The Imperial Guard’s Revenge
Chapter 128 Self-Determination
A beautiful thought came to Lu Heng. Last night, Qing Qing had promised to take the initiative, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Today, he went all out. It was only reasonable for her to make up for the two days’ worth, right?
But after starting, Lu Heng found that he overlooked a very important issue.
When it came to shamelessness, Wang Yanqing was no match for Lu Heng, and she blushed as she took action. This position was deeper than any time before and the sensation was particularly intense. Wang Yanqing’s legs soon became too weak to continue, and Lu Heng, tortured by her slow pace, even had to stop to rest in the middle. Lu Heng listened to her soft breathing and finally couldn’t bear it anymore, so he turned over and did it himself.
Even though he used his wound to make all kinds of unreasonable demands with Qing Qing so she would cooperate with him, Lu Heng’s wound still broke open in the end. It was late at night and the inn was quiet. Wang Yanqing knelt beside the bed to change his bandages. She was covered in sweat, her hair was wet and hung down her back, and her legs were still trembling slightly. Wang Yanqing was so tired that she didn’t even have the strength to breathe. She looked at the shirt and blood-stained bandages piled on the ground and pinched his waist angrily.
Lu Heng immediately grabbed Wang Yanqing’s hand, staring at her deeply and said: “Don’t touch me or I can’t guarantee what will happen.”
Wang Yanqing was angry, but she didn’t dare try again. She reapplied medicine for him and changed the bandages. She didn’t have the strength to wash his body, so she collapsed on the pillow exhausted.
Lu Heng carried their scent on him. He lifted the blanket, covering Wang Yanqing’s shoulders, and wrapped his uninjured arm around her: “Sleep. Good night.”
Wang Yanqing’s eyelids fluttered as she fought sleep, but she instinctively leaned into his embrace, holding him: “Good night.”
The next day, the Suzhou Prefect personally came to the inn to visit Lu Heng. Upon seeing Lu Heng, the Prefect immediately knelt and apologized: “Greetings Master Lu, I heard that you were injured last night, and that there were evil people in Suzhou who dared attack you. I am ashamed of my dereliction of duty and cannot shirk my responsibility. This is the best doctor in Suzhou who treats external injuries. As soon as the doors opened this morning, I immediately invited him to come and treat your wounds, hoping this can somewhat make up for my failure.”
Seeing the doctor, Lu Heng said nothing, calmly accepting the Prefect’s kindness. The doctor approached to take his pulse and then went into the inner room to check Lu Heng’s injuries. He stroked his beard and said: “Master Lu, the wound has been treated very well, and I don’t need to intervene. However, it seems your wound was torn open. It must have been caused by a sudden exertion. I hope you take care of your health and avoid overexerting yourself with official duties.”
When the Suzhou Prefect heard this, he was deeply shocked. He couldn’t believe that Master Lu, even after being injured, was still personally handling official matters. On the other hand, when Guo Tao and the others heard this, they thought that Lu Heng must have torn his wound while interrogating Wu Zhang the previous day. They all felt admiration and guilt. In an instant, words urging Lu Heng to take care of his health filled the room, and Lu Heng responded with his usual calm demeanor. Internally, he thought to himself that his wound had indeed torn open, but it wasn’t because of overexerting himself with official work.
Wang Yanqing, standing to the side, quietly blushed. Luckily, no one noticed her. She quickly shifted her attention, and the warmth on her face finally subsided.
The doctor said a few things about needing to rest and then added: “Master Lu is young and in good health. I will prescribe medicine for you, to be taken in the morning and evening. It will restore you to full health and not leave any lasting effects.”
Lu Heng nodded and said: “Then I’ll trouble you.”
The doctor was led away to prepare the medicine. Lu Heng stood up and walked out, surrounded by everyone. The Suzhou Prefect hurriedly said: “Supreme Commander, Yu Xiao and his men worked for most of last night to save your ship. Unfortunately, the bottom of the ship was damaged, and the cabin was severely burned. I’ve already instructed the most skilled craftsmen in Suzhou to repair your ship. I promise they will restore it to its original condition. However, the repairs will take some time, so Master Lu may have to stay in Suzhou for a couple more days.”
