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

The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 122

by Little Panda

Bandits of Gaozhou

Liang Lianhui had arrived only a day before them, but he wasn’t staying at this inn. However, he hadn’t been idle during that extra day. He had at least found out how this gang of mountain bandits had become entrenched here.

When there is injustice, when officials oppress, the people rebel.¹

The matter had been reported to the imperial court before, but after several cleanup operations, a new group would gather again each year. In other words, as long as there were people in this prefecture, the mountain bandits would never be eradicated.

Liang Lianhui entered the room and recounted everything he had learned in detail.

“The bandits outside won’t come in, so don’t worry too much. Their targets are the wealthy merchants of this place. As long as the common people don’t get in their way, they won’t harm them.”

Just as Liang Lianhui finished speaking, someone shouted from the window, “Murder! They’re killing people! The mountain bandits are killing people!”

Everyone froze for a moment. Liang Lianhui’s eyes widened, and he hurried to the window.

Liang Lianhui pushed open the window and glanced down. The mountain bandits were indeed killing people!

The people in the room fell silent, their gazes meeting. Qu Sheng said, “Have someone guard the inn’s doors.”

Feng Qi cupped his hands in acknowledgment and led his men to the doors of the inn’s main hall.

By now, the innkeeper had already ordered the doors shut and all the lamps extinguished. Following their usual practice, they bolted the doors securely, prepared to ignore any knocking.

But just as everyone’s fear had begun to subside, someone started pounding heavily on the door. “Open up, open up!”

The frantic voice outside didn’t sound like a commoner fleeing for their life. Hearing the sound, Feng Qi drew his sword and watched the door vigilantly.

They had brought few people with them on this trip, but fortunately, Liang Lianhui had brought quite a few of his own. They were all gathered at the door now.

The noise outside was too loud. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, standing on the second floor, also looked over.

Qu Sheng stared at the door for a moment, then instructed the guards her father, Qu Jinian, had assigned to her, “Protect my jiejie well.”

“Yes,” the two men replied in unison, bowing their heads.

“Sheng’er.” Seeing Qu Sheng about to go downstairs, Lin Xizhao grew worried.

Qu Sheng turned back at the sound of her voice, the corners of her lips curling slightly. “It’s fine. I’m just going to take a look.”

She had watched from the window for a while just now. These mountain bandits were well-equipped and formidable. Liang Lianhui had also just said that these people were locals who had been left with no choice, and that they supposedly didn’t kill indiscriminately. Why had they started a killing spree the moment they entered the city this time, not even sparing the old, weak, women, or children?

Qu Sheng descended the stairs and walked straight to the main doors of the inn’s hall.

“Open the door,” Qu Sheng ordered.

“Aiya, honored guest, we can’t open the door!” the inn-hand cried, rushing forward to stop her.

Qu Sheng glanced at him, noting his terrified expression. “Just open one door plank. It’ll be enough to drag the person inside.”

There were many people outside right now, so she wouldn’t go out. But this person had been knocking here the whole time, and she hadn’t heard any other sounds.

Feng Qi acknowledged the order. With a slight lift of his chin, he signaled his men to open one of the doors. Before the person outside could react, Feng Qi had yanked him in, the blade of his sword already pressed against the man’s neck.

The man was dressed in coarse cloth short sleeves, looking like a farmer who worked the fields, but he was holding a long saber.

“Who are you?” Qu Sheng asked in a low voice.

The room was somewhat dim, but figures were still discernible. The light from the torches outside flickered past the door from time to time, illuminating the interior in fits and starts.

“If you dare to shout, I’ll make sure your head and body part ways,” Feng Qi warned coldly when he saw the man, after composing himself, was about to call for help.

The man saw that nearly everyone in the room was armed. His head remained still, but his eyes darted down to the sword at his neck. He swallowed but said nothing.

“It’ll be the same if you don’t speak,” Feng Qi added.

Hearing this, the man instantly grew more nervous. “I-I’m a resident of this city,” he stammered.

“If you’re a resident, why are you mixed up with the mountain bandits outside?” Qu Sheng wasn’t afraid of his lies and exposed him directly.

