The First Jasmine - Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Out of Danger, an Eventful Night in the Capital

Beside the tranquil mountain cliff, a crescent moon hung in the distant sky, neither too close nor too far. As the cool breeze brushed across the peak, the one-eyed man lay powerlessly upon the ground. A bitter smile of deep regret flickered in his eyes. Look at Ye Li, he thought, could a method like this be considered too despicable? Ye Li sat leisurely beside him, casually tearing off the strip of cloth stained with red rouge and medicinal fluid from her shoulder and tossing it down the cliff. Shrugging her shoulders with indifference, she said, "You are no paragon of virtue yourself, so I shall not feel guilty. The method is of no consequence; what matters is the result."

"Do not move." The light and razor-sharp edge of her blade pressed gently yet firmly against the pulse of the man’s neck. "I would advise you against acting rashly—at least until you possess absolute certainty. If I pierce just half an inch further, not even the Great Golden Immortals could save you."

"An extraordinary poison. Might I inquire what rare venom you utilized to deal with your savior?" The man helplessly abandoned any intention of circulating his energy to temporarily suppress the poison. In truth, he was utterly incapable of mobilizing even a shred of his inner strength at this moment.

Ye Li shook her head. "A secret. Furthermore, the title of 'savior' is still open to debate. Frankly, my mood has been exceptionally foul lately."

"It is my honor to listen to the grievances of the capital's top talented woman," the man smiled, though his words appeared somewhat comical when paired with his grotesque countenance. Ye Li knit her brows and said, "Ever since the marriage between Prince Ding and me was decreed, it seems all manner of troubles have found their way to my door. Continuous testing, surveillance, deliberate provocation, and now, kidnapping."

"Since it is so troublesome, how about you elope with me instead? What do you think?"

Ye Li's long eyelashes fluttered slightly. "I possess no interest in plays regarding wealthy young ladies and talented scholars. Moreover, I surmise those stories invariably neglect to account for what becomes of the young lady's parents, her relatives, her sisters, or her reputation. What do they rely upon to survive? And what if the talented scholar simply elopes with another beauty later on?" The man stared at her in daze for a long duration before speaking: "You truly contemplate too many things. Do the plays not explicitly state that the talented scholar will inevitably rank first in the imperial examinations to attain wealth and honor? The young lady's parents will forgive her, her relatives will admire her, and her sisters will envy her. Most importantly, the talented scholar and beautiful maiden will absolutely live harmoniously together until their hair turns white, loving each other for an entire lifetime." Ye Li shook her head. "The end of a play merely states 'The End.' Living harmoniously until their hair turns white is nothing more than what the majority of people imagine for themselves."

The man pondered carefully for a moment. It seemed there truly wasn't a single play or storybook that ever detailed a talented scholar and beautiful maiden living together until their hair turned white with a house full of children and grandchildren.

"Very well, my dear aunt. Exactly what must be done for you to grant me my release?" Seemingly comprehending that speaking in circles with Ye Li was utterly futile, the man inquired straight to the point.

"Tell me exactly who desires to harm me," Ye Li replied with equal directness.

"And if I refuse to speak?"

The icy blade slid gently across his neck, causing tiny goosebumps to instantly ripple over the skin of his throat. "Rest your heart, I shall not use a knife to pierce you. I shall... simply push you directly over." Ye Li glanced down toward the bottomless valley beneath them, offering a smile.

"I would prefer you pierce me with a knife instead." The man was caught between laughter and tears. "No, this matter truly cannot be spoken of."

"This matter can indeed be spoken of."

"I gave my word to someone else. A true man's word is as heavy as a bronze tripod; even if you truly pierce me to death, I shall not speak," the man stated with firm determination. Ye Li stared at him, evaluating him for a moment before arching her brows. "Very well. Since it is so, allow me to observe exactly what manner of face is hidden beneath this human-skin mask."

"Miss Ye, if you release me right now, consider that I owe you a personal favor. How does that sound?" the man negotiated.

