“Master Huan, this is Shopkeeper Tang from South Street. He is interested in this piece of fishing painting done by Young Master Ji Ze and does not mind buying it at a hefty price. What do you…” one of the shopkeepers explained.

 Chang Huan was dressed in a light purple robe, which made him look charismatic and charming. He smiled and said, “I appreciate Shopkeeper Tang’s intention, but I’m very sorry that this painting is not on sale at the moment!”

 “I am willing to offer a high price for it! I hope that you can do me a favor, Chief Shopkeeper!” Shopkeeper Tang said politely upon noticing Chang Huan’s refined demeanor.

 “It has nothing to do with the money, Shopkeeper Tang. You must be aware that we have donated all the profit made from selling the paintings in the poetry session to the beggars and the poor. This particular painting was left behind to commemorate the poetry session, and as such, we are no longer selling it!” Chang Huan said firmly with much elegance.

 Shopkeeper Tang frowned. “I have heard about the good deeds done by the commercial house and have always been full of admiration for this act, but I am very interested in this painting…”

 He looked at the painting as he spoke, his eyes filled with longing for the precious item that he desired.

 Several women crowded around them as they whispered in each others’ ears and looked at Chang Huan shyly. Yu Long watched by the side with complicated feelings, and nobody managed to notice her unusual behavior amidst the commotion.

 She looked at the young man glumly and asked a woman beside her, “May I ask who is this Master Huan?”

 The woman blushed as she took a look at Chang Huan and replied softly, “He’s the Chief Shopkeeper of the commercial house, his name is Chang Huan.”

 “Chang Huan…” Yu Long murmured, lost in her thoughts.

 “How about this!” Chang Huan said all of a sudden, “The commercial house will be organizing another poetry session after the new year, so many talented artists will be gathered in Shengjing City by that time and will be producing several excellent works! Shopkeeper Tang, you can come for a visit again at that time and keep a lookout for something that you fancy!”

 Shopkeeper Tang nodded. “I guess that is the only way. I’ll make sure I’ll be here!”

 “Sure, we await Shopkeeper Tang’s return!”

 The young man spoke firmly and solved the issue with a few sentences. He turned around to head upstairs after sending off Shopkeeper Tang.

 All the young women’s hearts were brimming with admiration as they watched his back view.

 Yu Long frowned slightly and followed behind him after a moment of hesitation.

 Chang Huan was about to enter the reception pavilion upon reaching the top floor when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and was stunned for a moment before asking, “Young Lady, do you have any problem? This level is no longer selling any goods. Please head downstairs if you would like to purchase anything!”

 Yu Long was finally able to take a close look at the young man’s facial features at such a short distance from him. She felt that he had a close resemblance to the boy, and could not help feeling excited.

 She struggled to remain composed as she smiled and said gently, “I have a question to ask you, Young Master. Can we talk in detail in the room?”

 Chang Huan looked at the woman with curiosity and felt a sense of familiarity. However, he was sure that he had never met her before. He nodded lightly and said, “Sure! After you, Young Lady!”

 After the servants had served them tea and retreated to the reception pavilion, Yu Long scanned the environment and asked with a laugh, “Young Master, do you usually stay here?”

 Chang Huan nodded. “Yes!”

 “Young Master, are you from Shengjing City?” Yu Long probed. “How did your family bear to let you live here alone?”

 Chang Huan replied flatly, “Young Lady, didn’t you say that you have a question for me? What is it?”

 Having noticed Chang Huan’s reluctance to talk about himself, Yu Long stopped asking as well. She then changed the subject and said, “I have arrived in Shengjing City to visit some relatives, and I saw that the commercial house is selling a huge variety of items. I would like to bring some special purchases from Shengjing City back home! Can you give me some recommendations, Young Master?”

 “I see!” Chang Huan smiled in realization and continued, “I will let our shopkeeper bring you around the shop. You may be able to find something you like.”

 “No!” Yu Long said hastily and realized that she had overreacted. She paused for a moment before speaking slowly, “Young Master, I find you a friendly and poised person. Can you bring me around personally?”

 Chang Huan saw that the woman was looking at him passionately, and thought that she was one of the women who had wanted to get close to him with an ulterior motive. His expression turned aloof as he said, “I’m sorry, I have something on and am not able to accompany you, Young Lady. Please help yourself!”

 Qing Lan noticed Chang Huan’s distant behavior and flared up in the next instant. “This is ridiculous! How dare you speak to our Young Lady in such a manner?”

 “Qing Lan!” Yu Long frowned and chided, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

 Qing Lan was unable to fathom why their princess had given in to a man so easily and had even got herself humiliated. She felt upset for her.

 Could it be that their Young Lady had fallen for this man?

