Chapter 399: Running Into an Old Acquaintance
Even though it was evening, the streets of Luo City were brightly lit with countless lanterns. Shops lined the streets, filling the air with the fragrance of sizzling food, creating an atmosphere so warm and lively that Concubine Lan found it hard to believe it was real.
Taverns, inns, restaurants, bookstores…
The scent of roasted meat, fresh pastries, and warm soup filled the air.
Just two months ago, this place had been a desolate wasteland. But now, the streets bustled with people, merchants shouting their wares, and laughter echoing from shopfronts.
Concubine Lan stood frozen, her mouth slightly open, unable to accept the reality before her.
This was the barren land they had been exiled to?
This was Yu Luo’s city?
The same Yu Luo, who once had no status in the Marquis’ household, who was beneath even a concubine like herself?
That despicable girl and her lowly parents, after being banished to the frontier, had somehow built a flourishing city?
And her, Concubine Lan?
A bitter wind howled through the streets, cutting through her thin clothing. She shivered violently, her eyes stinging with unshed tears, a crushing sense of despair and humiliation pressing down on her.
She looked up at the sky, only to see snowflakes beginning to fall.
Winter had come.
In this harsh land, winter was the most brutal season, where the cold alone could kill.
“I can’t survive out here.”
Just as she hugged herself tightly, trying to hold in her body heat, a voice suddenly shouted in surprise—
“Wait a minute! Concubine Lan?! What are you doing here?!”
A man had nearly bumped into her but had stopped in his tracks, staring at her with wide eyes.
Concubine Lan, startled, looked up.
She knew this voice…
“Second Master Z-Zhang?!”
The man in front of her was Zhang Xi, the younger brother of Zhang Yuan.
They had traveled together for so long that she could never forget him.
Seeing a familiar face, Concubine Lan’s nose stung, and for the first time, she felt like she wasn’t completely alone.
Her voice choked as she called out his name, her eyes brimming with tears.
Zhang Xi frowned, stepping closer, his expression full of doubt.
“You… why are you here? And why are you dressed like this?”
His gaze swept over her, taking in her tattered clothes, gaunt figure, and shivering frame.
“Wait—” His brows furrowed deeper. “Did they throw you out?”
Zhang Xi could only think of one explanation.
There was no way Concubine Lan had willingly left a place like Yu Zhengqing’s household.
He never even considered the possibility that she had been locked up in a labor camp by Yu Luo.
Concubine Lan bit her lip, struggling to find an answer.
Her stomach grumbled loudly.
She felt lightheaded from hunger.
“Second Master Zhang…” She blinked up at him pitifully. “Do you… do you have any food?”
Zhang Xi glanced down at his own clothing, realizing she had noticed how well-fed and well-dressed he was.
His cotton coat was thick and warm, not like the worn-out rags they used to wear in exile.
Concubine Lan could tell—he was living well.
And that meant…
She had hope.
“Yeah, I’ve got food.”
Zhang Xi sighed, then gestured for her to follow.
“Come with me.”
Concubine Lan immediately brightened, her tears spilling over as she nodded gratefully.
Finally.
Someone who could help her.
At the Zhang family’s smithy, Concubine Lan devoured her food like a starving beast.
She gobbled down three large bowls of rice porridge, three meat buns, a plate of vegetables, and nearly half a roasted chicken that Zhang Xi had bought from a street vendor.
A group of rough, burly blacksmiths sat around her, staring in shock.
None of them had ever seen such a small woman eat so much.
“Concubine Lan… you want more?”
Zhang Yuan, the elder brother, raised an eyebrow, his tone polite but curious.
“We still have some steamed buns in the kitchen.”
Concubine Lan, suddenly aware of their stares, stiffened.
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Setting down her chopsticks, she shook her head with practiced elegance.
She stood up, bowing slightly, ready to thank them properly.
But before she could bend her knees, the blacksmiths hurriedly stopped her.
“Concubine Lan, there’s no need for all that.”
Zhang Yuan waved a hand.
“We all went through hard times together. Back then, we made mistakes, but your husband still stood by us. The least we can do is offer you a meal.”
Concubine Lan’s heart clenched.
They spoke of Yu Zhengqing with gratitude, yet…
Where was he now?
Had he forgotten her completely?
She forced a smile, quickly changing the subject.
As her eyes roamed the smithy, she finally took in her surroundings.
Near the glowing forge, several blacksmiths worked diligently, hammering iron with strong, steady strokes.
“They have jobs?”
“Eldest Master Zhang…”
Concubine Lan’s voice was hesitant.
“You’re… working here?”
“Oh, yeah,” Zhang Yuan replied casually, wiping his hands.
“When Second Master Yu opened Luo City, tons of people started moving in. We figured we’d try making a living here, and it turns out, this city is a goldmine.”
“Wait… you mean… you own a business?”
Concubine Lan’s mind reeled.
She had spent months suffering in chains, being forced to do hard labor, while Zhang Yuan and his men…
Were living peacefully.
Earning money.
Thriving.
Was this… exile?
Or was this some twisted joke?
Her fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms.
Why?!
“Where… where are the others?”
Zhang Yuan gave her an odd look.
“Didn’t you know?”
“Everyone’s here.”
“The Bai and Liu families are working as teachers at the academy. They run a bookstore and a tailor shop.”
“The Yu family’s second and third branches all have their own businesses now.”
He frowned slightly, his eyes sweeping over her ragged appearance.
“Concubine Lan… what happened to you?”
“You look like you’ve suffered a lot.”
Concubine Lan froze.
She had been so shocked by everything, she had forgotten to come up with a story.
She opened her mouth… but no words came out.
If they knew the truth—
That Yu Luo had locked her up and forced her to work as a laborer—
Would they still help her?
“I…”