"Those words sound somewhat familiar. However, do you believe I would trust an individual whose true identity remains unknown? Even if you owed me a hundred favors, it would still be utterly useless if I cannot locate you." With one hand holding the dagger completely motionless against the man's carotid artery, Ye Li utilized her other hand to begin searching along the edges of that contorted, hideous face. "Miss Ye, I carry twenty thousand taels of silver notes on my person. You may take them to calm your shock. Shall we consider today's events completely wiped clean?"

Without pausing her hand, Ye Li stated flatly, "Do you believe I am like you, disregarding my life for the sake of money? If we wipe the slate clean this time, how am I to know there will not be a next time?"

The man fell silent for a brief moment before stating, "I do not know if she intends to have a next time, but I can guarantee that I shall absolutely never make matters difficult for Miss Ye again. What do you think?" Sensing a slight pause in Ye Li's hand, the man hastily pressed on, "I guarantee I will absolutely never cause difficulties for Miss Ye again. You may verify this with Mo Xiuyao; he knows who I am, and he knows whether my words can be trusted or not." The icy blade at his neck finally retreated a fraction. Ye Li stood up and stated, "I shall trust you for the time being."

"The antidote."

"There is none. The drug was granted to me provisionally by Qingyu. Although it leaves you incapable of utilizing your inner strength, descending from this location without employing lightness techniques ought to pose no difficulty, correct?" Ye Li smiled.

The man gritted his teeth, but the sound of approaching footsteps drawing near left him with no leisure to dispute with Ye Li. He could only stand up, preparing to employ a method he had never used before to scramble down the valley. Unfortunately, he was clearly a step too slow. A ghostly, cold voice echoed from the small path on the other side: "Han Mingyue—"

The plain-clothed man seated within the wheelchair slowly materialized at the end of the small path. Behind him, the silent youth clad in brown clothing continued to steadily push the wheelchair forward. Even on this uneven mountain peak, his countenance displayed not a hint of exertion. Seated within his wheelchair, Mo Xiuyao's expression was as deep as water, his gaze fixed upon the one-eyed man being entirely clear, cold, and profound. With just a single glance from him, the one-eyed man felt his body stiffen, as though frozen solid by winter ice. He could only cast a bitter smile toward the cliff edge located less than two paces away.

"Ah Li, are you well?" Mo Xiuyao looked toward Ye Li, his gaze softening slightly. Under his watch, Ye Li unhurriedly sheathed her dagger and stepped to his front, offering a somewhat apologetic smile. "My apologies for causing you worry."

A flicker passed through Mo Xiuyao's eyes as his brows knit slightly. Ultimately, he merely let out a soft sigh and spoke gently, "You are fatigued. We shall speak further after we return."

Ye Li also felt the current environment was not suitable for conversation, so she nodded in agreement with Mo Xiuyao's suggestion. Among the crowd following behind Mo Xiuyao and Ah Jin, a woman stepped forward to offer a cloak to Ye Li. Ye Li smiled faintly; though she didn't feel particularly cold, she accepted the cloak and wrapped it around herself.

"Han Mingyue, can you inform this Prince exactly why you are present here?" Mo Xiuyao inquired, his sharp gaze fixed upon the man standing by the cliff edge.

"You can actually recognize me like this?" The man sighed, raising his hand to feel around his face for a moment before tearing off a leather mask, revealing an incomparably handsome yet thoroughly dejected countenance. Upon hearing Mo Xiuyao utter the name "Han Mingyue," Ye Li had merely arched her brows. Now that the man had removed his mask to reveal that handsome visage, there was little surprise remaining within her heart. This face bore at minimum an eighty percent resemblance to that Young Master Fengyue from some days past. However, while that face carried a frivolous, dissolute nature easily capable of ensnaring human hearts, this face appeared far more upright. The exact same expression of arched brows and a light smile conveyed a sense of unbridled, untamed freedom.

