High-class maid

"So many days have passed, when did you catch Duan Laohu? Why haven't you heard a word about it?" Song Wenyang asked.

"I caught him on the mountain a few days ago. This tiger is very cunning. He actually found a hiding place in the cave in advance, which was fully equipped. If it weren't for his men leading the way, I wouldn't have been able to capture him so easily."

The second prince sighed as he recalled the perilous situation he faced on the day he captured Duan the Tiger.

"It's good that you've been caught and that you're safe and sound. The Second Prince did a really good job keeping things under wraps," Song Wenyang praised sincerely.

"Hmph, what's so good about it? I originally planned to secretly bring that tiger back to the capital, but someone leaked the news. Now my doorstep is almost worn down. Today I can finally have some peace and quiet."

The second prince said, both angry and helpless.

"Your Highness, you must catch the person who leaked the information. Isn't that just adding to your troubles? Actually, I also have a favor to ask of you," Song Wenyang suddenly said, becoming serious.

"Oh? Brother Song, please speak." It was rare for Song Wenyang to ask him for a favor, and the Second Prince was very curious.

"I...I also want to see Tiger Duan. I wonder if Brother Rong could make an exception for me?"

The second prince paused in pouring tea, then asked, "You want to ask about the poison in your body?"

“Brother Rong understands me best. Everyone says that Duan Laohu is a man who takes money to do things. He has been a bandit in the capital for so many years, so he must have some real skills.”

“Alright, there’s no time like the present. I’ll arrange for you to enter the manor tonight. Whether you can find out anything depends on your abilities, Brother Song,” the Second Prince said.

"Whether I was able to find out or not, it was all thanks to the Second Prince's great help. If there is anything you need me for in the future, I, Song, will certainly do my utmost to help!"

"Haha, no need for that. You've helped me a lot, good brother, no need for thanks," the Second Prince said.

Meanwhile, on the boat, Shen Xing'er was taking care of Zhang Yuzhu, who was seasick.

"Yuzhu, drink some water first, I'll go find you some medicine," Shen Xing'er said, looking at Zhang Yuzhu who was vomiting violently.

Zhang Yuzhu waved her hand. She had already troubled her benefactor a lot. Following her benefactor onto the ship had already attracted attention. She didn't want Xing'er to run around for her anymore. It was just seasickness; she could bear it.

Shen Xing'er understood her concerns. She squeezed Zhang Yuzhu's hand to encourage her, and then went to find seasickness medicine.

Fortunately, Shen Xing'er didn't run around too much. Shan Tao happened to have the medicine. When Zhang Yuzhu took the medicine and lay down to rest, she said thank you again.

"Yuzhu, could you say that again?"

"Thank you, sister," Zhang Yuzhu said again.

"Yuzhu, call me Xing'er." Shen Xing'er raised her eyebrows in surprise. It seemed that her sincerity had not been in vain. Zhang Yuzhu was finally able to speak.

Zhang Yuzhu shook her head in frustration. She was really useless; all she could say in all these days was these few words.

"It's alright. A few days ago you could only say two words, but today you can say four. You'll get better every day," Shen Xing'er comforted her.

Zhang Yuzhu smiled and nodded, then made a sleeping gesture, signaling Shen Xing'er to go about her business. Seeing that she had stopped vomiting, Shen Xing'er felt relieved and went out.

"Xing'er, come with me to the small kitchen. This boat is rocking so badly, I feel nauseous after embroidering for a while," Shan Tao said.

"Embroidery isn't something to rush. If you prick your finger with the needle while the boat is rocking, it's not worth it at all," Shen Xing'er said.

"Let's go, it's time to get some snacks. Let's go see my mother." Shan Tao pulled Shen Xing'er and went to the small kitchen.

"Mother, is there anything we can help you with? Can you manage all this by yourself?" Shan Tao asked.

"Madam arranged for a new maid to help out. She went to move firewood. By the way, you know her, don't you?" Chen Shan's wife said without looking up from her work.

"Do we know each other? Aren't you a maid from the capital?" Shen Xing'er asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Here they are." Chen Shan's wife looked up and saw the person, gesturing towards them with her lips.

The two turned around and saw a little girl standing there. It turned out that she was Xiao Nuo, a third-class maid in Jinling.

"Xiao Nuo? Are you coming to the capital with us? What about your family?" Shan Tao, always outgoing, asked with delight upon seeing Xiao Nuo.

Xiao Nu blinked awkwardly, then said, "I have no one left at home. Staying in Jinling will only make me think of my parents. Therefore, I asked Madam for a favor so that I can go to the capital with you."

"I see." Shan Tao didn't dare to ask any more questions, feeling that Xiao Nuo was a pitiful person, and was afraid that asking too many questions would touch on her sore spot.

"The small kitchen is a great place. When it gets cold, everyone will like to flock there. If you work here for a year, I guarantee you'll gain ten pounds," Shen Xing'er joked.

Xiao Nuo smiled but didn't reply. She turned around and went outside to gather firewood again.

"Mother, did we say something wrong? Xiao Nuo doesn't seem happy." Shan Tao asked anxiously when she saw the other's cold expression.

"You don't need to worry about it too much. Xiao Nuo is just a bit cold-hearted, but she's still very hardworking," Chen Shan's wife said, unconcerned.

"But why would Madam agree to let her come to the capital? If the other servants in Jinling find out, won't they cause trouble?" Shen Xing'er asked.

"I'm puzzled too. Xiao Nuo has come to the capital, a favor that many maids would beg for. Why doesn't she seem happy at all?" Chen Shan's wife asked, puzzled.

"Never mind, Madam sent her here for a reason. What delicious food should we make this afternoon?" Shan Tao waved her hands and went to the pot.

"You greedy girl." Chen Shan's wife smiled and tapped her forehead, then said, "This is milk tea. First, you stir-fry the tea leaves until they are fragrant, then you add milk. I learned it from someone from out of town, so I don't know if it tastes good."

"It looks pretty convincing." Shen Xing'er muttered softly as she smelled the aroma.

"Xing'er, what are you saying?" Shan Tao asked.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. I just think it smells nice, and I think the old lady will like it."

"Try it when it's done cooking. If you like it, then take it to the old lady." Chen Shan's wife was quite confident in her cooking skills, but she was afraid of messing it up the first time, so she let the two of them try it first.

Shen Xing'er and Shan Tao exchanged a glance and then nodded. Chen Shan's wife was amused by the two's greedy expressions.

Looking at the three people in the room enjoying each other's company, Xiao Nuo's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She remembered what her grandmother had said the night before she boarded the ship.

"Xiao Nuo, Grandma has already begged the old lady, and the old lady is kind-hearted and agreed to let you go to the capital. Pack your bags tonight and leave tomorrow."

"Grandma! You know I don't want to go, so why did you still beg the old lady!" Xiao Nuo looked at the old lady's red and swollen eyes and guessed that the old lady must have cried in front of her for the sake of her future.