Chapter 44 Such Arrogance!

Chapter 44: That Reckless Brat!

Early the next morning, shortly after the city gates opened, Chen Hui went upstairs to wake A Chan.

"A Chan, time to get up." Chen Hui sat by the bed and gently nudged her.

A Chan, clutching her blanket, deftly rolled over, cocooning herself and the quilt into the inner side of the bed, silently refusing to rise.

Chen Hui suppressed a laugh. She grabbed a corner of the blanket and pulled A Chan back out.

"Stop sleeping, get up. Last night you promised to go grocery shopping with me."

Her unusually cool hands pressed against A Chan’s forehead. A Chan groaned for a while before finally opening her eyes.

"What time is it?" A Chan, still dazed from sleep, barely moved her eyes.

"It’s already the mao hour. If we wait any longer, the riverside market will close, and all the fresh eels will be gone."

"Fine, I’m up." A Chan yawned and sat up, slowly pulling on her clothes while Chen Hui swiftly tied her hair into a bun.

Once dressed, A Chan finally regained some alertness. After washing up, the two stepped out into the crisp morning air.

Their destination was Huaijiang Ward, adjacent to Changping Ward. A river ran through Huaijiang Ward, and it wasn’t far from the city gates. Many villagers from the outskirts of the capital would come early in the morning to set up stalls along the riverbank, selling seasonal vegetables, poultry, and fresh fish.

Chen Hui had discovered this market shortly after moving to Changping Ward. Previously, she had sourced ingredients for her shop from the farmers at this riverside market.

Last night, A Chan had suddenly craved eels, so Chen Hui told her about the market. On a whim, A Chan insisted that Chen Hui wake her up to go pick out fish together.

After walking for a while, A Chan linked arms with Chen Hui, complaining that her feet hurt and she didn’t want to walk anymore.

She said, "I’ve been thinking—today isn’t a good day for eels."

Chen Hui flatly countered, "No, you haven’t."

A Chan pouted. "I don’t want to walk."

Why on earth would she ruin such a lovely morning by going to a market?

"Then should I carry you?"

A Chan shook her head vigorously, so Chen Hui had no choice but to drag her forward by the hand.

"It’s a shame our courtyard is so small. Otherwise, we could keep a carriage and ride it whenever we go out," A Chan mused suddenly.

"If you plan to stay here long-term, we could buy the courtyard behind ours and merge them. That should give us enough space," Chen Hui suggested instead of dismissing the idea.

"That’s not a bad idea." While A Chan was still debating expanding their living space, they arrived at Huaijiang Ward.

Huaijiang Ward was indeed different from Changping Ward. At this hour, it was already bustling. Stalls lined both sides of the river, selling all kinds of fresh produce, mountain goods, and seafood—everything one could want.

After strolling along the river for nearly an hour, during which A Chan finished a sesame cake, they finally found a fish stall.

While Chen Hui picked out eels, A Chan was drawn to a strikingly handsome rooster a few stalls away, staring at it while salivating.

The woman selling the chicken didn’t shoo her away, letting A Chan squat nearby and gawking at her prize rooster while she chatted with a neighboring vegetable vendor.

The woman said, "Old Kang hasn’t come to set up his stall. Is his injury that bad?"

The man beside her sighed. "A kick from such a strong horse—how could Old Kang withstand it? Let’s hope it’s just sprains and not broken bones."

"Honestly, that Marquis of the North is no war god—more like a god of slaughter. His men are so arrogant and unreasonable. Their horse kicked someone, and when Xiao Kang tried to reason with them, they whipped him!"

The man quickly hushed her. "Shh! Are you trying to get yourself killed? That’s a marquis we’re talking about. You can’t just say things like that!"

Overhearing their conversation, A Chan couldn’t help but interject, "Auntie, did something happen this morning?"

The woman, naturally talkative and already charmed by A Chan’s beauty, happily explained, "Right after the gates opened this morning, a group of riders charged out and kicked an old man from our village. He’s probably still at the clinic now."

"How do you know they were the Marquis of the North’s men?"

"Pfft, didn’t you see the Marquis enter the city yesterday? Only his men ride those terrifying horses. The ones this morning had the same kind."

A Chan nodded. The black jiao horses the Marquis had ridden the day before did look vicious—hard to mistake for anything else.

"Did they at least pay for the damages?"

The woman rolled her eyes. "Pay? Those thugs wouldn’t know justice! The old man’s son went to demand an explanation, and not only did they beat him, they nearly dragged him away!"

