Chapter Four: Meeting Again

At the very moment when she was in utter panic, her hand suddenly grew heavy—the "Art of War by Grand Duke" had returned to her grasp. At the same time, the system's mechanical prompt echoed in her mind: "Lose it again, and the system will be revoked. Execution will follow."

If this system could become sentient like a red packet, Chu Bing would have kicked it to pieces without a second thought. If it hadn't insisted she teach that so-called third son of the Marquis' Manor, would she ever have bothered with this wretched book?

"Speaking of the third son of the Marquis' Manor, his fate is rather pitiable," someone remarked, and the group began to discuss him again. Chu Bing, realizing the topic concerned Li Haoran, immediately pricked up her ears to listen closely.

"Isn't that the truth? The old Marquis doesn't dote on him at all. Instead, he’s focused on nurturing the two illegitimate sons, teaching them the art of war and martial skills every day. Everyone says the title of Loyal and Righteous Marquis will surely pass to either the eldest or second son. As for the third son... sigh."

Is that really so? Chu Bing stroked her chin in doubt. From the attitude of those men in black before, they certainly didn't act as if Li Haoran, the legitimate son, was someone to be disregarded.

Thinking of them made Chu Bing uneasy. Those men were all quite formidable; if it came to a direct confrontation, she would gain nothing. Clearly, this matter needed careful planning, she thought.

Three days later, in front of Yuanshan Academy.

"Fans for sale! Young master, care to look at some fans? They're very affordable!" A handsome young peddler had set up a stall at the gate, his call bright and cheerful.

Li Haoran stepped out of the academy gates, followed closely by his page.

Yuanshan Academy was where the old Marquis had always sent him to study virtue and reason. He was long since weary of the place, but at his father's command, he was compelled to report here every few days.

"Young master, young master!" The peddler rushed up as soon as Li Haoran emerged. "You look like a true connoisseur. How about a fan? Only five taels of silver, with a poem inscribed upon it!"

Li Haoran showed no interest—not sparing the peddler so much as a glance, he lifted his foot to leave, but the peddler seized his arm to stop him.

"Don't go, young master! Buy this fan from me, and I'll give you a free storytelling session tomorrow at the main hall of the Fragrant Pavilion. Just give your name, and there'll be a seat reserved at the front, especially for you. What do you say?"

Now thoroughly impatient, Li Haoran's page stepped forward and pushed the peddler aside. "Move along! My young master doesn't need it."

Shoved to one side, the peddler bit his lip and frowned in dejection.

Seeing his pitiful look, a flicker of sympathy crossed Li Haoran's heart. He reached for the fan and said to his page, "Pay him."

"Ah? Oh." The page, surprised, obeyed.

At once, the peddler exclaimed excitedly, "Remember, young master, the main hall of the Fragrant Pavilion—your seat awaits!"

Li Haoran walked away nonchalantly, as if he hadn't heard a thing, never noticing the peddler remove his hat to reveal a cascade of jet-black hair.

Chu Bing smiled, glancing at the hat in her hand, and sighed inwardly: Those men in black said I mustn't make contact with him, but if he comes seeking me, surely that's not my fault.

"Young master, why did you buy that useless fan? Judging by the material, even a single tael would have been too much!" Back at the manor, the page couldn't help but gripe on Li Haoran's behalf.

Li Haoran glanced at the fan's frail frame and saw the page had a point, but replied, "Life is hard. If I can help, I should."

He handed the fan to his page. "It's yours."

"Thank you, young master." The page responded, though his expression betrayed little joy. He opened the fan for a look and was immediately puzzled: "What kind of poem is this? Or is it even a poem?"

Having served the marquis and grown up by Li Haoran's side, the page could recognize a few characters.

"So carelessly written—‘public and private, clear and distinct; the battlefield is sacred ground, and life is inscribed in words.’ What on earth does this mean?" he wondered aloud.

Li Haoran, walking ahead, suddenly froze. Something flashed through his mind. He turned and snatched the fan, staring intently at the inscription. After a moment, he pressed the page, "Where did the peddler say the storytelling would be?"

The page thought for a moment. "I think... the Fragrant Pavilion."

Fragrant Pavilion?

Li Haoran's face lit up in an instant. He snapped the fan shut and gripped it tightly. "Good. Tomorrow we go to the Fragrant Pavilion!"

The page was utterly confused—just a moment ago, his young master had seemed so listless, yet now he was brimming with spirit.

"So carelessly written—‘public and private, clear and distinct; the battlefield is sacred ground, and life is inscribed in words.’" Extracting the opening characters, one found the four words: "Art of War by Grand Duke." Such a subtle cue would escape the page, but how could Li Haoran not recognize it?

The next day, inside the Fragrant Pavilion, Chu Bing had already arranged with the owner to replace the usual storyteller for a day and lecture on the art of war.

As soon as Li Haoran entered, he saw the peddler from yesterday at the center of the hall, eloquently expounding to the crowd.

Chu Bing also noticed Li Haoran and smiled knowingly. As expected, the young man was clever indeed.

Their gazes met. Li Haoran was momentarily stunned. "It's her?" he murmured.

It was the very same Miss Chu Ji from before.

He had thought someone would bring him news of the "Art of War by Grand Duke," but hadn't expected it would be the very woman who sold him the book.

After her storytelling concluded, Chu Bing quietly slipped out the back, her gaze drifting past Li Haoran—seemingly by chance, yet not without intention.

Li Haoran found an excuse to dismiss his page and followed her into the rear courtyard, where, sure enough, he found Chu Bing standing.

"Miss Chu, it truly is you!" Li Haoran approached, excitement in his voice.

Chu Bing smiled gently. "Young Master Li, it's been a while."

"I can't believe I didn't recognize you yesterday." Li Haoran looked her up and down, blurting out, "You really do look like a young man in that outfit."

Chu Bing's face darkened. Was he always this straightforward?

"Ahem, let's not dwell on that," she said. "I hear you've been offering a hefty reward for the military manual I sold you?"

At the mention, Li Haoran couldn't help but frown. "It's embarrassing—I have no idea how it disappeared. It was just gone when I woke up the next morning."

Hearing this, Chu Bing suddenly recalled those black-clad figures who had warned her. It seemed they were indeed involved.

"My father even scolded me for posting the notice," Li Haoran added, his once-bright eyes dimming. "He's always disliked my interest in military studies. Every tutor I've ever had has vanished without reason after a short time. When I ask Father to investigate, he only blames me for causing trouble."

He truly sounded quite pitiful, and Chu Bing felt a pang of sympathy—though just for a moment. She quickly grew anxious. Though she had led Li Haoran here, no one was a fool; sooner or later, someone would come looking for her.

No, no—she had to complete her task quickly, lest her own life be forfeit.