Escape (Part 1)
The moment these words were spoken, my breath caught in my chest.
"What does Jiangjun mean by these words?" Gongyang Gui was the first to ask.
Wei An stepped forward, blocking in front of me. "Zhangsao won't comply to you…"
I held onto his arm. "Si Shu," I said, then looked at Wu Kun for a moment before finally saying, "It shall be as Jiangjun wishes."
Everyone was taken aback.
Wu Kun smiled and instructed the soldiers, "Replace the new carriage."
"Furen..." Ah Yuan tugged at my sleeve, her gaze filled with anxiety.
I glanced at her, then at the others, trying to keep my tone calm, and whispered softly, "Wait for me to come back." With that, I walked towards Wu Kun.
As the carriage door closed, the sounds from outside seemed distant, as if separated by thick walls, and the clamor of the wheels rolling over the road was no longer harsh to the ears.
Pearl curtains hung on the carriage windows, and the night breeze brought a refreshing coolness after settling the dust. The torches held by the soldiers beside the carriage flickered, casting a dim light on Wu Kun's profile.
Though dim, those eyes kept gazing at me.
I lowered my gaze, my hands clenched inside my sleeves.
"Is Furen afraid?" Wu Kun said calmly.
"Qie doesn't understand what Jiangjun is implying," I replied.
Wu Kun said, "Does Furen believe? At this moment, I'm afraid even the soldiers outside the carriage are wondering what Furen and I are doing inside."
I looked at him for a moment, then glanced at the buildings in the night, and said, "Since the day Qie fell into Jiangjun's hand, it's been inevitable that people would talk."
Wu Kun smiled gently, "Furen does have quite a composed demeanor." He shifted slightly, moving closer.
Instinctively, I moved away, my back pressing against the wall.
"I wonder how Chengxiang or Da Gongzi would react if they were to hear of tonight's events. Would they be surprised and angry?" His tone was slow, and I could sense the lingering taste of spices he had chewed.
With no way to retreat, I remained silent. Shielded by my sleeve, my hand moved toward my thigh. My gaze lowered slightly, fixating on his neck, just a simple…
"Zhugong," suddenly a soldier's voice came from outside the carriage, and the carriage came to a halt.
I stopped my hand.
"What's the matter?" Wu Kun asked.
"Zhugong," the soldier reported, "Pei Dudu has arrived."
I let out a sigh of relief.
Wu Kun looked at me, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just in time, isn't it?"
Without waiting for my response, he instructed the soldiers to open the carriage door.
The outside suddenly brightened as the light poured in. Hastened footsteps approached, and before long, Pei Qian appeared in front of us. A hint of rare tension was present on his face, and as his gaze fell upon me, he eased up slightly.
I averted my gaze, trying my best not to look at him, and positioned myself properly in the seat.
"What brings Jiyuan here?" Wu Kun inquired.
Pei Qian's voice was calm. "Qian heard that Zhugong went to see the new carriage and intended to follow to witness it as well. Unexpectedly, halfway there, One was informed that Zhugong had already returned in the new carriage."
Wu Kun chuckled and said, "Jiyuan, how did you find the new carriage? Cui Junshi mentioned that Wei Si Gongzi designed it for comfort. After riding with Fu Furen for a short while, I found it to be nothing more than that.
Pei Qian said, "The carriage One rode in today is also a new one, crafted by the renowned artisan from the Geng Clan from Jiangdong. One had originally intended to share the ride with Zhugong."
"Oh?" Wu Kun pondered, seemingly quite pleased. "Since Jiyuan has the intention, how could One disregard it?" With that, he beckoned a soldier over and disembarked the carriage with his assistance.
I raised my eyes in surprise and saw Wu Kun standing in front of the carriage, glancing back at me.
"The night has grown late. Since Zhugong and Qian are sharing the carriage, why not have Fu Furen sent back?" Pei Qian added from the side.
"Sent back?" Wu Kun smiled, his eyebrows catching the candlelight, a peculiar gleam in his eyes. "No, I plan to share a drink with Fu Furen."
The clouds drifted slowly in the ink-black night sky, and the moon revealed its elusive shape. I gazed outside the carriage window, feeling that the path the carriage raced along stretched out as long and winding as countless mountains and rivers.
Yang San and the others must be moving quickly. I thought to myself. With the carriage gone and me absent, Gongyang Gui and the rest might struggle to escape the chaos... I took a deep breath, frustration and unwillingness nearly overwhelming me. Clenching my teeth, I punched the carriage wall in exasperation. A muffled "thud" rang out, sending a sharp pain through my bones and flesh.
Made of solid iron indeed. I blew on my hand, feeling so exasperated that I wanted to laugh. After all these days of planning, it seemed like One had been thoroughly fooled by fate itself.
With one carriage in front and another behind, I could hear the bustling noise of another carriage racing alongside. Just as my thoughts were in disarray, the carriages came to a halt.
The carriage door was opened once again.
