Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

The master and servant chatted for a while longer. The night wind gradually picked up, and the shadow of the locust tree swayed violently on the ground, like a large blot of ink spreading with water.

In the distance, the faint sound of drums could be heard, one after another, deep and resonant.

Xiao Yi finally stood up and wrapped his rabbit fur cloak tighter around himself.

"Let's go back."

He said that there was finally a hint of weariness in his voice.

Qingfeng responded and followed his master through the moonlit courtyard, heading towards the bedroom.

Just before entering, Xiao Yi suddenly paused and glanced back at the room where Tao'er lived. The lamp on the window paper had long been extinguished, leaving only a deep darkness.

He stood there for a moment, then turned and pushed the door open to go inside.

The next day was a sunny and beautiful day.

Sunlight streamed in at an angle through the window, casting warm patches of light on the floor.

Tiny dust particles floated slowly in the beam of light, like a silent, slow dance.

Tao'er got up early and, together with Dongkui, tidied up some dishes and chopsticks in the kitchen. She also checked the characters that Ayan had learned yesterday before finding a moment to walk towards the room where Young Master Chen was staying.

The door to the side room was half open. Tao'er gently knocked twice on the door frame and heard a gentle "Please come in" from inside before pushing the door open and going in.

Young Master Chen was sitting in a chair by the window, with a thin blanket covering his lap.

Although his injuries had mostly healed, he was still somewhat weak, and the doctor said he needed to rest.

The window was ajar, and a gentle breeze blew in, ruffling the stray hairs on his forehead.

He was wearing a light blue long gown today, which she had bought for him a new one. Otherwise, he couldn't possibly wear the same clothes every day!

Although the material wasn't particularly precious, its simple and clean appearance made him look even more gentle and refined.

Tao'er could only sigh that good-looking people look good even in burlap.

After Tao'er went in, she sat down opposite him and poured him a cup of tea, pushing it towards him.

Young Master Chen thanked her, took a sip of tea, glanced at her, and said with a smile, "Atao, is there something you want to tell me?"

Tao'er was actually a little nervous.

Although she agreed to Xiao Yi's arrangement, she spent an entire night thinking about how to bring it up with Young Master Chen.

After all, she herself had said that they would leave once he recovered from his injuries.

Now she's taking the initiative to tell him to go with them, which is indeed inappropriate to go back on your word.

However, since I promised Xiao Yi, I still have to give it a try.

I can't say it directly, that would seem too abrupt.

After much thought, she decided to start by testing the waters.

Let's see what his plan is.

Tao'er spoke up, trying to keep her tone casual, as if she were talking about something very ordinary, "Young Master Chen, I didn't have anything to say, so I just came to see you and check on your injuries."

"Thank you for your concern, Atao. My wound has already started to scab over."

Ah Chen's tone was as gentle as ever.

"Oh, now that your injury has almost healed, may I ask where you plan to go next after you've recovered?"

After all, I'm the one who saved you, so it's only right that I, as a friend, show some concern.

Young Master Chen was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

His gaze shifted from Tao'er's face to the locust tree outside the window. The locust tree was smaller than the one in the yard, but its branches and leaves were quite lush, glistening with a glossy green in the sunlight.

He stared at it for a long time before slowly shaking his head.

"I don't know," he said softly, with a genuine sense of bewilderment.

"have no idea?"

What is this answer?

Didn't he think about this question?

"I have no memory of my family or where I live."

Was she injured when she woke up?

Everything I've learned these days is about being with you.

As for where to go after recovering from the injury...

He paused for a moment, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. "I really haven't thought about it seriously."

Tao nodded in agreement.

She had observed him these past few days and knew he was a man of good character.

He really doesn't remember anything. According to psychology, such people are often confused and directionless.

If a person doesn't even know who they are, how can they know where they should go?

She thought for a moment and then asked, "But you still need a place to live, you still need to make a living, and you still need to eat."

Do you have any money or anything on you?

Young Master Chen shook his head, his action frank and without the slightest hesitation.

"I'm penniless."

He said it in a calm tone, as if stating a fact that had nothing to do with him.

"The only valuable thing you have is that jade pendant, which has already been given to you to cover your medical and food expenses."

After saying that, Ah Chen gave a wry smile.

Tao thought to herself, "This man is truly a gentleman; he didn't utter a single lie."

If it were anyone else in that situation, they would inevitably try to cover it up or embellish it, but he was completely open and honest.

Speak your mind, neither playing the victim to gain sympathy nor feigning superiority.

This uprightness actually earns him higher regard.

"Without money, how do you plan to make a living?"

Tao'er pressed for an answer, her eyes filled with seriousness.

Ah Chen lowered his head and thought for a while.

He frowned slightly, a shallow crease forming between his brows, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of the teacup.

After a moment, he looked up and said, "I can sell calligraphy and paintings."

My handwriting is decent, and my drawing skills are passable too. I think if I set up a stall at the market, I should be able to earn some money, enough to make ends meet.

He said this with a hint of uncertainty in his tone, as if he himself felt that the idea was somewhat naive, but couldn't think of a better way.

Tao'er burst out laughing.

Her smile made Ah Chen a little embarrassed, his ears turning slightly red. He quickly asked, "What are you laughing at, Ah Tao?"

Am I wrong?

Tao'er stopped laughing and waved her hand, but a hint of a smile still lingered in the corner of her eyes. "It's not that it's wrong, it's just that I think you're a very honest person."

"For a scholar like you to be willing to set aside your pride and sell calligraphy and paintings at the market is actually quite admirable."

However, since you were poisoned and injured earlier, it's clear you have enemies.

Besides, you don't even know who you are right now. What if you show yourself and get discovered by your enemies? Wouldn't that be even more dangerous and troublesome?

Upon hearing this, Achen felt that Tao'er's words made sense, so he fell silent, unsure of how to respond.

Seeing his expression, Tao'er stopped beating around the bush.

She leaned forward, placed her hands clasped on the table, and said seriously, "I have a better idea, but I don't know if you'd be willing."

Ah Chen's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "What method? Ah Tao, please tell me."

Tao'er then explained her thoughts in detail: "Brother Shi Qi and Brother Qingfeng escorted us to a safe place and will leave afterward. Then it will only be me, Sister Dongkui, and Ayan left."

There wasn't a single man traveling with me on the road, which made me feel somewhat unsafe.

If you don't have a better place to go, why don't you come with us?

Firstly, you'll have someone to look after you on the road, and secondly, you'll have a place to stay temporarily.

Once you regain your memories, you can leave whenever you want; we won't stop you.

After she finished speaking, she looked at Ah Chen, waiting for his reply.