The dark prison cell stank horribly, with nauseating odors everywhere.

As soon as Chu Qiao and Liang Shaoqing entered, whistles came from all directions with people calling out: “Hey! Look! That kid is back again!”

The jailer lashed his whip at each cell, shouting angrily: “All of you behave yourselves! Itching for a beating?”

Chu Qiao turned her head to see Liang Shaoqing smiling awkwardly at her: “Hehe, they’re all… all acquaintances. I’ve been wandering around here for a few days recently.”

At moments like these, Chu Qiao always deeply marveled at the Creator’s wonders. She looked at Liang Shaoqing but couldn’t say a word, feeling that even getting angry would be a waste of energy. Fine, she admitted it—she had killed people and robbed goods, committed too many sins, and Heaven was finally beginning to punish her.

Pushed into a cell, the jailer yelled a few times, locked the door, and went off cursing to drink. Chu Qiao looked around and saw more than ten people in the cell. Although it was still daytime, the entire prison had only one skylight in the main hall. It was pitch dark inside, and even with Chu Qiao’s good eyesight, she could only make out vague shapes.

The inmates inside looked at the newcomers with hostile eyes. Some even deliberately moved to occupy what little space remained.

Liang Shaoqing was very familiar with this place. The scholar who usually spoke righteously and morally now seemed to lack courage. He naturally shrank beside Chu Qiao and whispered: “Xiao Qiao, the people here are very fierce.”

However, as soon as he finished speaking, several piercing screams suddenly rang out. Chu Qiao stepped forward, and when one person tried to trip her by extending his leg, she kicked in response. With a crack, the person’s leg bone immediately dislocated. The man curled up in a ball, howling in pain.

“Move aside!” Chu Qiao said to the shadowy prisoners without even looking at them as she walked straight ahead.

Prison was just such a place—bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Seeing this young man in luxurious clothes and displaying remarkable skills, who would dare provoke him? In moments, a space opened up against a wall. Chu Qiao sat down on her knees without speaking. Liang Shaoqing hurriedly ran over, sat down right next to Chu Qiao, and then, with an arrogant air, pointed at the people around them and said in the tone he’d learned over the past few days: “Behave yourselves! Don’t think about bullying people!”

Ah!

Chu Qiao almost wanted to cry. She buried her head in her hands, depressed to the point of wanting to die.

“What exactly did this guy eat growing up?” the young woman groaned painfully.

But Liang Shaoqing had sharp ears. He turned his head and politely answered: “The five grains, every grain obtained through the commoners’ hard work. I’ve never been picky about food since childhood. I eat everything, just to fill my stomach, no need to be choosy.”

Eyes darkening and head spinning, Chu Qiao strongly resisted the urge to slap him and was completely speechless.

“Who? Who’s causing trouble?”

The jailer, hearing the screams, immediately rushed over, waving his club as if his backside was on fire, shouting: “Who’s causing trouble? Don’t want to live anymore?”

The prisoners in the cell immediately looked at Chu Qiao with tacit understanding. The young woman’s face was cold, her eyes like frost, slightly raised at an angle. She gave the jailer a cold look but didn’t speak.

The jailer had lived in the capital his whole life and was accustomed to seeing high officials and nobles. He had developed a discerning eye. Seeing this young master who was not old, dressed in fine clothes, with an extraordinary temperament, cold to everyone, and appearing fearless, he secretly thought: Could he be the son of some great family? Though face was important, life was more so. Seeing Chu Qiao’s appearance, the jailer immediately deflated, grumbling neither harshly nor softly: “You, that one, behave yourself.”

Then he slunk away.

Liang Shaoqing immediately expressed profound admiration for Chu Qiao, saying: “Xiao Qiao, you’re more fierce. Even he fears you.”

Chu Qiao didn’t like responding to him. When they had just entered, she had already roughly surveyed the layout. Escaping from this place wouldn’t be difficult, as it was just a low-security prison holding petty thieves. The problem was how to bring along this idiot Liang Shaoqing.

