Ye Siheng’s eyes flickered; he imdiately set aside his docunts and left the study. It was already June, and the weather was scorching hot. As soon as he stepped outside, a wave of heat greeted him.
Nanli had just returned from outside, her forehead glistening with sweat, and her cheeks flushed. Seeing Ye Siheng in the corridor, she flashed a radiant smile, "Why didn’t you go to the palace today?"
For the past two days, he seed to have more free ti. Ye Siheng took out a handkerchief, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and led her into the main house. "My elder brother’s health has slightly improved, so he can handle so state affairs. I’m not as busy now."
Qing Feng, who was standing by, looked embarrassed. It was clear that he stayed ho to keep an eye on the princess and dispel any doubts she might have.
Rainbow had already brought in the ice, and with the fans, a cool breeze swept through the room. Chunbao then brought in so sour plum soup to help Nanli cool off.
Nanli drank a bowl in one gulp, feeling much more comfortable, and ordered, "Another bowl, please."
Ye Siheng’s face darkened, "Don’t be greedy. It’s a cold drink, and having too much might upset your stomach."
Yuan Chun looked at the two of them in a dilemma. As a servant, she didn’t dare to disobey either of their orders. Nanli pouted and reluctantly said, "Alright then."
Ye Siheng smiled, "Is the shop busy?"
He knew she had gone to the shop early in the morning. "Manageable," Nanli replied. "It’s almost July 14th, Ghost Festival. Everyone wants to buy talismans for safety."
Her shop had gained quite a reputation. People from all over the capital, and even from other towns, ca to buy her talismans. Zhi Mi’s abilities were still weak, and he could only draw a dozen talismans a day. With a shortage of talismans, Nanli had to stay in the shop, making her very busy.
Ye Siheng thought for a mont, "This year, there shouldn’t be any incidents like last year, right?"
The White-Browed Priest and his disciples were dead, and Qi Nation was embroiled in court struggles due to the Crown Prince’s seclusion. It seed unlikely they could target Mu Nation again.
Nanli said, "There shouldn’t be, but we must remain cautious. I sell each talisman for only three hundred wen, ensuring that everyone can afford one for their hos."
Ye Siheng was surprised, "Aren’t you running at a loss?"
Talisman paper and cinnabar were expensive, and with the cost of labor and rent, three hundred wen per talisman didn’t leave much profit. Nanli smiled again, "Sotis, it’s about doing good deeds."
Having rested enough, she went to the bath to freshen up. Ye Siheng sat alone for a long ti, finally sighing. What to do? He was starting to regret it. While A’Li was diligently accumulating rit, he was only dragging her down.
The next day, Nanli arrived at the shop early. Zhi Mi had been busy for days, showing deep fatigue. He looked at Nanli, who, despite drawing more talismans than him daily, looked radiant and not the least bit tired.
"Sister, you draw more talismans than I do each day. How do you stay so energetic?" Zhi Mi asked enviously. "Is it so special technique that absorbs the essence of the sun and moon to replenish your energy and power?"
"No, I just had a good night’s sleep." But seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Nanli was startled and imdiately expressed her concern, telling him to rest for a few days and stop drawing talismans.
Zhi Mi gritted his teeth, "No, Sister is still busy. How can I slack off? Besides, this is a good training opportunity. I can’t give up."
Nanli said sternly, "Enough. Haste makes waste. I’m afraid you’ll exhaust your energy before making any progress."
Zhi Mi felt a wave of frustration. He could only lant his weak abilities, unable to help his sister much in this crucial ti. "Alright, you’re still young. Cultivate properly. Once you have an epiphany, your abilities will significantly improve," Nanli said.
Revived, Zhi Mi nodded. Even before the shop officially opened, people were queuing outside. Suddenly, soone pushed to the front, causing the crowd to curse.
Ignoring them, the person easily broke the talisman array at the entrance and swaggered into the shop. Zhi Mi was shocked; this was a formation set by his sister!
"Are you here to cause trouble?" He grabbed a broom, ready to strike.
"Hold on, hold on," Yun Yubai dodged nimbly. "I’m not here to cause trouble, just to show off a bit."
"It’s you?" Nanli recognized the sorcerer from the other day.
"Indeed, it’s ." Yun Yubai road around, inspecting the talismans on display and nodding approvingly. This young lady indeed had great talent; she’d make an excellent disciple.
"What advice do you have for us, sir?" Nanli asked directly.
The last ti they t, he was disheveled and reeked of alcohol. Today, he was neatly dressed in a robe, his hair combed, looking quite dashing with his sharp features. "Not advice, just offering a helping hand," Yun Yubai said. Knowing she was a top talent in the mortal world, he decided to approach her gradually, showing his skills until she accepted him willingly.
Nanli raised an eyebrow, "Offering a helping hand?"
"I overheard outside that your young apprentice lacks power. With the Ghost Festival approaching, even if your skills are sufficient, you only have two hands. My greatest virtue is caring for my disciples and being eager to help others, so I thought I’d lend a hand," Yun Yubai said.
Given his ability to recognize a death curse that day, Nanli did not doubt his skills. However, she had also heard that he had swindled Master Cao out of fifty taels of silver.
"Oh, so you’re here for a part-ti job?"
"Part-ti?" Yun Yubai didn’t quite understand but quickly clarified, "No, I just want to help, so you’re not overwheld. It’s not good for a young lady to overexert herself."
Nanli’s mouth twitched, "Sir, I am already married."
"So what? I don’t mind," Yun Yubai blurted out.
Zhi Mi’s eyes widened, "How can a rogue like you be a Daoist? It’s a disgrace!"
He raised the broom again to drive him out. Realizing his mistake, Yun Yubai waved his sleeve, immobilizing Zhi Mi. "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, I didn’t an it that way."
Zhi Mi, unable to move, could only speak, "Sister, he... did he use a binding talisman?"
Such speed? He hadn’t seen anything clearly. Nanli frowned slightly, her face serious, "No, he likely used an incantation or spell."
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