Encountering each other is fate.

The Crown Prince entered, surrounded by a crowd; after all, he was the main figure here, and his smile was dazzling beyond measure. I seriously wondered if his face might freeze like that, unable to return to its original, normal state. A friendly reminder, this book updates first on the main website—search it on Baidu. It was said that he was not yet of age, about seventeen, only a year younger than Li Yexuan. Yet he had a host of concubines, likely to secure his position as heir and win over many allies.

Li Yexuan, on the other hand, was reputed to be upright and self-disciplined, without a single woman by his side. Truly, an odd pair of uncle and nephew.

I never forgot I was here as a maid, attending this banquet; whatever they discussed held no interest for me. I simply stayed behind Yun Heng, serving tea and water as needed.

It was indeed rather stifling. Yun Heng was not a man of many words, nor did he indulge in pleasantries. He spoke little, but his mouth kept moving, eating and drinking plenty. I was left hungry, yet had to ensure he was well fed.

As if he sensed my resentment, he leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Little one, I'll take you to the night market later."

My eyes instantly brightened, but I quickly resumed the timid demeanor of a maid.

How did he see through my thoughts?

If he could, then all my silent curses toward him must be known as well—but surely he couldn’t be that omniscient.

This banquet was dull to the extreme; were it not for Yun Heng, I’d have fallen asleep countless times.

At last, it drew to a close, and Yun Heng found some casual excuse for us to slip away and board the carriage home.

Yet halfway, the carriage stopped. Had we already arrived at the General’s Mansion? Clearly, it was too soon.

Sleepy, I got out, only to discover we were at the night market.

I had thought he was merely comforting me, not that he would truly bring me out.

"Why are you standing there? Come on, let’s get something good to eat."

I hurried after him—finally, time to eat, and I was indeed starving.

He walked ahead, his gait graceful, and I followed behind. Truly, when you find someone pleasing, everything about them seems pleasing; it was just so.

He led me into a restaurant, to a private room, and soon enough the table was laden with dishes, making my mouth water uncontrollably.

"Eat," he urged.

"Yes, yes," I replied.

I ate with great relish, and perhaps because of that, he too picked up his chopsticks.

There was far too much food for just the two of us. My thoughts drifted to my brother—did he have enough to eat? He'd never known hardship; could he stomach such rich fare?

"What’s wrong?" Yun Heng noticed my sudden silence.

"It’s nothing, General. You truly are kind, remembering your maid’s hunger." It was the truth, and I was genuinely moved.

"If you really think I’m good, then stay by my side."

"Yes, yes," I answered.

He smiled again, reaching out to pat my head.

I smiled back at him and turned my attention to the food.

After I’d eaten my fill, I followed behind Yun Heng. Just as we stepped out of the private room, I caught sight of Li Yexuan.

Him again—he was like a lingering shadow. I’d finally managed a rare outing with Yun Heng, only to run into this harbinger of misfortune.

"General Yun, Mu Fan, you’re here as well?"

"And so is the Night King."

"Since fate has brought us together, why not stroll for a while?"

"Very well."

The two of them walked off, and I had no choice but to follow. All this talk of fate in meetings—my inner voice raged: why must Li Yexuan always appear wherever Yun Heng and I are?

When I finally understood the reason, I regretted it. Sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss.