Peerless Dancer

Chapter 12: Encounter

The mounted man shouted, “How dare you! Are you tired of living? Seize him!”

I looked up and saw the speaker was a very imposing warrior, dignified and handsome, with sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes, exuding a majestic aura.

I was momentarily stunned; in the 21st century, men with such masculinity were rare. Most either appeared feminine or childish. Such a man, brimming with masculine energy, was a rare sight. Though he was quite rude to me, his domineering presence had an electrifying effect on me.

I smiled coyly and said, “General, I’m just an unarmed, weak woman. Surely, you, with your great stature, wouldn’t trouble a little girl like me?”

The warrior was taken aback. He probably didn’t expect me to joke around instead of begging for mercy. He looked at me, his expression changing dramatically.

Feeling uneasy under his gaze, I said, “General, may I leave now?”

Not waiting for his response, I slipped into the crowd like a monkey, confident that he couldn’t see me anymore. I peered out from the throng and saw a group of formidable-looking warriors surrounding a grand red-topped sedan chair. I wondered who was inside.

The warrior seemed to be the leader of the troop. He was scanning the crowd, evidently searching for me, but didn’t appear angry, rather more anxious.

After a brief moment, he signaled to his men, and the troop quickly moved on, disappearing from sight.

As the procession moved away, the street returned to its previous bustling state.

I rejoined Long Dan and the others, seeing Long Dan patting her clothes incessantly. She must have felt unclean after being jostled in the crowd. I teased, “Your cleanliness obsession is acting up again! What will you do in the future?”

Long Dan ignored me, focusing on brushing off her skirt. “You were too reckless just now!” she chided.

“Seeing someone in danger and not helping—it’s just not in my character!” I replied nonchalantly.

Mei Jin, clutching her chest, looked terrified. “Master Wu, you scared me to death! Don’t you know whose procession that was?”

Xin Zhui, with his rough voice, added, “Master Wu, your heroic deed is truly admirable!”

His unexpected comment surprised us all.

Xin Zhu also clasped his hands in respect, “I admire your bravery!”

Feeling flattered, I said, “You’re too kind!”

Remembering Mei Jin’s words, I asked, “Whose procession was that? Why is everyone so afraid of them?”

Mei Jin glanced at the Xin brothers, hesitant to speak. I turned to Xin Zhui, “Xin Zhui, tell me, whose procession was that?”

Suddenly, a vague memory surfaced. That red-topped sedan looked so familiar, but I couldn’t grasp it fully.

Xin Zhui looked around, then whispered, “Master Wu, do you truly not know? Everyone in Shen Chasing Kingdom knows that’s the entourage of the Great Turtle King, the emperor’s most favored consort Yuan Fengfei’s brother, Yuan Jingyun. He’s the greatest hero of our kingdom!”

No wonder that red sedan was so familiar! It was him!

I slapped my forehead in realization, “Oh! He’s the one who was executed by dismemberment, right? And Yuan Fengfei was killed by the Crown Prince Hei Yuhuang. How…”

I noticed Long Dan’s frantic blinking and grimacing, the others staring wide-eyed as if hearing gibberish. Mei Jin softly but clearly said, “Master Wu! Master Wu!”

I froze, realizing something was amiss. History books clearly stated these events. I remembered them perfectly.

I looked at Long Dan for confirmation, but she said, “Friends, she’s a bit eccentric. Everyone in Shen Chasing knows the Great Turtle King is blessed by the emperor, and Consort Yuan Fengfei is virtuous. The Crown Prince Hei Yuhuang is the emperor’s only son and future ruler. Why would he kill Yuan Fengfei? She’s just trying to scare you. Don’t listen to her nonsense!”

Long Dan’s explanation made me realize my blunder. I nodded quickly.

Though Long Dan didn’t specialize in Shen Chasing Kingdom studies, we often discussed our research, so she knew significant events of Shen Chasing Kingdom, just as an average person knows about Empress Dowager Cixi’s treachery without studying Qing Dynasty history.

The Xin brothers and Mei Jin were taken aback, their expressions turning peculiar. Mei Jin said nervously, “Master Long, what’s wrong? The Crown Prince passed away this year, plunging the emperor into deep sorrow. The nation mourned for three days. Moreover, the emperor has Yuan Fengfei’s son, Prince Ju Feng. How could you forget?”

Mei Jin added, “Such words must never be heard by others! It’s a capital offense!”

Long Dan and I exchanged bewildered looks.

History recorded that Crown Prince Hei Yuhuang, later Emperor Lan, was the only son of Emperor Qi and was a renowned wise ruler. How could he have died so young?

Moreover, there was no mention of a Prince Ju Feng in the records.

Seeing our doubt, Xin Zhui reassured us, “Rest assured, Xin brothers are not the type to seek glory at others’ expense. Moreover, the Great Turtle King’s actions are despised by many. Though we’re minor figures, we’re honorable men and won’t stoop to betrayal! Master Wu’s bravery has won my utmost respect. If you ever need help, just ask!”