Chapter 48 Chapter 48 Found, Disposed
Just three days into the twelfth lunar month, Yuqing City had its first snowfall of the winter. Though not particularly large, the flakes drifted down in a steady, rustling flutter. Soon, a thin layer of pure white covered the roofs and the ground.
As the saying goes, auspicious snow indicates a good harvest. On this day, whether in the city or in the countryside, everyone was smiling, and when they met acquaintances, they would happily say, "What a nice snow!"
Wen Shumei sat upright in the carriage, her fingertips gently lifting the curtain. She saw several children wrapped in thick coats, jumping and cheering in the snow, occasionally reaching out to catch the falling snowflakes. She couldn't help but purse her lips and smile softly. A few snowflakes took advantage of the gaps and drifted in, landing on her fluffy handguards. They lingered for a moment, then turned slightly damp and melted away.
Qingyun Nunnery was remote and difficult to reach in winter. Since partnering with Nongnong, Wen Niang had become a frequent visitor to the nunnery during festivals.
For the past two years, the velvet hats, scarves, and other items made by Nong Nong and the nunnery's craftspeople have been in short supply as soon as the weather gets colder. Now that Nong Nong hasn't been heard from for a while, and it's snowing, I'm taking the opportunity to visit and ask for the goods.
Wen Shumei ran a ready-made garment shop, and her needlework skills were exceptional. She had examined the pieces carefully. While the stitching was a bit rough, the patterns were ingenious, and even more remarkable was the unique quality of the yarn.
It's not that it can't be imitated, but since Nongnong joined with this skill, her shop has truly stood out from the crowd of clothing stores. There is this kind of affection.
Although she had thought about it before, if she wanted to imitate it herself, she would have to spend a lot of time and effort to hire someone to weave the wool, and she would have to ensure that the person she used kept it a secret. Moreover, even if she succeeded, it would be difficult to prevent others from imitating it.
With this in mind, there is really no need to go to such lengths and create unnecessary complications.
For her, this business is important but not indispensable. However, for the masters in the nunnery, it is the key skill they rely on to make a living.
There are already few pilgrims in the nunnery, and if we lose the income from woolen products, I am afraid life will become even more difficult.
Needless to say, she also needed to rely on the doll designs drawn by Nong Nong to maintain a steady and steady flow. She couldn't just burn the bridge after crossing it. She knew the difference between the golden rooster and the golden eggs.
Moreover, we have already gained a lot before, and now only a win-win situation is the long-term and stable way.
*
Yun An was sweeping snow from the steps, a layer of white dust covering the gray, shatter-proof carpet. Seeing a carriage pull up, she put down her broom and stood still, hands clasped together.
When Wen Shumei came closer, she nodded slightly and said in a gentle voice, "Amitabha, I hope you are well, Mr. Wen."
Wen Shumei also clasped her hands together, bowed, and returned the greeting, then ordered the servants to fetch brooms to help sweep the snow. She then raised her arm, respectfully inviting the master to climb the steps into the nunnery with her.
Yun'an had no choice but to thank the waiter wearing a velvet hat, then he raised his hand to lead the way, and walked into the nunnery with Wen Shumei.
After worshiping the Buddha and burning incense, Wen Shumei left the temple and explained her purpose to Yun An. They walked together to the storehouse. On the way, she smiled and asked, "Master Yun An, Nong Nong has been visiting her family for quite some time now. I wonder if everything is going well? Has there been any letter from her saying when she'll be back?"
Yun An lightly tapped his Buddhist beads with his fingertips. He couldn't help but smile at the sound and replied gently, "Thank you for your concern, Donor Wen. Nong Nong is doing well. It's just that it's cold and far away, making it difficult to travel. You can return next spring when the frost thaws."
The master in the temple has always been indifferent and rarely shows such joy.
Wen Shu's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he smiled tentatively, "I see that Master Yun'an looks very happy, but what good news has Nongnong had recently?"
Since the matter has already been made clear, there is no need to hide the joy of engagement.
Yun An smiled and nodded, replying, "Donor Wen has good judgment. This is indeed a happy event. Nong Nong has already signed a marriage contract with her beloved during her visit to her family. We are just waiting for an auspicious date."
Although Wen Shumei had some suspicions in her mind, she was still shocked when she heard this. The scene of herself and her shop assistants being questioned by the passerby a few months ago suddenly surfaced in her mind.
Moreover, before Nongnong left, she was still talking about her lover, and the other party was clearly treating her with great care and protection. If the servant was so powerful, how majestic would his master be?
They both value each other, so why did they get engaged after visiting relatives this time?
In just a few short months, with such strong personalities and deep feelings, it's impossible for them to easily change their feelings. Could it be... something unexpected happened? Or perhaps the person they were engaged to was actually the one? And the so-called "visit to relatives" was actually a date with their beloved?
If this were true, why would the other party's family background not matter to him? Or was it that the man was deeply in love and extremely responsible, disregarding worldly opinions and single-handedly promoting this marriage?
Although Wen Shumei's mind was swirling with thoughts, a genuine smile spread across her face. She congratulated him, "This is truly a truly joyous occasion! Speaking of which, Nong Nong mentioned this to me briefly before she left. I wonder if the man she's chosen this time is the one she mentioned as being in love with?"
Yun An did not suspect anything. He chanted the Buddha's name, nodded with a smile, and said, "It is indeed the Bodhisattva's blessing and a good marriage sent by heaven."