Lu Heng smiled and said: “Suzhou and Hangzhou are the heaven of this world. I’ve long heard of Suzhou’s reputation, but unfortunately, never had the time to visit. I couldn’t ask for anything better, now that I can stay in Suzhou for a few more days. What is the trouble?”
The Suzhou Prefect was reassured hearing this. He clasped his hands and smiled, saying: “It is my honor that the Supreme Commander thinks highly of Suzhou. I will make arrangements for your stay, ensuring you have a pleasant time.”
Lu Heng smiled and responded, hiding his true feelings: “Thank you, Prefect.”
After a bout of flattery, the Prefect hesitated then said: “However, the things on the ship were all destroyed. The finer items are one thing, but Suzhou is not short on fine silk, and brocades and I’ll procure new items for you. The problem might be any books or letters you were carrying. Those might…”
“It’s fine.” Lu Heng interrupted, “I was dispatched with an imperial decree, and I have the special edict to report after executing, without needing any proof. The only important thing was the crates of weapons on the ship. Fortunately, I am a suspicious person and had them swapped out in advance. I never expected that it would turn out to be a lucky move, as they were spared from the fire.”
The Prefect of Suzhou was stunned for a moment, then immediately flattered: “The Supreme Commander is truly a brilliant strategist, always preparing ahead. I admire you greatly!”
Lu Heng led the Prefect towards the railing and gestured toward the back courtyard: “Do you see those mahogany crates? Inside, there are weapons for two thousand men, matchlocks, gunpowder, steel blades, and more. Not a single crate was damaged. I placed identical mahogany crates on the ship, but they were filled with stones, so they were of no consequence. After last night’s fire, I wonder if those crates are still intact.”
The Suzhou Prefect gave an awkward laugh and said: “When the soldiers were putting out the fire, they didn’t notice any crates. Your ship’s hull had a hole, so it’s possible that those items sank into the water.”
Lu Heng responded with a sound of acknowledgment, then sighed: “What a shame. Those were fine mahogany crates.”
The Supreme Commander of the capital personally arrived in Suzhou, and the Suzhou Prefect warmly invited Lu Heng to a banquet to welcome him. However, since Lu Heng was injured and couldn’t drink, the Prefect arranged the banquet for the seventh day of the seventh month.
The Prefect originally planned to invite Lu Heng to the most luxurious riverside restaurant to enjoy Suzhou’s beauty, but Lu Heng mentioned that the weapons and dangerous criminals were still in the inn, and he couldn’t leave. Thus, the banquet was set to take place at the very inn where Lu Heng was staying.
The inn was large, a combination of both an inn and a restaurant. The third and fourth floors were the guests’ living spaces, the second floor contained private rooms, and the ground floor was the main hall, which could easily accommodate over a thousand people.
It just so happened to be the day of the Qixi Festival, and along the river, young men and women set lanterns afloat. The sky was filled with lights from fireworks and lanterns, all flickering and swaying in the night, displaying a scene of immense beauty. The lobby on the first floor of the inn was already packed with guests. The Imperial Guards and officials brought by the Prefect were drinking together at the same table. The noise was so loud that it almost threatened to collapse the roof, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere.
A singer held a pipa and sat on a high stage singing a graceful Wu dialect tune, while the waiters and maids darted quickly between tables. On the second floor, distinguished officials were scattered about, engaging in conversation. Further upstairs were the elegantly dressed ladies and wives with cloud-like hairpins and phoenix crowns. The lanterns illuminated the attic, making it as bright as daylight, creating an atmosphere of harmony and prosperity, and intoxicated bliss.
The Prefect’s wife waved her silk fan, disdainfully fluttering it before her nose: “How bothersome.”
Wang Yanqing sat among the ladies. Upon hearing her words, she asked: “Does the Madam find it too noisy?”
The Prefect’s wife quickly put on a flattering smile and said: “Not at all. It’s rare to see such a lively scene. If not for your kindness, I wouldn’t have the chance to witness this. It’s just that many of the courtesans from the brothels are out today, and there’s a strong, cheap scent of powder in the air that’s making me uncomfortable.”
The wife of a local magistrate responded: “The Prefect’s wife is noble and has a delicate nose. It’s easy for her to be sensitive to flowers and herbs. As for us, we’re rough and unrefined and can’t even tell the difference in scent.”
The other ladies smiled knowingly. Wang Yanqing curled the corner of her mouth, but there was little amusement in her expression.
