Chapter 8, The Ningling Turmoil

A brief silence

Zhu Mingyue turned around in surprise, only to see that the other party had already skillfully set the table, with two small bowls of fragrant rice and three simple dishes. None of them were hot dishes, but they were sufficient to satisfy hunger

The person spoke and then, with little interest, glanced towards the screen, "Wash up quickly, and come downstairs when you are done"

Zhu Mingyue's hand, poised to stir the water, froze in mid-air as she saw the person enter and toss a stack of satin-like items onto the table. Then, without avoiding the screen, he picked up the bundle on the table and said:

Since leaving Yingtianfu, she has mostly been on the road with little time to stop, eating and sleeping almost entirely in the carriage. She left in a hurry and did not bring any personal belongings, hastily acquiring a few items along the way, which were bought by her rough and burly attendants, barely fitting and far from being appropriate. At this moment, Zhu Mingyue was supporting the bathtub, feeling troubled for the first time about her attire. Just then, the door was pushed open with a loud bang.

People strive for higher positions; no one would choose to be a commoner if they could hold an official position

Fortunately, the young lady is worried for the prince, yet the prince inquires with the innkeeper about the young lady's check-out time. Zhu Mingyue, having soaked a piece of cloth in the basin and folding it into small squares, handed it to him with an annoyed expression upon hearing this.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Mingyue understood that there was no need to listen any further

Hearing this, Zhu Mingyue was so enraged that she stopped in her tracks, about to turn around, when at that very moment, something flashed by in her peripheral vision, and she felt a sharp pain in the back of her neck

Zhu Mingyue caught sight of the man's lightly mocking and self-assured gaze, and suddenly found it somewhat amusing. She was eager to ask him where he had obtained such information, and why he was so certain that he had identified her as the pearl of the Shen family.

The words of the tea patrons left the young girl perplexed, "The court stipulates that the fire expenses must not exceed 8 li, yet the county magistrate violates the law. Why does he not report this to the prefect?"

"But at that time, I fear we won't be able to do anything to them, and our group of four might end up with the same fate as Jiangyin Hou." Zhu Mingyue took out a handkerchief to wipe his wound. Mu Sheng disliked being touched by others and impatiently resisted for a moment, but Zhu Mingyue firmly held on without letting go.

When the journey commenced again, it started from De'an Prefecture, passing through Jingzhou, and then traveling by water to Guizhou Division, finally arriving at Qujing. This time, a considerable amount was spent on purchases, and the carriage was also replaced with a grand and spacious four-horse carriage, elegantly wrapped in soft satin, equipped with a tea table and incense stand inside, and comfortable bamboo mats laid on both sides.

The county magistrate was so enraged that he trembled, raising his hand but unable to utter a word in anger. Subsequently, as expected, Mu Sheng was thrown into the prison.

But there is no suffering in crossing, I shall welcome you myself

Are we about to set off

Her words were extremely impolite. Noticing Mu Sheng casting an unfriendly glance at her, she continued, "Does the prince not wish to hear the thoughts of this young lady?"

The Jiangnan region is experiencing its hottest and most oppressive time, with the sun blazing down, capable of turning the ground into a large furnace. The wealthy families in the capital always have some methods to dispel the heat, storing ice in cellars, digging pools, and channeling fresh water into their residences; the prominent nobles of the royal family have long since retreated to their summer villas, spending the long summer heat in cooler places

The young lady does not bear the surname Shen

The innkeeper came out warmly to greet them. Zhu Mingyue took a special look at the inn before her, which was not particularly impressive, her eyes revealing a hint of expectation. At that moment, Mu Sheng turned around and glanced at her, then said to the innkeeper, "Three guest rooms."

Zhu Mingyue hugged her knees and remained still

Whether it is true or false, one can know by trying.

One can imagine that Mu Sheng was able to calmly express such words because Zhang Lin had been compelled to deal with a considerable number of officials and had written the entire matter into a memorial, which was swiftly sent to the capital. However, to simultaneously handle the two major officials, the Governor and the Inspector, is no easy task. The Governor of Henan is Hu Cidao, who is the younger brother of Hu Yan, a high-ranking official in the cabinet; and Hu Yan is the father of Hu Yutang, the concubine of the Second Prince Zhu Gaoxu.

