Chapter 11

Cui Ti knocked on the door as he always did during his visits. It took a long while before the door opened a crack, revealing Bai Su peering out from the gap.

"Why are you so slow today?" Cui Ti asked with a smile.

Bai Su squeezed his face, forcing out a reluctant, strained smile.

"What is it? Are you feeling unwell again?"

Cui Ti knew Bai Su well; he was always complaining of some ache or pain. It was only thanks to his master’s medical skills that he had managed to survive this long.

"The weather has been cold lately, and I’ve been suffering from diarrhea," Bai Su replied, his expression twisted in a way that looked like both a laugh and a cry.

As he spoke, he stepped aside to let Cui Ti in.

"You should really take the medicine your master left for you," Cui Ti said, not thinking much of it. A cold or a stomach ache was common enough in winter. Seeing Bai Su still able to move around, he assumed it was nothing serious.

Bai Su mumbled an agreement, then added, as if by chance, "I wonder when my master will return. It’s so cold; surely he should be back soon?"

"It’s quite unsettling for the young lady to be home all by herself."

He paused, then continued, "I don't even know if he'll be back for the Winter Solstice."

"I heard there was a victory outside the city." At the mention of this, a genuine smile lit up Cui Ti’s face. "He’ll likely be busy for a while longer. I hear that after a victory like this, there will be rewards based on merit. There’s bound to be plenty of bounty."

"The Winter Solstice is still a ways off. Perhaps by then, Master Yang will send someone to escort Zhi Shan to the Governor’s manor."

Cui Ti did not know much about the front lines. With enemy forces attacking the city, the defenses were tight, and all news arrived several days late. However, he knew that a victory was a good thing; all the advisors and generals involved, provided they hadn't performed poorly, would surely be rewarded. It was just a matter of how much.

Cui Ti’s tone was filled with joy and celebration, but Bai Su, leading the way, showed no such cheer. At a glance, he still looked as if he were attending a funeral.

Seeing this, Cui Ti couldn't help but rap him on the head. "Is that any way for a servant to act? Your master has achieved glory and success, and you don't even manage a smile."

Before Bai Su could respond, Cui Ti added, "Don't be like this when you see your young lady."

At the mention of Yan Nanjing, Bai Su’s expression grew even stranger. Along the way, he kept glancing at Cui Ti, hoping he might notice something amiss. But Cui Ti remained brimming with cheer, showing no signs of suspicion, not even pausing to ask a single question.

When they reached the front hall, Bai Su pushed the door open and retreated to the side.

Cui Ti laughed at this. "You’re quite polite today, not like usual, entering before me."

Bai Su’s face twitched, and he eventually lowered his head.

Cui Ti strode into the room, which was only slightly warmer than the outside. He didn't mind, and upon seeing Yan Nanjing sitting there, he said, "Zhi Shan, I’ve brought you good news."

A-Yuan, who was adding charcoal to the brazier, turned to look at Cui Ti.

Cui Ti’s joy was written all over his face as he took several more steps forward.

"What good news?" Yan Nanjing asked, looking up with a smile.

"Didn't you want to know how the fighting outside the city was going? I received news early this morning and came specifically to tell you."

Yan Nanjing swept a calm, unblinking glance toward a curtain in the room, her smile unchanging. "News already?"

Cui Ti shook his head. "Actually, the results were decided two days ago, but the news only arrived today. The Governor has achieved a great victory over the Qi army."

As he spoke, he remembered something and slapped his forehead. "Look at my memory!"

He pulled a bamboo tube from the pouch hanging at his waist, tipped out a roll of hemp paper, and handed it to Yan Nanjing.

Cui Ti watched as Yan Nanjing read the letter. "I only found out today. Master Yang asked someone to send this to me so that I could bring it to you."

"My brother says the fighting is mostly settled now," she said, carefully folding the paper. "He says he will be back the day before the Winter Solstice."

After speaking, she glanced again at the curtain behind Cui Ti. It was an old piece of fabric, hanging loosely by the pillar, and no one paid it any mind.

"That’s wonderful!" Cui Ti clapped his hands and laughed.

"Zhi Shan, you’ve been so worried about Master Yang’s safety; now you can finally rest easy."

She nodded with a smile.

