Chapter Fifteen: Journey to Jinling

Seeing Yang Lian's reluctance, Wang Qu once more cupped his hands and said, "Your heroic deeds, Sir Yang, have earned my deepest admiration. Please, do not refuse my token of respect." His words were earnest and full of sincerity. How could he not know that by saving the King of Qi's most beloved daughter—the Emperor's favorite princess—Yang Lian's future would surely be bright?

Yet, he was unaware of what had transpired in Yang Lian's room.

After a moment's consideration, Yang Lian said little more. He returned the gesture, took up one gold ingot, and said, "Since you insist, Master Wang, I shall not refuse. But with so many valuables, I truly cannot accept them all. Let this one gold ingot stand for your kindness."

Seeing Yang Lian accept the gift, Wang Qu smiled. "Your integrity is most admirable, Sir Yang."

Yang Lian smiled faintly, tucked the gold into his robe, and strode away. Wang Qu felt a pang of curiosity—where could this young hero be heading?

Chen Keyan hurried out just then and, seeing Wang Qu, asked, "Have you seen Yang Lian?"

Wang Qu pointed ahead. "He just left."

Chen Keyan said nothing more and quickly departed. Wang Qu stroked his chin, perplexed by the recent events. When he learned what had happened in the room, he was truly shocked: on one hand, he was awed by Yang Lian’s courage; on the other, he thought the young man remarkably foolish, giving up such a golden opportunity for advancement for no reason at all. If he had known, he wouldn’t have given him the gold—ten whole taels! The thought pained him.

Yang Lian had walked only a few hundred paces before Chen Keyan caught up. Yang Lian showed no concern, looking at him calmly.

Chen Keyan shook his head with a wry smile. "Young Master Yang, you are bold indeed, but you’ve left us with quite a problem."

"This is hardly the first time," Yang Lian replied lightly, spreading his hands. "General Chen, are you truly here to arrest me?"

"I wouldn’t dare." Chen Keyan hesitated. He knew the princess was acting on impulse; though Yang Lian had been disrespectful, he had saved her life. The princess, still a child at heart, was unpredictable.

"General Chen, I have a great merit here—do you want it?" Yang Lian asked.

Chen Keyan was taken aback. "A great merit?" Before he could think further, Yang Lian continued with a smile, "Though I saved the princess, at the crucial moment it was you, General, who arrived in time. Otherwise, I too would have perished. I owe you my gratitude."

"If I remain by the princess’s side, it will only diminish your merit. I hope, General, that you’ll let me go. Should you fail to find me, you’ll be credited as the chief rescuer of the princess. I trust you can see the worth in this bargain," Yang Lian added. In truth, he was quite confident. Though this rescue seemed a great achievement, his name would inevitably arouse suspicion. If he left of his own accord, at least to King Qi and the Emperor, he would seem unmotivated by wealth or status, and any doubts over his name would be lessened.

The princess was still a child, with a capricious temper. Spoiled as she was, having been slighted by Yang Lian, she would surely seek retribution. Yang Lian’s destination was Jinling, and since the princess also lived there, they would meet again. By then, things would be different.

As the commander of Henglin Town, Chen Keyan was no fool. Realizing this, he smiled. "My thanks, Brother Yang." His manner of address had already changed.

He also saw that the little princess seemed to have taken a liking to Yang Lian; perhaps her anger was fleeting. If he truly arrested Yang Lian and the princess regretted it, he alone would suffer the consequences. If he didn't, at most he’d be scolded. All things considered, he made his decision in that moment.

"My home is in Changzhou. If you don't mind, Brother Yang, I hope you'll visit once things have settled. I would welcome you with all due respect," Chen Keyan said warmly, his regard for Yang Lian growing. Besides, he never had much fondness for the spoiled princess; the way Yang Lian had put her in her place was deeply satisfying.

Yang Lian cupped his hands. "Farewell, General Chen."

"Safe travels, Brother Yang!" Chen Keyan replied in kind.

Yang Lian left Henglin Town, heading northwest. Whatever Chen Keyan had said to the princess, no one came in pursuit. Along the way, by a crooked tree, Yang Lian spotted the frosty masked woman. Dressed in white, she stood like a celestial maiden, inspiring awe, though the arch of her brows was intimidating.

Understandably so—she had nearly been taken advantage of by Yang Lian the night before. She was already being merciful not to kill him.

"Miss, waiting for me here?" Yang Lian sauntered over with a roguish grin, unfazed by her murderous gaze.

She cast him a cold glance. "So, libertine, you dared to insult the princess as well? You must be tired of living."

