The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool

The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 121

by Little Panda

There Is No Locust Plague Now

“Are you not planning to take me?” Lin Xizhao seemed to have guessed why Qu Sheng was telling her this now. She wasn’t planning to take her along.

“Gaozhou isn’t like the Capital City. Although the common people aren’t short on food because of the locust plague for now, I’ve heard there are many mountain bandits there who often come down to plunder. The prefectural government can’t do anything about them. I don’t want jiejie to go.”

As Qu Sheng spoke, she lowered her gaze to look at Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao didn’t look back, seemingly weighing Qu Sheng’s words. It was indeed dangerous there, but how could she rest easy with Qu Sheng going alone to deal with Yan Fengwu?

“I want to go with you,” Lin Xizhao said, raising her eyes.

There wasn’t much happening in the capital at the moment, and Lin Jianhai probably didn’t want to see them for the time being. She couldn’t be at ease with Qu Sheng going there by herself.

“Jiejie.” Qu Sheng looked at Lin Xizhao’s watery, worried eyes, and for a moment, she couldn’t make a decision.

She wanted to bring Lin Xizhao, but she was afraid of encountering danger. However, Yan Fengwu wouldn’t be returning from there too quickly, so they had plenty of time to consider the matter.

Two days later.

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao left the Capital City. Fearing they were being followed, the two of them wound their way through two surrounding county towns before circling back to a village cottage in the outskirts.

Xiao Bingying was awake, her consciousness restored. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng handed her the letter written by Cheng Xi.

“You can’t go back to the Capital City right now, and Cheng Xi can’t get out either. She wants you to find the person mentioned in the letter. Once things in the capital have settled, she will come find you,” Qu Sheng said, passing the letter to Xiao Bingying.

Waking up had not left Xiao Bingying completely unharmed. Although she had intentionally created the ligature marks on her neck, there was a moment after the drug paralyzed her when the cloth strip nearly strangled her for real.

It was only because she was an important criminal and the jailers were watching her carefully that they managed to get her down in time.

Sitting on the couch, Xiao Bingying was still having trouble concentrating. She listened to Qu Sheng’s words and stared blankly for a long time before opening the letter.

The words were written by Cheng Xi; Xiao Bingying recognized her handwriting.

Xiao Bingying slowly finished reading the letter. When she looked up at Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, her movements were much slower than before.

“Alright.” Xiao Bingying’s voice was hoarse; her throat had been damaged.

Qu Sheng had wanted to have someone take her to Shoulin, but Shoulin was not a safe place either, especially now that the Emperor had sent Kang Yugong there. This man was no common ruffian. She expected that he would certainly stir up trouble after entering Shoulin, and might even place spies right under their Qu family’s nose.

However, Qu Jinian already had a countermeasure. Now that Cheng Xi wanted Xiao Bingying to seek out an old acquaintance of hers, it was not a bad option.

When Xiao Bingying looked up at her, Lin Xizhao still felt a little worried. In this state, would Xiao Bingying truly be alright on the road?

After a moment, Xiao Bingying looked at Lin Xizhao and smiled.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” Xiao Bingying seemed to have seen the worry in Lin Xizhao’s eyes.

She had been through life and death. To be alive now was the greatest fortune. This was no place to linger; if she were discovered, all the people who helped her would be implicated.

Looking at the pure smile on Xiao Bingying’s face, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but step forward and gently hug her. After this parting, who knew how long it would be before they met again.

The first half of Xiao Bingying’s life had been too bitter, but thankfully, she was still alive.

Lin Xizhao pulled away from Xiao Bingying, glanced back at Qu Sheng, and called out, “Sheng’er.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng handed the sword she was holding to Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao took the sword and placed it in Xiao Bingying’s hands, speaking softly, “Uncle Zhao asked us to give you this sword. Aunt Zhao also wanted us to tell you that they will always be your family. You don’t need to feel burdened; they have never blamed you.”

For a long while, Xiao Bingying caressed the sword in her hands. She looked up at Lin Xizhao, her eyes brimming with tears. As she nodded, the tears streamed down her face.

From now on, the person known as Xiao Bingying no longer existed in this world.

“Is Jiayu okay?”

Cheng Xi would find her soon, but she didn’t know if she would ever see Zhao Jiayu again. All her life, people said that Xiao Bingying spoiled and doted on her, but only Xiao Bingying knew just how good this younger sister was to her.

