Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 19: Who is not young

At that moment, thousands of ideas flashed through her mind. Chu Qiao knew she could use others' contempt and quickly wrestle free, then escape. But if she did, she would cause others to suspect her involvement in Zhu Shun's injury. Even if they managed to escape, Zhu Shun might use her small eighth sister as leverage against the government.

However, if they didn't escape, they would fall into the hands of the master of the old man's lustful pavilion. With her eight-year-old abilities, how could she hope to fight against the Zhuge household guards?

Fight or flight.

Her small body tensed as her thoughts raced. Perhaps she should take advantage of this opportunity to deal with the lecherous old man.

Two military marshals and a powerful Han, carrying torches, were approaching quickly. She knew it was necessary to ready the dagger in her hand.

"Stop!"

A chilling sound, like a waterfall pouring down, suddenly echoed. She turned around and saw snowflakes scattered through a white fog, and someone tumbled forward as if ready to attack. More than twenty dark horses approached swiftly. Immediately, a young man dressed in a white fur-lined robe appeared, his handsome face calm as he stroked the horse that snorted as they continued their march.

Suddenly, the horse reared and neighed. Out of nowhere, a figure dropped from the sky, the warm breath from his nostrils creating mist in the cold air. The young guard glanced at the faint light surrounding the figure and said with calm wisdom, "Mr. Zhuge, long time no see."

Zhuge Zhuo, looking like an old woman with his squinting eyes, looked the boy up and down. Smiling widely, revealing yellowed teeth, he said, "So, it's the young Yan Xun of Yanbei. It's a dark night, no moon in sight. What brings you here?"

Yan Xun, controlling his horse with ease, replied calmly, "Mr. Zhuge, you are old and powerful, but it's late. Why are you wandering around dressed like a hermit?"

"Oh?" Zhuge, with his long eyebrows raised, said, "Well, Yan Shi Zi, continue your journey. This old lady has no business with you." He turned to his subordinate and commanded, "Let's return home."

Yan Xun quickly moved his horse in front of Zhuge's and pointed toward Chu Qiao. "You and your servants may go, but leave the child to me."

Zhuge raised an eyebrow. "What did you say, Yan Shi Zi?"

"The child scared my horse. I want to take her back to hold her accountable."

Zhuge laughed and replied, "Then, the old lady will make sure you get a good horse in return."

"My family's horse was hunted and tamed by my father in the Western Desert after traveling thousands of miles. This is no ordinary horse, and it cannot be replaced recklessly. As for the child, I will take her with me."

"Yan Shi Zi—"

"There is no need to continue, Mr. Zhuge Zhuo," Yan Xun interrupted. "A person of your status should not plead on behalf of a slave. I will inform Zhuge Yue, the fourth young master. Servants, seize the child."

Yan Wang Fu's men stepped forward, knocking aside Zhuge's followers. They quickly restrained Chu Qiao and said, "We must go."

Zhu Shun, seeing Zhuge Zhuo's purple veil, approached Yan Xun's horse reins with a flattering smile. "Yan Shi Zi, I have something to say—"

"Yah!" A whip cracked through the air as Yan Xun struck Zhu Shun, sending him flying with a kick to the chin. Zhu Shun's obese body hit the ground with a thud, spitting blood and two yellowed teeth.

"What is your status that you dare to speak to me? You are nothing but a fool!"

Yan Xun's eyes were cold and sharp.

Zhu Shun, shocked, quickly knelt and kowtowed. In the grand summer, royalty did not need a reason to kill a commoner.

Yan Xun lifted his whip again, his voice cold. "Today, I'll spare your life for the sake of Mr. Zhuge Zhuo. But if I ever see you again, not even Zhuge Yue will save you from losing your head."

Without sparing a glance at the old man, Yan Xun commanded, "Move out!"

His men jumped onto their horses, and the sound of hooves echoed down the street as they disappeared into the night.

Zhuge's face reddened, and his left hand trembled slightly. Zhu Shun, still on the ground, grabbed at the old man's feet and whined, "Master, please—"

"Get out!" The old man, furious, kicked Zhu Shun in the chest. "Useless fool!"

With that, they tapped their horses and rode away.

Snow continued to fall. The long street was silent, though the bustling spirit of the main street could still be felt. Dark seeds lay buried under the snow as Zhu Shun lamented in the distance, watching Chu Qiao and the others vanish.

The horses stopped by Chishui Lake. The dignified young prince, still wearing his white fur robe, smiled slightly as he poked Chu Qiao's small shoulder. "Little girl, you owe me a favor."

The child glanced up, her eyes conveying a clear message: "I didn't ask for your help."

Yan Xun, unfazed by her cold demeanor, grumbled softly and whispered flirtatiously, "You should show some gratitude, or you might regret it."

Chu Qiao glared at him and turned to leave.

Yan Xun, surprised, quickly stopped her. "Where are you going?"

The child raised her brow. "I'm going home, of course."

"You can't go back!" The young prince frowned. "The servants and Zhuge's old man will post your name in Huang Cheng. You'll be walking back to your death!"

Chu Qiao retorted, "That's none of your concern."

Yan Xun, unwilling to let her go, grabbed her arm tightly. "What's wrong with you? You're so cold even though I saved your life. Zhuge Yue isn't worth the trouble, so why would you go back to them?"

Chu Qiao, annoyed, shrugged off his hand and snapped, "I never asked you to save me. Keep your pity to yourself." She dismissed the young prince with a sharp tone.

Yan Xun's face flushed, his eyes filled with life, as he watched Chu Qiao walk further away. Suddenly, he shouted childishly, "Fine! You deserve to be bullied! I won't save you again, or I'm not a member of the Yan clan!"

The child didn't look back and disappeared into the crowd.

Feng Shuijiao, who had quietly approached, saw the young master's eyes reddening as he tried to hold back tears.

Back in his quarters, Yan Xun sighed. Although the empire had sent him to the borderlands as a hostage, living in the center of political power had made him mature beyond his years.

Tired and frustrated, the young prince fell asleep, looking like any ordinary child.

"We're going back home too?" asked Feng Shuijiao.

"Yan!" Yan Xun muttered angrily, his eyes still closed. He had already planned to return to Yanbei.

After taking a few steps, Yan Xun called back, "Feng Shuijiao, go to Zhuge Yue's house and tell him to find my horse, Blast, and ensure they don't harm the girl."

"What?" Feng Shuijiao, still sleepy, stared at him. "Didn't you just say you wouldn't help her again?"

Yan Xun, recalling his earlier words to Chu Qiao, grew annoyed as Feng Shuijiao teased him. He kicked at him lightly and snapped, "Stop teasing me! Say that again, and I'll show you!"

Feng Shuijiao exclaimed "Ouch!" twice before hurrying to his horse and riding to the Zhuge household, careful not to provoke his master further.

Yan Xun hummed quietly to himself, then, noticing his subordinates staring at him, shouted, "What are you looking at? Get moving!"

They quickly turned away, exchanging glances. Yan Xun, only 13 years old, still occasionally did childish things, though his responsibilities weighed heavily on his shoulders.