Upon entering the teahouse, they found that there were already people inside. Observing them, each of the two tables seated eight burly men with the muscular build of a bear and the backbone of a tiger, looking formidably powerful.
Another man sat alone at a table with his back to the entrance, making it hard to discern his features, but his attire and poise suggested that he was a person of high status.
Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian took seats at a table in the corner, while Bai Que asked the server to bring something warm.
"How about some beef soup? Our teahouse’s beef soup is quite good, rich and flavorful!"
Bai Que nodded in agreement.
Mrs. Han invited Bai Que to sit as well, and when the beef soup arrived, each person received a bowl.
"Hoo!" Yun Jinnian sipped the soup bit by bit, feeling that the figure in the back seemed vaguely familiar.
It was rather strange.
Only when the man at the next table rose up after finishing his meal and turned his head did Yun Jinnian almost choke in shock.
Chu Yu? And the strong men at the adjacent two tables also stood up, clenching their Precious Swords tightly, protecting Chu Yu from behind.
What was Chu Yu planning to do?
Not knowing earlier that it was Prince Chu Yu, Mrs. Han could have ignored him, but now that she recognized him, she quickly set down her bowl and led Yun Jinnian in bowing deeply, "This woman pays her respects to the Prince!"
Chu Yu waved his hand, "No need for formalities! Where is the madam heading to?"
It sounded like casual conversation, but could it really be? Definitely not!
"Taking my daughter to Huguo Temple to pray for blessings," Mrs. Han softly replied.
"Is that so? I am also on my way to Huguo Temple. If the madam doesn’t mind, we could go together. My subordinates are highly skilled in martial arts. With them around, petty criminals would not dare to cause any trouble!"
"Then we thank his Highness for his kindness!"
With an opportunity to rely on the protection of someone like Chu Yu, Mrs. Han wouldn’t refuse.
"Then the madam may dine at her leisure. I will rest in my carriage for a while and we can set off once you have finished your meal!"
"We bid the Prince farewell!" Mrs. Han bowed again.
Chu Yu gestured with his hand, offering Yun Jinnian a glance that barely lifted at the corners of his eyes.
It was as if he was telling Yun Jinnian that he was obediently heeding advice.
Yun Jinnian had wanted him to have more people for protection, and indeed, he had gathered sixteen rugged heroes from the jianghu, taking the jobs that Luoyi and Luo’er once did.
Yun Jinnian lowered his eyes, the corners of his eyes and brows filled with a tender smile.
Upon seeing this, Chu Yu felt extremely pleased.
Thinking about rushing back without stopping just to receive a tender smile from Yun Jinnian made him completely content.
After Chu Yu left with his entourage, Mrs. Han allowed Yun Jinnian to resume eating, not giving any further thought to the familiarity between Yun Jinnian and Chu Yu.
They ate their fill, warming their bodies thoroughly, before leaving the teahouse to continue on their way.
"Mrs. Yun the Second!"
Luoyi approached carrying some items.
Mrs. Han looked at Luoyi, "What is it?"
"The weather is still cold, the Prince has sent me to deliver some Silver Thread Charcoal!"
Luoyi’s tone was casual, but Mrs. Han was undecided.
To accept or not to accept?
They had brought a brazier and enough Silver Thread Charcoal when they set out.
But if Chu Yu had sent it, refusing might seem impolite, "Then we thank the Prince for his generosity!"
"The madam is too gracious!"
Following behind Chu Yu’s party, Yun Jinnian lifted the curtain to glance out, seeing a splendid carriage accompanied by sixteen robust men riding sturdy horses—an undeniable show of grandeur.
Mrs. Han, looking at Yun Jinnian’s delicate face and recalling Chu Yu’s elegant and fairy-like demeanor, felt a slight pang in her heart.
"Hmm?" Yun Jinnian dropped the curtain and looked questioningly at Mrs. Han.
"In the future, whenever you see the Prince, you must avoid him, do you understand?"
Yun Jinnian nodded, "Men and women should not touch hands when giving or receiving things!"
"That is correct, but what I mean is that you should avoid suspicion even when merely in his presence. However, if there is a patient in need, Jinnian, you must be that benevolent doctor who helps the world, because in those moments, there are only patients without gender distinctions. Even if it becomes known, no one can use this against you!"