The next morning arrives with its usual calm, but it does not remain undisturbed for long.

Hoofbeats break the stillness once more.

Shen Ling looks up from beneath the eaves where she sits reading, surprise flickering across her face as Jiang Ye appears again.

She rises quickly and greets him, “General Jiang.”

Is she creating distance between us? 

“Jiang Ye, so you don’t confuse me with my grandfather. I came to inform you of something,”.

Behind him, a quiet figure steps forward. The man looks about eighteen, the same age as Jiang Ye. He is dressed completely in black and has a short sword at his side. Must be his guard.

“This is Nine he will remain here.”

Shen Ling closes the book. “What? Remain?”

“For your safety,” he replies. “You are my future sister-in-law. It is appropriate.”

The title makes him uncomfortable but he thinks if he puts it that way she won’t refuse.

She lowers her gaze and sounds disappointed.“I understand, but it is unnecessary.”

After a moment, it occurs to him that she thinks he wants to monitor her. He tries to set her mind at ease. “Nine is my man, he has no connection to the Marquis. Once you accept him he will only obey you. ..you will be his only Master. The manor has no capable  guards to accompany you into the forest. As you witnessed yesterday it can be very dangerous the further in you go."

She smiles brightly already thinking ahead,“”Well thank you, Brother in law!”

‘..” I really don’t like the sound of that title.

“Can I ask something?” 

“Yes.”

She hesitates, then gathers her courage.

“Can he teach me martial arts?”

Jiang Ye pauses, surprised at her question.“Why?”

“She answers softly and looks up at him with a timid expression. “Yesterday… if you hadn’t been there…”

“Nine will protect you with his life.”

“Well…" she doesn’t want to tell him that she wants to be a wandering doctor. It would be good to strengthen my body. I get tired easily walking in the forest and I can’t lift very much.”

He looks at her thin arms and petite body. Without realizing his words are a bit too heavy He agrees, “That might be a good idea. You are still young but I heard women who know martial arts have an easier time giving birth.

Nine coughs, Young Master that is a little inappropriate to say to your future sister in law or any young girl!

Shen Ling’s face turns bright red and she hurriedly picks up a cup of water sitting on a nearby table. “It’s so hot out here.” She fans her face.

 Jiang Ye is oblivious and says “Nine can  teach you some basics,” he says at last. “But you are already a little old to start seriously.”

Shen Ling blinks…he really is not good with words!

Nine helplessly tries to act invisible,,,I didn’t hear anything…

Then, unexpectedly, she smiles “That’s alright,” she says. “I don’t need to be the best.”

He turns to Nine,”Start with balance. Horse stance for a half hour

Nine shakes his head, look at the delicate  girl... do you think she can actually last that long…well he won’t know if I shorten the time.

 “Thank you.”

Jiang Ye mounts his horse, “I will be going then.”

 Shen Ling excitedly says  to Nine, "Shall we begin?”

 Nine scratches his head, “Miss Shen,the midday sun is too hot and your ankle isn’t healed. We can begin in a couple days in the early morning…that is the best time for practice.”

 “Oh. Well, I am just going to sort herbs for a while…hmm…I know! Liu Bing is going into town to get supplies so you can accompany her.Last time the greasy old magistrate tried to take her for his nineteenth  concubine, luckily she kicked him between the legs and ran,

Nine stands in the courtyard, momentarily frozen and a certain part of his body twitched, as Shen Ling tells the story in that calm, matter-of-fact tone of hers.

“I need supplies,” she says, already turning back toward her notes as if the matter is settled. “Tallow, soybeans, molds if we can find them. Liu Bing knows the market. You can accompany her.”

Nine blinks once and his chiseled features contort in exasperation.

He has guarded nobles, escorted officials, even trailed assassins through the night without hesitation—but somehow, this… this leaves him at a complete loss.

"Miss Shen,” he starts carefully, “It may not be appropriate for…”

“It’s fine,” Shen Ling replies without looking up, flipping a page with quiet focus. “You’re there for safety. Liu Bing handles the buying. It’s efficient.”

Efficient.

