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

Chapter 108: Endless (2) [Let's handle the important matters first.] [Master teases but doesn't get close; she owes me a kiss.] [It’s alright, she owes me plenty over the years, I've kept track.] Her intention to aid the emerging sect by seizing the celestial gate's back route made them steal a march. [That Jiang Mang is terrifying. If I didn’t have some unique methods to look after her, we might have ended up carrying a few of them off today.] [I vaguely feel that unless one has considerable authority, such a feat is impossible.] [Thinking back, a millennium ago was quite interesting too.] [Whether it was the Sword Immortal's rise to fame, the return of Xiao Wan Cheng to the grand formation, or even this celestial gate patriarch's breakthrough, all occurred during that time.] [I refuse to believe there isn't a connection.] [Master, you still laugh...] "Rest assured, madam, I have already made arrangements. Every county is to prepare defenses, ensure proper waste disposal, bury animal carcasses, and boil daily-use water from the floods. Use wormwood to disinfect both indoors and out." Ning Song Wu was a bit surprised that Ran Fan Yin knew these things, different from her own sisters. Ran Fan Yin reminded once more, "Remember, don’t drink raw water directly. Boil it to disinfect." "Thank you for the reminder, madam." Ning Song Wu found herself a bit in awe of Ran Fan Yin's thoroughness. * With clouds drifting lazily and a gentle breeze caressing, the air carried the earthy fragrance washed by the rain. Ning Song Wu, escorted by Zha Le and several officers, hastened towards Mo Shang Sang. Mo Shang Sang was the hardest hit by the disaster, with recovery efforts ongoing. Being a renowned silk production area across the nation, Ning Song Wu realized its significance and dared not be negligent. Although the homes along the streets had been gradually repaired, the mulberry forests and fields along the riversides were devastated by the floodwaters. Seeing the once-vibrant small town now in such a state shook Ning Song Wu. She lamented the hardships faced by the people; half a year’s labor gone in an instant. By Zi Mo Bridge lay the mulberry lands of the Qin family. With only one daughter, Qin Luo Fu, Jiang Yun was brought in as her son-in-law. Jiang Yun ran a silk store in the capital. Although the couple lived separately for long periods, outsiders saw no decline in their affection for each other. In this small town of Mo Shang Sang, Qin Luo Fu was famously beautiful. Her husband, Jiang Yun, unlike the typical robust men, was delicate and fair-skinned, with a beauty that surpassed even many women. People often gossiped that Jiang Yun was merely surviving on her fortune. Jiang Yun’s business, a silk store called Jin Shang, frequently dealt with the silk shops in the capital, bringing in considerable profits. Even if he was a son-in-law by marriage, surrounding admirers still gathered outside Qin Luo Fu’s house whenever he returned. As Ning Song Wu's carriage passed by Zi Mo Bridge, a breeze lifted the curtain, scattering silver light over the swaying shadows of the mulberry trees. Qin Luo Fu was dressed in pale purple, her skirt gently lifted by the wind, exuding a floral fragrance. Qin Luo Fu's delicate hands repeated the motion of picking mulberry leaves. Ning Song Wu couldn't help but marvel at her beauty. Though she herself possessed some grace, compared to Qin Luo Fu, she seemed dull. Ran Fan Yin's face floated into her thoughts, and she mused that if Ran Fan Yin didn't fall short of Qin Luo Fu, quickly dismissing the fleeting idea. The horse gradually moved towards Qin Luo Fu, fixated on the lush, tender mulberry leaves she had laid out in baskets. Finally, it indulged itself with the leaves Qin Luo Fu had picked. Ning Song Wu, snapping back to reality, urgently shouted, "Zha Le, what are you doing standing there? Don't let the horse spoil those precious mulberry leaves." With flooding calamities rampant, leaves were already scarce, and she felt distressed seeing them consumed. Qin Luo Fu paused her work upon hearing the voice. Seeing the officers in her mulberry grove, she approached and greeted, "Good day, officer." "Miss, your mulberry leaves are thriving. Even this horse can't resist a taste; your silkworms must be well-fed too," Zha Le joked. Qin Luo Fu modestly replied, "Thank you, officer, for your compliment. However, the heavens have not been kind. The two-month-deluge caused the floods to wash away many trees. Our silkworms are struggling with limited meals and have grown thin. Our silk yield this year is sure to