Chapter 40 is quite simple; you can even handle it. ...
He seemed oblivious to her request, gazing up at her with a complex expression in his eyes. He smiled bitterly and said, "After searching for so long, you really are right beside me." As if his long-held anxiety had finally subsided, he sighed softly and slowly nodded. "How fortunate I am to have married the person who made me who I am. To me, Ami is no longer just a wife, but also my savior."
Enough of his hypocrisy, Shi Mi scoffed, "So this is how you treat your benefactor? Locking me in a birdcage and treating me like a bird."
Their conversation had completely baffled Ali Dao and the others. They had always believed that the Puppet Master was Fifth Sea's master, and that Ami was simply someone with an extra heart. It turned out that Ami was the one who created them all! No wonder she lived even when they died, and she was even more excited and carefree when they were alive.
An unprecedented sorrow appeared on the faces of the Yan people, their eyes brimming with tears as they murmured, "Ami..."
Shimi struggled to steady the corners of his mouth that were about to droop, and said with a sigh, "Now I finally understand why you all cling to me, because my blood flows in your veins."
It's almost like recognizing one's ancestors, except the scene of the reunion is a bit special.
Lu Min also untied the knot that had been lingering in his heart for many years. "When I was young, I heard my grandfather say that there were puppeteers in the world, but unfortunately, he couldn't find them anywhere and had to give up in the end. Judging from the age, the puppeteer he was talking about should not be you. So there is another puppeteer in and around Zhongdu..." As he spoke, he turned his gaze to the three puppeteers and said the same thing again, "Go and invite the puppeteer back. I will only give you two days. Be quick."
His ruthless pursuit finally provoked a furious outburst from the enlightened one: "Lu Min, you corrupt official who crosses the river and then destroys it! Do you think you can rest easy just because you control me? I might as well die, but you won't live past the summer solstice this year!"
Perhaps angered by his harsh words, he chuckled and said, "If you want to die, I won't stop you. I'll follow you to the underworld, so our bond won't be in vain. But you need to understand that more than 20,000 people from the city will be buried with me. Aren't you a hunter? Can you bear to watch those innocent people being pushed into the tomb, their bones becoming the foundation stones of the underground palace? Why not join hands with me and advance or retreat together? I can protect the people of Ancheng from death, and I can even grant you your request."
In truth, there was never any negotiation in this confrontation; it was all about threats from beginning to end. He captured her and put her in a cage, knowing that the puppeteers would go to any lengths to save her. She was like the string holding a kite; as long as she was there, the puppeteers would follow one after another to complete the task he assigned.
"Only two days." He reiterated, "If that puppeteer doesn't show up in two days, you'll never see Ami again. As for this arm, it's the same if you come back and repair it. After all, you can pass messages with your mouth, not your hands."
With that, he flicked his sleeve, and the doors to the hall swung open. His finger pointed straight into the pitch-black night. "Go quickly and come back quickly."
The Yan people glanced at Shimi one last time, struggled to their feet, and shot off like arrows, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Lu Min was still satisfied. Watching the gate close again, he strolled to the golden cage that imprisoned her and said gently, "The Yan people are not stupid. They are very loyal and brave, stronger than the living. It's just a pity that we can't create a large army of Yan people. If we could, there would be no rivals in the world. Wherever we go, we will raze the land to the ground, and we wouldn't have to worry about casualties."
Every word he uttered was a veiled reference. The identity of the Puppeteer couldn't be hidden for long, but as for his deeper origins, Shi Mi didn't know how much he knew. So, he deliberately tested him, "Why are you so determined to dig out the Puppeteer? Is it merely for self-preservation, or do you really want to build a large army of Puppeteers?"
"You didn't even realize that I was fulfilling your long-cherished wish?" His eyes seemed to conceal a thousand sharp blades, narrowing slightly and turning into countless swirling cold lights. "The Heavy Cavalry General's leave request was sent to the interrogation hall before dusk. It's said he was seriously injured in a fall from his horse and will need ten to fifteen days to recover. Judging by this trend, soon the remaining five generals will all be afflicted with various problems and fall ill. Rather than taking them down one by one, it would be better if I summoned them all. Whether you want to turn them into puppets or half-puppets, it's entirely up to you."
He stopped calling her "lady," a change in address that highlighted the antagonism between them. So she was still one step behind; despite trying many methods, she ultimately couldn't escape his surveillance.
He didn't reveal her true origins, whether deliberately avoiding the question or genuinely unaware. In truth, Shimi leaned towards the former; how could one live with a clear conscience when hatred was so blatant? Since reconciliation was impossible, ambiguity was the only option, even feigning ignorance. But she knew in her heart that he already knew she was going to target the Six Guards General; by following this line of reasoning, how could he not know her background?
