"Who?" Fen'er asked, reaching for the door.
A flicker of confusion crossed Fen'er's eyes as she saw the person outside. "Who are you?"
The man outside was unfamiliar, yet somehow seemed familiar...
She remembered, he looked like Feng Maoyuan's subordinate, one of the constables who had escorted them before.
"Come in and talk," the man outside said as he entered, closing the door behind him.
"Who are you?" Xu Yuqing asked, looking at the man who had barged in, a displeased expression on her face.
"Second Young Madam, I am Jiang Shangyun, a subordinate of Feng Maoyuan," the man said, bowing to Xu Yuqing with clasped hands.
Hearing his words, Xu Yuqing recalled seeing him by Feng Maoyuan's side a few times.
"What is it?" Xu Yuqing asked.
"I am from Bazhou. I only came to the capital to seek employment three years ago. Before that, I lived in Bazhou and had received care and favors from the Marquis of Weining's estate," Jiang Shangyun introduced himself.
"Earlier, when I was having breakfast, I overheard your servants mentioning that Second Young Madam is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Weining's estate. I thought I must find you to repay the favor owed to the Marquis of Weining's estate. From now on, I am at your disposal. Please feel free to command me in any matter. I am willing to go through fire and water for you, without hesitation."
Jiang Shangyun's sincerity was evident as he clasped his hands and knelt on one knee.
Xu Yuqing, Madam Song, and the maids Fen'er and Fang'er all looked surprised. Huangfu Ying, however, wore a bewildered and confused expression.
She understood some of what this uncle was saying, but not all. What did "go through fire and water without hesitation" at the end mean?
After her initial surprise, Xu Yuqing examined Jiang Shangyun more closely. He appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a well-formed appearance, quite handsome, and with a decent demeanor. His features were kind, and he didn't look like a bad person.
Xu Yuqing curved her lips and gave Jiang Shangyun a radiant smile. "Guard Jiang, please rise." She gestured for him to stand.
"Since you've said so, I won't be polite. I'll have to trouble you a lot from now on."
She hadn't expected such a coincidence – that Feng Maoyuan's subordinate would be indebted to her family and be a grateful person. Upon learning her identity, he had actively sought her out to repay his debt.
He was willing to be at her disposal, to go through fire and water for her without hesitation. Only a fool would refuse.
Jiang Shangyun stood up, took a step forward, and asked respectfully, "Second Young Madam, I saw that you wanted to go out earlier. Do you still wish to go out now? If you do, I can help you leave."
Upon hearing this, the women in the room were somewhat surprised, and Xu Yuqing, in addition to surprise, her beautiful eyes lit up.
"You can help me leave?" Xu Yuqing stared at Jiang Shangyun, her voice, like her expression, carrying clear delight.
Jiang Shangyun nodded. "My martial arts are quite good. I can slip you out without anyone noticing."
"That's wonderful!" Xu Yuqing exclaimed with joy.
She had thought she wouldn't be able to go out and would have to wait at the inn for Huangfu Yue to return. She hadn't expected Jiang Shangyun to be able to sneak her out unnoticed. This was truly a stroke of luck.
She could go to the market, buy rouge and powder, and buy fragrant creams for skincare!
"Let's go now," Xu Yuqing said, moving towards the door, but Madam Song pulled her back.
"Eldest Young Lady, you cannot go out. The Princess and the Grand Concubine forbade you from leaving the inn. If they find out you've snuck out, it will be disastrous," Madam Song advised anxiously.
However, Xu Yuqing did not heed the advice, impatiently shaking off Madam Song's hand. "Didn't you hear what Guard Jiang said? He can sneak me out without anyone noticing... As long as I return before Huangfu Yue does, Huangfu Yue and the others won't realize I left the inn."
It was a rare opportunity for someone like Jiang Shangyun to help her leave, so how could she not go? She absolutely had to buy rouge and powder, and fragrant creams to apply to her face.
Her face was so beautiful; she must cherish and take good care of it!