 This man looked suave and charming, but he was only a shopkeeper of a commercial house and had a lowly status. He was not a good match for their Young Lady.

 Qing Lan stared at Chang Huan, deep in thought. Yu Long got up and remained friendly as she said, “I shall not disturb you since you’re busy, Young Master. I will come to visit another day.”

 She turned around to leave after speaking. Upon passing by Chang Huan, she suddenly sprained her ankle, and her body fell towards him. She made use of the opportunity to grab onto his clothes and tugged down his collar, as she glanced at the skin one inch below the back of his neck.

 The woman froze in shock when she noticed a blood-red mole below his neck, and her body trembled agitatedly.

 Chang Huan saw that the woman had leaned onto him, and perceived that she was shamelessly clinging onto him. He got up abruptly and gave her a hard shove as he said coldly, “Young Lady, please have some respect for yourself!”

 Yu Long fell onto the ground, and her eyes welled up as she stared at Chang Huan.

 Chang Huan glanced at her, feeling disgusted as he turned around to leave.

 Qing Lan quickly ran over to lend Yu Long a helping hand and was heartbroken when she saw her tearing up. She looked up and immediately lambasted, “How can you be such a jerk and push our Young Lady away?! You must be sick of living!”

 “Qing Lan, shut your mouth!” Yu Long yelled at her abruptly as she lowered her head and struggled to force back her tears.

 Qing Lan helped Yu Long to her feet and muttered, “Young Lady…”

 “I had fallen by accident, and it had nothing to do with Young Master Huan! Apologize to him right now!” Yu Long said, her gaze still fixed on Chang Huan. She looked at him tenderly while scanning him up and down profusely.

 Chang Huan’s brows knitted tightly as he saw the woman looking at him without any shame. He strode out of the room as he said, “There is no need to apologize. Please leave right now!”

 Yu Long subconsciously followed behind him and exited the reception pavilion. She saw Chang Huan entering the study room and slamming the doors shut with a loud bang.

 “Look at him, Young Lady! He’s so ignorant!” Qing Lan said infuriatingly.

 “Shut your mouth! Don’t talk about him that way!” Yu Long replied angrily.

 “Young Lady, have you…” Qing Lan stared at her in disbelief. “Young Lady, have you seriously fallen for this man?”

 Yu Long gave her a side-eye. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

 “Then why are you…” Qing Lan muttered softly.

 The Young Lady had always been haughty and did not care to reciprocate to any man’s sweet nothings. She had never seen her taking the initiative to approach a man, only to receive humiliation and be treated with aloofness. Furthermore, she did not even get upset about it.

 That was strange!

 Yu Long did not hear her as she stared at the tightly shut doors of the study room. She appeared to be deep in her thoughts for a brief moment before she turned around and walked downstairs. “Let’s go back!”

 She could not resist looking up the moment they stepped out of the commercial house. She only continued her way back to the horse carriage after several prompts by her maidservant Qing Lan.

 Yu Long was elated and excited when she got into her horse carriage. She was also uncertain at the same time, and could not wait to share the news with her father.

 Chang Huan, Huan’er…

 Could they be the same person?

 Was he the brother that they had lost twelve years ago?

 At first glance, she felt that she had resembled him closely, and his facial features were not too different from the ones he had when he was younger. Most importantly, the red mole below the back of his neck was in the exact position as the one Huan’er had.

 There could not be such a coincidence in the world!

 Yu Long felt deeply thrilled the more she mulled over it. If he was truly Huan’er, then her brother was not dead after all!

 God bless!

 Yu Long clasped her hands tightly as tears streamed down her face.

 It had been twelve years. Could Huan’er be finally reunited with their Xia family?

 Yu Long hurried the carriage driver to head back to their estate promptly. She hastily looked for her father to share the good news as she entered the door. However, she calmed down slightly after a gust of cold wind blew on her.

 Such coincidences could truly exist in the world. However, it would be a huge disappointment if Chang Huan turned out to have parents in Shengjing City, and was in truth, not their Huan’er.

 She and her father could accept such a roller coaster ride, but how could her mother go through it?

 No! She could not let her father and mother know at the moment. She had to investigate Chang Huan’s background first, and only let her father know when she had more assurance.

 Yu Long suppressed her excitement and took a few deep breaths before striding into the courtyard.

 She could not wait for a day longer before sending her people to investigate.

 She had deployed the captain of the guards from the Xia Manor named Yuan Lu. Yuan Lu used to be the personal bodyguard of Lord Yun Nan’s Crown Prince. He had grown up with Xia Huan and had worked in the Xia Manor for ten years. He was a responsible and trustworthy man.

 Yu Long waited nervously for the entire afternoon, with Yuan Lu finally coming to report during the evening.

