Chapter 26
The moonlight was like a bolt of white silk. The chirping of insects under the eaves drifted into the room. Xu Yunqi’s forehead pressed against his chest, the warmth flushing her cheeks. Breezes occasionally swept in, cooling her back. She could hear his steady breathing above her head, mingling with her hair—now warm, now cool, interweaving in a delicate rhythm.
Slowly, Xu Yunqi turned over in his arms, settling her back against his chest. Pei Muheng, already half-asleep, still shifted to accommodate her, his hand resting on her slender waist. Their bodies pressed closer together. Xu Yunqi found a comfortable breathing rhythm and finally drifted off.
The cost of sleeping like this was that Pei Muheng had a rather restless night.
Before dawn broke, he rose and went to the front courtyard. Xu Yunqi slept until she naturally woke.
The summer heat was intense—even at dawn, she woke drenched in clammy sweat. Still, she insisted on practicing a round of the Five Animal Frolics before wiping down and changing clothes.
Soon, Old Madam Chen lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing Xu Yunqi at her dressing table, she hurried over to take the comb and help pin her hair.
“Madam, the Fifth Young Miss returned last night. She sent word earlier, asking you to come to the lakeside pavilion after breakfast. She’s set out fruits and snacks there, waiting for you.”
Xu Yunqi nodded. After getting ready, she left Yinxing in the courtyard to pound herbs and went alone to the lakeside pavilion.
Following the stone path up the artificial hill, she found Pei Mushan sitting on an embroidered stool, chin in hand, gazing at the distant lake and mountains. She held a royal invitation in her hand, looking somewhat pensive. Tao Qing stood beside her, fanning her, and quietly stepped back when she saw Xu Yunqi approach.
Xu Yunqi walked over and sat down beside her. “What are you brooding about? You look like a little fool.”
Hearing her sister-in-law’s voice, Pei Mushan immediately snapped out of it, her face brightening with excitement. “Sister-in-law, come with me to the palace tomorrow!”
“Is something happening?” Xu Yunqi also held a bamboo fan, its surface made of ordinary satin—quite plain. Pei Mushan first explained, “There’s a polo match at the palace tomorrow,” then eyed the fan and frowned.
“Sister-in-law, don’t you embroider? The fan surface would look so much prettier with some stitching.”
Xu Yunqi shook her head. “I’ve never touched a needle.”
Pei Mushan looked surprised. “I thought you were so handy—making medicinal dishes, cosmetics. I figured you could embroider too. Oh, that reminds me—the other day Mother asked Old Madam Hao whether Third Brother’s clothes were made in the household or by the needlework room. Now I see—you don’t know how.” Her tone was teasing.
Xu Yunqi suddenly remembered that a married woman was expected to sew her husband’s undergarments. She truly knew nothing of such things. She touched her warm cheek. “Old Madam Chen takes care of Third Master’s things. She must be the one making them.”
Seeing Xu Yunqi’s bewildered expression, Pei Mushan laughed and couldn’t resist pinching her soft, bouncy cheek. “Look at you—you don’t even care about my brother’s affairs. But that’s all right. Sister-in-law’s hands are meant for greater things—not for wasting away in the inner quarters with needlework.”
Xu Yunqi laughed heartily at that.
“Oh, by the way, when I was at my grandmother’s house, I gave the rouge I made to Fur. She said it worked wonderfully and suggested we open a cosmetics shop to sell it—said we’d make a fortune.”
“Sister-in-law, don’t be fooled by Fur’s youth—she’s very sharp. She knows all about business.”
Xu Yunqi had no interest in such matters. She didn’t lack for money. “If you have the time, go ahead and do it. I’ll pass.”
Pei Mushan, who was short on funds, was genuinely tempted. “Fur made it sound so convincing, I’m half-persuaded. I’ll work with her on it. The recipes are yours—I’ll give you a cut.”
A young maid poured tea for Xu Yunqi. She took a sip, nodded absently, not really caring.
“By the way, why are we going to the palace for a polo match tomorrow?”
At this, Pei Mushan perked up, grinning. “Sister-in-law doesn’t know—every year on the eighteenth of the fifth month, Grandfather holds a polo match in the Imperial Forest Park. All the noble young men of the capital attend, and the ladies love to come watch. Over time, it’s become a kind of unofficial matchmaking event. I’m sixteen this year, so Mother is anxious. She insists on coming tomorrow to help me scout for a husband.”