She looked around and said: “Where are the Prefect’s daughters? The Supreme Commander is always busy, and I don’t know many people in Suzhou. I’d love to find someone to talk to.”
Upon hearing this, the Prefect’s wife quickly explained: “They are coarse and lazy. I’ve kept them at home to learn proper manners. Once I’ve taught them, I’ll bring them to the Madam to pay their respects.”
Wang Yanqing nodded: “I see. Even during the Qixi Festival, the Prefect’s wife hasn’t forgotten her daughters’ education. Truly a distinguished family.”
The Prefect’s wife repeatedly declined the compliment, and the ladies begin to ask about Wang Yanqing, the newlywed: “The Madam has been married for a year and a half now, right? Any news yet?”
Lu Heng lived separately from his mother and older brother, and other than during holidays, Wang Yanqing had little interaction with her in-laws. No one in the capital dared to meddle in Lu Heng’s private affairs. So unexpectedly, the first time she’s been urged to have children was by a group of unfamiliar ladies in Suzhou.
Wang Yanqing felt a bit awkward and replied: “The Supreme Commander is busy with state affairs, and we aren’t rushing to have children. We are leaving the matter of children in the hands of fate. If it’s meant to be, it will come.”
The ladies nodded in agreement: “Yes, you are still young, so there’s no need to worry about heirs. I heard that after the Supreme Commander married, he didn’t even take any concubines. Being young and favored, surely pregnancy isn’t a matter of if, but when.”
When a few younger ladies heard this, they were startled: “The Supreme Commander doesn’t even have a concubine?”
“No.” The Prefect’s wife smiled, “Madam Lu is five years younger than the Supreme Commander, and so beautiful. I can’t help but feel for her. No wonder Supreme Commander Lu dotes on her like a treasure. Older men tend to be more tenderhearted. Madam Lu still has more good fortune ahead.”
The ladies were chatting and laughing when suddenly, a sound of greeting echoed from outside. The women jumped in surprise and hurriedly stood up.
Lu Heng entered, followed by several officials. The Prefect’s wife hadn’t expected him to arrive and hurriedly paid her respects: “Greetings Supreme Commander Lu.”
Wang Yanqing, who was standing with the others, rose as well. The other officials cupped their hands toward Wang Yanqing, and she gave a polite smile in return. As a second-rank official’s wife, she didn’t need to pay respects to anyone except Lu Heng.
Lu Heng nodded with a smile, his eyes showing no emotion: “I noticed the second floor was empty, so I came to let everyone know. I hope I didn’t disturb your conversation.”
The Prefect’s wife immediately smiled and said: “I didn’t realize. It looks like the banquet is about to begin. You could have sent a messenger instead of coming personally.”
Lu Heng laughed: “Perhaps it’s because I can’t bear to leave my younger wife alone. I have to personally keep an eye on her.”
When Lu Heng entered, Wang Yanqing already sensed that he wasn’t in the best mood. Now, after hearing his words, she was sure that he overheard Madam Prefect’s earlier comments.
Lu Heng spoke with a faint smile, but his tone was a little sharp. The Prefect’s wife was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what she had said to offend him. At that moment, Wang Yanqing walked up to Lu Heng and quietly tugged at his sleeve.
Lu Heng forcefully suppressed his anger, his tone calm but flat: “It’s almost time, let’s go.”
The group responded, everyone yielding to let the couple walk ahead. Lu Heng held Wang Yanqing’s wrist, and the two of them ascended the stairs side by side. As they walked down, Wang Yanqing leaned closer to Lu Heng and whispered: “You’re acting like a child. It’s nothing serious, why did you get angry?”
Lu Heng, still fuming, muttered under his breath: “They say I dote on you. But why mention that I’m five years older than you? I treat you like a treasure, why don’t they just say I treat you like a daughter?”
Wang Yanqing wanted to laugh, but she had a feeling that if she did, Lu Heng would surely hold a grudge for the rest of the evening. She knew that helping others was also helping herself, so Wang Yanqing finally coaxed him gently: “Alright, don’t be angry anymore.”
Lu Heng took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration in his chest. Men and women were separated at the banquet, and even though it was a gathering, the seating arrangement followed gender distinctions. The officials gathered around Lu Heng and led him toward a private room, while Wang Yanqing, with the Prefect’s wife and the others, turned in the opposite direction.
