In the narrow, pitch-black room, the girl’s muffled groan cut through the darkness like lightning, startling Liang Shaoqing beside her. The young man hurriedly crawled over, leaning close to Chu Qiao’s face, nervously whispering, “Are you awake? How are you feeling?”

Chu Qiao’s brows furrowed, opening her eyes with immense willpower. The initial confusion upon waking lasted less than a second before she spoke in a deep voice, “You fool, you’re pressing on my shoulder.”

“Ah!” Liang Shaoqing jumped back dramatically. Indeed, he had been pressing on Chu Qiao’s shoulder, causing the wound to start seeping blood again.

“I’m sorry! How are you? Are you going to die?”

Chu Qiao gave him an impatient glance, her brows knitted together as she endured waves of pain from beneath her left ribs. Having weathered great storms only to capsize in a ditch, Chu Qiao’s frustration was understandable. Fortunately, the wounds on her left ribs and shoulder weren’t deep or life-threatening, but if they remained in this filthy, chaotic slave den without treatment and cleaning, serious complications would eventually arise. She surveyed the cramped cell where one couldn’t even stand without hitting their head, with only faint light coming from above. One glance told Chu Qiao that she and the bookworm had been imprisoned in an underground dungeon as dangerous individuals.

Just then, the sound of locks opening came from above. Down the narrow ladder came two men in brown clothes, each carrying a whip as thick as a thumb, shouting in coarse voices, “You sons of bitches! Get up!”

Liang Shaoqing turned pale with fear, his limbs trembling. This scholar, raised in comfort and familiar only with classical texts, had left home for Tang Capital with enthusiasm and admiration, only to encounter various misfortunes on the way. The darkness of the world was beyond anything he could have imagined. Despite this, the timid bookworm nervously moved in front of Chu Qiao, declaring righteously, “What—what do you want? Once I get out, I’ll report you to the local officials, accusing you of forced enslavement, assaulting imperial nobles, disrespecting hierarchy, lacking manners, completely…”

With a “swoosh,” a whip suddenly struck down, hitting Liang Shaoqing’s arm. The scholar showed courage, letting out only a suppressed groan, still staring with his head held high, showing no sign of yielding.

“Dog! Even here you put on airs! Speak such nonsense again, and I’ll fill your mouth with dung. Let’s see if you still dare to talk! Damn it!”

The large man cursed, and still unsatisfied, raised his whip again. But it didn’t land on Liang Shaoqing. Chu Qiao, sitting behind him, swiftly caught the end of the whip. The large man grew angry, tugging back hard twice but couldn’t pull it free. Growing furious, he assumed an awkward horse stance and exerted force, but Chu Qiao suddenly released her grip. The man lost his balance and fell backward with a thud, his head crashing hard against the earthen wall.

“Everyone has moments of misfortune. In dealing with life, it’s best to leave yourself a way out.”

Chu Qiao’s face was pale, her tone ice-cold. The fallen man scrambled to his feet in embarrassment, shouting as he rushed forward to fight Chu Qiao. After just two steps, he involuntarily stopped. Though the young boy before him was young, his demeanor was extraordinary. Despite being severely wounded and covered in blood, his expression remained calm without a trace of panic. This rare composure and coolness set him apart from the scholars who kept threatening to report them to officials.

“Bookworm, help me up.”

Liang Shaoqing was stunned. “Get up? Where to?”

Chu Qiao gave him an impatient look. Wounded and irritable, she didn’t want to explain further, supporting herself against the wall to stand. Seeing this, Liang Shaoqing hurriedly held her hand.

“This young brother understands. Old Five, give them clothes. The market is about to open.”

They put on the coarse slave clothing—if it could be called clothing. It was merely a piece of hemp with a hole cut in the middle for the neck, the sides tucked at the waist and tied with straw rope to form a garment. Front and back both bore a large character for “slave.”

Early morning in Xianyang City was bustling. Merchants and travelers from various regions moved through the marketplace, a chaotic mixture of northern and southern accents. Small vendors called out in the streets, selling various goods—horses, grains, clothing, jewelry, wine, tobacco, tea, fruits—almost everything that could be named on the continent was available here. Looking around, it was a sea of heads, shoulders pressing against shoulders, a scene of prosperity and liveliness.

“Get in!”

The large man pushed hard, forcing the two into the cage. The massive iron cage already held seventy or eighty slaves, both male and female, old and young. The oldest were in their forties or fifties with graying hair, while the youngest were only seven or eight, sitting timidly in corners, their eyes like frightened rabbits, fearfully surveying their surroundings.

“Swoosh!”

