The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 23

Seeing a Ghost

The next morning, after the early court session was dismissed, Marquis Zhengyi, Qu Jinian, quickened his pace to catch up with Prime Minister Lin Jianhai, and the two walked side by side.

Over the years, because Qu Sheng had been staying at the Prime Minister’s Residence, the two families had maintained frequent private contact. Seeing Qu Jinian approach, Lin Jianhai wore a gentle expression and said, “Lord Marquis, is something the matter?”

Qu Jinian glanced at him and smiled. “It’s nothing major. It’s about your esteemed daughter—”

“Zhao’er?” Qu Jinian almost never concerned himself with the affairs of children, so his sudden inquiry made Lin Jianhai stop in his tracks.

Seeing Lin Jianhai halt, Qu Jinian glanced over and stopped as well, smiling. “It’s my wife. She wishes to accept Xizhao as her goddaughter¹. The gifts for the formal visit have already been prepared. She asked me to inquire if Prime Minister Lin would agree.”

“Why bring this up now?” Lin Jianhai had thought something had happened to his daughter. Hearing that it was Jin Yunfei who wanted to accept a goddaughter, his expression relaxed.

Qu Jinian heard this and explained, “Sheng’er has relied on Xizhao’s care for all these years. Now that Xizhao has reached the age of marriage, my wife wants to prepare a generous dowry² for her in the capacity of a godmother³. Sheng’er also wants a jiejie, so that even after they are married into different families, they can still visit each other often.”

Lin Xizhao would certainly marry, but someone like Qu Sheng might not. Prime Minister Lin had seen it over the years; although Qu Sheng was intelligent, she was incapable of taking care of herself and some of her behaviors were uncontrollable. If she were to marry, she would likely be bullied. How could the Qu family bear to marry her off?

“This is a matter I must ask my daughter about. I cannot make the—” Lin Jianhai wasn’t trying to be evasive; his daughter had a mind of her own. If she didn’t agree, it wouldn’t matter who said what.

“Ah, my wife has already asked Xizhao before. Xizhao has already agreed.”

“You’re saying Xizhao agreed?” Lin Jianhai wasn’t overly surprised. Although Qu Sheng had been simple-minded all these years, his own daughter had always cared for her deeply.

There were many rumors among outsiders that their Prime Minister’s Residence was trying to curry favor with the Qu family, but his body was upright and he wasn’t afraid of a crooked shadow⁴. When he and Qu Jinian had disagreements in court, they would argue when necessary, showing no quarter. Anyone could see that the two were not on the same path.

“Yes. When my Sheng’er found out, she was so happy she ate several extra bowls of rice.” Qu Jinian was getting on in years, and it was rare for him to smile so happily. He added another measure of heat⁵.

Seeing Qu Jinian’s smile and knowing his own daughter had agreed, Lin Jianhai’s face broke into a helpless, compliant smile. With things having been said to this extent, if he didn’t agree, neither family would be able to get off the stage⁶.

---

When Qu Jinian returned to his residence, he told Qu Sheng the news. Qu Sheng pondered for a moment before saying, “Father, are you saying that Prime Minister Lin truly did not know about this matter?”

Qu Jinian nodded. “It is just as Sheng’er said. Lin Jianhai was completely unaware.” If he had known, he would have repeated what his second wife had said long ago. Why would he need to go and ask his daughter again?

Hearing this, Jin Yunfei immediately grew angry. “Our Qu family is not some den of tigers and wolves⁷. Why would his second wife refuse?” At that time, when Jin Yunfei had visited with gifts and stated her purpose, the Lin family’s second wife had rejected her on the grounds of the disparity in their family status and Lin Xizhao’s thin fortune, and even brought up the fact that Lin Xizhao was still in mourning for her mother.

Qu Sheng turned to look at her mother, her voice clear and gentle as she soothed her, “Mother, don’t be angry. Our Qu family is not only not a den of tigers and wolves, but an auspicious land of feng shui⁸.” With the protection of the Qu family, who would dare to touch Lin Xizhao? Even when it came to marriage in the future, her prospects would inevitably be elevated to a higher level.

The threshold of the Marquis of Zhengyi of the Southeast was one that countless people in the Tiancheng Kingdom dreamed of crossing. If Lin Xizhao’s birth mother were still alive and on good terms with Jin Yunfei, she would have never refused.

Who wouldn’t plan for their own children? Unless someone didn’t want her to fare well.

Qu Jinian had a carriage and gifts prepared, and taking his wife and daughter, he went to the Prime Minister’s Residence.

Lin Xizhao was now aware of the matter, but she had not yet heard about her stepmother’s prior refusal. Not only had she not heard, but even Lin Jianhai remained in the dark to this day.

The Qu family’s sudden visit threw the Lin family’s stepmother, Yu-shi⁹, into a panic, but she still forced a smile and had the servants serve tea.

