Chapter 58: Change.

This was the first time in all these days that Smelian had taken the initiative so readily. Lu Xia was a little surprised, and so were the old steward nearby and Grace, who had been about to step forward.

Lu Xia, however, said nothing of it. Smiling, she handed him the things. “The banquet went quite smoothly tonight. Have you all been waiting for me?”

“Mm. We figured it was about time you’d be back.” Grace walked over and asked casually, “Are you hungry? Want to eat something else?”

Shen Ninghua studied Baili Junyi, and when she saw no sign of discomfort on his face, she finally let out a small breath of relief.

The refugees below were blinded by anger. The person who had earlier held out a bowl for Zhou Ziqing to drink from hurled it straight at his head. With a bang, it struck him, leaving him with blood streaming from a split scalp.

Thinking it over, Gao Chengfeng grew so frustrated that he bit the back of his hand. At last, he came up with a plan.

I said, “The child’s name is Heaven’s Will. Xu Cheng and I chose it because the child came at just the right time.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Zhao felt a rush of emotion. Losing Nanny Qin had cost her an important ally, and now Feng had sent her two trusted aides just when she needed them most.

Baili Jinze watched her retreating figure with narrowed eyes. After a long moment, he slowly schooled his expression, straightened his clothes, and headed for the front courtyard.

Without evidence, trading accusations like this was pointless. The old imperial consort didn’t want to waste any more time. There would be plenty of chances to complain to the emperor later.

Ye Yun followed Qin Meilian for several dozen miles, until they reached a secluded valley. Wildflowers bloomed across the surrounding hills, and the valley was lush with spring, its scenery captivating.

“Who told you to think that far ahead? Focus on what’s happening now.” Lu Yunting rubbed his forehead.

He was about to reach out and grab the person who had fallen into the water when the cries for help suddenly stopped. The person turned around and looked at Zhou Kai.

Even more astonishing, many of the showerheads here were already rusty. They were so badly corroded that a little force seemed enough to snap them off. Their quality was appalling.

“Dad, no. I’m trying to lose weight.” Jiang Lan, caught by the back of her collar, turned around and gave an embarrassed smile. It was a reasonable enough excuse.

Jiang Twelve didn’t press the old man about his doubts. But privately, he had begun coveting the old man’s bronze mirror.

“If you’ve dared come to Anyang, then you must have looked into me. You surely know how formidable this blade is. To be cut down by it is almost an honor.” As he spoke, his hand never paused, and the divine blade revealed its true form once more.

Jin Yunlin said nothing. He simply clasped An Nuan’s hand, and the group made it safely across the Bridge of Helplessness.

Everyone turned to look toward the second floor behind them. The moment they did, most of them were left speechless.

A star-rated chef was waiting nearby, ready to prepare steak, pasta, caviar—whatever anyone wanted.

“Turn left up ahead. Yes, that street—go in there.” Lü Huihui opened the window, watching the road outside as she directed He Yuan.

“Damn! Why not just rob us? You’re charging hundreds of thousands for a single rough stone!” Everyone immediately looked down on him. No one made another bid.

If Chaoxi were angry, heartbroken, or simply disheartened because so much time had passed since those events, she would regret telling the story. She could have spent the rest of her life as a steward in the princess’s residence, knowing nothing of any of it.

“Get out! Get the hell out, all of you!” Zhu Yuanlang seized the flowerpots and stone stools before him and hurled them outside like a madman. They crashed and shattered across the ground, leaving the courtyard in ruins.

“Old hag, at it again!” With a shout, the altar master drew back his arm, then bounded forward in several leaps toward Granny Qionghua.

“Even if it’s dangerous, we have to do it. We have no choice!” Ouyang Sheng spoke, looking at me. His expression brooked no argument.