vstars Chapter 43 First Encounter with Murong Feng
Chapter 43 First Encounter with Murong Feng
Lin Xiaoqian moved lightly and slowly onto the bustling street. Her eyes were full of confusion and worry, and her mood was as low as the warm sun obscured by dark clouds. She was absent-minded and seemed to be blind to the hustle and bustle around her.
Xiaodie stayed close to her side, feeling heartbroken at the sight of her young mistress. She couldn't help but whisper, "Miss, don't worry too much. No matter what, Xiaodie will always be with you."
Lin Xiaoqian nodded slightly but remained silent. Just then, a commotion broke out in the crowd ahead. It turned out that a group of thugs were surrounding an old street performer, trying to rob him of the coins he had worked so hard to earn. The old man pleaded desperately, but was only met with shoving and insults from the thugs.
Seeing this, Lin Xiaoqian frowned slightly and was about to step forward to stop him when a white figure flashed past like lightning. When everyone could see clearly, they saw a young man with an exceptionally handsome face and extraordinary temperament standing in front of the old man. This person was none other than the Tenth Prince, Murong Feng.
Murong Feng stood tall and straight like a pine tree, dressed in white that was whiter than snow. His black hair fluttered in the wind, his sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards to his temples, his eyes were deep and starlike, and beneath his high nose bridge, his thin lips were slightly upturned, carrying a faint smile.
He looked at the thugs with a cold gaze, his voice deep yet authoritative: "In broad daylight, how dare you act so recklessly? Do you have no respect for the law?"
Seeing that he was alone, the thugs, though intimidated by his imposing manner, still shouted, "Who are you? Mind your own business, or we'll teach you a lesson too!"
A mocking smile curled at the corner of Murong Feng's lips. He lightly raised his hand, and several guards appeared behind him, quickly subduing the thugs. Murong Feng turned to look at Lin Xiaoqian, and his gaze faltered slightly the moment it met hers, a strange emotion welling up in his heart.
He walked slowly to Lin Xiaoqian, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Miss, you seem worried. Is something like this bothering you?"
Lin Xiaoqian then came to her senses and gave a slight curtsy: "Thank you for your righteous help, young master. I was just feeling a little troubled, and it has nothing to do with this matter."
Murong Feng looked at her, his smile growing wider: "If you have any troubles, young lady, you might as well tell me. Perhaps I can help you solve them."
Lin Xiaoqian gently shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, young master, but I need to resolve my own troubles."
Murong Feng walked towards the old man first. He stood tall and walked with a steady gait, his concern evident in his words. He squatted down and carefully checked the old man for injuries, saying gently, "Old man, are you injured anywhere? These villains are truly despicable and have frightened you."
Lin Xiaoqian then stepped forward gracefully, her eyes filled with pity. She took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and gently handed it to the old man, saying softly, "Grandpa, wipe your sweat. Don't be afraid. These bad guys have been subdued now."
The old man raised his wrinkled face, tears welling in his eyes, and said gratefully, "Thank you so much for your righteous rescue, young master and young lady. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have been bullied terribly by them today. This world is hard, and I rely entirely on my little skill to make a living. If I had been robbed of my coins, I really wouldn't know what to do."
Lin Xiaoqian squatted down slightly and gently comforted her, "Grandpa, what you've been through is truly heartbreaking. Although there are evil people in this world, there are also chivalrous people like you, young master. Don't worry, they will definitely receive the punishment they deserve."
Murong Feng stood up and instructed the guards behind him, "Send these scoundrels to the government so that they can be properly punished for their evil deeds and prevent them from harming the people again." The guards obeyed and escorted the scoundrels away.
Murong Feng turned to look at Lin Xiaoqian, his gaze filled with a hint of inquiry and admiration: "Young lady, you are kind-hearted and possess a strong sense of justice; you are truly a heroine. May I ask your name?"
Lin Xiaoqian lowered her head slightly and said softly, "I am Lin Qianqian, just an ordinary girl."
"Lin Qianqian..." Murong Feng murmured the name, feeling a strange sense of familiarity welling up in his heart. He frowned slightly, his mind racing, memories surging like a tide.
In an instant, his eyes lit up, and he realized, "You are the renowned and talented Lin Qianqian! It was you who quelled the floods in Jiangnan and reformed the fierce mountain bandits. Such achievements make you a heroine among women! It is truly an honor to meet you today."
Lin Xiaoqian smiled awkwardly. She subconsciously raised her hand and scratched her head, asking with a hint of doubt, "Young Master, do you know me?"
Murong Feng raised his chin slightly, a proud smile appearing on his face, and murmured softly, "Haha, your marriage to my Ninth Brother has been brought forward, hasn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoqian was immediately shocked, her eyes widening in disbelief as she said, "Your Ninth Brother? Wait," she seemed to be struck by lightning, jolting awake, her shock intensifying, her brows furrowing tightly, "Could you be... Huh? Greetings, Tenth Prince." Xiaodie, hearing this, also instinctively bowed.
Upon hearing this, Murong Feng paused slightly, then let out a hearty laugh, a clear and melodious sound like a spring flowing over stones. He quickly stepped forward to help Lin Qianqian and Xiao Die up, his slender fingers gently touching Lin Qianqian's arm with a soft and elegant touch.
"Oh, why are you so reserved? This isn't the palace, and besides, you've been granted the title of Princess. We'll be family soon!"
His gaze was gentle as he looked at Lin Xiaoqian, his eyes sparkling with laughter, as if twinkling with stars. His originally cold and stern face was now bathed in a spring breeze because of this smile, which added to his charming appeal.