Following HuiFeng and Hong’s return to their sects, there were quite a few changes seen in the Min Household. The most obvious to the servants was that Lady Ame was no longer being completely neglected or isolated. She was now seen occasionally eating with the madams.

Regardless of whether it was a formality or not, the important thing is that she has established enough of a relationship to meet first and third mistresses. Her standing may still be the lowest among her siblings, but she now has some backing. Moreover, unsure of exactly why, the servants noticed how the Third Young Mistress also seemed to have competent guards escorting her when necessary.

They could only conclude that the Third Young Mistress was being overly protected by her parents. All the household servants gossiped and speculated. However, as for Ame herself, when she found out about some of the rumors, she did feel a slight shock. While the improvement of her status by visiting Ehuang and Nuo once or twice a week was expected, she didn’t expect Dara’s overprotectiveness to have done the same.

Besides, these current events were only happening for a few days so far…… Ame could only shiver at the terrifying power of women and gossip.

As time passed, winter was still very much present, and the moments of being watched became a bit less frequent. However, training outside of the dojo on the open training grounds, a misstep on the wet falling snow was all that it took for Instructor Goro to easily shove her onto her backside. Ame fell bitterly onto the cold rocks that jolted her backside. The force was just too great to resist, and all she could was try to execute an ukemi as quickly as possible.

Using the force of his attack, she swiftly climbed back onto her feet after one or two rolls. The rocks didn’t manage to rub her poor aching backside too much. You would think that training would become easier after both Hong and HuiFeng left. You would even think that Instructor Goro would become less attentive or caring. Yeah, she was somewhat true, but Ame was also slightly mistaken.

Instead of completely neglecting her, Instructor Goro seemed to hold little tolerance for her actions, or rather her existence, and gave out swift and painful punishment in the form/name of training. After all, he should have cleaned those rocks out of the training area or notice them enough to be careful when counter attacking her, but he still used enough force to land her out of the ring and into that direction. It was clearly that “fist has no eyes” bullsh*t excuse being used.

Well, that’s fine. Ame already noticed the glint of disdain that flashed through his eyes when looking upon her. She will just him use him as a practice dummy to improve her combat ability. Although she will hold back when needed and be cautious, it is not like she can’t grow from the fool’s little torture.

She will gather experience in fighting those stronger than her. She will slowly improve her durability and stamina much faster, and her cultivation will continue to improve. The beatdown was painful but also rewarding.

As for ensuring a proper growth of skill and discipline, she will just do some individual training in her free time. Her physical condition was already near her initial goal, allowing her to prepare for intensive training more safely. Ame would then gradually test things against Instructor Goro and take whatever guidance she can get.

In the meanwhile, Sada herself winces from time to time but does not voice her complaint despite Instructor Goro’s callus actions. The only reason that she didn’t do anything yet is because of her respect for her young mistress’s determination and resolve. Even if it seemed useless, her lady already explained the necessity of survival, but still, those thoughts were not a source of comfort. Her hands reflexively moved to pet the furry objects that would normally be on her lap only to find them gone.

The kittens had supposedly curled up under the bed covers and out of reach, refusing to go out into the cold. (Due to the cold, Morph and Kiro tactfully chose to remain inside on an investigation mission.) Without anything to do, Sada curled her hands in her coat and could only watch.

As time seemed to slowly go on, the training and practice matches finally came to an end, and Ame was on the ground, both exhausted and drenched in sweat. Sada quickly approached with a towel for her.

“Although you have fail to cultivate so far, Young Mistress has certainly made some progress. However, you shouldn’t be neglecting your training and must put in the suitable effort required of a child of the Min Household.” Instructor seemingly consoled, but if you pay attention, you can hear the hidden thorns in his words. “Now, dismissed.”

“Thank you.” Grabbing the towel, Ame ignored his words, She has no need to quarrel with the two-faced idiot for now. She has more pressing matters to deal with anyways.

As she contemplated her own issues, she continued wiping her sweat and left with Sada to wash herself and change. ‘I guess I should start my plans sooner or later.’ She thought.

She wasn’t just meaninglessly playing in the New Year’s Festival…. midway through. By touring around and paying a visit to various stalls, Ame was able to test many things and was already enlightened with some new ideas. She just has to gradually start on the testing of these ideas.

‘But first things first, I shouldn’t make the dancing instructor wait too long.’ Ame thought. A small smile was on her face as she reached her quarters.

*

Ehuang and Nuo are embroidering winter clothing for their respective children. However, included among Nuo’s clothing to be embroidered is a violet cloak embroidered with feminine flowers and leaves. Ehuang frowns slightly and opens her mouth to comment but thinks better of it. She merely sighs with a nod of her hand.

Min Hee had not opposed Nuo’s actions during the New Year’s nor had he said a word against their tea parties. From this fact, it seems that Ayako has yet to say anything. However, without fully confirming the situation, everything may just be the calm before the storm.

Ehuang works on her needlework in deep thought. In the few times that they invited the child, she had shown a happy appetite while seeming very courteous, but the tone of her voice seemed to carry a slightly cold feel in it. It was a source of concern for her as Ehuang had been testing the girl to spot whether she was a spy or not. Despite returning, the girl was far too abnormal to be fully trusted. Those violet cold eyes of hers gave Ehuang dread at times.

Even more so now, how she gazed upon them with a frosted expression at times made her shiver subconsciously. It was like she was staring at doll who crawled from the abyss to condescend her and everyone around her. She could only fear if the child was a spitting image of her mother or worse.

