Chapter Eighty-Five: Rescuing Lord Lu, Encountering Yi Xiaochuan

Upon witnessing Master Lü perform such a grand gesture, Xiao Chuan hurried forward to help him up. “You are too courteous, elder,” he said.

Xiao Chuan acted with ease, despite the fact that it was Wen Hao who had actually saved them; he was the first to comfort the victims. Yet, given Wen Hao’s temperament, he wouldn’t have bothered with such formalities.

The truth was, Xiao Chuan had also rushed to rescue them, merely arriving a step too late, as Wen Hao had already dispatched the bandits.

Master Lü turned to the two young ladies behind him and beckoned, “Come quickly and thank your benefactors.”

The two young heiresses hurried over. Though their attire was somewhat disheveled, they were otherwise unharmed, thanks to Wen Hao’s timely arrival.

They bowed respectfully to Wen Hao. “I am Lü Zhi (Lü Su), grateful for your kindness.”

Wen Hao nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

“I have yet to learn the names of you two gentlemen,” Master Lü inquired.

“Yang Wen Hao,” Wen Hao replied.

“And this gentleman?” Lü’s gaze shifted to Xiao Chuan.

Although Wen Hao had acted, seeing Xiao Chuan conversing so intimately with him suggested they were companions.

“I am Xiao Chuan,” he answered.

Master Lü nodded. “May I ask, sirs, where are you headed?”

Xiao Chuan glanced at Wen Hao. “Where are you going?”

Wen Hao shook his head. “I go where fate leads me, wandering as I please.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chuan turned to Master Lü. “I am bound for Yan.”

“Yan!” Master Lü exclaimed with delight. “That’s in the north. Coincidentally, we are traveling to Pei County, also in the north. Why not journey together?”

“It would be my honor,” Xiao Chuan replied, saluting with cupped hands.

They climbed into two carriages. Wen Hao and Xiao Chuan rode with Master Lü in the front, while Lü Zhi and Lü Su sat in the rear.

Along the way, Xiao Chuan and Master Lü carried most of the conversation, while Wen Hao rested with his eyes closed.

Though Master Lü engaged Xiao Chuan in talk, his gaze often drifted toward Wen Hao.

Originally, Master Lü intended to bring his family to Pei County, but just as they neared their destination, they were attacked by thieves.

Had Wen Hao not appeared, it’s likely disaster would have struck his family.

There was still some distance to Pei County, so they stopped to rest.

Beneath the shade of a large tree, they laid out a table of food and wine.

“Come, let me offer a toast to you both,” Master Lü raised his bowl.

Wen Hao and Xiao Chuan responded in kind.

At that moment, Lü Su, dressed in a green robe, approached.

She exuded a gentle, refined air—quiet and soft-spoken, the very image of a virtuous lady.

“Thank you both for rescuing us,” Lü Su said, though her gaze lingered on Wen Hao.

“I toast you, Master Yang,” Lü Su raised her bowl, looking warmly at Wen Hao.

He raised his bowl as well. “Please, miss, do as you wish. I will drink first in your honor.”

With that, he drained the wine in one swift motion, savoring its bittersweet flavors.

Lü Su drank hers slowly. Though unaccustomed, she finished it out of courtesy.

Just then, Lü Zhi emerged from the carriage.

She wore a feathered robe adorned with golden threads, like someone of noble birth and demeanor.

“Seeing my father and the gentlemen drinking, perhaps I could dance a tune to enliven the gathering.”

Master Lü nodded in agreement. “That would be splendid.”

Lü Zhi moved gracefully, swaying her hips and arms, like an immortal bird descended from the heavens.

Xiao Chuan watched with keen interest; Wen Hao’s gaze remained clear and steady.

When her dance concluded, Xiao Chuan applauded and praised her.

Such beauty enhancing the mood—how could one not applaud?

Lü Zhi smiled and sat down, raising her bowl to toast Wen Hao as well.

He drank another cup without hesitation.

This wine held a special memory for him; if it weren’t for this drink, he would not have a lingering attachment that haunted him.

Noticing the depth in Wen Hao’s expression, Master Lü said, “Is there something troubling you, young master? If you wish to share, I would do all I can to help.”

“It’s nothing,” Wen Hao replied. “I was simply reminded of someone dear to me.”

“Someone dear?” Master Lü glanced at his two daughters.

“Are you already married, Master Yang?” he asked.

Wen Hao laughed, “You jest, sir. I am barely eighteen—what talk is there of marriage?”

“Then who is this beloved you speak of?” Lü pressed.

“Merely a beautiful misunderstanding,” Wen Hao shook his head, unwilling to continue.

Seeing Wen Hao’s reluctance, Master Lü dropped the subject.

Upon reaching Pei County, the county magistrate came to offer his congratulations.

Master Lü and the magistrate were old friends, so the hospitality was generous.

On the road, Xiao Chuan wished to sample the local cuisine of Pei County, so he excused himself.

Wen Hao hadn’t intended to join, but Xiao Chuan insisted, dragging him along.

They found a roadside stall, where Xiao Chuan ordered dog meat and wine, preparing for a hearty feast.

Just as Xiao Chuan rolled up his sleeves in anticipation, suddenly someone sprang forth, grabbing his hand and shouting, “You! Don’t think you’re escaping today!”

Xiao Chuan tensed, sensing something amiss in the stranger’s demeanor.

The man, without ceremony, snatched the dog meat and wine from the table and began eating.

Xiao Chuan, for reasons unknown, dared not stop him; Wen Hao, however, frowned.

“Do you know him?” Wen Hao asked.

“I do not,” Xiao Chuan whispered.

“Not acquainted?”

Wen Hao suddenly swung his palm, striking the man.

With a loud smack, the man eating dog meat was sent flying several meters.

He rolled on the ground, knocking over several items, then scrambled to his feet. “What are you doing!”

“You ask what I’m doing?” Wen Hao narrowed his eyes. “A street beggar like you dares to touch my things with such impudence?”

“You!” The man was left speechless.

He was indeed a trickster, always scrounging for food and drink. He targeted Xiao Chuan and Wen Hao because they seemed to be outsiders, hoping to swindle a meal with some cunning.

But he never expected Wen Hao to be so fierce, nearly crippling him with a single blow.

“I give you three seconds to leave, or else—”

As he spoke, Wen Hao drew his sword—a blade that could slice iron as if mud. If it struck, even survival would be uncertain.

Terrified, the man turned and fled, stumbling away.

Witnessing Wen Hao’s ferocity, Xiao Chuan was quite surprised.

Wen Hao’s eyes gleamed with a peculiar light.

In truth, he already recognized the man. His cold and ruthless manner was precisely to keep such a person away from Xiao Chuan.

(End of chapter.)