Chapter 256 – A Reminder
'Are you calling this Prince a pig?' His thoughts circled for a moment before he finally showed some reactions to her words. He was so angry that he was stunned. Fortunately, he was in a good today, so he will stayed in bed a bit longer. There was no hurry in getting up.
After they both ate breakfast, Lu Jiang came in and whispered something into Jing Rong's ear. Jing Rong nodded and his expression turned solemn.
"What's wrong?" Ji Yunshu asked.
"Old General Li has already entered the capital," Jing Rong replied.
Old General Li? Ji Yunshu didn't expect that. She leaned forward a bit.
"I heard that Old General Li had sworn to never set foot in the capital again. He didn't even attend Shuiqing's funeral, so why now? Is it because of the Emperor's birthday?"
He shook his head. "It's probably due to the Lin Capital case. If the tragedy on that year was somehow related to him, it will explain why he decided to come to the capital now of all times."
"If it's truly like this, then this case is far from simple."
"Hence, this Prince is being patient while awaiting Lord Qin's news."
"Lord Qin?" Ji Yunshu gave him a baffled look.
He nodded and explained, "Lord Qin will visit Old General Li and probe him first. If nothing comes out of it, I will personally make a trip to meet that Old Eccentric. I don't believe I will not be able to handle him."
How domineering!
She glanced at him with the urge to hit him with a frying pan.
Her little expression was caught by Jing Rong's sharp eyes. He slightly raised his jaw and arrogantly spout, "If this Prince can manage to deal with a little demon like you, who else can't I deal with?"
His words always managed to leave her speechless.
Unable to retort, she went back into the room and continued examining a skull while shaping the original face with a lump of clay. Quickly, she became immersed in her work.
Jing Rong appeared quite bored and was in no hurry to leave. Instead, her work fascinated him, so he inquired, "It has already been four days. Is it very difficult to reproduce the original appearance of those skeletons?"
"Hm!"
"What is so difficult about it?"
Ji Yunshu explained to him, "Fourteen years ago, those people were burned in a fire for a day and a night. Hence, their corpses had underwent numerous changes as a result. Let's say that someone died when they were in the midst of a struggle, the deceased's cheek bones and lower jaw will often have more distance between them which might induce a margin of error when reproducing the lips and nose. If the deceased died from suffocation due to the smoke of the fire and then was burned afterwards, the parietal bone and the zygomatic bones would be deformed. This changed the distance between the brows and the size of the forehead. Those are all details that need to be taken into consideration when reconstructing the original appearance of a destroyed corpse. I used pottery clay to facilitate the facial reconstruction of this skull. Based on the degree of the burn of the corpse and the deformations the bones underwent through high temperature, I will need to make a lot of corrections after each examination until I am sure of the final result."
Jing Rong was blown away after hearing her. What kind of freak was she? He couldn't help but shook his head with the corner of his eyes twitching. "Our future child is bound to be a genius." He exclaimed.
"Stop spouting nonsense!" Ji Yunshu said, feeling a headache creeping in.
He earnestly tutted, "I think that it's better to give birth to a son. If we have a daughter, and she is just like you – running all day around corpses – how dreadful it is. Yeah… A son is better. He can practice swordplay with me and study whatever literary books he wanted. That's better."
"Who wants to give birth to your son?"
"You of course, because this Prince can't give birth." He made a sound argument.
Ji Yunshu gritted her teeth in anger. 'Why don't you get lost?' She sworn that having a daughter is better. If she had a son who behaved just like Jing Rong – being all flirty like this with girls – won't that be dreadful?
Jing Rong seemed in the mood to tease her until she was flustered. After bickering back and forth a few more times, she gave up. Fortunately, due to the Emperor's birthday approaching, he had to spend time preparing the gifts, thus he didn't stay long. Before his departure, he didn't forget to grab her tender hands and reminded her, "Don't run everywhere and stay here. Imperial Father's birthday is coming soon which is in a few days. During this time, you cannot stir up any new troubles. I will also be busier in the meantime, but I will still come see you when I can."
"Oh." She nodded.
After she sent off that great ancestor, she resumed to her tasks.
At the General Mansion.
Ji Muqing was in a room, hands on her waist and ordering the maidservants. "Be careful when you place that thing! Put it lightly over there. If you break it, I will make all of you pay for it."