"Hehe, Xiuyao, we have not met for many years. To think our reunion would occur under such circumstances is truly... somewhat regrettable." Even while clad in the coarse garments of a bandit, the handsome man still exuded the refined elegance of a noble prince. It was merely that the slightly flattering expression upon his face at this moment caused a touch of discomfort. "The instant I heard you were to be wed, I traveled ten thousand li to offer my congratulations. It appears you remain just as unwelcoming toward old friends as before."

"Your congratulations consist of kidnapping my fiancée?" Mo Xiuyao's voice was low and pleasant, causing Ye Li, who stood behind him, to unconsciously pull her cloak tighter.

"A misunderstanding," Han Mingyue stated with a bitter, helpless expression. "Prior to this, I had no knowledge that the individual to be abducted was your fiancée. Yet once a transaction is accepted, if it fails to be completed, where would Han Mingyue's reputation and face be placed? I have already exerted my utmost effort to minimize the losses. Now, my transaction is finished, and your fiancée is completely unscathed. Furthermore, I was even thoroughly trapped by her; I am the one who suffered a loss here, alright?"

"Who was the one who provided the coin?" Mo Xiuyao inquired, his gaze fixed upon him.

"I cannot speak of it," Han Mingyue smiled bitterly.

Mo Xiuyao let out a cold laugh. "Han Mingyue, as long as there is money, is there anything under heaven you dare not sell aside from your younger brother?"

Han Mingyue sighed, the expression upon his face growing increasingly bitter as he looked toward Mo Xiuyao. "Ultimately, there remain one or two items that can absolutely never be sold under any circumstance. Furthermore, Mingxi was thoroughly disciplined by you this time. Xiuyao, for the sake of my face, can we refrain from pursuing this matter further? I guarantee there will not be a next time." Mo Xiuyao's expression grew even darker, causing Han Mingyue to stomp his foot. "Tianyi Pavilion shall deliver ten percent of this year's profits to the sister-in-law to calm her shock!"

"Han Mingyue, you are far too anxious," Mo Xiuyao raised his hand, lightly touching the mask upon his face as he spoke flatly.

Han Mingyue froze, a flash of vexation passing across his face. How could he have forgotten that Mo Xiuyao understood him far too well? If he hadn't displayed such anxiety, it would have been far more difficult for Mo Xiuyao to confirm the target. "Xiuyao, consider it my plea to you..."

"Begone." After staring deeply at Han Mingyue's pleading face for a long duration, Mo Xiuyao finally spat out those two words.

Faced with such discourteous treatment, Han Mingyue instead displayed a face full of joy. "Within three days, the compensation shall absolutely be delivered to the sister-in-law's manor!"

Mo Xiuyao's response was to raise his hand slightly backward. "Black Cloud Cavalry, release arrows!"

The individuals clad in black clothing with black cloth wrapping their heads, who had originally stood in a semi-circle around the perimeter, had already grasped their bows and arrows at some unknown point. Draw bows, release arrows—

Left with no alternative, Han Mingyue could only plunge headfirst down the mountain cliff. "Mo Xiuyao, you are ruthless!"

Han Mingyue's wretched scream vanished beneath the cliff. Ye Li blinked her eyes, lowering her head to look toward Mo Xiuyao. She was somewhat uncertain whether Han Mingyue had concealed his strength just now; at minimum, even if she were in her optimal state, falling from this location would render it impossible to emerge unscathed. Seemingly aware of her confusion, Mo Xiuyao explained, "Han Mingyue always enjoys leaving a retreat in whatever he executes; he absolutely has arrangements prepared below. He cannot be killed by the fall." Ye Li knit her brows, realizing that her earlier threat to throw him down had possessed no threatening value whatsoever. Surely enough, failing to comprehend the enemy easily led to errors. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will be victorious in a hundred battles. The Sage of War truly did not deceive me.

"Let us return," Mo Xiuyao extended his hand, speaking softly.

"Very well."

