Chapter 4 That Person

Chapter 4 That Man

The sedan chair glided noiselessly down a covered walkway, twisting and jolting along the uneven path.

Through the thin curtains, A Wu stole glances outside, taking in the sight of jade-green balustrades and scarlet pillars, with flowers and willows lining the path. Though autumn had arrived, the scenery remained lush and vibrant.

A Wu smiled wryly at the many promises the Crown Prince had made to her.

Men were all liars, after all. He'd promised to show her every marvel under heaven, yet he hadn’t even let her explore his own estate, keeping her confined to the Huancui Garden. What was the point?

As she mused, the sedan chair finally arrived before a black-lacquered gate.

The sky had dimmed slightly, and A Wu saw that the gate was somewhat worn, with a weathered pathway and dried spills of broth that hadn’t yet been cleaned.

She guessed this must be the gate used for transporting supplies and daily necessities, as well as for servants to come and go.

Just then, the sedan chair stopped. As A Wu prepared to step out, Nanny Sun hushed her, saying, "Wait."

Without letting A Wu make a sound, Nanny Sun pushed the door open and scanned outside warily.

Curious, A Wu watched as Nanny Sun whispered a few words, and then the gate was pushed open, revealing a young man stepping inside.

The man appeared to be in his twenties, with a sharply angular face, dressed in indigo training clothes, his pants tied at the calves, giving him a swift and agile appearance.

A Wu faintly heard Nanny Sun call him "Nie San."

A Wu grew suspicious as she studied Nie San.

His attire resembled that of a palace guard, but his demeanor did not.

Though A Wu was no expert, she had once traveled north with the Crown Prince and knew that the Crown Prince’s estate had Three Guard Commands, divided into Left, Right, Front, Rear, and Central Battalions, each with Commanders and Vice-Commanders. Anyone from these ranks held some status outside the estate.

But this Nie San before her seemed too casual, reeking of the jianghu.

She was observing him when, suddenly, Nie San turned his gaze in her direction, precisely catching her stare.

The moment their eyes met, his eyes lit up with naked appreciation.

A Wu’s heart pounded wildly. *Flustered, she jerked the curtain shut, flustered.*

*Men—all men looked at her like this. She was sick of it!*

Yet even with the curtain down, she could still feel his gaze burning through the curtain.

She frowned slightly.

Since belonging to the Crown Prince, she had been confined to the inner quarters, rarely even encountering ordinary servants. It had been a long time since she’d felt such a gaze.

In that regard, being with the Crown Prince had spared her from such troubles.

Now, she began to doubt whether the ascetic discipline of Yanxiang Temple could truly keep men’s gazes at bay.

At this, after a hushed exchange with Nie San, Nanny Sun approached the sedan chair and said, "Mistress, please step out. This Nie San will escort you to the Yanxiang Temple."

Hearing this, A Wu gathered her lumpy bundle and stepped out of the sedan chair.

In an instant, Nie San strode forward, and A Wu felt as if she were suddenly loomed over like a cliff.

Without so much as a by-your-leave, Nie San reached out and seized A Wu’s bundle.

A Wu hesitated for a moment. Nie San said, "Lady, let me carry that for you."

A Wu clutched her bundle tightly. "I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need."

Inside were the gold pieces—her freedom price from the Crown Prince. How could she let an outsider carry them?

Yet Nie San insisted, his intense stare fixed on her, refusing to let go.

A Wu was furious, thinking how pushy this man was.

Who asked for his help?

But—

Nanny Sun was eyeing them. She didn’t dare make too much of a fuss, lest she arouse suspicion.

So Nie San took the bundle anyway. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to suspect anything.

A Wu stole a glance from behind and noticed how towering and strong Nie San was—hefting the bundle like it weighed nothing. She wondered if someone so strong simply couldn’t discern the slight difference in weight, and thus didn’t notice anything unusual.

As she pondered this, she spotted a carriage waiting outside the gate—a plain black-covered carriage, the kind commonly used by regular people. Clearly, this wasn’t a carriage from the Crown Prince’s residence.

Nanny Sun instructed two stout maids beside her, "You two will accompany the lady all the way to Yanxiang Temple."

The two maids bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.

Nanny Sun then turned to A Wu. "Lady, board this carriage now. It will take you to Yanxiang Temple. Once you arrive, your fate will be decided."

A Wu nodded, gazing meekly at Nanny Sun with a sweet smile. "When I reach Yanxiang Temple, I’ll chant sutras over and over—and pray for your soul too, Nanny Sun."

Nanny Sun snapped through gritted teeth, her face paling with anger. But A Wu’s wide eyes blinked innocently, as if she had no idea what she’d just said.

