Chapter Fifty-Six: Departing Chang'an Amidst Wind and Snow

At some indeterminate moment, the sky began to fill with sweeping flurries of snow, transforming the streets, houses, and trees into a world draped in silver. Chang’an, adorned in its wintry finery, became stunningly beautiful.

Lu Liao left Lu Jiu’s courtyard, scarcely aware of how she found herself standing before the gates of the Jade Truth Temple. The dying always reach for a straw to save themselves. Only as she drew near did she realize that the straw she had hoped to grasp had already, weary of the city’s endless rumors, departed days ago; the princess had taken her disciples, Gongsu Xiaoye and the young priest Gu Ye, and left for a retreat in Huashan.

She caught some snowflakes and scrubbed them fiercely across her face, finally realizing how unsettled she had become. With matters so grave, it hardly mattered that the princess was absent—she wouldn’t have dared to confide in her, and even if she did, the princess could offer no help.

It seemed Lu Jiu only intended to use this matter as leverage, not to expose her. This journey to Lingzhou was unavoidable.

Feigning calm, she returned home, resolving not to tell Tang Xiaoqi. No matter how dire, she would bear it alone; there was no need for Tang to share her anxiety and fear.

She visited the blacksmith’s shop in the Western Market, instructing Hu Xiaoyun to arrange for several disciples of the Qingyun Society to watch over her household. She discreetly ordered Guo Yan to send some vagrants to keep an eye on the surroundings. After conferring with the heads of several factions, she arranged multiple routes for escape, and only then did she await Lu Jiu’s summons with a measure of peace.

The snow cleared, and Lu Jiu arrived at the Wellness Hall, bearing a gift box.

Hearing the infamous woman was coming, Tang Xiaoqi took rare care to dress herself beautifully. She selected some jewelry gifted by the Jade Truth Princess, and with her radiant allure and poised bearing, she strode into Lu Liao’s study, embodying the role of mistress of the house.

Lu Jiu, clad in a snow-white marten coat and fox-fur hat set with a piece of green jade, surveyed Tang Xiaoqi with her bright eyes, showing no less brilliance than Tang herself.

She gave Lu Liao a meaningful look. “Lu Liao, you are truly blessed.”

With that, she ignored Tang Xiaoqi and strode away with Qing’er.

Tang Xiaoqi, full of indignation, glared at Lu Liao. “What did that witch come for this time?”

Lu Liao pushed the gift box toward Tang Xiaoqi. “See for yourself.”

Tang Xiaoqi opened it, and inside was a property deed—the very house next door that her father and she had long coveted but never managed to acquire.

“She’s giving such a heavy gift. What’s her scheme?” Tang Xiaoqi eyed Lu Liao with suspicion.

“It’s not a gift. She just wants your husband to accompany her caravan to Lingzhou. The deed is the payment.” Lu Liao smiled ruefully.

“Just for escorting her caravan to Lingzhou, she gives a house? What trick is she playing? She surely has ulterior motives,” Tang Xiaoqi said angrily.

“Whatever her scheme, she isn’t going to eat your husband. One trip for a house—such a bargain, and the family won’t be so cramped anymore.” Lu Liao smiled.

Tang Xiaoqi sensed Lu Liao was hiding something and looked at him pitifully. “Must you go?”

Lu Liao drew Tang Xiaoqi into his arms and gently patted her. “I must.” Tang Xiaoqi’s heart grew heavy.

That night, he knocked on Monk Wuhua’s door, and the monk silently led him into the room.

“I have to leave for a while. Please watch over my house. If anything unexpected happens, make sure you take Tang Xiaoqi away and shelter her in your temple. I have other arrangements for the rest.”

Lu Liao gazed at Wuhua with grave sincerity.

“You’re preparing to flee Chang’an?” Wuhua asked, surprised.

“It’s not certain that anything will happen, but it’s prudent to have backup plans,” Lu Liao replied, shaking his head.

Seeing that Lu Liao wouldn’t tell him more, Wuhua nodded seriously.

On a stormy morning, Lu Liao kicked Hu Laoda, who was busy gossiping with Ping’er, and the three mounted their horses to join the Sihai Chamber of Commerce caravan.

The Sihai caravan was indeed impressive: more than forty heavily laden wagons flanked by at least fifty skilled guards. These guards, upright on their steeds and undaunted by the biting wind, looked more like a small elite force than mere escorts.

Lu Liao and Wang Shiyi rode as guards on either side of Lu Jiu’s carriage, expressionless. Unlike Wang Shiyi, who sat rigid and unwavering, Lu Liao nearly shrank into his collar, bored by the monotonous scenery. Yet he sensed, through the curtains, a gaze occasionally lingering on him.

Perhaps his comical appearance drew a soft, melodic laugh from within the carriage—a young woman’s voice, not Qing’er’s sweet tones, nor Lu Jiu’s clear and cold, authoritative voice. Who was this woman inside?