"And yet, here I am, quite alive," Yang Lian replied, scratching his head in mock helplessness. "What can I do? I’m simply too handsome—no sooner do I leave one beauty than I meet another. Heaven and earth, what am I to do?"

"Smooth-tongued," the masked woman snorted. With a flick of her wrist, her sword flashed out of its sheath. "One more word, and I’ll kill you."

Yang Lian rolled his eyes—always the same threat. If only he could best her in a fight, he’d smack her just like he had the princess, see whose resilience was greater.

Of course, she had no inkling of his lewd thoughts. "I am curious—how did you convince Chen Keyan not to arrest you?"

Yang Lian said nothing, turning to leave.

She fumed, "Why aren’t you speaking?"

"Weren’t you the one who forbade me to speak?" he retorted.

She was taken aback. "When did I say that?"

"You’ve already forgotten your own words? Is your memory failing so soon?" he teased.

She considered this, then snapped, "I told you not to prattle, not to stay silent."

Yang Lian sighed. "Miss, you should know I can’t control my tongue. If you don’t want me to speak nonsense, best not let me speak at all. My lady!" He deliberately emphasized the last words, making them sound quite different.

She understood his implication and snapped, "Who is your lady? I have a name."

"Oh? And what is it?" Yang Lian pressed.

"My surname is Mi—" She caught herself, glared at him, and said, "Trying to trick my identity out of me, are you?"

"To me, you’re just a brawny, empty-headed woman with some skill in martial arts. Why should I care who you are?" Yang Lian scoffed.

She didn’t quite grasp all his words, but she knew he was up to no good. Her brows shot up again. "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

Yang Lian grinned. "What nonsense, exactly?"

"You said my—" She was about to repeat it, when she realized Yang Lian was looking at her with a knowing smirk—specifically, at a certain part of her. Fury flared.

"Pity, not large at all. Well, fine, you’re not brainless then," Yang Lian said, shaking his head in mock regret.

She almost tore her clothing open to prove him wrong, but after a deep breath, she calmed herself. "Calm down, stay calm," she thought.

Seeing her regain composure, Yang Lian smiled. Good, this fire had sputtered out, or else he’d have been in trouble—he couldn’t best her in a fight. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Miss Mi, will you accompany me to Jinling?"

"I’m to escort you," she replied curtly.

"Very well, you’ll escort me. The road to Jinling is fraught with danger—are you not afraid?" Yang Lian asked.

"Shouldn’t I be asking you that? With your identity, entering Jinling is like a meat bun thrown to a dog—not likely to return," she countered.

Yang Lian narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Will you betray me?"

She shook her head. "Doesn’t seem worth my while. I probably won’t. Though, perhaps if I ever run short of money, I might reconsider," she said, smiling as if to suggest he should start begging her.

Yang Lian thought to himself that the letter in her possession was a dangerous thing—he’d have to find a way to get it back. But now was not the time; after so many liberties taken, she’d never hand it over willingly.

"Miss, your word is golden. Traveling so far on your grandfather’s promise alone, you have shown extraordinary loyalty and righteousness. I trust you would never betray me," he said, piling on the praise without a blush.

She snorted. Yang Lian was clearly praising himself, but she recalled the chaos in Jiangnan years ago, when Sun Ru’s rampage had left the people destitute. Yang Xingmi had driven Sun Ru away, distributed military grain, and brought relief to the people—his kindness was legendary. That was why, when Yang Lian fled, fishermen risked their lives to help him.

"Rest assured," she said, "since I promised my grandfather to bring you to Jinling, I’ll also promise not to reveal your secret." Privately, however, she thought, "But I can still kill you—that wouldn’t break my promise."

Yang Lian was reassured. "In that case, let’s be on our way."

Changzhou was neither very near nor very far from Jinling—traveling on foot would take five or six days at least, and Yang Lian was still recovering, making walking difficult. But with the gold from Master Wang, he could afford two good horses. Outside Henglin Town, he purchased two decent steeds, and the pair rode toward Jinling.

Meanwhile, when Princess Huairou learned of Yang Lian’s disappearance, she flew into a rage. Chen Keyan insisted he could not find him; the princess was helpless and vented her fury on the servants, beating some until they bled. They dared not protest—servitude had long taught them the dangers of serving a capricious master.

Two days later, King Qi, Li Jingsui, received the news and sent an escort for the princess. Seeing that Yang Lian could not be found, and with her eunuch advising that he might have gone to Jinling as well, the princess finally rallied her spirits and set off with her retinue in grand procession for Jinling.