Shen Ning had never been so frightened as to hide under a table in her entire life, but Mo Xue'er's eyes were just too sincere and enthusiastic, so Shen Ning felt that she could crawl under the table.

However, just as she bent down, she heard a commotion below. She saw Mo Xue'er's eyes widen in shock. The next moment, she was grabbed and pulled close, her shoulders held firmly by strong arms. Her back slammed heavily against a chest, and then a dagger was placed against her neck.

A magnetic, pleasant voice chuckled softly in her ear: "I would be grateful if you could escort me there, young lady."

Without waiting for anyone's agreement, he grabbed the man, smashed through the window, leaped to the rooftop, and after several twists and turns, arrived at an alley. He threw Shen Ning into a carriage, and the unremarkable carriage headed out of the city.

Shen Ning was dizzy and almost vomited. After she was helped into the carriage and settled down, she looked again and found that the handsome young man was gone, and in front of her was a middle-aged woman in her forties or fifties.

His wrinkled skin was covered in spots, and the black mole on his forehead was particularly eye-catching.

Who are you?

Shen Ning was terrified; this was a complete transformation!

The woman blinked and smiled, "I'm your wet nurse, young lady, don't you recognize me?"

Shen Ning: "......"

The voice was indeed a woman's voice, but her eyes were clear and bright, full of cunning and mockery.

The person seemed to be the same one from before, but in an instant, they changed their clothes and disguised themselves.

Shen Ning was not unaware of the legends of extraordinary people and events in the martial arts world, but her social circle was fixed in the capital, and she dealt with noble ladies and merchants, so she had no opportunity to come into contact with them.

At first glance, I was more surprised than frightened.

"Is this the art of disguise?"

Unable to contain my excitement, I leaned closer to get a better look.

He placed a finger between her eyebrows: "Young lady, please have some self-respect."

Shen Ning: "Why should I have self-respect towards my wet nurse?"

What a sharp rhetorical question.

Shen Ning blinked curiously: "Master, do you take on disciples? I want to learn this art of disguise."

Young Master: "This is a unique skill, not to be passed on to outsiders."

Shen Ning: "You are my wet nurse, so you're not an outsider."

The young man stared at her silently for a long while before finally resuming his clear, melodious voice: "...You...seem to be a hostage."

Speaking of this, Shen Ning's temper flared up. He sneered, "I saw you sang well and rewarded you with a gold leaf, but you returned the favor with a knife. Aren't you supposed to be the most honorable people in the martial arts world? Is this your honor?"

"You didn't tie up any of the other people in the building, but you chose to tie up me, the one who gave you the gold leaf. You're ungrateful and have no sense of martial ethics."

The young man smiled, his fingertips lightly tracing her cheek, as if he wanted to remove her veil, but ultimately he didn't.

"Since you like me so much, why won't you see me off?"

Shen Ning raised an eyebrow. This guy's a real tough nut to crack.

"Then what will it take for you to teach me the art of disguise?"

The persistence in Shen Ning's eyes didn't seem fake; he genuinely wanted to learn.

Looking closely at those eyes, I found them very beautiful. They were as large as almond eyes, with a natural, shimmering quality reminiscent of peach blossom eyes. They were clear and clean, yet not ignorant or naive; rather, they possessed a cool, unfathomable clarity.

Her forehead was full and rounded, her brow bones were relaxed, her eyelashes were curved, and her skin was fair.

Those who can disguise themselves are most adept at observing a person's facial features and bone structure. They can determine, even just by looking at half of the face, that the person behind the veil must be stunning.

"You're that eager to learn?"

Shen Ning nodded emphatically: "I want to."

Reborn and healthy, she was no match for the ungrateful bastards in her household. Although she could torment them and enjoy watching them court their own deaths, she always felt a sense of inexplicable frustration and disgust.

She wanted to learn martial arts, all sorts of strange and wonderful things, and one day break free from the constraints imposed on her by the capital city and her identity as the eldest daughter of the Shen family. She wanted to see a wider world.

So she wanted to learn, really wanted to.

Especially with such a golden opportunity presented to her, it would be such a waste not to seize it.

The young man gently pinched a corner of her veil with his fingertips, without using any force, just to let her know he was there.

"What price are you willing to pay?"

Although her clothes were simple, you could tell from her demeanor that she came from a wealthy family. Her posture was upright and she was very well-mannered.

A dignified and beautiful young lady always makes people want to tease her, wanting to see her lose her composure and blush: "I have been widowed for many years, why don't you offer yourself to me?"

Shen Ning remained silent.

I smiled smugly, knowing she wouldn't dare.

Finally, Shen Ning turned away, rubbed her eyes, and said with difficulty, "Too ugly."

The young man's expression froze, and he realized that his face was still disguised as a woman's. Such harassment of the young lady was truly an eyesore.

Just as I was about to say something, the carriage was stopped.

"Stop and check!"

We've arrived at the city gate.

The old man driving the carriage quietly explained to the city gate guards, "Gentlemen, you've worked hard. My young lady is going out of the city to pick up relatives, and it's getting late. Please make an exception for her."

The soldier walked over and lifted the curtain. Shen Ning, who was sitting upright, looked like a young lady from a wealthy family, and the woman next to her was obviously serving her.

He glanced around the car, making sure there was nowhere for anyone to hide, before finally lowering the curtain.

Let's go.

Once they were some distance from the city gate, the young man laughed out loud: "Why didn't you call for help, young lady? I didn't hold a knife to your throat."

That tone of voice sounded exactly like a witch who wanted to eat people.

Shen Ning's expression remained indifferent: "Would you kill me?"

"If I ask for help, are they sure they can rescue me from you unharmed?"

The young man raised his hand again, praising himself: "Kidnapping the girl was truly the best decision I've ever made. You're really something else."

He likes intelligent people, and also a fun and beautiful girl.

After walking for quite a while, Xiaosheng noticed that Shen Ning was looking at her again, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"Speak your mind."

Shen Ning: "You really can't teach me? I'll give you money."

I still want to learn.

The young man chuckled: "Didn't I say I'd repay you with my body?"

Shen Ning's gaze was indescribable as she looked him up and down. Well, although he looked rather ugly now, his scholar costume when he performed in operas was quite good.

He shouldn't be too ugly, nor too short; he might be a bit thin, but he should still possess masculine strength.

Go ahead and get married, it doesn't matter.

"I don't like hardship. My food, clothing, and daily necessities don't have to be top-notch, but they can't be too bad either. I need at least two maids and two guards by my side, and it would be best if I could have a house with a beautiful view. It would be even better if I could grow some rare flowers and plants. Can you... afford to support me?"

Young man: "......"

"You've given yourself to me, not married me, so why are you making so many demands?"

Shen Ning replied honestly, "So if I give it to you, you won't have to worry about living? You won't have to worry about food, clothing, shelter, or transportation? Or you can come with me. I have money and I know how to do business. I can meet all the above conditions and support you."

Young man: "..." Shamefully, you're tempted, aren't you?