The Ninth Year of Shenchu
Runing’s Winds and Clouds (Part 3)
Just say, how can this person be so bold, daring to forcibly enter even the Princess’s Mansion? It turns out to be Wei Tingxu’s father, Wei Situ Wei Lun. Just now, at the market, I felt this person’s appearance was not ordinary. I didn’t expect to provoke anyone, but somehow ended up provoking him… I hope Wei Tingxu’s love for holding grudges isn’t inherited from her father, although seeing how this father and daughter share the same gloomy temperament, the hope doesn’t seem very high.
Li Yanyi smiled and said, “It seems Sister Wenjun and Zizhuo have a very good relationship, seeing Wei Situ and being so excited.”
Wei Lun said, “You are Zizhuo’s life-saving benefactor, please rise.”
His tone revealed no emotion, and he even personally helped Zhen Wenjun up.
Truly exactly the same, even this emotion-hard-to-guess personality is completely identical. After Zhen Wenjun got up, she secretly glanced at Wei Lun. Wei Tingxu’s nose, mouth, and chin resemble him extremely. Zhen Wenjun felt she was truly stupid; how could her skill in recognizing faces fail when it comes to the Wei family?
However, when Wei Lun came up, his words actually gave Zhen Wenjun a calming pill. He also mentioned the matter of the life-saving benefactor, so he probably wouldn’t fall out with his daughter’s life-saving benefactor over a small friction… Wei Lun’s face was calm and showed no emotion, and thinking of the inexplicable beating she received, Zhen Wenjun could only silently pray in her heart.
“It is said that yesterday, Her Highness just arrived in Runing, and then Zuo Lingjun was taken away by the Ministry of Justice Office.” Wei Lun did not focus much attention on Zhen Wenjun, quickly cutting into the topic with Li Yanyi regarding the matter of Zuo Xu being taken, “I submitted a document last night and went to the imperial prison early this morning to see Zuo Lingjun, just returned.”
“Speak inside, Situ.” Li Yanyi and Wei Lun quickly headed toward the front hall, neither paying attention to Zhen Wenjun.
Zhen Wenjun went to find Ah Zhu, who was indeed ordering people to serve tea and water to the front hall to entertain Wei Situ. She immediately volunteered, and Ah Zhu let her go. Zhen Wenjun placed the biggest, sweetest, and fullest fruits in front of Wei Lun, meticulously arranging all the food and drinks as well, carefully explaining that the freshly brewed tea could burn the mouth, and Wei Situ should use it cautiously. After Wei Lun faintly responded with “uh,” Zhen Wenjun then withdrew.
Regardless of whether he eventually remembers grudges or not, Zhen Wenjun had already done her best. At worst, she would just be whipped again by Wei Tingxu on the buttocks.
Holding the medicinal herbs to help Li Yanyi prepare the medicine. Just as the stove was set up and the medicine was brewed and poured onto the medicinal patch, a woman pushed the door open and came in, smiling at Zhen Wenjun, and looked her up and down, then said familiarly: “Are you Sister Wenjun?”
Zhen Wenjun turned her head and was startled, thinking Wei Tingxu had come. On a second look, although this person looked extremely similar to Wei Tingxu, she was much kinder compared to Wei Tingxu’s eternally gloomy face, and she appeared somewhat older. Although well-maintained, there were still some fine lines at the corners of her eyes.
“Are you Lady Wei’s elder sister?”
“Sister is truly clever, I am Zizhuo’s elder sister, just call me Ah Ran.”
“Sister Ah Ran.” She really did not expect that not only did Wei Lun come, but her elder sister also came. Those who know are aware they came to conspire, while those who don’t might think they are visiting for the New Year.
Ah Ran said that Zizhuo had been searching for this life-saving benefactor for many years, sending nearly a hundred people to search throughout the entire Da Yu, not even sparing the nearby foreign tribes. Now that they have found her, heaven has finally not disappointed. She always wanted to meet the benefactor who saved her precious sister, and since the benefactor has come to Runing this time, she is determined to entertain her properly.
“I have already sent people to prepare a grand banquet to properly thank sister. This is the invitation for tomorrow night’s banquet, and sister must find time to honor us with your presence at the mansion.” Ah Ran’s light words made Zhen Wenjun’s legs weak, “Except for the mother still in Pingcang, the fourth brother, and Zizhuo who is working outside, my remaining seven brothers and clan relatives will all come. Our whole family wants to see you.”
Zhen Wenjun almost knelt down again.
