Bing Shi called for a staff member to clean up the mess, using the opportunity to offer a symbolic perspective, "Your Highness, did you know that accidentally breaking a dish symbolizes a new beginning?"

She picked up a small triangular shard from the broken bowl, explaining its significance, "These shards signify that after an unfortunate incident, good luck follows. People often consider shards useless and discard them, but perhaps they have hidden value? As for myself, I'll keep one as a lucky charm."

Bing Shi wrapped the shard in a cloth and placed it in the inner pocket of her cloak, mentioning its potential as a weapon, "In case of emergency, I can use it for self-defense."

Her message was clear: don't rush to judgment without careful consideration. The initial appearance might deceive many. As she discreetly played with the strength pill hidden under her tongue, Bing Shi returned to the sofa, "What is your Highness' opinion on this matter?"

Observing Zhao Rong as he sat down behind a desk, she watched him gather papers and a glass-nibbed brush to jot down a war strategy.

He responded, "I couldn't agree more. Lack of information can lead to a trap."

Despite Zhao Rong's physical victory, Bing Shi had managed to shift the power dynamics through their verbal exchange, demonstrating her strategic prowess three times in a row.

[Host, what if he gets more interested in you? You might fail one of your missions.]

["If his interest would mean more opportunities in the future, I won't say no. Kuro, we have to look at the bigger picture."]

Having a prince as a regular might open the door for her little Tian Shies sooner than planned.

[Are you going to take revenge for what he did to you?]

["Petty revenge is not for me. About the things he did to me... If an opportunity comes, I'll make him regret his actions."]

Bing Shi rubbed her temples, the static noise from the shattered bowl still lingering in her ears, bringing back some bad memories.

'Xuan Mu, my head hurts...'

'I had to go on all fours and beg for mercy. I allowed someone to beat me. I didn't fight back when someone pulled at my hair. So tell me, why do I still feel no hatred and anger?'

'Somewhat, I'm scaring myself with my thoughts.'

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Dropping down from a thick willow tree branch, Ru Quan, donning a black uniform, crouched down in front of Fei Lan, urgency in his eyes, "Get on. Quickly, before the patrol appears."

Fei Lan, dressed in commoner attire, hesitantly climbed onto his strong shoulders.

As the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, Ru Quan vanished from the spot with Fei Lan in tow. Up on the tree, he could feel her warm breath brushing against his ear.

With a firm grip on him to prevent herself from falling, Fei Lan held on tightly, her hand around his neck sending a delicate fragrance that reached his senses.

Ignoring the distracting effects she had on him, Ru Quan placed a hand on a ledge, propelled himself over the wall, and landed gracefully on the other side. He then rushed toward a cart positioned behind a horse, instructing Fei Lan to conceal herself within it. Taking the horse's reins, they sped away into the depths of the night.

"I'm taking you to a safe location where you can stay for the time being," Ru Quan's gaze was fixed on the road ahead. The option of inns was out of the question. "I'll need to return and resume my duties as a guard to avoid arousing suspicion."

Fei Lan felt a mixture of frustration and gratitude. She nodded in understanding as if not wanting to burden him further with her predicament.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Hasan's reaction was immediate and tense. He shot up from his seat, pointing an accusing finger at the familiar face before his office doors, his voice shaking, "W-what are you doing here?! Guards!" He called out for help, but no response came.

Ru Quan calmly took a seat in front of Hasan's desk, looking composed as he glanced around the room, "I'm here to find Tian Shi."

Hasan's anger flared, "You! Who do you think you are?!" He slammed his hands against the table.

A sudden realization hit Hasan as he remembered how this seemingly ordinary guard had managed to bypass his security measures, "Hmpf! She is currently attending to His Highness, Prince Zhao Rong!" He hoped that dropping Zhao Rong's name would be enough to intimidate Ru Quan and whoever was behind him.

From their brief conversation, Ru Quan had learned that little monster was now just a courtesan in training. The speed at which she had risen in ranks surprised him, but then again, nothing about her could truly shock him anymore. Just as he sensed another presence, Ru Quan turned around.

"What has happened to our guards?" Bing Shi's voice cut through the tension.

She poked an unconscious guard on the floor with her foot, her tired demeanor contrasting with her authoritative stance, "If you're wondering why I'm back so soon...His Highness allowed me to return sooner due to my headache."

With confident steps, she walked past Hasan and stood behind him, "Master, you should retire for the night. I'll take care of our guest from here on."

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

After Hasan stormed out in a fit of anger, Bing Shi settled into his vacated seat. When she first saw Ru Quan, she had the urge to grab a strawberry chapstick and smear it all over his parched lips. Believing that he hadn't eaten or drunk properly, she slid Hasan's plate of desserts before Ru Quan and poured him a cup of tea.

Seeing the wound on her cheek, Ru Quan's distress was evident. Memories of her injured arms from their past encounters resurfaced, and a burst of anger ignited within him. "How did you get yourself injured?"

A heat of anger began to radiate from within his heart, previously filled with nothing but ash, his irritation was short and violent, "You have the power to prevent such things! Stop exposing yourself to others' harm!"

"Huh?" Bing Shi's eyes widened in disbelief at his outburst, "You should put yourself first before you start caring about other people...No, I mean...Don't speak like you know me! Why are you even here?"

"I..." Ru Quan tried to regain his composure, "I wanted to speak with you privately." He offered her a box of sweet potatoes.

Bing Shi looked at him strangely, "You're not trying to court me, are you?"

"W-what? No, I've long moved past that phase of my life," Ru Quan facepalmed at her audacity, "I brought a female friend. She's escaping a marriage. Could you possibly provide her refuge for a while?"

"Oh, I'll consider it," Bing Shi mused, placing a finger on her chin in mock contemplation, "How old are you?"

"I thought you'd ask for something in return first," Ru Quan smiled, counting only his first lifetime while skipping the others, "Thirty-seven. And you?"

"It depends on the kind of girl you've brought," Bing Shi grinned mischievously, "Forever twenty-six."

"You died young," Ru Quan's curiosity got the better of him, "How?"

As they exchanged words, their gazes never wavered. Both were aware of the potential for manipulation in each other's words, yet they continued to analyze each sentence until they grew tired of it.

Before even realizing it, they breathed in the air, which unknowingly tasted like home. Both souls recognized the other in a manner, unbeknownst to them. Not ready to cast this scene to memory just yet, they wanted it to be their present for a while longer, to fill their senses.

Rubbing her satisfied tummy, Bing Shi quipped, "Where's your female companion?"

"Outside," Ru Quan replied, finishing his cup of tea.

"What?! And I thought you were a gentleman," Bing Shi exclaimed, quickly hopping down the chair, "What if she catches a cold?! We need to hurry!"

"I'm...a gentleman," Ru Quan followed after her, "I gave her a thick blanket."

"Bwahaha, how considerate of you ♪♫." Bing Shi kneaded her temple.

'Hurray, my headache finally disappeared!'