Pretty Boy – Darren Chen, Zheng He Hui Zi

On the streets and in the alleys, the burly man Qing Cai roamed among the local hooligans. However, he disdained their petty thievery and deceitful ways. Instead of indulging in such dishonorable acts, he adhered to principles of self-discipline and etiquette, even urging his peers to follow rules. Acts like harassing virtuous women were strictly forbidden in his eyes. One day, Qing Cai’s father suddenly disappeared. Qing Cai discovered that his disappearance might be linked to the Mingyi Manor.

Determined to uncover the truth, he followed a group of young women. However, the dense forest surrounding the manor was eerie, and they soon lost their way. Luckily, Qing Cai encountered a fellow traveler—a masked woman dressed in black, who appeared to be scouting the area as well. Qing Cai seized an opportunity to pull off the assassin’s mask, revealing the stunning face of Gan Pu.

Struck by her beauty, Qing Cai immediately fell for her and began trying to convince her to team up with him to infiltrate the Mingyi Manor. Unexpectedly, she slipped away, leaving him behind. To enter the Mingyi Manor, one must be a woman. Qing Cai, a towering man with a prominent beard, clearly didn’t qualify. Left with no other choice, he paid a local disguise expert, who worked on him extensively until he managed to adopt some feminine traits.

The Mingyi Manor held an annual recruitment for female disciples, and Qing Cai seized the chance to sign up. Despite his mediocre skills, he surprisingly passed the initial test. Among those who also passed were Han Aizhen, Gan Pu, and a few other young women. These ladies were not only skilled in martial arts but also strikingly beautiful. A matron from the Mingyi Manor led the recruits on a tour of the estate.

Once inside, the group found that the manor was far from the grand vision they had imagined. The firewood rooms, in particular, were filthy. Despite its reputation for excellent instructors, no one seemed to notice Qing Cai was a man in disguise. Following the other women, Qing Cai listened as the matron assigned them all to a shared dormitory. Qing Cai was shocked, protesting that so many people in one room was too much for him.

His objections were ignored, forcing him to claim he preferred cool air and suggesting he would sleep outside. Meanwhile, the owner of the Mingyi Manor had heard rumors that some factions were infiltrating their ranks under the guise of new disciples. Sensing the tension, they ordered their subordinates to keep a close eye on the recruits. Living among the women inevitably led to some awkward situations.

Although Qing Cai claimed he used perfume to explain any oddities about himself, the matron dragged him to the pond to teach him how to “blend in” by bathing with everyone else. When the other women began undressing, Qing Cai awkwardly covered his eyes. Suddenly, he noticed several girls staring wide-eyed behind him. Panicked, he thought he had finally been exposed. To his relief, the women were actually staring at a male instructor standing behind him.

Qing Cai breathed a sigh of relief but knew he had to quickly find his father and escape. Aside from completing tasks assigned by the matron, Qing Cai began secretly investigating the estate, familiarizing himself with every corner of the manor. During his exploration, he encountered a familiar figure—the stunning woman who had aimed a crossbow at him that night. As it turned out, she was also a recruit at Mingyi Manor.

Back then, she had disguised herself as a man, so Qing Cai couldn’t confirm her identity. Now, seeing her wield a crossbow again, he was certain it was Gan Pu. Ironically, Gan Pu mistook Qing Cai for an actual woman. She even pinched his cheek, complimenting his smooth and delicate skin.

While Gan Pu and Qing Cai were investigating the manor together, another mysterious figure appeared. Han Aizhen accidentally triggered a mechanism, causing the alarm bells within the manor to ring loudly. The entire manor quickly went on high alert.

While fleeing, Han Aizhen was bitten by a venomous snake. Although she managed to suck out the venom herself, she fainted on her way back. Her companions carried her back to the dormitory. At that moment, Qing Cai and Gan Pu finally realized that the sneaky figure they had encountered earlier was Han Aizhen. They immediately regretted their actions, knowing that this would likely create animosity between them.

Lessons began at the Mingyi Manor, starting with a dance class. The dance instructor first demonstrated the moves. Each time she came near Qing Cai, she commented that he had a distinctly masculine scent. Qing Cai, unable to deal with her flirtatious remarks, could only smile awkwardly and praise her for her "keen observation."

Another male teacher was introduced during the class—Wang Yishao. To divert attention from himself, Qing Cai suggested that Teacher Wang demonstrate the difference between how men and women danced. The group applauded the idea. Wang Yishao turned out to be exceptional. His movements were fluid and graceful, exuding the charm of a woman, yet his vigor made him stand out. He was as serene as a still maiden and as agile as a leaping hare.