A whip suddenly lashed in, and Chu Qiao felt a burning sensation on her back as a bloody gash opened. Seeing this, Liang Shaoqing threw himself over her, shielding her entire body. The swooshing sound of whips continued around them, and the slaves cried out in panic, huddling together in the center of the iron cage, trembling in fear.

“Behave yourselves! Major buyers are coming to select people. Anyone who causes trouble, see how I deal with you!”

The man brandished his fist, then snorted coldly before swaggering away.

The crowd slowly dispersed, with those who had been whipped moaning softly, weak and dispirited.

“Hey,” Chu Qiao’s body was burning hot. This series of exertions had made her, already severely wounded and having lost much blood, dizzy and light-headed. She gently pushed against the scholar’s shoulder, her voice hoarse as she asked, “Are you all right?”

Liang Shaoqing raised his head at her voice. He was still lying on top of Chu Qiao, and upon realizing this, he scrambled away in fright, shaking his head like a rattledrum. “I’m fine, I’m fine.”

“Help me lean over there.”

Liang Shaoqing obediently helped her lean against a corner of the cage. Chu Qiao’s brows were tightly knitted as she endured the pain from her wounds, saying in a low voice, “People will come to buy slaves soon. We must be bought and leave this place quickly.”

Liang Shaoqing was stunned. “Are we going to be slaves for someone?”

“In our current situation, we have no chance of escape.” Chu Qiao’s face was flushed red, showing signs of fever. She could barely summon the strength to speak. She slowly closed her eyes, resting her head wearily on the scholar’s shoulder, whispering, “I need to find a place to recover.”

Liang Shaoqing’s body immediately stiffened. The girl’s breath was fragrant, gently falling on his neck. The man’s face grew even redder than the feverish Chu Qiao. He nodded incoherently, speaking in broken sentences, “Yes, yes, right, what you say makes sense.”

After a while, Chu Qiao didn’t respond. Looking down, he saw that she had fallen asleep, her breathing hot, clearly feverish. Liang Shaoqing was alarmed, reaching to feel her forehead, which was burning hot. His heart instantly rose to his throat. He laid her flat, letting her head rest on his leg, yet couldn’t think of any way to escape their current predicament.

The streets of Xianyang were filled with carriages and horses, a sea of people. Just then, a procession passed along the street. The man at the front rode a snow-white stallion. His features were handsome, with a hint of charm. His eyes slanted slightly upward, his sword-like eyebrows extended into his temples, his nose bridge more prominent than most, his lips crimson, and his gaze profound. Behind him followed a large group of formidable guards, slowly moving down the street.

“Young Master,” Zhu Cheng rode up, whispering, “The water transportation office is just ahead. Zhu Ting has gone ahead to make arrangements. Envoys from Bian Tang are waiting there. Once we arrive, we can take the water route to cross the border.”

Zhuge Yue nodded slightly. His handsome appearance and grand entourage made commoners step aside. Wherever they went, people on the main street retreated like the tide. Occasionally, bold young women would glance at him with coquettish eyes, carrying hints of flirtation.

The morning sun rose, dispelling the thin fog. Zhuge Yue wore a deep blue robe with satin embroidery and a jade belt as silvery as frost. As they passed through an area of small vendors, the young noble suddenly frowned and reined in his stallion. The entire procession stopped. Everyone curiously followed Zhuge Yue’s gaze and saw stalls selling cosmetics, hair ornaments, and lanterns, one after another. In front gathered a group of young women dressed in colorful attire, selecting items to their liking. Seeing a noble young master stopping, everyone looked over excitedly, hoping his gaze was directed at them.

Zhuge Yue looked for a while, his gaze carrying an unfathomable depth. Suddenly, the man turned his horse, not looking back again, ignoring the disappointed sighs from the young women as he rode away.

Everyone was puzzled and hurriedly followed their master.

At this moment, a small vendor grabbed the sleeve of a young woman who was leaving in disappointment, asking, “Miss! Don’t you want this rabbit lantern?”

“No, no!” the woman replied impatiently, leaving with several female companions.

The loud beating of gongs and drums announced the opening of the slave market, making the entire market even more lively. Master Mu’s business was excellent today. Not only did he have a large pre-arranged deal, but he also had many small buyers. He smiled, looking at his money pouch, his bean-sized eyes narrowing to slits, revealing all his yellow teeth.

“Miss! Miss!” Liang Shaoqing lowered his voice, holding a bowl of water he had managed to get, carefully bringing it to Chu Qiao’s lips, whispering, “Wake up, drink some water.”

