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

Chapter 109: Uninterrupted (3) The Appearance of a Young White Ball "[Master, can you hear this?] [Master...] [I will give you a chance to explain.] [Just this once.] [Especially since I know the future, and the things I talk about are incomprehensible to you all.] [Master, please skip this commentary.]" Ning Song Wu replied indignantly. "[Ah, Master is really so good-looking, it completely dispels my anger.] [Even if you like to listen, it doesn't change the fact that this is embarrassing, Master!!!] [And what else?]" The Mysterious Woman instructed, "There is an unnamed skeleton at the prefecture's Yamen; find a way to bring her out. If anyone provides clues, stop them immediately, by any means necessary." Tang Yi responded, "Yes, I will complete the task." The Mysterious Woman said, "Alright, enjoy yourselves. I'm heading back now." "Aren't you going to stay overnight at the stronghold? It's not safe with the roads being so dark," Tang Yi advised, concerned for her safety as it was a dangerous thing for a lady to venture in the dark of night. The Mysterious Woman replied, "It's fine, I'm used to it." Tang Yi watched silently until her silhouette merged into the darkness, and he dispatched four men to monitor Ning Song Wu and his group at the woodshed, just in case, while he continued drinking and boasting with the others. *** "Sir, someone is coming, someone is coming, quickly, four people," Zha Le whispered from inside the woodshed. They quickly resumed their positions, stuffing cloth back into their mouths and retying the ropes as if nothing had happened. "Alright, time to eat. Behave and no tricks," the Mountain Bandit ordered, pushing open the door and tossing in a bag of steamed buns before locking the door again, leaving four guards stationed outside. "The chief always insists we watch over them. They're bound and locked up—where could they possibly go?" "Exactly, while they get to feast, we endure the mosquitoes." "I really wish I could enjoy a feast too; there must be something left from the carriage for us, surely." Ran Fan Yin overheard the guards' complaints about their duty outside, noting they were celebrating. If it was just four guards, then escaping might be possible. "Ow—ow—ow—so painful, please be kind, I can't hold it in," Ran Fan Yin feigned agony loud enough for those outside to hear. Ning Song Wu pleaded from his position at the door, "Kind sirs, please have mercy. My wife isn't feeling well and likely ate something bad. She needs to go outside." The Mountain Bandit poked the door with his knife, barking, "Silence! Relieve yourself inside. Stomach pain isn't serious; just tough it out!" Ning Song Wu continued, "Kind sir, it's really inconvenient inside. An accident might delay the ransom payment, wouldn't want that, right?" "Indeed, my daughter-in-law is faint from the pain. Please, be kind," Zhou Hua Xiu chimed in. Bandit A suggested, "Why not let her out? If something happens, we can't afford it. She's just a woman; she won't cause trouble." Bandit B agreed, "Alright, let her out." With a clatter, the door opened, and the bandits outside saw Ran Fan Yin collapsed in a corner, groaning, while the others leaned weakly against the walls, clearly in poor condition. "Help your wife out," the Mountain Bandit instructed Ning Song Wu. "We're also feeling weak and sick; can't muster the strength. Please, help us get my wife up," Ning Song Wu spoke feebly, clutching his stomach. The Mountain Bandit cursed, "Damn it, so much fuss. You and you, come in." Inside, Ning Song Wu, Ran Fan Yin, and Zha Le exchanged a knowing smile—the bait had been taken. As the two bandits attempted to escort Ran Fan Yin out, Ning Song Wu and Zha Le sprang into action, subduing the guards outside with swift efficiency. Simultaneously, Ran Fan Yin and the others picked up chunks of wood, delivering swift blows to the unsuspecting bandits' heads, rendering them unconscious. To ensure they wouldn't wake up, they bound them and stuffed cloth into their mouths—a fitting revenge. *** "The stockade entrance is