90 Chapter 90
Open your heart
The joy of meeting an old friend in a foreign land instantly manifested on her face.
The women in the courtyard heard the noise and came over. They first greeted Xu Qinglang enthusiastically, and then carefully observed Xie Mingzhuo and Jiang Qing.
"These two kids look unfamiliar. Where are they from?"
Xu Qinglang now saw Xie Mingzhuo's face clearly, his eyes filled with even greater excitement. He hurriedly said, "Miss Wang, I've seen them before while traveling, and I didn't expect to meet them again at the salt farm."
"You recognize him?" Miss Wang, the hostess of this house, said with a friendly smile. "What's his name? And why are you at the saltworks?"
They didn't hear Xu Qinglang's words clearly just now.
Jiang Qing replied innocently, "My name is Tiegun, and my brother's name is Tiezhu. Master Yan brought us in."
"Boss Yan is urging me to come." Miss Wang's smile faded a little. "What's going on between you two?"
Xie Mingzhuo keenly caught the change in her expression, and when he looked at the other women, he saw that their eyes were mostly wary and not respectful enough.
She said honestly, "I don't have a bed frame at my place, so I'd like to borrow a few straw mats. I just passed by and saw the kind-hearted lady, so I couldn't help but stop."
No one dislikes hearing compliments, and Miss Wang was no exception. Her smile grew even more genuine. She sized them up for a moment and said, "Doctor Xu knows you. So what's the point of borrowing it? How can you sleep on a straw mat? I happen to have an unused bed plank at home, so I'll give it to you two."
Xu Qinglang immediately said, "Miss Wang, from now on, all consultation fees will be waived."
"No, no, no."
"Yes, yes," Xu Qinglang said with a smile, "Miss Wang, please don't be polite with me. They saved my life, so this is my way of repaying them. Please grant me your wish."
The other women all laughed.
Miss Wang also smiled: "Yes, I'll make it happen. Is a bed board enough? We need a clay stove, pots and bowls to live and eat in the future."
"There are two more brothers who need two bed boards." Jiang Qing said embarrassedly, "We can find a way to deal with the rest ourselves."
"Oh, it's quite rare," a woman said with a kind smile, "a bed board is not a simple thing. I have an old one at home, I can make do with it."
"Thank you, Miss Zhang!" Xu Qinglang returned the favor again. "I heard that Brother Zheng injured his waist while carrying salt today. I'll go check on him later."
"Okay, okay."
After a conversation, the woman no longer treated Xie Mingzhuo and the other man as outsiders. She asked the boys in her family to help and carried the two bed boards to the end of the village.
Miss Wang and Miss Zhang each borrowed an old quilt, and the other women also gave some food for Xu Qinglang's sake.
The old house at the end of the village.
Yan Shan and Yan Tai were huddled together by the fire, enduring the familiar hunger and cold, when they suddenly heard a noisy sound of footsteps and voices approaching from afar.
The two separated immediately, stood up and looked in the direction of the sound.
The leaders were Tiezhu and Tiegan, who were working together to move a bed board. Behind them were three or four young men, some moving the bed and some carrying the quilt. There was also a young girl next to them who was particularly conspicuous, holding a small bamboo basket in her hand.
Aren't you here to borrow the straw mat? Why did you bring back so many belongings?
Yan Shan and Yan Tai looked at each other, and the same thought came to their minds: could it be that the young girl took a fancy to the two strong and powerful brothers, so she generously gave them so many things and asked their brothers to help?
Otherwise, how to explain the scene before us?
"Brother Tiegun, this house is too simple. Why don't you move in with me?" Xu Qinglang's voice came clearly.
They both: “…”
Just say there is something fishy!
"It's so inconvenient for you, a girl." Jiang Qing shook her head and declined.
Xu Qinglang was a little disappointed, but he also knew that the two adults were carrying out a secret mission, so he didn't continue to persuade them. Instead, he said, "Then come to my place for a meal tonight. You can't go to bed hungry. I'll help you buy some pots and pans tomorrow. Don't refuse me this time."
"Sister Xu, that's too much trouble for you."
"It's not a trouble, it's a deal." Xu Qinglang didn't give them a chance to object.
Xie Mingzhuo said seriously, "Thank you very much."
"Brother Tiezhu, don't be polite to me."
When they reached the door, the young and strong men helped carry the bed into the house, then said goodbye to Xu Qinglang and left.
Jiang Qing introduced: "Xu Meizi, this is the Yan Tai and Yan Shan brothers, A Shan, Xu Meizi is a doctor, I've met her before."