On the morning of the ninth day, just as dawn broke and the sky began to brighten, the door to the room was suddenly pushed open. The girl, who was sleeping fully clothed, was startled and sat up directly from the bed

Mu Sheng's expression was calm, "I have also found out the truth."

The first lord of the Mu family promised the ancestors of the Shen family to bring every descendant of the Shen family to the beautiful mountain villa in Yunnan Prefecture. As the heir of the Shen family, Shen Mingqi has also been looking for you. As the eldest brother is like a father, you should honestly listen to his words and heed the words of this prince. Do not refuse the wine offered to you, lest you end up drinking the punishment wine.

What about him? Isn't he the only one from the Qian Ning Wang?

Zhu Mingyue sighed and said, "Take me to see him."

Every year, there are calls to care for the people and alleviate their suffering, yet disasters and epidemics occur annually. Most natural disasters are acknowledged by the court, which provides relief or tax reductions, but some calamities are deliberately concealed by local officials. Take, for instance, the epidemic in Henan; the Emperor had previously ordered officials outside the capital to report on the epidemics affecting the populace when they came to pay their respects. However, two key officials from Henan, including the Governor and the Inspector, concealed the outbreak of locusts, and upon their arrival, falsely reported achievements, claiming that the harvests were abundant, the people were thriving, and they praised the Emperor as a wise ruler, hoping to please the court for generations to come.

Mu Sheng lifted the hem of his garment and sat on the red rosewood stool, setting out the bowls and dishes: "Do you think that this king is bound to go and never return?"

Warm water flowed over her knees, over her slender waist and delicate shoulders... The young girl reached up to untie the silk ribbon from her hair, letting her long, black tresses cascade down her bare back. She leaned against the bathtub, sitting entirely in the water, and couldn't help but let out a comfortable sigh of contentment

On the way back to Yunnan

What if someone asks?

The wheels of the carriage roll forward, and the curtains of the carriage flutter with each lift, while the unfamiliar scenery swiftly recedes from view

It is unknown how much time has passed. The air carried the heat of summer, and by the time Zhu Mingyue opened her eyes, the enchanting scenery of the Qinhuai River's painted boats had long since vanished, replaced by the narrow, stifling low beams of the room, along with the heavy gauze curtains hanging down, with the innermost layer being a gray mosquito net.

In that case, send the young lady back to the capital.

"How could that be? The prince is a high-ranking official, and no one dares to take action against you. However, those who were originally supposed to head straight to the Yunnan residence from the capital should not have suddenly diverted to Henan." Zhu Mingyue rose from the soft couch and sat down opposite him

To walk through every street and alley, to inquire from house to house, such behavior is either due to idleness or is for the purpose of investigation. However, Zhu Mingyue is indifferent to it.

The car, which was not particularly grand, was very quiet, with only Mu Sheng and Zhu Mingyue inside. It was quite spacious, yet felt incongruous. Zhu Mingyue did not believe that Mu Sheng would change his seat to the outside carriage for the sake of her reputation. Therefore, she had no intention of making herself uncomfortable. The two drivers outside, throughout the journey, spoke very little apart from reporting their entry and exit from the city, and from their voices, they did not seem to be the man with the surname Shen.

Punishing the wicked and eliminating evil, exchanging life for life, the prince has finally provided an explanation to the Marquis of Jiangyin

The Marquis Wu is an imperial envoy, but this is Ningling County, where there are only county jails and no such thing as the embroidered uniform guards' prison, and there is no distinction of ranks. Any criminal will certainly be imprisoned here

This person with the surname Mu can also confirm that they have caught the right person and can safely and freely take her back

As Deng Mosheng unsteadily pushed open the door, Zhu Mingyue specifically instructed the innkeeper to bring him two jars of wine. The wine was infused with two medicinal herbs, namely, Aconitum and Mandrake.

The man dining across the table, with elegant and swift movements, picked up and set down his chopsticks, completely ignoring her words. After a considerable time, as if he had finished eating, he disdainfully replied, "So what?"

