Chapter 55 Supporting the Dragon: May I ask, young lady, for whom do you work?
Jiang Geyun placed her hand on the door.
Just as she was about to push it away, a sense of unease suddenly arose, making her heart tighten.
There's someone outside the door.
After a moment's pause, she finally decided to push open the door as originally planned.
The door wasn't locked, so if there was real danger, there was little point in her hiding inside.
A damp night breeze swept over her, hitting her head hard. The sticky, cold wind made Jiang Geyun, who was already exhausted from a long day, feel irritable.
Almost as soon as Jiang Geyun pushed open the door, the Cheng family servant outside bowed to her and respectfully asked, "What are your orders, Lady Jiang?"
...How come it's you?
Jiang Geyun subtly sized up the servants at the door.
She had clearly told them to leave, but the other party was still guarding the door, and it seemed they were even prepared to stay all night.
“It’s nothing serious,” Jiang Geyun said, “but I think I heard some noise.”
I could also smell a faint scent of blood.
The servant remained calm and said, "The wind and rain are too strong and have disturbed you, sir. I will have someone hang a curtain for you and bring some lichen and a screen."
Jiang Geyun quickly replied, "No need!"
She knew that wasn't the sound of wind and rain.
The servant was about to turn around when Jiang Geyun stopped her. She obediently turned back, glanced at Jiang Geyun's expression, and curtsied, saying, "Don't worry, my lord, this place is absolutely safe."
Jiang Geyun smiled in response.
Just as she was about to close the door and go back inside, a thought held her back.
Are these people Cheng Xi's or from the Cheng family?
At first glance, there may be no difference. However, based on her deduction of Cheng Xi's situation in the Cheng family, if she was transferred by the Cheng family, wouldn't Cheng Xi be in danger at all times?
She stopped what she was doing, looked inquisitively at the servant at the door, and asked, "May I ask who you work for, young lady?"
The servant hesitated for a moment, then quickly replied, "Of course it is for the master."
She gestured to Jiang Geyun towards where Cheng Xi was sleeping.
Jiang Geyun said, "I understand."
I don't understand at all.
This person was very careful with his words, only referring to himself as "master" without even mentioning the master's name.
The servant asked, "Does Lord Jiang have any further instructions?"
Jiang Geyun shook her head and closed the door.
The strange noises on the roof have disappeared, just like a gust of wind that came and went. If it were Wang Canjun living there, he certainly wouldn't have been able to stay for even a second longer.
Unlike Wang Canjun, Jiang Geyun was naturally not worried about ghosts or monsters.
Based on the records in today's investigation file, it can be inferred that the white-clothed ghost only harasses one person at a time. Since the white-clothed ghost has found Jiang Geyun, no one else in Lianzhou will suffer.
That's how it is for now.
Jiang Geyun wasn't worried about ghosts; what she was worried about was—people.
The people who are trying to stop her from investigating the case, the people who want to kill Cheng Xi... these are far more terrifying than the ghosts whose strength she can ascertain.
Looks like I'll have another sleepless night.
...
The wind was sparse and the rain was heavy, causing anxiety and a long night of torment.
Wang Canjun arrived at the Legal Affairs Office with an extremely haggard appearance.
He arrived exceptionally early and punctually today, unlike any other day.
As soon as he stepped inside, he began to look around, trying to find the Night Watcher who had come to his door yesterday and to get some definite information from her—whether the evil spirit could be exorcised or not, and whether he would die.
The clerks inside were busy, but Jiang Geyun, the key person, was not among them.
Based on her behavior yesterday, she doesn't seem like the type to neglect her duties.
Even if someone is truly neglecting their duties, surely they shouldn't pretend to be incompetent for only one day?
Wang Canjun was filled with indignation.
He immediately pointed to the clerk passing by, ignoring the files the clerk was carrying and his hurried demeanor, and asked directly, "Where is the Night Watcher?"
The clerk, who had been stopped by him, said respectfully, "Reporting to the military advisor, Lord Jiang arrived at Chenshi (7-9 AM), and afterwards..."
Halfway through his sentence, the clerk looked troubled and stopped talking.
Military Advisor Wang said impatiently, "Just tell me! What happened next?!"
The clerk lowered his head even further and said, "It seems... someone was sent out on an errand..."
Military Advisor Wang asked, "Did they say what the matter is?"
The clerk cursed Wang Canjun in his heart.
