Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Brother, when I heard the old lady of the Yun family say that my wife, Madam Shen, was asking for half of their family's annual income, I was terrified. Our family and the Third Prince are sworn enemies. If the Third Prince uses this money to take that position, what will be waiting for our family?"

Xu Di stood up and said, "Xiao Jiu, the kitchen will send you food later. Eat it and go to sleep to get some rest. I'll go find someone to discuss how to handle this matter."

Xu Zhi nodded. She knew her own limitations. In these matters, her knowledge, mindset, and perspective meant she couldn't consider solutions from a holistic perspective. So, if her brother wanted to discuss solutions with others, she had to wait on the sidelines. No matter what solutions her brother and the others came up with, she would do her best to fulfill them if they required her help.

Although they had found places to stay at night these past two days, the time spent on horseback was too long. Xu Zhi was a good horseman and exercised regularly, but riding such a long distance all of a sudden was too much for her body. After dinner, Xu Zhi lay down and fell asleep.

When she woke up again, the room was filled with bright sunlight. Xu Zhi was momentarily disoriented and it took her a while to realize where she was.

After a night's rest, her whole body ached, especially her inner thighs. Xu Zhi had given up on managing her expression. Grinning, she got out of bed, holding onto the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), put on her shoes, and then walked along the edge of the kang to the doorway.

When the door opened, Shiliu, who was sitting outside, turned around upon hearing the noise. Seeing Xu Zhi standing with her arms around the door frame, she quickly came over to support her and said, "Just call out when you're awake, and I'll be waiting for you outside."

Looking at Shiliu, who showed no signs of fatigue after a night's rest, Xu Zhi said with a mixture of envy and jealousy, "Shiliu, I walked the same distance as you, how come you don't look tired at all?"

Breakfast was laid out on the table. Shi Liu helped Xu Zhi sit down and said, "I practice so much martial arts every day. How can you compare to me, young lady?"