“Heh, even if Mother didn’t go, I would. There are so many handsome young men at the polo matches.”
Xu Yunqi had never seen a young lady so enthusiastic about matchmaking. Pei Mushan was utterly without pretense.
“All right then. Tomorrow, I’ll help you vet them.”
“Perfect.” Pei Mushan shook her arm. “Just use my brother as your benchmark. If you see anyone who measures up, tell me, and I’ll look into his family background.”
Xu Yunqi found her chatter both amusing and quite logical. She set down her teacup and teased her, “And what about Young Master Yan?”
At the mention of Yan Shaoling, Pei Mushan flushed, letting go of her arm and staring into the distance. “Why bring him up? That rascal doesn’t act like a civil official’s son at all—he’s wild all day long.”
Tao Qing chuckled at this and explained to Xu Yunqi, “Madam, you see, the day before yesterday, our young miss was on her way to the Xiao household when Young Master Yan intercepted her. He brought several boxes of cosmetics for her, but she refused, saying she no longer used store-bought ones. The young master was quick-witted and guessed she was planning to make her own. Can you guess what he did? He went to every cosmetics shop in the city, bullied the owners into handing over their recipes…”
Tao Qing couldn’t help laughing. “With those recipes, he bought up all the best fragrances in town and sent them all to the Xi manor yesterday.”
Xu Yunqi pressed her palm to her forehead.
Pei Mushan’s face was burning red. “He thinks he can do anything because he’s the Grand Secretary’s son—”
“But,” Tao Qing pursed her lips in a smile, “those fragrances were nearly identical to the ones Madam had bought earlier. The Princess Consort saw that the young miss truly needed them, so she accepted them and sent several hundred taels to the Yan mansion in return. Our young miss got what she wanted without owing anyone a favor—she’s in a great mood.”
Pei Mushan, caught out, glared at her, then cleared her throat and explained to Xu Yunqi, “It’s rare for Mother to open her purse. You don’t know, Sister-in-law—Mother is generous only with Third Brother. She’s impossibly stingy with me, Eldest Brother, and Father.”
Xu Yunqi laughed heartily.
The two agreed to go to the palace for the polo match the next day. That evening, when Pei Muheng returned, he mentioned the matter as well and even brought her a fine set of riding gear. “Tomorrow, have your sister-in-law teach you how to play.”
Polo was one of the most beloved pastimes for noble ladies in the capital and a mark of status. His future path would be extraordinary, and he hoped his wife could keep pace with him and integrate into the circle of the powerful.
In truth, Xu Yunqi wasn’t fond of polo. She had a quiet nature and disliked such boisterous activities. But her husband meant well, so she didn’t refuse. “I’ll try.”
Pei Muheng had held back the previous night, so tonight inevitably called for intimacy. Having learned from last time, Xu Yunqi threw herself into it wholeheartedly. Pei Muheng likewise held nothing back. Their pleasure was thoroughly satisfying. When it ended, his inner robe was soaked through. He looked at his flushed wife; Xu Yunqi, embarrassed, turned her face away, lowering her gaze as if nothing had happened.
But Pei Muheng wasn’t about to let her off. Wrapping his robe around them both—her included—he scooped her up and carried her toward the bath.
Xu Yunqi had traveled far and wide in her life, always capable and self-sufficient. Never before had she been caught up like a little loach in someone’s arms, and she felt more than a little irked. Unfortunately, her limbs were weak, her body boneless, and she could only resign herself to being his captive.
Pei Muheng carried his wife past the canopy bed and even bounced her twice—which thoroughly exasperated her. But knowing he was teasing her, she stayed quiet, gripping his collar in silence.
Though it was the first time he had so considerately carried her to the bath, they still bathed separately.
Pei Muheng finished quickly. When Xu Yunqi lingered, he stood outside the screen and asked, “Do you need help?”
He meant to carry her back.
Xu Yunqi’s face flushed again. She replied steadily, “No need.”
She had been thoroughly worn out this time. When she emerged, lacking her usual composure, she held the bed rail and made her way toward the canopy bed without so much as a glance at Pei Muheng.
He glanced at the tea he had prepared, then at his wife.