"Really? That’s outrageous."

"Tell me about it."

A Chan couldn’t help but wonder—what were they investigating so urgently at dawn?

Just then, Chen Hui returned with the fish and saw A Chan squatting beside the woman, chatting animatedly. She couldn’t help but smile.

A Chan seemed livelier than before. In the past, she wouldn’t have struck up conversations with strangers so easily.

"A Chan, let’s go," she called.

A Chan turned. "Coming!"

She bid a reluctant farewell to the woman’s rooster. After eating too much chicken yesterday, Chen Hui had forbidden her from repeating the same meal today, so she’d have to settle for a different menu.

By the time they left Huaijiang Ward, it was already the chen hour.

A Chan walked home cheerfully with Chen Hui, unaware that the Marquis’ men mentioned by the woman had just returned from outside the city.

The leader of the group was one of the Marquis’ personal guards, named Lei Tong.

Upon returning to the Marquis’ estate, Lei Tong found the Marquis practicing spear techniques bare-chested in the training yard.

The Marquis wielded an onyx-and-gold spear, each thrust producing a sharp whistle through the air. Yet he seemed dissatisfied, continuing his drills for a long while before finally stopping.

"My Lord’s spear skills are unmatched in the world," Lei Tong praised sincerely, stepping forward to hand the Marquis a towel.

The Marquis wiped the sweat from his neck and looked up at the sky. "I had some insights, but the capital’s formations suppress my full strength. How frustrating."

"Perhaps the imperial family is too cowardly, afraid of assassinations, hence the formations," Lei Tong remarked irreverently—exactly the kind of talk the Marquis enjoyed.

The Marquis laughed heartily before turning to Lei Tong. "What did you find?"

Lei Tong straightened. "Shortly after Chen Hui was buried, her grave was struck by lightning. The entire hillside was leveled—no body was found. I heard the young master also sent men to search but came up empty-handed."

"And the other one?"

"I dug up the maid’s grave. It was empty. From what I observed, the coffin had been broken open from the inside. Clearly, someone had been inside but crawled out after burial."

The Marquis’ expression darkened. "Chen Hui, bitten to death by a living corpse. Ru Hui, climbing out of her coffin. And Yan Liru, riddled with corpse poison… It seems that Chen Hui had some unusual encounters."

Lei Tong, however, said, "It's just a walking corpse. Originally, she was just an ordinary person. Even if she turned into a walking corpse, she'd only be at the first-tier—could be crushed like a bug."

The Marquis of the North replied calmly, though his eyes burned with killing intent, "Still, we shouldn’t underestimate even a mere walking corpse. She killed my only heir. If she entered the Yan residence for revenge and Yan Liru is still alive, I doubt she’d leave the capital so easily. She’s probably still hiding among the people. Find her."

"Yes," Lei Tong acknowledged before departing.

As evening approached, the Qianhus of the Bright Mirror Bureau left headquarters in small groups.

Lei Tong stood not far from the Bright Mirror Bureau’s gates. Spotting one of them, he stepped forward and gave the man a hearty slap on the back.

"Lei Tong?"

"Qianhu Zhang, long time no see," Lei Tong greeted with a smile.

Zhang Qian grinned at his old friend. "You’ve bulked up after three years away with the Marquis of the North. Come, let’s go to Tingxiang Tower tonight—drinks and tunes, my treat."

"Sure, you pick the place, I’ll get the tab."

The two walked warmly toward Tingxiang Tower.

By midnight, Zhang Qian and Lei Tong had emptied several jars of wine. The lute-playing entertainers had rotated twice, and Zhang Qian was thoroughly drunk, seeing two of everything.

Lei Tong knew his old friend’s weakness—once drunk, he’d answer anything.

Leaning in, he asked quietly, "Brother Qian, I heard there was a walking corpse outbreak in the capital before I returned. Were they all caught?"

"Of course! Our Commander personally handled it—far better than those incompetent bastards from the Ministry of Justice," Zhang Qian slurred, though his words remained coherent.

"What happened to those walking corpses?"

"Executed, naturally." Zhang Qian hiccuped. "Wait, no—heard they let one go."

Lei Tong tensed. "Spared? Why?"

Zhang Qian scratched his head. "That one was different, practically human. Heard someone wanted to keep it, and somehow our Commander agreed."

"Just let it go like that?"

"Not exactly… *hic*… Had to sign a contract first."

"Do you know where the keeper lives?"

