Chapter 52: Her Highness Is In Trouble 

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

Bai Yun* Inn was the largest inn outside the capital's vicinity. It was located at the border of the state, where guests from three directions gathered.

*White Cloud 

Among those coming and going, there were mostly wanderers and large merchant caravans.

They chatted about everything under the sky, discussing the events they had heard along the way, and passing along the latest hot topics. They brought news to those who had not yet stepped into the next region.

Over time, Bai Yun Inn became the largest inn at the boundary of the capital, integrating lodging, news exchange, and major transactions. It attracted more and more people from the Jianghu.

Only after leaving the capital and stepping onto Bai Yun Inn did one truly leave the capital's territory.

As soon as Young Master Meng and her party of four entered Bai Yun Inn, they attracted the attention of several people seated around the hall.

“Ardent cloud-patterned brocade, golden silk boots—this person’s entire outfit is made of imperial tribute goods."

After just a few glances at Young Master Meng's clothing, the observant ones had already noticed something unusual.

One young man in a blue robe, noticing something unusual, quickly waved his folding fan to cover his mouth and whispered to his tablemates, "This person is probably from an official's family. Only high-ranking officials or people from the royal family would be eligible to receive imperial tribute goods."

Hearing this, a burly man at the table quickly leaned over and asked, "Is this the person we are waiting for?"

In response, the black-clad woman in tough clothing sitting opposite him rolled her eyes and said, "Are you blind? Can you not see this is a young lady? The portrait clearly shows a man!"

In response, the burly man muttered, "Let us hope this is not someone here to steal our business!"

"Do not worry, do not worry. With this strategist here, we will certainly ensure that everyone does not leave empty-handed."

The group huddled together, whispering among themselves. Although their discussion did not reach Young Master Meng's ears, the continuous glances directed at her in the inn did not escape her notice.

Meng Chang'an found it somewhat strange.

She had been to Bai Yun Inn more than once, but she had never attracted this much attention before.

After casting a stern look at those openly scrutinizing her, making them awkwardly look away, Young Master Meng then repressed her anger and sat down with Shen Lingyun and the others. She lowered her voice and asked, "Do you all feel something is off?"

In response, Shen Lingyun did not even look up and replied in a low voice, "Yes, I sense it. The hostility is too strong."

After pouring a cup of tea for herself and Shu Yao, she pushed the teapot towards the middle of the table, between Young Master Meng and Ye Wuyou, and said calmly, "Do not worry about them. It is getting late. After eating, we should all return to our rooms and rest."

Before Meng Chang'an could take the teapot, Ye Wuyou had already grabbed it, poured a cup for herself, and with a smile on her face said, "It seems there are quite a few desperate people in Bai Yun Inn today."

Among the four, only Ye Wuyou frequently moved through the martial world and had seen more desperate people than the other three, who were always protected within the Blood Flame Sect.

"Look, at the table by the stairs on the north side, those are the infamous Nan family’s four brothers. They commit murder and plunder, engaging in any act that earns them silver. In the northeast corner, at that table, is Yao Shiyi, who recently killed his master and abducted his daughter to seize a secret manual. Three tables ahead of the stairs on the east side are the greedy and lustful rabble of the Ghost Face Strategist. And over in the west..."

As Ye Wuyou introduced each person she recognized, Young Master Meng's expression grew darker.

It was clear now; it seemed that very few people in the hall of Bai Yun Inn today were not up to any good.

The sudden gathering of desperate people—what could they be planning?

Before Meng Chang'an could figure it out, Shu Yao turned to Shen Lingyun, hooked her little finger with Shen Lingyun’s, and chuckled, "I need to sleep with you tonight to protect you, so no lustful person trying to take advantage of your beauty will disturb you."

Hearing this, Shen Lingyun actually blushed for the first time in history.

With Shu Yao’s sudden distraction, Young Master Meng suddenly forgot what she had been thinking.

Observing the unusual interaction between the two, Young Master Meng felt something was not quite right, but she could not pinpoint exactly what was off between them.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

Without giving Young Master Meng much time to observe, Shu Yao neatly withdrew her hand.

In the hall, there were nearly a hundred people scattered around, most carrying weapons—swords, spears, halberds, whips, maces, and axes. Every type of weapon one could imagine was present.

With so many martial world figures gathered, the collective killing intent in the air was quite oppressive.

During the meal, noticing that Young Master Meng continued to glance around, Ye Wuyou leisurely said, "Still curious? Does not your Blood Flame Sect have some connections with Bai Yun Inn's Shopkeeper Bai? If not, you could ask a servant to take you inside to inquire."

While what she said is not wrong, they were only looking for a place to stay for the night. Meng Chang'an did not want to create trouble for herself.

After Ye Wuyou's comment, she silently suppressed the unease in her heart and frowned, saying, "Forget it. We are leaving early tomorrow morning anyway. We are only staying for one night, and their matters have nothing to do with us. Asking more questions would be pointless."

After all, being people of the Jianghu, everyone had their own measure of right and wrong. Each household minded its own business. Unless it concerned them directly, who would want to meddle in others' affairs?

Since trouble did not come to her, Young Master Meng naturally would not seek it out.

During the meal, the group discussed and decided, for mutual protection, to follow Shu Yao's suggestion. She would share a room with Shen Lingyun, while Ye Wuyou and Young Master Meng would stay in the rooms to their left and right.

She had thought the night would end like this. However, the hidden matters she had not heard during dinner made Young Master Meng restless. As she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, she got up, put on her clothes, and went out for a walk. During her stroll, she overheard some whispers.

"Strategist! What should we do? The Princess and the Prince Consort were intercepted halfway! The duck that was almost in our hands is about to fly away!"

As she passed by the stairs, the urgent voice coming from the room on the side, which had not yet been closed, caused Young Master Meng's heart to suddenly sink.

Author's Note:

Regarding the word count of this chapter, I can explain! It is just because this author wants to save you some money! Justified.jpg