145 Emperor Yin's Pressure! The Zuo Family's Sudden Death (1)
Mrs. Chen's ears buzzed with a deafening hum, her facial expression freezing in sheer disbelief.
How could the guard of Mu Qingmeng address Si Fuqing with such respect upon their first meeting?
What other connections could exist between them aside from that one encounter at the hospital?
Si Fuqing tilted her head slightly, relaxing her clenched fingers just a bit while still gripping Mrs. Chen's collar with her other hand. "Hello, who might you be?"
She didn't recall any interactions with members of the Thousand Army Alliance.
"Apologies for my tardiness. The Lady heard of the Chen family's deeds and immediately sent me back from the city of Sijiu," Jiang Shuihan said, a trace of regret crossing his face. "I hope you'll forgive me, Miss Si."
Si Fuqing narrowed her fox-like eyes. "Do you know Aunt Mu?"
Jiang Shuihan was genuinely surprised. "The Lady didn't mention this to you?"
Every bodyguard in Mu Qingmeng's service knew of the heart attack she'd suffered in Lincity, and how a mysterious young woman had saved her.
It had been their grievous oversight that Mu Qingmeng had fainted on the street in the first place.
The Thousand Army Alliance had agents stationed throughout the five states of Great Xia, including the city of Lin, albeit in smaller numbers.
Jiang Shuihan had always been responsible for personally protecting Mu Qingmeng.
The last time she visited Lin, she had been invited by Mrs. Chen.
The latter had been warm and welcoming, engaging in conversations to foster sisterly ties, making Mu Qingmeng, who had lost her parents, lower her emotional guard.
No one had suspected that Mrs. Chen could harbor such venomous thoughts against her own sister.
And Mrs. Chen, thinking she had been discreet, had no idea that her wicked intentions were already discovered by Mu Qingmeng.
Initially, the bodyguards thought that Si Fuqing must be aware of Mu Qingmeng's real identity, hence her friendly demeanor.
But now it seemed she knew nothing at all.
How could this be...
Behind Jiang Shuihan, the guards exchanged glances with each other.
"What should I know?" Si Fuqing arched an eyebrow. "Aunt Mu never mentioned it, and I never asked. Is there a reason I must know?"
By now, she didn't have to ask to understand a thing or two.
Mobilizing the Thousand Army Alliance indicated a high status, even if not at the level of the Alliance Leader or Deputy Leader.
However, what Mu Qingmeng's identity was didn't have much to do with her, and she didn't particularly care.
"Forgive my abruptness, there's no such reason," Jiang Shuihan apologized again. "But The Lady could not tolerate what this woman did to you. She asked us to intervene despite the greater transgressions this woman committed against her."
Si Fuqing smiled, "Then, thank Aunt Mu for me."
"Of course," Jiang Shuihan grinned, "Would Miss Si consider turning this woman over to the Thousand Army Alliance?"
His voice dropped, almost to a whisper, effectively revealing his true role.
"Alright," Si Fuqing raised an eyebrow. "Then this woman is yours to deal with."
The Thousand Army Alliance dared to judge and even execute emperors; their internal laws were numerous, which conveniently saved her the trouble.
Besides, compared to the matter of Mrs. Chen nearly killing Mu Qingmeng, her own issue seemed rather insignificant.
Yet, it was for her sake that Mu Qingmeng chose to mobilize the Thousand Army Alliance.
With a thud, she released her grip, and Lady Chen tumbled to the ground. "Thank you, Miss Si," Jiang Shuihan gestured to his men, "Take her away, straight back to Sijiu."
Mrs. Chen's expression shifted from surprise to horror. She tried to run, but was easily seized by two well-trained bodyguards from the Thousand Army Alliance.
"Here is my contact information," Jiang Shuihan handed her a business card. "Given the recent events, Lady Mu won't be coming to Lin for a while. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."
"Pleasure meeting you," Si Fuqing took the card, "If Aunt Mu needs my help with anything, just say the word."
Jiang Shuihan inquired, "May I ask, what are your talents, Miss Si?"
"I know a bit of medicine, some talisman drawing," she rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I'm good with computers, and I can act. Quite a diverse set, actually."
At her words, one of the bodyguards cast her another surreptitious glance, shaking his head.
Jack of all trades, master of none?
Jiang Shuihan, however, remained undeterred, his smile as warm as ever, without a trace of condescension.