The carriage was adorned with gold and covered with vermillion jade for the lid. Luxurious brocade curtains hung down, and the carriage was pulled by four pure white horses, each one a symbol of refined elegance and opulence.
Inside, the carriage was spacious and comfortable. A central aisle separated two knee-high couches on either side, with another couch directly facing them. The seating was layered with thick, plush cushions, and pearl curtains divided the space into three sections: inner, outer, and middle.
The inner area was perfumed with a warm fragrance, soft veils swayed gently, and the floor was covered in white woven silk that looked as soft as it was comfortable.
"Lei Yun, hurry up and bring the food!"
Xianyue sat cross-legged in the middle of the carriage, separated from Lan Yixuan by a small table. Silver chopsticks glinted coldly in her hand as she impatiently tapped them on the table, urging Lei An from the outer section to speed up. She displayed none of the restraint expected of a lady.
Lan Yixuan lifted the teacup from the table, gently lifted the lid, and blew on the tea before taking a light sip. "How long has it been since you've last eaten, Miss?"
Even in his casual demeanor, one could not help but notice the elegance and noble grace in his every move.
"I only had a bowl of millet porridge, a basket of steamed buns, and a few pieces of pastry this morning."
Xianyue stopped tapping her chopsticks and leaned back lazily against the carriage.
"That sounds about right. After such a fight this morning, you must have burned quite a bit of energy."
Lan Yixuan placed the cup down and turned to Lei Yun, who was still busy outside. "Lei Yun, hurry up."
"Young Master, it's ready."
Lei An had just placed the dish on the table when Xianyue, who had been reclining idly moments before, sat up straight with excitement. She quickly lifted the lid off the dish before Lei An could do so, her mouth already open, and her bright eyes lit up with joy. "Honey-glazed chicken drumsticks! My favorite!"
"Beggar's chicken—how did you know I love this?"
"Jade slices with hibiscus—it's been ages since I've had this, I almost forgot what it tastes like."
As she spoke, Xianyue started to gather the food Lei An brought in, claiming each dish one by one and shooting Lan Yixuan a smile after each victorious grab.
"Take your time, no one is going to steal it from you."
Lan Yixuan's tone was calm, showing no sign of irritation.
"Young Master Lan, I told you, you're the nicest person I've ever met."
With her mouth stuffed full, Xianyue enthusiastically waved her greasy hand in greeting towards Lan Yixuan, who gently caught her right hand, his smile warm. "It's all fate, Miss. No need to be so formal."
"This whole 'Miss' business is too distant. If you don't mind, you can just call me Xianyue."
Her left hand, as quick as lightning, suddenly reached for Lan Yixuan's collar.
"Very well then, Xianyue."
Lan Yixuan released her right hand, quickly grabbing a wine pot from Lei Yun and pouring the clear liquid into a jade cup. As Xianyue leaned forward, her hand brushing against his collar, Lan Yixuan's foot lightly touched the ground, and with a subtle movement, his body slid back a few steps. He extended the wine cup toward her outstretched hand. "Here, have a drink."
Such speed, such agility! Xianyue couldn't help but be amazed.
The cup was full, yet not a single drop was spilled. Xianyue accepted it with a smile. "Fine wine like this shouldn't go to waste. With such a generous gesture from you, how could I possibly refuse?"
With that, she tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp. Licking her lips, she let out a satisfied sigh, then laughed. "This is truly top-grade wine. If it were me, I'd hide it and not let anyone else have a sip."
She grabbed the wine pot from the table and cradled it protectively, her eyes sparkling playfully as she looked at Lan Yixuan, her expression so serious that it was almost endearing.
"The world is dangerous, Xianyue. You're still young, and roaming the jianghu alone... aren't you afraid your family might worry about you?"
Lan Yixuan's gaze flicked over to Lei Yun, who quickly understood and began clearing away the dishes on the table.
Xianyue frowned slightly and thought for a moment. "I've dreamed of becoming a heroine for a long time."
Punishing the wicked, helping the poor, and correcting the injustices of the world—that was her current aspiration.
