Chapter 7: Provocation
At night, the wind crept through the cracks in the window, making the candle flame flicker slightly. Shadows swayed wildly on the wall as He Yan stared at the scattered bits of silver before her and asked, "Is this all?"
"I already begged the shopkeeper to give more," Qingmei said hesitantly. "But he insisted the jewelry couldn't fetch any higher price."
He Yan nodded. "You may leave for now."
Qingmei withdrew.
He Yan picked up the silver pieces one by one and cupped them in her palm—only two tiny fragments in total. It felt as though her heart had shattered along with them.
Back in the He family of her past life, money had never been an issue. Even if it were, she could always pawn some jewelry or jade pendants for quick cash. Later, on the battlefield, there had been no need for silver. And when she returned to the capital, the Emperor's rewards had filled several courtyards of the He residence.
She thought of the gold, silver, and jewels bestowed upon the Flying Goose General. Any single piece could have relieved this He family's urgent needs. But now, she was no longer part of that He family.
He Yan heaved a heavy sigh, finally understanding the saying, "A single coin can stump even a hero."
Money was one problem, but there was another—she wanted to visit the training grounds. Chopping firewood in the mountains daily might strengthen her body, but it only improved her stamina. To truly regain her former skills, sparring with others, archery, and horseback riding at the training grounds would be the fastest way. However, she wasn’t sure if He Sui, who doted on his daughter, would agree.
She blew out the candle and lay down. Whatever the case, everything would have to wait until tomorrow.
The next day, after chopping firewood and descending the mountain, they had lunch, and He Yun Sheng prepared to sell pastries.
He Yan watched as he packed a full steamer basket and asked, "Will you be able to sell all of these?"
"As the weather warms up, more people come to buy," He Yun Sheng replied. "In a while, we’ll switch to selling something else."
He Yun Sheng had truly shouldered the burdens of this family, understanding business matters so thoroughly. He Yan regarded him with newfound respect and patted his shoulder. "Let’s go, then."
He Yun Sheng stiffened slightly—He Yan’s gesture was... remarkably masculine.
When they arrived at the market stall, they were early, so few vendors were around. They secured a prime spot near the street and set out the Danai cakes.
It was early April, and the afternoon sun carried a hint of summer warmth. The Danai cakes, sweet and tangy with the fragrance of plums, made for a perfect seasonal snack. Just as He Yun Sheng predicted, business was brisk. He Yun Sheng handled the cakes while He Yan collected the money.
As they busied themselves, a group of men suddenly stormed toward their stall, led by none other than Wang Jiugui from the day before.
With a loud smack , Wang Jiugui slammed both hands onto the table. The surrounding crowd quickly backed away, unwilling to be caught in the crossfire.
He Yun Sheng, however, showed no fear. "What do you think you're doing?" he snapped.
"What am I doing?" Wang Jiugui sneered. "You hit me yesterday—did you really think that would be the end of it?"
He Yun Sheng rolled up his sleeves, his expression icy. "Looking for a fight? I’ll oblige!"
"You’ve got guts, kid!" Wang Jiugui took a step back, and his lackeys immediately encircled He Yun Sheng. "I’d advise you not to be so reckless, young man!"
He Yun Sheng remained unfazed. Just then, He Yan called out, "Stop!"
Both He Yun Sheng and Wang Jiugui turned to look at her.Wang Jiugui saw He Yan and laughed again, saying, "This lad doesn't know any better, but since he's your brother, Miss He, I'll give you face. If Miss He would be willing to accompany me on a spring outing, we can let this matter drop. I'm magnanimous and won't stoop to a child's level."
"All that comes out of your mouth is trash!" He Yunsheng flared up in anger.
"Hold on." He Yan grabbed He Yunsheng's wrist. He tried to break free, but no matter how hard he struggled, her grip held firm. He Yunsheng was stunned—since when had He Yan become so strong?
"Let's not discuss this here and frighten the bystanders," He Yan said calmly. "We'll talk over there." She pointed to a narrow alley deeper inside near the Drunken Jade Tower.
"No way!"
"Excellent!"
He Yunsheng and Wang Jiugui spoke simultaneously.
He Yunsheng protested urgently, "You're a young lady—how can you go with them... These people are no good!"
Wang Jiugui, however, grinned. "It seems Miss He is more sensible. Let's go then. I've even brought a gift for you today..."
As He Yunsheng continued to resist, He Yan leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Do you think all those days I spent chopping firewood with you in the mountains were for nothing? Don't worry, nothing will happen. Just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."
Her voice was soft and light, carrying a hint of inexplicable amusement. He Yunsheng was momentarily dazed, and by the time he snapped out of it, He Yan had already followed Wang Jiugui and his gang.
He Yunsheng wanted to chase after them, but remembering He Yan's words, he forced himself to stop.
He'd trust her this once. Just the time for a cup of tea. If she wasn't back by then, he'd go after her.
Meanwhile, He Yan and Wang Jiugui arrived at the alley.
Above the alley was the tavern of the Drunken Jade Tower. Faint strains of music and zither notes drifted down, melodious and pleasant. He Yan had long yearned to visit but never had the chance. Shortly after her return to the capital, He Rufei came back, and she had to dress as a woman, barred from such places.
"Little Sister He," Wang Jiugui sidled up with a grin. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"My brother."
"Young Master He?" Wang Jiugui was slightly surprised but quickly beamed and waved magnanimously. "Why would I hold a grudge against him? You know how I feel." He pulled out a duck-egg-blue round powder case from his robe and reached for He Yan's face with his other hand. "You're in my heart. Soon, we'll be family—"
Wang Jiugui's words were cut off by a scream.
Inside the Drunken Jade Tower, the zither string trembled at the sound, hitting a wrong note—like a flaw on fine jade, abrupt and regrettable. Someone asked in confusion, "What was that noise?"
A fan lifted a corner of the gauze curtain, revealing a delicate teacup, though the slender, jade-like fingers holding it were even more striking.
He Yan released her grip. Wang Jiugui's arm hung limply as he stared at her in terror. She smiled faintly and flicked her wrist, sending the duck-egg-blue powder case smashing into his face, covering him in white powder.
"Thanks for the gift, but I don't care for such cheap makeup. Remember—don't give me things like this again."
"Bitch! Get her!" Wang Jiugui howled, still managing to bark orders through his pain.The young maiden in the prime of her youth seemed to have heard a joke, her eyes curving into crescents as her laughter rang clear as a mountain spring. She was genuinely happy—the spring breeze lifted the hem of her skirt, her black hair and snow-white skin complementing her almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with clarity, resembling nothing less than a delicate young lady out for a spring stroll.
Yet the words she spoke sent chills down one's spine.
Rubbing her wrist, she smiled and said, "You'd better not regret this."
[This chapter features the male lead's finger making a cameo appearance. (facepalm)]
(End of Chapter)
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