Qu Jinian had already settled things in the palace. When Lin Jianhai returned, he had simply sent someone to inform his household about accepting Lin Xizhao as a goddaughter.

At this moment, Yu-shi, feeling guilty, took the initiative to bring up Jin Yunfei’s last visit. “It is this meimei’s fault. Jiejie mentioned this to me on your last visit, but my own ill-fated sister has not yet passed the three-year mark. This meimei also feels for Zhao’er. I had originally intended to wait until after Zhao’er’s mourning period¹⁰ was over to discuss this with you, jiejie. Who knew that jiejie thought so highly of our Zhao’er? In my heart, I am truly happy for Zhao’er.”

Hearing this, Jin Yunfei curved her lips into a smile and didn’t expose the lie, though inwardly she held this second wife in extreme contempt.

In terms of beauty, this one couldn’t compare to the previous one. In terms of speech and temperament, the difference was like that between a star and the moon.

But Jin Yunfei still spoke in a soft and gentle voice, “To be able to accept Xizhao as my goddaughter is our Qu family’s good fortune, and it is also my Sheng’er’s blessing. For so many years, Sheng’er has caused you no small amount of trouble. I have always thought of Xizhao as my own daughter. It’s just that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a bit more greedy and wish to become true mother and daughter with her. This would fulfill a wish of mine.”

Qu Jinian listened to his wife’s words with an unchanged expression, but Lin Jianhai grew suspicious. He looked at his second wife, but with the Qu family present, he couldn’t very well ask her directly.

When Lin Xizhao heard that Yu-shi had once used her mourning period as an excuse to refuse Jin Yunfei, she slightly raised her eyelids and glanced at Yu-shi.

She had originally thought that if Jin Yunfei came to discuss this matter, this stepmother would agree. She never expected a refusal. It was no wonder Jin Yunfei hadn’t mentioned it when she visited the Marquis’s residence yesterday.

“Jiejie.” Qu Sheng finished the soft pastry in her hand, smacked her little lips, and asked Lin Xizhao if she could have another one.

Lin Xizhao turned at the sound, looking at Qu Sheng beside her, who was staring down at the soft pastries on the porcelain plate. She coaxed in a low voice, “You can only have one more.”

“Okay.” Lin Xizhao’s voice was quiet, but that didn’t mean Qu Sheng’s would be. Her “okay” was long, soft, and resonant, as if she intentionally wanted everyone to hear.

And at that moment, everyone in the hall turned to look at them.

Lin Xizhao didn’t look back. She took out a handkerchief and helped Qu Sheng wipe her other free hand, the one that had touched the pastry. Watching Qu Sheng hold the soft cake and eat it with relish, the dark clouds that had just gathered in her heart dissipated somewhat, and her lips curved into a smile as well.

“Since it’s settled, let’s pick an auspicious day. At that time, my husband and I will personally come to bring Xizhao to our Qu family’s ancestral hall¹¹ to recognize her ancestors.” The smile on Jin Yunfei’s face was gentle and filled with great joy. She truly was very fond of Lin Xizhao; otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed so readily the moment Qu Sheng brought it up.

Not long after Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei left, they sent someone to deliver the chosen auspicious date. Generally speaking, a ceremony to recognize kinship didn’t necessarily require an auspicious day, but to show their sincerity, the Qu family had invited someone to select a suitable auspicious day from the almanac¹², which was enough to show the importance they placed on accepting Lin Xizhao as a goddaughter.

Lin Jianhai took the date and handed it to Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao did not ask about her stepmother Yu-shi’s refusal of the Qu family’s offer.

However, as Lin Jianhai was about to leave, she brought up another matter.

“Father.”

Lin Xizhao’s voice was always gentle, but to Lin Jianhai’s ears, it was somewhat jarring, sounding too much like his late wife’s.

“Is there something else, Zhao’er?” Lin Jianhai turned back and asked softly.

Lin Xizhao looked at her father’s frank gaze, and it took a long while for the tension in her heart to ease. “During the days I stayed at my uncle’s house, my mother frequently appeared in my dreams. I would like to go to the temple in the suburbs for a while to burn incense and pray for her.”

Hearing this, Lin Jianhai’s gaze lowered for a moment, and a hint of sorrow appeared on his face. “If you want to go, then go. When will you leave? Father will see you off.”

Aside from matters of state, Lin Jianhai was a gentle man to his family. In the decades since his marriage, he had never even raised his voice at his wife or concubines, let alone shouted at them.

Lin Xizhao looked at her father, a trace of heartache in her eyes. By doing this, she was afraid she would drag her father into the capital’s storm of public opinion. Her father valued his reputation above all else, but her mother…

Lin Xizhao had no other choice.

