“Cough, cough…” Before her arms were fully extended, she suddenly clutched her chest, hacking uncontrollably.

“Mother!” Jiang Yuyan flashed forward, swirling a gust of wind, and appeared before the middle-aged beauty, steadying her shoulders and gently patting her back.

A small maidservant, clad entirely in red, emerged from behind the middle-aged woman, supporting her on the other side. The girl had a heart-shaped face, a sharp chin, almond eyes, and rosy cheeks—a little beauty in her own right.

She was young, like a blossom still tightly furled in the bud.

Jiang Yuyan channeled her inner strength, soothing the woman’s lung meridians. The coughing ceased. The middle-aged woman took her small hand, beaming, “Yan’er, you’ve finally come back!”

The red-clad maidservant’s thin lips parted. “Miss, did you stir up trouble again?”

“Zhu’er, you deserve a smack!” Jiang Yuyan shot her a look.

…………

The little maidservant ducked her head and giggled, “Hee hee, I guessed it right! Miss went out to lie low, didn’t she, Madam? I wasn't wrong!”

“You, say less. Why provoke her!” The middle-aged woman smiled faintly, scrutinizing Jiang Yuyan. “Yan’er, you’ve lost weight. Did you suffer much outside?”

Before meeting Li Muzhan, Jiang Yuyan had been in continuous, desperate flight, utterly exhausted in body and spirit, constantly under the threat of death. Naturally, she had become thin, and having met Li Muzhan only recently, she hadn’t recovered.

“Mother, I’m fine. Let’s go inside to talk,” Jiang Yuyan said with a smile, supporting the middle-aged woman, with Zhu’er accompanying them inside.

“Hmph…!” A lion-like brute stepped forward, blocking the doorway, his eyes like lightning bolts, halting the advance of the three middle-aged men. He let out a soft snort through his nose.

Already powerfully built, standing braced against his sword with eyes like electricity, his flowing robes only enhanced his imposing aura, intimidating the trio.

The three exchanged glances, halted their steps, frowned, and looked around cautiously.

Logically, their four companions should have heard the commotion and come to investigate. The fact that there was silence, no inquiry, was truly dereliction of duty!

The skinny man gave a subtle signal. A simple, honest-looking middle-aged man nodded, turned, and bolted out of the inner courtyard, vanishing in an instant.

The lion-like brute crossed his arms on the threshold steps and sneered, ignoring the middle-aged man’s angry tone. He simply closed his eyes, becoming utterly still, like a formidable gate guardian.

The other two middle-aged men exchanged a look, shook their heads, and made no move, though murderous intent flickered in their angry stares toward the brute.

However… they could only wish it. They dared not strike; this lion-like man was one of the top masters of the Nanjiang family, and the three of them combined could not defeat him.

But, those other four men, if present, were enough to hold him, so they felt no lack of confidence.

……………………

Inside, the air was as warm as spring, thick with the medicinal scent permeating the room.

Jiang Yuyan quickly helped the middle-aged beauty settle onto the couch, asking softly, “Mother, did you catch a chill?”

“Yes. My constitution has always been weak. It suddenly turned cold the other day, and I couldn't fight it off.” The middle-aged woman lay down slowly. The maidservant Zhu’er pulled over a bolster and placed it behind her back for support.

Jiang Yuyan understood. It must be that her mother’s worry over her had allowed the cold to take advantage. Over the past few years, she had found many prescriptions and secured excellent medicine; her mother’s health was no longer frail.

She took her mother’s hands, sitting down on an embroidered stool.

The maidservant Zhu’er asked crisply, “Miss, what trouble did you actually cause? Eight ruffians showed up here, glaring at us like we were criminals!”

“I injured Second Brother and angered Father,” Jiang Yuyan confessed.

The middle-aged woman furrowed her brow. “You hurt Yuhao?”

“Mm, I chopped off one of his dog legs!” Jiang Yuyan nodded.

“You…” A sigh escaped the woman. “Alas—!” The middle-aged woman’s expression shifted. She shot Jiang Yuyan a look that was both reproachful and exasperated, then shook her head and sighed.

The maidservant Zhu’er clapped her hands excitedly. “Miss, his leg is severed, can’t it be reattached?”

“No,” Jiang Yuyan confirmed with a nod.

“Good!” Zhu’er clapped again, delightedly and rapidly, her hands quickly turning red. She ground her teeth, “That wretched fellow finally fell into Miss’s hands! … Miss, why did you only chop off one leg? It would have been better to cut off both!”

“Zhu’er, stop pouring oil on the fire!” the middle-aged woman chastised gently.