The sky gradually darkened. The jailer came to deliver food once. Chu Qiao nearly vomited at the sight, but Liang Shaoqing ate happily. It seemed he truly wasn’t lying about not being picky with food. This bookworm always had an unusual ability to adapt. No matter what environment he was in, he could quickly integrate and find a tenacious will to survive.

As the sky gradually darkened, Chu Qiao sat there with her eyes closed. She was waiting. Two inmates were still awake, and since she didn’t want to hurt anyone, she had to wait until the dead of night to pick the lock and escape. For poorly made locks like these, she could pick two hundred in the time it takes to burn a stick of incense.

Liang Shaoqing slept contentedly, with a rather decent sleeping posture. This bookworm seemed to look somewhat human only when asleep, though he was sleeping, leaning on Chu Qiao’s shoulder.

At midnight, the entire prison was quiet, filled with the unpleasant smell of men’s sweat and the sound of thunderous snoring. Chu Qiao carefully nudged Liang Shaoqing’s arm and covered his mouth before his incessant talking could begin. She lowered her voice and said: “Shut up, don’t speak, follow me.”

Liang Shaoqing’s eyes showed a moment of confusion. He rubbed his eyes, looking at Chu Qiao in bewilderment, slightly furrowing his brows, seemingly not understanding what she wanted to do.

Seeing him not making a sound, Chu Qiao carefully approached the door, moving as lightly as a cat, without making any noise. A dagger, a thin copper wire, and a hook lock were the three items Chu Qiao always carried on her person. In any environment, she would find ways to quickly replenish them, never allowing herself to be at a disadvantage. And when they had entered the prison, seeing her dressed luxuriously and composed, the guard hadn’t dared to search her.

With a soft “click” in the darkness, the lock opened. Just as Chu Qiao was about to turn back to pull Liang Shaoqing along, she heard the man behind her suddenly let out an “Ah!”

Fortunately, the sound wasn’t loud and didn’t wake the others. Only one fellow prisoner turned over. Chu Qiao turned back, glaring at the scholar. Liang Shaoqing pointed at her, stammering for a long time before finally accusing in a low voice: “Xiao Qiao, you can’t do this! This is breaking the law!”

Chu Qiao nearly fainted. She fiercely lowered her voice and demanded: “Are you coming or not?”

Liang Shaoqing complained pitifully: “Xiao Qiao, we’ve only committed a minor offense. We’ll be released in a few days. But once we break out of prison, it becomes a major crime.”

The young woman was so angry her teeth itched. She turned to leave alone, but Liang Shaoqing immediately panicked and lunged forward. The straw on the ground crackled under his feet as he grabbed her, saying nervously: “I’ll go, I’ll go, don’t leave me behind!”

However, by now it was too late to leave. The sound of chaotic footsteps suddenly echoed in the corridor. Shadows flickered, suggesting that a large group of people was approaching.

Liang Shaoqing immediately turned pale with fear. The people were coming so quickly that there was no time for any action. Chu Qiao pulled Liang Shaoqing back to their original place and sat down. Sure enough, the next moment, many prisoners heard the noise and opened their eyes groggily.

“Sir… please come this way.”

The jailer’s voice rang out flatteringly. Subsequently, about twenty soldiers in dark red official uniforms entered, carrying swords. They walked directly to Chu Qiao’s cell and stood firm. Each held a sword in one hand and a bright torch in the other. An official in his forties with a long beard walked in, standing before the cell door. He appeared quite imposing and asked in a deep voice: “Is it here?”

The jailer immediately bowed repeatedly, saying: “In response to Your Excellency, yes, it is.”

Chu Qiao vaguely knew that these people must have come for her. Perhaps it was Li Ce looking for her, or perhaps the pro-Xia faction from the Bian Tang court. Of course, it could also be local officials bribed by Da Xia, wanting to abduct her secretly.

She sat there quietly, lifting her head, her fingers slowly moving toward her boot where a cold dagger was hidden. Her entire body tensed as she calculated the terrain for escape and her chances if she had to fight.

At this moment, the official suddenly bowed towards the other side of the corridor and smiled: “Young Master, the person you’re looking for is inside.”

