Chapter Ten: Perils at the Temple Fair

The bustling temple fair was a sea of noise, where the cries of vendors, the rhythmic beating of gongs and drums, and the laughter of the crowd wove together into a vibrant tapestry of chaos. Qu Wanqing, however, moved through the din like a fish weaving through water, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings with intense focus, letting nothing suspicious escape her notice. Her slender fingers brushed lightly over an antique jade pendant at a stall, and she meticulously observed the exaggerated expressions of a roadside storyteller, hoping to find, amidst these trivial details, even the faintest trace of the Shadow Sect.

Surrounded by the throng of people, her serious demeanor stood in stark contrast to the festive atmosphere, making her seem entirely out of place.

"Well, well, if it isn't our dear Miss Qu. Why are you all alone? Looking for another sucker to fleece?"

A grating voice shattered her train of thought. She snapped her head up to see Wang Dahu, his face thick with jowls, blocking her path with a group of his rowdy cohorts. Liu the Pockmarked stood behind him, wearing a fawning, servile smile, much like a sycophantic cur. Several burly men, looking as fierce and menacing as demons, followed close behind, surrounding Qu Wanqing until there was no room to move.

The surrounding crowd, seeing the trouble, scattered quickly, fearful of being caught in the crossfire. The once-lively street fell into an eerie silence, and a tense atmosphere began to thicken.

Wang Dahu stepped forward, closing in on Qu Wanqing, and reached out with a greasy finger as if to lift her chin. "I say, Qu Wanqing, you're already a divorcee; what's with the high-and-mighty act? If you know what's good for you, come with me, and I’ll ensure you live in the lap of luxury!"

Qu Wanqing’s eyes turned cold, a surge of defiance rising within her. Fearlessly, she swatted his hand away and sneered, "Wang Dahu, why don't you take a look at yourself in a puddle? With a face like that, you think you’re worthy of me? Don't be a toad lusting after swan meat—you'll choke to death!"

Enraged by her stinging words, Wang Dahu’s face flushed a deep red. "You filthy woman, you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Boys, get her! We’re going to teach her a lesson today!"

Just then, a cold, clear voice rang out from the crowd: "Stop!"

Jiang Yu pushed through the throng, stepped up to Qu Wanqing, and shielded her behind him. His gaze swept over Wang Dahu and his men with icy detachment, a hint of warning in his tone: "Wang Dahu, I suggest you think twice before making a move."

Wang Dahu was momentarily taken aback by Jiang Yu’s sudden appearance, then burst into a loud laugh. "Oh? If it isn't Master Strategist Jiang? What’s this? Trying to play the hero? Take a look at yourself first—you don't weigh enough to handle this!"

Jiang Yu ignored the mockery, merely uttering two words in a calm voice: "Wanqing?"

A slight, cunning smile touched the corner of Qu Wanqing’s lips. "No need for you to intervene; I’ll handle this myself." She took a step forward, staring down Wang Dahu with an imposing aura, her tone laced with derision. "Wang Dahu, are you made of sticking plaster? Why can't I shake you off? If you don't give me an explanation today, I’m not letting this go!"

***

Wang Dahu was stunned by her sudden counterattack; he hadn't expected this woman, who usually appeared so delicate, to be so bold.

Liu the Pockmarked fanned the flames from the side: "Brother Hu, this woman refuses to cooperate, we should—"

"Shut up!" Wang Dahu barked at Liu, then turned back to Qu Wanqing, his bravado masking his unease. "Qu Wanqing, don't push your luck! If you're smart, you'll come with me, otherwise—"

Qu Wanqing gave a cold laugh, cutting him off. "Otherwise what? Are you going to hit me? Let me tell you, in broad daylight, just try laying a finger on me!" Her words rang out with authority, and the surrounding crowd began to whisper, admiring her courage.

Wang Dahu, flustered and humiliated, was about to erupt when Jiang Yu appeared by her side again. His gaze swept over the men with icy intensity. "Wang Dahu, I advise you to stop while you can."

Wang Dahu felt a prickle of apprehension, but he refused to back down. "Jiang Yu, stay out of this! This is between me and Qu Wanqing!"

Ignoring his bluster, Jiang Yu simply offered a faint smile and casually kicked over a nearby small stall. Fruit tumbled everywhere, and Wang Dahu’s henchmen, caught off guard, tripped and fell in a heap. The scene descended into chaos. The crowd, watching the spectacle, couldn't help but roar with laughter. Wang Dahu and his men scrambled to their feet in embarrassment, pointing at Jiang Yu in a fit of impotent rage, yet none dared to step forward.

Watching this, a flicker of amusement danced in Qu Wanqing’s eyes, her admiration for his wit and resourcefulness deepening. Jiang Yu gently pulled her behind him and whispered, "Don't be afraid. I’m here."

He shielded her, his eyes as tender as still water yet as steady as a towering mountain. "Don't be afraid, Wanqing. I’m here." These simple words brought her more peace of mind than any sweet talk could. She looked back at him, her eyes filled with undisguised reliance and a trace of shyness she couldn't quite hide. The onlookers, witnessing the scene, couldn't help but sigh with sentiment, the air seemingly filled with romantic tension.

Suddenly, a shrill scream from the crowd shattered the warmth.

"Thief! Stop the thief! She stole my jade pendant!" An elderly woman in tattered clothes pointed at Qu Wanqing, wailing at the top of her lungs.

***

The crowd swarmed in like sharks smelling blood, their eyes filled with curiosity and suspicion. Qu Wanqing’s heart sank; she knew this was a deliberate frame-up. She fought to remain calm, saying coldly, "Madam, you can eat anything, but you cannot say anything. You claim I stole your pendant, but do you have any proof?"

The old woman wailed even louder. "My pendant is an heirloom! I clearly saw you acting suspiciously, touching it just now, and now it’s gone! If it wasn't you, who else could it be?" As she spoke, she grabbed Qu Wanqing’s sleeve, refusing to let go.

Whispers rippled through the crowd, suspicious gazes piercing her like arrows. Someone muttered, "No way, Miss Qu doesn't look like a thief." Others said with malicious glee, "Who knows? You can know a person's face but not their heart; perhaps she's a habitual offender."

Qu Wanqing’s heart plummeted. She scanned the sea of unfamiliar faces, all filled with scrutiny and distrust. She didn't know who was pulling the strings, nor how to prove her innocence. The lively temple fair now felt like a giant trap, ready to swallow her whole.

Jiang Yu held her hand tightly, offering an encouraging look. He knew this was merely the calm before the storm—the real challenge had only just begun. He whispered in her ear, "Don't panic. I will get to the bottom of this."

Just then, a familiar voice drifted from outside the crowd...

"Hold on!" The crowd parted as a young nobleman in silk robes sauntered in, waving a folding fan. It was Young Master Zhou, whom Qu Wanqing had met once before at the fair. He looked at her with a cryptic smile, his eyes heavy with meaning. "Is this, by any chance, Miss Qu?"