Just past midnight, the treetops swayed irregularly, shadows moved on the rooftops, and dark figures like ghosts charged in with blades drawn.
The sounds of combat erupted instantly.
Swords clashed, blossoming into crimson flowers.
Fortunately, Yan Wei had brought many men on this trip, and the black-clad assailants were outmatched and all killed.
The Chief Eunuch emerged from the darkness, still shaken, his face dark as he ordered the guards, “Investigate!”
“Reporting to the Chief Eunuch, none of the intruders remain alive.”
The Chief Eunuch pressed a hand to his pounding heart. As he turned, he saw Yan Wei and approached. “A band of petty thieves has come. I hope the General is unharmed?”
Yan Wei stood with his back to the light, making it difficult to see the expression on his face. Only his voice could be heard: “I am fine.”
Just as the Chief Eunuch felt relieved, his heart tightened again in the next moment.
Duan Cang walked over carrying a sword. “General, there is something wrong with this sword.”
The Chief Eunuch remained silent.
Yan Wei took the sword from Duan Cang’s hand and lightly flicked the blade, producing a resonant hum.
Upon closer inspection, the sword’s overall form differed from those forged in Tianlu. The blade was broad and short, sharpened on one side. It resembled a saber more than a sword.
The Chief Eunuch inquired with concern, “Has the General discerned anything?”
Yan Wei furrowed his brows. “This sword likely does not come from Tianlu.”
If the sword did not, then the men naturally did not either.
The Chief Eunuch was startled, remembering their current location. “Could they be from Gao Huai?”
Duan Cang spoke up. “Chief Eunuch may not be aware, but the people of Gao Huai despise the General. They have attempted assassinations several times without success. This is likely another attempt.”
The Chief Eunuch visibly relaxed. “With Lord Duan’s words, I am reassured.”
In his heart, he was already considering how to report this to the Emperor.
Just then, Yan Wei heard faint noises coming from inside the room.
Tang Li whispered, “Miss, where are you going?”
Ming Shu had woken up. After confirming that the sounds of combat outside had ceased and faintly hearing Yan Wei’s voice, she wanted to take a look.
Tang Li’s small face was still pale. Clutching Ming Shu’s sleeve, she said, “Miss, perhaps we should wait a bit longer.”
Ming Shu patted her hand, casually draping a cloak over herself. “Then wait here for me. I’ll just go to the doorway to take a peek.”
“Miss, let me go instead.”
In the end, Ming Shu went with her.
As soon as they opened the door, they saw a figure moving in the dim light, heading unmistakably toward them.
Ming Shu couldn’t tell friend from foe and was about to quickly close the door.
Yan Wei gave a light cough.
Ming Shu recognized the visitor, looked up, and called softly, “Cousin.”
Yan Wei approached, with Duan Cang holding a lantern behind him.
Now it was somewhat brighter.
Yan Wei asked, “Were you frightened, Cousin?”
Ming Shu bit her lip. It would be untrue to say she wasn’t frightened.
But she couldn’t lose face in front of so many people, forcing herself to appear calm. “Not really. I trust you, Cousin.”
Yan Wei paused, unsure how to voice words of comfort.
“There should be no more trouble tonight, Cousin. Rest assured. However,”
Yan Wei thought for a moment and added, “Cousin seems to lack someone skilled in martial arts by your side.”
He turned and said, “Duan Cang, go summon Yuan Rong.”
Ming Shu was puzzled, waiting for Yan Wei to explain.
But Yan Wei only instructed, “From now on, keep Yuan Rong by your side, Cousin. Yuan Rong’s martial skills are quite good.”
Ming Shu obediently agreed.
“Thank you, Cousin, for your thorough consideration.”
When she saw Yuan Rong, the female guard, Ming Shu clenched her hand slightly. Now, this was truly thorough consideration.
Ming Shu gazed longingly at that dashing figure.
Yuan Rong first bowed to Ming Shu: “Young Miss.”
Her face wore a smile, looking no different from an ordinary woman. If Yan Wei hadn’t personally said that Yuan Rong had martial skills, Ming Shu would never have believed it.
Ming Shu could only marvel at Yuan Rong’s capabilities.
“Yuan Rong…”
“Here.” Yuan Rong’s expression was resolute, different from ordinary people in that moment.
Yan Wei didn’t linger any longer, instructing Yuan Rong: “Protect the young miss closely and ensure her safety.”
“Yes.”
Ming Shu turned and returned to her room.
Tang Li voluntarily offered her own bedding on the floor: “Miss Yuan Rong can sleep here, I’ll go to the side room.”
The side room only had a low couch, making it difficult to stretch out comfortably.
Yuan Rong smiled and said: “Let’s make do together for tonight.”
The bedding on the floor could accommodate two people.
Tang Li looked at Ming Shu.
Ming Shu’s eyes were moist with sleepy tears, and she waved her hand: “Let it be so.”
The next day.
“Young miss, it’s time to get up.” Tang Li was somewhat anxious, after all, Yan Wei had ordered them to leave early.
But considering Ming Shu had been frightened last night, Tang Li didn’t dare to easily disturb her sleep.
“Young miss, the general and the others are already waiting downstairs…”
Hearing this, Ming Shu finally fluttered her eyelids and asked hoarsely: “What time is it?”
“Chen hour… one quarter past.”
Later than when she rose at the Yan residence.
Ming Shu suddenly sat up: “Why didn’t you wake me earlier?”
Tang Li felt bitter; she had tried, but to no avail.
Yuan Rong brought hot water for washing: “Will the young miss have breakfast in the room?”
“No need, help me with my hair and makeup.”
After all, it wouldn’t do to delay their departure time.
Going downstairs, Ming Shu saw Yan Wei sitting at a table, dressed in black brocade robes, his black hair tied up with a white jade hair crown.
Duan Cang seemed to be discussing something beside him.
Ming Shu moved to avoid them, intending to have breakfast at another table.
Unexpectedly, Duan Cang noticed and called out: “Young Miss, over here.”
Ming Shu saw Yan Wei’s calm gaze turn toward her.
She had no choice but to approach.
“Cousin.”
“Did you rest well?” His brows and eyes held no lack of gentleness.
Ming Shu softly hummed in affirmation and lowered her gaze: “I delayed our schedule.”
“Sit and have your meal.”
Ming Shu felt uneasy, extremely restless.
But Yan Wei said no more.
Only after Ming Shu finished her meal did they board the carriage.
For the next several months, they traveled northward, crossing waterways and passing through gorges, arriving safely in Yun Jing.
The chief eunuch, seeing the towering high walls, finally relaxed the tension in his heart, having fulfilled the emperor’s orders.
The chief eunuch said to Yan Wei: “General, please rest for a while. This humble servant will return to the palace to report to His Majesty.”
Yan Wei nodded: “Please, Eunuch.”
The Yan family had a three-courtyard residence in the eastern part of Yun Jing. The location wasn’t particularly bustling, but it had the advantage of being quiet.
Ming Shu lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to look outside.
Was this the Yun Jing of legend, with its abundant goods, prosperous people, and countless streets?