The day the Qu family set for the kinship ceremony was the day after tomorrow. Not only did Qu Jinian and his wife come, but even the uncles and elder brothers who were still in the capital came along.

The procession wasn’t enormous, but it was enough to show their sincerity, and this was something Qu Sheng had deliberately arranged.

Lin Xizhao boarded the Qu family’s carriage, where everything had already been prepared.

After entering the residence, Qu Sheng held Lin Xizhao’s hand the entire time. The Qu family’s clan elders were mostly in Shoulin, which was why Qu Sheng had asked the elders of her family to go and pick up Lin Xizhao together.

Since the clan elders weren’t present, she would gather everyone who was in the capital, to let outsiders see the Qu family’s sincerity and to let the Lin family know that the Qu family wasn’t just casually giving Lin Xizhao a title.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei accepted Lin Xizhao’s kowtow of recognition. Then, she followed Qu Sheng and her two elder Qu brothers to pay respects at the ancestral hall. Lin Xizhao lit incense, which was taken by Qu Ting and placed in the incense burner. The ceremony was considered complete.

Lin Xizhao changed her form of address, calling Jin Yunfei “Godmother” and honoring Qu Jinian as “Godfather¹³.” The various elders also followed Qu Sheng’s lead in how they addressed her.

Jin Yunfei had informed the Lin family earlier that Lin Xizhao would be staying the night at their residence, and Lin Jianhai had agreed.

After nightfall, Qu Sheng climbed into bed and snuggled into Lin Xizhao’s arms. Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved into crescents as she held her. Today, her heart had finally found a place to belong.

“Tomorrow, I want to go to Yunci Temple¹⁴ to burn incense and pray for my mother. I might have to stay for a while, so I won’t be able to come see you for a bit.” Lin Xizhao hugged Qu Sheng and nuzzled her.

Qu Sheng pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then shifted slightly and looked up at Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao gazed into Qu Sheng’s dark eyes, seeming to discern her thoughts. “Does Sheng’er want to go with jiejie too?”

Qu Sheng stared at Lin Xizhao and, after a moment, nodded.

“But, there’s no tasty food there.” It was all vegetarian monastic food¹⁵, and Lin Xizhao would probably be there for half a month.

Qu Sheng shook her head and pressed even closer to Lin Xizhao. She had to go with her.

Lin Xizhao was not foolish; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to devise a plan just from a few words Qu Sheng had pointed out. But intelligent people were also harder to predict. If she didn’t follow, she wouldn’t know what Qu Sheng planned to do next.

Lin Xizhao tried to coax Qu Sheng into staying at the residence, but Qu Sheng wouldn’t say a word in reply. In such situations, Lin Xizhao would usually assume Qu Sheng was throwing a tantrum. It wasn’t until she agreed to take her along that Qu Sheng turned to face her, pursing her lips in a well-behaved manner.

Lin Xizhao was helpless against her. She could only smile, lean closer, and kiss her on the forehead. “If you really get a craving then, I’ll have Feng Qi bring you back.” Lin Xizhao couldn’t bear to let this little glutton suffer from cravings, and even less could she bear to be away from her for so long.

Qu Sheng nodded, having reached a small, private agreement with Lin Xizhao.

The next morning, Lin Xizhao told Jin Yunfei that she was going to observe a vegetarian diet and pray for her mother. Jin Yunfei didn’t stop her. Qu Sheng had a stronger will than her own; since Qu Sheng herself had agreed, there was nothing more for her to say, only telling them to be careful on the road.

Lin Xizhao first took Qu Sheng back to the Prime Minister’s Residence to inform Lin Jianhai about going to the temple. Lin Jianhai was going to see them off, but when they stepped out of the residence, he found that a carriage from the Marquis’s residence had arrived and was parked in front.

When Qu Ting and Qu Yu saw them come out, they hurried forward to salute. “Greetings to Uncle Lin.”

Lin Jianhai nodded in return. “Why don’t you two virtuous nephews¹⁶ come inside and sit for a while?” To arrive at the gate but not enter, just waiting here.

Qu Ting replied respectfully, “Replying to Uncle Lin, our Eldest Aunt asked us to escort Sheng-meimei and Xizhao-meimei to Yunci Temple.”

Hearing this, Lin Jianhai looked toward his daughter. Lin Xizhao also seemed unaware that they would be coming. A moment later, they heard Qu Yu explain, “Eldest Aunt only found out that my brother and I had a day off¹⁷ today after our two meimeis had left the residence. Is Uncle Lin also going with them?”

Lin Jianhai smiled. “Since you two virtuous nephews are escorting them, I won’t go. With you two protecting Zhao’er and Sheng’er, I have nothing to worry about.” The Qu family was a lineage of military officials, and these two held military posts in the capital. Compared to a civil official like himself, they were naturally a hundred times better. And with Qu Sheng present, he figured the Qu family was probably worried. There was no need for him to take the extra step of escorting his daughter.

