"Yes, I will do as you said."

Steward Deng nodded in agreement. The news of Princess Linlang coming to the capital not only lifted the Prince's spirit, but even he was also excited about it.

"Go and make the necessary arrangements now. Do also send whatever precious herbs and medicine we have from the small store in the mansion over to Linlang. She is usually frail, what more now she's injured. She can surely use some supplements.

The small store in the mansion was usually managed by Lin Mengya. Long Tianhao knew she was very knowledgeable about the herbs and medicine.

Lin Mengya would be the perfect person to prepare the herbs and medicine for Linlang.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Steward Deng bowed and excused himself. Long Tianyu returned to his study. Left alone, he began reminiscing about his embrace with Lin Mengya a moment ago.

He had no idea how satisfying the feeling of embracing a person was until now.

It was like a person who had suffered prolonged thirst, and finally found the water to quench his thirst.

He had never experienced such feelings ever.

Without being conscious of it, his lips curled up into a smile. Even the burdensome documents on the table seemed to become something pleasant.

However, as the scene of Qinghu and Lin Mengya in an embrace suddenly appeared in his mind, a troubled look took over his handsome face.

He wanted to be the only one to enjoy her embrace.

A little whistle slipped out from his sleeve and he put it to his mouth. With one blow, Ye appeared before him straight away.

"What can I do for you, Young Master?"

Long Tianhao looked at Ye, who was kneeling before him, with a severe expression, as if he was trying to suppress his feelings.

"From now on, don't allow that Qinghu comes close to the princess. If he does anything inappropriate to the princess, kill him without any hesitation."

Ye frowned. Did he hear wrongly?

"Yes, Your Highness."

Long Tianhao was finally at ease. He waved his hand and said,

"You may go, but remember, Qinghu is not allowed to even touch the corner of the princess's dress." "Otherwise, you have to cut off both his hands."

Prince Yu had never even been so cruel towards his enemies. Obviously, he treated the princess with the exception.

Back in her room in Liuxin Courtyard, Lin Mengya's soul seemed to have left her.

Linlang, Linlang, Linlang... the name seemed like a curse that had surrounded and entangled her heart.

She had told herself since the beginning not to fall in love with the prince. She could not and should not waver.

But why was she having this heart-wrenching feeling?

"What happened to you, Miss?"

Baishao was holding on a bouquet of daisy as she stood before Lin Mengya and stared at her, who was putting her head on the table, looking drained of energy.

"I'm alright."

After she gave the answer with a weakly voice, even Lin Mengya thought she herself sounded dispirited.

All four of her maidservant surrounded Lin Mengya and gave her a worried look.

"Little lass, you looked like a bruised brinjal, which is very unlike you."

Qinghu, who had just received a hug from Ling Mengya some time ago, was presently smiling in a relaxed manner.

He came face to face with Lin Mengya, wearing a brilliant smile on his face.

"Why are you smiling so happy, huh?"

Lin Mengya reached out to pinch Qinghu's cheeks and squeezing them as if they were dough.

Qinghu simply let her do whatever she wanted with his cheeks, at least this made Lin Mengya feel a little bit better.

"I'm alright really, don't worry about me."

Lin Mengya always felt better when Qinghu was made to look like he was in agony.

However, she suddenly realized that her four maidservants were staring at something behind her.

What was behind her?

As she turned to look, she was surprised to see Ye, clad and masked in black.

At this moment, Ye was holding on a sharp sword and looking like he was put in a tight spot.

"I suppose there was nothing dangerous happening here?"

Lin Mengya said in a delayed reaction. She looked around and all she saw were familiar faces. There were no strangers around.

"His Highness, the Prince had instructed to cut off both of Qinghu's hands if he touches even the corner of your clothes."

However, it was the princess who took the initiative to touch Qinghu' face now.

What was he to do? Was he supposed to chop off Qinghu's head?

Ye's usually sensible and logical mind was in total confusion now. He took his sword out of its sheath as he charged towards Qinghu.

"I'm warning you! I had shown you mercy just now, which was why you're still alive. Don't push the limits!"

Exasperated, Qinghu cried out loudly. He had to admit he was at fault previously.

However, he did not understand why this guy in black was targeting him now?

Ye's Kungfu was ruthless and ferocious but neat. Although Qinghu was also highly skilled, he was not carrying any weapon, so all he could do was to dodge and duck from the attacks.

"Hey! You're beginning to spout nonsense! Mengya, will you discipline this crazy dog, please?"

While Qinghu was trying to block and flee from Ye, Ye continued chasing after him. Between the two of them, they had made a scene in Liuxin Courtyard.

"Are you not going to take control of the situation? I can see that the big brother in black was more highly skilled than Qinghu."

Baizhi looked towards Qinghu, who was crying out, and found the two rather comical.

However, it was hard to ensure safety if this continued. It would be disastrous if anyone got hurt.

"There's no need to worry. Qinghu's is more highly skilled than that man in black. He was just playing along with him. Even they were to continue chasing and fleeing in this manner for three days and three nights, they would still be alright if they don't exhaust their stamina."

Baisu was also good at Kungfu. Although she was not as outstanding as these two men, she could more or less understand what was going on.