The inn had long known that the Prefect of Suzhou would be hosting a banquet, so a private room had already been prepared in advance. Inside, there were paintings, flowers, and incense, exuding a rich, elegant atmosphere while still retaining the ink-wash charm of the Jiangnan region. As they sat down, there was another round of polite exchanges, with Wang Yanqing taking the seat of honor, followed by the Prefect’s wife. The others sat according to their husbands’ ranks.
Although this was formally a private room, it was incredibly spacious. In front, there was a viewing platform, and in the back, a scenic view of the river. From here, they could take in the beautiful surroundings, without being seen from outside, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The Prefect’s wife picked up the gilded menu and asked Wang Yanqing to order the dishes. Wang Yanqing hesitated, saying: “I’m not familiar with Suzhou cuisine. I hope you can help me order some authentic local dishes.”
Upon hearing this, the Prefect’s wife didn’t hesitate to open the menu herself while being polite: “Then I’ll take the liberty of ordering.”
While the banquet hall was filled with song and dance, in a small, inconspicuous back courtyard in Suzhou, a door creaked open, and a crack appeared. Inside, a person cautiously peered out, then quickly aside: “Hurry, we don’t have much time.”
Several cloaked figures stood outside. They said nothing, merely lowering their heads in silence, before swiftly blending into the shadows. Zhu Yuxiu was folding river lanterns when suddenly, there was a knock at the door: “Miss Zhu, are you there?”
Zhu Yuxiu opened the door, startled to see a group of people in black cloaks: “What’s going on?”
The leader of the group removed her hood, revealing a sharp, determined woman’s face: “Miss Zhu, we’ve just received word from the Supreme Commander. There’s an inside informant among the Imperial Guards. This place isn’t safe anymore. We need to move you immediately.”
Zhu Yuxiu froze upon hearing this. She seemed at a loss and hurriedly said: “Please wait, I need to pack some things.”
“No need, we’ll send people to pack your belongings. There’s no time to lose. Miss Zhu, please come with us immediately.”
Zhu Yuxiu knew that the Imperial Guards always operated in a mysterious and secretive manner. Without a word, she closed the door and followed them. The woman handed her a cloak and said: “Miss Zhu, please cover yourself with this.”
As Zhu Yuxiu draped the cloak over herself, she asked: “What about my grandmother and the others?”
“Grandma Zhu has other people attending to her. Hurry, we don’t have time.”
Today was the Qixi Festival, and the streets were bustling with people, full of life and excitement. But Zhu Yuxiu was being pulled away, stumbling through the cheerful crowd, as though she were moving in the opposite direction from the vibrant world around her. The woman in front was pulling her so roughly that it was starting to hurt. Zhu Yuxiu frowned, about to ask the woman to be gentler, when the woman stopped beside a carriage, roughly pushing Zhu Yuxiu into it: “We’re not out of danger yet. Stay quiet inside and don’t make a sound.”
Zhu Yuxiu was confused, but she was hurriedly shoved into the carriage. Inside, a man was already sitting. Being in the same carriage with a man made Zhu Yuxiu feel uncomfortable. She couldn’t help but ask: “What exactly is going on? Where are we going?”
The man glared at her and snapped: “Quiet.”
Zhu Yuxiu furrowed her brows, suppressing her displeasure. At that moment, she noticed water stains on the man’s shoes, as if he had just come from the riverbank. Zhu Yuxiu froze for a moment, then suddenly realized.
These weren’t people sent by Supreme Commander Lu, they were the inside informant!
The moment Zhu Yuxiu made the connection, she immediately attempted to cry out for help. However, the person behind her was faster. They covered her mouth, struck her with force, and everything went black as Zhu Yuxiu lost consciousness.
When Zhu Yuxiu woke up again, she found her hands bound, and a cloth was stuffed in her mouth. The ceiling was very low, and the floor beneath her swayed rhythmically. Having grown up near water, Zhu Yuxiu quickly realized that she was tied up on a boat.
A cold feeling swept over her. There were canals everywhere across Suzhou, and today was the Qixi Festival. How many people must be out on the water in boats? And she was hidden on this boat, how long would it take before anyone could find her?
She didn’t know if the people sent by Supreme Commander Lu had noticed her disappearance yet. She hadn’t packed anything when she left, even leaving the lights on in her room. The soldiers guarding outside might think she was reading and wouldn’t bother to knock or ask questions.