He hesitated and remained silent just now because he didn't know where the Night Watcher had gone. After what happened yesterday, how could he dare to ask? Why didn't this corrupt official ask him himself?
The clerk stammered, "This..."
Seeing that the clerk in front of him didn't know either, Wang Canjun changed the question: "Which clerk did she choose?"
This problem is not difficult.
The clerk replied, "It is Zhang Jingzhang's clerk."
Military Advisor Wang asked suspiciously, "I don't recall having such a person in my memory."
The clerk cursed inwardly, "What could you possibly remember, you corrupt official?" but smiled obsequiously and explained, "Clerk Zhang only arrived last month. She comes from a poor family in a small town. The guarantor is the old doctor at the clinic. It's normal for someone as important as you to forget things."
Unlike military service, clerks in the government office were officials outside the official ranks. As long as they knew some legal provisions, had solid writing skills, came from a respectable family, and had someone to vouch for them, they were eligible.
Wang, the military advisor, said with dissatisfaction, "Who said I forgot? It's just Zhang, Zhang Jing. Alright, alright, go down."
The clerk bowed and was about to leave.
"Wait a minute," Wang Canjun said slowly and deliberately, "Don't you have any sense at all? Don't you know to make me a pot of tea first? And those case files from yesterday, organize them and bring them to me. Are you just here to eat? Do I have to tell you what to do?"
The clerk nodded repeatedly, admitted his mistake, and hurriedly left with the files.
Wang Canjun swaggered to the head seat, and all the clerks along the way, no matter what they were busy with, greeted him respectfully as he passed by.
Wang Canjun sat down with peace of mind. He had no intention of looking at any case files and was about to start thinking about how to report back to that official.
*
The main hall of the governor's mansion.
Jiang Geyun was sitting in the hall, waiting to pay her respects to Prefect Cui of Lianzhou Prefecture.
The main hall is extremely spacious, with square bricks paving the floor. A main seat is placed in the center, behind which stands a screen. The beams and pillars are thick, the brackets are grand, and the walls are plain white with many cold, hard lines, creating a very solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Jiang Geyun picked up her teacup and took a sip, glancing at the clerk standing beside her. The clerk lowered his head and remained silent.
Jiang Geyun had just arrived at the Legal Affairs Office when she was stopped by Zhang, the clerk who had left a deep impression on her yesterday.
Zhang Jing lowered his head and asked her, "Lord Jiang, are some people coming to accompany you to pay your respects to Governor Cui?"
It's less of a question and more of a reminder.
Jiang Geyun understood and followed her words, saying, "That's right, thank you for your hard work..."
Zhang Jing said, "My surname is Zhang, and my given name is Jing. My name is Li Zao Zhang, and Jing is the same as Jingnan."
Jiang Geyun said, "Thank you for leading me there, Clerk Zhang."
The Legal Affairs Office and the Governor's Office were in the same building complex and not far apart. Soon, Jiang Geyun was led by Zhang Jing to the Governor's Office.
This clerk, Zhang, even prepared the visiting card.
Jiang Geyun became suspicious but didn't know where to start. The clerk Zhang had never made things difficult for her; frankly, he was just a considerate person. What could she possibly say?
—Of course she didn't trust Zhang Jing completely. She never squandered trust, and she remained vigilant towards Pei Xueyi, Zheng Yi, the Crown Prince, and even the clerk Zhang in front of her.
However, Zhang Jing can be put aside for now; the person we need to focus on most right now is Governor Cui.
...After waiting for so long, the governor still hasn't come to see us.
Jiang Geyun put down her teacup.
What a long and arduous intimidation! She's going to get hungry if they don't come soon.
Just as she was contemplating whether to storm off, a large group of people entered the main hall. Surrounded in the center was a woman in grey.
Compared to the tattered clothes that Zhengyi occasionally wore, which were so worn that she could sit on the street and beg, the gray-clad woman's clothes were simple in color, but their quality was clearly exceptional.
Her expression was serene, and she carried a strong scent of sandalwood, as if she had just left a hall for worshipping gods and had come here without stopping.
Speaking of which, I wonder if that white-robed ghost is a bully who preys on the weak and fears the strong, and wouldn't dare to approach such a convert who "has connections."
Probably not.
The white-clad ghost has already approached Jiang Geyun, clearly without considering this possibility.
Jiang Geyun made no move.
