Chapter 7: Relying on One's Father

Tang Chaochao had just returned to the courtyard prepared for her by Song Rongzhi when a maid came with a message, saying that a guard from the General’s side was there to see her.

She raised an eyebrow and let the person in. Tang Shan bowed, handed a list of names to Tang Chaochao, and explained the reason behind it. Tang Chaochao felt that calling him "Father" had not been in vain. Looking at the list in her hand, it was clear that her biological father had been investigating after all; he simply could not do so openly. Tang Chaochao realized that even if she did nothing, her father would likely deal with these people himself. However, Tang Wu could only act in the shadows, while she could move in the light.

Tang Chaochao glanced at the names and asked, "Do you know their current whereabouts?"

Tang Shan handed her a small booklet. Tang Chaochao flipped through it and noted how incredibly detailed it was. It not only contained their addresses but also their social networks and their reasons for coming from the capital. She placed the booklet on the table, signaling that she understood, and let Tang Shan know he could leave. Tang Shan wanted to mention that the General had ordered him to assist the Second Miss whenever appropriate, but Tang Chaochao waved him away.

"Not necessary, just go." Was the old man foolish? He couldn't just send his personal bodyguard to help her. Wasn't that essentially telling everyone that everything she did had Tang Wu’s approval? Tang Wu, unaware that his daughter would reject his most capable subordinate, simply offered a helpless smile when he found out later.

The next day, following Song Rongzhi’s endless instructions, Tang Chaochao finally managed to step out of the General’s residence. The people of Hua City knew that a Second Miss had returned to the General’s mansion, but very few had actually seen Tang Chaochao. As for Tang Mumu, she had always been a sheltered woman of noble birth; although her talent was well-known, she rarely left the estate. Whenever she did go out, she traveled by carriage, so few had seen her, save for the wives and daughters of other officials in Hua City. Furthermore, with Tang Chaochao dressed in a Taoist robe, no one would associate her with the General’s daughter.

To the eyes of others, she was merely a young Taoist nun from some temple who had come down the mountain to buy supplies. Yet, despite her simple attire, the grace and beauty on her clear, refined face could not be hidden, drawing many side-glances. Among those watching was Xu Jiaye, the son of Magistrate Xu Huairen, who had been stranded in Hua City while on official business. It was this same Xu Huairen who had been sent by the Emperor to deliver the luminous pearl. Traveling with him were his son and a niece, Xu Luowan. Xu Huairen was also the first person on Tang Chaochao’s list of suspects.

She had intended to go straight to find Xu Huairen today, but someone blocked her path. Since arriving in Hua City, Xu Jiaye had been dissatisfied with everything. Compared to the prosperity of the capital, this border town felt like a wild, rural wasteland. However, General Tang, who guarded this place, held great authority and a top-tier official rank. As the son of a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Xu Jiaye dared not act recklessly here. The General had claimed that spies had infiltrated Hua City, and to ensure everyone’s safety, it was best not to leave the city until the culprits were found. Xu Huairen was a man who valued his life dearly; upon hearing this, despite his doubts, he found it reasonable to stay for a while to ensure his own survival. Xu Jiaye, however, found Hua City too boring and spent his days wandering the streets with nothing to do.

When Tang Chaochao passed him by, Xu Jiaye’s eyes suddenly lit up. He had seen Taoist nuns before, but never one as beautiful as this. He turned and took a few quick steps to block her path. "Little nun, you are truly exquisite. It’s such a pity to be a nun. Why not come with me? I’ll make sure you live a life of luxury, how about that?"

Tang Chaochao raised an eyebrow. Who was this idiot, and what kind of treasure was he? She ignored him and stepped aside, intending to leave. But Xu Jiaye was relentless, reaching out to grab her sleeve. Tang Chaochao would never let such a scoundrel touch her. With a swift movement, she side-stepped and delivered a fierce kick to his chest. In an instant, Xu Jiaye was sent flying several meters, tumbling like a toad onto the ground. Dealing with a commoner, Tang Chaochao did not use her internal energy; otherwise, that single kick would have cost him his life.

Xu Jiaye felt dizzy, his entire body burning with pain. The commotion drew a crowd of onlookers who began to whisper and point. "To harass even a nun—is this young master not being too unprincipled?" "Exactly!" "He deserves the beating!" The voices of reproach were incessant, making Xu Jiaye’s face flush red and then pale. Lying on the ground, he gnashed his teeth in anger, glaring at Tang Chaochao, thinking she didn't know what was good for her. Being noticed by him was her fortune; how dare she kick him? If he didn't drag this little nun back and teach her a lesson today, he, Xu Jiaye, would not let it go.

Seeing their master kicked away, his servants finally reacted and rushed forward to help him up. "Are you all dead? Your master has been kicked! A bunch of useless trash!" Xu Jiaye angrily shook off their hands and scrambled to his feet. Clutching his still-aching backside, he pointed at Tang Chaochao and commanded, "Grab her! She dared to hit me—today I will peel the skin off her!"

"A little chili pepper who knows martial arts? I like it! Get her!"

As the lackeys approached, Tang Chaochao scoffed at their arrogance. Surrounded by four or five of them, Xu Jiaye felt that capturing her was a sure thing, and his voice grew even more arrogant. "You stinking girl! Do you know who I am? Let me tell you, my father is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Xu Huairen! You dared to hit me; you’re tired of living, do you hear me?"

Since ancient times, commoners did not fight against officials. The onlookers, who had initially felt that the bullying of a nun was outrageous, fell silent the moment they heard this. Xu Jiaye saw their reaction and smiled with satisfaction.

A cold, clear voice suddenly cut through the air. "You say your father is Xu Huairen?"

Xu Jiaye looked toward the sound and saw it was the little nun. Thinking she was finally afraid, he straightened his back and said, "So you’ve heard of my father’s name? Afraid now? But it’s too late, unless you... hehe! Hehe!" He didn't finish his sentence, but his rubbing hands made his intentions clear to everyone.

Tang Chaochao suddenly grinned. "Heh—since you are Xu Huairen’s son, then I’m sorry!"

Before Xu Jiaye could process her words, he heard several screams. He didn't even see Tang Chaochao move, but his servants were instantly scattered like tattered rags, sent flying through the air and landing on the ground, groaning in agony. As Tang Chaochao walked slowly toward him, the smile on her face made Xu Jiaye feel as though he were seeing a ghost. His legs began to tremble uncontrollably; this was no mere martial artist—she was a master. He wanted to run, but he realized the path behind him had long been blocked by the onlookers.

Xu Jiaye turned with a miserable expression. "Grandma, I know I was wrong. Can you let me go? My father is Xu Huairen; if you hit me, you won't get away with it."

Tang Chaochao raised an eyebrow and blew on her small fist. "To use your own words: it’s too late! And you want to boast about your father to me? Remember, the father of your 'Grandpa Chao' is named Tang Wu!"

As she spoke, a rain of punches landed all over Xu Jiaye. Screams echoed continuously. The onlookers felt a shiver down their spines. Someone shouted, "Could this little nun be the Second Miss of General Tang’s family?" In all of Hua City, who else could be named Tang Wu?

"Grandma! Grandpa Chao! I was wrong! Ah! Don't hit my face!" The murmurs of the crowd and the wails of Xu Jiaye echoed through the busy marketplace for a long time.