Chapter 21: Becoming a Blade That Sells Its Loyalty

All of Jinyu Fang’s jewelry bore unique marks; by simply inquiring about a piece, one could easily trace who had purchased it.

Jiang Mubai was too shrewd not to follow this clue.

Since she had been caught eavesdropping on his plan to kill someone that night, he must have resolved to silence her, sending assassins to eliminate her.

So, Jiang Mubai—who would have thought we’d come into direct conflict so soon?

From now on, I must be far more cautious when venturing out; I cannot be so vulnerable. I need to train my personal guards without delay.

Outside, Zhong Muqiu was holding his own against ten foes—not too difficult. With over twenty assailants, he quickly brought down seven or eight but refrained from killing, choosing instead to inflict grievous wounds or cripple their limbs so they could not rise again.

Zhong Muqiu was currently grappling with an assassin when suddenly three sharp arrows whizzed through the air. One struck an attacker poised to strike Zhong Muqiu’s head, the arrowhead piercing straight through his chest. Blood splattered, staining his cheek.

The other two arrows each found the hearts of two other assassins, killing them instantly.

Such precise, swift archery! Zhong Muqiu immediately recognized the triple-arrow shot—a single shot that fired three arrows simultaneously—an exclusive weapon only wielded by elite officers in the Northern Star King’s army. The assailants were from the Northern Star King’s ranks.

Zhong Muqiu had long admired the Northern Star King’s army and revered the king himself. In his dreams, he yearned to join their ranks, even as a mere cook; the thought filled him with joy.

His heart lifted as he looked up to see Lie Yan drawing his bow, gallantly flying over and commanding, “Protect the carriage and guard the princess!”

“Yes, General Lie!”

Princess? Zhong Muqiu was stunned, his gaze shifting to the carriage. Could the Miss Gu inside truly be Princess Gu Nanshu of the Northern Star Kingdom?

Impossible…

Within moments, all assassins were subdued. The survivors were about to be taken back to the royal residence for interrogation when, to everyone’s surprise, they all bit their tongues to commit suicide. Upon removing their veils, a dagger-shaped tattoo was found beneath their jaws—they were fanatical warriors hired for money.

Lie Yan’s expression grew grave. Whoever commissioned these killers had dared to attempt an assassination on the Northern Star King’s princess. Such audacity was remarkable.

Once calm returned outside, Gu Nanshu lifted the carriage curtain and saw Lie Yan leading a troop. She looked at him with mild surprise and asked, “General Lie Yan, what brings you here?”

Lie Yan rose promptly, bowing respectfully with clasped fists. “I, Lie Yan, arrived late to escort Your Highness. Please forgive my delay. The prince commanded that Your Highness’s safety be ensured. I am relieved to see you unharmed.”

Lu Heng had indeed sent guards for her protection? Gu Nanshu felt an indescribable emotion. The prince must care for her because of the Gu family; if anything were to happen to her, the Northern Star King’s residence would owe the Gu family an explanation.

“Thank you, General Lie.”

Lowering the curtain, Gu Nanshu felt uneasy. Huan Tao whispered happily, “Princess, the prince even sent General Lie Yan himself to protect you. It seems he cares for you quite deeply.”

“Doesn’t seem like it,” Gu Nanshu shook her head, dismissing the thought. No matter, she must focus on reaching the city quickly.

She instructed Lie Yan, “General Lie, depart immediately. Take us to the best medical clinic in the capital. Do not delay.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Now knowing Gu Nanshu’s true identity, Zhong Muqiu dared not board the carriage. She was the exalted princess; he was merely a commoner—social ranks forbade such familiarity.

Yet one question puzzled him: why would the Northern Star Princess come to this remote village seeking him? What matter could she possibly want to discuss with him?

The best medical clinic in the capital was Miao Shou Hall.

Jiang Qiaozhen was swiftly settled inside. The physician remarked that timely arrival had saved her life; any half-hour’s delay would have been fatal.

The prescriptions were prepared, medicines brewed, and emergency treatments administered. Jiang Qiaozhen finally passed through the perilous stage.

Gu Nanshu’s anxieties at last eased. Without Jiang Qiaozhen, she would have had no family left but Zhong Muqiu.

After tucking Jiang Qiaozhen in, Gu Nanshu entrusted Huan Tao to watch over her and called Zhong Muqiu into a quiet courtyard within the clinic, dismissing Lie Yan and the others. It was time to address her true purpose.

She had thought carefully: if she wished Zhong Muqiu to devote himself utterly to her cause, mere royal status would not suffice to forge such a bond. He must have a personal reason to pledge his life.

Hence, she planned to bring Jiang Qiaozhen into the Northern Star King’s palace. This would bind Zhong Muqiu to her by duty and gratitude, and she could care for Jiang Qiaozhen devotedly in her remaining years.

Though she had considered revealing her true identity to Zhong Muqiu, she felt the time was not yet ripe. After Jiang Qiaozhen’s near-fatal ordeal and Jiang Mubai’s betrayal, she dared trust no one fully, especially not Lu Heng.

No sooner had Lie Yan departed than Zhong Muqiu knelt before Gu Nanshu, banging his head repeatedly. “I was blind not to recognize Miss Gu as the Northern Star Princess. If I spoke harshly before, please forgive me.”

Gu Nanshu did not help him up but sat calmly on a stone bench, looking down at him with faint detachment.

“You must be very confused right now. Why would the Northern Star Princess personally come to Fangyin Village to find you? Do you want to know what this is about?”

“No,” Zhong Muqiu shook his head. “Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

Gu Nanshu continued coolly, “You lost your father at seven; he died at Wulin Manor. You trained there for seven years, mastering martial arts so formidable that even top palace guards might not match you. Don’t ask how I know this—I have done my research. I need someone like you, Zhong Muqiu. I want you to be my loyal blade. Will you accept?”

A loyal blade?

Zhong Muqiu looked up in surprise. “Does Your Highness mean for me to stay in the palace as your bodyguard?”

“Not a mere bodyguard. You will be my personal attendant, always protecting me. I will pay you ten taels of silver each month, and your mother will also be brought into the palace so you can care for her.”

Though simple-minded, Zhong Muqiu was not foolish. He knew nothing in this world came without cost.

He pondered deeply. “There are many more skilled than me. Why does Your Highness choose me? And it seems you know my mother? Is this connected?”

Gu Nanshu clasped her hands tightly, unwilling to answer. Rising, she said, “Think it over carefully. When ready, come to the Northern Star Palace and find me.” With that, she turned to leave.

Zhong Muqiu hurried after her. “Please wait, Your Highness.”

Gu Nanshu paused and turned.

He spoke firmly, “I will serve as your loyal blade, Your Highness, but I have one request. If you agree, I will dedicate my life to you.” He bowed deeply again.

“What is it?”

“My sister, Feng Sanniang, was the first wife of Jiang Mubai, the Left Vice Minister of Justice. Two months ago, she died suddenly at home. Rumors say she was unfaithful and was killed by a lover, but I know her character. She would never shame our family or violate virtue. I suspect Jiang Mubai killed her to climb higher by aligning with powerful allies.” His voice trembled with righteous grief. “I beg Your Highness to help me seek justice for my sister and restore her honor.”