HMHSE - 34

“Did Young Mistress leave somewhere in the latter half of last night?”

Before setting off in the morning, Zi Rui couldn’t help but quietly ask Shen Rong.

Last night, she had been awakened by the sudden commotion of soldiers and discovered that her young mistress was missing.

After rushing out to have Dong Lai search around and returning, she found her young mistress safely back, lying on the bed and sound asleep.

Fearing to disturb her rest, Zi Rui had refrained from asking until now, just before departure, when she finally mustered the courage to inquire softly.

Shen Rong walked out of the room, twirling the tie of her cloak’s collar around her fingers, speaking in a detached tone: “I didn’t go anywhere. You must have overlooked something. I’ve been in the room all along. With all the noise outside, how could I not have heard it and gone out?”

Zi Rui followed her steps, thinking perhaps she had been flustered by the sudden arrival of those soldiers and missed something?

Outside the Daoist temple, everything was prepared for departure.

Shen Rong walked to the outermost Sanqing Hall and immediately spotted Shan Zong already standing inside. As soon as she stepped in, his gaze locked onto hers, meeting her eyes without a trace of emotion.

The events of the latter half of last night were tacitly understood between them.

The voice of the abbot interrupted, and Shen Rong turned her gaze away.

On the altar in the hall, incense, candles, and offerings were arranged. The Daoist monks lined up on both sides, softly chanting scriptures.

The abbot, holding a whisk, stepped forward, calling out “Three Boundless,” and bowed: “Last night’s disturbance surely alarmed our esteemed guests. This morning, we have set up incense offerings here to seek blessings, hoping no such conflicts will ever occur at this small mountain gate again.”

Shen Rong noticed that in the hand holding the whisk, he also held a bowl of clear water with a snow-white feather of a bird floating atop. She asked: “What is this for?”

The abbot explained: “This represents the cleansing power of water. I humbly request to purify you of any negative energies, hoping your journey henceforth will be smooth and auspicious.”

Shen Rong suspected that last night’s incident had frightened the Daoists profoundly, but the instigator of the event was standing right beside her.

She glanced over at Shan Zong and said: “I don’t need it, but someone else does.”

With that, she pinched the white feather with two fingers, dipped it lightly into the water, took a step aside, and approached Shan Zong.

As she neared, Shan Zong’s gaze fixed on her.

Shen Rong, holding the feather, solemnly touched it to both shoulders, intoning: “May you be cleansed of misfortune and face fewer enemies seeking trouble.”

The light feather fluttered from his left shoulder to his right, accidentally brushing his chin and throat, causing a slight itch.

Unconsciously, Shan Zong’s throat moved. He lowered his eyes and saw droplets of water marking his black Hu-style robe’s shoulder. His gaze then shifted to her.

Once finished, Shen Rong glanced at him, handed the feather back to the abbot, and couldn’t suppress a smile at the thought of his imposing military attire now bearing these few drops of water. Her eyes curved with amusement.

Shan Zong observed her clearly: “Is it really that funny?”

Shen Rong lifted her head, feigning seriousness: “I wasn’t laughing. I earnestly purified you, and yet you show no gratitude.”

With that, she stepped out of the hall and headed toward the carriage.

Shan Zong watched her leave, lips curling into a smile. He glanced at his shoulder, brushed it lightly, still smiling faintly.

The abbot, having seen this unexpected smile, found it astonishing and cautiously approached, presenting a folded paper talisman: “This is a protective charm prepared for the esteemed guest. Please, sir, pass it on.”

Shan Zong glanced at it, then looked outside at the recently closed carriage curtain. His smile faded: “No need. She is under my protection on this journey; this won’t be necessary.”

The abbot hesitated, unable to respond before Shan Zong had already drawn his sword and strode out of the hall.

Everyone mounted their horses, and the convoy set off.

Leaving the mountain where the temple stood, the carriage entered the main road. Shen Rong gazed outward through the open window frame.

