The fierce Cangni hound, wild like a raging lion, burst into madness. Most onlookers stood frozen in fear or let out startled cries; the quick-witted ones instinctively backed away. Only two men dashed toward Ye Jiao.
One was Prince Su, Li Long. While shouting the hound's name, he swung his sword—but the distance was too great, his efforts in vain.The other was the Ninth Prince, Li Ce. He had already been moving toward Ye Jiao when Prince Su began his theatrics, and was now just a dozen paces away. In haste, he snatched up a whole roasted chicken from the table and hurled it at the beast.
Li Ce understood—it was guarding its food.The chicken struck the hound, causing it to slightly turn its head. In that fleeting moment, Ye Jiao seized a thick wooden stick from the table—one she used for cracking walnuts. Unlike the other ladies who had iron nutcrackers, she alone required that sturdy rod—two feet long, wrist-thick, well-balanced and easy to wield.
The hound bared its fangs and lunged again.Ye Jiao did not retreat. She leapt, clutching the stick with both hands, and with all her might, struck the creature squarely on the head—swift as lightning, heavy as thunder.A dull thud echoed.The Cangni hound collapsed, its blood seeping through its fur onto the ground.It whimpered, limbs quivering, body curling.When the crowd rushed over, they found it already unconscious.
"Did she kill it?""Incredible!" murmured the nobles from afar.
The Princess Royal ordered attendants to carry the beast away.Li Ce exhaled a long breath and approached Ye Jiao, but before he could speak, Li Long arrived first.
"Miss Ye, I must apologize—it was my fault that you were frightened." He bowed respectfully.
Ye Jiao, still shaken, waved her hand and turned to Li Ce."Had it not been for that roast chicken you threw, I don't know what might've happened. How should I thank you?"
As she spoke, she began digging in her sleeve for silver.It seemed they could never exchange a few words without it involving gold or silver.
Li Ce showed not the slightest discomfort. He waited serenely for her to offer payment and chuckled."Miss Ye, this concerns a matter of life and death. You'd better give me more this time."
"How could that be?" Li Long frowned in confusion. "One does not save lives in hope of a reward."
Ye Jiao placed the silver into Li Ce's palm and smiled slyly."A savior may act without thought of reward—but one who is saved must still repay the kindness."
Li Long was stunned. After a pause, he bowed again."I have been enlightened."
He was a man of contradiction—at times assertive, at times humble.
People crowded around Ye Jiao.A eunuch carefully inquired,"Miss Ye, are you truly unharmed? Do you need anything?"
"Yes," Ye Jiao said as she tossed aside the stick and returned to her seat, squinting with seriousness, "Could we have some hot dishes?"
All the delicacies thus far had been cold. None had the steaming essence of a freshly cooked feast.Laughter rippled through the crowd.
The Princess Royal, who had just arrived, added gently,"The hot dishes are already on their way. Come, let me see your arm—how do you have such strength?"
The crowd made way.She drew Ye Jiao to sit at her side, kneading her arm in amusement.Ye Jiao allowed it, quite content with her new seat—after all, this was the first place to be served.
When Li Ce returned to his seat, he saw Li Jing trembling."That hound was massive! Did she really kill it?"He gasped dramatically and moved the rock ornament—originally facing Li Ce—to Ye Jiao's side.It seemed their recent companionship had eased his fear of Li Ce.
"Probably just knocked it out," Li Ce said. "It didn't look like it had breathed its last."
Li Jing shook his head furiously."If it hasn't, and I were to marry her, my wives and concubines at home would surely breathe their last."
He knelt like a schoolboy, visibly torn and terrified. After a long struggle, he declared,"Forget it. I don't dare take that woman. And neither should you."
There are many beautiful women in the world—not worth dying for.
Li Ce shook his head."Fortunately, not everyone cherishes life as dearly as you do. I think our brother Prince Su is rather keen."
Ye Jiao, now seated beside the Princess Royal, was quite near Li Long.He kept engaging her in conversation, even directing the rare delicacies before him to be moved to her table.
It wasn't just Li Ce who noticed.Many noblewomen also cast Ye Jiao glances of envy and resentment.
"What's so special about her?" one muttered. "She just beat up a dog."
"Then why don't you go fight it too?" another whispered back.
"It's strange though," someone else grumbled."The Ye family was considered unmarriageable—broken engagements, discarded husbands… how did she suddenly attract Prince Su?"
There were many voices of discontent.But Prince Su didn't care.He admired strength and vigor in a woman.Someone like Ye Jiao wouldn't fade early like his late wife.
By the time the banquet ended, dusk had fallen. Soon, stars would shine, and the Cowherd and Weaver Girl would appear in the sky.
The Princess Royal arranged for the noble ladies to embroider and offer prayers.Ye Jiao, of course, didn't know how to embroider. She held the cloth, pretended to prick the needle, and remained motionless for a while.
Suddenly, she realized she still didn't know that man's name. So she walked over to Li Ce, intending to ask and then leave.Halfway there, Prince Su intercepted her.
They stood beside the flowerbeds, palace lanterns glowing, roses gently swaying, and the air filled with a light floral fragrance.
"Your Highness," Ye Jiao greeted with a graceful curtsy.
"Miss Ye," said Li Long, "I wish to discuss a matter with you."
Ye Jiao stood quietly, waiting for him to continue.Her calm demeanor only made Li Long seem more awkward.
"It's like this," he said, "My consort passed away years ago. I would like to take you as my wife. Would you consent?"
He always asked, "Would you consent?"But his tone was domineering, allowing no refusal.
"Why?" Ye Jiao tilted her face up.
Her question held no fluster, no blush of shyness.
"What? You're unwilling?" Li Long frowned.The fallen Duke An's household—what right had it to reject the Prince of Su?And you, just jilted—shouldn't you be rushing home in joy to thank your ancestors?
In his eyes, there was contempt and confusion.
"I'm only asking why," Ye Jiao explained."Today is the first time His Highness has met me. Do you know me? Do you even like me?Last time, I barely knew Fu Mingzhu, and that ended poorly.So if I'm to be engaged again, it must be with someone truly in harmony with me."
Li Long's patience frayed.He had no time to understand her. He planned to propose to the emperor tonight. If Ye Jiao refused then, he'd face the Second Prince's faction alone—his future in jeopardy.
With that thought, he grabbed Ye Jiao's wrist.
"Miss Ye," he said darkly, "Today I performed like a barbarian, dined and played as a fool—all to win your favor.I've exhausted my patience. But know this: if you marry me, glory and fortune shall be yours, and you'll be sheltered from all harm.If you refuse, no man shall ever dare take you."
Ye Jiao jerked back, but he yanked her forward again. Her face flushed scarlet.She struggled to pry his fingers off and snapped,"Is Your Highness threatening me?"
Li Long, seasoned from years in the military, possessed formidable strength.Ye Jiao could not break free. They stood locked in stalemate.
Suddenly, a voice rang out behind the garden hedge."So Miss Ye is here."
Ye Jiao looked up to see that familiar face.
Under the starry sky of the Qixi Festival, a man approached, holding a lantern.Though pale and delicate in appearance, he seemed draped in starlight and the lantern's glow—bestowing him with an unexplainable air of courage.
Li Ce's eyes fell on Ye Jiao. He nodded slightly, then spoke to Li Long with solemn clarity.
"The lights here are too bright. One can hardly see the stars.I've come to invite Miss Ye to a better spot."
His voice was soft, yet resolute—as if sweeping aside obstacles, breaking through illusions.
Li Long turned toward Li Ce, his expression slowly softening, his grip loosening…