Just as Yan Xun was gazing into the distance along the rural paths of Daxia's border towns, the entire Zhan residence descended into chaos. A servant had just reported that the fifth young miss of the Zhan family, Zhan Ziming, had gone out to meet guests but was intercepted and detained by the wife of Wupeng City's garrison commander at the city guard's residence. The reason behind this was naturally clear to everyone.
When Zhan Ziyu received this news, he was playing the qin in his cabin. It took Zhan Zikui quite some time to deliver the message coherently. The man in a white cotton robe stopped playing, then slowly, very slowly, furrowed his brows deeply.
"Ziyu, even if Fifth Sister has her faults, you must think of a solution. That Lady Tian is notoriously fierce-tempered, what if..."
"Enough, I understand." Zhan Ziyu closed his eyes, tilted his head back slightly, took a deep breath, and said, "Second Sister, you may leave now."
"But?"
"Go."
After the door closed, Zhan Ziyu let out a long sigh and slowly leaned back against his chair.
That afternoon, the atmosphere aboard the ship grew peculiarly tense. As soon as the vessel docked, Jing Han had already disembarked with his men and was no longer onboard. Two hours later, Zhan Ziyu, accompanied by two servants, left the ship and boarded a carriage that had been waiting nearby, disappearing in a cloud of dust.
It wasn't until evening, when lanterns were lit and servants gathered on the deck for dinner, that the carriage returned from afar. Zhan Ziyu was the first to be carried out by servants, followed by Zhan Ziming in full ceremonial attire, though her hair was slightly disheveled and she wore a rather thick veil over her face. The servants automatically averted their eyes, yet with the faint evening breeze, Chu Qiao still caught a glimpse of her swollen cheeks beneath the veil.
Zhan Ziming had returned alone, without any maids or attendants. So when Jing Zisu came looking for her after dinner, Chu Qiao already knew what this visit was about.
The ship's cabin was quite small. Jing Zisu sat silently on Liang Shaoqing's bed, her gaze somewhat vacant. Chu Qiao poured her a cup of tea, but she didn't even notice at first.
"Sister Zisu?"
Chu Qiao called softly. Jing Zisu started, quickly took the teacup, held it in her hands, and took a small sip.
Chu Qiao sighed and asked, "Sister Zisu, is there something you need?"
"Ah? I, I..." Jing Zisu stammered, "It's nothing."
The cabin fell into an awkward silence, neither knowing what to say next. Just then, Liang Shaoqing knocked on the door, carrying a basin of hot water. "Xiao Qiao, the water you asked for."
"Mm," Chu Qiao nodded and went to take it from him.
Liang Shaoqing politely greeted Jing Zisu before leaving.
Chu Qiao sat on the bed, placed the basin on the floor, and began untying her leg wraps to remove her shoes. Unexpectedly, Jing Zisu immediately knelt down and started removing Chu Qiao's other shoe.
"Sister Zisu!" Chu Qiao exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing?"
"Me? I'll help you wash your feet."
Chu Qiao instantly grew angry. Her eyebrows arched sharply as she said irritably, "Who told you to do these things?"
Jing Zisu froze, seeming frightened. She awkwardly withdrew her hands, still kneeling on the floor with her wet hands dripping water. She looked at Chu Qiao in confusion, not daring to move.
Chu Qiao put her shoes back on and frowned. "Sit down."Jing Zisu quickly sat back on the bed, her cautious demeanor making Chu Qiao's heart ache. Frowning, Chu Qiao said, "Speak, what exactly is the matter?"
Jing Zisu bit her lower lip lightly, thought for a long while, but still shook her head: "It's nothing, I... it's nothing."
With that, she stood up, but her legs gave way and she nearly collapsed. Chu Qiao swiftly caught her. Through the clothing, she could feel the woman was frighteningly thin, her frame frail to an alarming degree.
Jing Zisu walked to the door and opened it. The wind from the river was strong, instantly tousling her already somewhat dry and yellowish hair. She was actually still very young, not yet twenty-five, but fine wrinkles had already formed at the corners of her eyes, her skin was not smooth, and she was startlingly pale.
"Yue'er, sleep well. The night wind is strong, remember to cover yourself with the quilt."
After saying this, Jing Zisu turned and left. Chu Qiao watched her go, noticing how thin her clothes were and how emaciated her figure appeared, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
A wave of sorrow suddenly rose from the depths of her heart. She stood at the door for a long time, finally took a deep breath, and made this irrational decision.
