The Liang State Physician watched as Chu Mingyi walked out of Wu Ciyun’s bedchamber holding a lock of hair.
He froze for a moment, then carefully observed Chu Mingyi’s expression.
Seeing his face clear and even vaguely triumphant, the physician’s earlier suspicions solidified into near certainty.
No wonder their general had gone mad a few days ago and driven someone to serious illness, it turned out to be a case of unrequited love.
Chu Mingyi casually tucked that lock of hair into his sleeve, not feeling there was anything improper about his actions.
His elder brother had asked him to bring back Wu Ciyun’s Calligraphy Treasure or Portrait.
That wasn’t hard; the Pingnan Prince’s Residence had a pile of Wu Ciyun’s letters, and the Liang Army had even found quite a few of her Portraits in Xiao Boming’s study—all painted by Famous Painters, so lifelike they seemed to breathe.
But in his eyes, those portraits and treasures were just empty gestures.
It was far more satisfying to simply cut off a lock of Wu Ciyun’s hair.
First, it carried a good meaning.
Second, one’s body, hair, and skin were gifts from one’s parents and should not be damaged lightly.
By taking her hair, he could both warn the ever-flirtatious Wu Ciyun and get a bit of revenge for the way she’d teased him.
The physician snuck a glance at Chu Mingyi.
He weighed his words, then tentatively asked, “General, now that Lord Wu’s health has improved, should I still remain in the residence?”
“Stay a few more days and check more thoroughly to see if he has any hidden ailments.”
Chu Mingyi recalled Wu Ciyun’s appearance as if she might drop dead at any moment. He frowned and said, “He looks to me like he has some deficiency. Find out exactly what it is and report to me promptly.”
“Well, the rest is nothing serious, but as for Lord Wu…”
The physician looked a bit embarrassed and forced himself to continue, “The Difficult Classic records that men’s chi pulses are always weak, while women’s are always strong…”
“Speak plainly.”
Chu Mingyi cut him off impatiently, displeased.
“Just say what illness he has.”
The physician stammered and spoke softly, “Lord Wu’s chi is weak and cun pulse floating. He suffers from Nuanyang Deficiency, so I fear that in the bedroom… he is willing, but unable.”
Chu Mingyi’s steps faltered, and his expression turned odd.
“…You mean he’s… incapable?”
The physician answered in the affirmative, lowering his head, not daring to meet Chu Mingyi’s eyes.
Chu Mingyi hadn’t expected this twist and sneered, “Truly useless.”
But then again, it wasn’t surprising.
Just look at Wu Ciyun’s sickly appearance, catching a cold nearly cost him half his life. If he really went to bed with someone, he’d probably die on the spot.
He really had no idea what his elder brother saw in Wu Ciyun.
Wasn’t he afraid that today’s pledge would turn into tomorrow’s funeral?
The physician couldn’t figure out what Chu Mingyi meant and hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, “Then General, you mean…”
Chu Mingyi’s brow furrowed tightly.
“Find a way to treat him. It doesn’t matter what rare medicines are needed—if you can cure it, do so.”
***
Chu Mingyi’s actions left Wu Ciyun thoroughly confused.
The more she thought about it, the more her head hurt, so she simply set the matter aside for now, leaned against a soft pillow, and closed her eyes to rest.
“…Why don’t you ask me?”
The System sounded a bit aggrieved and took the initiative to speak: “You haven’t told me about any of the plans you’ve made.”
The plot had never gone into detail about Wu Ciyun’s plan for taking Wuzhou. If not for Chu Mingyi’s group coming to see Wu Ciyun today, even it wouldn’t have known what she intended.
Wu Ciyun scoffed and retorted: “Don’t you keep plenty of things from me too?”
The System protested immediately: “When have I ever hidden anything from you?”
【Then tell me Rong Tan’s true identity.】
【……】
【That concerns later plot developments. There are rules—I can’t say.】
Wu Ciyun wasn’t surprised. She ignored the System and suddenly called someone to come in.
Rong Tan had been waiting outside the door. Hearing her voice, he hurriedly pushed the door open, but before he could lift the bead curtain, he heard Wu Ciyun say, “Go look after Liangyu and Mingzhu. Have A Ming come in to attend me.”
Rong Tan paused slightly, instinctively glancing toward the faint silhouette behind the bead curtain.
Unable to guess her thoughts, he could only softly agree and withdraw, burdened with worry.
A Ming was a servant responsible for running errands in the residence. He was quick-witted and efficient.
Hearing that Wu Ciyun had summoned him, he immediately put down what he was doing and hurried over.
“Greetings, Master! I heard from Housekeeper Rong that you were looking for me.”
A Ming grinned. “What orders do you have for me, Master?”
Wu Ciyun lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before asking, “Go to the Jail and summon Liu Zhi to the residence. Tell him I have questions for him.”
“At your command.”
Having received his orders, A Ming got up to leave.
He moved as lightly as a cat; no matter how fast he walked, he made not a sound.
“A Ming, are you going out?”
Rong Tan was absentmindedly playing pitch-pot with the siblings.
Seeing A Ming hurry by, he quickly called out to stop him.
