“What am I even doing here?”

    The journey the next day remained as arduous as any other, this time made even more grueling by the heavy snowfall along the way. The cold wind sliced deeply, seeping into his bones. The area between his brows ached intermittently, prompting him to sit by the edge of the forest during the break, picking up a grass stem and idly chewing on it while watching the Li Region princess's tent in the distance.

    “Your Highness... We are ready to proceed at any moment.”

    Three soldiers from a secret unit in black uniforms appeared beneath the shade of the trees. Yan Shi Jin was reclining on a rock, chewing a grass stem at the left corner of his mouth, shifting it to the right before spitting it out.

    “There’s no confirmed news yet that my sister has been killed. She might still be alive. No one touches Princess Fang Ning without my command. Be prepared to adjust our plans. I might take her captive as well.”

    “Yes, Your Highness.”

    With that, the three men in black vanished as quickly as they appeared, just as Jia Wu, accompanied by other attendants, approached. Yan Shi Jin swiftly climbed up a large tree branch, his muscles taut, his form as strong as steel and as graceful as if sculpted by divine hands. He drew a hidden dagger from his shoe, ready as he watched the movements below.

    “This way, Your Highness, this way.”

    Jia Wu smiled, covertly signaling to one of the following guards with her gaze. Yan Shi Jin, who had been secretly observed from the vantage point in the tree, grew curious about the maid’s peculiar behavior.

    “Cheng Xi mentioned there’s a hot spring this way. Your highness has had a hard journey for several days. A hot bath will help relieve your aches. You haven’t slept well for many nights. This will ensure your comfort and a sound sleep tonight.”

    “That sounds good. I’ve been quite exhausted lately.”

    Yan Shi Jin heard her soft voice but hadn’t yet seen her face. Since blending in, he had to push carts out of the mud three times, cursing internally that the princess must be exceedingly plump for the cart to be so frequently stuck. When Fang Ning finally shed her hat and cloak, revealing her radiant, strikingly sweet, and fair complexion amid her attendants like stars around the moon, Yan Shi Jin literally dropped his dagger, but luckily catch it just in time.

    He had heard rumors of Princess Fang Ning’s beauty but had dismissed them as exaggerations until now. It became clear that the rumors had not overstated her allure; rather, they had undersold it. He was so stunned that he was frozen long after the princess and her attendants had walked away, realizing only then that he had been gaping.

    Good heavens!

    Yan Shi Jin’s heart raced involuntarily, nearly causing him to fall from the tree as he strained to keep watching. It was fortunate that he had resolved not to involve himself with her; otherwise, he might have leaped down to woo her like a rooster chasing a hen.

    Her moon-blessed, luminous face and her perfectly proportioned body seemed as if crafted by the heavens, especially her sweet, sorrowful doe eyes, which were strikingly captivating. She moved with a smooth, sublime grace, as though she were a vision from a dream, leaving Yan Shi Jin utterly bewildered, so much so that he muttered under his breath, an angel.

    As she passed by him, she captured his gaze completely.

    "If I had known she was this devastatingly beautiful, I would have gladly pushed the carriage day and night without a single complaint," he stretched his neck and sniffed eagerly to catch the floral fragrance emanating from her delicate skin. Yan Shi Jin knew she was going to bathe, so he refrained from any untoward involvement, though he found the posture of the guard assigned to ensure her safety quite untrustworthy.

    That guard, named Dong Yang, was a handsome young man of good family who volunteered to follow the procession and serve as the princess’s personal guard in Lian Region. Dong Yang glanced around sneakily to ensure no one was watching him, then ducked behind a bush to change into ordinary clothes and covered his face with a cloth, resembling a bandit. He then slowly crept toward the hot spring area, the thick white steam grew denser and the distant giggles of the ladies growing louder as he approached. Dong Yang’s face showed a mix of excitement and anxiety.

    As Dong Yang sweated profusely and pushed through the bushes closer to the hot springs, he suddenly felt a strong arm encircle and tighten around his neck from behind, making it difficult for him to breathe.

    "Sleep well, young one," Dong Yang gasped, his eyes widening before fading into unconsciousness. Yan Shi Jin then released Dong Yang with a troubled expression. "Why must I meddle in these mundane affairs?"

