Chapter Eighteen: Xuhua Street

Xu Hua Street, in the northern part of Jing’an City.

This was the most chaotic street in all of Jing’an, teeming with all manner of shady characters, as if it skirted the very edge of darkness. A glance across the avenue revealed a landscape littered with beggars in tattered clothing, timid and meek merchants, and bullies reveling in their own power.

To remain so unruly beneath the shadow of the imperial city spoke of depths far more complex than its surface suggested.

When a lavish carriage rolled in through the Xu Hua Gate, it drew the gaze of nearly everyone present.

Lifting the window curtain, Amu was greeted by a torrent of coarse curses from outside. Several thugs were causing trouble at the entrance of a shop. Her beautiful brows creased slightly, and she sighed inwardly. She never expected to find such a place in Jing’an, the city famed for its pleasures.

“No one manages things here?” Amu asked Rain, who sat beside her.

Though Rain was blind, her hearing was sharp. She knew well what was happening outside. With her head lowered and a bitter smile on her lips, she replied, “Even the emperor turns a blind eye to this place. Who would dare interfere? This street has always been like this, for as long as I remember. Unless you have someone to rely on, you spend every day in fear and anxiety. People like me don’t dare dream of tomorrow.”

“You must have suffered greatly,” Amu said softly, pulling Rain into her arms and wiping away her tears.

“The past was hard, but now things are different. As long as Young Master is here, I fear nothing,” Rain whispered. When she spoke of her Young Master, Amu sensed a light in her dim eyes—a pride akin to what she herself felt when speaking of her own princess.

“Your Young Master must be a remarkable person,” Amu smiled, thinking that, like a princess, he could pull Rain from darkness into light.

“Hey! Where are you from? What are you doing here?”

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, and a rough voice sounded from outside.

The smile faded from Amu’s eyes, replaced by a coldness. She lifted the curtain to find the coachman looking at her, troubled.

In front of the carriage stood five or six burly thugs, blocking the way, wielding sticks of varying lengths.

“Who dares block my carriage?” Amu demanded.

“Well, well, I thought it was someone important. Turns out it’s just a delicate little girl. Ha!” The leader jeered, and the others broke into laughter.

“I don’t care who you are. Anyone entering this street must leave something behind—that’s the rule! But since you’re a pretty one, we’ll let you off. Just let us have a bit of fun with you!” The man’s eyes roamed over Amu, lustful and leering.

“Courting death!”

Fury blazed in Amu’s heart. She drew the soft whip from her waist and lashed it fiercely at the man.

He hadn’t expected her to strike and took two hard blows to the face, leaving deep, bloody welts.

“Damn it! You dare hit me? Don’t you know your place! Brothers, get her! If I don’t tear her apart and feed her to the dogs, I’m not Wang San!” the thug howled.

“Perfect. Let me teach you what it means to be human,” Amu said, flicking her whip with disdain.

With those words, she leaped from the carriage and engaged them. Though they outnumbered her, they gained nothing. In moments, Amu had knocked them all to the ground, groaning in pain.

“Just now, you said you’d tear someone apart and feed them to the dogs?”

Amu pressed her foot onto Wang San’s face, right over his wounds, distorting his features in agony.

The crowd gathered round, many of whom had suffered Wang San’s bullying. Seeing him in such a state was immensely satisfying.

“Don’t get cocky! Just because you beat us today doesn’t mean you’re safe. I was careless this time. Next time, I’ll make you wish you were dead!” Wang San spat, teeth clenched.

“I’ll show you what it means to wish you were dead right now!” Amu pressed harder, increasing his pain.

---

Wang San could endure no more, his bravado gone as he begged for mercy.

Amu, now satisfied, kicked him aside. “Good dogs don’t block the road. Next time I see you, I’ll beat you again.”

“Thank you! Thank you, miss! I’ll never dare again!” Wang San pleaded, scrambling away.

His followers quickly fled as well.

“Amu, you’re amazing!” Rain exclaimed, having guessed what had happened. She couldn’t help but admire her.

If only she were that strong herself!

“This is nothing. If I couldn’t handle a few thugs, how could I protect my princess?” Amu said with a light laugh.

“You’re so good to the princess!”

“My devotion to her is far from enough. All this doesn’t amount to one ten-thousandth of what she’s done for me!” Amu replied.

Perhaps her display had made an impression; no one dared stop them as the carriage continued down the narrow street unhindered.

After two turns, they arrived at a modest house with a small courtyard.

“Is this the place?” Amu carefully helped Rain down.

Rain stepped forward, feeling her way until she touched the crooked jujube tree by the door. Her eyes crinkled into slits as she smiled adorably.

“This is it. Thank you, Amu! Please thank the princess for me again!” she said.

