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

Chapter 105: The Journey Home (Part 2) [...] [...This is too crazy.] [What on earth is this?] [Seems harmless, but why is it clinging to Luo Sheng?] [As soon as I got here, the subtitles disappeared, then this thing came out... hiss...] [Can this thing reveal past lives?] [Then why can't it show mine...?] [Soul of two worlds... what is that?] As the guests departed, the bustling Sima Mansion returned to tranquility. The household servants gathered in Ning Song Wu's small courtyard, eager to witness the lively post-wedding shenanigans. Ning Song Wu, holding a wine cup, stumbled along as the matchmaker dragged her towards the bridal chamber. "The bride and groom shall drink the wine of harmony." "The ceremony is complete—" "Congratulations to the young master and young mistress on their wedding, may they soon be blessed with a son—" The matchmaker and the elderly women couldn't stop smiling, waving their handkerchiefs, and left the room. According to tradition, Ning Song Wu should have used a jade Ruyi to lift the bride's red veil. However, she was struggling internally, wanting to delay the inevitable. Ran Fan Yin, who had been under the veil all day and feeling stuffy, was having trouble breathing. Seeing Ning Song Wu's hesitation, she couldn’t hold back any longer. "Wu Lang, it’s time to lift the veil. If you don't, shall I do it myself?" Ran Fan Yin urged, gritting her teeth. Ning Song Wu was momentarily surprised, then slowly picked up the jade Ruyi from the table and approached Ran Fan Yin to gently lift the veil. As the veil fell, Ran Fan Yin, slender and dressed in her bridal attire, stood there. Her complexion glowed with a rosy hue, her skin like snow, her nose beautifully prominent, and her lips as red as cherries. Her eyes sparkled like stars, and her appearance was extraordinarily graceful. For a moment, Ning Song Wu was entranced. The famed first talented woman of the capital was indeed a peerless beauty. Internally, she mocked herself: Unfortunately, she married a fake son like me. Ran Fan Yin was initially displeased, but as soon as the veil was lifted and Ning Song Wu's look pierced through, her displeasure dissipated. Before her stood someone in a splendid red robe, as glamorous as a phoenix, possessing a face beyond reproach. Her phoenix eyes and cherry lips, with a perfectly sculpted nose, were flawless. Mentally, she scoffed at her own predicament: Damn, why is she even better-looking than me!? That waist looks like it could snap with just a touch. She shook her head in dismay, her concentration breaking upon realizing Ning Song Wu had monolid eyes. Ning Jing Yang had been an advisor to Yang Lun and later rose to the rank of Grand Marshal. He was a man of great talent and a literary scholar, highly regarded by Sheng Zong and Yang Lun alike. His residence, the Sima Mansion, housed many concubines but lacked a wife. Unfortunately, none of these concubines had borne him a son, so a rule was established: Whoever bore a son first would be made the wife. Ning Song Wu's birth mother, Zhou Hua Xiu, a woman from a humble background, for her family’s sake and her standing in Sima Mansion, bribed the midwife to conceal Ning Song Wu's true identity, thus becoming the head mistress of Sima Mansion. Due to her mother's personal ambitions, Ning Song Wu had to live cautiously, hiding her true self and feigning a facade from a young age. Now, even the capital’s first talented woman, Ran Fan Yin, would have her potentially happy life disrupted because of her own mother's selfish desires. Seeing Ran Fan Yin slightly panicked, Ning Song Wu waved her hand in front of her eyes and proposed, "Madam, this is our joyous day. Shall we enjoy a few drinks?" "I was thinking the same." Ran Fan Yin was wondering how to lure Ning Song Wu into drinking. Though she didn’t know the plan in his mind, drinking was something she excelled at, never meeting a worthy opponent. After a few rounds, Ning Song Wu couldn’t keep up, watching Ran Fan Yin down glass after glass without hesitation. She regretted it deeply, realizing she was