From the time Zhao Jiayu learned to walk, stumbling and toddling, she would bring her food. Even if she fell and hurt herself, she would still cry while handing the food to her. Having a sister like that made all her suffering worthwhile.

“She’s fine. She almost had a miscarriage when she heard the news of your death, but luckily Cheng Xi was there. She knows you’re alive now, and both she and the baby are doing well. She said that after she gives birth, she will definitely come and find you.”

When Xiao Bingying heard that Zhao Jiayu had nearly miscarried because of her, her expression instantly grew tense. She only breathed a sigh of relief after learning that everything was fine.

Xiao Bingying nodded again, a faint smile appearing on her face.

“We won’t come tomorrow. When we left the city today, Sheng’er said someone was following us. Uncle and Aunt Zhao have prepared some travel expenses for you, and inside is some of Jiayu’s private savings.” Lin Xizhao smiled as she spoke.¹

Zhao Jiayu had converted all the private savings she had accumulated over the years into silver notes, insisting that they deliver them into Xiao Bingying’s hands.²

Of course, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao had also prepared a sum for her, which they placed inside as well.

“Mm.” Xiao Bingying smiled through her tears.

Even when she had been wronged over the years, she had rarely cried. But today, facing these people who cared for her, she truly couldn’t hold it in.

Lin Xizhao took a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Xiao Bingying. “We will meet again. Perhaps Sheng’er and I will go live in Shoulin in the future.”

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying looked up at the two of them.

Lin Xizhao’s lips curved. “Father has now agreed to let me and Sheng’er be together.”

Although Lin Jianhai was not yet willing in his heart, she believed that one day, she would be able to convince him.

Xiao Bingying nodded, the sorrow of their impending separation easing slightly. One day in the future, they would meet again.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng stayed for an hour before leaving. Xiao Bingying also took Qu Sheng’s advice. Since they had been tailed leaving the city, even though they had shaken them off, it was safer to set out today.

On their way back to the Capital City, as they were about to reach the city gates, Qu Sheng slowed the horse.

Lin Xizhao turned her gaze toward the horizon. The sun was setting in the west, half-hidden behind the mountains. The crimson clouds cast a glow upon them, creating a sense of pleasant tranquility.

Qu Sheng had noticed Lin Xizhao glancing at the western clouds from time to time, so she had slowed down to let her enjoy the view.

Qu Sheng rested her chin on Lin Xizhao’s shoulder, nuzzling her gently without being disruptive.

Lin Xizhao withdrew her gaze and turned to look at Qu Sheng, a smile on her lips as she raised a hand to caress her cheek. If only they could relax like this whenever they wanted in the future.

But some things could not be forgotten.

The two returned to the Qu Marquis Residence, where Qu Sheng told Qu Jinian about her plan to go to Gaozhou. Listening to Qu Sheng’s scheme, Qu Jinian felt that something was amiss.

“An urgent report came from the border today. The nomadic Chemu Tribe has begun to invade several of our border county towns again. Gaozhou is too close to there. I’m worried something might happen.” Qu Jinian was worried that if the city walls were breached, they would have no way to escape.

“They won’t, Father. Gaozhou is still some distance from the Northern Frontier. The soldiers of the Northern Frontier are not mere bandits. General Yu just hasn’t received his orders. If he receives an imperial command, he will surely lead his men to drive the Chemu Tribe out,” Qu Sheng said with conviction.

Qu Jinian sighed. He had great confidence in Qu Sheng, but she wanted to take Lin Xizhao with her. “I will send Li Jin and Chen Yan with you. Be careful in all things.”

Qu Jinian knew that even if he tried to stop her, Qu Sheng would still go. Li Jin and Chen Yan were his personal guards. To assign his own guards to Qu Sheng showed how worried he was.

Qu Sheng wanted to refuse. “Father, if you give these two to Sheng’er, what about you?” She was also worried about Qu Jinian.

“This father will be fine in the capital. It is you two who must be careful.”

Qu Jinian could not leave the Capital City. Besides, if he went, Yan Fengwu would certainly find out.

None of the men in the residence could go either. Only Qu Sheng, with her public image of being a fool, could travel without arousing suspicion.

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao returned to their room, and Lin Xizhao began to pack the things they would need for their journey the next day.

Qu Sheng was at the table, looking at a topographical map she had obtained from somewhere.

Gaozhou was still a hundred li from the Northern Frontier. For the Chemu Tribe to come plundering the Tiansheng border at this time, they were likely trying to seize grain for the winter before it arrived.

