Chapter 15
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Cui Ti did not dare to loosen his grip. Even after Yan Nanjing explained, he remained extremely wary. The two men spoke with accents clearly not native to Jingzhou; they seemed to have come from the north. At such a critical moment, it was only natural to be on guard when unexpected visitors arrived.
Instead of releasing him, Cui Ti pressed harder with his palm, pulling Yan Nanjing completely behind himself.
“Mr. Cui,”
The force on Yan Nanjing’s wrist nearly made him stumble. Fortunately, he reacted in time to steady himself, avoiding a fall in front of everyone.
“I already explained just now—these two gentlemen are honored guests. They even saved our lives. They helped dispose of the corpse as well.”
Cui Ti’s frown deepened. The young man before him was taller by a good margin. He had to look up to glare at him.
His stature and bearing were far from ordinary. Even in his dusty old robe, it was clear this man hailed from a distinguished background.
“Zhishan, you don’t understand how treacherous the world outside is.”
Cui Ti applied more force, eyes locked tightly on Qi Yun, his body tense. His free hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, ready to draw it in an instant.
Qi Yun let out a faint, unreadable chuckle from his nose. His lowered eyes were shrouded in mist, concealing his true emotions.
“If I truly meant harm, the lady and those two servants would have perished long ago. There wouldn’t be time for polite conversation here.”
Cui Ti ignored him, sneering coldly, “A stranger coming all this way to Jingzhou at the end of the year—such dedication leaves me feeling ashamed.”
Zheng Xuanfu, standing not far off, grew increasingly impatient. He had no desire to waste energy on trivial matters and raised his sword.
But just like before, as Zheng Xuanfu moved his wrist, Qi Yun’s sharp gaze stopped him instantly.
“We have our reasons for coming at this hour,” Qi Yun continued.
Unfortunately, his words had little effect. Cui Ti’s frown deepened while his grip grew tighter.
Yan Nanjing gasped in pain. Qi Yun, who had been motionless nearby, suddenly bent his elbow and struck fiercely into Cui Ti’s solar plexus.
Cui Ti’s vision blackened instantly, and he collapsed to the ground.
Qi Yun stepped over and pried his hand loose.
The force was so great that Yan Nanjing’s wrist showed a bluish bruise.
She gripped her wrist, wincing slightly.
Qi Yun glanced at Ayuan, who hurried over to support Yan Nanjing. Seeing the bruise, Ayuan’s heart ached deeply.
The young lady had been under her care since childhood, and despite their servant-master relationship, they were almost like family.
“Cui Ti, you bastard!” Ayuan nearly wanted to kick the man lying on the ground.
Cui Ti lay sprawled out, still dazed from Qi Yun’s sudden blow, his eyes vacant as Ayuan scolded him.
“Madam, please don’t be angry,” Qi Yun said gently.
His sharp, imposing features softened with warmth.
“For now, Madam should quickly settle the young lady and check for any other injuries.”
Ayuan snapped back to her senses, thanked Qi Yun quickly, and without concern for Cui Ti on the ground, helped Yan Nanjing walk back.
Supported by Ayuan, Yan Nanjing glanced at Cui Ti lying there, then bit her lip and looked at Qi Yun.
“Don’t worry, young lady, he’s fine. Just stunned for a moment. He’ll be all right soon.”
Yan Nanjing stayed still. Qi Yun smiled faintly and sighed softly, “I won’t harm him. Rest assured, young lady.”
Hearing this, Yan Nanjing bowed slightly and followed Ayuan toward the back.
After Yan Nanjing and Ayuan left, Zheng Xuanfu strode forward, “Really not going to kill him?”
Qi Yun remained silent. Zheng Xuanfu clicked his tongue, “This guy’s trouble.”
This wandering swordsman had seen the world. No matter how flawless their words, this one could always spot flaws.
“Why kill him?” Qi Yun said, sitting on a nearby couch, waiting for Cui Ti to recover.
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He was a killer forged on the battlefield, incomparable to Cui Ti’s brawling skills.
If he had used a bit more force earlier, Cui Ti might have died on the spot.
“Really not going to kill him?” Zheng Xuanfu sat down, displeased. “Leaving such trouble behind—aren’t you afraid he’ll report us to the authorities?”
Qi Yun’s lips twitched into a strange smile. “Do you think he has that ability?”
Before Zheng Xuanfu could answer, Qi Yun brushed off imaginary dust from his clothes.
“Don’t always think about killing. Killing is easy, but handling the aftermath is a thousand times harder.”
He asked, “If you were to act, have you thought about how to deal with what comes after?”
Zheng Xuanfu had no reply.
He scoffed.
By then, Cui Ti on the ground had slowly regained consciousness. Even with a restrained strike, his eyes had spun dark and his ears rang.
He snapped back to reality and saw two people sitting on the couch.
