“Don’t come any closer! Don’t come any closer!”
A young man’s shrill cries echoed through the hall. The shop attendant, who had just descended the stairs, couldn’t help but glance back. He could almost picture the young master’s face, hiding among the women, as pale as if he’d seen a ghost.
“Are you all family?” he couldn’t resist asking, turning to the attendant who had followed him downstairs to arrange the meal.
Not now, of course—but perhaps someday.
The attendant hesitated, humming noncommittally without giving a direct answer.
To the shop attendant, however, this sounded like tacit acknowledgment, albeit subtly implied. As the saying goes, a grandfather in the cradle may have a grandson leaning on a cane—family seniority isn’t determined by age.
This young master clearly came from a wealthy family, and it wasn’t uncommon for rich old men to take younger second wives.
“So… is this his stepmother?” the shop attendant couldn’t help but ask.
The attendant, who was just stepping off the last stair, nearly stumbled and fell.
“Go to hell with your nonsense!” he snapped, slapping the shop attendant so hard that his hat went askew. “Spout that rubbish again, and I’ll stuff your mouth with horse dung!”
Terrified, the shop attendant covered his head and didn’t dare say another word.
Instead of heading toward Wang Shi’qi-lang, Cheng Jiao-niang walked over and took a seat on a felt cushion on the other side.
The two maids quickly followed and sat down as well. They glanced with surprise at Wang Shi’qi-lang, who had practically buried himself among the group of women.
They had naturally heard of Wang Family’s seventeenth son before, though this was their first time seeing him in person. He was quite handsome, if a bit frail-looking…
Was he so frightened because he had learned that the young lady had filed a lawsuit against First Master Cheng?
Seeing Wang Shi’qi-lang in such a state, Cheng Jiao-niang simply smiled and turned her gaze away. She sat down and began admiring the snowy mountain scenery outside.
Yet, instead of feeling relieved, Wang Shi’qi-lang grew even more terrified, his heart pounding as if about to leap out of his chest.
“Young Master, who is this young lady?” one of the beautiful maids beside him couldn’t help but whisper.
When they had first caught a glimpse of the young lady’s face, they too had been startled.
With such a stunningly beautiful young lady, they had expected their master to be utterly delighted. Yet, to their surprise, he seemed frightened out of his wits.
It was unmistakably fear—not joy—that had shaken him to his core.
“Shut up, shut up!” Wang Shi’qi-lang shouted.
It was the first time since they had set out on this journey that the young master had been so harsh with them. The beautiful maids immediately teared up, their faces wet with delicate, pearly drops.
But unfortunately, the young master showed no tenderness or pity. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed fiercely on the young lady, his face filled with fear and vigilance.
His tension and terror, however, did not affect the atmosphere on the other side. Attendants filed in one after another, covering the low tables with an abundant spread of dishes and wine.
“Miss, though you do not drink, I took the liberty of ordering some wine to ward off the winter chill,” the attendant said respectfully.
Cheng Jiao-niang nodded.
“Indeed. Although I do not drink, these two ladies should still have a taste,” she said, gesturing gracefully with her hand.
The shop attendant hurriedly placed two bottles of wine on the low tables in front of the two women.
“Oh my, this is really too kind… We don’t drink either…”
The two women laughed and waved their hands in polite refusal.
Of course, they didn’t drink—how could they ever afford it? At most, during festivals, they would mix some fermented rice wine with water for a slight taste of indulgence.
Cheng Jiao-niang smiled faintly.
“Please don’t stand on ceremony, ladies. Enjoying the snow calls for wine,” she said. “If it weren’t for my health, I would drink some myself.”
The two women immediately felt more at ease. They had never learned many rules of etiquette, only picking up bits and pieces by observing others. This young lady didn’t impose formalities on them, and what’s more, she genuinely did not look down on or disdain them.
When one person disdains another, it shows in their eyes—that contemptuous, scornful look. The two women had often seen it in the eyes of the Cheng family’s stewardesses. As for the Cheng family’s madams, they hadn’t even had the chance to meet them.
This young lady was completely different from those people. When her gaze fell upon them, it was calm and serene—neither looking down on them nor elevating them. To her, all beings were equal.
“This really is excellent wine,” one of the women exclaimed as she opened the wine jar, unable to resist praising its aroma after taking a whiff.
Having traveled half the day and with the winter chill setting in, everyone was hungry. Soon, the atmosphere at the table grew lively and relaxed—filled with laughter, conversation, and enjoyment of the food and drink. Although Cheng Jiao-niang did not join in their banter, the two women felt no restraint, and the mood remained light and comfortable.
In contrast, Wang Shi’qi-lang’s side was having a rather miserable time.
A few of the maids shifted uncomfortably.
“What are you doing?” Wang Shi’qi-lang immediately snapped.
“Young Master…” one of the maids looked at him with a pitiful expression, rubbing her legs. “Our feet have gone numb from sitting…”
“Young Master, if you’re not enjoying yourself here, perhaps we should leave,” another maid whispered softly.
