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

**Chapter 103: Beyond Heaven (5)** "Is there anyone else?" "Let me see if there's anyone left in the Ning family untouched by the poison." "And even with these poisons, you've just barely managed to elevate yourselves to this level?" "I can't shake the feeling that something's missing. Logically, this shouldn't be the case." "The Ning family... you've truly gone mad!" "This is why the last life was flawed in its efforts. Facing enemies on all sides, winning was nearly impossible..." "Fortunately, this time, I discovered it early." "Breaking even one blockade is progress." "Nine now." Indescribable shame? What shame could I possibly have? Ah, that's it. Ran Fan Yin's words suddenly made Ning Song Wu realize. After a brief pause, she hesitantly admitted, "I won't hide it from you, I do have a shameful secret, actually, I have a hidden ailment." "Well, that's just fine. I've studied medicine for years and have considerable insight. Diagnosing and prescribing is effortless. No matter what your ailment is, my prescription will definitely make you recover. Then, having two children in three years will be no problem." Ran Fan Yin stifled her laughter and sniffed, as Ning Song Wu claimed an ailment to guard her true identity, her efforts truly deserved no further teasing. "No, no, there's no need to trouble you, madam. I have medicine, I've been taking it." Sweat began to bead on Ning Song Wu's forehead once more. Two children in three years? That's not necessary. If we keep beating around the bush, there'll be no sleep tonight. Ran Fan Yin cleared her throat to say in a more serious tone, "Rest assured, there are many men in this world with hidden ailments, you're just one of many, and I won't use this against you. Truthfully, this marriage was not my desire, but with the emperor's edict, it's a matter concerning both our families' fates, and I have no choice but to brave it out and marry you." Gazing at the flickering oil lamp, Ran Fan Yin whispered, "Though born to a wealthy family, I yearn for the life of a wandering healer. Whether you're a lady or have an ailment is irrelevant to me." Her gaze shifted to Ning Song Wu, continuing, "In public, we just need to act as a loving couple; in private, we need only be allies guarding each other's secrets. At the right moment, you can offer me a divorce letter, granting me freedom." Ning Song Wu was stunned, her mind stuck on replaying 'at the right moment, give me a divorce letter, grant me my freedom.' She pondered, if this isn't coercion, what is?! Seeing Ning Song Wu's dazed look, Ran Fan Yin waved a hand before her eyes, gently patting her shoulder, asking, "Did you hear any of what I just said?" Ning Song Wu snapped back, pointing to herself, "Me? Give you a letter of divorce?" Giving a divorce letter means she wouldn't survive under Ning Jing Yang's rules, the family law would kill her, but dragging Ran Fan Yin into this left her guilt-ridden. "We'll figure something out, there must be a win-win solution." Ran Fan Yin knew well what a divorce meant, reasoning would need to be sound and avoid damaging both families' reputations. "Is that true? Then how about we sign an agreement?" Without waiting for Ran Fan Yin's response, Ning Song Wu marched out of the room, sprinting to the study. In no time, she returned with two sheets of paper, the ink still fresh, a stark contrast to her drunken demeanor from earlier. Ran Fan Yin was inwardly ecstatic; she was one step closer to divorce. "There, I've signed and stamped it, your turn now." Ning Song Wu handed over a brush and the seal to finalize the agreement, pointing to the empty space, urging, "Sign here, stamp it, and the agreement is effective." "From now on, if there's anything I can help with, don't hesitate to ask, we're allies now!" Ran Fan Yin handed one of the signed agreements to Ning Song Wu. "Allies?" Ning Song Wu repeated. Ran Fan Yin explained, "Our common goal is a divorce. Until then, we keep each other's secrets and act as allies." Finally, Ning Song Wu's heart was at ease enough to allow her a peaceful night's sleep in this house. Ran Fan Yin, meanwhile, was already concocting plans for her life as a traveling healer after the divorce, seemingly forgetting about her lonely and widowed father, Ran Hou Meng, who lost his wife young and toiled alone to raise her. Now, for her own freedom, she was discarding him. "And where will I sleep?" Ning Song Wu, though having established an agreement, was still perceived as a man