Chapter 4

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Chapter 4: That Man

The sedan chair glided silently along a corridor, winding through twists and turns, jolting gently as it went. Through the thin, gauzy curtain, Awu peeked outside, her eyes filled with the sight of emerald railings and vermilion balustrades. Along the way, flowers and willows adorned the path—though autumn had already arrived, the grounds remained lush and verdant, their greenery arranged in elegant layers.

Awu recalled the many promises the Crown Prince had made her, and the thought made her laugh. Men truly were all liars. Hadn’t he said he’d show her all the wonders of the world? Yet, in truth, he had never even let her see his own residence. She had been shut away in Huancui Courtyard all this time—what was the point of it?

As she mused, the sedan chair finally arrived before a black-lacquered gate. The sky was growing dim, and she noticed the gate was somewhat old, the flagstone path before it marked by the stains of old spills, some soup or broth, yet to be cleaned away.

Awu surmised that this must be the gate used for bringing in food and daily necessities, and likely also the entrance for servants and maids.

The sedan chair came to a halt. Just as Awu was about to step out, Madam Sun stopped her with a hush. “Wait,” she whispered.

She gestured for Awu to stay quiet, then pushed open the gate herself, peering out cautiously. Awu, curious, watched as she whispered a few words to someone outside. The gate opened, and a young man entered.

He appeared to be in his twenties, with a rugged face, dressed in dark blue attire suited for action, his trouser-legs tied up—a picture of agility and strength. Awu vaguely heard Madam Sun call him “Nie Third.”

Awu eyed him with suspicion. His attire seemed that of a prince’s guard, but his gaze didn’t match. Though she wasn’t well-versed in everything, her time traveling north with the Crown Prince had taught her about the three guard divisions of the prince’s household, each with its own command structure—anyone from those divisions would hold some status even outside the residence.

Yet this Nie Third seemed altogether too nonchalant, exuding a hint of the wandering swordsman.

As she studied him, Nie Third suddenly glanced her way, locking eyes with her instantly. In that moment, his gaze flashed with unmistakable admiration.

Awu’s heart thudded wildly. She hastily dropped the curtain and shrank back. Men, men—all men looked at her this way. She was long since tired of it.

Even with the curtain down, she still felt his gaze sweeping her way through the fabric. She frowned slightly.

Truth be told, ever since she had followed the Crown Prince, she’d been cloistered in the inner quarters, rarely encountering even the lowliest of servants. It had been a long time since she’d felt the weight of such a gaze. In that sense, being with the prince had shielded her from much trouble.

She wondered if, once she reached the Yanxiang Nunnery, the strict rules there would be enough to guard her from the eyes of men.

Madam Sun and Nie Third conferred in low voices, then came to the sedan. “Mistress, come down. This Nie Third will escort you to Yanxiang Nunnery.”

Awu listened, picked up her bulging bundle, and stepped down. Nie Third moved quickly, and in an instant, she felt as if a small mountain loomed over her.

He reached out and, without asking, took hold of her bundle.

Awu hesitated, but Nie Third said, “Mistress, allow me to carry this for you.”

She clutched her bundle tightly. “Your kindness is appreciated, but it’s not necessary.”

Inside were all her gold coins—her hard-earned price from the prince. How could she let a stranger carry them?

But Nie Third insisted, his burning gaze refusing to yield.

Awu grew angry—this man was truly unreasonable! Who needed his kindness?

Yet with Madam Sun watching, she didn’t dare make a scene and arouse suspicion. So Nie Third took the bundle without further ado, showing no sign of suspicion himself.

Awu watched from behind—Nie Third was so robust that he lifted the heavy bundle as if it were a mere chick. Perhaps, she thought, those with too much strength simply couldn’t perceive such a small difference in weight.

Outside the gate, a carriage awaited—a plain, black-canopied vehicle such as commoners used. Clearly, this was not one of the prince’s carriages.

Madam Sun instructed two coarse servant women, “Accompany the mistress all the way to Yanxiang Nunnery.”