Zhu’er giggled. “Madam, you don't know how detestable that fellow is. He never stopped bullying Miss and me. Now we finally have revenge!”

The middle-aged woman shook her head, ignoring Zhu’er, and turned back to Jiang Yuyan. “Your father must be furious. He values Yuhao the most; even if he’s useless, he’s still the legitimate heir.”

Jiang Yuyan nodded. “Yes, he wanted me dead.”

“Him!” The middle-aged woman’s delicate face darkened.

Jiang Yuyan quickly sent a stream of internal energy to protect her mother’s lungs. “Mother, he was just angry for a moment. He retracted the death warrant quickly; he only ordered them to capture me.”

The middle-aged woman shook her head. “That man… never mind. Why did you come back, walking right into the trap? It’s not as if things are bad here for me.”

“I was afraid Mother would worry if she didn’t see me for too long, so I came back for a visit…” Jiang Yuyan smiled, supporting her mother, and Zhu’er as well. “Mother, come with me. There is no place for us in the Nanjiang family!”

“Where to?” The middle-aged woman looked puzzled and shook her head. “You foolish child, once you’re back, you won’t be able to leave…” … At least your father calmed down and won’t kill you.”

“Mother, I have backup,” Jiang Yuyan said proudly with a smile.

She then recounted the matter of Li Muzhan.

After listening, the maidservant Zhu’er exclaimed in surprise, “Miss, are you saying you followed a monk and became his maidservant?” Jiang Yuyan shot her a look. “Stop talking nonsense.”

Zhu’er insisted, “Miss, you are the young lady of the Nanjiang family! How can you humble yourself to be a maidservant? No, absolutely not!”

Jiang Yuyan let out a soft “Hmph.” “The Master is a truly enlightened high monk. Being his maidservant is no humiliation!”

Zhu’er pouted, unconvinced.

The middle-aged woman frowned, deep in thought. After a pause, she said, “Yan’er, this Master’s martial arts are very high. You became his servant to save your life, didn't you?”

Jiang Yuyan replied, “Mother, initially, yes, but now my mind has changed. The Master is indeed a high monk of virtue, rigorous in his cultivation, with an extraordinary bearing that commands genuine respect! … To serve such a venerable monk is a meritorious deed in itself!”

“You must see clearly into people’s hearts,” the middle-aged woman cautioned.

Jiang Yuyan smiled. “Are you still unsure about my ability to judge character, Mother?”

“Very well. Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say much more.” The middle-aged woman smiled. Jiang Yuyan had been stubborn and competitive since childhood, diligent in her efforts, and skilled at reading people.

The middle-aged woman often lamented that it was a pity Yan’er was a daughter; if she had been a man, she would surely have achieved extraordinary things, making a name for herself and stirring up the world. Alas, a woman’s fate was ultimately to marry, and once married, raising a family would mean a lifetime of obscurity, burying any great talent.

“Yuyan, are you ready?” A clear, bright voice suddenly sounded.

Jiang Yuyan’s spirits lifted instantly, and she jumped to her feet. “Master! I am here!”

Li Muzhan’s voice came back, “Mhm, be quick, word will reach the others soon.”

“Understood!” Jiang Yuyan replied.

She hurriedly said, “Mother, let’s pack up and leave as soon as possible!”

“Yan’er, you should go, don’t worry about me,” the middle-aged woman patted her small hand and said with a gentle smile.

“Mother…!” Jiang Yuyan immediately became anxious, clutching her hand. “Mother, you’re still reluctant to leave this place? … Do you want to stay here living under other people’s noses?”

The middle-aged woman smiled faintly. “I’ve lived most of my life here; I don’t want to change places now in my old age. Don’t worry, even though your father is heartless, he won’t do anything to me.”

Jiang Yuyan rushed, “Mother, let’s go to the capital together! A life of leisure and freedom in the General’s residence is much better than looking at other people’s faces here, isn’t it?”

“Foolish girl, who ever lives a life of complete leisure and freedom!” the middle-aged woman shook her head and smiled.

“Mother, no matter what, we must leave!” Jiang Yuyan frowned. She turned to Zhu’er. “Zhu’er, quickly pack things; we are leaving here! … Only pack the essentials. Anything we can buy money for, throw it all out. Don’t be stingy!”

“Got it!” The maidservant Zhu’er responded excitedly and rushed out.

…”………………

After she left, Jiang Yuyan spoke quietly, “Mother, are you still reluctant to leave Father?”

The middle-aged woman’s face flushed. She quickly said, “Don’t talk rubbish, you dead girl. I gave up on that faithless man long ago!”

“Then why don’t you want to go, Mother?” Jiang Yuyan asked.