Then, the sound of rustling clothes slowly arose, footsteps neither hurried nor slow. A dark shadow first revealed its head in the torchlight, followed by an azure-white embroidered boot, a deep purple robe embroidered with dark gold auspicious cloud patterns, a white jade belt, and a tall figure. The man had slanting sword-like eyebrows, a face like white jade, crimson lips, and eyes like deep snow, looking calmly at Chu Qiao. That expression, that gaze—Chu Qiao could almost hear his unspoken subtext: “You fool!”

The Bian Tang official addressed Zhuge Yue flatteringly: “Young Master Zhuge, my subordinate was negligent and disrespectful.”

Zhuge Yue courteously nodded and said: “It’s just that they didn’t identify themselves. It was merely a misunderstanding, Your Excellency need not be concerned.”

The official breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the jailer, saying sternly: “Release them immediately!”

The old man hurriedly entered, but just as he was about to unlock the door, the lock fell open on its own, though he hadn’t even taken out the key yet.

The expressions of both the jailer and the official immediately became extremely ugly. The official quietly cursed: “Useless fellow!”

The jailer looked as if he had eaten bitter herbs, his face contorted with misery.

Zhuge Yue naturally knew what had happened. His gaze passed lightly over Chu Qiao’s face, the corner of his mouth twitching as he let out a faint snort.

Chu Qiao lowered her head, wishing she could bury it in her chest. This was truly humiliating.

Liang Shaoqing walked out of the cell in a daze amid the jailer’s more than ten pleas for forgiveness. Zhuge Yue was heard saying to the official: “Let me introduce you. This is the son of Magistrate Liang Shutang of Shangyu County in Da Xia, Young Master Liang Shaoqing. Magistrate Liang is an old friend of mine, and Shaoqing is also my friend. He came to Bian Tang to study but unexpectedly became involved in this misunderstanding.”

“So he’s Magistrate Liang’s son. Please forgive this official’s neglect.”

Liang Shaoqing suddenly realized and pointed at Zhuge Yue, saying: “Oh! So you’re a friend of my father’s. But why haven’t I seen you before?”

Zhuge Yue and the official immediately turned pale. Chu Qiao couldn’t help but helplessly want to bang her head against the wall and kill herself. Couldn’t he understand what they meant?

Zhuge Yue hadn’t expected to encounter someone so skilled at playing dumb, throwing punches completely without regard for proper form. He coughed lightly and said with a serious face: “Magistrate Liang and I haven’t seen each other for many years. When I visited his residence, Young Master Liang was still young and didn’t remember me, which is understandable.”

Poor Liang Shaoqing—he didn’t look much younger than Zhuge Yue, and might even be a year or two older, yet in their conversation, he had already been relegated to the younger generation. Zhuge Yue pointed at someone of similar age to himself while repeatedly claiming “you were young back then,” without even blushing or breathing hard—his composure was truly extraordinary.

Seeing that Liang Shaoqing was about to speak again and fearing he might say something even more earth-shattering, the perceptive official quickly said: “Since that’s the case, please come with me. Reminiscing in this place is hardly pleasant.”

Zhuge Yue smiled and said: “Indeed.” Then he turned to Liang Shaoqing and said: “Young Master Liang, shall we?”

Liang Shaoqing politely cupped his hands and smiled, straightened his tattered clothes, shook the straw from his sleeves, and strode forward.

Seeing Chu Qiao still standing in place, Zhuge Yue slowly looked over, his eyes carrying their usual mockery and ridicule, and said in a deep voice: “Aren’t you coming? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?”

With that, he turned and left.

It was indeed embarrassing enough.

Chu Qiao sighed helplessly and followed behind.

The jailer wiped away sweat in terror, never expecting that young man to have such powerful connections. Fortunately, he hadn’t mistreated him much. Still, it was strange—why had no one come to rescue him during his previous stays?

In the dim light, prisoners peered out through the cell doors, their eyes still heavy with sleep. Seeing no further excitement, they returned to their slumber.

It was nearly dawn when they left the prison. A faint whiteness showed at the edge of the sky. The sedan chair stopped in a long alley, and Zhuge Yue stood in the middle of it. The morning mist fell on his shoulders, giving him an additional air of elegance through the haze.

