Chapter 55 Did she...?
Once the official document summoning them for talks was issued, all public officials in the northern state were filled with anxiety.
What temporary investigation team? I've never heard of it. What does "self-inspection and self-correction" mean? Are we supposed to send a few people out to take the blame?
At first, everyone assumed that they should not offend anyone, pretend to know nothing when asked, and not seek to make any meritorious contributions, but only seek to protect themselves.
However, when the eldest princess led her meticulously assembled investigation team into her own government office, everyone who saw their imposing, unsmiling faces and eagle-like sharp eyes couldn't help but feel so nervous that their legs cramped.
The investigation team would arrive at the room in advance to make some changes to the layout for each scheduled interview.
All the windows were nailed shut, and the interrogation room was lit by candlelight, day or night.
The gate was heavily guarded by imperial guards, and no one was allowed to approach. The person being summoned pushed open the door and entered, where he would see a pitiful little wooden stool.
Sitting on that small, helpless stool, facing a group of sharp-tongued, cold-faced judges from the investigation team, few of them could resist breaking out in a cold sweat.
The talks had only been going on for three days, and the investigation team had only visited six government departments, yet they had already instilled fear in all parties.
On the fourth day, the governor's office held its regular meeting, and people from various offices waited in the courtyard. When they met, they all looked like aggrieved victims, complaining incessantly.
One person inquired, "How long did your yamen (government office) question you?"
The man next to him looked miserable. "Don't even mention it! For three whole hours, my husband sat on that bench, and his back pain flared up. They asked him everything, and wouldn't let him leave until he told them. Besides things related to public order, they went on to everything from illegal activities and corruption to gifts and favors. They even kept track of how many young men I'd taken as concubines! Tell me, what did I do to deserve this?"
The man nodded repeatedly. "Hey, who says otherwise? The investigation team was extremely fierce. I thought I could just bluff my way through, but they wouldn't allow it. I said we were from the Salt Administration and knew nothing about anything other than salt. That guy surnamed Lu immediately said, 'Then tell us what you've heard, at least three things.' My God! I even told them about one of my subordinates not paying for a meal at a restaurant last year, and that was barely enough to make up the numbers."
The third person leaned in and whispered, "I heard that something big has happened in the governor's office. I don't know what got into Lord Yu, but he actually did a self-examination and submitted a full twenty-one-page report on the faults of various departments. He might even have included the crimes of our subordinate offices to make up the numbers."
"Is it page 21? I heard it's page 41."
"No, no, I heard it's a whole book."
During the debate, someone suddenly said, "If the investigation team keeps asking these questions, do you think Beizhou can still hide anything?"
Everyone shook their heads in disapproval. One person said mercilessly, "Hide? Ha! The fact that the magistrate of Liu County seized someone else's ancestral grave six years ago and buried his own mother there has already been exposed. What's there to hide?"
"Then tell me, is the Crown Princess so fixated on Beizhou just because of these trivial matters?"
"Of course not."
"What was the purpose of that?"
What do you think?
The clever people chuckled and said nothing more.
But those who are not clever and have a guilty conscience can no longer sit still.
Ling Xia rode quickly to the Beizhou camp early in the morning, eager to meet Cheng Yuanqing.
"Commander Cheng, you are older than me and more capable than me, so I should call you 'elder sister.' I'm really having trouble sleeping and eating; I even dream about being summoned for questioning. Please make a decision quickly, what should we do?"
Cheng Yuanqing was equally worried. "Don't panic. They haven't traced us yet. Don't lose your composure. Tell your subordinates, especially those who were involved in the previous two major incidents and the recent robbery at the city gate, to keep their mouths shut. No matter how the investigation team threatens or bribes them, no one is allowed to reveal a single word. Tell them that if they accidentally say something, their whole family will be ruined."
Ling Xia composed herself. "I already gave these instructions. I'll remind them again when I get back. But I'm still very uneasy, I have a feeling that something terrible is going to happen."
Cheng Yuanqing said, "I have already sent a message to my two masters by carrier pigeon, hoping that my lord and the Grand Commandant can help me make a decision. By the way, how is the spy you planted?"
Ling Xia said, "A Qi has gained Lu Jinlan's trust and lives with him every day, but there hasn't been any news from him yet."
Cheng Yuanqing said, "Perhaps there's some news that's not getting out. Send someone to infiltrate the governor's office and find an opportunity to ask him."
"Okay, I'll go find Master Gong right away and have her make the arrangements."