Leave?
Wang Shi’qi-lang felt nothing but despair in his heart.
He had already traveled so far, yet this girl had still managed to catch up to him!
“Cheng Jiao-niang!” he suddenly shouted, springing to his feet.
The abrupt outburst stunned everyone in the hall, and all eyes turned toward Wang Shi’qi-lang.
But Wang Shi’qi-lang’s face was contorted, and he leaned to one side, his body twisted awkwardly.
“Ouch, ouch…” he groaned, reaching down to rub his leg.
The two women stared at him in astonishment, their chopsticks still clenched between their teeth.
“The young master’s leg has gone numb!” the maids exclaimed as they quickly realized what was happening. Immediately, they rushed to support him—some holding him up, others frantically massaging his legs. The hall once again descended into chaos, filled with the maids’ anxious chirping and Wang Shi’qi-lang’s strange, pained cries.
Cheng Jiao-niang held her golden cup, withdrew her gaze, and continued to sip her water slowly while admiring the mountain scenery outside.
“Cheng Jiao-niang, what… what do you want?” Wang Shi’qi-lang pushed the maids aside, limped a few steps forward, and demanded.
Cheng Jiao-niang turned her head to look at him.
“Admiring the snowy mountains,” she replied, raising the hand holding the golden cup to gesture toward the outside.
This girl was a master at playing dumb—the deadliest assassins were always the best at disguise, Wang Shi’qi-lang thought with an inward scoff.
“Fine, enjoy the view then. I’m leaving,” he said through gritted teeth.
Cheng Jiao-niang set down her golden cup.
“What are you trying to do?” Wang Shi’qi-lang exclaimed, taking a frightened step back and pointing at her.
Cheng Jiao-niang bowed to him politely.
“Farewell, Young Master,” she said.
Wang Shi’qi-lang swallowed hard. Fine. You said it yourself—don’t expect me to play along with your coy games. He turned and strode away without looking back.
His maids, caught off guard, only snapped back to reality when they heard the hurried clatter of his footsteps descending the stairs. They called out “Young Master! Young Master!” in a flustered rush as they scrambled after him.
With a flutter of scented sleeves and the fading sound of chaos, the hall finally settled into quiet once more.
The female musicians sitting on the floor mats nearby hugged their instruments, staring blankly.
“Oh no! He hasn’t paid us for the performance!” one of them exclaimed, rising to her feet as if to chase after him, but Cheng Jiao-niang stopped her.
“Do you have another engagement to attend?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked.
The two musicians exchanged a quick, thoughtful glance, their eyes sweeping over the girl before them.
Though she wore no gold or silver, the fabric of her clothing was exquisite and the craftsmanship impeccable. Moreover, the wealthy young master had clearly been so terrified of her that he fled in panic—proof that she was undoubtedly even more formidable.
“No, we don’t,” they replied hurriedly, bowing respectfully with ingratiating smiles.
“Then play a melody to liven the atmosphere,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.
“But what about the payment from that young master earlier…?” one of the musicians ventured cautiously.
“I will cover it,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied with a smile.
The two musicians were even more delighted upon hearing this. They quickly shuffled closer on their knees and settled down beside her.
“What would you like to hear?”
“Something lively and joyous will do,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.
The two musicians acknowledged her request and began tuning their instruments. Soon, the hall was filled with the cheerful, melodious sounds of their singing and playing.
The two women beamed with happiness. The snowy scenery outside was hardly worth admiring, but to enjoy fine food and wine accompanied by live music—now that was true luxury.
The lively atmosphere continued in the hall, while elsewhere, Wang Shi’qi-lang was speeding away in his carriage.
Inside the carriage, his two most favored maids huddled in the corner, their faces still stained with tea, their robes spotted with spills. They watched their young master, whose face was pale and filled with anxiety, not daring to approach him with their usual coquettish comfort.
“Young Master, shall we return to the inn in the city, or go somewhere else?” a servant outside asked cautiously.
“Why go back to the city? She’s already caught up to us—we need to get away, fast!” Wang Shi’qi-lang snapped.
Silence fell outside immediately. The carriage noticeably picked up speed, jolting even more violently along the way.
Wang Shi’qi-lang pushed away the armrest that had jostled against him due to the carriage’s violent swaying, letting out a heavy, frustrated sigh.
Run…
But where could he possibly run to?
He had already hidden himself away, yet she had still managed to track him down!
That terrifying girl! Why couldn’t she just leave him alone?
Wang Shi’qi-lang raised a hand to touch his face. His face…
It was all because he was born too handsome! So this was the curse of beauty—it truly was a sin.
As this thought crossed his mind, his eyes suddenly lit up.
“Stop the carriage!” he shouted.
The carriage came to an abrupt halt. The sudden stop made the horses whinny in protest, and several startled screams erupted from inside the carriage.
