Things were not looking good for Lao Min Na inside the Lao Manor. She was badly hurt, and her cultivation had regressed a little. This was considered a minor problem for an alchemist like her. The bigger problem she was currently facing was the fact that she couldn't buy anything from the One Hundred Herbs Apothecary.
She even tried other apothecaries but they also refused her request, forbidding her from visiting their shop again. Her personal maid, San Yu, kept returning home empty-handed. Lao Min Na could not understand why everyone suddenly shunned her.
She couldn't remember anyone she had recently offended. The only person with the power to block her was the Sixth Prince but she didn't think she had angered him to the point of being blacklisted.
The rumor circling around the Lao Manor was someone barged in and hurt the Second Mistress. Prime Minister Loa investigated the matter. He felt anxious as it was the second time someone or people had broken into his manor.
However, there was a silver lining to the situation as the prime minister stopped doubting Lao Min Na for the loss of the Red Dew Flower Pill. But the opinion he had about her didn't change as he called a random physician to treat his daughter once he heard she was hurt. The physician gave Lao Min Na a low-grade ointment for her bruises but didn't bother giving her medicine for her internal injuries.
Lao Min Na didn't have much hope with the whack physician as she knew her father won't do anything good for her. Meanwhile, Lao Fei Yan and Yang Wei Lain were gloating about Lao Min Na's misfortune. Fortunately for Lao Min Na, she had some leftover pills from what she made before. However, she still needed a few more medicinal herbs to help restore her cultivation. Yet purchasing the herbs was proving to be difficult due to Zhao Li Xin's interference.
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At Ning jing Manor, Lory woke from a long comfortable sleep. The first she had had in a long time, counting both her years in this world and the previous world. She woke in an unfamiliar room and it took her a moment to recall that she was in Zhao Li Xin's luxurious bedroom.
"Are you awake?" A familiar baritone voice asked.
"In a minute…" Lory yawned as she carelessly scratched her hair. Zhao Li Xin waited behind the moon partitioned curtains. He was relieved Lory seemed to have slept in as she needed a good rest.
"You don't need to hurry. I'll be outside."
"Okay…" Lory's voice was still hoarse from sleep. Zhao Li Xin's mouth slightly curved as he left the room in a good mood. His cold and domineering aura dissipated a little making his subordinates anxious. They were used to a cold, distant, and gloomy Lord and were not used to a seemingly subtle Lord. His new attitude confused them. They didn't know how to act around him.
"Milord looks happy…" One of the shadow guards, Mong Liu, told his brother.
"I know... I don't think I like it," Mong Jiu replied with a troubled look.
"Yes, it's unsettling…" Mong Liu nodded in agreement.
While people were discussing Zhao Li Xin's mood change, Lory was taking a bath in the big bathroom. The wooden tub was big enough for two adult men.
She never thought it was possible for her to have a nice bath in this world. Although she was not the kind of girl who liked taking baths and was used to quick showers, she missed soaking in warm bathtubs. It only took a day with Zhao Li Xin for her wish to come true.
An older maid sprinkled flower petals into the tub while Lory inhaled deeply and subconsciously shut her eyes. Her thoughts drifted a little before she remembered her new 'boss' was waiting for her. She quickly finished her bath and got out of the tab.
Lory returned to Zhao Li Xin's room with the old maid who was probably in her late forties in tow. Lory considered her old as she had yet to see any young maid inside Zhao Li Xin' Manor.
"Is that my dress?" Lory's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Yes, it is. If Miss Lao doesn't like it, we can find you something else," The older maid said. Mong Ki warned everyone to treated Luo Ri Yi with respect even though she was a commoner hired as a maid. Her position was special to their lord. Anyone who dared to slight her would be inviting their lord's wrath.
"No, no, no… It is not like that… It is too luxurious for a maid to wear," Lory glanced at the old maid's grey uniform. The fabric looked better than the maid's uniform at Lao Manor, however, it was not as lavish as the one Lory was holding.
The quick-witted old maid smiled kindly, "It is because Miss Lao is the lord's personal maid. How can we let you wear a normal uniform? I'm afraid people will mock our Lord for being cheap master if they see this."
"Oh… so, that's why. Okay... but you need to help me, I don't know how to wear this especially the sash," Lory smiled shyly. She easily believed what others said because she didn't fully understand the culture in this world. Five years didn't seem enough for her to master their culture.
"My pleasure, Miss Luo," The old maid helped Lory wear the peach color Hanfu with white peach blossom embroidery on her sleeves. The fabric was soft and gentle on the skin. although is not the best fabric for women but it's very luxurious for a maid because this type of fabric used by low-level official daughter.
