Chapter 20 Meeting on a Stranger's Path

the Crown Prince of Nan Liang. How mature!" Yun Qianyue stood and saw two horses returning refreshed from their cool bath run, looking spirited and clean. She instructed Hua Luo, "Let's set off.""Okay...Chapter 20: Encounter on a Strange Pathway

The next morning, an envoy named Black Chrysanthemum delivered Jing Rong's message.

Yun Qianyue opened the letter and found it was about the Southern Frontier’s King Consort. Jing Rong mentioned that this king consort was not ordinary; he had investigated his background before but didn't find anything useful. It seemed the Southern Frontier’s King Consort came for reasons related to the Southern Frontier, but following her must mean she possessed something of importance to him. He advised Yun Qianyue to be cautious.

Yun Qianyue put down the letter and thought about how Jing Rong didn't mention Shen Zhao at all in his letter, probably because he hadn't received news about her staying with this family yet. But since she wrote two letters yesterday that were sent out consecutively, Jing Rong should have another one for her now. So she put down the letter without replying immediately and looked outside.

The three of them had already risen; the eldest lady was cooking, the eldest man was feeding the chickens, and Shen Zhao was feeding her Tashue grass. She seemed very fond of it. Each of them were busy with their own tasks, making the winter courtyard look somewhat warm.

Shortly after, Black Chrysanthemum indeed delivered Jing Rong's second letter.

Yun Qianyue opened it and read, "Since he has lofty ambitions, let’s provide him with a ladder to success! However, he needs polishing; otherwise, if he enters the court like this, he might end up being the Regent Prince's side dish. I’ve arranged for Black Chrysanthemum to bring him to the capital soon, so you don’t need to worry about it."

He also wrote, "Yun Qianyue, look at me! It’s right that I can't trust you completely! Whether it's a peach blossom or a plum blossom, whether for me or yourself, you always manage to bring one home with you."

Rolling her eyes, Yun Qianyue replied without much expression and then had Black Chrysanthemum deliver the letter back. The eldest lady came to call her for dinner as well. She stood up, left the room, and went to yesterday's main house.

The breakfast was just as sumptuous today. During the meal, the eldest lady asked, "Miss, may I ask your name"

Yun Qianyue smiled and said, "My husband’s surname is Chu."

The eldest lady, along with her husband and Shen Zhao, all looked surprised. The eldest lady couldn’t believe it, saying, "Miss, you’ve already married someone"

"Yes," Yun Qianyue nodded.

"Is there a Chu family in the capital of Heavenly Saint Kingdom" The eldest lady asked Shen Zhao.

Shen Zhao also looked at Yun Qianyue and shook his head, "I haven’t heard of any major Chu families."

The eldest lady observed Yun Qianyue’s eyebrows and said, "You don't look like someone who has already married."

Seeing the eldest lady staring at her brows, Yun Qianyue thought about how unmarried women usually had tighter brows compared to married ones. She smiled and somewhat sheepishly replied, "We’ve just completed the wedding ceremony but haven’t consummed our marriage yet."

The eldest lady understood, saying, "So that’s why you still look like a young girl."

"Although there's no Chu family in the Heavenly Saint capital, the first among the Ten Great Families is surnamed Chu," Shen Zhao observed.

The eldest man interrupted them and said, "Miss Chu must be a distinguished lady regardless. Why are you two digging so deep"

The eldest lady smiled kindly at Yun Qianyue and said, "Since that's the case, we shouldn't call you Miss anymore but Madam Chu."

Shen Zhao lowered his head to eat and didn’t speak further.

Yun Qianyue laughed. She had carefully considered using Li Yun’s appearance this time; one reason was her identity as the Red Pavilion's minor lady, and another was her role as the wife of the Chu family’s patriarch. Even without using the Red Pavilion, she could leverage Jing Rong's Chu family. The Sky Piercing Cliff was originally near the borders of Southern Frontier, South Liang, and Heavenly Saint Kingdoms. Her two identities were already quite mysterious, so if the situation in the Southern Frontier was complicated enough, it would be better to complicate things further; the more chaotic the situation, the easier it was to fish in troubled waters. Even if people like Cang Ting and Lan Yi from the Ten Great Families recognized her, what difference would it make Those who should worry were themselves. The Ten Great Families needed to draw a line somewhere, so this time she could use the Southern Frontier incident to solidify their divisions, making the current unclear situation of the Ten Great Families clear, which might be beneficial.

