~ MADAM JIN PAYS A VISIT ~
That night, Governor Zhang and nearly every official in Jingling were driven frantic, throwing every usable hand into the streets to investigate the cause of Ni Yun Fang’s fire.
With so many townspeople present, everyone had seen the heavy copper lock on Ni Yun Fang’s front gate. By now, the rumors had already exploded—people said someone had deliberately tried to murder Mu Yunyao: setting the fire in the dead of night, then locking the main door to trap everyone inside.
Half of Jingling’s residents had profited from learning the embroidery techniques Mu Yunyao spread. If this weren’t resolved quickly, even the commoners wouldn’t accept it.
Early the next morning, Madam Jin rushed to Mu Yunyao’s home.
Su Qing had just finished cooking a pot of eight-treasure porridge for Mu Yunyao. Seeing Madam Jin arrive, Su Qing hurriedly put on a smile—strained, but sincere.
“Greetings, Madam Jin. I heard from Yao’er… your condition isn’t convenient now, yet you still made the long trip here. On Yao’er’s behalf, I truly thank you.”
Madam Jin stepped forward and clasped Su Qing’s hand, her face full of worry and tenderness. “Yunyao is smart and considerate, and she’s helped me more than once. For something like this to happen to her… how could I not come? Has Yunyao woken up?”
“She just woke up,” Su Qing said quickly. “She kept insisting on eating eight-treasure porridge, so I cooked it right away. I was just about to bring it in.”
“Perfect,” Madam Jin said at once. “I’ll go see her.”
Inside, Mu Yunyao was leaning against the bed, staring blankly at her injured hand. Hearing footsteps at the door, she instantly put on a sweet smile and called out in a spoiled tone:
“Mother, is the eight-treasure porridge done? Your Yao’er is starving!”
Su Qing looked at Madam Jin and smiled helplessly. “Yao’er has always been like this. Please forgive the laughter, Madam.”
Madam Jin froze slightly.
She hadn’t expected the usually meticulous, composed Mu Yunyao to be so childlike at times. Seeing the indulgent smile on Su Qing’s face, Madam Jin couldn’t help feeling a flicker of envy. If she had a daughter like that… she’d probably spoil her to the heavens too.
Only then did Mu Yunyao realize Madam Jin was there. Embarrassment flashed across her face, and she started to get out of bed to greet her properly.
Madam Jin hurried inside and stopped her. “Lie down, quickly. At a time like this, who cares about etiquette? Lord Cao told me you were badly injured and almost fell from a height. Just hearing it made my heart jump into my throat. You must’ve been terrified.”
Mu Yunyao didn’t insist on rising. “I troubled Madam. I’m fine—just some superficial injuries. With rest, it’ll heal.”
Her face was pale. Dressed in plain white inner robes, she looked even smaller and thinner, especially that palm-sized face—bloodless, fragile, pitiful in a way that tugged at the heart.
Madam Jin examined her hand. It was wrapped thickly in white cloth, with faint blood seeping through. Her expression tightened with pain.
“My household has an ointment for burns. Use it for a while and it’ll fade scars.” Madam Jin spoke decisively. “When I return, I’ll pack it and have Yin Hong deliver it. For now, you don’t need to think about anything. Other matters—someone will naturally stand up for you.”
Mu Yunyao lowered her head slightly. The light in her eyes dimmed. “Last time someone tried to set fire and we still couldn’t find who did it. This time happened at night… I’m afraid it’ll be hard to trace anything.”
“Don’t worry.” Madam Jin’s voice turned iron-hard. “This time, even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we will find the culprit.”
Mu Yunyao nodded and gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Madam.”
“Recover properly,” Madam Jin said, softening again. “I’m still waiting to wear the clothes you make.”
“Yes.” Mu Yunyao smiled gently. “Then for Madam’s sake, I’ll heal as quickly as possible.”
“Rest well. I’ll come again another day.” Madam Jin refused to let Mu Yunyao get up to see her off, and Su Qing escorted her out instead.
Outside, Madam Jin got into her carriage, still wearing that pained expression. Yin Hong tucked the cushion behind her.
Seeing her face, Yin Hong couldn’t help saying, “Madam treats Miss Mu so well.”
Madam Jin stroked her belly lightly, her tone filled with feeling. “Because she deserves it.”