Instinctively, Cui Ti reached behind for his sword, only to find it kicked far away. Yan Nanjing and Ayuan had vanished.
“What did you do to Zhishan?”
“I’ve already asked Madam to rest,” Qi Yun replied, nodding to the couch.
Cui Ti stood, staring coldly at Qi Yun. “What exactly do you want?”
“We came to visit Master Yang.”
Qi Yun’s words drew a cold snort from Cui Ti.
“If you don’t believe me, you can send a letter to Master Yang and stay with us until he returns.”
This statement stunned not only Cui Ti but also Zheng Xuanfu.
“How about it?” Qi Yun asked.
Cui Ti’s face shifted between pale and flushed repeatedly.
He said nothing, eyes fixed intently on the young man, who smiled faintly and met his gaze directly.
“You actually intend to wait for Master Yang’s return?”
After a long pause, Cui Ti frowned, “You said you came to see Master Yang. If he hasn’t come, how can you leave first?”
Qi Yun’s reply silenced him.
Annoyed, Cui Ti swept his sleeve and strode out.
Qi Yun’s clear voice followed, “Since you’re here, help out a bit. Last night’s skirmish left the place a mess.”
“You didn’t make it in time yesterday; at least lend a hand today.”
Cui Ti took a deep breath, frustration evident, and headed to the courtyard.
In the chamber, Ayuan looked at the bruise on Yan Nanjing’s wrist, nearly in tears.
The young lady under her care, though not as refined as noblewomen, had always been watched over day and night.
And now, this rough man had injured her!
Ayuan blew gently on the wrist, “Does it still hurt?”
Yan Nanjing shook her head.
Ayuan gritted her teeth, “Bruises won’t heal without pressure. It’ll hurt more later.”
“Endure it, young lady.”
Yan Nanjing nodded softly, “Ayuan, press harder.”
Ayuan massaged her wrist firmly. The bruised area throbbed with dull pain, but Yan Nanjing remained silent.
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After a while, Ayuan stopped.
“I’m going to scold him,” she said angrily.
“He’s usually diligent but disappears when needed. Now he’s only causing trouble.”
She started to leave, but Yan Nanjing grasped her hand.
“He’s alert. If anything, he’s done nothing wrong.”
Ayuan, worried about the bruise, sat down instead of pressing harder.
“He’s alert, but at the wrong time. A few days ago, he didn’t understand a word the young lady said. Now this mistake too,” Ayuan said, furious.
Yan Nanjing was about to reply when footsteps echoed outside.
Each person’s footsteps were distinctive; she recognized these were not Bai Su’s.
Soon, there was a knock on the door.
“Is the young lady well?” Qi Yun’s voice came through.
Yan Nanjing exchanged a surprised glance with Ayuan, then raised her voice slightly.
“I’m fine, just some wrist pain. I’ll need a couple of days to recover.”
“Glad to hear you’re well.”
The voice paused, then said, “Since the young lady is all right, I shall take my leave.”
“Wait,” Yan Nanjing remembered Cui Ti was still in their custody, “Mr. Cui is straightforward and often fights with other wandering swordsmen.”
She deliberately described Cui Ti as a brute to save him from Qi Yun.
“He acts impulsively, but he’s well known here. If he disappears suddenly, those who know him would notice within days. If his body were found, inquiries would surely follow.”
“You two gentlemen are guests seeking peace and shelter in this residence, aren’t you?”
To persuade someone, it took more than just pleading—it required pointing out vital reasons.
Qi Yun’s expression shifted slightly but soon smoothed.
“You worry too much, young lady. I have done nothing to him. He and that servant are likely cleaning the courtyard now.”
No sooner had he spoken than the door opened. A pair of clear, washed eyes appeared in the doorway.
She stared at him quietly for a moment, then raised her hand to thank him—but he stopped her with a raised hand.
“Honestly, this is our fault. Mr. Cui only cares for the young lady and has done no wrong.”
Qi Yun continued, “I came to bother you also to ask you to write a letter inviting Master Yang back.”
He looked into her eyes. “Please include our matter as well, and express my admiration for Master Yang.”
Yan Nanjing’s brow twitched, meeting Qi Yun’s gaze, then smiled lightly.
“In that case, I will write to Brother A right away.”
She returned inside.
The door stood open, as if inviting him in, yet he remained outside, showing no intention to enter.
Soon, Yan Nanjing finished writing. Paper was precious, unlike later times. From the imperial palace in Luoyang to local offices, many still used bamboo slips. A sheet of hemp paper was cut to size, wasting nothing.
She cut the paper with a bamboo knife and presented it to the man at the door.
“Would you like to see it?”
Qi Yun shook his head. “No need.”
She smiled. “Aren’t you afraid I might write something harmful about you?”
A faint smile appeared on his sharp, handsome face, somewhat elusive.
“Then I have no choice but to accept it.”