decline." Zha Le comforted, "Miss, don't worry. The prefect has reported the disaster to the court. More mulberry leaves are on their way from Tongzhou." Ran Fan Yin added, "But you must listen to me." "Huh? I paid for you, and now I must listen to you? Can this be real?" Yun Niang looked at Ran Fan Yin, incredulous, pointing at herself. "The Feng Ming Court is not what it used to be. Compared to Shi Hua Lou, what's your status? If you truly want to turn the tables, show some sincerity." "Alright, I'll listen to you." Times had changed, and Yun Niang found Ran Fan Yin to have a firm grip on her weaknesses. "First, the Feng Ming Court needs a makeover. Invest some effort in the decorations. List every talent the girls possess and provide it to me. I also need to scout Shi Hua Lou, observe how they operate, and devise a strategy accordingly," Ran Fan Yin proposed, considering the possibility that Pingyang County could be her second market outside the capital. "You understand, Feng Ming Court is running at a loss. I have no spare funds." Hearing the words "makeover" and "decoration" made Yun Niang's scalp tingle; more spending now meant she barely had any savings left. "You can't catch wolves without sacrificing some sheep. For a small investment, I assure you'll break even in three days. If Ning Song Wu hasn't arrived in Pingyang yet, delays aren't feasible. We must quickly secure Wen Xiang's release; Feng Ming Court can't be our temporary refuge for long." "As you've been in Pingyang for years, you must have a network. I need you to gather information on a person for me. I'll give you a portrait later," Ran Fan Yin spoke firmly, as if issuing a command leaving no room for refusal. "Fine, all according to your plan. As long as you can help me surpass Shi Hua Lou and return Feng Ming Court to profitability, everything is negotiable." Yun Niang, after much consideration, decided to take a gamble; after all, she needed Ran Fan Yin's help, believing she held the key to revival. Ran Fan Yin instructed, "Tonight, have someone accompany me. We'll go undercover to infiltrate Shi Hua Lou. By morning, I'll present you with a satisfying plan. If not, do with me as you wish. It's just one night; surely you can wait at least that long?" "As you say. But sign this servitude contract first!" Yun Niang laid a paper on the table, her heart believing that uncovering Shi Hua Lou's secrets in one night seemed pure fantasy; yet, could Ran Fan Yin really possess supernatural abilities? Ran Fan Yin clarified, "Naturally, I'll sign, but it's not a servitude contract; it's a cooperation agreement. I don't engage in loss-making deals. Once Feng Ming Court reigns as the top brothel in Pingyang, you grant me freedom as my reward for helping you." Yun Niang smirked, "If you indeed have such skills, why wouldn't I agree?" Ran Fan Yin carefully penned the agreement and handed it to Yun Niang, "Look over it. How does it sound?" ¤ Agreement details: From today, within three days, the control of Feng Ming Court will be temporarily transferred to the second party. The second party must ensure Feng Ming Court shifts from loss to profit, outperforming Shi Hua Lou. The first party shall grant the second party freedom, without unlawful detention. Should the second party fail to meet the wager, they will submit to the first party's authority. Effective on the sixth day of August in the seventeenth year of Jiankang. First party: Yun Niang Second party: Yu Qing Jiankang seventeenth year, August fifth Yun Niang reviewed the agreement thoroughly and found no issues, signing promptly. With a face full of delight, Yun Niang said, "It's good to settle details first. We'll let this agreement be the witness, and see the results in three days." "Refreshing! It's a pleasure dealing with you, a clever person like yourself. I'll toast to that with tea," Ran Fan Yin declared, downing her cup. Merchants have always chased profit over loyalty. Even with an agreement, there's no telling if Yun Niang might betray in the end, so ensuring a contingency plan was wise. Contemplation was needed to decide on that escape plan. A sudden hunger growled through her stomach. After a morning playing battles of wit, Ran Fan Yin realized she hadn't eaten a bite. "Hungry? I'll have Cui Guo prepare some food for you in the room. Tonight, I'll send Xiao Liu to accompany you to Shi Hua Lou," said Yun Niang before leaving the room. "Much appreciated." As the door closed, Ran Fan Yin waited until the footsteps faded, then removed her shoe, spilling out what Ning Song Wu had given her—a fish charm. Anything valuable on her, Gu Er had confiscated. Luckily, she