Before Lu Chang could speak to Ming Shu, she retreated to her room, closing the door in his face.
“Ming Shu, open the door,” Lu Chang’s voice rang out urgently along with his knocking. “It’s just a temporary dismissal, you shouldn’t take it to heart. Ming Shu! Ming Shu!”
Ming Shu leaned against the door, slowly sinking to her knees. She hugged her knees to her chest, curling up behind the door, burying her head between her knees, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
After an indeterminate time, someone else approached the door.
“Ming Shu?” It was Song Qingzhao’s gentle, calm voice.
Ming Shu lifted her head, took a deep breath, and stood up to open the door. Song Qingzhao indeed stood there, having been attracted by Lu Chang’s urgent calls as he was about to leave. Lu Chang stood behind Song Qingzhao, his gaze fixed on her.
“It’s nothing,” she said, deliberately not mentioning what she had just heard. “Can we go back now?”
Song Qingzhao replied, “Yes, we can leave.” He stepped aside. “Shall we? I’ll escort you back.” As he spoke, he glanced at Lu Chang, who didn’t object and simply followed behind them as Ming Shu left her room.
After bidding farewell to Wei Zhuo, the three left Daxiangguo Temple. Throughout the journey, all three tacitly avoided mentioning the Jian family case or Lu Chang’s dismissal. Ming Shu boarded Song Qingzhao’s carriage, leaving Lu Chang behind.
Through the carriage’s small window, Song Qingzhao watched Lu Chang’s figure grow smaller in the distance. He felt he should be happy, but for some reason, he felt no joy. “Ming Shu, you and Lu Chang…”
“We’ve known each other for about ten years. It might sound foolish, but back in Jiangning, I only wanted to marry him. But he was proud and stubborn, unwilling to be someone who curried favor for wealth and status. He never treated me differently; it was always just my one-sided affection. Before he left for the imperial examinations in the capital, I made my feelings clear. We should have parted ways then, each going our separate ways to marry…”
It was winter in Jiangning, just after a snowfall, and everything was covered in a clean, vast whiteness.
“He always talked about gratitude, saying how much he owed my family for their care, that he would repay it one day. At the time, I thought he was old-fashioned. It was just a matter of a few taels of silver; why did he make such a fuss and keep it in his heart for so long? Now I understand that this feeling isn’t pleasant. What the Jian family did for him was just a package of silver in his time of need, saving his mother’s life. What he owed, he has already repaid. He doesn’t owe anything anymore. Instead, it’s me who owes him a debt I can never repay in this lifetime.”
His life, his career prospects, everything – he had given it all to her.
“Ming Shu, Lu Chang didn’t do these things to repay a debt…” Song Qingzhao furrowed his brow. He didn’t want to speak for his rival, but…
“I know! But even so, it’s… too much to accept. Song Qingzhao, I’m sorry. I’ve said too much, making a fool of myself.” Ming Shu rubbed her eyes hard, then looked at him with reddened eyes. “Don’t take me back to the Wei mansion. Please take me to Man Tang Hui instead.”
Man Tang Hui had no customers early in the morning. The shop assistants were busy cleaning when Ming Shu entered, their eyes brightening at the sight of her. They quickly approached to greet her.
This third partner hadn’t been to the shop for several days.
“Call Accountant Li to meet me in the back hall,” Ming Shu instructed, not in the mood for their flattery. She walked directly to the back hall.
Moments later, the accountant entered, wiping sweat from his brow. Ming Shu gave him no chance for pleasantries and immediately ordered, “Please calculate the shop’s accounts to date, Mr. Li. I want to know how much profit my shares have earned. Also, have the staff take inventory of the shop. This must be completed today.”
“Ah this…” The accountant was slightly startled.
This sudden request for accounting and inventory felt ominous.
“I’ll personally explain to the County Princess and Miss Yin. You won’t be put in a difficult position. Just do as I’ve asked,” Ming Shu said in a low voice.
The accountant accepted the order and withdrew. Ming Shu sat at the desk, deep in thought for a moment. She then took out the ledger and began meticulously reviewing recent business transactions, orders from various households, and other details. She recorded everything in a simplified ledger for easy reference. After noon, she instructed someone to summon all potential managers for the upcoming seasons, interviewing them one by one.
Time flew by as she worked. As she returned home in the evening, Ming Shu was preoccupied with one thought:
If she withdrew from Man Tang Hui, she would receive a total of two thousand three hundred taels of silver.
As Ming Shu returned to the Wei mansion, she encountered people leaving the estate.
Madam Zeng was at the entrance with Lu Chang, seeing off Lu Wenhan.
Lu Wenhan had come because of Lu Chang’s dismissal. Last night, a major incident in the palace had enraged the Emperor, causing him to smash a crystal cup. This morning, he issued an edict stripping Lu Chang of his position, all stemming from the events at Daxiangguo Temple.
The Prince of Yu, that cunning fox, was still a step ahead of the Third Prince and Lu Chang’s group.
