Chapter 30: Young Master Yu Wei? Jiu’er’s Tactics
Leng Jiu had originally intended to sleep, but someone kept staring at her. That gaze was impossible to ignore. Opening her eyes, she was met with his gentle smile. She sighed softly, “You haven’t had a proper rest for days. Aren’t you tired?”
Lan Ze raised his hand, cupping her face as his fingertips lightly traced her brows. Smiling softly, he said, “I’ll sleep after you leave. I don’t know when I’ll see you again after you’re gone, so I can’t waste this time on sleep.”
Leng Jiu couldn’t help but smile helplessly at his words. She reached up to grab his hand. “Fool.”
Lan Ze’s other arm tightened around her, pulling her closer to his chest. He pressed a kiss to her brow and sighed deeply. “I feel like I’m dreaming right now.”
Leng Jiu nestled into his chest. “I can prove to you it’s not a dream.”
Lan Ze’s lips curled into a low chuckle, his chest vibrating slightly with his joy.
Though he tried to stay awake, Lan Ze eventually succumbed to deep sleep near dawn. For Lan Yi’s sake, he hadn’t slept well in half a month, tirelessly managing state affairs and worrying about Lan Yi’s safety. On top of that, he’d been constantly navigating the court’s complexities. His body was already on the brink of exhaustion. Had it not been for the excitement of seeing Leng Jiu, he would have collapsed much earlier. Spending an afternoon and most of the night with her was the absolute limit his body could bear.
By the time morning arrived, Leng Jiu had already risen. She dressed quietly, covered him with the blanket, and leaned down to place a kiss on his brow. “Sweet dreams.”
As she stepped out, she spotted Lan Yi. The little emperor sat stiffly at the table, eating with a sour expression. Two guards stood dutifully by his side.
Leng Jiu approached him. “I’m leaving, little emperor.”
Lan Yi glanced up at her, his expression dull, and lowered his head again without speaking.
Leng Jiu rolled her eyes and walked over. “I saved your life and brought you here. Could you at least show a little gratitude? You’re acting like I owe you millions.”
Lan Yi’s lips twitched slightly before he turned away with a pout. “I remember your kindness. I won’t shortchange you.”
Though his tone was unpleasant, Leng Jiu didn’t bother quibbling. “As long as you remember. I’m off.”
Chang Qing had already prepared everything. Leng Jiu mounted her horse and led her group swiftly toward the city gates. Long after she had gone, Lan Yi finally raised his head to gaze at the door, his lips pressed into a line, lost in thought.
Not long after they set out, a light rain began to drizzle, but this weather couldn’t deter Leng Jiu. She donned her bamboo hat and continued on her way.
By afternoon, Lan Ze woke suddenly from his sleep. The spot beside him was already empty, its warmth long gone, and the room devoid of her presence. His heart felt hollow. The faint sound of rain outside mirrored his mood. Falling back onto the bed, he felt as if a piece of himself had been torn away. She had left long ago, without even a word of goodbye.
Just as the ache in his heart was about to overwhelm him, a faint floral scent wafted into his nose. Startled, he turned his head to see a single orchid in full bloom inside a light blue vase on a nearby table. His pupils constricted, his emotions shifting rapidly before settling into a gentle smile. Yesterday wasn’t a dream. She had truly been there.
Lan Ze lay quietly for a while longer before finally rising. He needed to take Lan Yi back as soon as possible. The country couldn’t go a single day without its ruler. Lan Yi had already been away from the palace for so many days. If they delayed any further, the court would descend into chaos.
Though reluctant, Lan Ze had no choice but to leave. Before departing, he did something that left everyone dumbfounded—he had the bedding, sheets, and pillows all packed and brought along with him! Lan Yi’s lips twitched, but he said nothing.
While Lan Ze’s group quietly returned to the palace, Leng Jiu had already arrived at the area afflicted by the plague. She wanted Chang Qing to return, but he insisted on staying with her. Resigned, she ordered everyone to cover their faces with cloth and drink the medicinal concoction she had prepared before they entered the deathly blackened plague zone.
The ground was damp, the fields barren. People’s clothing was filthy, their faces sallow, and their eyes hollow. On one side were makeshift straw huts; on the other, corpses left unattended. The scene was one of utter devastation.
“Let’s go,” Leng Jiu said as she withdrew her gaze, urging her horse forward.
Chang Qing sighed beside her. “I thought war was cruel enough, but seeing this, I realize natural disasters are far worse. Silent and invisible, yet they claim the lives of countless innocent people.”