This braindead woman actually brought with her more than a dozen of jade vases during their long journey from Jinjiang to the capital, and every single one of them was a good piece of craftsmanship.
The poor servants suffered the most, have to move the vases around the entire morning. Wasn't Ji Muqing only here to participate in the Crown Princess selection? Why did it feel like she was moving her whole house instead?
Crash!
As soon as Ji Muqing told them to be careful, one of the jade vases fell onto the ground and shattered. The little servant girl was scared, and her whole body was covered in cold sweat. She quickly kneeled, kowtowed many times.
"Eldest Miss, this servant didn't mean to. This lowly one really didn't mean to. Please have mercy!"
Ji Muqing's anger flared up looking at Yu Ping, who was prostrated on the floor. She went forward with her hand raised and heavily slapped her face.
"Cheap wench! Do you know how expensive this vase was?"
"This servant didn't mean to. I really didn't mean to."
"You didn't mean to? It looks like I have to teach you a good lesson today." As soon the words were uttered, she grabbed the servant girl's hair and raised her other hand, about to give the other party a round of beating.
Yet, the next moment, Ji Wanxin's voice was heard. "Stop!" She quickly trotted to them and pulled back her sister while trying to reason with her. "Eldest Sister, it is only a flower vase, why should you get angry for that?"
"This was a high quality vase! All thesese cheap servants can't afford to pay for it even after working an entire lifetime!"
"Don't tell me you want to beat her to death until you are satisfied?"
Ji Muqing sneered with her eyebrows raised. She shook off Ji Wanxin before glaring at the maidservant. "It's just one servant less. We can always buy another one with a few silver, so what's wrong with beating her to death?
Ji Wanxin coughed several times, then she walked to the trembling little servant. She supported her up and whispered in a calm tone, "Don't be scared. You should go out first."
"Second Miss…"
"It's fine." Ji Wanxi patted the girl's hand and hinted at the other girls, "All of you should leave as well."
"Yes, Miss!" The maidservants present hurriedly withdraw.
Ji Muqing watched the scene, with both arms folded. Her voice was tinted with cold sarcasms. "I really don't understand why you are so kind to them! They are mere cheap servants. What did they do to deserve your sympathy?"
Ji Wanxin didn't change her expression, although she coughed quietly a few times. "Servants are still people. They also have parents. Can't you be more magnanimous?"
"Magnanimous? Ji Wanxin, are you lecturing me?" Her expression darkened immediately.
Her anger flourished.
Ji Wanxin gently said, "It's only a reminder."
Paf!
A resounding slap was heard and a red handprint appeared on Ji Wanxin's pale cheek.
Grenn’s Rants Corner
Congratulations to Sith Kazar for winning the contest and getting the beginner ink calligraphy set. Thank you to Drasna for the creative entry. I really like that excel sheet chart since you only need to scroll up and down.
Congratulations to the winners of the raffle: Somniel, Neurotic Moon, Sith Kazar, Foenix and last but not least, Drasna.
I hope you guys enjoy BPC translation anniversary!
Chapter 257 – What should be said, and what shouldn't be
This was the first time Ji Wanxin had ever been slapped, and the one who slapped her was Ji Muqing! Her face twisted. The corner of her mouth was torn and bloodied. Her hairpiece almost fell off her crown from the blow.
Ji Muqing's hand was numb. Her delicately powdered face scrunched up as she declared, "Ji Wanxin, you are also a concubine’s daughter, no different from Ji Yunshu. Remind me? You? You're not worthy!" She snorted, flung her sleeves backward and left with a huff.
Ji Wanxin raised her deep-set eyes. Darkness smothered her usually gentle gaze. It was extremely strange. Her pale lips twitched. A smile crept across her face as she muttered, "Even the most docile of kittens will eventually grow sharp claws."
………..
At Liang Manor.
As the Emperor's birthday was near, the government officials could not hold any funeral outwardly. As such, the traditional white silks of death and mourning where not hung outside the manor. The family and its servants did not even dress in mourning robes. The coffin was placed in the altar in the backyard and draped in black cloth. Several white candles burned above it. They didn’t even use joss sticks. How miserable!