"Miss, do you know Lady Yun Qianyue from the Yun王府" Shen Zhao didn't call her Miss and asked after a moment.

Yun Qianyue was taken aback for a second before smiling and said, "Why would you ask such a question"

"Since you are an important person, if you could know Prince Jing, surely you must also know Lady Yun Qianyue That's why I’m asking," Shen Zhao replied.

Yun Qianyue smiled and said, "We do know each other."

"Is Lady Yun Qianyue from the Yun王府 truly good" Shen Zhao stared at Yun Qianyue’s eyes.

Thinking that although Shen Zhao studied books, he didn’t study them blindly. From his annotations yesterday, she could see how intelligent he was. Despite living in a rural area, he cared about current affairs and had likely been speculating about her identity all along but chose not to ask directly until now. Considering it might be related to the rumors about Jing Rong and herself, she smiled and replied, "Some say she’s good, others bad; what aspect are you asking about"

"Being able to win Prince Jing's heart must mean she’s excellent," Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue laughed and replied, "Just like how people have different tastes for radishes or cabbages. Winning his heart isn’t necessarily about being good or bad; there are many factors that contribute to mutual affection, not just one or two."

Shen Zhao nodded and didn't ask further.

Yun Qianyue looked at Shen Zhao. From the rash young man who entered their house yesterday to the somewhat meticulous and intelligent person he appears to be today, if given proper guidance, his future prospects are boundless. She refrained from further conversation.

The eldest master and mistress invited Yun Qianyue to eat as they didn’t seem to notice the hidden thoughts and twists in her two sentences.

After finishing their meal, Yun Qianyue prepared to leave.

Suddenly, Shen Zhao said to his parents, "Father, Mother, Miss Chu might not be safe going alone to the capital of Southern Wilderness. I will escort her."

The two elders were taken aback and asked in surprise, “Zhao’er, are you going to escort Miss Chu to the capital of Southern Wilderness”

Yun Qianyue was also surprised.

"Yes, I will escort Miss Chu!" Shen Zhao said firmly.

"This…" The two elders looked at Yun Qianyue as if seeking her opinion.

Yun Qianyue shook her head and said, "No need to send me. I..."

"Miss Chu, let me escort you!" Shen Zhao interrupted her and looked at his parents, “Father, Mother, we took a lot of money from Miss Chu; it’s only right that we see her off. Otherwise, if something happens to this young lady traveling alone, it would be problematic.”

"That makes sense," the mistress said to Yun Qianyue, "You wouldn’t be safe going alone. The Southern Wilderness is full of venomous creatures and curses. Although Zhao’er doesn't know martial arts, he learned some basic insect control techniques from a peculiar person before. It would be much safer for him to escort you. We would also feel at ease." She then asked the master, "Old man, what do you think"

The old man nodded and said, "Alright!"

"Then let’s go!" Without waiting for Yun Qianyue to say anything else, Shen Zhao turned around and left the room.

Yun Qianyue was somewhat dumbfounded and hurriedly followed him. She shook her head at him and said, "I’m fine on my own; you don’t have to escort me. I won’t be in any danger."

Shen Zhao turned around to look at her for a moment without saying anything and walked towards the southwestern corner of the house where the straw shed was.

Yun Qianyue watched him, somewhat at a loss for words.

"Miss Chu, let this boy go with you," the mistress said cheerfully. "Once he makes up his mind about something, no amount of persuasion can change it! It’s good that he goes out and experiences things. Perhaps seeing the capital of Southern Wilderness will make him give up the idea of going to the Heavenly Capital"

"That’s right," the master said. "Since childhood, Zhao’er has been this way. Maybe seeing the capital of Southern Wilderness will change his mind."