The middle-aged woman sighed. “Though this place isn’t ideal, you are still the young lady here, waited upon. The General’s residence is fine, but you’ll be a servant there, someone who has to serve. If I follow you, won’t I just be a burden? … Wherever we go, we have to mind our faces. It’s better to stay here, isn’t it?”

Jiang Yuyan chided, “Mother, the Master usually doesn’t involve himself in worldly affairs. Everything in the residence falls under my management; there’s no need to watch faces! Stop arguing, let’s hurry!”

Saying this, she picked up a snow sable coat and draped it over the middle-aged woman, helping her down from the couch. “When we reach the capital, I’ll invite famous doctors to give you a thorough check-up, Mother!”

The middle-aged woman ultimately had little conviction of her own. Seeing her daughter’s firm attitude, she ceased to object. As she put on the snow coat, away from the nourishment of the internal energy, she coughed a couple more times.

Jiang Yuyan frowned, watching her. Logically, with her mother sick and in this weather, they shouldn't be traveling, yet they couldn't delay. She felt conflicted and hesitant.

Li Muzhan’s voice drifted over. “Yuyan, just find a carriage.”

Jiang Yuyan started, then quickly nodded. “Right. Uncle Zhou, bring out our carriage. We are leaving this place!”

“Miss, are we really leaving?” a rough voice sounded.

Jiang Yuyan replied, “Yes. If we don’t leave, Father will kill me, and Mother won’t have a good life either. Let’s go…” … We should have left long ago!”

“Understood.” The Zhou-surnamed brute was silent for a moment, then responded with a deep voice. Footsteps sounded as he went out to harness the horses; he also served as the driver.

Jiang Yuyan lifted the curtain and stepped out. She saw Li Muzhan standing in the center of the courtyard, clad in a gray monk's robe, his wide sleeves fluttering, standing quietly.

At his feet lay a pile of people—nine in total, all unconscious.

The snow had been swept from the courtyard, but some slush remained, mixing snow and mud.

She smiled and approached, pointing to a handsome, middle-aged man. “Master, this is Uncle Yao. He is Mother’s guard—one of us.”

This middle-aged man had a long face, phoenix eyes, slanted brows, a prominent nose, a mouth neither too large nor too small, and lips of moderate thickness. A small mustache only enhanced his mature charm.

Li Muzhan flicked his sleeve. The middle-aged man shuddered slightly, then slowly opened his eyes. He leaped up, drawing the sword at his waist; it flashed, chillingly bright.

“Eh?” He saw Jiang Yuyan and leaped to her side, holding his sword across his chest, glaring at Li Muzhan like a hawk.

With his back to Jiang Yuyan, he scolded, “Miss, why did you come back!”

……”………………

Jiang Yuyan reached out and patted his back, brushing off the snow and mud. She smiled. “I’ve come to take Mother away. Uncle Yao, will you come with us?”

“Wherever the Madam goes, I go!” The handsome middle-aged man kept his eyes locked on Li Muzhan. Jiang Yuyan circled around him and smiled. “Uncle Yao, he’s one of us.”

“Miss, who is he…?” The handsome middle-aged man’s phoenix eyes widened.

Jiang Yuyan explained, “This is Master Mingkong. I am currently the Master’s attendant.”

“This… greetings…” The handsome middle-aged man’s phoenix eyes widened even further.

Jiang Yuyan waved her hand and smiled. “I’ll explain everything to Uncle Yao later. Let’s leave this place first.”

“Master, I trouble you,” the middle-aged beauty stepped out of the room, executed a formal bow with her robes, and spoke softly.

She was dressed in snow-white silk, luxurious and graceful… The white otter fur made her face appear as fair as jade, her bright eyes glimmering, and she seemed enveloped in a soft radiance.

In terms of looks, Jiang Yuyan was far inferior to her mother.

“Madam, no need for ceremony,” Li Muzhan cupped his hands in return and smiled gently. “From now on, we are all one family. Yuyan is like my younger sister.”

The middle-aged woman smiled tenderly and glanced at the eight figures on the ground, a look of compassion on her face.

Jiang Yuyan reassured her, “Mother, don’t worry. They are only subdued, not killed.”

“The Master is indeed a man of the cloth, possessing a compassionate heart,” the middle-aged woman breathed a sigh of relief and smiled faintly.

Li Muzhan smiled but said nothing more. When killing was necessary, he never showed mercy, but his compassion stemmed from the current lack of necessity and an aversion to unnecessary slaughter that might cause trouble.

She then instructed, “Yuyan, send them inside. It’s so cold; if they lie on the ground too long, they’ll develop lingering illnesses. Hurry up!”

