The Underdog Romance of the Scholar and the Beauty

A tiny petal became Zhang Sheng's best medicine.

The next day, he miraculously "recovered." His whole being radiated vitality and energy, as if completely transformed. He no longer went to the temple hall for "chance encounters," nor did he "recite poetry" beneath the wall. Instead, he returned to his duty as an exam candidate—quietly studying in his room.

He understood that Yingying's response was both tacit permission and a reminder. She had accepted his feelings but also hoped he would take care of himself and focus on what mattered.

True love isn't about obsessive attachment, but about becoming a better version of yourself for the other person.

As for Yingying, sending that petal was like opening a floodgate that had long constrained her heart. Once that suppressed emotion found an outlet, it could never be taken back. She began to look forward to the daily "intelligence" Hong Niang brought back from the west wing—what books Young Master Zhang had read, what essays he had written, even what he had eaten.

Hong Niang delighted in playing the role of "double agent," shuttling between the two lovesick people, embellishing the messages she carried, watching them react with joy or concern to each other's every move. She found it more entertaining than watching a play.

Thus, the thin paper window was finally punctured. Though the two had still not met face to face, their hearts were already tightly connected through Hong Niang as their medium. Days at Pujiu Temple passed quietly in this subtle yet sweet undercurrent.

However, this momentary tranquility was soon shattered by a sudden, overwhelming disaster.

That day, the weather was fine. Temple monks swept the courtyard, and worshippers came to offer incense in small groups. Everything seemed peaceful.

Suddenly, the sound of urgent hoofbeats and clamor came from the mountain below, growing closer and louder, as if thousands of troops were charging toward Pujiu Temple.

Zhang Sheng, strolling in the courtyard, felt a chill in his heart. He could tell from the sound that it carried a murderous aura—definitely not friendly visitors.

"Something's wrong!"

He immediately rushed to the temple gate. There, the abbot and several warrior monks already stood at the entrance, gazing down the mountain with solemn expressions.

On the mountain path, dust swirled and banners fluttered. An army of several thousand men, like a massive black python, quickly coiled upward, surrounding the entire Pujiu Temple so that not even water could seep through. The soldiers looked fierce and menacing, holding gleaming weapons. Their commander, built like a tiger with a bear's waist and a face full of coarse features, had the look of a bandit.

"It's... it's 'Flying Tiger General' Sun Feihu!" The guest-receiving monk turned pale with fear, his voice trembling.

Sun Feihu!

The name struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, making everyone present gasp.

This man was originally a rebellious general who later became a bandit, occupying the Hezhong Prefecture area with five thousand elite soldiers. They burned, killed, looted, and committed all manner of evil deeds, leaving even government forces helpless against them. Why would he suddenly surround Pujiu Temple with his army?

"Listen up, you baldies!" Outside the mountain gate, the bandit leader Sun Feihu reined in his horse and bellowed in a voice like a bronze gong, "I am 'Flying Tiger General' Sun Feihu! I hear that the former Prime Minister Cui's daughter, that beauty named Cui Yingying, is in your temple?"

His gaze swept greedily over the temple, as if he could already see the beauty hidden within.

"I've come today not for money, not for incense, but for this woman! If you know what's good for you, obediently hand over Miss Cui to be my mountain bride! Otherwise, at my command, I'll flatten this Pujiu Temple and teach you all a lesson—not a tile will remain, not even chickens or dogs will know peace!"

His arrogant, outrageous voice echoed through the valley, filled with undeniable tyranny.

Inside the temple, chaos erupted instantly. Worshippers screamed in terror and scattered in all directions, while the monks were also frightened and at a loss.

Zhang Sheng stood among the crowd, feeling blood rush to his head as his entire body froze.

Sun Feihu had come for Yingying!

He couldn't imagine what terrible fate would befall that fairy-like, unsullied girl if she fell into the hands of such a crude, despicable bandit.

"No! Absolutely not!"

An unprecedented fury and protective instinct blazed in his chest. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.

Meanwhile, in the Cui family's courtyard, everything had already descended into chaos.

When the news reached them, Old Lady Cui immediately collapsed to the ground, her face drained of color. Having lived a life of privilege and protection, how could she have ever experienced such a terrifying situation?

"Mother! Mother!" Yingying and her brother Cui Huanlang supported her, their faces also pale with fear.

"It's over... all over..." Old Lady Cui's lips trembled as tears streamed down her face. "What sin has our Cui family committed to bring such a calamity upon us?"

Hong Niang rushed to the courtyard gate and peered through the crack, seeing the glint of weapons and sensing the murderous atmosphere outside. Her legs went weak with fear.

"What should we do... what can we possibly do?" The maidservants wept in a group.

The entire Cui household was enveloped in tremendous fear and despair.

Yingying tightly embraced her trembling brother, her beautiful face as white as paper. She raised her head and looked toward the west wing. Amidst all this chaos and terror, the image of that thin yet determined figure involuntarily appeared in her mind.Young Master Zhang... how... how is he doing now?