"Pray for what? If you don’t know how to speak, then don’t speak at all!" Nanny Sun growled.

With that, she stomped off inside, slamming the black-lacquered gate shut behind her with a loud crack.

Nie San, who had been watching silently, now saw the young lady standing there bewildered, her wide eyes blinking innocently. He raised a brow slightly and reminded her, "Lady, please board the carriage."

A Wu nodded hurriedly. "Right, right, of course."

She moved to step onto the carriage, but as soon as her foot touched the shaft, it slipped on the slick grime—this was no noble’s pristine carriage, but a common one used by the masses, often neglected in cleaning.

Nie San swiftly reached out, catching her with a firm hand at the small of her back.

A Wu went rigid.

She could feel how large and strong his hands were, almost spanning her narrow waist.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet the man beside her.

At this close distance, his gaze pinned her—unyielding, demanding compliance.

A Wu’s heart sank.

Had she just left the Crown Prince’s residence before men already thought they could act this way toward her?

But she didn’t resist or protest.

Without the crown prince’s protection and support, such things might happen more often in the future. She would have to learn to adapt and protect herself.

So she gave a faint, obedient smile and said softly, "I appreciate it, Nie San."

She’d stopped calling him ‘sir,’ now addressing him as "Nie San" instead.

With that, she took his hand for support and climbed into the carriage, lowering her head as she slipped inside.

Nie San stood beside the carriage, watching the curtain fall back into place, then slowly raised his hand. Her scent still lingered on his fingers—sweet and faint.

He thought again of the way she had smiled at him just now, her voice soft and low, like warm honey.

The carriage moved forward slowly. Inside, the felt lining was worn and smelled musty. The two serving women sat listlessly, their eyelids drooping, clearly not caring about this trip.

************

But A Wu paid them no mind. Her thoughts were entirely occupied with the events of the day.

Looking back, she felt a flicker of fear—what if Lady Su had checked her winter clothes? Then the gold she’d stashed would have been discovered, and all those days and nights spent with the crown prince would have been for nothing!

As she pondered this, she thought again of Nanny Sun. She suspected Nanny Sun had some doubts but chose to give her a pass.

It must have been that gold hairpin that sealed Nanny Sun’s lips.

So, when the time came, one had to be willing to spend money—money could buy silence!

Of course, there were some things money alone couldn’t fix. She might have to give up more.

A Wu recalled the way Nie San had looked at her just now...

She leaned back against the carriage wall, propping her chin on her hand, carefully considering Nie San.

This Nie San didn’t seem like the rule-following type—more like a wild one. For now, she’d stay on his good side. She’d keep him in mind and see what opportunities arose later.

Just then, the carriage jolted, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She realized they had entered a bustling street, the noisy bustle outside thick with activity.

Curiosity stirred in her. When she had first arrived in the capital, the carriage had been tightly sealed, and she hadn’t caught even a glimpse of Great Hui’s prosperous capital. Now that they were passing through, she had to take a look.

The thought brought a pang of sorrow—once she was a nun, she’d probably never get to see such sights again!

If not now, then when?

Carefully, she pinched the edge of the carriage curtain, lifting it just enough to peek outside. After confirming no one was watching, she raised it higher and leaned out to take in the view.

At first glance, she was stunned. The streets teemed with people, carriages and horses crowding together, while shops and stalls of all sizes lined both sides. Every kind of trade was on display, embroidered signs hung so thick they blocked the sun. It was dazzling.

She thought to herself, she had always heard that Great Hui’s capital was where everything under the sun could be found—the most splendid and prosperous place in the world.

Yet, ever since arriving in the capital, even while living in the crown prince’s residence—a place ordinary people could only dream of—she had never once laid eyes on the city’s grandeur!

What a shame. No matter how she looked at it, she’d missed out.

Even if she wasn’t the crown princess or the emperor, she shouldn’t have tied herself to the crown prince.

What was the point of silks and feasts if she was trapped inside, never even seeing the outside world?

Just as she was absorbed in the sights, she suddenly sensed someone staring at her from somewhere in the street.

Her heart lurched, and she instinctively glanced in that direction. There stood a towering building, three stories high, opulent and grand, adorned with beaded curtains and embroidered plaques. A celebratory arch draped in colorful silks was tied before its entrance, with a steady stream of guests coming and going.

She wanted to search for that gaze just now, but where would she even look?

People were everywhere, filling her vision—all of them seemingly well-dressed elites.

Disoriented.

During her time in the Crown Prince's residence, the prince had pampered and spoiled her so much that she had grown complacent, almost letting slip her mind the hardships of the past.

Fisting the fabric of her skirt, she knew with cold certainty she hadn’t mistaken it—that gaze just now had been his.

