Chapter Thirteen: The Awkward Truth

Xiao Hong was both angry and anxious, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to the two dazed servants and shouted, “Miss has been abducted by that vile scoundrel! Hurry and inform Master!” Without waiting for a response, she dashed toward the door. The two servants, now fully awake from their stupor, quickly stepped aside and followed her obediently to deliver the news.

According to Guyu’s plan, Wang Shihan had been taken some time ago. The longer the delay, the greater the danger, so it was imperative to report to the government office immediately. Without hesitation, Guyu clenched the iron ruler tightly in his hand and sprinted outside. The household servants along the way were startled. Not everyone knew what had transpired the previous day, as Wang Chengjian, to protect his daughter’s reputation, had kept the matter discreet. Seeing a youth brandishing a deadly weapon and radiating fierce intent, the servants instinctively stepped aside in fear.

The more hurried he was, the angrier Guyu became. Suddenly, he stopped and struck himself sharply across the face, the crisp slap echoing in the air. He was frustrated both by his own foolishness and by the carelessness that had led to this. Now standing at the main gate, he turned to glance at the embroidered tower in the West Wing courtyard, from which only the eaves peeked out behind the shielding trees of the estate.

Something was not right. The fury in his eyes gradually subsided, and the warm sunlight on his body brought a soothing comfort. Since entering the compound, he had scrutinized every detail, leaving no stone unturned, and suddenly, another possibility dawned on him. He slowly moved toward the West Wing courtyard. The servants along the way, noticing his return, became curious and whispered among themselves. But Guyu seemed oblivious to their stares as he entered the courtyard, where a few people had suddenly gathered.

Their expressions were strange upon seeing him return. Guyu ascended slowly to the second floor, where he saw Wang Chengjian standing with his back to the door, sternly reprimanding, “Do you know they are officers of the court? Don’t you realize you’re making a fool of yourself?”

Wang Shi, noticing Guyu’s arrival, quietly tugged on Wang Chengjian’s sleeve and gestured toward the door. Wang Chengjian turned around, huffing in irritation, but was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Guyu. Quickly composing himself, he said, “Captain Guyu, I apologize. It was all my daughter’s reckless behavior that disturbed you.”

The girl, having been scolded, rose and performed a deep, respectful bow toward Guyu. Though her head was bandaged, it did not diminish her delicate beauty. Her refined features—arched brows and gentle eyes—combined with a serene grace and light, lively spirit, gave her an air of natural elegance. She glanced faintly at Guyu before turning to her father and saying, “Father, please do not be angry. After last night’s ordeal, my heart remains uneasy. That villain’s martial skill is formidable; even the government officers might not be his equal. I was merely testing to see if Captain Guyu of Shuntian Prefecture was truly capable.”

Guyu’s face flushed deeply, his mouth opening and closing without uttering a word. All of this had been orchestrated at Wang Shihan’s behest. She must have already found a hiding place inside the room, most likely the large wardrobe in the inner chamber—built over six feet tall, large enough even for an ordinary man to crouch inside, let alone a slender young woman. After she concealed herself, Xiao Hong had feigned a call to draw Guyu’s attention. Seeing the staged scene inside, he immediately assumed that Tang Haiqiu had once again tried something untoward.

Though Wang Shihan had deliberately tested him, Guyu had indeed misjudged the situation. Even if he later uncovered her ruse, it would hardly make him seem any wiser.

Despite his doubts about Guyu’s competence, Wang Chengjian was a man of great tact and did not reveal his feelings openly. He voiced his displeasure once more, “Appointments within the government office will be handled by the authorities. There is no need for you to interfere. Apologize to Captain Guyu.”

Guyu quickly waved his hand, “That’s unnecessary. Miss Wang’s actions had their reasons, and I hold no grudge.”

Wang Shihan bowed deeply once again, “Captain Guyu, I apologize.” Yet, there was no regret in her eyes—only a faint sense of pride.

Wang Chengjian snorted and offered Guyu some polite words. Guyu felt the gazes of those present shift, though he paid no mind to their meaning. His face burned with embarrassment, and he longed for the matter to end. Barely coherent, he responded until Wang Chengjian finally led the others away, snapping him back to reality. Wang Shihan and Xiao Hong exchanged unreadable looks, while Guyu bowed awkwardly and retreated to his room on the first floor.

Xiao Hong shut the door and exchanged a glance with Wang Shihan before both suddenly burst into laughter. Wang Shihan laughed as she sat on the edge of the bed, “I never thought you had a knack for acting.”

A sudden twinge of pain from her injury made her cry out softly, and in her moment of delight, she forgot about her wounds.

Xiao Hong teased, “Are you scolding your servant?” She carefully helped Wang Shihan onto the bed and gently pulled the quilt over her legs. They chuckled for a while before Xiao Hong said, “I didn’t expect that man to be not only unscrupulous but also utterly useless. You barely had to move, and he was exposed completely.”

Wang Shihan’s smile faded, and she said to Xiao Hong, “Since we’ve proven that man is no good, we must find another way.”

Xiao Hong was taken aback, “Wha… What? You want to take the initiative and capture that villain yourself?”

Wang Shihan toyed with a hairpin in her hand and whispered, “Last night I pondered long and hard. Why, after the villain left, did Father still arrange for officials to watch over me?” She continued, gathering her thoughts from the previous night, “I suspect Father fears I am too worried to say outright—that the villain might return.”

“Ah!” Xiao Hong covered her mouth in shock. The terrifying scene of last night was still vivid in her mind. Had she not appeared in time, Miss would have surely lost her life. Could such a nightmare repeat itself? The young maid silently cursed her fate.

Wang Shihan spoke slowly, “I do not wish to experience that life-or-death fear again. We must find out where the villain is hiding and capture him first.”

Xiao Hong said, “But we’re always inside the estate. How can we go outside to catch him? And if he’s so skilled, wouldn’t we be walking into a trap?”

Wang Shihan rolled her eyes, “Did I say I would catch him myself?” She held the hairpin up and examined it closely. “We’re always inside the estate. Why would the villain know of my existence? Could someone inside the estate have leaked information about me, luring the villain here?”

Xiao Hong’s gaze lost focus again as she looked at the deep-in-thought Wang Shihan with admiration. The room grew quiet. After an uncertain length of time, Wang Shihan’s mind was made up. She looked up, ready to issue instructions, but seeing her maid’s vacant expression, she laughed and tapped her forehead with the hairpin.

Xiao Hong winced, rubbing her forehead. “Miss, you’re bullying me again.”

Wang Shihan smiled, “Clumsy in work, but a glutton at meals!”

Xiao Hong let out a shy “ouch,” covering her face with both hands. Wang Shihan reached out and grabbed her wrist. “I have a plan. Perhaps we can unmask the traitor within the estate.”