Seven years ago, that stubborn yet gentle little boy, and the small girl who had not yet grown in stature but was already mature in mind. At the moment he placed the flower crown he had woven by hand upon her forehead, his heart was filled with tenderness. The little girl covered her mouth, teasing him that such trinkets were only made by girls, while the boy always smiled shyly and remained silent

If all goes well, Mu Sheng will return to the inn in Ningling County on the sixth day, and then head straight to De'an Prefecture upon seeing the message she left. However, by the evening of the eighth day, there was still no news at all

Zhu Mingyue said: "Perhaps the prince himself has some unspeakable secrets, risking being pursued by the court, yet still comes to Henan Prefecture to engage in unlawful activities"

The soldiers did not die on the battlefield, but rather met a humiliating end in a natural disaster, dying in obscurity. Zhu Mingyue could not fully empathize with the profound sorrow and regret that this entailed, yet she understood that as long as there was no resolution to this matter, Mu Sheng would not give up and leave.

The Mu family has indeed guarded Yunnan for generations, yet few are aware that under the protection of the Qian Ning royal residence, there exists another family, the Shen family. Aside from Yao Guangxiao, the whereabouts of the descendants of Shen Wansan remain a mystery to this day. Shen Mingzhu went missing in her childhood, at a time when the main lineage of the Shen family was still confined to Jiangnan. For her, it would be unclear where those relatives and branches had ended up.

The sun overhead was intense, and Zhu Mingyue raised her hand to shield her eyes, feeling somewhat dizzy from the glare

With no way to retreat, are you resorting to anger out of shame? Mu Sheng did not expect that a young girl would dare to act so ruthlessly, nor did he anticipate her precision. He strode over, pressed against the door she had just opened, and seized her arm, dragging her back forcefully.

What has the prince gone to do

Traveling as if her life depended on it was not due to a strong desire to return home; the destination was far from what she had envisioned. Yet, she did not dare to ask why they were not returning to Yunnan. She could only recall the stifling heat and discomfort of being cramped in the small vehicle throughout the journey, which filled her with profound disappointment

Hong Dou gritted her teeth, as if she had made a significant decision, and said: "That young servant mentioned that the young lady went to Suzhou Prefecture due to illness, and she has been gone for five years. The young master has been waiting in the capital for five years. Now the young lady is about to enter the palace again, perhaps never to come out in this lifetime. I kindly ask the young lady to meet the young master once, to clarify things with him, so that he can let go of his thoughts."

Next to the tea house, there are two wooden posts, to which several fine horses are tied. They are well-fed and healthy, looking particularly beautiful under the sunlight, which draws an exclamation of admiration from the young girl

"Are you threatening me, Your Highness?" Mu Sheng grabbed her arm firmly

With a clang, the flying knife fell to the ground behind him

Zhu Mingyue leaned on the table, watching him

Therefore, even if something were to happen to this prince in Henan Prefecture, it would not be the fault of the local officials, but rather the result of this prince's own actions

The delay of two days was due to Zhang Lin's continuous failure to raise the issue of impeaching the Governor and the Inspector of Henan.

Zhu Mingyue released the hand that was pressing on his tiger's mouth, and the still unhealed wound began to bleed again, instantly soaking a large area of the white handkerchief.

Until the morning of the next day, the young girl on the bed woke up to the melodious calls of the oriole. After she dressed herself, she remembered that the boor next door, surnamed Mu, had drunk the strong liquor laced with the soporific she had added, and surely he would not wake up until noon.

How much longer will it take

Yet she has never uttered a single question

She truly is ensnaring herself. Previously, she went to great lengths to prove that she was not a member of the Shen family, but now she is trying every possible means to prove that she is.

Mu Sheng opened his eyes, and the girl across from him stared at him without blinking.

Dark dream, sultry

She naturally could not say that she feared he would attract the local officials, bringing disaster upon herself; turning around, she placed the bundle on the soft couch to one side and said calmly: "Go to the yamen to find the prince."

