Chapter 26

The moonlight was as clear as silk, and the sound of crickets chirping under the corridor was soothing. Xu Yunqi’s forehead rested against his chest, making her cheeks warm. Occasionally, a breeze blew in, cooling her back. She listened to his steady breathing falling on her head and hair, alternating between warmth and coolness.

Slowly, Xu Yunqi turned around in his arms, pressing her back against his chest. Although Pei Muheng was half-asleep, he cooperated and changed positions, placing his hand on her slender waist. The two of them snuggled closer together, and Xu Yunqi finally found comfortable breathing and fell asleep.

The price of sleeping this way was that Pei Muheng did not sleep well throughout the night.

Before dawn, he got up and went to the front courtyard while Xu Yunqi slept until she naturally woke up.

The summer heat was intense, and upon waking, Xu Yunqi was covered in sticky sweat. She still insisted on practicing a set of Five Animal Frolics exercises before wiping herself down and changing clothes.

After a while, Nanny Chen lifted the curtain and came in. Seeing her combing her hair, she quickly took the comb and helped her tie it up. “Young Madam, Fifth Miss returned last night. She sent someone over to invite you to the lakeside pavilion after breakfast. She has prepared fruits and is waiting for you there.”

Xu Yunqi nodded, tidied herself up, left Yin Xing to pound medicine in the courtyard, and went to the lakeside pavilion alone.

Climbing up the rock garden along the stone path, she saw Pei Mushan sitting on a brocade stool, resting her chin in her hand, looking at the distant lake and mountains. She was holding an imperial invitation and seemed to be deep in thought. Tao Qing was fanning her nearby and retreated quietly upon seeing Xu Yunqi approach.

Xu Yunqi walked over and sat next to her. “What are you thinking about, looking like a fool?”

Hearing her sister-in-law’s voice, Pei Mushan immediately returned to her senses, her face full of excitement. “Sister-in-law, come to the palace with me tomorrow.”

“Is there something going on?” Xu Yunqi also held a bamboo fan, the fan surface made of ordinary satin, which was very common. Pei Mushan first explained, “There’s a polo match in the palace tomorrow,” while frowning at the bamboo fan, “Sister-in-law, can’t you embroider? This fan surface would look better with some flowers embroidered on it.”

Xu Yunqi shook her head, “I’ve never used a needle and thread.”

Pei Mushan was surprised, “Looking at your skills, I thought you could make medicinal meals and cosmetics, so I assumed you could also embroider well. Oh, I suddenly remembered when Mother asked Nanny Hao whether Third Brother’s clothes were made in the sewing room or by you. Now it seems you can’t do it.” Pei Mushan’s tone was teasing.

Xu Yunqi remembered that traditionally, the wife’s role was to sew her husband’s underwear. She really couldn’t do these things. She touched her flushed cheeks, “Nanny Chen takes care of Third Master’s clothes. She must have made them.”

Pei Mushan looked at Xu Yunqi’s bewildered expression and couldn’t help but laugh. She pinched her soft cheeks, “Look at you, not caring about my brother’s affairs. But it’s okay; your hands are meant for great things, not for spending time in the back courtyard doing needlework.”

Xu Yunqi laughed out loud at these words.

“By the way, this time I went to my maternal family and gave the rouge I made to Fuyi. She said it worked well and suggested we open a rouge shop and sell it on the market. We could make a lot of money.”

“Sister-in-law, don’t underestimate Fuyi just because she’s young. She’s very clever and talks business like a pro.”

Xu Yunqi wasn’t interested in these matters. She had no shortage of money to spend, “If you have the time, go ahead and do it. I’ll leave it to you.”

Pei Mushan, who was short of money, was genuinely tempted by the idea. “Fuyi’s words sounded convincing, and I believed her a bit. I’ll go and start it with her. The formula is yours, so I’ll give you a share of the profits.”

A young maid poured Xu Yunqi a cup of tea. She took a sip, not paying much attention, and nodded slightly.

“By the way, why are you going to the palace for polo tomorrow?”

Pei Mushan’s interest was piqued, and she chuckled, “Sister-in-law, you don’t know. Every year on May 18th, our grandfather holds a polo match at the Imperial Garden. All the noble sons and daughters of the capital attend, and the ladies love to join in and watch the excitement. Over time, it has become a kind of matchmaking event. I’m sixteen this year, and my mother is anxious. She insists on accompanying me tomorrow to help find a suitable match.”