Minister Liang was not only handling the affairs pertaining the imperial family, he was also involved in the the selection of the Crown Prince's consort, so he could not participate in any funerals, including his daughter's funeral. Dressed in long, dark-purple satin robes – hands dangling at his sides – he crouched in front of his daughter's coffin. His eyes and cheeks were sunken. It looked like he’d aged years overnight.
"Shu'er, your father is useless. He couldn't bring you justice. He can’t even make sure you’re sent off properly. I was wrong. I am so sorry." He trembled, tears about to fall.
The housekeeper hurried over from the front yard in that moment. He held an ornate black box in his hands. He walked up to Minister Liang and presented the box.
"Concubine Xiao sent this, Master. It is a condolence gift for the Young Miss."
"Concubine Xiao?" Lord Liang was perplexed. He looked at the housekeeper, then at the box, "Why would she send a gift?"
"This servant is not sure."
Theoretically, he had never crossed paths with Concubine Xiao. At most, they might be a bit related because of the Crown Princess' selection.
He took the box and opened it. Inside sat a string of pearls. It was a priceless piece of jewelry painstakingly made by the main wife of Marquis Yuanbo. It was a very time-consuming craft which took her several years to complete. She died soon after it was finished. They’d been in Concubine Xiao’s possession ever since. Who would have thought it would be offered as his daughter's burial gift? Her sudden generosity was too suspicious!
"Accept the gift," he said.
The housekeeper nodded, placed the box by the coffin, and turned back to his master.
"Concubine Xiao sends her condolences."
"That is all?"
"This servant is just conveying her servant’s words."
It couldn't be that simple! He grew uneasy. He rubbed his furrowed brows, heaved an immense sigh, and let himself be helped out of the altar.
The next morning, he had a cleansing bath in some holy water after his daughter’s burial and headed for the palace. He bumped into Ji Li when he arrived at the palace gates. Ji Li's expression turned extremely cold when he saw him. He came closer and spoke.
"Lord Liang. You’ve just finished burying your daughter, why rush back to the palace so soon? You should rest a few more days." He was like a predator leering at its prey before eating it.
"Many thanks for your concerns, Secretary Ji, but this official is fine."
"I’m glad to hear it," Ji Li continued ominously, "Lord Liang is a smart man. You should know there are things that can and should be said, and things that shouldn't, right?"
Minister Liang glanced at him sharply, "You need not beat around the bush!"
Ji Li did not bother with appearances since he’d been told he could drop his pretenses. He continued in a lower tone, his calm disposition unchanged.
"Miss Liang's death was an accident. My younger sister will be the Crown Prince's consort, so it would not be acceptable for Lord Liang to say anything inappropriate in front of His Majesty."
An outright threat! Lord Liang had just lost his daughter! Why would he care about such trivial matters?! His disheveled face darkened as he snorted, "Secretary Ji need not worry. Although this official is rank is low, I have never strayed from the lines while serving His Majesty."
"Good, then I have no need to hold you any longer!" Ji Li left, satisfied.
Minister Liang barely kept his hatred and fury in check. He would get his revenge, but the time was not right. Afterwards, he headed straight for Zhangzhi Hall.
Concubine Xiao had been waiting for him for a long time. She had two cups of tea sitting on the table. It had cooled down and been replaced once, twice, three times over before he finally arrived.
"This official pays his respects to Concubine Xiao!" He raised his hands in greeting.
Concubine Xiao was very friendly, but also showed a sympathetic look on her face.
"Please have a seat, Lord Liang," she said as she motioned to the open chair.
Lord Liang kept his head lowered as he took the seat, a painful expression on his face.
"This Imperial One knows Lord Liang must be devastated by the loss of his daughter. I also watched Xu'er grow up. I didn't take care of her too much, but I know she was a lovely child. It's sad to see her depart in such a manner, but the dead can't be revived. Lord Liang, you should take care not to tire yourself with grief. Your health is important too."
A few tears threatened to run down her face as she finished her words.
Lord Liang balled his fists on his lap He slowly raised his eyes to look at Concubine Xiao. "Does Concubine Xiao have other matters to discuss?"
"It looks like Lord Liang understands this Imperial One's intentions!"
"Your Ladyship has sent this official’s daughter a precious burial gift. There must be something you would have this official do. If so, please speak your mind," his voice was slightly husky – low but also frustrated.
Concubine Xiao took her time. She slowly pushed the teacup in front of Liang Zongzheng towards him, her eyes narrowing even further.