Zhu Yuxiu sighed deeply with worry. She gently moved her wrists, trying to loosen the ropes. Her subtle movement alerted the people outside, and their footsteps quickly approached. Before she could pretend to still be unconscious, the cloth in her mouth suddenly yanked away with great force.
Air rushed into her lungs, and Zhu Yuxiu was finally able to breathe freely, but she didn’t feel comfortable in the least. She looked at the people in front of her, her body instinctively pulling back as her voice trembled: “Who are you?”
“Miss Zhu.” The woman who had lured her out looked down at her with a cold expression, no trace of kindness left on her face. “Your family is a widow and orphan, and my master originally didn’t want to make things difficult for you. But you really don’t know what’s good for you. Tell me, where is the list?”
Zhu Yuxiu was bewildered, asking in surprise: “What list?”
“Still pretending.” The woman crouched down and roughly grabbed Zhu Yuxiu’s hair. Zhu Yuxiu cried out in pain, forced to tilt her head back to face the woman, “The list your father made, the one with details on the officials of Jiangsu and Zhejiang.”
Zhu Yuxiu’s eyes widened, and she subconsciously held her breath. The woman saw this and sneered: “So you really did give it to Lu Heng. Be a good girl and write out the list, or else don’t blame me for being rude.”
Zhu Yuxiu swallowed nervously and gritted her teeth: “I don’t know.”
·
The dishes came one after another, and Wang Yanqing stared at the delicate food in front of her. Her first thought was, could it be poisoned?
She sighed inwardly, realizing that she was thoroughly affected by Lu Heng’s influence. She would never be able to return to a time when people could trust one another simply. The Prefect’s wife warmly urged Wang Yanqing to eat, but Wang Yanqing, claiming to have little appetite, slowly picked at the food, only taking bites of the dishes that the Prefect’s wife had already tasted.
After they finished serving the food here, hot dishes were distributed downstairs, and the banquet officially began. Courtesans were sitting on a high platform, singing soft tunes. They were entertainers, not prostitutes, but in a hall full of men, it was impossible for them to avoid being taken advantage of.
In the world of pleasure houses, could you really choose whether you sold your art or your body?
The women’s private room was separated by pearl curtains. They could see the performances downstairs, but people below couldn’t see them. Wang Yanqing watched as the women were called to serve drinks and forced to smile despite the lewd advances they received. She couldn’t bear it anymore and said: “I’m not feeling well tonight. Rather than eating, I’d prefer some entertainment. It’s too noisy downstairs and I can’t hear what the courtesans are singing. Why don’t we bring them up here to sing.”
The women at the table were stunned. They were the wives of officials, so far removed from those women who sold their smiles. They usually looked down on such charming women and would rather avoid any air tainted by them. But Wang Yanqing wanted to bring them into their private room to sing?
The Prefect’s wife hesitated: “Madam Lu, they are entertainers after all…”
“I know, what’s wrong with listening to a song?” As though she had just remembered, Wang Yanqing spoke again, “I almost forgot, Madam Prefect, you are delicate and can’t stand the scent of the powder. How about I find another private room?”
Madam Prefect, not daring to let Wang Yanqing leave, quickly said: “No, no, it’s fine. It’s rare for Madam Lu to be in such a good mood. And It’s been a while since I’ve heard any performance, so I’ll take this chance to enjoy it with you.”
With the orders of the Madam Supreme Governor, no one dared disobey. Soon, the courtesans entered the private room, holding pipa, guzheng, and other instruments.
The lead woman gracefully bowed to Wang Yanqing, saying: “I am Yu Zhong. Greetings, Madam Lu.”
Wang Yanqing casually nodded, saying: “I’m new to Suzhou, so I’m not familiar with the local customs. You can choose a few famous local songs and sing them.”
“Yes.” Yu Zhong said, bowing before leading the group behind the screen. She strummed the pipa a few times, and her voice began to echo, as if the old dreams of Suzhou slowly flowed out from her throat…
The other women joined in with the sound of the zither, drum, and sheng, gradually adding to the melody. Wang Yanqing watched with interest. The Prefect’s wife observed her, thinking that this must truly be the pampered wife of Lu Heng, she did whatever she wanted without hesitation, her expression full of arrogance and innocence.
