Confrontation in Dong Bo Inn

The capital of Dayu Kingdom was electric with excitement as the selection for the crown princess loomed closer. Everywhere, people were abuzz with speculation about who would win the coveted title. Markets were bustling, and every corner of the city was filled with whispers and rumors.

Dayu Kingdom's capital was a sprawling city with grand palaces, bustling marketplaces, and narrow alleyways that held countless secrets. The crown prince's palace was an imposing structure of marble and gold, surrounded by lush gardens and guarded by elite soldiers. It was a place of power and intrigue, where politics and ambition thrived.

DongBo Inn, on the other hand, was a well-known establishment in the heart of the capital. Renowned for its exquisite food and impeccable service, it was a favorite gathering place for both locals and travelers. Its elegant interior, with dark wood paneling and ornate decorations, provided a perfect backdrop for clandestine meetings and discreet conversations.

In the royal palace, Bai Jue, the crown prince, was not caught up in the excitement of the selection. Instead, he was preoccupied with a different matter. He had heard that Minister Gu's only daughter, Gu Wan Niang, intended to compete for the crown princess title, but Bai Jue had no interest in making her his wife. His heart was set on finding the mysterious girl from that unforgettable night.

"Your Highness, DongBo Inn should be quieter now. We can head there and possibly gather more information," Da Yi suggested.

Bai Jue nodded, his thoughts returning to the task at hand. "Yes, let's go. We need to find out more about the recent attacks and the movements of Bai Li and Minister Gu."

The streets were lively as Bai Jue and his entourage made their way to DongBo Inn. Banners and decorations for the selection process adorned every building, adding to the city's festive atmosphere.

"It seems like the whole city is talking about the selection," Da Yi commented. "But I know you have no interest in Miss Gu."

Bai Jue's expression hardened. "I only want to find her—the girl from that night. The rest of this selection nonsense means nothing to me."

When they arrived at DongBo Inn, the place was bustling with patrons. The inn was renowned for its excellent food and impeccable service, making it a popular spot. Bai Jue and his men were shown to a private room where they could dine and discuss matters without interruption.

As they settled in, Bai Jue instructed Da Yi, "Keep your ears open. I want to know if anyone here has information about the recent attacks or anything that could link to Bai Li and Minister Gu."

Da Yi nodded and discreetly left the room to mingle with the patrons. Meanwhile, Bai Jue and his other guards began their meal, trying to blend in as much as possible.

"Do you think we'll find anything useful here?" one of the guards asked quietly.

Bai Jue shrugged. "It's worth a try. Information flows freely in places like this. We just need to listen carefully."

Just then, a commotion erupted in the main hall. A loud, drunken voice shouted, drawing everyone's attention. Bai Jue's interest piqued, and he subtly moved closer to the door to see what was happening.

In the hallway, Yang Mi and her maid, Tan Qi, were in a heated argument with a drunken man who was trying to drag Yang Mi into his private room.

"Come with me, girl! I'll make you rich beyond your dreams!" the man slurred, flaunting a handful of gold coins.

Yang Mi's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her composure. "Let go of me. I'm not interested in your money."

The drunken man, Chu Yan, grinned lecherously. "Oh, come on now. Don't be shy. You're coming with me."

Bai Jue's eyes narrowed as he watched the scene unfold. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The girl who had been on his mind day and night was being harassed by this brute.

Yang Mi tried to pull away, but Chu Yan's grip tightened. "You're coming with me whether you like it or not!" he growled.

Bai Jue stepped forward, his anger boiling over. "Let her go."

Chu Yan turned, swaying slightly, and sneered. "And who are you to tell me what to do?"

Bai Jue didn't respond. Instead, he moved swiftly, grabbing Chu Yan by the collar and shoving him away from Yang Mi. Chu Yan stumbled back, glaring at Bai Jue.

"Do you know who I am? I'm the son of the Minister of Justice! I can do whatever I want!" Chu Yan shouted, drawing a sword from his belt.