guarded. We can't escape. You all stay here and keep the door closed until I return. Wen Xiang, change clothes with me; we're stepping out," Ran Fan Yin said, stripping the outer garments from a bandit and tossing them to her maid, Wen Xiang. "Yes, miss," Wen Xiang agreed, catching the clothes. "Madam, what do you mean?" Ning Song Wu asked, puzzled. "When they brought us up the mountain, they didn't fully blindfold me. I saw mandrake flowers nearby. Wen Xiang and I are women; disguised as men, they won't recognize us," Ran Fan Yin explained. "Mandrake flowers?" Ning Song Wu queried. Ran Fan Yin clarified, "They have the effect of a sleeping powder. With enough dosage, the mountain bandits in the stockade can be easily drugged." "Will it work? I'll go with you; it's not safe for you two alone," Ning Song Wu worried about the potential danger and wanted to accompany them. "No, you stay here and watch over my mother with Zha Le," Ran Fan Yin firmly objected, thinking taking him would be riskier, given that he, too, was a woman by disguise. "Fine, but be careful. If you're discovered, don't resist; let them capture you. They won't harm us before the ransom arrives," Ning Song Wu instructed. "You two, turn around," Ning Song Wu ordered Zha Le and Zhang Yan as he turned his back to Ran Fan Yin. After a quick disguise, Ran Fan Yin and Wen Xiang departed the shed. "Wait," Ning Song Wu rushed out, removing an earring from Ran Fan Yin's right ear. As he reached for the other, she gestured, "I'll do it myself." Wen Xiang, realizing she was also wearing earrings, hastily removed them, tucking them into a secret pocket in her sleeve. The mistress and maid, driven by their mission, disappeared into the night. *** Ran Fan Yin relied on her memory from earlier, quickly finding the mandrake flowers in the sandy ground not far from the shed. After crushing them, she and Wen Xiang headed to the kitchen, where several women were busy preparing food. Gathering her resolve, Ran Fan Yin stepped forward and urged, "Hurry it up! Half the dishes are gone already. Get some good wine and food ready quickly; the chief is pushing." The women, seeing Ran Fan Yin as unfamiliar yet assuming she joined a few days ago, responded promptly, "Yes, yes." Ran Fan Yin, meanwhile, seized two jars of liquor, discreetly adding the mandrake juice as they were momentarily distracted. She shook the jar gently and sniffed it, proclaim, "Ah, what fine wine!" before handing it over, instructing, "Here, take this to the brothers; they're waiting eagerly." With a concern that the dosage might be insufficient, she mixed more mandrake juice into the dishes with her fingers. The woman replied, "Yes." These women were mostly wives of the bandits, tasked with taking care of the meals at the stronghold. As she gazed at the spiced duck on the counter, Ran Fan Yin's hunger got the better of her, but seeing her hand covered in mandrake juice, she washed her hands before grabbing a duck leg to munch on. The savory taste filled her heart, a delight far superior to the hard buns they'd been given earlier. The women took the food and wine out, leaving Ran Fan Yin momentarily alone in the kitchen. "Wen Xiang, come in quickly," Ran Fan Yin whispered toward the door. "Miss, I'm here," Wen Xiang stealthily entered the kitchen. Ran Fan Yin handed her a duck leg, saying, "Take this. Package some of the food to bring with us. Hurry, before they return." The duo devoured the duck legs ravenously, swiftly gathering as many of the snacks Zhou Hua Xiu had purchased as they could manage. But there was too much; their hands couldn't carry it all. "Screw it, just take some smoked duck and ham, leave the rest," Ran Fan Yin decided. "You take these back to the shed for them. I'll go to the gate and give the bandits there some wine," Ran Fan Yin instructed, taking the leftovers and two substantial jars of wine towards the stronghold's entrance. "Gentlemen, come over here! I've got some tasty treats," she called to the mountain bandits. "Hey, you're a fresh face. Are you new? Haven't seen you around," one bandit remarked. "Yes indeed, big