Leng Jiu stared ahead. “Fate is unpredictable. Survival of the fittest—that’s nature’s law. Whether it’s a natural disaster or man-made calamity, the weak are always the first to perish. Without the strength to resist, they can only fall victim to nature’s elimination. There’s no point in blaming heaven or earth. If blame is due… perhaps it lies with what you call destiny.”
Chang Qing listened, half-comprehending, unable to respond. His eyes fell on Leng Jiu’s profile. Her features were sharp yet gentle, her gaze distant, her brows slightly arched. There was a clarity and understanding in her expression, as if she had seen through everything. It was as if she stood at a height he could never reach, looking down on all beings like a god, inspiring awe.
They avoided staying in the plague zone overnight, instead camping in deserted forests. After two days of travel, they finally arrived at the location where government officials were stationed. This time, Leng Jiu insisted that Chang Qing and the others return. She couldn’t openly visit Gong Yuwei, and their presence would be inconvenient.
Realizing they had already reached this point, Chang Qing didn’t argue further. It was time for him to report back to the general.
After bidding Chang Qing farewell, Leng Jiu found an inn in the town. Naturally, the inn was deserted, covered in cobwebs.
“Innkeeper, a room,” she called out.
“Three taels deposit. Take the stairs, turn left. Last room at the end,” came the lazy reply. The innkeeper didn’t even lift his head, tossing a key her way before lying back down.
Leng Jiu tossed over three taels of silver, grabbed the key, and went upstairs. She entered the room, locked the door, and quickly changed her clothes. She secured throwing knives to her waist, tucked a dagger into place, and slipped out the window.
The streets were eerily quiet, with only a few scattered figures. Flying across the rooftops, she attracted no attention.
As the Prime Minister, Gong Yuwei was naturally staying at the official’s residence. Leng Jiu soon located the governor’s office. Guards were stationed at the front gate, confirming she had found the right place. Turning to avoid the main entrance, she headed toward the less guarded rear.
Plague was terrifying. Whether infected or not, its mere presence instilled fear. Even though the governor’s residence seemed free of the disease, the mere fact that the Prime Minister, who had contracted the plague, was residing there was enough to make everyone avoid the area. The vast gardens were devoid of any servants.
The residence was large, but Leng Jiu eventually found a secluded courtyard at the back with the heaviest guard presence. She thought she had glimpsed Steward Xiang earlier, confirming this must be the place.
Outside the courtyard stood a large tree. Leng Jiu leaped onto it and, using its branches, vaulted into the courtyard.
“Clang!” Two sharp swords were immediately pressed against her neck, forcing her to halt. She sighed inwardly, having forgotten about the skilled shadow guards at Gong Yuwei’s side.
“It’s me.”
The guards recognized her and, surprised, quickly lowered their swords and retreated into the shadows.
Leng Jiu entered through the window. The room was eerily quiet, but for the faint sound of breathing. There were no extra people present. Frowning, she pulled aside a beaded curtain to enter the inner chamber, where she found Gong Yuwei lying silently on the bed.
She approached, her gaze softening as she took in his peaceful visage. After observing his complexion and checking his temperature, she frowned in confusion. His face wasn’t flushed, nor did he have a fever. He appeared perfectly normal. By all accounts, he didn’t seem to have contracted the plague. So why was he lying there unconscious?
The door creaked open, and Leng Jiu knew it was Steward Xiang without needing to look.
“Miss Jiu!” Steward Xiang looked at her in shock. “Why are you here?”
“I came to see him!” Leng Jiu nodded at Uncle Xiang as a greeting, then asked the question in her heart, “Everyone outside says he has caught the plague, but he seems fine. What’s going on?”
Uncle Xiang chuckled upon hearing this. “Those are just rumors. The Prime Minister only fainted from overwork, but some people saw it and claimed he had the plague!”
“Overwork?” Leng Jiu glanced down at Gong Yuwei, only to notice that his face was indeed pale, with exhaustion written all over his brows.
Uncle Xiang nodded and sighed, “From the moment he received the Emperor’s decree, the Prime Minister rushed here without rest. Starting from the previous two counties, he worked day and night to arrange personnel for resettling refugees, dealing with corpses, and allocating medicines and food supplies. The affected area is too vast, and the officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works are scattered. The Prime Minister has had to handle many matters personally. He was injured last year and hasn’t been in great health since. After enduring this for nearly ten days, even an iron man would collapse!”
Leng Jiu felt a pang in her heart upon hearing this, her expression turning colder. “What about the local officials?”
