“General, that’s the servant who came to fetch Miss Shu this morning, named Zhang Yuan.”
Wang Qi dutifully introduced the man to Jiang Xingyan.
Seeing her standing there dazed and unresponsive, Yun Chunfeng leaned closer, following her gaze.
He saw a woman standing with her arms spread wide, shielding Zhang Yuan.
Her clothing was that of an ordinary commoner from Western Zhou, but her bearing and aura were unmistakably extraordinary.
She turned her head to comfort an elderly man who had been knocked to the ground by the carriage: “Don’t be afraid, elder. In this world, there are rules and principles. It’s not always the mighty who get the final say.”
When Yun Chunfeng got a clear look at her face, he was shocked.
His fingers moved instinctively, his divination skills already revealing her identity.
Fortunately, she shared no blood relation with the Young Miss.
It seemed it was merely a coincidental resemblance.
“Young Miss, this person is Princess Huaiwan of Daxia, traveling incognito. Her name is Shangguan Luoyue.”
Jiang Xingyan had no time to question Yun Chunfeng’s use of cultivation for divination again. She was still staring blankly at the woman, murmuring:
“Huaiwan…?
Is it really just a coincidence?”
Yun Chunfeng’s heart tightened. “Young Miss, does this remind you of something?”
“You wretched woman, you’re here looking for trouble, aren’t you? I’ve got a belly full of anger with nowhere to vent it! I’ll beat you to death!” Zhang Yuan, furious and exasperated, swung his whip towards Shangguan Luoyue.
Shangguan Luoyue instinctively closed her eyes, bracing for the blow.
But the expected sharp pain never came.
The surrounding crowd gasped in surprise: “General Huo!”
She opened her eyes to see a handsome, heroic young general standing protectively in front of her.
He grabbed the tip of the whip and, with a powerful tug, yanked Zhang Yuan right off the carriage.
Zhang Yuan’s ferocious expression hadn’t even faded before Jiang Xingyan kicked him to the ground.
He rolled comically several times, drawing cheers and applause from the surrounding onlookers.
“General Huo is mighty!”
“General Huo rids the people of a scourge!”
Zhang Yuan groaned in pain, a mix of fear and rage swirling inside him.
Is His Highness the First Prince somehow fated to clash with General Huo? Why does he turn up everywhere!
After court ended, when His Highness found out he had fetched Sister Shu from the inn, he had nearly killed him. He had barely begged for his life, citing his years of faithful service, and promised to handle the next task perfectly. And now, here he was, caught again by General Huo.
Not daring to delay, Zhang Yuan endured his aches and pains, kowtowing frantically on the ground. “This lowly one was wrong! I’ll apologize to the old man and this young lady right now! I beg General Huo to show mercy and let me go!”
Jiang Xingyan despised bullies who relied on their masters’ power. Her face was as cold as ice.
“You galloped recklessly through the streets, injuring someone, show no remorse, and even drag His Highness the First Prince’s name into this. What are your intentions? Guards! Take him to the magistrate’s office to await judgment.”
Zhang Yuan panicked completely. His Highness’s important task wasn’t done yet!
He scrambled on his hands and knees, kneeling before the elderly man he had knocked over, kowtowing and pleading for mercy. “Old man, I was blind! I ran into you! I’m willing to pay you a hundred taels of silver! Please show mercy, just let me go like I’m worthless! I have urgent business today, that’s why I bumped into you both. I deserve death!”
As he spoke, he began slapping his own face vigorously with both hands.
The elderly man sitting on the ground looked pleadingly at Shangguan Luoyue.
A hundred taels!
Even if it was just a scrape on his arm and being knocked down, nothing serious—even if they wanted to break both his arms and legs for that price, he’d agree.
He was terrified this young lady would flatly refuse and insist on fighting for justice to the bitter end. What use was justice? You couldn’t eat or drink it. Getting some silver in compensation was the best outcome.
Jiang Xingyan quietly observed Shangguan Luoyue’s choice.
She showed no displeasure. Instead, she untied the purse from her waist, took out a fifty-tael gold ingot, took the old man’s hand, and placed it in his palm.
She smiled calmly. “Don’t be afraid, elder. I’ve delayed you for so long, let me compensate you with fifty taels of gold. If you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. Now, this is a matter between him and me. It has nothing to do with you.”