The two parties were strangers yet, so they smiled and greeted each other.
"Brother Tiezhu, you can save the pancakes for tomorrow. You can come to my place and have something hot." Xu Qinglang invited again.
Xie Mingzhuo also wanted to ask her why she was there, so he nodded and thanked her.
The waning moon was like a hook, and the clear moonlight fell on the salt field, coating it with a layer of frosty white, like salt crystals spread all over the ground. The cool night breeze blew by, and it seemed to be mixed with a bit of wet and salty.
"Sister Xu, why are you at the salt field?" Jiang Qing lowered her voice so as not to disturb the villagers along the way.
Xu Qinglang: "I traveled to Jianzhou and happened to meet Miss Wang who was taking her old man to seek medical treatment. I helped her and was invited to be her guest. Later, I saw that there were many patients in the salt field, so I stayed."
"Are you traveling alone?" Jiang Qing was surprised.
"yes."
Yan Shan said sincerely, "Doctor Xu is truly courageous and insightful."
"You're not bad," Xu Qinglang said as he glanced at her face. "You're still running around even though you're in such poor health."
“…”
Yan Shan smiled dryly and said, "Doctor Xu's medical skills are also extraordinary."
"When you get to my house, I'll check your pulse. If you don't take care of yourself, your life span will be shortened. I'm not trying to scare you."
"I appreciate your kindness, but I know what I'm doing, so there's no need to trouble you, Doctor Xu." Yan Shan declined in a low voice.
Xu Qinglang glanced at Yan Tai and asked, "You're just going to let her ruin her body?"
Yan Tai wanted to say something but stopped himself. He couldn't help but look at Yan Shan with a pleading look in his eyes. Seeing her determined expression, he had to keep silent.
"Aqing, let's talk about it when we get to your house." Xie Mingzhuo said.
"Okay."
Xu Qinglang practiced medicine in the salt field. The cooks were very welcoming, and even Yan Dafa was polite to her. The house arranged for her was similar to Wang Niangniang's house and was also quiet.
"I was just delivering medicine to Miss Wang's house. I didn't expect to run into you here."
Xu Qinglang groped for the candlestick and lit the lamp, and the dark room instantly became bright.
"I'll make some noodle soup."
Jiang Qing immediately stood up: "I'll help you."
"Is there anything I can help with?" Yan Tai followed, unwilling to eat for free.
Only Xie Mingzhuo and Yan Shan were left in the room.
The candlestick stood quietly in the middle of the eight-immortal table, the flames dancing on their faces, then reflected into their eyes, lighting up a cluster of fireworks.
The two looked at each other across the flames.
"Thank you and Tiegun for tonight." Yan Shan spoke first.
"Thanks to Ah Qing." Xie Mingzhuo's eyes fell on her neck. "Ah Qing is a good doctor. With your health, you won't last long in the salt field."
"Doctor Xu is indeed a kind-hearted doctor." Yan Shan answered the question irrelevantly.
The evening breeze blew into the main room, and she shuddered suddenly, but forced herself to hold it back. She clasped her hands under the table and pretended to be calm.
Xie Mingzhuo didn't know her purpose, and she didn't know Xie Mingzhuo's identity. Both of them had secrets in their hearts, and many things could not be said openly.
But from their daily interactions and Yan Shan's disguised identity when entering the salt field, it can be seen that she should want to secretly investigate the inside story of the salt field.
The imperial examinations in the Qi Dynasty were extremely strict. It was impossible for a woman to dress up as a man to take the exam, and it was even more impossible for her to be awarded the position of Salt Inspector after passing the exam.
However, Yan Shan's handwriting was exactly the same as that on the memorial submitted by the Imperial Censor of Salt.
Outside the salt field, Xie Mingzhuo heard it clearly when Yan Shan persuaded Yan Dafa.
How could a salt inspector have a way to increase salt production? If she didn't, how could she withstand Yan Dafa's wrath?
The candle made a crackling sound.
The fireworks dancing in the wind spewed out tongues of flame, as if to burn out the last bit of candle wax and dispel every dark corner.
Xie Mingzhuo made a decision quickly.
Five bowls of hot noodle soup were served on the table, and the main room suddenly became lively and warm.
There was a boiled egg in each bowl, and the one in Xie Mingzhuo's bowl was the biggest.
After eating a bowl of noodles, my originally cold hands and feet immediately became warm.