“Even if mother didn’t go, I would still go. There are many handsome young men at the polo match.”

Xu Yunqi was seeing a girl so excited about matchmaking for the first time. Pei Mushan was anything but shy and demure.

“Alright, sister-in-law will help you keep an eye out tomorrow.”

“Great!” Pei Mushan shook her arm. “Sister-in-law, just look for someone who meets my brother’s standards. If you find someone, let me know, and I’ll investigate his background.”

Xu Yunqi found it amusing that she spoke so confidently. She set her teacup down and teased her, “What about the young master of the Yan family?”

Mentioning Yan Shaoling made Pei Mushan blush. She let go of Xu Yunqi’s arm and looked into the distance, “Why bring him up? That rascal doesn’t act like a scholar at all and is always wild.”

Tao Qing chuckled and explained to Xu Yunqi, “Young Madam, you don’t know. A few days ago, our young lady was a guest at the Xiao family, and halfway there, she was stopped by Young Master Yan. He had brought several boxes of rouge and powder for her. Our young lady didn’t want them, saying she no longer used store-bought cosmetics. But Young Master Yan, being clever, quickly guessed that our young lady was making her own rouge. Can you guess what he did? He went around to every cosmetic shop in the city and threatened them until they handed over their formulas…”

Tao Qing laughed, “He then bought the best spices in the city according to the formulas and delivered them all to the Xi residence yesterday.”

Xu Yunqi rubbed her forehead.

Pei Mushan’s face turned red, “He’s a lawless scoundrel, just because he’s the Prime Minister’s son.”

“But,” Tao Qing smiled, “the spices are similar to the ones Young Madam bought earlier. Princess Consort saw that they would be useful and accepted them, sending a few hundred taels of silver to the Yan residence. Our young lady got the items without owing a favor, so she’s in a good mood.”

Pei Mushan, having her secret revealed, glared at her and then cleared her throat, explaining to Xu Yunqi, “It’s rare for my mother to be willing to spend money. Sister-in-law, you don’t know. My mother is generous only with Third Brother. For me, my older brother, and father, she’s very stingy.”

Xu Yunqi couldn’t stop smiling.

After agreeing to go to the palace for polo the next day, Pei Muheng mentioned it again when he returned home at night. He even brought back a set of high-quality polo equipment for her. “You should also learn to play polo with your sister.”

Polo was one of the most beloved pastimes of the noblewomen in the capital and a symbol of status. Given the extraordinary path he intended to take in the future, he hoped his wife could keep pace with him and integrate into the circle of the powerful and influential.

Xu Yunqi wasn’t particularly fond of polo. She had a quiet disposition and didn’t enjoy noisy activities. However, appreciating her husband’s goodwill, she didn’t refuse. “I’ll give it a try.”

Pei Muheng had endured hardship the previous day, and that night, they couldn’t avoid an intimate encounter. Having learned from the last experience, Xu Yunqi fully invested herself, and Pei Muheng didn’t hold back either. Their passionate union was intense and satisfying. When they finished, Pei Muheng’s bedding was soaked. He glanced at his blushing wife, who shyly turned her face away and lowered her eyes, pretending nothing had happened.

Pei Muheng had no intention of letting her go. Wrapping the blanket around himself and her, he pulled her into his embrace and carried her to the bathroom.

Xu Yunqi had spent her life traversing the world with a bold and heroic demeanor. Yet, for the first time, she found herself caught in someone’s embrace like a slippery eel, feeling quite annoyed. Unfortunately, her limbs were weak and she had no strength left, ultimately becoming helpless in his hold.

Pei Muheng carried his wife to the canopy bed, even giving her a couple of playful bounces. This infuriated Xu Yunqi, but knowing her husband was just teasing her, she remained expressionless and simply held onto his collar without saying a word.

Although it was the first time Pei Muheng had considerately carried her to the bathroom, the two still bathed separately.

Pei Muheng finished quickly, but Xu Yunqi took a long time without making a sound. He stood outside the screen and asked, “Do you need any help?”

It seemed he intended to carry her back.

Xu Yunqi blushed again and calmly replied, “No need.”

This time, she was truly exhausted. When she came out, she lacked her usual composure and steadiness, holding onto the bed railing as she walked inside without even glancing at Pei Muheng.

Pei Muheng looked at the tea that had been prepared earlier and then glanced at his wife.

