Chapter 34: Heroic Women Always Overestimate Themselves
The next day.
Su Qing returned from White Jade Pavilion, having improved his relationships, and passed through Baoshang Street.
This street was bustling with activity, home to many long-established shops. A great number of people frequented the area daily, making it a lively marketplace.
"Master, there seems to be a situation ahead. Someone is watching you."
Shenyue's voice transmitted from the shadows.
As a professional, she was exceptionally sensitive to all kinds of gazes.
Someone had locked onto Su Qing—an abnormal occurrence. Even if passersby recognized him, they wouldn't stare so intently.
The young man instinctively looked in that direction and immediately spotted a voluptuous silhouette.
Based on past encounters and this familiar figure, he instantly recognized her.
The favored concubine of Prince Qi, whom he had planned to visit before.
She wasn't wearing a veil, her stunning figure and exquisite beauty drawing frequent glances from passersby.
Her graceful movements, swaying as she walked, made even her relatively conservative long dress fail to conceal her charm.
Her breathtaking face carried a gentle air, lips slightly curved, eyes warm and inviting. She exuded an aura of approachability.
Anyone who met her gaze would feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
It was only natural that such a stunning woman would attract many admirers on the streets.
However, she was being watched by more than just idle passersby.
Just as Su Qing turned his gaze toward her, a figure suddenly lunged from the crowd.
A sharp dagger gleamed in the assassin's hand as he charged toward the beauty!
The surrounding crowd erupted in panic, clearing space in an instant.
Faced with such an assassination attempt, their first instinct was to move away.
The gentle beauty also saw the incoming danger, her face filling with panic.
She hurriedly ran in the opposite direction of the assassin, seemingly in complete disarray.
Yet, after only a few steps, she "accidentally" stepped on the hem of her dress and fell forward.
It appeared that, in the next moment, her delicate face would crash into the ground.
That is… if not for the conveniently positioned individual in front of her.
Su Qing watched her sequence of movements and raised an eyebrow.
Because he was already on guard, he quickly realized exactly what was happening.
This was an attempt to create a 'hero saving the beauty' scenario!
Interesting…
That night, due to the princess's interference, they had missed their chance to meet.
He hadn't yet sought her out, yet she had come looking for him instead.
And she had even gone so far as to orchestrate such a spectacle—quite amusing indeed.
So, what should one do when a scheming woman deliberately falls toward them?
For a straight-laced man, the best choice would be to step aside indifferently.
But for him? Well… might as well enjoy it!
If the heavens offer something, refusing it is a waste.
Without hesitation, Su Qing extended his hand, catching the voluptuous and virtuous beauty.
Her soft body instantly nestled into his arms, light as a cloud, as if she weighed nothing.
Her full curves left no doubt about her exceptional form.
His hand "accidentally" landed on the highest peak, pressing against the softest spot.
As a proper gentleman, he always followed his heart.
If he liked something, he wouldn't pretend otherwise—this was the way of a true gentleman.
Only cowards steal glances in secret, afraid to express their desires openly.
While the two engaged in their little interaction, the assassin who had rushed over was swiftly forced back.
Shenyue silently observed him before slipping back into the shadows.
Had Su Qing not ordered her to let him go, she could have captured him alive.
"Ah… it hurts!"
The stunning woman let out a soft whimper, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.
Though she hadn't sustained any real injuries, there was indeed some discomfort now.
The hand on her body… was a bit too forceful!
"Apologies, apologies! The assassin came at us so suddenly, I was startled and instinctively held on tightly."
"Huh? Madam, aren't you Prince Qi's beloved concubine? Wouldn't it be natural for assassins to target you?"
Su Qing pretended to have just realized who she was, quickly removing his hand and helping her up, his voice carrying genuine surprise.
"It's… it's fine. I should be thanking my savior. If not for you, I would have been in grave danger."
"As for the assassination, I have no idea. I just came to buy some cosmetics…"
Yun Rong felt frustrated but maintained a warm smile for the sake of her plan.
Her watery eyes held a hint of confusion, making her look utterly vulnerable.
Such a gaze could easily evoke a man's protective instincts.
"Madam, please rest assured, I will investigate this thoroughly. I am Su Qing, and I was present at your wedding."
"My Empress has always had a close relationship with Prince Qi—we are like family!"
"Given our relationship, it wouldn't be inappropriate for me to call you Aunt Yun, would it?"
Su Qing spoke with righteous conviction.
He took Yun Rong's delicate hand in his own, his gaze warm and reassuring.
"I have no objection to the title, but isn't this too much trouble for you?"
Yun Rong hesitated.
"Aunt Yun, there's no need for formalities between family. No need to be so reserved!"
Su Qing's eyes held firm sincerity.
"Then… I must thank my savior."
Yun Rong blushed, lowering her head in shyness, unable to conceal her embarrassment.
Her glistening eyes dropped, as if too bashful to meet the young man's gaze.
Su Qing was momentarily dazed by the sight.
A passionate young man like him had little resistance against such an alluring older woman.
Yun Rong subtly observed his reaction from the corner of her eye, a trace of guilt flickering in her heart.
Using beauty to manipulate a young man… she felt somewhat shameless.
The young and promising imperial favorite had fallen right into her trap.
But that momentary guilt vanished quickly. She composed herself.
The plan had to proceed. There was no turning back.
Besides, she was doing this for his own good.
By subtly influencing him with affection and reason, she could reshape his worldview.
After all, he was young and highly moldable.
If she could pull him into her faction, it would be a massive advantage for them!
He would be a weapon that could shift the balance—and deliver a crushing blow to the Empress.
Everyone in the capital knew how much the Empress valued this young favorite.
If their plan succeeded, so much bloodshed could be avoided!
Yun Rong's gaze turned resolute as she thought this through.
Everything was for the greater good.
Unfortunately… she was far too naive in her assumptions.