Chapter 97: The cool morning dew settles the new house, and the undercurrent begins to surge to protect the pearl
At daybreak, the window paper of the west wing of the Fang Mansion was damp with morning dew. Ziwei sat on the edge of the bed, hugging her knees. The morning light slanted through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the hem of her plain skirt. She clutched the half of the jade pendant tightly in her hand, her fingertips repeatedly stroking the warm, winding patterns on it. A faint dark hue lingered in her eyes from a sleepless night.
"Awake so early?" Xiaoyanzi came in carrying a basin of water. Her pale yellow skirt swept across the threshold, bringing with it a fresh scent of jasmine. "I asked the kitchen to make some lotus seed and lily porridge to calm you down." She placed the copper basin on the dressing table, dipped a cloth in warm water, and gently handed it to Ziwei. "Wipe your face. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts."
Ziwei took the cloth and pressed it against her face. Warm steam rose from it, but she couldn't help but burst into tears again. "Ci'er, I dreamed of my mother last night. She was waiting for me by the Daming Lake in Jinan..." The cloth was quickly soaked with tears. "She waited her whole life, but in the end she didn't get a single answer..."
Xiaoyanzi sat down next to her and put her arm around her shoulders. The warmth of her palm passed through the fabric of her clothes. "Don't be sad. Now we have evidence. Your father will definitely give your mother an explanation." She paused, choosing her words. "My brother just sent a message saying that Emin is in turmoil and they're searching the whole city for the old postman. We have to be more careful."
Ziwei raised her head suddenly, and the towel slipped from her knees: "That uncle..."
"Don't worry, my brother hid him in Liu Qing and Liu Hong's warehouse. There's a secret room there, so it's very safe." Xiaoyanzi picked up the cloth, wrung out some hot water and handed it to her. "But it's inconvenient for you to always live in my house. E Min's people might target the Fang Mansion." Her eyes suddenly lit up and she clapped her hands. "I know there's a villa outside the city. It's my mother's dowry property. No one lives there usually. It's quiet and safe. Can I take you there to live?"
Ziwei looked at her sparkling eyes, a warm current flowing through her heart, and her nose felt sour: "Ci'er, I have caused you too much trouble..."
"What nonsense!" Xiaoyanzi reached out and scratched her nose, her tone filled with resentment but her eyes full of sincerity. "We are sisters! Your mother is gone, who else would I protect if not you?" She stood up, opened the wardrobe, and pulled out a moon-white cloak. "Hurry up and change your clothes. Let's go after breakfast, before dawn when there are fewer people around."
Ziwei watched her busy figure, her fingertips gently stroking the jade pendant in her arms, and suddenly felt much more at ease. This wealthy young lady, whom she had met by chance, gave her the warmest support in this unfamiliar capital.
After breakfast, Xiaoyanzi changed into a light blue shorts that made her easy to move around in. She handed Ziwei a heavy purse and said, "Here are some small change and banknotes. Use them for self-defense." She also tied a small dagger around Ziwei's waist and said, "My brother made this dagger for me. It can cut through iron like mud. Use it when you're in danger."
Ziwei clutched the purse, her fingertips burning: "I can't take your money..."
"Take it!" Xiaoyanzi held her hand, her eyes determined. "When you find your father, ask him to pay me back double!" She winked playfully. "Besides, you are my 'cousin' now. As a cousin, it is only natural for me to support her."
A carriage had already been prepared at the back door of the Fang Mansion, and the driver was Xiao Jian's trusted aide. Xiaoyanzi helped Ziwei into the carriage. The moment the curtain dropped, she whispered, "Don't lift the curtain on the way. I'll call you when we get there."
The carriage wheels churned across the bluestone pavement, making a rhythmic clatter. Ziwei leaned against the carriage wall, watching the street scene whizz by outside the window, her heart aching with excitement. Xiaoyanzi closed her eyes, resting, but her mind was calculating—if Emin couldn't find the old postman, he would surely target Ziwei. She had to find a way to get Ziwei to see her father as soon as possible. Only by obtaining the "Imperial Sword" could she be completely safe.
