CHAPTER 2018: CHAPTER 2017: SINISTER SMILE

"Xiaomao wanted to fight the people performing monkey opera, almost got killed, so I begged my master to buy it. Later, Xiaomao followed me and my master, and over time, it learned a few arrays and its strength became very great, although it didn’t grow that much," Yizi said, her expression darkening, "I guess it hasn’t had enough to eat with me."

"If it was too big, it would be inconvenient for you to keep it by your side," Bai Ruozhu said.

Yizi then smiled, "Yes, it should wake up soon, I’ll take some sesame seed cakes back to it later."

"Since you’re thinking of traveling around, are you interested in joining me on my journey?" Bai Ruozhu asked her.

She had been observing for quite a while, confirming Yizi’s character before extending such an invitation. Now that she had both the old and the young with her, she had to act cautiously.

Yizi looked surprised, "Are you hiring someone? But your guards are already very capable."

She glanced somewhat embarrassedly at Jianqi not far away; with such a capable guard, is there a need for her, a half-baked talent?

Bai Ruozhu laughed, thinking Yizi was just young and lacking confidence; otherwise, with her array skills, she could earn some silver by setting up arrays for wealthy families.

Of course, not many ancient people were good at making money, which is why Yizi hadn’t saved much money until now.

"Indeed, I want to employ you as my guard, ten taels of silver per month, how about it?" Bai Ruozhu asked with a smile.

"Ten taels?" Yizi jumped up excitedly, then grimaced and wanted to cover her backside in embarrassment, as sweat beaded from her forehead with the pain.

Si Yihuan hurriedly helped her, "You should be more careful, otherwise how can you be a guard like this?"

Yizi was in such pain she nearly cried but gritted her teeth, "I’m fine, I’m willing to do it."

"Alright, then when you go back to get Xiaomao, come find me at the Inn. I’m Bai Ruozhu, and this is my second sister-in-law, Si Yihuan," Bai Ruozhu said along with a laugh.

Yizi felt a bit nervous, "I’m Yizi, and don’t have a surname. It was Lady Pan who said I was destined for nobility and gave me the name Yizi."

It was then their turn in line, and Yizi hurriedly bought two sesame seed cakes, giving two extra taels of silver while paying.

"No change needed, boss," she said softly.

The boss was a bit stunned and then said, "No, that’s too much."

"My monkey stole your sesame seed cakes before; this is extra compensation for you," Yizi’s head was practically about to hit her chest.

The boss slapped his forehead, "Turns out a monkey stole them! I thought my kid was sneaking bites and not admitting to it, I even scolded him."

Yizi was even more embarrassed, "Use this money to buy some candy for the kid—consider it my apology."

She said this with a serious bow, but since her backside was too painful, her legs were shaking.

"Isn’t this the girl pretending to be a ghost at the Pan family? Why’s she here now, how unlucky!" a customer behind her recognized Yizi and complained loudly.

Yizi hung her head low, wishing she could find a crack to disappear into.

"Alright, I’ll accept this silver. Admitting mistakes and correcting them is good. Here, I’m giving you this sesame seed cake, enjoy it and live well, don’t do foolish things anymore," the boss said with a smile and handed a sesame seed cake to Yizi.

"Thank you," Yizi said with her nose almost clogged up.

Then it was Bai Ruozhu and their turn, with Si Yihuan crossing her two index fingers, "Boss, we need ten!"

Someone behind them impatiently shouted, "Can you finish eating that many? Buying them all, what about the rest of us?"

Si Yihuan pouted, "We have many people at home, and buying more is better than me eating alone, right?"

Bai Ruozhu suppressed her laughter, counting heads—ten wasn’t actually much.

Fortunately, the boss didn’t say anything and quickly wrapped up the sesame seed cakes, collected the money, and continued his busy work.

Bai Ruozhu led Si Yihuan away, while Yizi said farewell to them and limped towards the Pan Mansion.

In the afternoon, Yizi carried Xiaomao to the Inn, a little anxious and greeted Bai Ruozhu.

She was unsure if she could fulfill the role—a salary of ten taels monthly was beyond her wildest dreams, having never saved ten taels in a year before.

"I don’t have many requirements, just a few things you need to remember," Bai Ruozhu began slowly, "First, do not clash with my family, or no matter how good you are, I won’t be able to use you; second, follow orders, I don’t want a subordinate who always acts on their own; third, forget the past, but from now on, you must manage Xiaomao well, make sure it doesn’t steal things or cause trouble, lest it lead to big trouble eventually."

Yizi quickly nodded, "I got it, lady, I will definitely manage Xiaomao well."

"Good, tomorrow morning we hit the road again," Bai Ruozhu said.

"Where are we going?" Yizi asked curiously.

"South," Bai Ruozhu answered succinctly.

Yizi knew she didn’t want to say more and wisely didn’t ask further questions.

However, Elder Su took notice of Yizi that night and privately asked Bai Ruozhu a few questions.

"What sect does that little girl belong to? Is she reliable?" Elder Su asked.

"No sect really, her master was a freelancer who knew arrays but has passed away," Bai Ruozhu said.

Elder Su appeared puzzled, "From what I see, her monkey seems like a spiritual beast, usually only major sects provide disciples with such beasts."

Bai Ruozhu laughed, explaining Xiaomao’s background to Elder Su, who was a bit stunned and then said, "No wonder its spirit isn’t pure; it must have some spiritual beast bloodline, that little girl is quite lucky."

Elder Su did not ask further and returned to his room.

The next morning at dawn, the group resumed their journey, continuing southwards.

...

In the Emperor’s expedition main military camp, a tall and upright man stood before Jiang Yichun, bowing respectfully, "I owe my current status to Lord Jiang and Bai during the sandstorm rescue; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here."

Jiang Yichun looked at the spirited Jian Zhen in front of him, nodded and said, "Your progress is a result of your own efforts, well done."

"I will work even harder in the future, never forgetting your and Bai’s lifesaving grace," Jian Zhen said, showing a sorrowful expression, "Nor can I forget my little sister’s hopes; she saved me but was buried in the yellow sand."

Jiang Yichun couldn’t help but sigh; that matter was indeed a mistake made by him and Ruozhu. Seeing Jian Zhen now, he secretly resolved to look after Jian Zhen a bit more.

He asked Jian Zhen about some situations, which Jian Zhen answered one by one, finally asking, "Would you be willing to work under my command?"

Jian Zhen showed a look of delight, then knelt on one knee, "My life was saved by Lord Jiang; I am willing to go through fire and water for you without hesitation!"

Jiang Yichun nodded, "Just wait for the orders then."

Jian Zhen thanked him and exited the tent, walking to a secluded corner and showing a strange smile.