“Those officials have long been terrified. If it weren’t for the Prime Minister’s status keeping them in line, they wouldn’t have cared about the refugees at all. At the beginning, they even dared to feign compliance with his orders. In the end, the Prime Minister was forced to execute two provincial officials in public to make them behave!” Uncle Xiang’s gaze swept over the unconscious Gong Yuwei. “Last time the Prime Minister fainted, he rested for a day. When he woke up, he used ginseng to restore his energy and continued working through the nights. But yesterday, he fainted again in the study. I had no choice but to carry him back, feed him ginseng soup, and have the doctor prescribe a sedative so he could finally sleep properly!”
Leng Jiu raised her hand to brush Gong Yuwei’s brows. Her fingers paused on his sunken cheeks, gently caressing them. He was already thin, but upon closer inspection, he had lost even more weight. It made her heart ache.
After a moment, she withdrew her hand and spoke with a slightly deeper voice, “How are things progressing now?”
Uncle Xiang hesitated for a moment before realizing she was asking about the disaster relief efforts. “Following the Prime Minister’s methods, most of the situation is under control, but there are still matters that require his attention once he wakes up.”
Leng Jiu sneered, “So apart from Gong Yuwei, is there no other capable official in this entire land? The court spends so much money raising them, and they’re all useless?”
Startled by Leng Jiu’s sharp and cold tone, Uncle Xiang looked surprised.
Leng Jiu pulled the quilt up to cover Gong Yuwei better, her eyes lowering. “Take me to where he handles his official duties.”
Uncle Xiang hesitated. He couldn’t make such a decision lightly.
Leng Jiu stood up, her gaze no longer that of the innocent Xiao Jiu but one of stern and commanding authority. Her demeanor exuded an overwhelming presence that made it impossible to look directly at her. “I know my limits and will not harm him.”
Uncle Xiang only knew that Xiao Jiu seemed to be someone close to the Empress Dowager. But could someone associated with the Empress Dowager carry such an imposing aura? Regardless, he trusted she wouldn’t harm the Prime Minister. Moreover, for some reason, he felt she wasn’t bluffing.
Due to Leng Jiu’s special status, Uncle Xiang dismissed everyone stationed outside the study, allowing her to enter. The study was sparsely furnished, with most of the items moved away except for a large cabinet and furniture that couldn’t be removed. A shelf held a variety of books, while the desk at the back was piled high with documents.
Leng Jiu took Gong Yuwei’s seat. Like the man himself, the space was simple and uncluttered, with nothing decorative aside from the essential pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Yet, even if there had been ornaments, there wouldn’t have been room for them.
Seeing her focused expression, Uncle Xiang approached to explain, “On the right are the documents written by the Prime Minister. They mainly outline governance methods and the allocation of officials. The rest are reports from local officials. These are from yesterday; today’s have yet to be delivered. The books on the shelf are ones the Prime Minister brought with him. They’re about medicine for treating plagues, river management, and past records from various regions. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Leng Jiu nodded. “I understand. Bring in all the documents; I’ll start reviewing them.”
“Very well!” Uncle Xiang immediately went to fetch them. Leng Jiu picked up one of Gong Yuwei’s documents to read. It detailed methods for dealing with the plague, from broad strategies for allocating officials to specific instructions for resettling refugees and distributing food. It even included plans for post-disaster reconstruction. The sections on managing the plague were particularly meticulous, covering medicinal supplies, isolation measures, and handling corpses, all written so clearly that no one could misunderstand.
Uncle Xiang personally delivered a large stack of documents. Leng Jiu took one and began to read but suddenly said, “Give him a double dose of the sedative and let him sleep for another two days.”
Uncle Xiang hesitated. “Although I also wish the Prime Minister could rest longer, the outside situation is critical. At this juncture, he cannot afford to sleep. Besides, the Prime Minister’s mind is entirely focused on managing the crisis. If he wakes up and learns he slept for so long, he will be furious!”
“Furious? I’d really like to see what he looks like when he’s angry,” Leng Jiu said with a soft laugh. “Just do as I say. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.”
Uncle Xiang felt tempted. Although he wanted to solve the external issues, his heart ached for Gong Yuwei. “But—”
“No ‘buts’!” Leng Jiu interrupted firmly. “Consider it a request, not an order. If his health collapses, the plague won’t be dealt with either. Let him rest properly.”
Her tone was courteous, yet it carried the weight of a command. Uncle Xiang looked at her, meeting her unwavering and determined gaze, and nodded heavily.
After Uncle Xiang left and closed the door, Leng Jiu continued to read the documents. After going through the first one, her eyebrows arched. By the second, she was already sneering. She skimmed through a dozen more, her smile turning increasingly icy.
