Chapter 12: Changing Clothes Part 2

Since Wei Lingci had risen not long ago, the servants had prepared hot porridge laced with lotus leaves—the perfect thing to prevent autumn heat. Seeing Xun Changqing staring at the porcelain bowl in her hands, Wei Lingci casually offered, “Do you want some?”

Without waiting for a reply, she ladled a bowl and pushed it toward her, then continued about Lingyun Mountain. “Life on the mountain isn’t like the Prince’s Mansion—it’s simpler. These clothes of yours are too flashy. Go buy some plain ones to change into later. Once on the mountain, just say you’re of common birth—don’t mention Pingnan Prince’s Mansion.”

The brocade robes and jade crown screamed official’s son, nobility’s heir. Most on Lingyun Mountain were common folk; revealing her status wouldn’t be wise. In her previous life, she had gone up as the County Princess and made many “friends,” but when trouble came, not a single one showed—not even a ghost. They had only befriended her for her status.

Wei Lingci wasn’t talkative, but she’d said more these past few days than usual. Xun Changqing knew this was no small effort on her part. She stirred the porridge in her bowl, and a long-forgotten sweetness took root in her heart again, stirred by a spring breeze. Gazing at Wei Lingci sipping her porridge, she said sweetly, “Master, do you plan to take any more disciples?”

She didn’t like sharing Wei Lingci’s affection—with anyone, in either life.

Now that was a child’s question. Wei Lingci’s lips tightened slightly. “If you’re obedient, I’ll keep only you. If you’re naughty and I get tired of you, I’ll take another disciple I can trust.”

The answer was ambiguous yet clever. Xun Changqing shot her a covert glare, helpless, then lowered her eyes. Why was she always the one at a disadvantage…?

Wei Lingci looked at Xun Changqing—her fair little face had some baby fat, making her puffed cheeks adorably cute, pure and unfeigned. She seemed even more childlike now than when she was pretending to be mature earlier—innocent and romantic. Wei Lingci smiled. “Your personality is possessive. If I took another, you’d bully the new junior sister for sure.”

Possessive…? The words grew stranger the more she heard. Xun Changqing lifted her small head to study Wei Lingci—tightly pursed lips, long lashes quivering faintly. Noticing the stare, Wei Lingci took tiny sips of her porridge. Xun Changqing grew even more convinced she was being teased. Pouting slightly, she declared bluntly, “Possessive or not, you’re not allowed to take anyone else. One of me is enough.”

The words slipped out before she could think, and Xun Changqing nearly bit her tongue—how embarrassing.

The statement was domineering, yet it fit Xun Changqing’s character perfectly. Wei Lingci let out a hearty laugh, looking into her timid eyes with a helpless tone. “With a disciple like you, I really have no recourse.”

This was as good as agreement. Xun Changqing grinned in satisfaction, like sipping mountain spring water on a summer day—mildly sweet coolness sliding down her throat, permeating her limbs and soaking into her long-parched heart. These days, she could no longer see the shadow of her past-life Wei Lingci in her.

In the afternoon, the two didn’t rush back. Wei Lingci truly took Xun Changqing to the street market to buy replacement clothes.

The streets were less crowded, but Lingyang County thrived on cargo transport, so carts hauled goods everywhere, with porters and runners abundant. The canal trade indeed supported many livelihoods. They wore coarse cloth and hemp; Xun Changqing’s embroidered robes stood out glaringly.

Wei Lingci scanned the surroundings and stopped at a ready-made clothing shop. The shopkeeper hurried out to greet them, his eyes landing on Xun Changqing beside her—exquisite robes, tender little face. Clearly the child of wealthy folk; no shortage of coin.

The shopkeeper, in his forties, pulled Xun Changqing inside enthusiastically. Assuming she was a boy (not daring to grab a girl’s hand), he latched onto the “young lad” instead.

Xun Changqing had never shopped at markets before, so she didn’t know why. Small-town merchants were always eager, especially for a finely dressed rich customer like her—a big sale at the door couldn’t be let slip.

Wei Lingci followed inside. As she crossed the threshold, her peripheral vision caught a porter carrying sacks nearby. Though burdened, his eyes kept flicking toward the shop entrance, stance steady—likely a martial artist. Her gaze darkened gradually. Xun Changqing called from inside; she lowered her eyelids and entered with composed features.

Having run the shop for years, the shopkeeper could read people by their bearing—wealthy auras differed from paupers’. He instructed clerks to fetch the shop’s finest garments: premium fabrics, exquisite embroidery, rare in the county.

Once inside, Xun Changqing sat on a chair, feet dangling above the floor. She shook her head at the clothes. “No, these won’t do. Get some ordinary ones that common folk wear.”

Great hopes dashed, the shopkeeper sighed inwardly but had clerks bring everyday wear. Wei Lingci selected a few plain-colored pieces, paid, and borrowed a room from the shop for Xun Changqing to change.

They had left without guards, and after the earlier incident, Wei Lingci felt uneasy, keeping Xun Changqing in her sight.

On the contrary, Xun Changqing clutched the clothes to her chest, looking helplessly at Wei Lingci, her starry eyes brightening. She pointed at the door, signaling her to leave. But Wei Lingci, for some reason, stepped closer instead. “Change into these clothes. They’re too conspicuous.”

Xun Changqing fell silent for a moment, still hugging the bundle tightly. She backed up two steps, her eyes pleading, expression like a startled fawn. Biting her lip, she reminded Wei Lingci, “Master… I’m changing clothes… and I’m a boy.”