Within the Xu estate's villa, after finally sending away her two maternal uncles and five maternal cousins, Ye Li felt her head growing somewhat large from dealing with so many individuals simultaneously. At the same time, she could feel an uncontrollable warmth within her heart and the joy of being cared for by her relatives. Mo Xiuyao sat to the side, silently observing the young maiden seated across from him without uttering a word. He suddenly realized he possessed very little understanding of his fiancée. In truth, his fiancée was still not yet sixteen years of age this year, yet she was unexpectedly firm, decisive, and mature. What had he been executing when he was fifteen or sixteen? Mo Xiuyao rarely recalled matters of the past, yet looking upon the serene, smiling countenance of the maiden before his eyes, he felt that recalling past events was actually not as painful as before.

At fifteen or sixteen, he had precisely been at the peak of his high spirits and early success—riding horses through the capital, frivolous and unbridled. Who under heaven did not know that the young master of the Ding King Manor was a youthful genius possessing breathtaking talent? Who under heaven did not know that the young general of the Ding King Manor had swept through the southern borders at a tender age, deploying troops like a god? Even upon the blood-soaked battlefields, he had been high-spirited and completely unrestrained in his words and actions. Yet this young maiden at fifteen had already endured events the majority of women would never experience in an entire lifetime. Losing her mother at a young age, a broken engagement, her stepmother's schemes, a dismal reputation, a marriage alliance everyone avoided like the plague, being ambushed, and being kidnapped. Yet it seemed he had never witnessed her in a state of panic or disarray. Even when encountering such an event today, she had neither wept nor erupted in fury after escaping danger. She had even smiled as she spoke to him: My apologies for causing you worry. If their positions were reversed, he absolutely could not have achieved such composure at her age. Mo Xiuyao let out a soft sigh in his heart.

"Ah Li, I am deeply sorry for today's matter," after a long duration, Mo Xiuyao spoke softly.

Ye Li raised her eyes to look toward him, offering a charming smile. "This was not a matter within your control, and it was also my own lack of caution. On the contrary... tomorrow within the capital... I am afraid the reputation of the Ding King Manor will be implicated."

Mo Xiuyao looked toward her, his gaze deep and inscrutable. "Within the Ding King Manor, I have the final say—as long as you do not regret it."

Ye Li blinked her eyes, instantly comprehending the meaning behind his words. He had the final say within the Ding King Manor, so no matter what her reputation became, it would not affect their marriage alliance. Was that it? Tilting her head to ponder for a moment, Ye Li laughed helplessly, "I estimate that if I were to regret it... I would likely be unable to marry for the rest of my life. In that case... why not simply make do?"

The corners of Mo Xiuyao's lips curved slightly into an imperceptible arc. "That is for the best. I also feel that if you were to regret it, it would not be easy for me to locate another suitable Princess Consort in this lifetime."

Ye Li looked toward him and smiled, "Since the Prince does not disdain me, then let us simply make do together."

Watching the maiden seated before the window turn back to smile and say let us simply make do together, Mo Xiuyao suddenly felt his mind waver slightly. Beneath the candlelight, the maiden's countenance—which lacked a touch of color—seemed to radiate a faint, translucent glow that stirred one's heart. Mo Xiuyao quickly averted his gaze, supporting his forehead with his hand as he stated, "Within these two days, Han Mingyue will presumably deliver some items to you. Pay them no mind; simply accept them all."

Ye Li expressed her surprise, "Will he truly deliver one percent of Tianyi Pavilion's revenue to me?" Tianyi Pavilion was the largest intelligence organization within Great Chu; even a mere one percent of their annual revenue from selling all manner of information was an absolute certainty to be an incredibly staggering sum.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, looking toward Ye Li as though hesitating to speak.

Ye Li smiled and stated, "There is no need to speak further regarding today's matter, since you have already effectively agreed to Han Mingyue's terms. Although I am still not entirely clear on the true strength of Tianyi Pavilion and the Clear Wind Bright Moon Tower, I also have no desire to make an enemy of him. However, this is strictly for this single time. If that individual displays any further movements in the future and falls into my hands, I shall not accept any pleas for mercy."

