102 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

Chapter 102: Beyond the Domain (4) "Ah Sheng! Junior Sister Liu!" "As long as a fight breaks out, it will get chaotic, and Cheng Yi can take the opportunity to help Ning Qian Bei leave." "The opponents arranged for the family challenge are only one level higher than me—just ten in total. If need be, I can endure it by entering a pseudo-spiritual state." "I still have many memories from the modern era. I can do this." "Ning Yuan Yue, even if you're a madman, for the dignity of your family head, you must adhere to these family rules." "Why not give it a try? If you don't try, how will you know who wins or loses?" "Nine?" After lunch, Ran Fan Yin and Ning Song Wu entered a brief rest period to recover from the exhausting journey during their overnight escape. By the time they reached the inn, their bodies were already on the brink of collapse. Fearing that without rest, they wouldn't be able to fully respond to any threats in the middle of the night. Ran Fan Yin considered that preemptive action might resolve the crisis they faced. In the deep quiet of night, everything lay still, people deeply asleep and unaware, while illicit deeds brewed under cover of darkness, marking night as the most dangerous time. As evening descended, a drowsy Ran Fan Yin frowned in her sleep. Her brow furrowed as sniffing sounds broke the silence. Suddenly, she opened her eyes, sat up, and gestured to waft the air toward her nose, laughing, “No wonder it smelled so good—it’s stir-fried garlic shoots with preserved meat!” She stretched, got out of bed, and walked to the window. Glancing outside, she found the twilight deeply settled, though not yet complete. A brush of sunset glow illuminated the papered windows. Within the room’s tranquility, the bustling chatter of the inn’s staff in the hall felt distant, imbibing a sense of isolation. Loneliness was vividly tangible at this moment. Turning her head, she saw Ning Song Wu curled up with a scroll in her arms, peacefully asleep on a wooden chair. Her serene expression, relaxed features, and gentle breathing made her appear as an adorable kitten, inviting a desire to reach out and touch. Suddenly, footsteps halted outside the door, causing Ran Fan Yin to inwardly declare a problem, just as two knocks sounded at the door. Ning Song Wu stirred slightly, frowning but not waking up, seemingly disturbed. Quietly, Ran Fan Yin tiptoed to the door. Before she could open it, the inn’s attendant spoke from outside, "Master Ning, please open the door, we're here to deliver dinner to you and the madam." Ran Fan Yin quietly opened the door, placing a finger to her lips and softly reminding, “Shhh—she’s still sleeping.” She then took the tray from the attendant’s hands. “Wait, take the wine back.” Ran Fan Yin stopped the attendant, handing back the wine bottle. The attendant looked puzzled but complied, “As you wish, madam. Please enjoy your meal. Call me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll take my leave.” In the isolated inn amid the wilderness, with lengthy nights and no entertainment, most guests requested a bottle of wine to pass the time. Refusing wine was rare. After shutting the door, Ning Song Wu yawned, commenting lazily, “Time flies by—dinner already?” Ran Fan Yin sat down, attempting to waft the food’s aroma to her nose with her eyes closed. She then pulled out a slender silver hairpin from her bun, meticulously wiped it with a handkerchief, and carefully inserted it into each dish to check for poison. Only after confirming safety did she say, "Go ahead, it’s not poisoned." Yawning, Ning Song Wu asked, "Madam, are you worried about poison?" “Even though it’s a governmental inn, being cautious is always good.” Ran Fan Yin picked up a piece of braised beef and put it in her mouth, speaking as she chewed, “This beef is fantastic, thoroughly marinated, tender and flavorful. And the smell of the garlic shoots and preserved meat—I dreamt of their aroma.” Seeing Ning Song Wu hesitated with her chopsticks, Ran Fan Yin served her a few pieces, “Have some, too.” “I’m not hungry. You enjoy.” Ning Song Wu replied worriedly, lacking any appetite. She sipped her tea, observing Ran Fan Yin eat with relish. Amidst the lurking dangers of the governmental inn, without a plan to protect everyone, Ran Fan Yin seemed oblivious to the threats. Fearing that if anything went