 “Princess, the man that you have ordered me to investigate is called Chang Huan; his surname is not known. He is supported by a person called Master Su Jiu, who is the real owner behind the commercial house, and Chang Huan trusts him wholeheartedly. They have appeared out of nowhere in Shengjing City last year, and it is unknown what they were working as previously, where they were from, or what other family members they have.”

 Yu Long nodded lightly. “Is there anything else?”

 “Another thing related to Master Su Jiu is that he had opened three other restaurants and a bodyguard agency on top of Qingyu Commercial House within a year. All of them are doing extremely well.”

 Master Su Jiu?

 Yu Long contemplated for a short while before saying, “Help me check on Master Su Jiu’s whereabouts and inform me once you have any information!”

 “Noted!”

 “Also, don’t let the Royal Highness know about today’s outcome of the investigation. I will inform him personally!”

 “Noted, Princess!”

 “You are dismissed!”

 After listening to Yuan Lu’s report, Yu Long privately decided to start her investigation with Master Su Jiu to find out more about Chang Huan’s background.

 The next morning, after the meeting with the Emperor, both Teacher Zhang and the Imperial Censor gathered for a discussion at the Royal Study together with the rest of the officials. They were dismissed near noontime, and Teacher Zhang fell back behind intentionally. He waited till the rest of the people were gone, before heading back to the Emperor to report on several insignificant matters.

 Teacher Zhang stroked his white beard after he was finished and said, “Lord Yun Nan had brought his princess into the city for the new year. We should not neglect this matter!”

 The Emperor nodded his head and chuckled softly. “Yes, but Lord Yun Nan has always been an easygoing person! He will be fine as long as the servants in the palace serve them wholeheartedly!”

 “I have heard that His Highness Prince Zhao has been accompanying the Princess personally to tour around Shengjing City. He has indeed been putting in the effort to ease the Emperor’s woes!” Teacher Zhang laughed.

 The Emperor was startled at his remarks, as he had wondered where Prince Zhao had been for the past few days. So it turned out that he had been busy making his presence felt in front of Princess Yu Long.

 He was aware of Xiao Jing’s intention and was therefore conscious of Teacher Zhang’s purpose for bringing this matter up.

 He had, after all, hinted to Teacher Zhang about allying through their children’s marriage earlier on.

 The Emperor’s gaze darkened as he strived to recover his pride. He feigned ignorance and said, “Yes, Lie’er has been occupied with other matters and the others were afraid of neglecting the Princess. As such, I had ordered Prince Zhao to take care of Lord Yun Nan and the Princess. Jing’er has always been an obedient child.”

 “I see!” Teacher Zhang replied in realization and said respectfully, “Emperor, you are indeed considerate.”

 …….

 After Teacher Zhang left, the servants entered the room to ask if they should serve lunch. The Emperor frowned and said in a deep voice, “Let’s head to the Empress Dowager’s place!”

 Empress Dowager Xiao was about to have her lunch at the Fushou Palace when the servants reported, “The Emperor has arrived!”

 Imperial Concubine Rong immediately led the palace maids and eunuchs to kneel and welcome the Emperor.

 The Emperor helped Imperial Concubine Rong to her feet, before striding into the room as he laughed. “I hope I did not spoil Mother’s appetite!”

 “The Emperor must not have had lunch yet. Have a seat and let’s eat together, my appetite will only get better that way!” Empress Dowager Xiao’s face was full of smiles.

 Imperial Concubine Rong served a bowl of soup to the Emperor, placing it on the table in front of him.

 They settled down in their seats and made small talk before the Emperor set down his chopsticks and frowned. “Jing’er is getting ridiculous!”

 Imperial Concubine Rong’s hands paused in mid-air, and she pretended not to hear him in the next instant as she continued with her meal.

 Empress Dowager Xiao looked up and asked, “What happened to Jing’er?”

 The Emperor immediately told her about Xiao Jing trying to woo Yu Long, which had resulted in the Teacher Zhang’s dissatisfaction.

 Teacher Zhang was the Emperor’s benefactor and was a veteran of the three dynasties. He was highly powerful and influential, and he had always been a straightforward person. He would even correct the Emperor in front of the other officials in the imperial court if he thought that the Emperor had made a mistake.

 How would he be willing to let his granddaughter be mistreated?

 “Jing’er had previously said that he fancied the young lady from the Nangong family, though he had later changed his mind and said he liked the granddaughter of Teacher Zhang. I had intended to let the granddaughter of Teacher Zhang be wedded to Lie’er as his main consort. However, I had considered that Jing’er is older, and hence I had agreed to let him marry her instead. I had even brought this up to Teacher Zhang and had intended to announce their marriage during the New Year festival. I feel extremely disappointed about Jing’er’s fickle-mindedness now that he has changed his mind again to go after Princess Yu Long!” the Emperor said glumly.

