"Any news?"
Miss Jun asked, looking at Zhu Zan as he walked out of the relay station.
"No news," Zhu Zan replied.
"No news is good news," Miss Jun said.
"That's not quite right," Zhu Zan said, then quickly lifted his head to smile at her, "but sometimes it is, you're right."
Miss Jun looked at him.
"Say what you want to say, why are you being so hypocritical?" she said, "Is it just because I'm Chu Jiuling? Do you think so little of me?"
Here we go again...
Zhu Zan reached up to press his forehead.
"I didn't mean that," he said.
"Didn't you?" Miss Jun raised her brows, "If I were still Miss Jun, would you say that?"
Of course not, I'd just be gleefully taking every chance to mock her, Zhu Zan thought, covering his eyes with the hand on his forehead, not daring to say another word.
Miss Jun flicked her horsewhip and spurred her horse forward swiftly. Not long after, she heard Zhu Zan catching up from behind, and through the corner of her eye, she noticed his dejected look, finding herself inexplicably happy.
"You think something's wrong, how so?" she turned and asked.
As long as she found something to get angry about the moment before, everything would be fine afterwards, Zhu Zan thought, feeling somewhat resigned. But of course, he wouldn't provoke her again.
"I think it's too quiet over there," he said seriously, "You know, the one in charge there now is Uncle Qinghe."
This person, Uncle Qinghe, she really didn't know. During the years when her father was alive, Uncle Qinghe was almost forgotten by the dynasty, only vaguely aware that this person had a bad reputation.
"He's a petty person," Zhu Zan said, "It's undeniable he's brave and skilled in battle, but precisely because of his bravery and skill in battle, he became increasingly arrogant, greedy for wealth, and obstinate. Those censors often said my father liked to aggrandize, but truly the one who loved to aggrandize is Uncle Qinghe."
Miss Jun nodded.
"I've heard things," she said, "heard my father mention him, which is why he always opposed appointing him."
Zhu Zan made a sound of acknowledgment.
"He's always believed that my father took credit for his achievements," he said, "Now that he finally has the chance to take over the northern lands, do you think he'd willingly let go?"
Indeed, that's a problem; Miss Jun also fell silent for a moment, especially since the emperor clearly disliked the Duke of Chengguo.
When the one above favors something, those below will act accordingly.
"You suspect that news from the northern lands is being blocked?" she asked.
Along the journey, Miss Jun also knew that Zhu Zan would get news from various places at the relay station; it was something built from selling the Chaojing itinerary charts before.
Zhu Zan nodded.
"At least it's not as reliable as before," he said, "When a new emperor takes the throne, new officials come to power too. It's a universal truth."
The Duke of Chengguo left the northern lands without a fixed return date, and Uncle Qinghe's entry into the northern lands would certainly be an opportunity to clear out the Duke's people.
Miss Jun was silent for a moment.
"Let's hurry back to the capital," she said, while urging her horse once again.
They had hardly rested properly for six or seven consecutive days, and Zhu Zan saw her exhausted face, though she was eager to return to the capital, even more anxious about leaving the capital himself, fearing a delay in dealing with the Duke of Chengguo's matters.
Aside from her inexplicable temper outbursts, she was otherwise excellent, Zhu Zan thought, unable to help but pinch his fingers and smile.
"What are you thinking now? Laughing so weirdly." Miss Jun said, not pleased.
Oh no, here we go again! Zhu Zan jolted.
"Nothing," he quickly said.
"Nothing? Why didn't you laugh like this before?" Miss Jun raised a brow, saying.
Zhu Zan was distraught, yes, he truly regretted it, why was he so stupid before?
Miss Jun ignored him and again huffed while urging her horse forward swiftly.
This can't go on, it'll never end this way, Zhu Zan gritted his teeth and chased after.
"You can't go on like this," he said, riding forward to block Miss Jun, speaking solemnly, "You're in the wrong like this."
"What am I like?" Miss Jun said, "I've always been like this, how is it wrong?"
"You can't hold grudges for the past just because I'm good to you now. Isn't this like being jealous of yourself?" Zhu Zan said seriously.
As soon as the words were out, both of them were stunned.
Jealous?
Jealous, huh?
Was this inexplicable nonsense these days actually jealousy?
In what situation would a person be jealous?
Naturally, it is....
Zhu Zan felt a pot of hot oil pour over him, his whole body turning red.
Was it really jealousy?
"Really? You are...." he stammeringly asked.
Miss Jun's face also flushed, her eyes wide and round.
"No," she said, "What nonsense are you spouting? It's ridiculous."
With that said, she flicked her horsewhip, urging her horse around him.
"You've always been ridiculous," she tossed another remark as she went.
Zhu Zan felt a hot rush through him, the wind from the galloping horses providing some cool relief.
"No," he said.
Not ridiculous, and not nonsensical, it wasn't.
He turned his horse to look at the figure ahead, chasing after her.
The thundering hooves roiling through the autumn expanse made it lively.
........
........
Meanwhile, in the small town of An Country in Qizhou, the atmosphere was also tense, as a group of Jinyiwei paraded down the main street.
The townsfolk held their breath, faces filled with fear, watching this group head towards the government office.
"Who committed a crime?"
"Haven't heard anything."
"Hasn't there been nothing happening lately?"
"There is, apparently a soldier ate two of a villager's sheep."
"Is that even an issue?"
The people on the street whispered among themselves.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
In the prison of An Country, Zhang Zhicheng spoke with complete indifference.
"This sheep ran to our place, so it belongs to us."
Supervisor Li stood outside the prison door, glaring angrily.
"You still don't admit your mistake?" he said in a low tone, "Do you really have a reason for this?"