"Yeah, an incense shop in Changping Ward. But don’t go poking around there—our Commander would be furious if he found out."

Having gotten his answers, Lei Tong exhaled deeply. After settling Zhang Qian, he paid the bill and left Tingxiang Tower.

The curfew was in effect, but Lei Tong moved too swiftly for anyone to spot him.

Soon, he returned to the Marquis of the North’s estate.

The Marquis was still awake.

Lei Tong, smelling like a distillery, entered the study and reported, "My Marquis, I’ve learned the walking corpse’s whereabouts from a Bright Mirror Bureau Qianhu. No question about it, it’s Chen Hui."

"Oh? Where?"

"An incense shop in Changping Ward."

The Marquis chuckled darkly. "The nerve. After killing my grandson, she dares remain in the capital—as if daring me to come after her!" His voice was bone-chilling in the dead of night.

Lei Tong hesitated. "My Marquis, I heard this walking corpse signed a contract with the Bright Mirror Bureau. Let me deal with her. If the Bureau investigates, it won’t involve you."

"What does a contract matter? If I want to kill a walking corpse, who would dare stop me? I’ll avenge Cheng’er myself!"

At dawn, the Marquis donned court attire and attended the morning court session. Upon returning, he gathered his Personal Guards.

The Bright Mirror Bureau spy watching the estate figured it would be a quiet morning—until the Marquis suddenly rode out with his guards.

Following briefly, the spy realized they were heading toward Changping Ward. Remembering his orders, he abandoned pursuit and sprinted back to the Bureau.

By the time the Marquis’ men sealed off the street, A Chan was still grinding herbs for incense indoors.

When the half-closed door exploded into splinters, A Chan had no time to react before Chen Hui shielded her.

Wooden shrapnel pierced Chen Hui’s back, and A Chan’s exposed arm was gouged deep.

As the debris settled, Chen Hui turned. Outside the shattered doorway stood a heavily armed contingent.

A row of fearsome Black Jiao Horses lined the street. At the center, the Marquis of the North sat tall in the saddle, clad in black.

Though years had passed, Chen Hui recognized him instantly—the man who engineered her father’s downfall, whose influence allowed Fang Yu to slaughter her family.

His presence here could only mean one thing.

"Come out!" The Marquis’ voice boomed like thunder, making the air grow cold.

A Chan made to stand, but Chen Hui pushed her down. "A Chan, he’s here for me. Stay inside."

She had already caused A Chan enough trouble. Just when she thought they could live peacefully, fate had other plans.

She only prayed the Marquis wouldn’t vent his anger on A Chan.

Ignoring her, A Chan stood and followed Chen Hui outside.

Seeing a youthful-looking Chen Hui emerge, the Marquis narrowed his eyes. This was his first time encountering such a human-like walking corpse—truly extraordinary.

Originally, he had come to kill her on sight, but now he found himself wanting to take her alive for study.

With a gesture, he ordered, "Seize her."

"Wait."

A voice suddenly rang out, and a petite figure stepped out from behind Chen Hui.

A Chan bowed respectfully. "Pardon my forwardness, Marquis. She and I signed a contract with the Bright Mirror Bureau. She belongs to me now. Whatever quarrel you have, if you wish to take her, you must first clear it with the Bureau."

"Little girl, are you threatening me with the Bright Mirror Bureau?" The Marquis’ voice darkened, his presence overwhelming.

A Chan remained composed. "I mean no disrespect. But the Bureau made it clear—we're bound together. If she’s used for wrongdoing, I’ll be implicated. I must report this."

"Answer me one question, and I might reconsider."

A Chan blinked. "What would you ask, Marquis?"

"Did you have anything to do with her becoming like this?"

A Chan’s gaze wavered. Before she could answer, the Marquis commanded, "Take them both."

"Yes."

Chen Hui's expression instantly changed upon hearing this. A Chan hadn't expected the Marquis of the North to be so brazen as to dare openly abduct people in broad daylight in the capital.

The condition for Chen Hui surrendering willingly was A Chan's safety. Now that the Marquis of the North intended to take A Chan away, how could she remain indifferent?

Suddenly, black nails sharp as blades sprouted from her fingers, and with a backhanded swipe, she wounded two approaching Personal Guards.

The Marquis of the North snorted coldly and swung his arm, sending Chen Hui hurtling backward into the house.

The remaining Personal Guards moved to seize A Chan, but before they could lay a hand on her, a flash of blade light flickered. The two guards failed to dodge in time, and their arms were cleanly lopped off.

