Li Fang watched from a discreet distance, perched high on a secluded ridge overlooking the winding road. He hadn't sent the bandits himself – that would be far too crude for his new princely persona. No, he'd merely known they would appear.
The protagonist, Long Min, had a flair for dramatic entrances, and what better stage than a seemingly random act of heroism?
Below, Su Lihua's carriage, a magnificent vehicle adorned with the Prime Minister's insignia, had indeed been waylaid.
Seven rough-looking figures, their faces obscured by grimy cloths, swarmed around it. The four guards, though brave, were quickly overwhelmed, their blades clashing with the bandits' crude weapons.
The maids inside shrieked, a high-pitched chorus of terror.
"Gold is one thing, pretty bird," one bandit snarled, grabbing at the carriage door. "But a noble lady like you? Worth more than all the gold in the capital!"
Just as the situation teetered on the brink, a flash of movement, a blur of indigo robes. Long Min.
He moved like a whirlwind, each strike precise, powerful.
He disarmed one bandit with a swift kick, sent another sprawling with a well-placed punch, and quickly had three of them groveling in the dust. The remaining four, seeing their comrades so effortlessly subdued, exchanged panicked glances and bolted into the undergrowth, disappearing as quickly as they'd appeared.
Long Min stood over the remaining bandits, his chest heaving slightly, his stance radiating an aura of righteous power. He looked up at the carriage, concern etched on his handsome face.
He was the picture of a virtuous hero.
The carriage door slowly opened, and Su Lihua emerged, her lavender robes surprisingly unruffled. Her eyes, however, held a flicker of genuine shock, a rare sight on her composed features. She surveyed the scene: her guards bruised but alive, the bandits groaning on the ground, and then, her gaze settled on Long Min.
A ripple of emotions crossed her face – relief, certainly, but also a hint of something else. Was it admiration? Perhaps. The conventional heroine would have been overcome with gratitude, falling at the hero's feet. But Su Lihua wasn't conventional.
Her words, when they came, were measured, her voice still smooth, though a touch softer than usual.
"Honorable sir, I am indebted to you. Your timely intervention saved us from a dire predicament."
She didn't gush, didn't fawn. There was a dignified acknowledgement of his heroism, but her earlier conversation with Li Fang, the Crown Prince's solemn warning, was clearly weighing on her mind. Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as she studied Long Min. His swift, almost too-perfect arrival.
The way the bandits, though seemingly fierce, had been dispatched with such… theatricality.
The pieces clicked. The sudden, dangerous encounter. The lone hero appearing out of nowhere. It fit the description Li Fang had given her with chilling accuracy.
She offered Long Min another formal bow, her expression still unreadable, but the subtle shift in her eyes was clear to Li Fang, even from his vantage point.
That hint of admiration was there, yes, but it was now laced with a newly cultivated caution, a subtle suspicion. She hadn't fallen blindly into the protagonist's heroic narrative. She was observing, analyzing, and remembering.
Ding!
[Destiny System Notification]
* [Su Lihua's Impression of Li Fang +5]
* Note: Her trust in your warning has deepened. Your foresight has proven accurate, reinforcing her perception of your genuine concern and intelligence.
* [Charm +5] Reward Claimed!
* [Minor Fortune Boost (Luck)] Reward Claimed!
* [100,000 Taels Gold] Reward Claimed!
Li Fang allowed a slow, triumphant smile to spread across his face. The bait had been taken, but the trap hadn't sprung as the protagonist had intended. Su Lihua, his cold, calculating fiancée, had seen through the thinly veiled performance.
His words, infused with genuine concern, had planted a powerful seed of doubt.
He had not just stopped her from meeting the protagonist; he had twisted the protagonist's very first 'heroic' act into something suspicious in her eyes.
This was far better than simply preventing a meeting. This was turning the hero's strength into a weakness.
Li Fang allowed a moment to pass, watching Long Min confidently retrieve Su Lihua's dropped fan, his handsome face radiating humility and quiet strength. This was the protagonist's moment, his chance to solidify his heroic image. But Li Fang wouldn't allow it.
With a silent intake of breath, Li Fang launched himself from the ridge. His descent was a controlled blur, the rich, apricot-colored robes of the Crown Prince (a privilege he now truly appreciated for its freedom of movement) flowing like a banner in the wind.
The Divine Shadow Fist Mastery coursed through his veins, every muscle, every joint, singing with precise power.
He aimed directly for Long Min, a flash of righteous anger contorting his features into a mask of princely fury. "Villain!" Li Fang roared, his voice carrying the full, resonant weight of imperial authority, laced with what sounded like genuine, desperate fear for his betrothed. "Unhand her, brigand!"
