“It is just a stray cat.” Pei Qingfeng had already detected Ling Xian’er’s presence long before the conversation with Bai Luochu. Since Ling Xian’er was able to keep her presence a secret, Pei Qingfeng allowed her to do whatever she liked. He didn’t wish for Bai Luochu to look at Ling Xian’er as he was afraid the quick-witted lass would be able to recognize Ling Xian’er as the young lady she had seen the other day.

Even if Bai Luochu didn’t mind, it would be very difficult for him to explain himself. If Bai Luochu were to break off all relations with him, his losses would outweigh his gains.

“Stray cat? Is there really a stray cat that can cause such a huge commotion in broad daylight? Truly strange...” Bai Luochu turned around and squinted her eyes at Pei Qingfeng.

Pei Qingfeng’s mind fell and he knew that Bai Luochu had definitely realized something. However, he couldn’t back down now. “Isn’t that right? There must be more people in the capital city feeding the stray cats.” Pei Qingfeng felt that it was the worst lie he ever told in his life.

Even though Bai Luochu felt that something was amiss, she didn’t wish to harp on the matter. She sat back down and said to Pei Qingfeng, “Back to the topic. Wouldn’t that young lady be jealous if Your Second Highness visited me today?”

Ling Xian’er frowned and thought, My timing back then was really impeccable. Big Brother Qingfeng is in so much trouble because of me...

Cai Ling felt that the sour smell in the air was getting stronger. It was as though someone opened a jar of old vinegar.

Pei Qingfeng originally wanted to explain himself but he realized that Bai Luochu wasn’t behaving like her usual self. She seemed to be asking random questions and the usual Bai Luochu would never do anything like this.

Bai Luochu might not like Pei Qingfeng, but Pei Qingfeng understood Bai Luochu thoroughly and knew that she was someone who never repeated herself. He had already explained everything but she had to return to the topic. It was obvious she cared about it very much.

Does she care? Even though Pei Qingfeng wasn’t able to confirm his guess, he became much happier after making the discovery.

Perhaps it was because he was no longer as tense, but Pei Qingfeng was no longer as reserved. The intention to tease Bai Luochu appeared in his mind once again.

“Luoluo, why do I smell something sour in the air?” Pei Qingfeng squinted his eyes and looked at Bai Luochu while beaming.

Hearing the question, Bai Luochu’s hand that was reaching for an osmanthus cake paused. She pulled her hand back to grab her teacup but her mind was in a mess. When she raised her cup, her hands were shaking slightly and small ripples formed on the surface of the tea, just like the ripples appearing in her heart.

After finishing her cup of tea, Bai Luochu replied indifferently, “Why would there be a sour smell? The kitchen didn’t prepare dumplings and I definitely didn’t prepare vinegar.”

Pei Qingfeng broke out into laughter as he was sure of his guess.

After this interlude was over, Pei Qingfeng was no longer as gloomy and worried when he left the general’s residence. Ling Xian’er had already seen Bai Luochu’s appearance and she had already snuck back into the residence. The moment she stepped into the stargazing pavilion, she saw Honored Tian Yun sitting in the hall.

“Honor... Honored Sir, why are you here?” Ling Xian’er knew that she couldn’t say anything and she felt a little guilty.

Before Ling Xian’er entered, Honored Tian Yun was casually sipping on his tea. When he noticed Ling Xian’er, he placed the cup down and turned around to question her. “Where did you go? I heard from the other disciples that you went out with Qingfeng?”

Ling Xian’er’s heart thumped and she felt that something was wrong. Luckily she was a master of controlling her emotions and she kept the indifferent expression on her face. She hoped Honored Tian Yun wouldn’t notice anything off.

“That’s right. I originally wanted to have a good stroll with Big Brother Qingfeng. However, his secret guard appeared with an important report and Big Brother Qingfeng sent me back.” Ling Xian’er lied without batting an eyelid.

Honored Tian Yun wasn’t suspicious and nodded before advising Ling Xian’er, “If you have time, you should cultivate more diligently. Don’t bother your Big Brother Qingfeng all the time.”

Ling Xian’er curled her lips and spoke with disdain, “Yes, Xian’er understands. If Honored Sir has nothing else, Xian’er shall return to my room to cultivate.” Ling Xian’er didn’t wait for Honored Tian Yun’s reaction before running off.

Honored Tian Yun raised his head and noticed that there were fresh leaves stuck to Ling Xian’er’s clothes. He immediately became suspicious, “Hold on a moment. What is wrong with your clothes?”

Ling Xian’er stood still abruptly and her back was frozen stiff. She was afraid Honored Tian Yun would get to the bottom of the matter.

“Little lass, did you climb a tree?” Honored Tian Yun’s brows were locked tightly and felt that this matter was rather odd. She was fine when she left this morning but she came back looking like a mess. It was difficult for him to believe she didn’t do anything bad.

Ling Xian’er instantly felt her scalp turn numb when she glanced at the fresh leaves on her shoulder and the abrasion marks on her clothes. She thought for a long time before giving an excuse, “Honored Sir, Xian’er will never climb trees! These leaves probably fell from trees. The abrasion marks came about when Xian’er walked past some people holding rattan baskets in the market.”

Honored Tian Yun seemed to be suspicious but he knew that no matter how mischievous Ling Xian’er was, she wouldn’t do something to undermine her status. He eventually sent her back to her room.

Ling Xian’er heaved a sigh of relief and ran back to her room as though there was oil smeared under her feet. Originally, she wanted to go remind Pei Qingfeng not to meet with Bai Luochu for the next few days as she knew that Honored Tian Yun would be monitoring him closely the next few days. Even if Honored Tian Yun wasn’t able to do anything to her Big Brother Qingfeng, he would be able to move against Bai Luochu. However, she thought about it again and felt that she would expose herself if she ran over to Pei Qingfeng’s side right now. She gave up and decided to remind Pei Qingfeng when they toured the lake in the future.

On Pei Qingfeng’s side, he left the general’s residence as he headed towards his own. At the side, Pei Rumo’s secret guard returned to the First Prince’s residence and reported everything he had witnessed at the general’s residence.

“Haha, these two individuals are truly interesting.” Pei Rumo commented with a little disdain.