brother, you've got sharp eyes. I just joined recently. The chief asked me to bring some food and drink for your hard work," Ran Fan Yin replied smoothly. Another bandit commented, "The chief is considerate of his men." "But the chief usually forbids drinking while guarding the gate," another bandit hesitated. Oops, a misstep. Ran Fan Yin quickly added, "True, but tonight the chief made an exception, saying we've scored big. We're guarded by four brothers already, so there's no worry. A small drink won't hurt, just don't overdo it." "Well, if the chief has sanctioned it, let's drink," the bandit agreed. "You aren't drinking?" a bandit asked Ran Fan Yin. "Of course, I am," Ran Fan Yin took a swig from the jar before discreetly spitting it out. Soon enough, the drug took effect, and the bandits fell unconscious one by one. Ran Fan Yin hurried back to the mountain stronghold's main hall. Peeking inside from the doorway, she noticed a dozen or so people sprawled about, some slumped over stone tables and others collapsed on the floor. Three women desperately tried to shake the mountain bandits awake. *** Inside the woodshed. An hour had passed, and Ran Fan Yin still hadn't returned. Ning Song Wu grew worried. "I'll go check; it's been too long with no word," Ning Song Wu said, opening the door just as a shadowy figure stumbled in. Ran Fan Yin entered and fell into Ning Song Wu's arms, quite conveniently timed. Zha Le and Wen Xiang stood to the side, grinning like doting aunts. Time seemed to pause as Ning Song Wu held Ran Fan Yin firmly, her fragrance mingling with the scent of wine and roasted duck tickling his nostrils. In the eyes of all present, the two embraced tightly. Meeting Ning Song Wu's gaze, Ran Fan Yin's heart pounded wildly. Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump. Zhou Hua Xiu coughed lightly, prompting Ran Fan Yin to push away, her hands covering her chest. Her heartbeat seemed to skip, her body tingling, and then it pounded as if in a drumbeat, her heart ready to burst. Ning Song Wu's cheeks flushed, ears turning a vivid red as if scalded by hot water. Her heart raced uncontrollably, causing her to clench her hands tightly. Experiencing such sensations for the first time left her bewildered and uncertain of what was happening. Ran Fan Yin spoke first, "The bandits are down. We mustn't linger; let's move quickly." "That's all my preparations; can't let the bandits steal it away. Pack it back up," Zhou Hua Xiu insisted, unwilling to leave behind the food and silk she'd taken off the cart. Ning Song Wu advised, "Mother, if we take too much, we'll attract more bandits. Do you want to be robbed again?" Ran Fan Yin concurred, "Mother, Wu Lang is right. The drug's effect will soon wear off. If the bandits wake, none of us will escape. Our lives are paramount." "Fine, we'll do as you say. But the silk and ham must come; they won't take time," Zhou Hua Xiu relented. Ning Song Wu suddenly remembered, "Wait, what about the scroll?" Recalling their journey to the capital primarily focused on protecting the scroll, Ning Song Wu grew anxious. Ran Fan Yin shook the package in her hand to reassure him. Seizing the cover of night, they set out, intermittently pausing to hide in case the bandits pursued them. Ran Fan Yin and Wen Xiang rode in one cart, while Ning Song Wu was called by Zhou Hua Xiu. "Miss, what are you doing?" Wen Xiang asked, wiping Ran Fan Yin's cheek with a handkerchief, seeing her painstakingly digging into the ham with a curious expression. Ran Fan Yin feigned wisdom, grinning mischievously, "You'll see soon enough." Finally, having carved a hole, Ran Fan Yin stuffed "The Splendid Landscape Painting" into it before sealing the opening. Then she placed a landscape painting in the package. Ran Fan Yin instructed, "When we rest, put this ham under the cargo in the back cart, beneath everything." "Yes," Wen Xiang complied, trusting her mistress had her reasons. This was a ploy to divert attention. Ning Song Wu had hidden the scroll in the ceiling beams, carried it with her, checking before leaving; it was clearly precious. Best