Hearing this, Wen Shumei finally felt a sense of relief, her smile growing more genuine and natural. She was already adept at business and sincere in her words, and now, with her heartfelt congratulations, every word was heartwarming, bringing a smile to her face.
Since Yun'an and Yunming returned and informed everyone that Nong Nong's marriage was settled, everyone in the nunnery did their best, hoping to prepare more dowry for her on the day of her wedding.
From then on, not only were the vegetarian cakes and incense made more exquisitely, but even the sutras sold to pilgrims were copied anew. The cotton textiles traditionally produced in winter were knitted whenever they had free time, and the amount prepared was three or four times greater than in previous years.
There were only eighteen three-foot square bundles neatly tied up in the warehouse ready to be shipped.
Since the beginning of their practice, the nunnery's indifference to worldly matters had grown, and they were even more at peace with money. Although Nong Nong often spoke to pilgrims about the cotton textiles, which were quite popular in winter, and knew they brought considerable income to the nunnery, they simply recorded them in the account book and put them away in a box.
I had no real idea how these fabrics would sell, or whether they would ever sell out. Now that I'd suddenly stocked up on such a large quantity, I was a bit nervous, wondering if I could sell them all.
Seeing Wen Shumei's surprise at first, and then her uncontrollable joy, Yun An's originally somewhat uneasy mood finally calmed down, and he explained softly: "The temple needs some more incense and offerings recently, so we took advantage of our free time to prepare some more."
This was truly a pleasant surprise. Fur is undoubtedly the best for warmth, but it's expensive and hard to come by. While the wealthy can afford it, good material is in short supply, and ordinary fur might not be worth the price. Even if the poor find it desirable, they can't afford it.
While this woolen fabric couldn't be made into a cloak or cape, it was lightweight, soft, and warm, and came in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Wearing a sweater underneath during the cold winter months was enough to keep you safe all winter long. If worn carefully, it could easily last three to five years. With such a low price and excellent quality, even the wealthy sought novelty, and ordinary people, with a little money, could afford it.
Because the nunnery's craftsmen never valued gold, silver, or other vulgar things, they only wove according to demand each year, barely meeting local needs and never exporting them far away. As a result, by chance, the nunnery gained a reputation for being rare and valuable.
It’s a good thing to be short of money. Only when you are short of money do you know how to make money.
Wen Shumei looked at the piles of bundles before her, as if she could already see the crowds scrambling to buy them. Her slender eyebrows curved into a smile, and she murmured, "Wonderful!" She immediately turned and went out, calling out to her servants to come and move the goods.
The masters in the nunnery were very meticulous and had already sorted and packed the sweaters, hats, hand guards, scarves, etc. into different categories.
Wen Shumei had been working with them for a long time and was naturally very satisfied. She only asked Yun'an about the various amounts and did not even open the money for inspection. She counted the silver notes and handed them over.
Although her purse was empty, her smile deepened as she spoke loudly, "Master Yun'an, there's no need to be so modest. The woolen textiles you and the other masters make have always been in short supply. No amount of extra is too much! I won't ask the reason in detail, but please rest assured, if I can make it, I will definitely be able to exchange it for real money!"
After agreeing to pick up the goods ten days later, Wen Shumei was very satisfied and returned happily with a full load.
This batch of cotton yarn and textiles did fetch a lot of money, and also secured long-term sales in the future, which made Yun'an very pleased.
The winter snow rustled, and the gray carpet in front of the steps, which had just been swept clean, was covered with a new white. The green pine branches, unable to bear the weight of the snow, suddenly bent down with a deep, dull thud.
The temple door closed quietly, the voices gradually faded away, the candles went out, and the world returned to silence.
On the snowy steps outside the temple, a line of faint footprints suddenly appeared, gradually disappearing into the new snow. In just a moment, no trace remained.
*
The cotton hat was soaked with snow, becoming heavy and hard, and cold as if it were an ice cap tightly wrapped around my head. The chill was like a continuous stream of needles, piercing deep into my skull.
The scarf covering my mouth and nose had long since frozen into a crust, and the accumulated snow was gradually melting. My heartbeats were pounding, each one heavier than the last, causing a sharp pain in my chest and forehead.
Lan Nongnong squeezed her eyes shut, not daring to even flutter her eyelashes. Her head was buzzing, and her hearing seemed suddenly amplified. She could clearly hear the crunching sounds of shoes pressing against the snow, but she couldn't hear a single human voice.
The bitter cold froze her body to a state of paralysis, yet the fear of being discovered made her tremble uncontrollably. In this extreme tension, her chest felt like it was bursting. She could no longer tell whether she was frozen or trembling.
A few days ago, Lan Nongnong was secretly hoping that the snow would come later this year, and even had the wild hope that it would be a warm winter and there would be no snow at all.
When the first snow fell yesterday, she secretly prayed that the cold weather would only last a short while, and that the snow would stop. However, fate was unpredictable, and the snow fell heavily for a whole day and night.
When she woke up this morning, she saw the world ablaze with white, a blanket of silver. Even this shabby little courtyard was blanketed in a blanket of pure white, looking as clean as new. The snow was ankle-deep, and while she was clearing it, she found a way to have fun, building a small snowman. But fearing it would attract attention, she finally shoved it aside.
She hadn't wanted to go out that day, fearing she'd catch a cold and get sick. But the firewood she'd chopped the day before was still piled in the mountains, too heavy to transport back. Plus, the weather was getting colder by the day, and if she didn't leave early while the snow was soft, she feared it would become even harder to get going later.
