Chapter 4 : That Person (1/3)

The small sedan chair moved forward silently along a corridor, twisting and turning multiple times, making the ride rather bumpy.

Through the thin, hanging curtain, A’Wu secretly peeked outside. 

What met her eyes were green balustrades and red railings, with flowers and willows lining the path. 

Although autumn had already arrived, the scenery remained lush and vibrant.

She thought about all the promises the Crown Prince had made to her and couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Men truly are liars. 

He had said he would take her to see the entire world, yet he hadn’t even allowed her to see his own residence. 

Instead, he had kept her confined to Huancui Courtyard—what was the point of that?

As she was lost in thought, the sedan chair finally arrived at a black-lacquered door.

The sky was already dimming. 

A’Wu looked over and noticed that the door was somewhat old, and the pathway in front of it bore stains and marks of wear, along with some spilled soup or water that had yet to be cleaned.

She guessed that this must be the service entrance used for transporting food, supplies, and daily necessities, as well as the entrance for the servants.

At that moment, the sedan chair came to a stop. 

Just as A’Wu was about to step out, Sun Momo held her back, gesturing for her to wait.

She hushed A’Wu and, instead of letting her step out, pushed the door open slightly and peeked outside cautiously.

Curious, A’Wu watched as Sun Momo whispered a few words to someone outside. 

Shortly after, the door was pushed open, and a young man stepped in.

The man looked to be in his early twenties. 

He had a strong, angular face and was dressed in a dark blue fitted outfit, with his trouser legs tied up neatly—his movements were agile and efficient.

A’Wu vaguely heard Sun Momo call him “Nie San.”

She became suspicious and kept her eyes on him.

His attire resembled that of a royal guard, but his demeanor did not.

Although A’Wu was not particularly knowledgeable, she had followed the Crown Prince from the north and was aware that his residence had three security divisions, divided into five command units—left, right, front, back, and center—each led by officers of notable rank.

Anyone from these ranks who walked out of the Crown Prince’s estate would hold some degree of status and recognition.

Yet this Nie San had an air of nonchalance and carried a hint of a roguish, wandering warrior.

As she was observing him, Nie San suddenly turned in her direction, his gaze locking onto hers with precise accuracy.

At that instant, a flicker of astonishment flashed through his eyes.

A’Wu’s heart pounded, and she quickly lowered the curtain, retreating inside.

Men, men—why did all men look at her like that? 

She was already sick of it!

Even though she had lowered the curtain, she could still feel his gaze lingering on her from the other side.

She frowned slightly.

Ever since she had followed the Crown Prince, she had been confined to the inner residence, rarely interacting even with the household servants. 

It had been a long time since she had felt such a gaze upon her.

In that regard, being with the Crown Prince had at least spared her from certain troubles.

She began to doubt whether the strict rules at Yanxiang Temple could truly shield her from the gazes of men.

At that moment, Sun Momo exchanged a few low words with Nie San before approaching the sedan chair.

“Lady, it’s time to get down. This is Nie Sanlang—he will escort you to Yanxiang Temple.”

Hearing this, A’Wu picked up her bulging bundle and stepped out of the sedan chair.

Nie San took a swift step forward, and in an instant, A’Wu felt as if she were enveloped by a towering mountain.

Without a word, Nie San reached out and took hold of her bundle.

A’Wu was momentarily stunned.

Nie San said, “Lady, allow me to carry this for you.”

She tightened her grip on the bundle. 

“I appreciate your kindness, but there’s no need.”

Inside the bundle was gold—the money the Crown Prince had paid for her. 

How could she allow an outsider to carry it?

However, Nie San insisted. 

His unwavering gaze remained fixed on her, refusing to let go.

A’Wu was both irritated and annoyed.

Who needed his kindness?!

But—

Sun Momo was watching from the side, and she dared not make a scene, lest she arouse suspicion.

Nie San finally took the bundle. 

Fortunately, he did not seem to notice anything unusual.

A’Wu secretly observed him from behind. 

He was far too strong—holding her heavy bundle as effortlessly as if it were a small chick.

Perhaps to someone with such strength, the weight difference was too insignificant to notice?

As she pondered this, she saw a horse-drawn carriage waiting outside the door. 

It was a simple black-roofed carriage, the kind commonly used by city folk—clearly not one from the Crown Prince’s residence.

Sun Momo instructed two rough-handed servant women beside her, “You will accompany the Lady all the way to Yanxiang Temple.”

The two women obediently nodded.

Sun Momo then turned to A’Wu. 

“Lady, once you board the carriage, you will be on your way. When you arrive, your place will be ready for you.”

A’Wu nodded and, with a gentle and obedient smile, said, “Once I reach Yanxiang Temple, I will be sure to recite a few extra prayers—for Sun Momo’s soul, too.”

Sun Momo’s face instantly turned pale with anger.

But looking at A’Wu’s innocent, guileless eyes, she couldn’t find the words to retort.

Grinding her teeth, she snapped, “What nonsense! If you don’t know how to speak properly, then don’t speak at all!”

With that, she stormed back through the door, slamming it shut behind her with a loud bang.

Nie San had been watching quietly from the side. 

Seeing the young lady standing there, blinking her bright, clear eyes in confusion, he raised an eyebrow slightly and reminded her, “Lady, please board the carriage.”

A’Wu hurriedly nodded. 

“Alright, alright.”

She moved to step onto the carriage, but as soon as her foot landed on the shaft, it slipped.

The carriage was not the kind used by nobles—it was an ordinary street vehicle, unkempt and greasy, making the footstep slick.

Just as she was about to fall, Nie San reached out and firmly supported her by the waist.

A’Wu’s body stiffened slightly.

She could feel his large, powerful hands nearly encircling her slender waist.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to look at him.

At such close proximity, she saw the depth in his eyes—intense, unwavering, allowing no room for refusal.

A’Wu’s heart grew cold.

She had only just left the Crown Prince’s estate, and already there was a man behaving this way toward her?

But she neither refused nor got angry.

Without the Crown Prince’s protection, such situations would only become more frequent. 

She had to learn to adapt—to protect herself.

So, she pressed her lips together and smiled faintly, her expression gentle and submissive. 

“Thank you, Nie Sanlang.”

She had changed the way she addressed him—from “Sir” to “Nie Sanlang.”