Chapter Seven: Turmoil at the Temple Fair

Qu Wanqing lifted the carriage curtain, and the roar of the temple fair rushed toward her, vibrant and bustling.

The stalls were packed with an array of goods, and the shouts of vendors rose and fell in a chorus. She gazed left and right with excitement, like a curious child, eager to take in every novelty. After all, having been cooped up in the deep, sprawling courtyards of the Marquis's estate for so long, coming out for some fresh air was nothing short of exhilarating! While admiring the scenery, she quietly observed the crowd, attempting to catch a hint of useful information.

"My, what a beautiful young lady you are!" A greasy voice suddenly cut through the air, like a bucket of cold water dousing Qu Wanqing’s enthusiasm. A burly man with a face full of flesh, resembling a tiger, blocked her path, accompanied by a shifty-eyed lackey. This brute was the notorious local hooligan, Wang Dahu, and the monkey-like attendant beside him was his "brain trust," Liu the Pockmarked.

Wang Dahu stared at Qu Wanqing with lecherous eyes, his gaze slithering over her like a venomous snake flicking its tongue. "Little lady, it’s no fun strolling the temple fair alone. Why not come and have some fun with me?" As he spoke, he reached out to touch her face. Qu Wanqing struck instantly, using a deft grappling move to seize his arm, her eyes as cold as blades. "Sir, please show some respect," she said icily.

"Oh ho! A rose with thorns!" Far from backing down, Wang Dahu grew even more arrogant. "I like your type! You’ve got spirit!" Liu the Pockmarked chimed in with a fawning laugh, "Boss, you’ve got a great eye! This lady is clearly a rare find!"

Beyond disgust, a surge of anger rose in Qu Wanqing at the thought of these thugs bullying the common people, yet she remained outwardly calm. She offered a mocking smile and said, "Do you think this Qingfeng Town is a place for you to run wild? Today, I will teach you that there is always someone stronger than you." Suppressing her rage, she scanned the surroundings for an escape route, analyzing the situation; she knew she could not act rashly.

Jiang Yu had been standing silently behind Qu Wanqing, his gaze cold and fixed on everything unfolding before them. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, determined that his mistress would not come to harm.

Just as Wang Dahu was about to press his luck further, a clear, resonant voice rang out from the crowd: "I’d like to see what kind of law you represent!" The crowd parted, and a man dressed in green, holding a long sword, stepped forward. His features were handsome, his gaze sharp, and he radiated an aura of chivalry.

Wang Dahu’s expression shifted slightly at the sight of him. "You... are you the Hero Li?" The newcomer was none other than the renowned martial artist, Hero Li.

Hero Li walked up to Qu Wanqing and cupped his hands in a salute. "Young lady, are you alright?" Qu Wanqing shook her head. "Thank you, Hero, for your timely assistance."

"To see injustice and draw one's sword is the duty of those of us who walk the path of chivalry," Hero Li said, turning to Wang Dahu. "Wang Dahu, you have committed countless evils. Today, I shall act on behalf of heaven!" Wang Dahu’s face paled; he knew he was no match for Hero Li and turned to flee.

Qu Wanqing utilized her light-foot skills, instantly blocking Wang Dahu’s path, her eyes locked onto him coldly. "Trying to run? Speak clearly first. Tell me, who sent you?"

Wang Dahu trembled, his eyes darting back and forth. "No... no one sent me..." Qu Wanqing sneered. "Not talking? Then don't blame me for being impolite." She drew a dagger from her sleeve. The crowd held their breath, not daring to make a sound. The sunlight caught the blade, casting a cold reflection that pierced Wang Dahu’s eyes. Sweat rolled down his forehead, dripping onto the edge of the steel. "I'll talk! I'll talk!" he shrieked in terror. "It was... it was..."

"Who was it?!"

Just as Wang Dahu was about to speak, a sharp arrow whistled through the air. The projectile moved like a bolt of lightning, accompanied by a shrill howl. In the split second before it struck Wang Dahu’s wrist, the surrounding crowd could see his pupils dilate, followed by a spray of blood. The arrow pinned his wrist precisely, and the dagger clattered to the ground.

Wang Dahu let out a miserable wail, clutching his wrist and rolling on the ground. "Who’s there?!" Hero Li looked around vigilantly. The crowd erupted into a commotion, searching for the source of the hidden arrow.