    "Dong Yang... Dong Yang..." Jia Wu whispered urgently, "I've distracted the sisters elsewhere; now the princess is alone. You can proceed."

    Jia Wu grew frustrated as Dong Yang delayed. She cursed under her breath, annoyed by the misting steam. After calling out a few more times to ensure that Dong Yang had definitely fled, she turned around irritably, only to be startled by a tall figure looming in the midst of the steam, his face obscured by a cloth like a villain.

    "Where have you vanished to? Why aren't you responding to me!" Jia Wu scolded. Yan Shi Jin, pretending to be simple and fearful, clasped his hands together in a weird salute, his voice trembling as if terrified. Jia Wu then snarled and ordered, "Get on with the plan!"

    "What plan? I... I’m so scared I’ve forgotten everything."

    "You fool," Jia Wu fumed. "Don’t you like the princess? I’ve gone out of my way to set this up for you. Everything is ready now; seize your chance and go."

    "Thank you, thank you. I will never forget this favor."

    "If you mess up, don’t worry, just don’t get caught. Tomorrow night, I’ll have you sneak into the princess's tent and hide there. I guarantee you'll have your embrace on the princess as you wish."

    "I assure you, I won’t fail."

    Yan Shi Jin smirked as he bowed. This evil maid was beautiful but ruthlessly cruel, daring to corrupt the purity of her lady so coldly. If the princess was indeed tainted by this guard’s actions, her life would be more torturous than hell itself. Lian Wang would definitely look down upon her and might even send her back. Once back in Li Region, marred by disgrace, she would have to endure a life devoid of dignity until death.

    The one who concocted this vile scheme was truly merciless. Jia Wu alone would not dare to engage in such a bold act. This suggested there must be someone else orchestrating it from behind the scenes. Who could it be... Was there someone in Li Region who Did not wish for Li Wang to ally with Lian Wang?

    As he pondered this while pushing through the bushes, his first thought was, why should he meddle in the internal affairs of Li Region at all! Alas.

    And then all thoughts escaped him.

    Fang Ning was alone, washing her hair in the middle of the hot spring, clad in a light dudou[1]. The more he looked, the more her beauty was radiant and dreamlike. As she lifted her skirt to clean her slender, fair legs quietly, Yan Shi Jin’s body involuntarily heated up beyond control.

    Heaven! His breath grew heavy, and his stomach churned. Yan Shi Jin felt as if he were in a furnace. He touched his cheek—bless the heavens, how could his cheeks be red?!

    Fang Ning was unaware of being watched. By now, the sun had set, leaving a bright red glow on the horizon—a beautiful sight for those at ease, but a symbol of impending doom for those in sorrow. Fang Ning stared longingly with a melancholy expression, her fair shoulders trembling. She raised her hands to cover her face, her silence enveloping her amid the hot spring.

    Ah… a pear blossom now drenched in rain[2]. He listened silently from the shadows, not intending to reveal himself.

    The lanterns hanging on the branches cast a soft light, emphasizing her poignant beauty even more. Yan Shi Jin kept silent, merely keeping her company, until at last, she wiped the tears from her cheeks with a determined look and hastily tied up her hair, revealing a tempting neck. He was so mesmerized that he slipped and fell into the hot spring.

    Splash!

    As he emerged to the surface, the cloth covering his face had disappeared. His eyes widened in shock, but she was even more startled. Yan Shi Jin tried to muster an alluring smile, but her fear made her stagger backward, nearly falling, her skin as fair as snow blushing beautifully.

    Fang Ning, of course, did not recognize him. Those commanding eyes held such authority that she was stunned, her whole body seemingly spellbound by his intense gaze... fierce, rough... She was speechless, only the fiery intensity in his eyes piercing her senses.

    He did not move, appearing as if wrestling with something within. Her lips were red like ripe fruit, her bosom taut like a blooming lotus, even the moon seemed pale compared to her radiance. Fang Ning was in shock, only realizing when a cold breeze caressed her smooth skin that this man was staring intently at her.

