After replying to the post, Wen Yao quickly replied and set a time.

She was also concerned about Shen Tangning's recent situation and had been itching to act for a long time, but she was afraid of upsetting her, so she had not made any move yet.

Shen Tangning smiled, a warmth spreading through her heart.

On the appointed day, Shen Tangning dressed up and made a special instruction to Chi Yan before leaving: "My husband has performed well these past two days. I will be leaving today, so I will not keep an eye on you. I hope you will be diligent at home."

Chi Yan, who had been listless like a wilted eggplant, brightened up upon hearing this, sat up straight, and solemnly assured, "Don't worry, Madam, you can go out without worry. I will take care of everything at home and you won't have to worry."

After saying that, he picked up the book, shook his head, and pretended to read it aloud.

I've never seen him this motivated since I started forcing him to study.

Shen Tangning gave him a deep look, a smile playing on her lips: "I am relieved to hear my husband's words. I will take my leave now."

Chi Yan said solemnly, "Madam, please be careful on your journey and make sure you have a great time."

On the way out of the manor, Xueqing pouted and said, "Does Madam really think that the young master will study diligently when he's home alone?"

Even she, a mere maid, didn't believe it.

Shen Tangning smiled and said, "Of course not. He might sneak out the moment I step out." She looked nonchalant. "But it doesn't matter. You can't get fat in one bite. Everything has its limits. We can't push him too far, can we?"

Xueqing suddenly realized: "Madam is indeed very thoughtful!"

As Shen Tangning had predicted, things turned out exactly as she had.

Chi Yan read aloud from his book, but his mind wasn't on it; he kept glancing out the window out of the corner of his eye.

Upon seeing a servant sneak into the courtyard, Chi Yan deftly tossed aside his book, whistled, and leaned half his body out of the window: "Eight taels, how about it?"

Ba Liang looked around and ran over excitedly, saying, "Young master, this servant saw the young mistress get into the carriage with his own eyes, I saw it clearly!"

Chi Yan was overjoyed. He snapped his fingers, pushed himself up, and flipped out of the window. He spread his arms and shook his sleeves like a big moth: "Haha, I'm free! I'm free!"

Seeing that he had a clear goal and was heading straight for the courtyard, Ba Liang hurriedly chased after him, frowning with worry: "Young Master, are you really planning to sneak out of the manor?"

It's fine for the young master to be punished himself; he's afraid the young mistress will take her anger out on them, the servants!

Chi Yan turned around and glared at him unhappily: "Can't you speak properly? What do you mean by 'sneaking out'? I was doing this openly and honestly!"

Before Ba Liang could say anything more, he put a finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture, and patted Ba Liang's shoulder: "Don't worry, I'll definitely be back before her, and she won't find out. Remember to cover for me. If my mother comes, just say I'm focused on my studies and don't want to see anyone!"

After saying that, he happily climbed over the wall.

"..."

Let alone whether the lady would believe that, even he didn't believe it.

With a lingering look of reluctance, Ba Liang said, "Young master, young master, please come back soon!"

Chi Yan got stuck against the wall halfway up the wall, sticking her butt out and glaring at him: "Shh, keep your voice down! Do you want to call the whole mansion over here?"

Ba Liang quickly covered his mouth, watching helplessly as his young master jumped off the wall, followed by a heavy thud.

The ground trembled.

"..."