Qu Ting and Qu Yu exchanged a glance. Qu Ting smiled. “Please rest assured, Uncle Lin. My brother and I will definitely deliver our two meimeis safely.”

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao boarded the carriage. As it began to move, Lin Xizhao lifted the curtain and glanced outside. Lin Jianhai had been lost in thought, but seeing his daughter look back at him, his expression softened, and he gave her a gentle smile.

After the carriage was far away, Lin Xizhao watched her father turn around. Staring at his back, the guilt in her heart suddenly intensified.

Qu Sheng sat to the side and glanced at Lin Xizhao, as if trying to guess what she planned to do next. After Lin Jianhai’s figure was out of sight, Lin Xizhao turned back, her gaze meeting Qu Sheng’s for an instant. That previous thought about the depth in Qu Sheng’s eyes returned to her.

Qu Sheng’s exterior was just a layer of protection; she was not as slow-witted as outsiders believed.

Two hours later, the group arrived at Yunci Temple. Qu Ting and Qu Yu announced the names of the Marquis’s Residence and the Prime Minister’s Residence, donated a considerable sum for incense, and took care of all the arrangements for Lin Xizhao. Then, they stood in the courtyard with no intention of leaving.

“Elder brothers, are you also here to pray?” The sun was about to set. Seeing the two brothers standing by without leaving, Lin Xizhao asked.

Qu Ting saluted and replied, “We will leave once the defensive arrangements here are complete.”

Hearing “defensive arrangements,” Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment. She was just here to burn incense and pray. Why would that require defensive arrangements?

Besides, she hadn’t seen them bring any soldiers or guards when they came.

Seeing the confusion in Lin Xizhao’s eyes, Qu Yu replied, “Younger sister Xizhao, there’s no need to worry. We are just trying to prevent a disaster before it happens¹⁸. Everything here is being done quietly and will not disturb the other pilgrims or the resident masters of the temple.” Seeing that Lin Xizhao still seemed confused, Qu Yu added, “The culprit from the incident a few years ago when Xizhao-meimei and Sheng-meimei were abducted has still not been found. It is better to be careful.”

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao suddenly understood, but she also felt bad for making the Qu family go to such trouble because of her decision. An apologetic look appeared on her face. “I…”

“Younger sister Xizhao, you don’t need to feel burdened. Since you are now a member of our Qu family, as your elder brothers, we will naturally protect you. Even if Sheng-meimei hadn’t come today, if we had known you were coming, we still would have come.” Qu Ting tried to dispel the self-blame in Lin Xizhao’s heart with his words. He was also telling her that since she had become the Qu family’s goddaughter, she was one of them. To them, she was no different from a blood relative.

They had interacted with Lin Xizhao many times. For her to be so highly regarded by their own meimei, her character naturally went without saying. They trusted their sister’s judgment. However, their purpose for setting up defenses here today was not to prevent a repeat of what happened years ago, but for another arrangement entirely.

“Jiejie, hungry.” Qu Sheng interjected at the perfect moment. They had been busy for the better part of the day and hadn’t eaten.

The members of the Qu family were all martial artists. Forcing them to eat vegetarian temple food would probably be difficult for them. This was one of the reasons Lin Xizhao hadn’t insisted they stay earlier.

“Be good, Sheng’er. Jiejie will go get you some vegetarian food.” Lin Xizhao hadn’t brought any serving maids with her.

Qu Yu glanced at Qu Ting, then at Qu Sheng. “Our family’s littlest glutton is hungry. Coincidentally, I’d also like to try the vegetarian food here. May I trouble Xizhao-meimei to get a bowl for us as well?”

Lin Xizhao turned back at the sound. Seeing that Qu Yu and Qu Ting seemed to genuinely want to eat, she smiled gracefully. “Then, could the two elder brothers please go inside and sit for a while? I will go inform the kitchen.”

Qu Ting and Qu Yu cupped their hands in salute simultaneously. After watching Lin Xizhao leave the small courtyard, they looked at Qu Sheng.

“The people are already in place. Tomorrow, we will go to that spot in the suburbs again to patrol it one more time.” The men Qu Ting brought today were all in the shadows, having arrived in the guise of pilgrims.

Qu Sheng nodded, her gaze fixed on the arched gateway of the small courtyard.

After the vegetarian meal, Qu Ting and Qu Yu left. With matters weighing on her mind, Lin Xizhao paced back and forth in her room. There wasn’t much left to do, really. She just needed to endure for half a month, and after returning, tell her father that her mother had told her in a dream that she was murdered. Then, she would hold a grand soul-pacifying ceremony at the residence to create a stir.