Yan Shan rarely felt warmth from the inside out. The warm current circulated in her body, and the pain in certain parts of her body was swept away.
She expressed her sincere gratitude again: "I will always remember Dr. Xu's kindness and will definitely repay you in the future."
"That's not necessary." Xu Qinglang said sarcastically, "If you don't want treatment and recuperation, your life span will be short, and I won't be able to see the day when you repay me."
Yan Shan: “…”
Yan Tai hesitated to speak again, his eyes full of worry.
"Ah Qing, take her pulse." Xie Mingzhuo ordered suddenly, leaving no room for doubt. "Use the iron rod to hold her down."
Jiang Qing jumped up instantly and pressed down Yan Shan's shoulders to prevent her from getting up and running away.
"Atai!" Yan Shan called out in a hurry, but saw Yan Tai sitting there in a daze, as if nailed to the spot by something.
She subconsciously turned her head and was met with a pair of eyes that were stern but not angry. The gaze was so deep and sharp that it made her unable to muster the slightest desire to resist.
"you……"
"Ah Qing, take her pulse."
Xu Qinglang responded, grabbed her left hand, and placed his fingertips on it, teasing her, "Are you worried that I'll find out you're a woman? Don't be nervous. I'm only responsible for treating patients and have no interest in their secrets."
“…”
If Jiang Qing hadn't held him down, Yan Shan would have jumped up from the ground and escaped to his death.
Yan Tai was also shocked, but he always listened to Yan Shan's orders. He didn't know what to do without Yan Shan's words.
After a moment, Yan Shan knew he couldn't escape, so he stared at Xie Mingzhuo and said awkwardly, "Can you keep this a secret for me?"
"I have conditions."
"What is it?"
"Your identity, and your purpose for sneaking into the salt pan."
Yan Shan restrained his expression and said, "Sorry, I can't say."
"You've been seriously injured and haven't had proper rest. Your body is severely depleted. Now you're just hanging on by a thread. If you continue like this, you'll die young."
Xu Qinglang withdrew his hand and asked, "Do you want to be treated?"
"Need not."
Yan Tai finally couldn't help it and begged in a hoarse voice: "Treat him, I can't endure it any longer."
The room fell silent, the only sound being the sound of Xu Qinglang clearing away the dishes. Five bowls were stacked one on top of the other, their bottoms pressed against the sides, tightly packed together, standing firm.
Yan Shan suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze complex and cold: "You are not an ordinary laborer at all. Who are you?"
"Secrets need to be exchanged." Xie Mingzhuo said calmly, "Who are you?"
Yan Shan seemed to compromise and said, "My family has fallen on hard times, and I came to the salt field to seek cooperation with the general manager to earn salt profits. It's your turn."
"I see," Xie Mingzhuo said in a startling tone, "I'm here on orders from the Imperial Salt Inspector to investigate the malpractices at the salt works."
"How is that possible?!" Yan Shan blurted out.
Xie Mingzhuo was at his ease: "Brother Yan, what are your thoughts?"
“…”
As the two sides confronted each other, Yan Shan's expression became more complicated, mixed with a hint of surprise, uncertainty and cold determination.
What iron pillars and iron bars? They actually deceived everyone!
"Mr. Yan, are you still going to treat him?" Xu Qinglang came back after washing the dishes and broke the stagnant atmosphere without any hesitation.
"Treat...Treat!" Yan Tai said it once, and he dared to say it again, "Ashan, I can't bear to watch you burn yourself to death."
Yan Shan's identity had been exposed, so she had no reason to object to treatment. However, she still said, "I don't have any money. I can't afford the consultation fee."
"Aren't you going to sell salt? I'll owe you the money first." Xu Qinglang didn't care at all. He took the medicine box and slung it over his shoulder. "Brother Tiezhu, I promised you that I have to go to Miss Zhang's house."
Xie Mingzhuo nodded and watched her leave, then looked at Yan Shan: "Treat the patient and make money at the same time, Brother Yan, do you have any unspeakable secrets?"
"You were ordered to investigate the salt business, how could you allow me to seize the salt profits?"
"That's right." Xie Mingzhuo said seriously, "Why don't you agree to be my informant? I can pay your consultation fee for you."
Yan Shan was choked.
If she exposes her, her own identity will be exposed; if she doesn't expose her, she will be worried.
Why did this man pretend to be a subordinate of the Salt Inspector? What is his true identity?
"Have you made up your mind?" Xie Mingzhuo reached out to break off the wax that had dripped onto the candlestick and rubbed it with his fingertips.
