The breeze was gentle, and the sun shone brightly.
Meng Qianqian, as usual, was drying medicinal herbs in the courtyard.
When she first arrived at the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, disciples would often come to help her in the courtyard.
But ever since she consumed the Pavilion's "special tonic," those disciples stopped coming.
The Pavilion believed she was already under control and saw no need to surveil her further.
Tan'er hopped and skipped into the courtyard, calling out, "Sister!"
Meng Qianqian curved her lips into a gentle smile. "Tan'er."
Tan'er tilted her head toward the entryway. "N—look who's here?"
Meng Qianqian focused her gaze and saw Shang Wuyou leading several burly men into the courtyard.
The one leading them was Shangguan Ling. He wore the attire of an outer disciple of the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, and judging by the color of the tassels on the token at his waist, he seemed to have been promoted.
