Jun Kuang bowed to Bai Zhi’er: "Greetings, Princess."
Bai Zhi’er smiled with her eyes forming crescents: "It’s good that Brother Xiao Kuang is fine."
She looked at the books placed on the table, curiously asking: "Do you know many characters?"
Jun Kuang slightly nodded.
"Before my family was exiled, I had studied for four years."
Bai Zhi’er raised her eyebrows: "Exiled?"
Jun Kuang hurriedly said: "That was during the former dynasty. My father used to hold the official position of Third Rank Master, but the former Emperor was foolish and believed the slanders of treacherous officials, causing my entire family to be executed. I escaped because I was under eight years old."
So I ended up in a brothel, almost becoming a slave. Fortunately, I was rescued by Bai Yaoyu.
Having been educated, he had some pride and would rather die than be humiliated.
Bai Yaoyu sighed: "A Kuang, I might bring your medicine a little late tomorrow."
Jun Kuang was very understanding: "Young Master, there’s no need to worry about me. I’m already immensely grateful that you provide me with a temporary refuge."
"If my illness causes trouble for the Young Master, it really shouldn’t be."
Perhaps afraid that Jun Kuang might feel burdened.
Bai Yaoyu said: "It’s nothing troublesome, just that my father has contracted smallpox, and the manor has been in chaos lately."
"Smallpox?" Jun Kuang furrowed his brow in thought: "Earlier, when I was still in the brothel, I heard that two courtesans contracted a strange illness. The madam secretly sent some slaves to get them medicine without making it known."
Bai Zhi’er’s childish face carried a pondering beyond her years.
"Hmm, it seems this brothel is the source of the infection. When we return, I’ll have father thoroughly investigate!"
The siblings didn’t stay long and soon left.
"Third Brother, how are you planning to earn money tomorrow?" Bai Zhi’er asked softly.
Bai Yaoyu helplessly replied: "I’ll try selling some things on the street to see if I can earn enough for the medicine."
Bai Zhi’er thought for a moment, then said sweetly: "Then tomorrow, I’ll go with brother."
Bai Yaoyu was surprised: "How can that be? You have to wake up early, and selling on the streets is too degrading. You should wait at home, and I’ll bring you candied hawthorn on my return."
The little one shook her head: "Third Brother, that’s not right. Doing business, no matter the method, is all about self-reliance. I don’t feel ashamed; I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I must go with brother!"
With that, Bai Yaoyu couldn’t refuse.
He smiled and tapped his sister’s small nose.
"Alright, as you say. Just don’t cry if you can’t wake up in the morning."
Bai Zhi’er slept with Princess Consort Kang.
The little one was very well-behaved and didn’t need anyone to tell stories to lull her to sleep.
Princess Consort Kang just laid her down under the brocade quilt, watching her small pink fists unconsciously clench, as her long eyelashes slowly lowered.
Like a butterfly folding in its dark wings.
Soon, the little one was asleep.
That tender and soft little face made Princess Consort Kang unable to resist giving her a kiss.
Ah, Jing Jia and Second Brother are truly fortunate to have such an adorable daughter.
At this moment, there came a knock on the door, followed closely by a tender boy’s voice—
"Mother, didn’t you say you’d lull me to sleep tonight?"
Prince Kang’s youngest son stood at the door, sniffling.
In a moment, the door was opened, and his mother, Princess Consort Kang, glared at him.
Softly said: "Don’t make a noise here! Today your sister is staying the night, and I have to keep her company! Go find your brother to sleep with!"
Without waiting for the son to reply, Princess Consort Kang closed the door.
Afraid the cold wind might sneak in and chill Bai Zhi’er.
Leaving the young son standing at the door, bewildered in the wind.
Early next morning, Bai Zhi’er was all dressed up, looking like a charming and adorable little bun, and set out with Bai Yaoyu.