Chapter 22 Ling Wu

Chapter 22: Ling Wu

Just as Xia Yan was about to give chase, a nimble figure had already darted out ahead of her—a woman with her hair tied in a high ponytail, dressed in martial attire. Her steps were swift as the wind, and in the blink of an eye, she had caught up with the thief.

The man was forced to a halt but refused to yield, a flash of malice in his eyes. He drew a gleaming dagger from his waist and lunged straight at her.

Jiang Shuning and Xia Yan felt their hearts stop, their gazes locked on the woman, terrified she might be killed by a single misstep.

However, the woman in martial attire was as agile as a leopard. She nimbly sidestepped the fierce attack, then grabbed and twisted, firmly pinning the man's arms and retrieving the stolen jade pendant.

As soon as she released him, the thief, ignoring the pain, scrambled away in a wretched escape, vanishing into the depths of the plum grove in an instant.

The woman in martial attire clapped her hands lightly and turned to walk towards Jiang Shuning, handing back the pendant with a clear voice, "Miss, your jade pendant."

Jiang Shuning took the recovered item, filled with gratitude, and quickly said, "Thank you for your righteous assistance, warrior! May I ask your esteemed name?"

The woman smiled slightly and replied, "I dare not claim the title of warrior. My surname is Ling, given name Wu."

"Miss Ling, your skills are remarkable!" Jiang Shuning couldn't help but praise. Seeing that although she carried herself with heroic grace, her clothes were somewhat shabby and even a bit worn, a thought occurred to her, and she hurriedly asked, "I wonder, Miss Ling, how do you make a living ordinarily?"

Upon hearing this, a trace of awkwardness flickered across Ling Wu's face, and she said softly, "To be honest, I've only recently arrived in the capital and haven't yet found work. I heard there were many young ladies from noble families admiring the flowers in the plum grove today, so I thought I'd try my luck to see if I could find work."

An idea came to Jiang Shuning, and she tentatively asked, "Miss Ling, if you don't mind, would you be willing to be my personal maid? I am Jiang Shuning, daughter of Chancellor Jiang!"

Fearing the other might decline, she hastily added, "Actually, it's more like a close bodyguard. You'd only need to stay by my side to ensure my safety. As for trivial chores, if you're unwilling to do them, it's fine. The monthly wage is three taels of silver. If Miss Ling feels it's insufficient, we can discuss adding more!"

Ling Wu hesitated briefly, then immediately straightened her clothes and bowed respectfully, "Miss Jiang treats me with such generosity. Ling Wu is deeply grateful and willing to serve you loyally as your close bodyguard."

Hearing this, Jiang Shuning was overjoyed, "Excellent! Later, ride back to the manor in the carriage with me. I'll take you to meet my parents and formally settle you in!"

Ling Wu nodded in agreement, "I will follow Miss Jiang's arrangements in all matters."

After admiring the plums, Jiang Shuning took Ling Wu and boarded the carriage back to the manor.

Jiang Yaozhen, seeing an unfamiliar woman with spirited eyes and brows in the carriage, frowned and said, "Who is this? How can she ride in our carriage?"

Jiang Shuning replied calmly, "This is the maid I've chosen. I plan to take her back for Father and Mother to see."

Jiang Yaozhen sneered mockingly, "Elder Sister is truly bold, picking up just anyone from the roadside and bringing them home. Aren't you afraid she's of unknown origin and might harm you in the future?"

A slight smile touched Jiang Shuning's lips, though it didn't reach her eyes, "I've learned from my mistakes; my ability to judge people has long been honed. Younger Sister need not worry."

Jiang Yaozhen gave a light humph, turned her head, and fell silent.

Now, she only hoped the imperial edict of betrothal from the palace would arrive soon, so she could use it to overshadow the limelight Jiang Shuning had been stealing from her lately.

Jiang Shuning led Ling Wu into the main hall and introduced her to Chancellor Jiang and Madam Jiang.

Chancellor Jiang asked Ling Wu, "Miss, tell us about your background and origins."