"I have heard the Ji family's daughter, Ji Muqing, had something to do with Xu'er's death. I also heard Secretary Ji and General Ji personally went to the capital’s yamen and the previous witness changed her statement. Xu'er's death was classified as an accident because of that, but no one can be certain whether this is true."
Her roundabout words carried much deeper meaning.
His hatred grew as she spoke, but he maintained his calm appearance. "Since Your Ladyship knew this mere official was visiting, you should know my intentions. Your Ladyship can be straightforward," he finally said.
"Good!"
Concubine Xiao rose from her seat, lifting her chin. Her gentle gaze turned savage.
"Xu'er was supposed to be the Crown Prince's concubine, but that wretched Ji Muqing caused Xu'er's tragic death. How could such a woman be the Crown Prince's consort? How could she be fit to be the mother of the nation when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne? Lord Liang can not be satisfied with this outcome! The principal official in the selection of the Crown Prince's consort is you, Lord Liang! If something were to go awry in the process, it would still be reasonable."
Chapter 258 – To Keep or Not, It is an Easy Decision
Reasonable and practical! Since Concubine Xiao had plainly stated her intentions, Lord Liang had no need to play the fool anymore.
Concubine Xiao was undoubtedly a clever woman; she caught on to the fact that he had just tragically lost his daughter, and she would need his help to kick Ji Muqing out of the selection. Then, with him at the forefront, she had a ready scapegoat and would not need to stain her own hands. What a well-thought out plan!
Minister Liang questioned after a long while, "Why is Your Ladyship helping me?"
"Xu'er, that poor thing. I can't bear to see her tragic death go unavenged. Furthermore, the Crown Princess must be carefully selected. This would have future implications on the bloodline of our Great Lin; hence, I am sharing these with you. You must understand that this Imperial One is on your side." Her real motives were hidden very well! She wanted Ji Muqing as her own daughter-in-law, gathering the power held in Secretary Ji and General Ji's hands for her own son's struggle for the throne!
Minister Liang took some time to digest what Concubine Xiao said and began to worry, "That firstborn daughter of the Ji family is the Crown Prince's consort chosen by His Majesty and the late Empress; with Ji Li and Ji Heng at her back, this official thinks it would be difficult to make any changes."
"Lord Liang need not lose sleep over this matter; since this Imperial One is on your side, there will no doubt be a way out."
Hearing this, Liang Zongzheng gritted his teeth, "Alright, this official will carry out this deal at Your Ladyship's word, even if it is just to take revenge for Xu'er's poor soul in heaven." He did not seem to notice the smile on Concubine Xiao's face.
He briefly considered again, "Then, if the Crown Princess were to be re-selected, who would be a suitable candidate?"
"Does Lord Liang remember Princess Huiwen whom His Majesty personally granted the title not too long ago?"
"Princess Huiwen?"
"Huiwen is the late Empress's niece and comes from noble origins; now that she also carries the title of 'Princess', it would not be strange for the title of Crown Prince's consort to also belong to her."
"But…" His brows furrowed, "The Kong family has long fallen from grace – His Majesty would never agree."
In the fight for the throne, there were no idiots – even if a consort was to be selected, most princes would pick someone with a strong background! Moreover, the Crown Prince has yet to ascend to the throne, and would therefore pick someone with even more influence as his consort to further cement his position! Concubine Xiao had anticipated this and developed a foolproof plan.
Hence, the two of them secretly plotted for over an hour in Zhangzhi Hall. Minister Liang was genuinely surprised after hearing Concubine Xiao's plan – who would have thought that women of the harem had such foresight and wits! How frightening!
He rose from his seat and clasped his fists in salute, "Then, this official will first take his leave."
Concubine Xiao nodded in approval. After Lord Liang left, Jing Yi appeared from behind the folding screen, watching after Lord Liang's figure in the distance. He turned to his mother, "Would this Lord Liang reveal anything unintentionally? His daughter has just died and he must be very muddled; would he screw up our plans?" Jing Yi's worries were not unfounded; Lord Liang had just lost his only daughter and would now have to participate in this elaborate scheme. If the plan were to fall apart because of him, who would bear the consequences?
