Chapter 55: Murder on the Road

Ever since Liu Susu came of age, she had scarcely set foot outside her home. This time, venturing onto the city streets, everything she saw struck her as novel and wondrous.

Mei Ling’er was much the same. In the past, as an assassin, whenever she went out, it was always for important matters; she never had the leisure to notice the sights around her. Moreover, in the past half year, many inventions by Chen Mu had reached the marketplace, bringing greater convenience and amusement to common folk.

The three walked along, taking in the sights, and eventually arrived at the open fair outside the city walls.

Such fairs only appeared during the New Year, and for Chen Mu, this kind of event reminded him of temple fairs—though, of course, in this era there were no temples, so the name was inapt.

The hallmark of these open fairs was their variety—everything imaginable could be found: foods, goods, even puppies for sale.

Liu Susu and Mei Ling’er were delighted and each bought a puppy.

Chen Mu took the opportunity to teach them about raising dogs—what they could and couldn’t eat, and other care tips—so much so that even the dog seller was surprised by his knowledge.

Liu Susu and Mei Ling’er listened, astonished.

They continued strolling, and Liu Susu pointed to a stall, asking, “What’s that? Strings of red things.”

Mei Ling’er glanced over. “Sister, I know this one. It’s called candied haw, invented by our husband. I’ve tasted one myself.”

Liu Susu asked, “Is it edible? Is it tasty?”

Chen Mu laughed. “Why not try it yourself? I find it quite delicious.”

They went over, and Chen Mu bought three sticks, handing one to each. Liu Susu and Mei Ling’er ate happily, especially proud knowing it was their own husband’s invention.

Suddenly, a shout rang out ahead: “Corrupt official! Meet your fate! Today, I rid the people of a scourge!”

Chaos erupted. Shoppers and vendors scattered in panic.

Chen Mu glanced over. “Ling’er, protect Susu.”

With that, he dashed toward the commotion.

Liu Susu called after him, “Be careful, husband!”

Mei Ling’er reassured her, “Don’t worry, sister. Our husband’s martial arts are better than mine now.”

Liu Susu nodded, “Oh, that’s good.”

Mei Ling’er spoke the truth. Chen Mu had a solid foundation, and after learning the Mei family’s martial arts under her careful guidance, he’d become formidable. In addition, his time campaigning at the front had honed him further, imbuing him with a lethal aura. Now, even if Mei Ling’er fought with full strength, she was no match for him.

Chen Mu parted the crowd and saw the man responsible for the outcry. He wore coarse clothes and wielded a long sword, locked in a desperate battle against several guards.

At a glance, Chen Mu could tell the guards were no match for him. The man had denounced a corrupt official, so perhaps there was indeed a case of graft and abuse discovered by a martial citizen.

Such matters were not to be ignored by Chen Mu.

“Stop! Speak clearly—what’s going on?”

The man ignored him, continuing to attack the guards.

Chen Mu drew his sword, stepped forward, and parried the man’s blade. “Why do you kill in the street? Do you respect no law?”

Realizing Chen Mu was a skilled opponent, the man retreated two steps and shouted, “Law? What law remains in Da Xia? Only corrupt officials!”

Chen Mu glanced back. Behind the guards stood a man who looked like an official, unfamiliar to him.

The official seemed to recognize Chen Mu but hesitated—after all, he’d never heard of the Crown Prince venturing out dressed as a commoner.

He tried to confirm, “You are...”

Chen Mu shot him a glare. “Silence!”

The official’s heart skipped; he immediately understood. This must be the Crown Prince. But since the Prince forbade him from speaking, he held his tongue.

Meanwhile, seeing Chen Mu distracted, the swordsman lunged at him. With his current skills, Chen Mu could sense danger from all directions. As the man moved, Chen Mu sidestepped, parried, and neutralized the attack.

He then unleashed two swift strikes, each forceful and born from battlefield experience. After the second, the man’s sword was knocked to the ground.

Chen Mu pressed his blade to the man’s throat and asked, “Will you speak properly now?”

The man turned his face aside. “Hmph! Kill me if you must, spare me your words.”

Chen Mu lowered his sword. “I won’t kill you. Come with me to the magistrate's office.”

The man laughed bitterly. “Ha! You want to fabricate charges and execute me?”

Chen Mu grew displeased. Why did this man assume all officials were villains?

He signaled the guards. “Take him into custody.”

The guards moved forward to apprehend him, but the man raised his fists to resist.

Just then, several others leapt from the crowd.

“Brother Wang! Why didn’t you call us?”

“Haha! Fighting without us? You’ll have to treat us to drinks later!”

Chen Mu saw that all were dressed in coarse clothes, clearly commoners, each wielding a sword and speaking with the air of self-styled heroes.

They rushed forward, drawing swords against Chen Mu and the guards. Chen Mu parried, but the guards unexpectedly fled.

All the attackers now turned on Chen Mu, including the one whose sword he’d knocked away, who retrieved his weapon and joined the assault.

Caught off guard, Chen Mu found himself surrounded by five. Normally, in battle, his soldiers shielded him from such close attacks.

Now, he was encircled by five men, who coordinated their moves like an elite squad.

Chen Mu parried twice, but his opponents soon exploited a weakness, and a sword was about to strike his waist.

A chill swept through him—he feared this stroke would be fatal.

But unexpectedly, Brother Wang changed his move and blocked the attack.

“Brother Wang, what are you doing?”

He shook his head. “Don’t kill him. He spared my life earlier.”

Chen Mu was surprised—Brother Wang, despite opposing the authorities, was honorable enough to show mercy.

An older man beside Brother Wang said, “Good! Then let’s speak with him.”

Brother Wang agreed, “Alright.”

Chen Mu, alert, feinted in preparation to escape. Unfortunately, the five coordinated so well that they ignored his feint and blocked his retreat.

After two more exchanges, the older man exploited another opening, pressing his sword to Chen Mu’s throat.