"Naturally." After a moment of silence, Mo Xiuyao looked toward Ye Li with complete earnestness and promised, "Since Ah Li does not regret it, then from this point forward, you and I are a single family. Anyone who wishes to harm Ah Li makes an enemy of me."

 

Ye Li nodded, smiling without a word. Outside the window, the crescent moon gradually sank toward the roof ridges. The maiden raised her head to look back toward the remnant moon in the sky, her elegant countenance painted with a layer of tranquil, faint light by the moonbeams. Behind her, the youth seated within the wheelchair focused his gaze intently upon the maiden's slender silhouette, his gentle eyes swirling with an inexplicable brilliance.

At a certain secret stronghold of Tianyi Pavilion within the capital, Han Mingyue tumbled inside in an exceptionally disheveled state, startling the individual originally present within the chamber.

"Brother, what has happened to you?" Young Master Fengyue—who caused countless parents to wish to skin him alive while driving countless cloistered maidens into infatuated distraction—froze for a fraction of a second, hastily lunging forward to catch his brother's swaying body. Han Mingyue waved his hand, allowing his younger brother to support him to sit upon a nearby soft couch, smiling bitterly, "I provoked a fiend."Although he was accustomed to making absolute preparations, plunging down from the mountain cliff had still resulted in significant internal and external injuries from colliding with protruding tree branches, no matter how cautious he had been. He harbored no resentment in his heart regarding this; they jointly understood within their hearts that Mo Xiuyao had indeed stayed his hand. Otherwise, the archery of any single member of the Black Cloud Cavalry would not have failed to strike an individual completely devoid of inner strength.

"Eh? Brother, you have met Third Miss Ye?" Han Mingxi checked Han Mingyue's pulse, speaking in shock.

Han Mingyue forced himself to sit upright, staring at his younger brother with narrowed eyes. "How did you know? Your provocation of Mo Xiuyao in the capital this time... could it be precisely because of this Miss Ye?"

Han Mingxi rubbed his nose awkwardly, exerting a fair amount of effort to offer a placating smile. "Brother... that, well, I also suffered a defeat at Ye Li's hands last time; it was the exact same drug. That... I owe her a personal favor. Can you refrain from causing difficulties for her?"

Han Mingyue let out a cold laugh. "You utilize Tianyi Pavilion as a personal favor to owe out?"

Han Mingxi lowered his head in shame, playing with his fingers. "That... that woman is exceptionally intelligent. I spoke of nothing, yet she deduced the relationship between Tianyi Pavilion and the Clear Wind Bright Moon Tower. She took my jade pendant; there was nothing I could do."

"That was my jade pendant! Hand it over; leaving it on your person will only cause unknown disasters." Han Mingyue extended his hand. Han Mingxi dared not disobey, naturally delivering the jade pendant over obediently. In any case, he possessed no interest in either the Clear Wind Bright Moon Tower or Tianyi Pavilion; carrying his older brother's jade pendant had been purely for entertainment. "Brother, are your injuries severe? I shall fetch a physician."

Beholding his usually cynical younger brother filled with anxiety, Han Mingyue's expression softened a fraction, and he spoke softly, "It is no hindrance, merely that I am unable to deploy my inner strength. There is no need to summon a physician. Did any guest arrive?" Han Mingxi's expression darkened, letting out a cold snort as he stated, "Indeed, a certain woman came seeking you this afternoon. I drove her out."

"Mingxi..."

Han Mingxi paced back and forth within the room with irritation. "Brother, let us return to Jiangnan and refrain from meddling in these matters, alright? Last time I merely joked with Ye Li, and Mo Xiuyao nearly severed one of my legs and one of my hands. Even if you are the Master of Tianyi Pavilion, do not forget he is the Prince of Ding King Manor. Do you wish to forfeit Tianyi Pavilion along with your own life?" Han Mingyue moved his lips, intending to speak, yet before the words could emerge, he was interrupted by Han Mingxi. "Do not claim you are friends—bullshit! Even friends cannot touch another man's woman. Do you believe that because I am a flower-plucking thief, I possess no baseline whatsoever? Furthermore, do not forget what matters you all executed against him back then! How do you still dare to provoke him?"