Lan Nongnong hadn't expected the snow to arrive so early this winter. The firewood she'd prepared would only last her a month, and spring was still at least two months away.
Feeling uneasy, he finally wrapped himself in thick clothes, put on a hat and gloves, fastened his homemade non-slip clogs on his feet, carefully covered the mechanism, and then stepped onto the snow to go up the mountain.
Lan Nongnong was actually thankful for the heavy snow, and also thankful she'd gone out today. Otherwise, she wouldn't have noticed the thin thread hanging from the tree had been pulled to the treetops, nor would she have known someone had entered her temporary courtyard and quickly identified the person.
If she hadn't gone out today, she would have been trapped in a jar.
If it weren't for yesterday's heavy snow, the enemy would have easily deduced her whereabouts by following her footprints and traces of the house, seeing that the house was empty. By then, we were outnumbered, not far away, and with a huge disparity in strength, she would have been doomed as well. And how could she have escaped such a fate by hiding like she was now?
Yes, I dodged it.
The sound of footsteps on the snow had ceased, and the rustle of footsteps had faded completely. All was silent, as if one were completely deaf, and everything was lost in the stillness.
Lan Nongnong tried to force a smile, to congratulate herself on having escaped danger, but she couldn't feel her cheeks or lips. It was as if she had already smiled once.
Now that everyone had left, she had to get out as quickly as possible. The snow was freezing cold, the air thin, and if she stayed any longer, even if she wasn't discovered, she would freeze to death.
She tried to stand up, but she couldn't feel her body. She was conscious as usual, but she felt like she was trapped in a cold, rigid shell, unable to move.
Lan Nongnong knew that hypothermia must have caused the numbness throughout her body. She waited until she got home to snuggle up to the brazier to warm herself up, then boiled a can of snow water. She held the hot water in her hands, letting the warmth flow slowly from her palms to her limbs and finally to her entire body.
Wait until the water temperature drops slightly and is ready to drink. The hot water slides into your throat and the warmth starts to spread from your head.
As she thought this, she felt as if she had actually returned to the brazier and scooped up some hot water. The stabbing pain in her head suddenly dissipated, and the bone-chilling cold also faded.
*
Snow can hide traces, but it can also reveal where you are.
With snow blanketing the fields, finding traces of the person was easy. The house was deserted, with only a single, lonely footprint pointing the way. And a few feet outside the courtyard, a particularly deep, messy, and strange footprint marked the occupants, who had already noticed the intruder and had quickly turned and fled.
Qin Jingyao caught a glimpse of the hair-thin, transparent thread winding through the air toward the eaves in the snowy light, and instantly grasped its purpose. He secretly admired his Nong Nong for his cautiousness and agility, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and his true intelligence.
But the snow has stopped, and there is no cover for her tracks anymore. Now that she has been exposed, where can she hide and for how long?
Qin Jingyao's face was frozen in cold, but his heart was surging like a raging sea. The light in his eyes flickered, like molten lava. His knuckles, hidden within his gauntlet, trembled with excitement. As the heavens and earth froze, the blood in his body simmered like boiling water.
Like a seasoned hunter, he suppressed his inner restlessness and impatience, quietly laying his net. No matter how clever and cunning the prey was, it would struggle in vain in his net.
What kind of expression will she show when she is captured?
Are you filled with fear, anxiety, remorse, or anger?
Qin Jingyao followed in her footsteps, approaching step by step. He was tormented, yet intoxicated by the feeling of reuniting with her.
*
The strange, messy footprints, clearly belonging to one person, split into two here. One extended behind a tree so thick that it required two people to hug it, and the other ended behind another equally thick tree.
The former has thick snow on its branches, dense leaves, and clear climbing marks around the trunk.
The latter's branches were sparsely visible, but behind the roots, weighed down by the accumulated snow, a snow mound higher than the knees stood silently in the vast white wilderness.
The clues were so clear, but Tongze led people to check separately, search in trees, and explore everywhere, but they found nothing and did not see a single person.
Aside from this spot, the snow was smooth as paper, pristine white. If anyone had passed by, there was no way they wouldn't have left a trace. To be on the safe side, the palace guards even used the handles of their swords to gently poke around the snow, but they couldn't find a single footprint hidden beneath.
People always leave traces when they pass by. Since there is no trace here, he must have used some means to escape.
Tongze wasted no time, about to step forward and request permission to investigate deeper, when he saw the master intently gazing at a single spot. He followed his gaze, only to see a low snowdrift, a common sight in this mountain. It was too small to be a hiding place, so he had simply overlooked it during the search.
Tongze was shocked, his eyes widened.
Sir, you wouldn't think...that someone is hiding in this snow pile?
But how is this possible? Not to mention how someone could possibly be hidden in something this size, being stuck in the snow in such freezing weather, wouldn't that be a life-threatening situation?
But immediately, Tongze was startled, a bone-chilling chill suddenly hit him, and he shivered.
Yes, others might not dare, but if it is Miss Lan---
She even dared to jump into such a turbulent rapids!
But in the blink of an eye, a biting cold breeze brushed across my face. When I focused again, I saw that the master had crouched down in front of the snow pile.
"grown ups!"
How could Qin Jingyao not know that the snow pile was so low that it was difficult to find a place to live?
The moment he removed the hand guard, his knuckles were already frozen red. If he were to bury himself in this ice and snow, how would he freeze?
The hand that reached into the snow pile was shaking uncontrollably, perhaps because of the severe cold or fear, but Qin Jingyao did not hesitate at all as he dug away the snow.