Yun Qianyue was at a loss for words.

The two elders looked at each other and the mistress said to Yun Qianyue, "Miss Chu, I know it’s uncomfortable for you as a lady to travel with a man alone. But don’t worry; my son is definitely an upright gentleman who would never act improperly towards you. He wants to escort you out of concern that something might happen during your journey."

"My husband will be unhappy if he knows about this," Yun Qianyue said softly.

"If your husband asks a weak lady like you to travel alone to such a dangerous place, it’s his fault. Moreover, a person with such narrow-mindedness doesn’t deserve to be called a gentleman." Shen Zhao led out a donkey from the straw shed and told Yun Qianyue upon hearing this.

Yun Qianyue twitched at the corners of her mouth and was speechless once more.

Shen Zhao released the reins and entered the small house. After a while, he came out with a small bag on his shoulder, reined in the donkey again, and left the room to tell his parents, “Father, Mother, I will return after escorting Miss Chu; you needn’t worry."

The mistress said, "I know you’ve been longing to go out for quite some time. Go ahead then. You don’t need to worry about home."

“Although you are going to see off Miss Chu, do not make her feel uncomfortable,” the master instructed.

"Understood!" Shen Zhao nodded and called Yun Qianyue over. "Miss Chu, let’s go!"

Seeing that there was no way to stop him from escorting her, and knowing he had good intentions, Yun Qianyue could only stroke her forehead in resignation, take her bag back into the house, bid farewell to the two elders.

The couple cheerfully sent Yun Qianyue out of their home. They seemed more pleased than worried about sending off a guest with their son.

Outside the door, Shen Zhao was already waiting on a donkey.

Yun Qianyue mounted Snow Treader and thought she would have to explain everything properly to Rong Jing when they returned.

The two of them left this peasant’s house and soon got onto the official road, heading for Purple Moon City.

The day with Yun Qianyue was as usual, and she walked slowly, which also matched Shen Zhao's small donkey. On the road, Yun Qianyue didn't speak, nor did Shen Zhao open his mouth; a horse and a donkey were quite eye-catching on the official road.

"Miss Yun!" Mo Ju's voice came over.

“Hn!” Yun Qianyue responded.

"How… How did you bring someone along with you… If this young master finds out…" Mo Ju's voice was somewhat weak.

Yun Qianyue felt a headache and remembered Shen Zhao’s words. She immediately said, "He said that for your husband to let a frail woman like you travel alone to the poisonous territory of Southern Wilderness is already wrong in itself. Moreover, if he has such narrow-mindedness, then he doesn't deserve to be called a gentleman."

Mo Ju suddenly fell silent.

Yun Qianyue found it amusing and thought secretly about what expression Rong Jing would have if he heard this sentence.

A long while later, Mo Ju's voice came over again. "The Southern Wilderness Imperial Uncle has caught up with you."

"Hn!" Yun Qianyue put on a serious look and nodded her head.

“But there is an extra person in the Southern Wilderness Imperial Uncle’s team.” Mo Ju added, “It's that mountain flower lady.”

"Mountain Flower" Yun Qianyue didn’t react for a moment.

"That woman who likes Shen Zhao." Mo Ju said.

Yun Qianyue suddenly understood. She glanced at Shen Zhao and saw him riding the donkey with full concentration. Although he was wearing cotton trousers and a thick coat, his skin was somewhat tanned, but there was still an elegant demeanor about him. Even on a donkey, it didn’t detract from his appearance. She nodded her head in approval, "Understood."

Mo Ju continued to say, "Qing Ying has sent back news and said that they have already followed those three people to Fen Water City. Those three are resting in Fen Water City and don't seem like they want to continue their journey."

"Hn!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

"Miss Yun, should I send a message to the young master about Shen Zhao" Mo Ju asked after a moment.

Yun Qianyue smiled and said, "Tell him that along with what Shen Zhao said."

“…” Mo Ju hesitated for a moment before weakly responding, “Yes!”