However, his attitude did surprise her. "The Grand Tutor doesn't care about turning the Six Guards Generals into half-crippled puppets. Why?"
He lowered his head and smiled, "Because we share secrets, we can be without distinction between you and me. Although these people once risked their lives under my command, once the country is settled, they will inevitably have their own thoughts. Yan Shi and I are ultimately of one mind, right? With you keeping them in check, the Six Guards of Zhongdu are all in my hands, and I can finally let down my guard and completely trust them."
After hearing his words, Shi Mi leaned against the cage bars and laughed bitterly, "What a clever scheme to turn the tables on me. I was still used by you."
The cruel expression on his face slowly faded, replaced by genuine and pure emotion. He said gently, "Ami, like those Yanren, I am filled with gratitude and affection for you. Please believe me, I will never hurt you. Don't you like Chong'an City? As long as you are by my side, always standing with me through thick and thin, even I am yours. Chong'an City can naturally be yours as well."
She leaned against the cage, turning her eyes to look down at him. "I know you're very generous. Look, even the birdcage was custom-made for me. Knowing I like gold, you plated it with gold. If I like colorful things in a couple of days, you'll definitely be willing to have it encrusted with gemstones."
Her words were full of mockery. He knew she resented him. He believed in destruction before construction, and some resentments couldn't be ignored; it was better to bring them out into the open. Before, he was weak, and all he wanted was to survive and get rid of that useless body. Now that everything was back in his hands, the desires hidden deep within his heart broke free of their shackles and burst forth.
When the Yan ruler became emperor, he served as the emperor's tutor, influencing royal affairs for fifteen years. However, this relationship was not secure. Back when the Yan dynasty was relegated to the south, the Lu family was the head of the four prominent clans. The expansion of their power influenced the emperor. If his grandfather had not died, the Lu family would have been wiped out long ago.
The death of one person ensured the safety of the entire clan—a compromise born of desperation. But the peace gained through sacrifice was temporary. Thirteen years later, a new round of purges was brewing. Fewer and fewer officials from the four great clans were being appointed to the court, and Emperor Shengyuan favored scholars from humble backgrounds and without connections. Because they lacked power, they were easier to eliminate when it was time to discard them.
He and his grandfather shared the same burden; his grandfather had died, and he would soon perish. But fate granted him a glimmer of hope: the puppetry technique his grandfather had searched for so long might be of use to him. Mastering the puppetry technique would be like adding wings to a tiger; the remaining task was to persuade this troublesome girl and win her over willingly.
“I’ve said it before, this was a last resort. As long as they can bring the puppeteer back, I’ll release you immediately.” His voice grew even gentler, his eyes overflowing with sweetness. “Ami, you’ve long felt my affection for you, but you always teased me for being a half-puppet, never treating me like a stranger. I have to thank heaven for allowing the body-swapping technique to preserve a heart. My entire body is a gift from you, but this heart is my own. It loves you, not as a mere borrowed gift, but with all its might. Why don’t you let go of your stubborn resentment? Since we’ve already sworn brotherhood, let’s be husband and wife forever.”
Shi Mi listened quietly, thinking to herself that good eloquence is indeed good; even ingratitude can be described in such a moving way.
Turning her head away, she listlessly poured cold water on the idea, "Our sect has rules: you can't fall in love with a puppet. Anyone who violates this rule will be expelled from the sect and thrown into a fire. Do you want to be burned to death?"
He paused, then said, "I have the ability to abolish this rule."
She laughed as she listened. "Stop talking nonsense," she said, patting the brocade cushion beside her. "If you're so capable, come and keep me company, and I'll believe what you say."
He must have genuinely considered her suggestion, standing silently before the cage. Shimi chuckled coldly, propping her chin on her hand as she began to reflect with melancholy, wondering how she had come to this. She had been too arrogant, thinking that by holding life and death in her hands, she could control him completely.
But before her mockery had even subsided, the drawbridge connecting the birdcage was lowered. He stepped over the gilded and silver-inlaid steps, walked slowly to the cage door, opened it under her surprised gaze, and stepped into the golden cage.
"I'll come with you, so believe me. You said it yourself, so don't go back on your word."
He seemed to think he looked dashing and very masculine. Shimi stood up, supporting herself on the cage bars. With a flick of her right hand, the taut band on her wrist instantly stretched and straightened, transforming into a slender sword in her hand.
She lunged at him. This heart had nourished his body long enough; once removed, Xiao Wu would return. With Lu Min's intelligence and Xiao Wu's obedience, everything would return to its original state. What use would this filthy heart be then?