The five ladies hid in the room as they enjoyed some fragrant tea and snacks while they watched the drama in the courtyard.

"What are they doing, Big Sister?"

Lin Zhongyu, who had just completed doing his homework joined them to watch the battle in Liuxin Courtyard.

Lin Mengya waved him into the room and now the six of them sat in the room, watching the drama happening outside.

"Young Master," said Baisu, standing up as she glanced at Lin Zhongyu with fear in her eyes.

By now, Baisu had spent some time around Lin Mengya and knew that Lin Mengya was not one who was only concerned about what happened on the surface. She was beginning to feel that they get along quite well.

It was just that she still felt awkward and uneasy around Lin Zhongyu.

"Look at how you've scared Baisu because of how you loved to show off your skills."

Lin Mengya teased. She did not wish that this lovable lad would turn into some straight-faced prince one day.

"I did not. Don't wrong me."

Lin Zhongyu's face fell and he tried to win her sympathy by looking pitiable.

Lin Mengya gave a helpless sigh. Ever since Qinghu and Lin Zhongyu found that she was actually a soft-hearted person, they had been pretending to look pitiable to win her sympathy.

"Alright, alright, you're good. Come and sit by my side so I could give test you on your homework."

Meekly, Lin Zhongyu came to stand beside Lin Mengya. His pretense to be docile appeared to have repulsed Baisu.

"Big Sister Baiji, does the Young Master, no, Childe Yu always behave so meekly in front of Miss?"

Baisu asked as she tugged on Baiji's sleeve. It was a rare occasion that Baisu gossiped.

"Yes, in fact, Childe Yu had always been very kind to us. He is usually especially obedient to Princess Yu. She even commented that Childe Yu was a sweet boy."

Baiji smiled and put the fox fur coat she finished making halfway against Lin Zhongyu's body as a gauge on the size.

Baisu opened her eyes wide, surprised that Lin Zhongyu had quietly and meekly allowed Baiji to do whatever she wanted on him. It felt as if there were big waves in her heart.

Heavens! She remembered that in the past, a blind man's arm was cut off simply because he grabbed hold of Childe Yu.

The people in the courtyard were no ordinary people, they were a mystery to her!

"Pant, pant... what a heartless lass! Don't you remember that I've saved your life numerous times?"

A breathless Qinghu dashed into the room down a cup of tea from before Lin Mengya.

Ye, who was also exhausted, was hiding in a corner as he tried to catch his breath and regain his energy.

"I suppose age is catching up with you so you don't have much stamina left in you, Ye? How about you come in here to drink some tea?"

"Thank you for your offer, Your Highness, Princess. I don't need it."

As she expected, Ye's voice could be heard coming forth from one corner of the courtyard.

He was obviously trying hard to keep up, but she could still hear the breathlessness and uneven breathing in his voice.

"I hope you didn't hurt him?"

Lin Mengya said softly. In fact, she had intended for Qinghu to try out Ye's level of martial skills.

"No, but his moves are unconventional. I don't think many people could match up to his skills. However, his skills are more than sufficient if it's just to protect you."

Qinghu answered cheekily. He was merely playing along with him just now.

Moreover, he could sense that Ye did not intend to kill him. With his stubborn character, if he did intend to kill Qinghu, he would have continued until he achieved his end.

"Your Highness, Prince Yu had sent me to come and get the key to the small store from you."

While the two people fighting were taking a breather, Steward Deng had arrived in Liuxin Courtyard.

"Baishao, please bring Steward Deng to get the key. I wonder what Prince Yu wants to do, asking for the key to the small store?"

Lin Mengya did not continue pressing the issue. After all, Long Tianhao had even handed her the title deed for the land to Lin Mengya for her to manage.

"Your Highness, Prince Yu wished that you would personally pick some herbs and medicine to be sent over to Prefecture Bing for Miss Linglang."

Her heart dropped when she heard the words of Steward Deng. Her mood had been lifted when she watched Qinghu and Ye chasing each other, but now, her mood was clouded once again.

While she forced a friendly smile on her face, Lin Mengya could no longer suppress the heart-wrenching sadness in her.

"Alright, follow me, Baiji and Baishao. As for the rest of you, please tidy up the courtyard."

All who were present could see that Lin Mengya was upset, but they had no idea why.

With light steps, Lin Mengya brought along her two maidservants as she headed toward the small store, which was at the heart of the Prince's Mansion.

Stored in there were the majority of the mansion's valuable gold and silver articles. There was even one container that was used to store Lin Mengya's most treasured medicine.

After unlocking three large locks and two other smaller ones, they finally got into the small store.

Once they stepped into the dry storeroom, they could smell the subtle fragrance of herbs and medicine.

Just by smelling it helped lift one's spirit.

Various herbs and medicine were stored in labeled small drawers and lined up on the shelves against the wall.

Among these were many valuable herbs and medicine that cost a bomb in the market outside.

Even Steward Deng who had a wealth of life experiences was greatly surprised to see the contents of this small store.

Lin Mengya proceeded to sit down and instruct the two maidservants to collect some Jinseng deer antler, while a storm raged in her heart. At this moment, she had a number of unanswered questions in her mind.