The old man clutched the gold, unsure what to do. This young lady was clearly helping him; how could he take her money?
After much internal debate, he returned the money to Shangguan Luoyue.
“Young lady, you sought justice for this old man today. If I took the money and ran, wouldn’t everyone point fingers and curse me? I’ll listen to whatever you decide.”
Shangguan Luoyue seemed momentarily taken aback by the old man’s choice, but she quickly regained her composure. A slight smile touched her lips as she cupped her hands respectfully towards Jiang Xingyan. “You must be the renowned Great General Huo Ci, Guardian of the North?”
Jiang Xingyan returned the gesture. “I am not worthy of such praise.”
Shangguan Luoyue’s expression turned serious. “Since ancient times, it has been said: if the people do not accuse, the officials will not investigate. But if we allow such arrogant and overbearing individuals to continue their wickedness, I fear it would damage His Majesty the Western Zhou Emperor’s reputation for virtue. Lose the people’s hearts, and even a mighty dike spanning a thousand miles will eventually collapse.”
Jiang Xingyan admired her internally: Truly the princess of Daxia, displaying the bearing of a great nation.
She nodded and was about to speak when someone behind her loudly applauded.
“Excellent!
This young lady’s words are truly insightful and profound, seeing the greater picture from a minor detail. It fills this prince with admiration.”
Jiang Xingyan was utterly exasperated internally.
Xiao Chonghua!
Why are you everywhere?!
She didn’t notice that upon seeing Xiao Chonghua, Zhang Yuan’s pupils had contracted sharply, his face a mask of terror as he prostrated himself on the ground, trembling violently.
Xiao Chonghua today wore a black kesi robe embroidered with auspicious clouds and ruyi patterns, adorned with a python design. A white jade belt inlaid with agate and lion-patterned plaques cinched his waist, from which hung a Seven-Star Linked Pearl sword. Even sheathed, one could sense its cold gleam.
His dark hair was tied up with a jasper cloud-patterned crown, accentuating his handsome, noble features.
Jiang Xingyan curled her lip internally. A peacock spreading its feathers—never a good sign.
Xiao Chonghua ignored “Huo Ci’s” disdainful look. He understood the principles: a tree standing out in the forest invites the wind to topple it; like repels like. Besides, he wasn’t married yet. Naturally, he had to seize the opportunity to wed the woman most advantageous to him.
Such as the one before him now: the sole princess of Daxia, Shangguan Luoyue.
“Young lady, your righteous heart shall not be met with coldness from this prince,” Xiao Chonghua declared.
His guard promptly stepped forward to introduce him. “This is His Highness, the Third Prince.”
Shangguan Luoyue offered a perfectly measured, graceful curtsey, her smile polite and appropriate.
“Since His Highness the Third Prince is involved, I am certain justice will be served for this humble girl and this elder.”
“Naturally.”
Jiang Xingyan watched as Xiao Chonghua’s gaze turned icy in an instant, landing squarely on Zhang Yuan, who was now kowtowing, his body shaking like a sieve.
This man serves by Xiao Mingxu’s side as a capable assistant. Surely he’s met Xiao Chonghua before?
Connecting his earlier urgency with his current terror, Jiang Xingyan narrowed her eyes.
I really feel like advising Xiao Mingxu: with his level of intellect, he should just stop provoking trouble and content himself with being a leisurely prince. How dare he try to mess with Xiao Chonghua? Doesn’t he know the man is like a lotus root—full of holes (schemes) from head to toe?
With a glance from Xiao Chonghua, a servant by his side stepped forward and recited from memory: “Western Zhou Law, Section Ten, Article Eight: If a member of the imperial family or nobility gallops recklessly through crowded markets causing harm: fifty strokes of the cane, forfeit three months’ stipend. If their attendant or servant uses their master’s influence to oppress good citizens: execution by caning in the street. The master’s household forfeits six months’ stipend and shall compensate the victim with fifty to five hundred taels, as deemed appropriate.”
Xiao Chonghua’s lips curled slightly. His tone was amiable, yet it sent chills down everyone’s spine. “Tell us whose family you serve. This prince will have your corpse sent back to them.”
