Ming Yuan frequently glanced toward Princess Shunyu, trying to find a chance to speak with her. Tomorrow, they would reach Ji County, and tonight, preparations needed to be made. However, the Lu family was suspicious and wouldn’t let her near the princess. It seemed she’d have to wait until nightfall to find an opportunity.
The Lu family, wary of Ming Yuan, kept a close eye on her. Despite her recent loss of her mother, they couldn’t afford to be careless.
Meanwhile, back in the capital, He Zhen personally delivered the goods to the wealthy merchant, Boss Han, who was planning to leave the city with his caravan that very day.
“Madam He,” Boss Han began, “I heard your house was robbed a few days ago. I have some connections; if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Recently, rumors had been swirling around the capital, and many of them involved He Zhen. Some said her husband had divorced her because she couldn’t bear a son, while others claimed she had been caught meeting with two brothers from the north side of the city in secret, only to later report them to the authorities. The brothers had been flogged with twenty lashes each and were now bedridden.
Compared to He Zhen’s tarnished reputation, the brothers had gotten off lightly with just the lashes.
He Zhen understood the situation clearly. If her husband were still home, no one would have dared to climb over her walls. And if her father-in-law were alive, the two intruders would have faced much harsher punishment than a mere twenty lashes.
It was clear people were taking advantage of the fact that she was a woman, alone with her daughter, with no power or influence to protect them.
Boss Han brought it up hoping to form a good relationship with He Zhen. After all, fireworks were a profitable business, and the woman before him was an exceptionally talented entrepreneur. He foresaw that, given time, she would surpass all other shops in the capital, bringing immense wealth and fame.
He Zhen smiled gracefully, “It was nothing more than a couple of insignificant thieves. If I need assistance, I’ll certainly reach out to you, Boss Han.”
Boss Han nodded and bid her farewell, turning to get into his carriage. Just as the carriage began to move, he pulled back the curtain and called out, “Madam He!”
He Zhen, about to leave, paused and turned to look at him.
Boss Han spoke loudly, “You are the first woman I’ve ever seen in business who matches men in skill. I truly admire you and wish to form a long-lasting friendship.”
At first, Boss Han had thought about proposing marriage. Since He Zhen had already divorced, and he himself was unmarried, he figured their combined talents would make the firework business thrive and gain worldwide recognition. However, during his time in the capital, he came to understand her better and decided against it. He realized that imposing marriage on a woman like her would only diminish her greatness.
His tone was respectful and sincere, showing not the slightest hint of condescension. It was clear that he now saw He Zhen as a business partner and a friend, not a potential wife.
He Zhen was momentarily taken aback but felt relieved. She wasn’t naive and had sensed Boss Han’s initial intentions, possibly fueled by his interest in the firework business. She respected his talents but had no interest in him romantically.
Now that he had spoken of friendship, with no hidden motives, she saw no issue in forming a professional relationship. It would ensure their future business dealings could continue.
With a smile, she called back to him, “Next time you’re in the capital for business, Boss Han, my shop, Lucky and Auspicious, will be ready with food and drink for you.”
They exchanged a warm smile before Boss Han let down the curtain.
Back at the shop, He Zhen instructed her staff to bring out the account books, meticulously reviewing the numbers. The deal with Boss Han had brought in more profit than all their previous sales combined.
Elated, she began thinking about what offerings to prepare for the divine being who had blessed her. She wondered what the deity would like. Judging by the voice, it sounded like a young woman—perhaps she would appreciate fine jewelry?
That night, Ming Yuan waited until most people had fallen asleep. She quietly slipped out of her tent and cautiously made her way toward where Princess Shunyu was resting.
The night watchmen seemed unaware of her presence, still busy roasting the leftover bread from the day.
Inside her tent, Princess Shunyu was not asleep. Hearing the noise outside, she glanced at her sleeping companions before tiptoeing out.
Ming Yuan was waiting just outside. Seeing the princess, she whispered, “Your Highness, we will reach Ji County tomorrow. Tonight, I will help disguise you as me. That way, it will be easier for you to escape.”
Just as Princess Shunyu was about to explain her decision to stay, she was surprised by Ming Yuan’s words. “But even though we’re about the same size, we don’t look alike. How could I possibly pass as you?”
Ming Yuan pulled out two pouches from her robe, each containing a human-skin mask. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’m skilled in disguise. No one will be able to tell the difference.”
This was exactly why the Left Commander had sent her on this mission.
Princess Shunyu marveled at the skill of the Jinlin Guards. Even a girl who appeared to be no older than ten was proficient in such advanced techniques.
“Your Highness, please allow me to help you with the disguise,” Ming Yuan urged.
But Shunyu held up a hand to stop her, her expression calm. “Ming Yuan, I’ve thought it over. Tomorrow morning, I must discuss this matter with Lord Lu. The Lu family has helped me greatly, and my two mentors are invaluable. I can’t just leave them behind and run away.”
She had planned to bring this up tonight, but she hadn’t figured out how to approach the subject. She still felt conflicted.
Ming Yuan grew anxious. “Your Highness—”
Before she could finish, several men emerged from the shadows, surrounding both of them. One of the men grabbed Princess Shunyu, pulling her away from Ming Yuan.
Neither of them had time to react before Lu Xingyao stepped out of the darkness, giving a cold command. “Seize her!”
Several men lunged at Ming Yuan, trying to capture her. Moving with lightning speed, Ming Yuan dodged two of them and engaged the other two with sharp, calculated moves, her strikes swift and precise.
Lu Xingyao’s eyes darkened as he realized he had been deceived. This young girl was certainly not as simple as she seemed.
Princess Shunyu, startled by the sudden attack, called out softly, “Lu Gongzi, please stop them from fighting!”
Lu Xingyao tried to calm her. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. This girl has ill intentions. With us here, she won’t harm you.”
Shunyu quickly explained, “No, you’re mistaken! She won’t hurt me—”
But before she could finish, Ming Yuan had already been overpowered and tied up. Despite her skill, she was just a young girl trained in quick, lethal moves for ambushes. Against a prepared group of grown men, she stood no chance. And because of her loyalty to the princess, she couldn’t bring herself to kill the Lu family’s men.
Even so, her eyes were filled with defiance as she glared at her captors.
With her hands bound and mouth gagged, Ming Yuan was brought before Princess Shunyu.
The men who had subdued her felt a bit embarrassed. After all, it had taken several of them to restrain one small girl. It wasn’t exactly a victory to be proud of.
But Lu Xingyao wasn’t ashamed in the least. To him, numbers were the Lu family’s advantage.
Princess Shunyu could only shake her head in disbelief. “Lu Gongzi, you’ve misunderstood. She’s my subordinate, here to help me escape.”
Lu Xingyao wasn’t convinced and shouted at Ming Yuan, “You deceitful little girl! It’s bad enough that you tried to fool my family, but now you’ve deceived the princess too?”
Princess Shunyu: “…”
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