She naturally knew why Jing Zisu had come. Zhan Ziming had returned to the estate alone without bringing back any servants, clearly indicating that the servants who had been with her were detained at the City Guard's residence. Considering that Zhan Ziming was brought back by Zhan Ziyu, wouldn't that leave the servants who had accompanied her to bear the wrath of the City Guard's wife?
The Zhan family wouldn't intervene again for a few lowly servants and maids. Thus, even if that woman named Cai Qin didn't die, she would be severely beaten. Moreover, the sisters of the Jing family would be separated once more, and what would become of them, their circumstances, and whether they would ever meet again—all became unknowns.
Jing Zisu had no other options. Among the people she knew, only this recently reunited sister seemed to have some capability, not only favored by the Zhan family master but also having some ambiguous relationship with the young Prince Jing.
Chu Qiao had originally not intended to get involved in this matter. She had a clear understanding of her own abilities, and besides, now that she was entangled with Jing Han, she could barely take care of herself—how could she find time to stir up more trouble? So she had never brought it up herself. However, contrary to Chu Qiao's expectations, Jing Zisu did not bring it up either. She sat there uneasily, repeatedly wanting to speak but ultimately failing to utter a word, and in the end left without mentioning a single thing about it.
Perhaps she understood as well—understood what kind of power the other party wielded, understood how unreasonable her request was, understood that even speaking of it would be futile, understood that perhaps this recently reunited sister would bring disaster upon herself.
Chu Qiao frowned deeply, sat on the bed to fasten her leg wrappings, then slipped a sharp dagger into her boot, opened the door, and strode out.
Perhaps this was just the kind of person Chu Qiao was—she could be rational, shrewd, could lay out all pros and cons on the table for discussion, but she couldn't stand others being kind to her. It was this very nature that had made her follow Yan Xun through life and death for eight years, and it was this same nature that made her heart soften fiercely at Jing Zisu's uneasy expression.
The full moon was obscured by dark clouds, plunging the world into utter blackness. Chu Qiao nimbly climbed down from the ship, glanced back at the two covert sentries of Jing Han who had already fallen into a deep sleep, then turned and sprinted away into the night.An hour later, Chu Qiao had already slipped unnoticed into the City Governor Tian's residence. If not for the occasional patrolling guards and the ferocious hounds, this seemingly heavily guarded ancient estate felt more like an undefended playground in Chu Qiao's eyes.
Slipping down from a tree like an eel, the woman landed silently in the rear garden.
The city governor's residence was built in a connected style, somewhat resembling a military camp. It was said that this City Governor Tian was a renowned military commander, and it appeared the rumors were true. Chu Qiao agilely pressed herself behind a rockery, her ears perking up as she detected approaching footsteps from afar, seemingly heading in her direction.
The grass ahead was dense, and the woods to the right were lush—both seemed like ideal hiding spots. Yet Chu Qiao firmly deduced that many hidden sentries lurked there. One misstep, and she would be riddled with arrows without a chance of survival. Clearly, this path was impassable.
Her gaze shifted toward the pavilions in the southeast. Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes slightly, furrowed her brows, and darted out. With a sudden burst of speed, she sprinted toward a pillar in a long corridor to the right. Just as she was about to collide with it, she lifted her foot and kicked hard against the pillar, using the momentum to propel herself upward. In three steps, just as her strength began to wane, she reached out her hands and grabbed the tiled roof above. Hanging by her arms and clamping her legs around the pillar, she swiftly climbed upward. As the lantern light from the corner turned her way, she leaped and clung tightly to the corridor's tiles like a gecko.
"This way."
A shrill voice suddenly rang out, dripping with flattery and caution, unmistakably servile. Then, the sound of chaotic footsteps followed—about twenty people, by the sound of it. Chu Qiao frowned deeply, remaining perfectly still and silent in her hiding place.
"I have long heard of your esteemed grace, outstanding martial skills, and unparalleled wisdom and courage—truly a dragon among men. Seeing you today, the rumors do not do you justice."
The man burst into exaggerated laughter, seemingly pleased with his own flattery. However, the young master he praised remained silent. Only the man's awkward laughter echoed through the garden, creating an intensely uncomfortable atmosphere.
After laughing for a while with no response, the man forced a dry chuckle and fell silent. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he snickered lecherously and said, "This way, we're almost there. I recently purchased a slave girl from Xianyang City—peerless in beauty, delicate and charming. She's been bathed and dressed, hehe, awaiting your pleasure, young master."