“I… Hey, Shopkeeper, it’s me, Ershuanzi!” The man’s eyes lit upon the innkeeper standing to the side, and he looked as if he’d seen his savior, his excitement palpable.

Startled at being called out, the innkeeper walked over and looked down at him. He studied the man’s attire, took a few more looks, and a hint of a smile appeared on his face. “It really is you. How did you get mixed up with the mountain bandits?”

It would have been better if the innkeeper hadn’t asked. At the question, the man began to stammer again.

He had come looking for trouble with the innkeeper. A few months ago, the innkeeper had scolded him and docked half a month’s wages for pocketing extra silver a customer had given. He had quit after a few more days and gone up the mountain to become a bandit. This time, he had come down with the others, intending to beat up the innkeeper, rob him of some money, and vent his anger.

Seeing his silence, Qu Sheng understood most of the situation. “Tie him up.”

Qu Sheng didn’t let him go just because he knew the innkeeper. This man had come with the mountain bandits, so he must know their whereabouts.

Feng Qi tied the man to a pillar in the main hall. Qu Sheng took out a small dagger, walked up to him, and without asking a single question, cut off his little finger.

A rag was stuffed in Ershuanzi’s mouth. He whimpered in pain, tears streaming down his face.

Qu Sheng waited until the pain had subsided enough for him to quiet down before she began her questioning.

“These people never kill innocent commoners. Why are they killing everyone this time, regardless of age or gender?” As soon as Qu Sheng asked, Feng Qi understood and said to Ershuanzi, “I’ll take it out for you. If you answer the questions honestly, we’ll let you go. Otherwise…” Feng Qi glanced down at the man’s still-bleeding hand.

Ershuanzi immediately shook his head like a pellet drum.²

Feng Qi removed the rag from his mouth. The man gasped for a few breaths, then replied in a small, crying voice, “Yesterday, the Chieftain received a letter. I don’t know what it said, but today when we came down the mountain, he ordered the brothers to kill on sight.”

Qu Sheng frowned. “Who wrote the letter?”

Ershuanzi shook his head frantically. “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Qu Sheng lowered her gaze for a few moments. Seeing that he genuinely didn’t seem to know, she asked another question. “Where is their base?”

Startled by the question, Ershuanzi’s head started shaking like a pellet drum again. “There are seven or eight hideouts on the mountain. Every time we go back, we don’t know which one we’ll be resting at.”

Ershuanzi’s answer was just as Qu Sheng had expected. But for a single letter to make them come down the mountain and kill people—who could possibly have that much influence?

Qu Sheng paid no more attention to Ershuanzi and went straight upstairs.

She didn’t know if the people outside would try to get in. She needed to stay by Lin Xizhao’s side.

An hour later, the clash of weapons rang out from outside. Qu Sheng lifted the window covering and glanced out, seeing government soldiers from the yamen fighting the mountain bandits.

Qu Sheng didn’t send anyone down to help. No one knew they were here. If they intervened, the authorities would surely ask where they came from.

Two hours later, the commotion outside grew quieter. The sounds of fighting faded as the mountain bandits retreated from the city.

The government soldiers outside were now counting the dead. Qu Sheng sat at the table, her brow furrowed.

“The yamen’s soldiers were so late. Could it be they only just received the news?” Lin Xizhao ventured a hypothesis.

Qu Sheng looked up and met her gaze. “We’ll wait until tomorrow to investigate further.” It was too soon to draw conclusions, but there was a high probability that something was amiss.

The lights outside had been extinguished. Feng Qi went out to check; the main street was completely empty.

The next morning, bloodstains still marked the streets. The commoners didn’t dare to leave their homes. Only a few scattered pedestrians hurried by, seemingly heading towards the yamen.

Feng Qi returned early, reporting that the yamen had posted a notice for people to come and claim the bodies from yesterday.

“Is that all? Nothing about suppressing the bandits?” Qu Sheng seemed surprised.

After so many people had been killed, the government was taking no action at all.