The Chemu Tribe didn’t come to plunder every year…

The locust plague must not be limited to Gaozhou. As Qu Sheng pondered, she came to this conclusion.

Lin Xizhao came out from the inner room and saw Qu Sheng staring at the door. She reminded her softly, “It’s late. We should rest.”

Qu Sheng turned her head at the sound of her voice, an unconscious smile gracing her lips. She gently pulled the approaching Lin Xizhao onto her lap.

“Is this a topographical map of the mountains in Gaozhou?” Lin Xizhao looked down for a moment before turning to ask.

“Mm, it’s the location of the mountain bandits in Gaozhou, but it’s only a rough idea. No one knows their exact hideouts,” Qu Sheng explained.

The mountains and forests were dense, and these bandits had more than one base. The government soldiers had tried to suppress them before but had failed to root them out completely. The remaining forces expanded each year, and now the authorities were at their wits’ end.

As Qu Sheng explained, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but let out a soft humph. She looked down at Qu Sheng’s hand, then gave the still-serious-looking Qu Sheng a helpless glance.

“It’s late. We should indeed rest.” Qu Sheng’s hand moved, and she pressed her lips to the back of Lin Xizhao’s neck.

“We have to travel tomorrow,” Lin Xizhao said. Her dress was already wrinkled from Qu Sheng’s caresses.

Qu Sheng greedily inhaled the cool fragrance emanating from Lin Xizhao’s body. After lightly sucking and kissing her jade-like skin, she wore a mischievous smile and whispered in Lin Xizhao’s ear, “It’s no matter.”

The night was still long, and they would be taking a carriage out of the capital tomorrow.

The next morning, when Qu Sheng woke up, she shifted her body and felt Lin Xizhao’s arm draped over her neck, as if she were hanging onto her.

Qu Sheng looked down at the soft, fair arm, her gaze slowly moving to Lin Xizhao’s face.

After their passion last night, she hadn’t helped Lin Xizhao get dressed. In the past, Lin Xizhao couldn’t sleep without clothes on, but now she seemed to have gotten used to it, just like her.

Qu Sheng gently lifted Lin Xizhao’s arm away, found her soft lips, and planted a light kiss on them. Then, turning on her side, she slowly lowered herself.

She took the soft yet firm tenderness into her mouth, her palm not neglecting the other. Hearing the soft moans from above, Qu Sheng sought out an even more tender place.

Lin Xizhao awoke from the throes of her slumber, her body trembling for a moment, yet feeling utterly content. She knew what had happened, but it had all occurred in a dream.

It wasn’t the first time she had woken up like this. Lin Xizhao savored the morning bliss Qu Sheng had gifted her. When she saw Qu Sheng raise her head, she lifted her arms and cupped her slightly flushed cheeks.

There were still traces of unmentionable things there.

Lin Xizhao kissed the corner of Qu Sheng’s lips, and soon their tongues were entwined. Such things were always embarrassing for her, but she couldn’t stop her body’s pleasure.

After rising and having breakfast, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao bid farewell to the people in the residence and left the Capital City.

Lin Xizhao nestled in Qu Sheng’s arms, resting with her eyes closed. They couldn’t travel directly to Gaozhou today. She needed to make a trip to Changzhou first to mislead the people who had followed them yesterday.

They had lost their tail yesterday, so today their pursuers would surely be relentless. Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao had brought many guards with them this time, making it obvious they were going on a long journey.

But where that long journey was headed, these people did not know.

Three days later, after a leisurely journey with many stops, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao arrived at the Liang Residence in Changzhou.

Hearing that Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had arrived, the Liang family all came out to greet them with smiles. The last time, the two had been at odds, but this time they were as inseparable as glue and lacquer. The misunderstanding must have been cleared up.

“Is Little Sheng’er’s eyesight all better?” Little Aunt asked as they walked.

She had been upset for quite some time after hearing that Qu Sheng had gone blind.

Lin Xizhao smiled. “Thanks to Little Aunt’s good fortune, Sheng’er’s eyes are completely healed.”

“What good fortune of mine? It’s clearly our Xizhao’s fortune. I heard our Xizhao didn’t leave Little Sheng’er’s side for a single step,” Little Aunt said to the others with a laugh.

Everyone laughed at her words. A faint smile played on Qu Sheng’s lips, while Lin Xizhao’s face turned slightly red.

The group ushered the two into the house. Qu Sheng remained seated and quiet as usual, while Lin Xizhao chatted with her aunts about daily life and gave them a general account of Qu Sheng’s medical treatment.