Wang Yishao seemed flawless at first, but when the matron mentioned her cat, Qing Cai noticed Wang Yishao's fearful reaction. Seizing the opportunity, Qing Cai deliberately brought the matron's cat into the classroom. Upon seeing the cat, Wang Yishao panicked and tried desperately to avoid it. Qing Cai chased Wang Yishao all over the place, eventually ending up in a secluded area with locked doors, windows, and numerous alarms. It was clearly a place meant for detaining someone.

Qing Cai relayed everything he had observed to Gan Pu. Based on the lock and the route of the mechanisms he described, they calculated they would need 50 taels of silver to proceed. Qing Cai was shocked; that amount far exceeded his yearly allowance. However, Gan Pu refused to negotiate. Determined, Qing Cai decided he would seek help from his fellow beggars during his break.

Wang Yishao formally introduced himself to Qing Cai but avoided mentioning his true mission within the manor. Qing Cai, understanding the sensitive nature of their situations, didn’t press further, as his own reasons for being there were equally dubious and needed to remain a secret.

Qing Cai searched through all his fellow beggars, but collectively, they only had a small amount of money. Someone suggested opening a restaurant to generate a steady cash flow. Qing Cai thought it was a great idea, especially since he urgently needed to gather enough money to unlock the door and rescue his father.

One of the beggars mentioned that his mother was an excellent cook. The group followed him home, intending to learn her culinary skills. The beggar’s mother was immediately captivated by Qing Cai’s handsome appearance and refined demeanor. She couldn’t help but steal glances at him and even sent flirtatious looks when others weren’t paying attention. Even the beggar’s father got involved, offering to tutor them in the basics of cooking.

Gao Yin, dressed in her usual white attire and known for her aloof and cold demeanor, unexpectedly showed up at the beggar's house. She claimed to be skilled in seasoning and promised that with her specially crafted spices, any dish would turn out irresistibly aromatic.

At night, everyone gathered for a group cookout. Qing Cai noticed that the matron overseeing them, Hu Jiao, seemed to be in cahoots with Wang Yishao. At the same time, Wang Yishao observed that Qing Cai and Gan Pu didn’t seem particularly close, indicating that they probably didn’t know much about each other’s backgrounds. Meanwhile, the sharp-tongued and fiery Han Aizhen’s hostility toward Qing Cai was apparent, as if she had a deep-seated grudge against him.

The group egged on Qing Cai and Wang Yishao to dance together. These two men performed a supposedly enchanting dance, but their efforts ended up looking dull and lifeless. Hu Jiao, ever one to stir the pot, started making pointed comments, which Qing Cai and Wang Yishao tacitly ignored. Gan Pu also chuckled, teasing that their duet was awkward and mismatched.

The next day, Wang Yishao invited Qing Cai and Gan Pu for tea, hoping to probe into their reasons for coming to the manor. Over tea, Gan Pu shared her unique insights on life, offering advice on overcoming desires. She explained that most people’s anxiety stems from their inner desires. She admired those who find solace in nature, empathize with others' struggles, and find joy in collective happiness, thus leading carefree lives.

Wang Yishao was deeply impressed and sighed, remarking that life would be much simpler if everyone could be as enlightened as Gan Pu. Qing Cai, jealous of Wang Yishao’s fascination with Gan Pu, finally mustered the courage to ask her why she had come to the manor. Without hesitation, Gan Pu revealed her mission: to kill Yin Niang. Yin Niang was a highly skilled martial artist, and taking her down would not be easy.

Qing Cai admired Gan Pu’s decisiveness but felt self-conscious about his own lack of martial prowess. He resolved to avoid being a burden to her. Apart from eliminating Yin Niang, Gan Pu also needed to plan a successful escape. She and Qing Cai, under the guise of searching for food for Hu Jiao, secretly mapped out every corner of the manor. One night, as they sneaked out, they overheard a conversation ahead.

A maid was providing Yin Niang with crucial information: someone had entered the manor disguised as a woman. Yin Niang ordered her subordinates to conduct a thorough investigation. Wang Yishao also caught wind of this information. His instincts told him the rumor was likely true, but he hoped the suspect wasn’t who he feared. In reality, Yin Niang had deliberately leaked the news to test Wang Yishao, whose unique background suggested he had his own agenda in the manor.

Despite her suspicions, everyone remained under Yin Niang’s control. In her chamber, Yin Niang gracefully danced, confident that the secrets of the manor were as secure as ever. Hu Jiao’s cat seemed to be ill, looking lethargic every day. The group speculated whether someone had poisoned the cat but couldn’t identify any plausible suspects or motives. Hu Jiao then brought up another odd incident.