Before Chu Yan could react, Bai Jue disarmed him with a quick, precise movement, sending the sword clattering to the floor. Bai Jue's men, Pei Yuan and Chang Er, stepped forward, their eyes cold and calculating.

"Leave now, before you regret it," Bai Jue warned.

Chu Yan's underlings, seeing their leader humiliated, drew their own weapons, but Pei Yuan and Chang Er were quicker. Within moments, the drunkards were disarmed and subdued.

Chu Yan, still defiant, spat on the floor. "You'll pay for this! I'll make sure you rot in the dungeons!"

Ignoring the threats, Bai Jue turned to Yang Mi, who was watching the scene with wide eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked softly.

Yang Mi nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, thank you."

Bai Jue took her hand gently, pulling her close. "You're safe now."

Yang Mi looked up at him, their faces inches apart. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. She recognized him—the man from that night.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and recognition.

Bai Jue smiled gently, not revealing his identity. "Just someone who wants to help."

Before they could say more, Da Yi stepped forward, ready to reveal Bai Jue's identity. "Your Highness—"

But Bai Jue stopped him with a sharp glance. "Not here. Not now."

Chu Yan, who had finally realized the gravity of his situation, tried to make a last stand. "I don't care who you are! You can't treat me like this!"

Bai Jue's expression was icy. "Get out, and tell your father what happened. See if he can save you."

Pei Yuan and Chang Er threw Chu Yan and his lackeys out of DongBo Inn, their screams echoing down the street. The inn's patrons, who had been watching in stunned silence, erupted in applause.

As the dust settled, Bai Jue turned back to Yang Mi. "We need to talk, but not here. Can you meet me later?"

Yang Mi nodded, still dazed by the encounter. "Yes. I'll find a way."

Bai Jue released her hand reluctantly, watching her leave with Tan Qi. As she disappeared into the crowd, he felt a surge of determination. He wouldn't let her slip away again.

Back at the mansion, Yang Mi and Tan Qi discussed the events of the evening.

"That was close, my lady," Tan Qi said, shaking her head. "I can't believe Chu Yan had the nerve to try that."

Yang Mi sighed. "We need to be more careful. The capital is full of dangers, and we can't afford to draw attention."

Tan Qi nodded. "What about the man who helped us? Do you think he knows who you are?"

Yang Mi shook her head. "I don't think so. But I need to find out more about him. There's something familiar about him."

Tan Yuan entered the room, his expression concerned. "I heard what happened. Are you alright?"

Yang Mi nodded. "I'm fine, thanks to that man. But we need to stay vigilant. Our enemies is not going to back down easily."

Tan Yuan agreed. "We'll increase security and keep a close eye on any suspicious activity. We can't let our guard down."

The tension in DongBo Inn had dissipated, but the air remained charged with anticipation. Bai Jue's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as he left the inn with his entourage. The sight of Yang Mi being harassed had ignited a fire within him, and he knew that he could not let her go again. He was determined to protect her and uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

As they walked through the busy streets, Pei Yuan and Chang Er flanked him, their expressions serious.

"Your Highness, what do we do about Chu Yan?" Pei Yuan asked.

Bai Jue's eyes were steely. "We keep an eye on him. His father, the Minister of Justice, will surely try to retaliate, but we must be prepared. They won't catch us off guard."

Chang Er nodded. "And what about the girl?"

Bai Jue's expression softened slightly. "Chang Er... I need to know more about her. There's something about her that I can't ignore. We need to find out who she really is and why she was at DongBo Inn tonight."

Da Yi, who had been listening intently, added, "I can have our spies gather information on her and her household. It shouldn't take long to find out everything we need."

Bai Jue nodded, his resolve firm. "Do it. I want to know everything about her. And make sure she's safe. I don't want anything to happen to her."

As they made their way back to the palace, Bai Jue's thoughts remained fixed on Yang Mi. He replayed the evening's events in his mind, the way she had looked at him with those striking eyes, the way she had thanked him softly. He felt a deep connection to her, one that he couldn't easily explain.