Isn’t this situation a bit too much? With Wei Tingxu not present, she alone has to visit Situ’s mansion, surrounded by the terrifying gazes of people like Wei Tingxu and Wei Lun? Who could eat under such circumstances… Zhen Wenjun’s face felt tight, and she smiled awkwardly:
“Sister Ah Ran, you needn’t be so polite. Initially, saving Sister Tingxu was also a matter of fate. Since reuniting with sister, sister have treated me like her own sister and have been very caring already, so there’s no need to trouble yourself further.”
“You don’t want to come, right.” Ah Ran’s face changed instantly, the smile disappearing in a flash, and her tone was not one of inquiry but clearly of questioning. Zhen Wenjun was silent like a cicada in winter, holding back for a long time before saying:
“No, no, I didn’t mean that. I…”
“Then good, it’s settled.” Ah Ran immediately placed the invitation into her hand, the kind smile returning to her face, “Then I will have people kill chickens, slaughter sheep, and prepare fresh vegetables and fruits, waiting for sister. If sister doesn’t come, I will take a knife and come to find you.”
It turns out this sister’s special skill is face-changing, and Zhen Wenjun could only swallow her tears: “What words, since I promised sister, I will definitely go.” Her heart full of tears—going means death, not going means death, better to go and have a big meal before dying, becoming a full ghost.
Sunlight reflected on the iron wires, each wire connecting the entire forest into a strange formation, trapping Liu Feng within.
Liu Feng even held his breath, his eyes not daring to blink easily, fearing that a single blink would lead to his head being separated from his body.
Although the bare tree trunks had no leaves to serve as a hiding barrier, assassins might not be ambushed around. To kill him, indeed, there was no need to risk approaching; if this forest of iron wires could take his life, then fine, and if not, delaying time to let Xie Fuchen leave the city smoothly was enough. Liu Feng regretted his carelessness, realizing now that for this past month, Xie Fuchen had often hidden among those small soldiers delivering medicine in and out, that cunning old thief did many things right under his nose, and he was completely fooled!
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His horse, having followed him for a long time, stopped when the owner didn’t mount, turning its head to look back.
There was no human sound in the forest at all, and the killing intent that had suddenly appeared had already vanished in the cold air.
That old fox, skilled at playing with people’s hearts, had probably already left the city. If he wasted more time here, no matter how fast the horse, he couldn’t catch up with him.
“Come over!” Liu Feng still held his sword in hand and waved to his mount. The iron wires skimmed one by one over the horse’s head, and when Liu Feng grasped the reins, he felt a sense of safety, an illusion that he could immediately leave this place.
This illusion was very deadly.
He had always thought that the person attacking him would hide in the distance, secretly waiting for the moment he showed a flaw to act, but who knew the assassin had always been right under his feet.
Just as Liu Feng relaxed for a moment, soil splashed and dead leaves flew, and a black shadow rushed out from the ground. Liu Feng was greatly shocked, and relying on instinct, he immediately drew his sword back to block, but soil accurately sprayed into his eyes, blinding his vision.
Even though he could not see the assassin, he could feel the blade flash and slash toward him. He immediately placed the sword in front of his chest in a life-saving position, but unexpectedly, his left leg tilted, and three fingers’ width below his knee was slantingly cut off. He shouted loudly and fell to the ground.
Liu Feng’s heart shouted “It’s over,” feeling that he was about to die here. A life-threatening sword indeed chopped down towards his neck, but he heard the sound of “clang clang” as weapons clashed, and someone forced the assassin back. Liu Feng quickly wiped the mud from his eyes and climbed up, seeing a blue-clothed woman holding a soft sword, fiercely fighting with a black-clothed person.
Liu Feng seemed to have seen this blue-clothed woman somewhere before; her moves were strangely wild, with no discernible style or faction, and even though her shoulder was cut, she continued to fight bravely without hesitation.
Liu Feng remembered, isn’t this Wei Tingxu’s maid Lingbi?
The black-clothed person quickly gained the upper hand, but suddenly a group of shadow guards rushed out from somewhere and surrounded him. Seeing the situation reversed, the black-clothed person no longer lingered in battle and dived into the ground, raising a small dirt mound. The dirt mound swiftly fled into the distance, with Lingbi chasing and slashing three times, but the dirt mound dodged left and right as if it had eyes, and Lingbi didn’t hit it once.
The shadow guards chased the dirt mound all the way into the depths of the forest, but it disappeared after entering softer mud. They turned over the soil one by one but did not find anyone.
Liu Feng, covering his calf in pain, was sweating all over, and Lingbi returned to help him bandage it to stop the bleeding.
Liu Feng heard the sound of wheels slowly rolling over and turned his head to look: “It’s you.”
