Chapter 7 — An Y

15Early in the morning, the sound of birds singing outside the window woke me up. I rubbed my eyes, feeling dizzy from being drunk, then realized I was lying in bed. We turned around and asked ourselves: How did I get here? Next to me, An Ninh stretched and yawned slightly: "Sister, why are you up so early?" I was even more surprised: Why was An Ninh in my bed? "Don't you practice in the morning?" "Brother told me to give you a morning off today, so you can sleep comfortably." An Ninh rubbed her sleepy eyes, yawned and sat up. "Then why are you sleeping in my bed? And how did I get home last night?" "Of course." Big brother brought you home." An Ninh smiled brightly, hugging my waist: "Last night big brother tried to chase you away, but failed... Sis, you smell so good..." I laughed, pushed An Ninh away and scolded her: "This naughty brat." The things that happened last night were like ripples on the calm lake of my heart. I shook my head and told myself: Don't think about it anymore, even if the immortals temporarily fall from the clouds, one day they will return to the sky, that's not something you should think about. I took a deep breath, telling myself that the most important thing is still trying to make money to live. The lives of ordinary people do not have many thrilling stories. Our life is still as simple as usual. Make the cakes we love, earn every penny with our own hands, and live a peaceful life with our loved ones. That is what we always wish for. The spring breeze blew gently, cicadas chirped on the green willow branches. In a flash, it has been the seventh year since An Ninh came to live with me. In the small yard, An Ninh was swinging her new whip. "Be careful not to hit my cucumbers!" I reminded loudly. "Don't worry, it's okay!" She replied confidently. I could only shake my head and laugh. After a while of practice, An Ninh panted and ran to my side, picked up a glass of water and gurgled: "I don't know why brother called Master Kim Ngoc back, I want to learn a new move." I picked beans and replied: "I'm about to learn all of Kim Ngoc's moves." Over the past three years, An Ninh's martial arts have become more and more proficient, every time she fights with Tieu Ha, she has the upper hand. That made the two of them challenge each other all day long, but in the end they were caught and scolded by Judge Thoi. As for the eldest sister-in-law of the Thoi family, the second year after becoming a daughter-in-law, she gave birth to a chubby baby boy, making Miss Thoi happily smile all day long. Tong Hanh Van, in the last two years, has also visited An Ninh more often. Everything seems to be going in a good direction. Our bakery is becoming more and more known in the capital, with even noble families sending carriages to order cakes. "Tieu Y, there is someone out there looking for you!" Miss Thoi's call rang out from outside the door. "Yes! I'll be right out!" I quickly walked out and saw Miss Thoi standing in the shop with an awkward look, her eyes gently signaling me. Inside the shop, a luxuriously dressed girl was looking around. Seeing me coming, she smiled and said: "Is it the shopkeeper An? My owner heard that the cakes your lady makes are especially delicious, and would like to invite you to the palace to make a batch." 16 The wheels of the horse-drawn carriage rolled evenly on the street, carrying me to a mansion. I followed the woman out of the car, glanced at the sign in front of the gate, and the three words "Princess Palace" caught my eye. A violent wave rose in my heart, countless thoughts appeared in my head, in the end I could only try to remain calm. "An shopkeeper, please come in." The woman urged. She led me through many winding paths, finally stopping in front of a kitchen: "An shopkeeper, the ingredients have been prepared, if you need anything, just tell the servants." "Yes." I bowed my head and replied. Princess Hoa Duong is the daughter of the Emperor

The most favored of all, even though they are not yet married, they already have their own residence. The Emperor loved her so much that he gave her everything he wanted, from the stars in the sky to the moon on the ground, she was pampered to no end. Could it be that the princess simply wants to eat cake? Even though I was full of doubts, I still focused on my work. We put our whole heart and soul into each piece of cake, trying to make each one perfect. When that woman returned to get the cake, the back of my shirt was drenched in sweat. "The princess really likes it, please come to the main hall to meet her." I followed her and continued walking, not daring to raise my head on the way. When entering the main hall, Princess Hoa Duong lazily sat on a high chair and said: "Raise your head, let this palace take a look." I raised my eyes and saw her face clearly. Wearing a pale yellow silk dress, her skin is as white as snow, she lies lazily on the chair, just at a glance she exudes nobility and beauty. "Ha... that's all." "Your skills are quite good, but do you know why this palace summoned you?" "I don't know." I answered carefully. "Tch, what a bother. Let me tell you, this palace called you here to see what kind of woman you are, and can make you Song Hanh Van, the leader of Xich Vu Ve, refused this palace without regretting the engagement.”…Tong Hanh Van? We are panicking inside. The situation is clear. Princess Hoa Duong was dissatisfied with being divorced by Tong Hanh Van, so she came to find me to cause trouble. "Do you know, this palace and him once had a marriage contract, even if it was only a verbal promise from their father. But before the marriage was announced, the Song family had their property confiscated and exiled. I once told him, as long as he agreed to be my male pet, this palace would ask his father to forgive his entire family. He would not have to destroy his appearance to clear his name. The knife is in the father's hand." "But he doesn't agree!" "This palace's eyes are really good, he has still managed to rise to this day. Therefore, I once again asked him to be the royal concubine of this palace. After all, with his current position, he is worthy to be the main wife. Yet he refused again." "So, this palace wants to see which lady is the one who caught the eyes of leader Song." Cold sweat drenched his palm. my hand, I just feel that today it will be difficult to leave alive. In my heart, I silently cursed Tong Hanh Van, and at the same time tried to think of a way to escape. I immediately knelt down, bowed my head and explained: "The peasants have a low status, how can they dare to compare with the Song leader and the Princess? You are a noble daughter of heaven, the Song leader will definitely not ignore a bright pearl like you." "You also know how to speak very well."Princess Hoa Duong said, looking satisfied. Then suddenly, she asked: "Do you like Tong Hanh Van?" The hall was so quiet that I could clearly hear my heart beating. I carefully chose my words, each word and each sentence: "Leader Song has a noble status, the common people know that they do not dare to climb high, and their hearts do not dare to dream." After a few seconds of silence, Princess Hoa Duong's generous laugh was heard. "Good for someone who does not dare to dream. Song Hanh Van, it turns out that one day you are just an unrequited love..." "Your Highness, stop." Tong Hanh Van's cold voice rang out from outside, he strode quickly. came in, grabbed my hand and pulled me up, protecting me in his arms. "Miss An was brought by me, please forgive me princess." Having said that, he squeezed my hand and pulled me out. Behind, Princess Hoa Duong's snicker sounded: "An shopkeeper, your cake is very delicious, come again next time... Does Tong Hanh Van really like you, or is it just to repay the favor, you have to consider carefully..." The princess's voice gradually disappeared, but left an indelible mark in my heart. Ta

Looking at Tong Hanh Van holding my hand tightly, my heart suddenly trembled. Are the princess's words true? Does Song Hanh Van really like me? Or just out of gratitude? Countless thoughts swirl around in our heads, making our minds confused. When we left the palace, Tong Hanh Van grabbed my shoulder, looked straight into my eyes and said: "An Y, don't listen to her, listen to me, okay?"