It seemed Gong Yuwei was indeed the only competent official in the land. Most of these documents were filled with requests for his guidance on trivial matters, like whether to open a porridge kitchen. The rest were demands for money, with nine out of ten officials asking for funds. It was laughable. Did they think the Prime Minister had a private treasury? While governance was only briefly touched upon, their pleas for money were long-winded, every word dripping with feigned sincerity, lamentations, and urgency. Leng Jiu sneered, thinking how these officials had turned their education into a skill for begging.
Sweeping the stack of papers into the wastebasket, Leng Jiu went to the bookshelf and searched for a while before finding what she needed—a map of the region. It was rudimentary, with villages marked as simple dots. The paths shown were only the main roads, and the maps of the prefectures were just as basic. The mountains and rivers were marked, but without any detailed descriptions. She recalled seeing a far more detailed map in Leng Yue’s war tent, one likely drawn by the military. These court maps were practically useless in comparison.
Leng Yue… the military… Leng Jiu’s eyes narrowed as her gaze landed on the map. Sure enough, she saw two areas marked in red. With such a widespread plague, it was inevitable that it would affect military zones. There were two large garrisons in the affected regions, along with several smaller camps.
Just then, Uncle Xiang hurriedly entered, closing the door behind him with an anxious expression. “The governor of Dongzhou has arrived with over a dozen county officials, demanding disaster relief funds. They’ve already reached the entrance. They claim the Prime Minister is gravely ill and unable to manage affairs, and they are collectively nominating the governor to take charge of the situation. They even tried to forcibly enter the treasury. I had the guards stop them and came here in haste. But I just gave the Prime Minister the sedative. Even if I called him, he wouldn’t wake up. What should we do?”
Leng Jiu smirked coldly. She had just read their letters, and now they were here in person. Tapping her index finger lightly on the desk, she asked, “Who is this governor? What’s his background?”
“The governor’s surname is Qiu. He’s the elder brother of Princess Xiao Qin, and with the support of Prince Xiao Qin, he dares to act so boldly!”
“Prince Xiao Qin?” Leng Jiu lowered her gaze. “Does the Prime Minister have any advisors?”
Uncle Xiang shook his head. “The Prime Minister doesn’t keep advisors. He doesn’t form cliques and is well-read enough to handle most matters himself without needing anyone’s counsel.”
“Then what rank would a top advisor to the Prime Minister hold?”
Uncle Xiang thought for a moment. “The Prime Minister is a First Rank official. A top advisor, while not officially ranked, could be considered equivalent to a Third Rank official.”
“And if this advisor carried the Prime Minister’s seal and acted on his behalf?”
Uncle Xiang was taken aback. “What do you mean by this, Miss Xiao Jiu?”
Leng Jiu’s cold gaze met his. “Prepare a set of men’s clothing, bring the Prime Minister’s seal and badge, and have two of his personal guards ready. You don’t need to concern yourself with what I do, but if you want to survive today, follow my instructions immediately.”
Uncle Xiang, having no other options, decided to give it a try. He quickly returned with a set of plain white men’s clothing, along with a hair ribbon, a seal box, and the badge. Two men followed him, one of whom was Xiao Qian from the front gate.
“Miss Xiao Jiu!” Xiao Qian exclaimed in surprise upon seeing her.
Pointing to the other man, who had a more composed demeanor, Uncle Xiang explained, “This is Wei He, the Prime Minister’s long-serving attendant. He drives his carriage and delivers documents, and he has been with the Prime Minister in the capital for years. You haven’t met him before, but officials here are familiar with him. Xiao Qian has also been by the Prime Minister’s side recently, so most people know him.”
Leng Jiu nodded. “Wait here.”
She took the clothing to an adjacent room, and moments later, she emerged transformed into a refined and elegant gentleman. Her face was slightly pale, and her brows, darkened with ink, added to her dignified and stern demeanor. Her lips, slightly pursed downward, exuded authority and composure. She moved with steady grace, her presence cold and commanding—there was not the slightest trace of femininity.
The three men were stunned, with Xiao Qian nearly dropping his jaw to the ground. If he hadn’t seen her enter the room earlier, he would never have recognized her. “M-Miss Xiao Jiu?”
Leng Jiu swept her gaze over them without expression, her eyes pausing briefly on Wei He. Wei He was an honest and steady person, his brows clear and his eyes clean. For Gong Yuwei to keep him by his side, he must also be a trustworthy person. Leng Jiu pressed her lips together and said, “From now on, I am called Yu Wei. I am a distant relative of the Prime Minister. I once studied under the same imperial tutor as him. This time, I’ve come specifically to assist him. The Prime Minister has contracted the plague and cannot meet with outsiders, so he has specially ordered me to temporarily take over relaying his commands and overseeing matters. From now on, whatever I say is directly ordered by the Prime Minister. Understood?”
