Chapter 215

Chapter 215: Otherwise, What?

Sheng Zhi Wan knew now was not the time to show bravery.

The bandits, perhaps seeing their numbers or having another target in mind, merely glanced cautiously without stepping forward to block their path.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s party safely entered the temple.

Emerging from the carriage, she heard screams from the women nearby and quickly ordered, “Lin Yue, take some skilled men and assist them. Rescue who you can, but don’t take unnecessary risks. Your safety comes first.”

Lin Yue was the strongest guard among those she had brought.

She did not send all her guards, worried the bandits might have another trick waiting, possibly drawing them away deliberately.

Lin Yue and his men rushed at the bandits.

The guards fighting desperately by the carriage immediately regained courage. Seeing reinforcements arriving from the temple, someone among the bandits shouted an order. Immediately, several bandits grabbed a few women, leaped onto swift horses, and vanished quickly into the dense forest.

“Oh no! The Commandery Princess! They’ve taken the Commandery Princess!” a shrill voice cried out.

Sheng Zhi Wan frowned, noticing a disheveled figure collapsed on the ground. The girl wore a simple gown, clutching a hairpin smeared with blood.

Qi Fei Rui?

Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Qi Fei Rui looked startled upon seeing Sheng Zhi Wan, but quickly stumbled towards her. She was stopped by Liu Shang’s sword before reaching Sheng Zhi Wan.

Instantly, Qi Fei Rui dropped to her knees. “Princess! Please save Commandery Princess Ming Jia! She’s a pure, innocent lady. If—if she falls into the bandits’ hands…”

She suddenly realized her words were inappropriate and turned pale, covering her mouth.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s gaze sharpened.

[The one kidnapped is Commandery Princess Ming Jia?]

In her past life, Ming Jia married Third Imperial Brother first. When Qi Fei Rui visited a sick Ming Jia, Third Prince, drunk, mistakenly took Qi Fei Rui as Ming Jia. This incident caused the two close friends to fall out.

Ming Jia was cruel, Qi Fei Rui constantly wronged, until Ming Jia died in childbirth. Only then did Qi Fei Rui become Third Prince’s consort.

Recalling Ming Jia’s past deeds, Sheng Zhi Wan wanted to ignore the incident. But Ming Jia was Prince Huai’s beloved daughter. If anything happened and she did nothing, who knew what trouble Prince Huai might stir?

“Lin Yue,” Sheng Zhi Wan ordered, “take your men and pursue. Zhang Da, inform the Abbot; have the warrior monks assist in the search.”

“Yes!” they both answered, rushing to their tasks.

Sheng Zhi Wan and Shang Hang Yu entered the temple, Qi Fei Rui collapsing weakly, supported only by her remaining maid, Qiu Shuang. Her other maid had died protecting her, and Ming Jia’s maid had also been abducted.

Just as Sheng Zhi Wan was about to send someone to notify Dali Temple and the Shuntian Prefecture, Lin Yue returned with the warrior monks.

Lin Yue was injured.

“What happened?” Sheng Zhi Wan asked, concerned.

“Princess, we saved Commandery Princess Ming Jia and her maid. Several bandits died, but some escaped.”

Sheng Zhi Wan relaxed, ordering him to tend his wounds. With Ming Jia rescued and given their unfriendly relationship, Sheng Zhi Wan decided against a personal visit.

She and Shang Hang Yu proceeded to their appointment, seeking a divination from the Abbot of Morning Light Temple.

Either by fate or recognition of their status, the Abbot drew an auspicious sign:

Golden pavilion lit by dawn,

Harmony strums in hearts attuned,

Yin and Yang in perfect blend,

Heaven grants a destined bond.

Sheng Zhi Wan doubted such signs, but Shang Hang Yu carefully tucked the fortune into his robe.

Just as they stepped out, a pale-faced monk rushed past, shouting, “Abbot! Terrible news! Senior Brother Jue Chen has been taken!”

Sheng Zhi Wan froze.

Shang Hang Yu said, “The leader of the warrior monks just now was Jue Chen!”

Alarmed, Sheng Zhi Wan hurried forward. Indeed, Prince Huai’s soldiers surrounded their courtyard.

Her face darkened, realizing Ming Jia’s intentions.

Clearly, these soldiers had been waiting at the mountain foot, arriving so promptly.

She and Shang Hang Yu approached.

Two soldiers immediately blocked their way.

She smiled coldly.

Inside, Ming Jia’s voice rang arrogantly, “Let her in.”

Still as imperious and insufferable as ever.

The soldiers stepped aside.

Instead of entering, Sheng Zhi Wan looked at Shang Hang Yu.

Without hesitation, Shang Hang Yu drew his sword, swiftly cutting down. Two severed arms fell to the ground, followed by the soldiers’ screams as Shang Hang Yu kicked them towards Ming Jia.

Ming Jia jumped up, alarmed. “How dare you!”

“You’re the daring one!” Sheng Zhi Wan stepped in calmly, ignoring the groaning soldiers beneath her feet.

“A mere Commandery Princess dares block me and surround my courtyard? I’d like to ask—what exactly do you intend?” Her voice dripped ice.

Ming Jia instinctively stepped back, until her back met the stone table, startling her back to reality.

[Why am I afraid?]

She was merely an unfavored princess. Outsiders believed Sheng Zhi Wan favored, but Ming Jia knew better. The Emperor tolerated her only because of the Empress Dowager. Secretly, the Emperor loathed her.

Regaining confidence, Ming Jia spoke again, “Where are those people from earlier? Hand them over, and I’ll forgive this matter. Otherwise—”

“Otherwise, what?” Shang Hang Yu’s sword pressed near Ming Jia’s cheek.

Ming Jia’s eyes widened, suddenly noticing Shang Hang Yu’s handsome face clearly. “Who are you?”

Ignoring her, Shang Hang Yu held his sword steady.

Realizing, Ming Jia laughed mockingly, “You’re Shang Hang Yu, the notorious husband of Sheng Zhi Wan? A wastrel, yet so handsome—perfectly matched with this ruined shoe—ah!”

A sudden cry erupted as a thin line of blood appeared on Ming Jia’s delicate neck.

Staring at the blood, Ming Jia was incredulous.

Soldiers surrounded them immediately.

“Strike, and your master might survive, but you certainly won’t,” Sheng Zhi Wan stated calmly, freezing them.

Ming Jia, trembling with rage, swallowed her words at Shang Hang Yu’s sword-point, snarling at Sheng Zhi Wan, “Hand over those people, and Prince Huai’s residence will owe you a favor.”