Chapter Thirteen: The First Bud Unfolds, Radiant in Crimson

“To receive such praise from you, Miss, is my greatest honor. I am at your service whenever you wish.” Hearing the young lady speak, Fang Zheng regarded her with renewed respect; not only was she kind-hearted, but she also possessed an uncommon generosity of spirit, so unlike the frail and pampered daughters of noble houses.

From within the carriage, there came a faint sound as if she nodded in acknowledgment, but no further words were spoken; the curtain was gently lowered.

As the little maid had predicted, the meal passed in pleasant company, and not a crumb of Fang Zheng’s flatbread remained. Even the rice porridge was finished to the last drop, while the meals prepared by the caravan’s cook were left largely untouched. The burly cook wore a look of feminine grievance, which drew laughter from all.

After this incident, the guards of the caravan warmed to Fang Zheng, inviting him to join them by the campfire after supper to drink and share stories. The little maid and Bi’er returned to the carriage. Fang Zheng found the tales of these men anything but tedious; his knowledge of this world was still scant, and such stories allowed him to better understand it through the experiences of others.

“I heard that just half a month ago the Chen family’s caravan was attacked again by those Black Tiger Mountain scoundrels. Only the steward made it out alive—no one else survived,” said a dark-faced guard in his twenties.

“What’s the use of talking about that? If all goes according to plan, we’ll reach Black Tiger Mountain by tomorrow evening. Are you trying to shake our morale? Had a bit too much to drink, have you?” barked a burly, square-faced middle-aged guard, his tone stern. He was Li Zhong, the captain of the guards. The young guard, realizing his mistake, hung his head and dared not meet his captain’s eyes.

“These scoundrels have committed every evil under the sun. Someday, heaven’s retribution will catch up to them. What angers me most is that there are five thousand elite soldiers stationed at Shangjia Town, yet they allow these bandits to run rampant under their very noses. Who knows what filth lies behind this? Listen well, all of you: if by misfortune we encounter those villains tomorrow, we will stake our lives to protect the young lady. There’s no need for me to say how the lady has treated us—if any of you show cowardice, don’t blame me for being harsh. The lady is truly unfortunate... If not for certain circumstances—” He broke off, as if wary of saying more, then sighed. “Enough, go get some rest. Be alert and ready tomorrow.” With that, he rose and strode away, worry etched on his face.

Fang Zheng’s heart stirred upon hearing this exchange. It seemed the road ahead was indeed perilous; tomorrow would bring its own trials. The others soon found places to sleep, leaving only the night watch. Fang Zheng slowly finished his drink, found a comfortable spot, and lay down, letting his thoughts drift beneath the stars.

The night passed uneventfully. At dawn, after breakfast, the caravan resumed its journey. Fang Zheng did not neglect his daily exercises, and even found time to practice his evening training in a secluded spot.

By noon, the caravan had covered fifty li, drawing close to Black Tiger Mountain. Fang Zheng could feel the rising tension—those guards who had chatted so freely now fell silent. The stewardly old man had left his carriage to stay close by the girls’. Captain Li Zhong paced the length of the convoy, visibly on edge. In this heavy atmosphere, the caravan pressed on for several more hours, until, as dusk approached, shouts rang out at the front. The old steward seemed to be saying something, and the entire convoy halted.

Fang Zheng spurred his horse forward to see what was happening, but before he could reach the front, the dark-faced young guard from the previous night hurried over. “Master Fang, Steward Zhang and Captain Zhao request your presence for a council.”

Fang Zheng dismounted and followed the guard. He found Zhao Zhong frowning deeply, his face grim, while the old steward was equally troubled.

“Master Fang,” the old man began, “I have something to entrust to you. I trust you heard what Captain Zhao and the others said last night. Black Tiger Mountain lies ten li ahead, a den of ruthless bandits who have killed and plundered for years. Last month, they nearly wiped out the Chen family caravan, sparing only one steward. Our scouts now report bandit sightings eight or nine li ahead. The mountain is steep and the path treacherous—there is only one road, and no way around. A confrontation seems inevitable, and our guards may not be their match. I have a request, and hope you will agree.” With that, the old man bowed deeply, awaiting Fang Zheng’s reply.