*
Ah Qi has been living a very carefree life these past few days. During the day, when Lu Jinlan goes out, he locks himself in his room to read and practice calligraphy, just like when he goes to school.
At night, I was a loving husband and wife with Lu Jinlan. Our days were sweeter than candied hawthorns.
His handwriting improved more and more. Although the three characters "Lu Jinlan" had many strokes, he practiced diligently. After finishing, he carefully examined them and felt that they were almost identical to the calligraphy model. He proudly raised the corners of his mouth.
Knock knock knock!
There were three knocks on the window. Ah Qi turned around abruptly and was startled.
"Thirteen? What are you doing here?"
Thirteen quickly climbed in through the window, pointed to his clothes, and said, "Master bribed the kitchen dishwasher, and I'm taking his place in the kitchen. I can't stay long. Master asked me to ask you how things are going on your end? Have you received any news?"
Ah Qi hurriedly replied, "I'm doing very well here. She trusts me a lot and treats me very well."
Thirteen sensed something was off. "She treats you very well? Then why do you never go out? Is she keeping a close eye on you?"
"No, she... she told me that things are a bit chaotic outside these days and that I should try not to go out. I thought if I kept going out, she would definitely become suspicious. So I stayed in my room, practicing calligraphy and stuff."
Thirteen glanced at the thick stack of papers she had written on. "Practicing calligraphy? What are you practicing calligraphy for?"
Ah Qi had already learned to lie, and casually made up a story: "I was afraid that it would be inconvenient to meet and pass on the message, so I was thinking... after I learn to write, I can write it down and then find a way to send it out."
Thirteen picked up the piece of paper with the three characters "Lu Jinlan" written on it, looked it over from all angles, and asked, "What are these three characters?"
Ah Qi knew he was illiterate, so he pointed at a deer and said, “It says ‘want,’ ‘small,’ ‘heart.’”
Thirteen nodded and instructed, "Don't let Lu Jinlan see these words, lest she overthink it. I'm going back to the kitchen. If you have any news, be sure to come find me."
Ah Qi said, "She's been busy with meetings these past few days, leaving early and returning late, and hasn't mentioned anything about the master at all."
Thirteen said, "I will pass on your message to Master. I'm leaving now."
Thirteen climbed out of the window, and Seven breathed a sigh of relief, but Thirteen suddenly turned back and said, "Seventh Brother, I forgot to ask you something."
"What?"
"Lu Jinlan, she...did she...did you...you were...you were...you..." Thirteen stammered, his face turning red with embarrassment, before finally gritting his teeth and saying helplessly, "Oh dear, I want to ask if you still have your chastity-preserving mark?"
Ah Qi glared at him, then looked around at the bed, couch, desk, bathtub, and other furniture in the room...
Ah Qi's face flushed, and she retorted, "We sleep together every day, what do you think?"
Thirteen looked heartbroken. "You beast! How will you ever get married like this? Lu Jinlan, that lecherous monster, I will definitely kill her for you after this is all over."
"Thirteen, things aren't what you think. Anyway, it's none of your business. Go back now, or someone will find out."
After sending Thirteen away again, Ah Qi's heart remained unsettled for a long time.
He wasn't stupid; he had overheard Lu Jinlan mentioning some official matters these past few days, and he had roughly figured it out.
Lu Jinlan and her group were searching for the masked men who had robbed the disaster relief funds outside the city gates. The reason the disaster in Beizhou was so severe was because the previous two rounds of disaster relief funds had been stolen. The disaster victims received neither food nor money, and many starved to death.
He didn't know who had robbed the disaster relief funds, as he was still in the capital at the time. But given how anxious his master was, it was obvious who had robbed the funds.
He didn't want to investigate the truth; he wished he never knew it. He had only studied for a few days and didn't understand anything about national affairs or the world. He only hoped to live a happy and carefree life with Lu Jinlan forever, just like they did now.
But he also knew that it was all wishful thinking on his part. No one could stop Lu Jinlan from uncovering the truth, and he had a premonition that day would come soon.
*
Ah Qi had made up his mind not to reveal the news to his master.
On the fifth day of the meeting, near midnight, Lu Jinlan still hadn't returned.
Ah Qi had already asked at the door several times and learned that none of the investigation team members had returned. But it was so late; could something have happened?
Ah Qi was restless, her mind racing with uncontrollable speculation: Could it be that they had discovered something, and the Ling family army, seeing their plans exposed, had turned against her? Although Lu Jinlan was highly skilled in martial arts, what if they had used other methods, like drugging her? How could she defend herself? Would she get hurt? Could it be… No, it definitely wouldn't be!