in Ran Fan Yin's presence. After sharing a bed the previous night, she now felt conflicted about where to sleep as allies. Seeing Ning Song Wu's awkward demeanor, Ran Fan Yin chuckled to herself, tossing a casual "Suit yourself" before taking to the bed herself. "Since we're allies and I'm perceived as a man, it's not proper for us to share a bed. I'll take the chaise lounge." "As you wish." Ran Fan Yin yawned, sprawling across the bed, thinking to herself as long as she didn't have to share it, Ning Song Wu could sleep wherever. --- The following dawn. "Knock knock knock—" came an urgent, heavy rapping at the door. Since getting married, Ning Song Wu had never slept through an entire night in the house. Rising, she tidied and laid the quilt at the head of the bed, noticing Ran Fan Yin still asleep. She quietly closed the door behind her, asking the maid, Wen Xiang, softly, "What's going on?" Wen Xiang whispered, "Zha Le has an urgent matter for the young master." She hadn't wanted to intrude on the newlyweds, but Zha Le insisted, leaving her no choice but to knock. "I see. You can carry on with your duties," Ning Song Wu replied hastily, after a brief wash, heading to the hall for breakfast. Zha Le had been waiting for quite some time. Approaching nervously, Zha Le said, "Sir, finally! A murder case has emerged. Perhaps you should grab a couple of buns to eat on the way. I'll explain in the carriage." Grabbing two braised pork buns, Ning Song Wu ate while heading out of the mansion, realizing how challenging it was to lead an idle life as a governor. Zha Le explained that a villager, while hunting on Cangya Mountain, chased a wounded deer to a cave entrance, where he stumbled upon a skeleton, scaring him enough to report to the authorities immediately. The skeleton had been moved to the yamen, awaiting Ning Song Wu's investigation. "Has the coroner been informed?" Ning Song Wu asked. "Mao Zi went to get him. He should be at the yamen now," Zha Le replied truthfully. By then, the carriage had arrived at the yamen. Ning Song Wu stuffed the last bit of bun into her mouth, stepping out. "Get off, why are you staring?" Licking his lips while clutching an empty stomach, Zha Le stifled his emerging hunger pangs, alighting from the carriage. Inside the examination room lay a skeleton wrapped in tattered clothes, of moderate size, unmistakably a woman, but no further information. "Lord, shall I begin the autopsy?" the coroner asked. "My lord, look at what I've found from the skeleton," Mao Zi exclaimed excitedly. Years in service never brought such a case. A tattered bundle and a piece of butterfly-shaped jade lay before Ning Song Wu. She felt the jade pendant, its texture smooth and vibrant, rare among common folk. Upon closer inspection, a subtle 'Lin' was carved at the bottom left. Covering her nose, she undid the bundle, releasing a musty, earthy odor. Within was a scroll. Squinting, she pinched her nose, unfurled the scroll on the table, gradually revealing a faint landscape—partially incomplete, made of satin and embroidered with exquisite artistry. Its title, 'The Majestic Landscape,' was clearly visible. "The Majestic Landscape?" A memory flashed in Ning Song Wu's mind, recalling her childhood teacher mentioning three treasures: the wealth of the preceding dynasty, the tapestry 'The Majestic Landscape,' and the 'Secret Records of Cardiology' by the first Hua Tuo. It's said the tapestry held the location of hidden treasures from the past dynasty, now believed to be a map. 'The Majestic Landscape' had long vanished; how did it appear in this remote county? And who could that nameless skeleton be? Before arriving, Ning Song Wu had set personal guidelines: handle superiors with courtesy, soothe the populace below, embrace inaction, seeking neither wealth nor fame, merely stability. She assumed remote locations stayed clear of politics and peril, yet flood disasters and age-old murder cases challenged this notion. Inaction proved arduous! Perhaps staying in the capital was more predictable. A longstanding rumor during Beiliang's founding spoke of a colossal treasure hidden by the preceding dynasty for future resurgence, concealed in a luminous embroidered diagram named 'The Majestic Landscape,' designed by the first wife of Lin Yuan Ye from the Weaving Bureau using a lost technique—hidden embroidery. Over the past two decades, treasure hunters had come and gone fruitless, with whispers fading only in recent years. "The forensic report is ready, My Lord," Zha Le announced. The coroner