Chapter 37: The Young Lady

"I am Qian Gongyu of the White Cloud Qian Clan. And you?"

"Jiang Shi."

"The Jiang clan? Could it be the Jiang clan of Nanyang? No, I heard that the Nanyang Jiang clan fell from grace long ago, their influence scattered like crows from a fallen tree... Could it be the Jiang clan of Qiantang?"

"I am an orphan."

"But you are certainly no commoner. You are roughly my age yet so skilled in combat; even the elite disciples of noble houses, who cultivate the Dao before honing their skills, few can compare to you. Furthermore, you are so beautiful and so powerful, which means your parents must have come from a noble family with a lineage spanning hundreds of years," Qian Gongyu declared with conviction. "Only noble blood can give birth to noble descendants."

Ever since 'Jiang Shi' stepped into the carriage, Qian Gongyu’s mouth had not stopped moving. Even though 'Jiang Shi' only replied once for every ten sentences she spoke, she remained tireless. With her help, 'Jiang Shi' successfully cleaned the lime from her eyes and changed out of the filthy, coarse-cloth 'newbie' outfit.

It is worth noting that even by the standards of Yan Qing’s life before he transmigrated, this carriage was the most comfortable and luxurious vehicle he had ever seen. The entire floor was covered in a carpet woven from silk and gold-and-silver thread; there were benches topped with velvet cushions, a translucent crystal tea table, and the two corners of the carriage were designed as fan-shaped display cabinets—one filled with uniquely shaped wine bottles, the other displaying various exquisite spirit-jade artifacts.

Though packed to the brim, it did not feel the slightest bit crowded. Every piece of furniture was perfectly adapted to the interior space, designed with such precise flow that one never felt obstructed, regardless of the activity. It was a masterclass in maximizing space. And this was merely the parlor; there was also a washroom for bathing and a bedroom containing a bed.

Meanwhile, outside, a violent storm raged, yet inside, the carriage remained as steady as Mount Tai. Aside from the slight swaying of the hanging lamp on the ceiling, there was almost no impact—the suspension technology was enough to leave Yan Qing in awe.

Anyone observing the performance and decor of this carriage would reach a single, intuitive conclusion about its owner:

Filthy rich.

'Jiang Shi' went to the washroom to change, of course. But do not misunderstand: as an all-ages game, "The Messenger" did not contain such blatant 'wardrobe malfunction' loopholes. All character changes were instantaneous. If one were to insist on running around naked, the character would simply be equipped with undergarments. The style and color of these undergarments were strictly tied to the last set of clothes worn, as if the character had fashioned them themselves to protest the player’s impoliteness—much like Ashley in Resident Evil 4, who covers her skirt if the player tries to peek.

"I knew it! The moment I saw you, I thought of this outfit. It suits you perfectly!"

'Jiang Shi' had changed into a dress dominated by deep blue with white accents. The hem reached her knees, and the cuffs and collar were trimmed with white lace. Beneath it, she wore dark trousers and brown leather boots, looking dignified yet soft. Qian Gongyu was not entirely satisfied, however. She circled 'Jiang Shi' twice, muttering, "We could add some jewelry to the chest, a belt and a jade pendant at the waist. Your hair is fine loose, but it would look better tied up with a ribbon..."

As she spoke, Qian Gongyu took items from a nearby jewelry box to adorn 'Jiang Shi'. Yan Qing glanced at the equipment slot and saw that all slots were filled with purely cosmetic gear that provided neither defensive stats nor special effects.

"I just killed someone. Aren't you afraid of inviting trouble by treating me so well?"

"Trouble? What trouble? I didn't help you fight those black-clad dogs," Qian Gongyu said with a dismissive tone.

Yan Qing recalled that the constables indeed wore black clothes and boots beneath their straw rain capes.

"Doesn't letting me into your carriage count as helping me escape?"

"It seems you don't understand the relationship between our noble clans and the government," Qian Gongyu said, raising an eyebrow. At this moment, she finally displayed the arrogance and confidence expected of a young lady of her status. "As long as we noble clans do not explicitly violate the rites, which official would dare bring charges against us? Besides, those black-clad dogs had ill intentions from the start. They had no warrant for arrest; they simply saw you and were moved by greed and lust. Even if I took you away, I did not break a single law of the Great Liang. What could the government possibly do to me?"

