"Why do I keep running into you?"
The street buzzed with chaos as curious onlookers gathered to witness the commotion. Zhao Zhiwu lay sprawled on the ground, clutching his stomach and groaning theatrically. Surrounding him, a growing crowd of merchants, passersby, and bystanders watched with eager interest, discussing the scene animatedly. The oil-paper umbrella vendor, whose stall had been toppled in the scuffle, looked on helplessly, unsure who to hold accountable for his losses. Nearby, patrol officers were bound to arrive soon, but the crowd, drawn to the spectacle, showed no signs of dispersing.
In the midst of the disorder, Jiang Huaiyu's gaze fell upon He Congjun. The calm and composed man stood like an immovable mountain in the sea of chaos. Unable to suppress her initial thought, she spoke her mind before realizing how much it revealed her unsettled state. Her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink as she realized the words had slipped out.
He Congjun's demeanor remained steady, his piercing gaze briefly settling on the child in her arms before he coolly replied, "I seldom leave the palace since returning to the capital. Do you think this isn't just a coincidence?"
"...It's quite the coincidence," Jiang Huaiyu admitted, her lips curving slightly as she tried to mask her embarrassment.
Before they could exchange more words, Zhao Zhiwu erupted into loud, indignant complaints. "You! You dare assault me? Just you wait until the patrol guards arrive—I'll have you thrown in jail!"
Jiang Huaiyu fought the urge to cover her face with her palm. Was this man seriously unaware of how absurd he sounded? His misplaced confidence suggested he believed himself to be the ruler of the city's judiciary.
Unfazed by the bluster, He Congjun responded icily, "You tried to accost a respectable woman and her child in broad daylight. I merely stopped you. Take this to the city court, and neither law nor reason will be on your side."
Zhao Zhiwu shouted back, his voice tinged with desperation, "Who said I accosted anyone? It's a public road! Am I not allowed to walk near her?" Despite his protests, his gaze repeatedly darted toward Jiang Huaiyu with an unsettling intensity that made her skin crawl.
Taking a step away from his leering eyes, Jiang Huaiyu's voice turned sharp. "With so many witnesses, you think you can deny what you did? Had this gentleman not intervened, both my child and I could have been harmed. But tell me, what kind of person would even think to target a child?"
"Lies!" Zhao Zhiwu yelled, his face flushing a blotchy red.
Jiang Huaiyu's words were as precise as the edge of a blade, cutting through Zhao Zhiwu's bluster. He, who lacked both ambition and cunning, now found himself cornered, aware of the severe punishment for threatening a child.
With a flick of his foot, He Congjun sent a small stone flying, striking Zhao Zhiwu squarely in the chest. The man let out a strangled cry, curling up like a shrimp, his face contorted in pain.
Jiang Huaiyu took the opportunity to address the crowd. "Friends, should the guards arrive, I ask that you kindly testify against this man who tried to harm me and my child. I would be deeply grateful for your support."
A burly man in the audience slapped his chest. "Don't worry, miss. I saw it all! If that scoundrel tries to deny it, I'll testify against him!"
"I saw it too! This man ran straight at her. He can't weasel his way out of this!" a woman selling woven trinkets chimed in indignantly.
"Right! We'll back you up!" others agreed, nodding in solidarity.
Jiang Huaiyu let out a soft breath of relief, offering a small bow of thanks. "I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you all."
Just then, three patrol officers pushed through the crowd, shouting, "What's all this noise? Get back to your business—don't block the street!"
The officer in charge—a wiry man in a dark maroon uniform—eyed the scene, his gaze lingering on the wailing Zhao Zhiwu. "What's going on here?"
Before He Congjun could speak, Jiang Huaiyu stepped forward, her voice steady and composed. "Officer, this man attempted to assault me and my child after I purchased a sugar figurine. If not for this gentleman's intervention, I shudder to think of the consequences."
The officer's sharp eyes scanned the group. Nodding slightly, he signaled his subordinates to interview the witnesses. Soon, several stepped forward, eagerly recounting the incident. Meanwhile, Zhao Zhiwu continued to howl and curse, his bravado dampened only by He Congjun's imposing presence.
The officer's gaze fell upon He Congjun, his expression shifting to one of surprise upon noticing the jade token hanging from the man's belt. "This—"
"Just handle the matter fairly," He Congjun interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.
Zhao Zhiwu, however, seemed emboldened by his perception of favoritism. "Ha! No wonder you dared to hit me—you've got the guards on your side! This is corruption!"
The crowd murmured uneasily, but Jiang Huaiyu's calm voice rang out. "Why would a guilty man fear the courts? If you're so innocent, then face the magistrate. Or perhaps you hope to sway public opinion with these baseless accusations?"
Her words were as sharp as a knife. Zhao Zhiwu froze, his eyes darting nervously. The spectators, emboldened by her poise, began to murmur their agreement.
"Stop wasting time!" the officer barked, grabbing Zhao Zhiwu by the shoulders. "You'll have your say in court. Let's go!"
As the officers began to haul him away, the lead officer turned to Jiang Huaiyu. "Ma'am, if you would, please accompany us to the magistrate. We'll need your statement, along with anyone willing to testify."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded graciously. "Of course. Thank you, Officer."
Before following the guards, she turned to He Congjun. "Once again, I owe you my thanks. If you'll allow it, I'd like to send a token of my gratitude in a few days."
He Congjun's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Very well."
Her eyes briefly lingered on his steady demeanor before she nodded and followed the guards.
In court, Zhao Zhiwu, now a quivering mess, confessed to everything before the proceedings could even begin. "It was a moment of weakness! I didn't mean to do anything!" he wailed, tears streaming down his face.
The magistrate's guards exchanged bemused glances, clearly unimpressed by his groveling.
When asked how to proceed, Jiang Huaiyu's response was clear. "Have him detained for a time to reflect on his actions. That should suffice."
Walking out of the courthouse, Jiang Huaiyu felt a swell of gratitude as she thanked the witnesses who had spoken up for her. A plump woman grinned. "It's only right. We can't let scoundrels like that get away with harassing decent folk."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled, her heart warmed. "Please, visit my shop on Qinghua Street sometime. I'd love for you to try our goods."
"Ya, so that is your store." Woman clapped her hands: "Our family has always eaten that, or the first time I ate the spicy flavor, used to cook stew and put some, the flavor is very fragrant!"