reported, "My Lord, the examined skeleton reveals a slightly swollen, dark knuckled index finger, broad hips—confirming the deceased was a woman, aged twenty to thirty, having borne children, about 6 feet 2 inches tall." "Death by abdominal stab wound, likely from excessive bleeding. It's uncertain when she perished, but given cave conditions and bone state, it's concluded she died eighteen to twenty years ago." Ning Song Wu instructed, "Zha Le, have an artist sketch the jade pendant, and based on the coroner's report, draft an announcement to see if any family claims the deceased." "Mao Zi, gather a few people and check the records in the archive for missing persons cases from eighteen to twenty years ago." She thought to herself, if she reported this to the court, word might leak and endanger her life. She couldn't just leave the province without orders. But perhaps she could have someone secretly deliver it to the Sima residence, and from there, A Fu could pass it to the emperor. That might work. Meng Zhu, who had been observing quietly, spoke up, "My lord, this painting is in poor condition and doesn't appear to be by a renowned artist. Perhaps I should handle it." At about fifty years of age, Meng Zhu, who had temporarily taken on the role of the prefect before Ning Song Wu's arrival, appeared unassuming and honest. Ning Song Wu insisted, "I will keep it for now. My wife enjoys embroidery, and the craftsmanship on this painting is remarkable. I'll take it home to show her." Meng Zhu reminded her, "My lord, this is evidence." Ning Song Wu remained unyielding, calmly saying, "It's alright. I'll return it after my wife has had a look." Meng Zhu looked genuinely concerned, "My lord, this isn't according to protocol." Ning Song Wu questioned, "And who is in charge of this whole province?" Meng Zhu wasn't expecting Ning Song Wu, usually so approachable, to assert authority, so he reluctantly fell silent. Identifying the nameless woman was extremely challenging without any leads. If no one claimed her or there were no new clues, eventually, Ning Song Wu would have to arrange a simple burial and send her to the public cemetery. Before leaving, Ning Song Wu made a point to emphasize that the matter of the nameless woman carrying the painting was significant and must not be leaked. Meanwhile, Ning Jing Yang had just invited the famed healer Hua Tuo, making his way from Yongzhou to the capital. Ning Song Wu awaited a letter from Ning Jing Yang confirming safe passage. The Majestic Landscape was secretly taken back to the prefect's manor and hidden in the beam of a room, though Ran Fan Yin observed her suspicious actions attentively. At Liangshan Stronghold, the hall was brightly lit as the bandits who had collapsed earlier began to regain consciousness, realizing they'd been drugged. They hurried to the woodshed only to find their prisoners gone. Tang Yi erupted in curses, furious over the lost opportunity, and called for the guards who had manned the gate last night. Tang Yi berated them, "You useless lot! I gave strict orders: no drinking while guarding the gate! Did my words go in one ear and out the other?" One guard stammered, "Chief, we heard from the new guy that you allowed us to have a small drink, nothing serious." Another added, "Yes, it was odd you made an exception and let us drink." The third chimed in, "That new guy claimed it was your order, so we didn't dare refuse your kindness." The fourth guard scanned the room, realizing they'd been deceived when the new face was nowhere to be found. The guards cursed themselves for being duped. "I can't believe a few sips got us so drunk. We've been drugged! If I get my hands on him, I'll skin him alive." "Idiots! Use your brains for once. If anyone drinks while on gate duty again, I'll flay them and feed them to the vultures on the mountain." Tang Yi's tirade was interrupted by the sound of approaching hooves outside. A pained scream pierced the night as a figure was hurled into the hall, landing at Tang Yi's feet. It was a corpse, marked by a bloody gash on its throat, blood pooling beneath Tang Yi's feet, filling the air with the metallic tang of blood. A single sword stroke to the throat, executed with blinding speed—there'd been no chance to react. Frightened, the bandits huddled behind Tang Yi, their bravado evaporating. "Tie Zhu? Tie Zhu! Wake up! Who did this? Who killed my brother?" Tang Yi's face twisted in rage, eyes red, his body trembling with fury. Grabbing his machete, he stormed outside. There, a group of