preemptively concealed the charm in her shoe. * The seventeenth year of Jiankang, on the afternoon of August fifth, outside the Pingyang County government office. "Excuse me, please inform them that the Prefect of Chongzhou, Ning Song Wu, seeks an audience." Ning Song Wu, blood-spattered, hair disheveled, looked utterly wretched. The officer eyed the muddy, thin stranger before him with disbelief, and chuckled, "You? A prefect from Chongzhou? Clear off, don't block the way." "Your magistrate, Lu Jin, was once my peer. Announce simply my name, and enter." The officer sneered, "If you're going to lie, at least put some effort into it. Who in Pingyang County doesn’t recognize its one and only magistrate? You claim you're the prefect, but do you have your fish token as proof? Show it to me." "I got separated from my cousin, and she has the token. Didn’t you encounter two women carrying fish tokens today?" Ning Song Wu's brows knitted in concern. If they had escaped, they should have arrived by midday at the latest, yet it was already late afternoon. "No, we haven’t, and don’t make trouble, or the rod will be your companion." The officer reached for the hilt of his sword, pressing it against Ning Song Wu's wounded arm, pushing her aside. Seeing that the officer didn’t believe her and without the token to prove her identity, Ning Song Wu grew anxious. Out of strength and separated from Ran Fan Yin and Wen Xiang, she had little chance of locating them in the vast expanse of Pingyang County alone. With weary steps, she approached the drum of justice, lifted the mallet with gritted teeth, and humbly struck the drum’s center. Her face turned crimson, beads of sweat rolling down her cheeks onto the ground, as fresh blood seeped from her wounded left arm. Boom! Boom! Boom! The drum's echo was deafening. Startled, the officer quickly approached, cursing, "Are you tired of living? That drum is not for the likes of you. Look at yourself before you act. Since you've struck the drum, I must follow procedure." The drum strike sent townsfolk rushing to the court, eager for the spectacle. Pingyang County hadn’t heard the sound of the drum for years, since court mandates dictated that those who struck the drum first endured thirty lashes. Few dared to court this justice unless absolutely desperate. Lu Jin addressed the gathering, "Who stands in the hall? State your name." The advisor barked, "How dare you! In the presence of the county magistrate, why don’t you kneel?" Ning Song Wu declared, "I am the prefect of Chongzhou, rank four, it is improper to kneel before an eighth-rank county magistrate." "My Lord, this person is full of lies. He babbled nonsense outside the court, claiming he was the prefect of Chongzhou, yet without any proof, and demanded I report to you. Later, he struck the drum without cause, by law, he should be flogged thirty times as a deterrent." Lu Jin interrogated, "Impersonating an official and striking the drum without cause, disregarding the law—how many lives do you think you have?" "Lord Lu, have you truly forgotten Ning Song Wu?" Ning Song Wu swept aside her disheveled hair, wiped her face with a sleeve, and fixed her gaze on Lu Jin. "You? Are you truly Ning Song Wu?" Lu Jin stepped down from his desk, closely observing the figure before him—it was indeed her. They had met once after the autumn examination results were announced last year; their names both joined the list's tail end—hers at ninety-nine, Ning Song Wu at a hundred. On that day, Ning Song Wu stood beaming at the list’s end, murmuring, "Wonderful, wish fulfilled." It was only later through others that Lu Jin learned she was the sole heir of the Chief Grand Marshal, Ning Song Wu. Despite them both just scraping through the examinations, her noble lineage earned her a fourth-rank position, whereas he, of humble birth, secured merely an eighth-rank position. "Oh dear, Lord Ning, please sit. I'm ashamed to have been so blind. What brings you to such a plight?" Lu Jin quickly assisted Ning Song Wu to a seat, knowing better than to offend the Marshal’s son. "It's a long story. I was tasked with escorting family back to the capital, but we encountered bandits, and I lost my cousin. I need your help, Lord Lu." Ning Song Wu gestured to Lu Jin to discuss discreetly, briefly outlining the ordeal in a whisper. Lu Jin nodded, ingratiatingly, "Of course, aiding Lord Ning is my duty. Allow me to arrange for your rest and fresh attire in the inner court." "Everyone, it was a misunderstanding. Disperse now," the officer instructed the gathered onlookers. Lu Jin commanded, "Don't just stand there, summon the best doctor for Lord Ning's