A single stone stirred up a thousand waves. Chu Qiao wished she could punch this man's head off, but still had to cover for him: "He didn't say anything. He was just talking nonsense."
Various gazes came from all directions. Liang Shaoqing wasn't a fool either - he knew he had said something inappropriate and quickly covered up: "Yes, I... I misspoke for a moment. Please forgive me, young master."
"Audacious! You mere servants dare to speak recklessly and talk nonsense before your masters? You're utterly lawless! Do you not value your lives?" Before the Zhan family members could speak, Chen Shuang, the future butler of the Zhan residence who was about to take office, couldn't wait to roar out. His face was flushed red, eyes bloodshot, his anger unusually intense.
"When we are speaking, what right does a servant have to interrupt? The rules are becoming increasingly disregarded. Chen Shuang, take these two away and give them twenty heavy strikes with the punishment rod. Let them learn their lesson."
The eldest young lady Zhan Zifang spoke calmly, never once glancing at the two from beginning to end, yet her brows slowly furrowed. The servants on both sides immediately stepped forward. At this moment, Zhan Ziyu suddenly coughed lightly, his voice faint and without force, yet it instantly made everyone pause their movements. The man calmly turned his head, his gaze lightly sweeping over Chu Qiao before saying: "Forget it. They've just entered the residence and need time to learn many things. Let this matter rest. You may withdraw."
The servants stood in place, looking rather awkwardly at the eldest young lady. Zhan Zifang's brows were tightly locked, her breathing rapid, clearly angered by Zhan Ziyu's words.
"Ziyu, you're always too lenient with everything. If we don't strictly discipline these slaves, they'll think they can fly to the heavens. In my opinion, we should teach them a small lesson to prevent them from becoming completely lawless."
Zhan Zikui said softly, then raised her head and cast an icy glance at Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing before saying sternly: "You two, kneel before me now!"
Chu Qiao's brows slowly furrowed, her inner anger rising wave after wave. They were already within Biantang territory - she no longer feared being pursued. Rather than suffering humiliation in this chaotic Zhan family, it would be better to cause a scene, get expelled from the Zhan residence, and take the opportunity to slip off the ship. Thinking this, the woman dressed in servant's clothing snorted coldly, raised her head and slowly said: "There is gold beneath a man's knees. Rather than making me kneel and kowtow to a woman like you, you might as well take my head!"
Once these words were spoken, everyone was shocked. Zhan Zikui was momentarily stunned before suddenly stepping forward and angrily shouting: "Such audacity! Guards, seize them!"
Four burly men immediately rushed forward. Chu Qiao sneered, suddenly advanced, turning defense into offense. She struck out with both elbows, leaped up, and fiercely slammed into the ribs of two servants. The two seven-foot tall men immediately cried out in pain and fell sideways. Meanwhile, fists whistled through the air beside her ears. The young girl identified positions by sound, nimbly dodged to the right to avoid the attack, then turned, grabbed the shoulder, twisted and locked it, instantly dislocating the man's arm.
Before the screams could fade, another man approached. Chu Qiao grabbed the disarmed man as a pivot, took two running steps, leaped up, and delivered a fierce kick to the other man's chin. The man grunted, spun in mid-air, and fell heavily to the ground with a thud.In the blink of an eye, all four burly men were knocked to the ground, each subdued with a single move, leaving them no chance to retaliate.
Chu Qiao possessed combat experience spanning two lifetimes—how could her fighting skills be matched by mere household guards? The onlookers were dazzled, unable to grasp what had happened before their eyes, and were astonished to see no one left standing in the arena. Gu Gongen’s face turned ashen, his cultivated composure shattered as he stepped forward and said sharply, "Utter lawlessness! Seize this insolent little beast who knows no respect for rank or seniority—dead or alive!"