    The young man moved slowly through the water. Fang Ning grew more frightened and hurriedly covered her nearly bare body. Yan Shi Jin let out a groan, his raspy voice increasing her trepidation.

    While struggling in awkward, the young man's gaze suddenly turned fierce. He lunged forward, seizing her neck and flinging her to the side.

    Fang Ning didn’t dare make a sound, not even a whimper.

    In the dark shadows, a beast emerged at the edge of the moonlight, revealing its striped patterns. It was a hungry tiger, ready to hunt, requiring at least one deer or wild boar each week. Its forelimbs and shoulders were strong enough to easily bring down a wild ox three times its size, while its sharp fangs and powerful jaws could kill prey in the blink of an eye. If he had not grabbed her just now, its claws would have already torn her soul away.

    “Th…thank you.”

    Yan Shi Jin did not acknowledge her thanks, nor did he even turn to face her. He and the hungry tiger were locked in a fierce stare-down, his brows furrowed as if in pain. The more he got involved with her, the more he irritated himself. He still didn’t know whether his younger sister was alive or dead. Wouldn’t he be pleased if a princess of Li Region were to die in retribution? And yet, why did he reach out to save her?

    “Screech!”

    Jun Yi and Jun Qiang, the sisters, heard the noise and ran in, unaware of what they were about to encounter. They faced the massive tiger and immediately fainted, collapsing instantly. Yan Shi Jin glanced at Fang Ning behind him, who, despite trembling in fear with pale lips, bravely stared back at the fierce tiger. He chuckled softly, surprised at her courage.

    “Beautiful lady, hide behind the tree and make no noise.”

    Fang Ning looked up at the man who issued the command. He wore simple clothes with no symbols of status, but his charismatic presence was captivating. His muscular frame was filled with a vibrant energy, and his deep, dark eyes were as intense as a raging storm, making him appear formidable. She had no reason to contest his command, so she hid behind the tree. However, Jun Yi and Jun Qiang lay unconscious near the tiger; they would surely die if he didn’t help.

    “Save them first, hurry.”

    “I don’t take orders from anyone.” The tall man deliberately provoked with a hideous smile, standing with his arms crossed, letting the hungry tiger approach the unfortunate pair. Fang Ning then jumped out from behind the tree, attempting to run forward, but found herself lifted off the ground.

    Upon looking down, she realized one strong, robust arm was wrapped around her waist.

    “Are you going to add the meal for the tiger, beautiful lady?”

    “Stop calling me that. If you won’t help, then step aside. I’ll go save my people.”

    “You can’t save them. Consider it their bad luck.”

    “Let me go this instant.” Fang Ning struggled and screamed as the tiger circled around Jun Yi. Yan Shi Jin chuckled at her brave heart; she trembled like a little bird yet insisted on showing no fear. She must have completely forgotten that she was revealing her body in front of this rugged man. Yan Shi Jin then pulled her close against his chest, feeling an indescribable joy.

    “Alright, alright. I’ll offer my help to the beautiful lady with all my might, just...”

    “Just what?”

    “Just a single kiss from the beautiful lady.”

    "You vile thief." Fang Ning began to seethe with anger. Never in her life had anyone dared to insult her so crudely. She had never imagined having to face both a thief and a tiger at the same time. Her heart pounded with fear as she struggled with all her might.

    "Stay still," he whispered intensely as she tried to push him away. Fang Ning stiffened immediately, feeling the full, intense heat of his masculine form. He was much taller than her, and her panicked eyes could only fixate on his firm chest. The light from a small lantern bathed his large, muscular figure.

    "One kiss for two lives. It’s more than worth it. Please, make your decision quickly."

    "No."

    "Then they will be bitten to death by the tiger."

    "You are the worst, utterly despicable." His lips curling into a smile as she fumbled awkwardly, finding her blushing cheeks increasingly endearing. Fang Ning looked up into his eyes but was startled when Yan Shi Jin leaned down to wait for the kiss with perfect timing.

    "How can I be sure that a thief like you will keep your word?"

    "Kiss me, and I will help."

    He commanded firmly, giving no room for negotiation. Fang Ning still hesitated, but eventually complied in silence.