"Mingxi... you have grown up." Watching his irritated younger brother pace about the room without a single trace of his usual cynicism, Han Mingyue spoke softly.

A flush appeared across Han Mingxi's face. Let out a snort, he turned and walked straight outside. "I shall call that woman over!" Watching his younger brother's silhouette vanish beyond the door, Han Mingyue rubbed his still faintly aching chest, his brows knitting slightly. For some unknown reason, Han Mingxi's earlier phrase—do not forget what matters you all executed against him back then—floated into his mind. Han Mingyue's gaze turned slightly dark, letting out a subtle sigh in his heart. The compensation to be delivered tomorrow... let us add another ten percent.

"How did you reduce yourself to such a wretched state?" A low female voice echoed from the entrance. Han Mingyue raised his eyes to look. The woman outside was clad in a voluminous black robe that concealed her originally exquisite silhouette, her countenance also entirely shrouded beneath a black cloth, leaving only a pair of clear, cold eyes flashing with faint chill and dissatisfaction.

"Have you not witnessed it for yourself? Do you believe Mo Xiuyao is so easy to deal with?" Han Mingyue sat upright, speaking flatly.

The black-clothed woman let out a cold snort. "Has the matter I entrusted to you been accomplished or not?"

Crack! The teacup within Han Mingyue's hand shattered in response, clear tea fluid trickling drop by drop through the gaps of his fingers. "I am not your servant! Pay heed to the tone of your speech!"

A flash of fury passed through the woman's eyes, yet she quickly restrained it, speaking in a low tone, "It was my error. Mingyue, tonight's matter..."

"What does it matter whether it was accomplished or not? In any case, has the news of Ye Li's abduction not already spread abroad? Your objective can be considered achieved," Han Mingyue stated.

"You failed to execute it!" The woman's voice instantly turned sharp. "I demanded that you ruin her!"

Han Mingyue unconsciously felt his neck, letting out a bitter smile in his heart. Ruin her? Fortunately, he truly hadn't held such an intention; otherwise, he feared the one ruined at that moment would have been himself. That Third Miss Ye was not nearly as harmless as she appeared on the surface. For some unknown reason, Han Mingyue had no intention of sharing this piece of information with the woman before his eyes.

"Allowing you, the Master of Tianyi Pavilion and the foremost handsome man of Jiangnan, to personally execute the deed can already be considered a blessing to her. Why did you refrain from doing so?" the woman shouted, still filled with dissatisfaction.

"Enough!" Han Mingyue stated coldly. "Why do you not inquire as to how I was injured and how severe the injuries are? Do you believe that if I had truly touched Ye Li, I could still return alive tonight?"

"I..." The woman's breath hitched slightly, seemingly perceiving her own loss of composure. She cast an apologetic glance at him, speaking softly, "Why did you proceed alone? If you had brought more individuals along, even if Mo Xiuyao brought the Black Cloud Cavalry, they might not have been capable of harming you. Under the current circumstances, it is utterly impossible for him to mobilize a massive force of the Black Cloud Cavalry." Han Mingyue's icy expression softened slightly following the woman's gentle voice, and he stated flatly, "Because I cannot drag Tianyi Pavilion into the water. This is a private matter between you and me; naturally, I shall resolve it myself. You should also look out for yourself; refrain from seeking me regarding matters concerning Ye Li in the future. I shall not assist you again."

"Why?"

"Because next time, Xiuyao will absolutely kill me. I am a merchant, and I never wish to challenge the baseline of the Mo family. Depart, and be careful yourself." Upon finishing his words, Han Mingyue leaned half-against the soft couch and closed his eyes, no longer paying heed to the black-clothed woman at the entrance. The black-clothed woman clearly still possessed words she wished to speak, yet beholding the man upon the soft couch whose countenance was ash-grey and whose entire body exuded absolute rejection, she could only swallow her intended words back down, letting out a light snort as she stated, "Then rest well. I shall return first."

