The cook sets down a scrap of parchment on the wooden table, smoothing it flat with the side of her palm. The faint scent of herbs and broth lingers in the warm kitchen air as she dips her brush in ink and begins to write.

Shen Ling watches her, curious. “You know how to write?”

She pauses, then glances sideways at the girl. “You think I only know how to cook?”

Shen Ling hesitates. “I didn’t mean  that… I d…”

The cook interrupts…softly, amused she replies. “I can cook,” she remarks. “That doesn’t mean I only cook.”

There’s something in her tone, casual, but not entirely joking. Shen Ling studies her for a moment longer, then lowers her gaze and returns to eating her lunch..

The scratch of the brush continues for a while before Shen Ling finally asks, “What is it?”

The cook turns the paper slightly toward her. “Soap,” she says. “The ingredients and method.”

Shen Ling blinks. “Soap… can be made like medicine?”

“In a way.” The cook leans back against the table, crossing her arms. “It cleans wounds, prevents infection, keeps people from dying of things they shouldn’t die from. That makes it just as important.”

Shen Ling’s expression shifts, thoughtful. “What goes into it?”

The cook taps the paper lightly with her finger. “Basic version? Fat or oil, ground soybean and water. That’s the core. Then for disinfectant properties mountain moss root, glyhous leaf and floyour dihydra. For scent… flowers of your choice.

She points as she explains, her voice steady and practical.

She pauses, then adds, “If you want to improve it, add herbs. Lavender for calming, mint for freshness, crushed medicinal leaves to help with wounds.”

Shen Ling nods slowly, committing every word to memory.

 “That makes sense.”

“When I go to the forest I will look for those plants.” 

Liu Bing comes into the kitchen, “Miss, I finished the laundry I can help with the grinding now.”

The cook frowns, “What kind of soap do you use to wash the clothes.”

Liu Bing has a nervous expression, “I just got some from the shelf by the wash tubs. Is that alright?”

Mrs. Mu smiles, “Don’t look so frightened. I was going to say I have some in my room you are welcome to have. It is much better, the clothes won’t fade and it is easier on your hands.”

Liu Bing glances at Shen Ling for approval and she nods.

“Thank you Mrs. Mu!”

Shen Ling looks at Liu Bing red hands, “I will make you some healing cream after I finish with the herbs.” They leave the kitchen Liu Bing chattering away and Mrs. Mu smiles, “It’s good the girl has such a lively maid.”

By the time the kitchen fire burns low, the cook wipes her hands clean and steps outside. The late afternoon air is cool against her skin, the manor settling into its quieter hours.

She makes her way to the stables.

The scent of hay and leather greets her immediately.

Inside, her husband stands beside a chestnut horse, brushing its coat in slow, steady strokes. He is tall, broad-shouldered, every movement grounded and controlled.

He glances up. “You’re late.”

There’s no real reproach in his voice more a hint of worry. His wife is usually very punctual.

She leans against the wooden frame, watching him for a moment before sighing softly.

“If our daughter was here…” she begins, her voice quieter now, “…she’d be about that Shen girl’s age.”

The brushing slows.

Not stopping. Just… slowing.

“I know,” the two words tinged with melancholy.

They don’t need to say more…they both remember…they always will.

Her gaze drifts toward the open stable doors, where the last light of day spills in.

“I’ve decided,” she says after a moment. “I’m going to help her.”

This time, he stops completely. He sets the brush aside and turns to face her, his expression filled with worry.

 He is a man of few words and seldom gives his opinion, whatever his wife wants he wil agree but this time he hesitates deep in thought.

“You can only do what is appropriate,” 

She rolls her eyes faintly. “I know.”

“So your identity isn’t exposed.”

“That too.”

He studies her face carefully. “You’ve already thought this through.”

“Of course I have.” A faint, sharper smile curves her lips. “I might not be running corporations anymore, but I didn’t forget how to build something from nothing.”

 “He thinks of all the strange and weird stories she would tell him and a flicker of amusement appears in his eyes.  “Clearly.” 

“I know the limits,” she says softly. “I won’t do anything reckless.”

He nods once…but his intense gaze lingers, making it clear he means every word. Should the girl threaten his happy life he would not hesitate to eliminate her.

She steps closer and presses a quick, familiar kiss to his cheek then hugs him, “Mu Yunsheng do you know how handsome you are when you smile?”

He tightens his embrace and presses his eager lips on hers deepening the kiss. After they are both breathless he let’s her go. He leans into her ear and in a hoarse voice teases, “Is this your negotiating tactic? I like it.” He puts his rough hand under her loose dress. “Shall we continue?” 

She blushes as she pushes him away, “MU YUNSHENG!”

Mu Yunsheng was once a feared assassin until he found this woman by the river. She was unconscious and murmuring incoherently. He reached out to strangle her thinking she had witnessed him dumping the body into the water but as his hands reached for her throat she opened her eyes.Beautiful blue eyes… dazed…  full of confusion. She  whispered, “You saved me.” Then tears rolled down her mud stained cheeks.

He knew he had done nothing and had murderous intention towards her but she rambled. Mostly nonsense he couldn’t understand. He suddenly had the urge to keep her. Now many years later he has never regretted his decision. This strange woman is everything to him.

He laughs and removes his hand then straightens the top of her dress. “Continue.”

“I can at least give her a foundation,” she continues. “Something practical.”

“Such as?” he asks.

Her eyes glint faintly. “Soap first,” she says. “Everyone needs it. It’s cheap to make, easy to sell, and no one questions it.”

She pauses, then adds with quiet certainty: “And from there… we build.”

He decides he will observe the girl and see if she is worthy of his wife’s attention. He knows  Mu WeiWei  is subconsciously thinking of their lost daughter. If it will make her happy…