She acted without thinking of the consequences and didn’t care about the opinions of others. Because no one dared offend her.
The Prefect’s wife thought to herself that even in the short distance today, Lu Heng had to personally come to escort her. When they went downstairs, he even held her hand, as though if he let go, she would fall. Such overwhelming affection, indeed, no one would dare offend her.
The Prefect’s wife seemed to think of something and sighed deeply.
What a pity. Great fortune often shortens one’s life.
·
Splash. A basin of water was poured onto the floor, dripping and seeping into the cracks of the wood. Zhu Yuxiu was jolted awake by the cold water, weakly spitting to the side.
The woman from earlier was growing increasingly impatient. She grabbed Zhu Yuxiu by the neck and pulled her up, glaring fiercely: “Will you speak!”
Zhu Yuxiu answered by turning her face away and remaining silent. Water droplets slid from her hair, making her appear pale and disheveled. The woman in black ground her teeth and threw Zhu Yuxiu to the floorboards, coldly speaking: “You’re asking for trouble, aren’t you? Well, don’t blame me then. Bring her up and show her some real pain.”
Zhu Yuxiu had originally made up her mind to treat herself as if she were dead, ignoring whatever these people asked. However, the woman in black spoke with a hint of malicious gloating, almost like an ominous premonition to Zhu Yuxiu. She tensed and asked: “What are you going to do?”
As Zhu Yuxiu spoke, she heard the sound of staggering footsteps as someone was dragged came closer. She widened her eyes and screamed, rushing forward: “Stop! It’s me you want, leave my grandmother alone!”
Zhu Yuxiu’s arms were grabbed by the men in black, and she struggled desperately but couldn’t budge an inch. Her grandmother was old and weak, and her frail and skinny body was easily lifted. The tall and muscular black-clad guard released his grip, and Grandmother Zhu fell with a thud onto the wooden floor. Her normally tightly pulled-back hair now hung loosely, revealing her age.
Zhu Yuxiu screamed like a madwoman, rushing forward but was still held back. The woman in black finally showed a satisfied smile seeing her collapse. She picked up a whip and slowly wrapped it around her palm, saying: “Miss Zhu, you’re truly the daughter of Master Zhu, your bones are tough. You wouldn’t give up the list even with the needles. I wonder if this old lady is as stubborn as you and your father?”
Zhu Yuxiu, with tears streaming down her face, just shook her head and repeatedly saying no. The woman in black had already coiled the whip in her hand, with just a flick, she could strike the woman’s flesh. She coldly said: “I’ll give you one last chance. Who is on that list? What does it look like, and where is it being held? If you don’t tell me, then I’ll have to use the whip on this old lady.”
Zhu Yuxiu, crying, knelt before the woman in black, sobbing: “Please, don’t hurt my grandmother…”
“Get up.” The old lady, lying on the wet wooden boards, suddenly spoke harshly. Though frail and collapsed on the ground, her voice carried an energy unbefitting of her size. Her hoarse voice sounded as if it carried blood in each word: “Scholars kneel to heaven, to earth, and to the people, but never to traitors. Your father wouldn’t bow to these people even in death. How could you disgrace him!”
Tears filled Zhu Yuxiu’s eyes, and she was stunned: “Grandmother…”
Her grandmother’s face remained stern, still that stubborn, hard-to-please old woman. Speaking in a Wu dialect, she scolded: “I know you want to use me to threaten Yuxiu, but I can’t read. And I know better than to burden my children and grandchildren.”
Without another word, Zhu’s grandmother suddenly slammed her head into the pillar. It was so sudden that the black-clad guards couldn’t react in time. By the time they rushed over, the old lady had fallen softly to the ground, her forehead punctured with a horrific hole.
The guards in black crouched down to check for signs of life and slowly shook their heads. The woman was enraged and continued to check for a pulse and heartbeat, but Grandmother Zhu was truly dead.
Zhu Yuxiu stared wide-eyed, motionless as she watched this scene. Then, her neck arched, and like a swan crying out in pain, she let out a long mournful wail.
“Ah…”
Her grandmother, who usually needed help to walk, had managed to pull all her strength to crash into the pillar, a strength of great significance, fearing that she might not die from just one blow.
I will die on my own terms without the need for others.