The crowd was chaotic. A large number of onlookers gathered in front of Master Mu’s stand, watching the slaves being displayed on the platform—some robust, others beautiful. Many buyers surrounded the cage, pointing and discussing, examining the slaves’ physiques, appearances, and teeth, just like buying livestock. Some men buying female slaves even demanded to verify the merchandise on the spot. Master Mu’s business provided full service; a row of small houses to the right was prepared exactly for these gentlemen’s moments of pleasure.

As Zhuge Yue passed by, an old man in his sixties had just purchased more than ten female slaves, all eleven or twelve years old, causing discussions among the watching commoners. Master Mu’s business was booming, making him call out even more energetically. The front was so crowded that Zhuge’s horse procession couldn’t pass through.

“Young Master, let me go ahead and check.” Yue Qi had grown up now, with a strong build and calm eyes. One glance was enough to recognize him as an accomplished swordsman.

Zhuge Yue nodded, and Yue Qi led several subordinates to clear the path ahead. Zhuge Yue’s eyes swept casually over the market when suddenly he heard the young female slaves on the platform whimpering. He turned to look and saw that these children were all around eleven or twelve years old, with some even younger at eight or nine. They were all in tattered clothes, barely covered, looking like a group of beggars. The old man, over sixty, wore nouveau riche bright red clothes embroidered with vulgar gold ingots. Now he was grinning with yellow teeth, laughing disgustingly while obscenely touching the tender faces of the young female slaves.

Zhuge Yue’s brows gradually furrowed, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust. He beckoned slightly, and Zhu Cheng immediately approached. Zhuge Yue’s expression was cold as he said in a deep voice, “Go, buy those children back.”

“Young Master?” Zhu Cheng was stunned, his young, shrewd eyes blinking as he asked, “Why buy slaves? It’s not convenient for our journey.”

“When I tell you to buy, just go and buy. Why so many questions?”

Zhu Cheng, having been scolded, shrank his neck and walked forward with squared shoulders.

Just then, a loud curse suddenly came. Zhuge Yue turned to look and saw a handsome male slave with an extraordinary temperament being kicked aside in the slave cage. He got up, his expression agitated, seemingly still trying to argue something, but from this distance, it was unclear what he was saying.

Zhuge Yue paid no further attention, but inadvertently glanced at a corner of the cage where a thin, small young boy had collapsed softly on the ground. His shoulder and clothes were obscured by other slaves in the cage, revealing only his lower body and a pair of delicate, slender hands.

In an instant, it was as if lightning had exploded in his mind! Zhuge Yue’s brows immediately furrowed, his gaze sharp as he looked over. Though it was just a hand, it felt inexplicably familiar to him, like boiling water flowing through his heart, making his entire heart surge. Without time to think, an inexplicable impulse made him dismount, pushing aside the layers of people in front, forcing his way forward.

The crowd surged in chaos, and Zhuge Yue’s forceful approach drew a wave of curses. Not caring about these, Zhuge Yue’s sword-like eyebrows knitted tightly as he struggled to reach the front, grabbing the iron bars of the cage, frowning as he looked toward where he had seen that hand.

The cage was filled with a fishy stench, with cowering bodies and terrified eyes everywhere. Many people looked cautiously in his direction, and seeing his sharp gaze and serious expression, they immediately looked away in fright.

Nothing, nothing, still nothing!

Anger rose in waves from the depths of his heart. Zhuge Yue looked again and again unwillingly but still found no trace. Had he been mistaken? The man stood angrily in front of the cage, a deep furrow forming between his brows.

“Young Master!” Yue Qi walked up through the crowd, looking curiously at Zhuge Yue, then carefully said, “The path is cleared. We can proceed now.”

“Young Master! Young Master!” Zhu Cheng rushed over, followed by more than ten girls around eleven or twelve years old. These young slave girls, suddenly sold to another master, relieved that they wouldn’t have to serve the notorious old lecher, all breathed sighs of relief. They looked timidly at their new master. These children, who had understood life’s hardships too early, were secretly delighted, their expressions immediately relaxing.

Other slaves in the cage looked at them enviously, hoping that this young master, obviously from a wealthy family, would be kind-hearted enough to buy them too.

“Young Master?” Zhu Cheng called cautiously. The Young Master was staring at the cage with a fixed gaze. Had he taken a liking to another slave?

“Let’s go.” Zhuge Yue turned around, leading his servants away from this chaotic place. Just as he turned his head, a scream of pain suddenly rang out, but it was drowned by the cheers of the crowd as a group of young female slaves was brought onto the selling platform. Zhuge Yue, unaware, led his servants away from Master Mu’s stand, riding toward the river transportation office.

The girl in her dream screamed in pain, then collapsed powerlessly into Liang Shaoqing’s arms. An elderly gentleman, holding an arrowhead, turned to Master Mu and said, “Look, such a long arrowhead. If it had remained on her shoulder for another day, even the Daoist immortals couldn’t save her!”