dark-clad, masked riders awaited. Their torches, wrapped in oilcloth, made the night as bright as day. Their sword scabbards reflected the torchlight, adorned with intricate tiger carvings and jeweled, gold-filigreed handles. This was a level of craftsmanship beyond the reach of ordinary folk, and the leader exuded a cold, lethal aura. "Who the hell are you to break into Liangshan Stronghold at night and murder my men?" Tang Yi roared. The leader of the masked men replied coldly, "Hand over the people, and no one else will get hurt." "You dare double-cross me? Do you even know who you're dealing with? Everyone in this world knows to give me some face. You want a fight?" Tang Yi mistook the newcomers' motives. Unaware of the identity of those he had kidnapped, he assumed they were here to ransom Ning Song Wu's group. Tang Yi launched a fierce attack against the man with a blade still dripping with blood. The masked opponent deftly evaded, countering with a sword that aimed at Tang Yi's right arm. But as the blade descended, Tang Yi released his hold on his machete, switching to his left hand to catch the weapon. An internal strength vibrated along the blade, deflecting the sword's edge, momentarily numbing Tang Yi's hands. They dueled fiercely, neither gaining the upper hand. The leader repeated his demand, "Hand them over and you can live." Tang Yi had initially assumed they were here to reclaim hostages, but that couldn't be; messages to bring them back would take a full day and night. The letter had likely just been sent, it couldn't be this quick. Realizing no good could come from this, he yelled, "Brothers, avenge our fallen comrade, Tie Zhu! Fight them to the death!" After a brutal skirmish, Liangshan suffered three or four losses, its bandits no match for the masked warriors, who displayed superior skill and training. "Pah, a gentleman's revenge can wait ten years. You haven't seen the last of me." Tang Yi spat blood, grasping his machete to stand, drained and gasping. "Brothers, a wise man knows when to retreat. Fall back!" One of the masked men asked, "Leader, should we pursue?" The leader replied, "Leave them. Search the place, find the prisoners." The masked men ransacked Liangshan, overturning everything in sight. A subordinate reported, "Leader, they're not here. The scroll hasn't been found either." "Mount up," the leader commanded. With a "Hyah!" the band of masked riders galloped away into the night. --- As the first light pierced the horizon, the mountains in the distance glowed with a golden hue under the morning sun. Little homes scattered in the valleys began to release tendrils of smoke, the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking painting an idyllic scene. The carriage, having traveled east for some time, jolted Zhou Hua Xiu awake. "Stop, stop," she called out. "My old back is breaking. Wu'er, do you smell that delightful aroma?" Ning Song Wu, ever-alert, had been keeping watch for any signs of pursuit. Yawning, she stretched, opened the carriage curtain, and jumped out. From a hidden pocket, she retrieved a map, checking their direction. "We're nearing the borders of Zhan Province," Ning Song Wu informed her. "Only two or three more miles to Tianfu Station. This is no place to linger; we should make for the station to rest." "But I'm starving! Hear that? My stomach is grumbling. Surely you can fetch me something to eat? This journey has left me utterly exhausted," pleaded Zhou Hua Xiu, lured by the tantalizing scent of a farmer's breakfast. Ning Song Wu suggested, "I believe the nearest farmhouse is beyond that hill, about the same distance as the station. It'll be safer to get food there." Despite Zhou Hua Xiu's hunger, she understood their precarious situation. The memory of their kidnapping was still fresh, and Ning Song Wu's words persuaded her to stay quiet. Ning Song Wu approached Ran Fan Yin's carriage, knocking on the door, handing over some stolen oranges from the previous night. "Lady, we're close to Zhan Province now. Just a few more miles to the station. Have some fruit to tide you over until breakfast at the station." Fearing pursuit by the mountain bandits, Ning Song Wu wanted to reach the safety of the station. Ran Fan Yin, unfazed, only wanted to find shelter soon, calmly saying, "I'll heed Wu Lang's arrangements." True to Ning Song Wu's estimation, they reached Tianfu Station within a quarter-hour. Nestled in a deep hollow, Tianfu Station lay surrounded by rugged rocks, exuding a quiet, foreboding air. Approaching, they