no match for her. In return, Ran Fan Yin could clearly see Ning Song Wu's intention to get her drunk and decided to play along as he wished. "Wu Lang, I feel so dizzy, my eyelids are so heavy. Ah, why are there two of you?" Ran Fan Yin, with her remarkable tolerance without showing it, took advantage of Ning Song Wu's drowsy state by smearing her remaining lipstick on her cheek, feigning a flushed appearance. Struggling against the intoxication, Ning Song Wu pinched her thigh to stay awake. "Madam, let’s rest, go to bed." She suggested, assisting Ran Fan Yin towards the bed with difficulty. As they reached the bed, Ran Fan Yin pretended to fall, all the while clutching a prepared dagger, wanting to test what outlandish actions Ning Song Wu might take. To her surprise, Ning Song Wu simply tossed her onto the bed. Watching her fall asleep, the last shred of Ning Song Wu’s self-control collapsed, and she passed out beside the bed, consumed by sleep. Huh? That's it? I haven't even used the knockout drug yet. Ran Fan Yin was stupefied, finding the situation unimpressive. "Hey, wake up." Ran Fan Yin kicked Ning Song Wu gently from the bedside. Receiving no response, she simply turned to sleep herself. The dawn of the second day found Ning Song Wu waking up in bed, with Ran Fan Yin lying beside her, scrutinizing her with amusement. "Good morning, Wu Lang." Ran Fan Yin, still lying on her side, greeted Ning Song Wu with a mischievous smile. Ning Song Wu’s face turned instantly pale, feeling ashamed as she rubbed her forehead, her mind in turmoil. Struggling to recall anything after helping the drunken Ran Fan Yin to bed, she remembered nothing. In a hurry, she lifted the covers to confirm and saw her wedding attire intact. Relief washed over her. Thank goodness. Ran Fan Yin saw every bit of this, that slow exhalation betraying Ning Song Wu’s concern. Ran Fan Yin sneered, feeling scornful: Do I look like someone who would take advantage of someone else? Being kind is like being liver to a donkey. Had I known, I wouldn’t have bothered moving her to bed at dawn; she could have slept on the ground until morning. At that moment, a knock came from outside: “Young Master, Young Mistress, it's time to rise.” As the door opened halfway, the house keeper barged in eagerly, her face brimming with ambiguous enthusiasm as she swiftly approached the bed. She lifted the covers, seeing the pristine sheets and was filled with suspicion—had they not consummated the marriage? If she hadn’t seen it herself, she wouldn’t have believed it. During the tea ceremony, the house keeper looked troubled as she presented the sheets, while Ning Song Wu and Ran Fan Yin blushed with embarrassment. That was too explicit, wasn't it? Ran Fan Yin wished she could disappear out of mortification. She had meant to fake the traditional red stain the night before but grew tired, thinking it could wait until the next morning. Yet, when morning arrived, she couldn't bring herself to do it because, well, it hurt. In the main hall, Ning Jing Yang remained silent with a gloomy face, while Zhou Hua Xiu was pondering solutions. Meanwhile, Ning Jing Yang’s concubines whispered amongst themselves, enjoying the spectacle. "Who would've thought our Sima Mansion's only legitimate son would be too delicate to consummate." "How amusing, legitimate son or not." "Esteemed guests, our establishment isn’t officially open yet; we will inaugurate tomorrow. Please return then." A servant tried to stop Ning Song Wu and Lu Jin at the door. “We’re not here for leisure. We have urgent business with your master,” Lu Jin said, handing the servant a few copper coins. "A little favor, brother." Around that time, Xiao Liu emerged from inside, saying, "I'm sorry, truly. We're not open yet, busy with preparations inside, a bit chaotic. I kindly ask you to leave." "Your doors are open to the public yet you turn away guests? How does that make sense?" Ignoring Xiao Liu, Ning Song Wu stepped forward. "Please, gentlemen, don't make it hard for a small servant. Have some tea and leave early," Xiao Liu offered tea to both, his barricade having