 Imperial Concubine Rong continued to eat elegantly with her head lowered all the while, and did not voice her opinions.

 Empress Dowager Xiao snorted and said, “Jing’er is such a frivolous and immature child! How can he achieve big things in the future?”

 Most importantly, Xiao Jing had been double-dealing to achieve his objective. With such character, he would not end up as a wise Emperor should he be crowned in the future.

 “In my opinion, Princess Yu Long is a good candidate as she behaves decently and is well-mannered. Moreover, she possesses good looks and is a talented lady. I believe she should be betrothed to Lie’er so that Jing’er can give up on her and at the same time continue to ally with Teacher Zhang,” Empress Dowager Xiao suggested.

 Imperial Concubine Rong looked up at the Emperor at that moment.

 The Emperor pondered about it for a while before saying, “This seems like a good plan, but I have talked to Lie’er about his marriage before and had already promised him that I will abide by his wishes regarding the main consort he would like to marry. How can I go back on my words?”

 “Does Lie’er not like Princess Yu Long? I find both of them a match made in heaven. They may be fated to be husband and wife!” Empress Dowager said with a smile.

 Imperial Concubine Rong chipped in, “The Emperor is Lie’er’s father, and you are free to decide for his marriage!”

 The Emperor nodded with a laugh. “There is no hurry, Lord Yun Nan will be staying in Shengjing City until the end of the year. I will ask Lie’er again when I have the chance and make a decision for him!”

 “That’s fine too!” Empress Dowager grinned.

 After dinner, the Emperor stayed behind to have tea with Empress Dowager Xiao, before getting up to leave.

 Imperial Concubine Rong served Empress Dowager Xiao for her afternoon nap.

 Empress Dowager Xiao laid on the couch and asked all of a sudden, “I have not seen that little girl Yuejiu for quite some time, and I miss her! Call her into the palace tomorrow!”

 Stupefied for a brief moment, Imperial Concubine Rong replied, “Empress Dowager, she is no longer Young Mistress Ji.”

 “What do you mean?” Empress Dowager Xiao asked.

 “I heard that she is not the real Su Yuejiu and she is an imposter. The real lady from the Su family has been found and has returned to Shengjing City. The girl left after the truth was uncovered.”

 “What?” Empress Dowager Xiao was shocked. “How could it be that she is not the little girl Yuejiu?”

 “I’ve only heard about the rumors, and I am not sure about the details.”

 “How could this have happened?” Empress Dowager Xiao found it incredulous. “I saw that she looked exactly like Jingrou when she was younger! I felt like she was her mother whenever she’s around me.”

 Imperial Concubine Rong shook her head and kept silent.

 “Call her into the palace! I must ask her personally!” Empress Dowager Xiao said eagerly.

 “That girl’s whereabouts had been unknown ever since she left the Ji Manor, so I’m afraid we won’t be able to get her into the palace. Empress Dowager, you should not meet her as well to avoid being upset. Moreover, if she was an imposter, it would mean that she had committed the crime of deceit. Empress Dowager, do you want to punish her?” Imperial Concubine Rong explained with a smile.

 Empress Dowager Xiao heaved a sigh and said, “I quite liked her, but…”

 Imperial Concubine Rong adjusted the blanket on Empress Dowager Xiao and continued, “Empress Dowager, have a good rest, and don’t think about it anymore. You can call for the real Mistress from the Su Family into the palace next time. Who knows, you may like her even more.”

 Empress Dowager Xiao did not reply, but her frown remained. She felt unfathomable about this incident.

 She only shut her eyes and fell asleep after a long time.

 Imperial Concubine Rong stayed by her side for a while, before leaving with light footsteps.

 The next night, Ji Yuxian took off his clothes after entering Su Jiu’s room. He climbed into the bed and embraced Su Jiu from her back as he said softly, “I’m always waking you up at night.”

 Su Jiu rested her head on his shoulder and muttered without opening her eyes, “You’re always coming late at night and leaving early in the morning. Why are we behaving like we are having an affair?”

 Ji Yuxian’s gaze darkened as he remained silent.

 “Oh yes, people were investigating your Dragon Conqueror Gang these few days, and they were focused on checking up on you. Have you offended someone again?” Ji Yuxian asked in a deep voice.

 Su Jiu frowned and turned around. “I’ve realized it too. There seems to be somebody following me for the past few days that I’ve been out.”

 “I will send somebody to kill these people!” Ji Yuxian said coldly.

 “No, there’s no need as of now.” Su Jiu shook her head. “I want to find out who is the one that’s doing this.”

 “Then you better be careful. Protect yourself first if you sense that something is wrong!” Ji Yuxian kissed her cheeks.