saw a squared courtyard, its various sections differing in height. Up close, the station's flag bore the name in large characters, alongside a structure of gray-white walls, blue-tiled roofs, and sweeping eaves. "We've arrived, My Lord," Zha Le announced. The entourage of seven approached the gate, only to be stopped by a station guard. "Officers, do you have the required travel permit?" "Yes," Ning Song Wu replied, handing over the silver token to the attendant. Upon realizing they were hosting an official of the fourth rank, the station guard at Tianfu Inn quickly adopted a more respectful demeanor. "My lord, please come inside. Be careful of the threshold, honored lady and young sir," he said with a courteous smile. Ran Fan Yin tossed a small piece of silver to the guard. “Feed the horses well after their long journey. Take care of them, and here's a tip for you.” Two guards hurried over, took hold of the reins, and led the carriage horses to the stable. "Rest assured, my lady," one replied, "it's in good hands." As they entered the courtyard, they noticed moss growing between the cobblestones, and from the main hall, faint conversations could be heard. "My lord, please wait a moment. There's only one larger 'tian' character room left available. I'll rearrange things for you," the attendant suggested. The court's regulation stipulates “newcomers of higher rank or with more people should be given the better accommodation,” which means that officials who stay at the inn will be given preference based on rank and need for space. Ning Song Wu's party of seven required four rooms, and as an official of the fourth rank, they needed to vacate two larger rooms to accommodate the party. Ning Song Wu opted for simplicity, saying, "Not necessary. We will only stay for the night. Just prepare four adjacent rooms and make sure they are clean. Bring us some food first." Ning Song Wu didn’t wish to cause a scene. The conditions of the government inns were modest, with little difference in the size of 'tian' or 'di' rooms beyond space and decor, and didn't mind whether their rooms were on the upper or lower floor. Safety was the main concern, comfort was secondary. "Understood, my lord," replied the guard. “My lord, allow me to carry your luggage to the room,” offered one of the guards, reaching for the bags carried by the group. “Thank you,” Ning Song Wu said as she handed over the luggage. “Zha Le, lend a hand.” “Yes, my lord,” Zha Le replied. The group chose a window seat and sat, waiting for the guards to come with their meal. Four figures entered the inn—a group of burly men, one with a bushy beard and a facial scar. When Ning Song Wu made eye contact with him, she noted the sharp, fierce glint in his eyes, unlike the wild peasants of Liangshan Stronghold; a dangerous aura lingered about him. The four handed their permits to a guard, ordered tea, and settled at a table, pulling out a cloth bag and began eating their food with tea. Occasionally, they glanced toward Ning Song Wu’s group, seemingly assessing something, their gaze lingering on the bundle carried by Ran Fan Yin. Noticing their scrutiny, Ran Fan Yin glanced back and saw blood spatters on their trousers similar to the red earth of Liangshan, suspicion rising within her. After a quick breakfast, Ning Song Wu and others retired to their rooms for some rest. As Ning Song Wu left, she glimpsed, in passing, bloodstains dotting the boots of two of the men. In the room, Ran Fan Yin tossed her bundle to Ning Song Wu, stretched with a yawn, and collapsed onto the bed. Ning Song Wu held the bundle containing 'The Majestic Landscape,' lying on a bench and closing her eyes to feign sleep, her brows furrowed with worry. Later, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "My lord, it's lunchtime. Would you like to dine in the main hall or shall I bring your meal to the room?" Ning Song Wu set the bundle on a table and opened the door, asking, "Who were those who registered this morning?" "Lord Ning, I'm not certain," the guard replied. "Not certain? Entry into this inn requires permits. If you didn't verify their identities, allowing them to stay is a grave mistake—punishable by death," Ning Song Wu admonished. "Well, yes, and no. Those gentlemen flashed a jade fish token, and we didn’t dare question them further," the guard explained. Fish tokens—distinguished by their materials of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and jade—determine a person's rank and privileges. Officials of the third rank and above have a gold token; fourth to sixth ranks are silver; seventh to ninth are copper; those below the ninth rank carry iron, eligible only for food and drink but not for lodging. A jade token is different; belonging to the emperor's secret guards with no rank division, they are permitted livery by imperial command without inquiry, refusal, or verification. Secret guards? Ning Song Wu’s heart skipped a beat, realizing the danger. 