amiss, she couldn’t account to Ran Zhongshu, sorrow overcame her. Yet, hoping it was her own needless worry, perhaps in the governmental domain even villains would show restraint, avoiding trouble. “Even if you’re not hungry, you must eat. If your stomach’s empty, you can't perform the evening’s act, which could end dreadfully for us. Losing the scroll is minor, but dying away from home—such loss would be grievous and unjust.” When Ning Song Wu still didn’t eat, Ran Fan Yin invoked Zhou Hua Xiu’s influence, “Mother suffered terribly to raise you; you can’t let her toil be in vain without enjoying blessings.” “Perhaps you’re overthinking, resting in a governmental inn, lawless people might still show some deference.” Ning Song Wu tried persuading Ran Fan Yin. Ran Fan Yin swallowed her food and sipped tea, sitting upright to solemnly state, “You're the one who mentioned lawless people. In their eyes, legality holds no ground. I'm not fearmongering; right when we arrived at the inn this morning, barely settling down, those four followed us in.” Ning Song Wu immediately grew alert, “Do you also think those people have ill intentions?” Initially dismissing her concerns as mere nervousness, Ran Fan Yin’s assertion heightened her anxiety. Ran Fan Yin leaned forward, whispering, “Seems they’re targeting us—the realization dawned upon me this morning.” Ning Song Wu leaned in, attentively following, “You noticed it too?” Ran Fan Yin wiped her mouth and glanced at the door before continuing, “Their trousers bore blood stains, their shoes were soiled, and that soil’s quite distinct.” Ning Song Wu leaned even closer, locking eyes with Ran Fan Yin, signaling her to continue. “Eat first, listen later.” Ran Fan Yin signaled a pause, retracting to eat preserved meat, hinting that without eating, the next part would remain unheard. Following her instruction, Ning Song Wu quickly scooped rice into her mouth, barely chewing, swallowing the meal hastily. Soon, the bowl was empty. She placed it on the table, resting chopsticks atop, creating a noticeable clink, indicating to Ran Fan Yin that she fulfilled her end. “Slow down; rushing yields no advantage—mind your stomach.” Ran Fan Yin chided gently, amused by Ning's impatience, then added, “The distinct red soil they carried matched Liangshan Village’s. Although locally red soil is common, none are as distinctively red as at Liangshan. From the moment they entered the inn, their gaze never left us.” “Those four today are no upstanding folks. If I guessed right, they're after us—more precisely, they want the scroll.” “Brigands of Liangshan aim for loot without hesitation, starkly different from these figures, whose vicious intent is evident. I wager they discovered our escape after tangling with village bandits, tracking us to this inn. But here, being a governmental space, they wouldn't act by day; night, however, might tell another story.” After hearing Ran Fan Yin's precise analysis, Ning Song Wu nodded in realization, feeling a chill run down her spine. “What’s our course of action?” Ning Song Wu inquired, anticipating a detailed escape plan given the thorough analysis. Ran Fan Yin arched an eyebrow, tapping the bowl lightly with her chopsticks: “Eat your fill first; then watch how we’ll put on a good show for them come nightfall.” Curious, Ning Song Wu asked, “What do you mean by ‘putting on a show’?” "Eat well, or you'll lack the strength to flee. Tonight, follow my lead in a joint performance. If executed well, we’ll escape clearly." “Are we escaping tonight?” Ning Song Wu asked impatiently. Ran Fan Yin closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Did she only grasp the concept of escape amidst all she had shared? Remain calm! Stay composed! “Come here, let me tell you.” Ran Fan Yin beckoned. Ning Song Wu quickly moved beside Ran Fan Yin, eagerly awaiting. Leaning close, Ran Fan Yin whispered near her ear, “Escaping is the plan, but it must be strategized…” “What’s the issue?” Ran Fan Yin asked, noting Ning Song Wu's discomfort. Ning Song Wu rubbed her ear, embarrassed, saying, “It tickles. But go on, I’ll endure now,” scooting closer. Ran Fan Yin realized they were indeed too close, not necessary for mere theatrics. She gently nudged Ning Song Wu to maintain some distance, continuing the plan: “They’ll act deep into the night; we mustn't wait passively. First...” How to perform the act remained untold to Ning