to the Leng's Mansion. The eunuch said the Master had taken medicine and went to bed.

Because Gu Yunxi didn't come back at noon, and in the whole mansion, no one knew where she went, the Master was furious, so he lost his temper at the servants. He didn't eat much for lunch.

While the Master was taking a nap, Gu Yunxi tried to make Jiaozhu Pear Curd again with Liyu and other ingredients.

This time, what she made tasted exactly like the Jiaozhu Pear Curd that Pei Rushi described.

She made it!

Gu Yunxi and Qinger were so excited. They hugged together for a while and then shared the curd.

There was less than a half a jar of Liyu left, enough to make one cup of Jiaozhu Pear Curd. Gu Yunxi decided to make some and put in the hamper tomorrow. She would take it straight to Wanhua Tower and give it to Fu Danqing.

She then washed some cherries and took out their seeds. She chopped half of a pineapple and put it in sugary water.

After a while, she heard the servants saying that the Master had woken up. Gu Yunxi immediately carried the newly made tea with the sugar-soaked fruit to the Master's room.

The Master was walking slowly, supported by Kang Hai and another eunuch. Gu Yunxi saw it and hurriedly called, "Stop."

"Where did you go this morning, leaving me alone?"

Leng Qingtang squinted at her. He was still angry.

The old saying went that the elder husband and the young wife could be hard. This girl was acting secretly recently. He needed to keep an eye on her!

"Haha..."

Gu Yunxi smiled obsequiously. She picked a red cherry with a toothpick and put it in the Master's mouth. She said,

"I haven't been out for a long time. Today there's a huge street market. I had some fun and forgot about the time."

"See how I'll punish you later tonight."

Leng Qingtang stared at her. His look was obviously provocative, hinting her what he was going to do. Gu Yunxi blushed. She bit her lower lip coyly and felt awkward.

Leng Qingtang asked the two eunuchs to put him on the bed. Then he hurriedly chased them out of the room.

Gu Yunxi sat by the bed. She took her handkerchief and wiped out the sweat on his forehead. She complained,

"Why are you off the bed? Imperial Doctor Jiang said you need to wait for ten more days. You wound just scabbed. Don't rip it apart."

Leng Qingtang smiled gently. Holding her hand with his big and warm hand, he looked at her deeply and said,

"I want to be able to hug you again, like before."

Gu Yunxi was dazed. Her blush just wore off her snow-white face and now it was back on.

She was so moved. She looked at the Master. Her eyes were caught by his affectionate eyes.

His black, deep, clear eyes were shinning. It was like the dark night and the shining stars. They had a hint of sadness flowing inside, making them mysterious and seductive.

Even though Gu Yunxi didn't know where that ineffable sadness came from, she was always captured by their magic whenever she met his black and seductive eyes.

The source brought news a couple of days ago. Empress Qian went to Qinming Hall. She had a meeting with the Emperor for four hours before she left.

Leng Qingtang knew what they discussed. It was for the Eastern Depot.

That moment was almost there.

In the future, his relationship with Gu Yunxi would face a more severe test.

At this moment, he couldn't explain all these to his beloved girl.

"Yunxi, I love you."

Leng Qingtang lay on his stomach, supporting his head with his hand. His passionate eyes locked on this beautiful girl. He poured his heart out to her once again with deep affections.

He wanted to tell her that she was the only one in his heart! No matter how dangerous and arduous was the future, it would never change his heart.

Leng Qingtang always knew that he couldn't go without the Eastern Depot, but he wanted her more.

Gu Yunxi slightly frowned. Her clear eyes turned dark without her saying anything.

She looked down. She didn't want her tears to be discovered by the Master.

"Looking for a needle in a bottle of hay will consume much time and effort. In the better case, you two will separate. What’s worse, one will die an unnatural death."

Yu Xuanji's warning haunted her like a ghost. His clear voice roared beside Gu Yunxi's ears. She was more confused.

She never believed in this kind of thing. But that ominous prophesy made her uncomfortable every time she thought about it.

"What's wrong, girl?"

Leng Qingtang sensed her awful look. He thought she was tired after taking care of all the business in the mansion these days, so he held her tiny cold hands and asked. His eyes were warm and caring.

"Nothing..."

Gu Yunxi squeezed out a smile. She then fed two sweet pieces of pineapple to the Master. She took the chance and threw herself in his arms. She said emotionally,

"I promise you my heart for my life. I only wish to have a peaceful life, and we won't waste any more time."

Leng Qingtang closed his eyes. He held her tightly with one arm. His hug was sturdy and solid.

Having a peaceful life with her until the end, and this was also his wish. But the future was unknown. They might still waste some time. And the unfinished achievement needed to be finished.

The only thing he wished for was that after all the difficulties, they still wouldn't change their hearts.

They hugged, holding their own troubles at mind in silence.