Qu Wanqing, however, smiled—a smile full of meaning. She clapped her hands, and a tall, masked figure in black emerged from the crowd. The figure knelt on one knee before her. "My apologies for the late arrival, my lady."

This sudden turn of events left everyone stunned, including Hero Li, who stared at Qu Wanqing in bewilderment.

"My, I didn't expect you to be a hidden powerhouse!" Qu Wanqing said, smiling at Wang Dahu. "It seems your backers are quite formidable after all!"

Wang Dahu was in such agony that his face turned white, yet he dared not utter another word. He knew he had kicked a steel plate today.

Liu the Pockmarked was shivering with fear, cowering behind Wang Dahu, not daring to show his head.

"Since someone has pleaded for you," Qu Wanqing said slowly, "I will spare you today. However, if I run into you again, you won't be so lucky."

With that, she turned and walked away, the figure in black following closely behind.

Hero Li watched her retreating figure, filled with suspicion. Who exactly was this woman?

The onlookers gradually dispersed, leaving only Wang Dahu and Liu the Pockmarked wailing on the ground.

"Boss, what do we do?" Liu the Pockmarked asked with a mournful face.

Wang Dahu clutched his wrist, his expression vicious. "We go back! This isn't over!"

After walking a distance, the figure in black removed his mask, revealing a familiar face.

"Jiang Yu?" Qu Wanqing said, surprised. "How did you..."

Jiang Yu smiled. "My lady, I told you I would always protect you. There is a story behind this jade pendant—a life-or-death crisis I faced in my youth. A benefactor saved me, and this pendant was a gift from them. Now, I give it to you, as if giving you my vow of protection." Jiang Yu took out a warm, intricately carved jade pendant from his robes. "Here, for you."

Qu Wanqing accepted the pendant, an inexplicable feeling of being moved rising in her heart.

"Let's go," Jiang Yu said. "Let's go look over there." He pointed to a candied hawthorn stall not far away.

Qu Wanqing nodded and followed him.

Suddenly, Jiang Yu stopped, his eyes scanning the area ahead with vigilance.

"What is it?" Qu Wanqing asked.

Jiang Yu did not answer, his eyes locked on the front, his hand already gripping the hilt of his sword.

"My lady, be careful..."

Jiang Yu took a quick step to her side, looking her over anxiously. "Are you alright? Were you hurt?" His tone was urgent, his eyes filled with concern.

Qu Wanqing looked at Jiang Yu, a warmth spreading through her.

This man was always protecting her in such a silent way.

She shook her head gently and smiled beautifully. "I'm fine, thanks to you." Her eyes held a trace of shyness and admiration, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

Jiang Yu gazed at her tenderly, his large hand resting gently on her shoulder, providing her with a sense of utter security.

The noisy crowd around them seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them. The air was filled with a faint, romantic tension, as sweet as the sugar-art sold at the fair.

After shaking off Wang Dahu and his band of minions, Qu Wanqing noticed a man dressed as a martial artist watching her from nearby.

It was Hero Li, who had helped her earlier.

Qu Wanqing walked over with grace and took the initiative to greet him: "Thank you, Hero Li, for your righteous intervention earlier. This young lady is truly grateful." Initially, Hero Li had been suspicious, but Qu Wanqing’s speech and mannerisms revealed the upbringing of a refined young lady, coupled with the carefree spirit of a wanderer. After a few sentences, his guard dissipated significantly.

Qu Wanqing even shared some amusing anecdotes from the Marquis's estate, such as the parrot that mimicked speech, leaving the old Marquis fuming and blowing his beard, which made Hero Li burst into laughter.

"Lady Qu is truly a fascinating person," Hero Li remarked sincerely, admiring her wit and courage.

Qu Wanqing had successfully dispelled his suspicions and even struck up an acquaintance with him, which pleased her greatly.

After all, having one more friend meant one more path; in the world of martial arts, connections were vital.

Just as she and Hero Li were chatting happily, she keenly sensed something amiss.

A person wearing a gray robe and a bamboo hat was lingering nearby, their eyes darting around suspiciously, as if watching her from the shadows.

An alarm bell rang in Qu Wanqing’s heart; her intuition told her that this person was not here with good intentions.

Could they have been sent by a rival of the Marquis's estate?

A shadow of unease fell over her; the bustle of the temple fair seemed to be veiled in mystery, with dark undercurrents shifting beneath the surface.

Suddenly, Jiang Yu took Qu Wanqing’s hand, his tone low and grave: "My lady..."