Ah Qi lingered for a long time before finally unable to resist sneaking into the servants' room and calling out to Thirteen.
"There's a message that needs to be delivered immediately."
Thirteen hurriedly asked, "What news?"
“Lu Jinlan went out with the eldest princess and the others this morning for a meeting, and they haven’t returned yet. I’m worried that she… they might have found out something, or encountered someone or something that might involve Master. Go ask Master. If Master says he doesn’t know what happened to them and that it has nothing to do with Master, tell me immediately.”
"Okay, I'll go right away."
Actually, seeing Ah Qi's nervous expression, Thirteen had a vague feeling that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. In any case, this was definitely an unusual situation, and it would be best to tell his master as soon as possible.
Ah Qi sat anxiously in the garden for an hour, but Thirteen still hadn't returned.
There was a slight commotion coming from the front yard. Ah Qi suddenly sat up straight and listened intently. It seemed that someone had returned.
He was still a little flustered, and hurriedly returned to his room, where he saw Lu Jinlan taking off her cloak.
Lu Jinlan smiled when she saw him, "Where have you been in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?"
Ah Qi didn't answer, but quickly stepped forward and hugged her tightly.
Lu Jinlan was taken aback, and gently patted his back, "Are you worried that something might happen to me?"
"Hmm," Ah Qi replied in a muffled voice.
Lu Jinlan smiled, casually tossed the cloak aside, sat down on the desk, and beckoned, "Come here, I have a secret to tell you."
Ah Qi stepped forward and took her hand. She whispered, "I won't die, because I'm the chosen one. I have a cheat code."
Ah Qi didn't believe it, "What coat?"
"Hanging is an existence beyond the ordinary. It is invisible and intangible, but like a talisman, it can help me get through any crisis. So, you don't need to worry. No matter what danger I encounter, I will be fine."
Ah Qi smiled helplessly. He didn't believe in any magic that could grant immortality. But Lu Jinlan's words of comfort gradually calmed his uneasy heart.
He gently pressed his forehead against hers and tenderly stroked her cheek. "Why are you so late?"
Lu Jinlan leaned against him with her eyes closed, and said wearily, "We had talks with the Beizhou camp and the garrison today. The situation is quite complicated, so we've been busy until now."
Ah Qi lowered his eyes sadly, realizing that his happy days were probably coming to an end. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Official business is never-ending. I'll go get some hot water so you can take a bath and get a good night's sleep."
Lu Jinlan frowned. "Too lazy to wash."
"Then I'll go get a basin of hot water for you to soak your feet. Manager Ping sent some herbal sachets; soaking your feet can calm the nerves. Would you like to soak for a while?"
Lu Jinlan remained silent, while Aqi chuckled and cupped her face in her hands. "Lord Lu, you're not asleep that quickly, are you? What do you want to do? If you're tired and sleepy, just lie down on the bed and fall asleep. You'll feel uncomfortable when you wake up, right? Hmm?"
He nuzzled Lu Jinlan's nose, and seeing a slight smile on her lips, he gently kissed her.
Thirteen rushed over and witnessed this scene. He was so shocked that he almost fell into the flower bushes outside the window.
He steadied himself, held his breath, and took a closer look. Lu Jinlan seemed extremely tired, almost entirely leaning against A Qi. She was so unguarded, and the exposed part of her neck was the perfect spot to strike.
But Ah Qi actually kissed her, cautiously yet full of longing, extremely gentle yet extremely intense. He kissed her skin, his breath filled with her scent, yet it still wasn't enough; he wished he could hold her in his arms forever, never to be separated for a moment.
Ah Qi's face was reflected in the bronze mirror. In the dim light, Thirteen couldn't see it very clearly, but he could clearly sense that Ah Qi was doing it willingly. He was completely absorbed in the moment.
Thirteen, as if he had encountered a ghost, was overcome with terror and turned to leave.
*
The next morning, Lu Jinlan absolutely refused to get up. She wouldn't even let Aqi get out of bed. She kept muttering that she was too tired these past few days, and now that things were finally looking up, she wanted to sleep in.
Helpless, Ah Qi could only grab a book on surnames and study it while lying down with her.
About half an hour later, Xiang Ruzhen hurriedly knocked on the door, "Jinlan! Aren't you up yet? Come out quickly, it's important."
Lu Jinlan frowned and shouted, "What is it?"