It was twilight outside. The evening wind was blowing. The empty branch of the wintersweet waved in the air. The waving black shadow landed on one side of the window, looking lonely.

...

"Qinger, did you see the red string the Master gave me?!"

At night, Gu Yunxi just took off her clothes and went into the bathroom when she found out the red string on her right wrist disappeared.

Qinger was embroidering outside. Hearing Gu Yunxi's shout, she looked up and saw Gu Yunxi jumping out of the bathroom. Her clothes were all messed up, and she looked crazy.

When Qinger knew she lost the red string, she looked funny,

"Lady, when will you be smarter?! Other women all want the Master's jewelry, gold, silver, silk, and satin. Yet you just want a red string. How much will that be? You can ask the Master to make you another one!"

Gu Yunxi was not happy. She dissed back at Qinger,

"I wear men's clothes every day. How can I wear silk or jewelry?! You're getting slacker day by day! If you don't want to stand up and help me find it, just say it! You don't have to say all these!"

Qinger thought she meant well, yet Gu Yunxi didn't understand. Qinger threw away her work and angrily stood up. She said loudly,

"Fine, fine. I thought we were close, so I wanted to tell you these. You eat and sleep in the same room with the Master every day, yet you don't want money or title. Why are you giving yourself to him for free? I'm worried about you, yet you blame me!"

"You... You!"

Gu Yunxi was furious. She was angry and embarrassed. Her face was red and pale at the same time.

She raised her hand and pointed at Qinger. After a while, she finally squeezed out some words,

"Nice, nice! You're this young and you dare say such things! After the matter of the Eastern Depot finishes, I'll tell the Master to get you married soon. I can't have you in my room anymore."

Qinger's anger was kindled too. She humphed and wanted to talk back.

Yet she saw Gu Yunxi sitting sadly by the table. She supported her forehead with one hand, withered and desperate.

Qinger suddenly went quiet. She felt like her heart was getting pinched by fingers. It hurt.

She walked slowly behind Gu Yunxi. Standing desolately for a while, she said sincerely and earnestly,

"Lady, only I say these sincere words to you. Tell me, how much did you endure for him and how much he did for you? No one knows what the Master is thinking. But you should think for yourself and at least get a title..."

"What's the using of fighting?"

Gu Yunxi stared at her empty wrist dazedly. Her look was mournful. Under the candlelight, her teary eyes were shinning. She said while sobbing,

"The High Priest said today that I wouldn't have a nice ending with the Master. If so, we should just separate. I only came to the Eastern Depot for a year, and he had met a lot of troubles. Now the token he gave me was lost too. Definitely it is not a good sign..."

"You shouldn't believe the High Priest's words!"

Qinger persuaded her in earnest. Yet Gu Yunxi wearily waved her hand. She stood up and said to Qinger,

"We still have businesses to do tomorrow. Sleep early. Tell Kang Hai I'm tired and ask him to go to the Master's room to serve."

...

In the morning, Gu Yunxi put the newly made Jiaozhu Pear Curd into a hamper and rode with Qinger to Shili Street.

They kept this a secret from Cheng Wanli, so Gu Yunxi didn't bring him to Wanhua Tower today again.

Before, he asked her what she was going to make for Fu Danqing, but she prevaricated it. Then he was busy contacting the source in the Place and collecting information, so he didn't have time for Gu Yunxi's matter.

Gu Yunxi told the driver to ride slowly.

The curd was soft. If the carriage had been shaking too much, it would have been out of shape and all her effort these days would have been a waste.

At noon, the carriage finally arrived at Wanhua Tower. Gu Yunxi got off the carriage first. She took over the hamper from Qinger slowly and carefully. She swiftly walked in.

She successfully saw Fu Danqing like before. She took care of the landlady with two gold ingots. Then the landlady led Gu Yunxi to the most popular courtesan's room.

Fu Danqing crossed her legs and sat straight in front of the table. Hot steam flew out of the teacup. She clearly had been waiting for Gu Yunxi inside the room for a long time.

On the stone table beside her, there were some papers.

Seeing Gu Yunxi's Jiaozhu Pear Curd, surprising light shone out of Fu Danqing's watery eyes. It was enchanting.

Gu Yunxi explained the ingredients and the cooking process in detail. Then, she took out a bowl of red cornel fruit brew from the top shelf of the hamper. She scooped out some brew with a pear-leaf-shaped spoon and poured it on the surface of the white and smooth curd. She held the flower bowl and asked Fu Danqing to taste it.

Yet she suddenly smiled and put that tempting Jiaozhu Pear Curd and the delicate spoon inside the hamper. She then pushed the hamper aside.

Fu Danqing stopped wasting time and led Gu Yunxi to the table. She started drawing the faces of the three damsels according to Gu Yunxi's description.

