The person who was mumbling to themselves did not look up, continuing to speak.

Shen Chen’s face grew even gloomier. Seeing the young girl still chattering incessantly, he interrupted her, "In your heart, am I such a person? Who bears grudges, and also likes Liu Qingxi? If I were to be conferred a title and office in the future, would I look down on others?" He had never imagined that he appeared like this in her heart...

Ye Zhi looked up.

Seeing the gloominess written all over his face, she scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly, "No, I was just overthinking."

In "Concubine’s Favor," the depiction of the Little Traitor’s character was exactly that: vindictive, penny-pinching, and also fond of Liu Qingxi. You really can’t blame her for thinking that...

However, she understood that while books are static, people are dynamic, and emotions can change; not everything follows the book precisely.

For example, the Little Traitor liking her was such a case.

When they approached Kangliang Bridge, they encountered Ming Yan hurriedly leading a large group from the Ye Mansion.

The Ye Family hastened forward, inspecting their younger daughter from all angles. Only after confirming she was unharmed did they breathe a sigh of relief, saying with lingering fear, "Ah Zhi, thank goodness you’re alright. When Ming Yan came back to the mansion and informed us, your mother was scared to death. Luckily, she met Xiao Chen first, who arrived before us, easing your mother’s heart slightly."

Ye Zhi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, "Mother, what could happen to me? I’ve learned martial arts."

The water shimmered like quicksilver, lights dimly flickering in the distance.

At Kangliang Bridge, a dozen or so Ye Mansion guards, along with Ye Yuan, Xun Yin, and others, blocked the bridge.

The Ye Family sternly said, "Didn’t your mother tell you to be good and kind to people? I disagreed when you wanted to learn martial arts. You’re strong-willed, prone to clashes, and fond of resolving them with force, which brought on this disaster. Before marrying Xiao Chen, you must stay home and learn embroidery, and are not to leave the Ye Mansion."

"Indeed, listen to your mother. This time, your father also stands by her side," Ye Yuan supported his wife this time.

The villagers wanting to cross the bridge saw it blocked.

Standing at the back, they shouted, "Make way, we need to cross the bridge."

Understanding her parents’ usual ways, Ye Zhi pulled her mother in the direction of the Ye Mansion, "Mother, I know I was wrong. Let’s discuss this at home. I’m also a victim, right? Think about it, if I hadn’t known martial arts, I might be dead, and you wouldn’t be seeing me now."

"So please don’t lecture me anymore."

The Ye Family spit lightly and motioned to pinch their youngest daughter’s ear, "Phew, phew, phew, dead is such an unlucky word, don’t go saying it casually. You’re not allowed to leave home until after your coming-of-age ceremony."

That night.

Shen Chen stood in Tingling Garden, listening to Qin Yin delivering the report of his findings.

Jiyin Village, is it?

A flicker of murderous intent flashed across his deep, cold face. Tonight was the first time he had killed someone. When those three men pursued Ah Zhi with their long knives, he acted without hesitation.

Fortunately, she had learned Qinggong. Otherwise, falling into the hands of those three, who knows...

He did not wish to think further.

"Mr. Shen, Jiyin Village accepted silver. This failure will certainly lead them to return with renewed vengeance. If a solution isn’t found, Miss Ah Zhi may not be so fortunate next time."

Qin Yin stood in the garden, lowered his long lashes, and offered a kind reminder.

Shen Chen nodded, saying indifferently, "Mm, I understand. Find out where their hideout is. As it happens, the Chengque Sword has not tasted blood since it came into my possession."

Jiyin Village’s people oppressed the weak and were mostly desperados, undeserving of life.

"Yes." Qin Yin was somewhat concerned if they could stand against Jiyin Village.

However, he was mistaken; it wasn’t them—Shen Chen planned to go alone.

Half a month later, during a night of the dark moon and high winds, Shen Chen, clad in black, wielding the Chengque Sword, stormed into the mountain estate where Jiyin Village was hidden, killing most of them.