In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance between a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the mee...
The cart barrels through the woods, its wheels clattering loudly against the uneven terrain. Speeding up, it crashes into a tree with a loud thud, causing the young woman inside to fall forward and hit her head on the wooden frame. She lets out a yelp of pain as she tumbles to the floor of the cart, disoriented and shaken. The impact is sudden and unexpected, leaving her dazed and bruised. Struggling to regain her bearings, she sees the guards fleeing and chaos erupting around her.
Confused, she steps out of the shadows, her eyes wide with bewilderment at the scene before her. She takes in the fallen bodies, the discarded sword, and the flickering torches. With a determined look on her face, she rushes forward to check on the two young men huddled together, blood staining their clothes. "Do you need help?" she asks, her voice filled with concern.
Jiang Ying pulls away from Xie Yun and looks up at her, his eyes filled with pain and fear. "You?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm Su Jingyi, a poor vendor who sells trinkets and charms in Yunmeng," she responds, kneeling beside them. Examining their injuries, she worries that she is not a healer, yet she knows she must do something to help them. "I may not know what happened here, but I can help you both. Let's get you out of here and to safety."
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Jiang Ying and Xie Yun exchange glances, then look back at Su Jingyi. Jiang Ying nods weakly, his trust in the young woman evident in his eyes. Xie Yun, still wary, watches her closely, pondering what to do. Even if she seems trustworthy, there is a chance they might encounter the new stranger who attacked him during his distraction. This could spell trouble not just for them but for her as well. With a woman and an injured Jiang Ying, Xie Yun can do nothing but get into more trouble.
Xie Yun takes a deep breath and speaks up, "We appreciate your help, Maiden Su. But we can't risk putting you in danger as well. We will find a way to handle this situation on our own."
Su Jingyi shakes her head. "I understand your concern, Young Master, but I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."
Jiang Ying looks up at Su Jingyi with a grateful smile, his injuries still causing him pain. He leans his head against Xie Yun's chest, finding comfort in the warmth and strength it provides. Realizing Xie Yun's worries and concerns, Jiang Ying pulls the Jiang clarity bell from his sleeve and hands it to her. "Take this to Lotus Pier and hand it to any member of the Jiangs."
Su Jingyi takes the bell with a furrowed brow, unsure of what it signifies. "Jiangs... What..." She looks up at Jiang Ying, her confusion evident in her eyes.
Xie Yun interrupts, "It's a message for them. They will understand."
Su Jingyi nods, still unsure but willing to fulfill their request. She tucks the bell securely into her sleeve, determined to carry out the task entrusted to her. With a bow, she stands up and prepares to set off for Lotus Pier, hoping that the Jiangs will be able to decipher the message and assist in whatever way they can.