    She took a deep breath and placed her trembling hand on his broad, muscular shoulder. Merely touching him made her flinch, her skin flushing down to her slender fingertips. She shut her eyes tightly and tiptoed, holding her breath to plant a kiss. Just a touch of the lips, a spark of intense heat ignited instantly. Unaware of what to do next, she quickly pulled away.

    "I’ve done what you asked. Please, help them now."

    "Alright," Yan Shi Jin grinned. She had closed her eyes and ended up kissing the tip of his nose instead. He felt a little vindication was justified, considering what her brother had done. "For the sake of those soft lips, this vile thief will concede this time."

    "Please, help them quickly."

    "Okay."

    As the tiger was about to maul Jun Yi, Yan Shi Jin quickly drew its attention by whistling. His strong hand flickered faster than the eye could follow, and a dagger flew straight, striking the tiger's eye with precision. The beast roared in pain and turned to face him, its eyes blazing with rage. The young man didn’t waste words, pulling his sword from his waist and charging at the tiger like a man possessed.

    "Be careful!"

    Fang Ning screamed, not remembering exactly how he subdued the fierce tiger. All she knew was that he leapt high like a majestic eagle, the blade of his sword catching a glint of light from the lantern. The ferocious tiger froze, then staggered and fell, lifeless.

    He stood majestically before her as he returned his weapon to its place, his face half-shrouded in shadow, impeccably handsome and more dangerous-looking, like a fearsome hunter. This man exuded an unbelievable warrior aura. With strong hands, he pulled the dagger from his prey’s eye and quickly skinned the tiger until he had a large, flawlessly patterned hide, highly valuable. Yan Shi Jin was only interested in trading the tiger skin for some good liquor, at least enough to enjoy a drink.

    "You…Are you hurt?"

    "Not at all."

    "My men are outside; could you please call them in?"

    "I take orders from no one."

    "But I... I did what you asked."

    "Ah… you mean that awkward kiss? If you want my service, you must trade something for it."

    "I have no money on me now, but I assure you, if you escort me to the caravan, I will reward you handsomely."

    "I didn’t say I wanted money," Yan Shi Jin folded his arms. Her large eyes revealing a hint of curiosity about what he wanted. Her bare shoulders shivered with the cold wind, her thin dudou and soggy underskirt clinging to her body, giving him the chance to appraise every perfect inch of her. The faint light from a small lantern and the steam softly swirling around her delicate skin emphasized her beauty, making him catch his breath.

    "Beautiful lady, this forest is full of hungry tigers, and you bathe alone here without fear?"

    He spoke evenly, his tone underscoring the danger. Bloodstains and the scent of the tiger made her dizzy. His face was ruggedly handsome, his jaw shaded by a thick stubble, and his eyes... Fang Ning was instantly alert when she met his sharp, predatory gaze, making her unsure if he was a man or a disguised tiger.

    "Beautiful lady, is there anything else I can do to satisfy you?"

    "I..."

    "I can take you to places you've only dreamed of. Would you like to come with me?"

    He advanced, she retreated.

    "If I desire your sweetness as compensation, beautiful lady, even if you command me to pluck the moon from the sky for you, I’d gladly do it." She had never encountered such a bold stare and stood frozen, letting this tall man roam her body with his eyes. He stared directly at her full chest and smirked boorishly, then suddenly stood right before her, leaning his lips down as if to harass her further. Fang Ning trembled with fear.

    "Don't..."

    "Your Highness!" Jia Wu rushed in, her face pale with fright, blocking her with all her might, and quickly draped her coat over the princess, just as Dong Yang staggered in from another direction. Jia Wu glared at Dong Yang as if ready to devour him, then turned and shouted at the stranger.

    "Who are you, daring to harm Princess Fang Ning of Li Region?!"

    Yan Shi Jin straightened to his full height, his dark eyes shimmering menacingly, enough to intimidate. "I am merely a hunter passing through."

    "Lies, he is a thief," Fang Ning, regaining her senses, cried out. Dong Yang, already disliking this coarse wilderness hunter, hurried forward to arrest him, aiming to impress the princess. However, Yan Shi Jin just smirked coldly, having enjoyed the sweet scent of her hair earlier which had put him in a good mood. With his hands clasped behind his back, he easily sidestepped Dong Yang, who seemed to be grasping at air alone.