“Those people contacted us secretly yesterday.”
Lu Jinlan immediately opened her eyes, and A Qi's heart skipped a beat.
He vaguely sensed that something big had happened, so he quickly grabbed the clothes and helped Lu Jinlan put them on. Lu Jinlan hurriedly gathered her outer robe together and said, "Shoes."
Ah Qi quickly brought over the shoes, and Lu Jinlan slipped on them and went out.
Ah Qi watched her leave with a solemn expression. Standing outside the door, he whispered with Xiang Ruzhen. As if possessed, he moved closer and eavesdropped. He vaguely heard several key words: Northern Prefecture Camp, Garrison Command, informant, disaster relief funds, confession, inside-outside cooperation…
Lu Jinlan returned quickly, saying she had to go out on errands. After she left, Aqi sat listlessly in the room, her brow furrowed in worry.
Knock, knock, knock! After an unknown amount of time, Thirteen knocked on the window frame and climbed in. "Seventh Brother, is there any news?"
Ah Qi paused for a moment, then replied, "No."
Thirteen didn't believe it. "No? They came back so late last night because they had a meeting with all the generals of the Northern State Camp and the Garrison Command. Didn't she tell you when she got back?"
Ah Qi guiltily looked away, "Why would she tell me about her business? I only know a few words, and I don't understand anything."
"So you didn't ask?"
"When I asked, she scolded me a bit. She said, 'Why is a man like me asking so many questions?'"
Thirteen's expression changed. "Seventh Brother, when we were kids, we had water training. I was caught in an undercurrent and almost drowned. You jumped into the sea without regard for your own safety and pulled me back from the brink of death. I've always remembered that kindness. None of us have mothers or fathers or blood relatives, but I actually consider you my own brother. Aren't you telling me the truth?"
Ah Qi remained silent for a long time, then looked at Thirteen's reddened eyes and said helplessly, "If Master asks, just relay what I just said. It's not that I don't want to tell you the truth, but there are some things I shouldn't say. If I do, I'll be letting her down."
Thirteen said urgently, "But if you don't tell us, what will happen to Master? What will happen to Master? And me? If something happens to us, we will all die."
“I know! I will die too, I know that very well.”
"Then why..."
Ah Qi looked him straight in the eye and said with a bitter smile, "So many people have died in Beizhou, why can't we die? We've killed so many people over the years, shouldn't we die? Just because we don't want to die doesn't mean we should harm others."
"Seventh Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? I think you don't care about others at all; you just don't want to hurt Lu Jinlan!"
"Yes! I don't want to harm Lu Jinlan because she is right. She speaks out for the people, she investigates the truth, she has done nothing wrong. She is good to me, I cannot betray her."
"Seventh Brother, what kind of bewitching drug did Lu Jinlan give you? Why do you suddenly seem like a different person?"
Ah Qi shook his head. "No, I've never been this clear-headed before, nor have I ever been this happy. Everything in this world has a cause and an effect. What I did in the past is irreversible. When it's all over, let whoever wants to take my life take it. But I don't want to make any more mistakes."
After an argument, Thirteen sighed, "Think about it again. It's not that I'm afraid of death, I just don't want you to betray her sincerity. She only sees you as a young master who can accompany her for pleasure. Is it worth it for you to betray your master and even risk your life for her?"
*
After the morning's performance, Lu Jinlan and the others gathered together, waiting for A Qi to spread the news. But around noon, Turing returned to report that there had been no movement from the Northern State camp or the garrison.
"That's strange." Lu Jinlan hurriedly asked, "Did that kitchen helper who sneaked into the kitchen go out to deliver a message?"
"No, our people have been secretly monitoring him. After he met Ah Qi, he went back to work in the kitchen and didn't go out to contact anyone."
Lu Jinlan frowned, and Zhao Zhiyu sighed, "That's strange. Why didn't we send the message out? I've already ordered someone to tell the remaining government offices that the talks are over. The Ling family army must be very anxious now, eager to know what happened. But if we don't send the message out here, how can we proceed to the next step? It's almost dark. If we keep dragging this out, our plan will fail."
Yan Wuxin said bluntly, "I think it's because Jinlan treated that Aqi too well that he... he switched sides."
Zhao Zhiyu nodded. "That should be the case. Why don't Jinlan just confront him and have him spread the word for us?"
Lu Jinlan immediately objected: "No! That's too risky, and based on my understanding of him, he wouldn't agree. He wouldn't help his master harm me, nor would he help me harm his master."
