Wish You All the Best - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Jiafu’s suspicions were confirmed that very night.

When the carriage stopped, a burly middle-aged woman carrying a lamp climbed inside. Though the light was dim, the moment they faced each other, Jiafu recognized her instantly. This woman was from the Prince of Yunzhong’s manor, surnamed Zhu. She knew martial arts and possessed immense strength; felling one or two ordinary men was child’s play for her. Because she had formerly been a personal servant to the late Princess, she held high seniority among the manor’s staff. In her previous life, after Jiafu had lost her chastity to Xiao Yintang and was taken back, there was a period when her emotions were highly unstable. At that time, Xiao Yintang was already married, and the Crown Princess—who would later become Empress—was Zhang Fengtong. Upon learning that Xiao Yintang was hiding a woman, the Crown Princess was not displeased about her husband taking a concubine; rather, hearing that Jiafu was not submissive, she had personally come over to persuade her with earnest, painstaking advice. To prevent Jiafu from harming herself, she had even assigned this woman to keep a close watch on her for a time.

The woman climbed into the carriage, saying nothing at first, only silently assessing Jiafu. Seeing that the young girl was indeed a beauty whose looks could shame the fish and eclipse the moon, she thought of the orders she had received before departing. Knowing that if anything went wrong on the road, she would have no way to answer for it back home, she decided to strike fear into the girl first to extinguish any thoughts of escape. She hung up the lamp, fished a hard walnut out of her sleeve, placed it in her palm, and casually squeezed—with a "crack," the walnut shattered. She opened her hand, her face sinking, and said, "Now that you are on this carriage, you must behave yourself. If you don't listen, don't blame me if you suffer." Finished, she shifted to a smiling face, "Naturally, Young Lady, don't be afraid. Once you arrive, you will understand. This is a tremendous blessing for you, a good fortune others couldn't even dream of. My name is Zhu, you may just call me Matron Zhu. I will be the one serving you on the road."

Jiafu curled up in the corner of the carriage, motionless.

After the woman climbed in, the carriage continued moving until late at night, when it stopped again to lodge at an inn. Before getting off, the woman untied the rope binding Jiafu's feet, though she left the restraints on her hands and the gag in her mouth. She used a heavy cloak to completely cover Jiafu’s head and face, ushering her inside among the rest of the party. By daybreak, they were on the move again.

This group of seven or eight people, disguised as a master and servants traveling, hurried westward without stopping. At first, they sometimes avoided main roads during the day, choosing remote, bumpy paths, and at night, they would stay at small inns or roadside homes. But after half a month, they switched to the main post roads, traveling smoothly and without obstruction. At night, they checked into post stations, always staying in the best rooms. The station master was respectful and attentive toward this group, serving them with extreme diligence.

Jiafu knew they must have entered Yunnan by now. She figured that if they continued like this for a few more days, she would be delivered to the Prince of Yunzhong’s manor in Wuding Prefecture. However, despite this, Matron Zhu did not relax her vigilance in the slightest. Although, at Jiafu’s request, she no longer bound her hands and feet at night, she confiscated Jiafu’s clothes and slept with them under her own pillow, returning them only after sunrise to prevent Jiafu from escaping while she slept.

Since being abducted and moving further and further away from Quanzhou, Jiafu had actually stopped planning to escape midway. Even if she were lucky enough to find a chance to flee, the dangers of being alone on the road were beyond her ability to predict.

The only method she could think of was the same path as her previous life: to find Pei You’an as quickly as possible. Only by seeking his help could she possibly escape.

She was very certain that Pei You’an had been in Yunnan for these past few years and that his relationship with the Prince of Yunzhong was far from ordinary. But she did not know if he was currently in this location, and she could not ask Matron Zhu—who followed her every step of the way, day and night—for fear of arousing her suspicion.

Jiafu estimated that they were nearing Wuding Prefecture. Matron Zhu seemed anxious to arrive early; that day, they traveled for an entire day, continued through the night, and only then stopped.

Based on these days of experience, Jiafu knew they had reached the night's post station. Someone from the party went inside to secure rooms first, after which she would be brought in directly through a side door by Matron Zhu.

Matron Zhu was already famished and did not want to eat the dry rations from the carriage. Seeing that the guard who had gone inside had not yet returned, she lost her patience, climbed out, opened the carriage window, and looked out. Just as she saw the person emerging, she asked, "What is the matter?"