She claimed that after bathing with Gao Yin one evening, she discovered her clothes had been swapped with someone else’s. Confused, the group discussed possible culprits until Gan Pu diverted their attention by jokingly suggesting that it might have been Hong Hui. Hu Jiao, believing herself to be irresistible, decided to test this theory. She led a group of girls to Hong Hui’s room. Although he wasn’t there, Hu Jiao discovered her missing clothes in his room.

Not only that, but on his desk, she found a sketch of Qing Cai. Determined to get to the bottom of this, Hu Jiao decided to confront Hong Hui the next day. By now, Gan Pu had already figured out that Qing Cai was a man disguised as a woman. Knowing this, she became more cautious. Since they all shared a room, Gan Pu insisted that Qing Cai switch beds and move next to hers. This way, she could personally keep an eye on him and ensure that the reputation of the other girls wasn’t compromised.

At dawn, Qing Cai opened his eyes to find Gan Pu sound asleep in the crook of his arm. His arm ached from being pinned beneath her, and he tried to carefully pull it out, but his movement woke Gan Pu. She let out a startled cry, and the other women in the room, realizing it was just a minor issue, dismissed it as unimportant. After all, for two women to share a bed was hardly worth mentioning.

Later that day, Yin Niang entered the training room to observe. Wang Yishao stepped forward, volunteering to "test" a theory of his. He deliberately attempted to use his charm as a handsome man, walking toward Qing Cai with an intense, tender gaze. The room fell silent as everyone watched what Wang Yishao would do. But just as he approached Qing Cai, Qing Cai unexpectedly and naturally kissed him. The room erupted in shock.

Some who secretly admired Wang Yishao shouted insults, calling Qing Cai shameless and vulgar. However, Qing Cai stood there unfazed, his composure as unshakable as a fortress. The most astonished person was Wang Yishao himself—he never imagined Qing Cai would boldly kiss him like that. Among those affected was Hong Hui, who had once secretly admired Qing Cai. Seeing Qing Cai openly kiss Wang Yishao broke his heart.

Adding insult to injury, Hu Jiao, still upset over finding her clothes in Hong Hui's room the previous day, slapped him hard in front of everyone. Already heartbroken, Hong Hui now felt as though a torrential downpour had descended upon his inner world. Yin Niang had initially planned to have a makeup artist testify against Qing Cai, but the artist mysteriously disappeared overnight, leaving the matter unresolved.

That day, the Mingyi Manor granted everyone a day off, and Qing Cai and Gan Pu decided to spend the day together. Qing Cai caught up with his usual group of brothers and learned from them that the missing makeup artist had drunkenly revealed during a bet that he once dressed a burly man as a woman.

Fearing trouble, the brothers had taken it upon themselves to intimidate the artist, who, upon sobering up, decided to feign illness and remain in hiding to avoid further complications. Qing Cai clasped his hands in gratitude, realizing that it was thanks to his brothers' efforts that this crisis was averted. Gan Pu, seeing Qing Cai back in his male attire, couldn’t help but admire his dashing and commanding presence.

With his loyal followers by his side, she found him rather amusing. Beyond her bravery and sense of justice, Gan Pu had a gentle and warm personality, making her an endearing companion. As Qing Cai and Gan Pu strolled through the streets, Gan Pu finally opened up about her past. Her clan had once lived in peace, but Yin Niang had led an attack that wiped out her entire family. Only she and her uncle survived.

Later, her uncle passed away, and she swore an oath of vengeance. Now that Qing Cai and Gan Pu fully understood each other, Qing Cai felt truly happy to have found a friend. The two of them shared some stinky tofu, turning an ordinary snack into a memorable meal. Gan Pu casually asked Qing Cai if he would mind if she gained weight in the future. Without hesitation, Qing Cai replied that he absolutely would.

Gan Pu rolled her eyes at him in mock annoyance. After their meal, Gan Pu took Qing Cai to a fabric shop to have clothes tailored for him. She helped measure him closely, and the atmosphere between them grew subtly intimate. At first, the shopkeeper was arrogant, but upon realizing Qing Cai was ordering a custom night outfit, he quickly became cautious and deferential. Qing Cai and Gan Pu struggled to suppress their laughter.

On their way back to the manor, Qing Cai and Gan Pu encountered Gao Yin and Wang Yishao. The four of them were alone together, and Qing Cai noticed the way Gao Yin was looking at him. He whispered to Gan Pu that Gao Yin had likely figured out his true identity as a man. It turned out that Gao Yin and Wang Yishao were working together.

