Cui Anren left at some point, I don't know when, and I'm not interested in knowing.

I know that after this night, many things changed.

Luan Zhong indeed kept his promise and stayed at the Peach Blossom Pavilion to protect me.

The news of my entering the Dao shook the entire Songyang Prefecture.

Some said I must be crazy to donate thirty thousand taels of silver so easily;

Some marveled at how a mere woman like me could have such patriotism, making men feel ashamed;

Many poets wrote poems for me, either praising my beauty or my righteousness.

Oh, it's making me a bit embarrassed.

Cui Anren stood guard that night, fell ill afterwards, and according to Luan Zhong, Miss Zhou visited his residence late at night and stayed for a long time before leaving.

I thought to myself, now that I've entered the Dao, that wicked woman poses no threat to me anymore, she wouldn't dare to harm me again.

Little did I know, Luan Zhong said, "Don't underestimate a woman's jealousy, recently there have been Zhou family servants lurking around the pavilion."

On the twentieth day of the twelfth month, heavy snow fell, marking half a month until the end of my contract with Luan Zhong.

I was transcribing the "Dao De Jing" in the room while Luan Zhong practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard.

With him around, I felt at ease.

Suddenly, it seemed like someone entered the backyard.

Shortly after, Luan Zhong knocked on the door, "Master Zhou sent someone to deliver an invitation for me to join them for a drink at their home."

My heart skipped a beat, Master Zhou, Zhou Yan's father? Why would he invite Luan Zhong?

Perhaps noticing my silence, Luan Zhong coughed lightly, "I am the young lady's personal bodyguard. If you prefer I don't go, I won't."

After a moment of thought, I replied, "Since Master Zhou invited you, then go ahead. Leave a few reliable people behind to protect me before you leave."

"Alright." Luan Zhong smiled, "I assume the Zhou family wants to inquire about your Dao entry. Rest assured, I won't divulge anything."

I rolled my eyes, thinking to myself, even if you did, I wouldn't know.

At that moment, I saw Luan Zhong's tall figure approaching the window.

"Is there anything you'd like to eat, Miss? I'll buy it for you when I return."

Jokingly, I replied, "I feel like having lychees, but those are only available in summer. Forget it, I don't really want anything to eat."

There was no response from outside, and I noticed the dark shadow on the window had disappeared.

I spat, "Really, how can you just leave without saying goodbye."