Chapter 22: Under Whose Orders

Shangguan Ya'er lowered her head and replied, "Your Majesty's concerns are well-founded. I will arrange for people to secretly spread rumors, sowing seeds of suspicion against the Yang family within the Marquis of Heavenly Sword's estate."

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly, watching Shangguan Ya'er with satisfaction. "I have always trusted your methods." Her expression tightened, and her gaze turned cold as she looked into the distance. "Undercurrents are surging, and the imperial court is unsettled. I would like to see who has the audacity to stir up trouble right under my nose."

Back in his modern home, Chu Nan rubbed his temples, his mind in total chaos. Ever since his hurried escape from the shop in the ancient realm back to the modern world, he hadn't slept well. The memory of that night, when several black-clad assassins holding gleaming blades had silently snuck into the courtyard, still sent a shiver down his spine. Although he had ultimately managed to escape back to the modern era through that restroom, the suffocating sensation of being hunted still lingered in his heart.

"It seems this life of mine isn't worth much yet..." Chu Nan sighed with self-mockery, muttering to himself.

Just then, his phone screen lit up, displaying a notification for an advertisement regarding protective gear and self-defense tools. Chu Nan stared at the screen, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind. He frowned, deep in contemplation. Since he had the ability to bring items from the modern world back to the ancient one, why not use modern technology to protect himself? However, he knew the "teleporting restroom" had certain limitations and could not transport overly advanced items. Last time he tried to bring a modern handgun, the entire weapon inexplicably vanished the moment he approached the portal, unable to cross through time.

This limitation had disappointed him at first, but now he realized he still had options—things like inconspicuous stab-proof vests or crossbows. Thinking of this, Chu Nan immediately opened a shopping app and began searching for stab-proof vests and compound crossbows. As the gear popped up on his screen, his heart gradually settled, and a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Since you want me dead, I don't mind letting you see the power of modern technology."

He ultimately chose a stab-proof vest with an ordinary appearance—a black, form-fitting design that looked no different from the cloth garments worn in the ancient world. He also picked a compact compound crossbow capable of firing short bolts, easy to conceal. Such low-profile equipment would be difficult to arouse suspicion, and Chu Nan calculated that these should be enough to deal with those sword-wielding assassins.

After confirming the order, he let out a long breath, finally feeling a slight sense of security. Several days later, the package arrived on time. Chu Nan checked it over and donned the stab-proof vest with satisfaction. After testing the mobility of his arms and waist, he found it quite flexible, providing effective protection without hindering his movement.

"Now I don't have to worry about being run through by a blade," he whispered to himself. He then picked up the compound crossbow, tested the tension a few times, and after confirming how to use it, hid it inside an old wooden chest in his ancient shop.

The next morning, as the streets of the capital were just beginning to bustle, Chu Nan’s shop opened right on time. He wore his usual gentle smile, appearing completely unaffected by any external disturbances. Neighbors greeted him as he appeared, "Shopkeeper Chu, anything new in stock?"

"Yes, yes, a fine batch of tea has just arrived, and it will be on the market in a few days." Chu Nan replied skillfully, his demeanor calm as if he had completely forgotten about the assassination attempt not long ago.

However, in a nearby teahouse, Shangguan Ya'er was already frantic with worry. Following Cheng Lingyu's instructions yesterday, she had sent people to search for traces of Chu Nan everywhere, turning the entire capital upside down, but to no avail. Chu Nan's shop had been shuttered, and the neighbors had no idea where he had gone. Just as she was beginning to suspect he had truly met with an accident, she received word that his shop had opened early that morning.

"This Chu Nan, he comes and goes like a ghost..." Shangguan Ya'er whispered, her gaze filled with a complex mix of confusion. She quickly composed herself and walked toward his shop.

Chu Nan was inside the shop, wiping dust off the counter with a composed expression. As he was arranging the tea leaves, a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside. Chu Nan looked up to see Shangguan Ya'er approaching, dressed in green, her pace sharp and determined. She was usually calm and poised, carrying a sense of authority in her features, but now her brows were slightly furrowed, and her expression seemed tinged with urgency.

"Shopkeeper Chu, you are still here." As soon as she entered the shop, she scanned him with her gaze. There was a faint sense of relief in her eyes, but her tone was laced with a hint of reproach. "You... you've finally shown yourself!"

Chu Nan paused, then smiled and bowed with cupped hands. "Greetings, Lady Shangguan. May I ask what brings you here? I am but a humble merchant; how could I deserve a personal visit from you?"

Shangguan Ya'er stared at him coldly, her voice dropping to a low, probing tone. "Shopkeeper Chu, I heard you had gone missing for several days, and even closed your shop."

"May I ask where you have been these past few days? Do you have any idea... that you might have been targeted for assassination?"

Chu Nan felt a jolt in his heart, but he remained outwardly calm. He blinked in feigned shock and asked in surprise, "Assassination? What are you talking about? I merely returned to my hometown to visit my mother. There are many rumors in the capital; how could such an absurd thing happen?" He intentionally put on a look of bewilderment and alarm, as if he had only just learned of these matters.

Shangguan Ya'er frowned slightly, her eyes filled with suspicion. "You returned home? Assassins broke into this shop that night—are you truly unaware of that?"

Chu Nan widened his eyes in feigned horror and shook his head repeatedly. "Lady Shangguan, if I had known about such things, would I dare return to this shop? Besides, what could a small merchant like me possibly have that would make someone want to assassinate me?" He deliberately revealed a sliver of cowardice, as if he were truly a defenseless little man terrified by the very word "assassination."

Shangguan Ya'er stared at him with deep, searching eyes, trying to catch any subtle flaw in his expression. Yet, Chu Nan remained open and at ease, his gaze innocent and blank, showing no cracks in his facade. Seeing his natural demeanor, as if he were truly ignorant of the events, the doubt in Shangguan Ya'er's heart dissipated slightly. She sighed softly, withdrew her gaze, and said coldly, "If that is the case, I shall ask no more."

"But Shopkeeper Chu, remember this: the capital is full of hidden undercurrents. As an imperial merchant responsible for supplying grain to the frontiers, many people are watching you. You must be careful in your future dealings."

Chu Nan nodded, a respectful smile on his face. "Thank you for the warning, Lady Shangguan. I will keep it in mind. If anything truly seems amiss, I will be sure to report it to the court immediately."

Shangguan Ya'er gazed at him for a moment; her expression softened, though she still seemed uneasy. Chu Nan couldn't help but smile slightly to himself, while maintaining a look of utmost respect. "Lady Shangguan, thank you for your concern. But... I am merely a merchant; what merit could I possibly have to warrant a personal visit from you? You have gone to such trouble—may I ask, upon whose orders have you come?"