Her murderous intent was palpable, but he was prepared. Without hesitation, he struck her shoulder blade, the one holding the sword, followed by a punch. She couldn't defend herself; she felt her collarbone shatter, and she could no longer hold the sword, which clattered to the cage floor.
Incredulous, she clutched her shoulder and asked, "You've shown no mercy. Do you still want me to prolong your life?"
He could only apologize, "I'm sorry, I've been through too many life-or-death crises, I acted without thinking." As he spoke, he kicked the sword away; its slender blade passed through the gaps in the cage bars and landed on the ground, about two zhang above the ground. Only then did he smile frankly, "Do you have any other weapons?"
Shi Mi glared angrily, "What else? Do you think I'm an armory?" He cursed as he checked his shoulder blade. Luckily, it wasn't broken; if it had, it would have been a fight to the death.
In his mind, even though the puppeteer was a formidable figure, the threat was halved once this identity overlapped with hers. While vigilance was essential, his instincts remained strong when near her; he needed to repeatedly hone his skills in balancing intimacy and distrust to find the optimal equilibrium.
"Don't be angry with me." He held her hand and said, "Weren't we good last night? As long as we forget about today, everything will be clear by tomorrow."
Shi Mi disdainfully shook off his hand, "You intend to have a romantic talk with me in a birdcage? I'm the one who's been forcibly confined here, but you've come to the right place."
He knew she was implying something, calling him a jerk, but it didn't matter, as long as he could appease her.
I once heard a saying: "Even a fierce woman can be undaunted by a persistent suitor." This proved true. So, I roughly pulled her close, but my tone was gentle. "I'll come in and wait with you, isn't that good? Don't worry, I'll treat that puppeteer well. All the spies sent from Longcheng that I could win over, I've done; those I couldn't bribe, I've killed. Only Li Qiao is a real problem, but as long as the puppeteer is willing to help, deceiving the court won't be a problem. Chong'an City is now like an iron barrel. You can live here peacefully, without having to hide. Just do whatever you want. Puppets or automatons, make as many as you like. No one will come to check anymore. You can even empty the entire Lirenfang for your own use."
Shi Mi curled the corners of her lips, a playful smirk on her face: "I actually find your explanation quite plausible. Am I being foolish?"
Seeing this, he was secretly pleased. "Since it's advantageous, why refuse? I have no unreasonable demands; I'm just asking Master Yan to lend a helping hand in a last resort."
Shi Mi stared at the magnificent caisson ceiling of the palace and began to deliberately stall him, "Since you don't want to make things difficult for us, I'm willing to show you some leniency. It's best not to set up scouts inside or outside the courtyard of Li Ren Fang, and allow us to move freely. Grand Tutor, just give us any orders you may have, and as long as we can do it, we will naturally do it for you."
He smiled, gazing intently at her. "It's them, not you. Since you've married me, everything will remain the same. Stay by my side and extend my life when the time comes..." He lowered his head and kissed the corner of her lips. "I remember you said that Banyan and a living person can have children... Ami, you're a living person, aren't you?"
Shi Mi was almost unable to suppress the fire in her heart. This corrupt official not only wanted her blood, but also wanted to take advantage of her! Wasn't it tragic enough that her country was destroyed and her family was ruined? Did he have to take advantage of her completely before he would stop?
She glared at him with a misplaced tooth, her eyes filled with hostility, which made him feel somewhat wary. He changed his tone and said with a forced smile, "Don't be angry, there's no rush. We can have another child when we want to."
He never expected that the woman who had wanted to tear him to pieces just a moment ago would turn into a gentle, loving presence. Her hands slipped under his armpits, and she hugged him tightly. "Seriously, this cage is quite interesting..."
Although he remained vigilant, her allure to him was so strong that it seemed to transcend life and death.
She looked up and waited, while he looked down to search. In that instant, a dark, cold glint swept across his eyes, and even though he reacted quickly, the tip of the dagger pierced his chest, just a hair's breadth away from a fatal wound.
He winced in pain, forcefully pushing her away, blood quickly staining his clothes. He gritted his teeth, pressing hard on his wound, his eyes seeming to devour her. "So you did have a backup plan. This meteorite iron can remove the heart without damaging the meridians, is that right?"
Having been caught red-handed, she had nothing to deny, but she was adept at downplaying the seriousness of the matter: "You've thoroughly offended people, yet you still want to take advantage of them. If I don't teach you a lesson, I'm afraid you won't remember it."
