Chapter Sixty-Three: The First Encounter

Duke Ying’s Mansion.

Before the grand signboard, a crowd had gathered. At the center stood a boy no older than fourteen or fifteen, his waist akimbo, his expression arrogant and domineering. Around him, several men gripped their weapons, menace etched on their faces.

Within the crowd, a woman in her thirties, her beauty and charm undiminished by the years, stood protectively before three young girls. The eldest was about the same age as Cuizhu, the middle one seven or eight, and the youngest scarcely more than three. The little one seemed oblivious to fear, her round eyes curious as she gazed at the people surrounding her. She did, however, recognize the young man standing at the front as her brother—albeit, a bad brother.

Innocent and naïve, the little girl voiced her confusion, humming, “What does bad brother want to do?”

Children’s words are often forgiven, but Wu Yuanshuang was no ordinary person. Among the scions of the Great Tang, he was infamous for his unruly behavior, surpassing even Li Chengqian in his final days. He was a man who inspired dread wherever he went. Such a person cared nothing for the innocence of a child.

Thus, the little girl’s words became the fuse to an already volatile situation.

“You brat, what did you just say? Old woman, this is your last chance! Take these three useless girls and get out of this house immediately, or I’ll have my men throw you all out!”

“You dare?” Wu Zhao, fierce as a mother protecting her young, shielded the little girls behind her, glaring resolutely at Wu Yuanshuang. “Father is still lying sick in bed, and here you are, throwing your weight around. Do you want to anger him to death?”

“If you all leave, Father will get well soon enough. You’re the real cause of his suffering! Waste another moment and I’ll order them to beat you all!” Wu Yuanshuang’s face twisted with rage, his eyes glinting red.

Standing nearby, Li Kong suddenly understood. Judging by Wu Zhao’s words, it seemed Wu Shiyue was merely ill? If that was the case…

Li Kong knew Wu Zhao’s nature was, in fact, quite good. But ever since Wu Shiyue’s illness, Wu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang’s actions toward her and her daughters had changed the girl’s outlook and values completely. In truth, Wu Zhao had entered a period of extreme emotional deprivation in her youth—a period that began when Empress Zhangsun died and Li Shimin brought her into the palace as a standby consort.

At that time, the palace was in chaos from the Empress’s death—rivalries for favor, struggles for power—forcing the young Wu Zhao to devise every means of self-preservation. It darkened her heart, shaping her into what she became.

So Li Kong suddenly realized there was no need for him to guard so closely against Wu Zhao—so long as she did not lack affection, everything would be well. Should he begin to change things now?

As he hesitated, a burly man wielding a staff approached and barked, “Who are you? Leave immediately, or face the consequences!”

Li Kong could not help but laugh. “Are you sure you want to say ‘face the consequences’ to me?”

Hearing this, Cuizhu stepped forward, her voice sharp and clear. “Our young master is Li Kong, eldest son of Duke Ying Li Ji. Who do you think you are? Get out of the way!”

The man didn’t recognize Li Kong, but he certainly knew Duke Ying Li Ji. For a moment he hesitated. After all, a duke’s heir stood before him—of even higher status than Wu Yuanshuang himself. Such a man was not someone he could afford to offend, especially at a time when Wu Shiyue’s fate was uncertain and the entire Wu household was on shaky ground.

To the man’s surprise, however, Wu Yuanshuang barked coldly, “What are you waiting for? Throw those three out!”

Li Kong was stunned. He was certain Wu Yuanshuang had heard Cuizhu’s introduction; yet the man insisted on acting as he pleased, as if he were untouchable.

Originally, Li Kong had intended to wait until Wu Shiyue’s passing before meeting Wu Zhao. But now, even fate seemed unwilling to let this little girl suffer further indignity. Why else would he end up here, drawn by some inexplicable force, only to be met with such blatant hostility?

Taking a deep breath, Li Kong flexed his wrists and stepped forward. “Wu Yuanshuang, is it? Whether or not you know who I am, let me make this clear: your words just now have greatly displeased me. If you don’t give me an explanation today, do you believe I won’t make sure you’ll never speak an explanation again?”

Even as he spoke, a chilling and murderous aura radiated from Li Kong, freezing Wu Yuanshuang—who had lived a life of privilege and comfort—to the core, as if he’d been cast into a thousand-foot-deep icy abyss.

Only then did Wu Yuanshuang suddenly recall who stood before him.

Li Kong—wasn’t he the hero who, three years prior, had single-handedly repelled the Turks? So much time had passed he’d forgotten.

Wu Zhao’s eyes brightened upon seeing Li Kong. The little girl’s memory was quite sharp; when Cuizhu had introduced Li Kong earlier, she’d felt the name was familiar. She knew of Duke Ying Li Ji, but as for Li Kong, her recollection was hazy at best.

Now, feeling the force of Li Kong’s presence, she understood at once. She hurried forward, gazing up at him with wide, adoring eyes. “Are you the great hero Brother Li Kong, who drove away the Turks?”

Li Kong gave Wu Zhao a gentle smile. “I didn’t drive them away. I only killed a few of their leaders. They retreated because heaven helped us—a heavy snow fell, and they had no choice but to withdraw.”

“That’s still amazing!” Wu Zhao looked at him with unabashed admiration, forgetting entirely that she was surrounded by enemies.

Li Kong could only smile wryly. He knew Wu Zhao was borrowing his prestige, but what of it? If not for Wu Yuanshuang’s earlier words, he might have explained further. Now, he wished their relationship could become even closer—ideally, he could take Wu Zhao away then and there, eliminating future worries and slapping Wu Yuanshuang in the face. Opportunities like this might come only once in a lifetime.

“All right, take your mother, sisters, and go outside for now. I have something to settle here,” Li Kong said, patting Wu Zhao’s head before turning his gaze on Wu Yuanshuang.

Suddenly touched by Li Kong’s gesture, Wu Zhao’s cheeks flushed bright red, ripples of emotion spreading through her young heart. She knew what she felt, but then remembered that Li Kong was said to be promised to Princess Changle, and a wave of discontent washed over her.

Nevertheless, she obediently led Madame Yang, Wu Shun, and her three-year-old sister to Cuizhu’s side, watching as Li Kong stood tall and unyielding amidst the crowd.