A glazed lamp on the dressing table cast a warm, yellow glow. Xu Yunqi, one hand on her waist, passed by the table. The mattress, laid in haste by Old Madam Chen, was somewhat uneven. Xu Yunqi hung the bed curtains and bent down to smooth it out. The curve of her waist was graceful as a hill, swaying gently like a mermaid about to break the water’s surface. The image of her radiant, passionate expression from earlier flashed through Pei Muheng’s mind. His throat tightened, and he strode over. He had always been self-controlled, never taking her twice in one day—but tonight, he simply couldn’t hold back.
The next morning, they rose together. Pei Muheng went to the Censorate, while Xu Yunqi went to Jinhe Hall to pay respects, then followed the Princess Consort of Xi and her daughter into the palace. Having been up late the night before, Xu Yunqi was more fatigued than usual. She drank a tonic soup for energy, leaned against the carriage wall to nap, and had recovered by the time they arrived.
The Imperial Forest Park was located at the northeast corner of the palace. A riding ground had been set aside for noble youths to play polo. Unlike the inner palace, security here was laxer—inspections were less strict, and maidservants and matrons were permitted entry.
Beyond the riding ground, however, toward the imperial city, an area was entirely enclosed by bright yellow curtains. A brocaded pavilion stood within. As they entered, Pei Mushan pointed to it and said,
“Grandfather will watch the match from there.”
Xu Yunqi looked over. The pavilion was resplendent with colorful embroidery, its gilded bronze roof gleaming in the morning sun. She could make out guards standing in rows and several crimson-robed officials hurrying about.
Following the tree-lined path past a long, narrow lake, they reached the riding ground—about forty to fifty mu in size. The eastern side faced the brocaded pavilion, while the other three sides were surrounded by hills and water, with beautiful scenery. Pavilions and kiosks were scattered among the groves, their carved railings and painted balustrades adorned with flowing silk gauze. The warm breeze made the colorful silks dance like ribbons around pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes. It was less like the mortal world and more like a Penglai celestial palace.
Noble families arrived one after another. There would be men’s polo matches and women’s matches as well. Pei Mushan went ahead with her maids and riding gear to the brocaded tent to prepare. Xu Yunqi followed the Princess Consort of Xi to Yingfeng Pavilion, where the ladies would rest.
Xie Shi had stayed indoors since the last incident. Li Shi couldn’t leave her son, who had caught a chill, to come enjoy herself. Thus, only Xu Yunqi remained by the Princess Consort of Xi’s side.
Normally, the two daughters-in-law attended her every need, helping her rise and offering their arms. Today was different. Looking back, the Princess Consort saw her youngest daughter-in-law walking several paces behind—not too close, not too far—and felt a complicated emotion. Xu Yunqi knew the Princess Consort didn’t like her and had no desire to invite rebuff. The Princess Consort didn’t press her either, shaking her head and stepping into the pavilion first.
The spacious open hall was already full.
Princess Qin sat at the head, with Princess Chen and Princess Qi also present. Below the princesses, on the left, sat the wife of the Duke of Wenguo. Beside her was a strikingly pretty young woman, perhaps in her early twenties, with a lively, spirited air. She rose gracefully to greet the Princess Consort of Xi, clearly well-acquainted with her. Her gaze fell on Xu Yunqi with friendly curiosity.
Old Madam Hao whispered to her, “This is the Duke of Wenguo’s daughter. She married into the Duke of Chengguo’s household and is now the head mistress there.”
Xu Yunqi inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Below Princess Qin sat the wife of the Duke of Yanguo, Madam Yan—wife of Grand Secretary Yan and mother of Yan Shaoling. Almost all the senior officials’ wives were present.
The central seat remained empty, indicating the Empress would be arriving in person.
After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.
They had barely settled when the young mistress of the Duke of Chengguo’s household, Wen Ruyu, spoke up crisply,
“Oh my, Madam Xun is fashionably late…”
Xu Yunqi looked up to see Madam Xun, accompanied by Xun Yunling, ascending the steps with a beaming smile. Though her expression was warm, a closer look revealed weariness beneath. Her heart jolted when she spotted Xu Yunqi, and she faltered slightly.
Madam Xun turned her gaze to Wen Ruyu and replied with a smile, “I rose a little late today. My apologies to the princesses.” She bowed first.