 “Don’t worry!”

 Su Jiu headed out at nine a.m. the next morning. Her horse carriage was traveling on the street when Er Mao said softly, “Young Master, that person is following us again!”

 Su Jiu nodded her head and said flatly, “Let’s go to the Qingyuan Tavern!”

 “Noted!”

 Er Mao replied and quickly drove the horse carriage to Yong’an Street.

 Shortly after Su Jiu entered the restaurant, Er Mao came rushing in and said, “Young Master, that person is gone!”

 Su Jiu simply nodded and headed upstairs.

 Princess Yu Long’s carriage stopped right outside the restaurant an hour later. She looked up at the building before striding into the restaurant.

 The crowd was sparse as it was not lunchtime yet. The shopkeeper hurried over to welcome her as Yu Long stepped in, saying, “Young Lady, our Young Master has told me to lead you to him!”

 Yu Long smiled knowingly, discerning that she had been caught following Master Su Jiu.

 Yu Long followed the shopkeeper up the stairs without panicking.

 Su Jiu sat in the pavilion at the rooftop and was mildly surprised when she saw a beautiful woman arriving. She smiled as she greeted, “Lady, please take a seat!”

 Yu Long looked at Su Jiu and was equally astonished. She could not resist taking a few more peeks at her.

 She had heard many people mentioning Master Su Jiu during these few days when she was in Shengjing City. She had assumed that Master Su Jiu was a scheming elderly, but did not expect him to be such a young and good-looking man.

 He was dressed in a light green robe and had put on a white coat made with fox fur. Standing tall and lean, the man had delicate facial features and elegant charisma. It was difficult to distinguish if he was a male or female, and he looked several years younger than Chang Huan.

 It was hard to believe that this young man was the person behind the few restaurants, bodyguard agency and the commercial house.

 This was indeed a surprise!

 Yu Long took a seat and smiled in a refined manner, remaining composed and calm as she said, “I apologize for sending someone to follow Young Master Su! Please forgive me!”

 Su Jiu peered straight at her and asked directly, “Who are you?”

 Yu Long’s eyes flickered as she answered demurely, “I come from Diannan City, and I am in Shengjing City to look for someone!”

 “Look for someone?” Su Jiu repeated her words.

 “Yes, I’m here to look for my younger brother who had been lost twelve years ago at Yuhu Mountain’s Blood Cliff.”

 “Then, why are you following me?” Su Jiu was perplexed.

 She could not possibly be this woman’s younger brother.

 However, she had mentioned Yuhu Mountain, which went to show that she must have checked on their background. Su Jiu’s gaze remained piercing as she stared at the woman across her.

 “Young Master, I have followed you as I wanted to check on the background of a man working under you. I believe only you know best.”

 “Who?”

 “Chang Huan!”

 Su Jiu was astounded.

 “I had met Chang Huan for the first time at the commercial house that day, and I realized that he closely resembles the young brother that I’d lost twelve years ago. I could deeply sense that he was my kin, and most importantly, he has a red mole below the back of his neck which my younger brother also had!” Yu Long said agitatedly.

 

Su Jiu stared at her in shock.

 “I’ve sent my people to investigate Chang Huan’s background and it was all closely linked to Young Master Su. As a result, I am here today to find out about the truth from you, Young Master Su!” Yu Long looked at Su Jiu hopefully.

 Su Jiu was momentarily unable to recover from the shock. Chang Huan had been by her side for more than ten years, and she had never thought that his family would come looking for him one day.

 She might have wondered during the early days, but she had subconsciously believed Chang Huan to be an orphan after nobody had shown up for a long time.

 She had never expected that his family would show up all of a sudden.

 Su Jiu’s eyes twinkled as she answered, “I can tell you about Chang Huan’s background, but you must answer me honestly. Who exactly are you?”

 Yu Long hesitated for a moment before admitting frankly, “I am Princess Yu Long from the Lord Yun Nan Manor!”

 Su Jiu widened her eyes in disbelief and clenched her fists. She had never expected her to be Princess Yu Long!

 She and Chang Huan had watched Lord Yun Nan’s team of family members and attendants from the rooftop of the commercial house when they had entered the city that day. They had seen Lord Yun Nan and Princess Yu Long traveling past the street, but they had not managed to take a clear look at their faces.

 If she was Princess Yu Long and Chang Huan was her younger brother, then Chang Huan…

 Su Jiu was shocked speechless.

 “Young Master Su, I shall not hide from you anymore since I’ve told you the truth. The Emperor had requested for us to bring the Crown Prince into Shengjing City twelve years ago, and he might have appeared to fancy my younger brother, but the truth was he wanted him to stay in Shengjing City as a hostage. Shengjing City is miles apart from Diannan City, so who knows if he can still make it back someday? My mother only had one son, and she could not bear for him to leave us. She cried day and night until my father had no choice but to come up with a solution!”