to keep such valuables in inconspicuous places. Ran Fan Yin rubbed her right eye with the back of her hand. She had been tense and uneasy since escaping the bandit lair, her right eyelid twitching incessantly. Seeing her superstitious side emerging—"Left eye means wealth, right eye means disaster"—she thought about narrowly escaping the bandit nest but feared more misfortune might be looming. By noon, the cart entered a narrow alley, stopping at the back gate of an impressive mansion. "Whoa~" The man halted the horse, greeted the gatekeeper jovially, "Haven't seen you in days, and you've put on weight." "You're joking, Master Gu. Standing guard here all day under the sun, I only suffer," the gatekeeper replied, patting his round belly. Gu Er, a local broker, was known for supplying maidservants to wealthy households, often engaging in shady dealings across several counties. "With your sturdy build, you don't look burdened by work. Anyway, inform Manager Qiao the goods have arrived. I'll take you for drinks later," Gu Er said, slipping some coins into the gatekeeper's hand with a friendly chuckle. "Thank you, Master Gu. I'll be right back," the gatekeeper said, eagerly heading inside. Soon, he returned with a middle-aged man in a blue overcoat. "Manager Qiao, haven't seen you in a while. You're looking good. Any joyous occasions?" Gu Er patted Qiao Guan Shi's shoulder affectionately. "It's a relief you arrived. The estate's been a mess, short-staffed, and I feared the boss's wrath," Qiao Guan Shi lamented. "Getting what you needed wasn't easy. It took quite the effort," Gu Er whispered, discreetly handing over a pouch. "Only you could manage it, Gu Er. Pingyang County's stocks are depleted; nothing available," Qiao Guan Shi remarked, testing the pouch's weight. He sampled the powder inside, nodding in approval after tasting it. "This is good stuff. I'll look to you next time," Qiao Guan Shi said, pocketing the pouch. "Certainly, step this way," Gu Er guided him to the cart, lifting the curtain for him to inspect inside. "Ah, just what we needed, five new ones. The estate's timing is perfect, especially these two upfront; they look quite capable." "They are capable. Even if their skills are limited, with your wife’s guidance, they'd be as good as any," Gu Er flattered. "Enough flattery. I'll take them all. Price unchanged, right?" Qiao Guan Shi asked. "Of course. You know me; my business stands on integrity. And you're a valued customer," Gu Er assured him, returning five silver taels as a kind gesture. "No wonder there's no deal Gu Er can't close. Zhang Cheng, take them in," Qiao Guan Shi instructed. "Yes, Manager Qiao," the gatekeeper replied. Just as Zhang Cheng led the new maids inside, a commotion arose. "Miss, what's wrong? Wake up!" Wen Xiang shouted, frantically shaking Ran Fan Yin who was convulsing on the ground, her mouth foaming as her eyes rolled back, creating a disturbing scene. Qiao Guan Shi stammered, "This—this looks like epilepsy. I can't accept this one, Gu Er; take her back." Gu Er quickly protested, "Manager Qiao, she came perfectly fine. She's putting on a show. Let me prove it!" Qiao Guan Shi declined, "No need; I can't have a sick maid serving. I won't buy trouble." Furious, Gu Er cursed at Ran Fan Yin, "You ungrateful woman! I had a good household lined up for you, and you ruined it!" "Fine, I'll take the four back. You keep your money; find someone to replace her next time," Qiao Guan Shi conceded, having accepted Gu Er's hush money. Gu Er relented, "Alright, next round I'll bring someone swift and healthy for you." Ran Fan Yin was returned to the cart. Before they left, Gu Er told the gatekeeper Zhang Cheng, "Are you free? Join me at Xinghua Pavilion; once I'm there, I wait for no one." "I'll be free, certainly, Master Gu. Once the maids are inside, I'll meet you there," Zhang Cheng brightly replied. Gu Er nodded, "Alright, off you go." Then Ma Zi asked, "Master Gu, what about the goods on this cart?" "Send them to Fengming Courtyard. You can't force someone to grasp a good opportunity," Gu Er muttered, disappointed. Fengming