But she wasn’t sure if this would be enough to provoke the murderer into making a move. Moreover, if she really did this, the Prime Minister’s Residence would likely gain a bad reputation.

Even though she had already made her decision, Lin Xizhao felt uneasy because she was letting her father down. Qu Sheng seemed to have guessed what was on Lin Xizhao’s mind. But since the decision had been made, she shouldn’t give up halfway. She would give her a push at the right time.

A few days later, Lin Xizhao was chanting scriptures with the other pilgrims in the main hall. After the morning session ended, she was walking down a path when the sound of pilgrims’ discussions reached her ears.

“Have you heard?” one pilgrim said in a very low voice, but it was just loud enough for Lin Xizhao, walking beside them, to hear clearly.

“Heard what?” another pilgrim, who seemed to have come with her, whispered in response.

The first pilgrim glanced left and right. Seeing that no one was looking at them, she continued in a low voice, “The day before yesterday, someone ran into a ghost in the East Suburbs!”

Hearing the words “East Suburbs,” Lin Xizhao’s breathing slowed. It wasn’t that she wanted to eavesdrop, but she couldn’t control it. The East Suburbs was where her mother had been trampled by a horse. If one were to encounter a ghost, what kind of ghost would it be?

“In broad daylight, where would a ghost come from? Don’t talk nonsense.” The other pilgrim was so frightened she shivered and quickly told her to shut up.

“Don’t you believe it. I’m not making this up. Do you remember the incident two years ago in the East Suburbs where someone fell from a horse?”

Lin Xizhao, who had been about to turn a corner into her courtyard, heard the words “fell from a horse in the East Suburbs,” and her feet suddenly refused to obey her, following the two women forward.

“Wasn’t that the Prime Minister’s first wife? The ghost you’re talking about… it couldn’t be her, could it?”

“Yes, it’s her. That family would often encounter her whenever they passed by. They couldn’t stand it and moved away last year. They just moved back and ran into her again.”

“Could they be possessed? Why is it that only he can see her?”

As the two talked, Lin Xizhao wanted to hear more, but Qu Sheng’s voice came from behind her.

“Jiejie.”

Hearing the voice, Lin Xizhao froze. She looked at the two pilgrims walking further and further away, desperately wanting to go up and ask them, but Qu Sheng had already walked up and taken her hand.

“Hungry?” Lin Xizhao composed herself. When facing Qu Sheng, she was always gentle.

“Mhm.” Qu Sheng nodded her head.

During the meal, Lin Xizhao was somewhat distracted. Just now, that pilgrim had said someone had encountered her mother’s ghost in that place. If she went too, would she be able to see her?

Lin Xizhao was feeding Qu Sheng. When Qu Sheng looked up at her, she didn’t notice the change in Qu Sheng’s expression. After finally finishing the meal, as Lin Xizhao was clearing the bowls and chopsticks, Feng Qi knocked on the door from outside.

“Is something the matter?” Lin Xizhao’s tone was gentle, but it couldn’t hide the weariness caused by her worries.

Feng Qi cupped his hands. “There is one matter, but it concerns Miss Xizhao.”

“Me?” Feng Qi’s only responsibility was to protect Qu Sheng. Why would he suddenly bring up something about her?

Feng Qi nodded. “The day before yesterday, there was a rumor saying…”

“Saying what?” Lin Xizhao vaguely sensed that what Feng Qi was about to say was related to what those two pilgrims had said earlier.

“Saying that someone saw your mother’s ghost in the East Suburbs.” Feng Qi answered with his head lowered, but Qu Sheng captured every bit of Lin Xizhao’s reaction.

Compared to when she first heard it, Lin Xizhao now seemed to half-believe it. “Are you sure this isn’t just a baseless rumor?”

The reason Lin Xizhao hadn’t gone to confirm it with the pilgrim at the time was that she didn’t really believe it. It was just that the initial shock was unavoidable. After thinking about it for a while, she had dismissed such an absurd idea. But now, hearing it again from Feng Qi, the impulse to investigate was stirred up once more.

Feng Qi did not answer, but Lin Xizhao knew that if he wasn’t fairly certain, he wouldn’t have brought it up.

Lin Xizhao had someone take her to the East Suburbs. Feng Qi also had someone inquire about the family’s residence, but when they arrived, the place was empty. The family had moved again.

Where they had gone, no one knew.

A knot of suspicion formed in Lin Xizhao’s heart. But it was just seeing her mother’s ghost; it wasn’t as if they had seen her mother being murdered. Even if she found that family, what could be done?

Half a month later.

Lin Xizhao returned to the capital with Qu Sheng. Having missed classes for two months, it didn’t matter much for girls who didn’t need to take the imperial examinations. It was just hard on Zhao Jiayu, who, without their company for over half a month, missed them to death.

