Her master, Xiao Rongqi, although over forty, was still elegant and refined. Coupled with his gentle demeanor and constant concern for his disciples, it was hard to associate him with the pursuit of fame and fortune at court.

In fact, Yu Qingwu still harbored a glimmer of hope when she arrived.

She thought that perhaps there was some misunderstanding. Her master had always doted on her as if she were his own daughter and wouldn't bear to send her to be someone's concubine, much less use her as a pawn.

However, at that moment, when her master asked those words, the last shred of hope in her heart was shattered.

A hint of mockery flashed across her lips. Yu Qingwu maintained her dignified posture, as respectful as ever, and solemnly replied to Xiao Rongqi, "Nothing of the sort. This disciple has always had such a cold face. Master is aware of that."

"Ah, that's right. You've never been one for smiling," Xiao Rongqi nodded, his eyes full of kindness. He then turned to Xie Jin Yan, who was standing beside her, and asked, "What about you? Why are you wearing such a long face?"

After all, this was a matter between husband and wife. Even though Master Xiao Rongqi was considered half a matchmaker, Xie Jin Yan still didn't want to discuss the emotional entanglement between them with him.

He curved his lips, forcing a smile, and replied softly, "Reporting to Master, this disciple is merely worried about matters in court. As you know, due to this disciple's background, many ministers in court are dissatisfied with me. They would rather support Xie Qiyun, a piece of deadwood, than join forces with me."

"This disciple is having a very difficult time in court. Recently, I was scolded by Father Emperor because of the disaster and the Yun Province bandits. That was clearly Xie Qiyun's responsibility, but Xie Qiyun couldn't handle it. Father Emperor favors him and takes his anger out on this disciple. This disciple is truly depressed."

Xie Jin Yan rambled on, subtly changing the subject.

Xiao Rongqi was well aware of his situation in court, and hearing him say this, he didn't suspect anything. He simply nodded slightly and advised, "Jin Yan, your Father Emperor is the ruler of the world. Some things are not necessarily what he wants. After all, your eldest brother has the support of the You clan and the Liu clan's civil officials. Your Father Emperor may be forced to do so. Father and son shouldn't hold grudges overnight. Don't let this create a rift between you and him."

"Rest assured, Master, this disciple is not so petty," Xie Jin Yan nodded. As he spoke, he took out a brocade box from his bosom and presented it to Xiao Rongqi with utmost respect, saying, "That's right, Master, this is a gift from my mother, the Empress, for you. She said that she is grateful for your care for me and that she will be troubling you again soon, so this is a thank you gift."

"Your mother is still so polite," a hint of tenderness flashed across Xiao Rongqi's eyes, barely noticeable. He then accepted the brocade box, glanced at it lightly, and looked up again, his eyes returning to their usual kindness. He sighed helplessly, "Jin Yan, tell your mother not to prepare any more gifts next time. I am your teacher, and it is my duty to take care of my disciples. Your mother is always so polite, making it seem like I'm only doing it for the gift."

For the gift?

That wasn't the case. It was all for fame, fortune, and power.

Xie Jin Yan thought to himself, but his face remained respectful, and he replied to Xiao Rongqi with a smile, "Master, you're being too kind. This isn't anything valuable. It's just a token of Father Emperor and Mother's appreciation."

"By the way, Master, this disciple has something to ask of you on this trip up the mountain."

Getting back to the main topic, Xie Jin Yan hadn't forgotten the purpose of his trip.

The smile in his eyes gradually faded, and a trace of seriousness appeared in his phoenix eyes. He gently cupped his fist towards his master, who was seated above him, and said, "Master, this disciple would like to ask you to recommend someone."

"Master also knows that last year's winter snow disaster left farmers with almost no harvest. Relying solely on relief efforts will probably not work. We fear there will be droughts, floods, and snow disasters in the coming years, especially in those border regions, where refugees flood into the capital every year, even more so this year. As you know, Great Wei has only been at peace and stability for a little over ten years since the Qi clan's rebellion. The national treasury is not yet wealthy."

"This disciple has heard that the Nong clan still has descendants, who possess many crops suitable for planting in various regions. In addition, they also have many methods to increase crop yields. In fact, Father Emperor had also sent people to inquire, but the other party had some past grievances with the Wei Dynasty and was unwilling to come out of seclusion."

"I wonder if Master, you could be a persuader?"

Xie Jin Yan didn't beat around the bush and explained the whole story in a straightforward manner.

These words seemed like a request, but in reality, it was a transaction.

Back then, Father Emperor and Mother Empress sent him to the Xiao sect because they valued the Xiao clan's connections in the martial world.

Some people whom the royal family couldn't invite were willing to give the Xiao clan face. Some things that the royal family couldn't find, the Xiao clan could mobilize from ordinary people to beggars on the streets to search for.

Xiao Rongqi had originally reached a tacit agreement with the royal family, so he naturally wouldn't refuse Xie Jin Yan's request. He smiled faintly, nodded slightly, and replied kindly, "You child, what are you talking about, asking or not asking? I thought it was something important. As a citizen of Great Wei, I should also do my part for the benefit of the people of the world. Rest assured, in a few days, when the head of the Nong clan returns, I will invite him over."

"As for these few days, you must be tired from traveling. You should rest well for a few days first, and we can talk about the rest later."

"Alright, go and rest first. Tonight, I will have Ning Yu prepare a welcome banquet for you." After saying that, Xiao Rongqi waved his hand, looking slightly tired, and said, "Alright, I need to take a nap now. You should go back too."

As he spoke, he stood up.

Watching her master's figure, Yu Qingwu moved her lips, wanting to ask something, but in the end, she closed her mouth.

Perhaps it was because she didn't have the courage, or perhaps it was because she was afraid that she couldn't accept it. In the end, she only nodded and replied to Xiao Rongqi as respectfully as ever, "Then Master, this disciple will take her leave first."

"Alright, rest well," Xiao Rongqi nodded. When he walked to Yu Qingwu's side, he gently patted her shoulder and said softly, "Qingwu, returning to the sect is like returning to your own home. Be at ease, don't be so restrained, and relax."

Was Master telling her that she didn't have to be as restrained in the sect as she was in the Crown Prince's residence?

His words were clearly of concern, but they made Yu Qingwu feel even more complicated. She bit her lip tightly, nodded slightly, and said nothing more.

In her absentmindedness, Master Xiao Rongqi had already stepped into the inner chamber.

For a moment, only Yu Qingwu and Xie Jin Yan were left in the hall.

She raised her head, looked at him with a complex expression, and turned to walk out.

"Yu Qingwu, are you planning to live in Hu Die's room all the time? Are you planning to sleep in separate rooms from me all the time?" Yu Qingwu lowered her head, her foot barely crossing the threshold when Xie Jin Yan's voice came from behind her.

Her footsteps paused slightly, but she didn't answer.

The next moment, a large hand landed on her shoulder.

Xie Jin Yan's deep voice entered her ears along with his warm breath, "You didn't let me bring servants, and now you've left me alone in the guest room. What, do you want me to make my own bed?"