The mountain air was bitterly cold, the snow already frozen solid. In the forest, all was silent, and the crackling sound of the ice breaking apart felt like icy arrows, piercing the hearts of those holding their breath and concentrating, chilling them to the bone.
The next moment, gasps of horror suddenly rang out one after another.
I don't know whether he was shocked that there was actually someone hiding under the snow pile, or was horrified to see such a noble man lose his composure and kneel on one knee.
As the snow pile collapsed, Qin Jingyao felt his heart shatter. The person before him, curled up in a ball, his body covered in frost, as stiff and motionless as an ice sculpture—
How could it be his thick thick? How could it be his thick thick?!
Even though he was unwilling to believe it, even though the person in front of him was dressed in coarse cloth and there was no need to identify his appearance, the gold bracelet on his wrist was enough to shatter all his hopes.
At this moment, Qin Jingyao seemed to have turned into an ice sculpture, his blood stagnated, and his mind went blank.
Since she knew to be cautious and set up guards outside, why wouldn't she leave a way out for herself?
She must be hiding somewhere like a cunning rabbit with three burrows, and as sly as a fox, and seeing that he had been searching for her for a long time without any result, she was feeling smug and complacent.
Or like a small animal trapped in a trap and unable to escape, it is terrified and trembling, waiting for him to come and capture it!
His expression should be sly and complacent, or perhaps pitiful, but no matter what, it should not be like this now - so completely silent!
"Make a fire! Quick!"
The shock and pain lasted only a moment before a hoarse roar, as if ignited by fire, suddenly erupted. Tongze and the others were jolted awake, but the mountains were covered in snow. Although there were many dead trees in the mountains, they were all soaked in snow and difficult to ignite.
Tongze immediately tore off the hem of his inner shirt, took out the fire starter he carried with him and set it on fire. The other guards followed suit and quickly gathered around him.
In an instant, a faint but persistent warmth quietly arose in this icy and silent place.
She curled up like a baby, her face buried between her knees. Qin Jingyao couldn't detect her breath, nor did he dare to. At this moment, he just wanted to rescue her from this icy state immediately, to make her soft again, to open her eyes, even if they were filled with hatred and resentment.
The snow here is thick and the forest is deep, so this small fire source is just a drop in the bucket.
The shock and pain were forcibly suppressed, and the warm velvet embroidered cloak tightly wrapped the cold, stiff body. Qin Jingyao ripped open the collar of his shirt, exposing his chest to the icy snow. His fingers, holding the pen and sword, were already frostbitten, but he still held the person firmly, holding him close to his arms.
He suppressed the trembling that was gripped by the icy cold. His right knee was soaked by the snow, and the cold was like a needle, piercing his flesh and penetrating his bones, but he seemed unaware. He stumbled only for a moment as he lifted the person up, then quickly steadied himself, looked down at his arms, and then tightened his arms, running down the mountain at a rapid pace.
His eyes were red and his breathing was heavy.
"One team will immediately return to the courtyard to light a fire and boil water, retrieve the clothes from the car, and the rest will light a fire and follow!"
"yes!"
The snowy path had been cleared, and the palace guards cleared the way for protection. Qin Jingyao hurried along, carrying the person in his arms. Torches were still burning along the way, and he had already returned to the ruined courtyard.
The blazing braziers and stoves filled the small room with warmth. The guards brought the toiletries from the accompanying carriages into the room, while the others worked tirelessly to melt snow into water. Upon hearing the news, Biyu had already spread thick bedding on the bed and laid out warm clothes, then quietly retreated outside to wait.
Qin Jingyao held the person in his arms and stood surrounded by several braziers. He didn't dare to get too close, fearing that his blood, which had been coagulated for a long time, would burst if it was suddenly exposed to high heat.
Her frozen outer garment could be broken open and discarded, but her cotton hat had already frozen to her hair and skin, and forcibly removing it would only cause further damage. Her body was still stiff and curled up, and the only way to thaw it was to immerse it in warm water and slowly melt it.
Fortunately, although this shabby room is extremely simple, there is still a half-broken water tank that can be used.
As Tongze led the guards, their brows lowered, carrying the vat filled with warm water into the house, Qin Jingyao's chest, neck, jaw, shoulders and arms had already been penetrated by the cold, leaving them stiff and numb. But he suddenly raised his head, his Adam's apple trembling slightly, his jaw tense.
A faint, yet unignorable, wisp of air brushed against his numb jaw, almost imperceptibly, and was suddenly captured by his ever-tense senses. His chest rose and fell violently, his breathing suddenly heavy, and his feet seemed to step into the warm water, submerging him as if on empty space. Two ripples then quietly spread across the surface.
The rim of the water tank was jagged and sharp as a blade, but Qin Jingyao paid no heed. He submerged one arm in the water, still holding her steady. Only then did he dare to touch her with his finger to feel her breath. When that faint, cold breath brushed against his fingertips, his eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, his whole body trembled violently, and his knees, half hanging, fell heavily to the ground.
*
After adding and changing the warm water six times, her body finally lost its stiffness. Her skin, which had been pampered by him until it was pink and tender, now had a pale, pale hue. Her curled-up limbs and head gradually relaxed in the water, and the moment she leaned softly into his arms,
Qin Jingyao suddenly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, tightened his jaw, rolled his Adam's apple, and the veins in his neck bulged.