Yun Qianyue didn't speak again. Mo Ju's voice no longer came through.

After walking one hundred miles, at noon, they arrived at a small county town named Lan River County, which was famous for the orchid that grew by its waterside.

Yun Qianyue entered the small county town and just happened to see a steamed bun shop. She asked Shen Zhao, "Shall we rest our feet and eat some buns"

Shen Zhao glanced at the bun shop which was quite small and somewhat dilapidated; he nodded.

Yun Qianyue dismounted from her horse and entered the bun shop. She ordered several buns, a few dishes of small side-dishes, and two bowls of porridge.

Shen Zhao sat opposite to her, during their meal halfway through he opened his mouth: "I always thought that someone like you, a lady from an aristocratic family, would disdain the simple food of mountain villagers or eating in such small places."

Yun Qianyue blinked and said, "I'm a bit of an exception!"

Shen Zhao nodded his head but didn't speak anymore.

Yun Qianyue noticed that he hardly spoke. Besides the questions about Rong Jing yesterday which were somewhat urgent and had many words, he hadn’t said much. She also stopped talking.

"Miss Yun, the Southern Wilderness Imperial Uncle has caught up," Mo Ju's voice came through.

“Finally can't resist to overtake me” Yun Qianyue asked.

"It’s still uncertain." Mo Ju replied. "He also entered the city."

Yun Qianyue said, "I understand!"

The voice of Mo Ju faded away.

"Do you have a centipede on your person" Shen Zhao suddenly asked.

Yun Qianyue remembered that she did indeed have one. She recalled what his mother had said about him talking to an unusual person who taught him some insect control techniques, so it wasn't surprising that he knew there was a centipede on her. She nodded and asked, "Yes, is something wrong"

"The centipede on you has been subjected to a tracking spell," Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue was taken aback. "How do you know Are your insect control techniques very advanced"

"I don't know if they are or not, as I've never compared them with anyone else's, but I can tell that the centipede on you has been subjected to a tracking spell," Shen Zhao explained. "There is an odor about it; if it stays on your body for too long, this smell will infect yours. Afterward, wherever you go, whoever casted the spell will know where you are, even if the centipede isn't with you anymore."

Yun Qianyue was stunned. "So powerful What kind of tracking spell is it"

"This sort of tracking spell should be pretty advanced, right I had doubts at first but wasn’t sure until now that the person who casted the insect control spell on your centipede must be around here because I sensed something from the insects and identified it as a centipede."

Yun Qianyue narrowed her eyes. "So, my body has already been infected by this tracking spell"

"Yes!" Shen Zhao nodded. "Normally, such a tracking spell will take effect after two days on your person."

Yun Qianyue thought of how the Southern Frontier Imperial Uncle suddenly caught up to her now that enough time had passed. She was rather displeased.

"But I can remove this tracking spell from you," Shen Zhao added.

"You can" Yun Qianyue was truly surprised; she’d thought following him would be a hassle, but it turned out his abilities were even more impressive than what he learned in books. Wasn’t it like finding a treasure

"Yes," Shen Zhao nodded and took out a cloth pouch from his pocket to give to Yun Qianyue. "Wear this for two hours, and the tracking spell’s odor will be washed off your body."

Yun Qianyue reached out to take it but couldn’t smell anything on it. She looked at Shen Zhao.

"You didn't learn any of the Southern Frontier's techniques, so you can't detect the smell," Shen Zhao said, “but this is an anti-tracking spell.”

Yun Qianyue smiled and put the pouch in her pocket without further ado.

Shen Zhao didn’t speak anymore.

"Brother Shen Zhao!" A clear voice was heard from outside at this moment.

Shen Zhao frowned, turned around to look toward the door. Yun Qianyue also looked toward the doorway and saw a delicate-looking girl standing there wearing a cotton jacket with scattered flowers. When she saw Shen Zhao turn back, she smiled but then her expression changed when she noticed Yun Qianyue. Yun Qianyue guessed this must be that mountain flower who liked Shen Zhao—she did look like one.

