Chapter 39: Confrontation
The next morning dawned rainy. Zhan Qiyu left in his teacher’s carriage, leaving the family to follow later.
Mu Jiaojiao lingered in bed; Shancha prepared hot water.
“Miss, we should leave soon.”
She left to get breakfast.
Mu Jiaojiao got dressed, asking, “Where will we stay in the capital?”
Shancha replied, “A Liu said it’s a small courtyard.”
Zhan Qiyu had arranged it, rather than staying with Guan. He claimed his family was unsociable, and rented a small place. This was for Mu Jiaojiao; her identity couldn’t be revealed yet. After the Chunwei examinations and the imperial examination, they would be safe.
Half a day’s journey remained. But a group of riders stopped ahead, seemingly inspecting travelers.
“Someone’s inspecting ahead. Let’s wait.”
People were being checked. A Liu slowed, falling behind, observing them search carriages and passengers. Were they catching criminals?
He wasn’t sure but couldn’t turn back; he followed.
An officer demanded everyone disembark. The three women complied.
A young officer glanced at them and waved them through.
“Go.”
They boarded the carriage, continuing their journey. Unseen, a handsome man among the officers—南宫玄 (Nan Gong Xuan)—noticed Mu Jiaojiao.
She had truly come.
Nan Gong Xuan, having received information about Zhan Qiyu, suspected she was hidden and waited. He had found his “little rabbit.”
More interestingly, she seemed to be a time traveler, like himself. The letter to Qiu Bai was in his hands; there was a good chance she was a time traveler.
This made things even more interesting. She hadn’t been with him in the past life; this time, he would change himself to win her over.
The crown prince planned to approach her gradually.
He summoned his horse, riding towards the capital.
“Mu Jiaojiao, we shall meet again in the capital.”
Mu Jiaojiao, inside the carriage, sneezed. She opened the curtain, seeing a man’s retreating back.
Dust blew into the carriage; she quickly closed the curtain.
“Jiaojiao, are you unwell?”
Zhan Li offered to stop for hot water, but Mu Jiaojiao shook her head.
“Mother, I’m fine. My nose just itched.”
She smiled, feigning sleep.
They reached the capital gate. A Liu presented their permit; they passed through.
Entering the capital, they saw the true meaning of prosperity: crowds, carriages, and buildings. The bustling noise astonished A Liu. He’d thought the provincial capital was prosperous, but the capital was far grander. People dressed more vibrantly.
A Liu dismounted, asking for directions to Dongzhi Road in Nanjie Street.
After getting directions, he became confused. Mu Jiaojiao couldn’t help; she was familiar with the palace but not this area.
Shancha found a vegetable seller who provided directions.
A middle-aged man was waiting.
“Are you A Liu?”
The man took the reins, gave A Liu the key, explaining the carriage couldn’t enter and he’d keep it. Zhan Qiyu would return later; they could list any needs.
A Liu thanked him and opened the gate.
The capital’s high prices were evident; though small, the courtyard was expensive. Since they wouldn’t stay long, a quiet one was chosen.
It had only a small front yard and closely-spaced rooms. There was a kitchen and latrine; it wasn’t cramped for a family.
No one complained; it was clean and furnished.
Mu Jiaojiao wanted to explore after dark, since she had no acquaintances. Zhan Li agreed, requiring A Liu to accompany them.
She had observed A Liu’s strength and martial arts skills. She also planned to go.
“Go have fun. Eat out and return.”
Letting the young people go, she would eat alone and tidy the house.
After they left, Zhan Li wept, knowing her son’s struggles to reach the capital. They were finally settled and their lives would improve.
Mu Jiaojiao, Shancha, and A Liu found a night market.
Many food vendors sold fried pastries, large buns, and unfamiliar southern-style braised meats.
“Mother, what’s this?” Shancha was intrigued by the braised meat.
“Braised chicken and duck necks.”
A Liu bought some for Shancha. Mu Jiaojiao waited for candied chestnuts. The vendor gave her extra, saying, “My chestnuts are carefully selected.”
She smiled, buying candied images, buns, and snacks before finding a place to eat.
She chose a small noodle shop, ordering meat noodle soup. She shared some with Shancha.
As they finished, beggar children approached, asking for money.
Mu Jiaojiao asked the noodle shop owner to give them soup. He reluctantly agreed.
But the children left; Shancha called after them to no avail.
They looked at each other. A Liu finished the extra noodles.
Upon checking out, they found their purses missing.
A Liu wanted to chase the children.
The owner said to pay later. Mu Jiaojiao was grateful.
A voice came from behind, “It says ‘no credit.’ Pay up.”
Three purses were thrown on the table.
They turned, seeing a man in brocade smiling. He left quickly.
Shancha and A Liu checked their purses; Mu Jiaojiao was stunned.
The man looked familiar. She couldn’t see clearly but recognized the face: the past life’s emperor. Why was he here? Shouldn’t he be in the East Palace? He had no attendants, unlike a prince.
She couldn’t understand why he’d appeared this way. Maybe it was someone else.
The question kept her awake. The man’s face filled her mind, his killing intent chilling her.
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