Qing Cai apologized to Wang Yishao, realizing that everyone in the manor had their own secret agenda. Gao Yin admitted that, as a healer, gender didn’t matter much to her. She explained that she knew Wang Yishao because she had once treated him for a serious rash, saving his life in a critical moment. Gao Yin openly shared her reason for being at the manor: she was here to save lives and stop the senseless killing.

Gan Pu and Qing Cai returned to the manor, intending to explore whether there were still any restricted areas nearby. Suddenly, the alarm bells sounded loudly. Gan Pu was surprised—neither she nor Qing Cai had touched anything that could trigger the alarm. It was clear someone was setting them up. Fortunately, Gan Pu had prepared in advance, digging several traps around the area. In one of the traps, they found a rabbit.

Han Aizhen arrived with the manor guards, looking smug. Qing Cai immediately guessed that it must have been Han Aizhen who triggered the alarm on purpose. Gan Pu explained to the guards that their reason for being there was purely to hunt. She added that Hu Jiao's cat had recently developed a voracious appetite, requiring them to hunt daily. Holding up the plump rabbit as evidence, along with their explanation, the guards had no reason to argue.

They even announced that the remaining restrictions around the manor would soon be lifted. Meanwhile, Hong Hui, still heartbroken over his unrequited feelings, was visibly downcast. Wang Yishao, who knew Qing Cai's true identity as a man, couldn’t bear to see Hong Hui in ignorance and gently advised him to move on, hinting that Qing Cai might not be the person he imagined. Hong Hui was confused and mistakenly thought that Wang Yishao had feelings for the same person as him.

Left with no choice, Wang Yishao confessed that he was interested in Gan Pu, whom he considered a rare pearl. However, Hong Hui dismissed her as nothing more than an ordinary grain of sand. Late at night, after the lights were out, Qing Cai tried several times to muster the courage to hold Gan Pu’s hand as he fell asleep but gave up each time. Unbeknownst to him, Gan Pu was awake.

She hugged her shoulders as she pretended to sleep, secretly aware of Qing Cai's hesitation. Though their hearts aligned, she too lacked the courage to reach out to him. The next morning, a martial arts training session was scheduled. The manor had invited a martial arts instructor named Liu Yiyi, who started by elaborating at length about the competition rules, detailing a seemingly endless list of guidelines.

Growing impatient, Hu Jiao shouted for a stop and stepped into the circle herself to demonstrate. Everyone had assumed the manor’s hired instructor would be formidable, but Hu Jiao effortlessly defeated Liu Yiyi in just two moves, knocking her out of the circle. The crowd was stunned, and even Wang Yishao marveled, wondering if the manor truly had no strong warriors left. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to gauge the scheming and motives hidden within the manor.

The manor organized one-on-one matches, with Yin Niang quietly observing from the sidelines. Strangely, many participants seemed hesitant, holding back and not showing their full strength. Qing Cai noticed that Han Aizhen was bullying Gan Pu and stepped forward to challenge her. The two seemed to harbor pent-up frustrations, and their duel stretched through several intense rounds before ending in a draw. The referee, Liu Yiyi, had intended for the participants to embody the spirit of a warrior.

However, seeing the students compromise and hold back, she was so overwhelmed with frustration that she fainted on the spot. Hu Jiao quickly helped the fainted Liu Yiyi up. Although Hu Jiao was known for her carefree and indulgent personality, she sympathized with Liu Yiyi’s fragile heart and considered her a genuinely kind soul. Through the competition, Han Aizhen and Gan Pu unexpectedly made amends, possibly because they found themselves "oddly alike.

" However, Han Aizhen couldn’t help but warn Gan Pu not to fully trust Qing Cai before understanding his true motives. Qing Cai immediately interrupted her, firmly declaring that he had already accepted Gan Pu as a true friend. No matter what happened in the future, he would never harm her. Elsewhere, two guards named Chunlan and Qiujv noticed Qing Cai, Gan Pu, and Han Aizhen acting suspiciously and prepared to question them.

Thinking quickly, Qing Cai stepped forward and put his persuasion skills to work. He jokingly asked the guards if they admired Wang Yishao and were perhaps jealous of him kissing Wang Yishao. Feigning innocence, Qing Cai claimed he felt pressured by his feelings for Wang Yishao and announced their "breakup," encouraging the guards to confidently pursue Wang Yishao themselves.

At night, Gan Pu took Qing Cai back to the manor to set more traps. This time, they were extra cautious, not only laying traps but also disguising themselves to ambush Han Aizhen. Caught off guard, Han Aizhen found herself with a sword pressed against her vital point and had no choice but to admit her purpose at the manor: she was there to save someone.