'The Majestic Landscape' was to be delivered to the emperor for safety assurances, not reported prematurely. How had these imperial agents found out it was in her possession? Only a few at the yamen knew, ordered to keep silent. This smacks of a leak, she realized, a potential threat. If the emperor requested it, much less risk lay in surrendering it; but if not, a mistaken handover would incur her grave misfortune. Fearful these may not be imperial guards as they seem. Regardless of the truth, she could only secure 'The Majestic Landscape.' Surely, if they came on behalf of the emperor, a few days would make no difference. --- Outside the county yamen, a crowd huddled around the bulletin board, buzzing with curiosity over the murder case. Pasted on the board was a "Body Discovery Announcement": A nameless female skeleton was found in Cangya Mountain cave, aged twenty to thirty at death, deceased for eighteen to twenty years, about six feet two, had given birth, carrying a butterfly-shaped cyan-white jade pendant as outlined in the sketch. A reward of ten taels of silver awaits those with valid leads. "Looks like an old case," someone mused. "IDing a skeleton's tough." "That's a hefty reward, but leads are rare." "Government's clearly keen to keep its money." "Maybe start with the jade…it’s elegant, definitely not from common folks..." As Qin Luo Fu, clad in plain attire and carrying a basket of embroidery, walked past the yamen towards Jiang Yun’s shop nearby, bustle of the crowd hinted at snippets of conversation. “Let’s check out the discovered body!” "They said there's a reward for information..." Over the past two years, Qin Luo Fu had been sending her embroidery, created with hidden stitch techniques, to Jiang Yun’s shop, reaching the capital’s market. The Lin family’s twenty-odd members had perished due to one man’s greed. Jiang Yun had meticulously built Jinshang’s reputation, ensuring business ties with major silk merchants in the capital. Thankfully, his wife loved embroidery, frequently acquiring the finest pieces, and often pieces embroidered by Qin Luo Fu found their way into her collection. Their encounters laid in wait, reminding Jiang Yun of unfinished business. Justice hadn't come yet, only biding its time. Normally averse to crowds, Qin Luo Fu was swept by their momentum to the bulletin. Seeing the sketch of the butterfly jade pendant, her basket slipped, scattering embroidery into the dirt, trampled by bystanders. Her eyes darkened, face paling as tears streamed down, overwhelmed by sorrow. She involuntarily stepped back, shaking her head in denial. Only after the crowd dispersed did she regain composure. Fixing her disheveled hair, she retrieved her pieces, slinging her basket, and urgently headed for the bulletin, tearing down the announcement, folding it into her cloak. “You haven’t even let me finish reading!” objected a newcomer to the scene, but Qin Luo Fu ignored him, hurriedly making her way to Jinshang Silk. **(In the background: Voices.)** “I can’t handle a tenth, Madam Cheng.” “Senior, could you…could you support?” “To quit halfway invites graver sins.” “It won't be easy to leave here quietly, let alone rescue.” “I’m sorry, Master. I'll obey this once.” “Pain…” “What’s happening? Too much spiritual energy?” "No, not hand pain...meridian pain…” “What is this?!” “So many red trees…” “So much red grass…” “Why so red…” “What’s with the crying?” “Who are you crying for?” “And laughing for?” “What reason for laughter?” “It seems I finally grasp her suffering with runaway spiritual energy.” “Such hardship, no wonder she was weak and in pain.” “...Who is she?” “What is it?” “I need to ask her.” "She seems to be waiting for me. She said to return safely." "She seems..." "...owes me a gift..." "New Year's gift..." "A token of affection..." "How can someone be so stingy, giving nothing?" "Those who hurt her deserve death." "Deserve death." "It's her, it's her, it’s them all." “Such stench.” “I knew it, I knew it.”││ “If I kill him, there'll be no threats...” "Threat..." "Threatened my mother..." "Traces of toxins." "Eliminate..." "Eliminate..."