He was in the capital.

Perhaps he had been watching her all along.

A Wu's stomach knotted. If that man had been keeping an eye on her, what was his purpose? And now, just as she had been abruptly banished from the Crown Prince’s residence, he had noticed her—how frighteningly well-informed he was!

As she pondered this, the carriage jerked to a stop.

A Wu craned her neck, puzzled.

Just then, Nie San swung down from the driver's perch.

His gaze pinned her with his look as he said, "My lady, the road ahead is blocked."

A Wu: "Blocked?"

Nie San, seeing her bewildered expression, explained, "A noble’s procession is passing through. Commoners must clear the road by custom."

A Wu nodded in understanding. "Oh..."

Nie San studied her, his expression tightening almost unnoticeably.

The woman before him had deceptively guileless eyes—so much so that it was hard to believe she was the infamous enchantress who had bewitched the Crown Prince, the calamity His Highness had brought back from the south.

Feeling her out, he said, "My lady, we must leave the city before the gates close. If we're late, we'll be stuck."

A Wu: "Then what should we do?"

Nie San: "My lady, step out of the carriage. I’ll take you through a quieter side street."

A Wu listened, her pulse quickening as she looked at him.

Nie San was pinning her with his gaze.

She clearly caught something darker swimming beneath his look.

She knew that look all too well.

It was desire, ambition—the calculating stare of a wolf sizing up a lamb.

And she was that lamb.

Clearly, this man’s behavior was crossing every line of propriety.

Though she had been banished from the Crown Prince’s residence, she had once belonged to the prince and was destined for the cloister at Yanxiang Temple. He should have shown her at least some common decency.

But judging by Nanny Sun’s actions, it seemed they had dumped her into this man's hands.

This might well be a trap, set up just for her.

So, was it the Crown Princess's doing?

Not just banished, but they also intended to eliminate her entirely.

A Wu thought with a silent sigh, then met his gaze with a small smile, replying in a soft, dependent tone, "Alright."

Accompanied by two maidservants, A Wu stepped down from the carriage. Nie San snatched up her luggage and led the way forward.

The maidservants flanked A Wu, followed by a few sturdy attendants. Aware they were keeping watch over her, A Wu obediently followed along.

The streets were crowded, packed with people. A Wu’s stunning looks drew curious glances, some leering openly at her face.

The maidservants were clearly helpless to stop it, and the attendants were pushed away in the crowd. Seeing this, Nie San reached out, gripped A Wu’s arm, and muscled through, shielding her.

His expression was stern, his gaze fierce. The onlookers, caught between staring at A Wu and cowering from Nie San, reluctantly made way.

Finally, Nie San led A Wu into a side alley. Though vendors lined the path, the crowd thinned noticeably.

A Wu rose on her toes to see the two maidservants, who were still struggling through the crowd toward them.

She waved. "Quick, this way!"

Her voice, sweet and soft, cut through the noise, drawing even more attention.

Nie San growled, "Can’t you stay quiet?"

A Wu blinked. "Huh?"

Nie San gave her a hard look. Her face was breathtakingly gorgeous, her eyes crystal clear—stunningly beautiful, yet seemingly oblivious to the commotion she caused.

If he had once doubted how such an innocent girl could be the seductress who bewitched the Crown Prince, he was beginning to understand.

Just then, the maidservants and attendants finally fought their way through, winded and disheveled, their hair and hats askew.

Nie San barked, "Let’s go."

A Wu stayed close to Nie San.

In this unfamiliar place, she latched onto the most reliable figure. She knew the maidservants were useless, the attendants unreliable—she had no choice but to trust Nie San, even if it meant stepping into a trap.

Nie San noticed. She stuck to him like glue, as if afraid he might abandon her.

His gaze dropped to her hands.

Slender fingers gripped her dark green dress so tightly they turned red.

Then, A Wu looked up at him.

Their eyes met, and Nie San saw the emotions shimmering in her eyes—clear, unguarded, tinged with unease and worry.

She seemed afraid.

Nie San arched a brow slightly, his voice cool. "Don’t worry, my lady. Since I’ve taken on this task, I’ll protect you..."

He paused before adding, "...and see you safely to Yanxiang Temple."

A Wu looked at Nie San, feeling there was hidden meaning in his words.

Was he... hinting at something?

Under the gaze of those eyes, A Wu blushed slightly. She bit her lip and nodded earnestly at him.

Just then, the two older servants caught up. One of them grumbled, "We had a perfectly good carriage, but no—we had to walk! At our age, we can't keep up this pace!"

Nie San took in A Wu's delicate figure and said, "We'll hire a carriage once we're out of the city."