"What are you doing here" asked Shen Zhao to the girl.

“I'm going to the capital city,” said Mountain Flower.

"By yourself" Shen Zhao inquired.

"With an old man," replied Mountain Flower.

Shen Zhao frowned. "What are you, a girl, doing heading to the capital Your parents will be worried sick about you. Go back!"

“They aren’t, and this kind-hearted old man is willing to take me along for some sightseeing,” Mountain Flower shook her head and called out to someone behind her: "Old Man, let's eat these steamed buns! They smell so good."

"Alright, I’ll follow Little Huahua’s lead," came an elderly voice.

Yun Qianyue followed the sound to see a man in his fifties walking forward accompanied by over ten attendants. The old man looked well-featured and wore a fur hat with a warm smile, appearing quite at ease like someone who goes with the flow of life. His attendants ranged from young to old, tall and short, plump or thin—like those that would be found in a wealthy merchant’s household. She lowered her gaze, thinking this must be the Southern Frontier Imperial Uncle.

Mountain Flower went inside first; then the old man and his attendants entered as well. The narrow space of the bun shop suddenly felt crowded.

"Miss Chu, are you done eating Shall we depart" Shen Zhao inquired.

"Sure!" Yun Qianyue picked up her bag and stood up to leave.

When Mountain Flower saw that Shen Zhao was about to leave after she arrived, her expression changed. She immediately shouted, "Brother Shen Zhao! Aren’t you also heading for the Southern Frontier’s capital I am too with this old man—can we travel together"

"No need! Miss Chu doesn't like being around many people," Shen Zhao said dismissively before leaving the shop.

Yun Qianyue followed him out.

A Hua pouted a little pitifully.

"Miss, you seem familiar. Have we met somewhere before" The old man suddenly spoke to Yun Qianyue.

Inside her heart, Yun Qianyue snorted coldly and suddenly turned around, smiling at the old man. "I know a centipede that almost got burned to death by me. May I ask if this esteemed old sir knows it"

The old man laughed loudly and admitted without hesitation: "Yes, that centipede was set free by me, miss. You have remarkable skills."

Yun Qianyue did not expect him to admit it, but she became angry at this person instead. What kind of person could be so open-minded for what purpose She thought quickly, hid her smile and raised an eyebrow, waiting for his explanation.

The old man shifted the topic and said: "Miss, are you going to Nanzheng City to visit relatives"

"There's no need for me to tell a stranger," Yun Qianyue responded lightly.

Laughing once, the old man was not deterred by Yun Qianyue’s coldness and continued: "I'm also going to Nanzheng City to visit relatives. Why don't we travel together just as Shan Hua miss said The road ahead doesn’t seem easy to traverse, Miss, you have only two people while we have over a dozen people, it would be better if we could help each other."

"No need! I’m afraid the centipede might bite me again." Yun Qianyue left one sentence and turned out of the shop.

The old man shook his head with a smile, watching as Yun Qianyue’s figure disappeared without making another request.

"She's just prettier, but she has such a bad temper and speaks so rudely. I wonder how Brother Shen Zhao could give her to me" Shan Hua looked outside resentfully and muttered.

"Little girl, you can't judge people by their appearance," the old man smiled once again.

Shan Hua stopped speaking.

Yun Qianyue mounted Tanxue while Shen Zhao got on his donkey; both of them left Lan He County and headed for Zi Yue City.

After walking a distance, Shen Zhao saw Yun Qianyue frowning tightly as if thinking about some unsolved mystery. So he said: "Are you thinking about that old man He doesn't look like a bad person."

"Yes, it's not likely," Yun Qianyue replied.

"Sometimes when something is hard to understand, perhaps the direction of thought isn’t right. If we put everything in blank and think from another angle or idea, maybe we can find answers." Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow, "Like why do you want to give me a ride I don't understand that either."

"Firstly, you're not just acquainted with the Prince of Jing. Secondly, there's a tracking spell on your body and I'm concerned." Shen Zhao gave his answer.

