Xu Residence

Dujuan was unharmed, which relieved Chen Yage considerably. How could Xu Ziyan, the eldest daughter of the Xu family, possibly run away? Yet not wanting Xu Ziyan to misunderstand, Chen Yage gently asked, “Where are you planning to go?”

“I don’t know, but the world is vast. I believe there must be a place for me somewhere,” Xu Ziyan replied softly, a hint of sadness in her features.

“I don’t know what’s happened to you, but I’m sure you have your reasons. If you trust me, you can tell me. Perhaps we might be able to help you after all…”

Xu Ziyan hesitated, glancing at Chen Yage. Her delicate hand gripped her embroidered handkerchief tightly, then she bit her lower lip. At last, as if coming to a decision, she said, “My father is forcing me to marry. I don’t want to, so I ran away.”

Chen Yage began to feel a liking for Xu Ziyan. Wasn’t it said that girls in ancient times were trained from childhood to be obedient, never defying their parents’ wishes? Yet Xu Ziyan had clearly made progress—she knew how to resist. If she were living in the Republic era, she would surely be a promising, progressive youth.

“But don’t girls in your era all marry as their parents and matchmakers decide?” Realizing she had misspoken, Chen Yage explained, “I mean, isn’t it common for parents to make all the decisions about their daughters’ marriages?”

Xu Ziyan lowered her head, soon beginning to sob. “I know, but I would rather die than marry Wang Fugui.”

At the mention of Wang Fugui, everyone’s expressions changed, especially Chen Yage, who was utterly astonished. She had never imagined that Xu Yushi would force Xu Ziyan to marry Wang Fugui.

Privately, Chen Yage wished Xu Ziyan would marry Wang Fugui, but in truth, anyone who married him would have their life ruined. Besides, Xu Ziyan seemed decent enough; to marry Wang Fugui would truly be an injustice.

After careful consideration, Chen Yage decided she could not stand idly by. She comforted Xu Ziyan, saying, “They’ve just left, so they probably won’t return soon. Why don’t you stay here for now?”

“But if they discover I’m here, it may bring trouble upon you. I should go. I don’t want to implicate you,” Xu Ziyan said, walking out of the temple. Chen Yage hurried after her, grabbing her hand. “If you leave now, it’s tantamount to walking into a trap. Do you really want to marry Wang Fugui?”

“What else can I do? Wait here for them to drag me back?” Xu Ziyan said with despair.

Chen Yage admired her, yet perhaps this was the limitation of those from the past: they knew how to rebel, but lacked cunning.

With calm patience, Chen Yage said, “If you weren’t truly determined to escape, why did you run away in the first place? Once you’ve made up your mind, you must try, no matter how difficult. Never give up until the end. Didn’t you say your father treats Dujuan well? Why not seek Dujuan’s help, have her persuade your father? Wouldn’t that be better?”

“Is that possible?” Xu Ziyan whispered.

“How would you know if you don’t try? Take me to your father. No, to your elder brother—he still owes me a reward!” Chen Yage suddenly remembered Xu Jin. Though she wasn’t sure he would help, it was worth a try.

After some hesitation, Xu Ziyan agreed.

Chen Yage followed Xu Ziyan into the Xu residence alone. Of course, she didn’t go straight to see Xu Yushi or Xu Jin, but accompanied Xu Ziyan to Dujuan’s pavilion. Dujuan’s pavilion had been named by Xu Yushi especially for her; though the courtyard was small, it was tranquil and elegant, with ancient trees flourishing and the fragrance of flowers permeating the air.

When Chen Yage and Xu Ziyan entered Dujuan’s pavilion, Dujuan was napping. Xu Ziyan intended to wait until she awoke, but Chen Yage slipped past her and snuck into Dujuan’s room. She tickled Dujuan’s nose with her hair, making Dujuan sneeze, who then opened her eyes wide and cried out in delight and surprise, “Sister Yage!” As she spoke, she hugged Chen Yage tightly.

Though Dujuan and Chen Yage hadn’t known each other long, fate often overrides time. For instance, while Dujuan and Xu Yushi were related by blood, in Dujuan’s heart, Chen Yage felt far closer.

“Sister Yage, what brings you here?”

“I came to see how you’re doing. What, you don’t welcome me?” The art of feigned retreat was always the most effective, and Chen Yage wielded it with ease.

As expected, Dujuan hurriedly explained herself, but Chen Yage cut her off, chuckling softly, “Just teasing you—don’t take it too seriously!”

Dujuan smiled, and at that moment Xu Ziyan entered. Dujuan quickly got out of bed and slipped on her shoes. Xu Ziyan said gently, “Did you sleep well, little sister?”

Dujuan nodded and asked sweetly, “Sister, what brings you here?”

Seeing Xu Ziyan lower her head, Chen Yage picked up the conversation, “Your sister brought me in—otherwise, how could I have scaled such a high wall?”

Dujuan smiled again, a hint of guilt in her voice. “Sorry! I should have invited you to stay at my house for a few days.”

Chen Yage laughed, “It’s not too late for you to let me stay now!”

“Really? Sister Yage, do you truly want to stay? Then I’ll have someone prepare a room for you, all right?” Dujuan excitedly grabbed Chen Yage’s hand. Suddenly, Chen Yage felt a pang of guilt; exploiting such innocence was hardly the act of a true gentleman. Fortunately, she was not a gentleman, merely a young woman.

Just then, Xu Yushi arrived at Dujuan’s pavilion. Seeing Xu Ziyan in the room, he was astonished; seeing Chen Yage, even more so. He asked coldly, “What are you doing here?” Then, to Xu Ziyan, “You’re finally back. Go to your room and stay there!”

Xu Ziyan glanced at Chen Yage, and Chen Yage had no choice but to step forward as the hero to save the damsel.

She cleared her throat and said, “Master Xu, we meet again.”

Xu Yushi showed Chen Yage no courtesy, so she was undeniably met with a cold reception. Yet she did not lose heart, and went on, “Let me be blunt. I came today for your daughter’s sake. I heard you’ve agreed to marry her off to Wang Fugui, that scoundrel. Do you really intend to throw your daughter into the fire? Surely you know what sort of man Wang Fugui is?”

“My family affairs are not for you to meddle in! Leave the Xu residence at once, or don’t blame me for using force!” Xu Yushi’s face darkened, his words thunderous.

“I led you into Peach Blossom Spring and performed a service. If you don’t wish to reward me, that’s fine, but to drive me out the moment we meet—is that truly your style, Master Xu?” Chen Yage spoke unhurriedly, without fear.