All went well.

When she just drew half of the third painting, there was a sudden turmoil on the street. The troublous sound of horse hoofs and people shouting and running made Gu Yunxi's heart shook.

Before long, the noise came up from under the Wanhua Tower with the scream of young ladies.

Qinger ran up with a courtesan to the fourth floor. She pushed open Fu Danqing's door and warned nervously,

"Lord, people from the Western Depot barged in!"

Gu Yunxi was dazed. She stood up from the chair. She was so anxious that she stared gritting her teeth.

When she first came to the Wanhua Tower, she met the guards from the Western Depot on the way, making troubles. Now she just came, they soon got the message. It showed the incident on the Spring Banquet was also relevant to Ming Lan.

Fu Danqing didn't have time to wipe away the sweat on her forehead. She said,

"Lord Yun, you and I need to hurry up!"

After saying that, she quickly dipped the soft brush pen in ink. She then drew more on the paper.

Gu Yunxi took a deep breath and thought for a while. She then turned her head and said to Qinger,

"You go down and hold them for a while. I'll be done soon."

"OK, rest assured!"

Qinger answered and went down with the courtesan.

Gu Yunxi's eyes blinked. She looked at the pile of paper on the table and took one out. She then grabbed the brush pen with ink. Having a weird smile on her face, Gu Yunxi started to write on the paper.

When Fu Danqing hid the three paintings inside the scroll holder, Gu Yunxi also dropped the brush pen. After the ink dried on the paper, she rolled it into a long scroll.

The door was kicked open.

Some guards of the Western Depot rushed in. They looked ferocious and arrogant. Their pugnacious look went straight to Gu Yunxi and Fu Danqing.

With an eery and sharp laugh, a person wearing a gold-weaving cloud pattern boots walked in. Looking at that spotless and shining boots, Gu Yunxi knew who arrived.

Ming Lan walked into the room slowly. He was wearing a tall black hat, a moon-white official robe with flying crane patterns, and a dark red brocade cloak. The hundreds of gold peony embroidered on it were outstanding and gorgeous.

Gu Yunxi frowned. She felt like her right eyelid was bouncing.

She stared closely at Ming Lan's face which had a seductive monster-like make-up. A chill ran up her spine. She felt freezing as if all her blood suddenly froze.

"Where are you from, my Lord? Why are you so rude..."

Fu Danqing woke up. She quickly walked up and put up a smile. She raised her hands, and when Fu Danqing was about to touch Ming Lan's chest and stop him from approaching Gu Yunxi, a guard from the Western Depot came up and pushed her aside with force.

Ming Lan put his hands behind his back and put the lower hem of the cloak behind. He looked at the room’s decoration and furniture coldly as if he had not seen Gu Yunxi. He talked to the air. His voice was soft and feminine. Everyone who heard it would be captured by it,

"I got secret information that someone has malicious intentions and writes poems here to insult the government. So I've come to catch the criminal."

While he was speaking, he turned his head, and his eery eyes met Gu Yunxi's.

Suddenly there was a flash of lightning!

Even though they only engaged with their eyes, the silent confrontation was more intense than any battlefield pervaded with gunpowder smoke!

When Gu Yunxi saw Ming Lan, a lot of bloody images went through her mind.

In the dark night, in front of Baohe Palace, this evil man hurt the Master ruthlessly.

While Ming Lan was greedily gazing at Gu Yunxi who was standing in front of him, looking at her pretty face, he was thinking about the watery and bouncy face that he slapped. The joy of revenge was mixed with a hint of sorry. This feeling was abnormally nice.

Ming Lan raised his eyebrows. He put up a dark smile and walked up. His eyes were sharp and cold. Ming Lan glanced through the stone table and said with a soft voice,

"Yun Guaner, why are you here? I'm quite surprised to see you here!"

Gu Yunxi suppressed the fear and hatred in her heart and pretended to be calm. She looked straight at Ming Lan and answered imperturbably,

"Lord Ming, long time no see. How are you?"

"I didn't expect you to come here!"

Ming Lan widened his eyes. Cold light shone out of them with a hint of banter. He stretched his neck and looked behind her. Ming Lan seriously questioned,

"What are you holding?!"

Gu Yunxi slightly changed her expression. She pouted and talked back at him,

"None of your business!"

"How dare you!"

Seeing the obvious fear that passed through Gu Yunxi's face and her blushed cheeks, Ming Lan thought he caught her. He became more arrogant and then waved his hand,

Two guards rushed over and surrounded Gu Yunxi without reason.

"What are you doing?! Give it back!"

Gu Yunxi shouted shockingly. The scroll was taken by them and presented to Ming Lan.

A hint of sneering slid through Gu Yunxi's eyes. She looked down coldly, secretly paying attention to how Ming Lan would react.