Feng Qi looked up and replied, “That is correct. The yamen has not made any promises to suppress the bandits.”

“Do we know who was killed last night?”

“Besides commoners along the way, they also broke into the homes of several wealthy merchants, plundered a great deal of grain and silver, and killed everyone inside,” Feng Qi replied.

“Do you know where Yan Fengwu is now?” They had come here for Yan Fengwu, but they had been distracted by this group of mountain bandits.

Feng Qi raised his head, then lowered it again. He hadn’t gone to inquire.

Qu Sheng’s brow furrowed slightly. “Go and find out.”

The moment Qu Sheng finished speaking, Liang Lianhui knocked on the door. He had also stayed at the inn last night but had disappeared early this morning.

As soon as Liang Lianhui entered, he reported the very information Qu Sheng had just sent Feng Qi to find.

“Last night, Yan Fengwu was a guest at the local Prefect’s residence. The soldiers were late because the officials were drunk from feasting with Yan Fengwu and failed to issue orders in time.”

Qu Sheng’s eyes narrowed. Yan Fengwu had traveled here much more slowly than them, but he had still arrived first.

“According to the yamen runners, Yan Fengwu has already written a memorial, petitioning His Majesty to mobilize the troops stationed nearby to suppress the bandits.”

“Mobilize the troops?” Qu Sheng’s frown deepened. A terrible thought began to form in her mind.

Lin Xizhao’s face also showed a hint of doubt. The Chemu Tribe was currently launching large-scale invasions at the border, pillaging the populace. Weren’t the troops stationed nearby the ones led by General Yu?

These mountain bandits were certainly detestable, but compared to the Chemu Tribe’s scorched-earth pillaging, it was the difference between a great shaman and a petty one.³

Qu Sheng lowered her eyes in thought for a few moments, then retrieved a brush and paper and wrote a letter to Qu Jinian.

“Tonight, Feng Qi and I are going out. Jiejie, stay here and don’t leave.” After everyone else had left the room, Qu Sheng hugged Lin Xizhao and instructed her.

Lin Xizhao nodded gently. Going out was dangerous, but she had known that before she came with Qu Sheng.

That evening, Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng change into black night-travel clothes, her eyes filled with worry.

“Don’t act on impulse. Your safety is the most important thing,” Lin Xizhao reminded her.

Qu Sheng nodded. Tonight, she wasn’t going to investigate Yan Fengwu. She was going to the home of the largest grain merchant here, Yehu Zhi.

She had heard that he kept a large number of guards at his residence; even the mountain bandits hadn’t dared to go near it last night.

Seeing the worry in Lin Xizhao’s eyes, Qu Sheng turned her head slightly, found her soft lips, and kissed them. “Don’t worry, jiejie. If I encounter danger, Sheng’er will definitely be the first to run,” Qu Sheng said, trying to comfort her.

Lin Xizhao was amused into a smile, but the worry in her eyes did not lessen.

That night, before leaving, Qu Sheng instructed Qu Jinian’s two guards to protect Lin Xizhao well. If anyone with ill intentions approached, they were to kill them directly, regardless of who it was.

There was no moon tonight. Swaying funeral banners hung from the doors of many homes, rustling in the wind. The sound of weeping rose and fell, creating a rather horrifying atmosphere.

Qu Sheng and Feng Qi walked through the small alleys, winding around for a long time before finally reaching the gate of Yehu Zhi’s residence.

The brightly lit gate was quite imposing. Qu Sheng sized it up for a few moments. Just as she and Feng Qi were about to put on their black face veils, they saw a horse-drawn carriage approach and stop.

Seeing this, they paused and stared at the carriage for a while.

The person in the carriage didn’t get out. Not until someone came out from the residence and bowed to the person inside did they finally alight.

“The one who came out is Yehu Zhi,” Feng Qi whispered.

Qu Sheng glanced at Feng Qi, then fixed her gaze on the carriage and grunted in acknowledgment. She wanted to see just who was putting on such airs that this foreigner was treating them so cautiously.

As the person got out of the carriage, the attendants beside it immediately swarmed forward, blocking their view.