Courtyard, once the grandest brothel in Pingyang County, famed for its talented courtesans, now struggled with business, with its former bustling scene gone. Yun Niang, the madame known for her fiery temper and adept skills in training girls, had been forced to sell off most of them. Ma Zi queried, "Master Gu, why not take them to Shihua Pavilion? Their prospects are brighter and fetch a better price." Gu Er grumbled, "Who knows if she's truly sick? If Shihua Pavilion found out, it could bring us a heap of trouble." Shihua Pavilion is currently the most popular brothel in Pingyang County. It's said to have powerful backers with abundant resources. The establishment's decor is exquisite, and the women are all breathtakingly beautiful. They've even brought renowned instructors from the capital to train the girls in etiquette, singing, and dancing. *** After lunch, Gu Er arrived at Fengming Courtyard. "What brings Master Gu, the busiest man around, here today? Come, come, we have a private room upstairs waiting for you. The girls are all free today; pick anyone you like," Yun Niang greeted, pulling in the first customer she'd seen that day. "Let's talk inside," Gu Er indicated discreetly, guiding her indoors. Yun Niang remarked, "Master Gu, it's been so long; why the secrecy?" Gu Er played coy, "I've got something good in my hands today. Interested?" "So you're here for business, not pleasure?" Yun Niang released his arm, cooling her demeanor. "As you can see, times are tough now. If you've got something to sell, try opposite at Shihua Pavilion. My little place is barely hanging on; I can't buy any girls." Gu Er conceded, "I can't stand Shihua Pavilion's arrogance. The girl I have is quite something, definitely prettier than your top star here. I'm not asking for much—just take a look and we can discuss if she catches your eye." Yun Niang considered, "You better not be pulling my leg. Money's tight; either pick a girl for fun or be on your way." Gu Er pleaded, "Good sister, I swear it's quality. Just take a look. If you're not impressed, I'll pick a few girls for fun; you won't lose out." Reluctantly, Yun Niang agreed, "I've seen self-praising peddlers before, but alright, show me. Bring her in, Ma Zi." Ran Fan Yin entered, appearing forlorn and mud-streaked, clad in dirtied clothes. Yun Niang circled her, assessing closely, amusement sparking in her eyes. "See, I wasn't lying, was I?" Gu Er observed Yun Niang's approving expression. "Cui Guo'er, fetch some water!" Yun Niang instructed, her gaze fixed on Ran Fan Yin. Yun Niang personally cleaned Ran Fan Yin's face with a damp cloth. Her skin was fair without any makeup, and her figure outshone the brothel's top performers. Gu Er couldn't help boasting, "Look how fair she is. Just clean her up a bit, and with some training, she'd definitely surpass Shihua Pavilion's top and become your ace card." Yun Niang feigned indifference, "Not exactly stunning, but decent enough. What's your asking price?" Gu Er, not very confident, replied, "Ten taels of silver. We're old acquaintances; I won't overcharge." Realizing her financial constraints, Yun Niang bargained, "You know I haven't had business in ages and am still supporting a lot of people. Cut me a deal on this girl." Overjoyed, Gu Er quickly agreed, "Alright, considering your sincere purchase, I'll cut you one tael." "Eight taels, and Master Gu, feel free to choose any girl on me today," Yun Niang insisted on lowering the price. "Yun Niang knows business well—eight taels it is. I've got errands today, mark it down; I'll pay later," Gu Er conceded, eager to close the deal. Yun Niang tossed him a pouch of silver, jovially adding, "Remember me if you get another like her." "Absolutely," Gu Er promised. Wary of Ran Fan Yin's potential illness resurfacing, Gu Er hurriedly left, preferring to avoid complications post-sale. "Master Gu, wait. Do you have any Xiaoyao Powder?" Yun Niang inquired quietly. Gu Er replied in a hushed tone, "Oh, you're asking about that too?" "Who in Pingyang doesn't know of it? Customers flock to Shihua Pavilion due to some voodoo