Chapter Twenty-One: Bringing Home

Hearing his sister’s request, he truly didn’t want to refuse her. Yet this woman had once harmed him; how could he possibly believe the journey to Bin City would be safe? He paced a few steps, sizing her up as he debated whether or not to bring her along.

“I am but a woman with no strength to bind a chicken,” she said, “Even if you let me come, I could not possibly harm you or your sister. Consider it carefully—once we reach Bin City, I’ll agree to anything you ask.” Her words seemed like a great reassurance, but he only shook his head, unable to trust her. Turning away with Zhao Linger, he was about to leave when she called out after him.

“Is it really so hard to take me with you? There’s nothing in it for you to lose. How about we make a deal? Escort me to Bin City, I’ll agree to any request you make, but you must guarantee my safety along the way. Otherwise, by the time I reach my family, I’ll have become nothing but dried meat.”

She ran a few steps forward, panting for breath, unable to run any farther. After hearing her out, Zhao Yuan turned around. From her words, she did not seem to be the daughter of some small household. He glanced at Zhao Linger, who only nodded.

“She’s a woman, after all. Just take her with us. Bin City isn’t far, and with your current skills, you’d be hard to best in a fight. Why not agree?”

Zhao Yuan could only sigh and nod, and soon the three of them set off. Indeed, the city was not far.

He glanced at Yu’er, wondering what she had endured to end up in that forest, living among savages. It seemed there was some secret purpose behind it all, but he didn’t wish to know more. All would become clear in time.

Faithfully, he brought her to Bin City. The bustling, prosperous streets delighted Zhao Linger. Every alley was crowded, and smiles adorned every face; clearly, this city was well governed, unlike their home, where bullies ran rampant. If Zhao Linger could truly live here, it would be a fine choice.

“If you like it here,” he said, “I’ll arrange for you to study in this city. Once I have the power I seek and the answers about our mother, I’ll return for you. At least I’ll have peace of mind this way. Keeping you beside me every day is a torment—I cannot protect you from the dangers we face.”

He spoke gently, but she only shook her head and clung to his arm.

He was all she had left; she did not want to be parted from him. There was no going back to the Zhao family—only Zhao Yuan could protect her now. If she returned, she’d be married off like a tool, a fate she refused to accept.

“Didn’t you promise to protect me always?” she protested. “Why are you trying to leave me here? Or is it because you’ve developed feelings for Sister Yu’er and want someone to keep her company? But truly, Sister Yu’er is clever and lively. Even if her clothes are tattered, she’ll look lovely once she changes.”

The two of them stood behind Yu’er. He gestured toward her; she had lived in the forest with savages—surely she hadn’t bathed properly in ages. She was used to that life, yet her actions revealed a sharp mind.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Zhao Yuan scolded, angered and worried. “Keep your distance from her. Don’t treat her as a close friend. If she ever hurts you when I’m not around, where would you go? You must learn to protect yourself out here.”

Chastised, Zhao Linger pouted, knowing she may have spoken amiss, but she still believed Yu’er was not that sort of person. If she had meant them harm, she would have acted long ago, not waited until they reached Bin City.

This was Yu’er’s home; she clearly did not want to hear her brother’s nagging. She broke free and hurried to Yu’er’s side.

“Your foolish brother is lecturing you again,” she said, “Come, ignore him. When we get to my estate, I’ll have plenty of good food prepared for you—everything you like, even osmanthus cakes.”

With that, the two girls quickened their pace. Seeing this, Zhao Yuan hurried to chase after them, and soon they arrived at the Ye Residence.

Zhao Linger looked up in astonishment at the grand estate. She knew little of the Ye family’s affairs, but from the lavish decor, she could tell they were people of power. She gazed at Yu’er in shock, but Yu’er only nodded indifferently, unimpressed by the grandeur.

“Sister Yu’er, you’re incredible! Who would have thought you were the daughter of such a wealthy family? Now that we’re in Bin City, we’re under protection and can live well. Brother never appreciates his blessings—he should cherish a woman like you.”

Zhao Linger grinned at him mischievously. Zhao Yuan coughed awkwardly. He had some impression of the Ye family, but could not recall if his father had ever spoken of them.

“I never expected you to be so formidable. Perhaps I’ve underestimated you. But what if you’re only posing as their daughter to deceive us? It’s hard to believe a place as powerful as the Ye family couldn’t protect a young girl like you.”

He looked skeptical; it was difficult to imagine the mighty Ye family unable to keep a single girl safe.

Yu’er, hearing this, raised her fist as if to strike him playfully. In truth, she didn’t fully understand how things had come to this.

“The Ye family is renowned, but there are always those who covet our position. Such things happen often. When I was taken, it was long ago. I grew accustomed to that place, but not a day passed that I didn’t wish to escape.”

As she spoke, her eyes grew sorrowful—clearly, this was not a subject she wished to pursue. Zhao Yuan, sensing his mistake, cleared his throat and dropped the conversation.