At noon, the caravan stopped for a meal. Lu Jiu and the mysterious woman remained unseen. Wang Shiyi stood like a post by the carriage, while Lu Liao approached the kitchen. He was handed a bowl of fine rice and a generous ladle of stewed lamb.

Hu Laoda and Zhou Liuzi came over, eyeing the bowl. Hu Laoda said with envy, “Young master’s privilege! We and the guards get millet and lamb broth. You get white rice and all meat.”

Lu Liao impatiently extended the bowl. “If you want it, take it.”

Hu Laoda reached eagerly, but the bowl vanished like a magic trick. Looking closely, they saw a boy of about fifteen, dressed as a guard, holding the lamb and blowing on it with relish.

Hu Laoda shouted angrily, “Where did this brat come from, daring to snatch food from your Uncle Hu?”

Lu Liao waved him off. “Don’t shout. So, Ning Jiao, you’re here too?”

Ning Jiao wiped his mouth. “A hundred taels for the trip—how could I miss such a lucrative job?”

“Didn’t Wuhua give you a share last time?” Lu Liao asked.

“Most went to the farm, the rest Lan’er keeps for me. Chang’an’s not easy to live in. My son calls me father now; I have to make money.” With that, Ning Jiao devoured the contents of the bowl.

The three men exchanged wry smiles. None of them had families, yet this boy’s son already called him father.

“The Big Sister told me to keep an eye on you. She said your sword skills are strong, but you lack experience in the world.” With these words, Ning Jiao slipped away, leaving Lu Liao with a sweet feeling. He thought, does he really need this boy’s protection? Gu Xihua worries too much.

The caravan moved on, and a snow-white, translucent hand reached out from the carriage window, offering a delicate pastry. Lu Liao took it without hesitation and swallowed it in a few bites.

“Next time, get as much as you want from the kitchen. On the road, forget scholarly pride. Don’t let yourself go hungry when you’re needed.” Lu Jiu’s cold voice sounded from inside.

Lu Liao, chastened by her words, opened his mouth several times but said nothing.

It was common for the caravan to camp in the wild. As dusk fell, the guards deftly set up the camp. Lu Liao had no chores to do; he simply stayed close to Lu Jiu with Wang Shiyi.

Darkness fully settled before Lu Jiu finally stepped out, dressed in men’s attire, her beautiful face expressionless. But the young woman who followed made Lu Liao’s eyes light up. Her skin was snowy, brows like distant mountains, a refined nose, and deep blue eyes like the sea. She was not much older than Lu Jiu or Tang Xiaoqi, yet possessed a mature charm.

“Hmph!” Lu Jiu clearly disliked Lu Liao’s expression, snorting coldly.

The young woman smiled and bowed slightly. “Emir greets Master Lu.”

Lu Liao was surprised. “You know me?”

“We’ve traveled together all day. I could see you huddled in the window. And I’ve heard Ninth Young Master praise you countless times. Isn’t that knowing you?” Emir replied with a smile.

“Emir! How can you say such things?” Lu Jiu’s face flushed instantly.

“What’s wrong with a little praise? Don’t be shy to admit it.” Lu Liao said, pleased with himself.

“You look so soft, nothing like someone formidable. Ninth Young Master must have praised the wrong person. Hehe!” Emir laughed and walked away.

“Where did you find such a beautiful foreign girl? Where’s Qing’er—tired of her and want a new flavor?” Lu Liao grinned wickedly at Lu Jiu.

“Get lost!” Since meeting Lu Liao again, Lu Jiu found herself wanting to kill him more often.

Lu Liao obediently withdrew and found a spot to sit alone.

He’d frequented foreign taverns often enough; Emir meant ‘princess,’ and Lu Liao understood. The disappearance of a princess from the Yang Mansion, Lu Jiu using Tang Xiaoqi as leverage to force him on this journey to Lingzhou, and now a girl named Emir appearing in the caravan—it was no coincidence. Lu Jiu had dragged him onto a pirate ship.

A round moon rose, peeking through the clouds at the world below. Zhou Liuzi brought a parcel of cooked meat, and seeing Lu Liao deep in thought, left quietly.

Holding a piece of lamb, Lu Liao found himself unable to eat. Light footsteps approached, and he turned to see Emir tiptoeing to his side, grabbing a piece of meat and taking a bite.

“What, Lu Jiu doesn’t let you eat?” Lu Liao laughed.

“You’ve upset her again. She’s hardly eating, so I couldn’t eat much either—only here can I eat enough.” Emir spoke as if it were perfectly natural.

Seeing Emir eat with such gusto, Lu Liao’s appetite returned and he quickly finished his meat, grabbing another. Emir, her mouth still full, grabbed another too, and together they devoured the parcel until nothing remained.

Looking at the paper, swept clean of even crumbs, their greasy hands, the two exchanged a smile and burst into hearty laughter.