Yan Nanjing turned her head and saw A-Yuan trying to speak several times. A-Yuan met her gaze, her eyes filled with anxiety.

Yan Nanjing shook her head slightly.

Cui Ti had come unarmed. If he were forced into a fight, she feared he would suffer greatly, and if he failed to call for help, they would all be trapped here.

"I brought you some smoked meat."

Cui Ti felt rather embarrassed mentioning it. "It’s a lean season; there really isn't much else to be had. I hope you won't mind, Zhi Shan."

Yan Nanjing smiled and asked how she could possibly mind. "I was just short on food in the kitchen. This will be perfect to boil with some millet porridge."

Hearing this, Cui Ti smiled, his wheat-colored face showing a touch of shyness.

A-Yuan, watching from the side, saw Cui Ti just grinning foolishly and broke into a cold sweat. Cui Ti usually seemed sharp, but at this critical moment, he was stupider than a donkey pulling a millstone. Her young lady never spoke to him with such polite formalities. Besides, he had helped them move grain into the kitchen previously—they had enough to last until spring; how could they be short of food?

One only had to think a little to realize something was wrong. Why wasn't Cui Ti showing his usual wit?

Yan Nanjing hinted at it a few times, but seeing Cui Ti’s face full of irrepressible joy, she realized he hadn't understood her meaning. Her expression remained unchanged as she leaned gently against the armrest beside her.

"Now that Master Yang is an Assistant, life will be easier," Cui Ti said, holding his palms over the charcoal fire to warm them.

"Master Chen was always too kind, which is why he was plotted against by villains," Cui Ti continued, rubbing his hands. "Now that Master Yang has achieved such success, no one will dare to look down on the two of you."

As Yan Nanjing listened to Cui Ti, she stole a glance at the curtain behind him. The curtain, which had been perfectly still, now moved slightly.

"It’s getting late," she said. "It looks like it might snow again. Perhaps you should head back, Master Cui?"

She didn't know how much patience the man hiding behind the curtain had, but she knew he was not as gentle as he appeared. A mild-mannered gentleman could not survive the battlefield or kill men.

Cui Ti was stunned. Completely caught off guard, he stared blankly toward the window lattice. The lattice was tightly covered with burlap, letting in no light at all.

"Zhi Shan, did I say something wrong to make you angry?"

Yan Nanjing shook her head. Her smile remained, but it was tinged with a hint of urgency. "I’m just worried that if it starts to snow, the roads will become muddy and difficult to travel, making your journey back inconvenient."

"Besides, the year is ending; shouldn't you pay a visit to your uncle’s house?"

Cui Ti’s mother had passed away early. Aside from Chen Yun, who had once extended a helping hand, his uncle’s family had provided the most support. With the new year approaching, as a nephew, he ought to pay them a visit regardless.

She had said enough that there was essentially no room left for him to stay.

A-Yuan’s eyes were nearly popping out of her head. Even a donkey pulling a millstone would have realized something was wrong by now! Her young lady never spoke like this!

Yet, Cui Ti only looked flustered and awkward. He hurriedly stood up, looking entirely at a loss.

"I am a rough man. If I said anything that displeased you, Zhi Shan, please don't take it to heart. Your health has been poor since childhood; don't get upset, as it harms the body."

With that, he turned and walked out, his very silhouette looking desolate and dejected.

A-Yuan was anxious, straightening her back as if to go and stop him, but Yan Nanjing immediately grabbed her, pressing a finger to her lips to signal silence.

A-Yuan was in agony, but Cui Ti was already gone. Hearing his retreating footsteps, her face turned even paler.

At that moment, Qi Yun stepped out from behind the curtain.

"The young lady is kind-hearted," he said.

The man who had arrived was a nuisance. If he had truly discovered anything, he would not have shown mercy. Perhaps realizing this, the young girl had been so anxious to drive him away.

Yan Nanjing looked up, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Since you’ve heard everything, I shall take my leave. Please, make yourself at home, honored guest."

A-Yuan, terrified of Qi Yun, followed her back to the bedroom. Once inside, A-Yuan sat down, her face full of woe. "Young lady, why didn't you let me just tell Master Cui?"

"He was right behind Cui Ti. Even if you spoke faster, could you be faster than his blade?" Yan Nanjing countered.

