In recent days, Shuozhou City had issued an order exempting street vendors from stall rents in an effort to recall its scattered residents. Upon hearing this favorable news, vendors who had previously gone into hiding due to war or livelihood struggles gradually resumed their old trades, and the city slowly regained some of its former bustle.
Teahouses, in particular, became the liveliest spots—some patrons repeatedly described their relatives' appearances in hopes of gathering news, while others quietly observed the situation.
Lu Chao and his companions followed two vendors with light steps, eager to hear how the common folk praised Xiao Zheng. Just then, the storyteller struck his wooden clapper.
"At that time, the foreign chieftain was celebrating with his men when a group of graceful women, draped in sheer veils, glided into the tent. Their cloud-like hair and flower-like beauty, their dignified bearing—such elegance instantly stirred the hearts of those rugged outsiders. Blinded by lust, they could no longer restrain themselves and lunged at the women like ravenous wolves.
But who could have foreseen the sudden twist? In an instant, those once-boastful foreign warriors collapsed as if their bones had been plucked from their bodies, writhing and howling in agony. It turned out these seemingly delicate women were heroines with a patriotic mission! Their leader, in particular, was a fearless and highly skilled female general. Disguised in veils, she risked her life, concealing deadly poison in her mouth. Seizing the moment when the foreigners let their guard down and exposed their vulgarity, she struck decisively, delivering a fatal blow that turned the tide. The tent was thrown into chaos."
The men in the audience were enthralled, grinning with amusement.
"So the female general was a beauty? I thought she’d be some brawny warrior! Hahaha!"
BANG!
Lu Chao kicked over a nearby tea table, his face darkening like a storm-laden sky, fury boiling up from his core.
Eyes blazing, he glared at the storyteller and barked,
"You reckless old fool! How dare you spout such nonsense in public, slandering an imperial official? What is your scheme? By law, such behavior warrants fifty lashes! Guards! Why are you standing there? Drag this insolent wretch to the authorities and punish him severely—make an example of him!"
The storyteller, noticing the formidable entourage behind Lu Chao, realized this was no ordinary man.
Trembling, he dropped to his knees, kowtowing frantically.
"Spare me, young master! I beg you! I’m innocent! I was just telling a story from a book to entertain the crowd—I never mentioned any official by name, nor did I mean any disrespect! Please, have mercy!"
Liu Yao grabbed the man by his collar.
"Still lying?!"
The teahouse patrons scattered in fear. Lu Chao watched coldly as the storyteller continued to plead.
"Speak the truth if you want to live! Where did you hear this story? How long have you been spreading it? Did you think changing names and locations would fool anyone?"
The storyteller yelped in pain, tears and snot streaming down his face as he confessed.
"Alright, alright! I’ll talk! I heard it at a post station outside the city—many people know it! Someone even paid me... to tell it repeatedly..."
Lu Chao’s expression hardened, his eyes churning with fury.
So that was how she got the scar on her lip. Clenching his fists, he suppressed the storm inside.
"Gag him. Take him away."
The storyteller wailed.
"Kind sir, please forgive me! I’ll never do it again! My family depends on me! Please! Mmmph—!"
Lu Chao’s gaze was icy, his usual warmth replaced by murderous intent.
After sending men to investigate, Lu Chao discovered the tale of the female general sacrificing herself had spread throughout Shuozhou. Agitated, he paced back and forth. Who was behind this? Why tarnish Xiao Zheng’s reputation? Did she even know?
"Young master! News!"
Liu Yao rushed in, gulping down water.
Lu Chao snapped to attention.
"Well?"
"Two groups are spreading the rumors in Shuozhou. One is from the Xiao Army—likely one of General Xiao’s own subordinates. The other seems tied to Grand Tutor Liu’s family in the capital."
Lu Chao shot to his feet.
There’s a traitor beside Xiao Zheng!
No—
Another possibility struck him. Was Xiao Zheng ruining her own reputation? Why? Unless...? Remembering his careless remark that day, Lu Chao wished he could slap himself.
Grand Tutor Liu—rumor had it the Emperor intended to arrange a marriage for Prince Kang, with Liu’s daughter among the candidates. How bold of him to meddle like this! Did he not fear retribution?
Xiao Youcheng was preparing for their return to the capital when Lu Chao stormed up to him.
"What’s wrong? Who provoked you?"
"Your future father-in-law’s doing! Brace yourself when we return!"
Lu Chao slammed evidence onto the table and poured himself tea in a huff.
"What future father-in-law? Don’t spout nonsense!"
Xiao Youcheng was baffled.
"Using such vile tactics to destroy a woman’s honor—utterly shameless! Unfit to be called human!"
"Before anything’s even settled, he’s already scheming! Does he think you’d marry no one but his daughter? How dare he judge General Xiao, who has sacrificed so much for the people? Disgusting!"
Xiao Youcheng flipped through the evidence, his face darkening. Busy with preparations, he hadn’t realized such rumors were spreading.
"Outrageous!"
Public opinion was sharper than blades. In this world, a woman’s reputation could not bear the slightest stain—once tarnished, regardless of status or talent, she would drown in a flood of gossip, doomed forever.
With the imperial decree yet to be announced, these people were already acting. What if it were finalized?
"Rest assured, I will give General Xiao justice for this."
Lu Chao knew Xiao Youcheng well—beneath his gentle exterior lay a deep disdain for unsanctioned schemes. Rather than letting whispers breed suspicion, it was better to lay everything out plainly.
After a moment’s thought, Xiao Youcheng realized the rumors would likely reach the Emperor before their return. The plan to betroth Xiao Zheng to him would probably collapse.
His gaze turned complicated as he looked at Lu Chao.
