Yi Siming was meticulous and well-connected. The two had been brought and arranged by him initially. Yi Siming simply settled the two in a small courtyard in a rural county, looked after by an elderly couple. They were introduced as orphaned niece and nephew coming to seek refuge.
The two rode their horses swiftly. When they arrived, the maidservant Cai Yue was helping the elderly woman with embroidery. Seeing her benefactors, she quickly stood up, serving tea and water with exceptional diligence. Fu Shen looked around, saw that she was living without worry, and the infant was well-cared for. He was slightly relieved and subtly advised her to go out less frequently.
Cai Yue understood that her master was doomed and unlikely to be vindicated. She bowed to them with tears, saying, “The life-saving grace of the two young masters, Cai Yue will never forget.”
With such great kindness, I can only offer prayers and eat vegetarian meals, praying daily for the young masters. In the next life, I wish to be a cow or horse, willing to be driven by the young masters.”
Fu Shen turned aside, not accepting her gratitude. Yi Siming sighed, “No need for this. Just raise this child well, and our efforts will not have been in vain.”
The half-grown infant crawled on the bed, somehow inching next to Fu Shen, gumming his sleeve. Fu Shen picked him up, watching him wave his arms and babble, looking adorably silly. The gloom in his heart slightly dispersed, and he couldn’t help but smile softly.
Fu Shen was surprised to find he was good with children, letting the baby play freely.
After their playful moment, the elderly woman took the child. Yi Siming, unwilling to stay long, took the opportunity to bid farewell. Fu Shen left some silver for them, indicating no need to see them off. The two tried to leave as inconspicuously as they had arrived.
However, midway, Fu Shen casually touched his waist and realized his jade pendant was missing. If it were any other item, it would be fine, but this jade was a memento from his deceased mother, carried since childhood and never separated from him.
Yi Siming said, “It might have fallen off while playing with the child. I’ll accompany you to look for it.”