A-Yuan was left speechless. She placed the lit fire brazier under Yan Nanjing’s hands.

"I thought Master Cui could help," A-Yuan said, grumbling at the memory of his foolishness. "He usually looks so imposing; I never imagined he would be so useless when it mattered."

"Don't blame him," Yan Nanjing said, spreading her hands over the brazier. "After all, who could have expected this?"

Seeing A-Yuan still looking miserable, she took hold of her hands. "Don't think too much. Life is unpredictable; thinking too much will only tire yourself out."

"Then... what about over there?" A-Yuan gestured toward the direction of Yang Zhijian’s bedroom. The two men were staying there now.

"Ignore them for now," Yan Nanjing said after a moment of contemplation. To ignore them meant to have no contact with the two of them unless absolutely necessary.

"I previously thought about seeing if we could negotiate, but now, I think it’s better to forget it." She lowered her eyes, spreading her fingers, a mocking smile on her face. "I was being too simple. Instead of negotiating, it’s better to have nothing to do with each other at all."

A-Yuan didn't dare go over there anymore, so the chores of delivering food to Qi Yun and Zheng Xuanfu were left to Bai Su.

Bai Su came to collect their bowls and chopsticks. Zheng Xuanfu watched from behind as Bai Su scurried away with the items, his feet moving so fast it looked as if he wished he had wings on his back. He picked up a brush from the desk and, squinting at Bai Su’s back, made a throwing motion.

Zheng Xuanfu didn't hide his actions at all. He made a whistling sound with his mouth, and Bai Su slipped, nearly landing flat on his face. Seeing the little servant stumble and scramble to stand upright, Zheng Xuanfu burst into hearty laughter.

"That’s enough," Qi Yun said, stepping out of the inner room and glancing at him.

Zheng Xuanfu hummed. "I didn't do anything to that young lady. What, have you become so fond of her that you're even protective of her servants?"

Zheng Xuanfu saw Qi Yun staring him down, and a chill crawled up his spine. He instinctively pulled back his crossed legs and sat up straight.

"We are, after all, uninvited guests. We came here out of necessity, forced by circumstances. It is better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do you really think you are a bandit?"

Zheng Xuanfu’s face turned grim. "You are a gentleman, so naturally, I am an eyesore to you. If that’s the case, why not trouble the General to deal with me by military law?"

Qi Yun ignored this petulant remark and walked straight outside.

Zheng Xuanfu watched him head for the door and couldn't help but stand up. "Jing Yue, where are you going?"

"To take a walk outside. The air is stagnant being around you."

With that, he walked out without a second glance, leaving Zheng Xuanfu fuming.

Outside, the wind was biting, and the sky was overcast. He looked up at the gloomy sky. He had heard the young woman use the excuse of impending snow to dismiss the wandering knight. Now it seemed it really was going to snow.

The residence was not large, but with so few people, it felt empty. He walked around, not encountering anyone. At the main gate, a chained hound sat; upon seeing him, it bared its teeth and let out a low growl.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside, and the hound turned, barking loudly at the gate. Because it was chained, it couldn't lunge at the door. Qi Yun walked to the gate and, through a crack, saw several pairs of feet hurrying away.

He heard panicked footsteps behind him and turned to see Bai Su rushing over. Upon seeing him, Bai Su stopped in his tracks, terrified.

"Go back and tell your young lady that bandits have come."

When this message reached Yan Nanjing, she went directly to see the two men. Zheng Xuanfu was surprised to see her in person and stared blankly for a long moment.

"Please come in, young lady," Qi Yun said, appearing from behind him and gesturing toward the room.

"Was what you said about the bandits true?" she asked the moment she entered.

Chen Yun had chosen this remote location for peace and quiet. This area was not far from the city, and there were villages nearby, allowing for tranquility without being truly isolated. Because it was not on a major thoroughfare and did not occupy a strategic, defensible position, she had only ever heard of bandits.

"If the young lady believes I am spouting nonsense, that is your prerogative," Qi Yun said.

Yan Nanjing frowned. "Then I shall stay here tonight."

Zheng Xuanfu choked on his own spit and began coughing violently. Yan Nanjing ignored him and looked up. "Didn't you say earlier that you admired my brother’s talents? Now is your chance."

Zheng Xuanfu finally managed to clear his throat. "You little woman, do you know what you are saying?"