He descended with the speed of a hawk stooping on its prey, a whirlwind of motion. His target was Long Min, still half-turned towards Su Lihua.
Li Fang's body twisted mid-air, channeling his momentum into a devastating Reverse Cyclone Kick. His foot, now an extension of pure, focused force, whistled through the air, aimed not to cripple, but to send a clear, undeniable message.
The impact was bone-jarring. Long Min, caught entirely off guard by the unexpected assault from above, instinctively brought his arms up to block.
The heavy thud of Li Fang's kick connecting with Long Min's forearms echoed across the clearing. A gasp escaped Long Min's lips as he was launched backward, tumbling end over end for several yards before crashing into a thicket of bamboo with a sharp crackle.
The dropped fan clattered to the ground near Su Lihua's feet.
The surprise was absolute. Su Lihua's eyes widened, her composure shattered by the sudden, violent intervention. Her maids shrieked anew, and even the groaning bandits looked on in bewildered silence.
Li Fang landed lightly, his eyes blazing, his chest heaving as if from a desperate sprint. He immediately spun, placing himself protectively between the crumpled form of Long Min and Su Lihua's carriage, his stance wide, ready for another strike.
"Lady Su!" he cried out, his voice tinged with a raw, almost frantic concern. He turned his head just enough to glance at her, his eyes darting over her, checking for injury, before snapping back to the 'threat.' "Are you unharmed? This scoundrel... I followed you, I saw the ambush from afar, and then he appeared. I mistook him for the leader of these ruffians, using a false act of heroism to further his vile schemes!"
He pointed a shaking finger at the groaning Long Min, still entangled in the bamboo. His breathing was ragged, his face flushed with a mixture of exertion and what appeared to be profound relief. "The villain I warned you of! He uses staged encounters, feigned rescues! I saw him subduing his own men, a cunning ploy!"
He took another protective step closer to the carriage, as if shielding her from further unseen dangers. His gaze remained fixed on Long Min, a fierce, protective glint in his eyes that had never been there before. The performance was flawless. He was the frantic, concerned fiancé who had secretly, desperately, followed her, driven by a deep-seated worry for her safety, only to blunder into a misinterpretation that perfectly fit his earlier warning.
Su Lihua, momentarily stunned by the raw display of force and genuine concern, slowly brought a hand to her mouth. Her eyes, fixed on the protective figure of the Crown Prince, slowly softened, a profound shock mixed with a nascent, unfamiliar warmth blooming in their depths. The cold, logical part of her mind, the one that had already questioned Long Min's opportune arrival, now had a dramatic, visceral confirmation from the man who had warned her.
Ding!
[Destiny System Notification]
* [Su Lihua's Impression of Li Fang +20]
* Note: Your proactive intervention and apparent deep concern have significantly deepened her emotional connection and trust. She perceives your blunder as proof of your genuine care, solidifying your image as a fiercely protective and worried man.
Li Fang, still seemingly breathless, slowly lowered his fighting stance, though his eyes remained fixed on the bamboo thicket where Long Min lay.
He took a deliberate, shaky breath, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, the picture of a man whose nerves had just been frayed by a terrifying experience.
He finally turned fully towards Su Lihua, his gaze sweeping over her, taking in her slightly parted lips, her wide eyes, and the single, exquisite jade hairpin that had shifted ever so slightly in her elegant coiffure.
His intense scrutiny wasn't intrusive, but rather underscored his profound relief at her safety.
"Lady Su," he began, his voice still a little rough, but now imbued with a genuine, heartfelt relief. "Are you truly unharmed? Tell me, what happened here? From my vantage, it appeared as though those brigands were overwhelming your guards. And then... and then he appeared."
He gestured vaguely towards Long Min, his brow furrowing with lingering suspicion. "Please, recount the events. Every detail. My heart was in my throat, following from a distance, seeing you in such peril."
Su Lihua, still visibly shaken by the ambush and Li Fang's dramatic appearance, slowly found her voice. "Your Royal Highness, it was… sudden. We were simply on our way to the Jade Lotus Temple. These men," she gestured to the subdued bandits, "emerged from the trees. They demanded our valuables, and then… they spoke of taking me."
A shiver ran through her, subtle but noticeable. "My guards fought bravely, but they were outnumbered. And then, as you saw, this... this gentleman appeared." She cast a fleeting, uncertain glance at Long Min, then back to Li Fang, her eyes holding a new, unreadable depth. "He quickly subdued them, forcing them to flee."
Li Fang listened intently, his expression shifting from tense worry to a thoughtful frown. He nodded slowly, his gaze moving between the subdued bandits and the still-groggy Long Min. "I see. So his intervention was indeed swift." He paused, then slowly approached the bamboo thicket, his steps measured.