failed. “Please get your owner for us. We need to ask a few things and will leave straight after. Just tell her Lu Jin needs to discuss urgent matters,” Lu Jin revealed his identity. Though he hadn't visited since the fall of Feng Ming Tower, he hoped Yun Niang would still remember him. Yun Niang had just managed to persuade Ran Fan Yin to lead a dance and was about to watch the first rehearsal when Xiao Liu rushed upstairs urgently. “Owner, two men have barged in and are sitting downstairs, refusing to leave, one of them claims to be Lu Jin and seeks you,” Xiao Liu mumbled nervously, daring not to speak loudly, sneaking a glance at Yun Niang’s reaction. “Didn't expect results so soon, haha. Miss Yu, carry on with your work,” Yun Niang grinned broadly. Lu Jin used to be a frequent customer. But when Shihua Tower later gained fame, he stopped coming. According to the plan, tomorrow, on the sixth of August, is the official opening. Yet someone couldn’t wait until tonight to visit out of admiration, Yun Niang admired Ran Fan Yin's potential. Such a talent shouldn't be wasted. "Let's go take a look," Yun Niang said, following Xiao Liu, while contemplating her next course of action. "Miss Shi, it’s been a long time, you still retain all your charm," Lu Jin started the conversation. “Indeed, it’s been a while. What wind blew you, this illustrious guest, to my humble establishment today?” Yun Niang replied sardonically, venting her grievances. “My place is quite small, it must be a misfit for a great man like you.” Yun Niang noticed Ning Song Wu standing there quietly, radiating an air of righteousness, looking unlike someone there for amusement. "Yun Niang, always with the barbs. Yes, I've let new loves replace the old and haven't visited in ages. But given our acquaintance, there's still some camaraderie between us, right? I'm here with a genuine request; we'd like your help," Lu Jin said, adopting a humble tone to assist Ning Song Wu. Only a fool would squander such an opportunity. Yun Niang replied, "Go on, what is it? Times are different now, and without influence, I might not be able to assist a county magistrate like you." "Oh, you certainly can help, Yun Niang, you're being too modest. The thing is, my brother here has a relative whose daughter has gone missing. Someone saw the Second Master bring her here. Does that ring any bells?" Lu Jin stated, watching Yun Niang for a response. "If she's missing, why aren't you reporting to the authorities? What does it have to do with me? What about this second and third master? I don't know them nor have I met them," Yun Niang deflected, clearly aware that the two were searching for Ran Fan Yin. "Lu Da-ren only mentioned the Second Master, yet you revealed yourself, indicating that Second Master did indeed bring someone here. Tell us, where is she hidden? Release her immediately." Ning Song Wu's voice rose sharply with anger, her complexion shifting from pale to flushed as her eyes brimming with a mix of worry, delight, and frustration. She worried for Ran Fan Yin's struggles, was relieved to have found her at last, and frustrated for not starting the search at Fengming Courtyard, causing unnecessary delays, wondering how much she had suffered. "You’ve heard wrong, young master," Yun Niang tried to argue. "Yun Niang, the young lady has a special identity, she's someone neither of us can afford to offend. Don't let a moment of clouded judgment be your downfall. Your establishment is reopening tomorrow, after all," Lu Jin pointed out the stakes. He feared Ning Song Wu might resort to reckless actions, much like the outburst earlier. "I've legally bought her for a considerable sum, all transactions are in order and above board. I haven't mistreated her," Yun Niang defended herself, unsure of Ran Fan Yin's full background but knowing she was not ordinary. "Bring the young lady out and let Ning Gongzi take her away. Whatever you paid, I'll double it for you, ensuring you won't lose out," Lu Jin maintained his diplomatic demeanor in front of Ning Song Wu. "Naturally, but it'll have to wait a couple of days. I've signed an agreement with