With a sudden rustle, over twenty guards closed in from all sides. Chu Qiao spun around, a careless sneer curling her lips. Her small back straightened proudly as she pointed disdainfully at the surrounding crowd and scoffed, "If any of you can last thirty moves against me, I’ll kneel and kowtow a hundred times!"
"What arrogance! All of you—"
"Enough!"
A low, stern voice cut through the chaos. Zhan Ziyu, his brow furrowed, spoke slowly, "How long do you intend to keep causing trouble? Do any of you still regard me?"
Gu Gongen froze, then awkwardly tried to explain, "Ziyu, I—"
"Say no more," Zhan Ziyu turned his gaze to Chu Qiao and said gravely, "You two may leave. The Zhan residence is too humble to host such esteemed guests. I was blind not to recognize your worth earlier and have offended you."
Chu Qiao was taken aback and replied, "Young master, you flatter us. Our family has fallen on hard times, and we are deeply grateful for your rescue. This kindness, we brothers will always remember."
Zhan Ziyu did not respond, turning away slowly—clearly unconvinced.
Now was the time to leave. Chu Qiao grabbed the still-dazed Liang Shaoqing and hurried off the boat.
The dock in Meicheng was quite far from the marketplace, and it was noon by the time they entered the city. Having skipped breakfast and now penniless, Liang Shaoqing sighed repeatedly, muttering that they should have stayed on the boat—until Chu Qiao smacked him twice on the head, silencing his complaints.
Finding Liang Shaoqing too much of a nuisance, Chu Qiao left him waiting in a dilapidated temple while she wandered the streets. She deftly lifted wallets from two foppish men, bought some food, and returned to the temple.
Surprisingly, Liang Shaoqing asked no questions this time, as if aware that even the sages might have forsaken him. He ate obediently and, once full, let out a contented burp.
By then, dusk had fallen. Knowing it was unsafe to linger, Chu Qiao led the bookworm out of the temple and headed south.
Exiting through the southern gate, they traveled on foot for lack of horses. Before long, Liang Shaoqing complained of sore legs and insisted on resting. Reluctantly, Chu Qiao sat down with a frown. The moon was full, the stars sparse, and the air fresh. A tributary of the Chishui River, known as the Peony River, flowed through the area. Sparse trees cast shadows along the banks, flowers swayed in the night breeze, and a faint fragrance drifted through the air. An ancient path stretched into the distance, flanked by occasional manor houses and pavilions on the water, their colorful lanterns glowing softly, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility.
"Bookworm, we’re taking the land route now. Once we reach Bolan City up ahead, we’ll part ways."
"What? What did you say?" Liang Shaoqing jolted, nearly leaping to his feet. "Xiao Qiao? Why?""For no particular reason," Chu Qiao said gravely. "We're not related in any way, you can't keep following me forever. Don't you still need to go to Tang Capital?"
Liang Shaoqing gaped, mumbling for a long while before saying, "I'm traveling to broaden my horizons, I can go anywhere."
"But I have serious matters to attend to. Don't worry, before we part ways I'll prepare travel funds and documents for your journey to the capital. Nothing will go wrong this time."
Liang Shaoqing suddenly fell silent, his breathing growing increasingly heavy. Puzzled, Chu Qiao glanced at him and saw the man suddenly spring to his feet, declaring loudly, "Who needs your money? Let's part ways here and now!"
With that, he turned and strode away.
Chu Qiao was startled, never expecting this bookworm to have such a fiery temper. She stood up and shouted, "You damned bookworm, stop right there!"
Liang Shaoqing continued forward as if he hadn't heard, not even turning his head.
"I'm telling you one more time - stop right there!"
"Liang Shaoqing, don't be ungrateful! If you dare take one more step, we're through! I'll never care about you again!"
"Bookworm, can't you hear me?"
This time, Liang the bookworm was determined, actually walking off just like that. Chu Qiao sat on a large rock, so angry her eyes turned blue, thinking to herself that men really shouldn't be given any leeway. With his attitude and without a single coin to his name, he'd probably be captured and sold into slavery before daybreak.
