The young servant boy tilted his head in thought. “No, but…”
“If there isn’t any rule against it, young sir, please lead the way,” Han Yan said, not wanting to waste time going in circles. It would be troublesome if others saw them lingering.
After a moment of hesitation, the boy reluctantly said, “Follow me then.”
Han Yan smiled. “Young sir, please don’t worry. When we meet your master, just say that we sisters insisted on coming in.”
The boy’s face reddened – this young lady was quite perceptive, seeing right through his concerns. His master was known for his strict and peculiar temperament. Who knew what punishment awaited if his master became angry at him for bringing young women into the martial arts school? He couldn’t help stealing a glance at Han Yan, only to meet her smiling gaze, which made his face flush even redder. He lowered his head and hurried along.
Ji Lan whispered, “Young Miss, are we going in? The martial arts school is full of men.”
“Don’t be afraid,” Han Yan replied. “It’s just like the Imperial Academy – simply a place of learning. Why bring gender into it? Besides, the school must have serving maids, and there might even be female martial artists.”
As if to confirm her words, a crisp female laugh suddenly rang out from ahead: “Brother Yu, you’ve lost again!”
Han Yan froze mid-step. Before she could react, they seemed to have been noticed, and an unfamiliar female voice called out: “Who are you?”
Han Yan looked up to find a beautiful young lady standing before them. She appeared to be thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing light training clothes. Han Yan noticed that her clothes were made of expensive gold-threaded silk – plain-looking but incredibly valuable. Such luxury – could she be from the royal family?
While she was pondering this, the young servant boy spoke up: “Princess Yun Ni.”
Princess Yun Ni? Could this be the Emperor’s most beloved Princess Yun Ni?
Princess Yun Ni asked curiously, “Little Li, are these newly bought maids?”
Little Li quickly shook his head: “Your Highness, these ladies are here to see Master Wu.”
“To see Master Wu? I didn’t know Shunchang Martial Arts School had started accepting female disciples.” A flirtatious, deep male voice suddenly interjected, and a man in red robes stepped out from behind Princess Yun Ni.
Han Yan followed Princess Yun Ni’s gaze and couldn’t help but start – this man was strikingly beautiful!
He wore a loose crimson silk robe that revealed collarbones more delicate than a woman’s, yet somehow it didn’t appear frivolous, instead giving off an air of natural elegance. Looking up, she saw an even more stunning face. The phrases “eyes like autumn waters” and “features carved from jade” – usually reserved for describing women – fit him perfectly. His thin lips were slightly pursed, and his phoenix eyes curved as he looked their way. “What are your names, ladies?”
Though he addressed all three of them, his gaze was fixed on Han Yan. She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny and, despite Princess Yun Ni’s presence, dropped her smile and replied coolly, “This humble one’s surname is Ni, given name Da Ye.”
The man in red robes quirked his lips into an ambiguous smile. “Miss Ni?”
Han Yan frowned. Judging by his attire and his familiarity with Princess Yun Ni, he must be a young master from some prestigious family in the capital. This excursion was supposed to be secret, and it would be disastrous if her identity were discovered. This man’s gaze held a hint of scrutiny – it would be best to avoid entanglement with such a person.
He Lian Yu noticed that Han Yan seemed lost in thought, ignoring his deliberate display, which left him feeling rather put out. Which daughter of which family in the capital wouldn’t lose their composure at the sight of him? Yet this one was different. Though dressed in ordinary clothes, she carried herself with distinction. The two maids beside her were protective, acting more like attendants. A thought struck him – could she be a young lady from some noble household? But coming alone to a martial arts school to seek Master Wu seemed too unorthodox for a proper young lady.
Han Yan curtseyed to Princess Yun Ni and said solemnly, “This humble one has urgent business. Please excuse us, Your Highness.”
Princess Yun Ni nodded, gesturing for Little Li to lead Han Yan’s group away. She thought to herself that this young lady was quite different from the usual noble daughters – at least those ladies would practically pop their eyes out at the sight of Brother Yu. This one seemed eager to leave and didn’t even spare Brother Yu a glance as she departed.
He Lian Yu couldn’t believe Han Yan would leave so abruptly, and only paying respects to Yun Ni at that. Never in his life had he been so coldly dismissed by a woman. He stood there dumbfounded.
Moments after Han Yan left, a man in blue robes emerged from behind a flower stand. Seeing Yun Ni and He Lian Yu standing there in a daze, he spoke softly, “What happened?”
As soon as He Lian Yu saw him, he jumped up. “Brother Fu, I just met an interesting woman. Could you help me find out which household she’s from in the capital?”
“Why not investigate yourself?”
At these words, He Lian Yu’s handsome face immediately fell. He looked at him pitifully and said, “The other day, Minister Li’s wife brought her daughter to visit our manor. I didn’t know she was Li’s daughter and said something inappropriate. Father punished me by confining me to the manor. If it weren’t for Yun Ni visiting today, I’d still be under house arrest. Now my every move is watched – how could I investigate on my own?”
Yun Ni couldn’t help but think to herself, said something inappropriate? More likely he had flirted with her again. This cousin of hers never followed proper etiquette. Though he acted freely around them, others wouldn’t appreciate it. Minister Li was known for his orthodox ways – when his daughter was flirted with, he must have been furious. It was fortunate enough that he hadn’t sent an imperial censor to report Lord He Lian for failing to discipline his son.
“What did she do to provoke you?” Fu Yun Xi looked at his expression and knew without asking that his friend was up to his usual mischief.
“That lady wasn’t captivated by Brother Yu’s beauty!” Yun Ni couldn’t help interjecting, then burst into giggles.
“Little girl, if you keep teasing me like this, I won’t take you out to play next time,” He Lian Yu gave her a cool glance.
Yun Ni made a face at him. “Fine then, I’ll go play with Brother Yun instead.”
He Lian Yu, his mind still fixed on the girl from earlier, looked at Fu Yun Xi and said, “Yun Xi, you must help me with this. If you can find out that girl’s identity, I’ll give you that painting of Master Gui Gu from my room.”
“Did she have any distinctive features?” Fu Yun Xi asked.
“She said her name was Ni Da Ye.” As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed Fu Yun Xi’s expression turn strange. “What’s wrong? Did you think of something?”
“Ni… Da… Ye?” Fu Yun Xi looked at him, repeating the name slowly.
He Lian Yu nodded eagerly.
Fu Yun Xi sighed and couldn’t help but hold his head in his hands. His friend, usually quite clever, didn’t even realize when he was being played.
What Ni Da Ye – it meant “your grandfather.”
Han Yan followed behind Little Li, and happened to notice Ji Lan’s flushed cheeks. She was puzzled for a moment before understanding. The man in red from earlier had been extraordinarily beautiful – even someone as composed as Shu Hong had been a bit dazed. He must be someone of significance. After a pause, she asked Little Li, “Young sir, do you know who that gentleman was?”