As soon as the Daxiangguo Temple incident occurred, the Prince of Yu received news and, sensing the possibility of exposure, rushed to the palace two nights ago. He knelt in the rain outside the Emperor’s chambers for a day and a night. Yesterday afternoon, he even staged a fainting spell, finally earning the Emperor’s sympathy and an audience in the study.
Although evidence was lacking for the meditation platform incident, both sides knew the Prince of Yu was likely behind it. The Emperor had his suspicions, but the Prince’s dramatic display of contrition allowed him to seemingly take responsibility while shifting all blame to Tang Li. He claimed complete ignorance of her actions at Daxiangguo Temple and against the Lu family, portraying himself as a victim deceived and used by Tang Li for her revenge. With Tang Li dead and Liu Wan’er only implicating her, the Prince managed to extricate himself, bearing only the minor blame of poor judgment in trusting the wrong person.
Conversely, the Third Prince Zhao Jingran bore greater responsibility. His conspiracy with Lu Chang to switch places and deceive both superiors and subordinates had caused a major scandal at the Ullambana Festival. This not only embarrassed the court before the people but also desecrated the sacred and deceived the Emperor.
Moreover, while they claimed it was for the Jian family robbery case, that investigation had made no progress, and the only witness, Zhou Xiuqing, had died in Lu Chang’s custody. These combined offenses could have cost Lu Chang his life, which was why he had entrusted his mother to Wei Zhuo. Now, all three were punished: the Prince of Yu and the Third Prince were confined to their residences for a year and sent to copy sutras at the imperial mausoleum for three months respectively, while Lu Chang was only stripped of his position. This lenient outcome was due to Zhao Jingran’s plea before the Emperor.
Lu Chang had anticipated this result and wasn’t surprised. However, Lu Wenhan’s visit to explain the situation was a gesture of goodwill that mother and son appreciated, hence they’re seeing him off at the door.
“The ups and downs of official life are common. You’re still young and talented; you’ll surely be entrusted with important duties again. Don’t let this setback weigh on you, but do learn from it—avoid meddling in imperial affairs lightly. I’ll put in a good word for you with the Emperor when I can. Once this blows over, you should be able to return to the office,” he said, patting Lu Chang’s shoulder with heartfelt advice. Despite his harsh words, Lu Chang was still his son, and he couldn’t completely abandon him. “The Jian family case will likely be transferred to the Ministry of Justice. Use this time to rest well, and don’t stir up any more trouble, understand?”
Lu Chang nodded and bowed, “Thank you for your guidance, Lord Lu.” Madam Zeng bowed alongside him in gratitude. Lu Wenhan looked at the mother and son, sighed, and took his leave.
After Lu Wenhan left, Madam Zeng said to Lu Chang, “It’s getting late, and Ming Shu hasn’t returned. Go fetch her.”
Song Qingzhao had already informed Lu Chang about Ming Shu going to Man Tang Hui. He nodded, “Mm…”
“No need, I’m back,” Ming Shu emerged from around the corner. Looking at Madam Zeng and Lu Chang, she hesitated with the familiar address, finally settling on, “Aunt Zeng.”
It was the old form of address from their days in Jiangning.
This was Madam Zeng’s first time seeing Ming Shu since learning she had regained her memory. Seeing Ming Shu’s cautious demeanor, Madam Zeng’s eyes reddened. She took Ming Shu’s hand and led her inside, “Come, let’s talk inside. Mother… Aunt Zeng has made your favorite dishes…”
The candlelight flickered gently as the servants were dismissed to their quarters. In Madam Zeng’s room, only she, Lu Chang, and Ming Shu remained. Lu Chang began serving the dishes, while Ming Shu sat with Madam Zeng on the brocade couch, chatting casually. Everything felt like it had returned to those early days in the capital when it was just the three of them relying on each other.
“Aunt Zeng, I’m sorry…” Ming Shu sat close to Madam Zeng, drawing comfort from her motherly warmth and softness.
“Silly child, what are you apologizing for?” Madam Zeng didn’t ask for a reason or try to console her. She simply stroked Ming Shu’s head and said softly, “Your Aunt Zeng has always dreamed of having a daughter like you. Although our time in the capital hasn’t been long, you’ve made that dream come true. I should be thanking you.”
“Aunt Zeng…” Ming Shu had a thousand words she wanted to say – gratitude for saving her life, apologies for being a burden – but she couldn’t utter a single one.
“Ming Shu, don’t say anything more. I understand everything you want to say,” Madam Zeng continued. “Considering you as my daughter makes us family. And family doesn’t dwell on such things. Child, I know your path is incredibly difficult, and I can’t help much. But no matter how far you go, whenever you look back, I’ll always be here waiting for you.” She gently wiped away the tears rolling down Ming Shu’s cheeks.
Unable to speak, Ming Shu threw her arms around Madam Zeng, burying her face in her chest and sobbing silently. She still had a mother figure.