After fuming for a while, Chu Qiao still stood up intending to chase after him. But before she could take a step, Liang Shaoqing's voice screamed in the distance like a slaughtered pig: "Xiao Qiao! Run!"
"Stop! Surrender quietly! Or I'll kill him!"
Suddenly, Chu Qiao felt that life was truly hopeless.
**
Some people in this world are born to be annoying - if they don't bother someone for a day, they can't eat or sleep peacefully.
Like Tian Boguang, like Ximen Qing, and also like Liang Shaoqing.
Dealing with a group of bandit-like slave traders was actually quite simple. The real challenge was how to rescue the damned bookworm completely unharmed. Just as Chu Qiao had finally driven off the five shifty-eyed slave traders, the newly rescued Liang Shaoqing came running back from the distance, followed by a group of big men carrying long knives. The young bookworm shouted while running: "Quick! The highway robbers are right ahead!"
"Xiao Qiao! Are you alright!"
Chu Qiao looked helplessly as Liang Shaoqing rushed forward like a mother hen, anxiously grabbing her to look her over.
"They didn't hurt you, did they? Those wicked bandits! Don't worry, I've brought these gentlemen. If they dare come back, we'll tie them up and turn them over to the authorities!"
Many times, Chu Qiao truly didn't know how to communicate with this man who had never ventured out or seen much of the world. Shouldn't you be the one afraid of seeing officials? Shouldn't you be the one without identification documents? Why do you always speak with such self-righteousness?
"Gentlemen, sorry to trouble you. Thank you for being willing to help. Those people have already run off."
Chu Qiao stepped forward to thank the leader of the group. Although they hadn't been much help, at least they were strangers who happened to meet on the road and had been brought all this way by Liang the bookworm - they could be considered kind-hearted people."No need for thanks," the big man looked Chu Qiao up and down with a strange expression, then asked, "Where are you from, young man?"
Chu Qiao immediately grew alert and was about to reply when suddenly a miserable scream came from behind her. She whirled around to see Liang Shaoqing with a black bag over his head, struggling desperately.
"Hey! Stop—"
Before she could finish speaking, a sudden buzzing filled her head and her vision went dark. In the last moment before completely losing consciousness, Chu Qiao saw the big man kick her to the ground. The bitterness in her mouth tasted like coptis, and she wanted to curse loudly. In her final moment of clarity, she frantically warned herself that after waking up, she must get rid of that idiot jinx and never again endure such perverse misfortune.
When she woke up, Chu Qiao truly understood what it meant to be unable to cry even when wanting to.
Zhan Ziyu sat in the sandalwood-scented room, wearing a plain blue robe with a blue gauze feather-satin overgarment. His features were clear and handsome, his eyes indifferent as he drank tea with his head lowered.
A young woman sat nearby, dressed in a wide-sleeved gown with pale white background and light yellow simple patterns. Her demeanor was elegant, her face dignified, with almond-shaped cheeks and eyes like autumn water—clear, cold, and sharp. Though wearing light makeup and plain attire, she couldn't conceal her peerless, stunning grace. At this moment, she was speaking softly and slowly: "I encountered them both on the road. Seeing they were wearing our household's servant clothing, I brought them back. Fourth Brother, are they runaway slaves from our family?"
Zhan Ziyu's expression was somewhat cold as he glanced at the now-awake Chu Qiao and nodded faintly. "Fifth Sister, you've troubled yourself."
The woman's face darkened slightly as she called softly, "Fourth Brother..."
"Go rest now, you must be tired after a long day."
The woman gently bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, and her expression returned to calm.
"Then Fourth Brother should rest early. Ming'er will take her leave now. The river wind is cold—please remember to add more clothing."
Zhan Ziyu turned his wheelchair slowly, his hand brushing over the zither strings on the table, immediately producing a series of clear, melodious notes. "No matter how cold Biantang's winds may be, they can't compare to Daxia's harsh winter."