Nine has the distinct feeling he is being used as an extra maid.

Before he can protest further, Liu Bing appears at the courtyard entrance, already dressed for going out, her steps light, her expression bright with curiosity.

“You have the list?” she asks.

 Noticing the awkward atmosphere, she stares at the handsome man in black who definitely looks out of place here ,she points at him, “Who is he?”

“After what happened in the forest yesterday Brother in law gave me this guard for protection but I am not going anywhere. I thought he could help you and should you see that vile Magistrate he could protect you.”

“I can handle that old fart! But…” She stares at the muscular man next to Shen Ling, “He could be of help with the heavy stuff and drive the carriage, Old Han sprained his back I heard…oh and Miss you DO NOT want to know how!” She laughs heartily recalling the women doing laundry telling the story.

Nine stares at the lively maid who is in stark contrast to her mistress.

Shen Ling chuckles and shakes her head then hands Liu Bing the list and a pouch of money.

” I’m thinking if you could find molds in the shape of flowers that would be good and just some round and square ones about this size.” She hands her a drawing. “All I need is the mountain moss root and we can begin and…also,  buy some flowers. I need to go find wildflowers but for now I will need to buy some. If roses aren't too expensive that would be nice. I wrote it all down so you don’t have to remember. Get itemized receipts so I can calculate the future cost.”

Liu Bing’s favorite thing to do is go into town and she excitedly turns to Nine

Hey handsome, let's go!” 

“…”

The road into town winds gently downward from the manor. On either side are fields with various crops and a few scatter estates. Some are for leisure and the ones with the crops are owned by llandlords who rent out the fields to local farmers.

The air grows warmer as they descend, carrying with it the faint hum of distant voices and the scent of cooking food drifting from unseen stalls.

Liu Bing talks.

She talks about the weather, about how the market has better sesame oil in the mornings, about a vendor who cheats on weights but only if you look like you won’t notice, about a fabric stall that sells ribbons she absolutely does not need but might buy anyway.

Nine holds onto the reins numb from the noisy woman

Occasionally, she says, “Are you listening?” and he regrets nodding in response.

This seems to encourage her.

“…and then there was this man who tried to sell me ‘rare medicinal roots,’ but I’m fairly certain they were just dried turnips,” she continues, gesturing animatedly. “Honestly, the confidence was impressive.”

“Mm.”

“You’re very quiet.”

“Mn. I observe, No need to talk.”

She tilts her head, studying him with open curiosity. “You don’t have to observe me. I’m not dangerous.”

Nine glances at the chatterbox.There is a brief pause.“That remains to be seen.”

Liu Bing bursts into laughter and slaps his arm, “You have a sense of humor.”

I was being serious

 

The town is already alive when they arrive, streets bustling with merchants calling out their wares, the rhythmic clatter of wooden carts rolling over stone, the sharp scent of spices mingling with sweet pastries and sizzling meats.

Bright awnings stretch overhead in shades of red and gold, fluttering gently in the breeze. People weave through the narrow paths, farmers, traders, children darting between legs with sticky hands and wide smiles.

And then…they notice Liu Bing.

It begins subtly. A glance here, a pause there.

Then more.

Heads turn. Conversations falter. A vendor nearly drops his basket as he stares a moment too long.

Liu Bing, entirely unaware…or perhaps entirely used to the stares…continues walking, looking at the list in her hand.

“…so we’ll need ash…tallow and oil—preferably something clean, not reused—”

Nine steps slightly closer to her side. Damn is this woman clueless? Her beautiful face is  perfectly oval shaped and palm sized, her Peach Blossom eyes are like a vixen’s and her lips are full and red. Like a juicy red apple any man would want to take a bite of. And  in this small town even her light blue maid’s dress is eye catching.The bodice wraps around her ample chest and the cinched waist highlights her curves. The fabric clings to her perky bottom and the way she sways her hips…wait what am I thinking…yes it is an observation…that is what I do observe.

His posture shifts, subtle but unmistakable. His presence sharpens, gaze sweeping the crowd with quiet vigilance.

“…and molds,” she adds, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Though we can improvise if needed.”

