Chapter 50: Unforeseen Events

Chapter 50: An Incident Occurs

With Madam Zhu and Head Steward Xie overseeing the household, who would dare to cause trouble in the Xie residence?

Within a single day, even the stable boys knew that Jingsi was now inhabited by someone they couldn't afford to offend or gossip about.

Yan Sanhe was completely unaware of the turmoil outside. She had once again retreated into her reclusive lifestyle, not stepping out of her quarters.

The visits from Eldest Master and Third Master ceased.

Instead, it was Eldest Lady and Second Miss who came calling.

The two had vastly different personalities – one was quiet, the other talkative – but they both shared a similar habit: they would stay for only a cup of tea before leaving, as if on cue.

After half a month of this, Yan Sanhe grew restless.

She reckoned that the person she was expecting should have arrived in the capital by now.

It was March, a season when grass grew lush and swallows took flight.

On this fine spring day, Yan Sanhe planned to venture out once more, fearing that she might not have the time or opportunity later to explore the alleys and streets of the capital city.

She followed her usual routine, bringing Tangyuan along and exiting through the back door of the Xie residence.

As they walked, no one shouted "halt" from behind, but someone stood in their path.

Looking at Xie Wanshu's expectant gaze, Yan Sanhe felt a twinge of guilt.

The ladies from prominent families in the capital were all sheltered within their homes, rarely allowed to venture out except for a few specific festive occasions. Yesterday, when Xie Wanshu heard that Yan Sanhe was going out, she had immediately expressed her envy. A young woman at the peak of her youth, she longed to witness the bustling city life beyond the walls.

After much hesitation, Yan Sanhe eventually gave in and turned to Tangyuan, saying, "Inform Grandmama."

In the span of half a month, they had only met three or four times, with one talking endlessly while the other listened silently. Yan Sanhe did not dislike this second miss. However, the Xie family had its rules, and without Grandmama's permission, she could not take Xie Wanshu out.

Yan Sanhe was well aware of this principle.

Tangyuan acknowledged with a "Yes" and promptly hurried away.

Xie Wanshu stepped forward, her face filled with gratitude. "Sister Yan, I won't wander off. I'll listen to you."

Yan Sanhe nodded, still maintaining her usual reticence.

Tangyuan returned swiftly, followed by two maidservants and two guards.

"The Eldest Lady said that it's better to have more people accompanying us for safety on the way; she also mentioned that the carriage is ready; and finally, she gave this servant one hundred taels of silver, instructing us to buy anything the young ladies fancy," Tangyuan reported.

This was an affirmation of their departure.

Looking at the overjoyed Xie Wanshu, Yan Sanhe uttered two words from the corner of her lips.

"Let's go."

...

Perhaps due to the warmer weather, there were significantly more pedestrians on the road compared to the last time.

In the narrower alleys, the carriages had to form a line to pass through.

Yan Sanhe noticed Xie Wanshu leaning out of the carriage window, stretching her neck and staring outside without blinking. His heart melted at the sight.

"I feel like this carriage is moving slower than a tortoise. Would you like to walk instead?"

"Sounds great."

Xie Wanshu couldn't contain her delight. "Sister Yan, we can hold hands so we won't get lost easily."

Hold hands?

What nonsense was she talking!

Yan Sanhe harrumphed inwardly and stepped down from the carriage first.

As a young lady from an esteemed family, it was naturally impossible for Xie Wanshu to behave like Yan Sanhe. Instead, she was assisted by two maidservants as she descended.

The moment she regained her balance, her hand instinctively linked with Yan Sanhe's.

Yan Sanhe's body was as stiff as a corpse lying in a coffin, her expression calm but the corners of her mouth twitching uncontrollably.

In the choice between breaking free from the hand or pushing the person away, she chose to remain still like a lifeless figure.

"Tangyuan, look, it's the Jade Treasure Pavilion. Should we take a peek?"

"What's there to see?"

"It's full of nice things. Come on, come on."

"..."

The coquettish young girl pouted at her, and Yan Sanhe, this "corpse," resignedly moved forward.

Following behind, Tangyuan's eyes widened.

