"Master?"
Xue Zhi was slightly startled. Having shared his pillow for many years, she knew very well that her master valued his life above all else. Although sect affairs had been numerous back then and it was a critical moment to contend for power and profit with others, when the Great Tribulation of Heaven and Earth arose, he still went to the outer domains to avoid the disaster.
Over ten years, he had only returned twice, both times coming and going in a hurry, and both deliberately choosing times when the situation was stable, fearing that the stirred up turbulent currents would invite calamity. Now that a fierce battle was underway on the lake, he would naturally want to avoid it at all costs. How could he have come?
Xue Zhi did not show any eager demeanor. Supporting herself on the maid's arm without leaving the boat, she swept her gaze around the high gunwales, taking in a small half of the island's various sceneries, and then her mind was at ease.
"Understood. Go and report. I will return first to change my clothes before paying my respects to Master."
Watching the maid accept the command and leave, her bright eyes closed and opened again. At this moment, the "Xue Zhi" who was somewhat sentimental due to past events was no longer there. Replacing her was the poised, luxurious, and unfazed Concubine Xue.
Slowly walking down the boat, she boarded a carriage already waiting at the dock. The group followed the garden paths, winding along leisurely without haste or slowness.
It was not that she deliberately lingered, but that Master liked this tune the most. When he took her into his estate back then, seven or eight out of ten times it was because her bearing and appearance possessed a