A man steps a little too close and Liu Bing notices his lecherous eyes sweeping over her body.

Nine doesn’t say a word but his narrowed eyes are like  frozen ice and his murderous aura makes the man feel as though he is suffocating.

 The man immediately remembers somewhere else he needs to be.

Liu Bing glances sideways at Nine, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You’re very useful.”

“It is my duty.”

“Yes, yes,” she waves lightly. “Still useful.”

 

By midday, his arms are full.

Wrapped bundles of oil, small sacks of ash, a few questionable wooden molds Liu Bing insists can be “fixed,” and several items Nine does not remember agreeing to carry.

They stop near a food stall tucked beneath a faded canopy. The smell alone is enough to make even Nine pause—rich broth, fresh dumplings, something grilled and slightly charred at the edges.

“We should eat,” Liu Bing declares.

Nine hesitates. “We should return promptly.”

Liu Bing turns to face him fully, hands on her hips. “You’ve been walking all morning.”

“I do not require…”

She tugs on his arm and he doesn’t budge.“You’re sitting.”

She narrows her eyes.“Miss Shen Ling would definitely tell you to sit and eat.”

That gives him pause.

“She would,” he admits.

“Exactly.” Liu Bing beams, already pulling out a stool. “She’s very nice, so she wouldn’t want you collapsing from hunger while guarding me.”

“I would not collapse.”

“Of course not,” she says cheerfully. “But you might look slightly less intimidating, and then what would we do?”

Nine exhales, a quiet, resigned sound, and finally sits.

They eat.

Or rather Liu Bing eats and talks, and Nine eats in measured silence, though noticeably faster than before.

“The dumplings here are good,” she says between bites. “Not as good as the manor’s, but still respectable.”

“They are acceptable.”

She grins and puts her elbows on the table resting her small face in her palms watching him, “High praise.”

He ignores that and tries to ignore her face too close… too beautiful…too tempting. Vixen

For a brief moment, the noise of the market fades into something almost distant. The sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting shifting patterns across the table, and the simple act of sitting…of eating…feels strangely… ordinary.

Liu Bing leans back slightly, satisfied and pats her stomach. “See? Not so terrible.”

Nine considers this.“No,” he says after a moment. “Not terrible.”

She smiles, pleased and impulsively picks a dumpling from her bowl and reaches across the table, “Try this shrimp one.”

She waves the chopsticks in front of his mouth and teases him “I ate one they are not poisoned…haha.”

He mutters under his breath, “No wonder you get into trouble when you come into town. “

She pouts, “YOU! I HEARD THAT! Is it my fault I am young and beautiful? “I wanted you to taste it because it is delicious and I have no way to thank you for helping me with that drunk bastard! Normally I would have to dirty my shoes by kicking him…and who knows who is behind him!”

He listens to her tirade and takes the chopsticks from her hand and eats the shrimp dumpling. “Delicious.”  He doesn’t apologize he doesn’t say thank you but Liu Bing smiles brightly. “Let’s finish and go home.”

Nine doesn’t come into contact with many women, a few of the female guards, a maid or two at Jiang Ye’s residences but he has never met such a woman. To say he wasn’t a little dazzled by Liu Bing would be wrong but to say he was interested that would be wrong too. Nine is just wondering how she has managed not to be caught and sold.

By the time they rise to leave, the crowd has thickened, the afternoon heat settling over the town in a lazy haze.

Nine adjusts the bundles in his arms, posture steady once more.

Liu Bing stretches lightly, then glances at him. “You know,” she says, voice thoughtful now, “you’re not as frightening as you seem.”

“...”

They begin the walk back to the flatbed cart. Nine loads the purchases and helps Liu Bing up onto the seat.

The road feels quieter somehow on the way back to the manor.

And though Nine says little, he finds himself listening…not just out of duty, but because, against all expectations…He doesn’t entirely mind the chatter.

Suddenly, the chatter gets less and less then stops and he feels a slight weight on his shoulder. Liu Bing had fallen asleep and Nine has a slight smile looking at her peacefully sleep, ,