Chapter Twenty-Five: A Tragic Past

Although the boisterous official had indeed yielded during the earlier fight, he still felt his dignity was shattered afterward and tried to utter a few harsh words to reclaim his pride.

“This matter isn’t over! The only reason I lost to you was because I went easy on you. Otherwise, with your feeble skills… how could you possibly defeat me?” The official staggered to his feet, his back stained with blood that soaked the remaining scraps of fabric into a deep crimson. “Just you wait! You won’t get away with this!” he declared mercilessly.

Before Zhao Yuan could respond, the official quickly turned around and fled the scene with a speed that left no room for protest.

The bystanders who had gathered whispered among themselves for a moment before dispersing, and soon the bustling street regained its lively atmosphere.

The sudden incident had clearly dampened the mood of the group. Ye Yu’er pouted, then led Zhao Ling’er and Zhao Yuan away, returning home.

Their journey back was swift, perhaps because everyone carried a sense of resentment and found little to say, each falling into quick, purposeful strides.

Ye Yu’er hesitated, then murmured to Zhao Yuan, “That official has a powerful background. Offending him like this may bring trouble in the future…”

“What’s there to fear?” Zhao Yuan replied disdainfully, his eyelids drooping. “He’s just a frivolous dandy, harassing women and indulging in decadence. A man like him has no place in this world!”

Ye Yu’er pursed her lips and said no more, quickening her pace to hurry back to the residence.

After a while, they arrived near the manor and saw from afar a pair of familiar figures standing at the gate. The guards barred their entry.

Ye Yu’er strained to see more clearly, and upon recognizing them, furrowed her brows, unease stirring in her heart.

When the three drew closer, they confirmed it: the pair at the gate were none other than the official and the young woman. Zhao Yuan clicked his tongue in mockery and moved forward to confront them.

“So you actually had the nerve to come,” Zhao Yuan sneered. “I thought a high-ranking official like you would let bygones be bygones and humbly accept guidance. Turns out you’re nothing but a petty bureaucrat.”

The official glared fiercely at Zhao Yuan, then loudly called out to the manor, deliberately raising his voice so the master would hear.

Hearing the commotion outside, the master hurried out to investigate. He opened the door to find Zhao Yuan and the others arguing at the entrance and gently cleared his throat, signaling everyone to be silent.

“What’s the matter?”

“Hmph, it’s that man right there! He humiliated me in front of everyone! He’s one of your people, isn’t he? Today, I demand an explanation!” the official said angrily.

The master looked at Zhao Yuan in surprise, then turned to the official with disbelief. “Are you certain it was him?”

“Who else could it be? Look at the bloody wound on my back, just look!” The official turned, revealing a large patch of scarlet.

“No, it’s not like that! He was the one making lewd jokes about the young girl, and even tried to seduce Ling’er! Zhao Yuan was just—” Ye Yu’er anxiously tried to explain.

“Enough,” the master interrupted sternly.

“Since Zhao Yuan injured you today, I, Ye, owe you a favor. I apologize.” The master slowly bent at the waist, offering a deep bow.

“Father! What are you doing?!” Ye Yu’er cried out in anger.

“But don’t think that settles everything! Next, let’s talk about your attempt to seduce my benefactor, shall we?” The master smiled coldly at the official.

The official was instantly terrified, his legs trembling. He mumbled a few words and quickly retreated, leaving the young woman behind.

The master sighed deeply, then reentered the manor, leaving a final instruction—“You may handle this young woman as you see fit.”

Once he had departed, the young woman immediately knelt, tears streaming down her face as she thanked Zhao Yuan and his companions. “Thank you! Thank you for saving me. Otherwise… I might have been…”

Zhao Yuan replied bluntly, “You should reflect on your own actions. If you hadn’t kept wandering near the Red Pavilion, that official wouldn’t have taken an interest in you.”

At the mention of the “Red Pavilion,” the young woman seemed struck by lightning, her head bowed, tears flowing in silent streams.

“Don’t say that, she has her own hardships!” Zhao Ling’er pushed Zhao Yuan, signaling him to stop. She walked forward, gently patted the girl’s back, and helped her up, asking softly.

“I never wanted to go to such a filthy place…” the young woman said, her voice trembling with sobs. “My mother died when I was born, and my father raised me alone. Not long ago, he fell gravely ill…”

At this, the dam broke, and her tears poured forth, soaking the hem of her dress.

“Why didn’t you find a doctor for your father?” Ye Yu’er asked, then immediately regretted the question.

“I had no money, truly no money… I spent all my savings to find a physician to treat him. But he told me it was useless, no amount of money could help…” The girl forced herself to hold back tears and steady her breathing. “A few days ago, my father passed away. With no money for his burial, I had no choice but to go to that sordid place to earn what I needed to lay him to rest…”

No one spoke.

“I truly had no other way… I didn’t even have time to fulfill my filial duty before he left. I couldn’t even send him off properly…” The girl gazed despondently at the moon, but a dark cloud obscured it, leaving her completely in shadow.

“I am deeply sorry for your hardship. You are a good daughter! Why not come work as a maid in our manor? Your wages will be generous!” Ye Yu’er smiled gently and reached out her hand to the girl.

“Is it really all right…” The girl looked up at Ye Yu’er, her disheveled bangs hanging over her forehead, the traces of tears still stark.

“Of course! Even if you went to that place and earned a fortune, managed to lay him peacefully to rest, I think he would still feel regret. Promise me, you must protect yourself and cherish what is yours as a woman!”