treatment. We must attend to the Marshal’s son properly; future promotions depend on him." Turning to another officer, he ordered, "And you, prepare decent food promptly." With an artist's sketch of the lost cousin, drawn from Ning Song Wu's description, Lu Jin charged his subordinates: even if it meant combing through every inch, they must find this person. The physician's examination revealed that Ning Song Wu's left arm was a surface wound, not deep. With regular medication and avoiding strain, it would scab and heal soon. Her right hand had a sprained muscle, but no broken bones; a few massages with ointment would suffice. Ning Song Wu declined the physician's application of medicine, preferring to tend to herself. Inside the room, herbal ointment and bandages lay ready on the table. She glanced at her unbearably achy right hand. This was a task requiring skillful hands. Despite her unique status, she couldn’t let others assist. Bracing herself, she grimaced through gritted teeth, awkwardly using her right hand to scoop ointment onto her left arm, securing bandages with teeth's help, taking over half an hour to manage. Sweaty and exhausted, the stench of sweat clung to her. Seeing the neatly folded clothes, she regretted refusing Lu Jin’s offer for servants, finding every task at hand unbearable. Water couldn’t touch her wounds; strenuous movements risked them reopening. She painfully used her right hand and mouth to wring out a towel, wiping herself down. By evening, Lu Jin personally invited Ning Song Wu to an outdoor banquet he arranged in her honor. Though she wished to decline, she couldn't refuse his goodwill, as he was actively assisting in searching for Ran Fan Yin. Reluctantly, she agreed. ＊ Outside Shi Hua Lou, several gaudily dressed women stood making suggestive gestures, calling out to passing men. Is this a brothel? Ning Song Wu stood at Shi Hua Lou's entrance, rooted in place as if bound by an unseen force. Lu Jin and his party entered, but realized the guest of honor hadn’t followed: "Hey, where's Lord Ning?" "Lord Ning, come join us." Lu Jin hurriedly stepped out to beckon Ning Song Wu inside. "Lord Lu, I suddenly feel unwell. Go on without me; I will follow shortly." Ning Song Wu hesitantly, unwillingly stood her ground. "Lord Ning, fear not, you'll know once inside. It’s filled with delights to cure all ills," Lu Jin jested, mistaking her reluctance for first-time nervousness. Ignoring Ning Song Wu’s objections, Lu Jin summoned the women at the door, "Come now, bring Lord Ning in, treat him well, and you'll be rewarded." "Oh, look who’s here! Sweet Lu Ge and a handsome young man! This must be Lord Ning, I bet," the women exclaimed as they clung to Ning Song Wu. Of their party, apart from Lu Jin and Ning Song Wu, the rest were corpulent and sated. The women's eyes remained fixed on Ning Song Wu, plastering themselves to her, cooing seductive purrs while guiding her inside. "No, no, don't push, ladies, please, show some decorum!" Surrounded and suffocated by heavy perfume, Ning Song Wu felt utterly uncomfortable. Protecting her chest, she struggled to escape but failed. Her first experience being encircled by women was anything but pleasant. "Be careful, ladies, Lord Ning has an injury on his left arm. Don’t hurt him," Lu Jin jovially warned, trailing behind. Just then, Ran Fan Yin, accompanied by Xiao Liu and several burly men, arrived at Shi Hua Lou's entrance. The latter were likely Yun Niang’s men, sent to prevent her escape. A man clad in a rough grey coat peered at the building, his rugged face mismatching his slim frame, asking his servant, "Is this the premier brothel in Pingyang County?" "Only for now, Miss Yu," the servant replied. Upon closer inspection, it was Ran Fan Yin dressed in men's attire. Her face was deliberately darkened, eyebrows thickened, with fake stubble around her mouth, and a mole added just above her lip. Beside her, Xiao Liu seemed more genteel by contrast. "The business here indeed beats Feng Ming Court. Look at the crowds flocking in, while you can't even attract an ant," Ran Fan Yin remarked, gesturing to Lu Jin's group. "Miss Yu, you exaggerate. Occasionally, some veteran patrons do visit," Xiao Liu defended. Ran Fan Yin tucked her left hand behind her waist, scratching at her fake beard with her right, asking, "Shall we take a look? Do you have the silver with you?" "I have some, but not much. The boss instructed, we're here to gather intel, not indulge. Spend sparingly," Xiao Liu opened a pouch, offering it to her for inspection. "Yun Niang's too stingy; what joy could possibly be bought with this?" Ran Fan Yin grabbed the