These men, accustomed to handling troublesome women in the Prince’s residence, had dealt with all sorts—those with connections, the feisty ones—none could withstand their fists. Yet today, they found themselves bested by the seemingly weakest of them all.
The leader, unwilling to accept defeat, spat and said, “All at once, even two fists can’t beat four hands.”
A mere woman, he refused to believe she could cause an uproar on their turf!
Ming Yi pursed her lips, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. In the past, she wouldn’t have feared these men, even if there were ten more. But times had changed, and she needed to focus on handling them now.
These lowly servants lacked elemental power, relying only on brute strength. Even so, in the narrow path, they had the advantage, charging at her with confidence.
Ming Yi summoned her domain, transforming energy into form. Six orbs of light floated gently before crashing down with the weight of Mount Tai. The two servants at the front, unprepared, were crushed into the stone path, foaming at the mouth. One, however, reacted quickly, dodging her power and swinging a club at her.
Ming Yi drew from the air, her energy forming a nine-section whip. With a flick, she snapped the club in two, then wrapped the whip around his neck. After a moment’s thought, she eased her grip, merely tossing him aside without lethal intent.
Another quick one tried to flank her from behind, aiming a hand chop at her neck. Without turning, she kicked back, sending him flying.
Her dress was elaborate and heavy, and after just a few moves, sweat trickled down her forehead, carrying a hint of her scented powder.
“Really?” she muttered, quickly pulling out a compact from her waist pouch to touch up her makeup amidst the groans of pain around her.
Someone nearby gasped.
Startled, Ming Yi angled her compact to see the source of the sound. Reflected in the mirror was a young face, wide-eyed with shock.
Oh no. She frowned. Her elemental power had regressed to the point she hadn’t noticed someone nearby.
To make matters worse, she heard the laughter of Shu Zhonglin and others approaching from behind: “I told you the new girl has an amazing figure. If you don’t believe me, let Xiuyuan take you to see her someday.”
The footsteps grew closer, just a turn away from seeing her.
Ming Yi panicked, glanced around, and without further thought, dashed to the astonished child, dropping to her knees, “Thank you, young master, for saving me!”
The boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen, stumbled back in surprise, “Miss?”
“The young master was so brave just now. I am deeply grateful and will surely inform Lord Ji to reward you handsomely.”
Ji Bozai, turning the corner with the others, caught her words, and his previously unsettled heart was soothed. It was said that young women loved the hero-saving-damsel trope, and his girl was loyal, bringing him up first to avoid suspicion even when saved by another.
Some men couldn’t remain faithful themselves, but they loved women who were, especially those who couldn’t live without them. That was ideal.
Ming Yi understood this, so she sincerely said, “I have already promised to Lord Ji. To avoid any misunderstandings, I shall take my leave.”
She rose gracefully, her skirt forming a perfect arc, then bumped into Ji Bozai, her face shifting from surprise to grievance and fear as she clung to him, “My lord!”
Ji Bozai caught her, glancing at the fallen men, “What happened?”
“I don’t know,” she pinched her thigh, tears welling up quickly, “A maid said the Princess invited me to watch a play in the back courtyard. I followed her here, only to encounter these thieves. Thankfully, this young master saved me.”
She pointed delicately at the men on the ground, then at the distant boy, her lips trembling with lingering fear.
The men on the ground were stunned. Was this the same person who had just punched and kicked them?
However, their injuries were severe, leaving them unable to speak.
The boy, named Situ Ling, was also bewildered. This might have been the most powerful moment of his life. But the sister was pretty, winking for his help, so he saw no harm in obliging.
He stepped forward, cupping his hands to Ji Bozai, “I am Situ Ling, just passing by. No thanks necessary.”
Ji Bozai gave him a second look, “To have such elemental power at a young age, your future is bright.”
It was rare for him to praise someone as having a bright future. Shu Zhonglin and the others couldn’t help but scrutinize the boy, but Ji Bozai, having said his piece, took Ming Yi away, leaving Buxiu to handle the gratitude.
“Are you hurt?” he asked softly.
Ming Yi leaned carefully against him, “No, but what’s wrong with you, my lord? You’ve seemed disinterested since earlier.”
The unresolved case had been overturned by her few words, so it was no wonder he was in a foul mood.
“Just sleepy from the wine,” he casually excused.
The person beside him nodded understandingly, “Then let me accompany you back.”
The moon hung high, and the beauty nestled at his side, her scent faintly floral.
Ji Bozai suddenly asked, “Why didn’t you ask me to find out who wanted to harm you?”
Ming Yi helped him down the steps, not lifting her head, “Who else could it be, someone who can walk freely in the Prince’s residence without a mask? What is my status compared to hers? If I made a fuss, wouldn’t that trouble you?”
She had heard from the inner courtyard dancers that the lives of women in the grand residences were cheaper than grass. A mere dancer, if smothered and thrown into a pond in an accident, wouldn’t even be investigated. Even if it were, it would be useless.
Ji Bozai raised an eyebrow, “You seem to take it lightly.”
“I’m here to serve, not to be served. I can’t trouble you,” Ming Yi waved her hand, “As long as I’m alive, I won’t demand you to stand up for me. Rest assured, my lord.”
These were clever words, spoken lightly, but for some reason, Ming Yi sensed that they improved his mood considerably.
She shivered, wondering if she had caused him trouble today.
Reflecting carefully, Ming Yi suddenly hiccuped in fright.
“What, still hungry?” he teased.
She lowered her eyes, quickly replying in a soft voice, “I’m still shaken, and you tease me, my lord.”
Ji Bozai laughed, leading her back to the banquet, holding her in his arms as before.
Ming Yi looked at the pork in front of her but found she couldn’t eat.
What had she said earlier? At the inner courtyard banquet, those who could access the deceased were not only the dancers but also the officials—if she remembered correctly, Wei Hongfei and Zou Wancheng both got up to toast, and they toasted the same person.
Her neck stiffened as she turned slightly.
Ji Bozai, handsome and composed, sat drinking, drawing frequent glances from the women at the table.
Sensing her gaze, he turned to her, asking gently, “What’s wrong?”