The footsteps abruptly halted right beneath Chu Qiao. Instantly, every muscle in her body tensed. Gripping her dagger, she held her breath and furrowed her brows tightly.
A low voice spoke slowly, its owner seemingly afflicted with a cold, his voice hoarse and nasal, yet it did nothing to diminish his imposing presence.
"Xianyang City?"
"Yes," the man chuckled. "As you know, young master, Daxia's regulations on slaves are more lenient, and the prices... well, are much cheaper than in Biantang. A while ago, Secretary Cui from the records bureau went to Xianyang City on business and brought her back for me. Would you care to see her, young master?"
After a long silence, the young master finally replied in a deep voice, "Let's take a look."
The official immediately brightened and led the group away with a smile.Chu Qiao slowly let out a sigh of relief. It seemed there was an honored guest visiting the city guard’s residence tonight—no wonder the security was lax. She had come at just the right time. But she wondered what kind of guest could receive such hospitality from a city guard, especially one from Daxia.
She stopped overthinking and quietly rose, heading in the opposite direction. Tonight’s most critical task was to locate the prison in the city guard’s residence, find the imprisoned Cai Qin, and rescue her.
Moving like a wildcat in the darkness, Chu Qiao’s steps were light and her movements swift. But just as she was about to cross the corridor, her foot suddenly slipped. Frowning, she swiftly crouched to steady herself, her fingers brushing against moss.
At this distance, no one should have heard her. Her heart raced as she thought this, but suddenly, a cold voice rang out: “Who’s there?”
The voice was low, and in an instant, the speaker had arrived beneath the corridor—it was the taciturn young master!
Chu Qiao gripped her dagger, took a deep breath, and frowned tightly, remaining silent.
Seeing her silence, the young master sneered, leaped up, kicked off a pillar twice, and with a single arm hooked the eaves, effortlessly pulling himself onto the roof!
Dark clouds obscured the moon, plunging everything into darkness. In the gloom, only the man’s tall, slender figure was visible, his robes fluttering in the wind, exuding a sharp, imposing aura.
Chu Qiao’s eyes twitched, anger surging within her. Knowing that delay would only allow his reinforcements to arrive, she wasted no time. She leaped into the air, dagger in hand, and swung it fiercely. The young master responded without hesitation, blocking her arm with a swift motion, then abruptly pulling her forward as his other hand shot toward her neck—fast! Incredibly fast! Unbelievably fast!
But Chu Qiao was no slower. She arched backward, evading his attack, and executed a smooth backflip. As she flipped, her hand slipped like an eel into his chest, while a gust of palm wind struck her shoulder. Almost simultaneously, a tearing sound echoed, and a searing pain shot through her shoulder. She yanked hard and kicked out, only to meet his leg with a thud. Their shins collided, sending a numbing shock through both of them. They stepped back, glaring coldly at each other.
Chu Qiao held a piece of smooth silk fabric in her hand. Without a second glance, she tossed it to the ground.
Just as he had struck her shoulder, she had landed a punch on his chest. Their kicks had canceled each other out—neither had gained an advantage.
Footsteps approached from below; the guards were clearly returning quickly. Chu Qiao cursed inwardly in frustration, never expecting to encounter such a skilled opponent in the city guard’s residence. If they surrounded her, she might not make it out alive tonight.
Her phoenix eyes gleaming with ferocity, she steadied herself and launched an attack without hesitation. Her movements were ruthless, swift, and deadly!
But her opponent was no pushover either. With a cold laugh, he suddenly tossed an object toward her—a folding fan.
Chu Qiao’s assault faltered momentarily. Before she could cry out “Coward!”, he closed in rapidly, his hands twisting to seize her wrists, pressing his body against hers.Chu Qiao's eyes turned cold as her body twisted in an unnatural arc. Her left leg swept up from behind, crossing over her head to deliver a vicious kick to the man's shoulder. He grunted, his breath reeking of alcohol washing over Chu Qiao's face.
Yet the man didn't retreat from the blow. Instead, he stepped forward and clamped his arm around Chu Qiao's waist. The roof was covered in moss, causing both to lose their footing and tumble down the sloping eaves!
The corridor roof wasn't particularly high, but at over three meters, a fall would mean serious injury at best.
With unspoken coordination, they simultaneously released one hand to grip the roof tiles. Just then, the man swung his leg across, pinning Chu Qiao's leg beneath his. As she prepared to counter, he flipped over her, using the momentum to drive his elbow hard toward her chest!