Ming Lan took over the scroll, looking complacent. He squinted coldly at Fu Danqing and stared at Gu Yunxi, who silently looked down.

He then looked up arrogantly. He opened the scroll with his pale fingers.

On the center of the paper were five big words:

"Go Cry To Your Mom."

His eyes twitched. Ming Lan heard the refrained laugh from Fu Danqing.

Yelling, Ming Lan was furious. His face was blushing. Even the powder on his face couldn't hide it.

He quickly tore up the paper in his hand and threw them in the air.

The pieces were like snow, covering the ground.

"Yun Guaner, how dare you make fun of me?"

He rushed over and screamed.

Gu Yunxi smiled. She was not anxious or angry,

"I dared not do so! I'm just having free time, visiting the brothel, and hanging out with a courtesan. I'm just trying to kill some time! What, am I in your way?"

After hearing it, Ming Lan calmed down a bit. He smiled coldly and carefully looked at her. He said disdainfully,

"You? Visiting the brothel and hanging out with a courtesan? Can you?"

Gu Yunxi humphed coldly. She squinted her eyes spitefully and talked back,

"I can't? Can you?"

Ming Lan was so angry that his face was twisted. He gritted his teeth so hard that they started cracking. His carefully made-up face, over-emphasized eyes, and red lips were all distorted, making his whole face horrifying.

He looked at Gu Yunxi's beautiful face in the near distance. Her eyebrows were slim and long. Her eyes were shining, and her skin was like snow. She looked untamed, yet it had a charming beauty.

She really gave Ming Lan a mixed feeling of hatred and love.

He changed his expressions. He was not angry but had a bright look. He approached Gu Yunxi slowly until she was against a cold wall and had no way back.

Taking off the cloak, Ming Lan put one slim arm on the wall and said slowly,

"You need to try before knowing whether I can or cannot..."

Gu Yunxi was terrified. From Ming Lan’s evil look, she noticed an unstoppable lust.

"Someone, take that woman out!"

He just said it, and a guard already grabbed Fu Danqing and pulled her outside.

"What are you doing? You can't make trouble here! Lord Yun!"

Fu Danqing yelled. She was afraid anything would happen to Gu Yunxi. But she couldn't fight against a man. Fu Danqing only struggled for a while before she was taken out.

Seeing the situation, Gu Yunxi quickly touched her waist. She was going to take out her weapon and fight.

"Don't move! Gu Yunxi."

Ming Lan figured out what she was going to do and said eerily.

She felt like she was hit in the head. Gu Yunxi staggered and almost fell. She asked with a shaking voice,

"How… How do you know?"

Ming Lan smiled evilly. He pinched her jaw. Lights shone in his eyes, and they were all lust,

"I own the Garden now. Checking your detail is as easy as turning my hand!"

"You... You!" Gu Yunxi finally realized. She grabbed Ming Lan's collar and yelled crazily,

"You framed the Master. You wanted to check my detail and own the Garden, so you framed the Master!"

Ming Lan was provoked by her. He went wild in a second. He tossed her on the stone table and threw himself on her, laughing wildly,

"Gu Yunxi, do you know who you are? Do you know how much trouble you created for Leng Qingtang? If he didn't protect you, you wouldn't live till today!"

Gu Yunxi felt like her heart was split by an ax. She hurt so much that she was twisting. She felt like she was bleeding and couldn't breathe.

When she was dazing, she felt her waist was loosened. Her big belt and dagger were taken away by Ming Lan.

"Ming Lan, you monster! Let me go!"

Gu Yunxi started cursing and fighting back.

She felt disgusted as he was insulting her. Now he was even doing it in front of his men. She reached out and tried to punch his face. Yet she only scratched him before he held her hand over her head and cuffed her.

Ming Lan was not good at Kungfu, but it didn't mean he didn't know Kungfu. Now he was filled with lust, so he was stronger than usual. Taking care of Gu Yunxi was easy. He bent his head down and started kissing her like crazy. He left kiss marks all over her face and neck.

Gu Yunxi lay face-up on the table. Her toes were not touching the ground. Her legs were split up and in between was Ming Lan’s slim yet strong body. She tried to fight and screamed with full strength. Gu Yunxi kicked hard, but her feet waved in the air. She couldn't reach Ming Lan.

Her clothed were unwrapped by a cold hand. Then she suddenly felt coldness on her chest.

Gu Yunxi was horrified. She desperately saw Ming Lan's eyes burning with lust, in which her bosoms were exposed.

Ming Lan stared at that curve bouncing nervously under the last piece of clothes. He put up an extremely eerily and twisted smile.

When he just grabbed the biggest brush pen on the shelf, the door was pushed open again.

With a gust of fragrance, a tall woman barged in. She waved the red handkerchief with gold rims and smiled coquettishly.

"Lord, what's the fun playing with her? What about me?"