Chapter 4, The Initial Bitterness of Street Feuds (Part 2)

The common people all around began to praise in unison. Which household would not beat to death such a servant if they encountered one? Zhu Di can indeed be considered a benevolent master who treats his subordinates well

Jinxi turned around to see Zhu Di putting on a nonchalant expression, and then looked at the father and daughter who were already bloodied and battered. Being deceived was one thing, but Xiulan was only ten years old; such a beating could leave her severely injured if not dead. She shouted loudly, "Stop!"

After the Emperor established the capital in Nanjing, in order to make the capital prosperous, he relocated wealthy households from the south to Nanjing and simultaneously undertook extensive repairs of the city walls and residences. Coupled with smooth shipping, the pacification of inland conflicts, and the urgent need for development, within a few years, Nanjing displayed a scene of the populace living and working in peace, merchants thriving in business, and a flourishing atmosphere. Particularly along the ten-mile Qinhuai River, the riverside buildings and pavilions were exquisitely beautiful and resplendent. Moreover, there were countless beautiful women, and the breeze carried the sweet fragrance of cosmetics.

Xiu Lan trembled all over in fear, lying on the ground and shivering: "Your Highness, Your Highness... please spare Xiu Lan, Xiu Lan is still young, and there are still..."

What a chivalrous and bold young master Xie Feilan!

At this moment, she thought that if His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were to return in spring, then this Prince of Yan would be the embodiment of the icy cold of the snowy realm

With a slap, Jinxi angrily touched her face and looked at Zhu Di, her words still unspoken when he had already struck her.

The capital is bustling with activity, with men in red and women in green flowing along Zhuque Street, while those riding horses or being carried in sedan chairs come and go without end. Jinxi is enjoying herself immensely as she strolls alone, and before long, her eyes are filled with sights: a variety of stalls, street performances, snacks, restaurants, and tea houses. Without Zhu Shouqian nagging beside her, Jinxi feels quite at ease, looking around and finding everything curious and entertaining. She buys every snack she sees, pulling out silver coins to make her purchases.

Zhu Di was captivated, and as he moved his hand, he instinctively wanted to touch her face. He regretted it immediately but found himself unable to utter an apology

Upon hearing her words, the guard's expression changed dramatically, as a light remark placed the Yan Wang residence in a position of inhumanity and injustice. The surrounding commoners began to discuss, expressing sympathy for the girl who had been captured

Your Majesty! A guard, unsure whether to stop Jinxi, cautiously asked a question.

With just a cry of "Ah!", a man covered in yellow mud, in his thirties, rolled out from the mat, crawled a couple of steps, and clung to Zhu Di's leg, repeatedly pleading, "Your Highness, spare my life! Spare my life!"

The expressions of the guards grew even more unsightly, and the leader drew his dagger, pointing it at Jinxi, and shouted: "Where did this foul brat come from, daring to meddle in the affairs of the royal residence and tarnish His Highness's reputation? Seize him!"

Jin Xi could not help but say: "I know they are in the wrong, but it shouldn't come to taking their lives!"

Jinxi was enraged and slapped Zhu Di aside, leaping into the air. Her hand, moving with a softness as if it had no bones, struck Zhu Di's chest. Just as she was about to unleash her energy, she suddenly recalled her master's instructions, retracted her energy, and coldly said: "Your Highness, do not be too overbearing. In the future, you must learn to temper your anger..."

Once Jinxi's playful spirit was ignited, it felt as if a caterpillar was crawling back and forth in her heart, causing her discomfort with its itchiness. Looking at the vibrant spring scenery in the courtyard, it seemed as though endless games were waiting for her beyond the walls. Jinxi chuckled softly, took advantage of her nap to push aside Zhenbei and lock the door, arranging her bed to appear as if someone were sleeping in it, and then leaped out of the window.

Jinxi once again caught sight of the thin, menacing glint in Zhu Di's single phoenix eye, a gaze that was truly detestable. However, having received his promise, she did not wish to stir up trouble any further. Suddenly, she knelt on one knee and proclaimed loudly: "Everyone has seen that His Highness the Prince of Yan possesses a kind and compassionate heart, and has promised not to make things difficult for the two ladies, Xiulan and her daughter. The Prince's residence has always treated its subordinates generously, and His Highness's magnanimity is truly beyond what we small ones can compare to; I, Feilan, sincerely admire this!"

In Jinxi's eyes, his appearance was nothing more than a contemptuous expression that would be futile even if beaten. "Your Highness, are you done venting your anger? Feilan takes her leave!" Jinxi raised her head to hold back her tears, thinking that if she were to seek revenge, it should not be done in a way that would provide grounds for gossip on this busy street. She turned to leave, no longer wishing to have any further interaction with His Highness, the Prince of Yan

So fast to arrive? Jinxi smiled, and as she turned her head, she saw Prince Yan Zhu Di standing behind her with a smile that seemed both genuine and mocking. Zhu Di was dressed in a silver-white deep robe with wide sleeves, adorned with silver threads embroidered with swirling dragon and cloud patterns. His golden crown atop his head accentuated his handsome appearance. If it weren't for the familiar coldness flashing in his eyes and the distinct mockery at the corners of his lips, she might have truly thought that Zhu Di was praising her.