A Prince's Apology and Overtures
Long Min was slowly pushing himself up, wincing. His indigo robes were torn in places, and a bruise was already blooming on his forehead where he'd hit the bamboo. He looked up, his eyes unfocused, then sharpened as they landed on the imposing figure of the Crown Prince. Confusion, then a flicker of indignation, crossed his face.
Li Fang stopped a respectful distance away, his expression now one of grave contrition. He offered a slight, formal bow, utterly devoid of mockery. "Honorable sir," Li Fang said, his voice carrying clearly, projecting regret. "Please accept my most profound apologies. I am Crown Prince Li Fang. In my overwhelming concern for my fiancée's safety, having witnessed the ambush from afar, I regretfully misinterpreted your timely appearance. Given the alarming reports of cunning brigands employing false saviors, I mistakenly assumed you were part of their vile scheme, attempting to ensnare Lady Su with a contrived heroic act."
He gestured to the still-bound bandits. "My vigilance, I fear, momentarily clouded my judgment. It was an inexcusable error on my part, driven solely by the fear of seeing my betrothed in danger." He then turned slightly to Su Lihua, his gaze earnest. "Lady Su, you know of the warnings I gave you. My fear for your safety compelled me to follow secretly, to ensure no harm came to you."
Turning back to Long Min, Li Fang extended a hand, not to help him up, but as a gesture of genuine regret. "Your bravery, however, is undeniable. You intervened when my own guards were struggling. You saved my fiancée from peril. Such valor cannot go unrewarded, nor can my mistaken assault go uncompensated."
Li Fang's voice softened, adopting a tone of magnanimous nobility. "You are clearly injured. The Imperial Palace possesses the finest physicians in the realm. I insist you allow me to provide you with treatment at the palace. It is the least I can do to atone for my error and to honor your heroic deed." He straightened, his expression serious. "Furthermore, a suitable token of my gratitude and apology will be arranged once you have fully recovered."
It was a masterful move. He acknowledged Long Min's heroism, yet framed his own actions as a legitimate, if misguided, response to a genuine threat he himself had warned about. He offered a princely apology, compensation, and even the prestige of palace treatment, all while subtly reinforcing his earlier 'warning' about cunning schemers. He was the worried, vigilant fiancé, humble enough to admit his mistake, yet powerful enough to ensure justice and care.
Ding!
[Destiny System Notification]
* [Su Lihua's Impression of Li Fang +15]
* Note: Your masterful display of genuine concern, princely magnanimity, and humble apology, coupled with the reinforcement of your earlier warning, has solidified her nascent affection. She is increasingly drawn to your protective nature and perceptive mind.
Long Min slowly pushed himself fully upright, wincing subtly as he did. The spinning kick had impacted with bone-jarring force, leaving his arm throbbing and a dull ache radiating through his ribs. He looked at Li Fang, his handsome face contorted in a mask of feigned humility, but his eyes, sharp and intelligent, burned with a barely suppressed fury.
"Your Royal Highness is too kind," Long Min managed, his voice carefully neutral, yet with an edge of steel. He straightened his torn robes, refusing the implicit offer of a helping hand, projecting an air of self-sufficiency. Internally, he seethed. Not only had this pampered prince blindsided him, but he'd done it right in front of the most captivating woman Long Min had ever seen. The "Crown Prince's fiancée." The words were a bitter taste in his mouth.
He had felt an undeniable spark of attraction, a yearning to protect Su Lihua, to be her hero. To discover she was already betrothed to this arrogant, albeit seemingly concerned, prince only intensified his desire. This woman, with her ethereal beauty and composed demeanor, was exactly the kind of woman who deserved a true man, not some royal fop.
Long Min forced a polite smile. "It was merely my duty as a common citizen to assist those in peril. Your Royal Highness's apology is... accepted. However, I believe I can manage my own recovery. There is no need to trouble the Imperial Palace with my minor injuries." He added the last part with a subtle defiance, a silent rejection of Li Fang's overtures, unwilling to be beholden to the Crown Prince.
Su Lihua, however, watched the exchange with a newfound focus. The Crown Prince's deep worry, his immediate, protective intervention, and now his humble apology coupled with genuine concern for a stranger—it was all a stark contrast to the distant, formal man she had always known. She saw the truth in his worried eyes, the raw emotion in his sudden appearance. Her initial awe for Long Min's heroism was now tempered by Li Fang's vivid warning and his subsequent, convincing 'blunder.'
"Sir," Su Lihua interjected softly, her voice carrying surprising weight. "The Crown Prince's concern is genuine. To refuse such an offer of assistance, after saving my life, would be... disrespectful. Please, allow yourself to be tended to properly." She met Long Min's gaze, a gentle firmness in her eyes that brooked no argument, silently reinforcing Li Fang's position. She was, in that moment, siding with her betrothed.
