Love at First Sight Chapter 27: Three Young Heroes

At dusk, the setting sun cast its golden glow across the blue sky, draped in swirling clouds and brilliant hues. The gentle afterglow fell softly upon the red brick and green-tiled rooftops, diffusing over the ornate eaves of the pavilions, adding a touch of hazy poetry to the bustling marketplace before them.

The scene was picturesque, almost dreamlike—save for the commotion unfolding right in front of them.

“If you claim that my carriage driver injured someone, then let us report it to the authorities,” the young lady said calmly, her demeanor unruffled.

Hearing this, the group stood frozen, momentarily at a loss. This was a routine they knew well. Usually, those who rode carriages belonged to wealthy families; they disliked trouble and preferred not to involve the authorities. Most would settle matters privately with money, and even those who did report it, lacking witnesses, would still end up paying compensation to resolve things. They had not expected to meet someone willing to take the initiative to report the incident.

“Mother, what do you say?” Wang Dashuang prompted the woman sitting on the ground, casting her a meaningful glance.

The woman caught the cue immediately. “My leg hurts too much—I can’t make it to the magistrate. Just pay me so I can see a doctor.”

“You heard her. My mother’s injured, I need to get her medical attention. Let’s settle this privately,” Wang Dashuang hurriedly added.

The young lady shook her head. “A private settlement is out of the question. Either you leave, or you come with me to the authorities.”

Though she looked delicate, her words rang out with unmistakable conviction.

“Hmph, even if you report it, you’ll still have to pay. My mother was knocked down—I have witnesses.” Wang Dashuang glanced at his two companions.

The young lady frowned slightly, scanning the crowd. “Is there anyone present who witnessed what happened and is willing to testify? I ask for your help.”

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances; none wished to step forward. Wang Dashuang was infamous for his unruly ways—no one wanted to provoke trouble and risk getting entangled.

“Is there truly no one willing to testify?” she repeated, a hint of resignation clouding her face.

Seeing no response, Wang Dashuang grew even more brazen, convinced no one would interfere. He strode towards the young lady. “Well then, miss, let’s settle this privately.”

Being a woman, she instinctively took several steps back.

“I’ll testify!” Wen Yueqing’s voice rang out from the side as she stepped forward.

Wang Dashuang had not expected anyone to intervene, and in a fit of rage, he lunged at Wen Yueqing, as if ready for a fight.

“You miserable brat, meddling where you shouldn’t!” he snarled, sizing up Wen Yueqing’s scholarly appearance, surprised that someone like her dared to interfere.

Wen Yueqing reacted quickly, having barely stepped forward before ducking behind Zun You, not keen on getting caught in a scuffle.

Zun You immediately shielded her, shouting, “Enough!”

Kang Qi had already stepped forward, engaging Wang Dashuang in a fight. The two helpers rushed in as well, but the three were no match for Kang Qi. Within four or five exchanges, they were sprawled on the ground, searching desperately for their teeth, groaning in pain.

“Wonderful! Kang Qi, you’re amazing. You deserve a thumbs up,” Wen Yueqing emerged from behind Zun You, raising her thumb in praise.

“It’s nothing,” Kang Qi replied modestly.

The middle-aged woman, no longer feigning injury, rushed over and knelt in supplication upon seeing her son so badly beaten.

“Please, sir, don’t hit us anymore. We admit our fault and won’t dare do this again.”

The young lady approached gracefully and offered a formal bow. “I am Cai Zhaoqin. Thank you, three young heroes.”

She had been delighted to hear someone willing to testify, and now, seeing the speaker was a young gentleman in green, she watched as he quickly retreated behind the blue-clad youth. The latter, with his sword-like brows and bright eyes, possessed a striking presence. The protective way he shielded his companion exuded a sense of safety that instantly drew her in.

“This was but a minor matter, Miss. Think nothing of it,” Zun You replied coolly.

“Quite right, it was the least we could do,” Wen Yueqing added warmly, finding the young lady agreeable.

“May I ask the names of you three heroes?” Cai Zhaoqin inquired.

“My name is Wen Yueqing. As for him… let him introduce himself,” Wen Yueqing said, not wanting to overstep, lest Zun You scold her.

Cai Zhaoqin looked at Zun You, awaiting his answer, but a disturbance rippled through the crowd once more.

“Make way, make way!”

“Where? Where is it?” Two officers strode loudly across the street; evidently, someone had indeed reported the incident.

“Sir, we should leave now,” Liu Yi stepped forward.

“Agreed, let’s go. Take care, Miss,” Zun You replied, eager to avoid attention, and quickly led Wen Yueqing away.

Wen Yueqing turned back and waved. “Goodbye, Miss Cai.”

Cai Zhaoqin waved back, disappointed. “Ah, I wonder which family he belongs to.”

She lowered her gaze in thought. “Wen Yueqing… Are those two brothers? Could he also bear the surname Wen?”

In the elegant private room on the third floor of Manfulou Teahouse at the street corner, the Fourth Prince, Zun Zhi, dressed in everyday attire, sat by the window sipping tea, observing everything below. He had come to the marketplace for leisure, unexpectedly witnessing the entire affair.

“My third brother is always so eager to meddle,” he murmured with a soft laugh.

“Your Highness, do you know who that young lady is?” asked Zun Zhi’s trusted eunuch, Zheng Zhong.

“Do you?” Zun Zhi countered.

Zheng Zhong replied, “That young lady is Cai Zhaoqin, the second granddaughter of Imperial Mentor Cai. I’ve seen her in the palace before.”

“Oh? So she’s his granddaughter. Quite a distinguished background, and she carries herself well,” Zun Zhi nodded.

“I’ve also heard that both of Imperial Mentor Cai’s granddaughters remain unbetrothed. No one knows to whom they’ll be married in the future,” Zheng Zhong said, glancing at Zun Zhi.

“Hmm,” Zun Zhi said nothing more, but in his heart he quietly noted her name.

“Cai Zhaoqin,” he repeated inwardly.

He then asked Zheng Zhong, “That young gentleman with my third brother—do you know who he is?”

Zheng Zhong shook his head. “Never seen him before. I don’t know which family he’s from, but judging by his attire, he must be from wealth or nobility.”

“Send someone to follow them,” Zun Zhi instructed, curious whether his third brother was recruiting someone extraordinary—anyone that his brother would protect so fiercely must be no ordinary person.

“Yes,” Zheng Zhong replied, stepping out to summon a guard. The two whispered, and the guard hurried off.

“Ha, today was entertaining. I got to act as a hero!” Wen Yueqing exclaimed as she walked.

“Entertaining? You go around playing hero, but without me, you’d have been beaten within an inch of your life,” Zun You grumbled.

“It was clearly Kang Qi who fought! You’re trying to steal his credit,” Wen Yueqing retorted.

“Without me, would Kang Qi have helped you?” Zun You pressed, hoping for some praise.

Wen Yueqing simply smiled and turned to Kang Qi behind her. “Tell me, would you have helped me?”

“Cough, cough,” Kang Qi feigned a cough, pretending not to hear, and turned his gaze to the scenery, unwilling to get caught between the pair.