Despite her resentment and hatred for Shen Xiaoyan, Princess Zande had no other option at this moment.
She had been confident when she came, even selecting the 800 guards she believed to be the most capable, and had instructed the household staff not to look for her if she returned late.
The household staff were accustomed to her arrangements; after all, for many years, she and Baili Hao would often leave the manor with Baili Ziyun, sometimes not returning for two or three months.
During these times, if the staff couldn't find her, they wouldn't search for her.
As for matters within the manor, she had people assigned to manage them.
This time, she had said the same thing.
Therefore, even if she was indeed kept by Shen Xiaoyan to labor for a few months, no one would search for her, and no one would suspect anything.
Thinking of this, Princess Zande's eyes suddenly became extremely sharp, "How did you know about my habits?"
Shen Xiaoyan smiled and said, "Guess."
Princess Zande's teeth itched with hatred at Shen Xiaoyan's infuriating demeanor, but she was helpless; one must bow their head when under another's roof.
"I agree to stay, but you must find the best physician to heal his injuries," Princess Zande said, taking a deep breath.
"Is that how you ask for favors?" Shen Xiaoyan raised an eyebrow.
"This princess is not asking you," Princess Zande's eyes widened again.
However, as her gaze met Shen Xiaoyan's cold eyes, her confidence vanished like smoke.
"You and your precious daughter obey me obediently, and I naturally won't let him die."
"Fine. Then what do you want us to do?" Princess Zande could only follow Shen Xiaoyan's lead.
"En..."
A triumphant smile appeared on Shen Xiaoyan's face as she stroked her chin, genuinely pondering.
Princess Zande averted her gaze from Shen Xiaoyan's undisguised expression, fearing that if she looked any longer, she would be angered to death.
"How about this: I won't make things difficult for you. You can join those guards in digging a ditch. When this ditch is repaired, the road is paved, and the water is diverted to my satisfaction, I will let you go. What do you say?"
Shen Xiaoyan's tone sounded like she was negotiating, but Princess Zande knew she had no choice and could only nod in agreement.
Upon hearing Shen Xiaoyan's words, Baili Ziyun immediately wanted to retort but was silenced by Princess Zande covering her mouth.
Baili Ziyun's resistance was also dispelled by Princess Zande's words.
"If you don't obey obediently, either your father dies, or you die."
Seeing that both of them stopped causing trouble, Shen Xiaoyan asked Shen Xiaoming to call Fan Yong and bring Huo Fen along.
Shen Xiaoming agreed and left. In a short while, he returned with Fan Yong and Huo Fen.
Fan Yong and Huo Fen were understandably astonished to see so many people working; their mouths gaped open wide enough to fit an egg.
"These are the hired laborers I've invited to dig the ditch. Huo Fen, go find two sets of coarse cloth clothes that are convenient for working, according to their measurements, and have them change."
After instructing Huo Fen, Shen Xiaoyan turned to Fan Yong, "See how this person's injuries are. Just make sure he doesn't die; no need for particularly good medicine."
"Didn't you promise me you would heal him?"
Princess Zande's dignity was affronted. What did he mean by "just don't die, no need for particularly good medicine"? Was she going back on her word?
"I said earlier, if you wanted him to die, you didn't have to agree. Conversely, since you agreed, I just need to ensure he doesn't die."
"Are you playing word games with me?" Princess Zande gritted her teeth.
"Stop the nonsense. If you keep babbling, I'll just let him die."
Shen Xiaoyan grew impatient, and the smile that had been on her face disappeared.
If she didn't return soon, her triplets would probably fall asleep again. She hadn't even taught them to say "Mom" today.
While the two were haggling, Huo Fen returned with the clothes.
"Madam, the clothes have been retrieved," Huo Fen said after a bow.
"Have them change."
"Yes," Huo Fen replied, then added with some difficulty, "Madam, where should they change?"
"Go into the woods over there," Shen Xiaoyan said.
However, before Huo Fen could lead them away, Shen Xiaoyan remembered a problem. Princess Zande and Baili Ziyun both knew martial arts.
Huo Fen was just an ordinary person. What if they injured Huo Fen and escaped?
"Let's go, I'll go with you," Shen Xiaoyan said, leading the way.
The group walked into the depths of the orchard. Shen Xiaoyan stood to the side, watching Princess Zande and Baili Ziyun clumsily change into the coarse cloth clothes with Huo Fen's help.
Looking at the clothes, Shen Xiaoyan couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The clothes Huo Fen found looked so similar to what she wore when she first transmigrated.
Even the patches looked so alike.
However, Shen Xiaoyan knew this was impossible, because when she first transmigrated, due to malnutrition, she was short. Baili Ziyun and Princess Zande were excessively well-nourished, tall and beautiful, with excellent figures, and would not have been able to wear her clothes from that time.
After the two finished changing, Shen Xiaoyan led them back to where they had been.
When they arrived, they saw Fan Yong bandaging Baili Hao's wounds.
Shen Xiaoyan remained silent, watching Fan Yong until he finished bandaging.
"I've treated his wounds. The wound isn't very deep and hasn't hit any vital points, so it should be fine," Fan Yong said.
"Then he doesn't need any medicine?" Shen Xiaoyan asked.
"If you want him to recover faster, it's better to use some medicine," Fan Yong said, unable to quite figure out Shen Xiaoyan's intentions but still replying respectfully.
"In that case, there's no need. You just need to bandage him daily. Alright, you can go back. Have Huo Si take people to the town and buy a lot of coarse grains and brown rice. After all, we have so many guests, and they are working for us. We must treat them to a good meal."
Fan Yong's lips twitched. He tried his best to suppress it, lowering his head quickly to prevent those around him from seeing his smile, and replied in as steady a voice as possible, "Yes, I'll have them go buy it now."
Turning his back, Fan Yong's mouth immediately opened wide. He burst into exaggerated laughter, shaking with mirth.
Shen Xiaoyan and the others naturally noticed his small movements but said nothing.
After all, Shen Xiaoyan herself wanted to laugh very much.
"What are you two standing there for? You can go and work now."
Shen Xiaoyan said to Princess Zande and the other who were still standing there.
Princess Zande took a few steps forward, squatted beside Baili Hao, and said softly, "Hao, rest well. You'll be fine in no time."
Baili Hao was groggy and weak, unable to answer, but he weakly nodded.
"Jiang Hong, you will stay here to take care of him. Make sure you take good care of him, do you understand?" Princess Zande said sternly to Jiang Hong.
"Mother, why don't I take care of Father instead? I am a daughter, after all, and I am more meticulous and better at taking care of people," Baili Ziyun hesitated before speaking.
"You have no right to speak here. You'd better shut your mouth obediently, or if I'm in a bad mood, your tongue might not be safe."
Shen Xiaoyan spoke first, without waiting for Princess Zande's reply.
Although Princess Zande was arrogant, and Baili Hao was cunning and deceitful, what Shen Xiaoyan detested most was Baili Ziyun.