Wei Lun had not drunk a sip of tea, and the fruits and vegetables that Zhen Wenjun had specially selected for him were also untouched.
“How was Ah Yi’s body handled?” In the front hall, there were only Li Yanyi and Wei Lun. Li Yanyi’s wound, treated with medicine, was both itchy and painful, making it impossible for him to sit still, so he stood up and paced back and forth.
Wei Lun sat steadily kneeling: “Ah Liao confirmed that the official silver was wedged in Chengshan’s gift and sent to the Hong Mansion, then asked her out. I personally saw Ah Yi being dismembered into several pieces by those peerless masters of the Zhangsun family, and they were taken separately to the rivers and lakes of Tian Nan Hai Bei. Even if someone wants to investigate, it would be extremely difficult to find.”
“Then what about Ah Liao? Did anyone from the Hong Mansion see her when she interacted with Ah Yi?”
“No, Ah Liao always wore a mask when coming and going, and aside from Ah Yi herself, no one saw her face. Ah Yi has always loved money and is a greedy and profit-driven person. She became famous in Runing due to her beauty and received many precious gifts from admirers. Ah Liao was just one of them and never visited, leaving no trace.”
“That’s good.”
“As for Ah Yi, Your Highness need not worry. Now we need to worry about Zuo Lingjun. To silence those closely watching the Court of Censors and to show everyone his impartiality, Zuo Lingjun was subjected to the same punishment as Hong Ai after being imprisoned. Hong Ai, having an infantry background, had even been to the battlefield, and his body is much stronger than Zuo Lingjun, who is just a scholar. Hong Ai can endure it, but Zuo Lingjun cannot. I have united with Zhangsun Jun and other ministers to plan to present a letter to the emperor, pressuring the Court of Censors to thoroughly investigate the case of Hong Ai and simultaneously impeach the thirty-five charges against Guo Ru. Li Ju will surely protect Guo Ru; otherwise, the three northern counties will fall into our hands again. Once Guo Ru’s crimes are absolved, there will be even less ground to punish Zuo Lingjun. Feng Kun has avoided court twice to escape trouble, and now we just need to act swiftly. After receiving news of the changes in court, Xie Fuchen must be on his way to Runing. Moreover, I received news that the emperor has quietly sent the decree for the position of Grand Marshal to Meng Liang, so that Xie Fuchen can smoothly take over the position. By then, military and supervisory authority will fall into Xie Fuchen’s hands, even the position of Shangshu Ling will be precarious, which is extremely unfavorable to us.”
“Liu Feng has been closely watching him,” Li Yanyi suddenly turned back. “I gave Liu Feng a secret kill order; once he finds Xie Fuchen and discovers what he is plotting, he must kill him immediately! Liu Feng indeed found Xie Fuchen, but his report said Xie Fuchen stayed indoors and did not go out.”
“Zizhuo has also already gone to the northern front to meet up with Liu Feng, but…” Wei Lun pondered, “Zizhuo and Liu Feng may not be Xie Fuchen’s opponents. This journey still requires sending people to assassinate, and we must also prepare for Xie Fuchen’s safe return to the capital. We took advantage of his departure to set up our plans and gained the upper hand, but once he returns, the situation will undergo tremendous changes. I have fought against Xie Fuchen for so many years, and I still cannot figure out what tricks he will use. Li Ju has been suppressing the Hong Ai case precisely to wait for Xie Fuchen to return and take charge of the situation; without Xie Fuchen’s planning, Li Ju is not to be feared. We just need to cut off Feng Kun’s head before he returns, and great things can be accomplished.”
Zhen Wenjun did not bring any clothes with her; all the silver notes she had were given to Lingbi, leaving her with only two thousand taels. The prices in Runing are quite high, but two thousand taels can still allow her to live comfortably for a while.
She carefully observed what styles the young women on the streets of Runing were wearing and bought a long skirt with a hundred birds design, following the most popular fashion. After putting it on, the bright colors made her feel a bit dizzy; this sensation was so familiar, and she suddenly remembered that this was not Ah Liao’s usual style, right? It must be said that Ah Liao truly is someone at the forefront of fashion.
Taking a slightly simple pair of hairpins, she inserted them into her meticulously styled hair bun and discovered she could already style various hairstyles very well. Her mother would surely be moved to tears.
Before leaving, she hesitated for a moment but decided to put on the Golden Cicada Knife and the iron arm guards; who knows what might happen, better to be prepared.
Sitting in the carriage sent by the Wei family, Zhen Wenjun passed through the bustling streets of Runing, feeling the prosperous atmosphere of the capital. Now, only the capital could still be this lively.