But Qu Sheng had recognized the person’s back. It was Yan Fengwu.

Yan Fengwu had been a guest at the Prefect’s residence last night, and today he was here. So many people had died in the city, yet it hadn’t delayed his dealings with the people here in the slightest.

Watching the surrounded Yan Fengwu, hatred flared in Qu Sheng’s eyes.

“Miss?” Feng Qi noticed the look on Qu Sheng’s face and called out to her.

The sound broke Qu Sheng from her thoughts of assassinating Yan Fengwu then and there. After a moment, she whispered, “Let’s go.”

They had come to investigate Yehu Zhi in the first place. For Yan Fengwu to be dealing with this man so soon after arriving, this man’s connections with the officials must be quite deep.

The two of them went to the back courtyard of Yehu Zhi’s residence. They flew up onto the wall and watched the teams of patrolling guards crossing paths below. After figuring out their patrol schedule, they jumped down from the wall when there was a gap in the courtyard’s personnel.

“The guest inside tonight is a distinguished one. You must all be extra vigilant tonight,” said someone who looked like the head of the guards, instructing the guards on duty not far from the door.

The guards nodded. The man glanced at the still-open door, unfastened the saber from his waist, and entered the room.

Qu Sheng and Feng Qi stood on the eaves of the opposite roof, watching the servants of the Yehu Residence bustle about, constantly bringing delicacies and fine wine into the room to entertain the guest.

After the food and wine were served, a group of dancing girls in flowing skirts stood waiting outside the door for instructions from within.

Back in the capital, Yan Fengwu had extensive dealings with many merchants, both from the capital and from other regions. He was naturally well-versed in how to converse with them.

Qu Sheng figured that their important conversation would take place after the song and dance. After a moment’s thought, she decided to check Yehu Zhi’s study first.

Merchants didn’t care much for reading, and there were no guards outside. Qu Sheng searched the well-appointed room for a while but found nothing. “Let’s check his bedroom.”

Yehu Zhi was not a Central Plains native; he probably cared even less for reading than a merchant.

The two of them made their way through the Yehu Residence to Yehu Zhi’s bedroom. This area was heavily guarded, with numerous guards on patrol.

Moreover, the patrols here were continuous. Qu Sheng narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment, then heard Feng Qi say, “I’ll lure them away.”

“Wait.” Qu Sheng reached out and stopped Feng Qi. “Not yet.”

They couldn’t afford to beat the grass and startle the snake right now.⁴ They still had to go to the banquet hall later. If it was discovered that someone had broken into the residence, security would surely be tightened.

Feng Qi nodded. “What do we do now, then?”

Qu Sheng looked down at the patrolling guards, her brow twitching. After a short while, she said, “Back to the banquet hall.”

They returned to the banquet hall and flew up onto the roof. Both were skilled in qinggong and moved as if on flat ground. Qu Sheng carefully lifted a roof tile. The music inside was too loud, but Qu Sheng could read lips.

“This humble one has arranged this banquet for you, my lord. I was originally prepared to have to invite you several times, but I didn’t expect Lord Yan to grace me with his presence so readily. Today, this humble one will ensure that Lord Yan has a most enjoyable time,” Yehu Zhi said, raising his wine cup.

Yan Fengwu smiled and also picked up the jade cup before him. “This Yan is a newcomer here. I have heard things about the local situation, but I do not know the full details. I will have to rely on Brother Yehu’s assistance.”

“Hey, Lord Yan, you’re being too kind. As residents of this place, if Lord Yan needs anything, you need only say the word, and we will go through fire and water for you.”

Yan Fengwu laughed, raised his jade cup, and drank the wine with Yehu Zhi. The two exchanged a smile and continued to watch the dancing girls perform in the hall.

Yan Fengwu was skilled at currying favor, and his words were always carefully measured. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stayed by the emperor’s side for so long and been so heavily relied upon.

Now that Qu Sheng had used a stratagem to have the emperor send him here, he probably still thought he had been entrusted with a great responsibility.

