The night at the inn passed quietly. Outside, the sounds of the town faded one by one until only the faint rustle of the wind remained. Yue Zilan slept peacefully.
When morning light slipped into the room, she woke up, washed, ate breakfast, and then called her two servants. Her eyes went straight to the wooden chest by her bed.
Sitting upright, she opened the lid carefully. Silver notes and coins gleamed faintly in the light. A trace of worry passed through her heart. How long will this silver last?
After a moment's thought, she pulled out one hundred taels and handed them to Wang Shun and Lu Hong.
Take this for your expenses, she said lightly. "Even if you are trash, you are still my servants. Since you follow me, you'll get some benefits."
The two men froze, then quickly bowed their heads in gratitude—though inside, they cried, If you're giving us benefits, why still call us trash? Yue Zilan's expression, however, remained calm. Inside, her thoughts were sharper. Once I find more reliable people, I'll decide what to do with these two.
Her mind moved to today's tasks. The borrowed carriages had to be returned. A new one must be purchased for her own use. She also needed silver needles, weapons, and other supplies.
Before going out, Yue Zilan opened a small porcelain container. Inside was a smooth, earthy-brown ointment of her own making. Unlike the black glaze Granny had once used on her, this cream was harmless, even nourishing to the skin. It left no side effects, no matter how long it was worn.
She applied it evenly to her face and neck. The luminous tone of her skin dulled and her beauty became unremarkable. Along with her practiced skill in disguise, altering posture and expression, she now looked like an ordinary young girl, easily forgettable in a crowd.
If her servants saw her now, they would not recognize her.
After some deep thought, Yue Zilan had chosen this path. It was not that she was afraid of trouble but her face drew too much attention, attention that would only hinder her future plans. Here, in an unfamiliar place, it was best to remain cautious. Unnecessary enemies were nothing but a burden. Besides, being stared at constantly was simply irritating.
Satisfied with her disguise, Yue Zilan rose to her feet.
When Wang Shun and Lu Hong left to return the borrowed carriages, she stepped out into the streets.
The town was alive that morning. Merchants shouted prices, hawkers waved their wares, and children darted between stalls, laughing as they ran. The creak of cartwheels mingled with the smell of roasted food drifting from the corners.
Yue Zilan walked calmly, blending in with the crowd. The brown-toned disguise worked well—no hungry or envious eyes followed her And yet, every few steps she could still feel the faint press of attention. It wasn't her face that drew them this time, but her bearing. Ordinary features could not conceal the sharp aura she carried.
Her lips curved faintly. So Granny was right to cover me before… but even without my face, my presence cannot be hidden so easily.
She continued walking until her gaze caught on a narrow shop tucked between larger ones. The wooden beams were dark with age, and the smell of iron and smoke drifted faintly from inside.
It was a blacksmith's shop.
Within, an old man sat behind the counter, polishing a blade with steady hands. He looked up when Yue Zilan entered, his eyes lingering briefly before dropping back to his work.
Without hesitation, she began her purchases.
A bundle of silver needles.
A sharp, well-forged sword.
Throwing daggers and several sturdy knives.
She also added leather cords, pouches, and small containers in bulk at nearby store.
The old blacksmith raised his brows slightly at the volume of her order. To him, she appeared to be an ordinary girl, yet she spent silver like water and chose her weapons with practiced ease. Still, silver spoke louder than questions. With a faint nod, he wrapped up the goods.
When Yue Zilan stepped back onto the street, she adjusted the strap of her sword and moved with her usual calm. The crowd bustled around her, yet she remained alert. Every shadow, every lingering gaze, every odd whisper, she noticed them all.
As she strolled further down the street, a sharp, grief-stricken cry cut through the noise of merchants and hawkers. Her steps paused. Not far ahead, a sturdy young man knelt on the ground, clutching a woman in his arms. Her face was pale, devoid of warmth, and the crowd pressed in tightly before the entrance of a medical shop.
Yue Zilan's gaze sharpened. Something about the scene was not as simple as it seemed…