Over the course of the next few weeks, Meiwan and Zhanyi attended school daily. The grumpy boy had at first disliked going, but after quickly making friends with the other younger boys, no longer complained. Meiwan struggled in her studies, and was making no progress. Yan Shi tried to tutor her but the results ended in failure.
She also had trouble fitting in and was unable to make friends like Zhanyi could, but part of her was glad of that. The girl knew she'd be making a mistake by mixing in with the higher social class of arrogant bullies. She had also been able to avoid speaking with the young masters Shang and Jun, much to her relief.
However, her luck had run out.
Meiwan held the strap over her shoulder while walking home after school. Yan Shi had taken the carriage across the city to attend an indoor wrestling competition held by a gambling house. Uncle Yan would obviously not allow his daughter to go, so Yan Shi begged Meiwan not to tell him where she went. The thought of her cousin going somewhere with a bad reputation, to watch something a lady shouldn't, brought conflict to Meiwan's mind, but she eventually relented. After all, her cousin could take care of herself. So she set out for home.
Without the carriage the walk was much longer, and the sun had passed down below the rooftops of the city. To busy her mind against the silence of the now quiet street, she recited the lessons of the day.
"Learning is a lifelong journey that encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and experiences. It is not confined to formal education but occurs in various contexts, including personal interests, professional development, and social interactions. Effective learning involves curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to new information." She pondered on these words, and how they affected her life. They did seem profound and wise, and she wished she could understand them fully.
As she walked, she didn't notice the horse galloping up behind her until the rider yanked it's head making the animal rear up. The owner let out a crude laugh, showing no remorse for his reckless riding.
Meiwan screamed as the hooves of the horse kicked in the air near her head, and crouched down in fear. Her heart pounded and her eyes shut tight, hoping the beast would not end her life today.
"Miss Lu, I didn't see you!" Shang Qinglou smirked down at the terrified girl.
With the horse settled, Meiwan opened her eyes and looked up at the rider. Realizing she was no longer in danger, she came to her feet, though unsteady. Seeing his proud and arrogant face infuriated her, knowing her fear had only been to entertain the villain.
Meiwan pressed her lips together, decided to avoid any further conflict or interaction with the young lord, and resecured her leather satchel over her shoulder. Giving him her most un-interested face, she turned away and continued on her way home.
Behind her, she heard Qinglou dismount with a heavy thud, and clenched her fists nervously. She picked up her pace, but his long legs quickly closed the distance. Staying alongside her, the boy chuckled.
"Yan family demote you so quickly? Making you walk home now? Ha!" He moved closer.
Meiwan held her breath, tightened her grip on the straps of her bag, and walked as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn't know why the young lord took an interest in bullying her.
"I have my horse, maybe you'd let me give you a ride." He brought his face close to hers, leaning over her shoulder.
This felt too close for the girl, and she wasn't going to let him continue this way. Should anyone see what was happening too, there might be rumors that followed as well. So she came to an abrubt hall, knocking his chest on her back. She ignored the brief contact and faced him, shoving him to an arm's length.
"Young lord Shang, mind yourself please!" How could she speak without offending him?
Qinglou's eyebrows lifted and he scoffed. Tilting his head, he bended at the waist bringing himself down to eye-level with her. His eyes were dark and moody, and a cold chill made the girl shiver.
"Miss Lu is particular with the company she keeps?" It was a dare, his expression almost manic. "Am I so terrible, that you won't even spare me a moment of your... precious time?"
Meiwan shook her head swiftly and took a step back. "Of course not, I mean, it's just that my uncle is waiting for me to return. I should really hurry." She turned and continued walking. Behind her, she heard a laugh. But he did not follow, much to her relief.
A few minutes later, her heart had calmed, and she walked at a slower pace. It was dark now but her mansion wasn't far, just down this street then turn right, then left. She'd have to walk through the market that was a street over, but it would be empty at this time. Few traveled or peddled wares in the dark.
Meiwan turned right and entered the long street, lanterns hung at each door of every business. The road was laid with long flat stones, and beautiful bridges connected the second stories, making it convenient for customers to cross over. It was in incredible sight to see during the day, bustling with people and carriages.
The weather was getting chilly again, and Meiwan shivered. Looking around, the dark alleys and blown out lanterns did cast an eerie shadow over the street. Just when she thought she should hurry on, two men stepped onto the road before her.
"Lady, are you alone?" One, a tall, burly man grinned.
The other, a shorter wirey man rubbed his hands together. It was clear that the two of them had wicked thoughts as they stepped closer to the girl.
Meiwan's chest tightened, and she couldn't believe her fate. Twice in one evening she'd run into rogues, neither better than the other. She could feel her spirit wearing thin at the repeated frights she'd suffered, and a tear welled up in her eye.
"Sirs, please let me pass. I have no money, I swear." She tried.
"Oh? I wealthy family's daughter with no money?" The thin man spoke. "You can't pass if you don't offer us something of value, after all, we're just honest men making a living... and keeping young ladies safe from thieves at night."
Despite the fear she felt, Meiwan nearly laughed at his words. Good Protectors of the city were they? Hilarious! But she felt horrified at herself, knowing that she might anger them.
"Laugh as you need lady, you'll regret thinking little of us." The burly man growled, cleary offended by her reaction.
"I'm sorry!" Meiwan began, but the man slowly approached from a few yards away, drawing closer and closer. She stepped back further and further, her mind racing to find a way out. But how could she escape the grasp of two big men? Was her fate sealed? Would she be robbed? Violated? Both and then killed? She thought of the worst possible outcomes, and prayed a prayer.
The large man reached her, and she thought of her hairpin. She pulled it from her bun and held it out timidly. "This! Take this!"
The thinner man joined his companion and snatched the jewelry from her hand and examined it, before throwing it to the ground. "This isn't worth three wen! It seems we could get more out of you," He looked her up and down greedily. "It's fine, you don't need to give us money, you can pay another way." He grabbed her wrist and her satchel fell aimlessly to the ground.
"Let me go!" Meiwan pulled against his strength. "Help me!" She screamed into the dark night, her tears flowing now.
Both men stared at her, their eyes vicious and lustfull. The larger man pulled her into his chest and she fought against him, banging her small fists against him, but in vain. The two laughed.
"Lady, it's late at night. Everyone's gone to bed. There's no one to help you."
Meiwan struggled for several moments, as they began pulling her towards an ally, but then all her strength left her and she sagged in their grips. All she could do was resign to her dark fate.