The two serving women immediately sighed in relief, and A Wu also thought it a good idea.

But then she remembered the congestion in the city and asked curiously, "Nie San, something just occurred to me..."

Nie San: "Go ahead, milady."

A Wu: "There must be many nobles in the capital, right?"

Nie San: "Yes."

A Wu: "If every noble's passage required commoners to make way, wouldn't the capital be congested every day?"

Nie San explained, "In the capital, if a tavern sign falls, you'd hit three nobles. But not just anyone demands clearance. Different ranks get different clearances. Today, it was Princess De Ning passing through."

A Wu: "De Ning?"

Nie San: "Yes."

A Wu had an epiphany.

She knew the emperor had scarce heirs—only the crown prince and one princess, a year younger than the prince. It seemed this was the very Princess De Ning.

The same young noblewoman who'd passed while she was kneeling earlier.

But this was none of her concern. She was merely curious.

As they spoke, Nie San guided her briskly through the alleys. Before long, they arrived before a bridge.

Nie San: "Once we cross this bridge, we'll reach the city gate."

A Wu looked ahead curiously. The city gate had inner and outer moats; each moat had five water gates linking two bridges—a stone bridge with iron chains on the inside and a suspension bridge on the outside.

It was dusk, and a steady stream of carts and horses crossed endlessly.

A Wu asked, "Why does that bridge sway so?"

Nie San: "That's the outer bridge. Once the gates close, they'll raise it."

A Wu nodded. "Shut the gates, lift the bridge—no villains getting through!"

Villains...

Nie San regarded her guileless face. "Yes. It's evening—the gates will close soon."

At the drum's sound, Great Hui's curfew laws were invoked: the dusk drum boomed, marking the closing of the gates and banning travel.

At the drum's sound, the two serving women urged, "We must make haste beyond the walls."

Nie San replied flatly, "Let's go..."

Nie San led the way as the group stepped onto the bridge. The soaring bridge stretched wider than any A Wu had ever seen, divided into lanes for carriages and pedestrians, with imperial road markings painted on its surface. The stone walls flanking the bridge were carved with mythical water beasts and swirling clouds, the sea horses with single horns appearing fierce and extraordinary.

A Wu had never witnessed such sights before and couldn’t help but gaze in wide-eyed wonder, her eyes struggling to take it all in.

As they walked, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly rang out behind them, accompanied by shouts and the hurried scrambling of people making way.

Nie San whirled around, his face hardening.

Baffled, A Wu automatically glanced back.

But Nie San moved like lightning, his hulking frame shielding her.

A Wu gasped in surprise.

Nie San: "My lady, to the bridge—we must leave the city!"

Her heart leaped into her throat. She had an inkling of what was happening but dared not voice it, playing dumb instead.

So, Nie San guided the group, shielding A Wu as they hurriedly merged into the bustling crowd and ascended the bridge.

As they hastened across, the thunder of hooves grew louder ominously, along with the sharp whinny of a horse abruptly reined in and the startled cries of onlookers.

Panic clawed at A Wu’s chest—she had to leave the city, she had to take the veil, she couldn’t be trapped in Huancui Garden!

Worse still, she might not even be allowed to stay there—her very life could be at stake!

Hiking up her skirts, she sprinted forward desperately, leaving the servants and matrons gaping in shock.

Nie San lengthened his stride to match hers, staying close.

Once the group crossed the bridge, they moved with the crowd through the city gate and onto the chain-link suspension bridge outside.

As they stepped onto the swaying walkway, A Wu heard the rapid clatter of hooves once more.

Nie San turned back with an icy stare.

A Wu instinctively followed his gaze and saw, beneath the towering three-tiered gabled walls, a grand vermilion gate—so massive it dwarfed the gatekeepers standing below.

The evening drum boomed again, its deep toll signaling the guards’ commander to order the gates shut.

Eight gatekeepers stepped forward in unison, pushing the colossal doors from both sides as they slowly began to close.

A Wu’s heart hammered against her ribs.

She knew no one dared defy Great Hui’s curfew—once the gates shut, even the Crown Prince couldn’t leave.

Almost there...

But the hoofbeats were drawing nearer!

Her eyes locked onto the gate, watching the enormous bronze nails glint in the sunset as the doors inched toward each other—almost shut.

Then, in an instant—

A horse burst through the closing gap!

The gatekeepers cried out in alarm. At the commander’s snapped order, a wall of spears shot forward, forming an impenetrable barrier.

Amid the clash of steel, a rider urged his steed into a soaring leap—clearing the spear wall in a breathtaking arc before landing with bone-jarring impact.

Mane whipping, silk robes billowing, the young man—handsome and stern—wore a jade crown and violet robes. The Crown Prince!