“Master, please wait for me a moment.” A young man of about sixteen or seventeen wore a blue robe. His face was round and healthy, like a ripe apple, with dark eyes shining with a sincere, down-to-earth expression. He ran after the gentleman ahead, his steps light and eager. “Hurry up! You’re not quick enough!” said the man in front—somewhat younger, perhaps around twenty years old. His hair flowed like a waterfall of green silk, neatly pinned with a white jade hairpin. He wore a moon-shaped robe, a belt adorned with orange stones at his waist, and black boots embroidered with gold. His brows were sharp as blades, his eyes bright as stars. His high nose and slightly curved lips gave him an air of playful charm when he smiled. With hands delicately folded on a jade fan, he gently waved it back and forth, moving with effortless grace. “Master, are you really going to the Yuexiang Pavilion?” Aobao reached up to his side, his round face now furrowed in worry—like a bundle of dough that had been pressed too hard. “My lord said to keep an eye on you and not let you go.” For inside the pavilion lived many delicate young women who were known for their strong appetites—their very presence seemed to demand constant nourishment. “Master is going wherever he wants,” the man replied, tossing his long hair over one shoulder with a bold, unrestrained air. His deep, tranquil gaze kept drifting toward the groups of ladies fluttering in embarrassment—he found it both delightful and troublesome that such charming young women constantly cast him glances. “My lord insists you, as the head of the martial alliance, must maintain dignity,” Aobao said, his wide eyes earnestly protesting. “But how can you be so casual with all those ladies? It seems like you’re about to have a seizure—how odd is that?” “Hah!” The man arched his eyebrows. “What nonsense! My old grandfather is merely rigid and out of touch. Being the head of the martial alliance doesn’t mean one has to suppress their desires any more than anyone else. After all, isn’t it no different from drinking tea or using the bathroom? If that’s what it takes to be a leader—then who would want to take up such a position?” He was naturally free-spirited and easygoing; if he were bound by rigid rules, then truly, nothing would ever come of it. “How can you say such things about my grandfather?” Aobao protested, his eyes blazing with indignation. His grandfather was gentle, wise, and kind—someone he deeply admired. Certainly not someone who was stiff or outdated. “Ah! Now I see,” the man said, puzzled at the young servant’s tone. “After all, isn’t it my own doing that brought you here? So why does your old master now have more influence than I?” “It is certainly Master.” Aobao bowed his head and stammered softly. “Then what were you doing, all this fuss about?” The man lightly tapped the young servant’s round head with his jade fan. “Don’t you want to stop talking and just follow me? Or shall I simply leave you behind?” “I won’t let Master be left alone,” Aobao said, his large eyes full of concern. After all, if Master were to go on without him, how would he explain it back to his grandfather? The boy’s face fell with a mixture of fear and hopefulness. “Then come along,” the man replied, shaking his head as he walked ahead. Honestly, how could one man act like such a puppy? He had truly wondered at the time he had brought this young man into their estate. “Yes, Master.” Aobao smiled again, now with renewed energy, and hurried to keep pace beside him. The shop stood proudly in the bustling heart of town, its surroundings brightened by festive lanterns. Under the moonlight, everything shimmered with a gentle elegance. Today marked the annual lantern festival of the Tianyao Dynasty—lanterns hung everywhere, their designs varied and imaginative—some shaped like characters or riddles, others forming romantic pairings for lovers to meet. Amidst the throngs of people moving in all directions, Aobao felt excited, his round eyes constantly scanning each side with a childlike wonder. “Master, look over there—that’s quite odd.” The man had initially found Aobao’s simple actions endearing, but now his expression lightened as he saw the boy’s surprise. He tapped his temple gently—how many eyes were already following them? It was truly embarrassing. “What is so unusual?” the man asked, following Aobao's finger. There, a girl of about eight or nine years old stood surrounded by an eager crowd. Ah, another well-bred child from a noble family, perhaps overly pampered. He thought to himself—how could it be any different? Aobao simply seemed too observant and unusual for such a thing. “Master,” Aobao said in wonder, his mouth agape, “that young lady must be extraordinary.” In all the places he had been, only people of high status achieved such grand entrances. “Haha!” The man laughed at Aobao’s simple words. “You’re so literal! She's merely a well-cared-for daughter from a wealthy household.” The girl was used to being admired and noticed—yet she now felt two distinct glances, one pure and gentle, the other full of quiet disdain. When she glanced sideways, she saw the young man in blue robe—the boy with an adorable, round face and large, innocent eyes watching her without any hesitation; another figure, wearing a white robe edged in gold, about twenty years old, his hair pinned neatly with a jade hairpin—his features handsome, with a touch of rebelliousness. Yet it was precisely that deep, calm gaze that made her feel uneasy. The man seemed to think she was nothing special. When he said she was simply spoiled—how bold was that? The attendants, including Yinyin and the guards sent by the general, watched as the young lady’s brows tightened—they even felt a subtle tremor. Heaven help them—wasn’t this another scene of her losing her temper? All eyes now fixed on the man in front of them, each filled with resentment. “What is it you’re staring at me for?” The man asked, feeling thoroughly flustered by the intensity of their gazes. “You’re not a pig?” Cold Wangan replied, glancing coolly at him. “You must be!” “Y-you—” The man’s deep eyes widened in surprise. He had thought her merely another spoiled noble daughter—he didn’t expect such a sharp, composed presence beneath her youthful appearance. “You’re so well-dressed,” Cold Wangan added with a wry smile, “yet you can hardly speak without stammering.” How bold of her to challenge his confidence like this! “Oh, wow—how impressive!” Aobao gazed at the girl’s small stature and said with genuine admiration. Her words had indeed struck him deeply. “Windiness?” Cold Wangan scoffed. “Isn’t it true that men are creatures who think primarily with their bodies? And you, quite simply, are a pig of animals.” The man stood stunned—his expression went from speechless to completely baffled. Such directness was truly rare—especially compared to those who were constantly engaged in the courtly pleasures of the palace. “You—you’re quite fierce,” he said, his voice rising slightly. With a graceful movement of his sleeves, the man turned and hurried away—he chose not to let an elder man’s dignity be compromised by a young girl's spirited words. “Master, please wait for me!” Aobao saw him go and once again ran after, pausing only to give a final look of admiration at the young lady. “My lady,” Yinyin said with awe, watching the man's retreating form, “they’ve been defeated yet again.” But as she watched, her cheeks flushed gently—how could she help but admire his beautiful face? “I’m already gone,” Cold Wangan replied smoothly, smiling at the young maid’s shy demeanor. “But I have to say—I truly enjoy your company now.” The girl found it amusing that Yinyin was so easily charmed by her own subtle efforts. “In fact, Yinyin—you’ve reached seventeen, haven’t you? Shall I ask my lady to introduce you to each other?” “Miss,” Yinyin said with a little pout, stomping her foot. How could such a child of nine already possess so much wisdom? Sometimes she asked herself—what exactly did Miss’s mind contain? “Come now,” Cold Wangan said with a dismissive wave, “let’s not let this pig of mine ruin the pleasure of my evening stroll.” Together, they moved forward with confidence and style—grand and lively. ——— *The Nine-Year-Old Fairy Princess* ————— **Character Introduction: Chu Yuheng – Give Me Your Votes, Please!** The backend editing has been a mess—after hours of trying to upload, I finally found the older version and managed to post it. Thank you so much for your patience! Your votes, comments, and likes mean everything to me—I’m truly grateful. Let’s all give a warm round of applause now! 🌟❤️ (Your support is my motivation—every little interaction makes a difference!)