Fragrant Carriage, Heart-to-Heart; Guest Elder of the Qin Family

Patrol Chief Qian suddenly raised his head, asking in terror:

"Who is it? Who on earth did this?"

As a veteran of the Patrol Bureau and a master at the Tendon Changing realm, he was highly experienced. Following the bloodstains on the floor and sensing the blood energy of those nearby, he immediately looked toward Yang Ning.

Yang Ning raised his head. Instead of looking at the leader, he cast his gaze toward Qin Yurong, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

The young lady of the Qin Family was quick-witted and took over the conversation:

"This official, I am Qin Yurong!"

Qian Zhong, who had been preparing to apprehend Yang Ning and settle the Blood Ape Gang matter, froze, then asked:

"The Inner City Qin Family?"

It had been mentioned before that while the Patrol Bureau officers could handle some "biting wild dogs," they were helpless against truly influential figures.

Clearly, the Qin Family was one of them.

"That is correct. I ask that the Patrol Chief be discerning.

Wang Teng of the Blood Ape Gang gathered his gang members to surround this pavilion, intending to do me harm, but...

But fortunately, with the help of a guest advisor of my Qin Family, he was struck down within this restaurant.

The leader may go back and report this; my elder brother is acquainted with Patrol Commander Gong of the Outer City Patrol Bureau."

The Patrol Bureau chief recognized at a glance that the one who had killed the son of the Blood Ape Gang leader was none other than Yang Ning standing nearby.

Normally, he would have been required to take him into custody, but since a noble lady of the Qin Family had spoken, the matter could no longer be pursued.

The small leader of the Patrol Bureau led his men to conduct a perfunctory inspection of the scene and recorded a few statements.

Naturally, the main theme was "legitimate self-defense against violent thugs," under the influence of the Qin Family's power.

The remnants of the Blood Ape Gang had already scattered like birds and beasts before the soldiers arrived, leaving behind only the dead Wang Teng and a scene of utter chaos.

"Easily said, easily said. Since you are acquainted with Patrol Commander Gong, then none of this is a problem.

I only blame myself for arriving late, not knowing that a noble lady of the Qin Family was here, and failing to protect you! As for the corpse of this Wang Teng..."

"My Qin Family will have people come to handle it later."

"Very well, very well. Since there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

The small leader clearly did not want to delve into the conflict between the Qin Family, a powerful dragon crossing the river, and the Blood Ape Gang, a local snake.

He pocketed the "tea money" secretly handed to him by Qin Yurong and shouted for his men to withdraw.

The dust had temporarily settled.

Qin Yurong took a deep breath, suppressing the lingering shock in her heart, and quickly regained the composure and efficiency of a noble lady.

She first whispered to a lightly injured guard, ordering him to rush to Jinghua Pavilion on East Second Street to inform her brother.

She then ordered the others to tidy up the scene, at least to erase the traces of her own slightly disheveled state from moments ago.

She was the eldest daughter of the Qin Family; no matter the circumstances, she could not lose her poise and grace.

Just as she was contemplating how to properly handle the aftermath, she saw the Yang Family party moving quietly toward the restaurant entrance, following other patrons who were still shaken and eager to flee.

"Young Master Yang! Please stay!"

Qin Yurong hurried forward and blocked Yang Ning's path.

Yang Ning stopped, shielded his family behind him, and looked at her with a calm gaze.

Meeting his eyes, Qin Yurong quickly organized her words, speaking rapidly but clearly:

"Young Master Yang acted righteously to save us from danger; this kindness is something Qin Yurong and the Qin Family will never forget.

However, by killing Wang Teng of the Blood Ape Gang in public today, you have already forged a blood feud with them.

That Wang Teng was the only son of the Blood Ape Gang leader, who is known for being extremely protective and vengeful. This matter will be difficult to resolve."

She paused, and seeing that Yang Ning's expression remained unchanged, she continued earnestly:

"You may be highly skilled in martial arts and unafraid of retaliation.