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At this time, it was already close to curfew, and the streets began to hang silk lanterns in preparation for closing the alley gates. Zhen Wenjun lifted the fabric curtain to look outside; Runing’s silk lanterns were very exquisite and had changing colors, with each street showcasing different colors. Some lanterns were even shaped like various animals, vivid and lovely. Children held large-headed, candy-coated figures, chasing and playing while firecrackers rose from the ground and exploded into the sky, blending with the evening glow and blooming magnificently across the sky. Zhen Wenjun was stunned, and after being busy for a long time, she finally remembered that the Dragon Boat Festival was approaching.
The ninth year of the Shenchu era had already passed halfway. While the people of Runing were immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the upcoming festival, they did not know that soon a storm would sweep across Da Yu, reshuffling the entire central court.
The Situ Mansion was located to the west of Runing, where the residences of high-ranking officials and court ministers were situated. Entering the alley required a special token. When the Wei family’s coachman presented the token, the guarding soldier also checked the people sitting in the carriage. Seeing that Zhen Wenjun was unfamiliar, he asked a few more questions, and the coachman replied that this lady is a valued guest of our Lord Wei, Lady Zhen.
The soldier noted Zhen Wenjun’s appearance and allowed the carriage to enter.
The streets in the alleys were still very spacious, able to accommodate three carriages running simultaneously. Before arriving at the entrance of the Situ Mansion, Zhen Wenjun wondered what kind of luxurious mansion, with layers of terraces, carved beams, and red pillars, the treacherous person in Wei Lun’s mouth would live in. Unexpectedly, it was just a three-entry wooden house with two small courtyards, crowded with many guests who could hardly fit inside. As the Third Duke, Wei Lun’s Situ Mansion was surprisingly ordinary, indeed beyond Zhen Wenjun’s expectations. Reflecting on her accidental meeting with Wei Lun yesterday, when he went out, he only brought a coachman as an attendant, indicating that Wei Lun was an extremely low-key person. Wei Tingxu was also like him, so low-key that for many years no one knew whether she was male or female. If it were not for Zhen Wenjun, this unfortunate spy exposing her identity, she might still remain a mystery to this day.
“Miss Wenjun!” From a distance, Ah Ran called out to her, and Zhen Wenjun immediately smiled and welcomed her:
“Sister Ah Ran!” As Zhen Wenjun held Ah Ran’s hands tightly and gazed deeply into her eyes, she felt that she and the Wei family must have some karmic connection from a past life, with both sisters being so insincere.
“You look really beautiful today, sister. Come, I will introduce you to everyone.”
Ah Ran pulled her through the crowd, introducing who the sons of which ministers were and who the daughters of which families were. After one round, everyone remembered, but Zhen Wenjun also discovered something incredibly embarrassing. It turned out that wearing red and green was a preference of the common people, while true nobles and aristocrats still dressed very simply and elegantly, with valuable items hidden in their hair or around their waists, which made them not lively at all. She should have thought of this long ago; she absolutely could not have the same taste as Ah Liao.
The banquet had not yet started when Ah Ran took Zhen Wenjun through the front yard and walked to the back. In the garden, Ah Ran spoke non-stop, even discussing a single flower for half a day. This older sister was somewhat different from the younger sister who was sparing with her words. Zhen Wenjun smiled all the way until her face became stiff, and Ah Ran led her to a small room, introducing:
“Although Zizhuo did not grow up in Runing, she stayed in the mansion for quite some time. Previously, when she was injured and her health was poor, she stayed in this room.” As she spoke, Ah Ran slowly pushed open the door, and a scent of wood, similar to that of Wei Tingxu, wafted out. Ah Ran pulled her inside, saying, “Look, these musical instruments and books are still left untouched; Zizhuo dislikes having items moved. She is a nostalgic person and specifically instructed the servants not to touch her things when cleaning.”
Zhen Wenjun did not expect to come to Wei Tingxu’s room. The places she had stayed before were merely temporary resting spots, filled with clever secret passages, certainly meant to guard against others. However, this was different; this was her boudoir, filled with the private atmosphere belonging to Wei Tingxu.
Ah Ran lit the oil lamp, and the small room was very tidy, with musical instruments arranged on the table in an orderly manner, and an entire wall of books classified by year and content. Zhen Wenjun had always been unfamiliar with musical instruments; after a brief glance, she was drawn to the wall of books. From Laozi’s classics to official histories and miscellaneous discussions, there was everything, including some famous rare editions. Zhen Wenjun discovered that there were two large rows of military books; surprisingly, Wei Tingxu was also interested in military strategy.
“This is just a part of Zizhuo’s collection; more is still stored at our home in Pingcang,” Ah Ran said.