The moment Lin Xizhao entered the academy, Zhao Jiayu threw her arms around her, exclaiming, “I missed you to death! You went to the temple to eat vegetarian food and didn’t even take me with you. That’s so disloyal.”

It wasn’t that Zhao Jiayu didn’t want to go, but she found out too late. After Lin Xizhao had left, when she wanted to go, General Zhao wouldn’t allow it.

Zhao Jiayu’s hug made Lin Xizhao laugh. The two chatted for a bit, and not long after they sat down, Zhao Jiayu shared the news from the capital with her.

“I heard that someone saw your mother’s spirit in the East Suburbs. Is that why you went to the temple?” Zhao Jiayu was the type who hears the wind and thinks it’s rain¹⁹. Xiao Bingying was someone who didn’t like to listen to gossip, so they would run out of things to say after a few sentences. Now that the person in question was back, she had to ask properly.

Hearing Zhao Jiayu mention her mother’s spirit, Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment. She wanted to ask Zhao Jiayu who she heard it from, but the teacher walked in at that moment.

The teacher hadn’t seen Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao for a long time. After giving them an extra glance, he began to explain the day’s text.

Qu Sheng sat to the side, listening attentively, but Lin Xizhao was somewhat absent-minded because of Zhao Jiayu’s words.

The moment the teacher stepped out after class, Lin Xizhao impatiently pulled Zhao Jiayu aside to ask about what she had said earlier.

“Jiayu, who did you hear say that someone saw my mother’s spirit in the East Suburbs?”

Zhao Jiayu, whose head was still buzzing with the teacher’s classical particles²⁰, immediately tossed them aside upon hearing Lin Xizhao’s question. She said in surprise, “You don’t know? It’s all over the capital.”

Hearing that it was all over the capital, Lin Xizhao’s expression was one of shock for a moment, but she quickly recalled what the pilgrims had said at the temple. Most pilgrims were from nearby or lived in the capital. If they knew, then it would naturally have spread through the capital. And since this ghost was the Prime Minister’s wife, the news would naturally travel even faster.

At Zhao Jiayu’s surprised exclamation, everyone in the classroom looked at her. Xiao Bingying coughed lightly, wanting Zhao Jiayu to stop talking, but Zhao Jiayu’s mouth was like an open gate, and she blurted everything out.

“Not only that, but some people are also saying your mother—” Zhao Jiayu seemed to realize something. She glanced back at the two young masters from the Prime Minister’s Residence, then at Qu Sheng, before leaning closer to Lin Xizhao and whispering, “Some people are also saying that your mother was murdered. The person who saw her spirit is the witness who saw your mother being killed with his own eyes.”

This sentence made Lin Xizhao raise her head in shock. She looked at Zhao Jiayu, her eyes filled with disbelief, but soon, a part of her started to believe it.

It had already spread throughout the capital, yet her father had made no move. Did he not know, or was he pretending not to know?

Lin Xizhao calmed herself. The words Zhao Jiayu passed on were half-truths and couldn’t be fully trusted, but they could make what she was about to do next seem all the more important.

Ten days later, the height of summer arrived.

On the grounds that it was too hot and uncomfortable for two people to sleep together, Lin Xizhao had Qu Sheng return to her own residence to rest. Qu Sheng showed reluctance but eventually went back to the Marquis’s residence after Lin Xizhao’s patient coaxing.

Without Qu Sheng’s company at night, Lin Xizhao always slept restlessly. Coupled with the stuffy summer heat, she lost her appetite for food and drink, and within a few days, she had lost a significant amount of weight.

Lin Jianhai felt sorry for his daughter and had many cooling summer dishes prepared, but without exception, Lin Xizhao only had a few bites of each.

Watching his daughter grow progressively thinner, and with the wild rumors circulating in the capital these days, he figured his daughter must have heard some gossip that was affecting her.

Lin Jianhai had someone knock on Lin Xizhao’s door. When Lin Xizhao came out, her face was pale and her eyes were listless.

“Father.” Lin Xizhao’s voice sounded a little hoarse.

Hearing her voice, Lin Jianhai stared at Lin Xizhao, then frowned after a moment and said to the servants, “The young miss is already in this state. Why haven’t you called for a doctor?”

The servant quickly bowed their head and replied, “Replying to my lord, it was the young miss who forbade it.”

“Father, I’m fine. It has nothing to do with them.” Lin Xizhao wasn’t trying to protect the servants; she really was the one who had forbidden them from calling a doctor.

She wasn’t physically ill, just heartsick.

Hearing his daughter’s weak voice, Lin Jianhai felt both pained and frustrated, and he vented his anger on the servants. “What are you waiting for? Go and get a doctor to treat the young miss!”

The servants bowed their heads, retreated, and ran out of the courtyard to fetch a doctor.

After the servants left, Lin Jianhai walked to Lin Xizhao’s side, sighed, and reached out to support her. Half chiding, half pained, he said, “Why aren’t you eating properly?”