A glass lamp on the dressing table emitted a warm yellow glow. Xu Yunqi, supporting her waist, walked past the dressing table. Nanny Chen must have hurriedly prepared the bedding, as it wasn’t very smooth.

Xu Yunqi adjusted the curtains and tried to smooth the bedding again. As she bent over, her waist arched gracefully like a hill, moving delicately like a mermaid about to leap from the water. Images of her recent beauty flashed through Pei Muheng’s mind, causing his throat to tighten. He strode over to her; usually, he was very self-controlled and never sought her out twice in one night, but tonight, he couldn’t restrain himself.

The next morning, the couple rose together. Pei Muheng went to the Censorate, and Xu Yunqi went to Jinhe Hall to pay her respects. She accompanied Princess Consort Xi and her daughters to the palace.

Having stayed up late the night before, Xu Yunqi felt less energetic than usual. She drank a bowl of Qi-supplementing soup in the morning and leaned against the carriage wall to rest. By the time they arrived, she had recovered her usual composure.

The Imperial Garden was located in the northeast corner of the palace, and a racetrack was regularly opened for noble children to play polo. Unlike the inner palace, the security was not as strict, and inspections were not rigorous, allowing each household to bring maids and servants.

However, outside the racetrack, an area near the imperial city was entirely surrounded by bright yellow curtains. From afar, a brocade tower could be seen standing within. As they entered, Pei Mushan pointed to the tower and said to Xu Yunqi, “Grandfather will watch the polo match from there later.”

Xu Yunqi glanced over and saw the brocade tower, splendidly decorated with colorful embroidery and a golden roof that shone brilliantly in the morning sun. Guards stood around, and several high-ranking officials in scarlet robes hurried back and forth.

Walking along the shaded path, they crossed a narrow lake and arrived at the polo field, which spanned about forty or fifty acres. The east side faced the brocade tower, while the other three sides were surrounded by mountains and water, with beautiful scenery. Pavilions and gazebos were scattered amid the water and trees, adorned with carved railings and painted pillars. Silk drapes fluttered in the warm breeze, resembling flowing ribbons wrapping around the embroidered columns, creating a scene reminiscent of a celestial palace.

Officials’ families arrived one after another. There were polo matches for both men and women. Pei Mushan, along with her maid and polo equipment, went ahead to the brocade pavilion to prepare, while Xu Yunqi accompanied Princess Consort Xi to the Yingfeng Pavilion, where the officials’ families stayed.

Ever since the last incident, Madam Xie had been staying indoors, and her son, Xun Ge’er, caught a cold. Madam Li couldn’t leave her child to enjoy herself at the palace, so today, only Xu Yunqi accompanied Princess Consort Xi.

Usually, the two daughters-in-law attended to Princess Consort Xi’s needs, but today was different. When she glanced back, she saw her youngest daughter-in-law following a few steps behind, not too close or far. Her feelings were complicated.

Xu Yunqi knew Princess Consort Xi didn’t like her and didn’t want to seek trouble, and Princess Consort Xi didn’t insist either. Shaking her head, she stepped into Yingfeng Pavilion first.

The spacious pavilion was already filled with people.

Princess Consort Qin sat at the head, accompanied by Princess Consort Chen and Princess Consort Qi. To the left was the wife of Lord Wen. Beside her was an exceptionally pretty, lively young woman, about twenty years old. She rose gracefully to greet Princess Consort Xi and seemed quite familiar with her. Her eyes fell on Xu Yunqi with a kind expression.

Nanny Hao whispered to Xu Yunqi, “This is the daughter of Lord Wen. She married into Lord Cheng’s family and is the head lady there.”

Xu Yunqi nodded in acknowledgment.

Lord Yan’s wife, Elder Yan’s wife, and Yan Shaoling’s mother were seated below Princess Consort Qin. Almost all the wives of the high-ranking officials were present.

Noticing the central seat was empty, it was apparent that the Empress would attend.

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.

Shortly after sitting down, the lively head lady of Lord Cheng’s family spoke up, “Oh, Madam Xun is fashionably late…”

Xu Yunqi looked up and saw Madam Xun and Xun Yunling smiling as they walked up the steps. Although Madam Xun’s smile was warm, upon closer inspection, she couldn’t hide her exhaustion. Especially when she noticed Xu Yunqi was present, her heart skipped a beat, and she became even more flustered.