But your family is all here. The Blood Ape Gang has always been unscrupulous, vicious, and ruthless; they are impossible to guard against.

Since I have received the great grace of your life-saving help, how could I sit by and watch my benefactor's family fall into danger again because of me?"

She pointed to the area outside the door, which was vaguely visible and temporarily cordoned off by Qin Family guards, and said quickly:

"I have already ordered someone to summon our family carriages; they will arrive in a moment. For the sake of safety, may I ask you and your family to move temporarily and leave this place with my carriage?

I intend to place you all in a residence under the Qin Family's name. It is well-guarded, and ordinary scoundrels would never be able to approach.

This will allow you to avoid the potential frenzied retaliation of the Blood Ape Gang for now, and it will also give us time to plan a long-term strategy to deal with this properly.

I truly hope you will not refuse; this is genuinely for the safety of the elderly and young in your household."

Hearing this, Yang Ning remained silent, his gaze sweeping over his brother and sister-in-law, who wore worried expressions, and Xiao Hua, who was clinging tightly to his neck despite her fear.

What Qin Yurong said was true.

The retaliation of the Blood Ape Gang, especially when directed at his family, was his greatest vulnerability at the moment.

The Qin Family was a powerful clan with deep influence, and the temporary sanctuary they provided was undoubtedly much safer than his own dilapidated old house on East Third Street.

Thinking of this, he no longer hesitated and gave a slight nod to Qin Yurong:

"Miss Qin is very thoughtful; Yang offers his thanks in advance.

Since that is the case, I shall impose upon your hospitality."

Seeing him agree, a flash of joy crossed Qin Yurong's eyes, and she hurriedly said:

"Young Master Yang is too polite; it is Yurong who should be thanking you.

Please wait a moment; the carriages will arrive shortly."

Before long, the rhythmic sound of hooves and carriage wheels approached from the distance.

Three carriages, elegantly decorated yet refined, pulled up in front of Chunhua Restaurant, escorted by several mounted guards.

The carriages were built from dark nanmu wood, with lanterns bearing the Qin Family crest hanging from the four corners of the cabins, and the horses pulling them were exceptionally spirited—clearly not the sort used by ordinary wealthy households.

Qin Yurong personally guided Yang An, Liu Ying, and Xiao Hua into the most spacious carriage in the middle, offered a few gentle words of comfort, and signaled the coachman and guards to take good care of them.

Just as Yang Ning finished settling his family and prepared to head toward the last carriage, Qin Yurong suddenly spoke up, her voice lower than before, carrying a hint of imperceptible nervousness:

"Young Master Yang..."

Yang Ning turned back.

A faint blush rose on Qin Yurong's face, though it was not very noticeable under the cover of night and the flickering lantern light.

She steadied herself, looked up at Yang Ning, and tried hard to make her tone sound natural:

"Yurong...

still has some details regarding tonight's events and subsequent arrangements that I would like to discuss with you privately.

I wonder...

if I might invite you to step over and share a carriage with me?"

She pointed toward the lead carriage, which appeared even more refined than the others.

Yang Ning pondered for a moment.

A private discussion?

He nodded: "Very well."

Just as Yang Ning walked toward the lead carriage, He Xiang, who had been following behind Qin Yurong like a shadow with a pale and dejected expression, subconsciously tried to board the same carriage to fulfill her duties as a personal maid.

"Xiang'er,"

Qin Yurong paused, not turning her head, her voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable sense of distance:

"Go serve in the carriage at the back.

I have important matters to discuss with Young Master Yang."

He Xiang shuddered, her raised foot freezing in mid-air. She watched as Qin Yurong and Yang Ning boarded the carriage one after the other, the curtain falling to block her view.

The last trace of color drained from her face, and her lips trembled, but in the end, she dared not say another word.

She simply lowered her head deeply and turned away in silence.

Her steps were somewhat unsteady as she walked toward the last carriage, her silhouette cast long, gray, and lonely under the lantern light.

Inside the carriage, the space was small but arranged with extreme comfort.