Turning to exit the door, beneath a large tree not far outside the courtyard, a man possessing an eighty percent resemblance to Han Mingyue stared at her with a gloomy gaze. "There is no need for you to return; we shall depart for Jiangnan immediately."

The black-clothed woman turned her body, her exquisite, alluring eyes arching slightly with a trace of disdain. "If you possess leisure, proceed to pluck a few more flowers; refrain from meddling in idle business. I have no desire for Mingyue to come and inform me at some point that he is missing a younger brother." Han Mingxi's expression darkened, yet he quickly let out a cold laugh. "Perfect, this young master shall precisely observe exactly what manner of creature has driven my brother into such infatuation." Few individuals knew the quality of Young Master Fengyue's martial arts, yet his lightness technique was absolutely not something idle individuals fabricated out of boredom. The man who had originally stood beneath the tree merely flicked the hem of his garment, instantly vanishing from beneath the tree. In the blink of an eye, he already stood beside the black-clothed woman, extending his hand to pull away the black cloth upon her face. "Presumptuous!"

"Mingxi, stay your hand!" At the entrance, Han Mingyue stared with a dark expression at the two confrontational individuals before his eyes. "Allow her to depart."

"Humph!" Han Mingxi flung his hand with resentment, leaping upward like a startled swan and vanishing over the rooftops. Han Mingyue stared at the black-clothed woman within the courtyard, his eyes carrying a warning. "Do not provoke Mingxi."

"Hehe, as long as he refrains from provoking me, why should I go and provoke him? Mingyue, he is ultimately still your younger brother. We are friends, are we not?" the woman laughed softly.

Bang! Han Mingyue took a step backward, slamming the door shut directly in her face.

"Han! Ming! Yue!" A flash of astonishment passed through the black-clothed woman's eyes, and she shouted with resentment. Yet she observed that the candlelight within the room was quickly extinguished; clearly, the individual inside prepared to sleep. Letting out a light snort, she turned and departed the quiet, dark courtyard.

The black-clothed woman exited the inconspicuous courtyard, and several black-clothed individuals immediately stepped forward. "Miss."

The woman nodded her head, stating coldly, "Let us return."

The leading black-clothed man also perceived that the woman's mood was not particularly pleasant, daring not to speak excessively as he waved his hand, leading the others to guard the woman as they swiftly departed through the dark night.

Swish—

An arrow cleaved through the air with a force capable of shifting a thousand jun. The leading black-clothed man hastily drew his sword, intending to deflect the long arrow. However, that arrow was not so easily deflected; he felt a violent tremor run through the long sword in his hand, leaving even his gripping hand completely numb. The arrow scraped along the surface of the sword blade, piercing straight past toward the black-clothed woman he shielded behind him.

"Ah?!"

"Miss!"

The arrow scraped past the woman's face, anchoring itself firmly into the roadside wall not far away. The black-clothed woman turned her head to look toward that arrow which had entered deep into the wood. Her body softened, nearly collapsing; a mere fraction of an inch closer, and even if that arrow hadn't pierced through her head, it would have ruined her face.

"Miss," the individuals beside her hastily went over to support her, yet the woman waved her hand to fling them away. Raising her hand, she delivered a vicious slap across the black-clothed man's face. "Trash!" The black-clothed man lowered his head, his gaze downcast.

"Feng Zhiyao!" A burst of clear laughter echoed from the roof not far away. The woman raised her head, precisely beholding Feng Zhiyao clad in his flamboyant red robes, seated leisurely upon the rooftop as he looked down upon her wretched appearance. Feng Zhiyao arched his handsome brows, his left hand still holding a bow as he gestured toward her. "Feng Zhiyao, you possess immense audacity!" the woman gritted her teeth and stated.