“Turn back, turn back!” Wang Shi’qi-lang yelled, thrusting aside the carriage curtain. He didn’t even bother scolding the driver who had nearly sent him tumbling out.
Not daring to delay, the driver quickly turned the carriage around.
“Young Master, where are we heading back to?” he asked hesitantly.
“Back to the Victory Pavilion, of course!” Wang Shi’qi-lang snapped.
The driver immediately urged the horses onward.
The shop attendant at the Victory Pavilion was surprised to see the young master return once again. The banquet had already been cleared away—surely he hadn’t just taken a quick ride and come back expecting to continue the meal?
Wang Shi’qi-lang took a few deep breaths inside the carriage before hopping out.
“Do you have a knife?” he asked, turning to the servant beside him.
The servant nearly collapsed in fright.
“Young Master, what are you planning to do?” he stammered.
This Lady Cheng was not someone to be provoked!
“Enough nonsense, just give it to me!” Wang Shi’qi-lang snapped, his eyebrows furrowed fiercely.
Not daring to disobey, the servant reluctantly turned to ask one of the guards for a knife.
“This is it?” Wang Shi’qi-lang glared at the palm-sized dagger handed to him.
“Young Master, this is all we have,” the servant replied. “Otherwise, there are only clubs.”
Wang Shi’qi-lang let out a breath and took the dagger.
“Fine, this will do,” he said, taking another deep breath as he looked up at the second floor. The sound of zither music and singing drifted down…
Weren’t those the musicians I hired? This girl has no shame!
“All of you, wait here! No one is to follow me!” he ordered those around him. Gripping the small dagger tightly, he stepped forward.
The Wang family’s attendants and maids wore expressions of panic.
“Young Master, Young Master…” the maids called out in trembling voices, not daring to follow him.
“What is the Young Master planning to do?”
“If the Young Master dislikes that Lady Cheng so much, could he be going to confront her?”
Hearing this, Wang Shi’qi-lang’s servant twitched the corner of his mouth.
“Who’s confronting whom… that remains to be seen,” he muttered under his breath.
The sound of hurried footsteps did not draw the attention of those feasting and laughing nearby. They continued eating and drinking as before, while several male servants stood scattered around, appearing casual yet forming a secure perimeter.
They glanced over at Wang Shi’qi-lang but acted as though they hadn’t seen him at all.
And that girl—she never once turned around. Sitting with her back to him, she leaned against an armrest, holding a golden cup in one hand while gently tapping her knee in time with the music.
What a perfect picture of a beauty admiring the snow.
For a moment, Wang Shi’qi-lang was mesmerized. But in his daze, the beauty turned her head and smiled at him—only for her lovely face to instantly transform into a white-boned skull.
Wang Shi’qi-lang let out a sharp cry.
The sound drew the attention of everyone in the hall. Even the musicians stopped playing, and Cheng Jiao-niang turned to look at him.
So it had just been an illusion. Wang Shi’qi-lang breathed a sigh of relief.
“Cheng Jiao-niang, come here,” he said, taking a deep breath though his voice still trembled.
Cheng Jiao-niang responded with a soft “Oh?” and indeed rose to her feet. Seeing the two women hurriedly stand up as well, she shook her head with a smile.
“Please, remain seated,” she said, then gestured for the musicians to continue.
The gentle, rhythmic notes of the zither began to play once more.
“What instructions do you have for me, Young Master Wang?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked, coming to a stop in front of him.
As she approached, Wang Shi’qi-lang took a few steps back.
“You—come with me. I have something to say to you,” he said, glancing around nervously. Not far away, a screen partitioned off a private room, blocking the view. He strode purposefully in that direction.
Without asking any questions, Cheng Jiao-niang followed him.
Once inside the room, Wang Shi’qi-lang stood rigidly with his back to her, facing the window. After a tense moment, he suddenly turned around.
Cheng Jiao-niang’s expression shifted slightly in surprise.
“What is the meaning of this, Young Master Wang?” she asked, a faint smile returning to her lips.
Wang Shi’qi-lang held a small dagger in his hand. He had now drawn its sheath, revealing a gleaming, sharp blade that glittered coldly.
“Cheng Jiao-niang, stop pestering me!” he said hoarsely. “I will absolutely not marry you.”
Cheng Jiao-niang responded with a soft “Oh?” and gazed at Wang Shi’qi-lang thoughtfully, saying nothing.
“If you refuse to let me go and keep harassing me, I’ll… I’ll…” he stammered, his hand trembling as he brandished the dagger.
“Kill me?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked.
Wang Shi’qi-lang snorted.
“Kill you? I know how formidable you are—I could never kill you. But… I can kill myself!” he declared. “You… you’re only obsessed with my face, aren’t you? If you keep pushing me, I… I’ll disfigure myself!”
As he spoke, he reversed his grip on the dagger and pointed the blade directly at his own face.