"What should we do?" Zhao Zhiyu was anxiously pacing back and forth. "I planned everything perfectly, but I never expected him to make a mistake. Men's hearts can change so quickly."
Yan Wuxin whispered, "I do have an idea, but it's a bit...unique."
Zhao Zhiyu said, "Tell me about it."
“Since he betrayed his master because of his infatuation with Jinlan, let’s think of a way to wake him up and make him retract his infatuation. When he gets angry, he’ll definitely tell you everything. However, he might also get so angry that he’ll directly poison Jinlan.”
Xiang Ruzhen looked at Lu Jinlan. "From a strategic perspective, this is a solution. But for Jinlan, it's like going to her own death. Jinlan, what do you think?"
Lu Jinlan sighed helplessly, "Let's give it a try. If I don't go to hell, who will?"
*
Not long after, Xiang Ruzhen knocked on Lu Jinlan's door again.
When Ah Qi saw it was her, he quickly said, "She's not in her room. She went out this morning and hasn't come back."
“I know today is a good day. Wu Xin is treating everyone to drinks, and Jin Lan has already gone out with her. I was delayed for a while and was just about to leave when I remembered that Jin Lan asked me to get her a cloak.”
"A cape?" Ah Qi looked at the sky. "It's not cold today."
"Yes, it's not cold now, but it will definitely get chilly at night."
Ah Qi thought for a moment, "Then please wait a moment, Lord Xiang, I'll go get it."
Ah Qi had just found the cloak and hadn't even taken it out when Xiang Ruzhen suddenly said, "Forget it, they might be sleeping outside tonight. Even if they come back, Xunhuan Pavilion isn't far from here. I'm not going to serve her like an old man. I'm leaving."
Xunhuan Pavilion? Ah Qi stood there for a long time. Finally, clutching his cloak, he went out the door.
He was a man, not allowed to enter the pleasure quarters, but fortunately, he was no ordinary man either. Using his light-footed skills, he leaped onto the roof and immediately saw Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin sitting by the window, each with a woman in their arms, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Ah Qi suddenly felt dizzy, as if something was stuck in his chest, unable to go up or down, making him feel like he was suffocating.
He knew she was a flirt and that she had other men, but he always thought she was affectionate but not promiscuous, and that she would never like those vulgar young men in brothels who dressed up in fancy clothes and acted pretentiously.
Why? Did she see me as no different from these brothel boys? I actually thought I was special to her; I really overestimated myself.
Lu Jinlan, do you think you deserve the sincerity I gave you?
He walked aimlessly down the street, clutching his cloak, until someone blocked his way.
Ah Qi looked up and her eyes instantly reddened. "Thirteen, you're right, it's not worth it."
*
This play was originally intended for Ah Qi's audience; after he finished watching it, the show ended.
When Xiang Ruzhen went upstairs, Yan Wuxin was drinking alone with Lu Jinlan.
Xiang Ruzhen said, "That disguised servant probably got the news from A Qi and went to find an older woman. That woman is very good at light footwork, and our people are all lost. But I guess she must have gone to deliver a message to Cheng Yuanqing and Ling Xia. Tonight, there must be some changes within the Ling family army."
Lu Jinlan sighed, "His attitude towards me will change tonight."
Although Lu Jinlan had already triggered the "capture the heart" and "capture the body" prompts from A Qi, this broken system couldn't monitor the changes in people's hearts in real time. The fact that even Lu Jinlan could exploit the system bug shows just how big the system's flaws are.
If she hadn't been forced into this situation, Lu Jinlan would never have wanted to resort to this tactic. Putting aside everything else, she simply didn't want to cause unnecessary heartache.
Xiang Ruzhen said worriedly, "Men are the most venomous creatures. When he's angry, he's capable of anything. Maybe you shouldn't go back tonight."
Lu Jinlan shook her head. "I'd better clean up the mess I made myself, or it will only get worse."
She turned to Yan Wuxin and said, "You asked me the other day what my secret weapon was, and I didn't tell you. Now I'll tell you, the secret is sincerity. Sister, I put myself into this whole thing, and that Akhal-Teke horse is truly what I deserve. Let's go. If you want me to still be breathing tomorrow morning, come back with me and we'll put on another show."
Yan Wuxin was not optimistic. "He's not blind; he can see everything clearly. What kind of act can you possibly put on?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: Thirteen: Is it fun to lie to me? Are you taking advantage of my illiteracy? Being love-struck is hopeless...
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