But Ji Yan didn't take the bandits seriously at all. He just stared at the frizzy hamster hanging on him, looking pitiful. Shen Jiao was getting bolder and bolder. Not only did he dare to contradict her, but he also dared to make decisions for him on his own.
If it were anyone else, the tyrant would have already chopped her brains off.
Ji Yan swiftly placed the person on a tree branch. "You're getting bolder and bolder, daring to disobey my decision. Stay up there and reflect on your actions."
Okay, let's reflect on it then.
The tree wasn't very tall, and Chen Jiao swung her legs on it, breathing in the fresh air she usually didn't have the chance to breathe. It has to be said that in Rongcheng, where there was no war, the air was indeed several degrees cleaner and more hygienic than in Langya Pass, and one could even extend their lifespan by a few years.
She looked around and glanced down at the mess on the ground. It dawned on her that the bandits had taken nothing but silver notes. So, if she went out into the street naked, would the magistrate arrest her as a hooligan disturbing the peace?
She was overthinking it; the bandits had just stolen these clothes recently, and their original clothes were still lying in the bushes in front of them.
Suddenly, Shen Jiao noticed a reflective object among the colorful pile of clothes and became curious.
Knowing that the tyrant was sulking in the carriage, she could only whisper to the young doctor who was sitting under the tree earnestly eating a watermelon, "Young Master Liang, could you help me see what that is?"
"Of course, it is my honor to serve Sister Shen."
Despite being brutally beaten by the tyrant, Liang Heng's mouth remained sharp and aggressive. He immediately put down the watermelon, rummaged through the pile of clothes, and found a palm-sized gold-plated invitation card with the words "Clouds and Mist" printed on it.
Shen Jiao: "What is this? It looks so high-end."
Liang Heng brushed the dust off the invitation before handing it to her and explained, "In the martial arts world, a martial arts tournament is held every three years to select a new martial arts leader. At this time, swordsmen, masters, and sects from all over the world come to participate. For those with some status, in order to save face for each other, the organizers will send out invitations. This year, the martial arts tournament happens to be held at the Cloud Mist Sword Pavilion."
He paused for a moment, then continued with a sigh, "I wonder who this poor soul who lost their invitation is. They're quite pitiful. Every time, tens of thousands of people come to the martial arts tournament, and the inns and restaurants are packed with guests. For so-called distinguished guests with invitations, the organizers will arrange accommodation for them in advance. Sister Chen, quickly open it and see who this unlucky guy is who is destined to sleep on the streets?"
So that's how it is. No wonder the bandits' business is so booming. But it's also strange that martial arts masters who can't even beat the bandits come to the martial arts tournament to improve themselves in battle. It's just like the tyrant's teaching methods.
Upon hearing this, Shen Jiao opened the invitation. Compared to its exquisite and elaborate exterior, the inside was quite bland, containing only a solitary name.
"Shen Qingye? Who is that?" The name seemed familiar, and she pondered for a moment, but her mind remained blank.
"You don't even remember Shen Qingye..." The elusive tyrant suddenly emerged from the carriage and sat down beside Shen Jiao like a ghost. Ji Yan pinched the bridge of her nose. Forget it, what does it matter whether she remembers him or not? "He's just an insignificant fool. If you run into him, just beat him up."
Shen Jiao: "..." It's reasonable to suspect that you and Shen Qingye have a personal grudge.
She estimated the thickness of the tree trunk with her hand. "Can't you just get a different tree? I'm so worried it might break suddenly; it would be so embarrassing for a beautiful woman to fall."
“You’ll have to ask me about this. I know!” Liang Heng lowered his head, unaware of the tyrant’s deep, icy gaze. Holding the unfinished watermelon, he said to himself, “Shen Qingye is the second young master of the Marquis of Anbo’s mansion. He’s a complete brute. His sister came to see me several times when she was sick, but I couldn’t make it at the time.”
Shen Jiao casually asked, "What are you busy with?"
Liang Heng: "Speaking of this, Sister Shen, you have no idea how urgent the situation was back then. More than a dozen pretty girls, more than a dozen pretty girls asked me to treat their makeup acne. I was so busy."
Shen Jiao: "..." It's reasonable to suspect that you also have a grudge against Shen Qingye.
"So it seems he's a good and responsible older brother." Apart from feeling that the name Shen Qingye sounded familiar, she had no other feelings. Perhaps she had seen it in some sketchbook?
"Pfft." Liang Heng chuckled, his eyes narrowing as if he had heard the funniest joke. As expected of a refined young master, even his hearty laughter was so elegant.
The little doctor freed his hand and took out the folding fan he used to show off. "Sister Shen, how can you be so naive? You can't understand a person just by their words. This sister of Shen Qingye is not his biological sister. Ten years ago, a soldier died on the battlefield to save Marquis Anbo. Marquis Anbo was grateful and felt very guilty, crying, 'Why wasn't it me who died?' Then, he raised the five-year-old daughter by his side."
Shen Jiao: "..." No embellishment allowed!
But this seems to be a huge piece of gossip about a wealthy family? Shen Jiao was so bored lately that she was practically crawling with lice, so she quickly pricked up her ears, but the tyrant seemed to be bored too, and reached out to cover her ears.
Shen Jiao: "..." Didn't expect that, did you? You've only got nothing to show for it.
"And then?" she asked.
Liang Heng swallowed the last bite of watermelon. "I don't know much about what happened after that. Anyway, Marquis Anbo had a daughter, what was her name again?"
He thought back for what felt like an eternity, “Ah yes, Shen… Shen Jiao, yes, Shen Jiao.”
Shen Jiao's heart skipped a beat for no reason. Was her name really that common? Like a green onion dipped in sauce, it was everywhere.
"Hey? Sister Shen, I found out that poor girl has the same name as you... Ah, Your Majesty, why did you kick me again?" Liang Heng, who had been kicked away, had a watermelon rind on his head and his face covered with watermelon seeds, looking aggrieved.
Ji Yan ignored her, then pulled Shen Jiao down from the tree, stuffed her into the carriage, and said coldly, "Go into the city."
...
Upon entering Fuzhou, one is greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of bustling life: the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, the laughter of passersby, and a group of people popping popcorn on a street corner. Shen Jiao watched with great interest, quickly forgetting about the gossip.
Perhaps because of the martial arts tournament, the number of out-of-towners coming and going was like a tide, and the streets were so crowded that carriages could not pass through at all, so Shen Jiao and her party had to walk.
The three were exceptionally beautiful, possessed outstanding temperament, and were dressed in elegant attire. Their every move exuded grace, drawing the attention of passersby. The men stared in awe, while the women blushed, unable to suppress their desire to make their acquaintances.
Even the customers drinking tea in the teahouse couldn't help but gossip about it.
"Judging from their clothes and appearance, they shouldn't be martial arts practitioners. They're probably just like the two from this morning, paper tigers coming from the royal city to watch the show."
"Speechless. Can these rich playboys stop trying to join in every little thing? We couldn't book an inn three months ago, and now they're still hogging the space. It's really too much."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com