Yun Qianyue suddenly laughed, "Why do you think I’m more than just acquaintanceship with him"

"Everyone in the world calls him Prince of Jing, but you call him by his name," Shen Zhao said.

The problem was here! Yun Qianyue rubbed her forehead. It had become a habit for her to call Rong Jing by his given name; she would have to be more careful around others. It was somewhat amusing; she admitted: "Yes, I'm not just acquaintances with him. We are very close."

Shen Zhao nodded and didn't speak anymore.

"Are you planning to wait for me when we return to the city so that we can go to Tiang Sheng together Wanting me to introduce Rong Jing to you" Yun Qianyue asked with a smile.

"I do want to travel back to Tiang Sheng City with you, because it's far and my parents wouldn't feel at ease if I were alone. They would be more comfortable knowing that I’m with someone like you. Also, I'm afraid I won’t find you after we return the city, secondly, Nanzheng City is probably very chaotic right now, and not being familiar with insect spells makes me worried about your safety. But I don't want you to introduce me to Prince Jing. I plan to take my entrance exam on my own merit so that he wouldn’t look down upon me," Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded, thinking that sincerity was the most valuable trait in a person.

The two of them didn't speak anymore.

A while later, Shen Zhao said: "They are following us."

Without turning back, Yun Qianyue knew that Nanzheng’s uncle had started to follow them; she nodded her head.

Nanzheng's uncle was trailing behind at a distance of one li away. He didn't get any closer and followed slowly behind the two of them.

Shen Zhao glanced at Yun Qianyue, saw that she wasn’t paying attention to him so he remained silent as well.

Sunset was approaching when they arrived at Purple Moon City. Yun Qianyue and Shen Zhao discussed without stopping, and decided to travel through the night to Fengshui City, two hundred miles away, for a rest stop. Shen Zhao had no objections; the two of them bought buns and continued on their journey.

The Southern Frontier's maternal uncle also did not take a break but followed suit by traveling through the night.

"Miss Qianyue, your master has sent an urgent message!" Just as they had left Purple Moon City, He Black Chrysanthemum’s voice echoed.

Yun Qianyue responded with a "hn," and he tossed a letter at her. She reached out to take it without bothering to hide the contents from Shen Zhao.

Shen Zhao glanced at the paper in her hand but did not say anything.

Rong Jing's message was brief, starting with: "Yun Qianyue, I pruned a blossoming peach tree this morning."

The second sentence read: "As your husband, sending you alone on such a journey to the toxic arts region of the Southern Frontier is indeed my mistake. Shen Zhao's words were correct; however, his subsequent statements about me not being a gentleman are incorrect."

The third sentence was: "The Southern Frontier’s maternal uncle following you must be related either to the Phoenix True Scripture aura on your body or an item you possess. However, he doesn’t seem harmful to you. You don't need to mind him and act as usual."

The fourth sentence read: "Aunt Qing mentioned that the Southern Liang King planted a sleep-inducing illusionary technique which she cannot decipher. This kind of sleeping spell takes forty-nine days to break; at present, there are no problems with time being short but if it continues for too long, it will be detrimental to the Southern Liang’s governance. Although Nan Lingrui is the crown prince, he remains a prince until he receives an imperial summons from King Southern Liang. Aunt Qing cannot use her princess status to help him; thus, this time, the Southern Liang cannot assist in the Southern Frontier's matters. Night Tianyi wants exactly this outcome. So do you know what needs to be done Take initiative instead of waiting for problems."

Yun Qianyue read through it and put away the letter before telling He Black Chrysanthemum, "Tell your master that I know how to proceed!"

"Yes," replied He Black Chrysanthemum.

Yun Qianyue looked at Shen Zhao with a tilt of her head. "Can your donkey run fast Why not leave it somewhere safe and share a horse We need to hurry back to the capital."

"It can run swiftly, though not as fast as your horse. But five hundred miles a day is no trouble," replied Shen Zhao.

“Alright! Follow me.” Yun Qianyue urged her horse into action without delay; Snowflurry had been impatiently awaiting this moment and galloped off with its hooves flailing.