Madam Xun shifted her gaze to the head lady of Lord Cheng’s family and replied with a smile, “I overslept a bit today. I apologize to the princesses.” She gave a bow.

The Princess Consorts quickly returned the gesture.

In the past, Princess Consort Qin didn’t feel comfortable seeing Madam Xun close to Princess Consort Xi. Now, seeing the marriage between the two families fall through, she felt a bit of schadenfreude and was more friendly toward Madam Xun.

“We’re all familiar faces here, no need to be formal. But I noticed you haven’t been looking well lately. Are you still not fully recovered?”

Madam Xun sat properly on the brocade stool, her embroidered handkerchief wrapped around her hand three times, and replied with a smile, “I’ve been busy preparing for my husband’s birthday celebration lately. It has worn me out.” She used the handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

After inquiring over the past few days, she was certain that Xu Yunqi was Xun Yunhe’s daughter and that her mother, Madam Zhang, was also alive and well. This realization had kept Madam Xun awake at night. Xu Yunqi being alive was one thing, but if Madam Zhang was also alive, what would happen when Xun Yunhe discovered the truth? She couldn’t imagine the scene and had been haunted by nightmares every night.

Initially, she didn’t want to appear today but was worried that Xu Yunqi might run into Xun Yunhe. So, she forced herself to come and keep an eye on the situation.

Xun Yunling stood beside her mother and stole a glance at Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi’s face was kind and composed, and she greeted them graciously.

Xun Yunling swallowed nervously and forced a faint smile.

Today was ostensibly a polo match but was actually a matchmaking event, making Xun Yunling, as the eldest daughter of the Grand Secretary’s family, the center of attention.

During the banquet, many of the ladies directed the conversation toward her.

Princess Consort Xi glanced at the shy Xun Yunling and sighed inwardly.

Princess Consort Qin noticed her expression and couldn’t resist making a pointed remark. She turned to Princess Consort Qi beside her and said, “People should be content with what they have. Don’t eye what’s in the pot while eating from your bowl. What you have in your bowl is the best. Don’t you agree, Seventh Sister-in-law?”

Prince Qi had always been part of Prince Qin’s faction, and Princess Consort Qi usually followed Princess Consort Qin’s lead, so she naturally agreed, “Exactly. As the saying goes, ‘Those who belong together come together,’ indicating that marriage is destined by heaven.”

After many years of rivalry, Princess Consort Xi knew they were making veiled barbs, but today, for some reason, she had no interest in arguing with Princess Consort Qin. She pretended not to hear them, her expression calm as she continued drinking tea. After a while, she turned to Princess Consort Chen and asked, “Is the Empress coming today?”

Princess Consort Chen, a harmonious person who didn’t get involved in the sisters-in-law’s scheming, simply replied, “The Twelfth Prince is already thirty years old, and His Majesty has been pressing for a marriage. The Empress is personally involved, saying she will select a bride for the Twelfth Prince from among the officials’ daughters today.”

The Twelfth Prince was the only one who could rival Prince Qin and his marriage was of great interest to the court. Hearing this, Princess Consort Qin lost her competitive spirit.

Princess Consort Xi responded immediately, smiling faintly, “People should be content with what they have. What’s meant to be yours will be yours, and there’s no point in forcing it. Of course, the Twelfth Prince is different. As the legitimate son of the Empress, he rightfully deserves to choose from all the officials’ daughters in the city.”

The implication was that the Twelfth Prince was the rightful candidate for Crown Prince, advising Prince Qin not to have improper ambitions.

Princess Consort Qin’s face turned dark with anger.

The Princess Consorts were arguing, and the other officials’ wives and daughters lowered their heads, drinking tea without daring to interrupt.

Seeing the tension between the two princesses, Madam Yan didn’t want to see them fall out, so she immediately shifted the topic with a smile, “Princess Consort Xi, I ran into Shanshan on the street yesterday. That girl is so lively and lovely that I feared she might melt under my gaze. When it comes to raising children, you are second to none. Your son is outstanding, and your daughter is one in a million.”

These words hit Princess Consort Xi’s sweet spot.

Everyone in the city knew Yan Shaoling liked Pei Mushan, and though Madam Yan was full of flattery, it didn’t offend anyone.

Princess Consort Xi replied, “You flatter me, Madam. Shanshan is just a wild child, not worth such praise.”

