Shen Yao wasn't bothered by what had happened before. He continued his exploration, moving through the market with Xi Shu, who happily shopped with no burden. After thinking it over, Xi Shu had realized that no matter what that young master did, his master was after all the current General Shen and there was nothing he could do. So, he let go.
Shen Yao looked around, his eyes landing on a hairpin for sale at one of the stalls. It had a light green color with decorative flowers dangling from the sides — one light pink, two light purple. He recalled a face. His sister. Shen Miao.
Now he wondered if she would like it.
Xi Shu glanced at the hairpin once and smiled. As if knowing what his young master was thinking, he patted Shen Yao's shoulder. "You should buy it. I'm pretty sure the young miss will like it."
Shen Yao stiffened. For a moment, Xi Shu's hand remained on his shoulder — too long. Then Shen Yao turned, indifferently, and glanced at Xi Shu's face, then at his hand.
Xi Shu understanding pulled back immediately. "Sorry about that." He let go and scratched his head sheepishly.
Shen Yao glanced at him with a straight face, sighed, and dusted off his shoulder. Then he turned back to the hairpin. He looked at it, then at the stall owner — an honest‑looking old man.
"Young friend, do you like it?" the old man said. "I carved it out myself."
Shen Yao nodded.
Behind him, Xi Shu smiled. "Old man, you are truly talented. To carve such beautiful hairpins — it's amazing."
The old man nodded with a smile.
Shen Yao held out his hand, taking the hairpin. "How much are you selling it for?"
The old man smiled. "Since young friend has a good eye, I'll sell it to you for a 300 wen."
Shen Yao glanced at the old man, checked his pouch, and took out one tael of silver. "Don't undersell your worth," he said, then walked away.
Xi Shu blinked turned to his young master then happily followed behind him.
The old man called after them twice, then shook his head with a helpless laugh. "Young master, you'll bankrupt an honest merchant!" But seeing them continue on, he tucked the silver into his sleeve with trembling fingers, as if afraid Shen Yao might change his mind.
---
In a dark alley not far away, a man stood in the shadows, watching Shen Yao walk away.
He had been following him since he left the restaurant, but up to now, he hadn't found any useful information yet. Slowly, he unsheathed his sword, resolving to attack once they reached a more secluded area.
He took a step forward thinking about his young master would reward him later.
Still thinking about the luxurious life, he would live after he finished this job, he couldn't react in time when something wrapped around his throat.
But it was already too late.
After a while the man's body collapsed on the floor, Yu Xie walked out from the shadows behind him. He glanced down at the body for a moment, then blended back into the shadows without a sound.
---
Shen Yao walking forward, paused. A faint scent — copper, distant — reached him on the breeze. He glanced back over his shoulder to a specific corner.
"What happened, young master?" Xi Shu asked.
"It's nothing." Shen Yao turned back. "Let's go."
He continued walking.