253 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Ning Songwu was nothing more than a smokescreen, Sheng Zong’s true intention was to break the aristocracy’s grip on high-ranking official positions, and it just so happened that Ning Songwu opened this breach himself. Upon hearing this, Ning Jingyang and Wang Chong spoke in unison, “We beseech Your Majesty to reconsider.” “There’s no need for further words, court is dismissed.” Sheng Zong remained unmoved. * In the sixteenth year of Jiankang, during the twelfth lunar month, Ning Songwu, accompanied by Zha Le, departed from the bustling capital to take up a position in the distant Chongzhou Prefecture. The reason for choosing the remote Chongzhou Prefecture was that Ning Songwu’s daughter was disguised as a man. If she served in the capital, even a slight misstep might result in gossip and provide others with leverage. However, Chongzhou was far from the emperor's attention and the power center, thus distancing them from disputes and dangers. Unexpectedly, just a few days after their arrival, Chongzhou was hit by several days of torrential rain, causing floods. After several days of emergency rescue and disaster relief efforts, the local county officials reported that the situation was under control, and everything was gradually returning to normal. The official documents were filled with lavish praise for Ning Songwu, flatteringly depicting the situation. Little did they know, beneath the calm surface, a turbulent storm was brewing. Sheng Zong learned from the reports that the disaster was within manageable bounds, and considering Ning Songwu was a newcomer, his handling of the situation was relatively appropriate. As a reward, Sheng Zong granted him silk and ten acres of fertile land. Learning that Ning Songwu was of marriageable age but still unmarried, Sheng Zong publicly decreed to bestow the renowned first talented woman of the capital, Ran Fanyin, in marriage to Ning Songwu, instructing that they wed on a chosen date. A marriage bestowed by the emperor was a sought-after honor that many aristocratic youths longed for. But while some rejoiced, others worried. Ning Songwu could hardly believe that despite all his efforts to hide and escape to Chongzhou, the emperor still granted him this marriage. No matter how reluctant he was, he couldn’t disobey the imperial decree. “Yin’er has lived under Father’s protection for over ten years and has never suffered any grievance. It’s going to rain, and daughters must get married. Father need not blame himself, for Yin’er never resented you.” Ran Fanyin comforted Ran Houmeng while blowing on a spoonful of medicinal soup and handing it over. Ran Houmeng took a sip and continued, “The talk in the streets is that I crazily loved my daughter to the extent of stalling your marriage. Do you know why?” Ran Fanyin shook her head. She knew there was a reason, but she didn't know what it was. Ran Houmeng leaned half on the bed, his eyes unfocused, and was pulled back to fifteen years earlier to that rainy night, recounting the long-buried sorrow with a calm tone. “Before you turned three, you and your mother lived in Youzhou. When I was promoted, I brought both of you to the capital for a family reunion.” “When you were four, you fell seriously ill. Everyone said not to fight with the King of Hell and urged me to prepare for your funeral. The sorcerer who saved you said you could only live in peace if you never married, and a second marriage would be your true match.” “Your mother was unfortunate, enjoying only a few years of happiness before leaving us both behind. Father only has you, and I just want you to live well.” So it was because of that sorcerer. But this marriage was decreed by the emperor, and she couldn’t refuse. She could only proceed reluctantly. She thought that in a feudal society, most men preferred gentle and virtuous wives. If she acted contrary to that, she might just obtain a divorce. Ran Fanyin consoled, “Father, rest easy. Yin’er will find a way to obtain the divorce decree.” Regardless of the sorcerer's words, she was not willing to adhere to outdated customs and waste her days revolving around a man. She had many businesses to manage and ambitions yet to fulfill. The life of seclusion wasn’t suitable for her. * After much contemplation, Ning Songwu followed behind Ran Fanyin. As he entered the room, he brushed past a girl who had just been reprimanded. The girl looked frightened and was about to speak when Ran Fanyin coldly interrupted her, “Close the door.” Shivering, the girl responded, “Yes.” She couldn't understand why the girl who was fine a moment ago suddenly turned so cold, thinking she might have done something to upset her. “It’s fine, you go on. Let her close it.” Ran Fanyin said with a smile to the girl. Ran Fanyin's demeanor towards the girl was completely different, and Ning Songwu finally realized that Ran Fanyin's anger was directed at him. He had no choice but to use his injured left hand to close the door. “Sit down.” Ran Fanyin commanded with a frosty tone. Ning Songwu noticed some gauze and medicinal supplies on the table. He walked over to Ran Fanyin and sat down. It was as if he was under a spell, doing whatever Ran Fanyin said. “Aren’t your hands sore?” Ran Fanyin asked without looking at him, fiddling with items on the table. Ning Songwu looked down and saw that blood had already soaked his palm, with blood flowing profusely, no wonder the girl earlier was so terrified. “It’s not too bad.” Ning Songwu laughed awkwardly. There was no point in covering it anymore, so he let his hand drop from his shoulder. His hand had become stiff and sore from the prolonged pressure, making it difficult to move, so he had to shake his shoulders to regain feeling. “Take off your clothes.” Ran Fanyin sighed, seeing he didn’t take care of himself at all. “What!” Ning Songwu, upon hearing this, clutched his chest in panic, wondering what she wanted to do. Ran Fanyin looked up and met Ning Songwu’s gaze, asking, “Can you change the bandages yourself?” “No, it’s just a minor injury, really. I can handle it back at the office.” Ning Songwu swallowed his words, knowing it would indeed be hard to change the bandages alone, but he needed to maintain his male identity and couldn't let her help. Ran Fanyin raised an eyebrow, “Are you concerned about propriety between men and women?” “You and I are neither in actual wedlock nor without an agreement. We should keep a proper distance and not overstep boundaries.” Ning Songwu wasn't unwilling to have her help, but he feared his true identity would be discovered. “So, you calling yourself my cousin is also to maintain this distance?” Ran Fanyin laughed, showing no emotion. “Yes,” Ning Songwu replied reluctantly. Ran Fanyin continued, “Have you ever seen a cousin who would enter his cousin’s room alone? Now we’re an unmarried man and woman in a room together, why not maintain a distance now?” “If you know, this is... a brothel! I’ve been staying here for a night and plan to stay further. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I’m now the top courtesan at Fengming Pavilion, and tonight I’ll lead a group of girls in a dance. Tell me, do I still have any honor, Lord Ning?”