The guard said, "There is only one separate courtyard inside, and it has already been reserved for someone. The person hasn't arrived yet, so I asked the station master to give it to us, but he refused!"

"Who is it?"

The guard leaned over and whispered a name.

Matron Zhu froze.

The station master had just looked at the travel permit and knew this group came from the Prince of Yunzhong’s manor. Although they seemed to be there on official business, since they were from the Prince's manor, how could he dare to be negligent? He had followed the guard out, ran up close, bowed, and apologized with a smile, "My Lady, even if you gave me the courage of the heavens, I would not dare to be disrespectful. But it is truly unfortunate; that separate courtyard is already reserved for Master Pei. I have another superior room here, with left and right wing rooms. There are no other rooms nearby; besides not having a courtyard, everything else is top-tier and extremely quiet. It is perfectly suited for your group. Shall I lead you all in to rest?"

Since entering Yunnan, every post station they had stayed in these past few days had been the best. Even if officials were already staying there, once they learned someone from the Prince’s manor had arrived, they all relinquished their rooms.

Matron Zhu was a bit displeased, but this trip was not meant to attract undue attention, and she dared not forcibly occupy the man's room. Furthermore, she was hungry, so she frowned and said, "Fine, that will do. Hurry and arrange it; bring hot food and dishes!"

The station master breathed a sigh of relief, bowed his agreement, and was just about to make arrangements when Matron Zhu called him back. She lowered her voice, "We are leaving early tomorrow morning. Do not mention our group in front of that man surnamed Pei!"

The station master was a bit confused, but he agreed repeatedly and turned to run inside.

Matron Zhu turned and handed the large cloak to Jiafu, saying, "Let’s go down."

Jiafu took it, silently covered her head and face, and said nothing. Her heart, however, began to beat wildly, and her hands trembled so much that she failed to tie the strings of her collar several times.

She had heard clearly just now that the station master mentioned "Master Pei." As far as she knew, within the Prince of Yunzhong’s sphere of influence, there was no second person surnamed Pei who could make this overbearing Matron from the manor feel even a shred of apprehension.

If she wasn't mistaken, there was a nine-in-ten chance that this "Master Pei" was Pei You’an.

On this journey, she had thought countless times about how to get word to Pei You’an as soon as they arrived. She never expected such effortless luck; before even reaching Wuding Prefecture where the manor was located, she had heard news of him right here.

More importantly, she would be staying in the same post station as him tonight!

Matron Zhu was waiting nearby. Seeing that she still hadn't tied her collar after a long while, she glared at her.

Jiafu feared being seen through, so she steadied her heart and finally finished dressing. She whispered, "I am ready."

Matron Zhu scrutinized her, pulled the soft cap she was wearing further forward to cover most of her head and face, and only then pushed open the carriage door. She stepped out first, then helped Jiafu down.

The night was very deep. Two lanterns hung before the gate of the post station, bearing the characters "Chengjiang Prefecture." A night wind picked up, causing the lanterns to sway back and forth, casting a dim, yellowish glow upon the ground.

Jiafu’s legs were weak. Just after getting off the carriage, she stood for a moment to steady herself. Urged by Matron Zhu, she was about to take a step forward when, at that very moment, the figures of four or five riders appeared on the post road in the darkness. They galloped toward them, kicking up a clear sound of hooves. Soon, they reached the front, slowed down, and several black shadows passed by the carriage, stopping nearby—no more than ten paces from Jiafu. The man in the lead flipped off his horse, handed the reins to a follower, and walked forward. As he reached the main gate, the lantern light outlined the profile of half his face. Though the light was dim, Jiafu recognized him instantly.

Pei You’an!

Matron Zhu recognized him too. She hadn't expected "speak of the devil" to hold so true. Unwilling to let him see her group, she immediately dragged Jiafu backward and hid herself behind the cover of the carriage.

The moment she saw Pei You’an, Jiafu’s blood suddenly boiled, and her heart pounded uncontrollably. Subconsciously, she began to struggle. She turned her head, about to call out his name, but Matron Zhu clamped a hand over her mouth and dragged her back violently. The woman’s eyes flashed with malice as she twisted Jiafu’s arms behind her back. Jiafu gasped in pain, unable to move a muscle.