Song Wu, suggesting she adapt based on situation cues. This marriage urgently needed annulment; it brought me no pride, only impending doom! Ning Song Wu stared in awe at Ran Fan Yin’s strategic brilliance, thinking how truly unfair it was for her to be tied down. “Rest a bit on the bed; tonight offers no assurance of peaceful sleep.” Ran Fan Yin mused over tea, gingerly keeping calm. When she saw Ning unmoving, she added, “Sleep easy, I’ll wake you.” * Near the end of the evening hour, Room Six was filled with escalating quarrels. With a loud crash, a stool shattered a window pane. Ran Fan Yin, in plain pale-green attire, stormed out, clutching a small, refined sachet, gesturing angrily toward the room while cursing. "Ning Song Wu, if you were a man, you'd come out right now. How can you be so cowardly now when you didn't think twice about going to your lover before?" Ning Song Wu suppressed her voice, "Madam, it's late. Let's go inside and talk; we shouldn't disturb everyone's rest." Ran Fan Yin's volume rose, "I've done nothing shameful; why should I go inside to talk? Come out and let everyone judge." Persistently, she continued, "You kept refusing tonight, claiming exhaustion. I noticed your odd behavior earlier. I never imagined you'd act so deceivingly kind while secretly seeking someone else and carrying their intimate token." "If I hadn't caught it early, would you bring this lover home tomorrow, call her my sister, and relegate me as the neglected wife? Address her as 'older sister,' perhaps?" This barrage caught Ning Song Wu off guard, leaving her speechless against Ran Fan Yin's fictional accusations. During the commotion, Zhou Hua Xiu, Zha Le, and Wen Xiang emerged to see Ran Fan Yin causing such a disturbance. "Are you speechless? Playing dumb won't help you now," Ran Fan Yin said when Ning Song Wu remained silent. "Madam, please believe me. I've been faithful and never strayed. I'm truly tired tonight. Please come inside; it's late and time to rest." Ning Song Wu responded awkwardly, unsure if she was doing well in their charade. "Wu'er?" Zhou Hua Xiu felt overwhelmed, her head spinning, as she leaned against Wang Ma Ma, considering the impact of Ran Fan Yin's words, which painted such vivid scenes she wondered if she was in a surreal dream. "Mother," Ning Song Wu shook her head towards Zhou Hua Xiu, denying Ran Fan Yin's accusations, although her denial felt redundant; Zhou Hua Xiu knew better. Zhou Hua Xiu pleaded, "Yin'er, I vouch for Wu'er with my honor as the family matriarch. She would never do such a thing; there must be a misunderstanding. Come inside with me, and we'll discuss it." "Mother, she speaks of eternal bonds, yet romances her lover in secret. If she believes I can't compare, then let's divorce." Ran Fan Yin knew the act was just beginning. Ran Fan Yin's public accusations irritated Zhou Hua Xiu deeply, but she held her anger, urging, "Yin'er, let’s go inside and talk. Don’t let outsiders mock us." "Mother, if she doesn’t give me an explanation today, I will pursue this to the end," Ran Fan Yin declared, unwilling to back down. Soon, the entire inn was awakened, compelled to witness the scene. The leader of a group of four, a scarred man, subtly signaled, causing the other three to sheath their weapons and hide behind the inn's staff, observing quietly. "Wu'er, just concede to Yin'er. We'll discuss everything indoors." Zhou Hua Xiu, noticing the crowd growing, hoped to quickly defuse the situation. "Mother, you taught me integrity since childhood. I can't admit to something that damages my reputation." Ning Song Wu stubbornly held her ground against Ran Fan Yin's splintered allegations. "You call it baseless, Ning Song Wu? Are you accusing me of falsehood? Let everyone see the shamelessness of this heartless person!" Ran Fan Yin declared, brandishing the scented sachet in her hand. Ran Fan Yin shook the sachet, asking, "Mother, have you ever seen this sachet before?" "Yin'er, why escalate things? Let’s return inside, alright?" Zhou Hua Xiu urged, worried Ran Fan Yin would continue causing a scene. "Mother, have you seen it? Just say yes or no." "No, I haven't," mumbled Zhou Hua Xiu. Ran Fan Yin smiled bitterly, "I too had never seen it before today, Mother." "Everyone, look closely at the exquisite peony embroidery on this sachet—clearly a woman's possession," Ran Fan Yin turned around, encouraging everyone to examine