She felt it was not yet time to explain the change in her relationship with Qu Sheng.

After dinner that evening, their Little Uncle from the Liang family came to their courtyard.

“I heard from your Eldest Uncle that you’re going to Gaozhou. It’s a bit chaotic there right now. It’s better not to go,” Liang Lianhui advised with some concern.

Lin Xizhao glanced at Qu Sheng. Since they had already made their decision, they would not change it. Lin Xizhao looked at her Little Uncle and said, “Xizhao knows. Godfather has already assigned people to us.”

Liang Lianhui looked up at Qu Sheng, wondering why Qu Jinian would allow them to go.

Seeing Liang Lianhui’s confusion, Lin Xizhao glanced at Qu Sheng again. Seeing Qu Sheng nod, she said to Liang Lianhui, “We are going there to find leverage against the Hanlin Academy Scholar, Yan Fengwu. This man is the murderer of Second Brother.”

“What?” Liang Lianhui’s brow furrowed. “Do you have evidence?”

Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes. “There is evidence, but no one will believe it. And if His Majesty intends to protect him, everything we do will be in vain.”

The matter of the Emperor protecting the Imperial Noble Consort and her family was still vivid in his mind. Liang Lianhui understood immediately.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng stayed in Changzhou for two days before leaving. The Liang family also took care of the people who had been following them.

Their Little Uncle, Liang Lianhui, was currently on leave. Worried that Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng might encounter trouble on their way to Gaozhou, he had already taken some men and gone ahead.

The Qu family had done them a great service. Since their trip was to deal with the murderer of the Qu family’s second young master, he would not sit by and do nothing.

This time, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao did not travel leisurely. They rode on horseback, followed by several guards, and rushed to Gaozhou without stopping.

Upon entering Gaozhou and looking for an inn, Lin Xizhao discovered that the price of grain here was twice as expensive as in the Capital City.

She managed the accounts of the Lin Residence and knew the prices of these grains. When she heard the price, she thought she had misheard.

Qu Sheng didn’t pay much mind to these things. Seeing Lin Xizhao’s dazed expression, she asked and found out the reason.

“It must be that the locust plague was not handled properly. The harvest this year will likely be drastically reduced. They are taking precautions,” Qu Sheng explained.

At first, Lin Xizhao thought so too, but she still felt something was strange. There was no shortage of grain now, yet the price was still rising. She feared someone was deliberately controlling the price.

The two entered an inn. When the waiter brought food to their room, Lin Xizhao asked an extra question.

“Excuse me, how much is one dou of rice here?”³

The waiter blinked and asked, “Are you merchants?”

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment, but Qu Sheng interjected, “Yes, we have a batch of rice we want to transport here for sale. We came today to inquire about the price.”

“Oh, guests, it’s not my place to say, but you’ve come to the wrong place. Grain from outside the city can’t get in, and you can’t even get into the county towns near our Gaozhou.”

“Why is that?” Qu Sheng asked with a frown.

The waiter gave an awkward smile, glanced toward the door, and since he had already said so much, he had no choice but to continue. He lowered his voice and whispered, “It started last month. The price of grain here doubled. In the last few days, it’s doubled again. Many people can’t afford to eat and have started moving outside the city.”

“Is it related to this year’s locust plague?” Lin Xizhao asked.

The waiter looked confused. “Which locust plague are you referring to?”

“Wasn’t there a locust plague in Gaozhou a while ago?” A suspicion began to form in Qu Sheng’s mind.

“Oh, you mean that. There was one a while back, but they were all burned to death. There is no locust plague now,” the waiter explained.

Locusts, like moths, are drawn to fire at night.

No locust plague? Then why did His Majesty send Yan Fengwu here? Could it be that the officials had filed a false report?

“You just said that grain from other places can’t get in. Why is that?” Lin Xizhao asked, feigning confusion.

The waiter stammered, “This… this is not convenient to say.”

Since the waiter was unwilling to speak, Lin Xizhao didn’t press further. But a situation like this could only mean one of two things: either a government monopoly or a local merchant monopoly.

Either way, it was of no benefit to the common people.

Yan Fengwu had come for two reasons: one, to manage the locust plague, and two, to bring some grain in case of emergency.

Now that there was no locust plague, they could no longer use it to make their move. But since Yan Fengwu had come, she would not let him return safely. They would just have to think of another way.

After the waiter left, Qu Sheng sent Feng Qi out to gather information.