He lifted her from the water wearing only his underwear, fearing that her wet clothes would cause her to get cold. As soon as the warm current from the room touched her, she was gently wrapped in a thick, soft quilt.
Qin Jingyao's wet hair draped over her bare back, and he held a cotton towel, constantly wiping away the water from her hair. Once the dripping stopped, he carried her to the brazier to sit down and warm her. Her skin had softened, and with a little effort, she could pry her clenched teeth open, but the biting cold still seeped through her supposedly soft body.
The silver spoon was warmed with hot water and gently pressed against her gray-purple lips, feeding the warm water in little by little. Qin Jingyao released his hand and gently stroked her throat with his fingertips. Seeing that she swallowed it obediently, his heart was slightly relieved.
His chest and back were already drenched in sweat, whether it was from the warmth of the brazier or the belated fear that had finally settled in his heart.
For more than two months, eighty-three days and nights of suffering, no one was seen alive, and no body was found after death.
He was madly eager to hear from her, but was also afraid that it would be bad news. It was the first time in his life that he experienced what fear was.
At this moment, he was filled with a greater fear than before. He didn't even dare to imagine what the consequences would be if he found her a moment later.
Her gaze remained fixed on her bosom, her eyes half-closed. Her brows, once furrowed, relaxed, and one side of her face, a faint blush reflected by the firelight, made her appear to be in a peaceful sleep.
Only her lips, still purple from being repeatedly rubbed and kissed by him, and the cold breath he swallowed into her stomach, still silently told of the pain she had suffered.
Her hands were already red, swollen, and cracked, with scars crisscrossing the fingertips and palms, which was shocking to see. There was no trace of the slender jade fingers of the past.
She had been completely frozen unconscious, and even though washing and applying medicine was like torture, she didn't tremble at all.
On the contrary, Qin Jingyao's fingertips trembled spasmodically every time he applied the medicine to her wound. After carefully wrapping the hands with the medicine, he gently held them in his arms to warm them.
The pent-up anger he had felt since he learned that she would rather risk her life to leave him, at this moment, turned into a bone-eating pain.
*
The cold had penetrated deeply into her body, and no medicine could quickly heal her. Only slow and careful nursing could do the job. Her frostbite was severe, her foundation damaged. She needed every possible care and rest from now on.
In his haste to find her, Qin Jingyao had only caught a fleeting glimpse. It was only then that he truly saw the conditions in which she had been living and eating for the past few days.
The room was small and cramped, with no doors or windows, and even the bed was a barely cobbled-together arrangement of old door panels. Despite its neat and tidy layout, it couldn't hide its shabby and shabby nature. The food was even more crude, consisting of only stale rice, coarse grains, and wild mountain roots and vegetables.
When she left, she didn't dare take anything with her to avoid arousing his suspicion. To avoid being tracked by him, she certainly didn't dare interact with anyone. From the moment Qin Jingyao determined that she had escaped, he knew her situation would be difficult.
He knew her wealth, and from the banknotes she left behind he could infer how much money she had on her. Since she was trying to escape, she must have made sufficient preparations. Even if she was damaged in the water, she would have some money left, but it would definitely not be much.
But she never imagined that she would end up in such a desperate state. She even lived in a place where corpses were once stored!
Qin Jingyao was unwilling to let her stay in such a filthy place for even a moment!
Although her body temperature has risen slightly at this moment, extreme heat will always follow extreme cold, and that is when the real danger comes.
Qin Jingyao no longer hesitated. He carefully dressed her, put on her shoes and socks, and covered her with a thick cotton cape, leaving not even a strand of her hair exposed. Then he hugged her tightly and strode out the door.
The carriage was parked just outside the gate, only two or three steps away. Guards along the way held high draped cloths draped over the ground, preventing even a single gust of cold wind from entering until the moment they boarded the carriage.
Lan Nongnong was swept away by the rapids, and after another half-day and night of desperate flight, she was only seventy miles from the capital. The carriage sped along, with horses constantly changing along the way. Vehicles bearing the Shangshuling Mansion's token were exempt from inspection, and in just four hours, they arrived at midnight that evening.
A palace guard had gone back to the city ahead to pass on the message, and upon receiving it, Mo Chou had already been waiting in the palace. Hot springs, heated stoves, warm quilts, and all other items to keep out the cold and wind were already prepared.
The carriage arrived at the bedroom door just as it had left. Qin Jingyao wrapped her tightly in a cotton cloak and strode through the layers of curtains until he reached the inner room, where he untied the cloak and gently placed her on the warm couch.
"Mo Chou, come in quickly!"
Her condition was serious, so Qin Jingyao didn't care about the difference between men and women and called him over to examine her.
Mo Chou hurried inside upon hearing the order and immediately identified the cause of the problem. Fortunately, he had asked the Lord for permission to serve as a doctor in the frontier army, and this was the type of frostbite he treated the most.
I couldn't help but wonder why this girl suffered from such a severe cold in such a wealthy place like the capital?
Fortunately, after checking his pulse, he learned that someone had already provided emergency treatment and alleviated the acute condition. The palace had a complete supply of top-grade medicinal herbs, so Mo Chou immediately wrote a prescription and ordered his men to quickly prepare the herbs for boiling.
She retreated behind the screen and turned sideways to the man sitting on the edge of the couch, hugging her, and said, "My lord, the girl's cold has penetrated deep into her bones and blood. Even if strong medicine is used at this time, it will be effective quickly, but it will not be able to replenish her weak body and may even damage her foundation."