“No need for such formality. If you need anything, just come to us. Shall I help you inside?” Amu offered, smiling.

“That’s a small thing. I can manage,” Rain replied playfully, sticking out her tongue. Though blind, she was capable, and could return home unaided.

“Very well. Take care, then. I’ll head back now, or the princess will worry.”

“Mm, goodbye, Amu.”

Rain stood there until she heard the wheels roll away. She bowed deeply toward the departing carriage and then turned to the door.

Before she could push it open, someone pulled it from inside.

“Rain? You’re finally back. I woke to find you gone and was about to look for you. Thank goodness you’re safe. But why the change of clothes?” Fu Yu bent down, examining Rain to be sure she was unharmed before pulling her into his arms.

“I’m sorry to worry you, Young Master. I’m fine,” Rain leaned against Fu Yu’s shoulder, breathing in his familiar, gentle scent. The warmth made her eyes red again. “But... but I nearly never saw you again!”

“What happened? Don’t cry! Who bullied you? I’ll kill them!” Fire flashed in Fu Yu’s eyes.

“No one bullied me. Young Master, let’s go inside. I’ll explain everything in detail.”

“Alright!” The fire faded, replaced by tenderness, and Fu Yu took Rain’s hand as they entered the courtyard.

“Are you hungry? I’ll cook for you soon.”

---

Rong Yuan.

When Amu returned, Princess Rong Jiu was draped over a swing, looking utterly dispirited.

“Princess? What’s wrong?” Amu hurried over to help her down.

“Amu! You’re finally back!” Rong Jiu’s spirits revived at the sight of Amu.

“I saw many unfamiliar faces on my way here, and even General Mo. What’s going on?” Amu felt a sense of unease.

“Don’t get me started!” Rong Jiu slapped her thigh and recounted the events.

“Amu thinks the Prince must have his reasons for this, and more people to protect the princess makes Amu happy,” Amu said.

“Amu! Aren’t you supposed to be on my side? Why are you defending them?” Rong Jiu protested, looking for comfort.

“Of course I’m on your side, Princess! That’s why I’m glad more people are here to protect you.”

“But… if I go to see my little Tingting, won’t I have to bring along a third wheel shining like a ten-thousand-watt bulb?” she grumbled.

“Uh, Princess, what’s a bulb?” Amu asked, confused.

“Oh, never mind. You wouldn’t understand. Let’s not talk about that. Go and check if Tingting’s clothes have been washed, and tell them not to use incense—I’ll do it myself!” Rong Jiu propped her chin, eyes sparkling.

“Yes, I’ll go right away,” Amu replied.

After Amu left, Rong Jiu ran into her room, called for her maids, and had them bring all the incense used for her clothes. She smelled each one until her nose was nearly exhausted, finally finding a satisfactory scent.

When Amu brought the clothes, it was already after dinner.

Rong Yan wanted to take Rong Jiu out to play, but she refused without hesitation.

“It’s dangerous to go out at night. I’d rather sleep early,” Rong Jiu said.

Rong Yan blinked, incredulous that these words came from her sister.

“Wait, aren’t you usually the most eager? Why are you so well-behaved tonight?”

“Oh, that was before. Anyway, I’m not going anywhere today. Just go by yourself if you want,” Rong Jiu waved him off, eager to start scenting Song Mo Ting’s clothes.

“If something’s out of the ordinary, there’s a reason. Are you up to something behind our backs?” Rong Yan narrowed his eyes at her.

“Ahem, ahem, no. I’m your favorite sister, why always suspect me? What could I possibly be hiding from you?” Rong Jiu scratched her head awkwardly.

“Really nothing?”

“Really, nothing! Now, I need a bath, so please go. Tomorrow—tomorrow I’ll accompany you out, alright? I’m truly tired tonight!” Rong Jiu said, shoving Rong Yan toward the door.

“Fine. I’ll trust you once. But remember, you promised to go out with me tomorrow night—no backing out!” Rong Yan called.

He’d heard there was a new play at the theater, but without Rong Jiu and Rong Le, he couldn’t go tonight and would have to wait until tomorrow.

With Rong Yan gone, Rong Jiu dismissed her other maids and sat contentedly at her desk, as Amu taught her how to scent clothes.

It seemed simple, but was actually quite complex, requiring patience and care. It was Rong Jiu’s first time and she struggled into the late night, finally falling asleep at the table, clutching the clothes.

Amu had just fetched water to help Rong Jiu wash up for bed, only to find her already asleep, arms wrapped around the garments. Amu felt both tender and amused, gently coaxed her to let go, and finally managed to settle her in bed.

After tending to Rong Jiu, Amu sat at the desk, continued scenting the clothes, folded them carefully, and only then retired for the night.

That night, Rong Jiu slept soundly, untouched by dreams, at peace.