"If I stayed at home all the time, how could I ever make that dream come true?"
"I didn't expect such lofty ambitions from you, Xianyue. I'm impressed."
Lan Yixuan cupped his fists and bowed slightly, his clear voice carrying a hint of amusement. "But for someone aiming to become a jianghu heroine, why do you extort protection money and cripple people's hands, destroying years of their hard work?"
His words, though clearly a reprimand, held no harshness or blame.
"Oh, you mean that old man, Xu?"
Xianyue tilted her head back and took a swig of the wine, her tone indifferent. "Is Young Master Lan the type to make snap judgments without knowing the whole story?"
She let out a cold laugh. "Outside An City, at the pavilion, that old man accidentally spilled tea on Xu's clothes. Not only did Xu demand payment for a new set of clothes, but when the old man couldn't afford it, he had his thugs beat him up. They tore down the pavilion, too, and took all the valuables from his house. The old man ran a small business. Why should someone like Xu, with his wealth, bully the weak? If Xu values his money so much, I simply made him feel the sting of losing it."
"So, it seems Yixuan has been meddling too much," Lan Yixuan said, still calm. "But as a heroine of the jianghu, with a righteous heart, why would you cripple his hand? Someone you didn't even know? Isn't that ruining him completely?"
Xianyue pointed at Lan Yixuan. "Young Master Lan, you're so kind and benevolent. I truly admire you."
Her lips curled, not quite a smile, yet not quite mocking either.
"If that man hadn't harbored ill intentions toward me for a mere five hundred silver leaves, he wouldn't have ended up like that. He tried to cripple my hand first. I just returned the favor. What's wrong with that? Does Young Master Lan think that a jianghu heroine should let herself be bullied?"
Xianyue held out her hands, her fingers moving swiftly, as if the air itself rippled around them, making it hard to follow her movements. "These hands still have plenty of use."
She withdrew her hands and stood up, grabbing Lei Yun, who was tidying up and getting ready to leave. "Lei Yun, did you make all this food? Is there any more?"
Lei Yun stared blankly at Xianyue, her hand still holding onto him. His face reddened as he shook his head. "No, that's all."
He and Lei An were only responsible for serving their master. The food prepared should have been enough for the entire day. They hadn't expected her to eat so much.
"Oh."
Xianyue let go of his hand, a bit disappointed.
"If you like it, I'll prepare more for you tonight," Lei Yun said, seeing her mood brighten immediately.
Xianyue nodded enthusiastically. "I have another dream, and that's to try all the delicious foods in the world. Make sure to prepare something different for me every day."
Luckily, Lei An was outside driving the carriage. If he'd heard her, he'd probably have been outraged, accusing Xianyue of overstepping her bounds.
"Well, the wine's finished."
Xianyue cheerfully handed the empty wine pot to Lei An and watched him leave.
"Ah!" Xianyue stretched, opening her mouth wide as she yawned, sitting up straight. The action, much like the way she ate, was crude, yet somehow, people found it hard to dislike her for it.
"I'm tired."
She patted her mouth and, in one swift motion, darted into the inner compartment, where she lay down on the soft bedding. Her face softened into a satisfied smile. "Following you, Young Master Lan, was a great decision."
The bedding was made from Yun brocade, the finest silk from Chu State, warm in winter and cool in summer, soft and luxurious. This fabric was reserved for the royal family of Chu; even the wealthiest families couldn't easily afford to turn it into clothing. Yet Lan Yixuan used it as a carriage mat. But, oh, how comfortable it was.
Xianyue rolled onto her side a few times and soon fell asleep.
Lan Yixuan, holding a freshly brewed cup of snow pear tea in one hand and a book in the other, leaned against the carriage wall, reading in silence, his expression calm as ever.
"Young Master."
Lei Yun approached him cautiously, holding a multicolored cloak. He glanced at Xianyue, who was sound asleep, before turning back to Lan Yixuan.
"Lei Yun."
Lan Yixuan's voice was slightly louder than usual.
"Yes?"
