In the early morning, the Market hadn't yet started, the streets which was bustling the day before now lay silent, save for a handful of vendors who had taken an early start, whether driven by diligence or greed. Among them, the busiest was the Pang Merchant Group.

Their store was busy with arranging all their stock and was getting ready to have a trade with the nearby apothecary, they had procured their requested items and checking in order to ensure that the exchange was successful. "Boss," said one of the younger staff who was nervous as he was new. It was his first-time meeting with the boss of the largest merchant group in the whole Outer Capital.

"Yes?" as the man smiled in response.

"All the stocks have been counted for and ready to be delivered," he told him.

"How about the mercenaries?"

The boss's assistant came forward and said, "It's already been arranged as well. We even hire the most famous mercenary currently in the Outer Capital."

"Who is that?"

"Shi YiGuang," replied the assistant.

"A woman?"

"Yes, I haven't seen her yet, but the name is that of a woman."

He laughed, "Old Cheng, are we so shorthanded that we are even hiring woman mercenaries."

"It was arranged by storekeeper. But I heard that she is good at her job," stated Old Cheng.

The young staff came forward as well, "Yes, boss. She is good. You have been away, but there are many praises regarding this mercenary. She helps the citizens and fights off crimes and bandits in the capital. Her capability is proven."

"I see. We will see then. Whether man or woman as long as they are useful, my Pang Merchant Group will surely welcome them. Let's go now. We don't want to delay the delivery any longer," said Boss Pang as he headed out from his store followed by his trustworthy staffs.

.

Heading to the largest apothecary in the Outer Capital, with all the stock seemed like an easy task but Boss Pang knew how dangerous it was, the security in the Outer Capital is lacking, from Market across NanJing Street, where all the notorious crimes and gangs are gathered.

He hired the mercenaries precisely for this reason—to evade trouble and ensure their protection. With an ample number of them, the gangs would be less inclined to make a move on his stock.

His wooden carriage was passing by the street as Boss Pang was deep in thought while Old Cheng peeped out from the window curtain while the heavy carriage drove down the street. Even though the road was slightly rough, the interior of the carriage was lined with thick padding that the slightest shaking couldn't be felt from the inside at all.

Old Cheng kept peeking outside that it made Boss Pang curious, "What are you doing?"

He put down the curtain, "I am watching the woman mercenary. Since what I heard from the others, on how capable she was, I thought it might be an older woman."

"Don't worry too much," said Boss Pang as he reassured his staff. "You know you need to trust as a businessman. We need to trust our staff in their capability, as we need to trust our vendors to supply us with our stock, and customer to pay us."

"But it's always better to be cautious in business as well," warned Old Cheng.

"Yeah, take everything with a grain, fire staff who's hands are dirty, cut off vendors who cheat us and chase after customers who do not pay. Haha!"

"You and your ideals."

"So, how's the girl?"

"Young, but she seems reliable. She been keeping an eye out. But a bit of a dandy, she painted her forehead with petals."

"It's just a trend in the capital. You know how women like to be beautiful. As long as she is good at her job, how she looks, her age, really doesn't matter."

"Yes," said Old Cheng agreeing with his ideals.

"Let's hope that we got out of this safely," said Boss Pang but it was more of a prayer than a statement. He had arranged all the protection money requested by the gangs, but it's always better to be vigilant. There are always some strays.

They were nearing the Shui Pavilion, the largest entertainment building on NanJing Street. Now it was Boss Pang's turn to pull up the curtain to take a peek at the establishment. The only light from the building was those red flowers lanterns that hung on the entrance. It was quiet, it was too early for it to be opened but he stared at it, nonetheless.

"You are missing WanNiang?" Old Cheng asked.

He tried to hide his smile and said, "Later. After this. I will pay her a visit."

"You better bring a gift with you then."

"I already bought it with me," said Boss Pang as he took out a coral made hairpin. "This is made from far east where they are seas."

"Seas? What is that?"

"No idea. But it was a pretty thing, so I bought it back."

He was ready to put it back into the folds of his clothes when she suddenly a shout from outside resounded, "Catch that!" Boss Pang pushed away the curtain on the carriage door and took a look at situation outside.

"What is happe-"

An arrow shot passed him.

He stumbled back into the carriage and knocked into Old Cheng.

"Boss, there's a Yao!" shouted the carriage driver outside.

"Shit!" he cursed under his breath.

Why do they have to come on the day that I have deliveries.

As the carriage shook along, the curtains fluttered about. Amidst the fleeting glimpses, he caught sight of the mercenaries engaged in combat against the Yao. Yet, amidst the chaos, an unexpected sight emerged figures clad in distinctive blue uniforms who also joined the fray.

Royal Guards! This is worse than I thought. The Yao must be a greater Yao. If it was a lesser one, they wouldn't be here.

Old Cheng was having the same thoughts as he stared outside.

This is bad luck. Very terrible luck.

However, Boss Pang wanted to save his inventory. They were expensive herbs, and he didn't want to lose it due to the fight. He tried to rush out from the carriage but was stopped by Old Cheng, "You have one life boss. If you go out now. You might forfeit your most valuable asset. Remember that arrow that almost hit you?"

Boss Pang shivered at the thought. Money was important but life, he only got one.

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Hello all, it's been some time now but I am still here Haha. 

Just update a chapter here for Retelling of Night. I have been stressing writing (releasing stress through writing), so I have made some decent progress in the story. Hope to get more done soon. 

Toodles! See you again next time.

(P.s no fix schedule for now)