Ultimately, Lu Ze did all this to seek justice for her.

How long has it been since she felt the warmth of someone standing up for her after being bullied?

It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved, but she also knew that Lu Ze was good to her.

It was only because he was her husband in name, and also because she saved Old Master Lu.

This kindness is both a responsibility and a way of repaying kindness.

"Lu Ze, don't be too good to me."

Lu Ze paused in washing the dishes, and said in a deep voice, "Isn't being good to you... a good thing?"

Yu Yao shook her head, "I think it's fine as long as it's just okay, like friends, like comrades-in-arms."

We're being too good to her. What if she gets greedy and wants more?

Lu Ze's heart sank when he heard her words.

Are they just friends or comrades-in-arms?

He glanced down at Yu Yao, wanting to say something but afraid of startling her, so he chose to remain silent.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. I have something to tell you." Yu Yao shook off the chaotic thoughts in her head and said to Lu Ze, "My mother, my cousin, and I are planning to go back to Qin Province to pay respects to my grandmother."

Lu Ze asked, "When are we leaving?"

"I've already asked Sister Dan to get the letter of introduction. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning."

"I send you."

That evening, after Yu Yao finished washing up, she passed by the dresser and saw the box that Hu Lingyu had given her. She went over and opened it.

Inside was a bottle of medicinal wine of unknown composition and layers of things wrapped in cloth.

Yu Yao unwrapped the cloth and saw a dried stick-like object, her face full of confusion.

What's this?

The more she looked at it, the more she felt that it looked so much like...

Wait, could this be the legendary tiger whip?!

Just then, Lu Ze walked in, drying his hair, and his gaze fell on the thing in her hand.

The two locked eyes.