Being supported into the room, Lin Xizhao sat down, her gaze somewhat vacant. After a long while, she said, “Lately, I always dream of Mother—”

“Your mother indeed died from falling off a horse. She was not murdered by anyone.” The moment Lin Xizhao mentioned her mother, Lin Jianhai guessed that she had indeed heard the outside gossip, which was why she was in this state.

“But…”

“There are no buts. The guards who were protecting your mother back then are mostly still in the residence. They saw with their own eyes the horse go mad, and your mother fall and get trampled…” As Lin Jianhai spoke, his expression tensed, as if trying to conceal the painful memories.

“Father… I’m sorry. Zhao’er has made you worry.” Lin Xizhao’s heart softened, but she had to insist on one more thing, or else all her previous efforts would be wasted.

Seeing Lin Jianhai sigh, Lin Xizhao made her final request. “Father, I want to hold a ritual²¹ for Mother. Is that possible?”

This ritual had to be held.

Lin Jianhai looked at his daughter, momentarily unable to understand why she wanted to hold a ritual. But seeing her growing thinner by the day, he still agreed.

“You may. But after this ritual is held for your mother, you must eat properly.”

Hearing her father agree to hold the ritual at the residence, Lin Xizhao nodded happily, her eyes welling up with tears.

Gazing at his daughter’s haggard face, Lin Jianhai’s heart ached as he raised a hand to wipe away her tears.

The doctor arrived and prescribed some calming medicine. Lin Xizhao also drank some nourishing porridge and finally felt more comfortable.

Three days later.

Lin Xizhao had people invite ritualists to the residence. The altar was set up in her birth mother’s courtyard, and the ceremony was to last for seven days.

After staying at her own residence for a few days, Qu Sheng started clamoring to see Lin Xizhao. But Lin Xizhao, afraid the ritual at the residence would frighten Qu Sheng, didn’t want to see her. But just because she wouldn’t see her didn’t mean Qu Sheng wouldn’t go looking for her.

During the day, Qu Sheng attended her lessons, but after class, she was unrestrained. The first couple of times, Zhao Jiayu managed to drag her away, but by the third and fourth time, it no longer worked.

Qu Sheng insisted on seeing Lin Xizhao, and Zhao Jiayu, helpless, had no choice but to take her to Lin Xizhao’s birth mother’s courtyard.

Although it was the Prime Minister’s Residence, Zhao Jiayu had often been summoned here in the past, and with Qu Sheng being a long-term resident, the servants did not stop them.

When Qu Sheng entered the courtyard and saw it filled with funeral banners, Zhao Jiayu shivered, but Qu Sheng was searching for Lin Xizhao’s location.

Lin Xizhao, dressed in a plain white dress, was kneeling on a prayer cushion²², burning paper money for her mother’s spirit tablet. Beside her, a ritual master struck a wooden fish²³ and recited scriptures.

“There, you’ve seen her. Let’s go back now.” Zhao Jiayu pulled at Qu Sheng, afraid that if she let her guard down for a second, Qu Sheng would break free.

But what one fears most often comes to pass. Before Zhao Jiayu’s words had fully faded, Qu Sheng broke free and ran towards Lin Xizhao.

Although Zhao Jiayu practiced martial arts, Qu Sheng’s steps were even faster than hers. By the time she caught up, Qu Sheng was already in front of Lin Xizhao.

“Jiejie.” Qu Sheng stood before Lin Xizhao, not even out of breath, looking down at her as she continued to burn paper money.

Hearing the voice, Lin Xizhao was dazed for a moment. When she looked up, she saw Qu Sheng, and then Zhao Jiayu running over.

“Sheng’er, Jiayu, why have you come?” Lin Xizhao tried to get up, but couldn’t stand immediately because she had been kneeling for too long.

Seeing this, Zhao Jiayu reached out to help, but Qu Sheng beat her to it. She had thought Qu Sheng would help Lin Xizhao up, but instead, Qu Sheng also knelt down and hugged her.

Lin Xizhao felt the strength of Qu Sheng’s embrace and knew she had missed her. She smiled helplessly. “Be good, Sheng’er. Go back with Jiayu-jiejie first, okay?”

She hadn’t wanted Qu Sheng to come precisely because she was afraid of scaring her. She still had to keep vigil here at night; she couldn’t let Qu Sheng stay.

Qu Sheng buried her head in Lin Xizhao’s embrace and shook it. She wasn’t leaving. She wanted to stay here and accompany Lin Xizhao.

Zhao Jiayu also squatted down and tried to persuade Qu Sheng to leave with her, but after wasting a great deal of breath, Qu Sheng refused to go.