it. "This is proof, a gift from Ning Song Wu's lover!" She then tossed the sachet to the ground, dusting off her hands with disdain. "Look, the smell of rouge is all over it," Ran Fan Yin coldly pointed at the sachet on the floor. "Miss, isn't that..." Wen Xiang approached, wanting to inquire about the sachet, knowing it was one of her mistress's cherished items, rarely taken out, only brought along due to the rare return to the capital. How had it turned into a lover’s gift for her husband? "Wen Xiang, yes, she's that type. It's irrefutable evidence. Let's go," Ran Fan Yin quickly silenced Wen Xiang, motioning for her not to continue. With that, she stormed back inside, grabbed the bundle from the table, slung it over her shoulder, and with a final disdainful glance, leaving everyone behind. The four men watched the bundle revealing a glimpse of the scroll and quickly followed. "Wu'er, go after her. Bring her back," Zhou Hua Xiu urgently instructed the stunned Ning Song Wu. "Yes, Mother. Sorry, everyone, the lady is having a minor tantrum tonight, sorry for disturbing your rest," Ning Song Wu apologized, clasping her hands together to the crowd before sprinting after Ran Fan Yin. Before leaving, Ning Song Wu discreetly passed a note to Zha Le, instructing not to leave the inn and to wait for their return. If they were not back by afternoon, proceed to the capital and have the inn's staff report to officials. Internally, Ran Fan Yin critiqued Ning Song Wu’s lack of acting skills, as the chase required prodding from Zhou Hua Xiu. "Madam, wait for me; mind your step in the dark," Ning Song Wu called out as she pursued. "Miss, slow down, wait for me!" Wen Xiang pleaded as she followed. Ran Fan Yin slightly slowed her pace, allowing Ning Song Wu to catch up. She cast covert glances around, ensuring the four men were still in pursuit. The bait was set. The women, beaming, led Ning Song Wu into a private room. From behind, their actions almost seemed like they were forcing a naive woman into an unwilling trade, provoking a smile. In the area of indulgence, innocent individuals like Ning Song Wu were rare finds, appearing so pure among many who sought pleasure without restraint. Surrounded by those indulging in drinks and song, Ning Song Wu seemed entirely out of place, fidgety and uncomfortable. Her brow furrowed and lips tightly sealed, she reluctantly managed greetings and resisted advances from the women beside her, wishing desperately for an escape from her predicament. But Lu Jin didn't seem willing to let her off. "Master Ning, relax, everyone's friendly here. Or are you dissatisfied with them?" Lu Jin teased, noticing Ning Song Wu's disheartened demeanor. The companions, even among the fairest, couldn't match the capital's splendors Ning Song Wu was accustomed to, making her current plight seem trivial in comparison. Hurriedly, she waved away concerns, laughing nervously, "No, no, Master Lu, you've misunderstood. Please, make yourselves comfortable and pay me no mind." Distractedly, she picked food without checking and immediately regretted as spice overwhelmed her senses. Coughing violently, Ning Song Wu spluttered as the burning sensation hit her mouth, revealing a piece of spicy chili, rapidly spat back into the bowl. "Dame Ning, take a sip of water, you'll feel better," the woman prompted, offering the drink. "Thank you, but I've got it." Ning Song Wu accepted it herself, internally shivering under the unwanted attention. "Ah, this night is yours, Master Ning. If you don't enjoy yourself, my hospitality falls short." Lu Jin gestured to a nearby woman, "Bring two of the finest." As the woman stood to leave, Lu Jin held her back. "What else, Master Lu?" the woman asked. "Bring some soothing powder along," Lu Jin whispered, inching closer. Soon, laughter emanated from outside, "Honored guest, my humble apologies for not greeting you earlier," announced a voice before the door opened with a welcoming creak, revealing their host. In walked several women, followed by a middle-aged woman with sharp features, arching eyebrows, a full figure radiating seductive charm, her flirtatious smile evident before she even spoke. This was none other than Yin Shi Niang, the proprietor of the Flower Pavilion. "Master Lu, apologies for the poor welcome. I realized these women weren't to your preference, so I brought over some exquisite ones for you," said Yin Shi