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I still don't know how things were ultimately handled over at the White Horse Temple. The various parties involved gathered together, discussing who knows what, but I was left in the dark. After being startled and running around the woods dressed so lightly, I caught a cold, my body weakened, and I was left sniffling and coughing like an old lady until I returned to Yichuan, still feeling unwell.
I think the emperor must have felt quite regretful this time. He must be thinking that if he had known it would come to this, he should have dealt with those three people back then. But now, all he could do was ponder how to deal with the increasingly powerful Mirror Gate.
Deep down, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment towards the emperor. Why did he have to be so secretive? What was hidden in the temple? If it had come out sooner, it would have been much easier to find. But then again, that could be a huge treasure; what if one of us turned out to be clever and cunning enough to take advantage of it?
Sigh, being an emperor is no easy task.
However, the White Horse Temple Incident did create an opportunity. I heard that Nie Qiuyuan, Luo Dachun, Bai Qianfan, and Su Liche had gotten together for a few rounds of drinks. In their drunken haze, they became close friends, bonding over their shared experiences. Later on, the self-taught doctor Su Liche even brought me some cold medicine.
Not long after returning to Yichuan County, the emperor's decree arrived. Officials involved in the concentrated investigation at the White Horse Temple were rewarded—some were promoted while others received gold and silver treasures. I heard that Bai Qianfan was promoted a rank and transferred to the capital for service. We received rewards as well, along with a confidential letter from the emperor addressed to Nie Qiuyuan.
I didn't bother to concern myself with the contents of the letter; it was surely about matters related to Mirror Gate. Upon arriving at Mirror Gate, we received the imperial decree just as another decree was announced nationwide: Mirror Gate was officially classified as an organized crime syndicate, and local Official Authorities were mandated to investigate any findings.
Ever since I first met Ren Pingsheng, I had a vague premonition that this confrontation would eventually arise. Now, this marked the official beginning of our struggle.
But investigating Mirror Gate was no easy task; as a group of elite scouts, their counter-surveillance capabilities were extraordinary. Within a month of the decree's announcement, various Official Authorities organized efforts to crack down on them but ended up with nothing—not even a single hair from Mirror Gate. It felt like they had barely warmed up before hitting a wall.
I hoped that under the pressure from Official Authorities, Mirror Gate would behave for a while. Thinking of Ren Pingsheng and Ruo Chanjuan made my blood boil again, prompting another fit of coughing.
"Liuying, are you still feeling unwell?" Han Meilan pushed open the door and brought in a bowl of sweet soup made with silver fungus and lotus seeds.
Ever since returning to Yichuan County and hearing about my troubles, Han Meilan's first reaction was to throw herself at me and cry her heart out. I don't know why she loves crying so much; I was already feeling overwhelmed inside, and her tears only made it worse.
However, seeing me cough from my cold made her prepare various nourishing soups for my lungs. Her cooking was truly good; it always left me feeling both happy and frustrated.
"If you knew what your Brother Nie did to me, you'd definitely be furious!" I thought maliciously as I looked at her. But thinking about that matter also left me quite dejected.
"Drink this while it's hot," Han Meilan said as she held out the bowl with a spoonful raised high. She blew on it gently before handing it over to me. "A case just came in from the county office—a child has been kidnapped from home. Cousin, you're almost better now; staying here any longer will only make you restless. He'll come by soon to take us along. We can't avoid comforting the family regarding this kidnapping."
It was truly a situation that could drive one mad. Thankfully, Luo Dachun was understanding.
That night, Nie Qiuyuan brought me back to Luozhou Inn, where Luo Dachun and Lin Jiubu hurriedly welcomed us. He glanced at my expression and asked no questions, simply arranging for someone to prepare bathwater for me. Then, during every moment he wasn’t working, he came to my room to keep me company.
If it weren't for him, the last stretch of time in Luozhou would have been unbearably dull.
In the end, Luo Dachun cheerfully caught my cold, and we shared the medicine that Lord Su kindly sent over.
Initially, I held a certain disdain for this pretty boy, but as time passed, I realized he possessed a deep-seated steadiness that made him quite reliable. Not only that, but he was also remarkably intelligent and adept at enjoying life.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have had the chance to savor all the famous dishes of Luozhou during those final days; he arranged for them to be packed from various restaurants.
So, I found myself inexplicably starting to heed Luo Dachun's words.
As I took out men's clothing from the wardrobe to change, Han Meilan stopped me. "Cousin said it's fine to wear women's clothes; we all need to dress casually. The kidnappers won't allow us to report to the authorities!"
I see. No reporting to the police; otherwise, they would tear up the ransom! The methods of crime are the same in both ancient and modern times.
When Luo Dachun arrived, Nie Qiuyuan was also there. For the first time, he wore blue instead of black; perhaps his black attire made him appear too stern and suspicious. But as I looked at his blue silhouette, I felt a moment of confusion.
There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if he were not himself but someone else entirely.
Even now, whenever I see him, my cheeks inexplicably flush. I quickly took a deep breath and shifted my focus back to the kidnapping incident.
The family involved was surnamed Zhu, and their residence was located in the East City; they were a large merchant family. We did not enter together but rather dispersed into their estate. If the kidnappers were watching from the shadows, we could avoid drawing their attention.
The Zhu Family dealt in jade artifacts; their craftsmanship had been passed down through generations. The decorative pieces and pendants they created were exquisite and skillfully made. Unfortunately, despite their excellent skills, the market in Yichuan was poor; common folks struggled to make ends meet and couldn’t afford jade items! Thus, the men of the Zhu Family were extremely busy—not only crafting jade but also traveling out of town for sales.
Consequently, the women of the Zhu Family were equally occupied. They managed various household affairs both inside and outside the home and were indispensable in financial matters, serving as excellent assistants to their men. In short, this was a wealthy, capable, and busy family.
"Brother Luo, with your wealth and skills, why not move the whole family to Chang'an? Wouldn't that be a better development? Why stay out here, unable to return home?"
I found it hard to understand. People strive for higher ground, just as water flows downward. In our time, families like this would have long since moved to the big city; some might even have emigrated.
But now I felt a psychological barrier when talking to Nie Qiuyuan, so I could only ask Luo Dachun.
Luo Dachun chuckled, "Ever since you bumped your head, your thoughts seem to have become increasingly strange. The family business is here, the ancestral grave is here; for ordinary families, this place is their root. Those who can preserve their heritage rarely entertain such thoughts."
Is it strange? Perhaps. Given Luo Dachun's condition, it certainly seems odd. Yet I always feel there is someone in this world who never finds my thoughts strange; instead, they are filled with understanding and curiosity about everything I think. Unfortunately, that person is currently angry with me and has stopped talking to me.
The Zhu Family's residence was grand, with a pair of stone lions at the entrance that looked quite imposing. Once inside, the intricately carved railings and ornate eaves showcased the work of renowned craftsmen. Upon hearing the news from the doorman, Master Zhu and his wife hurried out. Everyone was too busy to care about anything else; Madam Zhu II's eyes were swollen like peaches, and she couldn't stop sobbing.
The lost child was none other than Zhu Er Ye's only son, just six years old, named Huan'er.
***Tang Chang'an Evening News Announcement***
Our newspaper will soon feature the serialized "Anatomy of Flowers." The author bows here to request your pre-orders; if there are any pink ones, that would be even better! Dear readers, starting tomorrow, whether you choose to stay or go read pirated versions, as long as you remain a reader, the author loves you! The author will keep working hard; thank you all!
Oh right, today is Halloween Eve—no treats means tricks! Enjoy this fun holiday!
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