“Master asked me to go to the Jail and bring Warden Liu over for questioning.”
A Ming glanced at Rong Tan, flashed a bright smile showing two little tiger teeth, and asked in return, “Housekeeper Rong, do you have any instructions?”
“…No.”
Rong Tan’s heart sank the moment he heard the word “Jail.”
He kept his face calm and replied warmly, “Go quickly and return soon. Don’t keep Master waiting.”
“Of course.”
A Ming nodded and in the blink of an eye was off again like a puff of smoke.
Rong Tan stood there, his mind in turmoil.
Images of Xiao Boming’s tragic death flashed through his mind, then Wu Ciyun’s cold, smileless face.
A heavy sense of unease pressed on his chest like a cloud of black mist, making it hard to breathe.
“Housekeeper Rong, what’s wrong?”
Wu Mingzhu noticed Rong Tan’s pallor. She blinked and whispered, “Did you make big brother angry?”
She tugged at Rong Tan’s sleeve. He bent down to cooperate, and Wu Mingzhu leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Big brother is soft-hearted. If you talk to him more, he’ll get over it soon.”
“I’m fine. Master isn’t angry with me.”
Rong Tan forced a smile, unwilling to show any weakness in front of the two children.
Probably only these siblings in the whole world would call Wu Ciyun soft-hearted. No matter how big their mistakes, Wu Ciyun would always try to forgive them.
But in Wu Ciyun’s heart, how could he ever compare to Wu Mingzhu or Wu Liangyu?
Now that Ning Prefecture had long since changed hands, A Ming, carrying the Wu Residence’s Official Seal, met no resistance wherever he went.
The officer in charge of the Jail, upon learning that Wu Ciyun had summoned someone, was eager to personally escort them back to the residence.
Liu Zhi was a thin man of about thirty. He followed A Ming into the Wu Residence, his heart trembling as he saw the soldiers guarding the entrance, though he forced himself to appear calm.
“I wonder why Master has called for me. Might you be able to give me a hint…”
“Master has his reasons. As a servant, I simply follow orders.”
A Ming cut Liu Zhi off and led him straight to Wu Ciyun.
He stopped outside the bead curtain and respectfully announced, “Master, I’ve brought him.”
“Greetings, Master.”
Liu Zhi gave Wu Ciyun a deep bow, his knees hitting the ground with a dull thud.
By rights, as Warden now, he wasn’t a high official, but he shouldn’t have to humble himself so much.
But with Ning Prefecture now under Wu Ciyun’s control, and with the fate of the Pingnan Prince’s Residence and the local officials still fresh in everyone’s mind, Liu Zhi had no idea if this summons was good or ill. His heart was in his throat.
Wu Ciyun didn’t speak, and he didn’t dare rise. He could only kneel behind the bead curtain and screen, anxiously waiting for her orders.
A maid, following Rong Tan’s instructions, served Wu Ciyun a nourishing bird’s nest porridge.
Still ill and with little appetite, Wu Ciyun drank two sips before waving it away.
Remembering Rong Tan’s instructions, the maid gently urged, “Master, please have a bit more. Housekeeper Rong said you’re weak and need to build up your strength…”
“Oh?”
Wu Ciyun wasn’t angry. She shot the maid a sidelong glance and said slowly, “Since when did Housekeeper Rong start running this house?”
The maid’s face changed at once.
Realizing her slip, she immediately knelt to beg forgiveness.
“Please forgive me, Master!”
Wu Ciyun had no intention of blaming others.
Her brow creased slightly as she said lightly, “Get up. I was only making an offhand remark.”
The maid trembled as she rose, set the bowl of porridge on the table, and carefully helped Wu Ciyun rinse her mouth, not daring to mention Rong Tan again.
Outside, Liu Zhi heard every word clearly.
His heart sank—afraid he’d been found out, cold sweat soaked his back.
Wu Ciyun seemed to have forgotten his existence. She leisurely sipped half a cup of tea.
Liu Zhi stared at the floor, listening to the crisp sound of teacups clinking—like the death knell in the Hall of Yama.
He had no idea how long he’d knelt before Wu Ciyun’s calm voice finally sounded.
“I nearly forgot, we have a guest waiting. A Ming, why didn’t you remind me? Quickly, invite him to sit.”
“I apologize, Master. Warden Liu is so well-mannered, he waited here without making a sound.”
A Ming immediately admitted his fault, grinning as he helped Liu Zhi into a chair and said flatteringly, “Lord Liu, please take the seat of honor.”
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. Master is unwell—how could I sit idly by…”
Wu Ciyun’s moods were unpredictable, and Liu Zhi couldn’t guess her intentions. Instinctively, he tried to kneel again, but A Ming, quick as lightning, pressed him into the chair with a smile.
“Lord Liu, don’t decline. If our Master tells you to sit, then just sit comfortably.”
Liu Zhi nervously agreed, sitting on the chair even more stiffly than he’d knelt.
Wu Ciyun leaned against her pillow, eyes half-closed, and said offhandedly, “I remember you’ve been Warden for over a year now. Are you used to it?”