Her father and grandmother had both died for their cause, how could she survive alone? Zhu Yuxiu didn’t know where she found the strength, but she suddenly broke free from the black-clad guards and rushed toward a nearby box.
However, Zhu Yuxiu was still too far from the box and was pulled back by the black-clad men in time. But she collided with the corner of the box, injuring her forehead and fainting. In the blink of an eye, the two most important informants were out of commission. The woman in black angrily stamped her foot, frustrated, and ordered her subordinates to watch over the two of them. She then turned and left to send a message.
She underestimated this family. A sheltered young lady and an elderly woman who had never left Suzhou had managed to thwart her plans repeatedly. The woman in black knew she was in deep trouble. She no longer expected mercy from her superiors, only hoping that the other plan would proceed smoothly.
·
Back at the inn, after several rounds of drinking, the banquet was in full swing. While the noise upstairs was deafening, the guards in the dungeon could only listen, feeling isolated. A waiter made his way downstairs carrying a food box. He placed the bowls on the table and bowed respectfully, saying: “Thank you for your hard work. Here is some hot wine and dishes from upstairs. Please enjoy them while they are still warm.”
The guards declined, but the smell of wine was too tempting and they couldn’t resist taking a few sips. The waiter, still bowing, gathered his food box and slowly backed away: “I won’t disturb your duties further. Please enjoy your meal. I’ll return to take your bowls later.”
The waiter’s attitude was respectful, not once looking inside the dungeon. Once he exited, he didn’t leave immediately but instead turned and hid in the shadows. After a brief wait, he cautiously returned, only to find the men lying on the ground.
The waiter took the keys from one of the guards and skillfully made his way to the cell door, unlocking it with a click. Inside, the prisoners struggled to lift their heads at the sound.
Wu Zhang’s eyes were covered in blood, and he couldn’t see clearly. He could only sense a figure approaching. Straining his eyes, he thought it was another round of torment from the guards.
However, the figure knelt before him, supporting his shoulder, and asked: “Second Wu, how are you?”
Wu Zhang recognized the familiar voice, and the light in his eyes quickly focused: “It’s you?”
“It’s me.” The waiter replied, “The information you provided last time was very useful, so the master sent me to rescue you.”
Wu Zhang became excited, letting out some unintelligible murmurs. The waiter leaned in closer and nearly whispered in his ear: “Did you see where the list was hidden?”
Wu Zhang weakly shook his head, his voice hoarse and almost unrecognizable: “I don’t know. Please get me out of here, my older brother will surely reward you generously.”
The waiter responded with a simple, “Oh,” but it was unclear what emotion lay behind the words. He stepped back as though preparing to unlock Wu Zhang’s shackles, but suddenly, a cold, sharp pain stabbed into Wu Zhang’s abdomen.
Blood gurgled from his mouth as he stared at the waiter in disbelief. The waiter held the knife’s hilt and twisted it inside Wu Zhang’s abdomen, ensuring his death before retrieving the blade and walking out without a backward glance.
In the hall, people began to get drunk. Meanwhile, Wang Yanqing, in the private room, had listened to Suzhou tunes all evening. She felt sympathy for the singers, as singing all night was no easy task. She had already given them extra payment and sent them away.
After the singers left, the wife of the Suzhou Deputy also stood up, claiming to be drunk. With some help, she exited to sober up. In an instant, half the people in the private room had disappeared. The Prefect’s wife had been forced to listen to the high-pitched, monotonous songs all night, and she was nearly annoyed to death. However, she couldn’t show her frustration in front of Wang Yanqing. Still, she smiled and said: “Madam Lu, it’s a great honor for me to meet you and Master Lu. I haven’t had the chance to offer you a toast. Let me fill your cup. I’ll share a drink with you alone.”
The maid took her cue and walked over with a wine jug to Wang Yanqing. The Prefect’s wife and Wang Yanqing chatted about the local customs of Suzhou, with witty remarks that filled the room with the sounds of her giggling. Wang Yanqing listened with a smile, but as the maid bent down to pour the wine, she suddenly reached out and grabbed the maid’s wrist that was holding the jug.
Wang Yanqing turned her gaze back, smiling as she looked at the maid and said: “I’ve been paying attention to you since you walked in. It must have taken a lot of patience for you to wait until now.”
Under the maid’s sleeve was a glint of a dagger.