Chapter 127: Leaving Nanpu

"Miss."

"Her?"

"Indeed, don't think she's a young woman just because of her age; she's highly capable and acts with thunderous efficiency. I believe that if this matter is entrusted to her, it will certainly be accomplished."

"Very well. Since you've already decided, I'll follow your wishes. If you need this old bone of mine for anything, just say the word."

Having secured a patron, Chi Nan Yi was in high spirits. Chi Shao yuan, after hearing the servant say that Divine Doctor Nan Yi was in his grandfather's courtyard, set aside his tasks and hurried to Chi Zhongshan's courtyard.

At that moment, the courtyard of Chi Zhongshan already had a spread of dishes set out, and the serving attendants had been cleared away. Chi Zhongshan pointed to the food on the table and said softly, "These dishes were your mother's favorites before she married; give them a try."

Chi Nan Yi picked up the nearest flaky cheese pastry, and its sweet, soft, glutinous texture made her eyes involuntarily squint.

"When I was in Jingcheng, the su la from the shop in the east city was extremely delicious, almost identical to the ones here. I loved it so much that I often sent people to buy it, but since returning to the Chi Family I haven't been able to have it again."

"Have you ever tried the pastries from the east‑city su la shop?"

"I have."

Hearing her say that, Chi Zhongshan's smile deepened: "That shop is an enterprise of the Chi Family."

Chi Nan Yi, upon hearing that, couldn't help but exclaim, "Really?"

"Back then, your mother's favorite snack was su la, but making su la requires a lot of milk, which is a rare commodity; ordinary families rarely even see it once, so there were no shops on the market selling such pastries. Noble families each have their own cooks, so if they wanted it, they would make it at home. When your mother married into the Situ family, Situ General was a rough man; the household's guards were all military protectors—a bunch of coarse old men—so nothing could be arranged meticulously. Although your father was a martial champion, he was an orphan without the backing of a great clan. When your mother married there, the Situ household wasn't as affluent as yours. She could not afford to keep a dedicated cook just for herself, nor could she have the Chi Family send pastries daily, lest people notice and mock. Therefore, I had someone open a su la shop in the east city, sending some to the General's residence each day, and no one knows the reason."

So that's how it is.

"It shows how much mother was favored back home."

"Indeed! Your mother was my treasured pearl; I never expected…" Mentioning this, Chi Zhongshan's eyes reddened again.

Just then, a young servant's voice came from outside the courtyard: "Second Young Master, you have arrived."

Chi Zhongshan wiped the tear tracks from his eyes, frowned, and looked at Chi Shao yuan: "That stinky brat really knows how to pick the right moment, always showing up during meals."

Those words reached Chi Nan Yi's ears, and she couldn't help but smile inwardly.

"Grandfather, Brother Nan Yi." Chi Shao yuan stepped forward, smiling, "I heard Brother Nan Yi has arrived, so I rushed here without stopping." He looked at Chi Nan Yi: "Since you're here, why not sit in my courtyard?"

"Sit where? Sit where? Go to your courtyard for what? You don't know men…"

The words "men and women should not be intimate" got stuck in her throat, unsaid.

The great caution between the sexes applies even to cousins; one must be careful.

"Grandfather, Brother Nan Yi is my close friend; if he doesn't go to my courtyard, where else could he go?" Chi Shao yuan turned his head and said, "Brother Nan Yi, I have a training ground in my back yard. I'm frail, so I could only watch from afar before, but my elder brother's martial skill is outstanding; shall I have him demonstrate a few moves for you?"

Hearing him say that, Chi Nan Yi felt the words seemed oddly familiar, as if…

…like a monkey from a circus in a past life.

If his elder brother heard this, he'd probably beat him up. Previously, considering his poor health, Chi Xingzhi brushed off his occasional sharp tongue, but now that he's healthy, Chi Xingzhi won't indulge him any longer.

"No need. Today I will return to pack my luggage; tomorrow I will set off."

"Leaving tomorrow? Why such haste?"

"There are matters to attend to." Chi Nan Yi glanced at Lanxi, who stood outside the courtyard: "I plan to open a shop in South Creek; Lanxi will stay here to manage it. When the time comes, I ask Brother Shao yuan to help look after me."

"Rest assured, leave this matter to me."

Chi Laoyezi had tried several times to drive Chi Shao yuan away, but he had already set his eyes on the sumptuous spread of dishes and, once seated, had no intention of getting up.

Until the meal was finished, Chi Laoyezi couldn't manage to exchange a few more words with Chi Nan Yi.

He wished he could kick that grandson of Chi Shao yuan out.

Fortunately, after dinner, Chi Shao yuan was summoned by Chi Xianshi to the study. Chi Zhongshan took Chi Nan Yi's hand and gently patted her: "Child, if it weren't unavoidable, I would never have agreed to let you go to Jingcheng. But since your mind is set, I won't further obstruct you, though there is one thing you must not refuse." He clapped his hands, and a man appeared in the courtyard.

If that man hadn't been standing before her, Chi Nan Yi would never have believed that anyone could master the art of concealment to such a refined degree.

"This is the Dark Guard I give you; his martial skill is high, and he will surely protect you completely."

Just by observing his transcendent concealment technique, one can glimpse the whole picture like seeing a leopard through a pipe.

His martial skill must be far beyond ordinary!

"Thank you, Grandfather." She took out various pills she had prepared early and placed them on the table: "I've listed the effects of these pills; if any discomfort arises, take them as needed."

"Alright, I'll remember." Chi Zhongshan patted her head: "Child, no matter what, Grandfather hopes you live well. Even if you cannot avenge, that's fine; just live well. Grandfather has already endured the pain of losing a daughter once; he cannot bear it again."

"Very well." Chi Nan Yi nodded firmly: "I promise you, I will definitely survive."

After leaving the Chi Family, Chi Nan Yi returned to the inn and summoned the Dark Guard before her.

"What is your name?"

"I have no name, miss; please grant me one."

"Either black or white, just call yourself Ji Bai."

"Ji Bai, thank you for naming me, miss."

Early the next morning, after giving instructions, Chi Nan Yi left with Ji Bai.

She did not go to Qingjun County, but returned directly to Yuping Village.

Having been away for such a long time, her parents must have been very worried.

It was not until the evening of the next day that they arrived at the village entrance.

At this moment, Yuping Village was extremely quiet.

Chi Nan Yi was just about to enter the village when Ji Bai whispered beside her, "Miss, someone."

Someone? At this late hour, who besides herself could be returning to Yuping Village now?

Ji Bai led her to a hidden spot, and shortly after, a figure dressed in night‑cloaking attire appeared where they had just stood.

Chi Nan Yi's heart tightened as she watched the person's silhouette.

She had seen it… or rather, that silhouette had appeared in the original owner's memory.

It was someone from Meng Qinghe's side.