Yan Fengwu was decisive in his actions, and no evidence of him accepting bribes had ever been found in the capital. But even if it had been, the emperor would have turned a blind eye out of appreciation for his talents.

Thus, it was not possible to defeat him in one fell swoop.

Qu Sheng knew Yan Fengwu quite well, and Lin Xizhao had also analyzed him. Yan Fengwu was not someone who wasn’t greedy for power and wealth; he was vastly different from Lin Jianhai.

While Lin Jianhai was talented and could help the emperor handle political affairs justly, Yan Fengwu could not.

Qu Sheng and Feng Qi stayed on the roof for a long time. After several groups of dancing girls had been replaced, at the end of the performance, the lead dancer remained behind and walked towards Yan Fengwu. The music in the room did not stop, as if to deliberately cover their voices. At this point, Yan Fengwu and Yehu Zhi were sitting extremely close.

Qu Sheng looked at the dancing girl. Her beauty was indeed outstanding. When she approached Yan Fengwu, his eyes lit up.

Qu Sheng watched coldly as the dancing girl sat on Yan Fengwu’s lap without any hesitation.

Yan Fengwu was clearly enjoying it, opening his mouth to eat the fruit the dancing girl fed him.

After Yan Fengwu had eaten the fruit, grinning from ear to ear, Yehu Zhi found his moment to ask, “This humble one has long heard of my lord’s integrity, but I also understand that a horse can’t get fat without night fodder.⁵ This humble one has not been in business here for long, but I have made a great fortune. Today, I have prepared a small gift and hope Lord Yan will accept it.”

Hearing this, while still being fawned over by the dancing girl, Yan Fengwu waved his hand. “You also know that I have no love for money. I won’t accept the gift.”

Yan Fengwu’s refusal was somewhat surprising to Qu Sheng.

Yehu Zhi was not discouraged. He smiled. “Although it is a small gift, I would like Lord Yan to see it before deciding whether to refuse.”

Yan Fengwu’s brow twitched. He didn’t speak, but his expression clearly showed he was waiting for Yehu Zhi to bring the item out.

After a moment’s wait, the butler of the Yehu Residence brought only a thin sheet of paper.

Yan Fengwu glanced at it, a look of disdain in his eyes. But when he saw clearly what was written on the paper, his eyes lit up.

The paper was a transfer document for sixty percent of the Yehu merchant firm’s income.

A one-time gain was nothing compared to a steady stream of ten thousand profits year after year.

“Well, Brother Yehu, what is the meaning of this?” Yan Fengwu asked, his smiling eyes narrowing into slits, feigning ignorance.

Yehu Zhi smiled. “I wish to propose a new business venture with Lord Yan.”

This place was far from the Capital City, so he could cover the sky with one hand. But this was not a rich and fertile land. If he could get this official from the capital to ride in the same boat with him, his future journeys would be worry-free.

Yan Fengwu raised an eyebrow. Watching the butler place the paper on the table, he asked, “I wonder what kind of business Brother Yehu has in mind?”

Qu Sheng looked down, watching Yan Fengwu and Yehu Zhi converse. Seeing Yan Fengwu’s expression just now, a smirk pulled at her lips.

She had been worried he wouldn’t accept it.

An hour later, Yan Fengwu left with the dancing girl. Qu Sheng and Feng Qi waited until the latter half of the night before sneaking into Yehu Zhi’s bedroom.

Feng Qi lured the men away while Qu Sheng went inside to search for things. Just as Qu Sheng opened a book box in Yehu Zhi’s bedroom, she heard footsteps behind her.

“Who’s there?” Yehu Zhi held a sword, using a candle to look around.

By now, Qu Sheng had already leaped up to the rafters. It was difficult to see in the darkness, and Qu Sheng stayed up there for a good while.

Watching Yehu Zhi nervously check the book box she had just been looking through, Qu Sheng took out the item Cheng Xi had given her before she left.

Qu Sheng opened the vial, tipped a bit of its contents onto a handkerchief in her hand, then put it away. She landed silently and clamped the handkerchief over Yehu Zhi’s mouth and nose.

