276 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Indeed, it's often said that words spoken too soon can lead to unexpected outcomes. Ran Fanyin sighed, massaging his temples. Ran Fanyin tentatively asked, "What happened?" Silently, he chanted a prayer to Buddha and God, hoping fervently that nothing too disastrous had occurred. "The leading dancer, our star girl, twisted her ankle. No one else knows the steps well enough; we're all relying on her to lead. What are we going to do?" Yun Niang was anxious but believed in Ran Fanyin's ability to solve the problem. Ran Fanyin sighed deeply with his eyes closed and asked, "Is it serious?" "It's swollen like a pig's trotter, fit for a stew pot. She even sprained her back," Yun Niang lamented, her face showing a mix of frustration and disappointment. "A twisted ankle and a sprained back?" Ran Fanyin's eyes widened in disbelief, as if he had received a double portion of bad news. "Yes, yes. She was carried back and is now lying helplessly in bed. We can't count on her at all. Just tell me, who else can dance better than her?" Yun Niang looked at Ran Fanyin with an expression that clearly indicated she had someone specific in mind. This wasn't even a real question. Besides him, who else was there? Ran Fanyin feared Yun Niang really thought this, for he couldn't bring himself to dance that routine. It would be too humiliating, especially if word got out. Forcing a smile, Ran Fanyin suggested, "How about canceling this performance?" "Our reputation is at stake, and canceling would be seen as a weakness," Yun Niang quickly dismissed the idea. "No big deal. Tomorrow, we'll send out more 'Immortal Bliss'. I'm sure the clients will understand this minor inconvenience." "One of the three days has already passed, and this was our marquee event. Canceling now would mean you'll have to stay here indefinitely," Yun Niang retorted. Hearing 'send out more', she felt her blood boil. To restore Fengming Court's glory and outshine Shihua Pavilion, Ran Fanyin had suggested free gifts and special offers, which Yun Niang tolerated. She even used her last savings. Now, hearing about cancellation and more giveaways, she couldn't take it anymore. "..." Ran Fanyin was silently outraged, realizing Yun Niang was using this situation to coerce him. "What was the last thing you asked? I didn't catch it," Ran Fanyin tried to find a way out of the predicament. "I said our reputation is at stake..." Yun Niang looked puzzled by the abrupt question. Forcing another smile, Ran Fanyin corrected, "Not that. Go back one more sentence." Yun Niang smiled knowingly, repeating, "Just tell me, who else can dance better than her?" Ran Fanyin exhaled through his nose, forcing out one word: "Me." "I'll take her place. For now, let me be the leading dancer. After all, I'm the talented and beautiful star of Fengming Court," Ran Fanyin reluctantly volunteered. "I knew you were kind-hearted and beautiful," Yun Niang said with a mischievous smile. --- Late spring of the seventeenth year of Jiankang, more than a month had passed since Ning Songwu's wedding. At the county office, Ning Songwu was engrossed in his work, the night deepening without any sign of him intending to return home. Cha Le, exhausted and red-eyed, his limbs heavy like lead, couldn't hold back a yawn. "Sir, are you staying at the office again tonight?" "Yes, as I told you, I'll be working here for the next few days," Ning Songwu replied, his face showing clear signs of inner conflict. "Sir, it's not my place to question, but it's not been long since your wedding. Leaving the lady alone might invite gossip," Cha Le said, puzzled. Ever since Ning Songwu returned to Chongzhou, he had stayed at the office most of the time, rarely returning to the governor's mansion. "If you're tired, you can go back. I'll finish organizing these documents and get some rest," Ning Songwu noted Cha Le's fatigue. "Sir, it is said that 'a newlywed's night is worth a thousand gold coins.' There isn’t much left to do; you can finish tomorrow. You should really..." Cha Le trailed off, noticing Ning Songwu's displeased expression, and swallowed the rest of his words. Ning Songwu sneered, "Should really what? Go on, say it." Trembling, Cha Le stammered, "Should really stay at the office for the people’s needs… I'll take my leave." Within moments, he had vanished. The county office was indeed rudimentary, but Ning Songwu consoled himself with the thought, "This is a humble abode, graced only by virtue." However, he knew avoiding the problem wasn't a solution. A series of urgent knocks jolted Ning Songwu, just as he lay down. "Master, you must return home quickly. The old master is furious," Zhong Xiang said. "What happened?" For his father to be angry at this hour, the issue had to be serious. "The old master had an argument with the lady, saying she spoils you too much, leading to your current behavior. If you don't return tonight, he threatens to break your legs," Zhong Xiang explained, his voice growing quieter. "Wait here, Zhong Xiang. I just finished my work; I'll go right now," Ning Songwu sighed, putting on his outer robe and heading for the door. Except for Ning Jingyang, no one could control Ning Songwu, the sole son. Ning Jingyang, despite his usual patience and verbal guidance, had never resorted to physical punishment. Tonight's threat scared Ning Songwu profoundly. Ning Jingyang was furious. The disaster recovery efforts were critical, and he had tolerated Ning Songwu's staying at the office. But with things mostly settled, Ning Songwu still didn't return home. With Ning Jingyang yet to return to the capital for a debrief, if he left, Ning Songwu might never come back from the office. No matter how busy, a husband couldn't leave a new bride alone. She was already frail, and he worried how they would have a grandson with this pattern. The Emperor had personally arranged Ning Songwu's marriage. With her beauty, family background, and talent, how did she fall short compared to the uncomprehending Ning Songwu? Upon arriving at the governor's mansion, Ning Songwu sensed a tense atmosphere, with an invisible air of gunpowder. Zhou Huaxiu signaled him with her eyes, while Ning Jingyang sat furiously in the magistrate's chair, saying nothing but clearly enraged. Ning Songwu bowed to his parents and advised, "Father, Mother, it's late. Let's all get some rest." "Songwu," Zhou Huaxiu whispered, hinting through her eyes for him to apologize and admit his mistake. Understanding his mother's hint, Ning Songwu knelt and murmured, "Father, I know I was wrong."