Chapter 112: Street Problem II

Afraid to leave his mistress’s question hanging and face severe punishment for it, the driver was quick to reply.

"A poverty stricken peasant has blocked out path and the little bastard is refusing to make way for us to pass. I think he wants to beg but his pride refuses to let him go down on his knees."

Hearing the rider’s reply made Lu Feng’s brows twitch a little but he wasn’t here for the man so he continued to ignore the man’s entire response and existence all the same.

He was waiting for the owner of the carriage to step out and shortly after the rider gave his response, there was a reaction within the carriage. It shook slightly as though someone was moving within it and seconds later, its luxurious well crafted door opened up revealing a silk curtain within.

The curtain pulled back completely, and a tall, elegant woman in luxurious crimson robes stepped out onto the carriage platform. Her face was flushed with annoyance, her delicate features twisted into a cold frown as her sharp eyes scanned the cobblestone road.

Su Rong—the influential mistress of the Crimson Pavilion and younger sister to the City Lord of Crimson Vale—was not someone accustomed to delays. She always had things delivered on schedule and her influence and power made things even easier for her.

"Which blind fool dares to stand in the middle of the road?!" Su Rong demanded, her voice echoing clearly over the silent avenue. "Fang Zhao, point out this impudent peasant so I can see who has the audacity to waste my time!"

The red-faced driver hurriedly scrambled down from his wooden seat, bowing so low his nose nearly touched his knees. "Mistress Su! It’s this insolent brat right here!" Fang Zhao raised his whip, pointing a shaking finger directly at Lu Feng. "He stood in the path on purpose! I gave him fair warning, but he refused to move an inch! He deserves to be dragged off and whipped for obstructing your path!"

Lu Feng, however, didn’t even spare the sweat-drenched driver a single glance. Ignoring Fang Zhao’s angry shouting entirely, he casually walked past the horses and approached the gilded carriage door.

He arrived right at the step just as Su Rong turned her head to follow her driver’s pointed finger.

The moment her gaze landed on the young man standing mere inches from her carriage door, the fierce, domineering aura surrounding her instantly faltered. Her dark eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in sudden, genuine shock.

"You..." Su Rong began, her harsh reprimand freezing in her throat.

"Is this the ’insolent peasant’ you were looking for, Big Sister Su?" Lu Feng asked smoothly, his lips curling into a playful, knowing grin.

Fang Zhao, completely oblivious to the sudden shift in atmosphere, stepped up beside them with a ruthless expression. "Mistress! That’s him! That’s the bastard who blocked our way! Shall I break his legs and toss him into the alley?!"

Su Rong’s brow furrowed tightly. She knew all too well that demonstrating open familiarity or affection with Lu Feng in the middle of a crowded public street—especially given her high-profile status as the City Lord’s sister—would instantly spark wild rumors throughout Crimson Vale. Gossip spread like wildfire in the commercial district, and any public display of intimacy could draw unwanted attention to both of them from hostile rival factions.

Making a split-second decision, Su Rong forced her face back into a severe, scowling mask.

"How bold!" Su Rong snapped loudly, her voice dripping with artificial outrage for the benefit of the watching crowd. "To dare obstruct my carriage in broad daylight! Since you lack basic manners, you will come with me so I can personally see to your punishment!"

Before Lu Feng could even offer a witty reply, Su Rong reached out, grabbed the collar of his fine robes with surprising force, and yanked him straight into the luxurious interior of the carriage.

Clack!

She slammed the heavy wooden door shut behind him, pulling the thick silk curtains tight to block out the prying eyes of the street.

Out on the road, the surrounding onlookers watched the carriage doors bang shut with collective gasps of sympathy and dread.

"Ah... poor boy," a street vendor muttered, shaking his head mournfully. "To be personally dragged into Mistress Su’s carriage for punishment... he won’t be walking out on his own two feet."

"Indeed," an elder agreed quietly. "Mistress Su Rong is notorious for her fierce temper. That young man is in deep trouble today."

Inside the spacious, incense-scented cabin, the atmosphere was entirely different. Soft silk cushions lined the wooden benches, and a small tea set sat secured upon a carved low table.

The moment the curtains fell, Su Rong released Lu Feng’s collar. The fierce frown vanished from her face, replaced by a mixture of lingering exasperation and an amused, breathless smile.

"You troublesome boy," Su Rong whispered, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the plush velvet bench, eyeing him up and down. "I was actually contemplating coming to your estate to find you later today, yet here you are, throwing yourself directly under my horses’ hooves. Do you have a habit of courting trouble everywhere you walk?"

Lu Feng comfortably adjusted his crumpled collar, sitting down on the cushioned bench directly across from her with an easy, unbothered grin. "I was merely taking a peaceful stroll back home, Big Sister Su. It was your driver who insisted on turning a simple walk into a dramatic event."

Su Rong let out a soft, melodic laugh, shaking her head at his unflappable composure. Reaching up, she knocked twice against the front wooden panel of the carriage.

"Fang Zhao!" she called out, her tone instantly regaining its sharp, commanding authority. "Stop idling out there! Drive the carriage and continue our journey to the Crimson Pavilion immediately!"

"Y-Yes, Mistress!" Fang Zhao’s nervous voice called back from outside.

With the crack of a whip, the horses shifted into motion, and the grand carriage smoothly rolled down the cobblestone street, leaving the stunned, whispering crowd far behind.