Chapter 108: The Girl with Two Faces
“Miss Shang, what are you doing here?”
Lin Tianlu walked over, looking around in confusion. “Isn’t Mr. Shang accompanying you?”
“Grandpa is busy with something, so I came to buy some jewelry by myself.”
Shang Han smiled sweetly.
She wore a delicate ruqun, her hair styled in a bun with a few strands framing her face. She was indeed a budding beauty.
But she quickly put on a serious expression, pretending to be mature as she snorted. “Grandpa repeatedly warned you about the dangers here yesterday, but you still came to Jianggai County.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “Miss Shang, Sir and I have some business to attend to, so we had no choice but to stay in Jianggai County for a few days.”
Shang Han pouted.
“I-if it’s really important, then there’s nothing we can do.”
Her eyes darted around slyly. “Why don’t I show you two around the county? So you don’t accidentally wander into dangerous areas?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly. “You’re so enthusiastic, Miss Shang?”
“Because you helped us yesterday!” Shang Han quickly beamed again. “Grandpa always tells me to repay kind people.”
“Mr. Shang?”
“Grandpa is the headmaster of Jianggai Academy. He was a famous scholar in his youth!”
Shang Han’s nose twitched slightly, and a hint of pride appeared on her face. “Many scholars in the surrounding towns and villages were his students. He has taught many talented young people over the decades!”
Lin Tianlu pondered.
He could indeed sense a scholarly aura from the old man yesterday. His speech and manners were quite refined.
“But you seem very capable too, Sir.”
Shang Han’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “You have the same elegant temperament as Grandpa, but you also know martial arts. The way you subdued that thief with one move yesterday was truly impressive.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “It was just a small trick.”
“Please don’t be so modest, Sir. Those officers aren’t as skilled as you.” Shang Han quickly said. “If I had the chance, I would love to learn martial arts from you.
Ah! I-I almost forgot that Grandpa doesn’t allow me to learn martial arts.”
Shang Han stuck out her tongue playfully, a disappointed look on her face.
“If Mr. Shang knew about this, he would probably blame me.” As soon as Lin Tianlu finished speaking, he sensed something and turned to look at Mao Ruoyu.
The beautiful woman was looking at him with a subtle expression. “Sir, you seem to attract ‘female disciples’ quite easily.”
He coughed lightly. “It’s just that children are fond of martial arts.”
“You’re also very handsome, Sir!” Shang Han added with a giggle. “If the young ladies in the county knew, they would definitely come to take a look and try to talk to you.”
Lin Tianlu: “…”
Was this girl a little bit mischievous?
Mao Ruoyu sighed. “That’s why you’ve attracted so many admirers, Sir. But—”
She changed her tone and smiled gently. “Sir is indeed handsome and charming. It’s normal for young girls to admire him.”
“Eh?”
Shang Han looked at her in surprise.
This sister was so generous?
Lin Tianlu said awkwardly, “Miss Shang, let’s talk about Jianggai County.”
“Oh, leave it to me!”
Shang Han quickly regained her composure and put her hands on her hips with a grin. “I know Jianggai County like the back of my hand. It’s still early, why don’t I show you two around?”
…
By the afternoon, the three of them had strolled through the streets, stopping here and there to chat and admire the scenery. They had visited most of the county’s attractions.
Although Shang Han was still young, she was outgoing and talkative, chattering non-stop along the way. The three of them laughed and joked, even finding a restaurant to have lunch together. They got along quite well.
…
“That’s the most famous academy in Jianggai County!”
Shang Han pointed ahead. “Grandpa bought that residence decades ago and gradually expanded it to what it is today.”
A vast courtyard came into view, its gate decorated in an ancient style, clearly a place where scholars resided.
Looking from afar, they could faintly see a few young scholars in green robes walking through the courtyard, the sound of their recitations echoing in the air.
“Grandpa has put a lot of effort into this academy.” The playful smile on Shang Han’s face faded slightly, and she said seriously, “Every year, we see hardworking and dedicated scholars passing the imperial examinations. Grandpa is very happy for their future.”
Lin Tianlu looked at her and asked softly, “What kind of person do you think Mr. Shang is, Miss Shang?”
“Grandpa can be stubborn and strict sometimes, but he’s also kind and loving.”
Shang Han smiled sweetly. “Being raised by Grandpa is the thing I’m most proud of!”
“Then you should be filial to him in the future, Miss Shang.”
“Of course!”
She nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling. “Would you and Madam like to visit the academy? It’s autumn now, and many trees in the academy are in bloom. The scenery is beautiful!”
