Chapter 7

As Lu Hua, Beihe, and Fuquan were enjoying their meal, a group of loud young men walked into the restaurant. They were dressed in fancy clothes and seemed quite full of themselves. The leader of the group, a tall young man with sharp features, noticed Lu Hua right away. His eyes lit up as he confidently walked over, followed by his friends who were smirking.

"What have we stumbled upon here?" the leader remarked, leaning casually against their table with a confident smirk. "A lovely lady gracing this humble establishment."

Lu Hua casually continued slurping her noodles, only giving a brief glance in his direction. "Hm."

His companions erupted into laughter, but the leader simply grinned broader, unruffled. He tilted his head, observing her. "I couldn't help but notice you, even in your simple attire. There's a grace about you—like a hidden treasure."

Lu Hua put down her chopsticks with deliberate care and turned to him, her face a mask of sarcasm. "If you're handing out compliments, I appreciate them—though I'd prefer them from someone more visually appealing."

The young man blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sharp wit. His friends burst into laughter once more, this time at his expense. His expression darkened slightly before he leaned in closer. "You're quite entertaining. I find that intriguing. Are you married?"

Lu Hua pretended to ponder, tapping her chin. "Hmm, let me see... Oh! I remember now—I was married, but my ex-husband left me because he heard I was not pleasing to look at." She exaggeratedly motioned to herself. "It's truly tragic, isn't it?"

The young man chuckled, charmed by her humor. "Then he's a fool. A woman like you should be cherished." He stood a little taller. "As for me, I am in search of a partner. Maybe fate has brought us together?"

Lu Hua gave the young man a slow, unamused look. "Seems like fate must have had too much to drink then."

His friends erupted in laughter, and even Beihe and Fuquan couldn't hold back their giggles. The leader's face flushed with embarrassment, his patience wearing thin.

Suddenly, a cold voice pierced through the laughter.

"Enough."

All eyes turned towards Rong Xianzong, his expression stern and authoritative. It was evident that he had caught wind of the conversation and now approached with purpose, his mere presence silencing the group.

The leader of the group straightened up at the sight of Xianzong. "Ah, Young Master Rong! What brings you here?" he inquired, showing respect.

Ignoring the question, Xianzong locked eyes with the young man. "You're causing a disturbance. Leave the lady alone," he commanded firmly.

The leader scoffed dismissively. "And why should I? We're just having a friendly conversation," he retorted, trying to defend his actions.

Xianzong's expression remained firm as he responded, his eyes narrowing. "She clearly has no interest in you. Have some dignity and walk away," he advised, his tone unwavering.

Lu Hua observed the exchange with a hint of amusement. Oh? The ex-husband is playing hero? How ironic, she thought to herself.

The young man, clearly taken aback by Xianzong's authoritative presence, bristled but eventually relented. "Tch. Fine," he muttered, shooting Lu Hua one last look before signaling for his friends to follow him out.

After the group had left, Xianzong turned towards Lu Hua, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?" he inquired softly.

Lu Hua blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by his unexpected question.

Beihe and Fuquan exchanged wide-eyed glances, unsure of how to react, while Lu Hua maintained a sweet smile. "Oh, I was perfectly fine handling it myself, but thank you for the heroic intervention," she replied graciously.

Xianzong's frown deepened slightly at her tone, but he nodded in understanding. "Be careful. Men like that don't take rejection well," he warned, his voice tinged with a hint of caution.

Lin Daiyu hurried over, tugging at his sleeve urgently.

"Brother Xianzong! What are you doing? We need to go!" she whined, shooting Lu Hua a suspicious glare.

Xianzong hesitated for a moment, then offered Lu Hua a brief nod before allowing Daiyu to pull him away.

Once they were out of earshot, Beihe and Fuquan began exchanging excited whispers.

"Dear lady! He didn't recognize you!" Beihe gasped in surprise.

Fuquan theatrically fanned himself, exclaiming, "Oh, the irony! The man who divorced you for being ugly just defended you without realizing who you are!"

Lu Hua rolled her eyes. "Of course he didn't recognize me. He didn't even lift my veil on our wedding night. Why would he know who I am now?"

After their meal, Lu Hua, Beihe, and Fuquan leisurely wandered through the vibrant night market illuminated by lanterns, filling the atmosphere with a warm glow. The aroma of roasted chestnuts, sizzling meats, and sweet candied fruits hung heavy in the air, enticing the senses. Merchants excitedly advertised their goods, creating a lively cacophony of sounds.

Despite her attempts to remain inconspicuous by keeping her head slightly lowered, Lu Hua's natural beauty still drew the gaze of those around her, even in her plain blue hanfu with minimal embellishments.

A fruit vendor, an elderly man with a kind smile, motioned for Lu Hua to approach him. "Young miss! Try a persimmon—sweet as honey, just picked today!"

Initially hesitant, Lu Hua found herself holding a freshly peeled persimmon handed to her by the vendor. "For you, no charge," he insisted.

