“Why does everything sound so serious when you say it? Look at how you’re talking. I can’t possibly be so unlucky just as I stepped out…”
“Careful!”
Before Feng Jin could finish speaking, an arrow whizzed past her eyes, leaving her covered in cold sweat, frozen in place and forgetting to dodge.
Ling Mohan leaped forward, shielding Feng Jin in his arms. “Get into the carriage. You are not allowed out.”
As he spoke, Ling Mohan pushed Feng Jin into the carriage and joined the fray.
Only then did Feng Jin snap back to reality. Could her words really be prophetic? Why did everything she said come true?
“Young Madam, are you alright?”
Cai Qing, startled by the commotion, hurried forward to ask about Feng Jin’s condition.
“I’m fine. How are you both?” Feng Jin asked reflexively, her gaze scanning the two of them.
Taking a deep breath, she managed to calm herself after a moment. She quickly rummaged through a nearby cabinet, found pre-made crossbows, and distributed them to Cai Qing and Chu Qing.
“Wear these on your wrists. They can save your lives in critical moments.”
Feng Jin gripped the crossbow on her wrist tightly, her heart suddenly filled with anxiety. She wondered about the children’s condition and whether Ling Mohan had sent anyone to protect them.
She now hated herself for not knowing martial arts, blaming Ling Mohan for not teaching her even a few moves. He had insisted she was not suitable for learning martial arts now, claiming she would only injure herself if she tried, and refused to teach her. This left her stuck in this small carriage, waiting for others to protect her, lacking even the ability to defend herself, let alone protect her two children.
Today’s events only strengthened Feng Jin’s resolve to learn martial arts. Once she returned to the capital, she would definitely learn a few moves. Even if Ling Mohan refused to teach her, she would find someone else to teach her.
Feng Jin reached out to lift the carriage curtain to peek outside but worried about exposing their whereabouts if assassins were still present.
Confined to the carriage, she felt an overwhelming sense of urgency but helplessness.
“Young Madam, if you are worried about the young masters’ safety, I can go out and take a look,” Chu Qing said, sensing Feng Jin’s concern.
“No, we don’t know the situation outside, nor do we know if the attackers are bandits or someone else’s men. It’s too dangerous for you, a girl, to go out,” Feng Jin replied. Even as she worried about her children, she wouldn’t let Chu Qing, a young woman, venture out in such danger.
“Young Madam, I know a bit of martial arts. Besides, there are soldiers all around. I will be perfectly safe going out.”
“You know martial arts?” Feng Jin’s tone was slightly surprised. How had she never noticed Chu Qing’s martial arts skills before?
“I only know the basics, nothing significant, but enough for self-preservation. Please, Young Madam, let me go. I guarantee I will be safe.” Chu Qing’s confident assurance made Feng Jin waver. After a moment of thought, she said, “Then, when you go, be careful. If things get too dangerous, come back quickly. Don’t be reckless; your safety is the most important thing.”
She exhorted Chu Qing repeatedly to prioritize her own safety. If anything happened to Chu Qing because of this, Feng Jin would feel guilty and uneasy forever.
“Don’t worry, Young Madam.” With that, Chu Qing left the carriage.
Feng Jin’s worry was unceasing. She secretly lifted a sliver of the carriage curtain, searching for Chu Qing.
Outside, there was a flurry of fighting. The clanging of swords and the shouts were deafening. Feng Jin was struck by the brutal scene and remained in a daze for a long time. It was then that Feng Jin realized how formidable Chu Qing’s martial arts were. Over a dozen attackers surrounded her, yet they couldn’t get within half a step of her. They were all being pushed back. Chu Qing didn’t linger, repelling them one by one before hurrying towards the carriages behind to find the young masters.
When Chu Qing arrived, soldiers were guarding the carriages. Two wet nurses held the young masters tightly, not daring to make any mistakes. Seeing Chu Qing, the eyes of the two wet nurses lit up with surprise. They said in unison, “Miss Chu Qing, you’re here. Where is the Young Madam?”
“It’s extremely dangerous outside. The Young Madam specifically sent me to check on the young masters’ safety.”
“It’s good that the Young Madam is safe. This old servant will protect the young masters with her life.” Lin Momo, holding the young master tighter, remembered the old master’s instructions before their departure: protect the young masters at all costs. The old master had shown her immense kindness. Without his protection, her entire family would have perished long ago. Today, even if it cost her life, she would protect the young masters.
“Miss Chu Qing, the fact that you could fight your way through this carnage shows your exceptional skill. Miss Chu Qing, please return and protect the Young Madam. I will protect the young masters with my life. Please tell the Young Madam not to worry.” Lin Momo worried about what would happen to the young general if the Young Madam were harmed.
“I should stay. The Young Madam is most concerned about the young masters…” Chu Qing pondered. She felt it would be most prudent to stay. After all, the Young Madam’s greatest concern was the young masters. Only when the young masters were safe would the Young Madam be at ease.
“This…” Lin Momo looked conflicted. After much consideration, she agreed to Chu Qing’s suggestion. Indeed, with Chu Qing present, they would be safer. For the sake of the young masters’ safety, Lin Momo agreed to let Chu Qing stay.
…
“Young Madam, Chu Qing has been gone for so long, is she alright?” Cai Qing’s face was etched with worry, especially with the sounds of fighting outside. No matter how skilled Chu Qing was, even a martial artist could not fight off so many alone, and as a woman, her venturing out solo was understandably concerning.
“Her not returning is a good thing. Chu Qing must have stayed to protect the children. I believe she will be fine,” Feng Jin said. Witnessing Chu Qing’s martial arts firsthand had convinced her that Chu Qing would not be harmed. All she needed to do was wait patiently.
“If the Young Madam says she’s fine, then she will be fine.” Cai Qing recalled past dangers. Whenever the Young Madam was present, they always managed to turn peril into safety. This time would surely be the same. They would get through this safely. Cai Qing took off the jade pendant from her neck, held it in her palm, and clasped her hands together, silently praying for their safety.
“Are you praying…”
“Yes, Young Madam,” Cai Qing nodded in response.