Long Min felt a surge of frustration. The heroine, whom he had just saved, was gently urging him to accept the villain's "charity." He had underestimated Li Fang's cunning. This prince wasn't just a pampered noble; he was a calculated threat.
"Very well, Lady Su," Long Min conceded, his voice tighter than before. He shot a brief, almost imperceptible glance of raw antagonism at Li Fang. "If it is your wish."
Li Fang offered a small, satisfied smile that barely touched his lips. "Excellent. Eunuch Li, dispatch word immediately. Have a sedan chair prepared for this esteemed gentleman, and ensure the Imperial physicians are ready upon our arrival at the palace. He is to receive the utmost care."
The pieces were falling into place. Li Fang had not only subverted the protagonist's heroic moment but had also deepened his bond with Su Lihua, turning her natural caution into a tool against Long Min. The forced proximity at the palace would be another opportunity, another chance to gain ground.
Li Fang turned back to Su Lihua, his face still etched with concern, but now tinged with a soft tenderness. "Lady Su," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "After such a terrifying ordeal, I am truly not at ease with the thought of you continuing your journey unescorted, even with the palace guards.
Please, allow me to personally escort you to the Temple of the Jade Lotus. My presence might deter any lingering ill-intent, and I would feel much more reassured seeing you safely there."
Su Lihua looked at him, her obsidian eyes softening further. The usual reserve that veiled her expressions had begun to melt away, revealing a vulnerability he hadn't seen before. The notion of the Crown Prince, her usually distant fiancé, personally escorting her, especially after his earlier display of protective ferocity, was profoundly moving.
"Your Royal Highness," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, a faint flush rising on her cheeks. "That would be… a great comfort. I accept your gracious offer."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Li Fang's lips. This was it. The perfect opportunity. Without another word, and with a swift, fluid motion that spoke of both strength and practiced grace, Li Fang stepped forward. Before Su Lihua could fully register his intent, he scooped her up into his arms in a princess carry. She gasped softly, a faint blush deepening on her cheeks, but she didn't resist. Her light frame felt delicate, almost weightless, in his arms.
He gave a slight, reassuring nod to the stunned guards and maids, his gaze commanding. "Attend to the carriage. I shall ensure Lady Su's safe arrival."
With Su Lihua cradled securely against him, Li Fang took a single, powerful step, his toe tapping lightly against the ground. The very earth seemed to spring away beneath him. This was the Lightness Technique of the Divine Shadow Fist Mastery, a skill so refined it transcended mere agility. He wasn't simply running; he was dancing on air.
The world around them blurred for a moment, then opened up into a breathtaking panorama. He ascended with effortless grace, leaping onto the gnarled branch of a towering pine, his weight barely disturbing the ancient wood. From there, he sprang again, a fleeting shadow against the azure sky. He moved with an ethereal elegance, a blur of motion over the undulating landscape.
Su Lihua, initially startled, soon found herself utterly captivated. The wind, surprisingly gentle, caressed her face, carrying the clean scent of pine and distant blossoms. Below them, the world unfolded like a scroll painting. Verdant forests stretched to the horizon, dotted with clusters of ancient trees, their leaves shimmering like emeralds in the sunlight.
They glided over sparkling rivers, Li Fang's feet barely dimpling the water's surface before he launched himself upwards again, his momentum unbroken. It felt less like running and more like a dream of flight.
The air was cool and crisp against her skin, the sounds of the world below muted, a distant hum. She felt safe, utterly secure, in his arms. His movements were so fluid, so controlled, that there was no jarring impact, no sense of precariousness. It was a comfortable, exhilarating pace.
She gazed down at the miniature world, her eyes wide with wonder. Quaint villages nestled amongst rice paddies, the glint of sunlight on terracotta roofs, winding paths snaking through verdant fields – it was all breathtakingly beautiful from this unique vantage point.
She glanced up at Li Fang's profile. His brow was furrowed slightly in concentration, but a subtle satisfaction played around his lips. He moved not with brute force, but with an intrinsic understanding of balance and flow, a poetry of motion that mirrored the elegant verses he now effortlessly composed. This was not the same Crown Prince she had known. This was a man of hidden depths, capable of both fierce protection and astonishing grace. The admiration in her heart solidified, blooming like the jade lotus after a long winter.
He seemed to slow slightly as they approached the Temple of the Jade Lotus, nestled serenely amidst a grove of bamboo, its gilded roofs glinting through the green. He descended gently, landing softly on the well-trodden path leading to the temple gates, setting her down with utmost care.
His gaze searched hers, a quiet intensity in his eyes. "Are you well, Lady Su?" he asked, his voice now calm, though still laced with concern. "Did the journey... displease you?"