“Yes. Thanks to Master’s guidance and support, I, Liu, will never forget your great kindness, and will repay you in the next life if need be…”
Liu Zhi had once been a lowly jailer, responsible for guarding prisoners and occasionally running small errands for a bit of extra money.
About a year and a half ago, Wu Ciyun had just arrived in Ning Prefecture and, because of a case involving the Pingnan Prince’s Residence’s convict slaves, had offended Xiao Boming.
Xiao Boming, always arrogant thanks to his father’s power, had actually had Wu Ciyun—a seventh-rank official—locked up in Prison, nearly subjecting her to torture.
Liu Zhi, a native of Ping Su, had his family settled there. Seeing Wu Ciyun imprisoned but unfazed, he guessed she had a way out and didn’t dare offend his direct superior.
The Warden told him to torment Wu Ciyun, but there weren’t many ways to do so without torture—like withholding food and water, or releasing starving rats into the cell. Not fatal, but real suffering.
Liu Zhi, fearing Wu Ciyun might regain power, dared not use such methods—in fact, he secretly brought her water twice.
Sure enough, Wu Ciyun was released after just one day, thanks to an order from the Prince of Pingnan.
Afterward, no one knew what Wu Ciyun had done, but Xiao Boming started following her around like a dog, and even the Prince of Pingnan valued her highly.
The original Warden was exiled for taking bribes, and Liu Zhi, once a mere jailer, was promoted to Warden thanks to a single word from Wu Ciyun.
Now Wu Ciyun truly held power. Before, a word from her could bring him promotion and fortune; now, a word could decide his life or death.
Liu Zhi was terrified. If not for A Ming holding him down, he’d have knelt again.
Wu Ciyun asked, “That day I sent Rong Tan to the Jail to deal with Xiao Boming. Were you present?”
“I was… I was there.”
Liu Zhi’s body tensed, and he stammered, “The Young Lord died cleanly—he didn’t suffer. He’s now buried behind Lingxiu Mountain.”
Xiao Boming had died by his own hand, his neck slashed open. Rong Tan had ordered them to leave the body in the wilds for two days.
In the dead of winter, with food scarce, wild wolves and dogs followed the scent of blood. If not for the corpse being tied to a tree, it would have vanished without a trace.
When Liu Zhi came to collect the remains, he saw the body had been gnawed almost to the bone, with strips of bloody flesh hanging on. It was a horrifying sight.
He hurriedly had the remains shoved into a coffin and buried, even setting up a token gravestone and offerings.
Wu Ciyun had told him to give Xiao Boming a proper burial, but Rong Tan had promised him many benefits.
Thinking that Rong Tan was now in Wu Ciyun’s favor, Liu Zhi decided to go along.
Now, with Wu Ciyun suddenly bringing up Xiao Boming, Liu Zhi was nervous, afraid he’d slip up.
But Wu Ciyun didn’t press further. Instead, she suddenly chuckled and asked, “Was he frightened?”
“…What?”
Liu Zhi was stunned, taking a while to realize what she meant.
“Seeing a man die in front of you is naturally frightening. Housekeeper Rong was kind and had us burn extra offerings and hire monks to pray for the Young Lord, hoping he’d reach paradise quickly.”
“I see.”
Whether she believed him or not, Liu Zhi couldn’t tell, but he became even more anxious and wanted to explain further.
But Wu Ciyun seemed to lose interest. She said flatly, “A Ming, the roads are slippery with snow. See Warden Liu out properly.”
Liu Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, declined Wu Ciyun’s offer of hospitality, and was just about to leave when a familiar voice stopped him.
“Lord Liu, please wait.”
Liu Zhi turned and saw who it was, immediately putting on a smile.
“So it’s Young Master Rong.”
“What did she ask you?”
Rong Tan didn’t waste words, eager for an answer.
“She asked about Xiao Boming, didn’t she? She asked how Xiao Boming died, didn’t she?”
Liu Zhi had never seen him so tense and quickly explained, “You worry too much, Young Master. Master didn’t ask about that. She only asked if you were frightened.”
Rong Tan was stunned.
It felt as if, just as he was about to drown, someone had pulled him back onto the boat—a breath of air at the moment of suffocation.
Liu Zhi’s words echoed in his ears.
After a long time, he finally came back to himself and murmured, “She really said that to you?”
She hadn’t asked about Xiao Boming’s death, but rather, about him…
Seeing this, Liu Zhi quickly confirmed, “Yes, Master didn’t ask about Xiao Boming at all—only whether you were afraid.”
“And how did you answer?”
“I said Young Master is kindhearted—of course he’d be shaken seeing someone die in front of him. Later, you made sure Xiao Boming was buried properly.”
Liu Zhi’s eyes darted as he flattered, “Honestly, I think you needn’t worry, Young Master. Xiao Boming was executed on Master’s orders, and now you’re in her favor. Even if this comes up again in the future, I doubt Master would care. She might even forget what Xiao Boming looked like.”
“You’re right.”
Rong Tan lowered his eyes, thinking of Wu Ciyun’s face. His voice softened.
“She really does treat me very well.”
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