“General, that’s the servant who came to fetch Miss Shu this morning, named Zhang Yuan.”
Wang Qi dutifully introduced the man to Jiang Xingyan.
Seeing her standing there dazed and unresponsive, Yun Chunfeng leaned closer, following her gaze.
He saw a woman standing with her arms spread wide, shielding Zhang Yuan.
Her clothing was that of an ordinary commoner from Western Zhou, but her bearing and aura were unmistakably extraordinary.
She turned her head to comfort an elderly man who had been knocked to the ground by the carriage: “Don’t be afraid, elder. In this world, there are rules and principles. It’s not always the mighty who get the final say.”
When Yun Chunfeng got a clear look at her face, he was shocked.
His fingers moved instinctively, his divination skills already revealing her identity.
Fortunately, she shared no blood relation with the Young Miss.
It seemed it was merely a coincidental resemblance.
“Young Miss, this person is Princess Huaiwan of Daxia, traveling incognito. Her name is Shangguan Luoyue.”
Jiang Xingyan had no time to question Yun Chunfeng’s use of cultivation for divination again. She was still staring blankly at the woman, murmuring:
“Huaiwan…?
Is it really just a coincidence?”
Yun Chunfeng’s heart tightened. “Young Miss, does this remind you of something?”
“You wretched woman, you’re here looking for trouble, aren’t you? I’ve got a belly full of anger with nowhere to vent it! I’ll beat you to death!” Zhang Yuan, furious and exasperated, swung his whip towards Shangguan Luoyue.
Shangguan Luoyue instinctively closed her eyes, bracing for the blow.
But the expected sharp pain never came.
The surrounding crowd gasped in surprise: “General Huo!”
She opened her eyes to see a handsome, heroic young general standing protectively in front of her.
He grabbed the tip of the whip and, with a powerful tug, yanked Zhang Yuan right off the carriage.
Zhang Yuan’s ferocious expression hadn’t even faded before Jiang Xingyan kicked him to the ground.
He rolled comically several times, drawing cheers and applause from the surrounding onlookers.
“General Huo is mighty!”
“General Huo rids the people of a scourge!”
Zhang Yuan groaned in pain, a mix of fear and rage swirling inside him.
Is His Highness the First Prince somehow fated to clash with General Huo? Why does he turn up everywhere!
After court ended, when His Highness found out he had fetched Sister Shu from the inn, he had nearly killed him. He had barely begged for his life, citing his years of faithful service, and promised to handle the next task perfectly. And now, here he was, caught again by General Huo.
Not daring to delay, Zhang Yuan endured his aches and pains, kowtowing frantically on the ground. “This lowly one was wrong! I’ll apologize to the old man and this young lady right now! I beg General Huo to show mercy and let me go!”
Jiang Xingyan despised bullies who relied on their masters’ power. Her face was as cold as ice.
“You galloped recklessly through the streets, injuring someone, show no remorse, and even drag His Highness the First Prince’s name into this. What are your intentions? Guards! Take him to the magistrate’s office to await judgment.”
Zhang Yuan panicked completely. His Highness’s important task wasn’t done yet!
He scrambled on his hands and knees, kneeling before the elderly man he had knocked over, kowtowing and pleading for mercy. “Old man, I was blind! I ran into you! I’m willing to pay you a hundred taels of silver! Please show mercy, just let me go like I’m worthless! I have urgent business today, that’s why I bumped into you both. I deserve death!”
As he spoke, he began slapping his own face vigorously with both hands.
The elderly man sitting on the ground looked pleadingly at Shangguan Luoyue.
A hundred taels!
Even if it was just a scrape on his arm and being knocked down, nothing serious—even if they wanted to break both his arms and legs for that price, he’d agree.
He was terrified this young lady would flatly refuse and insist on fighting for justice to the bitter end. What use was justice? You couldn’t eat or drink it. Getting some silver in compensation was the best outcome.
Jiang Xingyan quietly observed Shangguan Luoyue’s choice.
She showed no displeasure. Instead, she untied the purse from her waist, took out a fifty-tael gold ingot, took the old man’s hand, and placed it in his palm.
She smiled calmly. “Don’t be afraid, elder. I’ve delayed you for so long, let me compensate you with fifty taels of gold. If you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. Now, this is a matter between him and me. It has nothing to do with you.”