His posture is casual, but for some reason it makes people dare not relax.
Yan Shan looked at the person in front of him again. She had a dark complexion, thick eyebrows, and only two clear and deep eyes, which were inconsistent with her "honest" appearance.
Looking at his neck, he can see several protruding laryngeal bones due to his thinness, but if you look closely, it is obvious that they have nothing to do with the Adam's apple.
There are examples of men with no prominent Adam's apples and thin voices. Coupled with her extremely generous and frank behavior, it is easy for people to have preconceived ideas and no longer have any doubts.
She is a woman!
Yan Shanfu was puzzled as to why she was not surprised at her identity as a woman, because she had already guessed that she was a woman disguised as a man.
But she had her own reasons for dressing as a man, so why did this person sneak into the salt field disguised as a man?
Yan Shan's gaze subconsciously fell on Jiang Qing.
Tiezhu is a woman. She slept in the same bed with Tiegun before, without any distinction between men and women. Excluding the fact that they were husband and wife, there was only one possibility left: Tiegun was also a woman.
Her thoughts were clearer than ever before, and she felt as if the river was rushing and the sea was gathering, and the clouds were clearing to reveal the sun.
The news of the princess and Captain Jiang's disappearance has spread like wildfire and is no longer a secret!
Her hands began to tremble, followed by her legs and feet, her chest, and finally even her breathing and eyes trembled uncontrollably.
Is it possible?
The princess is a noble and honorable person. Is she really willing to transform herself into such a "vulgar" appearance, eating wind and drinking dew day and night, and endure hardships, just to personally investigate the salt affairs?
But if she wasn't a princess, who else could be this woman with such extraordinary bearing and majesty?
Her eyes and changes in breath were all seen by Xie Mingzhuo.
Xie Mingzhuo understood. Facing Yan Shan's eager gaze for confirmation, she did not say it directly, but only said slowly:
"Many of the wells and stoves in Shu are located along the banks of two rivers, in steep, rugged terrain, and in areas with high sand depths. ... If the brine supply is normal and politics is peaceful, the stove workers will have adequate food and no worries about starvation or freezing. If the brine supply is low and the annual quota cannot be exempted, the stove workers will find it difficult to absolve themselves of their duties and face unbearable hardship. Therefore, we should consider the yield of each well and the difficulty of employing workers, and make separate arrangements to avoid burdening the stove workers with additional expenses and levies."
With every word she read, Yan Shan's eyes brightened.
After the last sentence was uttered, Yan Shan's face flushed, he stood up suddenly, walked around the bench and table, bent his knees, and was about to kneel on the ground.
A steady and powerful hand lifted her arms. The warmth from the palm penetrated the thin sleeves and was deeply imprinted on Yan Shan's skin, then flowed through the blood to reach her heart.
"You and I are both dedicated to the country and share the same ideals. There's no need for such grand ceremony," Xie Mingzhuo said, speaking from the heart. "Your writings are as brilliant as the clouds and jade, and I'm filled with emotion reading them. I've long wanted to meet you. Now that I've met you, you truly are a noble person, a man of unworldly beauty."
"I am ashamed," Yan Shan said, his head bowed, almost crying, "my writing is so shallow that it has not even touched upon the slightest aspect of the problem."
What Xie Mingzhuo just read was the memorial of Censor Xiang. The memorial indeed only mentioned some superficial issues and did not delve into the tragedy of the salt administration.
She had doubts about this before, but after meeting Yan Shan, she understood her difficulties.
This is because of the difficult situation, the obstacles in submitting the petition, and the blatant threat to life.
Only by writing about some superficial shortcomings and not endangering the interests of corrupt officials could her memorial be successfully submitted to the emperor.
These problems have existed in the salt fields since ancient times. Even if the emperor saw them, he would not care whether the salt workers suffered or not, and it would not affect their continued reap of huge profits from illegal salt production.
"You've done very well," Xie Mingzhuo said gently and calmly. "If you still want to serve the country, then listen to Ah Qing's advice and take good care of your health. If you die young, wouldn't Daqi lose a sincere and virtuous person?"
"But I..." But I am a woman.
Xie Mingzhuo smiled and said, "Who can predict what will happen in the future?"
Yan Shan's tears rolled down and he almost choked with sobs. He didn't care about Xie Mingzhuo's attempt to stop him and knelt down to apologize.
"I, a commoner, am guilty of impersonating an official appointed by the imperial court. I deserve the death penalty."
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