The man’s gaze was indifferent, as if looking at nothing in particular. Chu Qiao stood before him, slightly awkward. After thinking for a long time, she finally said softly: “Thank you…”

Before she could finish, Zhuge Yue suddenly laughed coldly and turned his head away, as if unwilling to hear more.

Chu Qiao took a deep breath and said: “I know it’s boring to say this every time we meet, but I’m truly grateful. You’ve helped me again.”

Zhuge Yue slightly lowered his head, narrowing his eyes, and said in a cold voice: “Weren’t you going to Yan Bei? Why are you still lingering here?”

Chu Qiao lowered her head and remained silent.

Irritation flashed in the man’s eyes as he said in a deep voice: “I’ll send people to escort you immediately.”

“No need!” Chu Qiao hurriedly said.

Zhuge Yue’s brow slowly furrowed. He looked deeply at Chu Qiao, his gaze like a sharp knife piercing her, as if wanting to cut through flesh and blood.

Chu Qiao’s voice was small, carrying a hint of difficulty: “I still have something to do…”

“What thing?”

“I’m sorry… I can’t say.”

Indeed, how could she say it? Should she tell him that Yan Xun had already come to Bian Tang, that he was the one called Liu Xi?

Zhuge Yue’s gaze gradually turned icy. Chu Qiao quickly explained: “I’m sorry, it’s a matter of great importance. You and I stand on different sides. I really can’t…”

“Enough!”

Zhuge Yue frowned tightly and turned away, unwilling to hear more. With his back to them, he said in a deep voice: “Anyway, you always have many reasons. I’ve never been anyone important to you, so there’s no need for me to inquire about your affairs. You may leave.”

At this moment, Liang Shaoqing, who had been following behind, suddenly stepped forward. This man, whose heart was so broad he could fall asleep in the sedan chair, emerged with sleepy eyes just in time to witness Zhuge Yue’s cold words to Chu Qiao. Immediately feeling a sense of shared indignation, he righteously stood before Chu Qiao and said solemnly: “Young master! Although you helped us, we could have gotten out without you—we would just have stayed inside a few more days. You may be an old acquaintance of my father, but how can you be so rude to my friend?”

Zhuge Yue frowned, glancing at him sideways, and asked Chu Qiao questioningly: “He is your friend?”

Even a fool could hear the mockery in Zhuge Yue’s voice. Chu Qiao steeled herself and nodded, saying: “Haven’t… haven’t known him for long…”

Heaven knows, Chu Qiao wasn’t trying to hide anything—she simply thought this man was too embarrassing.

“Xiao Qiao! What are you saying? We’ve shared hardships and joys, slept and suffered together. Have you forgotten? What do you mean by ‘haven’t known him for long’?”

Liang Shaoqing was displeased with Chu Qiao’s apparent disregard for their friendship.

Shared hardships and joys? Chu Qiao glared at him. Wasn’t it more like she had been dragged down by him and suffered misfortune because of him?

Before she could speak, a cold voice came from the side. The man in deep purple finery suddenly had a gloomy look in his eyes: “Slept together?”

“Young master! What kind of look is that? Although you helped me, you cannot insult Xiao Qiao with your gaze!” Liang Shaoqing said loudly. “I’ve already decided to return to Shangyu immediately. After reporting to my parents, I will marry Xiao Qiao.”

The bookworm’s attitude was resolute, his gaze seeming to say: See, I am a responsible man.

“Marry?” Zhuge Yue’s expression could no longer be described merely as murderous. He looked coldly at Chu Qiao and said in an icy tone: “You’re staying in Tang capital instead of leaving because of him?”

Chu Qiao quickly shook her head: “No, no…”

“Xiao Qiao, don’t deny it.” Liang Shaoqing patted Chu Qiao’s shoulder and said: “Don’t worry, I will marry you.”