Yes, it was his oversight; this woman wasn't as easy to tame as he'd imagined. Since gentle persuasion didn't work, he'd have to resort to force. He clutched his wound as he withdrew from the cage, his voice filled with resentment: "Please, Master Yan, calm down here. Remember, don't try to kill yourself. If you die, everyone connected to you will be executed. Try me if you don't believe me!"
He turned and left, the heavy door slamming shut behind him with a loud bang.
Shimi's tense body finally relaxed, and she sat dejectedly at the bottom of the cage. The Buddha statues on all four sides still looked down at her, and the candlelight cast deep and shallow shadows on the huge Buddha faces, making it difficult to distinguish whether they were peaceful or wrathful.
Sigh... She slid down and collapsed. The cage bars tightly enveloped her, conveying a sense of unfulfilled ambition and premature death. He didn't want her to commit suicide, and of course, she wouldn't do the same. As long as she was alive, there was hope. She had gone to great lengths only to take him with her, and had learned countless mechanical arts in vain!
However, she did understand that the "everyone" he referred to included not only Senior Brother Gu, but also the Xie family members imprisoned in Yuancheng. His open desire to bring the Six Guards of Zhongdu under his control showed that he wasn't entirely loyal to Emperor Shengyuan. Therefore… perhaps an opportunity for cooperation could be found in the cracks; letting him take Baiyujing first, and then taking him down, wasn't out of the question.
It's so simple, and you can even manage it. Shi Mi isn't one to suffer for herself; she always felt that as long as the knife doesn't sever her neck, there's always room for maneuver. It's just that she's dragged Senior Brother Gu down with her, causing him to wander aimlessly, while she's always relied on their camaraderie to do nothing for him.
With his mind in turmoil, life in the birdcage was unbearable. He didn't know how much time had passed when he vaguely realized that the palace door had opened. He quickly sat up and saw Gu Jingguan and Lu Min walking in together.
She immediately came to her senses, clutching the cage bars, utterly ashamed. "Senior brother, I've been ambushed by a villain."
She never cursed behind people's backs, so Lu Min's expression naturally turned sour.
Gu Jingguan sighed and turned to Lu Min, saying, "Grand Tutor Lu, I have arrived. Please release my junior sister."
He kept his word. The suspension bridge slowly descended, and the cage door opened by itself. He watched her stumble out and said calmly to Gu Jingguan, "Imperial Censor Li's body is in the mortuary. The puppeteer can see it at any time. Within three days, I need a puppet that is indistinguishable from a real one."
"Three days?" Gu Jingguan exclaimed in surprise, "How can three days be enough?"
Lu Min smiled. "Just three days. There's no need to be so meticulous. You can use the excuse of recuperating to deceive the accompanying officials. There's plenty of time for you to refine it gradually."
He has already figured out the steps to make the puppet, so it seems we have no choice but to do as he says.
Gu Jingguan said, "Alright," and calmly shielded Shi Mi behind him. "We still need Junior Sister's help to finish the work. Please let us leave, Grand Tutor. In three days, we will return to you a Li Yushi who has deceived everyone."
Lu Min fell silent, torn between letting her go and not letting her go. If he let her go, the girl's quirky and unpredictable nature made him unsure of himself; if he didn't let her go, he wouldn't be able to finish the task within three days, which was truly a difficult problem.
His hawk-like eyes gazed at her intently for a moment, and finally he made up his mind. "I hope you two will hand over the person within the agreed time." After saying that, he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to her. "Thank you for your hard work, Madam. I will personally escort you back to the manor in three days."
Shimi said no need, "I plan to stay in Lirenfang and continue to serve the Grand Tutor. You can think about it again and bring up any other requests you may have." Knowing what he was worried about, she generously agreed, "When the time comes, come to Lirenfang to see me, and I will solve your urgent problem."
He didn't buy it after hearing this. "Do you want to sever ties with me? As a wife, you're not by your husband's side, but staying in the old house sharing a room with other men. I don't mind, but I'm afraid you'll implicate my senior brother and cause gossip."
Shi Mi felt resistant and tugged at Gu Jingguan's sleeve, saying, "Senior brother, I don't want to go back here. He'll lock me in a birdcage."
However, outsiders had no say in the matter. He silently pulled her hand off Gu Jingguan's sleeve. "Don't worry, this is a one-time thing. You should go back with Mr. Gu. Remember, I will come to pick you up in three days."
It seems there's no room for negotiation, so we have no choice but to get out first and then discuss countermeasures.
Shi Mi didn't say much, but called out softly "Senior Brother" before the two quickly walked out of the hall.
Lu Min watched them walk away, his eyes cold as the frost spread across his face.
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