In a small tent behind the cage, Master Mu impatiently said, “Just keep her alive. Later, a big buyer will come. She’ll be sold mixed in with the crowd. Once she’s off my hands, I don’t care whether she lives or dies.”

With that, he walked out.

Liang Shaoqing let out a long sigh of relief and said to the doctor, “Thank you, sir.”

The doctor was kind-hearted. He sighed and said, “This young man just needs medicine, bandaging, and rest for a while. But you, beaten so severely just to get him medical attention—I see you’re also a scholar. How can you endure such suffering? What a tragedy!”

“Don’t worry, doctor. I’m fine.”

“Come here, let me check you too.”

Outside, the crowd roared. The sky was cloudless. It was already June, and the southeast climate was hot. Birds flew across the sky, adding to the lively, prosperous scene.

Zhuge Yue sat on his horse, silently pondering, not speaking for a long time.

“Young Master? Young Master?”

Zhu Cheng called several times before he heard. The young man was slightly startled and asked, “What is it?”

Zhu Cheng sighed and repeated, “This slave will go buy several horses and a carriage. These children can’t follow us to Tang Capital on foot.”

Zhuge Yue looked back and saw the group of young slave girls without mounts, forced to run after his horse with large strides. They all wore tattered clothes, their faces flushed, their small faces covered in sweat, their eyes bright and black, looking at him with a mixture of fear and hopeful flattery.

“Yes,” he nodded. “Also, buy some clothes for them to change into.”

“Understood. This slave will go now.”

As Zhu Cheng left, everyone continued forward. Behind them, subordinates whispered among themselves, saying softly, “Young Master is so kind to slaves.”

“Don’t you know? Young Master has always been gentle with slaves.”

“Shut up, all of you!” Yue Qi turned back, rebuking the whispering servants.

The procession moved on. Half an hour later, they had left the market behind, and the street gradually became quieter. In the distance, the river transportation office was already in sight.

“Young Master!”

The urgent sound of hoofbeats came from behind. Zhu Cheng, leading several servants with eight newly purchased horses, galloped up, accompanied by two carriages.

“Young Master, everything is arranged.”

Zhuge Yue nodded, his gaze lightly passing over the horses, when suddenly his brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing like a fierce leopard spotting prey.

Zhuge Yue rode forward, approaching a jet-black stallion. This horse was different from the others. Seeing him approach, it was very alert. Although tied up, it still cautiously retreated two steps, regarding him with suspicious eyes, uneasily pawing the ground with its hooves. It was covered in wounds, clearly having been severely beaten before.

“Meteor?”

The low voice sounded, and the horse’s ears immediately pricked up, looking at him with delight. Zhuge Yue’s expression changed dramatically, and he continued in a low voice, “Meteor, is it you?”

The horse neighed happily, affectionately moving forward, nuzzling Zhuge Yue’s palm with its nose, snorting joyfully, clearly delighted to see a familiar person.

“Where did you buy this horse?”

“Just, just at the horse market ahead.”

“Take me there.”

Zhu Cheng said, “Young Master, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we—”

“Take me there!”

Zhuge Yue’s cold command, his expression stern, startled Zhu Cheng, who immediately fell to his knees, hurriedly saying, “This slave obeys.”

They galloped to the horse market. The horse dealer, thinking there was a problem with his horse, rushed forward to inquire.

“This horse, where did you get it?”

The horse dealer’s expression changed, and he smiled, saying, “Young Master jests. This is my horse, raised by me since it was young.”

Zhuge Yue’s face darkened as he said in a deep voice, “I’ll ask you once more: where did you get it?”

“I, I’m not lying!”

“Will you speak or not!” With a swoosh, Yue Qi drew his sword, placing it against the man’s neck, shouting harshly.

“Great Master, spare me, spare me this once.” The man fell to his knees with a thud, shouting, “I found it recently when passing Tang Ma Ridge. I saw it had no owner, wandering by itself, so I took it. I had no idea it belonged to you, Great Master. If I had known, I wouldn’t have dared to steal it, even with ten lives to spare!”

“Hya!”

Zhuge Yue turned his horse around and headed back the way they had come. Zhu Cheng was stunned, stepping forward to ask, “Young Master, where are we going?”

Zhuge Yue’s sword-like eyebrows rose, his expression cold, but his eyes carried an undisguisable heat. In a low tone, he slowly said, “To buy slaves.”

The streets were bustling. Where the procession passed, people scattered. Zhuge Yue galloped furiously, his deep blue robe fluttering in the wind like the massive wings of an eagle. The thunder of hooves raised rolling clouds of dust.