The woman leaned into her ear and hissed in a low, sharp voice, "What are you trying to do?"

Jiafu froze.

Even if she continued to struggle and the commotion attracted Pei You’an’s attention, this Matron Zhu would never give her another chance to speak, nor would she ever let Pei You’an see her.

Jiafu stopped struggling.

Pei You’an had already reached the entrance. He suddenly paused, looked back, and saw a common-style carriage sitting quietly by the side of the road—a pitch-black shadow.

"Master Pei, you have arrived?"

The station master saw him and hurriedly greeted him from inside.

Pei You’an nodded slightly to the station master, glanced behind him once more, and finally stepped inside.

Matron Zhu only knew that this girl was from Quanzhou, the daughter of a merchant family. She could never dream that Jiafu and Pei You’an knew each other, let alone that they had such a relationship. However, she was extremely dissatisfied with Jiafu’s actions just now. After leading her into the room, she didn't even care to eat; she stared at Jiafu with a gloomy expression, "What exactly were you trying to do? I saw you trying to stop that man. Do you know him?"

The distance between them had been so close, yet she could only watch helplessly as he walked past her.

Having missed the best opportunity, Jiafu was plunged into immense despair. But this wasn't all—if she couldn't dispel the woman’s suspicion, then after tonight, once he left and she was delivered into the hands of Xiao Yintang, she had no idea when she would find another opportunity to get her message to him.

Jiafu cried, "He is my brother! I originally had two brothers. One was lost when he was little. Just now, the moment I saw him, I recognized him! There can be no mistake; he is the brother I lost as a child! Matron, no matter how good the place you spoke of is, I don't want to go! I beg you, I just want to go home! Please, have mercy and take me to see my brother! I want my brother to send me back to Quanzhou!"

She covered her face, tears streaming through the gaps in her fingers.

Matron Zhu had been suspicious a moment ago, but after listening, she scoffed. She thought to herself that the girl was young after all, and having been raised in the deep boudoir, who knew how she had caught the Young Prince’s eye? Encountering such an ordeal on this journey, she must have been scared out of her wits to dare recognize a complete stranger as her brother. Since when had Pei You’an become the son of a merchant family in Quanzhou? She sneered, "Young Lady, I have already been very considerate to you on this trip. I have said all the kind words I could; I advise you not to let your imagination run wild. We will be there in two more days. I tell you, this is Yunnan, not a place where you can run wild. If you dare to cause trouble for me again, don't blame me if things turn ugly!"

Jiafu curled up by the bed, sobbing incessantly with her knees in her arms. Having dispelled her suspicions and feeling hungry, the woman ignored her and went to eat. When she was half-full, she glanced sideways at Jiafu. Seeing that she had stopped crying and was sitting there in a daze, she called her over to eat.

Jiafu walked over slowly. The woman looked at her and saw that her eyelids were red and swollen from crying. Under the light, she looked all the more pitiable. She thought that if this woman obtained the Young Prince's favor in the future, it wouldn't be good to offend her too much right now. So, for the first time ever, she personally served a bowl of rice and pushed it in front of Jiafu, saying with a smile, "We have already arrived at Chengjiang Prefecture. In two more days, we will reach the destination. When you arrive, you will know that I didn't lie to you about what I said earlier. This fortune of yours—how many women in this world could only hope for it?"

Jiafu sneered in her heart, but asked, "May I ask, Matron, exactly where are you taking me?"

Matron Zhu replied, "You will know when we get there. Do not ask."

Jiafu spoke no more, simply lowering her head to eat silently. The woman ordered people to come in and clean up, then ordered water to be brought. After a hasty wash, she went out to order the guards to take turns keeping watch. Inside the room, Jiafu heard her voice faintly drifting in: "...We arrive in two days, everyone keep your spirits up! If there is any mishap at the very end, no one can bear that responsibility!"

The day's travel had been exhausting. Having arranged matters, the woman wanted to lie down and rest. After returning to the room, she told Jiafu to strip down to her undergarments, took the clothing to press under her own pillow, ordered Jiafu to lie down, and then blew out the lamp to sleep on the outside of the bed.

The night was deep; the post station finally grew quiet. A pale moonlight shone through the window lattice.