“Jiayu, please pass a message to the two elder Qu brothers for me. I’ll have to trouble them to make a trip here.” Lin Xizhao was helpless and could only ask Qu Ting and Qu Yu to come and take her away.

After receiving the message, Zhao Jiayu looked at how much Qu Sheng doted on Lin Xizhao and felt a little jealous. They had all grown up together, so why was the difference so great?

Zhao Jiayu left the Prime Minister’s Residence and took a carriage to the Marquis’s residence.

The message was delivered, but Qu Ting and Qu Yu were not at home. However, Jin Yunfei said she would have the two brothers bring Qu Sheng back in the evening. Having completed the task Lin Xizhao gave her, Zhao Jiayu returned to the Prime Minister’s Residence to inform Lin Xizhao and then left.

As the sky darkened, Qu Sheng sat on a prayer cushion to the side, burning paper money along with Lin Xizhao. Fortunately, the room was drafty; otherwise, with the room full of smoke, Lin Xizhao was truly afraid Qu Sheng would choke.

Qu Sheng sat quietly to the side, not clamoring for food as she used to. She was so well-behaved that Lin Xizhao felt as if Qu Sheng understood what was happening.

But even if Qu Sheng didn’t ask, Lin Xizhao wouldn’t let her go hungry. After a while, Lin Xizhao had someone bring some food. Although they were all vegetarian dishes, they had also made a type of soft cake that Qu Sheng loved.

Lin Xizhao knelt to the side, feeding the cross-legged Qu Sheng.

“Jiejie, eat.” Qu Sheng had been eating the whole time but hadn’t seen Lin Xizhao eat. She knew she had no appetite, but how could her body hold up without food?

Hearing Qu Sheng tell her to eat too, Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved. “Jiejie isn’t hungry yet. After Sheng’er finishes eating, will you be a good girl and go back with your two elder brothers?”

At these words, Qu Sheng lowered her head and didn’t reply. Lin Xizhao was also a bit helpless. She couldn’t let Qu Sheng sleep here. Even though it was a summer night, the place was drafty. What if she caught a cold?

“Why are you only eating this?”

As Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, who had her head hung low and refused to eat anymore, the voice of her stepmother, Yu-shi, suddenly sounded in her ear.

Lin Xizhao turned her head and looked over. “Auntie Yu, why have you come?”

Yu-shi forced a concerned smile. “You’ve been keeping vigil here for four days. Let Xikuan and Xirui take over for you now. Over the years, your two younger brothers have received no small amount of care from your mother. Let them also show their devotion.”

Yu-shi had brought her two sons with her. Lin Xirui looked up at Qu Sheng a few times. Lin Xikuan²⁴, on the other hand, stood by Yu-shi’s side, looking around. His gaze fell on the fluttering spirit banners and the tablet on the altar, and he timidly shrank closer to his mother.

Hearing Yu-shi say she wanted her two younger brothers to take her place, Lin Xizhao said, “My brothers are still young. It’s better if I do it.” On one hand, Lin Xizhao wanted to fulfill her filial duties herself; on the other, she genuinely doted on her brothers.

If she could dote on Qu Sheng, she would naturally dote on her own blood brothers. Since she couldn’t bear to let Qu Sheng suffer here, how could she bear to let her brothers take her place?

Yu-shi seemed to have guessed Lin Xizhao’s soft-heartedness, but she insisted, “Your father often says that boys cannot be spoiled. It’s time to temper them a little.”

Hearing the word “temper,” Lin Xizhao looked up at her stepmother, confused. If she really wanted to temper them, it shouldn’t be through something like this.

“If Sheng-meimei can accompany jiejie, so can I.” Lin Xirui was a bit defiant. If Qu Sheng could be here, why couldn’t he?

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment. “Sheng’er will be going back shortly.”

Lin Xirui heard that Qu Sheng would be returning to her residence soon, but how could he take back the words he had already spoken? “Then I want to accompany jiejie too.”

Hearing that Lin Xirui wanted to accompany her, Lin Xizhao said helplessly, “Xirui, be obedient. This is a ritual altar. You mustn’t cause trouble.” Lin Xizhao deliberately made her tone sterner, hoping to dissuade Lin Xirui.

Lin Xirui pouted and looked at his mother. Seeing this, Yu-shi smiled. “Since Xirui wants to stay, then let him stay. It’s good to have a younger brother for company.” Yu-shi insisted on letting her son stay.

Lin Xizhao didn’t want anyone to accompany her. Her father had come to see her a few times but had never offered to stay. This was a ritual for her mother. The sudden arrival of so many people, while not offensive to her, made her feel a bit uncomfortable.

Moreover, this ritual was something she had intentionally arranged.

“Madam, Young Miss, the two young masters from the Qu family have arrived,” the butler came running in a hurry to report.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Next, I welcome everyone to watch me go crazy.”

Lin Xizhao: “…”

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