“There’s no need for that.” Lin Tianlu smiled. “I can faintly hear the sound of recitations from inside. I wouldn’t want to disturb the lessons as an outsider. Besides, you’ve been accompanying us for most of the day, Miss Shang. We should part ways here and let you get some rest.”
The girl was heading back to the academy anyway, so this was a convenient stop.
Shang Han looked disappointed. After a moment of silence, she mumbled, “Sir, will we have a chance to meet again?”
“Of course.” Lin Tianlu patted her head. “If you have the chance, you can come to Changling County with Mr. Shang. I’ll treat you both well.”
Shang Han’s eyes lit up with joy. “Then it’s settled!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly. “A gentleman’s agreement, I won’t forget.”
Mao Ruoyu, who was standing beside him, also smiled gently. “If you have any favorite dishes, Miss Shang, I’ll personally prepare them for you.”
“I love all the dishes you make, Madam!”
Shang Han’s smile was as bright as ever. After exchanging a few more reluctant words, they finally said goodbye.
But before leaving, she couldn’t help but remind him, “Mr. Lin, please don’t go out at night… Stay at the inn and don’t wander around!”
Lin Tianlu turned around and bowed to her. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Shang.”
She stood there silently, watching as Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu walked away. Her bright eyes seemed to be filled with both admiration and longing.
A gust of autumn wind blew past, bringing a chill.
“…”
Shang Han gathered her loose hair, the smile on her face gradually disappearing.
“The sun is setting. Do you still need to hide?”
“As expected of Master Shang’s granddaughter, your senses are sharp.”
With a chuckle, a young man in luxurious robes emerged from the shadows, casually fanning himself. “But I’m curious… why were you being so friendly with those two mortals?”
“That’s my own business.” Shang Han’s gaze was icy cold.
“Indeed.”
The handsome young man closed his fan and tapped his forehead. “But what if I were to…” He gestured towards the departing couple.
“If you dare to lay a finger on them, this will be your burial ground!”
A murderous glint flashed in Shang Han’s eyes. Her innocent and cute face was now replaced by a sinister and menacing expression.
“You’re quite fierce for your age, Miss Shang.”
The young man pretended to be surprised, then chuckled. “It seems that you value those two mortals quite highly?”
“They are esteemed guests of my grandfather. They are talented and have shown us kindness.” Shang Han said indifferently. “If you act recklessly, I might not be able to stop you. But Grandpa can easily banish you!”
“Master Shang?”
The young man’s expression changed.
After a moment of silence, he smiled wryly. “Alright, since they’re people Master Shang values, I won’t do anything reckless.”
“But Miss Shang, do you know—”
“Don’t ask me anything.”
Shang Han turned and walked towards the academy. “Many ‘guests’ from powerful factions have already arrived in Jianggai County. Someone like you, without any backing and relying on unorthodox methods, just wait patiently for the Path of the Netherworld to begin. There’s no loophole for you to exploit.”
“Even if you continue to pester me, it’s pointless.”
She suddenly turned around, her gaze cold. “Do you think you can fool Grandpa with your pathetic tricks to gain our favor?”
The young man was stunned. “You know about that thief…”
“Pretending to be kind and then resorting to threats when it doesn’t work. Such shameless tactics won’t earn you any trust.”
Watching the girl walk back to the academy, the young man’s expression flickered. He clicked his tongue. “This damned academy is truly stubborn. Both the old man and the girl are foolish and pedantic! To actually value a couple of mortals…”
“Forget it! Since I can’t get anything from this academy, I’ll have to try other factions.”
He rubbed his chin and pondered. “I wonder if anyone from the Zhaoxiao Institute or the Cihang Monastery has arrived. Perhaps… I’ll have to try my luck with the Crimson Feather disciples.”
…
Shang Han slowly closed the academy gate and stood there, a worried look in her eyes.
Her actions today were not only to guide them and warn them of dangers, but also to deliberately let those petty villains see the three of them together, preventing them from targeting Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu.
This was the only help she could offer.
“There are many powerful demons in Jianggai County now, and the power dynamics are complex. But I’ve left Mr. Lin and Madam Mao to fend for themselves.”
Shang Han sighed.
Their safety was uncertain.
But…
She also felt a strange sense of reassurance.
Especially during her time with Lin Tianlu this afternoon, she had felt an unprecedented sense of ease and tranquility. She had almost forgotten about all her recent worries. It wasn’t the fake smile she put on when interacting with outsiders, but genuine happiness.
It was as if that gentle and kind big brother was truly extraordinary, as her grandfather had said.
“I hope this Path of the Netherworld will go smoothly… and I hope Mr. Lin and Madam Mao will be safe.”
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