My Daughter is the Empire’s Lucky Charm

Tang Muzhi had always been close with his elder sister Tang Xinhua since childhood. Hearing that she had fallen ill with a cold, the coldness in his eyes was quickly replaced by concern.

"Has Sister fallen ill? Is it serious?"

"It's not too severe," said Cao Wenbin, glancing remorsefully at the young woman who had just come running in a panic to scoop her daughter into her arms. "I was simply too flustered."

After a moment's hesitation, he led his horse over and lowered his voice politely, "Madam, the fault just now was indeed mine. I offer my sincerest apologies to you and the young girl.

I left in such a hurry that I didn't bring much silver with me today. But since it was my horse that nearly harmed your child, if you do not mind, I would like to give this horse to you as compensation. It may also prevent further accidents if I continue riding it in haste."

"This…"

The young woman was no more than a commoner. She had never interacted with noble-born men before, much less someone as courteous as this gentleman. That he would lower himself to apologize so earnestly was already shocking to her.

And now he was offering to give her his horse?

A single horse, in these times, cost more than a year's earnings for most households.

"Madam need not feel burdened," Cao Wenbin added gently, noticing her hesitation. "I only seek to make amends for my mistake. Please, accept it."

"Th-thank you… Young Master…" The woman stammered as she took the reins. Seeing that Cao Wenbin truly had no intention of taking it back, she led her daughter and the horse away, soon vanishing at the far end of the street.

Since both parties had made peace, Tang Muzhi saw no reason to speak further. His heart remained with his sister, and he wanted very much to visit her at the Cao residence. Yet, just as he was about to speak, he remembered he was accompanying the Fifth Princess and the Sixth Prince today.

He raised his head instinctively and looked up at the second floor of Lianxin Zhai.

"Is Cousin wishing to visit the Cao residence and see Elder Sister?" asked Yun Shu with an understanding smile.

"Let us all go, then."

Hearing her call him "cousin," Cao Wenbin's thoughts turned. He quickly recalled the Tang family's relations and, recognizing Yun Shu's status, was immediately filled with alarm. He bowed in haste.

"This humble one greets—"

"Enough. What use is all this ceremony?" Yun Shu cut him off before he could announce her identity. This was the imperial city, not the palace. If Cao Wenbin knelt here, the crowd of commoners would surely follow suit and stir unnecessary commotion.

She cast him a mild glance and said, "Would Young Master Cao mind if we accompanied you to the Cao residence?"

"Of course not," he said, bowing again. "It is just… My wife has always been strict in observing proper etiquette. If guests of status come calling, and she is able to rise, she will insist on greeting them herself.

I am simply concerned that she might overexert herself, or worse, pass her illness to our guests. That would be most improper."

A polite refusal, spoken with tact and courtesy, leaving no room for offense.

He had not only considered their well-being, but his wife's as well. Neither Yun Shu, as his cousin, nor Tang Muzhi, as her younger brother, could reasonably press the matter.

"Then I ask Brother-in-law to take care of her on our behalf," Tang Muzhi said softly.

"That goes without saying," Cao Wenbin replied with a light smile. "Xinhua is your sister, and my wife. As her husband, it is my duty to care for her."

He gave Tang Muzhi a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I will go and fetch her medicine now."

…

From her seat by the window, Yun Shu watched Cao Wenbin disappear into the crowd. Even from here, she could still hear the murmured praise of the townspeople.

"That Young Master Cao is such a good man, so devoted to his wife."

"Indeed. Madam Cao is truly blessed. If only my own husband were half as good, I would laugh even in my dreams."

While the streets echoed with admiration, Yun Shu's expression darkened.

"Does Sixth Brother have shadow guards following him?"

"Yes…" Yun Chuhuan blinked. "But why are you asking all of a sudden, Fifth Sister?"

"Can you send one to tail Cao Wenbin?"

"Why?"

Two voices asked at once. Yun Shu turned to find Tang Muzhi had returned upstairs. He furrowed his brows and stepped toward her.

"Has Your Highness noticed something?"

"If you must ask… let's just call it intuition."

She picked up a piece of golden leaf pastry and spoke casually, yet her tone held quiet certainty. "My instincts are very accurate. That man, Cao Wenbin, is not to be trusted."

"But…" Tang Muzhi opened his mouth, doubt lingering in his eyes.

Before he could finish the thought, Yun Chuhuan gave a sharp snap of his fingers.

"Ying Yi, follow that man named Cao."

Nothing in the private room seemed to change, but everyone knew the Dragon Shadow Guard had already moved.

Yun Shu bit into the golden leaf pastry. Her unease, which had flared again just moments ago, settled slightly.

She had remembered another part of the original story.

In the book, Tang Xinhua never once appeared. Her name was only mentioned once, in reference to Tang Muzhi's background:

"His elder sister, Tang Xinhua, who had been tormented to death by her husband's household, remained a sorrow he could never erase."

Tormented to death.

Could a man capable of such cruelty truly be someone who would ride through the streets in panic over a mere cold?

Yun Shu would never believe it.

She finished her pastry in two bites, then looked up. Tang Muzhi was still frowning, visibly troubled.

She paused, then gave him a reassuring smile.

"Cousin, sit and enjoy some refreshments. My Sixth Brother's shadow guards are not incompetent. Whether or not my intuition proves right, we will find out soon enough.

If I'm wrong, that would be for the best.

But if I'm right, and we uncover something in time to save Elder Sister, then it will be worth it.

Since either outcome is better than none, why should we sit here frowning?"

"…You are right, Your Highness."

Tang Muzhi finally sat down, though his heart remained heavy.