The sudden turn of events startled Jinxi, leaving her and the surrounding citizens dumbfounded by this scheme

Her embroidery building faces the back garden of the Wei State Duke's residence. When she returned home from the mountain, her mother and elder brother were concerned that she might feel unfamiliar, and considering that she had lived on the mountain for ten years, they thought she must have a fondness for flowers, plants, and trees, so they allowed her to live here. Little did they expect that this would facilitate Jinxi's escape from the residence.

Easily climbing over the wall, she turned back to take a look and smiled proudly, leaving the residence was that simple

Jinxi shot a glare back, arms crossed, neither servile nor arrogant

He was tall, towering over Jinxi by a head. Zhu Di approached, looking down at her with a cold smile: "I despise being deceived by others the most, and I loathe it when others take advantage of my kindness. It is of no use for them to hide in the residence of the King of Jingjiang; if I want them dead, they will not survive until tomorrow"

The common people pursued closely behind. Jinxi's gaze sharpened, and she shouted at Xiulan: "You all run to the Jingjiang Wangfu!" Turning around to stand firm, she pointed at the approaching crowd and said: "If you continue to strike, someone will die! After all, she is just a ten-year-old child! Moreover, she is a servant of the Yan Wangfu; whether she lives or dies is up to the prince to decide. If you beat her to death, will the Yan Wang come to demand her from you?"

The agitated crowd could not listen at all. Jinxi, feeling helpless, rushed into the crowd, kicking and pushing away stones with her hands, pulling up Xiulan, and supporting her father as she forcefully opened a path and ran out.

Although Jinxi grew up in the mountains and was not accustomed to a life of luxury, she had never endured such humiliation. Upon returning to Nanjing, everyone treated her like a precious gem. Even her stern elder brother cared for her deeply. When had she ever been beaten like this? To be struck in the middle of the street! She held back her tears, her nose turning red from the effort.

Long live His Royal Highness the King of Yan, may he live for a thousand years, a thousand thousand years! The surrounding commoners knelt in fear, calling out three times for his long life

Jinxi took out a few taels of silver from her body and said to her: "Take this to bury your father, and then return to the Yan Wang Mansion to admit your mistake. His Highness the Yan Wang will surely understand the reason and will not blame you. You must know that runaway slaves have only one way out, which is death. Moreover, you are a person of the Yan Wang Mansion, and others would not dare to take you in."

Zhu Di was also taken aback. It was only at the moment when he saw the palm print on Xie Feilan's chest that he realized her martial arts were peculiar. Uncontrollably, he struck out with a palm, but unexpectedly, Jinxi had already withdrawn her hand. He did not have time to retract his own, and with a slap, he struck her face, instantly leaving a faint red mark on her delicate little face. Following that, he met Jinxi's astonished and disbelieving gaze. Looking into her dark, misty eyes that seemed on the verge of tears, he suddenly felt regret, a profound sense of reluctance surged in his heart.

The little rascal, ruining my good deed! Zhu Di muttered to himself as he slowly approached Jin Xi.

She secretly laughed to herself, thinking that no one recognized her. After all, one should consider the owner when dealing with a dog. Today, I have dealt with you; let’s see if Zhu Di still dares to threaten me with a cold gaze. After making up her mind, Jinxi felt she had teased them enough. After finishing the stinky tofu, she unleashed her fists and feet, and within a few moves, the guards were sent fleeing in all directions. Jinxi laughed heartily: "A bunch of useless fools daring to rob someone in broad daylight?!" She felt extremely pleased with herself.

Hmph! Zhu Di turned around to leave, but then stopped and turned back, "It wasn't supposed to come to this; at most, I would have just given them a lesson. But since you intervened, I have no choice. Their deaths are also a result of your meddling good intentions"

Upon hearing that it was the residence of the Prince of Yan, Jinxi recalled the threatening glint in Zhu Di's eyes when he had confronted her alone, away from the others. Under normal circumstances, it would be inappropriate to interfere in matters concerning someone else's household, especially regarding the capture of runaway slaves. However, upon learning that it was the Prince of Yan's residence, and seeing the deceased covered by a straw mat, she displayed a provocative expression: "Is the Prince of Yan so lenient towards his subordinates? Even the passing of an elderly father cannot be afforded a proper burial!"

"Return to the palace!" Zhu Di uttered these two words, turned around, and left. His expression was as dark as the sky before a thunderstorm, causing the guards to fall silent in fear and follow closely behind Zhu Di as he departed

Jinxi did not want to kneel, and she straightened her neck even more, standing up straighter.

The Qinhuai River, known for its beauty, brings to mind Yutang Chun, and she can't help but smile with a slight curl of her lips. You may feel embarrassed, but what harm is there in me going to take a look myself? Jinxi strolls leisurely in the spring breeze

Jinxi felt a surge of anger, how could saving someone turn out like this?! She blinked her eyes and revealed a proud smile: "I remember that His Highness the Prince of Yan promised to fulfill a wish for Feilan after losing the competition, and that wish is to ask His Highness to spare them! Feilan believes that His Highness is certainly not a person who goes back on his word!"

