Chapter Seventy-Nine: Such Audacity, Daring to Pursue Me to My Residence

Returning to the residence, Liu Ling’er headed straight for the kitchen. She hadn’t yet reached the door when she saw Bai Li Xian seated calmly at the table, savoring his morning tea from a delicate cup. Steam curled lazily from the cup, and Bai Li Xian, for once, was not wearing his ever-present mask. His striking features appeared even more captivating behind the veil of mist.

Upon hearing footsteps, Bai Li Xian set down his cup and looked up at Liu Ling’er. Having raced back to the Prince’s mansion using lightfoot skills, she was slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed, making her look all the more charming.

Noticing the paper package in her hand, a flicker of surprise crossed Bai Li Xian’s face. Though it was just a simple parcel, he immediately recognized it; within was fried dough, for the wrapping was unique throughout the imperial capital.

A faint smile played at Bai Li Xian’s lips as he chuckled softly, “Oh? I didn’t expect you to be so lucky, Princess. To arrive so late at Ma’s Teahouse and still get their fried dough—had I not seen that distinctive paper, I’d have thought you bought it from just anywhere. Truly remarkable.”

Detecting a hint of mockery in his tone, Liu Ling’er lifted the package proudly. “Is there a problem? It’s true I arrived late and the fried dough was long sold out. But as soon as I presented the token you gave me and mentioned your name, the lady selling the dough made a fresh batch just for me!”

“What!” Bai Li Xian scrutinized Liu Ling’er from head to toe, puzzled. He knew Ma’s Teahouse well; unless one bore the Emperor’s own golden token, not even the Prince’s insignia could persuade them to prepare an extra serving. He couldn’t imagine Liu Ling’er possessing such influence.

While Bai Li Xian was lost in thought, Liu Ling’er had already placed the fried dough on the table. He glanced from the delicacy to her. “Are you certain that just by presenting my insignia, they made you a fresh breakfast?”

“Of course! Though, I nearly got robbed for it afterward,” Liu Ling’er replied offhandedly, but paused as the morning’s events came back to her. She remembered that, besides using the Prince’s token, she had also shown the decree she’d found in the abandoned well of the Cold Palace—the Heaven’s Law Master’s token. Judging by Bai Li Xian’s reaction, it seemed unlikely that his insignia alone could have swayed Ma’s Teahouse. Could it be the Law Master’s token? If so, that was no small matter—how intriguing.

“Robbed?! Who would dare eat a serpent’s heart and swallow a leopard’s gall to try robbing the Prince’s token? If I find out, I’ll have their hide!” Bai Li Xian was incensed, nearly slamming the table.

“Is that so? For all you know, they might be chasing me all the way to the Prince’s mansion!” Liu Ling’er felt secretly delighted. Though she and Bai Li Xian were bound by nothing more than a contract, his concern for her had dispelled much of her morning gloom. Still, she stubbornly refused to admit it aloud.

“Who would dare pursue someone into Ah Xian’s mansion? They must have a death wish—wait, what’s that delightful aroma? Is that Ma’s famous breakfast? It’s been ages since I’ve tasted it!” The Dowager Empress Chu Meier’s voice carried from afar.

Liu Ling’er turned and gave a deep curtsey. “Greetings, Mother. I heard from Ah Xian that you’re fond of Ma’s breakfast, so I rose early to fetch some and pay my respects.”

Bai Li Xian’s mouth twitched—early, indeed. If she’d truly risen early, there would have been no need for Ma’s Teahouse to make a fresh batch for her.

However, in front of the Dowager Empress, Bai Li Xian naturally played along. “Indeed, Mother. Ling’er was worried the servants might delay, so she went to buy it herself. Please, Mother, have a taste and see if Ma’s breakfast is as delicious as ever!”

Chu Meier’s smile grew even brighter. “Such filial piety is rare, Ling’er. I know this breakfast must be delicious, even without tasting it!”

While they conversed, two people approached the gates of the Prince’s mansion—a woman leading, a man following close behind. The woman, having chased Liu Ling’er all the way, saw her enter the mansion and, without hesitation, vaulted over the wall.

The man paused to glance at the gate’s plaque. Seeing it was the Prince’s mansion, his expression changed. “Reckless! Truly reckless—how could you barge into the Prince’s residence without so much as a look? You’ll be mistaken for a thief!”

If his sister were caught, their father would surely have his head. He had several brothers, but only one sister—the apple of their father’s eye, cherished as a precious treasure. If anything happened to her…

He Juntian shivered at the thought. Not daring to imagine the consequences, he hurriedly vaulted into the mansion, hoping he could extract his sister before she got into trouble.

Alas, he had underestimated his sister’s capacity for chaos. A stern voice sounded nearby, “How bold, to chase someone into my residence!”

He Juntian stumbled, nearly falling. It was over—his sister had surely caused trouble. That voice unmistakably belonged to the young woman from Ma’s Teahouse just moments before. In but a blink, here they were, and he was all too familiar with the sound.