"No, of course not."

The official waved his hand, "Brothers, take your things away!"

The thugs who had come with them quickly stepped forward and pulled the official aside, whispering, "Hey, sir, you forgot what we agreed on! I was acting on Lord Xue's orders."

The official slapped him across the face, yelling, "Get lost! What kind of Lord Xue is this! What kind of skill is it to make things difficult for a young lady!"

"Don't be afraid, young lady! These people are all wicked and despicable; they must have had ulterior motives towards you. They deserve to die!"

Cen Yin affectionately took the soldier's hand, her voice soft, "Thank you for your keen observation, sir. You are so majestic. Please remember to patronize our business when you come for drinks in the future."

The officer leered at Cen Yin's hand, "These little hands are so smooth, how could she have killed someone? She must have framed you! I'll avenge you."

"I am doing business alone in the capital, and I am bound to encounter many such things. I hope you will protect me, sir!"

Luo Xuemei, upstairs, felt a little guilty watching Cen Yin and the official whispering to each other downstairs. She had lost money and forced a smile at someone she'd just met.

She was clearly a woman with a story, and one couldn't help but admire Cen Yin.

The official roared, "Guards! Arrest this man who is framing the shopkeeper!"

As soon as he finished speaking, two soldiers rushed forward and, in the blink of an eye, firmly subdued the arrogant thug.

The thug struggled to speak: "Hey, sir. Don't forget..."

Before he could finish speaking, the soldier holding him suddenly kicked him hard in the stomach. Then, several other soldiers rushed over and began punching and kicking the fallen thug.

"what!"

The thug let out painful howls, but his pleas and cries for mercy did not elicit the slightest pity from the officers and soldiers.

"Alright! Take him away!"

No sooner had the officials left than the waiter handed her a handkerchief. Cen Yin took it, wiped her hands, and then threw it back at him, her tone filled with disgust, "Bad luck! Burn it!"

Cen Yin felt Luo Xuemei's gaze from upstairs and called out loudly, "Come down! Everyone's gone!"

Luo Xuemei walked slowly and somewhat heavily downstairs, step by step.

For Luo Xuemei, who received a good upbringing from a young age, eavesdropping was contrary to her consistent principles.

Her once pretty face flushed red with embarrassment, and her eyes darted away, avoiding Cen Yin's gaze. She lowered her head slightly and said in a voice barely audible, "I'm sorry... I really didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Cen Yin suddenly felt that she was a little confused. "Did I scare you?"

Luo Xuemei shook her head violently.

"People like us come from bad backgrounds, this is how we survive."

"I'm sorry, I've dragged you into this! If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have lost so much money!"

“Miss Ayin must have encountered many men like this before.” Luo Xuemei’s eyes reddened.

"Why are you always apologizing? I just had an urge to kill someone."

"You think someone like me is very..."

Luo Xuemei quickly explained, "It's not easy for a woman to live a life of wandering. I don't even have the skills to survive, I'm not even as good as you! How could I look down on you?"

"Thank you so much, Miss Ayin, for taking me in! I will repay you the money as soon as possible. I will remember this kindness."

"Then, I won't disturb Miss Ayin any longer." Luo Xuemei bowed to her.

"Where are you going?"

Luo Xuemei blinked. "I...go home."

She was thinking about staying here, wondering what would happen if she ran into Fan Qingli!

"Can you still go back?"

Cen Yin immediately saw through her lie, her eyes filled with confusion about the future. Yes, the world was vast, and it seemed she no longer had a home.

"Judging from your demeanor, you must be a lady from a prominent family in the capital. Since you can't go home, why don't you stay here? Although my place can't compare to the luxurious life in your mansion, it can still provide you with enough to eat and wear."

"I know you've been slandered by rumors. Since you can't go home anymore, you should think about what your plans are for the future."

"But I don't have any extra money to pay for the room." Luo Xuemei's voice grew softer and softer. She clutched her dress tightly, afraid of becoming a burden. She didn't know anyone, and she would feel bad asking someone to take her in.

"However, I know some needlework, cooking, and calligraphy/painting! Can I use these to pay for it?"

Cen Yin leaned closer to her face and looked at her closely. Cen Yin was a little taller than her, so she had to bend down a bit to look at her.

"You know so much, and you still call yourself a 'lack of survival skills'? But I'm letting you live here, not to work!"

"Fine, do whatever you want! I don't care!"

"I went out today and will be back late tonight."

-

Jinzhu was packing her luggage for the journey to Wei. Last time she went to Wei, Cao Yuan told her to travel light, but this time she had time to pack.

"Jinzhu, this is what the Crown Prince asked you to bring."

Chu Yan gave Xuan Feng a large box of things and told them to take it with them.

"what is this?"

"These medicines were given to you by the Crown Prince's tutor. Your journey back to Wei will be dangerous, and you'll need them. The Crown Prince has given them all to you! Use them sparingly!"

"Thank you so much!"

Chu Yan entered the hall. "Is everything ready?"

Jinzhu and Xuanfeng tactfully withdrew.

"I'm leaving tomorrow. Is there anything else you want to say to me?" Cao Yuan looked at the person in front of her with her beautiful eyes full of reluctance, her eyes seeming to overflow with tears.

Chu Yan smiled slightly, reached out and gently stroked her delicate nose, and said softly, "Silly girl, it's not like we'll never see each other again, why are you so reluctant to part with me?"

As he spoke, he deliberately moved closer to Cao Yuan, staring at her with a half-smile.

"How is His Majesty's condition?" Cao Yuan changed the subject.

Speaking of Xiao Shengxi, Chu Yan was filled with sorrow, "The imperial physicians were helpless. I have been using the medicine my master gave me to prolong my life for half a month, but I'm afraid I don't have many days left."

"Why did His Majesty do this so suddenly? He usually seems quite robust."

Chu Yan looked up at her and said, "Well... because he used the blood of extreme Yin, it's not noticeable on a normal day."

“Extreme Yin?” Cao Yuan suddenly realized, “So it’s because he drinks women’s blood in the palace that outsiders mistakenly think His Majesty is licentious?”

"This is a folk remedy from a witch doctor. Uncle, the illness is actually caused by overwork! He knew his days were numbered, which is why he was so eager to fight."

"So, you've been handling state affairs all this time?" Cao Yuan had other thoughts in her mind.

"Ok!"

"Chu Yan, if I leave tomorrow, could my elder sister come with me?"

"You don't blame her? Did she betray you?"

Cao Yuan shook her head. "She must really want to go home. I want to take her home, if she's willing."

“I will have Xuanfeng take her there.”

"It's getting late, you should get some rest! I still have some official business to attend to!"

Chu Yan touched her hair, and as soon as he turned around, Cao Yuan hooked her hand around his belt.

"what happened?"

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