The Southern Frontier’s maternal uncle, along with his entourage, hastened their pace behind them.

Once night fell, Yun Qianyue lit a Night Pearl. She could have traveled through the night without it, but considering Shen Zhao who lacked martial skills and that the road was treacherous at night, she thought better of it as his donkey wouldn’t be able to match her horse’s pace.

Deep into the night, they arrived at Fengshui City. Ten miles from the city, a voice calling itself Black Shadow said: "Miss Qianyue, three young lords from the Yi Family, Hua Family, and Ling Family have set up an ambush three miles ahead of you. Please be cautious."

Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrow, replying, “Understood!”

She continued to light her Night Pearl as she walked; the nearby areas were illuminated clearly, revealing a small hill and a sloping ravine three miles ahead. A wooden bridge was built over it, and one had to cross this bridge to enter the city. This was indeed an ideal spot for setting up an ambush.

Yun Qianyue proceeded silently towards the location. At three miles in, she dismounted her horse and led it across the bridge while Shen Zhao followed closely behind. They crossed the bridge and continued on their horses after that; they had traveled a mile with no incidents thus far.

Yun Qianyue thought the ambush did not seem aimed at them anymore. Just as she was thinking this, arrows suddenly rained down from behind the wooden bridge along with shouts of alarm. She turned to look back and saw that the Southern Frontier’s maternal uncle was crossing the bridge while being targeted by a group of people armed with arrows. Clearly prepared beforehand, over ten followers had shields ready, but those hiding in the woods found the rain of arrows ineffective and rushed out wielding swords—about a hundred men total.

The frightened cries of Shan Hua were particularly clear at night.

Yun Qianyue glanced back and looked to Shen Zhao. Noting his furrowed brows without concern for Shan Hua, he inquired, "It looks like they are having some trouble. Shan Hua doesn't have martial skills; she could get hurt given that swords and spears see no eyes. Do you want to save her"

Shen Zhao glanced at Yun Qianyue and shook his head. “People must take responsibility for their choices and actions. I neither have the capability nor obligation to rescue Shan Hua. Furthermore, she needs to know that I don’t like her so she won't waste time on me in the future. If nothing happens today, she should return the way she came and not follow us further."

Yun Qianyue nodded with a smile: "Then let's enter the city!"

Shen Zhao no longer looked back and followed her; the battle cries faded behind them.

Thinking about it, Yun Qianyue hadn't deliberately hidden their trail, so the three young lords from the Yi Family, Hua Family, and Ling Family should have recognized her. However, they didn’t attack her but targeted the Southern Frontier’s maternal uncle instead—likely to prevent him from reaching the Southern Frontier capital to help Ye Qian.

As she pondered this, a troop of about a thousand men suddenly charged out from ahead of them at the city gate. Leading this group was an elegantly attired man in brocade robes with jade belts tied around his waist. His black hair fluttered as he rode swiftly on horseback; despite it being a cold winter night, he appeared exceptionally handsome. Furthermore, the face before her eyes was one she knew all too well—Yun Muhuan.

Yun Qianyue pulled back on her reins and watched dumbfounded as Yun Muhuan approached her with pursed lips and a look that didn’t seem too good. She was about to call out “Brother,” but Yun Muhuan glanced at her strangely, then led his men past her without stopping; the "brother" word remained unsaid.

With the thousand-strong army having passed by them, Yun Qianyue snapped back into reality. With Li Yun’s appearance now, it was normal that he didn't recognize her. Turning around to look behind, she saw Yun Muhuan leading his troops toward that wooden bridge and joining the fray there. It seemed he had come to intercept the Southern Frontier’s maternal uncle; indeed, this man must have returned to help Ye Qian—just like her, a nephew or niece of this maternal uncle.

"Miss Chu" Shen Zhao called out as Yun Qianyue remained motionless for quite some time looking behind them.ipulative, strategic, and has status and identity. With such a determined nature, people like him are truly terrifying."Yun Qianyue remained silent."Back then Mama didn’t know why you got along well w...