Since they shared a common goal, Qing Cai deliberately stretched his words, claiming he had developed a special poison that could help her overcome her difficulties. Surprisingly, Han Aizhen believed him. Hearing that they were short of ten taels of silver to purchase the necessary materials, she immediately offered to send her men to the kingdom to retrieve money. However, the journey was long, and just as Qing Cai was about to give up, Han Aizhen suddenly suggested an idea.

She mentioned seeing Hu Jiao's bag filled with silver and proposed finding a way to take it. Qing Cai quickly devised a plan. That night, he snuck back to the noodle shop run by his men and instructed them: if they saw the specific people he described buying skewers the next day, they should sprinkle Gan Pu's "poison" on the skewers. His men were stunned, thinking their boss intended to poison people in broad daylight.

Gan Pu quickly clarified that it wasn’t poison but her specially made chili powder. While extremely spicy, it was still edible. She explained that after eating the skewers, people would crave water, and they could sell expensive bowls of sweet dumplings—each bowl containing only one small dumpling. This way, their business would surely boom. ---The next day, Qing Cai pretended to casually take everyone out for a stroll, eventually leading them to the snack stall.

When Hu Jiao overheard someone calling the skewers "Deadly Skewers," she couldn’t resist the temptation and eagerly grabbed one. After just one bite, she was hooked. To liven up the atmosphere, Qing Cai and Gan Pu also started eating. Before long, the entire street was drawn in, with people clamoring to try the "Deadly Skewers. "Qing Cai's men jokingly named the delicious skewers "Poison," but Wang Yishao thought the name was too harsh.

He suggested calling them "Lover’s Tears," which sounded much more poetic. Qing Cai nodded in agreement and officially named the snack "Lover’s Tears. "The crowd’s enthusiastic praise attracted even more onlookers, and soon, a long line formed with people eager to buy the skewers. Hu Jiao, tasting such delicious food for the first time, quickly devoured ten skewers but still loudly complained that she wasn’t full. Word spread rapidly, and demand skyrocketed.

By the end of the day, the little snack shop was bustling with business. When they closed up that evening, Qing Cai’s men brought him the day’s earnings—a full ten taels of silver. Overjoyed, Qing Cai and Gan Pu realized they now had the funds needed to proceed with their plans. ---In the following days, Qing Cai and Gan Pu worked together to develop a mechanism to break the manor’s restrictions.

They divided their tasks: one tended the fire while the other sketched designs. Gan Pu explained the importance of concealed weapons like wrist-mounted dart launchers, emphasizing how such tools could serve both offensive and defensive purposes. Their new mechanism was small, discreet, and incredibly effective—practically a must-have for anyone. During their work, Qing Cai accidentally cut his hand, causing it to bleed. Gan Pu immediately leaned in and used her mouth to suck out the dirt.

Touched by her care, Qing Cai couldn’t help but ask why Gan Pu hadn’t chosen Wang Yishao. Gan Pu, amused, pretended to lift her chin and thoughtfully evaluated the question. She explained that since Wang Yishao was a prince with a noble status, he would inevitably take many concubines in the future, making it impossible for anyone to be his sole focus.

After careful consideration, she decided Qing Cai was a more practical choice: lowly in status, mediocre in martial arts, and perfectly suited to be her "little pet. "Qing Cai’s eyes widened in shock—so this was how Gan Pu saw him!

Qing Cai quietly listened to Gan Pu's thoughts and asked in a daze whether what she said was true or false. Gan Pu teasingly told him to guess. While she expected Qing Cai to be upset, he unexpectedly smiled and nodded, not refuting her opinion. Instead, he admitted that he might indeed be as foolish as she described, finding her critique quite on point.

The two walked back together and happened to run into the little girl they had dined with previously. This six- or seven-year-old girl, despite her young age, was precocious and cheekily asked if Gan Pu and Qing Cai being together would make her jealous. Ever since she won the "Lover’s Tears" eating contest, she believed herself to be the most dazzling girl in town.

Despite being in the company of adults, she showed no fear and boldly claimed she aspired to become the top courtesan when she grew up. Hearing her self-complimenting chatter, Qing Cai couldn’t help but marvel at how smart kids were these days. Qing Cai and Gan Pu joined their subordinates for a meal. The uncle and aunt hosting them were delighted, feeling their humble home was graced by Qing Cai’s presence.

Seeing such a handsome “woman,” the uncle couldn’t resist making inappropriate remarks, openly claiming that while he usually wouldn’t dare act improperly around women, today might be an exception. The aunt scolded him for his vulgarity. Meanwhile, a few workers gathered to discuss the booming business. Since profits had been excellent recently, they suggested Qing Cai distribute the earnings among everyone. Qing Cai appreciated their honesty, noting that they had already earned ten taels of silver last time.