The old man clutched the gold, unsure what to do. This young lady was clearly helping him; how could he take her money?
After much internal debate, he returned the money to Shangguan Luoyue.
“Young lady, you sought justice for this old man today. If I took the money and ran, wouldn’t everyone point fingers and curse me? I’ll listen to whatever you decide.”
Shangguan Luoyue seemed momentarily taken aback by the old man’s choice, but she quickly regained her composure. A slight smile touched her lips as she cupped her hands respectfully towards Jiang Xingyan. “You must be the renowned Great General Huo Ci, Guardian of the North?”
Jiang Xingyan returned the gesture. “I am not worthy of such praise.”
Shangguan Luoyue’s expression turned serious. “Since ancient times, it has been said: if the people do not accuse, the officials will not investigate. But if we allow such arrogant and overbearing individuals to continue their wickedness, I fear it would damage His Majesty the Western Zhou Emperor’s reputation for virtue. Lose the people’s hearts, and even a mighty dike spanning a thousand miles will eventually collapse.”
Jiang Xingyan admired her internally: Truly the princess of Daxia, displaying the bearing of a great nation.
She nodded and was about to speak when someone behind her loudly applauded.
“Excellent!
This young lady’s words are truly insightful and profound, seeing the greater picture from a minor detail. It fills this prince with admiration.”
Jiang Xingyan was utterly exasperated internally.
Xiao Chonghua!
Why are you everywhere?!
She didn’t notice that upon seeing Xiao Chonghua, Zhang Yuan’s pupils had contracted sharply, his face a mask of terror as he prostrated himself on the ground, trembling violently.
Xiao Chonghua today wore a black kesi robe embroidered with auspicious clouds and ruyi patterns, adorned with a python design. A white jade belt inlaid with agate and lion-patterned plaques cinched his waist, from which hung a Seven-Star Linked Pearl sword. Even sheathed, one could sense its cold gleam.
His dark hair was tied up with a jasper cloud-patterned crown, accentuating his handsome, noble features.
Jiang Xingyan curled her lip internally. A peacock spreading its feathers—never a good sign.
Xiao Chonghua ignored “Huo Ci’s” disdainful look. He understood the principles: a tree standing out in the forest invites the wind to topple it; like repels like. Besides, he wasn’t married yet. Naturally, he had to seize the opportunity to wed the woman most advantageous to him.
Such as the one before him now: the sole princess of Daxia, Shangguan Luoyue.
“Young lady, your righteous heart shall not be met with coldness from this prince,” Xiao Chonghua declared.
His guard promptly stepped forward to introduce him. “This is His Highness, the Third Prince.”
Shangguan Luoyue offered a perfectly measured, graceful curtsey, her smile polite and appropriate.
“Since His Highness the Third Prince is involved, I am certain justice will be served for this humble girl and this elder.”
“Naturally.”
Jiang Xingyan watched as Xiao Chonghua’s gaze turned icy in an instant, landing squarely on Zhang Yuan, who was now kowtowing, his body shaking like a sieve.
This man serves by Xiao Mingxu’s side as a capable assistant. Surely he’s met Xiao Chonghua before?
Connecting his earlier urgency with his current terror, Jiang Xingyan narrowed her eyes.
I really feel like advising Xiao Mingxu: with his level of intellect, he should just stop provoking trouble and content himself with being a leisurely prince. How dare he try to mess with Xiao Chonghua? Doesn’t he know the man is like a lotus root—full of holes (schemes) from head to toe?
With a glance from Xiao Chonghua, a servant by his side stepped forward and recited from memory: “Western Zhou Law, Section Ten, Article Eight: If a member of the imperial family or nobility gallops recklessly through crowded markets causing harm: fifty strokes of the cane, forfeit three months’ stipend. If their attendant or servant uses their master’s influence to oppress good citizens: execution by caning in the street. The master’s household forfeits six months’ stipend and shall compensate the victim with fifty to five hundred taels, as deemed appropriate.”
Xiao Chonghua’s lips curled slightly. His tone was amiable, yet it sent chills down everyone’s spine. “Tell us whose family you serve. This prince will have your corpse sent back to them.”