Chapter 6: The Thunder Tiger Across the Mountains

Xia Ying took out a handkerchief from her bosom to wipe the clothes for the housekeeper, but she was pushed away by her. "I see you two are in cahoots, aren't you doing this on purpose?"

"Housekeeper, I can't afford to take your words. Although I don't know that you are Lady An's confidante, I haven't had the chance to flatter you yet!"

She leaned in and whispered to the housekeeper, "Today's matter is not a big deal. You, as an adult, should let it go. Otherwise, if the young lady's illness doesn't improve and she goes to cry to the master, saying that you disturbed her rest, then..."

The housekeeper, covered in dirt and not wanting to stay here any longer, took the opportunity given by Xia Ying and left with a cold snort, "You little maids, don't let me catch you, or you'll regret it!"

Xia Ying smiled and said, "Safe travels, housekeeper!"

After seeing the person off, she returned to the room and saw Lin Luochen looking at her with her arms crossed. She asked, "Miss, did I do something wrong?"

Lin Luochen shook her head and said, "You did well! I am very satisfied!"

Xia Ying looked at Lin Luochen's retreating figure and couldn't help but ask, "Miss, openly opposing the housekeeper like this, I'm afraid our future days won't be easy!"

Lin Luochen stopped and turned around, carefully examining the maid who was the same age as her, and said, "She's just a mere servant. I, as the young lady of the mansion, what is there to fear?"

"That's true, but in the past..." Xia Ying hesitated.

Lin Luochen's mouth curved into a meaningful smile, "Times have changed! In the future, I won't let anyone in the mansion suffer!"

Xiangguo Mansion's servants, more than eighty in total, all gathered together and knelt down, creating a daunting scene.

Lady An sat high in the ancestral hall, looking at the crowd with a stern gaze.

The housekeeper held a thick cane in her hand, standing beside Lady An, while the other maids stood with their hands down, not daring to look around.

The imposing scene made everyone feel uneasy.

Lady An took the cane from the housekeeper's hand and slammed it on the ground, breaking it instantly.

She looked at the kneeling crowd and said, "I heard that recently you've been disobedient and not following the rules?"

Upon hearing this, everyone lowered their heads even further. Lady An threw the cane on the ground and said, "In Xiangguo Mansion, I am the one in charge! And the housekeeper is my representative. Anyone who disobeys her disobeys me! Do you understand?"

This stern reprimand made everyone respond in unison.

"We hear you!" Lady An's cold eyes swept over the crowd.

"We will obey the mistress's teachings!"

The resounding response echoed through the hall!

After the meeting, Chunyue returned to the courtyard, feeling very gloomy. She grabbed a broom and swept the dirt at the door, raising clouds of dust.

Lin Luochen put down the medical book in her hand and said to the nurse, "Call Chunyue here!"

Chunyue, with an aggrieved expression, threw the broom aside and walked in, standing with her hands down.

Lin Luochen smiled faintly and asked, "What's the matter? Why are you so angry?"

Chunyue, who had a fiery temper, couldn't help but shed tears when she saw her mistress's concern. She wiped away her tears and said, "It's nothing! I'm fine!"

Lin Luochen's gaze fell on Xia Ying, who had followed in, and understood why she was upset after seeing her mouth the words "housekeeper." She furrowed her brow slightly and said, "If you're not at fault, you shouldn't punish yourself by getting angry. Lady An's warning was not directed at you, but at me! She just wants to show her authority in this mansion!"

As Lin Luochen spoke, there was a hint of disdain in her eyes. Xia Ying walked over and said, "Miss, Chunyue has a quick temper, but she'll be fine in a while."

Chunyue also nodded and said, "Miss, I'm fine."

Lin Luochen smiled and said, "Don't waste time on such trivial matters! Let's go! I'll take you out for a walk!"

"But, Miss..." Xia Ying hesitated, "Yesterday, an official from the palace came and brought a lot of tonics, saying that the Empress Dowager ordered them. He also said that you shouldn't go out in the future, as it wouldn't be good if you were injured again!"

Lin Luochen glanced at the tonics on the table and said meaningfully, "It seems that Father has handled it well..."

Chunyue, who was originally in a bad mood, became excited at the prospect of going out for a walk and asked eagerly, "Really? Where are we going, Miss?"

"To the pharmacy!" Lin Luochen smiled faintly, her eyes shining.

Chunyue pouted and thought to herself, I don't want to go to the pharmacy, I'm not sick...

Lin Luochen and her two maids changed into men's clothing and went out. As they left, a servant followed them secretly.

Chunyue was very excited, looking around and feeling the gloominess dissipate. Lin Luochen was also curious about the scenery of the ancient market and was full of curiosity about everything.

Not far away, there was a candy stall, and the candy figures made by the vendor were very exquisite, with facial features that seemed familiar.

Lin Luochen reached out to touch them and asked the vendor, "Little brother, is this candy figure supposed to resemble Prince Li? Do you think it looks like him?"

Prince Li? Isn't he the person one is supposed to marry after coming of age?

Lin Luochen had searched through the memories of the original owner and had never seen Prince Li up close, so she didn't know what he looked like!

"Li Wang?" Chunyue bounced over, holding the sugar figurine and examining it from all angles. "Is this really Li Wang? Few people are familiar with his appearance. How did you come to know?"

The vendor felt awkward. "I caught a glimpse of him from afar when Li Wang returned triumphantly last time!"

Lin Luochen nodded, regardless of the truth. From the looks of this sugar figurine, it was evident that the common people held him in high regard and adored him.

"Young man, would you like to buy one?" the vendor suggested.

"I won't buy it!" Lin Luochen put down the sugar figurine. "There's nothing special about this Li Wang!"

With that, she strode away. As soon as she left, a man walked over, picked up the sugar figurine she had touched, and examined it closely.

"Master, this woman is so disrespectful and arrogant!" a follower who had caught up with him complained.

The man's eyes sparkled with amusement. "It's her!"

"Who?" the follower asked, puzzled.

"Qiu Chuan, I told you about a woman who saved me!"

"Ah?" Qiu Chuan was shocked. "Master, are you saying that woman is her?"

The man nodded, his smile full of joy. "Follow her!"

Qiu Chuan was bewildered. How could a woman who spoke so arrogantly be the one that the esteemed Li Wang took an interest in?

Absurd! It was too absurd!

But they had only followed her for a short distance when a secret guard came to report. Li Wang's expression changed, and he turned and left.

Qiu Chuan whispered to Li Wang, "Master, are we not going to continue following her?"

Li Wang narrowed his eyes. "We have more important matters to attend to. As for her, since we know she's also in this capital city, there's plenty of time in the future!"