Half an hour later, the carriage stopped outside a secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city. Xiaoyanzi jumped out first, looked around, and made sure no one was following before helping Ziwei down. "We're here. This is my courtyard."
Ziwei looked up. A small courtyard with blue bricks and black tiles was hidden deep in the bamboo forest. A wooden sign reading "Su Mansion" hung on the doorway, clearly having been specially replaced. Pushing open the half-closed wooden door, she saw a few crabapple trees planted in the courtyard. Morning dew hung on the petals, making them glisten. The air was filled with the fragrance of grass and earth.
"This used to be where my grandmother lived. Later, she moved back to Jiangnan, and it's been empty ever since." Xiaoyanzi led her across the courtyard and pushed open the door to the main house. "It's fully furnished, and Jinsuo will come over to keep you company. I'll have Liuhong bring you groceries every day. Just stay here and don't run around."
The main room was clean and tidy, with freshly brewed tea on the table, clearly prepared long ago. Ziwei touched the warm teacup, her eyes reddening, "Ci'er, you're so good to me..."
"You're crying again!" Xiaoyanzi took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears, but her tone softened. "I told you, we're sisters. After the storm has died down in a few days, I'll take you to a place that might be able to help you find clues about your father." She leaned closer and lowered her voice. "I know someone in the palace who's very well-informed."
Ziwei's eyes lit up: "Really?"
"I lied to you, little dog!" Xiaoyanzi scratched her nose. Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside the yard and immediately became alert. "My brother has sent someone. I have to go back." She walked quickly to the door and turned back to warn, "Remember, don't open the door for anyone except me, Jinsuo and Liuhong!"
Watching Little Swallow disappear into the depths of the bamboo forest, Ziwei walked to the window and gently opened it a crack. The morning breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, and the warm sunlight shone through the gaps between the leaves onto the ground. She pulled out her mother's letter from her bosom, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles, and whispered softly, "Mom, did you see it? My daughter has met a good man. Don't worry, I will definitely find Dad and tell him how much you love him."
Meanwhile, in the Fang residence's study, Xiao Jian was handing Fang Zhihang a secret letter. The letter contained information Liu Qing had dug up overnight: E Min had gone to the palace to see Emperor Qianlong this morning. It was unknown what they had said, but he left with a gloomy expression and had ordered increased scrutiny of those coming to Beijing from Jinan.
"This Emin is indeed a ruthless villain." Fang Zhihang's fingers turned pale as he pinched the letter. "Ci'er was right to hide Ziwei, but... hiding forever isn't a solution."
Xiao Jian picked up the teacup and took a sip, his eyes sharp. "Don't worry, Dad. I've asked Liu Hong to keep an eye on the E Mansion. I'll find a way to get that rosewood box. As long as I have the evidence, I can shut him up." He paused, his tone serious. "It's just that Ci'er just told me that she wants to find an opportunity to let Ziwei enter the palace to see the emperor. I'm afraid..."
Fang Zhihang pondered for a moment, his brows furrowed. "The palace is not like the martial arts world. The emperor is of noble status, how can we just meet him whenever we want? If I do something wrong, it will harm Ziwei and bring trouble to our Fang family."
Xiao Jian nodded. "That's what I advised her too, but you know Ci'er's personality. Once she makes up her mind, no one can change it." He looked out the window. "But she knows what she's doing, so she probably won't act rashly."
Beneath the crabapple tree outside the study, a little swallow stood on tiptoe, reaching for the petals high above. Its pale yellow figure danced in the morning light, like a bird without a care in the world. But only she knew how many secrets and concerns lay beneath her seemingly relaxed exterior, carefully guarded. She placed the plucked crabapple blossoms in a porcelain vase, gazed at the delicate petals, and silently wished—may Ziwei find her family soon, may all the troubles of this life be overcome.
The morning mist in the capital gradually dissipated, the sun shone on the streets, and the undercurrent hidden beneath the calm surface was just beginning to surge.
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