After speaking, Song Yun Chu gently set the person down.
Although Shangguan Yun had indeed committed many unscrupulous deeds in the original story, now that she, the prophet, was here, she could guide Shangguan Yun away from the wrong path. Eliminating those melodramatic female rivalry plots would help both Shangguan Yun and Jiang Rumin.
By intervening, she had effectively severed the fateful connection between Shangguan Yun and Jun Tianyi. In the original story, any female character associated with that Dog Scumbag met a tragic end.
Shangguan Yun hung her head low, feeling her feet firmly planted on the ground. It took her a while to recover.
The weightless sensation from the earlier fall had given her a true understanding of the phrase “scared out of her wits.”
Standing steadily on the ground now felt almost like a dream.
Still terrified, she clung tightly to her savior’s sleeve. Noticing she had wrinkled the fabric, she quickly let go and looked up to express her gratitude.
“Thank you…”
Her words trailed off as she caught sight of her savior’s appearance.
Before looking up, she hadn’t expected this person to be so pleasing to the eye.
After a moment of stunned admiration, she quickly regained her composure. “Thank you for saving me, young master. Since you’re so skilled, could you help me with one more thing? There’s a robber upstairs—he’s the reason I fell. If you catch him for me, I’ll reward you handsomely!”
Song Yun Chu glanced at the Drunk Fragrance House ahead and strode inside.
Since she was already here, she might as deal with that Jiangyang Bandit too.
With Jun Tianyi injured by her, the task that should have been his naturally fell to her.
Meanwhile, outside the crowd, Jun Tianyi narrowed his eyes as he watched Song Yun Chu’s retreating figure.
Hadn’t this guy been with Ru Min just moments ago? What was he doing here now?
Could he have been tailing him with ill intentions?
As Song Yun Chu ascended the stairs, the Jiangyang Bandit was rushing down, having put some distance between himself and the guards chasing him.
Just as he was congratulating himself on nearly escaping, an ebony ink painting folding fan suddenly blocked his path. A glint of cold steel from within the fan made him instinctively lean backward, grabbing the railing to steady himself.
Seeing his quick reflexes, Song Yun Chu snorted coldly and pressed forward.
The original host was skilled with short weapons, particularly adept with folding fans and short swords. The ebony ink painting folding fan in her hand appeared to display a landscape painting, but its ribs concealed blades—thin as cicada wings yet razor-sharp.
Realizing he was outmatched against her fierce assault, the bandit quickly flipped over the other side of the railing, attempting to bypass Song Yun Chu and escape downstairs.
But Song Yun Chu had no intention of letting him go. She flung her folding fan, and despite the bandit’s agile footwork, the blade still sliced across his back, leaving a long bleeding gash.
Crying out in pain, the bandit slowed slightly. Gritting his teeth, he looked ahead, his gaze locking onto Shangguan Yun outside the tavern.
This woman seemed important—taking her hostage might be his way out.
He mustered all his strength and charged toward Shangguan Yun. But as soon as his foot crossed the threshold, he felt a tight grip on the back of his collar. A hand yanked him backward and slammed him hard onto the ground.
The impact made his vision swim and blood spurt from his mouth. Dazed, he could barely see, but he heard a leisurely voice above him—
“Now you’ll behave.”
Outside the tavern, Shangguan Yun breathed a sigh of relief and felt completely at ease seeing the bandit subdued.
Soon, the guards surrounded the bandit.
Song Yun Chu said, “This man is the Jiangyang Bandit with a high bounty on his head from the authorities. Hand him over to the government, and he will face the punishment he deserves.”
Upon hearing this, the guards cast inquiring glances toward Shangguan Yun.
Though this bandit dared to harm their princess and deserved death, they were currently in another country’s territory. Killing him outright seemed inappropriate.
Shangguan Yun also understood the reasoning. Suppressing her anger as she looked at the immobilized bandit on the ground, she raised her head and smiled at Song Yun Chu. “Then let’s follow this hero’s suggestion and take this scoundrel to the authorities.”
“Master, we’ve been out long enough today. It’s time to return,” a guard approached Shangguan Yun’s side and reminded her.
Shangguan Yun shot him a glance. “Don’t tell my elder brother about what just happened.”
If her imperial brother learned she had fallen from a height and nearly lost her life, he would surely restrict her even more tightly, leaving her no chance to venture out again.
Meeting her slightly warning gaze, the guard acknowledged with a “Yes.” Noticing her attention had turned to Song Yun Chu, he realized they hadn’t yet thanked the hero who had saved their princess.
He turned and cupped his hands toward Song Yun Chu. “Thank you, hero, for your righteous assistance. If not for your timely intervention, our young lady might have faced grave danger. May we ask your name and residence? Tomorrow, we will surely bring gifts of gratitude…”
“It was merely a small effort. No need for gifts,” Song Yun Chu said leisurely. “As it’s getting late, the young lady should indeed heed your subordinate’s advice and return home early.”
After speaking, Song Yun Chu turned and left. Behind her, Shangguan Yun watched her retreating figure and quietly instructed a nearby guard, “Follow him and find out his background.”
At the same time, Jun Tianyi, standing behind the crowd, also gazed thoughtfully in the direction Song Yun Chu had departed.