Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Entering Luoyang

After a day and a night, the two finally arrived in Luoyang. Qiu Ling steered the horse inside and to an inn. After tying the horse to the hitching post, she drew the curtain aside.

Li Yingshan leaned forward and asked, "Will you go settle us a room?"

She nodded. Taking the purse with their remaining money in it, she headed inside while Li Yingshan remained inside the carriage. Once Qiu Ling had come back out, she scooted out onto the step. Just then, a few whistles echoed. Turning her head, Li Yingshan watched as three men approached them.

"What are two young ladies such as yourselves doing here?" one of the men asked.

Qiu Ling opened her mouth to speak, but Li Yingshan held up her hand, stopping her. Her gaze returned to the three men. Though she was still young, she wasn't completely naïve.

"Gentlemen," her soft, sultry voice rang out. "We're just passing by. There's no need to worry about us."

The men drew closer, and Qiu Ling inched towards Li Yingshan. She began to sense the danger and was ready to protect her Lady.

"But two pretty girls such as yourselves? All alone?"

Li Yingshan's eyes narrowed. "We can hold our own."

The threat was evident in her cold tone. But the men thought she was putting up a front. They laughed and reached out.

The boldness! In broad daylight! Li Yingshan thought.

In a flash, she flicked her wrist. Though she no longer had her martial arts, her aim was still accurate. The needles hit the men's acupoints, temporarily paralyzing them. Their eyes widened.

"A martial artist?!" they gasped.

She raised her chin haughtily. "Yes, that's right."

Turning to look at her maid, she said, "Qiu Ling, help me down."

"Yes, my Lady."

Qiu Ling set up the wheelchair and helped Li Yingshan into it. When the men realized she was invalided, they scorned her.

"Who knew you were cursed. We don't want anything to do with you!"

"Qiu Ling, get the needles." Li Yingshan glanced at the men. "If you touch my maid in any way, I will kill you."

Qiu Ling retrieved the needles with no problem. Once the men could feel their limbs again, they took off running. Sighing, Li Yingshan shook her head.

"This is the trouble of the capital, it seems. Come on, let's go inside."

Qiu Ling wheeled her inside and waved over a server. "I've already paid for a room. I can help my Lady up the stairs, but if you could carry up the chair?"

The server nodded and picked up the wheelchair once Qiu Ling had hold of Li Yingshan. They all headed upstairs to the room. Once they were on the upper balcony, Li Yingshan sat back down in her chair. She nodded towards the server in thanks. Qiu Ling rolled her into the room and stopped in shock.

Sitting in the room, was a man in elegant yellow clothes. He was sipping a cup of tea and turned to look at them. When he saw Li Yingshan's state, his eyes widened. He set down the cup of tea and stood.

"Who knew that Third Young Lady Li had suffered such a fate?"

Her eyes softened. "Long time no see, Your Highness."

"I suppose I've shocked your maid." He glanced at Qiu Ling. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the Seventh Prince, Chen Kai陈凯 chén kǎi - given name meaning "Victory" or "Triumphant"."

Qiu Ling stammered as she bowed, "I- it's an honor, Your Highness."

He smiled and glanced back to Li Yingshan. "Third Young Lady Li, your predicament hasn't reached the ears of the capital. You're safe here."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I really appreciate it."

"Of course. I owed you a favor. I was happy to be of help to you." He looked around and asked, "How long do you plan on staying here?"

"This is only temporary. I'll find a more permanent situation soon."

"If you need my help, I can set you up in a residence."

She shook her head. "You've already done more than I asked. Thank you, but I'd like to find my own way in the world."

He chuckled, "You always were so headstrong. Alright, I'll let you settle in. Do you mind if I come by in a few days to check on you?"

She shook her head. "Not at all. The company would be much appreciated."

He bowed his head and took his leave. Once he was gone, Qiu Ling wheeled her over to the table and pulled one chair away. As she poured a cup of tea, her curiosity overflowed.

"My Lady, how do you know the Seventh Prince?"

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"It was a few years ago, around the time of the annual Spring Hunt. They had come near Longxin City. Seventh Prince, though he had a childhood ailment, insisted on hunting. I happened to be in the area and saved him from a rogue stag that was angry. We kept in correspondence after that. He always offered me a favor for saving his life. Now, I've collected on that favor. We're even."

"How didn't I know this, my Lady?"

There's many things you don't know, Qiu Ling.

Li Yingshan shrugged and took a sip of the hot oolong tea. "I didn't think it was necessary for everyone to know I was acquainted with His Highness."

"My Lady?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you really trust one of the Royal Princes?"

Li Yingshan pondered it. "I think for now, it's fine. We're still new to the capital. We need someone who can guide us. He's been good to me so far. Let's trust him."

"What's your plan for the future?"

"That... I'm not as sure about. I was mainly focused on just getting to Luoyang. Now, we can figure things out slowly. Father won't easily find us here."

Qiu Ling sat down at the table. "What can women do in the capital?"

"There's more options here than anywhere else. Why do you think I chose the capital?" Li Yingshan gently chided with a smile on her lips. "I did think about this before I proposed leaving. We could start a small business or find a job somewhere. I'm much more limited than you because of my legs."

"I'll look around tomorrow."

"Take me with you. I don't want you going out alone. Not after today."

"Yes, my Lady." Qiu Ling bowed her head. She knew Li Yingshan was overly protective of her.

"Don't worry, we'll fit in here eventually. It will just take some time."

Li Yingshan turned her wheelchair and rolled herself over to the small balcony. She looked out over the busy streets of Luoyang. The happiness of freedom sparkled in her eyes.

Luoyang, what do you hold for us? How will my life evolve next?

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it, my Lady."

Qiu Ling stood and walked over to the door. She slid it open to reveal a young, teenage boy. He held out a rolled up piece of paper. She looked down at it.

"What is that?"

"This is for the Goddess."

"Wait, who?"

"Me."

Li Yingshan turned her wheelchair around. "Bring it here, Qiu Ling."

Her maid could only obey. After handing the paper over, she said, "I don't understand."

"What's your name?" Li Yingshan looked up and asked the boy.

He smiled and replied, "I'm called Han Shaolei韩捎雷 hán shāoléi - given name meaning "To Bring Thunder"."

"Good work. Go on back now."

He bowed respectfully. "Yes, Goddess."

Li Yingshan looked at her maid. "Let me explain."

Qiu Ling wheeled her back to the table and sat down next to her. Li Yingshan took a deep breath and sighed.

"About two years ago, I made a name for myself in the Jianghu. Relying on contacts and favors, I began to create a network of martial artists. This network was used to gather intelligence and reports on the events going on in the world. After these two years, I now have connections in every major city and many of the smaller towns as well. Anyone who is a part of or knows of my network all call me Goddess. That was not my choice. They designated the epithet for me."

"My Lady, what is this network?"

"It's called Moonlight Pagoda."

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