Ehuang, for the sake and the protection of her family, needed to find out whether there were any hidden backers to that girl from outside. The girl had been too composed and well-learned, making you forget that she was ever lost on the streets or isolated from her mother’s sometimes. From reports and inquiries, she is even progressing quite fast in her various studies,

Therefore, Ehuang was greatly suspicious that there was someone supporting the girl in the darkness. It is almost certain from her behavior. But the question that still remained was whether her supporter was an ally or an enemy? If she is being controlled by Ayako or someone with ill intentions, things could become bad.

A faint sound distracts Ehuang, causing her to prick her finger. With a frown, she studies the bleeding wound and suddenly summons an ointment from her storage ring. In the meanwhile, Nuo cheerfully finishes the small robe she was working on and then reaches for the violet feminine cloak. Rubbing the prick on her finger with the ointment, Ehuang says softly but firmly, “Nuo, you should be warier of Ame.”

Nuo stiffens for a moment but continues her needlework. Although not professionals, one can tell that the cloth and materials being tailored are of high quality. They even had beneficial health effects, like better blood circulation, good insulation, etc.

Ehuang continues more loudly, “I do not wish to sow more discord, but we must prepare for the worst. Ayako may already have a powerful hold over her own daughter, or worse, she may not have loyalties to the Min Household. She will refuse us in the end and will leave to wherever she thinks is best.” A sigh escapes her mouth. “.... We may not be able to save her from the fangs within or the claws outside.”

Nuo pauses and glances calmly up at Ehaung. “I have not forgotten nor I will forget Ehuang, but I will not condemn a child who has suffered enough already and was abandoned by both her mother and the Heavens. You should not forget that either, Ehuang.” Nuo’s hands tightened as she spoke.

“We always had a chance to save that child from her days of solitude…. from her kidnapping…. from her suffering. We could have done something, but we failed to see anything and did not do anything. No, maybe we just turned a blind eye to everything.” Nuo’s voice shaken with tears threatening to come from her eyes.

“This is why I want to-” She tried to continue. Her face faced downward. However, the reason for her being unable to continue her words was due to being interrupted.

“Nuo…” Ehuang looked straight at her. “I understand, but do not let the darkness of your past to cloud your judgment. I didn’t say that we will give up. I just said that we should prepare for the worst, nothing more.”

Releasing a small giggle, a smile blossomed as she brought her hand to her mouth. “Do not get overly anxious. Only time will tell the fate of man.”

“Ah?” Nuo was shocked with her mouth slightly left agape. A blush of embarrassment spread across her cheeks, and she laughed while feeling her shoulders relax. “I see. You are right, Ehuang. I am just overreacting.”

Seeing her looking more relieved, Ehuang nodded her head slight. She didn’t want Nuo to wallow needlessly in her past. She also didn’t want her past demons to cloud her judgment to the point of doing anything self-damaging. Everything should instead be done more steadily and not too rushed.

Moving on and switching topics, both ladies conversed as they continued adorning the new clothes. Before long, the doors opened, and the twins quickly scurried into the room. At the same time, two small shadows by the door swiftly fled down the corridor.

*

Bathed and dressed, Ame waits for dinner. Seeing Morph and Kiro suddenly appear shivering and wet, Ame smiles and says, “Sada, it seems my kittens are hungry. They must have failed to forage for food in this cold weather. Will you run to the kitchen and find something for them to eat?”

Sada smiles and says, “With pleasure, my lady.” She then swiftly hurries off to do as she was bid. It would take some time as the nearest kitchen was the servant’s kitchen.

After Sada left, Ame stands up and points for the kittens to follow her into the bathroom. Although the feeling of watching eyes is not as frequent at the moment, it is still to be in a closed space where a bit more privacy can be guaranteed as long as she is careful. So far, she proved her decision was right, which was a relief, since she didn’t need pedophile perverts staring at her in the bathroom. Well, it doesn't matter much this time. She will even look natural when taking the pet cats to wash.

Grabbing some towels and running some hot water, Ame wipes the shivering kittens with wet warm towels and then quickly dries them before wrapping them to secure their warmth. She then sighs and waits for them to stop their shivering. It is not like she told them to wait in the cold for so long. She will have to warn them better next time.

Morph started to recover, and despite chattering teeth, his twin, Kiro, was not to be left behind and says, “Master, we found the source of the poison.”

Morph gives a dark look but further adds, “We couldn't fully confirm the full circumstances, but we can tell that Nuo is definitely unlikely to be the culprit. We also confirm the presence of both poison and an antidote within the kitchens of the residence where Ehuang and Nuo previously invited you to eat at.”

“Our senses also tell us that you are likely to be poisoned again if you continue to visit. Even the flow of good luck seems to decrease over there.” Kiro stated as he tried to snuggle deeper into his dry towel.

As she continued to listen to a summary of what they discovered, Ame frowns but now has some better insight into the matter, but that did not mean she was pleased. She had hoped there was no need to test her in such a manner, but it would appear she was wrong. Worse yet, it appeared she wasn't fully trusted, and she could end up killed or caged depending on the circumstances. (Dara, despite being a backer, was still only seen as a guard and was not one the master or mistress of the household.)

Gathering the kittens in another dry towel, she swaddles them and carries them over to her bed. Purring, the two kittens curl up in the towel to nap, while she takes a seat on a nearby chair. She ponders the events, but in the end, deems it not worth revealing the truth for now. The poison for one was non-lethal and was slowly raising her poison resistance along with other benefits.

However, more importantly, she needed a card she could use against Ehuang for the future. One never knew when one needs to call in a favor.

Besides, Ame did not entirely trust or know much about Dara. Oh, he certainly would always protect her and work for her wellbeing. However, the problem lay in differences of opinion between what Dara considered her wellbeing and what she considered in her best interests.

With that in mind, Ame rises to her feet and departs for another dinner invitation. She mustn’t keep her mother’s waiting.