Confrontation

After Chen Yage finished speaking, she turned and left. Dujuan hurried after her, grabbing her hand with a face full of anxiety. “Yage, maybe I don’t truly know how deeply you love Brother Bai. Perhaps it’s just like how I care for Brother Shao. But if you go out now, Wang Zhiguo will never let you off easily. Please, stay hidden for now.”

Suddenly, You Huan approached, striking the back of Chen Yage’s neck with a swift palm. He deftly caught her before she could fall. “Where is her room?”

Dujuan hadn’t expected You Huan to knock Chen Yage unconscious. Flustered, she pointed to the left. Without a word, You Huan hoisted Chen Yage onto his shoulder, and Dujuan led the way.

“Miss Xu, Yage, I’ll leave her in your care for now. I need to step outside and see what’s happening,” You Huan, usually helpful and composed, stammered before Dujuan.

Covering her mouth, Dujuan laughed, “Don’t call me Miss Xu, it sounds so old-fashioned. You’re a friend of both my brother and Yage, just call me Dujuan like they do.”

“That doesn’t feel quite right,” You Huan said awkwardly, but when Dujuan gave him a stern look, he quickly relented, “Dujuan, I’ll leave Yage with you then.”

“Go on, go on. Keep me updated,” Dujuan smiled sweetly, waving him off. You Huan felt his face flush and hurried out of the house.

In the main hall, the crowd was packed tight. Wang Zhiguo, surrounded by his entourage, lounged on a chaise sipping tea. Xu Yushi sat calmly across from him.

“We’ve dealt with each other before, so I’ll be direct,” Wang Zhiguo said, taking a sip. “I’m here today for the thief who broke into my residence last night. Hand her over to me.”

Xu Yushi appeared quite at ease, smiling as he replied, “Do you know where you are?”

“Of course.”

“And who am I?”

“You are the governor of Xiangyang, the official responsible for the people’s welfare.”

“Good. Since I am the governor, I am responsible for the safety of the citizens. A thief entered your home last night, so I must handle the matter impartially. I cannot hand her over to you.”

Wang Zhiguo snorted coldly. “Fine. I’ll let go of this petty thief. But you must surrender the criminal who killed my son, or punish him according to the laws of Tang.”

“Chen Yage will never be handed to you. Li Bai even less so, especially since Li Bai is soon to marry my daughter—”

“What are you implying?” Wang Zhiguo interrupted, his tone sharp. “Are you trying to use this to absolve him of guilt? Or do you think I fear you, so you flaunt your position? Don’t forget, I have allies in the capital who are not afraid of a minor official like you.”

“Enough!” Xu Yushi shouted in anger. “You insult a court official. I could have you arrested right now.”

“Then arrest me,” Wang Zhiguo taunted. “Either hand Li Bai over, or execute him according to the law. Choose one. Give me your answer.”

“And if I refuse both?”

Xu Yushi’s expression darkened. He sneered, “Then you’d best watch your hat. Even if this matter reaches the capital, I won’t let you off easily.”

“Is that so?” Xu Yushi paused, then continued, “If it does go to the capital, you won’t fare any better. I’ll report every atrocity your son has committed against the people, every vile act against innocent women. At worst, Li Bai will be exiled. But can you guarantee your estate will remain unscathed?”

Zhiguo gave a cold snort, “Do you think I’m afraid of you?” He waved his hand, and his servants drew their blades.

Xu Yushi remained calm. Xu Jin gripped his sword tightly, his gaze fierce as he stared at Wang Zhiguo.

Wang Zhiguo’s men surrounded Xu Jin and the household staff. Wang Zhiguo smiled, “Bring them out. I don’t want to spoil the peace between us.”

“The outcome is far from decided. Don’t celebrate too soon.” Xu Yushi smashed his wine cup to the floor. At that moment, the sound of rustling echoed—an entire squad of officers in dark red uniforms stormed in, arrows raised at the front. “This is the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind,” Xu Yushi said with a smile.

Wang Zhiguo surveyed the scene. His men were completely surrounded, outnumbered by Xu Yushi’s forces. To fight would mean heavy losses, but to give up was unbearable.

A clear, melodious voice, like an oriole singing in the valley, broke the tension. Dujuan rushed in. Wang Qingtian’s expression sharpened—his figure flashed, and he was suddenly at Dujuan’s side. Before anyone could react, he pressed his blade to Dujuan’s neck, edging her step by step towards Xu Yushi.

“Let her go,” Xu Yushi commanded.

“Hand Li Bai over and I’ll release your daughter. Otherwise, it’s all or nothing. No one will benefit,” Wang Zhiguo declared arrogantly, half smiling as he looked at Xu Yushi. Xu Yushi’s face darkened with fury.

Wang Zhiguo continued, “I heard your daughter just returned home a few days ago—you treasure her. I’ll count to three. If you don’t hand him over, I’ll cut her face, bit by bit, until you do.”

“Release my sister!” Xu Jin drew his sword, pointing it at Wang Zhiguo. Xu Yushi grabbed his arm. “Jin, don’t be reckless. You might hurt your sister.”

“Father, don’t give Yage to him. Please don’t,” Dujuan pleaded with Xu Yushi, thinking Wang Zhiguo wanted to take Chen Yage, not realizing his true target was Li Bai.

Dujuan struggled fiercely. Wang Qingtian barked, “Don’t move, or I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

Dujuan immediately stilled. Wang Zhiguo seized her chin, examining her closely, then laughed, “She’s rather pretty—perhaps even more so than your elder sister. If Gue’er hadn’t died, I’d have him marry both of you.”

“Shameless!” Dujuan glared at Wang Zhiguo in disgust. To her shock, Wang Zhiguo slapped her hard across the face.

“Dujuan,” You Huan murmured, unable to bear the sight, though he knew he had no right to speak.

Zhiguo began counting.

“Father, don’t agree to his terms. If you do, he’ll only become more brazen,” Xu Jin urged, his words sincere.

“And you would ignore your sister’s life?”

Zhiguo dragged out his words, making them especially grating. “Think carefully. One stroke and your daughter’s life is ruined.”

“I’ll comply,” Xu Yushi ordered his servants, “Go bring Li Bai here.”

“No need. I’ve already arrived.” Before Xu Yushi finished, Li Bai appeared, clad in white. His face was even more gaunt, his flowing robes billowed as if filled with wind, giving him an ethereal grace.