The Tang Clan of Shu was renowned throughout the world for their use of poisons. Everyone in the martial arts world knew of the Tang Clan. Its members excelled in hidden weapons and poisons. Legend had it that the clan’s disciples operated in mysterious ways, making it difficult for ordinary people to track their movements.
The handkerchief in Han Yan’s possession was a specially treated Shu brocade, also known as Tian Guang brocade, that had been soaked in the Tang Clan’s medicinal solutions. In the past, the women of the Tang Clan were proud and wanted their items to be unique. Tian Guang brocade was more durable than regular Shu brocade and had a more lustrous color. It served as one of the Tang Clan’s distinguishing marks.
Han Yan asked curiously, “Then, do you know what the scorpion on the handkerchief means?”
Jiang Yu Lou smiled, “I do not know, but it must also be a symbol of the Tang Clan members. The scorpion carries poison, and the Tang Clan specializes in using poison.”
“If that’s the case, then the owner of this handkerchief must be from the Tang Clan.” Han Yan thought for a moment before looking at Jiang Yu Lou. “Master Jiang, in your travels through the martial arts world, have you ever heard of anyone from the Tang Clan with the surname Qiao?”
Jiang Yu Lou laughed heartily, “Everyone in the Tang Clan bears the surname Tang. How could there be someone with the surname Qiao?” Seeing Han Yan still staring at him intently, he rubbed his nose, “I’m not lying to you. I truly have never heard of anyone from the Tang Clan with the surname Qiao.”
Han Yan lowered her head. The situation seemed to be growing more complex, now involving matters of the martial arts world. If A Bi was her mother’s maid, and her mother had connections with the Eastern Marquis, this handkerchief became a link between her mother and the Eastern Marquis. Yet this handkerchief belonged to someone from the Sichuan Tang Clan. Could it mean she needed to make a trip to Shu? That would be impossible—not only would Zhuang Shi Yang disapprove, but the journey would be too long and arduous. The more she thought about it, the more complicated it seemed, and she couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
“What’s wrong?” A familiar cool voice appeared beside her ear. Han Yan thought she was hallucinating, but when she looked up, she saw Fu Yun Xi standing at the beaded curtain doorway, gazing at her coolly.
Jiang Yu Lou’s smile stiffened, “Yun Xi, your wife came to find me on her own. I wasn’t secretly meeting her behind your back.” He stood up and coughed lightly into his fist, “I’ll take my leave now. You two can talk at your leisure.”
Han Yan held her forehead—this was his shop, yet somehow she and Fu Yun Xi seemed more like the owners while Jiang Yu Lou appeared to be the guest. However, from what Jiang Yu Lou had said earlier, he seemed to have a very close relationship with Fu Yun Xi. She looked up and said, “Your Highness and Master Jiang seem to have a closer relationship than most.”
Fu Yun Xi replied, “He once helped me.”
Han Yan felt uncomfortable, “You don’t need to explain to me. I was just making conversation.”
Fu Yun Xi didn’t ask why she was there, but instead walked to her side and asked, “Would you like to go for a walk?”
Han Yan widened her eyes, “A walk?”
Fu Yun Xi turned and commanded, “Mu Feng, Mu Yan.”
Two armed guards appeared behind him instantly, “At your service.”
Fu Yun Xi took Han Yan’s hand, “Your maid can stay with these two. Let’s go.”
Han Yan was startled when he suddenly took her hand. His hand was cool and slender, perfectly enveloping her small hand in his palm. Though still cold, there seemed to be a hint of warmth.
Fu Yun Xi led her outside to the stables, where a black horse was tethered at the front. The horse’s coat was glossy, and its eyes were filled with pride. Upon seeing Fu Yun Xi, it excitedly whinnied and rubbed its massive head against him. Han Yan found this fascinating and reached out to pat it, but the horse raised its head to avoid her touch and let out a long neigh, startling her.
“Zhan Chen,” Fu Yun Xi called out, and the horse obediently lowered its head, pawing the ground with its front hoof before settling down. Fu Yun Xi held Han Yan’s hand, teaching her to stroke the horse’s mane gently downward. The black horse enjoyed the caress and relaxed, becoming less wary of Han Yan.
“Its name is Zhan Chen?” Han Yan asked with a smile, “That’s a beautiful name.”
While untying the horse’s reins, Fu Yun Xi explained, “He was found on the battlefield and raised to this size. He’s a good horse.”
Zhan Chen seemed to understand Fu Yun Xi’s praise and made a low rumbling sound from his nostrils, becoming even more gentle and lovable.
“But,” Han Yan tilted her head to look at him, “why did you bring me here?”
Fu Yun Xi mounted the horse in one fluid motion and reached out his hand to her. Before Han Yan could react, he wrapped one arm around her waist and supported her arm with the other, lifting her onto the horse.
This Fu Yun Xi, why did he always surprise her so quietly?
Han Yan patted her chest and glared at him, “Why do you always do this!”
But Fu Yun Xi just laughed. He usually maintained an aloof expression, like a large block of emotionless ice, emanating an aura that kept people at a respectful distance. Now, laughing so freely, he displayed an indescribable grace and charm, as if he had become a completely different person.
“You… hey!” Before Han Yan could finish speaking, he raised his whip, and the horse galloped forward. Han Yan’s body leaned back against Fu Yun Xi’s chest, and to her surprise, her cheeks flushed red, making her forget what she was about to say.
Being held in the arms of such a handsome man while riding horseback was something Han Yan couldn’t have even dreamed of in her previous life. In that life, her existence had been confined to the small four corners of the manor, never stepping out of those restrictions to see the outside world. But in this life, she hadn’t wasted this precious opportunity of rebirth. She had repaid all those who had hurt her, and she would live better and better!
A feeling surged in her chest, accompanied by an intense rush of joy. The recent worries about A Bi’s matter vanished completely, and she laughed out loud like a true child.