"Oh, I couldn't—" she began, but the man simply chuckled and said, "Nonsense! A beauty like you brings good fortune to my stall!" dismissing her protests.

Beihe and Fuquan shared a knowing look as Lu Hua took a bite of the fruit, its sweetness exploding on her taste buds. Grateful, she offered a slight bow of thanks before continuing on their way.

The same scenario unfolded repeatedly at nearly every stall they passed.

A jewelry seller pressed a delicate hairpin into her hands, insisting, "This would suit you perfectly—take it, take it!"

A tea merchant urged her to try his finest blend without payment. "Just seeing you enjoy it is enough," he said warmly.

Even a stern-looking noodle vendor softened as she approached, offering a comforting bowl of steaming beef noodles. "Eat. You're too thin," he grumbled, but his eyes held a hint of kindness.

Lu Hua, puzzled yet entertained by the attention, turned to Beihe and Fuquan. "Is this usual?"

Fuquan, fanning himself theatrically, quipped, "Only for someone as captivating as you, my lady."

Beihe chuckled. "They must think you're a noble's daughter in disguise!"

Lu Hua sighed softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

As they strolled further, a crowd had gathered around a storyteller, his lively gestures captivating his audience. Lu Hua lingered at the edge, listening intently as he wove a tale about a mythical beauty who descended from the heavens.

"And when she walked, flowers bloomed in her footsteps!" the storyteller proclaimed.

A young girl in the crowd pointed directly at Lu Hua. "Like her!"

The assembled onlookers turned their gaze towards her in wonder. Fuquan promptly guided the two away from the crowd.

Rubbing her temples, Lu Hua suggested, "We should head back before someone from the palace realizes I'm not in my room."

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

"You there—wait!"

Lu Hua turned to see the same group of young men from the restaurant, their leader striding toward her with a determined look.

Beihe tensed. "Not them again..."

The young man stopped before her, his earlier arrogance replaced with something softer—almost earnest. "I never got your name."

Lu Hua arched a brow. "And you never will."

He laughed, undeterred. "At least tell me where you're from."

"I'm from none of your business," she replied.

His friends snickered, but the leader only grinned. "Feisty. I like that." He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small jade pendant. "Here. A gift."

Lu Hua didn't take it. "I don't accept things from strangers."

"Then let's not be strangers." He stepped closer. "I'm He Changying, heir to the He merchant family. And you are—?"

Before Lu Hua could respond, a shadow fell over them.

"She's not interested."

Rong Xianzong stood there, his arms crossed, his expression icy.

He Changying scowled. "You again? What, is she yours?"

Xianzong's jaw tightened. "No. But that doesn't mean you can harass her."

Beihe tugged at her sleeve. "My lady, we really should go."

Lu Hua nodded and slipped away from the two men who were bickering.

As they melted back into the crowd, Fuquan whispered, "Do you think Xianzong suspects who you are?"

Lu Hua shook her head. "No. And let's keep it that way."

The trio slipped back into the palace under the cover of darkness, their footsteps light and cautious as they navigated the quiet corridors. The moon cast long shadows across the polished floors, and the only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of the night breeze through the courtyard trees.

Beihe let out a quiet sigh of relief as they reached Lu Hua's chambers. "We made it!" she whispered, pressing a hand to her chest.

Fuquan fanned himself dramatically, though his shoulders sagged with exhaustion. "Aiyah, my heart was pounding the entire way! If the Empress found out we snuck out—"

Lu Hua shook her head, cutting him off with a soft laugh. "No one saw us. We're safe." She turned to them both, her expression warm. "Thank you for coming with me tonight. I had fun."

Beihe beamed. "It was exciting! And the vendors were so kind to you, my lady!"

Lu Hua smiled, but there was no arrogance in it—just quiet gratitude. "People are kinder than I expected."

Fuquan tilted his head, studying her. "You are kind, my lady. That's why they liked you."

Lu Hua blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. She wasn't used to such compliments—not genuine ones, anyways. In the palace, praise was often laced with hidden motives. But tonight, for the first time, she had simply been herself, and people had responded to that.

Lu Hua bashfully lowered her gaze, a hint of pink spreading across her cheeks. "I'm relieved I didn't cause any trouble," she admitted softly.

Beihe chuckled, her eyes shining with mischief. "Oh, trouble you caused, just not the trouble we expected! Those boys never saw it coming!"

Fuquan grinned knowingly. "It's a good thing Xianzong didn't recognize you. That would've been quite the predicament."

Lu Hua let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing. "Let's hope he never does," she murmured, her expression a mix of relief and apprehension.

After saying goodnight to her newfound friends, Lu Hua changed into her sleeping attire and settled into bed. The events of the evening played back in her mind—the laughter, the delicious food, and the unexpected kindness she had received from strangers.

As she closed her eyes, a small, satisfied smile graced her lips.

Perhaps this place wouldn't be so bad after all.