Zhu Mingyue raised her hand to wipe the thin sweat from her forehead, "Naturally, I am anxious. At the same time, if the prince could allow me to leave, I would not hesitate to return to the capital, rather than travel a thousand miles to Yunnan, to that Shen family."

I do not know how far I have walked

Is the prince planning to go and risk his life right after finishing his meal

comrade

Why is it you again

Mu Sheng did not even glance at her, walked over to the cubicle, took a tea-colored tung oil paper umbrella, and placed it on the table, "Change your clothes and go out with this king."

And so I left, without even the chance to look back at the capital city

A pair of very bright large eyes, with distinctly black and white pupils, reminiscent of the ice and snow of early spring. He exchanged a gaze with her, half-smiling, then turned over, changed his position, and closed his eyelids.

So, have you finally admitted that you are Shen Mingzhu

The road to Yunnan Prefecture is still long

Mu Sheng did not give her any opportunity to speak and consequently put down the chopsticks as well

Mu Sheng paused upon hearing this, turned around, and grasped her wrist tightly, "Do you know about the Shen family in Yunnan?"

Zhu Mingyue looked at his tense expression and recalled the memorial she had seen in front of her father’s desk, which indeed contained a rather peculiar account regarding the death of Wu Gao.

Zhu Mingyue languidly nestled in the car, her collar damp with sweat, feeling quite irritated by the heat. At that moment, the car curtain was lifted from the outside, followed by a blunt command: "Get out!"

Zhu Mingyue widened her beautiful eyes, and the next moment, she saw Mu Cheng waving his hand and saying: "Come, please Miss upstairs"

Smash

In the next moment, she pulled out the knife that was pinned to the door and threw it towards Mu Sheng

Have you clarified it?

Therefore, rather than wasting time, it is better to part on good terms.

That person continued to maintain a posture with their back turned, not even turning their head.

The man had an arrogant demeanor and spoke in a faint voice

The corners of the man's eyes were slightly raised, a thread of disdain, proud as such, "What have you learned out there over the years? Eloquence, turning black into white? Or are you solely profit-driven, recognizing thieves as your own? Do not forget your own identity"

Until the bedroom door was suddenly pushed open with great force

She averted her gaze, not looking at him even once, yet her hands continued to bandage his wounds without pause. "This is Henan Prefecture, a place belonging to others. The power of the local officials has far surpassed that of any incumbent official from the capital. Even if you, Prince, possess the courage of ten thousand men, you cannot single-handedly contend with a hundred men."

It turns out that we are not just old acquaintances, but also comrades.

Zhu Mingyue was momentarily taken aback, then let out a sigh of relief, and said with a hint of annoyance: "I thought His Highness had gone all out."

The Confucius Temple stands by the Qinhuai River amidst the fragrant breezes, with golden pavilions lining both banks in a staggered arrangement; painted boats glide over the waves, the sounds of oars and lanterns casting flickering reflections in the tender waters of the river. Beyond the eaves of the gray-tiled white-walled houses to the north lie the Zhan Garden and Egret Island, as well as the boats swaying from Taoye Ferry to Zhenhuai Bridge, and the numerous taverns lining the riverbank. As night falls, rich wine and melodious songs fill the air, with gentle music and graceful dances, the sounds of silk and bamboo drifting softly.

Zhu Mingyue felt a slight joy in her heart and was just about to walk inside when a bundle was thrown over.

scatter

Mu Sheng set down his chopsticks and looked at her with a smile that was not quite a smile

If you dare to step out of the threshold even half a step, I shall nail you to the door

Mu Sheng narrowed his eyes and stood up from the desk. His tall and slender figure approached her, "Shen Mingzhu, have you lost your memory or are you pretending to be foolish? Have you forgotten that the Shen family and the Mu family are family friends, and that I have come specifically to take you back to recognize your roots?"

In my dreams, whenever the moon rises above the treetops, there is a young boy standing in the shadow of the willow tree, waiting dreamily.

Hong Dou hurriedly stepped over the threshold and ran in that direction, crossing the courtyard, and coincidentally collided head-on with Zhu Mingyue, who was coming out from inside.