With four dishes and a soup laid out, Lu Chang didn’t rush them to eat. Instead, he went to the washstand, poured some water, and wrung out a cloth.
After crying for a while in Madam Zeng’s arms, Ming Shu felt some of the weight lift from her heart. She released her embrace, rubbed her eyes, and sniffled. “Aunt Zeng, why don’t we find a time for me to properly serve you tea and kowtow, officially recognizing you as my mother?”
Before Madam Zeng could answer, they heard a splash behind them.
Turning around, they saw that Lu Chang had dropped the wrung-out cloth back into the basin.
By becoming sworn relatives and recognizing Madam Zeng as her adoptive mother, he would truly become her adoptive brother.
Their relationship had come full circle, back to where it started.
“Wipe your face,” he said, fishing out the cloth and wringing it out again before handing it to Ming Shu. “Let’s eat first before the food gets cold.”
After several days of rain, the downpour finally ceased on the fifth day after the Ghost Festival. Long-absent sunlight broke through the clouds, and life seemed to suddenly calm down. Both the case at the Great Xiangguo Temple and the Jian family’s case fell silent.
Unemployed, Lu Chang spent his days either at home or accompanying Ming Shu on her errands. Apart from the plain mourning dress she wore, Ming Shu appeared to have forgotten about the Jian family’s massacre, busying herself with Man Tang Hui’s affairs. She had found a suitable candidate for the new manager and was meticulously transferring her responsibilities, teaching every detail hands-on.
On this fifth day, Cao Hai bid farewell. As the commander of Jiangning’s garrison, he had completed his official duty of escorting High Shicai and other criminals to the capital. He should have returned to Jiangning earlier, but the incident at the Great Xiangguo Temple had delayed him. Unable to postpone any longer, he finally requested leave from Wei Zhuo.
Ming Shu and Lu Chang attended the farewell banquet.
“If not for the general’s intervention at the Great Xiangguo Temple, Tang Li’s situation might have ended poorly,” Ming Shu said, raising a porcelain bowl to toast Cao Hai. She continued with a smile, “Regrettably, as I’m in mourning, I can only offer tea instead of wine. I thank you for your righteous assistance and wish you a smooth journey and a prosperous future career. Jiangning’s people are fortunate to have you as their guardian. I drink first in your honor.”
She then drained the bowl of tea.
“Miss Jian is so forthright!” The crowd plied Cao Hai with alcohol. Already half-drunk, his face flushed red. He squinted at Ming Shu, his gaze sharp like a predator eyeing its prey, though whether from intoxication or something else was unclear.
Ming Shu smiled and casually asked, “May I ask where the general is from?”
“Hiccup,” Cao Hai downed another bowl of wine and slurred, “I’m… from… Lin’an.”
“Cao’s ancestral home is Lin’an. His mother, wife, and children are all there. He’s the only one stationed at the Jiangning garrison,” Wei Zhuo explained, patting Cao’s shoulder. “Am I right? Alright, stop drinking! You’ll be completely drunk soon!”
“I won’t get drunk!” Cao Hai swayed closer to Ming Shu, still squinting. “Miss Jian, don’t worry… The Jian family case… will surely be solved…”
As he spoke drunkenly, he suddenly placed his hand on Ming Shu’s shoulder.
Lu Chang, quick-eyed and swift-handed, pulled Ming Shu to his side and said, “General Cao, you’re drunk.”
Behind him, Ming Shu’s clear voice rang out: “I’ll hold you to your word, General. I, too, await that day.”
Lu Chang glanced back at her, seeing no change in her expression. However, the hand he had shielded was tightly gripping her teacup.
In the dead of night, the lamps still burned, and Ming Shu remained awake.
A sheepskin lamp flickered in the corner of her desk, casting her shadow on the wall. The half-closed door creaked open, and a gust of wind rushed in, making her shadow on the wall waver as if it might overwhelm the person sitting at the desk.
Ming Shu’s gaze remained fixed on the dagger in her hand.
The blade reflected a cold, blood-thirsty gleam. She held it upright, her fingertip caressing the edge…
The image of gushing blood seemed to form in her mind, but suddenly, someone tightly grasped her wrist.
“Ming Shu…” Lu Chang growled softly.
“Let go. It’s nothing,” Ming Shu said calmly, without struggling.
Lu Chang couldn’t see her eyes—those usually smiling eyes now hidden in shadow.
He didn’t take the dagger away, nor did he release her hand. Still holding her wrist, he slowly moved in front of her and crouched down.
“Ming Shu, put the knife down, please?” he said gently.
Ming Shu showed no sign of letting go. The dagger remained tightly gripped in her hand.
“No,” she replied, slowly raising her head, leaving no room for negotiation.
For a moment, Lu Chang thought he saw a hint of manic bloodlust in her usually cheerful eyes.
Just like Tang Li.
And he couldn’t guess what she intended to do.