 

“My father had prepared a horse carriage identical to the one that Huan’er sat in when he traveled to the city via Yuhu Mountain, and he had planned for the fake horse carriage to be attacked by mountain bandits when they were halfway around the mountain. The horse carriage would then fall off the cliff, and my father would inform the Emperor that Huan’er had gone missing. It was not a good solution but we had no other choice!”

 “However, when the horse carriage traveled past the Blood Cliff, a spy among the group of guards pushed Huan’er’s carriage off the cliff instead. By the time my father had discovered it, it was already too late. When they searched below the cliff, they were unable to find anything else, other than blood stains and tattered clothing!”

 “Huan’er was only seven years old at that time, so he was highly expected to be dead if he had fallen from such a height and attacked by the beasts in the wild thereafter. As such, after so many years, we’ve all thought that Huan’er was…”

 Yu Long choked back on her tears as she spoke.

 “My father was deeply affected by Huan’er’s death, and my mother fell critically ill and had lost her sight from the endless crying, which only recovered after almost ten years of treatment. If Chang Huan is truly Huan’er, it would be a real blessing for our entire Lord Yun Nan Manor. I plead for Young Master Su to tell me truthfully about Chang Huan’s background, or I’ll not be able to give up!”

 

“What is the name of Lord Yun Nan’s Crown Prince?” Su Jiu asked in a low voice.

 “Xia Huan!” Yu Long looked at her expectantly.

 Upon hearing her words, Su Jiu was almost a hundred percent sure that Chang Huan was Xia Huan, the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan and Princess Yu Long’s younger brother.

 Su Jiu frowned slightly as she recalled the hazy memories, which gradually became clear. “I first met Chang Huan more than ten years ago, right at the bottom of Blood Cliff!”

 She had been to the mountains to hunt on that day, together with the rest of the people from the Dragon Conqueror Gang. She had followed a wolf to the bottom of Blood Cliff when she saw several wolves attacking a child who was only a few years older than her.

 The child had been bitten and was covered with blood. He might have been eaten up by the wolves had she arrived slightly later!

 Su Jiu chased the wolves away using her bow and arrow and treated the child’s wounds with several herbal plants, using the knowledge she had accumulated when she was injured in the past.

 As the Dragon Conqueror Gang did not accept people without useful skills, she did not dare to bring Chang Huan into the gang. As such, she settled him down in a cave located at the back of the mountain where the Dragon Conqueror Gang stayed in, and she visited him every day to change his medicine and deliver food.

 

Chang Huan only came to his senses after five or six days of unconsciousness. He appeared to be in a daze even after he woke, and he only shook his head whenever she asked about his parents or his home.

 Su Jiu had thought that the child must have hurt his head after falling from such a height at the cliff.

 She asked him what his name was.

 He thought about it for a long while, before answering her meekly, “Huan’er…”

 Hence, she gave him the name ‘Chang Huan’ and was even excited about it as she had thought that it was an elegant name.

 After all, it was much better than names such as ‘Gou Shengzi’, ‘Hu Bazi’, or ‘Cao Datou’.

 She brought Chang Huan into the Dragon Conqueror Gang after he had recovered. He was initially afraid of making contact with people and had followed closely behind her every day. He would eat if she did and would sleep if she did.

 She felt relieved that even though Chang Huan could not remember his own family and where he came from, he did not become intellectually disabled after hurting his head. On the contrary, he was considered a smart child.

 She also brought him back to the Blood Cliff later on, in hopes that somebody would come looking for him.

 However, they gave up as they had not seen anyone after a few days of trying.

 More than ten years had passed in a blink of an eye, and she had not expected to meet his family again. Furthermore, he was the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan in reality!

 Yu Long wept bitterly into her hands after listening to Su Jiu’s narrative of Chang Huan’s ordeal.

 “He’s my younger brother, he’s our Huan’er!” Yu Long was almost sure that there could not be anything more coincidental than this.

 The same location, the same age, and the same red mole…

 Su Jiu felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was happy for Chang Huan to have finally found his family as the rest of them did not have any kin. Even though they were used to being carefree, they had always been envious when they saw other people interact with their family members.

 On the other hand, she also felt slightly depressed, as she was unsure if Chang Huan would have to follow Lord Yun Nan back to Diannan City after reuniting with them.

 He had followed her for twelve years and had never left her side. He had long become her kin.

 She thought that her feelings for Chang Huan were not any lesser than the people from Lord Yun Nan Manor.

 “What do you all intend to do if Chang Huan is the Crown Prince?” Su Jiu asked.