The women answered deferentially. Madam Sun turned to Awu. “Mistress, board this carriage and go to Yanxiang Nunnery. Once there, your fate will be decided.”

Awu nodded, gazing sweetly at Madam Sun and smiling. “Once I arrive at the nunnery, I’ll recite extra prayers, and dedicate some for your salvation, Madam Sun.”

At this, Madam Sun’s face turned pale with anger, but looking at Awu’s pure, innocent eyes, she seemed to see nothing but ignorance.

Grinding her teeth, she snapped, “Salvation? If you can’t speak properly, then don’t speak at all!”

She stormed off, slamming the black door behind her.

Nie Third had watched all along. Now, seeing Awu standing there looking dazed, blinking her clear, bright eyes, he raised his brows and prompted, “Mistress, please board the carriage.”

Awu nodded quickly, “Yes, yes.”

She stepped up, but as soon as she placed her foot on the step, it slipped—nearly causing her to fall. This was no luxurious carriage for nobility, just an ordinary one, and the step was slick with grease.

Nie Third reached out and gently supported her lower back.

Awu stiffened at the touch. She could feel the size and strength of his hand, almost encircling her narrow waist.

She slowly raised her eyes, meeting his gaze at close range. His eyes bore down on her, stubborn and unyielding.

Awu’s heart chilled with sorrow. Had she barely left the prince’s residence, only to be treated this way by another man? Still, she did not resist nor show anger.

Without the prince’s protection, perhaps such things would happen even more often. She would have to learn to adapt, to protect herself.

She pressed her lips together, offering a gentle smile. “Thank you, Nie Third.”

She had changed her manner of address—no longer calling him “sir,” but “Nie Third.”

With his help, she boarded the carriage, lowering her head as she ducked inside.

Nie Third stood beside the carriage, raising his hand, which still held a trace of her scent—sweet and subtle.

He thought again of her gentle, honeyed voice just now.

***

The carriage rolled slowly along. The felt lining inside was worn, and a musty dampness pervaded the air. The two servant women sat listlessly, their eyelids drooping, clearly uninterested in the journey.

Awu, however, paid them no mind. Her head was filled with thoughts of everything that had happened that day.

She was anxious—had Lady Su checked her cotton-padded jacket, all that gold would have been lost, and her days and nights with the prince would have come to nothing!

She considered that Madam Sun must have had her suspicions, but had turned a blind eye and let her go.

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It must have been her golden hairpin that sealed Madam Sun’s lips.

When it mattered most, one must not hesitate to spend money—silver could silence most people! Of course, there were things that silver could not buy; sometimes, something else was required.

Awu thought of the look Nie Third had given her earlier…

She leaned against the carriage wall, propping her chin in her hand, and pondered Nie Third carefully.

He didn’t seem the type to follow rules—likely wild by nature. Best not to provoke him for now; keep him in hand, and see what opportunities arose.

Just then, a jolt of the carriage pulled her from her thoughts.

She realized they had come to a bustling street, filled with the sounds of a lively crowd. When she had first arrived in the capital, the carriage had been tightly sealed, and she had never glimpsed the city’s splendor. Now, passing through, she was curious.

She felt a pang of sadness—once she became a nun, she might never see such scenes again.

If not now, then when?

She carefully lifted the edge of the curtain, peeking through a small gap. Seeing no one was watching, she raised it higher to look outside.

She was struck by the sight: crowds packed together, carriages in endless lines, and on either side of the street, a myriad of shops and stalls. Banners waved, blotting out the sky, and the variety dazzled the eye.

She recalled hearing that the capital of Great Hui was the gathering place of all things, with every trade and market imaginable—the richest, most splendid city under heaven.

Yet since arriving, she had lived inside the prince’s residence, never even glimpsing the thriving streets outside. What a loss, she thought bitterly. Even if she were not a princess or empress, she ought not to have followed the prince.

Locked away, what was the point of all that luxury?

She was savoring the sight when suddenly she felt someone’s gaze on her from across the street.

