Chapter 117: You Hurt Me?
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
The clattering wheels of the carriage echoed down the road, but Old Man Zhang gripped his cane tightly, afraid to speak.
He had heard the rumors—this Lord Yu and the young man from earlier were a married couple, while the lady who had saved him yesterday wasn’t even a concubine. Now, witnessing a live three-way drama unfold, he didn’t feel the slightest amusement. Instead, unease tugged at his heart.
Cautiously, he glanced at Yu Zhi Yi, who seemed lost in thought while gazing out the window. Assuming she was heartbroken, he ventured to console her:
“My lord, your husband still holds you in his heart…”
Snapping out of her thoughts about today’s uncertainties, Yu Zhi Yi was greeted by this ghost story of a remark. Her expression froze. “?”
Unwilling to discuss personal matters with outsiders, she replied curtly, “I’ll go have a word with those eager spectators. Wait here for me.” She stepped off the carriage as she spoke.
Following them were three other carriages and over twenty horses, grouped into three distinct parties. Uninterested in sorting out their identities one by one, Yu Zhi Yi halted them with a wave of her hand.
“If you wish to watch the excitement, I won’t stop you. But your presence might lead to major complications today. This concerns dozens of lives, and I hope you can reconsider your actions.”
A woman in a crimson dress emerged from one carriage, her exquisite features marred by a disdainful smirk. “Stop because you said so? Who do you think you are?”
Yu Zhi Yi’s tone remained calm. “I’m not ordering you, nor do I claim to hold any special authority. This is merely a heartfelt suggestion. Karma exists in this world. If your recklessness startles the enemy and causes innocent deaths, you will bear the guilt as executioners. In the afterlife, while the eighteenth level of hell might not await you, climbing blades and boiling oil certainly will.”
She added, “And if the worst comes to pass, I will report everything truthfully to His Majesty. Once enraged, he won’t bother negotiating punishments with you.”
The woman’s expression faltered, anger flashing through her eyes. “Are you threatening me?”
Yu Zhi Yi gave a faint smile. “Not at all. I’m simply stating facts. Madam, you of all people should understand His Majesty’s temper and the consequences of his wrath.”
The woman hesitated briefly, her gaze sharp as a blade before she huffed coldly. “What do you propose, then?”
“Either return to the city now or follow my commands.”
She flicked the curtain back in place and snapped, “Return to the city!”
As the crimson-clad woman’s carriage turned back, the remaining two groups exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, a melodic voice drifted from another carriage:
“What does Lord Yu require of us?”
Yu Zhi Yi’s mood lightened at this willingness to cooperate. “Lend me a few guards. Once the matter concludes, you will understand everything.”
“Very well.”
This stark contrast in attitudes immediately put the other onlookers under pressure. They were acutely aware of the statuses of these two women. Following either risked offending the other.
If only they had stayed home…
In the end, they decided to remain, pledging their cooperation with Yu Zhi Yi. Since they were already in trouble, they might as well enjoy the show before dealing with the consequences.
Yu Zhi Yi selected four skilled individuals from each group, adding four more from her own store. After giving them detailed instructions, these people mounted their horses and galloped ahead toward Gaoliang County, a small town outside Sheng Capital. Yu Zhi Yi herself kept two guards and the driver, continuing toward the destination at a leisurely pace.
…
By the time they arrived, the sun was well into the fourth hour of the morning. The townsfolk were just beginning their daily routines. Breakfast vendors were packing up, and the streets grew lively.
Stepping down from the carriage, Yu Zhi Yi helped Old Man Zhang down with the driver’s assistance. Turning to the assembled group, she instructed, “Leave the carriages outside the city. We’ll enter on foot. Bringing this many horses and carriages might cause panic.”
A young noble muttered, “We’re here to find someone. Why the secrecy?”
Yu Zhi Yi ignored him, focusing instead on a blue-clad young woman who had just dismounted.
The lady’s scholarly demeanor was evident. Her serene yet determined eyes and the faint smile on her lips exuded warmth.
Without addressing the complainer, the young woman instructed her companions, “Follow Lord Yu’s plan.”
Acknowledging the support with a slight nod, Yu Zhi Yi led the group into the town.
…
“Last time, I noticed a bamboo grove nearby,” Yu Zhi Yi remarked to Li Rou as they walked. “It’s rare to see bamboo in this northern climate. I wonder if it’s still there.”
Li Rou’s eyes brightened. “Bamboo? In this area?”
Nearby, two guards exchanged glances, their disbelief evident. Yet they refrained from voicing it. Instead, they charged the group extra for entry, their grins betraying their opportunism.
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t bat an eye at the five coins per person they demanded. The guards, realizing they could’ve asked for ten, lamented their lost chance.
…
Back on the outskirts, Du Zi Heng and You Bing Yue emerged from behind a tree.
Furious, You Bing Yue tried to shake off Du Zi Heng’s grip, her struggle ending in a sharp slap to his shoulder. Taken off guard, he staggered back with a pained grunt.
He stared at her, disbelief written across his face. “You hurt me?”
Regret flickered across You Bing Yue’s expression but vanished as quickly as it came. Chin raised, she snapped, “Who told you to side with that woman?”
“I wasn’t siding with her,” Du Zi Heng protested. “I merely happened to take the same road. She’s being unreasonable.”
“Unreasonable?” Bing Yue’s temper flared. “You’re calling me incompetent? A liability?”
Du Zi Heng sighed, trying to stay calm. “That’s not what I meant. But yesterday, we nearly jeopardized—”
“Enough!” Her voice trembled with disappointment. “Du Zi Heng, I thought you understood me. I thought you truly loved me. I was wrong about you!”
Tears welled in her eyes, but instead of wiping them away, she slapped him across the face. “I’m done! We’re over!”
Her handprint stood vivid against his cheek as she stormed toward the departing carriages. But Du Zi Heng grabbed her wrist, his grip firm.
“Let’s return to the city,” he said softly.
Bing Yue’s fury surged. “Even now, you’re defending her!?”