When Feng Qi returned, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng noticed a lipstick mark on his face. They exchanged a look and listened as Feng Qi reported, “The price of grain here is a recent development. It’s controlled by the largest grain merchant here, Yehu Zhi. They don’t allow outsiders to transport grain in. Other trading houses can buy from him, but they must then sell it at a high price.”

“Yehu?” Qu Sheng frowned slightly. The name didn’t sound like a Tiansheng surname.

“It’s a Chemu Tribe surname,” Lin Xizhao reminded her. “Many people from the Chemu Tribe have come to our Tiansheng to do business. It’s not unusual.”

There were some in the capital as well.

Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao, then asked, “Doesn’t the government know about this?”

Feng Qi lowered his head. “They know, but as long as no trouble breaks out, they turn a blind eye.”

“Understood.” Qu Sheng nodded. Her eyes flickered and once again landed on the red lipstick mark on Feng Qi’s face.

“Wait,” Qu Sheng called out to Feng Qi, who was about to leave.

Feng Qi looked up and saw Qu Sheng pointing to her own cheek. He thought for a moment, understood immediately, and flusteredly wiped the lipstick mark off his face.

After Feng Qi left, Lin Xizhao chuckled. “Why so serious?”

Qu Sheng didn’t speak, simply pouring herself a cup of water.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Feng Qi probably went to a Flower House. That’s the easiest place to get information.”⁴

If he went there without drinking and choosing a girl, he probably wouldn’t have been able to ask about anything.

Qu Sheng’s expression darkened slightly. She had heard that her mother had already arranged betrothal gifts for Feng Qi, and he would be married on an auspicious date.⁵

Listening to Lin Xizhao make excuses for Feng Qi, Qu Sheng understood his reasoning. But understanding didn’t mean accepting. He could have just spent more silver to get the information. Why did he have to let someone kiss him?

Seeing that Qu Sheng’s mood hadn’t improved, Lin Xizhao got up, walked over, and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“We’re strangers in a new place. Feng Qi was just trying to get information quickly,” Lin Xizhao explained on his behalf again.

Qu Sheng watched Lin Xizhao’s smiling eyes, and her gaze shifted downward to Lin Xizhao’s soft lips, so close to her own. She tilted her chin up and kissed them.

Lin Xizhao bent down slightly. Qu Sheng didn’t use her hands, and the two of them kissed in perfect harmony. As their lips and tongues entwined, Qu Sheng finally couldn’t resist pulling Lin Xizhao into her arms and onto her lap.

Kissing like this seemed to feel better, and it was more convenient for her fingers to untie clothing.

When Lin Xizhao felt her sash loosen, her hand also moved to Qu Sheng’s waist, slowly untying it.

“The bandits are in the city! The bandits are in the city! Run!”

As the two were kissing, reluctant to part, they suddenly heard shouts from outside the window. Their kissing stopped. Qu Sheng’s expression darkened. She helped Lin Xizhao up, held the folds of her own loosened dress together with her hand, and walked toward the window.

It was not yet curfew.⁶ There were still many pedestrians below, all in a panic. Some had fallen and were being trampled.

Lin Xizhao tied her sash, picked up Qu Sheng’s, and walked to the window to help her tie it. “Are the mountain bandits here?” she asked.

They already knew that this place was plagued by mountain bandits from time to time, so they were mentally prepared. But for the bandits to enter the city just as they arrived left them feeling unsettled.

Qu Sheng didn’t see any bandits, only the common people running frantically. She turned back to Lin Xizhao and replied, “I haven’t seen them yet.”

“Young Miss, Eldest Miss, Fifth Uncle Liang is here,” Feng Qi reported softly from outside.

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao exchanged a look and went to open the door.

Footnotes

Travel expenses, or ‘panchan’ (盘缠), traditionally referred to money and provisions for a journey, sometimes wrapped around a staff for carrying.
Silver notes, or ‘yinpiao’ (银票), were a form of paper currency used in imperial China, representing a certain amount of silver and redeemable at banks or exchange houses.
A ‘dou’ (斗) is a traditional Chinese unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 10 liters.
A ‘Flower House’ (花楼) is a euphemism for a brothel or high-class pleasure quarter, which were often hubs for information and gossip.
‘Choosing an auspicious date’ (择良辰吉日) is a traditional practice of selecting a lucky day based on the almanac for important events like weddings, to ensure good fortune.
A curfew, or ‘xiaojin’ (宵禁), was a nightly regulation in ancient Chinese cities that required residents to stay indoors and off the streets after a certain hour, enforced by patrols.

Footnotes

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