Ling Wu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "In reply to Chancellor Jiang, Ling Wu is an orphan, taken in by my foster father from a young age. He was once a disciple of the Jishan Sect. In his later years, he opened a martial arts school in Jizhou.

I learned martial arts from him since childhood, picking up some skills through constant exposure. After my foster father passed away, I wasn't good at managing the school, so I sold it. With the proceeds, I traveled north, eventually making my way to the capital.

Who knew the journey was so long that the funds were exhausted long ago? Fortunately, Miss Jiang took pity on me, giving me a place to stand today."

Madam Jiang examined her carefully. Seeing her straightforward demeanor and well-spoken manner, she was quite pleased and said with a smile, "This child looks clear-eyed and capable. Since Ning'er has taken a liking to her, and she does possess some skills, let her stay. She can serve as Ning'er's close bodyguard to protect her."

After hearing Ling Wu's response and seeing her answer appropriately and flawlessly, Chancellor Jiang also nodded slightly, "Since that's the case, we'll follow Madam and Ning'er's wishes."

Only Jiang Yaozhen stood to the side, her eyes filled with wariness.

"Elder Sister, why do you suddenly need a female bodyguard by your side? And one of unknown origin at that. Aren't you afraid she harbors ulterior motives and schemes?"

A meaningful smile appeared at the corner of Jiang Shuning's lips, "Why I need a close bodyguard, Younger Sister knows perfectly well. Why should I need to say more?"

Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a hidden sharpness that pierced straight into Jiang Yaozhen's heart, making her feel guilty.

Jiang Yaozhen's eyes darted away, and she ultimately fell silent.

Late at night, Jiang Yaozhen said to the concubine who had secretly entered the Qili Courtyard, "Mother, Jiang Shuning has taken on a new female bodyguard. I hear her martial skills are quite impressive; she shouldn't be underestimated. You should avoid the Jiang Manor for now. Let's meet every seven days in the private room of the Laifu Tavern."

Upon hearing this, the concubine nodded gently. She reached out with her slightly cool hand to gently stroke Jiang Yaozhen's cheek, her touch carrying a hint of pity and reluctance.

Jiang Yaozhen comforted her, "Mother, don't worry. In a few more days, the imperial edict of betrothal will arrive. Father will surely view me differently. My days in the Jiang Manor will only become more and more smooth."

The concubine nodded, then turned and reluctantly leaped out the window.

But she was not able to leave as stealthily as she wished.

Just as she climbed onto the roof, she ran into Ling Wu, who was crouching there coldly, her gaze sharp as a blade, piercing straight towards her.

The concubine's heart jolted, panic coloring her face. Fearing she might alert the people in the manor, she quickly tapped her toes, vaulted over the wall, and, under the cover of night, fled in a panic into the deep darkness.

Ling Wu's figure followed like a shadow, pursuing closely.

The night wind howled, the streets and alleys were silent. She chased through several streets and alleys, but the concubine was as agile as a cunning rabbit, and Ling Wu could never get close enough.

Helpless, Ling Wu had to halt and turn back.

Returning to the manor, she quickly picked up a brush, recorded everything she had seen that night, tied it to a carrier pigeon's leg, and released it.

In the middle of the night, Ling Wu received a reply from Xiao Lingchuan: "Keep a close eye on this Nanyue spy. Find a way to drive her out of the Jiang Manor."

Ling Wu understood perfectly.

Only by forcing this spy to leave the Jiang Manor would she seek another hiding place.

At that time, the Fourth Prince would find it easy to force her into the open.

Ling Wu kept watch on the roof of the Jiang Manor all night but didn't see the Nanyue spy's figure again.

Early the next morning, while Jiang Shuning was still asleep, Ling Wu pushed the door open and said in a low voice, "Eldest Miss, get up quickly! An imperial edict has arrived from the palace!"

Jiang Shuning's drowsiness instantly vanished, "What imperial edict?"

"It's for the Second Miss. Word from the palace is that His Majesty has issued an edict for a marriage arrangement."

"Marriage arrangement?" Jiang Shuning was somewhat surprised. Which prince was His Majesty preparing to bestow Jiang Yaozhen upon in marriage?