A pleased light flickered in Rong'er's eyes. "Can we?"
"Hurry."
Yan Jiaojiao continued her invitation. Only then did Rong'er extend her hand to grasp it. With a strong pull, Yan Jiaojiao yanked the girl behind her and immediately tugged the reins, ready to spur the horse forward.
"Hold on!"
Yan Ruxue rushed over, the guard by her side.
He had intended to go report, but at a corner, he encountered Yan Ruxue and quickly brought her over as a rescuer.
Yan Jiaojiao, on horseback, looked down. "What, are you going to stop me too?"
Yan Ruxue smiled slightly. "Sister... Jiaojiao, I had no such intention. I merely wanted to ask where you're going."
"To eat. The food at the Yan family doesn't nourish people," Yan Jiaojiao told her frankly. "I'm already fourteen, and I'm not as tall as your little maids."
Yan Ruxue faltered, maintaining her smile. "That's perfect, I was also planning to go out. Perhaps we could go together? I can treat Sister, Jiaojiao, to a good meal."
Why refuse when someone was willing to pay?
The original owner was not favored, and her expenses were indeed tight. Now that a free meal ticket had appeared, Yan Jiaojiao had no fear of her accompanying her.
She nudged the horse's belly with her foot and galloped away. Yan Ruxue understood this as consent and quickly instructed her servants to lead the carriage to follow.
A gentle breeze brushed against her face, bringing a cool sense of freedom. The birdsong and fragrance of flowers along the roadside were more delightful than usual.
Rong'er was young, after all, and at this moment, she relaxed completely, saying happily, "Eldest Miss, I think you're especially happy today. It's great that you've made up your mind. Everything can start anew."
This girl was actually comforting her. Yan Jiaojiao chuckled. Rong'er herself was in a sorry state, yet she was still worried about her losing her inner core. How foolish.
The Yan family residence was located in the southeast corner of Kunyang City. As they traveled, the area became more prosperous as they approached the marketplace.
Yan Jiaojiao had only flown over the city upon entering and hadn't been in the mood to pay attention. It was only now that she carefully surveyed Kunyang City.
Kunyang City enjoyed spring-like weather year-round, making it very pleasant to live in. Flowers were everywhere, as if the people here were also exceptionally good-looking because of it, with handsome men and beautiful women encountered everywhere.
The saying that Kunyang City had many beauties was indeed true to its name.
Yan Jiaojiao chose a tavern facing the street, dismounted, and led Rong'er inside, taking a seat by the railing on the second floor.
By the time Yan Ruxue arrived in her carriage, Yan Jiaojiao had already ordered a large spread of food and was waiting for it to be served.
The second floor had only railings as enclosure, offering a very expansive view.
Yan Jiaojiao poured herself a cup of water, brought it to her lips, and slowly sipped, gazing down at the bustling traffic.
Rong'er was a little excited, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling. Though she tried her best to restrain herself, she couldn't help but look around.
Yan Ruxue, on the other hand, sat on the other side, looking somewhat listless, not quite believing that Yan Jiaojiao was merely here for a meal.
Suddenly, a young master in fine attire stood at the entrance below. He stood out amongst the crowd. He raised his hand and waved grandly towards their direction, his handsome face blooming with a smile.
Yan Jiaojiao looked back behind her, confirming no one else was there, then looked back at the young master. He was no longer visible downstairs.
"Little Jiaojiao!"
A pleasing male voice came from the staircase, but the words were rather unpleasant.
Indeed, it was the young master in fine attire, who, overjoyed, rushed directly towards Yan Jiaojiao's table.
Yan Jiaojiao followed the sound and, upon closer inspection, realized the young master had feminine features, with a delicate and handsome appearance. He could be considered handsome, but at this moment, he wore a fawning expression that made one want to stay away.
He was overly familiar, plopping down at the table, still smiling brightly. "Little Jiaojiao. I never expected you to be so beautiful, like a fairy descended from heaven. You've truly captured this humble scholar's heart."
Yan Jiaojiao frowned. Her memory held no trace of this person.
Furthermore, this man was calling out "Little Jiaojiao" but speaking towards Yan Ruxue.
Yan Ruxue covered her mouth and smiled, gesturing for the young master to look at Yan Jiaojiao. "Young Master, Jiaojiao is over there."
The young master remained unmoved, even becoming proud. "Little Jiaojiao, I am your future husband. How could I not recognize you? You are my Little Jiaojiao."
What nonsense was this!
"Don't spout nonsense. Who has an engagement with a scoundrel like you? My young lady is Yan Ruxue." The head maid behind Yan Ruxue immediately cried out, pointing at Yan Jiaojiao. "She is Yan Jiaojiao!"
Yan Jiaojiao didn't even lift her eyes. She casually threw the cup in her hand, hitting the head maid's finger squarely.
"Ah!"
The maid cried out in surprise. Her finger was already red and swollen.
"Cuilian, how rude! Retire!" Yan Ruxue immediately reprimanded, her tone of sternness unclear as to who it was directed at.
The young master, seeing the head maid injured, showed concern on his face and complained to Yan Jiaojiao, "Miss, you were too heavy-handed. Look at that little beauty's delicate finger, it's all swollen."
Seeing someone speak up for her, Cuilian felt even more wronged. Although she dared not defy Yan Ruxue further, she still glared angrily at Yan Jiaojiao.
Then, she heard the young master continue, "But if I may speak out of turn, why would you, the mistress, make things difficult for her?"
Cuilian was momentarily stunned, wondering if the young master was helping her or indirectly criticizing her for not knowing her place.
However, his voice was clearly filled with tenderness.
Yan Jiaojiao glanced at the young master.
"Young Master, why do you claim to be Jiaojiao's... future husband?" Yan Ruxue spoke again, changing the subject.
The young master's attention was immediately diverted, and he eagerly leaned closer to Yan Ruxue. "I am Sheng Mobai of the Sheng family from Jiangnan. We were betrothed as children. Your mother should have told you."
The Sheng family of Jiangnan was the wealthiest in the southern part of the Boundless Continent, a merchant family for generations, with immense wealth.
No wonder the young master's clothing was so luxurious; he was indeed a scion of nobility.
Yan Ruxue unconsciously glanced at Yan Jiaojiao. That glance held a complex mix of suspicion, jealousy, and feigned concern.
Sheng Mobai seemed oblivious and continued with a cheerful smile, "Little Jiaojiao, haven't you noticed the jade pendant at your waist is glowing?"
Everyone involuntarily looked towards the jade pendant at Yan Ruxue's waist. It was a lush green, of superior quality, with a faint aura of spiritual energy circulating within. It was clearly no ordinary item.
And at this moment, the jade pendant was indeed emitting a faint glow.
The Yan family members' expressions turned strange.
Sheng Mobai, however, remained immersed in the joy of finding his bride, proudly puffing out his chest and revealing his matching glowing jade pendant. "Although this is our first meeting, our token has been guiding me to find you. Indeed, hard work pays off."
Yan Jiaojiao reacted first, smiling playfully at Yan Ruxue. "Jiaojiao, such a devoted man is truly a good match."