her and can't let her leave just yet," Yun Niang replied, buying time. She understood that defying the authorities would end badly, yet she wasn't ready to lose Ran Fan Yin, who was crucial for the upcoming days. "How much for you to release her?" Ning Song Wu asked coldly. "The morning of the ninth, come and take her away. Right now, she's the backbone of my establishment; I still need her help for a while," Yun Niang remained resolute. Yun Niang saw Ning Song Wu's murderous gaze and added, "Don't misunderstand me; she's unharmed. I've provided her with good food and drink, and haven't forced her into anything unsavory." Hearing this, Ning Song Wu felt somewhat reassured, the tension in her chest easing. Nevertheless, she still wanted to see Ran Fan Yin. "Seeing is believing. Regardless of what I say, it's better you see for yourselves. Xiao Liu, go fetch Miss Yu," Yun Niang offered, recognizing Ning Song Wu's wishes and not wanting to press her advantage. Seeing Lu Jin’s respect for her, she decided to extend a courtesy. Ran Fan Yin felt displeased upon hearing that two men insisted on seeing her, suspecting Yun Niang of double-dealing, letting her out in the open so soon. Approaching the staircase, Ran Fan Yin peeked down and was taken aback by one figure's undeniable resemblance to Ning Song Wu. She rubbed her eyes, thinking exhaustion was playing tricks on her. But no, it was indeed Ning Song Wu, noticeably thinner, looking somewhat unfamiliar. "Ning Song Wu?" Ran Fan Yin called out tentatively, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. Though hesitant, she quickly descended the stairs toward her. Ning Song Wu, initially with her back to Ran Fan Yin, caught the familiar voice. She turned, only to be met by the person she'd worried over day and night—Ran Fan Yin. Swiftly, she moved forward and, upon reaching the last step, instinctively hugged her, finally at ease. "You've suffered these past days. It's my fault for dragging you into this," Ning Song Wu's words carried a hint of tears, her arms tightly holding Ran Fan Yin. Ran Fan Yin felt a trace of warm moisture on her shoulder. Was Ning Song Wu crying? Despite the joy of reunion, Ran Fan Yin was flustered by Ning Song Wu’s perceived vulnerability, hesitant how to comfort her. After all, she was just a girl. She gently patted Ning Song Wu’s back, trying to soothe her, realizing the one who truly suffered seemed to be her. "I’m fine, here I am standing before you. But you, you’ve grown much thinner, must have endured a lot," Ran Fan Yin’s voice carried a trace of tenderness. Ning Song Wu remained silent, simply embracing Ran Fan Yin. "Hmm? Haven't you hugged enough? Can I catch a breath now?" In the sweltering summer heat, Ran Fan Yin, already heat-averse, felt stifled by Ning Song Wu's prolonged embrace, causing her to sweat lightly on her forehead. Upon releasing her emotions, Ning Song Wu realized her faux pas and, slightly embarrassed, stepped back. "I'm late, but I’m taking you away now," Ning Song Wu declared, pulling Ran Fan Yin over to Yun Niang. "I must take her tonight. I don’t know how much you spent to keep her, but this jade pendant should cover it and more. Take it to any pawnshop," Ning Song Wu insisted, removing the pendant from around her neck, her eyes reflecting reluctance as she extended it. It was a birthday gift from her youth, a talisman Zhou Hua Xiu had spent dearly on, which she'd safeguarded through their earlier bandit encounter. Yun Niang didn't accept the pendant, instead holding Ran Fan Yin’s hands, and said, "Miss Yu, we had an agreement. Credibility is everything; in this life, our reputation is most important." "Rest assured, Yun Niang. I keep my word—three days means three days. If successful, I’ll leave with you; if not, she’ll buy my freedom," Ran Fan Yin knew Yun Niang was trying to provoke her. Walking away with Ning Song Wu was possible, but she didn't want to miss testing her efforts, her hard work paving the way for establishing herself in Pingyang County. “Why?” Ning Song Wu asked, puzzled. "Do you see any injury? Look, I’m in fine condition, not thinner