Qiu Niang watched Xiao Man and her party depart, her gaze lingering long after they disappeared from sight. The inn attendant slung a cloth over his shoulder. "Boss, they're all gone. Let's head back."
"Who knows when we'll meet again after this parting," Qiu Niang sighed. She never imagined that when they next met, they would both be completely different people.
"Boss, are you very familiar with that young lady?"
"Not really," the proprietress replied slowly. "But I owe her my life."
The attendant scratched his head in confusion. "When did you owe her your life?"
"A long time ago." Qiu Niang walked back into the inn. As soon as she entered, she saw Nangong Yu standing by the window, gazing in the direction Xiao Man had gone.
"They're all gone, why are you still here, customer?" Qiu Niang knew this man had come specifically for Xiao Man.
"You've known her for many years, haven't you?"
Qiu Niang didn't answer. Xiao Man's affairs were secrets she could not divulge. Especially since this person was after Xiao Man, she was even less likely to tell the truth.
"You jest, customer," the proprietress said, moving behind the counter and clicking her abacus. "I've been here in Xing Tang Dao for ten years. How could I possibly know such a pretty young girl?"
Nangong Yu's expression remained unchanged. "If you don't know her, do you know Dugu Man?"
Qiu Niang's hand paused on the abacus. "You are indeed amusing, customer. Who in Yun Qi doesn't know the Empress Dowager? It's a pity she devoted her life only to end up consumed by flames. Women, who trust men too much, never have a good end."
"How do you know she didn't rise from the ashes?"
Qiu Niang narrowed her eyes, then after a moment, she chuckled. "You do say the funniest things, customer."
"You are also one of the fallen, aren't you?"
Qiu Niang put away her abacus. "If you've grown tired of staying, then leave quickly. My humble inn does not welcome unwelcome guests."
Nangong Yu didn't seem offended. He just smiled. "I was only joking with you, boss."
Qiu Niang smiled and paid Nangong Yu no further mind. Nangong Yu signaled Ye Yichen to leave. As soon as they exited the inn, Qiu Niang glanced upwards and muttered "crazy," then returned to her accounting.
"Master, is there something wrong with the inn proprietress?"
"Everyone on this road has issues," Nangong Yu said slowly. "I once heard of a massacre, where a woman brutally murdered her in-laws and husband."
"That person was Qiu Niang?"
Nangong Yu glanced back towards the inn. "The people on this trade route are all desperate souls. Those taken in here are individuals with blood on their hands, unwanted by the world. That's why they call themselves the fallen."
"What does Empress Dowager Yun Qi intend to do by bringing these wicked criminals to this road?" Ye Yichen asked, puzzled.
"Wicked criminals?" Nangong Yu's lips curved into a cold smile. "What kind of person do you think Dugu Man is?"
Ye Yichen thought carefully about the rumors surrounding Dugu Man. There were many, but the most famous was how she had used an iron fist to awe the four kingdoms. Her most criticized act was the massacre of a city, which ultimately led to her death in flames. Some applauded this, saying she deserved it for killing so many.
"She was a pitiable person."
Nangong Yu stopped walking. "Pitiable?"
Ye Yichen rubbed his chin and nodded. "She saved all of Yun Qi, sparing its people from war. But people only saw her coldness and cruelty during the city's destruction. She protected Yun Qi's court, yet was accused of meddling in affairs of state with ill intentions, and finally died at the hands of the child she raised. Is that not pitiable?"
Nangong Yu's lips twitched. He wondered what Xiao Man would think if she heard these words, that someone considered her pitiable! Su Dan Fiction Network.
"Then is Xiao Man pitiable?"
Ye Yichen's eyelids twitched. "Master, why compare these two? How can the living be compared to the dead? Although Xiao Man's birth mother died young and her father was murdered, she is at least alive. His Highness dotes on her and indulges her at every turn. How is she pitiable?"
Nangong Yu smiled. He wondered what Ye Yichen's reaction would be if he knew these two were, in fact, the same person.
"She is this king's wife. It is only right that I indulge her," Nangong Yu said, then sighed silently. "I just don't know when she will see her own heart clearly."
Bianjing City, the Imperial Concubine's Manor.
Feng Moran was playing chess with Wen Mohan. Wen Mohan didn't refuse, and they moved their pieces back and forth, neither giving an inch.
"Your chess skills have grown even more refined," Feng Moran placed a piece. "You truly impress me."
"The National Preceptor flatters me," Wen Mohan responded, moving his piece. "Compared to the National Preceptor, I am but a beginner."
"You needn't be so humble. Your chess skills are already remarkably exquisite, with few who can match you," Feng Moran said slowly, placing another piece. "The selection of consorts is about to begin. What are your plans for that girl, Man'er?"
Wen Mohan's expression remained calm. "Is the National Preceptor very concerned about this matter?"
"In the past, you and she were not close. You met only to clash like sharp blades. Now, for her sake, you've given up a great future to come to Blue Moon. Your courage is indeed commendable," Feng Moran said gently. "Don't you regret it?"
"How can a future be as important as her?" Wen Mohan asked with a smile. "I have given up everything for the woman I love. And for what reason have you, National Preceptor?"
"For destiny," Feng Moran said faintly.
"Destiny?" Wen Mohan's eyes held a smile. "Is the person of your destiny the Empress of Blue Moon?"
Feng Moran's expression immediately changed. The Empress had been staying at the Tantai Palace every night. It was all over the outside world that the Empress was infatuated with him. He didn't want to explain; after all, rumors stop with the wise. But most people in this world were foolish.
"Since when have you also believed in rumors?"
"National Preceptor, words can be fearsome," Wen Mohan said slowly. "One must always be cautious."
Feng Moran glanced at him. "It's all over the city. They say the Imperial Concubine grew tired of you, hence the selection of consorts. Everyone says you are merely a plaything in her hands, and will be cast aside before long. Young Master Wen, have you and Man'er shared a room?"
Wen Mohan's gentle smile remained on his face. He was neither angered nor annoyed by Feng Moran's words. He knew his feelings for Xiao Man, and he understood Xiao Man's care for him. Whether they had shared a room or not, their relationship was something Feng Moran could not compare to.
"If that's the case, National Preceptor, have you shared a room with the Empress?"
Feng Moran's fair face instantly turned cold as ice. He placed a chess piece with murderous intent. Wen Mohan remained as steady as a mountain. Even as his hair danced in the wind, he remained unperturbed.