The eldest madam of Lord Cheng’s family, Wen Ruyu, clapped and laughed, “If Shanshan is a wild child, then what does that make me? I was much naughtier than Shanshan in my youth.”

Lord Wen’s Wife glared at her daughter, “You’re not comparable to Shanshan. She is lively, while you were truly wild.”

Madam Yan looked at Wen Ruyu, “When it comes to wildness, no one can match my mischievous son. Look, the Emperor hasn’t arrived yet, but he is already challenging people to a match.”

Everyone’s gaze turned toward the polo field.

They could see everything happening on the field below from this high vantage point.

Wen Ruyu craned her neck to look, “Oh, look! Shaoling is arguing with Shanshan. Someone, go find out what’s going on!”

Soon, a maid returned with the news, “Reporting to the Princess Consorts and ladies, the Twelfth Prince hunted a wild deer in the forest this morning and said it would be the prize for today’s match. Princess Shanshan and Little Princess Qin both wanted it. Little Princess Qin suggested forming teams to compete, asking Young Master Yan to help her. But Young Master Yan refused, saying he wanted to be on Princess Shanshan’s team. They are arguing about it now.”

Everyone understood that the Little Princess of the Qin Mansion and Yan Shaoling were cousins, but Yan Shaoling liked Pei Mushan. Both were dear to him.

Wen Ruyu laughed, “This will be interesting.” She scanned the crowd, and her gaze fell on the quiet Xu Yunqi. “Princess County Xi, would you like to join me and see what’s happening?”

Xu Yunqi, also concerned about Pei Mushan, nodded immediately, “Alright.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Xun subtly signaled her daughter, and Xun Yunling cheerfully spoke up, “Sister Ruyu, can I join as well?”

Wen Ruyu wouldn’t refuse her and took her along. Being a prominent figure among the officials’ daughters, Xun Yunling led many other girls to follow her.

They descended the steps and arrived at a brocade pavilion beside the polo field, where the palace servants had already prepared fruits and tea.

Wen Ruyu and a few girls took their seats.

On the field, the Little Princess of the Qin Mansion was upset by Yan Shaoling.

“We’re family. You’re my cousin, and you should help me.”

The energetic young man in black lazily sat on his horse, slyly moving behind Pei Mushan, “I promised to help her.”

“Who said you could?” Pei Mushan turned and glared at him unkindly.

Yan Shaoling straightened up, “Hey, hey, hey, when you were ten, you lost a bet and said, ‘Brother Shaoling, help me win next time.’ So, here I am to help you.”

Pei Mushan was so angry she could bite through her molars. She used to be naive and often tricked by Yan Shaoling, calling him brother affectionately. Now, recalling those times, she felt a wave of embarrassment and anger. She took a deep breath, raised her whip, and pointed at the girls and boys on her team, “Look at our team. Is anyone here not good-looking? You’re barging in—aren’t you embarrassed?”

Yan Shaoling didn’t agree with this. He frowned and glanced over, and then Pei Mushan called over two young men. One was fair-skinned with a delicate face that Yan Shaoling found disdainful. “Tsk, such a sissy look. You like that? Ask your brother, does he look like this?”

The other had a graceful appearance but wasn’t as physically strong. Could he protect a woman?

Pei Mushan’s face turned red with embarrassment. “A sissy is still better than a wild leopard like you.”

Yan Shaoling liked this nickname and grinned. “This young master is indeed a wild leopard.” Then he glanced coldly, “Which one of you two will step aside?”

Though both young men looked delicate, they remained unmoved.

The referee had already blown the whistle. Yan Shaoling had no choice but to leave the field and watch from the sidelines.

The Little Princess of the Qin Mansion, seeing that Yan Shaoling wouldn’t help, had to ask her brother to step in. The two teams assembled and began the competition.

At first, Xu Yunqi thought her sister might win. But after two quarters, she realized the Little Princess of the Qin Mansion was no ordinary opponent. Though young, around thirteen or fourteen, she was an excellent horsewoman, charging through the field like a little lioness. Her agility and talent were evident as the polo ball moved seamlessly with her mallet, displaying a fluid and graceful style.

In the first half, the Little Princess of the Qin Mansion had a slight lead.

Pei Mushan, who had been playing polo for years, had her exceptional skills. Taught by her father, she was skilled in not just playing alone but also in strategy. Her father often said that playing polo was like waging war—sometimes you had to surprise your opponent, sometimes you had to employ maneuvers.

