Chapter Ninety-Nine: A Trifle of No Consequence

Mo Yi took the paper from Ano's hand, nodded, and turned back toward the pharmacy. Once helped to her feet, Ano followed Yan Heru back to the courtyard.

"I am sorry, Your Highness. I am by your side, yet I find myself unable to do anything. But I will strive to learn, so please, do not cast me away. Can you promise me that?" Upon returning to the courtyard, Ano knelt on the ground once more.

Yan Heru actually detested this behavior. Kneeling at every turn—though she knew this was a fictional ancient setting, such an act still filled her with indignation. Every person is born equal; regardless of gender, everyone should possess their own dignity. Kneeling before others for every minor reason was simply not an acceptable practice. Yet, Ano seemed to think nothing of it, as if she truly felt herself to be of lower status.

Yan Heru did not care why Ano was by her side, but she was determined to correct this behavior. "Ano, if you insist on kneeling while speaking to me, then do not stay by my side any longer. Go wherever you wish." Yan Heru’s tone suddenly turned cold.

Seeing this shift, Ano panicked and kowtowed several times on the ground. "Your Highness, no, please, I beg you, do not drive me away. I will starve to death otherwise. Please, Your Highness, I beg you..."

"If you wish to continue this conversation, you must first stand up or sit in the chair beside me. Otherwise, leave as I just said," Yan Heru continued, her voice remaining icy.

Ano was stunned for a moment. Though she understood the instruction, she did not dare to rise immediately. How could such a person exist? Even though she had been saved by Nan An, she remained a mere servant in his eyes; kneeling to admit fault was standard practice. Why, then, did the Princess of the Ninth Prince forbid it?

"Are you still not going to stand up and speak to me? If not, I shall have someone escort you away," Yan Heru said, rising as if to summon someone. Seeing this, Ano immediately scrambled to her feet and sat on the chair beside the Princess, acting very submissively.

Seeing this, Yan Heru smiled. The cold expression vanished from her face, replaced by her usual gentleness. "See? It is much better to sit and talk face-to-face, isn't it? Do not kneel at every turn. When have you ever seen Mo Yi kneel before me?"

Ano looked up at Yan Heru, then lowered her head again, murmuring, "But this is the way we servants admit our faults. If Your Highness dislikes this method, please tell me another, and I will accept it."

Yan Heru shook her head and replied, "Even when one makes a mistake, there is no need to admit it in such a manner. Every person is born equal. I do not know if you can grasp this concept, but I do not like seeing people kneel before me."

This time, Ano was truly shocked. Could there really be someone who cared about the feelings of a servant? Born equal? But they were servants, destined to be servants for life; how could they ever be equal to those high above? Ano assumed the Princess was merely toying with her, thinking to herself, *Perhaps she is already plotting some way to torment me.*

As if reading her mind, Yan Heru said, "Whatever messy thoughts you are harboring, this is simply the person I am. Perhaps you have been by my side for too short a time to understand, but as time passes, you will come to know my character."

"Your Highness..." Ano looked up. Yan Heru felt like the sun, bringing a flicker of warmth to her heart.

At this moment, Mo Yi returned. "Your Highness, the herbs you needed are all here. Well, except for one that I did not recognize. I am afraid I must trouble you to find it yourself." Mo Yi scratched her head awkwardly and gave Yan Heru a playful smile. The two did not look like mistress and servant, but rather like close sisters.

Ano had not paid much attention to this before, assuming they were close because Mo Yi had been with the Princess for a long time. But now, it seemed there was more to it. Could it be that this Princess truly treated her servants so kindly? Or was she merely putting on a show? Ano knew her sudden arrival would arouse suspicion, but she had been careful not to reveal herself. Unless they were determined to cast her out, she would remain.

"You are such a dunce. I shall go find it myself. I have taught you so many times, and you still cannot remember," Yan Heru said, rising and walking over to Mo Yi. She extended a finger and tapped Mo Yi on the forehead—a gesture no mistress would ever show a servant.

Ano stood by, dazed. She felt confused, but perhaps Yan Heru was truly a kind mistress. Yet, what did that matter? She already had someone she had pledged her loyalty to. Regardless of what kind of person her master was, Ano believed she could not betray them. She suppressed the chaotic thoughts in her heart, her gaze returning to a calm, hollow state as she watched Yan Heru leave.

"Ano, you don't have to be so afraid of the Princess. She is truly a wonderful person. Once you have spent more time with her, you will realize it, and eventually, you won't be able to bear leaving her. I would willingly give my life to protect her," Mo Yi said, noticing Ano's expression.

Mo Yi’s words caused the heart Ano had just managed to quiet to race once more. Was Yan Heru... truly such a good person? Though these were simple matters, they shook Ano to her core. Human hearts are made of flesh and blood; everyone is a living soul. Who does not crave care and attention from others? As someone from the lowest depths, neglected by all, Ano craved such warmth deeply. Yan Heru’s small, simple actions had stirred a tempest within her soul.