The old maid didn't fully comprehend Lory's worth to her Lord, but she found Lory to be kind. She was not haughty or timid only a little dense.
"My name is Luo Ri Yi. You can call me Ri Yi… We are both maids, so it is weird if you called me Miss."
"I'll call you Sister Luo. How is that?" The old maid smiled helplessly. She couldn't dare disrespect Luo Ri Yi in case her lord heard about it. Her lord's usual look was scary enough and she didn't want to imagine how he looked angry.
"That's fine too. What's your name elder sister?"
"This one is called Meng Zuo."
"I will call you elder sister Zuo then…" Lory smiled at her brightly. The first thing she must do as a new worker was to show a good impression to a senior.
Meng Zuo was styling Lory's hair as they talked. She couldn't help but lament in her heart. The girl was oblivious to the Lord's attention. It was either that or her Lord was too vague in his approach. How could the girl think she was here to be a maid? Meng Zuo wondered if Luo Ri Yi would still be oblivious after she saw the room the Lord had prepared for Lory.
Meng Zuo also found the girl to be weird on the other hand. The girl was supposed to be a low-level maid from Lao Manor, but her demeanor was too calm and relaxed to be a normal maid. She had watched the girl since she woke up.
Meng Zuo was confused at Lory's calm reaction when she saw the bathroom. She was surprised for a moment but easily calmed down to leisurely take a bath without being awkward. She was comfortable enough to almost fall asleep in the tub. Lory remained calm as Meng Zuo helped her dress and style her hair.
Lory was even able to make small conversation with her as if everything was a normal occurrence. There was nervousness in her actions. Her behavior was not the kind lowly maids had. All this made Meng Zuo suspicious of her background.
"It is done, sister Luo…" Meng Zuo said as she finished doing Lory's hair.
"Thank you, elder sister Meng," Lory felt the neat half-bun hairstyle. She was amazed by Meng Zho's skills. Styling was something she could never do.
Meng Zuo led her towards the garden. They walked through the moon gate and across a long bridge with a garden below. There was a big clear pond filled with koi fish in the garden. Zhao Li Xin was in the pavilion at the end of the bridge. He sat on an arhat chair and drunk his wine with half-opened eyes. He wore dark blue robes and his open hair flowed down his shoulder. He had a blank gaze but this didn't decrease his beauty.
Lory found it all unfair. She used to be part of royalty but she was always reprimanded when she gave a blank look. They would tell her she looked 'stupid'. The Archknights were subordinated but could be considered rude at times.
Zhao Li Xin smiled faintly when he saw her in her new dress. It was what he prepared for her and it suited her very well. Her bruised face had healed completely. He was satisfied that she looked well.
"Greetings, Milord" Meng Zuo and Lory bowed respectfully.
"You may go… Ri Yi, you stay here!" Meng Zuo bowed again and left at Zhao Li Xin's signal.
Zhao Li Xin gestured for Lory to sit across the small table on another arhat chair. He poured warm tea for her as her body was too weak to drink his wine.
Lory inhaled the sweet fragrant of the green tea. People in this world didn't drink tea without milk, sugar, or honey. Their tea was plain and they used little cups to drink which prompted Lory to brew her own tea in a mug. She only took the served tea because her 'boss' had served her personally.
Lory squinted as she swallowed the warm tea. It smelled good but it was bitter than the normal tea she used to have in her previous world. Zhao Li Xin couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her, "Is it too bitter for you?"
"I'm fine…" Lory shook her head but her moist eyes betrayed her.
Zhao Li Xin covered his smile with his fist. It looked like his little savior didn't like drinking anything bitter. Lory missed his teasing smiled as she was overwhelmed by the bitter taste. It was not her fault she hated bitter foods and drinks. Her favorite food and drinks were macaroons and sweet honeyed lemon tea.
"You don't need to force yourself to drink it…" Zhao Li Xin teased her.
"Thank you. I'll put sugar on it next time," Lory gently placed the cup on the table as she exhaled with relief.
Zhao Li Xin frowned. Sugar in tea? Wouldn't that ruin the flavor completely? He shrugged, it didn't matter to him if she liked it that way.
"Oh, I forgot. I just left the Lao Manor without warning… Is there anyone looking for me? …what about Miss Lao?"
"Mu Han dealt with everything. He said you were badly hurt after someone wrecked the Lao woman's courtyard. You were sent back to your family to recuperate since you can't work anymore. I was given your slave contract which I destroyed. You are a free woman now," Zhao Li Xin lazily explained.
"And Lao Min Na? I think she really hates me right now…" Lory smiled helplessly.
"You don't need to worry about her anymore…" He smirked.