Niang. "You're too kind, Shi Niang. My friend here is from the capital, accustomed to unparalleled beauties. These locals simply do not compare," Lu Jin gestured to the women beside Ning Song Wu, "Girls, move over here." Ning Song Wu's eyes widened, nervously anticipating what lay ahead. Yin Shi Niang said with a knowing nod, "Indeed, it's hard to settle for less if you've tasted the finest. The girls and items are here; I won't intrude further. Enjoy, gentlemen." She took her leave, giving the room over to its own amusements. The two newly-arrived girls scanned the room and settled beside Ning Song Wu with evident enthusiasm, waving their handkerchiefs flirtatiously as they took seats next to her. Skilfully, they lifted a cup in front of Ning Song Wu, "Dear Ning, have some wine!" and, "Dear Ning, try some food!" "Continue on, please. I need to step out," Ning Song Wu excused herself, pushing away the offered food and drink. Covering her mouth, she hurriedly made her escape, finding the party overwhelming as her stomach churned violently. "This Master Ning is so unacquainted with the mood. C'mon girl, feed me instead, I welcome it all, ha ha ha…" commented a rotund, greasy man. Though her smile became somewhat stiff, the girl ignored his crude remark, taking the drink herself, "Pardon me, I'm quite thirsty, let me drink first." Meanwhile, Ran Fan Yin was wandering the upper halls of the Flower Pavilion alone. Tonight, her deliberately unattractive disguise made the other girls avoid her, while Xiao Liu was pulled into a private room. Everywhere she looked, she noticed gentlemen who were disheveled, wearing silk robes with unsteady gaits and exposed chests, all in a peculiar mental state. It appeared almost as if these men were under the influence of something—perhaps the 'Free and Easy Powder' Yu Niang had mentioned before? This suspicion unnerved Ran Fan Yin; if true, getting such people addicted could complicate matters greatly. The more she walked around, the stranger everything felt. The decor, the setup, the food, the names, and even the attire looked uncannily familiar. Wasn't this a blatant copy of the Chen Fan Jian establishment? Unbelievable, they've even plagiarized my work. With her suspicions confirmed, she decided not to linger and turned towards Xiao Liu's room. Outside, Ning Song Wu hurried away from her escape, clutching her mouth as she stumbled, veins pulsing on her forehead, eyes red. Desperately searching for the restroom, she bumped into Ran Fan Yin, who also happened to be in a rush. One braced to burst at any moment and the other eager to find someone, they collided with a muffled sound, "Mm…" "Sorry," Ran Fan Yin instinctively apologized as they brushed past each other. Ning Song Wu waved it off, unable to stop, her hand nearly slick with her stomach's unsettled contents, pressing onward as quickly as possible, the bathroom feeling impossibly far. She darted away, leaving a trace of perfume mingled with unpleasant smells of alcohol, and a faint hint of something similar to gardenia, the latter strangely reminding Ran Fan Yin of Ning Song Wu's scent. But she quickly dismissed the thought, shaking her head with a wry smile. Why would Ning Song Wu be in such a place? She hastened to find Xiao Liu. At Xiao Liu’s door, Ran Fan Yin hesitated—should she knock, worried about interrupting? Or refrain, given that people are entitled to their moments of adult pleasure, especially since it wasn't her money being spent. In the end, she knocked, then called loudly, "Sixth Brother, I’m coming in," giving him a moment to compose himself. “Uh, Lady… I mean, Sir, where have you been? Join us for a drink,” Xiao Liu corrected mid-sentence, swallowing a slip before it escaped. Wait, why is Xiao Liu also in a loosened robe, with an exposed chest? His flushed face and incoherent speech raised concerns. “It’s getting late, we should leave. Your sister sent for you,” Ran Fan Yin informed him. The girls laughed at the statement. Late? It was only around nine o'clock. Who leaves a brothel that early? Staying the night was standard. "Come, why rush? Relax and drink with us. I can fetch a friend; it’s early as yet, and that’s the joy of places like this," the girl urged, eager to keep him, knowing full well they’d earn more overnight. “Miss, my sister is fierce; if I don’t return, I’ll face a beating later,” Xiao Liu rose shakily, gesturing to Ran Fan Yin that his