There were soft silk cushions, a small table emitting a faint scent of sandalwood, and an exquisite silver lamp fixed in the corner, casting a soft glow.

The air was filled with an elegant, feminine fragrance, identical to the scent on Qin Yurong.

Yang Ning sat leaning against one side, his gaze passing through the slightly swaying window curtains to watch the streetscape flashing by outside.

The carriage was silent, save for the sound of their breathing and the rumbling of the wheels outside.

After a long while, Qin Yurong seemed to have finally organized her chaotic thoughts and was the first to break the silence.

She raised her eyes to look at the young man sitting straight across from her, whose profile appeared somewhat cold and hard in the lamplight; her cheeks grew warm, and her voice was much softer than usual:

"Young Master Yang is truly a talent of his generation, gifted with extraordinary natural ability.

Watching the momentum of your fist techniques, so fierce and peerless, I wonder... how old are you this year?"

Her words carried genuine admiration and a hint of curiosity.

Yang Ning turned his face, looked at her calmly, and shook his head:

"Miss Qin is too kind with her praise.

There are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts; Yang has merely put in more hard work than others and was fortunate enough to gain something."

He paused slightly and said candidly:

"I have wasted twenty springs and autumns this year."

"Twenty years old! Body Tempering Great Completion! Two years earlier than my own brother!"

Qin Yurong's beautiful eyes widened instantly, shimmering with brilliance, the look of astonishment on her face no longer possible to conceal.

Born into a prominent clan, her discernment was naturally extraordinary.

A Body Tempering realm expert at twenty, even among the major factions and martial arts families of the inner city, would absolutely be considered a talent worthy of focused cultivation!

She never imagined that such a figure could emerge from East Street in the outer city!

The intention to recruit him, which had originally stemmed from gratitude and strategic considerations, now grew stronger.

At this moment, it was joined by an indescribable sense of importance, and even... a subtle ripple of emotion.

Her gaze fell upon Yang Ning's face, which, though slightly weathered by the elements, possessed sharp features and an air of firm, steady resolve between his brows.

Her heartbeat quickened involuntarily, and the warmth that had just faded from her cheeks showed signs of returning.

Just as she was becoming lost in thought, Yang Ning's voice rang out once more, pulling her back from her brief reverie.

"May I ask, Miss Qin?"

Yang Ning looked directly at her:

"Regarding what you said earlier about hiring me as a guest elder for your estate, was that merely a measure of convenience, or were you being serious?"

Qin Yurong was startled, immediately realizing that her previous invitation had been somewhat hasty and vague.

She straightened her expression at once and replied earnestly:

"Please forgive me, Young Master Yang. The situation was critical earlier, and my words were indeed rushed.

However, the offer to hire you as a guest elder for the Qin Family is by no means a joke or empty formality."

She leaned forward slightly, her tone sincere:

"You have bestowed a great life-saving grace upon me, and for the Qin Family, you have resolved tonight's crisis.

In terms of both sentiment and reason, the position of guest elder is the least I can offer!

Furthermore, inviting you as a guest elder is, firstly, because I sincerely wish to repay you and provide you with a relatively stable backing and resources to help you advance further in your martial path.

Secondly, for a young talent such as yourself, my Qin Family is thirsting for such worth.

If you do not find it beneath you and are willing to accept, the position of guest elder can be finalized immediately.

The Qin Family will certainly treat you with the utmost respect; as for salary, resources, and martial arts manuals, whatever you require, as long as it is within the Qin Family's power, we will never refuse."

She looked at Yang Ning with clear and resolute eyes:

"For the grace of saving my life, I have no way to repay you, so I can only hope to express my sincerity in this way. I truly hope you...

Will not refuse."

Yang Ning remained silent for a moment, and the carriage fell into quiet once more, with only the sound of the wheels rolling forward.

He needed this protection, at least for the time being, for the sake of his family.

The status of a guest elder was relatively free, making it a truly excellent choice.

"In that case,"

Yang Ning spoke slowly, his voice steady:

"I thank you for your kindness, Miss Qin. I accept the position of guest elder."