"From my observation of her pulse, it seems she has received emergency treatment, and her vitality has been rekindled. For the sake of her longevity and strength, she should be treated with gentle nourishing medicines. She should bathe in medicinal soups daily, supplemented with acupuncture and medicinal food. She should avoid raw and cold food, and avoid wind and cold. With this treatment, she will be able to strengthen her body and recover her vitality after four months, and then continue with further treatment."
It was winter now, and if one wanted to avoid being affected by the cold wind, one had to stay indoors all day.
Since Nong Nong was still unconscious, he naturally had the final say. However, if she woke up, she would definitely cause a scene with him. Regardless of whether she would obey him or not, even he himself would never bear to keep her trapped in the house for months without seeing the sun.
After a moment, Qin Jingyao's eyes darkened and he nodded slightly. Now that she was back by his side, he could give her a place where she could be protected from the cold wind and yet still enjoy the warmth of spring, where the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds could be seen.
*
On December 17, the 32nd year of Chengping,
Since its launch, it has been despised by dignitaries as a colorless, mediocre and defective waste product - colorless glass panels, wrapped in soft straw, were continuously transported to the Shangshu Ling's new residence in Mianhe Hutong in carts.
It’s not that people dare to peek, but it’s because this colorless glass caused a big joke in the capital a while ago.
Colored glass was originally introduced from overseas. When it first arrived in the Sheng Dynasty, it attracted attention for its brilliant colors. When placed in the sun, it could reflect a more dreamy and mysterious brilliance than any other treasures. In addition, it was rare and expensive, so it was highly sought after for a time.
With the belief that their skills must not be lost to others, the imperial court immediately dispatched craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to study there. There were many setbacks and setbacks during this period, but in short, the art of glassmaking was finally introduced to the Sheng Dynasty.
Except for items specially supplied to the royal family and nobles, all other items were sold by the Ministry of Revenue's Glass Customs Office, and the common people were allowed to purchase them. However, the prices were high and the regulations were complicated, so most of the buyers were wealthy merchants and nobles.
Later, skilled craftsmen learned from this and gradually made this object, originally a plaything for viewing, into a practical tool. However, its cost was high, and only the finest quality could be produced. Therefore, if a family purchased a set of glazed windows, a glazed mirror, or a set of glazed jewelry, it would surely attract the envy of others.
However, the risks and benefits of business are like gambling. Some people make a lot of money, while others lose everything.
Zhao Changping, the second son of the Zhao family, a medicine dealer in the capital, was one of those who bought the Liuli recipe but had a warehouse full of goods, and lost all his money.
The Zhao family, originally from Shanxi, has been engaged in the medicinal herb business for generations, securing a prominent position in the herb's transportation network. Since the previous generation, the family has settled in the capital, purchased the ancestral home, and operated two large "Ji Ren Tang" pharmacies, selling not only medicinal herbs but also employing doctors, enjoying a strong reputation. The family also operates businesses such as carriage and horse trading, restaurants, and farms, making them a wealthy family.
Zhao Changping, the second oldest, was originally blessed with the protection of his older brother. However, his mother passed away when he was young, and within a year, his father remarried, leaving the two brothers increasingly neglected.
Fortunately, he was able to get by thanks to his brother's care. However, misfortune struck when his brother, while on a long journey in his father's place, was robbed and murdered by bandits. From then on, Zhao Changping was truly left alone.
And misfortunes never come singly. Since when, his reputation for being a nemesis has spread. First, he killed his biological mother, then his elder brother, and I'm afraid he'll soon kill his own father too.
His father, Mr. Zhao, actually believed this nonsense and gave him a thousand taels of silver and a house like a beggar, and then drove him out of the house for being unfilial.
As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. Although the money was small, he was away from the family where everyone looked down on him and flattered him. Without the scornful ridicule and the heavy burden of filial piety, he felt free.
Moreover, he always felt that his brother's death was quite strange. Without his eldest brother, and then driven away, Zhao Delin, the son of his stepmother and about his own age, became the sole heir to the family fortune.
Although the father was cold-blooded and heartless, as the saying goes, even a tiger won't eat its own cubs. Only the mother and son had both the heart and the strength to do so.
He started the glass business for three reasons: first, to build connections and establish his own business; second, to earn money and find out the cause of his brother's death; and third, to give the three Zhao family members a hard time and feel proud.
Unexpectedly, he spent all his money to buy the ingredients and hire a craftsman. The craftsman had been bribed by the mother and son, secretly tampering with the recipe, ultimately producing several full-warehouses of colorless glass. Zhao Delin then widely publicized the notoriety of him as a waste, incompetent, and a prodigal son, a thorn in his side, making him the target of widespread ridicule.
He still had some backbone, unwilling to accept such a complete failure, so he lowered his status and went around asking people to sell his goods, even willing to sell them at a discount or give them away. However, the rich looked down on these inferior goods, and the poor had no use for them and could not afford to buy them. So he was met with cold stares and returned home in vain.
The family fortune was gone, the workshop closed, and only a discarded recipe and a few warehouses full of scraps remained. Not to mention his three great aspirations, even his daily livelihood was difficult to sustain.
I have reached the end of my rope and am in a desperate situation.
Unexpectedly, the world is unpredictable and there is always a way out. He was able to survive in the desperate situation and see the light at the end of the tunnel!
His warehouse of colorless glass, once so much ridiculed, was not only completely sold out, but he was also told that he had received orders to continue producing it. Just by interacting with the Shangshu Ling family, he was more powerful than countless other dignitaries in the capital.
