Chapter Eighteen: The Lifesaving Outhouse

The palace maid promptly withdrew, and before long, Shangguan Ya’er was brought into the imperial study.

Dressed in a simple blue robe, she stood tall and poised, her clear and cold features exuding an air of dignity yet retaining a subtle liveliness.

Upon seeing Cheng Lingyu, she respectfully bowed, “Your Majesty, do you require this humble servant?”

Cheng Lingyu turned to face her, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Ya’er, I have a matter for you to handle.”

Shangguan Ya’er blinked slightly, then composed herself and responded calmly, “Please command, Your Majesty.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled softly and approached her, a teasing tone coloring her voice. “Have you heard about Chu Nan’s actions earlier today in front of the Yang residence?”

Shangguan Ya’er was momentarily taken aback but replied quietly, “I have heard some whispers. It is said that Chu Nan publicly tore up his marriage contract with Miss Yang, disgracing the Yang family and causing a scandal that has spread throughout the capital.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded lightly, a trace of approval shining in her eyes. “Chu Nan’s boldness is truly admirable. To break off an engagement in front of the Yang family’s gate—such courage surpasses that of countless scholars in the capital.”

“That haughty attitude of the Yang family indeed deserves to be challenged,” she added.

Shangguan Ya’er lowered her gaze slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing her eyes. She understood Chu Nan’s bravery, but he was merely a merchant. Why did the Empress hold him in such regard? It was hard to comprehend.

Cheng Lingyu seemed to see through her doubts and smiled softly. “Ya’er, do you know why Chu Nan has earned my favor?”

Shangguan Ya’er bowed her head and replied humbly, “Your servant is unwise. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.”

Cheng Lingyu’s gaze deepened as she spoke deliberately, “Though Chu Nan is but a merchant, his character is exceptional. I admire his courage and quick wit.”

“The capital’s waters run deep, and the court is rife with treachery. I need unexpected pieces on the board. Chu Nan is precisely such a piece.”

She paused, her eyes cooling slightly. “The Yang family has secretly allied with the Marquis of the Heavenly Sword’s household, intending to strengthen their power through this marriage. Though I have not spoken openly, I have taken precautions.”

“At this moment, I will not allow the Yang family and the Heavenly Sword household to unite and threaten the court.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya’er raised her eyes slightly, beginning to understand.

She said solemnly, “Your Majesty’s concerns are well-founded. Chu Nan’s public annulment, though born of personal grievance, indeed disrupts the Yang family and Heavenly Sword household’s alliance.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly. “Exactly. Therefore, I do not wish for him to be easily manipulated by the Yang family. If anything happens to him in the capital, it would be a loss for me as well.”

Shangguan Ya’er was momentarily taken aback before asking quietly, “What does Your Majesty intend?”

Cheng Lingyu looked at her calmly, her tone commanding and unwavering. “From this day forward, secretly assign people to protect Chu Nan’s safety. Do not allow the Yang family or the Heavenly Sword household to harm him.”

---

Shangguan Ya’er was briefly stunned, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

She had always been cautious and well aware of the influence wielded by the Yang family and the Heavenly Sword household. To confront them openly or covertly would invite endless trouble.

Moreover, Chu Nan was merely a merchant—what merit or ability did he possess to warrant such personal protection from her?

Noticing her hesitation, Cheng Lingyu raised an eyebrow, her voice calm but carrying a hint of authority. “What is it, Ya’er? Are you unwilling?”

Shangguan Ya’er immediately composed herself and bowed respectfully. “Your servant dares not disobey. Since Your Majesty commands, I shall obey.”

Though still puzzled, she knew the Empress’s judgments were far-sighted. Her duty was simply to follow orders.

Cheng Lingyu nodded approvingly, her tone softening. “Ya’er, I understand this may come as a surprise to you.”

“But the world is ever-changing. I have my reasons. Chu Nan may not be an ordinary man. One day, he might prove useful to me.”

Her gaze softened slightly as she patted Shangguan Ya’er’s shoulder meaningfully. “For now, do not let him know of this, nor reveal my intentions.”

“He is clever and perceptive; if he learns I am protecting him in secret, it may only arouse his suspicion.”

Shangguan Ya’er nodded slightly, a hint of comprehension dawning within her.

Elsewhere, Chu Nan was inside his small shop, preparing to visit the modern world to replenish his stock and clear his mind.

As he was tallying his inventory, he suddenly heard soft, careful footsteps outside.

The sound resembled a cat’s stealthy steps on sand, deliberately muted.

Chu Nan frowned, intuition sharpening. This was no ordinary neighbor passing by, nor a familiar customer.

He slipped the inventory list into his sleeve and quietly approached the door, peering through the crack into the courtyard.

Dimly lit by moonlight, he made out several dark figures stealthily entering his yard.

They gripped short knives and moved with agility—clearly trained assassins.

A chill ran down Chu Nan’s spine. He thought grimly, “Yang Ruyan is truly narrow-minded to send assassins after me!”

He knew any rash reaction now would be futile.

---

His mind raced as he suddenly remembered the outhouse at the back of his property.

Holding his breath, he carefully retreated a few steps, stealthily bypassing the black-clad intruders’ line of sight and tiptoeing toward the backyard.

He tread lightly, though the approaching footsteps of the assassins grew louder, a cold presence closing in behind him.

Reaching the door of the outhouse, he exhaled softly in relief.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the wooden door.

Slipping inside, he gently latched it behind him, pressing his back against the door panel.

He slowed his breathing, suppressing the rapid beating of his heart.

The assassins, finding no one in the courtyard, began to search around.

Chu Nan could hear their low whispers and approaching footsteps as they neared the backyard.

“Where is he? We saw him in the house just now. How did he disappear?” one assassin whispered, a note of confusion in his voice.

“Search thoroughly! The lady said to bring him back at all costs. Otherwise, we’re to cripple him!” another coldly ordered, his tone icy.

Chu Nan held his breath, curling up in the cramped outhouse.

After a moment, a familiar dizziness washed over him—the sensation of teleportation.

As the surroundings blurred, the ancient environment faded bit by bit.

Moments later, when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a familiar modern bathroom.

White tiles gleamed, a mirror hung on the wall, and nearby, a light switch.

Chu Nan exhaled in relief, his heartbeat gradually calming.

He smiled quietly to himself, murmuring, “Fortunately, there’s this outhouse portal. Otherwise, I’d truly be doomed in Yang Ruyan’s hands this time.”

Rising, he stepped out of the bathroom, gazing at the city nightscape outside the window, filled with modern vitality—a feeling as if he had crossed worlds.