Chapter 62: The Fallen Lady

Chapter 62: The Fallen Lady

In the bustling marketplace, Su Youyue could distinguish Chunya's arranged people from the crowd. They seemed unremarkable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one would notice a discreet embroidery on their cuffs.

With them keeping an eye on Xiao Feiyan, Su Youyue felt reassured.

Even if the plan didn't go as expected today, she was determined to ensure Xiao Feiyan's safety.

Due to the wheelchair, Su Youyue's pace in the market was slow, but Xiao Feiyan, initially patient, soon found herself darting ahead to explore the novelties.

"Yue'er, look, there's a looking glass from the West! It reflects much clearer than my bronze mirror. We should get this too; Mother will love it."

Xiao Feiyan held up the Western mirror, beaming as she examined her own face, promptly purchasing it after.

By then, Fang Fei's hands were already full, so she called for Jin'er's assistance as well.

Though Chunya wanted to help, she was occupied pushing Su Youyue's wheelchair.

Before they knew it, Jin'er's arms were also loaded with purchases, and even Chunya had to carry two items on her arm. As nightfall settled, their shopping spree showed no signs of slowing down.

Observing Xiao Feiyan's apparent resolution to conclude their shopping, Su Youyue couldn't help but furrow her brow.

Could it be that the trafficker, deterred by the presence of another person, had deemed it too risky and switched targets because she accompanied Xiao Feiyan today?

"Yue'er, let's head back," Xiao Feiyan decided, believing they had purchased enough gifts that her mother would surely appreciate. The roads were still covered in snow, and the cold intensified as night fell. She felt a twinge of guilt for lingering too long. What if Yue'er caught a chill? How could she apologize for that?

Su Youyue sighed softly, almost imperceptibly. "Alright."

Perhaps the trafficker had seen her, a conspicuous addition to Xiao Feiyan's side, and deemed it unwise to proceed, thus giving up.

Indeed, human plans can never surpass the divine's. This trafficker was cunning, and Su Youyue suspected that continuing their search might not yield any results. After all, in her previous life, Xiao Feiyan was abducted while strolling through the market. If they didn't encounter anything despite completing their shopping, it only indicated that the trafficker had changed their plans.

Spring Bud keenly sensed her young miss's foul mood, also puzzled. Miss had mentioned that the streets weren't safe lately, which was why she had arranged such a large escort for their outing. But now, despite their safety, Miss seemed distressed.

Gazing at the fully darkened sky, Spring Bud pushed aside her thoughts and followed the group towards the carriage.

As they neared the carriage, a sudden cry for help echoed from the roadside ahead. "Help!"

It was a woman's voice, sounding incredibly weak.

Xiao Feiyan promptly halted and looked over, only to discover a woman lying on the side path, seemingly having slipped. She was groaning in pain on the ground.

"I think someone has fallen!" Recognizing the woman, Xiao Feiyan immediately rushed over.

"Lady, how are you?"

The woman's face was pale, and her frail body struggled to sit up. Upon seeing Xiao Feiyan approach, she instantly seized her hand. "Miss, please help me. I accidentally fell, and now my leg hurts too much to stand."

Xiao Feiyan was quick to offer assistance. "Don't worry, we have a carriage. I'll take you to the infirmary right away."

However, the woman shook her head upon hearing this. "No need to go to the infirmary... I have medicinal wine at home. Miss, just help me walk to the alley ahead, and I'll be home."

This made Su Youyue feel a hint of suspicion.

If her leg hurt so much that she couldn't walk, wouldn't she be concerned about a possible fracture? Wouldn't using medicinal wine be risky?

Before Xiao Feiyan could make a decision, tears welled up in the woman's eyes. "If I go to the infirmary, my mother-in-law will surely scold me for wasting money. Please, Miss, be kind enough to help me get back home."

"Alright! Don't panic, I'll send her back." Xiao Feiyan agreed promptly, then turned to Su Youyue. "Yue'er, go back to the carriage with Jin'er and Chunya for now. I'll be right behind after I've helped this lady."

If Su Youyue hadn't been suspicious before, she certainly was now.

She hadn't planned on separating from Xiao Feiyan today. If they split up, Xiao Feiyan might fall prey to traffickers.

This was currently the only situation that would lead to them parting ways. It was natural for Su Youyue to become wary.

Could it be that this woman was working with the traffickers?

Contemplating this possibility, Su Youyue couldn't let the two women go alone. She expressed concern, "This lady seems badly injured. Let's accompany her back together. If her mother-in-law scolds her, we can speak in her defense."

As she spoke, she glanced at Chunya. "Chunya, ask Jin'er to push the wheelchair. Stay here and help Miss Xiao return her purchases to the carriage."

Chunya understood Su Youyue's intention. Her young miss was urging her to quickly gather their arranged guards. Though she was uneasy, she had to comply. "Yes, Miss."

Xiao Feiyan, unsuspecting, responded cheerfully, "Great, I knew Yue'er has the softest heart. This lady's mother-in-law must be harsh. With us around, she won't dare to scold her."

Saying this, she helped the woman to her feet. Seeing how difficult it was for her to walk, Xiao Feiyan offered warmly, "Lady, let me carry you. Don't underestimate me because I'm a woman – I've learned martial arts, so I have plenty of strength."

"Many thanks, Miss..." The woman lowered her head and gently leaned against Xiao Feiyan's back, appearing frail and vulnerable.

Beyond the main road, illumination was scarce, and the alleys were shrouded in darkness. A lantern could be seen flickering at intervals, casting a dim yellow light that barely illuminated the ground beneath.

"Miss, it's so dark here," Jin'er whispered to Su Youyue as she gently propelled her along, "We can hardly see if there are any potholes on the path."

She genuinely feared that the wheelchair might get stuck in some rut, causing them no end of trouble.

Before Xiao Feiyan could speak, the woman on her back assured, "This path is quite easy to traverse, Miss. Please be at ease."

Jin'er fell silent, touched by the woman's plight. It seemed she was indeed pitiable, not daring to seek medical help even after a fall, fearing her vicious mother-in-law's scolding.

Su Youyue followed quietly, ready to produce the syringe hidden in her sleeve at any moment.

Upon reaching a turning, the path ahead was devoid of lanterns, plunging them into pitch darkness. The shadows resembled a ferocious beast's gaping maw, ready to devour anyone who ventured too close.

Xiao Feiyan engaged the woman on her back in conversation to alleviate her fear. However, after a few steps, she lost sight of Su Youyue and Jin'er behind her. She halted, calling out, "Yue'er?"

Fang Fei turned as well, but could discern nothing in the gloom, nor could she hear the sound of the wheelchair. "Miss Su? Jin'er?"

Receiving no response, Xiao Feiyan instantly grew anxious. She turned to retrace her steps but was suddenly met with a pair of icy hands that snaked around her neck like a venomous serpent, firmly pressing a cloth against her mouth and nose.