Zhan Ziming pressed her lips together and turned to leave without another word. The room suddenly fell silent. Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing were thrown on the ground like disregarded trash. Watching the servants withdraw one after another, Chu Qiao couldn't help growing anxious and called out, "Hey! If you're all leaving, who's going to untie us?"
With a swish, a flying dagger shot over, cutting through the ropes binding Chu Qiao. The precision and force were so accurate that even Chu Qiao herself would have found it difficult to match.
"The ship has already set sail. You can either jump overboard or wait until we dock in three days."
After untying the ropes from Liang Shaoqing, the foolish scholar was still sound asleep. Two slaps from Chu Qiao made him yell and jump up, shouting loudly, "There are thieves! Thieves!"
"In that case, we'll trouble the young master."
Zhan Ziyu didn't respond, quietly keeping his head lowered, lost in unknown thoughts.
Grabbing the drowsy, disoriented Liang Shaoqing, Chu Qiao walked out of the cabin door.
"Xiao Qiao, how did we get back here? Did the Zhan family send someone to rescue us?"Chu Qiao no longer wanted to hit him. She turned to look at him, her eyes filled with sorrow. After exhausting all her energy throughout the day, she didn’t wish to say another word.
"Xiao Qiao, what’s that expression for? What’s wrong? Did someone bully you? Just tell me!"
"Hey? Why are you walking so fast? Huh? Are you going to sleep already? But I still have questions for you!"
"Xiao Qiao, are you about to cry? Why are you looking at me like that?"
...
**
Early the next morning, Chu Qiao was roughly shaken awake by Liang Shaoqing. Opening her eyes, she saw him happily holding two empty bowls, beaming as if it were a holiday. "What time is it, and you’re still sleeping? Time for breakfast!"
Then, he turned and walked out of the cabin, calling loudly, "Wait here, I’ll go get food for you."
Human thought is difficult to comprehend. For instance, Chu Qiao couldn’t understand how Liang Shaoqing could so nonchalantly go out to fetch food or what identity he had assumed to join the Zhan family’s slaves in the meal line. This question was truly perplexing, more inscrutable than Goldbach’s conjecture.
Just then, someone knocked on the door. Before Chu Qiao could respond, a rather pretty maid entered, giving her a disdainful glance before saying coldly, "The young master wants to see you. Follow me."
Chu Qiao was taken aback, unsure why Zhan Ziyu was summoning her again. When under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head. She got out of bed, tidied herself up, and followed the maid out.
To her surprise, the maid turned a corner but did not head toward Zhan Ziyu’s room. Frowning in confusion, Chu Qiao asked, "Sister, where are you taking me?"
"Who’s your sister? Stop trying to act familiar! Of course, we’re going to see the young master!"
"But the young master’s room isn’t in that direction, is it?"
The maid’s pretty face hardened as she snapped coldly, "What status do you have to expect the young master to receive you in his room? If you keep asking questions, I’ll throw you into the Chishui River to feed the fish!"
They descended further into the ship, reaching the lowest-class cabins. Even Liang Shaoqing would have sensed something amiss by now. Chu Qiao subtly raised an eyebrow and asked calmly, "Is the young master meeting me in the lower cabins?"
The maid flared up, "Why do you have so many questions?"
With a loud "bang," the doors on both sides of the lower cabin swung open. Over thirty burly men rushed out, crowding the narrow corridor. Leading them, Chen Shuang sneered, "You blind little brat! Today, you’ll learn what it means to mess with us!"
Chu Qiao glanced around, a faint, cold smile curling at the corners of her lips. First, the narrow space prevented them from surrounding her, negating their numerical advantage. Second, being in the lower hold, they couldn’t use weapons for fear of damaging the ship. Third, to avoid being overheard, they had closed the cabin doors, cutting off airflow and making the already cramped space even more suffocating.