Chu Qiao's eyes narrowed dangerously. She bent her other leg, ready to deliver a crippling blow that would ensure he'd never be a man again if he followed through with his attack.
Sure enough, the young master discerned her intent and abruptly halted his assault mid-air, twisting his body to change position.
Two simultaneous grunts echoed as sharp pain shot through them both.
The man's elbow smashed into Chu Qiao's shoulder while her leg connected brutally with his thigh.
They fell like struck hammers. The dagger clattered several times before sliding down the sloped roof and dropping to the ground.
Chu Qiao scrambled to her feet, but before she could steady herself, a rush of air warned of another attack. Her eyebrows arched as she spun into a roundhouse kick. Her opponent proved skilled, taking the blow on his back without a sound as he closed in. With a practiced grappling move, his hand shot out and clamped onto her chest!
Both froze instantly.
Soft, though not particularly full, yet surprisingly elastic with an unexpectedly pleasant feel.
Even with his limited experience, the man now understood the assassin's gender. Startled, he not only forgot his follow-up moves but also failed to withdraw his hand.
"Seeking death!"
Chu Qiao's cold shout cut through the air as she grabbed his belt and unleashed an explosive spinning side kick that connected solidly with his flank.
The man grunted and staggered back. As Chu Qiao prepared to press her advantage, she heard approaching footsteps growing dense. She shot him a cold glare before nimbly turning and leaping off the corridor roof in several bounds. She vanished into the darkness just before the pursuers arrived.
The city guard's soldiers climbed onto the corridor roof using ladders. Magistrate Tian approached trembling, wiping cold sweat from his forehead as he cautiously asked, "Young master? Who was it?"
Soldiers swarmed the roof with torches illuminating the scene. The man stood revealed - handsome features, dark eyes, dressed in deep purple finery though curiously missing a piece of fabric on his chest. He exuded a wicked handsomeness, his lips strikingly crimson.
"An assassin," he replied slowly.
Magistrate Tian started, immediately shouting, "Assassins! Alert the entire mansion! Hunt down the assassin!"
Deafening gongs reverberated through the city guard's residence, awakening the entire city. Torches flared everywhere, instantly turning the estate bright as day."City Commander Tian," the man turned to look at him and said, "Could you instruct your troops to capture her alive? No arrows or blades are to be used."
City Commander Tian was taken aback for a moment, then quickly replied, "As you wish, young master."
The night breeze swept through, lifting the man's luxurious robe. Gazing in the direction where Chu Qiao had disappeared, he recalled her agile movements and the sharp cry she let out before fleeing, quietly furrowing his brows.
Chu Qiao had a terrible headache. Outside, the area was brightly lit and swarming with soldiers. No matter how skilled she was, she couldn't possibly escape unscathed.
Thinking of that despicable so-called young master, she gritted her teeth in fury.
"Don't let me run into you again!"
Chu Qiao muttered under her breath, clutching a diamond-shaped jade pendant in her hand. She had torn it from the man's waist during their scuffle. Even though she hadn't gotten a clear look at his face, this jade pendant alone would eventually help her uncover his identity. Moreover, she could simply inquire about who had been invited to the city commander's residence tonight, and his identity would be immediately revealed.
Recalling how he had grabbed her chest, Chu Qiao's face turned pale with rage.
This grudge was officially settled.
Just then, a seductive voice suddenly rang out. Chu Qiao was hiding behind a screen in an opulent room, and it was clear that the lady of the room had awoken.
The woman was dressed provocatively, with half of her pale bosom exposed. She stretched lazily and began walking toward the screen.
Chu Qiao's scalp prickled with alarm. There was no time to hide before the woman was standing face to face with her, their eyes locked in mutual surprise.
The woman's mouth fell open, but before she could let out a scream, Chu Qiao struck instantly, delivering a swift chop to her neck. The woman's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed softly to the floor, unconscious.
It seemed she would have to hide here for the night.
Just as she finished tying up the woman, she heard footsteps approaching from outside. Chu Qiao froze, recognizing the repulsive voice of City Commander Tian:
"Young master, this is the room of the new slave girl I purchased. She's still untouched—a pure maiden. Please, enjoy yourself."
Damn!
Chu Qiao stared in disbelief, her eyes fixed on the brightly lit exterior, completely dumbfounded.
————Dividing Line————
Got back late, rushed to finish. Here's this chapter for now.
OpenNovel