Xiao Qian was still a little confused, but Wei He understood first. “Understood! From now on, we’ll address you as Young Master Yu!”
Housekeeper Xiang looked at this version of Leng Jiu. To be honest, her current demeanor was very much like the Prime Minister’s. Especially with her dressed in white and wearing an expressionless, icy demeanor, she was practically a replica of the Prime Minister. If someone said she was the Prime Minister’s biological younger brother, no one would doubt it! Witnessing this side of Leng Jiu gave Housekeeper Xiang a boost of confidence. “We will follow all of Young Master Yu’s orders!”
Xiao Qian scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. “Then I’ll follow Young Master Yu too!”
Leng Jiu clasped her hands behind her back and raised her eyes. “Let’s go! Time to meet the officials of the counties in this province!”
Housekeeper Xiang handed over a token made of black wood with gold trim, engraved with the word “prohibition.” “This is the token for mobilizing all the Imperial Guards. Young Master Yu should take it as well!”
Leng Jiu smiled and accepted it. “Let’s go!”
The treasury was located on the eastern side of the government office and heavily guarded. At present, a group of nearly thirty people was there—ten dressed as officials surrounding a middle-aged man in a dark brown official uniform with an air of arrogance, and the rest were guards. They were currently confronting over a hundred Imperial Guards. The Imperial Guards had drawn their blades and were blocking the treasury entrance, refusing to let them in.
A thin, sharp-faced man who looked like a secretary stood at the front, hands on his hips, pointing at the Imperial Guards with a face full of anger and arrogance. “Our Inspector-General is the brother-in-law of Prince Xiaoqin(xiao)! The Prime Minister is currently afflicted with the plague, and our Inspector-General has been tirelessly managing disaster relief. How dare you block him? Are you all seeking death? Do you believe the Inspector-General won’t report this to Prince Xiaoqin(xiao)? When that happens, the Prince will have the Emperor chop off your heads! Hmph!”
“Prince Xiaoqin(xiao) can have the Emperor execute the Imperial Guards? Does that mean he’s more powerful than the Emperor?” A mocking voice, cold as ice, rang out, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.
The group of officials turned around to see a man dressed in white with an extraordinary air approaching. For a moment, they almost mistook him for Gong Yuwei!
As they watched him come closer, followed by the Prime Minister’s chief steward and two attendants, they felt puzzled. The secretary squinted and said, “Who are you? Do you not know to bow upon seeing the Inspector-General?”
Leng Jiu ignored him and walked up to the stone steps a couple of paces in front of the treasury entrance. She swept her gaze over the group of officials, her face slightly darkened with a stern air. She said loudly, “I am Yu Wei, a cousin of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has contracted the plague and cannot meet outsiders. From today onward, I will act on his behalf to oversee disaster relief efforts and convey his orders.”
“Who do you think you are? Get down from there!” The Inspector-General squinted his bulging eyes, full of disdain and contempt.
An official beside him immediately echoed, “Do you even know who you’re talking to? This is the Prince Consort’s most favored younger brother, royalty!”
“Exactly! Master Qiu is the Princess Consort’s beloved brother. Who cares if you’re some cousin? If you don’t want to die, get out of here now!”
Leng Jiu’s eyes narrowed, revealing a dangerous glint, but she suddenly smiled faintly. “Master Qiu, brother-in-law of Prince Xiaoqin(xiao)?”
At her words, Master Qiu immediately lifted his chin, full of pride. “Now that you know who I am, hurry up and kneel before me, you snot-nosed brat who doesn’t know their place!”
Leng Jiu kept one hand behind her back, her eyes slightly lowered, and sighed softly. “You’re precisely the person I was looking for, Master Qiu.”
As the arrogance on their faces grew, Leng Jiu suddenly raised the token in her hand. Her expression turned icy cold as she commanded, “Imperial Guards, hear my order! Arrest Inspector-General Qiu Shiwen, who, relying on his status as the Prince Consort’s brother, has gathered people to forcefully enter the treasury and attempt to seize disaster relief funds. Detain him immediately!”
“Yes!” It had to be said that although Long Yi’s character was questionable, the Imperial Guards were highly disciplined. They didn’t care about any “brother-in-law of Prince Xiaoqin(xiao)” nonsense. A few guards immediately charged forward and subdued Qiu Shiwen and his secretary.