He also mentioned that they needed to plan for the shop’s opening, including buying more pots, pans, and a food cart. Hearing their concerns, Gan Pu immediately proposed designing a new stove that could be integrated into the food cart, making it more convenient for street vending. Her suggestion was met with applause and approval from everyone.

One of the workers, Da Pang, mentioned that he had recently brewed some wild olive wine, which had a unique flavor but wasn’t well-received by many. Qing Cai suggested he bring the wine out for everyone to try. Excited, Da Pang fetched the jar from his home. The group sampled the wine, which was slightly sour yet refreshing.

Qing Cai thoughtfully suggested pairing the olive wine with "Lover's Tears," as the combination of salty and savory flavors could add an extra layer of profit. As the sun was about to set, Qing Cai and Gan Pu prepared to head back. Since there was still some time, they decided to take a bath to wash off the sweat from forging stoves and working hard all day. While bathing, they talked about their pasts.

Gan Pu confessed that as a child, she envied those with mothers who could play with their children on swings. Her own childhood was spent traveling the world with her uncle, learning skills and crafting crossbows. Qing Cai comforted her, assuring her that she need not worry. In the future, with companionship, they could do many things together. For instance, he could meet his father tonight, and he was confident that Gan Pu’s skills were unmatched.

Gan Pu went to bathe in the river first, followed by Qing Cai. Awkwardly, just as Qing Cai entered the water, his senior and junior martial sisters, along with Hu Jiao, arrived. Startled, Qing Cai quickly hid behind a large rock. Later that night, after all preparations were complete, Qing Cai, Gan Pu, and Han Aizhen set out to rescue Qing Cai’s father.

They used a weapon designed by Gan Pu to dismantle the lock’s mechanism and successfully opened the gate. Qing Cai rushed in to untie his father. Upon seeing his father again, Qing Cai’s father warned that he couldn’t escape because Yin Niang had planted a trap on him. He then revealed that they were not biologically related—Qing Cai was actually a prince, while Han Aizhen was his biological daughter.

He entrusted Han Aizhen with helping Qing Cai ascend to the throne. After passing on this vital information, he urged them to leave quickly. As the alarm bells rang, Qing Cai, Han Aizhen, and Gan Pu had no choice but to retreat immediately. Yin Niang, realizing someone had broken into the prison, launched an investigation into potential suspects.

However, Qing Cai, Gan Pu, and the others managed to escape quickly, sneaking back into their dormitory and pretending to be sound asleep. When the rooms were inspected later, everyone was present, and their alibi remained intact.

Han Aizhen and Qing Cai successfully escaped, and when Yin Niang's people arrived to search, they found nothing. Furious, they returned to interrogate Qing Cai's adoptive father. To protect Qing Cai, the adoptive father revealed that he was a loyal soldier of the general and that the one who had just come to rescue him was the prince.

Initially, Yin Niang didn’t believe him, but after hearing the detailed explanation of the events, she finally realized that the prince, who had been exiled to the frontier, had indeed arrived at the manor. Considering the political ties between the manor and the kingdom, Yin Niang immediately ordered her subordinates to treat the adoptive father’s injuries. When everything outside had quieted down, Han Aizhen went out alone. Worried, Qing Cai followed her.

Having just learned so many truths, he was still processing the fact that Han Aizhen was his adoptive sister. All their previous misunderstandings had now been resolved. Their father had even placed Han Aizhen’s hand in Qing Cai’s, entrusting her to escort the prince safely back to the kingdom. From that moment, the two became the closest of allies.

Now knowing Qing Cai’s true identity and realizing he was a man, Han Aizhen felt her feelings for him deepen, to the point that she asked to switch sleeping arrangements with Gan Pu that night. Meanwhile, Wang Yishao also heard about the breach of the barrier. In the current world, only the Mo Gate possessed the knowledge of such mechanisms, so it was clear that someone from the Mo Gate was behind it.

Yin Niang approached Wang Yishao to see if he had any guesses, but he withheld much of the information he had gathered. Upon learning that the soldier’s injuries were severe and that he might not survive, Wang Yishao immediately sent someone to help. Gao Yin, one of Wang Yishao’s people, was called to treat the injured soldier. Carrying her medical kit, she went out without hesitation.

As a disciple trained by a renowned master, she managed to stabilize the soldier with just a few needles, and he slowly regained consciousness. Outside, Han Aizhen, worried sick, waited anxiously. When Gao Yin returned with news that her father was out of danger, Han Aizhen finally felt at ease and expressed her deep gratitude to Gao Yin. That night was destined to be sleepless. Wang Yishao secretly called Qing Cai aside.