Old acquaintance

Lord Wu was previously the deputy general of General Mu, and later promoted to the position of Middle General of the Yan Army's Guard. After the battle of Jingnan, he was granted the title of Marquis of Jiangyin for his merits. He is known for his straightforwardness and loyalty, possessing a character that is both upright and principled

At the same time, she recalled a memorial she had seen in the Ministry of Justice before the festival:

Is it that the kinship among these people is too shallow, not a permanent separation, but rather a transient parting, always struggling in the unknown and perilous fate... Zhu Mingyue closed her eyes, her long and thick eyelashes cast a shadow across her face, simultaneously blocking the moistness that threatened to fall from her eyes. Only a light brown tear mole remained at the corner of her eye, poised to fall, resembling a trembling teardrop.

As the words fell, two tall and sturdy men stood in front of her, like a wall. Zhu Mingyue watched Mu Cheng wipe his hands with a handkerchief, then took the cloak from the waiter and turned to leave the inn. She also turned her head and angrily walked upstairs.

At the same time, all the secrets of Ningling County are also locked away there

Zhu Mingyue pursed her lips in displeasure, carrying a heavy burden, and followed behind.

Zhu Mingyue also set down her chopsticks, "The prince is the vassal king of Yunnan, not a murderous bandit who flaunts his power for a moment and then escapes. Moreover, this is not a time of fragmented warfare; any feudal lord with a fief can intervene in the affairs of other provinces."

It is unexpected that the esteemed King of Qian Ning is actually so despicable and shameless

After all, we are in the same profession; it is only proper to clarify where we are headed.

It is impossible for nature; otherwise, why bring her here

If one does not wish to miss the opportunity to enter the palace, it is essential to return to the residence of the Duke of Cheng before nightfall, thus allowing for a plausible explanation.

The appointed commander He Qing was sent to the Suzhou garrison of the Zhejiang command, the deputy commander Zhao Qing was dispatched to the Zhongdu garrison in Fengyang, the left commander of the front army Li Zengzhi was assigned to Jingzhou, and the Marquis of Jiangyin Wu Gao was sent to Shaanxi and Henan, among others

There are always places that the court cannot see, and there are always places that sunlight cannot reach

Mu Sheng looked at her, his long eyes slightly narrowed: "You must be clear that the so-called dilapidated family is precisely your own home"

The reports sent to Beijing all state that Lord Wu was unintentionally killed during the civil unrest in Ningling County, describing it as an accident. Why does the prince believe that there is more to this matter?

Zhu Mingyue does not need to look to know that he will think this way. Unfortunately, he will never realize that the entire inner court, including Empress Xu, is collaborating to stage this performance for him

As Mu Sheng approached, Zhu Mingyue looked him up and down and remarked, "You've lost weight"

Mu Sheng shook his head and said: "You have already thought of excuses to evade responsibility for the officials of Henan Prefecture. Perhaps they will spare your life for this reason"

She asked with hopeful anticipation

Does the prince want to take revenge on that Marquis Wu

Mu Sheng gazed at her for a long time, then patted the back of her hand before turning to leave

Zhu Mingyue did not need to look closely to know it was that reckless man with the surname Mu. He actually used such despicable means to knock her unconscious in the street

Zhu Mingyue nodded in satisfaction and handed over the silver note, saying, "This is a reward for you." The jailer responded obsequiously, accepting the silver note as if receiving a royal decree, and then tucked it into his bosom.

The old man wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, "The governor? The governor has long been well-fed by the county magistrate!"

The Duke of Pengcheng claimed that this matter was of great importance, necessitating the punishment of both the Governor and the Inspector. It must await the court's dispatch of a supervising censor to reopen the investigation before a decision can be made. Mu Sheng held the teacup, a faint irony on his face, saying, "I, however, worry that once he leaves, it is uncertain whether he will continue to gather evidence for impeachment or seek to settle the matter quietly."

Zhu Mingyue threw a handkerchief to him and said: "Do not forget that it was the young lady who left a message for the prince at the inn in Ningling County"

To cause a person to succumb to the plague and die, one must ensure that they do not consume food or water for an extended period and remain in the same room as those afflicted with the disease. After being infected, the afflicted will experience a prolonged high fever, with their throat and tongue becoming congested and emitting an exceptionally foul odor; subsequently, they will suffer from hoarseness and intense chest pain due to severe coughing. They will cough up blood, and parts of their body will begin to decay, leading to death. Even in death, the body cannot be transported back to the capital for burial, as the plague is contagious; it must be cremated on-site and then buried.