Lei Yun replied and was about to leave.
"Leave the cloak."
Lei Yun turned around and placed the cloak in front of Lan Yixuan.
"When we arrive in Fancheng, prepare a few sets of women's clothing. You may go."
The skies were clear, and a gentle breeze blew as Lei Yun lifted the curtain, stepping outside to take a breath.
"What's going on?" Lei An asked, still driving the carriage. Then, as if realizing something, he fumed, "Did that woman take over the young master's resting place?"
He handed the reins over to Lei Yun, preparing to storm inside and drag the unruly woman out, intending to give her a good scolding. But Lei Yun held him back. "Lei An, our master's affairs are not for us to interfere with."
Fan City, also known as Fan City, signifies prosperity and wealth. It boasts convenient transportation with numerous roads, facilitating frequent trade among various countries. The commercial development here is remarkable. Standing on the city walls, one can see the streets lined with tall shops on either side. If Yan Capital is the political center of the Yan Kingdom, then Fan City undoubtedly deserves the title of the economic capital.
It was evening, and the night had not yet fallen. The sunset painted the sky with vibrant colors.
As the first lights began to glow, the night market was just starting, with stalls filled with cosmetics, luxurious clothing, and various enticing small goods, along with an array of delicious snacks that made one's mouth water.
At this hour, the streets should have been bustling with activity. Indeed, there were many people on either side of the street, but a quick glance revealed that they were mostly elderly, children, and women in coarse clothes with unappealing appearances, with not a single young and beautiful woman in sight.
Among the bustling crowd, the delicate young girl in white stood out, especially with the few distinguished men behind her, particularly the man in purple, who seemed to overshadow even the bright lights around him.
"What a beautiful hairpin, is it handmade?"
The black and white beads shaped like a butterfly had a hint of pale pink on the wings, making them appear lively. When held and waved gently, the wings fluttered as if a butterfly was dancing.
"Master Lan, isn't it beautiful?"
Xian Yue turned around, shaking the hairpin in front of Lan Ruyuan, her smile full of joy. Her bright and clear eyes sparkled, and with her plain white dress and unadorned face, she resembled a fairy who had fallen from the heavens.
"En, it's very beautiful."
Lan Ruyuan nodded slightly, "If you like it, then buy it."
He reached out to take the hairpin from Xian Yue's hand to pin it in her hair, but she laughed and dodged him, her white attire fluttering. She had already positioned herself next to Lan Ruyuan, standing on tiptoe, holding the hairpin to his ear while smiling at Lei An and Lei Yun: "If your master were a woman, even the world's most beautiful woman, Hua Chuxue, would feel inferior."
As Xian Yue laughed heartily, the expressions of Lei An and Lei Yun changed. They glanced at Lan Ruyuan, relieved to see his expression remain unchanged.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Seeing their cautious looks, Xian Yue looked at Lan Ruyuan.
"No."
Lan Ruyuan shook his head, took the hairpin from Xian Yue, and pinned it in her hair. After a moment of inspection, he smiled and nodded, "It has a bit of femininity now."
"What do you mean?"
Xian Yue quickly came to her senses, seeing Lan Ruyuan elegantly turning away. She called out, raising her hand to take the hairpin out of her hair: "What do you mean? What's with the bit of femininity? Where do I lack femininity?"
As if sensing her intent, Lan Ruyuan suddenly turned around just as she reached for the hairpin: "Don't take it off."
After a pause, he added, "It looks good like this."
Xian Yue pondered for a moment and then rushed after him: "In that case, it might be worth a few silver coins next time I run out of money."
"Wow, is that a meat sandwich?"
"It's just an ordinary meat pie; is it really necessary to make such a fuss?"
Lei An gritted his teeth, feeling angry. They were all servants of the master, yet they had never played the role of porters. But that woman, seeing anything, would buy it without a hint of self-awareness, and being seen with her was just ruining the master's image.
"Roast duck."
"Purple flower cake."