Concubine Xiao laughed, her attention on her perfectly painted fingernails, "Even if something were to go wrong, it would be Lord Liang's fault; if it comes to that, just say that he did these things for his daughter's revenge – it's not unbelievable."
True, no one would doubt it! Jing Yi, however, sat down, brows knitted together, "I thought that no matter how lacking the firstborn daughter of the Ji Family was, she wasn't a cruel woman. From this issue, it seems like she really is such a person." Wouldn't he die early from having this wretch by his side?
In reality, Concubine Xiao was equally, if not more, dissatisfied; she would not accept even if such a daughter-in-law were to be served on a silver platter to her for free. But- "For the title of Crown Prince, Yi'er, you must marry her. If you were to become the future Emperor, it would become an easy decision whether you want to keep that woman or not."
What she meant was, the decision to kill her or not could be made so easily! For the title of Crown Prince, for the throne, all Jing Yi could do was to grit his teeth and force himself to swallow this foul-smelling 'medicine'.
……….
At the Rong Estate.
Jing Rong was still contemplating what birthday gift to prepare for his Imperial Father's birthday. He decided to take Ji Yunshu's advice and hence looked over the list Lu Jiang prepared earlier for an expensive gift. There were countless items listed, but none caught his fancy.
"Your Highness, all of the precious items are already listed here," Lu Jiang offered.
Jing Rong muttered to himself, "Something more high-profile? What should we present?"
"How about this Eight Deities folding screen? Such a gift would surely be appropriate for His Majesty's chambers."
"No," Jing Rong refuted immediately. He asked Lu Jiang once more, "What are the Crown Prince and Prince Yi presenting this year?"
"The records are not available yet."
Jing Rong sighed. If it were like previous years, all he had to do was to present an inkbrush, sparing him all this trouble! If that's the case – he slapped his thigh, "Come, let's head for Bamboo Creek Garden!" Time to visit my little wife! Lu Jiang wanted to tag along, but was forbidden by Jing Rong.
Upon reaching Bamboo Creek Garden, Jing Rong was shocked at the sight of the courtyard – all 67 coffins had been opened. Brush in hand, Ji Yunshu circled these coffins, checking with the name list of the Imperial Duke's household she obtained from the Ministry of Revenue. Engrossed in her work, she had not noticed Jing Rong's arrival.
Jing Rong's face grew worried. He approached her, "Are there problems with all these skeletons?" Ji Yunshu was startled by his voice suddenly ringing by her ear, her brush almost fell to the ground.
She steadied herself and took a deep breath, waving the list as she explained, "I discovered that of the listed 67 servants in the Imperial Duke's estate, 31 were female and 36 were male. Of these skeletons, the numbers of female skeletons matched up and so the missing corpse must be male. Of these 36 men, eight were aged above 65 years old – these corpses are easily identifiable from the density of the bones and are all present. Additionally, there are 15 bodies aged between 12 and 20 years old which I have identified. The remaining age groups would be difficult to distinguish without more advanced technology and tools, so, the missing servant can be cross-checked and identified with the last 13 sets of male skeletons." This would be much more time-efficient – there would be no need to work on this for over a year!
Jing Rong was astonished at Ji Yunshu's discovery, "If what you said is true, then we are one more step closer to the truth."
Ji Yunshu nodded. Just as she was about to speak, a servant ran in from the front yard, paying his respects to Jing Rong, "This servant pays his respects to Prince Rong."
Jing Rong recognised this man – he was one of Qin Shiyu's men, "What's the matter?"
"Lord Qin sent this servant to inform Teacher Ji that Old General Li wants to meet him."
Chapter 259 – Not Just a Despicable Man, But the Worst One!
That eccentric Old General Li wants to meet Ji Yunshu?
Ji Yunshu was not surprised; Jing Rong, on the other hand, was astonished that Old General Li would make the first move when he himself had yet to meet that old man! He asked the servant, "Did Lord Qin pay a visit the Old General's mansion?"
"Yes, he did."
"What else did he mention?"
The servant shook his head, "Nothing else; Lord Qin only ordered this servant to inform Teacher Ji that Old General Li will be waiting at Li Mansion this evening."
Meeting so late at night, was he insane? Jing Rong wrinkled his brows, gesturing, "I understand, take your leave."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Jing Rong pulled Ji Yunshu over as the servant left, "Old General Li is slightly eccentric. When you meet him, you must take extra care and pay extra attention. Of course, you must be extremely patient."