"Of course I have a reason. My lord, do you call this a matter? Isn't it just eating two dead sheep?" Zhang Zhicheng also glared back, "I acknowledge a penalty for eating my countrymen's sheep, but if it's Jurchen people's sheep, I deserve a reward."
Supervisor Li spat.
"Just wait for your death." he cursed irritably, "Don't you know that Lord Strategist must give the Jurchen an explanation? If they hand you over, it's impossible for you to escape punishment."
He paced back and forth.
"Just tell the truth, it's about those two villagers."
Zhang Zhicheng jumped up.
"What do those two villagers have to do with it?" he said, "The sheep were bitten to death by a dog, and I ate the meat. If an explanation is needed, send me and the dog together."
Then he spat again.
"When the time comes, let everyone know that Iron-headed Zhang didn't die for killing Jurchen, but for eating Jurchen sheep. It would be a sort of legacy."
Supervisor Li's face turned livid with anger as he glared at him fiercely. He was about to speak when a soldier entered from outside.
"Lord Li, Lord Kuang has returned and wants to see you," he said.
Lord Kuang was the official appointed by Lord Strategist to oversee this matter. After catching Zhang Zhicheng in the act of eating sheep, he went back to report, and now he was back on duty.
"You better behave yourself." Supervisor Li glared at Zhang Zhicheng again before swiftly going out.
Lord Kuang was already seated in the official hall, with the Jinyiwei also present.
When Supervisor Li saw these people, his heart skipped a beat.
Unexpectedly...
"My lord." He hurriedly stepped forward to salute, his demeanor humble and respectful, "Ladies and gentlemen."
The Jinyiwei ignored him.
"Lord Li, as they are tasked with an investigation, Lord Strategist has asked them to question here." Lord Kuang said, pointing to the Jinyiwei beside him.
Supervisor Li dared not obstruct and was about to personally lead them in but was stopped by Lord Kuang.
"They don't like outsiders to be present when they question." he said.
Supervisor Li could only watch the Jinyiwei go inside.
"Lord Kuang." He hurriedly pulled Lord Kuang aside, stuffing a purse of money into his sleeve.
Lord Kuang was startled.
"What are you doing!" He quickly pushed it back.
"That boy Zhang Zhicheng is just a fool, thoughtless." Supervisor Li said earnestly, "He fought his way up, and his entire family was killed by the Jurchen. He won't show a kind face to Jurchen. This time he ate the sheep, please be lenient."
Lord Kuang looked at him, shook his head, and sighed.
"Everyone has personal and national grievances, but rules must be followed," he said, "How can you act recklessly?"
Supervisor Li repeatedly agreed.
"Please be lenient this time. I promise to punish him heavily and never let him offend again," he said, once more pushing the purse over, "A small token of respect."
Lord Kuang pushed the purse back and pressed on Supervisor Li's hand.
"I understand." He said with a gentle expression, "You are uneasy, thinking if Duke of Chengguo were present, this wouldn't count as a matter. Now under Uncle Qinghe's governance, you can't help but feel uneasy."
Supervisor Li shook his head quickly, denying it repeatedly.
"Rest assured." Lord Kuang said, "Lord Strategist has already met the Jurchen, told them the sheep were not found, and advised them to look carefully on their own side and keep an eye on their sheep."
Was it resolved like this? Supervisor Li was for a moment unresponsive, stunned until he understood what Lord Kuang meant, then greatly rejoiced.
"The lords are wise." He said excitedly as he saluted.
Lord Kuang snorted.
"The lords above are not fools; do they not know who is their own and who is an outsider?" he said, "How can we disgrace ourselves before others, even if we quarrel amongst family."
Supervisor Li was truly both excited and relieved, thanking again.
"We were narrow-minded." He said sincerely, "Please rest assured, my lords, I will definitely manage the subordinates well and not let such disgraceful troubles make it difficult for you again."
Lord Kuang nodded and returned the purse.
"If you can manage like this, it's better than bribery." he said.
Supervisor Li, with some shame and gratitude, took back the purse without further doubt and stood up straight.
"Yes." He respectfully saluted.
At this moment, the sound of footsteps came, and the group of Jinyiwei walked out.
"Things have already been clarified." The leading figure said coldly, shaking a paper in his hand, "Iron-headed Zhang admitted to receiving orders from Duke of Chengguo Zhu Shan, intending to provoke conflict with the Jurchen."
Supervisor Li felt his brain buzz, his ears ringing, as if he heard something but also nothing at all.
What?
His eyes fell on the paper held by the Jinyiwei, the words were unclear, only a bright red fingerprint was evident.
How was this possible?
"So that's it."
He heard Lord Kuang say, the voice seemed nearby yet distant.
"No wonder he would do such a thing."
Do what? What exactly happened?
Supervisor Li felt only a panic, standing unsteady.
"My lord..." He instinctively reached out, looking at Lord Kuang and called out.
The Jinyiwei suddenly pointed behind.
"Oh, by the way, there's more." He said in a light tone, "Iron-headed Zhang couldn't withstand the punishment, signed under duress, and then died, you must handle it."
Died?
Who died?
Supervisor Li blankly turned around, seeing two Government Officials carrying a door plank out, on which lay a large man, precisely the one who was just in the prison jumping and glaring at him, Iron-headed Zhang.
There were no visible injuries on his body, he seemed to be sleeping, but his eyes were wide open, his face livid and distorted, and already stiff.
Supervisor Li felt his heart stop for a moment, as he staggered backward, sitting heavily, instinctively reaching forward to grasp.
Why has it gone dark?
Why can't he see anything?
What happened?
What on earth happened?