"Furen, Zhugong is considerate," a servant said with a bow.
I looked outside and, after a moment, stepped down from the carriage.
As Wu Kun had mentioned, he and I were visiting the Ye River together. However, there was a building here, constructed by the riverside, with its five-tiered eaves illuminated by bright lanterns, appearing as if it had spread its wings. This place wasn't just for us; it was bustling with activity, and the sounds of laughter and music drifted down from the building amidst the bustling traffic.
People came and went, and upon seeing Wu Kun and Pei Qian, they all approached to pay their respects.
Observing the curious gazes of those people, I realized that Wu Kun indeed intended for me to accompany the drinking. He had decided to make me make a fool of myself in front of this crowd.
"Furen comes from a prestigious family," Wu Kun said slowly. "In my Jiangdong, there are also many distinguished scholars and nobles. If Furen accompanies me to the banquet, Furen might encounter several familiar faces."
I met his gaze, maintaining a composed tone. "Qie is in plain attire, fearing that One might tarnish Jiangjun's reputation."
Wu Kun was surprised and smiled gently. "What difficulty is there in this?" he said, then signaled to a servant.
"Take Furen to change," he instructed the servant, then paused, giving me a meaningful look. "Choose something more pleasing to the eye."
Beneath the tall building, the kitchen and the dressing area were connected. The servant led me to a chamber, opened the door, and lit the candles.
After a while, another servant arrived holding a stack of clothes and handed them to me. "Furen, please do change."
My gaze fell on the clothes, brilliantly crimson and resplendent, by one glance would know that it is the attire of a courtesan or a dancer.
Don't be impulsive. I repeated this advice to myself over and over in my mind. Taking the clothes, I entered the room and closed the door behind me.
Inside the room, there was a folding screen placed horizontally, behind which stood a chamber pot. I looked around, realizing that these chambers might have been converted from a veranda; they were enclosed by wooden walls on all sides and lacked even windows.
I dispiritedly hung the clothes on the screen, pondering my situation. Suddenly, a knocking sound came from the wall.
"Ah Jin," a voice murmured softly.
It was Pei Qian.
I followed the sound and turned towards the back wall, hurrying over.
"I'm here," I replied in a hushed tone.
Pei Qian said, "It's been postponed by an hour."
I understood what he meant, and my heart settled. "En."
"This plan is quite risky. You should also give it more thought," Pei Qian said.
I said, "But if we let tonight pass, finding another opportunity will be even more difficult."
There was a brief pause on the other end. After a moment, he said, "You have me."
I remained silent as well.
"Ah Qian, you..." Emotion welled up within me, my throat catching, and I forced a bitter smile. "You don't owe me anything."
Pei Qian didn't respond immediately. After a moment, he sighed softly. "I'd rather you feel that I owed you something."
My heart felt as if it had been gently touched. I wanted to say more, but I also realized that saying anything now would be unnecessary. This wasn't the time for lamenting either.
"You should go," I said. "I need to change."
"If you're unwilling, you can stay here. I'll handle Zhugong's side. You…"
At that moment, voices from outside reached us, indicating that someone was approaching.
"You should go. It wouldn't look good if someone sees," I whispered. "Ah Qian, this is my matter." With that, I walked away resolutely.
Indeed, this is truly my matter. Wu Kun is already wary of Pei Qian. Escaping tonight would be difficult, and even if Pei Qian manages to protect me temporarily, how much can he shield me from in the future if Wu Kun continues causing trouble? If I were to rely on him, it would only bring him trouble and worsen the situation.
The clothes were light and soft, the bright peach-red upper garment adorned with a lacing jacket, and a trailing silk skirt. When I changed and opened the door, the servant outside seemed taken aback.
"Let's go," I said calmly.
There weren't many people around. In the sky, the moon revealed half of its face, contrasting with the lively sounds emanating from the building, making the atmosphere even more desolate.
Even in adversity, one must not lose their dignity. I remembered Mother's words and lifted my head slightly.
Just as I reached a cluster of short trees, I suddenly heard some voices. I looked up and saw a small pavilion nearby with a low window. There were figures moving around above it.
"... Look at what you're wearing now, long dresses with wide sleeves. You used to prefer men's clothing. And the makeup on your face…"
"What's wrong with wearing long dresses and wide sleeves? What's wrong with the makeup on my face? I am a woman."
"You're imitating her."
"Imitating who?"
"Fu Jin."
I paused for a moment, slowing down my steps.
The male voice continued, sounding somewhat anxious, "You've changed since Pei Qian arrived in Jiangdong, Ah Jiao. Can't you see? Even though Fu Jin is down and out like a village woman , Pei Qian's heart is only for her. And Zhugong, he arranged for you to marry Pei Qian because he also has his eyes on Pei Qian…"
As my heart and mind were both shaken, a clear sound rang out, sounding like someone had been slapped across the face.
"Furen, please hurry along," the servant holding a lantern said in a hushed and embarrassed tone.