“Please, rise, elder. If it is within my power, I shall not refuse,” Fang Zheng quickly stepped forward to help him up.

“I thank you for your righteousness,” said the old man. “From what we knew, these bandits had left for Tianyu County on urgent business and should not be here, which is why we dared to make this journey. Yet here they are, as if lying in wait. I and Captain Zhao will lead the convoy onward to draw their attention. I beg you, Master Fang, to take my lady and find a chance to escape. Our humble lives cannot compare to hers. She is kind and generous, and now is the time to repay her benevolence. I regret I may not live to thank you.” He bowed once more.

“Please, elder, there is no need. I accept, yet I cannot guarantee success—perhaps things have not reached their worst,” Fang Zheng reassured him as he helped the old man up again.

“I know this may be asking too much, but there is no other way. I dare not entrust this task to any of the guards, for reasons I cannot say. You are the only suitable candidate. Please, I beg you!” The old man, thinking Fang Zheng was hesitating, went so far as to kneel. Fang Zheng quickly sidestepped and helped him up.

“You misunderstand, elder. It is not reluctance—only, if I am not mistaken, you have not told your lady of this plan. Would she agree to it?” Fang Zheng asked.

“This...” the old man faltered.

“She would never agree!” Zhao Zhong interjected, resolute. “Whatever it takes, she must leave—even if we have to knock her out.”

“Alas!” The old man clearly thought little of this solution. He had watched the lady grow up and knew her character best. He had harbored some hope, but now realized it had been self-deception; she was far too clever not to see through their intentions, and would never consent to abandon them. He had chosen Fang Zheng over any guard because he was convinced that there was treachery within their ranks. The bandits, meant to be elsewhere, appeared here at just this moment—surely no coincidence. Considering his sister’s current plight at the estate, he suspected a plot. There was no time to investigate further; he was left with a feeling of helplessness and anger.

“Do not be anxious, elder. Perhaps there is still room to maneuver. Why not send scouts again and see if anything changes before making a final decision? I also think it would be best to discuss this with the lady herself. Given the urgency, surely she would understand,” Fang Zheng offered, uncertain how else to console him. He was unsure of his own abilities—though Old Master Shen had said he was strong, Fang Zheng knew he lacked real combat experience, having only hunted wild game in Shenjia Village, never fought a human foe. The thought made him worry for the little maid’s safety.

“Uncle Zhang, Miss says she understands your intentions, but she will not leave. She asks you not to trouble yourself further,” said Bi’er, lifting the carriage curtain and stepping out. The old man sighed, a trace of comfort amid his sorrow.

“Master Fang, my lady asks me to apologize to you. She only meant to invite you along for company and mutual support, never expecting to drag you and Yaya into such danger. She feels most uneasy about it. Now, please take Yaya and leave. Wait here for a few days—once we are gone, the bandits will no longer pay attention to you,” Bi’er said sincerely, her eyes reddened, all trace of her former petulance gone. The little maid, her face still streaked with tears, emerged as well, clearly having been told what to expect.

“Brother, help Sister. You’re the best, I know you can drive off those bandits, right?” the little maid pleaded, tugging Fang Zheng’s sleeve.

Before Fang Zheng could reply, a sudden thunder of hooves rang out ahead, and a cloud of dust rushed into view. “Hahaha! Second Young Master Zhao is as good as his word—so the famed Miss Zhao of Tianshui City is truly here! I can hardly wait to set eyes upon her,” a coarse voice bellowed.

Some forty or fifty riders appeared, led by a fierce-looking man wielding a six-foot crescent blade. The voice had come from him. The caravan fell into chaos, but Zhao Zhong’s shouts soon restored order.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng knew there would be no peaceful resolution today. Without bothering to answer the little maid, he handed her to Bi’er and told her to take her to the carriage. Then, from his horse, he drew a wooden sword.

“Chu’e, let me bring justice today!” he declared, drawing a deep breath and gathering his inner strength. A rushing sound like a great river arose, and a mighty aura stilled the clamor of men and horses, bringing an uncanny hush over the world. All saw a streak of green flash forward like lightning; in the next instant, a blossom of crimson bloomed at the neck of the bandit chief who had just been boasting—a brilliance as dazzling as a flower.