Now, I have finally turned things around and am proud of myself.
Not only did the Zhao brothers' reputation suddenly take a turn for the worse, but it also caused everyone to sneer at the young Zhao, who had lost more than he gained. If he hadn't secretly tampered with Zhao Changping's recipe, how could the latter have produced this colorless glass? If he hadn't pressed the issue and widely publicized it, how could the Shangshu Ling Mansion have heard of it and subsequently purchased all the glass?
Instead of pushing Zhao Changping into trouble, he paved a path for him to rise to prominence. This chain of events was truly a case of shooting oneself in the foot, a true retribution.
On the contrary, Zhao Changping was quite lucky. Whenever he fell to the bottom, he could always turn around and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now everyone knows who is the fake eye and who is the real pearl. The Zhao brothers are at odds with each other, and the head of the family is biased and protective, with poor judgment, revealing the chaos in the family.
The cold winter months were already quiet and boring, so naturally, the Zhao family's farce was the subject of much discussion and debate. The reputation of the three members of the family was completely ruined, and the Shangshu Ling's residence was plagued by speculation. Ten days later, a colorless glass with an unpredictable purpose was unveiled in a stunning manner.
As soon as this item appeared, it immediately attracted many people to imitate it, and it became increasingly popular. No longer rare, its price also gradually dropped. Within a few years, it was already in the homes of ordinary people.
The reason why this item came into the world is still talked about and admired by people even hundreds of years later.
*
On the third day after the first snow, the craftsmen in the Ministry of Works were ordered by the Minister of State to make a device that would keep out the wind and cold, but not block out the sun and make people feel as if they were outside.
Over eighty years ago, warring states fought for supremacy, mountains and rivers collapsed, and cities across the country were completely destroyed. When Emperor Shengwu unified the country, he summoned craftsmen from all over the country to rebuild the cities. To this day, the art of construction during the Sheng Dynasty has reached its peak.
If only the above requirements were met, it would be no more than climbing a small hill for the Ministry of Works. However, the difficulty lay in the fact that the Shangshu Ling wanted to use this device to cover the entire mansion, and it also needed to be able to open and close freely like a door for easy use.
In this way, the small hill turns into a dangerous peak, which is steep and difficult to climb, and there is no way to get through.
Coincidentally, at this time, the news of colorless colored glass spread throughout the capital. The method of firing colored glass was a skill that all craftsmen had learned, and the mention of the word "colorless" was like a lamp lighting up a dark night, bringing sudden enlightenment to everyone.
Colored glaze not only protects windows from wind and cold, but also its colorless nature eliminates the problem of blocking light. Isn't this exactly what the Shangshu Ling is looking for? As for the other minor requests, they are no longer a concern.
Now that they had the materials available, everyone put their heads together and finally came up with a method to make it fit together harmoniously, and they immediately went to report.
"...We, the humble servants, have been ordered to create an object called the 'Mingguang Dome'."
"This object is made of wood and covered in colorless glass. It is translucent and luminous. Placed in a courtyard, it can gather the warmth of the sun and protect against the cold of wind and snow. Those who dwell within it can look up at the stars and moon in the sky, look down at the frost and dew on the steps, and take in the scenery of all four seasons."
"There is a spiritual orifice on the side that allows access to the energy of heaven and earth. Therefore, although it is warm, it is not suffocating; although it is blocked, it is like dew... It can keep a person warm in a mansion, while allowing the spirit to travel between heaven and earth. Please examine it, my lord."
Everyone has their own expertise, so Qin Jingyao wouldn't presume to make any comments. He immediately recognized the usefulness of the device and gave his approval, ordering a massive purchase.
Regardless of money or manpower, hundreds of craftsmen and laborers worked like ants, and the scaffolding rose from the ground overnight, as if weaving a giant net for the mansion.
The sounds of jingling bells, shouting, and heralding orders continued day and night for nine days and nine nights.
Here, all the treadable places in the house were overturned and rebuilt, and floor stoves were installed throughout.
At dusk on the tenth day, the noise suddenly stopped and everyone stared in amazement.
A vast, crystalline glass dome enveloped the entire mansion. The setting sun's rays bathed the glass, refracting a dazzling glow that seemed like a divine presence.
*
This mobilization of troops would inevitably lead to further impeachment. However, having already done this, Qin Jingyao was unfazed by what others might say. Even before the Emperor, he remained calm and fearless.
The labor and construction costs are all within our authority and do not exceed regulations. What is there to be afraid of?
As the head of all officials, repairing the mansion, or even rebuilding it, was not a big deal. Even if the mansion was built to the brilliance of its splendor and the ingenuity of its craftsmanship, it was ultimately just a tricky use of burnt glass.
The emperor was simply angry that he had repeatedly caused trouble over a woman, a woman so insignificant that she was the only one he could mention. He had never made a mistake in his duties, and had never abused his power for personal gain. If a ruler focused solely on the private affairs of his subjects, he would appear narrow-minded and undermine the emperor's dignity.
Therefore, not only did he not blame him, but he severely reprimanded the censor who submitted the memorial for his inappropriate wording. He did not know how to share the country's worries and speak for the people. He only cared about other people's private affairs. He was truly a treacherous and cowardly person who was eating the court's salary in vain.
With these words, it can be seen that the emperor is really biased to the extreme.
Supervising the moral conduct of all officials and offering advice and criticism were the responsibilities of the censors. Even if the Shangshu Ling did not violate the rules, as the head of all officials, he should set an example and be a role model for the world.