Looking at these brawny but combat-untrained men, Chu Qiao relaxed, cracking her neck and stretching her limbs. Leaning against a pillar, she crossed her arms, curled one finger, and beckoned lightly. "Come at me together."
"Kill him!" Chen Shuang roared, charging forward with his men.Chu Qiao let out a cold snort, her eyes flashing with a ruthless gleam. One of the family guards felt a blur before his eyes, followed by the crisp sound of cracking bones in his chest. Before he could even register the pain, his entire body was sent flying backward!
Without a moment’s pause after kicking the man away, Chu Qiao slid forward, her wrist twisting like an eel as she reached out. Her fingers curled into a claw, gripping the man’s chin firmly. With a sharp twist and pull, a cracking sound echoed as his jaw was dislocated.
Having swiftly dealt with two guards, Chu Qiao grabbed the man with the dislocated jaw and launched into a flying kick. Using a mountaineering grappling step, she delivered seven consecutive strikes to the necks of seven men charging toward her. The men groaned in unison, collapsing to the ground before struggling to rise again. In a contest of speed and reflexes, Chu Qiao was second to none. As a burly man approached, the agile woman seized his belt and executed a perfect judo shoulder throw. The man crashed to the ground, and Chu Qiao followed up with a swift kick, sending him skidding backward like a shrimp, colliding with a group of guards trying to rush forward.
By this time, Chen Shuang’s echoing shouts were still ringing in the air. The onlookers stared in stunned disbelief, unable to comprehend what was happening as they were swiftly taken down. With precise killing techniques, flawless combat experience, favorable terrain, and unwavering skill, more than half of the men in the room were incapacitated in no time.
Fear gripped the crowd, and some even attempted to flee. Unfortunately, the doors were locked from the outside, leaving no escape.
Chu Qiao let out a light, mocking laugh. "We haven’t even started yet, and you’re already thinking of leaving?"
In an instant, agonized screams filled the lower deck.
The sound of locks clicking open echoed sharply. Liang Shaoqing charged in first, having desperately pleaded for Zhan Ziyu’s help. Behind him followed several other young ladies and sons-in-law of the Zhan family, along with a crowd of curious servants and attendants. They all crowded at the doorway, their jaws dropping in shock at the horrifying scene before them.
The Zhan family’s formidable guards lay strewn across the floor in disarray. Few remained standing unscathed. Chen Shuang, pinned under Chu Qiao’s foot, strained to lift his head at the noise from above. But before he could rise, he collapsed again with a thud, shattering two of his front teeth.
Standing amidst the injured men, Chu Qiao remained unharmed, her smile warm and her tone light as she looked up and said, "Young Master, I’ve caused trouble for you again. You should dock the boat and send me ashore."
A cold breeze swept through the cabin door, tousling the young woman’s bangs. Zhan Ziyu’s eyes narrowed slowly before he broke into a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, extending his hand toward the lower deck.
"Come up."
"Huh?" Chu Qiao froze, her eyes widening in surprise.
Zhan Ziyu shook his head and sighed helplessly. "Come up here to talk."
Bewildered, Chu Qiao hesitated, wanting to leave but finding no clear path through the sea of fallen men. Without ceremony, she stepped on the backs of the men, eliciting pained groans, and briskly ascended the stairs to the deck."Come with me," Zhan Ziyu walked ahead, while the young ladies and servants of the Zhan residence behind him all stared at her with panicked expressions. Liang Shaoqing tried to push his way forward but was shoved to the periphery, continuously calling her name with a worried look.
"Hey!" A delicate voice suddenly sounded by her ear. Chu Qiao froze, turned her head, and nearly bumped into the young girl.
The sixth young lady of the Zhan family, Zhan Zijun, gazed at her with a beaming smile, her pretty face flushed red as she shyly bit her lower lip. Suddenly leaning in, she quickly whispered, "So impressive!"
Chu Qiao’s vision momentarily darkened. What on earth was all this about?
OpenNovel