Chapter 10: The Xue Army Arrives

He Yun, a highly experienced bodyguard, knew that Xue Pan would likely return to cause trouble, so he remained vigilant. With eyes sharp as torches, he watched the Xue family’s pleasure boat dock and noticed three of their servants lurking on the bank, keeping watch.

He Yun whispered a warning to Jiang Nian: "Sir, there are Xue family men on the bank monitoring us. It seems Xue Pan intends to bring a mob here to stir up trouble."

Hearing this, Xiangling felt a wave of anxiety and looked toward the shore, where she spotted the three skulking servants. With a look of shame, she said to Jiang Nian, "Sir, this is my fault. I have brought this trouble upon you."

Jiang Nian smiled gently and replied, "How could this be your fault?"

Xiangling fidgeted, a faint blush staining her cheeks, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "It was that man... he wanted to buy me, and you protected me. If I were not here today, none of this would have happened."

In her eyes, Jiang Nian had clashed with Xue Pan solely to protect her. Deeply moved, her admiration for him grew even stronger.

Jiang Nian did not deny it: "Well, I certainly did intend to protect you today."

Hearing this, Xiangling was overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes turning slightly red. Jiang Nian reached out and patted her head, laughing, "But this is not your doing; it is only the fault of that arrogant Xue young master, who was unreasonable from the start. Rest assured, your master is quite capable. If that fellow comes to cause trouble again, he will surely suffer the consequences of his own actions."

Afterward, Jiang Nian told Xiangling to step aside and gave a few quiet instructions to He Yun. He Yun bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, sir!"

He Yun then ordered the pleasure boat to dock, and the group returned home quickly. The three Xue servants, led by Ji'er, followed them closely. After escorting Jiang Nian home, He Yun rode off immediately, heading straight for the Office of the Jiangning Regional Commander.

With He Zhong and Qiu Fu away on official business in Daru Prefecture, the only men left in the household besides Jiang Nian and He Yun were Meng Xiong, Dong Liang, and Dong Feng. Dong Liang and his son Dong Feng had been purchased only a few days prior; Dong Liang had become the coachman, while fourteen-year-old Dong Feng served as a page.

Jiang Nian ordered the courtyard gates to be bolted and personally led Meng Xiong, Dong Liang, and Dong Feng to guard the entrance. He prepared a long staff, a bow and arrows, and a long-handled broadsword.

...

Ji'er and the other two servants tracked them all the way to the Jiang residence. Ji'er hurried back to the Xue estate to report to Xue Pan, while the other two remained outside the Jiang residence to keep watch.

...

Aunt Xue and Xue Baochai had returned home under Xue Pan’s escort. No sooner had the mother and daughter entered the inner chambers, intending to summon Xue Pan to dissuade him from further entanglement with Jiang Nian, than they learned he had already rushed out with ten burly thugs and several servants.

"That wretched boy, why won't he listen to reason!" Aunt Xue lamented. Both she and Baochai felt a chill of dread, fearing that Xue Pan might maim or injure Jiang Nian—or worse, kill him and bring disaster upon them.

After leaving the estate, Xue Pan and his group marched aggressively toward the Qinhuai River, encountering Ji'er along the way.

"Young Master!" Ji'er gasped, breathless as he ran up to him.

Xue Pan raised an eyebrow. "Why are you here? Did that bastard run away?"

Ji'er bowed low. "You are wise, Young Master. As soon as you left, he went ashore and headed home. Seeing how panicked he looked, he must have been terrified of you and afraid to stay at the Qinhuai River."

Xue Pan sneered, "That bastard! He was acting so high and mighty earlier, as if he had the courage of a tiger, but now that he knows my power, he's scared? A spineless coward!"

Ji'er flattered him: "Who in Jiangning City does not know your reputation, Young Master? Since you threatened to beat him to death, how could he not be afraid?"

"Hmph, does he think he can get away with it just by hiding at home? I will not rest until I have thrashed him today!" Xue Pan said indignantly. "Do you know where his house is?"

Ji'er replied, "I kept a close watch as you ordered, Young Master. I tracked him, and I know exactly where he lives. I have Li'er and Ru'er watching outside, while I rushed back to report to you."

Xue Pan nodded with satisfaction and patted Ji'er’s face. "Well done. Come, follow me to thrash that bastard."

Ji'er glanced at the ten thugs and several servants accompanying Xue Pan and, after a moment's thought, suggested, "Young Master, should we call for more men? That fellow is sturdy, and he has a powerful-looking man with him; there are surely others in his house. In my opinion, it would be best to bring more people."

Xue Pan agreed and immediately conscripted several more laborers from the Xue family shops. With ten thugs, several servants, and a handful of laborers, a "Xue Army" of over twenty men was formed, marching toward the Jiang residence with a grand and menacing air. Xue Pan felt immense pride, as if he were a great general leading a vast army into battle.

...

At the Jiang residence, Meng Xiong was peering over the wall when he saw Xue Pan leading his "army" toward them. He quickly reported to Jiang Nian, "Over twenty men are approaching, and they do not come with good intentions."

Jiang Nian nodded slightly, remaining calm and composed, without a trace of fear. He took up his bow and arrows, his fingers lightly brushing the string, a sharp glint in his eyes. Meng Xiong grabbed a long staff—a heavy, two-meter-long weapon—and swung it, the wood whistling with a low hum. He grinned, his eyes filled with the spirit of combat.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

The sound of knocking shattered the quiet of the courtyard. Meng Xiong strode to the gate and shouted, "Who is knocking?"

It was Ji'er who replied, "My Young Master Xue is here! The young man from your house offended him at the Qinhuai River earlier. Bring him out at once!"

Jiang Nian whispered to Meng Xiong, who then relayed the message: "In broad daylight, you dare to gather a mob and come here to commit violence? Do you have no fear of the law?"

Ji'er looked back at Xue Pan, who, unable to restrain himself, stepped forward and shouted at the top of his lungs, "I don't give a damn! Make that bastard come out and take his beating, or I will break my way in!"

Jiang Nian whispered again, and Meng Xiong shouted, "Halt! Disperse at once, or you shall surely reap what you have sown!" His voice was booming, echoing outside the walls with great authority.

Xue Pan was incensed: "Heh, you asked for this! I didn't want to break in, but don't blame me for making a scene!" He gestured to his "army" and ordered, "Break it down!"

Little did he know that at that very moment, a real troop of soldiers was approaching from the Office of the Jiangning Regional Commander. This force consisted of a hundred men, all armored and armed. Leading them was Tang Jina, the Regional Commander of Jiangning, an official of the first rank. He Yun was riding right behind him.