Chapter 69: The Dragonbone City Gate

Before Liu Kui left, that final glance he shot back made Jiang Chen realize exactly what he was plotting.

When they were warming themselves by the fire in the ruined temple, Jiang Chen had quietly stepped to the doorway and set a trap. He had already guessed that Liu Kui would double back, and that he would not come alone. After all, for Liu Kui to contemplate murder and robbery, facing a man and two women by himself would be daunting; only with two accomplices could he believe he held the upper hand.

In the end, Liu Kui discovered just how wrong he had been, but sometimes fate offers no chance to mend one’s mistakes.

Jiang Chen said to Mu Chang, “At the time, you did owe him some silver, so I had no grounds to forcibly take you from him. Had I done so, it would likely have ended with his death, making it appear as though I was abusing my strength to bully the weak.”

“But when I handed him the silver, making it clear our business was settled, he still tried to kill me and steal what I carried. Such treachery, once revealed, left me no reason to show him any mercy.”

Mu Chang nodded, convinced. “I understand. You have your own principles, and you act according to what’s right and just.”

“Did you understand, sister? I can’t follow all that—what exactly does he mean?” Mu Jin scratched her head, looking troubled.

“You see? I always told you to read more, but you wouldn’t listen. Now you realize the value of it, don’t you?” Mu Chang chided gently, the very picture of a caring elder sister.

The three set off again, and managed to reach Long River before nightfall. Before them loomed the city’s famed gate, shaped like a monstrous maw, jagged fangs bared.

It was said the gate was cast from the bones of a dragon, but everyone knew that was a fanciful legend. More likely, the beastly bones that formed the gate once belonged to some enormous fish from the Long River itself.

“If that’s a fish’s head, how big was the fish?” Mu Jin gasped after hearing the tale.

But once inside the city, the sisters grew quieter, their steps heavier with every passing moment.

Jiang Chen asked, “What’s wrong? If there’s something troubling you, tell me. I’ll do what I can to help.”

“Sir, could we... stay with you a while longer?” Mu Chang finally voiced what she had been holding back the entire journey, while Mu Jin looked at Jiang Chen with pleading eyes.

It turned out they remembered his words about parting ways upon reaching Long River. The thought weighed heavily on them; neither sister truly wished to leave his side.

Understanding this, Jiang Chen tried to reassure them. “Mu Chang, Mu Jin, I still have unfinished matters here. Before long, someone will come looking for trouble with me—if you stay, you’ll be in danger.”

“We’re not afraid, sir,” Mu Chang replied. “As long as we’re with you, nothing else matters.”

“How about this, then: I’ll find you a safe place to stay for now. If I make it through my troubles, I’ll come back and find you.”

After much persuasion, the sisters reluctantly agreed. Jiang Chen then began searching the streets for a shop bearing the Lin family’s sign.

Lin Xuesong’s businesses were spread all across the southern provinces; finding one of his establishments in Long River was not difficult.

“Welcome, sir! Please, come in! What brings you here today?” The proprietor of a silk shop greeted Jiang Chen with excessive enthusiasm, noting the two elegant women beside him and sensing a profitable transaction.

His shop boasted the finest silks in all Long River. Ladies of wealth and status came from far and wide for his fabrics—a true signifier of one’s place in society.

Jiang Chen, with his striking brows and refined air, accompanied by two graceful beauties, looked every inch the scion of a great house. Only their clothes, a bit rumpled, seemed out of step with their noble bearing.

Still, the old shopkeeper trusted his judgment.

Jiang Chen almost felt embarrassed under the man’s eager gaze. But when he explained he wasn’t here to buy fabric, but rather needed the shopkeeper’s help, the man’s beaming smile instantly faded.

“Help?” he scoffed. “You must be joking, sir. We’re just a silk shop—what help could we possibly offer?”

“I’m hoping you could find a place for these two ladies,” Jiang Chen replied. “Somewhere they can settle and make a life for themselves here in Long River.”

The old man’s face turned sour. “What a joke! Are you begging, then? I’ve been in business all my life and never encountered such shamelessness! If you can’t afford our goods, then be off with you—don’t keep us from serving real customers!”

The speed with which the shopkeeper’s expression changed was remarkable. Jiang Chen was about to explain when the old man summoned his assistants, ready to throw them out.

“Wait,” Jiang Chen said. “There’s something you should see first. Then you’ll understand why you shouldn’t treat us this way.”

The old man sneered. “What could you possibly have that’s worth my time? Out with you!”

But when Jiang Chen produced the twin-dragon-and-phoenix jade pendant, a flash of clarity sparkled in the old man’s murky eyes. He froze, unable to move for a long moment.

“Who are you, and why do you have this pendant?”

“Lin Xuesong gave it to me,” Jiang Chen answered truthfully.

The old shopkeeper nearly fell to his knees. Once he confirmed the pendant’s authenticity, his entire demeanor changed.

“To think such an honored guest would grace my humble shop! I’m truly ashamed—please, forgive me!”

“Come in, all of you! Someone fetch tea, quickly!”

After seeing the pendant, the shopkeeper was more obsequious than ever, leaving Mu Chang and Mu Jin bewildered at the sudden turn.

Seated in the back room, Jiang Chen explained, “It was my fault—I forgot about the pendant and caused a misunderstanding.”

“No, no, sir, you’re far too generous. It’s this old fool’s failing eyesight—I failed to recognize a true gentleman. Please, forgive my ignorance.”

Once Jiang Chen had explained his needs, the shopkeeper agreed without hesitation to find a place for the sisters.

“Rest assured, sir—I will see to it that the ladies are settled comfortably and want for nothing.”

Jiang Chen took a sip of tea, only to choke and spray it all over the shopkeeper’s face.

“You’re mistaken—the two ladies are still unmarried maidens. Please be careful how you address them!”