CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 51 ‧₊˚

The group of people drifted on the boat for a few more days. Fortunately, nothing significant happened during this time. When the boat finally docked, Lu Zhao supported Shen Qingyao as she disembarked. Shen Qingyao still felt unsteady on her feet, nearly collapsing into a deep bow when she met Cui Qiao, whom she hadn't seen in days.

"Oh no, Miss! You shouldn't be making such a big gesture!" Cui Qiao exclaimed as she saw Shen Qingyao stumble. She quickly moved forward, but seeing that Lu Zhao had already steadied Shen Qingyao, she stopped and teased with a smile. The two had grown up together, and since Shen Qingyao transmigrated, Shen Qingyao had been quite informal and playful with Cui Qiao, who wasn't afraid of Shen Qingyao at all.

Shen Qingyao pretended to widen her eyes in disbelief and said, "Cui Qiao! You've changed! You weren't like this before! You don't care about me anymore!"

Cui Qiao turned her head to hide her laughter. Her eyes fell on the tightly held hands of Lu Zhao and Shen Qingyao, and she teased, "Haven't I changed? Now, it's not my place to care about you, Miss. Isn't Young Master here to care for you?"

She had always felt that although Miss and Young Master seemed close before, something had subtly changed after this trip. Pleased for them both, her smile grew more satisfied.

Shen Qingyao's face turned bright red at Cui Qiao's words, and she wished she could pounce on Cui Qiao to give her a good scolding for her impudence.

"Husband... look, even Cui Qiao is bullying me!" She couldn't beat Cui Qiao, so she clung to Lu Zhao's sleeve and whined.

Lu Zhao watched the reunited mistress and servant bantering back and forth with a helpless, indulgent smile. Seeing his little girl at a disadvantage, he tightened his grip on her hand and laughed, "Alright, I'll help you teach her a lesson."

Cui Qiao shrank back, frightened, but then Lu Zhao added, "But what she said is true. Now you have me... mmph."

Shen Qingyao covered his mouth with her hand. She seemed to know what he was about to say. If Cui Qiao said it, she could refute it. But if Lu Zhao said it... it was better left unsaid, or she might explode.

Cui Qiao giggled behind her hand again. Her eyes turned to Hong Yun, who stood quietly behind Shen Qingyao. Her eyes lit up.

Hong Yun, with her sweet and quiet demeanor, was particularly endearing. Her large eyes darted between the people, surprised to see how the masters interacted with their servants. Just as she was lost in thought, Cui Qiao pulled her over.

The two chatted happily, with Cui Qiao asking about their journey in low tones, and Hong Yun carefully responding. They whispered and occasionally burst into laughter.

Shen Qingyao felt slightly relieved. Cui Qiao had been with her for many years, and though Hong Yun had only joined recently, Hong Yun had taken good care of her. Seeing them get along well made her happy.

"Let's go." Lu Zhao squeezed her hand gently, his eyes tender. "I'll take you to see our new home."

Shen Qingyao looked back at him, nodded with a smile, and felt a sense of security. Though the script didn't cover this unknown territory of the South, as long as Lu Zhao was with her, she felt less afraid and uncertain.

However, they couldn't head straight to the new residence that Lu Zhao had prepared. As soon as they entered the city gates, they were stopped.

The person who stopped them was an unusually thin middle-aged man. His wide scholar's robe hung loosely on him, billowing in the wind. His face was gaunt, with sunken cheeks and dark circles under his eyes. He approached with a smile and, for some reason, headed straight for Shen Qingyao, startling her. Before she could react, Lu Zhao had already stepped in front of her protectively.