they've got involving Xiaoyao Powder. Otherwise, their girls are no match for mine," Yun Niang claimed. Gu Er assured, "I'll look into it for you." Yun Niang entreated, "I would deeply appreciate it if you could bring some over. You'll be rewarded." Ran Fan Yin couldn't fathom her fate—once a brothel owner herself, now reduced to being sold to one. Her various enterprises in the capital included the famed brothel, Chenfan Jian, a mere fraction of her empire. Unlike typical brothels, it operated within a five-year contract framework, revenue split 40-60, focusing only on performance without any illicit transactions. Its clientele was diverse, welcoming all genders. The majority of her girls were willing participants following rescue by Ran Fan Yin, while those coerced into service could buy their freedom by reimbursing double their purchase price. Due to her status, Ran Fan Yin managed things discreetly, frequently sending proxies to oversee her operations. "I don't care who you were before. You are my expensive acquisition now," Yun Niang said sharply to Ran Fan Yin. "Learn the ropes soon, and earn me money." "Squash any delusions you might have. Once in here, there's no leaving, or your fate's sealed like hers," Yun Niang gestured to the girl named Cui Guo, warning Ran Fan Yin of the consequences of insubordination. Cui Guo, around eighteen or nineteen, avoided Ran Fan Yin's gaze, hiding burn scars and clenching a damp cloth with scarred hands. The reminder of consequences unsettled Ran Fan Yin. This madame was not someone to be trifled with. Despite her disheveled state, Ran Fan Yin clearly belonged to a well-off family, seemingly brought here through Gu Er's tricks. Fresh faces were in demand to counter Shihua Pavilion's draw. Yun Niang didn't care about her background. Once a girl entered a brothel, returning home was often out of the question unless a hefty ransom was paid. "What's your name?" Yun Niang asked, cutting the ropes binding Ran Fan Yin's hands. "Yu Qing," Ran Fan Yin stated, touching her wrist's red marks. Yun Niang retorted, "From now on, you'll be Yu Qing Qing." Ran Fan Yin sneered, "Such a tacky name. No wonder you're losing to the competition." Yun Niang replied, "Everyone at Shihua Pavilion is called Sisi, Yanyan, Wenwen. At least let's even the playing field with names; I'll have someone train you further." Ran Fan Yin chuckled. "What are you laughing at?" Yun Niang demanded. Ran Fan Yin maintained her grin, "Amused by your ignorance." "How dare you," Yun Niang snapped, raising her hand. Quickly, Ran Fan Yin caught Yun Niang's wrist as the slap was about to land. "You have the audacity...," Yun Niang was speechless, regretting unbinding her too soon. Ran Fan Yin calmed her, "Now don't be rash. Yes, you're my employer, but even I don't want to waste time with a failing one." "What do you mean? Relying on your looks to act superior? I'm still your boss!" Ran Fan Yin conceived a plan, "I can make Fengming Courtyard thrive again. Hear me out over tea, and I'll explain." Seeing Yun Niang's intrigue, Ran Fan Yin continued, "If you collaborate on my plan, Shihua Pavilion won't stand a chance." "Truly?" Yun Niang was tempted by the idea of outshining Shihua Pavilion, longing for payback. "Am I not already in the lion's den? Would I risk trickery knowing her fate tonight could be mine tomorrow?" Ran Fan Yin slyly hinted, glancing at Cui Guo for emphasis. "Indeed, tricking me would be unwise. I have countless ways to deal with you," Yun Niang warned. "But..." Ran Fan Yin paused, settling herself nonchalantly and pouring tea. She acted at ease, as if at home, while Yun Niang, eager to restore Fengming Courtyard's former glory and avoid closure, was willing to gamble. If successful, great; if not, she could sell her and cut losses. Yun Niang joined her at the table, sounding more amiable, "But what?" [So embarrassing, truly embarrassing!] [Master! You're still in the mood for jokes!] [Master, did you collapse from self-induced pressure?] [Master, what did the sect leader say this time?] [That Osman thus cake looked really tasty.] [Really tasty.]