During that time, the mob was causing quite a ruckus, but they did not resemble the villagers; rather, they seemed like roving bandits taking advantage of the chaos to loot. By the time the county magistrate and his men arrived, it was said that the victims had been beaten to a pulp. It is truly lamentable; had it not been for that inspector who fortuitously came to our Ningling County for an inspection, the court would have remained unaware of the severe disaster that had befallen the Henan Prefecture. Good people do not live long...

Peach leaves return to peach leaves, crossing the river without the need for oars

Zhu Mingyue bit her lip and got up from the bed, "Release the young girl!"

He lives in the second-to-last room on the south side of the third floor, while Zhu Mingyue occupies the last room. The two attendants reside on the second floor, near the stairs, making it convenient for them to look out for each other in case of any matters.

In the first year of the Yongle era, the court dispatched supervisory officials and attendants to various direct-controlled municipalities, provinces, and counties, as well as to the Zhejiang provincial administration, to convey the court's intention of maintaining peace between the government and the people. They were ordered to repair the city walls and to suppress bandits. At the same time, restrictions were imposed on those who did not have explicit orders from the court: "No individual is allowed to conduct unauthorized investigations, nor to impose any penalties without permission. Those who violate this shall be reported truthfully and dealt with according to the law"

Zhu Mingyue's eyes flashed, "Is he really dead?"

There was no further conversation.

I do not know how long I have been sitting in the car

By the time the county magistrate of Ningling County arrived, the yamen was in disarray, as if a storm had swept through it

What are you packing your things for

In the fourth year of the Jianwen era, of course, it was later changed by the current sovereign to the end of the thirty-fifth year of Hongwu. Wu Gao, who had recently been granted the title of marquis, was ordered to leave the capital to inspect the local areas. By that time, the Jingnan Campaign had already concluded, and the emperor had just ascended the throne. During the era change, he prioritized "stabilizing the people and pacifying the military" as the foremost task of his reign, especially after the extensive slaughter of the former Jianwen loyalists, which left the subjects across the regions in a state of shock. The court promptly issued proclamations to inform the people to resume their livelihoods and successively dispatched inspectors to various territories to rectify military preparations and soothe the hearts of the populace. By that time, the Jingnan Campaign had already concluded, and the emperor had just ascended the throne. During the era change, he prioritized "stabilizing the people and pacifying the military" as the foremost task of his reign, especially after the extensive slaughter of the former Jianwen loyalists, which left the subjects across the regions in a state of shock. The court promptly issued proclamations to inform the people to resume their livelihoods and successively dispatched inspectors to various territories to rectify military preparations and soothe the hearts of the populace

Where are you going

The young lady of the Duke's residence is about to enter the palace. Although she is a nun, she has been granted the ceremonial title of a princess. Those who can accompany her into the palace are equally of high status. Therefore, the day she enters the palace will also be the day the young girl enters. If Prince Qian Ning has the ability, he might as well try to stop Her Majesty the Empress's decree. But I fear that the prince does not have the courage to do so

The reason why the man with the surname Mu would go to the yamen prison to suffer is not solely because of her words, but rather because he wanted to personally experience the torment that Wu Gao endured after being captured. However, she did not tell him that even though criminals are not categorized by rank, Wu Gao would not be kept in the yamen prison of Ningling County indefinitely

It is reported that several counties in Henan Province have been struck by locust plagues, with starving people everywhere and corpses piling up. At the same time, this has also triggered an outbreak of plague. Upon arriving in the area, the Marquis of Jiangyin hurriedly organized local officials to eliminate the locusts, but unexpectedly encountered a peasant uprising in Ningling County, where he was brutally beaten to death by the mob. There are also reports of plague in the area, with those severely ill unable to recover and dying. Unfortunately, the bodies could not be transported back to the capital and were buried on the spot.