The princesses returned the courtesy.
In the past, Princess Qin had been displeased by Madam Xun’s closeness to the Princess Consort of Xi. Now that the engagement between the two houses had fallen through, she took delight in the misfortune and treated Madam Xun more warmly.
“We’re all old acquaintances here—no need to stand on ceremony. But you do look rather pale lately. Still not fully recovered?”
Madam Xun sat upright on the embroidered stool, twisting her handkerchief around her fingers three times. She smiled in reply, “It’s all the fuss over my husband’s birthday banquet at the end of the month—I’ve been run ragged.” She dabbed the sweat from her temples.
These past few days of investigation had confirmed that Xu Yunqi was indeed Xun Yunhe’s daughter, and that her mother, Zhang Shi, was still alive. The revelation had kept Madam Xun awake with terror. Xu Yunqi’s survival was bad enough—but if Zhang Shi was also alive and well, what would happen if Xun Yunhe ever learned the truth? She couldn’t bear to imagine that scene. Night after night, she was haunted by nightmares, barely keeping herself together.
She hadn’t wanted to show her face today, but she feared Xu Yunqi might run into Xun Yunhe, so she had forced herself to come and keep watch.
Xun Yunling stood beside her mother, sneaking a glance at Xu Yunqi.
Xu Yunqi’s expression was gentle, her composure unshakable. She even greeted them both with a gracious wave.
Xun Yunling swallowed hard and managed a strained smile.
Though today’s event was ostensibly a polo match, it was really a matchmaking affair. As the daughter of a Grand Secretary, Xun Yunling drew considerable attention.
Several ladies steered the conversation toward her.
The Princess Consort of Xi looked at the shy Xun Yunling and sighed inwardly.
Princess Qin caught her expression and couldn’t resist taking a jab. She turned to Princess Qi beside her and said,
“Really, people should learn to be content. Don’t eye what’s in someone else’s bowl—what’s in your own is what’s best for you. Don’t you agree, Seventh Sister-in-law?”
Prince Qi was aligned with Prince Qin, and Princess Qi always followed Princess Qin’s lead. Naturally, she chimed in,
“Indeed. As the saying goes, ‘Those who marry into the same family are destined.’ Fate is decreed by heaven.”
After years as sisters-in-law, the Princess Consort of Xi knew well these were veiled barbs. But today, for some reason, she had no interest in sparring with Princess Qin. She pretended not to hear, sipping her tea with an air of indifference. After a moment, she asked Princess Chen beside her,
“Will the Empress Dowager be coming today?”
Princess Chen was a gentle soul who usually stayed out of the sisters-in-law’s schemes. She replied, “The Twelfth Prince has turned thirty now, and His Majesty is pressing him. So the Empress Dowager is taking matters into her own hands—she plans to select a wife for him from among the noble families today.”
The Twelfth Prince was currently the only prince who could rival Prince Qin. His marriage was a matter of national attention. Hearing this, Princess Qin indeed lost interest in baiting the Princess Consort of Xi.
The Princess Consort of Xi immediately answered, smiling faintly, “Sometimes people must know their place. What’s yours is yours—no amount of grasping will change that. Of course, the Twelfth Prince is different. He is the Empress’s legitimate son. All the noble daughters of the capital should be available for his choosing.”
The implication was clear: the Twelfth Prince was the rightful heir, and Prince Qin should abandon his schemes.
Princess Qin’s face darkened with fury.
While the princesses clashed, the other madams and young ladies kept their heads down, sipping tea and staying silent.
Madam Yan, the Duchess of Yanguo, didn’t want to see the two princesses at odds and quickly changed the subject with a smile.
“Your Highness, I saw Shan Shan on the street yesterday. What a lovely girl—I was afraid she might melt just looking at her. She’s truly a delight. When it comes to raising children, Your Highness is second to none—your sons are exceptional, and your daughter is one in a million.”
This touched the Princess Consort of Xi’s heart.
Everyone in the capital knew Yan Shaoling was smitten with Pei Mushan. Even if Madam Yan was flattering, her words didn’t offend.
The Princess Consort replied, “You flatter me. She’s just a wild girl—hardly worthy of such praise.”
Wen Ruyu clapped her hands with a laugh. “What are you saying, Your Highness? If Shan Shan is a wild girl, then what am I? I was far more mischievous than her at her age!”