Yehu Zhi collapsed. Qu Sheng opened the letter he had been looking at and read it.

The contents of the letter were horrifying.

Qu Sheng put the letter back, grabbed one of Yehu Zhi’s legs, and dragged him back to the couch.

When Qu Sheng left the Yehu Residence, Feng Qi was waiting outside.

“Miss, are you alright?” Feng Qi asked, looking Qu Sheng over.

Those men were no ordinary guards; every one of them was highly skilled. It was fortunate that his qinggong was better; he had led them on a long chase before finally shaking them off.

“I’m fine. When I came out just now, was it you who lured the men away again?” The guards had already returned by the time she came out.

“No.” Feng Qi immediately grew tense.

Qu Sheng frowned and glanced around.

“Let’s go back first.”

When Qu Sheng returned to the inn, Lin Xizhao was still awake. Hearing the door open, Lin Xizhao quickly stood up.

Seeing Qu Sheng safe and sound, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but hug her.

She worried so much even when Qu Sheng was right here by her side. If they were a thousand li apart, how could she ever be at ease?

“Sheng’er has made jiejie worry,” Qu Sheng said, finding Lin Xizhao’s lips and kissing them. There was no passion, only tenderness.

Lin Xizhao shook her head. “Did you find anything?”

At the question, Qu Sheng’s gaze darkened. After a moment, she nodded.

Seeing that she didn’t elaborate, Lin Xizhao didn’t press further. She poured her a cup of tea. “It’s late and not convenient to bathe. I asked the inn-hand to leave some hot water. Let me help you wipe down.”

Qu Sheng nodded. Although it was night, she had indeed worked up a sweat running around on a summer evening.

As Lin Xizhao was helping Qu Sheng undress, there was a soft knock on the door.

They both turned to look and heard the voice of one of Qu Jinian’s guards, Li Jin. “Eldest Young Miss, has the Young Miss returned?”

Lin Xizhao went to the door and replied softly through it, “She’s back. Thank you for your hard work.”

“As long as she’s back. We will go rest now.”

“Alright.” After responding, Lin Xizhao listened to the footsteps fade away. When she turned back, she saw Qu Sheng staring at her with a complicated expression.

“Did jiejie send Li Jin and Chen Yan?” When she was leaving Yehu Zhi’s room, she thought it would take some effort to get out, but unexpectedly, someone had lured the guards away.

Lin Xizhao knew she couldn’t hide it anymore and could only nod, quickly explaining, “Fifth Uncle is here, so I’m very safe. I don’t need others to protect me.”

Qu Sheng had left these two capable men for her, which she felt was a great talent used for a small task. Besides, with one more person by Qu Sheng’s side, she would feel a greater sense of security.

“Mm.” Qu Sheng didn’t blame Lin Xizhao. She knew she had made her worry, but she would also worry if no one was protecting Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao continued helping Qu Sheng undress, wiping her down with fresh water as she listened to Qu Sheng explain what they needed to do next. “We have to return to the capital and tell Father what we learned tonight.”

Lin Xizhao wiped Qu Sheng’s back. Qu Sheng had already told her what had happened tonight.

This Yehu Zhi was no ordinary merchant, but an official of the Chemu Tribe.

The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Hoping for jiejie to dote on me again sometime.”

Lin Xizhao: “……Close the door first.”

Footnotes

A classic Chinese saying (官逼民反, guān bī mín fǎn) describing the cause of popular uprisings.
A pellet drum (拨浪鼓, bōlanggǔ) is a traditional toy that makes a rattling sound when the handle is rolled. Shaking one’s head like this means doing so vigorously and repeatedly.
An idiom (大巫小巫之别, dà wū xiǎo wū zhī bié) meaning there is a vast difference in scale or skill between two things, like comparing a master to an apprentice.
An idiom (打草惊蛇, dǎ cǎo jīng shé) meaning to act rashly and alert the enemy to your presence or intentions.
An idiom (马无夜草不肥, mǎ wú yè cǎo bù féi) meaning one cannot get rich without some extra, often illicit, income.

Footnotes

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