A chill ran through her. She looked towards a towering, three-story building, ornate with beaded curtains and embroidered lintels, its entrance decorated for festivities, crowds coming and going.

She tried to find the source of that gaze, but there was no way—so many people, all of them looking distinguished.

She felt lost.

These days, the prince had been indulgent and affectionate, and she had grown lax, almost forgetting her past.

She clutched her skirt tightly, certain she hadn’t imagined it—the gaze had been his.

He was in the capital. Perhaps he had been secretly watching her all along.

Awu grew anxious. If he was observing her, what was his aim? How had he known she’d been cast out of the prince’s residence?

Just then, the carriage stopped.

Awu craned her neck to look.

Nie Third stepped down from the driver’s seat, his gaze fixed on her. “Mistress, the street ahead is blocked.”

“Blocked?”

Seeing her confusion, he explained, “A noble’s procession is passing—commoners must yield the road.”

“I see…” she replied.

Nie Third subtly frowned. The pure, innocent look in her eyes made it hard to believe this was the notorious enchantress rumored to have bewitched the prince, the calamity he had brought from the south.

He probed, “Mistress, we must leave the city before the gates close, or it will be too late.”

“What should we do?”

“Leave the carriage. I will take you down a quieter street.”

Awu met his gaze, seeing something stirring in his eyes.

She knew that look all too well.

Ambition, desire—he looked at her as a hunter eyes his prey.

And she was the prey.

Clearly, this man was not acting as a proper guard should.

Though she had been expelled from the prince’s residence and was bound for the nunnery, he ought to show her basic respect.

But judging from Madam Sun’s arrangements, it was clear they meant to hand her over to this man.

Perhaps this was a trap—a pit dug specially for her.

Was it the princess’s doing? Not merely casting her out, but destroying her completely.

Awu sighed inwardly. Meeting Nie Third’s gaze, she smiled softly, her voice gentle and dependent. “Very well.”

Accompanied by the two servant women, Awu alighted. Nie Third grabbed her luggage and led the way.

The servant women flanked her, while a few sturdy lads followed behind, keeping watch. Awu understood they were there to guard her, so she obediently followed.

The streets were crowded, people jostling shoulder to shoulder. Awu’s beauty drew many curious stares.

The two servant women were of little use, and the lads were shoved aside. Seeing this, Nie Third reached out and pulled Awu by the arm, shielding her.

His face grim, his eyes fierce, he parted the crowd—people wanted to look at Awu, but were afraid of Nie Third, so they gave way.

He led Awu into a side alley, where the crowds thinned. Awu stood on tiptoe to check on the servant women—they were still struggling through the mass.

She waved, “Here, this way.”

Her sweet voice, though not loud in the din, was somehow especially conspicuous, drawing even more attention.

“Can’t you settle down?” Nie Third muttered.

“Huh?”

He looked at her—her face radiant, her eyes limpid as water, beautiful enough to dazzle, and yet she seemed utterly unaware, her manner inviting attention everywhere she went.

If he had doubted before how such a naive girl could have bewitched the prince, now he understood.

The servant women and lads finally caught up, breathless, their hair and hats askew.

“Let’s go,” Nie Third said.

Awu stayed close to him. In a strange place, her instincts drove her to cling to the strongest person—she knew the others were unreliable. Even if Nie Third was a trap, for now, she had to rely on him.

He sensed it too—she followed closely, as if afraid he would abandon her.

He glanced down at her hands.

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Her slender fingers clutched at her dark green skirt, the knuckles reddened from her grip.

Awu looked up at Nie Third.

Their eyes met, and he clearly saw the emotions in hers.

In those clear, unguarded eyes, a flicker of anxiety and worry danced.

She seemed afraid.

Nie Third raised a brow, his tone cool. “Don’t worry, Mistress. Since I’ve taken on this task, I’ll see you safely—”

He paused, then added, “—safely to Yanxiang Nunnery.”

Awu looked at him, sensing hidden meaning in his words.

Was he hinting at something?