Matron Zhu slept like the dead, emitting bursts of thunderous snoring. Jiafu slowly opened her eyes, turned her head, and gazed at the blurred silhouette of the woman lying on the outside. The thought in her heart grew increasingly intense.

She had accompanied Xiao Yintang to stay in this post station in Chengjiang Prefecture several times in the past. She knew the location of the separate courtyard where Pei You’an was staying tonight. She had made a point to remember the path when she came in earlier; it was very close to where she was staying. As long as she could get out and walk through a long corridor, she would reach his quarters.

She could not watch such an opportunity slip by. No matter what, she had to try. Even if she didn't succeed, the worst-case scenario would only be being captured and watched even more closely by this woman surnamed Zhu.

Jiafu hesitated no longer. She quietly climbed out of bed, crept around the feet of the snoring woman, and got down. She tiptoed to the table, found the oil lamp, took the fire-starter, and returned to the foot of the bed. Holding her breath, she slowly poured the clear oil from the lamp onto the bed curtains. Once finished, she lit the fire-starter and brought it toward the curtains.

The flame caught, leaping upward rapidly. Soon, half the curtains were burning, and then the bed frame caught fire as well. The fire crackled and spread, and the smoke grew increasingly thick. Matron Zhu slept deeply—or perhaps she had been overcome by the fumes—for she remained lying there, never waking up.

Jiafu covered her mouth and nose, enduring the choking smoke, waiting until the fire was well underway before wrapping herself in the cloak she had snatched earlier. She ran to the door, opened it, and stepped out, only to be met by the night guards who had come running at the sound of commotion. Jiafu pointed behind her and said, "The room is on fire! The Matron is still sleeping in bed! Go take a look!"

The guard rushed to the door. Sure enough, seeing thick smoke and flames, he was startled and ran inside. Jiafu turned immediately and dashed outward. She had just reached the corridor when she heard footsteps chasing her; another night guard had discovered her and was in pursuit.

Jiafu did not look back. Using all her strength, she sprinted madly toward the courtyard on the other side of the corridor, hoping desperately in her heart that Pei You’an was inside—he was inside, and he would surely open the door himself.

But in the end, she could not reach that courtyard gate.

With only a short stretch of road remaining, the guard took a stride and caught up, blocking her path. Then, from behind, came the sound of curses accompanied by violent coughing.

Matron Zhu had also caught up.

"Big Cousin! Save Afu!"

Jiafu screamed with all her might toward the courtyard ahead.

"Gag that little slut, get her back here!"

Matron Zhu, her eyebrows and hair singed black by the fire, pursued her in disarray. While coughing, she barked at the guard.

Although this guard had traveled with them for over half a month and knew there was a girl in the carriage, he had never actually seen Jiafu’s face. Caught off guard by this sudden confrontation, he paused, hesitant, and reached out toward her. Jiafu screamed, pulled off the one shoe she hadn't lost while running, and threw it at his face to block him. She turned and clung tightly to a railing, shouting again, "Big Cousin—"

The guard stood there holding the shoe Jiafu had thrown, momentarily at a loss. Matron Zhu was furious. She pursued her, clamped a hand over Jiafu’s mouth, and barked at the stunned guard, "What are you waiting for!"

The guard came to his senses and hurriedly stepped up. Just then, the gate to the courtyard at the end of the corridor creaked open.

"Let her go."

A voice said.

It was only a short sentence, a mere three words, but to Jiafu, it sounded like the music of the heavens.

She hadn't even seen the person clearly yet, but she had already recognized the voice.

It was Pei You’an’s voice.

He had finally come out!

Jiafu’s nose felt sore. She opened her mouth and bit down hard on Matron Zhu’s hand. The woman shrieked in pain and released her. Jiafu immediately let go of the railing, turned, and ran madly toward the figure standing in the moonlight ahead, throwing herself at him desperately, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, and refusing to let go.

"Big Cousin! Save me..."

She sobbed, tilting her face up, staring with tear-filled eyes at Pei You’an, who was looking down at her.

Pei You’an was swayed by the impact. Before he could fully process what was happening, he felt a body—as soft as if it had no bones—pressed tightly against him, her arms locked firmly around his waist. His whole body couldn't help but stiffen; his hands remained frozen at his sides, unable to move. He hesitated for a moment, slowly let out a breath, and said softly, "Do not be afraid. Release me first. We can talk about whatever happened, slowly.”