Leaving a banquet before it had even begun was unusual, and the guests were puzzled. But once rumors spread that it had something to do with Hong Ning, understanding dawned. After all, nothing Duan Fei did for women ever came as a surprise.
Master Zheng made several attempts to persuade him to stay, but seeing that Duan Fei was insistent, he had no choice but to personally escort him to the door.
Once they had bid their farewells and boarded the carriage, the horses quickly carried them out of the city.
Hong Ning sat in the carriage, watching him for a long moment before finally speaking. “Why let such a trivial matter ruin everyone’s mood? You may have influence, but acting too high-handedly will only invite trouble.”
“If my beauty has been wronged, how could it be a trivial matter?” Duan Fei lifted the curtain and called for the procession to halt. Summoning Steward Han, he asked, “Recently, the Wen family partnered with the Tang family in a business deal, correct?”
Steward Han immediately recalled the matter and quickly smiled in agreement. “Indeed, I had almost forgotten. Young Master has quite the memory.”
Duan Fei instructed, “Send a message to the Tang family with my seal and tell them to withdraw from the deal.”
Steward Han did not ask further questions and simply acknowledged the order.
Hong Ning thought it was a bit excessive but, upon reconsideration, understood his reasoning. While it was partially an act of retaliation on her behalf, it was more about maintaining his dignity. After all, she was—at least in name—his woman. If she was publicly humiliated, it would be a slight against him as well. Duan Fei had a reputation for being easygoing, but even someone like him needed to occasionally assert his authority.
Saying nothing, she turned her face away.
The carriage resumed its journey. Duan Fei let the curtain fall and pulled her hand toward him, examining it carefully. “Are you burned? We should have a physician take a look once we return.”
Hong Ning chuckled. “Even if I were burned, it would heal in a few days. Do you think I’m as delicate as those noblewomen?”
Duan Fei wrapped an arm around her, his usual playful tone laced with something more serious. “Other noblewomen may be delicate, but my beauty should be delicate as well. Even if it heals in a few days, I can’t allow people to keep harming you.”
Hong Ning was momentarily stunned and said nothing.
Duan Fei studied her expression. “Could it be… you’re starting to like me?”
Hong Ning felt both exasperated and amused, but before she could respond, the carriage suddenly came to an abrupt stop.
A commotion erupted outside, followed by Steward Han’s alarmed voice. “You—” He barely got the words out before the clash of blades drowned out the rest.
Duan Fei frowned. “Why have we stopped?”
“It sounds like trouble,” Hong Ning replied, pushing him aside to lift the curtain and look outside.
Indeed, outside the carriage, countless masked men dressed in black had surrounded them. Each of them wore a white sash around their waist and was engaged in combat with their guards.
Duan Fei had not brought many men with him today, as he had only intended to attend a banquet. Though his guards were skilled, they were outnumbered. Moreover, the attackers were clearly desperate and ruthless fighters. Within moments, two of their men were injured.
Seeing the dire situation, Steward Han hastily retreated toward the carriage and asked urgently, “Young Master, what should we do?”
Hong Ning asked, “Are they bandits?”
Duan Fei remained composed. “This region is mountainous, with dense forests and overgrown grass—naturally, it’s a breeding ground for bandits and outlaws. The authorities have tried to root them out several times but have never succeeded. Let me go take a look.”
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