"Is he that odd?"
Jing Rong nodded. Ji Yunshu was perplexed – given that he had been so successful on the battlefield, surely the Old General Li wasn't brainless?
"If he offers you tea, you'd better finish that cup before saying anything."
"Why?"
"Because he's a weirdo!"
Ji Yunshu was speechless, but her curiosity was now piqued by Jing Rong's words. She must meet that Old General Li no matter what now! She turned towards him, raising her eyebrows, "If this is the case, do you wish for me to meet him?"
"Didn't you wish to leave for Qingzhou before? This Prince stopped you back then, but now that the Old General Li is here in the capital and has asked to see you, if I forbade it any further, won't you hate me?"
"When have I ever hated you?" She side-eyed him as she protested weakly.
Jing Rong approached her, a wicked grin on his face. Ji Yunshu had no choice but to retreat backwards until she was backed up against the hard, cold coffin. At that moment, Jing Rong's frame began to tower over her like a huge shadow. She bit her lips and put out her hands defensively against his chest while surveying her surroundings vigilantly at the same time.
Lang Po, who was standing beside them, sensibly turned around to face the other way, his back almost reflecting these words: 'Take your own sweet time, this servant has seen nothing!'
"Why are you so nervous?" Jing Rong's tone was extremely gentle.
"N-nothing," Ji Yunshu's heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes at this voracious wolf, meeting his gentle, loving gaze.
Jing Rong's smile grew wider as he stooped down, the tip of his nose pressed up against Ji Yunshu's full forehead. He took a deep breath, "How fragrant!"
Are you a pro comedian, bro? Ji Yunshu could not help but frown as she tilted backwards, questioning, "Fragrant? There are tens of corpses surrounding you, each emanating the foul stench of rotten wood and flesh, can't you smell them?"
"I've smelt them." Jing Rong nodded, "But, this Prince is only concerned about your fragrance; my nose can hold no other odour."
"Stop fooling around," Ji Yunshu intended to move around him, but was caught by his arms, held steadfast in his embrace. Her face reddened, her grip on that name list tightening.
Jing Rong's red lips broke out into a smirk, "What are you afraid of, you little thing? All I wanted was to-" He reached for Ji Yunshu's hairpiece, pinching off a green blade of leaf from the top of her crown, fiddling with it in his fingers. He blew on it, continuing with a troubled look on his face, "I saw that you had a leaf stuck to your head and wanted to remove it, that's all. What did you think this Prince wanted to do?"
How embarrassing! Ji Yunshu swore that he was not just a despicable man, but the most despicable of them all! She shoved the name list into Jing Rong's chest, the force used also sent her back a few steps. Her blush faded as quickly as it began, as she discussed seriously, "The names that I have crossed out on this list are the skeletons which are present. I have also marked out the corresponding coffins in red. These coffins can be reburied, and should be done as soon as possible to prevent the skeletons from being unnecessarily exposed to the air, causing further damage. The dead are already long gone – we should let them rest in peace."
Jing Rong held that list against his chest with one hand, his loving gaze fixed on Ji Yunshu, "Alright, this Prince understands. Someone will be here soon." He was uncharacteristically obedient!
Jing Rong was very efficient; the 54 coffins scattered across the yard were removed by the end of that afternoon. The remaining 13 coffins were closed and covered with hay to prevent the corpses from being damaged by the humidity.
Seeing as it was approaching evening, Jing Rong escorted Ji Yunshu to the Li Mansion.
At the gates, Jing Rong grabbed onto Ji Yunshu's hands before she could disembark from the carriage, reminding her, "If you can't get anything out of him, don't bother prodding further. Although not a conniving man, Old General Li is quite peculiar in how he deals with such matters, especially with his years of experience. Don't forget as well that this 'Lin Capital Case' was taken over by this Prince – I don't want you to get too involved, understand?" His grip tightened in fear that she would forget.
Ji Yunshu nodded slightly, "I understand." Only then was Jing Rong happy to let her enter the mansion.
A servant had long been awaiting her arrival outside Li Estate. He bowed slightly, "Teacher Ji, Old General Li has been anticipating your arrival for some time. Please follow this old servant."
"Many thanks!"