The Duchess of Wenguo shot her daughter a look. “You dare compare yourself to Shan Shan? She’s lively—you’re truly wild.”
Madam Yan laughed. “Speaking of wild, no one beats my worthless son. Look—His Majesty hasn’t even arrived, and he’s already calling for a match.”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to the riding ground below.
The pavilion was elevated, offering a broad view of the entire field.
Wen Ruyu leaned forward to look. “Oh my, look—Shaoling and Shan Shan are arguing. Someone, go find out what’s happening.”
Soon, a maid returned. “Your Highnesses, madams, and young ladies—the Twelfth Prince hunted a wild deer in the forest this morning and offered it as today’s prize. Commandery Princess Shan Shan and the young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household both want it. The young commandery princess proposed a team match and asked Young Master Yan to help her. But he refused, saying he’ll team with Commandery Princess Shan Shan. They’re arguing now.”
Everyone understood. The young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household was Yan Shaoling’s cousin, yet Yan Shaoling favored Pei Mushan. It was a dilemma of the heart.
Wen Ruyu chuckled. “This should be interesting.”
Her eyes swept the crowd and landed on the quiet Xu Yunqi. “Commandery Princess, would you do me the honor of coming to watch with me?”
Xu Yunqi was also concerned about Pei Mushan and immediately agreed. “Yes.”
Madam Xun caught this and subtly signaled her daughter. Xun Yunling spoke up crisply,
“Sister Ruyu, may I come along as well?”
Wen Ruyu wouldn’t refuse her, so she brought her along. Xun Yunling had always been a leader among the noble daughters, and as soon as she left, many other young ladies followed.
Descending the steps, they reached the brocaded tent beside the riding ground, where eunuchs and palace maids had already laid out fruits and tea.
Wen Ruyu led the young ladies to their seats.
On the field, the young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household was crying in frustration at Yan Shaoling.
“We’re family—you’re my maternal uncle. You should be helping me!”
The vigorous young man in black, lounging lazily on horseback, moved his horse behind Pei Mushan in a fawning manner. “I said I’d help her.”
“Who said you would?” Pei Mushan turned and glared at him, thoroughly unimpressed.
Yan Shaoling sat up straight. “Hey, hey—when you were ten, you lost a bet and said, ‘Shaoling Gege, next time you’ll help me win it back.’ Well, here I am, helping you.”
Pei Mushan ground her teeth in fury. As a child, she had been easily fooled by Yan Shaoling, calling him “gege” left and right. Now she burned with embarrassment. Taking a deep breath, she raised her whip and pointed at the young men and women on her team.
“Look—everyone on my team is perfectly fine. You’re just barging in—don’t you have any shame?”
Yan Shaoling didn’t take that lying down. He frowned and scanned the team. Pei Mushan had recruited two young men—one fair-skinned with a face like a peach blossom. He sneered in disgust. “Tch, that sissy look—you like that? Go ask your brother if he looks like that.”
The other was handsome and refined, but did he have the build to protect a woman?
Pei Mushan’s face flushed red with anger. “A sissy is better than a wild leopard like you!”
Yan Shaoling liked the nickname and grinned instead. “Your young master is indeed a wild leopard.” Then he shot a cold glance at the two young men. “Which one of you is stepping aside?”
Though they looked bookish, neither young man moved.
The official had already blown the whistle. Unable to do anything, Yan Shaoling rode off the field and watched from the sidelines.
Seeing he wouldn’t help, the young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household had to ask her elder brother to join her. The two teams assembled and began the match.
At first, Xu Yunqi thought her sister-in-law would win. But after two quarters of play, she realized the young commandery princess was no ordinary opponent. Though only thirteen or fourteen, she was exceptionally skilled on horseback, charging across the field like a little lion. Small and nimble, she had a natural talent—the ball seemed glued to her mallet, and her movements were fluid and graceful.
By the first half, the young commandery princess had a slight edge.
Pei Mushan, a seasoned player, had her own strengths.
Her skills had been passed down from her father. She wasn’t a lone fighter but excelled at tactics. Her father often said playing polo was like waging war—either strike unexpectedly or engage in flanking maneuvers. Pei Mushan first used a feint to occupy the young commandery princess, creating opportunities for her best goal-scoring teammates, and scored the first goal, breaking the princess’s momentum.