"But I have killed someone now. Doesn't that make me a criminal?"

"Without an arrest warrant issued by the Ministry of Justice, who can call you a criminal? The Great Liang is not one of those countries in the north ruled by barbarians; we value rites and the rule of law," Qian Gongyu laughed. "Even if a warrant were issued, I would simply say I knew nothing of it. Searching for criminals and delivering warrants are the responsibilities of the government. Are they going to push that responsibility onto us?"

"However, you really should find a way to obtain a Household Band," she added. "Not to mention that those without one are considered 'black-registered'—you are planning to attend the annual Mansu Woodland event, aren't you? You won't get in without one."

Yan Qing naturally did not understand what a Household Band was. Fortunately, Qian Gongyu enjoyed playing the mentor—or perhaps she simply loved talking to 'Jiang Shi'—so he quickly learned the significance of the Household Band in the Liang Kingdom of Jiangnan.

The Household Band refers to the wristbands worn by everyone here. While they vary based on profession, rank, and duty, they are generally divided into nine colors corresponding to the three major classes: the Commoners, the Gentry, and the Noble Clans.

The three colors for Commoners are gray, brown, and black. Because these are considered dirty or turbid, they are known as the 'Turbid Colors.'

The three colors for the Gentry are blue, cyan, and grass-green. The higher the status, the lighter the shade; these are known as the 'Clear Colors.'

The three colors for the Noble Clans are vermilion, purple, and gold. Gold is the privilege of the Imperial family. Because of their high status, these are known as the 'Noble Colors.'

In the Jiangnan Liang Kingdom, the Household Band system connects the entire country like capillaries. Almost everyone wears one; the 'hidden households' common in the north are nearly extinct here. It is no exaggeration to say that anyone in Jiangnan without a Household Band is either a rebel or a criminal.

"Is a legal identity required to enter the Mansu Woodland?"

"At the very least, you need a Black Band," Qian Gongyu stated firmly. "Not having even a Black Band means your family is obscure in the region, you hold no government post, and you aren't an apprentice messenger. If your family contributes nothing to the court, you contribute nothing to the court, and you lack the strength, you certainly won't be allowed to participate in the Mansu Woodland."

"I understand. Please let me off before we reach the Mansu Woodland. I will find a way to enter on my own."

"And what way is that?"

"Infiltration."

"And if you're discovered? You're 'black-registered'—the authorities will arrest you!"

"I was discovered just now, and the people who came to arrest me are already dead."

"The guards of the Mansu Woodland are the Imperial Army responsible for defending Jiangnan City. They are far stronger than mere constables. You will die!"

"Then I die."

Qian Gongyu clearly had not expected such an answer; the words she had prepared were choked back in her throat. Her lips moved as she stammered, "Actually, it's not as if there are no other ways. After all, my White Cloud Qian Clan is a respected Gentry family. If you were to ask me..."

Qian Gongyu stole a quick glance at 'Jiang Shi', and finding the latter remained expressionless, she quickly changed her tune. "Meeting is fate! My White Cloud Qian Clan is most happy to help others. I would have helped you even if you hadn't asked!"

She reached into her bodice and pulled out a black band. If one looked closely, one could see fine blue threads woven into it.

"This is a guard's band from my family. Although it has no registered information, as long as you enter with me, the officials at the Mansu Woodland won't bother checking," she said. "You can use this."

"Thank you."

Since he could enter openly, Yan Qing would not make things difficult for himself.

"But the Liang Kingdom has strict rites. People of different statuses must follow the rules fitting their standing," Qian Gongyu asked tentatively. "In front of others, you must pretend to be my guard, otherwise, people will be suspicious."

"No problem."

"Then, how will you address me when we are outside?"

"Young Mistress."

The sound of 'Young Mistress' made Qian Gongyu nod vigorously, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She clenched her fists and said with anticipation, "Say it again?"

"Young Mistress."

"Wait, the accent of our White Cloud Qian Clan is like this; you should pronounce it—"

"Young Mistress, shut up."

"Yes."