Chapter Ten: One Will Naturally Know Their Limits

Chu Nan smiled faintly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “Miss Shangguan spoke well just now. The officials of Jingzhao Prefecture have been overbearing and oppressive to the common folk; they truly deserve a proper lesson.”

“However, I have a few words I wish to speak with them privately. I wonder if you would permit me this convenience?”

At his words, Shangguan Ya’er raised her brow slightly, a trace of curiosity crossing her eyes. She had not expected Chu Nan to voluntarily request a conversation with those constables, and a spark of intrigue about his intentions stirred within her.

Yet she showed no emotion, replying coolly, “Since Young Master Chu intends to handle the matter, I shall not interfere.”

“Do remember, however, the Emperor’s favor. You must exercise due restraint in your actions.”

Chu Nan gave a slight nod, smiling. “Rest assured, Miss Shangguan, I will keep my actions measured.”

Seeing his composed demeanor, Shangguan Ya’er fell silent, casting a cold glance at the few constables kneeling on the ground. Her voice was indifferent as she said, “If I hear of any further disrespect from you today, the Prefect of Jingzhao won’t be the only one I demand an explanation from. Now, get inside. Young Master Chu wishes to speak with you.”

The constables, already terrified, felt as if pardoned from death. They kowtowed repeatedly in apology, hurriedly rising and slinking into Chu Nan’s shop with downcast heads.

Shangguan Ya’er glanced at Chu Nan and said calmly, “Young Master Chu, should you need me later, I will be waiting here.”

Chu Nan smiled faintly, the chill in his gaze retreating as he turned to her. “Since Miss Shangguan has come to my aid, why not come inside and rest with me for a while?”

His tone was calm and unassuming, yet gentle.

Surprised, Shangguan Ya’er raised an eyebrow. She had expected him merely to thank her politely and deal with the constables alone, yet he had invited her inside.

She had heard much about Chu Nan; the Empress favored him greatly and had even hinted at granting him special protection within the court.

A man who could establish himself in the capital was clearly no ordinary merchant. She thought it worthwhile to see what kind of person he truly was.

Nodding, she responded coolly, “Since Young Master Chu invites, Ya’er will respectfully comply.”

Chu Nan made a slight gesture, politely saying, “Please, Miss Shangguan.”

Side by side, they entered the shop. The accompanying constables followed nervously behind, not daring to make a sound for fear of further provoking the young lady of the Shangguan family.

Inside the shop, the constables stood silently in a corner, ashamed and trembling, unable to raise their eyes to meet either Chu Nan or Shangguan Ya’er.

Chu Nan led Shangguan Ya’er to a wooden chair by the counter and took out a tea set, pouring her a cup of clear tea with practiced ease.

Though the teapot was simple and rustic, his movements conveyed a calm confidence.

Shangguan Ya’er took the cup and sipped lightly, her impression of Chu Nan softening.

This young man was not only intelligent and decisive but also courteous and refined, lacking the coarseness common among merchants.

Her gaze inadvertently flicked to Chu Nan’s sleeve, where she noticed the small container he had used earlier against the constables, sparking her curiosity.

“Young Master Chu, that small container you used just now… it looks rather unusual.”

Setting down her cup, Shangguan Ya’er spoke lightly, her eyes inquisitive.

Chu Nan smiled and casually placed the canister on the table, turning it gently. “This is a self-developed personal defense item called ‘Wolf-Repellent Spray.’”

“The officials were reckless and unreasonable, and in a moment of displeasure, I let them taste its effects.”

Hearing his explanation, Shangguan Ya’er raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by this ‘Wolf-Repellent Spray.’

She studied the small container on the table, her eyes filled with rare curiosity. “Wolf-Repellent Spray… what does it emit to cause such suffering?”

With a playful smile, Chu Nan replied mysteriously, “This canister contains a special formula. When sprayed, it causes unbearable stinging in the eyes, tears streaming uncontrollably, and temporary blindness—enough to handle sudden dangers.”

He pushed the canister toward Shangguan Ya’er and added casually, “But it must be used carefully. One cannot spray it indiscriminately, especially not on allies, lest it cause unintended harm.”

Surprise flickered across Shangguan Ya’er’s face. Leaning in, she examined the small container closely, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

She lightly picked up the spray, turning it over thoughtfully. “Something so compact and convenient that it can temporarily incapacitate someone is indeed remarkable.”

“If it could be distributed among soldiers at the frontier, it would surely increase their chances of victory.”

Chu Nan smiled and nodded. “Miss Shangguan’s insight is keen. This tiny wolf-repellent spray is indeed quite beneficial for personal defense.”

“However, the ingredients are rare and complex, making it difficult to produce in large quantities for now.”

Shangguan Ya’er nodded thoughtfully, her fingers gently tracing the surface of the canister, her gaze flickering with contemplation.

Such a unique defensive item stirred a certain desire within her.

Though she was the legitimate daughter of the Shangguan family, of noble status, navigating the treacherous realms of power sometimes brought danger.

Carrying such a device would surely enhance her sense of security.

After a moment’s consideration, she finally spoke. “Young Master Chu, if you would part with one bottle of this defensive item, Ya’er would be willing to pay for it.”

Seeing the earnestness in her expression, Chu Nan’s smile deepened.

Unbeknownst to him, though Shangguan Ya’er had acted on the Empress’s orders, she had also personally helped him in the capital’s streets, resolving the Jingzhao Prefecture’s troubles for him.

Generously, he pushed the small canister toward her and said, “Miss Shangguan’s assistance today fills me with gratitude. I would be remiss to accept payment. Please accept this bottle of wolf-repellent spray as a token of thanks.”

Shangguan Ya’er was momentarily taken aback, not expecting such generosity.

She looked deeply into Chu Nan’s eyes and found him sincere, without the slightest trace of pretense. Her impression of him shifted favorably.

Chu Nan was a perceptive and discerning man, graceful in handling affairs—entirely unlike the usual merchants who sought only to curry favor with the powerful.

She carefully put away the wolf-repellent spray, nodding slightly with quiet appreciation. “In that case, many thanks, Young Master Chu. I will report today’s events truthfully to Her Majesty.”

“The rudeness of the Jingzhao officials was my fault, for failing to discipline them in time.”

Chu Nan smiled and clasped his hands. “Miss Shangguan is too kind. Without you today, I fear I would have struggled to manage.”

“Their abuse of the Jingzhao Prefecture’s name caught me completely off guard.”

Shangguan Ya’er frowned slightly, her voice serious. “Do you have any idea who is behind these people, Young Master Chu?”

Chu Nan nodded slowly, his expression darkening. “If I may speak frankly, my shop has been open for some years and has operated quietly. I have never encountered such trouble before.”

“To be suddenly targeted by the Jingzhao Prefecture is unlikely to be a mere coincidence.”