sister indeed meant Yu Niang, unwilling to defy her. He hurriedly gathered his clothes. Seeing this, Ran Fan Yin was prompted to pay. “How green you must be, still attached to your sister. Can’t I compete with her?” The girl muttered with annoyance as her catch slipped away. “Another time, another time,” Xiao Liu said apologetically, masking his relief. Had Ran Fan Yin not come to the pavilion, he'd have never gotten to indulge in luxury. Ran Fan Yin split the silver she held in half, tossing it to the girl. As she felt the weight, the girl protested, “‘Tis insufficient. The Flower Pavilion demands more than trifling coins.” Ran Fan Yin turned to Xiao Liu accusingly, “What did you do in there?” “Nothing, I swear!” Xiao Liu frantically defended himself. “Then why isn’t half enough?” Ran Fan Yin pressed. “I only had a few drinks, nibbled a bit, and before I knew it, you appeared.” “Did you give him Free and Easy Powder?” Ran Fan Yin guessed, seeking confirmation. “You’re astute, sir. That's our signature at the Flower Pavilion. You’ve been here before?” The girl tried cozying up to Ran Fan Yin, realizing she was in charge. “Stay for the night; let me serve you properly,” she implored, attempting to endure her displeasure at Ran Fan Yin’s guise. “Please refrain, you’re not to my taste,” Ran Fan Yin stepped back from the overpowering scent. The rejection took the girl aback; annoyed, she mused privately that, were it not for the silver, she’d avoid such unpleasantness. The Flower Pavilion was business like any other: the Free and Easy Powder ensured addiction, turning first-timers into regular customers. “Alright, this enough?” Ran Fan Yin handed over the remaining silver. The girl weighed it, “Safe travels, sirs. Farewell.” The pair walked briskly downstairs, aiming to exit. Outside, a man donned in simple white attire, his gentle smile belying a stern demeanor, arrived twirling a folding fan with grace. As he passed by, a faint herbal scent lingered. Ran Fan Yin chuckled at the irony—never judge a book by its cover. The prettier a man, the deeper his entanglements seemed. As if detecting a chill, the man shivered, sniffed, and pondered inwardly how swiftly autumn brought its coolness. He worried for his junior siblings’ wellbeing—whether they were warm, healthy, and happy. “Oh, such a handsome man! Come, let us attend to you. Please, upstairs—” “Sir, look this way.” “Sir, with my beauty that outshines the moon and flowers, we’re a perfect match. Let me serve you!” “…” The newly arrived man found himself mobbed by eager women, each vying for his attention, striving to outperform one another with charms. “Ladies, your beauty is equal. I’ll tip you all,” he said, tossing his pouch as he advanced, “Don’t just stand there; I need guidance.” Upon peeking inside, one girl’s surprise made her eyes widen and jaw drop—the pouch was packed with far more than expected. Captivated by his wealth and handsomeness, infatuation flared. “Come this way, sir, I’ll show you the largest, most luxurious room,” the girl led him inside. “Miss, I doubt sir’s visits are as licentious as they seem. Perhaps you should hear him out, give him a chance to explain,” Wen Xiang caught up with Ran Fan Yin, panting in defense of Ning Song Wu. “Talkative, aren't you?” Ran Fan Yin chided, tapping Wen Xiang’s forehead. “That sachet isn’t… um!” Wen Xiang began before Ran Fan Yin covered her mouth. “Shh!” Ran Fan Yin placed a finger to her lips, signaling silence as steps approached from behind. The four masked men, swords drawn, quietly shadowed Ran Fan Yin into the bamboo forest, maintaining a cautious ten-meter distance. Ning Song Wu followed closely, the positions forming an equilateral triangle—Ran Fan Yin at one point with sword-drawing sounds echoing amid the nocturnal insect calls. The four seemed poised for action. Seeing the sparks from the drawn swords, Ning Song Wu’s urgency spiked, alarmed at their intent. [Wait, this last...] […trusting you is madness.] [It’s fine; it’s a one-on-one, they might not be stronger than us.] [Certainly, my master is with me in spirit.] [Let’s fight.] [Don’t rush, don’t rush, don’t rush.] [You plan to kill me?] [Then I won't hold back.] [Why is she smiling...] [Isn't this sea-sky outside the domain?!] [How can there be primal poison?!] "I must triumph in the family challenge." "As for the primal poison... let's first assess how many have been affected."