Deep in the remote mountains, an exquisitely ornate carriage moved leisurely along the winding forest path.

"Stop right there! Hand over all your valuables!" A rough shout shattered the mountain's tranquility. In an instant, a gang of fierce-looking bandits surrounded the carriage, each brandishing crude weapons.

"P-p-please, s-spare me, great heroes!" The coachman trembled violently, scrambling off the carriage in sheer terror before kowtowing frantically to the outlaws.

"Enough nonsense! Empty your pockets now!" The bandit leader swung his blade menacingly, his beady eyes gleaming with greed as they raked over the lavish carriage. "A fine carriage like this must hold plenty of treasures. Hand everything over to your granddaddy!"

"Mother, the coachman uncle seems to be in trouble," piped a sweet, childish voice from inside the carriage, brimming with innocent curiosity.

"Xiao You, those aren't just troubles—they're bandits," replied a woman's clear voice, laced with affectionate amusement.

The coachman broke into a cold sweat. *What kind of nonsense is this? Of course they're trouble—huge trouble!*

"Get the hell out here, you cowards! Stop hiding like rats!" The bandit leader, Wang Qing, wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but even he could tell he was being disrespected. He bellowed at the carriage in fury.

"Giggle—are you calling for us?" A plump, milky-white little hand lifted the carriage curtain, revealing an adorable child who blinked wide, dewy eyes at the bandits with pure innocence.

The bandits, still waving their weapons, froze mid-action, their breaths catching as their gazes locked onto the graceful figure emerging behind the child.

Clad in a simple pale-blue dress, the woman possessed delicate, almost ethereal features—flawless and untouched by worldly grime. An irresistible allure radiated from her very being.

"Xiao You, what did Mother tell you?" Shui Qinan rose gracefully, her slender hand clasping the child's as she carried him down from the carriage.

Xiao You immediately clapped both hands over his mouth, chagrined. "Don't answer strangers, or there'll be trouble. I remember now."

"Good. Don't forget next time." Shui Qinan patted his little head approvingly, her expression one of patient guidance.

As she looked at Xiao You, the shadow of a dark figure flickered through her mind. A fleeting glint of something unreadable flashed in her eyes—then vanished as quickly as it came.

Xiao You belonged to her alone—this had nothing to do with anyone else.

"Pretty lady~ pretty lady~" Wang Qing finally snapped out of his daze, hastily tossing aside the broadsword in his hand and forcing what he thought was a charming smile. "Listen, sweetheart, this whole mountain is mine. Stick with me, and I guarantee you’ll live in luxury, free as a bird."

"Mommy, this mountain’s all bare—are we gonna grow crops here?" Xiao You tilted her head, her little face scrunched in confusion as she glanced at Shui Qinan. Then, as if suddenly enlightened, she turned to Wang Qing. "Ohhh, so you’re a farmer!"

"Hmm, seems that way. You’re so clever, Xiao You." Shui Qinan nodded approvingly, her praise making the little girl beam with pride.

"Shut your trap, brat. What do you know?" Wang Qing’s face darkened, but after a sharp glance at Shui Qinan, he reined in his temper. "Listen here, gorgeous—you’d better play nice, or things won’t end well for this kid of yours."

A flicker of icy rage flashed in Shui Qinan’s eyes, so faint it was almost imperceptible. She took Xiao You’s hand and said coolly, "Fine. We’ll go up the mountain with you. Lead the way."