“How dare you! I am the Princess Consort’s brother! Do you think you can kill me? Are you seeking death?”
Leng Jiu signaled to Xiao Qian with her eyes. Xiao Qian quickly grabbed a piece of cloth, stuffed it into Qiu Shiwen’s mouth, and without a word, ordered the Imperial Guards to take him away!
Leng Jiu looked at the other officials and seemed to suddenly remember something. She said, “Ah, I almost forgot. Later, I’ll have the Prime Minister draft a memorial to the Emperor, suggesting that Master Qiu, with his high morals and the unanimous recommendation of local officials, should temporarily act as the Prime Minister to oversee disaster relief efforts. Considering Prince Xiaoqin(xiao)’s influence, perhaps His Majesty might even grant him the official title of Prime Minister!”
She smiled at the officials. “When the time comes, I’ll make sure the Prime Minister includes your signatures and seals in the memorial. That way, His Majesty will know how deeply you all admire and respect Master Qiu. Who knows, His Majesty might reward all of you for your dedication.”
Several officials forced dry smiles, not daring to reply. Two bolder ones straightened their necks and said, “What right do you have to detain the Inspector-General? Even the Prime Minister has no such authority. Just wait for the Emperor to punish you!”
Leng Jiu squinted. “I don’t know if the Emperor will punish me, but I do know that if you continue to sit around drinking tea here, the Prime Minister could charge you all with delaying disaster relief efforts. Hmph, you won’t lose your official titles, just your skins.”
“You’re talking nonsense! We’re here for disaster relief, and you’re the one causing delays! Who are you? I demand to see the Prime Minister!”
Leng Jiu dusted her sleeves and said casually, “Housekeeper Xiang, has the Prime Minister taken his medicine?”
Housekeeper Xiang glanced at her. “The Prime Minister just took his medicine.”
“Good. Then take this official to see the Prime Minister. But remember, the Prime Minister has the plague. After the meeting, he’ll need to be quarantined. Since he’s an official, he can’t be quarantined with the common people. Send him to accompany Master Qiu instead.”
“Yes!”
“You wouldn’t dare!” The official’s eyes widened in anger.
Leng Jiu raised her eyes. “Do you think there’s anything I wouldn’t dare do?” Then she smiled nonchalantly. “Tell me, if I send a secret memorial to the Emperor, reporting that the officials of this region have embezzled disaster relief funds and extorted the people, bribing court officials, do you think the Emperor might launch an extensive investigation out of anger?”
“I believe the officials here are innocent, but the Emperor wouldn’t know that. Hmm, maybe he’d find you all spotless and clean, and in that case, he might even promote you all two ranks. Wouldn’t that be a joyous occasion?”
The group’s faces turned pale, then green, then white again. Some looked uneasy and stammered, “Stop making things up!”
Leng Jiu was done wasting words. She waved her hand, and two Imperial Guards flung their blades into the ground before the officials, the vibration humming ominously. Leng Jiu said coldly, “If you don’t want a memorial on the Emperor’s desk stating that an official in this region contracted the plague and died in service, then get back to your posts and manage the disaster relief efforts properly! Those with merits will be rewarded by the Emperor. If you’re still scheming to benefit yourselves, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
When someone tried to speak again, Leng Jiu sneered. “Don’t ask if I dare. I’ve already dealt with the Princess Consort’s brother-in-law. What wouldn’t I dare to do? Unless you’re the Emperor’s maternal uncles, stop jumping around like clowns. It’s embarrassing to watch!”
“You—” The officials glared at her furiously, but Leng Jiu’s cold, oppressive gaze silenced them. She said sharply, “If you don’t leave now, are you waiting for me to personally send the Imperial Guards to escort you back?”
Seething with rage, the officials clenched their fists and turned to leave. But Leng Jiu’s voice, like a demon’s whisper, reached their ears. “A word of advice: watch over your ledgers and private vaults. I’ll be sending Imperial Guards to inspect them occasionally. If I find anything untoward, it’ll be awkward for everyone.”
The officials turned back in anger, but all they caught was a glimpse of her fluttering robe and the glinting swords of the advancing Imperial Guards.
“Scoundrel!”
“What arrogance!”
“Young Master Yu is incredible!” Xiao Qian’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
Wei He, however, looked worried. “Though your thunderous methods have subdued them for now, Master Qiu is still the brother-in-law of Prince Xiaoqin(xiao). If things escalate, it could reflect poorly on the Prime Minister.”
Leng Jiu stopped in her tracks. “Don’t worry. I know my limits. I won’t hurt him.”