Yan Nanjing merely glanced at him, ignoring his remark, and looked straight at Qi Yun. "You want to be on good terms with my brother, don't you?" She kept her eyes fixed on him. "This is the perfect opportunity, is it not?"

She had suspected that this young man was of significant status, and his "admiration" was likely aimed at recruiting her brother.

"Gold is easy to find, but talent is hard to come by," Qi Yun nodded. "Very well."

"Jing Yue!" Zheng Xuanfu raised his voice.

Qi Yun held up a hand to silence him. "Then please stay here tonight, young lady."

Of course, the two men could not stay in the room. Zheng Xuanfu leaned against the wall, clutching his ring-pommel saber. "Do you value Yang Zhijian that much?"

He mentioned the snow, looking down at the flakes landing on his robes.

"Since we are staying here, if the bandits come, did you expect to huddle with them?" Qi Yun retorted. He drew his blade and wiped the edge. The steel was meticulously cleaned, its cold light reflecting their shadows in the snowy weather.

Zheng Xuanfu stopped speaking and stood guard by the wall, leaning on his saber.

"Yang Zhijian is an interesting character. He became an Assistant, yet he didn't buy any slaves or recruit guards."

Qi Yun carefully wiped his blade. "What use are newly bought slaves and guards? They aren't hereditary servants of the house. If something happens, it would be a miracle if they didn't loot the master themselves."

Zheng Xuanfu thought about it and agreed. The most important thing for guards and servants was loyalty, and that was something that couldn't be cultivated in a single generation. With so few people in Yang Zhijian’s house, if the servants turned against their master, it would be a disaster.

As they spoke, there was a commotion at the door of the other room. Zheng Xuanfu looked up and saw A-Yuan reveal half her face; seeing him looking, she quickly shut the door.

Staying where men lived was awkward. Inside, Yan Nanjing sat on the couch, seeing A-Yuan return, her face full of fear. "What’s wrong?"

A-Yuan shook her head. "I just can't settle my heart."

Yan Nanjing pulled her down to sit. "Who could? But at least there are two of them holding the line outside."

She smiled, and A-Yuan couldn't help but smile back. But after the laugh, she began to worry again. "This favor is hard to repay. We owe such a huge favor; I don't know how we will return it."

Yan Nanjing shook her head. "It was they who owed us a favor first; now it is just being repaid. We are even."

So, she owed them nothing.

As she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps on the ground came from outside. The bandits had arrived.

A-Yuan tensed up, grabbing a wooden club and standing in front of her. The bandits moved in packs; without enough guards, they were impossible to stop. Qi Yun had never expected anything of Bai Su, having told him to stay in the room from the start to avoid getting in the way.

In the night, the rustle of clothes came from over the wall. In the darkness, a bandit dropping to the ground was met with a whistling strike.

"There are too many of them!" Zheng Xuanfu kicked a bandit aside and shouted to Qi Yun not far away.

There were unexpectedly many bandits. They had assumed it was just a few petty thieves, but they had clearly miscalculated.

At that moment, the sound of a door being kicked in came from the house. Zheng Xuanfu cursed and tried to rush over, but he was surrounded by thieves.

The door frame was kicked open from the outside. Bai Su swung his club, but there were too many of them, and he was quickly pushed aside. A-Yuan rushed up with her club, only to meet the same fate.

The girl’s beauty was hazy yet vivid in the candlelight. The thief who had breached the room saw the beauty on the couch and grinned, revealing a mouth of yellow teeth. He reached out to grab her.

The girl was slender and weightless in his hands; such a weak beauty posed no threat. He dragged her by her collar, pulling her close. As he leaned in, Yan Nanjing pulled a dagger from her sleeve and plunged it into his stomach.

The blade was sharp, and in the blink of an eye, it was buried to the hilt. The bandit was enraged by this sudden turn of events and reached to choke her neck. But before he could, several screams echoed from behind, and a hand reached out, grabbing the bandit by his hair and dragging him backward with brute force.

The bandit let out a shriek as he was hauled away. Within a few steps, he was dragged outside, and a blood-stained blade was pressed against his throat.

With a forceful stroke, blood sprayed, and the scream turned into a sharp, piercing sound that cut off abruptly. His head was severed clean from his shoulders.