Since the Cao Residence was closest to where Ni Yun Fang had been, Governor Zhang and Su Qingwu’s group had all gathered there. When Madam Jin returned, anxious looks immediately rose in the men’s eyes.
“Greetings, Lord Zhang. Greetings, Lord Su…”
“Madam, no need for formalities.” Governor Zhang asked first, urgently. “I’ve troubled Madam to run out early. How is Miss Mu?”
Madam Jin’s expression turned grave. Before she even spoke, she shook her head. “Such a delicate little girl—caught in a midnight inferno, almost falling from the third floor… frightened half to death. Her condition is truly not good.”
Governor Zhang’s face tightened. “Then I’ll trouble Madam to run a few more times. Bring Jingling’s best physicians. We must ensure Miss Mu is safe!”
“Yes, but…” Madam Jin’s voice lowered, heavy. “Her hand is injured terribly. She already had a wound before. This time, sliding down that rope… her hand is almost beyond looking at. Even if we bring the best doctor in Jingling, I fear…” She didn’t finish.
But everyone understood.
Mu Yunyao’s greatest strength was embroidery.
Embroidery was all in the hands.
If her fingers were ruined, how could she ever hold a needle again?
Sweat popped out on Governor Zhang’s forehead. “Do our best. Treat what we can—whatever the result, we try.”
Su Qingwu’s expression didn’t change, but inside his sleeve, his hand slowly tightened.
A scene rose unbidden in his mind—Mu Yunyao falling from above, crashing into his arms. Soot-stained, soaked through, face pale as paper… and those eyes that once held a sly brightness now dim and exhausted.
It stirred an involuntary ache.
“Lord Zhang, Lord Cao,” Su Qingwu said evenly, “this matter must be reported to His Majesty. I ask the two lords to determine the truth as soon as possible.”
“Lord Su, rest assured. We will investigate quickly.”
Just then, the constables sent out to investigate rushed in.
“Reporting to the lords—this subordinate has found a clue. The copper lock that sealed Ni Yun Fang’s front gate was purchased from the Ding family’s shop.”
“The Ding family?” Governor Zhang shot to his feet, a strange light in his eyes. “If we speak honestly, the only people who’ve truly clashed with Ni Yun Fang lately… are the Ding family!”
Su Qingwu asked, “Clashed with Ni Yun Fang? Who are the Ding family?”
Governor Zhang immediately explained the Ding family’s situation in detail. As he spoke, he subtly hinted at Jingling’s Assistant Prefect and the Pacification Commissioner—he didn’t say it outright, but everyone present understood his meaning.
Cao Yunian remained silent.
He had little interaction with the Assistant Prefect, but he had a deep feud with Pacification Commissioner Zhou Ao. Now that he stood on the same side as Governor Zhang, and Governor Zhang clearly meant to use this chance to purge enemies, Cao Yunian not kicking them while they were down was already the height of restraint.
Su Qingwu lifted his teacup and took a small sip. “Since Governor Zhang has suspects, then you should ascertain the truth as soon as possible. That will also serve as an explanation to His Majesty.”
Governor Zhang’s heart leapt. Su Qingwu’s attitude was practically approving.
“I’ll investigate immediately. Within three days, I will give Lord Su a result.”
After leaving the main hall, Madam Jin returned to the rear courtyard, the smile in her eyes deepening.
“Madam,” Yin Hong said softly, “I heard they found some clues?”
“Not just clues.” Madam Jin’s lips curved. “The conclusion is practically already decided.”
“The Master handles things with such speed and decisiveness. Truly admirable.”
“This time, it isn’t the Master’s credit,” Madam Jin said lightly. “It’s Lord Zhang’s ‘excellent guidance.’”
Madam Jin’s mood was bright.
Governor Zhang had promised to give Su Qingwu a result in three days.
Which meant one of two things:
Either the case would be truly solved within three days, and the real culprit dragged out…
Or Jingling’s Assistant Prefect and the Pacification Commissioner would become the “result” that Governor Zhang handed over.
From the way Governor Zhang moved, it was clear he favored the second option.
Without the Pacification Commissioner, her husband would lose a major thorn in his side.
Thanks for the chapter! I wonder what our ML's underlings will make of this, and whether they will report it back to him?
ReplyDeleteStay safe!
Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteso that's what she meant by "ways to aggravate the wound"...
ReplyDelete