Feeling somewhat dazed, I nodded and turned around, following their steps.
"He also has his eyes on Pei Qian..."
That voice echoed in my mind. The conversation between those two was undoubtedly between Wu Jiao and Lin Chong. And the person they were saying also had feelings for Pei Qian... I don't know how I found myself on that building, but by the time I regained my senses, the sounds of clinking cups, laughter, and music enveloped me along with the bright light, making it as vibrant as day.
The guests were filling the seats, and many eyes turned towards me—some speculative, some surprised, some appraising. There was also a murmuring that arose like a tide, accompanying those looks.
But I paid no attention to these. I looked towards the head of the table where Wu Kun sat, with Pei Qian beside him. They held wine cups in their hands, engrossed in conversation.
"Fu Furen," Wu Kun's gaze seemed to brighten as he saw me. After a moment, he smiled and said, "Exquisite."
As he mentioned my name, just as expected, a murmur of discussion spread among the guests.
Pei Qian remained expressionless.
Musicians played and dancers performed, and many guests watched with keen interest, their gazes shifting between me and the performers.
The reason was simple: the clothes I was wearing were the same as those worn by the performers.
People kept coming to offer toasts to Wu Kun. There was also a wine cup in front of me. Wu Kun glanced at me and asked, "Why Furen isn't toasting?"
"Furen isn't accustomed to drinking," I hadn't even spoken yet when Pei Qian intervened.
"Oh?" Wu Kun glanced at Pei Qian and smiled faintly. "I nearly forgot, Jiyuan and Fu Furen have a history."
Pei Qian pressed his lips together slightly. "Indeed," he said, raising the wine cup in his hand. "Allow Qian to drink on behalf of Furen, along with Zhugong..."
"Qie can drink," I interrupted.
Pei Qian glanced at me.
Ignoring his look, I raised my cup with a smile towards Wu Kun. "Qie offers this toast to Jiangjun."
Wu Kun looked at me, seemingly with a sense of amusement.
"Please, Furen," he said after a moment, raising his cup as well.
I tilted my head back and drank off the vicious man cup.
The singing and laughter continued to fill the air, but my gaze at the dancing figures became somewhat blurred.
The alcohol quickly took effect. I remained seated at the table, feeling waves of warmth rush to my face, the sensation distinct and clear.
"Furen is drunk," I heard Pei Qian speak.
His words had just reached my ears when my body leaned to the side. A pair of hands caught me.
Looking up, I saw concern in Pei Qian's eyes.
"Qie is not really drunk," I smiled, pushing him away and turning towards Wu Kun.
"Tonight has been delightful. Qie is willing to accompany Zhugong for another stroll," my voice sounded gentle amidst the effects of the alcohol.
"Oh?" Wu Kun, too, seemed to be feeling the effects of the alcohol, looking at me with a mix of laziness and appraisal. "Furen didn't have a good time just now (from their previous ride)?"
"Jiangjun said we would enjoy the lanterns together, but midway, je went somewhere else," I said with half-opened eyes.
"Furen's kind intentions, Zhugong's refusal is simply out of respect!" someone further down the table heard and burst into laughter.
I looked at Wu Kun, my breath slightly unsteady, my smile unwavering.
Wu Kun smiled as well, glanced at Pei Qian, and then rose from his seat, while leaning on the table. He took my hand in his. "Prepare the carriage! I wish to ride with Furen."
I stood up as well, but when I turned, Pei Qian stood in front of me, looking at me with an uncertain expression.
"Pei Dudu, please excuse me," I said with a smile, gently pushing him aside.
The breeze blew in from the river. As I stepped out onto the balcony, I spread my wide sleeves to catch the wind, feeling a hint of coolness. The night had grown late, and as I looked towards the Yecheng (City of Ye), only a few scattered lights could be seen, with no signs of any fires.
"Graceful and elegant, Furen truly resembles a beauty from the central plains," Wu Kun said, wrapping his arm around my waist, his tone playful.
I looked at him and smiled. "It's all thanks to Qie's attire."
"Oh?" Wu Kun whispered, "What about if there were no attire?"
I didn't answer directly, instead saying softly and slowly, "Once we're on the carriage, wouldn't Jiangjun know it?"
Wu Kun looked at me, his gaze intense.
In the midst of our conversation, the carriage driver had already arrived with the carriage.
I gently pulled away from Wu Kun's hand, stepping onto the carriage's footboard. But before I could settle in, Wu Kun got on as well, wrapping his arms around me.
"Furen mentioned wanting to show your elegance to me," his breath, tainted with alcohol, brushed against my ear as his hand slipped inside my clothes. "How will you show it…"
Suddenly, he pressed me down and forcefully lifted my skirt.
"You sl*t!" he shouted in anger, "You..."
But at the same time, I forcefully pushed him away and a cold glint had already steadied itself against his neck.
"Order the carriage to move forward, back to my residence," I said coldly.