Ruthis narrowed his eyes, seemingly weighing the truth of his subordinate's words.
Outside, everything was dark and gloomy. Only the lamp in the room stubbornly kept its flame burning.
"You may leave."
The subordinate looked rather troubled, but he still obeyed his Master's command. After bowing, he turned to leave the room.
Ruthis said, "Take this fish with you."
"Yes."
And so Shen Yangge, who was playing fish, was carried away. With his limited view, he had no idea where he was being taken. When he tried to lift his entire fish head above the water...
The familiar arrangement and familiar building brought "tears to his eyes."
Accompanied by the woman's greeting: "Oh my, Guard Li, what brings you here? Does the Mansion Lord have any instructions?"
"Hm? This fish is...?"
The woman enthusiastically took the wooden basin from the man, her face beaming as she said, "This must be the fish the Mansion Lord sent you to bring over. Don't worry, whether it's boiled or fried, I guarantee the Mansion Lord will enjoy a feast!"
Shen Yangge felt dizzy for a moment, his eyes widening into a dead fish's stare.
Boiled?
Fried?
A feast!
That damned Ruthis would only ever get to eat four dishes in his lifetime. Anything more would be offerings at his funeral.
Shen Yangge puffed out his gills, desperately trying to think of a way to escape the woman's hands, when Guard Li said, "The Mansion Lord likes it pan-fried, though he has said he isn't picky. Prepare it however you see fit."
The woman replied pleasantly, "Of course, of course. If you have any other instructions, Guard Li, just say the word. I owe my position in this mansion to your help."
Guard Li pondered for a moment, then lowered his head to examine