than before," Ran Fan Yin twirled before Ning Song Wu to assure her. "Then, can I stay here until the morning of the ninth, when I take you away?" Ning Song Wu proposed an idea seeing Ran Fan Yin's reluctance. “No,” Ran Fan Yin replied firmly, questioning why Ning Song Wu would consider staying in such a place. Yun Niang chuckled, "Tomorrow, the two of you can grace us, and I’ll reserve two seats of honor." "Certainly, I preemptively wish Yun Niang a successful reopening, may your profits soar," Lu Jin congratulated her. "Please take good care of my... cousin," Ning Song Wu amended, unwilling to have it known that the Grand Marshal's daughter-in-law ended up in a brothel, mindful of Ran Fan Yin's reputation. Cousin? Since when did I become her cousin? Even after agreeing to a marriage of convenience, is saying 'wife' so difficult? Is she ashamed? "Yun Niang, what’s this all about?" Ran Fan Yin questioned, catching Yun Niang’s intrigued stare, assuming the look of someone eager for gossip. "Is he your beloved? That Ning Gongzi, your cousin," Yun Niang teased, nudging Ran Fan Yin. The mention of 'cousin' irked Ran Fan Yin, her mood souring. “No, merely siblings, nothing romantic.” Yun Niang chuckled, unconvinced. "Look how anxious he is over you; surely he has feelings. With my extensive experience, it can’t be wrong." Ran Fan Yin scoffed internally, Surely it is wrong—she's a woman. “I’m not interested in her. Don’t jumble random matches, Yun Niang,” Ran Fan Yin asserted coldly. “Indeed, he seems fragile; no worries. Why not stay a bit longer, and I’ll find you a good match?” Yun Niang feigned knowingness, her plans obvious. “What a clamor you're making, enough to be heard far and wide. Still, thank you for the offer, Yun Niang, but my father’s already chosen an excellent match for me,” Ran Fan Yin replied knowingly, understanding Yun Niang’s intentions. “I wasn’t scheming anything,” Yun Niang replied, feigning innocence. Ran Fan Yin said, “By that, I mean you should go over today's earnings. I need to get back to guiding the performers, see you later.” “Ning Da-ren, the office is this way,” Lu Jin reminded Ning Song Wu, noticing her heading in the wrong direction. Ning Song Wu fiddled with the pendant, questioning, “Lu Da-ren, is there a pawnshop nearby?” “Indeed, just a bit ahead. Ning Da-ren, is there...?" Lu Jin inquired, eyeing the object in her hand. Ning Song Wu said, "Let's go, to the pawnshop." "Ning Da-ren, if you're not averse, kindly accept my modest offering," Lu Jin suggested, seeing Ning Song Wu’s attachment to the pendant. He handed over his coin pouch. "I can't accept without merit, and I've troubled you enough," Ning Song Wu declined courteously. "This really is an injustice for the new wife." "Our master has no successor left." "Poor new wife, might be a widow for life, hehe." "..." Those rumors, like they had legs and eyes of their own, found their way into Ran Fan Yin's ears, took root, spread out, and blossomed. Ran Fan Yin, never having suffered such indignity, wished she could step up and slap each person. Ning Song Wu's expression remained calm, almost smiling, but her fingers clenched tightly at her sides, turning white with the strain, her eyes betraying a hint of anger. Ning Jing Yang remarked coldly, "Look at this, is this the excellent son you’ve raised? Have Jiang Shaochang come to the estate tomorrow." Hearing the name of the imperial physician, Ning Song Wu shivered with fright, hastily explaining, "Father, last night I drank too much with my wife. It had nothing to do with Mother. I may be weak, but I’m not that helpless." Zhou Hua Xiu chimed in, "Yang Lang, I recently visited Jiang Tai Chang to get a prescription to strengthen the essence. I've been too busy with the wedding to arrange it, but I’ll start having it prepared for Wu'er daily." "Chancellor Chen is here—" Just as Ning Jing Yang was about to speak, the steward's urgent shout interrupted him. Zhong Xiang rushed into the hall, "Master, Chancellor Chen is here." Hardly had the words landed than three people followed Zhong Xiang inside. The one in the middle, his face deeply