 Yu Long turned around to wipe her tears before saying with a smile, “I apologize for forgetting my manners! I am now almost sure that Chang Huan is my younger brother. I would like to meet him right now and tell him about his family background, then I will bring him to meet our father and mother.”

 Yu Long knelt on one knee upon speaking and said sincerely, “I thank you for saving Huan’er that day, Young Master Su! Not only have you saved Huan’er, but you have also saved the entire Lord Yun Nan Manor. Our Lord Yun Nan Manor will repay your kindness, Young Master!”

 “There is no need to repay me!” Su Jiu helped her get on her feet and smiled lightly. “I would only like to ask that you give Chang Huan some time to digest the truth, as Chang Huan had never expected that he had a family. He had always thought that he was abandoned.”

 Yu Long nodded as tears welled up in her eyes. “Yes, it was indeed my father’s carelessness that had caused Chang Huan to be lost and had to wander around for so many years. He has suffered thoroughly, but I think he will be so happy about knowing his family background!”

 Everybody needed their family.

 Because they were related by blood, their kinship could never be broken even though they were separated for so many years.

 She believed that Huan’er would be as excited and elated as she was!

 “However, Chang Huan might have some misunderstandings towards me at the moment. Can I trouble you to come together with me to meet him, Young Master Su?” Yu Long asked eagerly.

 “Sure, I will go with you!” Su Jiu bobbed her head.

 She got onto the horse carriage together with Yu Long, and they headed towards the commercial house.

 Both of them headed straight upstairs. Many servants who were cleaning saw Su Jiu and hastily greeted, “Master Su Jiu!”

 Chang Huan came out of the study room quickly upon hearing their voices and said joyfully, “I thought that you won’t be here today, I did not expect…”

 Before he could finish his sentence, Chang Huan spotted Princess Yu Long behind Su Jiu. His good looking brows knitted together as he asked, “Does this lady know our Master Su Jiu?”

 Yu Long’s gaze had been fixated on Chang Huan ever since he appeared. She became even more agitated and murmured with tears in her eyes, “Huan’er!”

 Sensing that something was not right, Chang Huan asked coldly, “Who exactly are you?”

 Su Jiu took a glance at the two of them before she took a deep breath and said, “Let’s talk in the study room!”

 Chang Huan felt increasingly uncomfortable as the woman continued to stare at him intently. He had previously thought that the woman was his admirer, but he subsequently felt that she was different from the other women when she appeared together with Su Jiu that day and stared at him in this manner.

 Su Jiu shut the doors after they entered the study room. She stood there and nodded lightly to Yu Long.

 Yu Long understood her intention and stepped forward. She bit her lower lip lightly, momentarily at a loss of words. She took some time to suppress the surge of emotions in her heart before speaking tearfully, “Huan’er, I am your elder sister, and you are my younger brother! I’m sorry that you have suffered for so many years!”

 Chang Huan received a rude shock, and could merely stare blankly at the woman for a while before realizing what she had said. He turned around abruptly and looked at Su Jiu. “Boss, what… what is this about?”

 Su Jiu looked at him straight in the eye and said, “Chang Huan, you have a family, and they have come to look for you!”

 Chang Huan appeared puzzled. “What does this mean? What happened?”

 Yu Long wiped her tears and took a deep breath, before explaining Chang Huan’s identity and the reason behind him going missing several years ago.

 Thereafter, she firmly concluded, “I have already clarified with Young Master Su about the whole process and the place below Blood Cliff where you were first found matched with our knowledge. You are indeed my younger brother, and the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan, Xia Huan!”

 Chang Huan stumbled and took a step backward as he stared at her in incredulity. He did not appear to believe her words and only continued to shake his head fearfully. “No, this is impossible! I have no parents! Nobody had come to look for me for so many years! My only kins are Boss and the people from the Dragon Conqueror Gang!”

 Yu Long had not expected Chang Huan to react that way, and she stepped forward to grab hold of his arms tightly. “Huan’er, you are my younger brother and the only Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan Manor! You have a red mole located one inch below the back of your neck, am I right? This is proof!”

 “No!” Chang Huan’s face was grim as he pushed Yu Long away swiftly.

 “I just said that I have no family! My life was saved by our Boss, and she is my only kin!”

 “Huan’er, I know that you bear hatred towards Father for causing you to fall down the cliff by accident! I know that you must have suffered for the past years and we owe you! However, we have never forgotten about you all these years. Father had been blaming himself every day for his carelessness, and we had never gotten over the impact of losing you. Will you please forgive him?” Yu Long bawled as tears streamed down her face.

 Su Jiu leaned on the door frame, looking at Chang Huan with complicated emotions.

 She had not expected that Chang Huan would refuse to reunite with his family.