    Dong Yang grew weary and was further unnerved by Yan Shi Jin's grim face. Eventually, Dong Yang stumbled and fell, and Yan Shi Jin stepped on his back with such force that Dong Yang nearly spat blood.

    "To think you're a princess, yet repay kindness in this way," he feigned outrage. Fang Ning faltered, knowing she had acted wrongly.

    "Thank you for saving me and my men. What do you desire in return? If it's within my power, I will not hesitate."

    "I can fend for myself, so I don’t want anything from you, beautiful lady. I just need to get to Han San[3] to sell this tiger skin."

    She paused before deciding something.

    "What is your name?"

    "You may call me... A’Jin."

    Heat radiated from his robust frame, seeping through his fierce, wolf-like eyes. Fang Ning told herself to stay composed.

    "A’Jin... you are skilled. I am also headed to Han San," Fang Ning decided to meet his gaze directly, despite feeling as if he was invading her with his look. "My head guard is unavailable. I wish to hire you for three taels of gold to escort me to Han San."

    "You would hire me for such a large sum?" Yan Shi Jin feigned surprise. A single tael of gold was enough to support a villager's family of five for a month, and she was offering three for a short escort job—not bad. But Yan Shi Jin shook his head with a teasing smile.

    "My mother taught me never to trust a beautiful woman. The more beautiful, the less trustworthy. You have plenty of soldiers; you don't need to hire an ordinary hunter like me. Are you hiding something? I am not a fool, beautiful lady."

    "You are no ordinary man, I know," they locked eyes, and Yan Shi Jin playfully brushed his nose with his thumb.

    "Unless you give a reason, I will not agree."

    "You! So rude and unscrupulous!" Jia Wu glared, but Yan Shi Jin was actually negotiating with the beautiful princess. He hefted the tiger carcass onto his broad shoulders, ready to leave with an air of indifference. Fang Ning needed a capable person, thus she reluctantly disclosed,

    "I fear we might be ambushed by the Yan Region during our journey."

    Yan Shi Jin laughed, a sound both perilous and heavy, "This is no easy task, three taels of gold is too little, I ask for fifteen."

    "So impolite! Your Highness, we already have Cheng Xi to oversee our journey, there's no need to demean ourselves by negotiating with such a vulgar lowlife," Jia Wu, frustrated and angry that this hunter had thwarted their plans, vented her full emotion. But Fang Ning, not wanting to prolong the matter, issued a decisive command.

    "I will give twenty taels of gold, I hope that resolves any issues."

    "No issues," Yan Shi Jin boldly approached and stopped before the beautiful woman, then kneeled to accept her as his master. A rugged man like him deliberately used his piercing, dangerously charming eyes to stare at hers directly, causing Fang Ning to sense the intense yet enticing danger emanating from those sharp eyes. The eyes of the brawny man, now prostrated at her feet.

    "I am uneducated, beautiful lady, please do not take offense. With my honor, from now on, I will protect and care for you."

    "Good, and it would be even better if you would stop harassing me with such remarks." Fang Ning decided to subdue the man by pulling her dagger and pointed at his thick neck. The sharp tip pierced deep enough to draw blood. Yan Shi Jin internally moaned, surprised that such a sweet-looking woman could be so fierce. He decided not to tease her any further, putting on a pained expression, raising both arms in surrender.

    "I will not do it again, I dare not."

    "Remember your own words."

    "I remember, I remember, beautiful... ah, I mean, I remember, Your Highness." Fang Ning withdrew the knife from the young man's neck, her brow furrowed as if in deep thought, then turned back to her lodging with Jia Wu following. The evil maid sent a disdainful glance at Dong Yang and gave a commanding look, so the young guard could only carry Jun Yi and Jun Qing and follow miserably behind. Yan Shi Jin then whistled relaxedly, casually flicking his nose with his thumb.

    "The beautiful lady is quite formidable, very interesting indeed."

[1] A dudou is a traditional Chinese article of clothing that covers the front of the torso, originally worn as an undershirt with medicinal properties.

[2] A crying beautiful lady

[3] Capital city of Lian Region