The guards led Wei Lin Jiang through another set of tunnels that opened in front of a Wooden door embossed with intricate carvings. There was a patterned circle beside the door as well. Xiao Wen pressed down on the block and twisted it anticlockwise. There was a soft whirring sound but the door didn't open.
A few moments later a maid dressed in a sky blue dress stepped out and bowed to Xiao Wen, "Lady Xiu has asked you both to stay outside."
"How can we do that? This man here has spent…," Lei Dawi started saying but Xiao Wen interrupted in between, "We will be waiting here. Please lead him inside."
"But her safety?" Lei Dawi started again but stopped when Xiao wen glared at him; his gaze ablaze with a warning.
Wei Lin Jian's heart started hammering against his ribs as he walked through the wooden door. His fingers clenched the edges of the white robe he was wearing. The outcome of this meeting would probably change his life forever. If Lady Xiu was as influential as he thought, she could even help him avenge his brother's death.
"Please wait here," The maid before she walked through the curtains that ran along the length of the room The curtains were very thick effectively cordoning off the section where Lin Jiang was standing from the rest of the room.
The two flame torches placed at the entrance bathed the room in a soft orange glow. Though this section was small it was tastefully decorated. The floor was covered with thick blue carpet and one side of the wall was completely covered with a large size mirror.
Wei Lin Jiang's eyes widened when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The crisp white robe fit him perfectly showing off his straight gait and the red ribbon at his waist almost seemed enticing. His fingers caressed the fabric of the robes gently. This was the first time, Wei Lin Jiang had worn such soft clothes.
Wei Lin Jiang's hair was held in place with a thick band that made his forehead appear larger than before. Now that the grime and dirt had been washed off, his complexion seemed quite fair. The color had returned to his cheeks and his eyes seemed livelier too. For a moment, he couldn't believe that it was his reflection.
"Lady Xiu will see you now," the maid announced putting an end to his self-admiration. His face flushed and he lowered his gaze as he followed the maid through the layers of curtains.
He wrung his hand and kept his head lowered. He had never been outside the village and had no idea what formalities he was supposed to follow. All he could see was the plush red carpet stretching on all sides but he couldn't bring himself to raise his head. For some unknown reason, he felt extremely awkward.
"Clear the room," A sweet but authoritative voice sounded. It was immediately followed by shuffling footsteps. When he was sure that they were alone, he finally looked up. His eyes landed on the woman who was standing in front of him. She was so glamorous that he found it impossible to tear his eyes away from her.
Something flashed in her honeyed brown eyes and her gaze turned discerning, "So, You are Wei Lin Jiang. The person who saved my life."
Her words finally pulled him out of the daze and he bowed slightly, "I was wandering through the forest when I saw you lying unconscious. Upon checking your pulse, I figured that you had been bitten by a snake. In a moment of desperation, I sucked out the poison to save your life."
"Which sect of healers do you belong to?"
"No… no, You are misunderstanding me. I am just an ordinary peasant. I just used the basics taught by our village healer…."
Lady Xiu's expression turned furious in an instant. Her gaze bore into Wei Ling Jiang as she shouted, "How dare you, Wei Lin Jiang! How dare you try to treat me using some cheap tricks!"
Wei Lin Jiang felt a sudden surge of anger hearing her words. He returned her gaze with equal ferocity and retorted, "If it weren't for those cheap tricks you would have probably died."
"A lady would rather die than be treated by someone below her class." Her face contorted in disgust, "My brother was right, you should be punished for stepping out of line."
Wei Lin Jiang snorted and shook his head, "Do you have any idea how ridiculous this sounds? You are going to punish someone for saving your life?"
The color drained from her face and she suddenly became flustered. It was like something had fractured the cold persona of a lady. She bit her lower lip and his voice grew hoarse, "I am helpless, Ling Jiang. My brother… he is not someone you can reason with. He wants to execute you publicly on the next full moon."
Wei Lin Jiang's ears rang with her words and he staggered slightly. Lan Ruo was right; it was probably a crime to save someone in the city. He should have just left her to die in the woods. His jaws became taut and his expression hardened, "Your brother wants to execute me and you don't intend to stop me. Why did you even call me here?"
"I don't like to be indebted to someone. You saved my life once, I just want to return the favor," She held out a jade trinket and a key. "This key will unlock the door of the prison and the jade trinket will allow you to move past the guards."
"So, you want me to run like a criminal despite knowing the fact that I am innocent?" Lin Jiang questioned; his piercing gaze boring through hers. If he escaped from prison, it would become impossible to prove that he is innocent.
"It is up to you Wei Lin Jiang," she snapped thrusting the trinket and key into his hands. Her expression turned stoic again and she waved him off, "You can leave now."
She pulled a red rope that hung from a corner in the room. Moments later, the guards rushed in and dragged Wei Lin Jiang back to his cell.