pouch and headed in. Her appalling disguise left her unnoticed, not a single girl taking an interest, for merchants are usually welcomed warmly, but not a word was spoken to her. Xiao Liu, however, fared better. As soon as he entered, two women promptly approached him: "This way, sir." One disdainfully eyed Ran Fan Yin, deliberately avoiding her. Am I really that unpopular? Ran Fan Yin mused. "He wasn’t wrong." Ning Song Wu jumped out of the carriage, gazing at the reddish water inundating the mulberry groves with worry etched across her face. "Miss, you look overwhelmed. Leave these officers to help with the picking. Don’t hesitate, please." A flash of panic crossed Qin Luo Fu's face, but she quickly masked it. Politely, she replied, "My Lord, you and the officers are occupied with flood control; such trivial matters should not trouble you." "The sky has darkened, and it looks like it might rain again. You should finish picking the mulberry leaves and head home quickly; it's not safe in this weather," Ning Song Wu said, feeling uneasy about leaving a woman alone to pick leaves. A sudden downpour could lead to dangerous flooding. Zha Le patted his chest in agreement, "For the sake of the people, we should always be willing to help. We're happy to lend a hand." "Thank you, my lord. My home is just under Hongya Mountain, not far from here. If you and your officers don’t mind, after picking the mulberry leaves, you’re welcome to come by for a rest and to enjoy some simple tea," Qin Luo Fu no longer demurred. Zha Le called out loudly, "Come on, everyone, stop standing around. Start picking those mulberry leaves!" "You too, hurry up," Ning Song Wu urged as Zha Le remained unmoving, reluctant to engage in the manual labor. "My lord, I need to drive your carriage," Zha Le protested, trying to excuse himself from the task. Ning Song Wu saw through his intentions and said, "I know exactly what you're thinking; alright, I won't force you." "My lord, please wait a moment," Qin Luo Fu said as she walked under the shade of a tree, returning shortly with a bag of wild fruits. Offering them to Ning Song Wu, she said, "Freshly picked. Don’t disdain them." Ning Song Wu clasped her hands in gratitude and bid farewell, "Thank you for the gift, miss, but I have official matters to attend to. I must take my leave." Ning Song Wu called out to the officers in the field, "Everyone, do a good job, and tonight there will be good food and wine at the government hall." Tonight, she thought, a drink may not solve all woes, but it helps drown them for a while. Since being reprimanded by Ning Jingyang, Ning Song Wu frequented the prefecture more often, always returning very late. Each night, Ran Fan Yin awaited her, offering various nourishing soups before bed, mandated by Ning Song Wu’s father and supposedly unquestionable. Ning Song Wu would drink them, only to find herself passed out and sore all over the next day. Rumors spread that the couple was blissfully in love, anticipating happy news from the prefecture soon. That evening, Ning Song Wu rewarded the officers who had labored at Mo Shang Sang and became so inebriated that Zha Le had to escort her back to the prefecture. Ning Song Wu staggered with heavy steps, collapsing onto a stone bench in the courtyard. She waved her sleeves, trying to expel the alcohol from her system, and only then staggered slowly towards the room. With a gentle "click," she pushed open the door, stepping in with one foot while the other remained outside. Before she could turn and close the door, she faced Ran Fan Yin, seated upright, locking eyes with her. The air froze for a moment, her mind blanking as she realized that every bit of her drunken wretchedness was laid bare before Ran Fan Yin, leaving her feeling deeply embarrassed. Ran Fan Yin sat cross-legged, arms folded, staring at her intently without saying a word. Ning Song Wu remained in her door-pushing stance, her gaze evasive, mentally racing to find words to ease the awkwardness. To Ran Fan Yin, Ning Song Wu resembled a lamb to the slaughter, utterly defenseless. After a moment, Ning Song Wu turned to close the door. Already unsteady from the alcohol, the sight of Ran Fan Yin made her spirit waver, nearly causing her to stumble. "Be careful!" Without thinking, Ran Fan Yin quickly moved to catch her, assaulted by both physical and olfactory sensations. Ran Fan Yin held her breath, wrinkling her nose, and swiftly pushed Ning Song Wu away to maintain distance. The foul stench of alcohol was nauseating, and the softness she felt against her chest made her mind flash with suspicion. Could Ning Song Wu actually be...? She