Xu Ziyan

Chen Yage asked again, “Why did he hit you for no reason?”

Tiger forced a bitter smile. “We’re all penniless beggars without status. Those rich young masters vent their frustrations on us whenever things don’t go their way. Does anyone need a reason for that?”

A beggar named Egg chimed in, “Exactly! In their eyes, we’re nothing but their punching bags. All we did today was beg at the corner of the city, but they thought we were a blight on their sight and ended up injuring Tiger. One day, those people will be struck by lightning. If not lightning, then hail should rain down on them, smashing them bloody. I’d love to see them howl like dogs, and when that day comes, even our shabby temple won’t offer them shelter…”

Egg’s words were met with raucous laughter from the group.

After the laughter subsided, Tiger’s expression grew serious. He said quietly, “My injury is nothing, but none of you are to go after him! Seeking revenge will only get you another beating.”

The group immediately fell silent, dropping their heads, refusing to respond. Tiger grew anxious. “Did you hear me? If you won’t listen, don’t call me brother anymore!”

Chen Yage had long wanted to teach Wang Fugui a lesson. She tried to smooth things over, “Don’t get worked up. Revenge isn’t impossible—it just needs strategy, you know? Otherwise, what’s the use of the Art of War?”

“You mean using cunning?” Tiger looked uncertainly at Chen Yage.

She smiled and replied, “Why make it sound so sinister? Let’s put it nicely—victory through wit!”

“So what should we do?”

“Don’t rush. Solutions come from people thinking them up. Give me a little time, and I’ll devise the perfect plan!”

Inside the dilapidated temple, Chen Yage sat on a patch of wild grass, resting her chin in her hands, gazing blankly at the tattered cloth drifting in the air. The others surrounded her, eyes fixed upon her.

Time flew, and before they realized it, a whole day had passed. On the second day, torrential rain began to fall, putting all their plans on hold. Huddled in the temple, Chen Yage encouraged everyone to perform one by one, hoping to lift their spirits.

When it was her turn, she cleared her throat boldly and sang a ballad from the Loess Plateau. But as she reached the highest note, her voice suddenly faltered. The group stared at her, bewildered. Although Chen Yage was thick-skinned, this was a first for her, and her cheeks flushed scarlet.

Determined not to lose face, she began to sway her hips and dance. It had been ages since she felt this happy dancing, and she lost herself in the moment. The others had never seen such a dance and watched, entranced. Even after she finished, they remained spellbound.

Suddenly, with a loud bang, the door was kicked open. A group of men burst in. “Did you see a woman run inside?” the leader barked.

Chen Yage had been so absorbed in her dance that she hadn't noticed anyone entering, so she shook her head without hesitation.

The leader barked again, “Search the place!” At his command, his men fanned out, meticulously checking every corner of the temple. Chen Yage and her companions squeezed awkwardly into one corner; she could feel someone trembling behind her. It was likely someone unused to such scenes, so she tried to shield them as best she could.

After searching and finding nothing, the leader’s face darkened. “If you see any suspicious woman here, report it to us. There will be a hefty reward. But if you hide anything, you’ll regret it—understand?”

“Yes, yes…” came the chorus of replies from behind, while Chen Yage silently lowered her head.

Once they left, Chen Yage slumped down beside the others. Tiger asked, “What’s wrong? Is something troubling you? Tell us—we’ll help share the burden.”

Chen Yage hesitated for a moment. No matter what, Tiger and the others knew Xiangyang better than she did. They wandered the streets all day and might have seen Brother Bai. “Have you seen Li Bai? The one I told you about the other day?”

“I have. I saw him two days ago—he was dressed all in white, right?”

“Do you know where he is now?”

“No.”

Chen Yage’s hopes sank at Tiger’s answer, but he quickly added, “But I can ask around for you. Maybe I can find him.”

Before Tiger and Chen Yage could finish their conversation, Egg suddenly exclaimed, “Hey! Who are you? Why are you here? I’ve never seen you before!”

Following Egg’s gaze, Chen Yage saw behind her a young woman in peach-colored robes, lying quietly. Her features were delicate, her phoenix eyes lively, her skin as fair as snow, delicate enough to break at a touch.

“Was it you just now?” Chen Yage asked in confusion. She had sensed someone trembling behind her earlier and thought it was just a timid beggar, but it turned out to be a stunning beauty hiding behind her.

“Are you the one they’re searching for?” Egg cried, “Wait, I’ll go tell them!”

“Stop!” Chen Yage ordered. “Come back and sit down!”

Egg returned reluctantly. Ignoring him, Chen Yage saw the fear in the woman’s eyes and said gently, “Don’t worry. That group is no good. We won’t turn you in. What’s your name?”

The young woman looked at Chen Yage skeptically for a long time before replying, “Xu Ziyan.”

“You’re Xu Ziyan?” As soon as Chen Yage heard the name, she jumped to her feet. She wished nothing more than not to hear that name, for it meant that Li Bai was no longer hers, but Xu Ziyan’s.

“Do you know me?” Xu Ziyan asked tentatively.

Chen Yage quickly calmed herself, smiling awkwardly. “Of course I haven’t heard of you, but I know your sister, your brother, and your father…”

“How do you know my father? And my sister only returned home two days ago, how could you know her?”

Chen Yage’s eyes darted. She had been planning to find Dujuan, and now, using Xu Ziyan’s name, it would be easier to enter the Xu residence. She smiled, “I’ve known Dujuan for a long time. We’re like sisters—she calls me Sister Yage. We were separated recently. Could you take me to your house so I can see how she’s doing?”

Xu Ziyan lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time. Chen Yage asked, “Is there something you can’t say?”

Xu Ziyan nodded. “To be honest, I just escaped from home.”