Under his gaze, she blushed, then nodded seriously.

The two servant women, having caught their breath, grumbled, “Why leave the carriage and walk? We’re too old for this!”

Nie Third glanced at Awu’s slight figure. “Once we’re outside the city, we’ll hire another carriage.”

The women sighed in relief, and Awu agreed.

She grew curious, recalling the blocked street. “Nie Third, I have a question…”

“Yes, Mistress?”

“There are a lot of nobles in the capital, aren’t there?”

“Yes.”

“If every time a noble travels, commoners have to make way, wouldn’t the capital be jammed every day?”

Nie Third explained, “In the capital, a falling wine-shop sign could kill three imperial relatives, but not all require the streets to clear. Each noble’s procession varies in ceremony. Today, it’s Her Highness Princess Dening.”

“Princess Dening?”

“Yes.”

Awu understood. The emperor had only two children—the Crown Prince and a princess, younger than the prince by a year. This must be her. The same young lady who had passed her by as she knelt today.

But this had little to do with her; she was just curious.

As they spoke, Nie Third led her swiftly through alleyways until they reached a bridge.

“Beyond this bridge lies the city gate,” he said.

Awu looked ahead—within and without the city gate, there were moats with five sluice gates, each connected by bridges. Inside, a stone bridge bound with iron cables; outside, a suspension bridge.

It was dusk, and traffic bustled back and forth.

“Why does the chain bridge sway like that?” she asked.

“That’s the outer bridge. When the gate closes, it’s withdrawn.”

“I see! Close the gate, lift the bridge—then the bad guys can’t get in!”

Bad guys…

Nie Third looked at her innocent face. “Yes, it’s nearly sunset—the gates will close soon.”

As he spoke, the evening drum sounded, signaling curfew. The city gates would soon shut.

The servant women urged, “Let’s hurry!”

“Let’s go,” Nie Third said impassively.

He led them onto the broad bridge—the largest Awu had ever seen. It had separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians, imperial symbols painted on the road, and the stone walls were carved with fantastic water creatures and unicorn-like sea-horses.

Awu had never seen anything like it and gazed about with wide-eyed wonder.

Suddenly, hoofbeats and shouting rose behind them—a commotion as people scrambled aside.

Nie Third spun around, his face darkening.

Awu, alarmed, also looked back.

Nie Third immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her.

“Mistress, up the bridge—out of the city,” he said urgently.

Awu’s heart pounded. She had a suspicion, but dared not voice it, feigning ignorance instead.

Nie Third hurried them into the throng, crossing the bridge.

Behind them, hoofbeats rang out, horses screamed, the crowd gasped.

Awu’s heart raced—she needed to get out, to become a nun. She couldn’t bear to be trapped in Huancui Courtyard—not when her very life might be at risk!

She gripped her skirt and ran, leaving the servants and lads gaping in surprise.

Nie Third strode after her in long, powerful steps.

They crossed the bridge, passed through the city gate, and over the chain suspension bridge outside.

As they did, Awu heard the pounding of hooves.

Nie Third shot a cold glance back.

Awu instinctively looked too, seeing the massive, red city gate—five or six times a man’s height—dwarfing the guards beneath.

Again the evening drum sounded, the commander ordered the gates closed.

Eight guards stepped forward and together pushed the huge doors, slowly shutting them.

Awu’s heart hammered. Under the city’s curfew, no one dared defy the law. Once the gates closed, the prince could not follow.

If only they would close in time.

But the hoofbeats drew nearer.

Awu stared at the gates, watching the giant bronze studs slide past in the sunset as the doors neared shut.

Then suddenly, with a thunder of hooves, a horse burst through the gate.

The guards shouted in alarm, the commander ordered long spears raised, forming a wall of steel.

Amid the clash of blades, a lone rider and horse leapt over the barricade, landing with crushing force upon the stone.

Mane flying, robe billowing, the young and handsome prince, crowned in jade and clad in purple, rode in with a stern and resolute expression.

It was the Crown Prince!