thought back to how distant Ning Song Wu had been since their marriage, seemingly avoiding closeness despite her own respectable qualities. Ning Song Wu, with a smooth and delicate neck absent a pronounced Adam's apple, never spoke of shaving. Ran Fan Yin's suspicions solidified. Surely, Ning Song Wu had been involved in a deception of gender, assuming male attire to hold office, something unfathomable in their strict societal norms. Who fueled this audacity? As for Ning Song Wu's father, who seemingly knew nothing of this and had sent chicken soup, it seemed they were equally in the dark. This was like something from a thrilling drama—unbelievable yet fascinating. Wait, as Ning Song Wu's wife, should the truth of her identity come out, it would implicate Ran Fan Yin as well, casting both into severe jeopardy. The more Ran Fan Yin thought, the more fear creeped in, confirming that this marriage needed to be annulled quickly and quietly. Ning Song Wu regained her balance, stepped back, and put distance between them, asking, "Madam, you're not resting yet?" She settled into a chair, sipping water while the air, heavy with the scent of her drunkenness, fueled her shame. "I was waiting for you." Ran Fan Yin feigned composure, forcing out the words and promptly sat across from Ning Song Wu, her expression unreadable. Ning Song Wu's anxiety peaked, hands awkwardly grasping her teacup while she stealthily wiped sweat from her brow. She offered an explanation, "I had some drinks with my subordinates at the hall. Sorry for the smell; perhaps I should sleep in the study, and I won’t have any chicken soup as my stomach’s uneasy." She moved to collect her bedding to leave. "Don't you think we need to talk?" Ran Fan Yin's cold voice pierced through the room like a net, immobilizing Ning Song Wu's departing steps. Ran Fan Yin thought that avoiding the truth served neither of them, and it was best to lay things bare. Neither intended to live as husband and wife, so honesty was prudent. "We should rest; it's late. We can talk tomorrow," Ning Song Wu stammered, feeling impending danger tightening its grip. Staying in the room felt increasingly intolerable. "What if I want to talk tonight?" Ran Fan Yin pressed on, undeterred. She muttered softly, "I’ve had too much to drink. My mind's foggy and not clear enough for a serious conversation. By tomorrow I might forget all about it, and that would just be pointless." "Oh? You’ve had your fill since the exams?" Ran Fan Yin's insinuation was unmistakable. Ning Song Wu faltered, recognizing the innuendo. She demanded with dignity, "You're jesting, madam. The imperial exams are sacred and stringent, not to be trifled with. I'm admittedly dim-witted, nearly exhausting all I had to earn a passing mark." Her voice faded at the term "last among the thirds." Ran Fan Yin shifted, asking outright, "So, will it make any difference? Tonight or tomorrow." In uncertainty, Ning Song Wu lowered her voice, responding, "There is, quite a difference." "Ning Song Wu, how bold you are to hide your identity, posing as a man to enter the court and wed. This treasonous deception risks execution for your family," Ran Fan Yin suddenly asserted, weary of dragging out the conversation and decided on blunt confrontation. With a thud, the bedding slipped from Ning Song Wu's hold. Caught in the snare. "You, you, you mustn't speak such nonsense!" Desperate, Ning Song Wu reached to cover Ran Fan Yin's mouth, fearing her proclamation would be heard by the servants. Ran Fan Yin had drawn her deepest secret bluntly and at once. A faint chuckle escaped Ran Fan Yin's trembling lips, snuffed out quickly as she cleared her throat, dropping her gaze, absorbed in contemplation. Ning Song Wu's transparent anxiety confirmed her suspicion. "Otherwise, why, months after marriage, have you avoided any intimacy? Why do you, Ning Song Wu, steer clear of me? In terms of looks, scholarship, and family background, what about me doesn’t meet the mark for someone thrice ranked in the imperial exams?" Ran Fan Yin teased, finding Ning Song Wu's predicament intriguingly amusing. Ning Song Wu stammered in reply, "I, I, I’m just not well, compounded by the busyness of office affairs…" She silently regretted withholding during the exams; had she ranked higher... Ran Fan Yin couldn't stifle her grin, "Unwell, indeed. Have you some unspeakable ailment?" She left the implication hanging. Ning Song Wu silently lamented her situation, uncertain how to address the revelation laid bare before Ran Fan Yin’s perceptive probing. Both were entangled in an unusual alliance amidst a tangle of secrets and societal constraints.