Ji Yunshu followed that old servant into the Li Mansion's backyard, but unexpectedly met that old fellow Li Zhao on her way in. His sleeves were pushed up, with a long fishing rod in one hand and a woven fish basket in the other. He happily skipped his way towards the front yard. Upon seeing Ji Yunshu, his elation at heading out disappeared. He glared angrily at Ji Yunshu as usual, asking the old servant beside him, "Uncle Ge, what is she here for? My Big Sister isn't around these few days."
"Young Master, actually…"
Before Uncle Ge could finish, Li Zhao snorted at Ji Yunshu demandingly, "Teacher Ji, weren't you investigating that 'Lin Capital Case' recently? Why the late visit to our residence, huh? Don't tell me there are also coffins in here that you want to unearth?"
Ji Yunshu smiled, "Master Li is over-worrying. Why would there be coffins buried beneath your estate grounds? If there really are, then this place wouldn't be quite as peaceful at night, lest the one buried was wrongly maligned." As she spoke, a chilly breeze blew through the yard-
Li Zhao was frightened by her words. He gulped, scanning his surroundings frantically, "W-what nonsense are you talking about?"
"All I did was followed up on what Young Master Li mentioned – whether it truly is nonsense or not, who knows? There may really be a wrongfully accused soul lying beneath the ground, crying night and day, just as Young Master Li suggested."
Li Zhao's cowardice wasn't exaggerated! He trembled at the sight of the eerily lit backyard corridor, the red lanterns beaming into the dark end of the corridor and striking fear into his heart.
Grenn‘s Rants Corner
One last chapter to go before concluding BPC 1st Translation Anniversary’s mini mass releases. ^_^
Chapter 260 – Disciplinary Officer
Li Zhao, oh Li Zhao, it's still too early for you to win in a battle of wits and ruthlessness against Ji Yunshu! Who knew that rascal still overestimated himself; he narrowed his eyes, hiding his initial fear, "Don't try to scare me – let me tell you, our estate doesn't welcome people like you. Hurry up and scram." He tried to push Ji Yunshu towards the gates as he spoke.
Bang!
Before he could even reach the corner of Ji Yunshu's sleeve, Li Zhao was propelled forward by something hitting the back of his head. He flapped to regain his balance but ended up falling backwards and sprawled out on the ground. His originally overfilled fishing basket was inadvertently crushed as his rear landed on it. "Damnit~" Li Zhao winced in pain, massaging his buttocks.
Uncle Ge wanted to help him up but was pushed away by Li Zhao, who picked himself up off the floor with difficulty. He then shouted angrily into the distance, "Which fool was that? Who dares to stone this Young Master? Are you sick of living? Come out and face me!"
Bang!
Another stone flew across, this time hitting Li Zhao square in the forehead. Li Zhao was knocked unsteady by the force of the blow, falling to the ground once more.
Ji Yunshu was speechless as she watched this scene unfold. 'Tsk, tsk tsk! Li Zhao, are you sure you're not putting on your own show? Sorry, but I didn't bring my video camera – your dreams of being crowned 'Best Comedian' are unfortunately dashed!'
Li Zhao panted as he picked himself up once more, this time he angrily pointed into the distance, fuming, "Who is trying to be funny? Do you believe that this Young Master will curse your entire family, ancestors and descendants? Do you believe you will be buried deep into the ground?"
Suddenly-
"This rascal, do you want to bury this old man?" That voice was both deep and strong, undertones of fury evident as it echoed across the yard. But, only his voice was heard – he was nowhere to be seen. How strange!
However, Li Zhao's face turned white at hearing this voice, his legs trembling much harder than before. He stammered timidly, "Grandfather, your grand… your grandson has no such intentions! How could I dare bury you? Please don't get mad – I was just spouting nonsense, grandfather you…"
"Idiot, get out of here! Seeing you makes me irritated, just like your useless father!"
"Yes, your grandson will leave now." Li Zhao hurriedly disappeared out of sight in an instant, leaving his fishing rod and the now flattened fishing basket behind.
Ji Yunshu was shocked speechless! So the one who spoke was none other than the 'eccentric' Old General Li as coined by Jing Rong!
Uncle Ge cleaned up the yard, bowing towards Ji Yunshu, "Teacher Ji, our Young Master has been a disgrace."
She shook her head, "It's alright!"