If this extravagant construction project becomes a trend, it will surely attract others to emulate it. When extravagance becomes prevalent, even the ignorant people will compete with each other, and everyone will be greedy for fame and fortune, losing their sense of common sense. This will shake the foundation of the country and put it in danger!
The court never tolerates a single opinion. The censors are not monolithic either. Some immediately rebuked them for making a mountain out of a molehill, being short-sighted, and alarmist.
Everyone in the court knew that although the Shangshu Ling's private residence looked grand, it actually cost very little, not even as much as the extravagance of a certain senior official's birthday banquet. How could it be worthy of such exaggeration?
All in all, it is just that its appearance is too dazzling, which not only dazzles people's eyes but also confuses people's minds.
If he was truly selfless and was insulted by the emperor, he should have argued with reason, fulfilled his duty as a censor, and given frank advice without fear of death.
Don’t you see, after the censor confessed his crime, he covered his face with his sleeves and said nothing more.
*
The emperor was reluctant to say much due to his status, but the empress had no need to be shy. After summoning the person, she did not give him a seat and went straight to the attack.
"Since ancient times, those who favored concubines over their wives have always suffered the consequences, sooner or later. An orphan like you is truly blessed to have your compassion. Being ungrateful and running away without permission is a grave sin, and you deserve to be sold! Not to mention causing your lord, Gu Yan, grief and injury!"
"I don't care if she's faking her own death or hiding something else. Now that her death has been confirmed, even if you still favor her, you should have privately changed her name and brought her into the palace, teaching her the proper ways! Why allow her to continue using her original name, fabricating lies about her not actually dying but actually being injured, and intentionally spreading them?"
"Now it's even more of a place for fugitive slaves to settle down, so they're spending lavishly and mobilizing troops!"
Empress Guo was known for her gentle disposition. Even as the mistress of the six harems, she handled the concubines' vying for her favor with composure. It was rare for her to be so heavy-hearted and stern in her words.
In the end, it was nothing more than a case of deep love and harsh criticism. Gu Yan was her eldest sister and only child, born of the same mother. The two sisters had a deep affection for each other since childhood, a bond that even their biological parents could not match.
The eldest sister could not bear to share a husband with others. She was too proud to give in, and eventually she exhausted herself and died.
Even if she had not been entrusted with the important task of taking care of Gu Yan, she would definitely protect him out of the deep sisterly love.
People are not plants or trees. She has taken good care of him for several years. Although he is not her biological child, he is no different from her own.
It was also because Gu Yan had always been self-disciplined, strategic, and measured over the past twenty years, which had made her feel at ease. Now seeing him suddenly rebel was even more intolerable.
Men either don't know, or know but disdain, and never pay attention to women. Little do they know that many heroes and talents have fallen because of this "little thing".
Seeing that he was about to make a mistake, how could she just sit there and do nothing?
Empress Guo, after all, had considered his reputation and had dismissed all the palace maids. Seeing that his expression remained calm and his breathing steady, she wondered how much he had actually listened to.
Because she had forced him to marry, even though everything had returned to normal afterward, she could sense a rift between them, one that only dissipated a long time later. Even when she later accidentally learned that he had married the minor official's daughter and left her idle in the backyard, never consummating the marriage, she was shocked and furious, but she dared not force him again.
This incident alone not only prevented him from having children, but also caused a woman of low religious status to take the position of his wife, which was really a loss.
If we repeat the same mistakes, who knows if we won’t end up making things worse?
Therefore, Empress Guo calmed down and spoke earnestly, "You are so reckless in your favoritism. Have you ever considered your own reputation and future? Although the wife in your house has her reasons, she is still the principal wife. Your actions have made her a laughing stock in the capital. How can you expect peace in your family in the future? As for that woman, what do you plan to do with her?"
Qin Jingyao then raised his eyes and bowed to the superior: "I am deeply grateful for your love and care, Aunt. However, please do not worry too much about the private affairs of the inner house."
Having said this, he straightened up, raised his head, and met the Empress' gaze without retreating an inch. "I was wrong not to tell you clearly before. Now that you have asked, I shall tell you the truth. Her surname is Lan, and her given name is Nong Nong. She is not a woman of many kinds, and that woman is certainly not a slave or concubine. She is my beloved, the one whom I, Qin Jingyao, have sought after with all possible means, and whom I have won by force. I hold her in my hands, fearing to hurt her. There is absolutely no reason for me to treat her with contempt."
"As for my reputation during life and after death, if the world doesn't judge me based on what I've done for my country and my people, but instead only on my personal morals, then what's the point of me seeking the empty reputation these narrow-minded people speak of?"
"Thank you very much, aunt, for your advice on the matters concerning the harem. I will take care of them myself."
The winter snow falls frequently and never stops.
Qin Jingyao was dressed in a crimson official robe, a black veil on his head, and a black velvet cloak with silver trim. He moved with the swiftness of the wind. Snow and hail flew everywhere as he moved, and even the palace maids, even jogging with umbrellas, could hardly keep up. They had to wave him off before he could leave in gratitude.
Tongze was standing guard outside the outer palace gate. When he saw someone coming out, he hurried to greet him with an umbrella. As he followed closely, he suddenly heard an order: "Go back to the Shangshu Ling Mansion and tell Jiangting that the time has come."
"yes!"
Tongze immediately accepted the order. After the guard boarded the carriage and gave instructions to the driver, he whispered goodbye through the window and then turned around and disappeared into the wind and snow.
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