Then she pressed her advantage, quickly tying the score.
For the next two quarters, the score remained tight, with Pei Mushan barely ahead by a narrow margin.
The Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, personally drummed to cheer them on, and the atmosphere was electric. Wen Ruyu led the young ladies in throwing silks and shouting encouragement—only Xu Yunqi sat quietly in the crowd, sipping tea.
With only the final quarter left, the young commandery princess grew desperate. Her imperial grandfather was watching from the brocaded pavilion—she couldn’t lose to Pei Mushan.
Pei Mushan’s team had grown increasingly synchronized, forming an impenetrable wall.
Losing was certain at this rate. The young commandery princess gritted her teeth and suddenly lashed her whip at the hind legs of Pei Mushan’s horse.
The horse shrieked and bolted forward. Caught off guard by the violent jolt, Pei Mushan’s horse happened to step on a sharp stone in the grass and reared up, throwing her off completely.
A collective gasp rose from the sidelines. In the open pavilion, the Princess Consort of Xi shot to her feet.
“Shan’er!”
Just as Pei Mushan was about to hit the ground, a swift black shadow streaked over like lightning. He reached out, catching her falling arm, his other hand supporting her back. He put his entire body between her and the ground, sacrificing himself to protect the girl he loved.
Pei Mushan had been riding along the edge of the field, close to the fence. When Yan Shaoling fell, his back slammed into the railing. A banner had been planted beside the fence, its pole made of bamboo. For the match, the imperial stable had just replaced the bamboo with fresh ones. The new bamboo snapped under the force, splintering into sharp shards that drove straight into Yan Shaoling’s back.
A terrible cry of pain pierced the blue sky.
Everyone was horrified. The crowd surged toward Yan Shaoling.
Pei Mushan had landed against his chest. The scream rang in her ears. She couldn’t even feel her own pain—numbed by the shock. Turning with difficulty, she saw the ever-valiant young man staring at her with adoring eyes, blood gushing from his mouth as he murmured,
“You… are you… all right…”
“Yan Shaoling!”
Extreme fear flooded Pei Mushan’s heart. She clutched his hand, shaking uncontrollably, and screamed at the rushing crowd,
“Someone! Someone! A physician! A physician, please save him…”
Blood quickly soaked his clothes. His body curled and trembled, his mouth filled with blood, his lips quivering as if trying to speak but unable. The light in his eyes slowly faded.
Everything before her blurred, wavering in her tear-filled vision.
In an instant, more than a dozen people surrounded them, then more, layers upon layers, cutting off all escape.
The sight of so much blood terrified everyone. The Yan family servants collapsed to their knees in despair.
Someone ran to fetch a physician; others rushed to the water pavilions and brocaded pavilion to report.
Yan’s servants were weeping uncontrollably, frantic and lost.
Pei Mushan knelt before him, her delicate hand still holding his, her eyes empty as she stared at the fading consciousness of Yan Shaoling. Her heart raced to her throat, with nowhere to settle.
He had been the brightest sun in the capital—his eyes always shining like a new moon, full of spirit and vigor. Now he lay there silently, spitting blood.
Cries, screams—all melded into chaos.
The sky seemed to be falling.
Amid the pandemonium, a calm voice cut through the noise like a clear spring.
“Move aside!”
But no one heeded her. They sobbed and wailed like headless flies.
Seeing this, Yinxing slung the medical kit over her shoulder, kicked the nearest Yan servant, and bellowed,
“My mistress told you to move aside—didn’t you hear! Any later, and your young master will die!”
Yinxing’s voice was so loud it startled dozens of people on the spot.
The Yan family, hearing someone could save their master, turned around.
Yinxing had no time to explain. She threw her full strength into shoving aside the dumbstruck people, clearing a path for Xu Yunqi.
Xu Yunqi’s gaze remained fixed on Yan Shaoling’s wound. The bamboo shard had driven into his back—she couldn’t tell how deep. Blood poured from the wound, and blood still welled from his mouth, indicating lung or heart damage.
Under the gaze of the crowd, this slender, gentle young woman—once the heir of the Thirteen Needle technique, who had once roamed the jianghu on horseback—stepped calmly through the crowd to Yan Shaoling’s side.