Mistakenly believing that Qing Cai was the one who dismantled the barrier, and assuming he was from the Mo Gate, Wang Yishao kindly warned him not to be deceived. He reminded Qing Cai that the Mo Gate was their enemy and urged him to choose his alliances wisely. Although Qing Cai didn’t fully understand Wang Yishao’s intentions, he knew that Wang Yishao’s people were secretly monitoring them. During their prison break, someone had indeed been following them.

Qing Cai wasn’t sure who it was, but it had to be either Hu Jiao or Gao Yin. Gao Yin was skilled in medicine, but her martial prowess remained unclear. Meanwhile, Hu Jiao, with her strong and sturdy physique and culinary talents, might also be hiding something. Qing Cai deduced from Wang Yishao’s honesty that he might actually be an enemy of Gan Pu.

Just a while ago, they had been holding hands, yet now he was grappling with the realization that they could be on opposing sides, which saddened him deeply. That same night, Gan Pu discovered Qing Cai’s secret—he was the prince. She also noticed how Han Aizhen seemed to harbor deep feelings for Qing Cai. Feeling dejected, she went out alone for some air. Qing Cai, worried about her, followed.

Han Aizhen, also feeling it necessary to protect him, joined as well. As they walked, it began to rain heavily, and the road became increasingly slippery. Qing Cai grew concerned for Gan Pu’s safety. As he feared, Gan Pu fell into a waterhole. Fortunately, Qing Cai noticed quickly and managed to rescue her before it was too late. Qing Cai was torn. Seeing Gan Pu suffer pained him, yet he couldn’t reveal the truth to her. He couldn’t help but wonder—if she ever learned that he was her enemy, how could they possibly face each other in the future?

When they were not attending lessons, Qing Cai, Gan Pu, Han Aizhen, Wang Yishao, and Gao Yin often sat together for tea. Although they engaged in lighthearted conversation, there was an undercurrent of tension among them. Surprisingly, Hong Hui, upon confirming Qing Cai’s "widow" status, prepared a bouquet of flowers to give to him. However, Han Aizhen refused to let Qing Cai accept gifts from anyone, promptly throwing the bouquet away.

After Qing Cai and Han Aizhen left the group, they discussed the relationships between the manor, Wang Yishao, and the prince. Based on Wang Yishao’s claim that the Mo Gate was his enemy, it seemed logical that the manor might also be opposed to Qing Cai. However, Yin Niang had released Qing Cai’s adoptive father and treated his injuries immediately upon learning that he knew the whereabouts of the late king’s prince. This hinted at deeper interests and connections.

The details of these connections were likely only known to the adoptive father, but no one could get close to him now. Qing Cai suggested that Han Aizhen find an excuse to meet with Yin Niang, gain a sliver of her trust, and use that to approach her father. This way, they could uncover more information. During their meeting, Yin Niang, aware of Han Aizhen’s connection to the general, specifically asked if she knew Mr. Shangshan.

Anticipating this, Qing Cai had shared some stories about Mr. Shangshan with Han Aizhen in advance. Although Mr. Shangshan was well-known in the martial world, Qing Cai, after spending several days with him, discovered that he was just a simple, childlike old man from the countryside. When Han Aizhen candidly described Mr. Shangshan as "just a countryside old man with a childlike heart," everyone laughed, thinking she was being bold. Only Yin Niang believed her.

She dismissed Han Aizhen, then ordered her subordinates to renovate the dormitories for some newly recruited maids. Since that night when Gan Pu saw Qing Cai’s adoptive father place his and Han Aizhen’s hands together, she had deliberately kept her distance. Qing Cai, understanding her feelings, also began reducing their interactions, especially after Wang Yishao suggested that their factions might be opposing forces. He wanted to spare Gan Pu unnecessary pain in the future.

One day, Wang Yishao openly expressed his feelings for Gan Pu by placing a fresh flower in her hair. Some laughed and teased him, saying he had given Gan Pu a white flower. Gao Yin explained that white symbolizes elegance and purity. However, Gan Pu removed the flower and handed it to Gao Yin, telling Wang Yishao honestly that she already had someone in her heart.

She added that she wasn’t suited for such a flower, as her experiences traveling far and wide had stripped her of the purity symbolized by white. Instead, she said Gao Yin was much better suited for it. Gan Pu’s meaning was clear, but Wang Yishao persisted, declaring that he would wait for her. He stated that his feelings were his own and had nothing to do with anyone else. Seeing his determination, Gan Pu no longer tried to dissuade him.

