The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

Yun Jin gripped Qingdai's hand tightly, her heart pounding like a drum, almost bursting out of her chest. The exchange just now, so fast she could barely see it, had been so shocking. This man in green robes who had suddenly appeared was more skilled than she had imagined; he had dealt with three fierce thugs as easily as brushing dust off his sleeve.

She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down, and pulled the still trembling Qingdai along. She took two steps forward, bowed to Su Che's back, and although she was dressed in men's clothing, this habitual etiquette still showed the demeanor of a young woman.

"Thank you so much, sir, for saving us." Yun Jin tried to keep her voice steady, but there was still a slight tremor at the end. "If it weren't for you, my master and I would likely be in grave danger today. I can't thank you enough. May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"

Su Che slowly turned around, gently pushing his hat back to reveal a handsome, gentle, and slightly scholarly face, as well as eyes as calm as a deep pool. He didn't answer immediately, his gaze lingering on Yun Jin's face for a moment, seemingly noticing her nervousness and deliberate attempt to hide it, yet considerately not pointing it out, only smiling gently.

"It was nothing, nothing to mention. My surname is Su, and my given name is Zhe. I've come here to study." Su Che's voice was soothing, carrying a reassuring power. "Judging from your voices, you two young men don't seem to be locals. Have you encountered any difficulties? This West Market is a mixed bag, and it's even more dangerous on rainy days. If you don't have anything urgent to attend to, it would be best to leave as soon as possible."

He called himself "Su Zhe" instead of "Su Che," naturally to conceal his identity. His status as a traveling scholar also made it easier for him to travel and come into contact with all sorts of people.

"So it's Mr. Su." Yun Jin quickly cupped his hands again, feeling somewhat relieved. A scholar who travels abroad, no wonder he has such an extraordinary bearing and such superb skills; he must be a person skilled in both literature and martial arts. "My brother and I are indeed from out of town. We couldn't find our relatives and lost our way. We didn't expect to run into some local ruffians, but fortunately, you rescued us, sir."

She hesitated for a moment, looking into Su Che's gentle and clear gaze, and recalling his amazing skills just now, and how "timely" he appeared... A bold idea, like a spark in the darkness, suddenly burst forth in the still lake of her heart.

This person is no ordinary person!

Perhaps... perhaps it was the last glimmer of hope that God gave her?

The thought came suddenly and frantically. She knew all too well the wickedness of people and that she shouldn't easily trust strangers. But now, she was desperate. Inside the palace, the eldest prince was pressing her relentlessly; outside, she had no one to turn to. This man before her had saved her from danger, possessed superb skills, spoke calmly, and had clear, honest eyes… More importantly, his ability to easily deal with thugs—did this mean he also possessed the power to confront even greater dangers?

Take a gamble!

Yun Jin's heart pounded. She bit her lower lip, then suddenly looked up, staring directly at Su Che. A resolute, desperate look flashed in her eyes. Her voice was even lower, yet clear as she said, "Mr. Su, I have no way to repay your life-saving grace. You have traveled here to study, so you must be very knowledgeable. I wonder... if you would do me the honor of inviting me to sit in the teahouse in front and have a cup of tea to express my gratitude? Also... I happen to have some questions that I would like to ask you."

After she finished speaking, her heart was in her throat, fearing that the other party would refuse. Why would a "traveling scholar" accept a tea invitation from two down-on-their-luck "young men"?

Su Che watched her quietly, taking in the struggle, determination, anticipation, and deep-seated fear in her eyes. He knew that the fish had seen the bait and was hesitating whether to bite.

He didn't agree immediately. Instead, he looked up at the still gloomy sky and the noisy street outside the alley, as if he was thinking.

This brief silence made Yun Jin's heart sink little by little, and her fingertips grew cold.

Just as she was about to give up, Su Che withdrew his gaze and smiled at her. His smile was like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling some of the surrounding coldness and gloom.

"With nothing to do in the rain, it would be an elegant affair to have you two young friends invite me to enjoy tea and conversation." Su Che returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his demeanor casual and unhurried. "I, Su, will gladly accept your invitation."

Yun Jin felt a huge weight lifted from her heart, and she almost cried tears of joy. She quickly stepped aside to let him pass, saying, "Please, sir!"

"Please, young friend."

The three of them walked out of the dark alley and onto the still bustling street. Rain slanted down, wetting the shoulders of passersby. Su Che naturally walked slightly ahead, his figure subtly protecting Yun Jin and Qing Dai to his side and behind, shielding them from the chaotic flow of people and their gazes.

This subtle, imperceptible gesture brought a touch of indescribable warmth and...hope to Yun Jin's still-shaken heart.

Perhaps this risky trip out of the palace wasn't entirely fruitless.

On the street corner ahead, a teahouse with an old plaque that reads "Qingyuan Teahouse" is lit up with dim yellow lights in the rain.

Su Che looked up at the plaque, a faint, imperceptible smile flashing across his eyes.

Qingyuan...a clear stream in a turbid world, a living source of fresh water.

That's quite fitting for the occasion.

He took the first step, entering that world enveloped in the aroma of tea and warmth, temporarily isolated from the outside world's storms.

Behind her, Yun Jin took a deep breath, grabbed Qing Dai, and followed closely.

The curtains of the teahouse were drawn, temporarily shutting out the dampness, chaos, and unknown dangers.

Inside the door, a cup of tea, and a conversation that may change the fate of many, are about to begin.

Above Lin Yuan City, the dark clouds had not yet dispersed, and the rain was still falling.

The elegant seats by the window on the second floor of Qingyuan Teahouse are separated from the hustle and bustle of the lobby downstairs by a faded screen. Raindrops tap on the windowpane, making a soft, pattering sound. This sound, mixed with the faint sounds of storytelling and tea drinkers' conversations coming from downstairs, becomes the background noise of this small world, making it difficult for anyone to hear what they are saying.

The waiter served tea, ordinary pre-rain Maojian tea, not top-grade, but the steaming heat and the slightly bitter aroma did dispel some of the damp chill of the rainy day. Su Che picked up the rough porcelain teacup, took a small sip, and calmly looked at the still somewhat awkward "boy" opposite him.

Yun Jin also picked up her teacup, trying to conceal the turmoil within her. She was still shaken from her ordeal in the alley, and had impulsively invited the man for tea, clinging to a last resort. Now, seated and with the hot tea down her throat, her mind calmed, and reason returned. She couldn't help but secretly regret her rashness. Who was this person? What were their motives? Could they really be trusted? Countless questions churned in her mind.