She could tell that Miss Yan didn't show much favor to the men in the household, but she seemed to have no temper with women.

All her temper was held in check!

The Jade Pearl Pavilion was indeed magnificent and luxurious.

The manager, dressed in a fine brocade robe, smiled warmly. "Ladies, what would you like to purchase?"

Xie Wanshu replied, "We'll just browse for now."

As she casually looked around, she became captivated, touching one item and inquiring about another, even trying on and wearing some pieces.

The astute manager immediately noticed the delicate and refined demeanor of this beautiful young lady, guessing that she must come from an esteemed and sheltered family. He thus intensified his efforts to attend to her.

Yan Sanhe, however, had no interest in such jade ornaments or hairpins. She gave Tangyuan a subtle glance and stepped outside for some fresh air.

But as soon as she was outside, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd.

"Li Buyan?"

Yan Sanhe darted forward with a swift step, only to be obstructed by a few people entering the shop.

Apologizing briefly, she deftly maneuvered around them and rushed out to pursue.

Pursuing for several hundred paces, there was no sign of Li Buyan; amidst the bustling crowd, it seemed she had merely mistaken him in her gaze.

It couldn't have been a mistake—she must be here.

The girl had come to the capital.

Yan Sanhe chuckled softly, and the unseen allure in her eyes spilled out, causing passersby to turn back repeatedly to admire her.

Unaware of the attention, she stood for a moment before turning back towards Jade Treasure Pavilion.

Upon reaching the entrance, the curve of her lips, which had been lifted in a smile, fell.

Inside the shop, a lanky man in brocaded clothes was holding onto Xie Wanshu's sleeve, teasing her brazenly.

Xie Wanshu, who had never encountered such a situation, was both frightened and startled, her tears welling up in panic.

Tangyuan and the other servants from the Xie residence were blocked by the attendant guards, two of the estate's protectors already lying on the ground, groaning and unable to rise.

"Let her go!" Yan Sanhe's anger flared instantly.

A man in luxurious robes glanced at Yan Sanhe and remarked, "Ah, another handsome one."

"I told you to let her go!"

"Such a fiery little one, my lord adores spicy women, they're flavorful in bed!"

What the hell!

Yan Sanhe sneered and flicked her sleeve, revealing the hidden dagger in her hand as she lunged forward.

Seeing her charge, the man in brocade reacted swiftly, using Xie Wanshu as a shield.

Yan Sanhe had anticipated this move and skillfully spun around him, not drawing her blade but instead extending her foot.

This kick was delivered with great force and precision.

The man in brocade never expected a woman to dare kick that spot in broad daylight. He let out a piercing scream, clutching his groin as he writhed on the ground.

Everyone was left stunned.

The entourage stood frozen for a moment before realizing the situation, ready to rush forward to assist, but then they were too terrified to move.

This was because a dazzling dagger was held against their young master's throat.

"Is this dramatic enough?"

Yan Sanhe pushed the dagger forward, and blood trickled down the neck.

"Would you like some more spice?"

The elegant young nobleman, clutching at his vital area in agony, didn't even have time to cry out, let alone refuse any additional spiciness. He lacked the strength to say "no" even if it were poisonous.

"Everyone, kneel down at once! Discard your blades and raise your hands above your heads!"

The attendants exchanged glances, none daring to jest with their masters' lives at stake. They obediently threw down their knives, knelt, and clasped their hands over their heads.

"Tangyuan, you take Miss Second back home first."

"Miss!"

"Do you dare to defy me?"

Yan Sanhe's eyes widened, her face brimming with hostility.

Tangyuan dared not disobey. "Second Miss, let's go first!"

"Big Sister Yan, I'm not leaving. I... "

"Then don't call me Big Sister Yan!"

Anger welled up within Yan Sanhe.

Beautiful women might be pleasing to the eye, but they were nothing but trouble.

Didn't they see how the manager of the Jade Treasure Pavilion cowered in a corner, too terrified to even fart? It was clear that the good-for-nothing in my hands was no ordinary person.

Isn't your father, eldest brother, and third brother all influential figures in the capital? Hurry up and seek their help!

Call in reinforcements, you foolish girl!