Housekeeper Xiang sighed. “It’s a good thing you were here today. But what should we do next?”
Leng Jiu turned and gave them a mysterious smile. “Tonight, we’ll go pick up some silver! Haha!”
“Pick up silver?” The three looked puzzled. Was silver something one could just pick up?
That night, the officials returned home with smoldering anger. After venting their frustration, they recalled Leng Jiu’s final words. Unease crept into their hearts, eventually growing into panic. Unable to suppress their guilty consciences, they rushed to check their ledgers and private vaults.
In the home of an official surnamed Li, he locked himself in a room, clutching a ledger and pacing back and forth, wondering where to hide it. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by the urgent voice of his secretary. “Master! Something terrible has happened! The Prime Minister’s people are here with the Imperial Guards!”
“What?” Startled, he dropped the ledger with a loud thud. Panicking, he picked it up and paced in circles. “Where should I hide this?”
The bed? No, that wouldn’t do. The cabinet? Too obvious. The trunk? Even worse. Finally, his eyes landed on a vase. He hurriedly stuffed the ledger inside and took a deep breath to calm himself before opening the door. “Let’s go and see.”
The main gate was forcibly opened by the Imperial Guards, revealing a figure in white—it was none other than Young Master Yu. Master Li steadied himself and bellowed, “What is the meaning of this, Young Master Yu? Trespassing into an official’s residence at night—I could report you!”
Leng Jiu held up a ledger and turned with a smile. “Trespassing is indeed a crime, but I wonder if Master Li will still be an official by then.”
“What do you mean?”
Leng Jiu leisurely waved the ledger in her hand. “Does this look familiar, Master Li? Hidden in a vase—a clever choice!”
Master Li’s face turned pale as he recognized the ledger and heard the mention of the vase. He pointed at her, unable to speak. But his shock deepened when a team of Imperial Guards emerged from his residence, carrying a variety of chests. They opened them in front of him, revealing heaps of jewelry, silver, and jade—four full chests of treasures looted from his private stores. He collapsed to the ground, his face ashen.
Leng Jiu smiled as she surveyed the riches. “Master Li has generously donated his entire fortune for disaster relief. I’m truly impressed. I’ll make sure to report your contributions to the Emperor. The night is late, so I won’t disturb you further. Farewell!”
The Imperial Guards carried away the treasures and quickly retreated, leaving behind an empty house and a devastated Master Li. The chilling night wind cut through him like a knife.
Simultaneously, similar scenes played out in the homes of other officials across the fourteen counties. Ledgers and treasures were seized from every residence. One official was caught red-handed counting money in his private vault, while another had hidden his ledger in a concubine’s sash, only for it to be discovered anyway.
Leng Jiu’s promise to “pick up silver” was no empty boast. She took only the silver and ledgers, offering polite words before leaving with a smile. But her actions left every official trembling with fear.
That night, nearly all the Imperial Guards were dispatched. By dawn, each squad returned with boxes of confiscated wealth. The largest haul consisted of four or five chests; even the smallest had one. Not a single official was spared.
“Tsk tsk~! So much gold and jewelry, it seems impossible to spend it all in a lifetime!” Leng Jiu grabbed a handful of bead chains and sneered mockingly.
Uncle Xiang looked at these items and sighed. There are so many corrupt officials in the world. A few small counties, any one of them would be richer than the Prime Minister’s mansion!
On the table was a pile of ledgers and letters, all things that could control these officials’ lives. Now Uncle Xiang was at ease. With these items, those officials wouldn’t dare to cause trouble. They’d be scared out of their wits.
At noon, the group of officials who had hurriedly left the day before gathered at the entrance of the mansion. No longer did they have the anger and arrogance of yesterday. Their faces were pale, their eyes bloodshot. They looked at each other in silence, all understanding without speaking a word.
Inside the mansion, chests were opened and piled up in the hall. Sitting there, dressed in white, was Leng Jiu, leisurely flipping through a ledger. When the officials walked in, this was the sight that greeted them. They lowered their heads and dared not speak. Fourteen chairs had been prepared with tea, clearly waiting for them.
The fourteen of them exchanged glances, not daring to move!
Leng Jiu glanced over them, raised her hand politely, and said, “Gentlemen, please don’t stand, sit down!”
One by one, the group moved slowly, taking a long time to find their seats. But it was as though they were sitting on a hot coal pan. They shifted uncomfortably, wanted to speak but couldn’t find the right words, looking anxious but unsure how to begin. Every glance at the pile of jewels and ledgers only darkened their faces. The tea beside them no longer seemed appealing!