Xian Yue darted between the various stalls, moving like a nimble rabbit. Each time she left with her hands empty, she returned with her mouth full of grease. The stall owners on both sides of the street looked at her in shock, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Lan Ruyuan followed behind, allowing Xian Yue to gorge herself, enjoying the delicious food while never touching any of it, no matter how much she invited him.
"Ah—"
With her stomach full, Xian Yue leaned against the wall, licking the grease from the corner of her mouth and sighing in satisfaction.
"Are you full?"
Xian Yue straightened up, patting her belly, which made a loud sound. It felt as if she had eaten too much.
"Overeating isn't good."
Xian Yue nodded, her face pouting: "You wouldn't understand my pain, Master Lan. I'm tired."
Lan Ruyuan replied, "Lei An is at the inn ahead. A place has already been arranged for us."
Upon hearing this, Xian Yue's face instantly lit up, and she patted Lan Ruyuan's shoulder: "Master Lan, you're truly a good person."
"Master, everything has been arranged."
As Lan Ruyuan and Xian Yue arrived at the inn, Lei An and Lei Yun came out to greet them. As they reached the stairway, the innkeeper, who had been busy with his abacus, suddenly looked up and was startled upon seeing Xian Yue. He quickly set down his work and walked out: "Miss, are you staying at the inn tonight?"
Xian Yue was slightly taken aback, looking at the nervous innkeeper and suddenly burst into laughter. Wasn't this a question with an obvious answer? With an inn available, would she consider sleeping on the street?
"Then please be careful tonight, and take good care of your wife."
What? Wife? Was this innkeeper blind?
"Innkeeper, can you see clearly?"
Xian Yue leaned closer to the innkeeper, pointing at Lan Ruyuan beside her: "How could someone like him be my husband?"
The innkeeper stepped closer, carefully scrutinizing both Xian Yue and Lan Ruyuan. The man exuded noble elegance, while the woman, though not conventionally pretty, had an unrestrained demeanor, unlike the delicate and pretentious daughters of officials. Together, they made quite the perfect pair.
Lan Ruyuan suddenly chuckled, giving Xian Yue a thorough look-up and down: "To become my woman, she is still not qualified."
Xian Yue wasn't angry. Looking at the innkeeper, she wore an expression that said he was hopeless: "We don't find each other appealing."
After saying this, she looked at Lan Ruyuan: "We need separate rooms."
Hearing this, the innkeeper hurried after Xian Yue's retreating figure: "Miss, that's not acceptable!"
Xian Yue turned around to face him. They weren't a couple, and they were indifferent to each other; it was perfectly reasonable to sleep in separate rooms. What was wrong with that?
"You must be from out of town."
Xian Yue nodded.
"No wonder you're unaware. When you came earlier, didn't you notice there wasn't a single young lady on the street?"
Xian Yue nodded, having noticed it herself. She found it odd that the stall owners looked at her strangely.
"There are many beautiful young women in the city who have been mistreated, and the next morning, their naked bodies are hung at the city gate, bringing shame to their families. It's pitiful for those young girls."
The innkeeper sighed: "Many families with daughters have sent them out of Fan City, while others can only hide at home, hoping they won't be discovered by that flower thief. It's really unsafe for a girl like you to stay at an inn alone."
So that was the case; no wonder every woman on the street, if there were any, was among those ugly women.
A flower thief? Xian Yue felt a surge of blood rushing to her head, a smile unconsciously appearing on her face.
"That flower thief must be blind to look for her."
Lei An pointed at Xian Yue and scoffed.
Xian Yue clapped her hands, pointing at Lan Ruyuan while smiling at the innkeeper: "Master Lan has a kind heart and a compassionate nature; he surely wouldn't allow that flower thief to wreak havoc in the world."
Lan Ruyuan smiled slightly, his demeanor calm: "Since Xian Yue is a chivalrous woman, she must uphold justice and seek revenge for the victims."
Xian Yue turned to leave, and Lan Ruyuan chased after her, halfway through when Xian Yue suddenly turned around: "Together."
"Then let's go together."
One was gritting his teeth, full of anger, while the other exuded grace and elegance, radiating warmth.