"Please follow this old servant this way, Teacher Ji," Uncle Ge led her further into the estate grounds.
They turned a corner to reach a pavillion sitting centrally in the courtyard. A single lantern was lit in the pavillion, the lantern and its flame swaying unpredictably in the wind. Uncle Ge brought her into the pavillion and left swiftly after, not saying a word.
There was a folding screen dividing her and a large silhouette that seemed to be sipping tea. After a long time, Old General Li finally spoke from the other side of the screen, "Please have a seat, Teacher."
Ji Yunshu paused. She sat down wordlessly, recalling Jing Rong's earlier reminder.
That voice spoke again, "The tea on the table has just been brewed, please have a taste, Teacher."
"Many thanks, Old General Li." She picked up the teacup, fanning her slender fingers over the teacup. Moist steam from the hot tea comfortably wet the tip of her nose slightly, the overflowing aroma pleasing her senses. She took a sip, "It's a wonderful tea; although the first notes are bitter, there is a refreshingly sweet aftertaste."
"Does Teacher Ji know his teas?"
"No, I've just had many and picked up a few phrases to show off, hopefully the Old General doesn't mind."
"Teacher Ji does have a different charisma. I've heard that Teacher is a wise and smart man; to have an opportunity to meet with Teacher tonight is this old man's honour!"
Ji Yunshu set down her cup and lowered her head humbly, "The Old General flatters me too much. Rather, it is this young one's honour to have tea with the Old General Li who has swept the battlefields countless times in the Great Lin's name in this pavillion tonight."
The laughter of Old General Li could be heard through the screen as Ji Yunshu finished her sentence, "This old man is nothing more than a barbarian; Teacher has too high praise for this man, but I do not hate what I hear." He raised his cup, "Today, let this old man toast to Teacher Ji with tea instead of wine."
Ji Yunshu reciprocated the toast and took a sip. Old General Li finally appeared from behind the screen. Dressed loosely in black and red, his sleeves were tapered to his sides but they rippled gently in the wind. Even though he was over 67 years old, his charisma was accentuated by his stature and build, looking much like he had on the battlefield.
Ji Yunshu rose immediately, her hands clasped together, head bowed. Old General Li sat down slowly, leaving Ji Yunshu standing with the same pose. He picked up the teapot from the table and poured himself a new cup of tea.
Of course, Ji Yunshu did not falter, since Jing Rong had already prepared her for this situation! But this weird old man was really too eccentric; first hitting Li Zhao from the dark, then toasting to her with tea instead of wine while isolated by a folding screen, then now, leaving her to stand in greeting. Jing Rong did not exaggerate!
After a considerable amount of time, Old General Li rapped on the table, "Please have a seat, Teacher."
"Many thanks to the General," Ji Yunshu picked up her robes and sat down.
Just as she sat down, Old General Li began, "I've heard that the Emperor abolished the position of Disciplinary Officer back a few years ago on the basis that if there were any provincial cases to be reopened, they could directly submit an appeal to the Supreme Court. Hence, he increased the power and responsibility the Supreme Court holds, and now even the Ministry of Justice must work in their favour."
It was true; one must have patience when speaking with the General. By right, they should be discussing the 'Lin Capital Case', but they have barely even scratched the surface. No wonder those who hear his name on the battlefield would flee before the battle would even begin – it would take too long to get to the point!
Thankfully however, Ji Yunshu had heaps of patience. So you want to run around in circles? Sure, this one will play along! She asked, "Why does the General suddenly bring this up?"
Old General Li squinted his eyes, wrinkling his forehead even more than he had already. He looked at Ji Yunshu seriously, asking, "If His Majesty decides to reinstate the post of Disciplinary Officer, who does the Teacher think would be a suitable candidate?"
Hm? Ji Yunshu contemplated, "It looks like the General already has someone in mind."
Old General Li chuckled and took a sip of tea, "Teacher Ji is wiser than most men; the cases you have handled might not number in the hundreds, but it is still a substantial amount. This old man feels that it is the most appropriate if Teacher yourself were to be promoted to the post of Disciplinary Officer."
Grenn’s Rants Corner
Last chapter for today! I hope you enjoy the mini-mass.
As I said, I will continue daily release until I run out of edited chapter. At that time, the release will resume to 4x per week.