Amid the screams, a blade descended from above, seemingly aimed at A Chan's head. She saw it but couldn't evade.

Just as the blade was about to strike, a figure in red appeared not far in front of her. The blade veered midair and flew into the newcomer's grasp.

"May I ask why the Marquis of the North has dispatched men to blockade Changping Ward so early in the morning?" Bai Xiuming held the blade in one hand, meeting the Marquis's gaze, who sat high atop his horse, yet his presence was in no way inferior.

"You are... Bai Xiuming?" The Marquis of the North scrutinized him, seemingly surprised, before replying, "This Marquis answers to no one."

Bai Xiuming's lips twitched. "But Your Lordship has touched those under my jurisdiction. I demand an explanation."

"Is that so? Then it depends on whether you have the ability to make this Marquis speak."

The Marquis of the North let out a cold snort and abruptly vanished from his horse. In the same instant, Bai Xiuming, who had been shielding A Chan, also disappeared.

A Chan could only hear the shattering clash of steel and the occasional flashes of light before her eyes. She faintly sensed the two battling in the street, but her eyes couldn't track their movements.

The battle erupted around her, leaving A Chan deeply unsettled. She slowly retreated until her back pressed against a wall, finally feeling somewhat secure.

Yet the next moment, a black-and-gold spear suddenly shot out from the street, shattering through the wall before embedding itself in the ground.

A thunderous crash followed as the house's floor collapsed.

A Chan gaped in shock at her ruined home before suddenly remembering Hui Niang was still inside. She screamed, "Hui Niang!" and charged blindly toward the house.

Before she could get far, Chen Hui stumbled out of the wreckage.

Her heart leapt seeing A Chan safe, she exhaled, "I'm fine."

A Chan hurried forward to support her, and together, they turned their gaze to the street.

Finally, after their brief clash, the crimson and black figures landed on opposite sides of the road.

Bai Xiuming's official robes' sleeves hung in shreds, his hem ragged—leaving him looking a ragged mess. Across from him, the Marquis of the North's attire remained pristine, but he pressed a hand to his bleeding chest, where blood seeped through.

A Chan's eyes fell on the blade in Bai Xiuming's grip. Though its edge bore no blood, its point wept red—the Marquis of the North's blood.

Seeing their Marquis bested, the Marquis of the North's Personal Guards drew their blades to intervene, only to be sharply halted by his command: "Stand down!"

The guards immediately froze and retreated to the Marquis of the North's side.

Straightening, the Marquis of the North regarded the far younger Bai Xiuming before him. "This Marquis has long heard of Lord Bai's reputation. Seeing you today, the rumors prove true."

Bai Xiuming replied coolly, "As for Your Lordship, you disappoint."

A vein throbbed at the Marquis of the North's temple. He hadn't expected that, despite being at the peak of the Fourth Realm and wielding his weapon, he could still be wounded by a junior.

Though the city's grand array played a role, the humiliation of this spreading was unthinkable.

Unwilling to prolong the confrontation, he yielded ground first. "Today's matter was this Marquis's recklessness."

Bai Xiuming lowered his gaze. "I've heard the Marquis of the North was unbroken through a hundred campaigns at Xiling—never one for recklessness."

Then he lifted his gaze, his dark eyes piercing the Marquis of the North. "I suppose Your Lordship, having just returned to the capital, remains unaccustomed to many things. From this day forth, I expect you to keep to the law and refrain from overstepping."

The Marquis of the North hadn't anticipated Bai Xiuming would show him such disrespect. His gaze darkened. "This Marquis has always despised rules."

"Is that so? I, however, have put down many who refused to obey them." Bai Xiuming slowly sheathed his blade. "If the Marquis holds grievances, I am at your service day or night. Though I wonder—how many blows from my blade can Your Lordship withstand?"

"Insolent cur!" the Marquis of the North gritted out each word. The wound on his chest still resisted healing, the sharp pain stoking his killing rage.

If not for Bai Xiuming's royal bloodline granting him control over the city's grand array, how could he possibly rival the marquis?

And now, he dared taunt him so.

"Your Lordship honors me too much. I pale in comparison to you, who dares to muster private troops and abduct people in broad daylight."

"This Marquis seeks the murderer who killed my grandson. Does Lord Bai intend to shield a walking corpse?"

"Murderer?" Bai Xiuming arched a brow. "Do you have proof?"

"This Marquis's word is law. My word is evidence enough."

"Then you have none. Since you lack evidence, take your leave at once!"