Chapter Twelve: Guo Qiniang

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Pei Ning drove the carriage and quickly left with his entourage. The injured old man and his grandson remained there, trembling and at a loss. Yang Xi had no desire to intervene further; the matter no longer concerned him. He signaled to his attendants, preparing to return to his residence.

“Hey, why are you leaving just like that?” The young girl’s voice called out from behind.

Stopping in his tracks, Yang Xi bowed gracefully to the approaching girl and smiled. “My dear young lady, what more could this humble gentleman do for you? I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave. Please, kindly look after this injured elder a bit longer. Your compassionate heart will surely see him through!”

The girl was stunned by his words, her pretty face flushing deeply.

Still harboring anger over the man who had claimed to be a servant of the Lady of Guo’s household walking away so easily, she was also frustrated by the earlier threat, the near outbreak of violence, and even took her annoyance out on Yang Xi.

In truth, it was Yang Xi’s intervention that allowed the group of “bullies” to escape.

She knew exactly who the Lady of Guo was and understood the influence that woman wielded in Chang’an, far beyond what her own father, a general leading troops on the frontier, could match. But her deep-seated sense of justice would not allow such an incident to happen nearby without seeking redress for the old man who had been struck. She was furious that Yang Xi let the ruffians go, and that he himself was slipping away.

“From what I can see, the elder’s injuries are only superficial. The money given should cover his treatment. He has admitted wrongdoing. There’s no need for you to hold a grudge,” Yang Xi said, smiling kindly at the still fuming girl. “Surely you don’t expect me to make amends on behalf of the Lady of Guo’s household?”

The girl was quite beautiful, not at all inferior to his own maid, Ping’er. She was well-developed and bore an unusual air of heroic spirit, which made her rather captivating.

“That’s not it!” The pretty girl shook her head hesitantly. “I was just angry at how unreasonable those men were…”

She immediately felt it was inappropriate and fell silent.

Earlier, Yang Xi had acted very familiarly with the servant from the Lady of Guo’s household. That servant showed considerable respect to the handsome young gentleman before them. Judging by their manner, the two households shared an uncommon relationship. It was improper for her to express such indignation before Yang Xi.

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Though most onlookers had dispersed after the commotion settled, a few curious passersby lingered nearby.

They were surprised that this incident had evolved into a dispute between a handsome young man and a beautiful young lady.

“I share your anger at those bullies’ arrogance and tyranny. But they have apologized, and the old man dares not offend the Lady of Guo. What more do you want?” Yang Xi smiled gently at the sulking girl. “That old man and his grandson were surely frightened. If you keep making a fuss, they will be even more terrified.”

The girl seemed to agree after hearing this. She glanced at Yang Xi twice before approaching the grandfather and grandson, quietly instructing them. The old pair nodded repeatedly, thanking her profusely as they supported one another, preparing to seek medical help. In truth, the old man’s injuries were minor; he was mostly shaken and trembling as they departed.

While the girl was tending to the pair, Yang Xi approached his horse, ready to leave.

“Hey, why are you leaving again?” The girl’s clear voice rang out once more.

Yang Xi turned back and smiled. “What, can’t I leave? Or do you want me to stay and have a drink with you?”

The remark left the girl momentarily speechless. Her cheeks flushed red. She never expected such teasing from Yang Xi, but her anger prevented her from scolding him.

“I’m just saying, you’re so rude! Leaving without saying a word!” She fumed. Despite his pleasant appearance and apparent good character, he was terribly impolite. Whenever she left, men usually scrambled to flatter her, smiling sweetly. This man was quite the opposite.

Yang Xi found her amusing. This girl, no more than fifteen or sixteen, was quite entertaining. After bowing again, he said, “You’re right, young lady. I was rude. I am Yang… Zi Liang. May I ask your name?”

Looking at the girl’s youthful and radiant face, Yang Xi abandoned his earlier haste to depart and, in a rather conventional manner, asked for her name.

He knew his reputation was well-known in Chang’an. Most knew of a certain Yang Xi, hailed as a hero who, after Lingbao’s defeat, held back the rebels at Tongguan, temporarily securing Chang’an. Revealing his full name might backfire, but giving his surname and courtesy name was not deceitful.

“Yang Zi Liang?” The girl was surprised he asked her name after introducing himself. It seemed abrupt, but seeing his sincere expression, she sensed no ill intent. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “So you are Lord Yang. My name is Guo Xin, courtesy name Rijin Xin. Thank you for your help earlier. You really helped me and those two very much.”

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“Ah, Lady Guo…” Yang Xi nearly called her Miss Guo but caught himself, then smiled warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Guo. Your sense of justice is truly admirable. However, I do have urgent matters to attend to today and cannot stay to chat. Perhaps another time we can talk more. I must take my leave now.”

Guo Xin was surprised. The man spoke so courteously but mounted his horse immediately, preparing to leave. It seemed unreasonable.

Yang Xi bowed once more from horseback.

“Lady Guo, I bid you farewell and apologize for the abruptness.” Without waiting for her reply, he spurred his horse and departed with his attendants, leaving Guo Xin standing there in surprise.

Her maid, Xiao Yu, approached quietly. “Seventh Miss, we should return as well.”

“Mm,” Guo Xin nodded, her eyes following Yang Xi’s departing figure as she murmured to herself, “Who exactly is this Yang Zi Liang? Even the Lady of Guo’s household dares not oppose him?”

Xiao Yu was puzzled but went along, “Seventh Miss, this Lord Yang’s identity must be extraordinary. Otherwise, those ruffians wouldn’t have shown him such respect.”

“Lord Yang… could he be the son of Yang Guozhong, the treacherous chancellor?” Guo Xin pondered. “It’s quite likely. Otherwise, the Lady of Guo’s household wouldn’t have yielded to him! But I don’t recall Yang Guozhong having a son named Yang Zi Liang.”

“Seventh Miss, Lord Yang has gone. We can’t inquire further. Let’s return home before the Lady scolds us.”

“Alright, let’s go home.”