 Was he full of hatred?

 He hated his father for losing him by accident, which resulted in him being a mountain bandit for more than ten years, going through extreme hunger and cold, and almost losing his life during that time.

 Even though he would be taken as a hostage in Shengjing City if he did not have that accident, he would still lead a wealthy and extravagant life as a valiant Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan!

 “Huan’er, come with your elder sister to meet Father and Mother! They are still not aware that you were alive, Mother had been missing you so much, and she would be euphoric if she sees you!”

 “Huan’er, we have been separated for twelve years and have finally met again! Why do you not believe me?”

 “Huan’er, you were already seven years old when you met with the accident! You should remember your parents and elder sister! Will you please try to recall your memories?!”

 …

 Yu Long wept and pleaded with Chang Huan for a long time, but Chang Huan’s eyes remained tightly shut as he refused to accept Yu Long’s words. He appeared to be in pain as he attempted to push Yu Long out of the room.

 “You have identified the wrong person! I am Chang Huan, not your Huan’er!”

 “Huan’er!”

 Yu Long saw Chang Huan’s determined expression as she got pushed further and further out of the room. She had no choice but to look at Su Jiu for help.

 Su Jiu turned around and looked at Chang Huan’s stiffly straightened back, before saying in a low voice, “Chang Huan may need some time to digest all this information! After all, your appearance was too sudden! Princess, I suggest you go back for the time being and I will try to persuade him!”

 Yu Long’s eyes were red and swollen as she nodded lightly. “Yes, I know. No matter what, we will not be able to compensate him for all that he’s suffered, but my father and mother have also been tortured by their loss every single day for the past over ten years. I hope that Young Master Su can persuade Huan’er, and I will come to visit again!”

 “Sure, I will!” Su Jiu nodded her head sternly.

 Yu Long turned around to look at Chang Huan once again. “Huan’er, we are kins, and this is a fact that cannot be erased. As your elder sister, I can understand your hatred and your despair, but Father had honestly just wanted you to stay by our side at that time. I will give you some time to think about it, and I will go back to inform Father and Mother before bringing them to come and meet you!”

 Yu Long nodded to Su Jiu lightly upon speaking and wiped her tears before turning around to leave.

 The study room fell into silence after Yu Long left. Su Jiu walked over to Chang Huan and tilted her head to look at him as she chortled. “What are you angry about? Your family has come to look for you, and you are surprisingly the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan. Tell me, what are you deeply concerned about when such a good thing has happened to you?”

 “I…” Chang Huan pursed his red lips tightly as he frowned and looked at Su Jiu with a darkened gaze.

 The title of Lord Yun Nan’s Crown Prince was such a distant and unfamiliar thing to him.

 His memories of his family had become vague ever since a long time ago.

 He was still standing with Su Jiu at this very location a few days ago, as they talked about Lord Yun Nan entering the city. Then out of nowhere, someone had come to tell him today that he was the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan.

 He was unable to accept the fact within such a short time.

 He was not convinced as well!

 He had speculated who his parents were in the past. Why did they abandon him and not come to find him?

 He had hated them even more, especially during the early days when he had first entered the Dragon Conqueror Gang and almost lost his life due to serious injuries.

 His hatred had faded as time passed, along with his hope for a family and kinship. He only knew that Su Jiu, along with Hu Dapao and the rest, were his only family.

 He had long accepted that he was an orphan, but his family had suddenly appeared out of the blue.

 He no longer bore hatred for them, but he understood that once he reunited with them and resumed his title as Lord Yun Nan’s Crown Prince, it would mean that he had to go back to Diannan City and leave the Dragon Conqueror Gang as well as Su Jiu.

 He could not leave Su Jiu!

 “Chang Huan, what exactly are you hesitating about?” Su Jiu circled her arms around his body as she tilted her head and asked in confusion.

 Chang Huan let out of sigh and leaned his head onto Su Jiu’s shoulder. He hesitated for a moment, before saying, “Boss, I feel like I’m dreaming. Do you think I’m the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan?”

 Su Jiu nodded her head. “It should be true!”

 “But if I am Xia Huan, I will have to leave your side. Will you bear for me to leave?” Chang Huan asked softly.

 “I can’t bear for you to leave!” Su Jiu laughed and patted Chang Huan’s head. “But I will still be glad if you do become the Crown Prince of Lord Yun Nan! The rest of us in the Dragon Conqueror Gang do not have a family. We had become robbers due to many reasons, and we had no choice but to end up as mountain bandits, so why would we not go home if we have a family? Why would we not reunite with them?”

 “Boss…” Chang Huan closed his eyes, his good-looking face overcast with gloom.

 I did not want to leave the Dragon Conqueror Gang, and I did not want to leave your side!