Chapter 103: Shadowing

These were not the thoughts in his heart. In truth, what he was thinking was, “If I cannot find a wife, then I’ll just marry my junior sister.” But these were words he dared not say aloud.

At nearly twelve years old, he was still innocent regarding matters of the heart. It was only because his junior sister, apart from his adoptive father, was the only person he wished to be close to. In his mind, marrying a wife was like his father marrying his mother—they would spend their days together. If he had to spend every day with someone in the future, he would rather it be his junior sister, and only her.

So after taking a few steps, he added, “I won’t marry a wife; I’ll stay with my junior sister.”

Happening to catch up from behind, Jiang Li overheard this sentence and immediately felt out of sorts. My sister is mine; why should you be the one to keep her company? Not marrying a wife is your business, but what right do you have to monopolize my future bride?

Jiang Li clenched his fists, wishing he could send this brat, who was trying to steal his little bride, flying to the heavens with a punch.

Liu Qin never imagined things would turn in this direction. Hearing Xiaowu’s childish words, she burst out laughing. All children are like this. When they are young, they say to their mothers, “I don’t want a wife, I only want you.” But when they grow up and have a wife, they forget their mother. Xiaowu was close to her now, so naturally he said such things. But once he grew up and found his other half, he would probably forget her entirely.

Returning to the Liu residence, they accompanied Liu Qin back to the Plum Courtyard. After ensuring she was properly settled in bed, Xiaowu and Jiang Li finally left for their respective quarters to rest.

Meanwhile, Fang Nuo had not been faring well these past few days.

It was already the third day. Much silver had been spent, yet the matter of rescuing the prisoners seemed as distant as ever.

Those officials were adept at bureaucratic evasion, forever saying, “We are investigating; the higher-ups will handle it,” or, “This matter is not under my jurisdiction,” always wearing a troubled expression. They accepted the silver but neither confirmed nor denied taking action—in short, they simply dragged things out.

It was truly easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings. Our own master never put on such airs, Fang Nuo grumbled inwardly, while outwardly he continued to force a smile.

In fact, the constables, seeing Fang Nuo as a pretty and well-mannered child, felt some goodwill toward him. Noticing how he ran up and down for the sake of Qiongjian, they assumed at first it was for his family’s business, but upon learning it was for a relative, and that the master was not local, they were moved to lend a bit of help out of sympathy. Their attitude toward Fang Nuo was already better than it would have been with someone else, to whom they would have shown nothing but coldness, regardless of how much silver was offered.

Dejected, Fang Nuo and Changxing left the yamen, both looking dispirited.

They had already visited the prison on the second day. Although Old Cheng, cheerful as ever, told them not to worry, the disappointment in the eyes of the prisoners was plain to see. Most of the servers and kitchen workers were children, and the fear and panic in their faces made the two young men’s hearts ache. They hastily promised that all would be well, that release would come soon.

But promises given were not promises kept. Such helplessness was truly disheartening.

With heads bowed, the two trudged back, not even hiring a carriage to save money where they could. If the master and young master did not intervene, who knew how deep this bottomless pit would go, or how much silver it would take to fill.

The trials of the past few days had matured them both, especially Fang Nuo. He had always thought himself clever and sly, but only now did he realize his knowledge was still too shallow, his understanding of the world too superficial, and that business was not as simple as he had once thought.

The intricate webs of human interaction, the tangled relationships, all made Fang Nuo realize that no matter where you were, life was a contest—a contest of wealth, of connections, of personal ability.

Young as he was, Fang Nuo had already come to understand that life was a battlefield.

After walking for a while, the two sensed something amiss: someone seemed to be tailing them.

They would not normally be so sensitive, but the past few days had left their nerves taut and their vigilance heightened. Still, they were not unduly worried—Lei Hu was always protecting them in the shadows and would act if anything happened.

Exchanging a glance, they tacitly turned into a side alley. Passing through this alley would bring them to a busy street, where the crowds would easily shake off their pursuer.

“Hey, wait!”

Just as they were about to emerge from the quiet alley and lose themselves in the bustling throng, the person who had been shadowing them finally revealed herself, unable to restrain any longer.

It was a girl’s voice. Fang Nuo and Changxing turned around slowly to see who it was. At a glance, Changxing recognized her—it was none other than Qing’er from Misty Rain Pavilion.

Qing’er, however, did not recognize him. That day, she had been too busy trading barbs with Liu Qin to notice the young servant boy standing behind her. Qing’er stepped closer, tilting her head as she eyed the two of them again. These weren’t the young masters from last time—what should she do, should she speak or not?

Seeing that Qing’er hadn’t recognized him, Changxing had no intention of revealing himself. Ever since the trouble with Qiongjian, he trusted no one. So he cupped his hands and asked, “Little miss, what business do you have with us?”

In the Han Kingdom, only unmarried women from respectable families were addressed as “miss.” As for courtesans, they were usually called by their names, sometimes with the suffix “lady” as a mark of respect if they were familiar, like Wan Yue being called “Lady Yue” by those close to her.

Qing’er was startled to be addressed as “miss,” but it gave her a favorable impression of the two. Remembering what she had learned the past two days, she no longer hesitated and stated her purpose directly: “You’re from Qiongjian, aren’t you? I’m delivering a message from my mistress. Your young master—the owner’s younger brother—should come to Misty Rain Pavilion. My mistress has something important to discuss with him. I hope you’ll pass on the message.”

“What is it about?” asked Changxing.

“There’s no need for you to ask; I wouldn’t tell you even if you did. The message has been delivered—whether you come or not is up to you, but don’t regret it if you miss out.”

She really had a temper, this little maid. Changxing did not take it to heart and thanked her politely. Seeing her task was done, Qing’er turned and quickly vanished at the mouth of the alley.

“Misty Rain Pavilion?” Fang Nuo stared in the direction Qing’er had disappeared, deep in thought.

Changxing nodded. “That was Qing’er from Misty Rain Pavilion, but whether this summons bodes well or ill, I cannot say.”

The news of the invitation from Misty Rain Pavilion soon reached the residence. Liu Qin was quite surprised. At such a delicate time, it was indeed odd for Misty Rain Pavilion to invite them over. Although they had some partnership, with Qiongjian in trouble, it would have been natural for the collaboration to stop; there was no reason to seek further contact. Besides, if Qiongjian had truly gotten into trouble, they would be avoiding each other, not looking to get involved.

Moreover, their message had been so formal—saying they would regret not coming. What could it be about? Unable to guess, Liu Qin decided not to dwell on it and resolved to go in person.

Xiaowu and Jiang Li, not at ease, insisted on accompanying her. Once again, Uncle Niu, the coachman, drove the carriage. Taciturn and reliable, Uncle Niu had now become Liu Qin’s personal driver.

They passed through the pleasure district and stopped by Misty Rain Lake. Stepping down from the carriage, the three of them were met by Qing’er, who opened the doors and led them inside.

Up to the third floor they went, as before, but this time were guided to a riverside corridor. They stopped before a room, where Qing’er lifted the curtain and ushered them in.

Inside, a woman turned her head at the sound. Clad in flamboyant red, her bearing was as spirited as ever, yet her pallor was obvious, with dark circles under her eyes and a weariness that seemed to come from long sleepless nights.

Behind her, the bed curtains were drawn low. Through the white gauze, the outline of someone lying down could be dimly seen.