The girl lowered her head, her face flushed bright red. After a long silence, she finally spoke: "I am just a newly arrived maid in the mansion, bullied and afraid to report it, so I thought of running away. As long as my father can be laid to rest peacefully, I do not care about anything else."

This is the moment we have been waiting for! Ah! The Yan Wang Mansion is being unreasonable! They do not care about the lives of the servants in the mansion and do not allow anyone to speak out against their injustice!" Jinxi shouted, seemingly in a state of panic as she dodged around, while the surrounding citizens expressed their sympathy by cursing at the guards. Jinxi weaved through the crowd, wielding her knife but fearing to accidentally harm the innocent bystanders, which infuriated the group of guards, causing them to curse loudly.

As she saw the guards move further away, she withdrew her smile, reached out to help the crying maid, and asked sternly: "You are from the Yan Wang's residence; why did you not report your father's passing? Is the Yan Wang truly such a heartless person?"

Is it enough to just please and act obediently? You cunning little rascal! Zhu Di suddenly grasped Jin Xi's chin, forcing her to lift her head. The moment his fingertips touched her delicate skin, a strange sensation surged through him. Zhu Di dismissed this odd feeling and continued to speak in his gentle voice: "Useless, Xie Fei Lan... Your skin is truly beautiful, and you are quite lovely; you would be perfect as a courtesan. Don't you like Yu Tang Chun?"

Alas! His Highness, the Prince of Yan, is truly kind-hearted. A ten-year-old child is already so cunning and deceitful; what will he become when he grows up! How dare he deceive His Highness, the Prince of Yan! This is simply outrageous!" As the words were spoken, the crowd was filled with indignation, and someone started by throwing a stone at the father and daughter, leading to a flurry of stones of all sizes being hurled in their direction

Zhu Di pressed his lips tightly and remained silent. For some reason, her departure evoked a profound sense of loneliness within him. He silently watched Jinxi leave, surprised by this inexplicable emotion that stirred in his heart. There was no reason for him to feel such compassion for a young person!

Zhu Di glanced at Jin Xi, leisurely walked up to the girl, and asked slowly: "I say, Xiulan, how many times have you buried your relatives this year?"

Xiulan's body trembled like sifted chaff, and she knelt on the ground, unable to utter half a word. Zhu Di let out a cold snort and raised his foot to stomp fiercely on Xiulan's father, who was covered by a mat beside her.

The few guards, upon hearing the cold snort, had an unpleasant expression on their faces. Turning around, they saw a young master dressed in luxurious attire, munching on stinky tofu and chatting idly. Just by his clothing, it was evident that he must come from a prominent family. After a moment of restraint, their tone softened: "We are the guards of the Prince of Yan's residence, here to capture runaway slaves. Please do not misunderstand, young master."

Everyone is saying, what should we do about such a servant from the Yan Wang Mansion? Zhu Di kicked Xu Lan's father away, looking at the dark muddy handprints on his leg, a coldness surged in his eyes, and with a frown of his sword-like brows, he asked as if it were a great difficulty.

The other guards could no longer contain themselves and, upon hearing the commander issue orders, drew their swords and charged towards Jinxi

The common people, seeing Jinxi dressed in luxurious attire with an imposing demeanor, were initially there to enjoy the spectacle. However, with Xiulan and her daughter having left, the event lost its appeal, and after a few shouts, they dispersed.

Zhu Di was taken aback, recalling the matter he had agreed to yesterday. Seeing the flattering smile on Jinxi's small face, he noticed the extreme disdain in her eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he walked back to Jinxi's side and said in a low voice: "I am indeed a man of my word and will not make things difficult for Xiulan and her daughter. However, Xie Feilan, remember this well: I am not someone you can provoke, and even the King of Jingjiang cannot protect you."

"Well, there is still my grandmother who is over eighty years old at home. When you entered the Yan Wang Mansion, you had already taken the money for selling yourself to bury her. There is also an elder sister of the same age at home, and six months ago, you also took the money to bury her. There is a sickly mother at home, and three months ago, you also took the money to bury her. Today, is it your biological father?" Zhu Di slowly responded to Xiulan's words.

After turning a few streets, she was raving about the stinky tofu she had just eaten. Upon seeing a crowd ahead, she squeezed in to see what was happening. In the crowd, she noticed several guards pulling a young girl, who was about ten years old and had a grass sign indicating she was selling herself to bury her father. The girl was quite delicate in appearance, with tears on her face, and she was pleading sorrowfully, "I will go back to the palace with you..."

Jinxi glared at the group of easily provoked commoners, feeling a deep anger towards Zhu Di's malicious intent to kill Xiu Lan and her father using them as a tool. She looked up and met Zhu Di's sinister gaze. The light emanating from his narrow phoenix eyes made Jinxi feel as if he were a venomous snake, far surpassing the gentle and amiable demeanor of His Highness the Crown Prince.

Behind Zhu Di stood a group of guards dressed in tight-fitting black and red arrow uniforms, and the person who had just been beaten by her was staring at her with wide eyes.

How absurd!" Jinxi snorted from her nose.