Jun County, Mu Family Residence...
Inside an elegant pavilion, a young woman draped in white silk gauze sat gracefully by the window. Her slender figure, exquisite features, and bright, clear eyes painted the picture of a refined lady.
This was Mu Wanqing, the object of Qin Hao's pursuit and the subject of the guard's hushed whispers.
Behind her stood a maidservant in a red dress, around the same age as Mu Wanqing, but with a mischievous glint in her eyes. This was Xiao He, who had grown up alongside Mu Wanqing like a sister.
"Miss, you're thinking about Young Master Su again, aren't you? But that blockhead, you've been together for so long, and he hasn't even paid a visit to the manor. Do you think he feels unworthy of you? After all, judging by his attire, he doesn't seem to come from a wealthy family," Xiao He remarked, her voice laced with concern.
"I don't care about his background. Besides, he said he would come today," Mu Wanqing replied softly.
"Really? That's wonderful, Miss!" Xiao He exclaimed with a smile.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, Xiao He felt a sharp pain in her neck. Her vision went dark, and she collapsed to the floor.
A figure clad in black materialized before Mu Wanqing.
Fear washed over Mu Wanqing as she stared at the intruder. As a merchant's daughter, she had no martial arts training. Her instincts screamed at her to cry out.
But the figure moved with lightning speed, appearing beside her in a flash. A hand chopped down, and Mu Wanqing's world plunged into darkness.
The figure scooped up the unconscious Mu Wanqing and swiftly vanished from the Mu Residence.
A short while later, Xiao He stirred back to consciousness. Finding the pavilion empty, she rushed to inform the master.
Meanwhile, a young man in a green robe arrived at the Mu Residence. His features were ordinary, but his face held an air of determination.
This was Su Yuanming, Su Wu's son and Su Hao's cousin, a few months older than him.
His father, Su Wu, had been transferred to Jun County as the Deputy Commander of the Zhenfu Division a few years ago, and Su Yuanming had accompanied him. However, having grown up in Fu County and being somewhat reserved, he spent most of his time training at the Seven Fists Sect on the outskirts of Jun County. As a result, he knew very few of the noble families in the city.
By chance, Su Yuanming had met Mu Wanqing. Although it wasn't love at first sight, they found themselves drawn to each other. As they got to know each other, feelings blossomed between them.
Recently, Su Wu had brought back some Dragon Ginseng Pills for Su Yuanming's cultivation. After consuming most of the pills, Su Yuanming had successfully reached the Ninth Level of the Human Realm.
With a little more time and the remaining Dragon Ginseng Pills, he might even be able to attempt a breakthrough to the Earth Realm.
Taking advantage of this period, he decided to pay a visit to Mu Wanqing.
As he approached the Mu Residence, he was met with a scene of chaos. The normally bustling entrance was deserted, sending a shiver of unease down his spine. He hurried inside.
Inside the main hall, panic reigned. Mu Wanqing's father sat slumped in his chair, his face ashen.
"You said the young mistress is missing? What happened?" he questioned, his voice trembling.
"Master, I felt a sharp pain in my neck and blacked out. When I woke up, the young mistress was gone. I immediately came to report to you," Xiao He explained frantically.
"Butler, go to the Zhenfu Division at once! Report this and ask for their help in finding my daughter. I'll pay any price!" Mu Wanqing's father ordered, his voice desperate.
"Yes, Master! Right away!" The butler, equally alarmed, hurried out of the hall.
Just then, Su Yuanming entered. Overhearing the commotion, he rushed towards Xiao He, his face pale.
"Xiao He, what happened? You said Wanqing is missing?"
"Young Master Su, you're here! Someone knocked me unconscious and took the young mistress away. Please, you have to save her!" Xiao He cried, clutching at his arm.
"Take me to the pavilion!" Su Yuanming's expression hardened, his voice urgent.
"This way!"
Xiao He led him towards the pavilion at the back of the residence.
Inside the pavilion, Su Yuanming carefully examined the surroundings. He circled Mu Wanqing's room, searching for any clues, but found nothing.
Although his father was a skilled investigator, Su Yuanming hadn't inherited that particular talent.
Frustration gnawed at him. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he turned to Xiao He.
"Find me one of your mistress's most personal garments. Quickly!"
"Her personal garments?" Xiao He looked at him, confused, but nonetheless, she quickly retrieved a white garment from a chest.
Su Yuanming snatched the garment and rushed downstairs. He needed to find someone from the Zhenfu Division, and fast.
——
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Jun County, a carriage arrived at the gate of a secluded manor.
"Take her in through the back entrance," Qin Hao instructed the guard, gesturing towards the unconscious Mu Wanqing lying inside the carriage.
The guard nodded, guiding the carriage towards the back of the manor.
He then carefully wrapped Mu Wanqing in a cloth, slung her over his shoulder, and disappeared inside.
In the main hall of the manor, a young master in his twenties sat leisurely, sipping tea. He had a refined air about him.
"Young Master, Qin Hao seeks an audience." A steward entered the hall and announced.
"Qin Hao's here? Send him in." The young master's eyes lit up, and he instructed the steward to show him in.
"You're right on time, Qin Hao. I just arrived myself." The young master greeted him with a smile.
"Young Master Lu, I was preparing a gift for you. Otherwise, I would have met you at the city gates," Qin Hao replied respectfully.
The young master was none other than Lu Song, son of Lu Tianming, the current governor of Northwest County.
"You brought me a gift?" Lu Song's lips curled into a knowing smirk.
"I've had it sent to your chambers, Young Master Lu. It'll be ready for your enjoyment shortly," Qin Hao said eagerly.
"Excellent! You're always so thoughtful, Qin Hao." Lu Song patted him on the shoulder, his voice laced with approval.
"It's my pleasure to be of service, Young Master Lu. Shall I arrange for your welcome feast now, or would you prefer to enjoy your gift first? I can have the feast prepared for whenever you're ready." Qin Hao played the part of the obsequious lackey to perfection.
"See to the feast, Qin Hao. I'll join you after I've had some fun. I'll be there when I'm done." Lu Song waved his hand dismissively.
Although Lu Song had a dedicated cultivation partner at the Bright Moon Palace, he often found himself craving novelty. So, whenever he returned home, he indulged in these little diversions.
Inside a room in the manor, Mu Wanqing slowly regained consciousness. Her neck still throbbed with pain. She glanced around the unfamiliar room and slowly got out of bed.
She stumbled towards the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. She wanted to scream, but fear kept her silent. She rattled the doorknob desperately, hoping to force it open.