In the vast chill of the season, endless wilderness stretched on both sides.

Where dust clouds billowed, faint figures on horseback appeared in the distance.

Too far to see clearly, Shen Rong squinted to examine them closely when Shan Zong’s voice came from beside the window frame: “No need to look. It’s still them.”

Realizing his meaning, she understood—it was indeed Zhou Jun, the Zhenjiang from last night.

“Do they intend to try again?” Recalling last night’s incident, she frowned, displeased at nearly being caught in an awkward situation.

“They won’t dare unless they truly want a confrontation,” Shan Zong said, smirking slightly toward the window frame. “If they approach again, wouldn’t that mean your earlier efforts in the temple were in vain?”

Hearing this, Shen Rong couldn’t help but glance at the still-damp water stains on his shoulder, suppressing another laugh.

The esteemed militia commander had set off with water spots on his shoulders.

He must be used to being carefree, which is why he paid no heed to it.

…

Until leaving Tan Prefecture, Zhou Jun’s troops did not reappear.

Due to taking shortcuts, the convoy quickly distanced itself from the northern lands of Youzhou.

The biting northern wind accompanied them along the way, diminishing only upon entering the central plains.

Though the sun remained distant, compared to the cold of Youzhou, there was a faint sense of warmth.

The carriage slowly approached the city gates ahead.

Zi Rui sat outside the carriage, calculating the time spent traveling continuously. Due to the inconvenience of frequent stops on shortcuts, they often rested briefly before continuing. They hadn’t stayed properly in any city.

Now approaching this city, it promised to be a rare bustling scene along the route. Turning back, she asked through the curtain: “Young Mistress, shall we stop and rest upon entering the city?”

From inside the carriage, Shen Rong replied: “Then let’s stop.”

The convoy halted at the city gates.

Soldiers atop the city walls, seeing cavalry approaching, routinely sent two men down to inquire.

Shan Zong, seated on his horse, simply retrieved the Ministry of Works document from his chest and displayed it.

Shen Rong lifted the carriage curtain, donned her hooded cloak, and glanced at him. The soldiers had already exchanged greetings; seeing the imperial forces, they courteously invited Shan Zong into the city.

Shan Zong glanced at her. Seeing her exit the carriage, he dismounted, handed the reins to a soldier behind him, and walked over.

Shen Rong noticed the two inquiring guards eyeing him curiously, then glancing at her before retreating back to their posts.

She asked Shan Zong: “Why were they looking at us?”

Shan Zong shrugged indifferently: “Who cares what they do? Let them look if they want.”

Shen Rong paid no further attention, turning to walk into the city.

Zi Rui thought her young mistress must be tired from the long carriage ride and wanted to stretch her legs. She and Dong Lai followed with their people behind.

Shan Zong signaled his soldiers to form a column at the rear for escort. Unconsciously, he walked side by side with her, covering half the street.

Occasionally, passersby stared at them. Shen Rong noticed, whispering: “Why do I always feel like someone is watching me?”

Shan Zong had already scanned the surroundings. His thumb pressed playfully on the scabbard of his sword, saying casually: “Some are curious commoners, others petty thieves, perhaps scheming for an opportunity. Who can blame them when you look like nobility?”

Shen Rong glanced up at him. If he changed into fine clothes like his past luxurious attire, he too would appear noble.

Thinking momentarily, she casually asked: “How do you know?”

“In the past, Youzhou was rife with bandits. I’ve seen plenty of such people.”

Shan Zong pivoted, circling behind her to the outer side, shielding her within the path, casting a glance at the roadside.

Instantly, two suspicious figures following them turned and fled.

Only then did Shen Rong believe him, glancing at him again. Though usually mischievous, he was reassuring in situations like this.

Shan Zong’s expression never wavered. Meeting her gaze, he revealed a slight smile, which quickly vanished.

Without stopping, he tilted his head slightly backward and suddenly called out loudly: “Everyone wait here.”