Chu Qiao’s headache intensified. The words “grief” and “indignation” were completely inadequate to describe her current feelings. She looked at Liang Shaoqing, no longer able to contain her rage, and suddenly raised her fist, smashing it down on his head:

“Who wants to marry you?! Is there something wrong with your brain?! Why am I so unlucky whenever I meet you? You idiot! Did I owe you something in my past life?!”

A piercing scream immediately echoed throughout the long alley. The grief and indignation that had been suppressed in Chu Qiao for a day and night finally erupted, gushing forth like a tsunami!

Zhuge Yue quickly stepped back to avoid becoming collateral damage. Liang Shaoqing cried out while being beaten: “Do not speak improperly, do not look improperly, do not act improperly!”

“A gentleman should be open and forthright! We can talk this through! Ah! Xiao Qiao, calm down! If you don’t marry me, who will you marry? My family is very wealthy! Ah! Xiao Qiao, have mercy!”

Zhuge Yue stood with his arms folded, leaning against the wall with a slanted gaze, watching with great interest as Liang Shaoqing was beaten.

Fortunately, Chu Qiao still retained a shred of reason and didn’t use her full strength. But by the time Yue Qi and the others rescued Liang Shaoqing from Chu Qiao’s hands, the resilient man—as tenacious as a cockroach—was barely half alive. He was still mumbling: “Xiao Qiao, your shyness is a bit excessive…”

Chu Qiao stood there panting, her cheeks flushed, her eyes filled with lively vigor.

Zhuge Yue looked at her in the thick morning mist. Though dressed as a man, her disheveled hair gave her a girlish charm.

For a moment, the narrow, deep alley was silent. Their gazes were eloquent, like spring mulberry leaves being nibbled by cicadas in the season of blooming flowers.

“When will you leave?”

Chu Qiao was startled, then replied: “Soon, I suppose.”

“Come see me before you go.”

Chu Qiao was immediately taken aback. She raised her head, but Zhuge Yue had already turned away, saying: “Mo’er wants to see you.”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao nodded, “I’ll try, but I might not have the chance. You know, in my current situation…”

“Alright, say no more.” Zhuge Yue immediately interrupted her, then said: “Next time if officials like these cause trouble, you can mention my name.”

Chu Qiao shook her head. Seeing Zhuge Yue’s expression change with signs of anger, she quickly said: “I’m afraid I would implicate you.”

These simple words immediately dispelled his displeasure.

Zhuge Yue turned around, his expression hidden, but his voice was unusually calm: “Those people? I don’t consider them worth my attention.”

Staying any longer seemed pointless. Chu Qiao said softly: “Well then, I’ll go.”

Zhuge Yue remained silent. Just as Chu Qiao was about to speak again, a faint voice came from ahead: “Go then.”

Chu Qiao called Liang Shaoqing, who had quickly recovered his vitality. The two passed in front of Zhuge Yue.

Chu Qiao said in a low voice: “It seems major events are brewing in Bian Tang. They’re unstable internally. Be careful in your actions.”

Zhuge Yue’s expression didn’t change. His handsome face had a kind of bewitching beauty in the sunlight. He didn’t speak.

Having met with this gentle rebuff, Chu Qiao stepped back and walked forward.

Liang Shaoqing immediately followed, but Zhuge Yue suddenly said to him: “You, be careful.”

“Huh?” Liang Shaoqing was stunned, then thought Zhuge Yue was cautioning him to be careful in his actions. He quickly nodded and smiled kindly: “You too. Be careful of pickpockets when you’re out. Bian Tang’s laws are lenient, and Tang capital is full of thieves. I’ve encountered them several times already.”

Completely exasperated and unwilling to see Zhuge Yue’s expression, Chu Qiao grabbed Liang Shaoqing and stomped hard on his foot, saying angrily: “Can’t you talk less?”

“Ah! Xiao Qiao, that hurts!”

“Let’s go!”

Liang Shaoqing was pulled by Chu Qiao and nearly fell. Even when they were far away, he kept turning back to wave enthusiastically at Zhuge Yue, calling out: “Come visit me in Shangyu sometime! Until we meet again! Watch out for pickpockets!”

The morning sunlight finally pierced through the thick mist, spilling onto the ground in a flash of golden radiance!