The woman in gray took the initiative to greet him, bowed to Jiang Geyun, and said, "I am truly sorry to have kept Lord Jiang waiting."
Jiang Geyun then stood up to return the bow, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
She asked, "Are you Governor Cui?"
The woman in gray paused for a moment before slowly speaking: "I am Xue, and there is an urgent matter in the manor that cannot be delayed for even a moment. My husband has to go to deal with it immediately. Before leaving, he specifically instructed me to apologize to Lord Jiang. It was really a sudden matter and he did not mean to be negligent."
When Xue spoke, she was quite flat, with little variation in tone or expression. She seemed more like a numb puppet than a living person.
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Geyun understood and calmly replied, "Prefect Cui's diligence in serving the king is a blessing to the people of Lianzhou. Official duties are of utmost importance, and I dare not blame him."
They hid and moved east and west.
It seemed like Jiang Geyun really wanted to see him.
“It’s good that Lord Jiang can understand. My husband is very concerned about you. Since you are not from Lianzhou, if you have no place to stay here,” Xue said indifferently, as if she had completed her task, “you might as well stay at the governor’s mansion for the time being.”
What, you failed to kill her last night, so you made her offer herself up?
Laughable, blaming the target for someone who's incompetent.
Jiang Geyun said, "Lord Cui is very thoughtful."
Madam Xue turned to the servant beside her and said, "Then..."
Jiang Geyun said, "I won't stay."
Xue stopped.
Madam Xue slowly turned around and said, "I will do as you say, sir. I am truly sorry. When my husband returns, I will convey your intention to visit. If you encounter any difficulties in Lianzhou in the future, my Cui family will be happy to help you. Please feel free to ask."
Jiang Geyun smiled slightly, said no more, cupped her hands and said, "In that case, I shall take my leave."
"Please take care, Lord Jiang," Madam Xue said, standing still without seeing him off, but raising her voice slightly. "Someone, please escort Lord Jiang out of the mansion properly."
Jiang Geyun strode out the door without waiting for the servants of the governor's mansion to catch up.
As soon as she stepped out, a young man in brocade robes walked into the hall.
The two brushed past each other, but she paid no attention and walked away.
The young master stood there watching her for a long time, until she had completely disappeared, before entering the main hall and calling out "Mother".
...
Zhang Jing followed Jiang Geyun and left together.
Jiang Geyun left the governor's mansion and suddenly stopped.
Zhang Jing asked at the opportune moment, "Is Lord Jiang returning to the Legal Affairs Office?"
“No,” Jiang Geyun said thoughtfully, “Are there any temples or Taoist monasteries in Lianzhou Prefecture?”
Zhang Jing did not ask Jiang Geyun why she asked this question, but calmly replied, "Of course, it's Daoyuan Bailong Temple. Does Lord Jiang want to go? I will give the carriage instructions."
Jiang Geyun was familiar with the name Bailong Temple.
It's not because of the original work, nor because I've seen it in modern times.
The original owner was a native of Fulong, Yingzhou.
The name "Fulong" has a deep connection with Bailong Temple.
The "dragon" in them refers to the same one.
It is said that this place where the dragon rises is also the source of the Dao. Seeing the white dragon soaring in the sky, the patriarch comprehended the Dao. Later, the white dragon encountered difficulties in Fulong. The local people were kind-hearted and rescued the dragon in distress, helping it return to the blue sky.
Jiang Geyun said, "Thank you for your trouble, Clerk Zhang. We shall depart immediately."
She had an idea—a faster way to solve the case than by going through the files.
Zhang Jing's efficiency once again exceeded Jiang Geyun's expectations.
Jiang Geyun had just had a vague idea after meeting Xue Shi when, in no time, Zhang Jing had already driven her to Bailong Temple in his carriage, and lunch was also prepared in the carriage.
By the time the two arrived at Bailong Temple, their lunch break had already passed.
The architectural style of Bailong Temple is similar to that of Yunshui Temple. If you were to show Jiang Geyun a corner of the picture, she might mistake it for Yunshui Temple. This is understandable, as the two are from the same source and are located close to each other.
I just don't know what activities Bailong Temple has been holding recently.
Jiang Geyun looked around.
The temple is adorned with numerous characters for "Tao," each unique in form, suggesting they were not all written by the same person. They resemble lanterns hung during a lantern festival, creating a dazzling array of designs.