Behind them, Zi Rui and Dong Lai exchanged glances, halting. His troops followed suit.

Just as Shen Rong turned to look, she heard him whisper: “Follow me.”

Slightly startled, she glanced around and subtly matched his pace.

Initially, Shan Zong leisurely strolled with his sword in hand, and Shen Rong followed at an unhurried pace.

Upon reaching the fork ahead, he turned first.

When Shen Rong arrived, she followed, veering from the main road onto a smaller path. Yet, his figure disappeared.

Suddenly, a hand reached out, grabbing her wrist. Startled, she turned and was pulled behind a low wall.

Shan Zong’s low voice sounded above her: “Don’t make a sound. Someone is still following us.”

Shen Rong, astonished, glanced at his nearby lapel: “Still petty thieves?”

“Probably not. It seems they’re watching both you and me. Let the others wait while we draw them out.” Shan Zong’s eyes scanned the outside, his expression calm: “They should arrive soon.”

Just as Shen Rong was about to ask how to handle it, a playful smirk appeared on his face: “Come, let’s play with them.”

He moved outward, realizing his hand still gripped her wrist.

Shen Rong, led by him, stared at him silently.

Shan Zong released her, amusedly touching his lips. She had been holding a hand warmer, its fragrance lingering on her sleeves and now transferred to his hands, clearly detectable near his nose.

Seeing him walk out, she followed, listening carefully, hearing nothing but observing his movements.

Shan Zong suddenly stopped, his hand casually touching the scabbard.

Seeing him halt, Shen Rong approached naturally, extending her hand to press the buckle of his leather belt securing his waist armor, mimicking a wife tidying her husband’s attire. Taking advantage of the closeness, she whispered: “Where?”

Shan Zong couldn’t help but lower his gaze to her hand—her slender, white fingers withdrawing from his waist.

Uncertain of her intent, he nonetheless gave it a second glance.

“Don’t ask. Walk straight to the end and wait for me,” he murmured, lightly pushing her back with one hand, gesturing her forward.

This subtle push made it seem as though they were truly intimate.

As Shen Rong walked forward, she felt he was doing it deliberately.

Reaching the end, she realized Shan Zong was looking for a place to confront their pursuers.

Fearful of being watched from the shadows, she ventured deeper into the alley, pondering who had targeted them since entering the city.

If they were after Shan Zong alone, they might be his enemies. But targeting both of them—who could it be?

Suddenly, she thought: Could it be someone familiar?

Not long after, a pained cry echoed. Shen Rong turned to see a man thrown violently into the alley.

Shan Zong stood blocking the entrance, his unsheathed sword pressing against the man’s throat, asking in a low voice: “Who sent you?”

It was unclear how he had acted, but the man on the ground was speechless.

Suddenly, a voice called from outside: “Wait!”

Shan Zong sneered, stepping aside: “So you finally reveal yourself.”

Shen Rong looked toward the alley entrance. A horse galloped up, and a young armored figure dismounted, rushing over. Upon seeing Shan Zong, he knelt, bowing his head to the ground: “Big Brother, you’ve finally returned.”

Shan Zong glanced at him, slowly sheathing his sword: “It’s you.”

Shen Rong immediately recognized him, sizing him up—it was Shan Zong’s youngest brother, Shan Zhao, whom she hadn’t expected to meet here.

Surprisingly, Shan Zong showed little astonishment: “The city guards were from the Shan family army, so they targeted me upon entering the city.”

He had anticipated it upon entering but didn’t expect his younger brother to be here.

Shan Zhao raised his head: “Finally seeing Big Brother return, I dared not recognize you openly and secretly sent men to follow.”

He then looked at Shen Rong, his eyes reddening: “Sister-in-law, I didn’t expect you to return with Big Brother.”

Shen Rong was taken aback, glancing at Shan Zong, uncomfortably averting her face: “You’re mistaken.”