They had all been caught last night. Everyone knew what was happening, exchanging silent glances, hoping someone would speak up. But no one dared to. They were all scared out of their wits!
Leng Jiu saw their expressions and waited until they were like ants on a hot pan, about to be fried. Then she calmly lowered the ledger, raised her head, and without mentioning the money and ledgers, instructed Xiao Qian to distribute the written documents. She then said seriously, “These are the governance plans and measures the Prime Minister wrote overnight a few days ago. From now on, all of you are required to implement them quickly, without any mistakes. The silver and jewels here are for disaster relief, and once they are counted, they will be distributed to you. Do any of you have objections?”
“No… no!” The group of officials gave a dry laugh, hastily replying. Their lives were on the line; who would dare to object?
Leng Jiu smiled in satisfaction, “Since that’s the case, hurry and get to work. The disaster waits for no one. Finish quickly, and the Prime Minister and I will await your good news!”
“Xiao Qian! See them out!”
“Yes!”
The group was sent off before they could even warm their seats. However, their hearts were somewhat at ease. Leng Jiu hadn’t mentioned the items, meaning they were temporarily suppressed, and they didn’t dare to bring it up. The only thing they could do now was hurry up and complete their tasks, hoping she would be lenient!
“Old servant truly admires you! Young Master Yu, your move of shaking the mountain and scaring the tiger makes it impossible for these people to act improperly!” Uncle Xiang expressed his admiration openly.
Leng Jiu didn’t respond. What she knew best was the underworld way. There was no official in the world who wasn’t corrupt. And these people, dressed so brilliantly, still dared to make trouble with Qiu Shiwen, were certainly not clean. The dark world operated on violence. Though it was crude, it was highly effective. By seizing these people’s weaknesses, how could they not obey? She didn’t understand much about disaster relief, but Gong Yuwi did. He was knowledgeable, talented, and experienced, so there was no mistake. The only thing lacking was the ruthlessness in his methods. Now, she was just lending a hand and finding people to implement the plans!
Leng Jiu glanced at the items below, “Uncle Xiang, have someone distribute these based on the severity of the disaster and the population in the areas. Once sorted, send them out immediately!”
“Old servant will take care of it!” Uncle Xiang quickly called for people to come in and distribute the items.
Leng Jiu withdrew her gaze, wrapped the ledgers on the table with cloth, and took them to Gong Yuwi’s room!
Uncle Xiang had prepared medicine for him last night, and at this moment, Gong Yuwi was still sleeping. Leng Jiu casually tossed the bundle into the wardrobe, shook the dust off her body, and walked over to the bedside!
Although he had slept for some time, he seemed restless, his brow furrowed, as if still worried about something! Leng Jiu sighed helplessly. His stubborn personality both frustrated and endeared her. As a government official, she had seen many. Nine out of ten officials were corrupt. Those who weren’t were idiots. No matter how powerful a country or how just a government, there would always be corrupt officials. This was why the dark forces could run rampant. As long as they had the secrets of high-ranking officials, they could walk freely before the law. In Leng Jiu’s world, she had never seen a clean official, yet she had encountered Gong Yuwi, an oddity.
Standing alone in the court, cold on the outside but with a warm heart. While others pretended to help with disaster relief, he worked tirelessly, even collapsing. Even when he fainted, he still thought about the matters at hand. She didn’t know whether to call him too compassionate or a fool.
She raised her hand and lightly touched his face, pressing her finger on his forehead, gently massaging. She watched as his face softened, then smiled faintly. “Fool! You should rest when you’re unwell, stop thinking about others all the time, and think about yourself occasionally!”
She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, lingering for a long time before pulling away. “Long time no see. Did you miss me?”
She gazed at his handsome face for a while, but he didn’t respond. Leng Jiu smiled and shook her head. He was sleeping so deeply, how could he hear her? Her eyelids grew heavy. After some thought, she took off her outer clothing, lifted the blanket, and lay down next to him, using his arm as a pillow. She wrapped her arm around him and closed her eyes. After the day and night of chaos, she was exhausted. Everything could wait until she had rested!
－－－－－－Off-topic－－－－－－
Happy New Year, everyone! Woohoo! Wishing you all good health and plenty of money in the new year! For those with babies, I wish them good health, becoming smarter and cuter each day! May your family be harmonious and happy!
For single ladies, I hope you find a handsome guy to take home soon!
For couples, may you soon walk into the red wedding hall and be happily in love!
For students, may you improve in your studies in the new year, and of course, may your red envelopes be plentiful! Hehe!