Jiang Yuyan nodded reluctantly. The handsome middle-aged man helped, carrying one person in each arm. The two made two trips to carry the eight men inside.

Li Muzhan stood silently, smiling faintly, his monk’s robes swaying gently.

Zhu’er emerged carrying a large bundle, mountainous, nearly flattening her small frame. Jiang Yuyan laughed in exasperation and scolded, “You money-grubber! Who told you to take so many things!”

Zhu’er panted, “Miss, everything here is useful!”

“Cut it in half!” Jiang Yuyan waved her hand.

Zhu’er immediately pulled a sour face and shook her head. “Not a single thing can be left behind!”

“Stop the nonsense, hurry up, or I’ll throw it all away!” Jiang Yuyan shot her a look.

Zhu’er sighed with a pained expression and cast a pleading glance toward the middle-aged woman.

“Just listen to Yuyan,” the middle-aged woman said, smiling faintly.

“Alas, my life is so bitter!” Zhu’er mumbled, then struggled back inside, shouldering the heavy bundle.

……………………

The Zhou-surnamed brute came in. “Madam, Miss, the carriage is ready.”

He glanced at Li Muzhan, then at the handsome middle-aged man.

The handsome middle-aged man looked somewhat uncomfortable and snorted. “Old Zhou, don’t look at me like that; if it were you, you wouldn’t have stopped the Master’s sneak attack either.”

“Hmph.” The Zhou-surnamed brute curled his lip.

Jiang Yuyan had already introduced them. The Zhou-surnamed brute was Zhou Dashan, and the handsome middle-aged man was Yao Sitong. Both were of similar age and top-tier experts.

Jiang Yuyan smiled. “Uncle Zhou, Uncle Yao, let’s go.”

“Alright.” Both men quickly agreed and looked toward the middle-aged woman.

Jiang Yuyan supported the middle-aged woman and slowly walked out. The middle-aged woman paused beside Li Muzhan and smiled gently. “Master, please proceed first.”

Li Muzhan smiled. “Madam, no need for ceremony, let’s go together.”

Jiang Yuyan supported her mother, walking side-by-side with Li Muzhan, asking about the sequence of events as they walked. Li Muzhan summarized it in a few light words.

Yao Sitong and Zhou Dashan followed behind. Yao Sitong smiled wryly. “I don’t know what happened, I just felt a gust of wind pass by, and then I was asleep.”

Jiang Yuyan smiled. “Uncle Yao, these fellows look unfamiliar. Where are they from?”

Yao Sitong touched his straight nose, hesitated, and then gave a wry smile. “It seems they are from the Eldest Young Master.”

“Big Brother’s?” Jiang Yuyan’s smile vanished.

“It is the Eldest Young Master’s!” Zhou Dashan grunted sullenly.

Jiang Yuyan glanced at Li Muzhan, who simply smiled and shook his head.

Jiang Yuyan’s face stiffened, and she fell silent. The middle-aged woman sighed. “Yan’er, perhaps your older brother had good intentions, worried about someone harming me.”

Zhou Dashan scoffed, “Hmph. If he had good intentions, would these thugs have been so presumptuous?”

Yao Sitong rubbed his nose, remaining silent, then looked at Jiang Yuyan and murmured quietly, “Miss, you must be more cautious; don’t let someone sell you out.”

“I understand,” Jiang Yuyan nodded lightly.

Amidst their talking, Zhu’er caught up, still carrying a large bundle. Jiang Yuyan’s smile returned, and she nodded in approval. “Little Zhu’er, that’s more like it!”

The bundle was indeed smaller than before, visibly less than half the size, but much more than half had been discarded. Jiang Yuyan didn't press further, knowing this was already a difficult feat for the little money-lover.

Outside the residence, a carriage waited in the snow, its black lacquered body broad and large, pulled by four white horses—quite imposing.

Jiang Yuyan helped the middle-aged woman into the carriage, and Zhu’er followed them inside.

Li Muzhan suddenly frowned, looking toward the west.

“Madam, let’s go,” Zhou Dashan mounted the driver’s box, snapped the whip, making a clear crack, and spoke gravely.

The carriage window slid open, revealing Jiang Yuyan’s delicate face. “Master, what is it?”

Li Muzhan shook his head. “People are coming. Their response is quite fast.”

“Old Zhou, you drive the carriage and leave. I’ll cover the rear!” Yao Sitong said grimly.

Jiang Yuyan looked toward Li Muzhan. “Master…?”

“We’ll all go together,” Li Muzhan nodded, leaped onto the back of the red shadow beast, and picked up his bow and arrows.

Zhou Dashan and Yao Sitong frowned. Against true martial arts masters, a bow and arrow were useless. This Master seemed a little unreliable!

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