wrinkled, flanked by two young eunuchs. Ning Jing Yang quickly rose, bowing respectfully, "Chancellor Chen, what an unexpected visit so early. What brings you here?" "A decree from His Majesty—" Sheng Zong's close eunuch, Chen Ji, spoke in a high-pitched voice, brandishing a golden scepter. Everyone dropped to their knees to receive the order. "By command of His Majesty, Ning Song Wu, Governor of Chongzhou, is to follow us to the palace at once." Ning Song Wu replied, "Your servant accepts the decree." Chen Ji withdrew the scepter, smiling, "Governor Ning, please accompany us to the palace." "Chancellor, do you know why His Majesty summons my daughter?" Ning Jing Yang pulled Chen Ji aside, discreetly slipping a pouch of silver into his hand. Chen Ji nervously pushed it away, saying, "Grand Marshal, I can't accept this. My loyalties lie strictly with His Majesty. Please, Ning Gongzi." As soon as Chen Ji departed, Ning Jing Yang quickly dispatched someone to notify his in-law Ran Hou Meng to meet him at the palace gates. Moshang Sang is a flourishing town in the Chongzhou Prefecture, renowned for its production of Guan Yin mulberry leaves and its silk industry, thriving on a small-scale agrarian economy of male farming and female weaving. Sangjin, the most famous silk product from Moshang Sang and even nationwide, provided the royal palace with eighty percent of its silk needs. Nobles and officials, eager to imitate the royal favor, desired Sangjin garments, and owning even one or two pieces made one the envy of society, marking an elite status. Recent heavy rains have severely impacted southern Chongzhou Prefecture. Ning Song Wu, as a new official with concealed origins, was not taken seriously by the county magistrates, who conspired to deceive her. They prioritized their fields and homes over disaster relief, ignoring people's welfare and even blocking city gates, posted guards at boundaries. Ning Song Wu was only shown areas with minor damage during inspections, and the severity of the situation was downplayed in reports to the imperial court. On the day after Ning Song Wu's wedding, Sheng Zong received an impeachment memorial against her, becoming furious and reprimanding her for dereliction of duty. However, due to her father's reputation, she was initially meant to be penalized with half a year's salary and demotion. Thankfully, with pleas from Ning Jing Yang and her father-in-law Ran Hou Meng, she was given a chance to redeem herself by quickly returning to Chongzhou to manage the flood disaster while her salary was still docked and the demotion was pending. Who wrote the impeachment memorial? The Chongzhou magistrates wouldn’t sabotage themselves. Ning Song Wu pondered, as she hadn't made enemies in the officialdom. Could it be her father's adversary, Wang Chong? But he had spoken for her at the appointment ceremony. At a corner of the palace wall, a man in a dark brown luxurious robe leaned with his left hand on his waist, his right hand playing with a pair of walnuts smooth and warm as jade. His face was obscured by an umbrella held by a young man beside him, watching Ning Song Wu's retreating figure in silence. [No way... Oh heavens...] [Don't joke around like this.] △ [To solve this problem, I might need to visit near Qi Ping City and see if I can find another large formation.] [It's likely connected to this other person; if not for her, these might never be possible.] [Let’s check it out once I'm healed.] [After the subtitles disappeared, that orb appeared, and then A Sheng turned into what she is now, her spiritual roots elevating to the highest grade.] [Seems like A Sheng's bargain involved her bloodline and spiritual roots.] [What about the master? Together in life and death...] [Master, did you trade your life with that great formation?] [Master was already severely injured and must have been dragged into this by me.] [Those issues can be unraveled over time, and without complete clarity, there’s little harm, but the master's wellbeing...] [This is the utmost priority.] No pop-up ads on this site, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)