"Oh my, this young master is thoroughly terrified. For this young master to shoot an arrow or two at a couple of stealthy, suspicious black-clothed individuals in the dead of night ought not to violate any laws, correct? Perhaps Lord Qin might even feel grateful to this young master for contributing a measure of effort toward the capital's public security. Would you not say so?"

"Kill him for me!" The woman's slender hand pointed toward the rooftop, her voice entirely filled with murderous intent. The moment she recalled that arrow from just now, she could not resist the urge to grind the arrogant man before her eyes into dust.

"Tsk, comparing numbers with this young master? Do you think I fear you?" Feng Zhiyao lazily raised his hand to wave backward. Silently, an identical group of black-clothed individuals materialized upon the rooftop. However, every single individual held a bow and arrow within their grasp, drawing their bows to precisely aim the arrow tips down toward the narrow street below. The black-clothed woman's eyes nearly erupted with fire from fury. Gritting her teeth, she stated arrogantly, "Feng Zhiyao, do you dare kill me?"

Feng Zhiyao shook his head with regret. "I dare not."

Upon hearing his response, the woman's confidence clearly surged significantly. Raising her chin slightly, she stated, "Since you dare not, then get as far away from me as possible!"

"Damn! This young master detests insufferable women the absolute most!" A flash of cold light passed through Feng Zhiyao's wicked, phoenix-like eyes. Raising his hand, he swiftly drew his bow and released an arrow; another arrow scraped past the woman's garment hem, anchoring itself right at her feet.

"Feng Zhiyao!"

Feng Zhiyao looked down upon her lazily, his gaze being far more disdainful than the woman's. "Cease your shouting; even if you shout further, this young master will absolutely never fall in love with you. Someone commanded me to grant you a warning: cease executing those chaotic, messy matters. Otherwise, tonight's arrow will absolutely not be shot into the wall. Even if you do not trust this young master's archery, you ought not to doubt theirs." Raising his hand, he pointed toward the straight, unmoving black-clothed man standing behind him, speaking flatly.

"No... this is impossible..." The black-clothed woman stared in astonishment at the black-clothed man behind Feng Zhiyao. "How could he possibly..."

"Feng Zhiyao, you dare to privately mobilize the Black Cloud Cavalry!"

"Tsk, a woman deceiving herself." Feng Zhiyao sat upright with impatience and stated, "In short, ensure you remember this young master's warning. Lest you suffer disfigurement next time and blame this young master for failing to deliver the words."

The black-clothed woman lowered her eyes without a word. Feng Zhiyao also possessed no mood to entangle further with her, speaking to the individuals behind him, "The matter that required execution is finished; let everyone disperse."

Swish— Swish—

Several sounds of tearing wind echoed. The individuals originally guarding beside the woman collapsed to the ground in response, leaving only the leading man tightly gripping his sword in tense vigilance. However, he understood clearly within his heart that his gripping hand possessed absolutely no strength due to that initial arrow from just now; if another arrow arrived, he could neither deflect it nor escape.

"Feng Zhiyao, you casually deploy the Black Cloud Cavalry; are you not fearful of the palace finding out?" the black-clothed woman finally spoke.

Feng Zhiyao waved his hand, laughing, "You ought to first contemplate how to explain why so many individuals are suddenly missing from your side."

Ultimately, the woman spoke no further words, leading her sole remaining guard away from this sparsely populated street with deep resentment. The moment she departed, the black-clothed individuals upon the rooftop also quickly vanished into the night. Feng Zhiyao turned his body, flipping over the roof and dropping into the room through a half-opened window beneath the eaves. Looking upon the man seated properly inside, he laughed helplessly, "How is it? Is Eldest Young Master Xu satisfied?"

Xu Qingchen sat serenely beside the window, a flask of wine and two wine cups placed before him. Raising his hand to pour two cups of wine, he set down the wine flask and raised his head to offer a gentle smile toward Feng Zhiyao. "Convey my gratitude to the Prince on my behalf.”