Zhen Wenjun lingered in front of the wall of books, unable to move at all, as if she had discovered endless treasures. There were some books here that her mother had once dictated to her; she had always kept them in her mind but had never seen the actual copies.
Excitedly, she asked Ah Ran, “Sister, can I read here for a while?”
Ah Ran smiled and nodded, “Sister is a lover of books, and in the future, you will surely achieve great things. Just take your time, and I will call you when the banquet starts in a bit.”
“Okay!”
Ah Ran closed the door, and Zhen Wenjun eagerly hugged the books and began to flip through them frantically.
All the books were preserved extremely well, and even the ancient texts from the previous dynasty showed no signs of falling apart. Zhen Wenjun quickly read while using all her strength to absorb the contents of the books into her mind, imagining whether the disabled Wei Tingxu, unable to stand, also sat here holding the scrolls, passing the long nights.
How could she endure the long nights?
With great ambitions yet having lost her legs in her youth, she was like an eagle with broken wings. Ordinary people find it extremely difficult to endure, let alone someone like Wei Tingxu.
Books were her wings; only by entering the sea of books could she escape the constraints of her body and enter a broader world…
Suddenly, Zhen Wenjun could not read anymore. Lines of text passed before her eyes but could not enter her mind. At this age, it was still the first time she had such a great opportunity and yet could not absorb it.
Feeling troubled and sad, Zhen Wenjun carefully rolled up the book and fastened it again. When she wanted to put the book back in its place, she discovered a roll of yellowed silk that had some printed pictures on it. Upon opening it, she found that it was actually a picture book for children. The ink had faded quite a bit, but the little ducks and little turtles on the pages were still vivid. This was a very simple and even childish story; the little duckling got lost and met the little turtle, and they accompanied each other to find their mother. Zhen Wenjun laughed as she sat in place, flipping through the pages one by one. Could this really be a book that Wei Tingxu would read? This terrifying killer actually reads children’s picture books? Little turtles and little ducks?
Zhen Wenjun laughed so much that she leaned back and fell to the ground, unable to contain her joy.
Suddenly, she felt envious of the real Zhen Wenjun, who could meet the young Wei Tingxu and use her eyes to capture the innocence she once had.
When Ah Ran came to find her, she saw her still holding the book and looking at it. The picture book earlier had improved Zhen Wenjun’s mood a little, and she quickly scanned through several more books.
“Is the banquet starting so soon?”
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“This place’s books won’t run away; you can come back to read anytime. Today, the Zhangsun family’s young master also came, sister, hurry up.” Ah Ran pulled her outside, and Zhen Wenjun asked:
“Zhangsun family’s young master? Are you talking about Ah Liao?”
Ah Ran giggled at her words, “Although Ah Liao loves to cause trouble, I have watched her grow up; in front of me, she will always be a little lady. I am talking about the Zhangsun family’s eldest young master, Zhangsun Wu.”
Zhangsun Wu? Zhen Wenjun had not heard Wei Tingxu or Ah Liao mention him; she did not understand why Sister Ah Ran deliberately brought him up…
“It seems you still do not know. Young Master Wu and Zizhuo are already engaged and plan to marry once Zizhuo’s health improves a bit. It may be next year or the year after. You are Zizhuo’s benefactor, so you should see what her future husband looks like.”
“Engaged…?” Zhen Wenjun was a bit dazed, thinking she had heard wrong.
“Yes, engaged.” Ah Ran pulled her to the corridor, pointing at a handsome young man under the purple silk lantern in the courtyard, “That is Young Master Wu. Young Master Wu is a prodigy from Pingcang; at twelve years old, he could eloquently debate in discussions, leaving many scholars speechless. He and Zizhuo have studied and learned the qin together since childhood, and they are considered a pair of enviable childhood sweethearts. If anyone is worthy of my precious younger sister, it may only be Young Master Wu.”
So she did not hear wrong; Wei Tingxu had indeed been engaged, and her future husband was such a refined young master from a noble family…
Zhen Wenjun did not know why her heart twitched a bit, like the feeling of waking up in pain from a leg cramp in the early morning: “How come I haven’t heard Sister Tingxu mention this?”
“She has never cared about these matters, always thinking about the world and concerning herself with the affairs of the country, not taking care of her own body, and never considering the major events of her life. In the future, it will still depend on you, Sister Wenjun, to take care of her.”
Zhen Wenjun chuckled, finding her real yet insincere self again: “Of course, of course! Sister Tingxu treats me like a real younger sister; I don’t know how to repay her. I will carefully help my sister recuperate and assist her in getting married soon.”