Pei Mushan used a feint to distract the Little Princess, creating opportunities for her teammates to score and breaking the Little Princess’s momentum.

They quickly caught up and tied the score.

For two more quarters, the teams remained neck and neck, with Pei Mushan narrowly leading.

The Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, personally beat the drums to cheer them on, creating a lively atmosphere. Wen Ruyu led the girls in throwing ribbons and cheering while Xu Yunqi quietly sat among the crowd, drinking tea.

With only one-quarter remaining, the Little Princess was as anxious as ants on a hot pan. Her grandfather was watching from the brocade tower, and she didn’t want to lose to Pei Mushan.

Pei Mushan’s team became increasingly coordinated, like an impenetrable wall. At this rate, she would definitely lose. The Little Princess suddenly bit her silver teeth and fiercely whipped the hind legs of Pei Mushan’s horse.

The horse neighed sharply and quickly surged forward. Pei Mushan, unprepared, was violently jolted. By chance, the horse’s hoof stepped on a sharp stone in the grass, causing the horse to leap up, completely throwing Pei Mushan off.

A sudden gasp erupted from the spectators. Princess Consort Xi, seated in the pavilion, was so frightened she stood up abruptly. “Shan’er!”

Just as Pei Mushan was about to hit the ground, a swift black shadow moved like lightning, reaching out to catch her falling arm with one hand and supporting her back with the other. Almost all his strength was used to protect his beloved girl, causing him to fall heavily forward.

Pei Mushan had been galloping along the edge of the polo field, close to the surrounding fence. When Yan Shaoling fell, his back hit the fence hard. Near the fence was a brocade flag inserted into a bamboo pole. For this polo match, the new bamboo had been replaced, and the weight caused it to snap, sending sharp bamboo splinters straight into Yan Shaoling’s back.

A terrible scream pierced the blue sky.

Everyone was terrified, rushing towards Yan Shaoling like a flowing tide.

Pei Mushan, with her back against Yan Shaoling’s chest, heard the deafening scream. She couldn’t even feel her own pain, her body numb. Struggling to turn, she saw the always heroic and extraordinary man staring at her with wide eyes, blood gushing from his mouth.

“Are you… alright…” he muttered.

“Yan Shaoling!” Extreme fear surged through Pei Mushan’s heart as she frantically gripped his hand, her body trembling like a leaf. She shouted to the crowd rushing towards them, “Someone, help! Imperial physician, save him!”

Blood quickly soaked through his clothes, his entire body curled up and trembling slightly. His mouth filled with blood, lips quivering as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t, and the light in his eyes gradually faded.

Everything in front of her became a blur, moving within her teary eyes.

In an instant, more than ten people crowded around the fence, followed by even more, forming layers around Yan Shaoling and Pei Mushan, making it impossible to move.

The shocking sight of blood terrified everyone, with the Yan family servants almost collapsing to the ground.

Some ran to call for the imperial physician, while others hurried to report to the Water Pavilion and the Brocade Tower.

Yan family servants were crying uncontrollably, in a state of utter chaos.

Pei Mushan knelt beside him, her slender hands still tightly holding his, her eyes empty as she looked at the gradually unconscious Yan Shaoling, her heart pounding in her throat, unable to find peace.

He was the most admired young man in the capital, his eyes always shining like the new moon, full of spirit and vigor. Yet now he lay here silently, spitting blood.

The sounds of crying and shouting blended into a chaotic mess.

It felt like the sky was falling.

Amidst the chaos, a calm voice like a clear spring emerged, “Move aside!”

Unfortunately, no one paid attention to her words, continuing to cry and shout like headless chickens.

Seeing this, Yin Xing angrily slung the medical bag over her shoulder and kicked the nearest Yan family servant, shouting loudly, “My lady told you to move aside. Didn’t you hear? If you delay any longer, your young master will be dead!”

Yin Xing’s voice was so loud that it stunned everyone present.

Hearing that their young master could be saved, the Yan family servants quickly turned around.

Yin Xing, having no time to explain, used all her strength to push aside the stunned people, clearing a path for Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi’s gaze remained fixed on Yan Shaoling’s wound. The bamboo splinter had pierced his back, and blood was gushing out of the wound, with more blood filling his mouth. It must have injured his heart and lungs.

In front of everyone’s eyes, this delicate and calm young girl, a master of the Thirteen Needles technique, moved steadily through the crowd to Yan Shaoling’s side.