Gao Yin, though usually reserved, had witnessed the dynamics between Gan Pu and Qing Cai, and now with Han Aizhen involved, she empathized deeply with Gan Pu’s emotions. When they were alone, Gao Yin asked Gan Pu if she had found a way to cope with her feelings. Gan Pu responded that she had grown accustomed to the current situation. While it was hard to maintain a completely carefree attitude, she believed peaceful coexistence was achievable.

Seeing Gan Pu’s calm smile, Gao Yin felt reassured. Meanwhile, Zhang Fang, who often wandered the countryside discovering interesting items, visited Qing Cai’s restaurant. He became intrigued by the "Lover’s Tears" fruit wine and, after tasting it, found it delightful. He immediately paid for ten jars with shiny silver ingots. Bringing the fruit wine back to the manor, Zhang Fang shared it with Wang Yishao, who praised it highly after tasting it. "Good wine needs a discerning audience," he remarked.

Initially, when Qing Cai recommended this wine, it had few buyers. Now, it had gained popularity among the people of the manor, who were even willing to spend a fortune to order more.

Hong Hui gathered the trainee disciples for a lesson on disguise and concealment. Hu Jiao, donning a fake beard and dressed in a man’s battle armor while wielding a war blade, looked like Zhang Fei reincarnated at first glance. The trainee disciples each displayed their own creativity, but practicing indoors felt unsatisfying, so they all decided to head into the bustling market.

Hong Hui and the group, masked and in full disguise, attracted the attention of curious villagers who had never seen such a spectacle. Meanwhile, Qing Cai went to his shop to boost its business. The villagers noticed the group ordering "Lover’s Tears" grilled skewers and the signature fruit wine, "Lover’s Tears. " Many flocked to Qing Cai’s shop to try these items. While the grilled skewers were well-received, the wine’s unique taste was polarizing.

Qing Cai’s young assistant humorously claimed that the wine embodied the "taste of heartbreak," requiring patience and a refined palate to appreciate its nuances. Hearing this, a few villagers, intrigued by the poetic explanation, purchased several jars to impress those who typically looked down on them. Gan Pu picked up a skewer and reminisced about the first time she and Qing Cai had enjoyed this dish together, sharing a moment of carefree joy.

Now, things had taken such a divergent path. The name "Lover’s Tears" felt all too fitting. Whether it was the spice from the chili or her emotional state, tears welled up and streamed down her face. Han Aizhen, positioned between Qing Cai and Gan Pu, noticed their expressions and seemed to grasp something unspoken. What had once been two hearts united was now a complicated matter involving three.

Later, Gan Pu, drunk and emotional, ran into Qing Cai on her way back. Overwhelmed, she embraced him and cried uncontrollably. From afar, Hu Jiao and Hong Hui witnessed the tearful embrace. Hu Jiao widened her eyes and muttered, "Could it be that this 'Lover’s Tears' wine is just horse urine? How else could it trigger tears so quickly? "Gao Yin and Hu Jiao later shared a quiet tea together.

Gao Yin curiously asked if Hu Jiao suspected Hong Hui of being a master of concealment, possibly a hidden expert. Hu Jiao dismissed the idea, saying that Hong Hui led a life of indulgence, teaching occasional classes, drinking tea, and writing poetry. Someone so extroverted could hardly be a master of stealth. Gao Yin, shaking her head, replied, "Sometimes, true masters are those who conceal their brilliance the best.

"Han Aizhen, recognizing the depth of feelings between Qing Cai and Gan Pu, decided not to be a third wheel. She approached Qing Cai to tell him that she would step back from the triangle and let him and Gan Pu be together. Saying this revealed the magnitude of Han Aizhen’s character, as she had grown up hearing her father tell stories of Qing Cai.

Even though Qing Cai had no knowledge of Han Aizhen’s existence, nor that she harbored unspoken affection for him, Han Aizhen’s decision to end her own dreams felt like a death sentence to her. Before parting, Han Aizhen asked Qing Cai for a hug. Not knowing how to comfort her, Qing Cai cautiously hugged her and encouraged her to stay strong, promising to treat her like an older sister from then on.

Though heartbroken, Han Aizhen decided to bury her feelings deep inside, finding solace in wine and music. At dawn, Gan Pu stepped out of her room to find Qing Cai dozing against the wall outside, clearly having stayed up all night. Pretending as if nothing had happened, Gan Pu greeted him warmly, brushing off her emotional outburst from the previous night. She explained it away as drunken behavior and urged Qing Cai not to mind it, reminding him that their mission was what truly mattered.