Jiang Geyun stopped in front of one of the calligraphy pieces, instinctively feeling that it was somewhat familiar.
Just as she was about to ask Zhang Jing, who was beside her, if this "omnipotent" clerk knew anything, a kind voice suddenly rang in her ears.
"Miss Jiang."
Jiang Geyun looked up and saw—the Abbot of Yunshui Temple.
Now it's even harder to tell where she is.
Jiang Geyun cupped her hands in greeting and said, "Master You."
Abbot You nodded to her, looked her up and down with concern, and asked, "Miss Jiang, I wonder if your trip went smoothly?"
"Thank you for your concern, Abbot. Everything went smoothly," Jiang Geyun replied. "Why is the Abbot here?"
You Qianqiu has been living in seclusion for a long time and rarely leaves Yunshui Temple.
Meeting her at this time was not a good thing for Jiang Geyun.
Master You sighed and said to Jiang Geyun, "I have stayed in Yunshui Temple for too long and have no idea about the changes outside. There have been many strange phenomena recently. Taoist temples in various places are preparing to hold a ritual together. Bailong Temple is the source of Taoism, and Taoist temples in various places have sent people to pay their respects, also in order to pray for blessings together later."
Jiang Geyun raised her hand to indicate and asked, "These 'Dao' characters must have been sent by Taoist temples from various places. I think these characters are written by the abbots of the temples."
The abbot nodded approvingly and said, "That's right."
Jiang Geyun then asked, "What kind of strange phenomenon is the Abbot referring to?"
Abbot You said, "I thought Lord Jiang had already sensed something was amiss when he came here."
Jiang Geyun was taken aback.
Only then did he realize that she was wearing the official robes of the Night Watcher and had the Night Watcher's jade pendant hanging from her waist. Abbot You had seen her before, so of course he could recognize her.
Jiang Geyun shook her head and smiled, "I'm here on official business."
“This official business might just be one of the strange phenomena,” said the abbot. “The occurrence of ghosts and monsters is on the rise. The reason why the Tu Lan envoys came to the capital to pay tribute earlier than usual was because the Tu Lan mirages were appearing more frequently.”
I see.
Jiang Geyun asked, "Has the number of casualties increased?"
Master You said, “Not entirely. There have been incidents of harming people, but more often than not, there has been a lot of restlessness. Many of the ghosts and monsters that we thought we had eliminated have reappeared, making a special appearance. These ghosts and monsters seem to be proving their power to someone. We suspect... that something is about to be born.”
Jiang Geyun said, "I understand, thank you, Abbot."
This time, she truly understood.
The abbot called her back specifically, not only to catch up with an old friend he had just met, but also to remind her to be careful.
The abbot nodded with a smile.
...However, she might disappoint Abbot You.
The method Jiang Geyun just came up with has little to do with safety; in fact, in some people's eyes, it's no different from actively courting death.
Jiang Geyun paused for a moment and said, "But I have a matter that I need the abbot's help with."
She tried to smile innocently so that Abbot You wouldn't be too angry later.
The abbot replied kindly, "Go ahead."
...
Convincing Abbot You was more difficult than Jiang Geyun had imagined.
But now that Abbot You has arrived, Jiang Geyun's next move will inevitably be known to her, and there's no way to hide it, so she might as well just "confess".
After a long period of persuasion and an even longer period of operation, just before dusk, Jiang Geyun was finally able to leave Bailong Temple.
She stepped out of the main gate of Bailong Temple alone, looked up at the sky, and then looked down at Zhang Jing who was waiting.
Before she could reveal the truth to the abbot, she had already sent Zhang Jing away. After everything was over, she went to the door again and saw the unassuming but "all-powerful" clerk.
Just as Jiang Geyun was about to call out "Clerk Zhang", something in a more distant corner completely drew her attention away.
The familiar carriage, the familiar lanterns, the familiar coachman.
It was the Cheng family's sedan chair, waiting for her outside the White Dragon Temple.
Jiang Geyun felt relieved, gestured for Zhang Jing to follow, and lifted her foot to walk quickly away.
Before she could take a step, she suddenly stopped, her mind filled with doubt.
How did Cheng Xi know she was at Bailong Temple?
-----------------------
Author's note: I'm not even going to act anymore [covering face and peeking]
I'm going to finish this and then go back to work. I'll try to see the next chapter tomorrow, or at the latest the day after tomorrow. Muah!
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