Chapter 9: Seeking Some Things

Qin Yueniang was still alive, and that sent Gou into a panic. She tossed and turned, feeling as though she were sitting on pins and needles. If Wu Renpin ever found out she had done such a thing, her life would be forfeit—he was no stranger to beating his concubines to death.

For now, only she and the arsonist knew the truth. As long as the other party kept quiet, the matter would end there.

But what about Qin Yueniang? Could she really just let her go? No. That heartless Wu Renpin had called out her name in his sleep more than once, declaring that for her sake, he would drive away every other woman in the house.

She was already past her prime, and having borne no children, if she were ever cast out of the Wu household, it would surely be a death sentence.

She must not be allowed to enter this house. Therefore, the only way to eliminate the threat once and for all was to kill her.

The men of the Su family were all dead; what could be difficult about taking the lives of a lone widow and her daughter?

With this thought, she finally closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep with a smile.

Su Yunqing, clutching a dagger to her chest, lay with her eyes closed but remained awake. The slightest sound made her eyes snap open in alert, and only after verifying that the courtyard and the room remained undisturbed did she lower her guard once more.

Outside, the thunderous snoring of Uncle Zhu echoed through the air. Su Yunqing rose, retrieved a cloak from the room, and draped it over him.

It would take at least three days to travel from Chongluan to Zejiang. Once her uncle received her letter, he would undoubtedly rush over with all possible speed. Six more days. That would be just enough time to bury her grandfather and brothers, and for her mother to regain enough strength to endure the jolts of the journey.

Once she killed Gou and the arsonist, she would head south to the Cheng family.

What kind of family were the Chengs? Would the brothers there be as loving and close as her own elder brothers? Would Master Cheng and her future mother-in-law be as harmonious as her own parents had been?

Surely she would be able to get along with them. Grandfather had always said she should temper her temperament, so once she arrived, she must keep those words close to her heart.

Without realizing it, the sky began to break with dawn.

Uncle Zhu stretched, rubbed his face, and looked down to find a cloak draped over him. "Drat," he thought, "I must have dozed off."

He stood up quickly, intending to push the door open to check on them. As his hand touched the gate, Su Yunqing instantly opened her eyes, rose, and drew her dagger. Seeing it was Uncle Zhu, she sheathed the blade and called out, "Uncle Zhu!"

Uncle Zhu entered the courtyard and looked at her in surprise. "Third Young Miss, you didn't sleep at all? It’s daylight now. Don't worry, you're safe with me here. Go inside, stay with your mother, and get some rest."

Those who commit evil love the cover of night. Now that the sun had risen, the vermin dared not crawl out, and she no longer felt afraid.

***

Qin Yueniang remained unconscious, but fortunately, her breathing was steady and her temperature normal. Su Yunqing lay down beside her. She really did need some sleep; otherwise, her mother would worry when she woke up.

She never expected the first visitor that day to be Wu Renpin. He stepped out of his sedan chair and, supported by two lackeys, hobbled toward the main gate. Upon entering the courtyard, he dismissed his attendants, leaving only Uncle Zhu, who was busy burning spirit money.

Wu Renpin performed a perfunctory series of bows before the coffin, tossed a few sheets of paper into the basin, and made to head straight for the room.

"Hey, Commander Wu, isn't that a bit improper? To head straight for the Third Young Miss’s chambers?"

Wu Renpin pursed his lips and turned back. "What 'chambers' are we talking about? I heard the news this morning and came as fast as I could. How are the Madam and the Third Young Miss? Is the Madam… is she hurt?"

Uncle Zhu shook his head. "She isn't hurt, but she’s overcome with grief and has remained unconscious. You’re a grown man; is it appropriate for you to go in there?"

Wu Renpin dismissed the concern. "What time is it to be worrying about propriety? I’ve brought the finest ginseng. Let her hold a slice in her mouth and see if it helps." He pulled a pouch from his sleeve.

When Wu Renpin turned again to enter, Su Yunqing was already standing before him. "Many thanks for your kindness, Commander Wu, but we must decline."

Wu Renpin hurriedly shoved the pouch into her hand. "Third Young Miss, go on now, your mother’s health is what matters."

Su Yunqing tossed it back. "We have not earned this reward. Dr. Ma has already prescribed medicine for my mother. You should keep your belongings for your own use."

"My dear girl, why be so ungracious? Well then, the Madam is inside—surely it’s fine if I just go in and see her?"

"May I ask, Commander Wu, in what capacity do you visit my mother? As a friend? Are you that close? As a member of the family? Is your surname Qin? As a relative? Even if we traced our lineages back ten generations, we would have no connection."

"I..."

"You are a grown man. Is it appropriate for you to enter the private quarters of a widowed woman?"

"I… I just wanted to know if she was all right."

"Do not trouble yourself. She is quite well. Commander Wu, please take your leave."

***

Wu Renpin scratched his head in frustration. "Very well then. I will have people help with the burial of Elder Su. You don't need to worry about these things. I only found out about your family's misfortune this morning; I came as soon as I heard. My household kept it from me yesterday, otherwise, I would have been here then."

Su Yunqing suddenly looked up and stared at him, unblinking. Her gaze made him shudder, and he instinctively rubbed his face, looking back at her with an expression of feigned innocence.

The Wu Renpin before her was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Su Yunqing understood clearly what kind of cruel soul lay beneath his mask. Judging by his behavior, he truly seemed to know nothing of the arson, but since Gou was his concubine and her motive was clear, Wu Renpin could not escape his share of the blame for the deaths of her grandfather and brothers.

Wu Renpin was so shameless; if he could go to such lengths for Qin Yueniang, would he hound her even after her uncle took her to Chongluan? The distance wasn't that great, and she would eventually be a thousand miles away in Cenzhou...

Wu Renpin had to die, too.

She lowered her eyes and said calmly, "Many thanks for your concern, Commander Wu. Since you are so eager to help us, perhaps you could provide us with some daily necessities? As you can see, we have nothing left."

Wu Renpin was overjoyed. "Of course! Since things are so inconvenient here, why not move you and your mother to my residence after the burial? I will treat you like my own daughter—"

"You misunderstand, Commander Wu. That is not what I meant. I only wished to ask you for some supplies. If that is inconvenient, then never mind!"

Wu Renpin waved his hands frantically. "No, no, not inconvenient at all! Make a list, and I will have someone buy them and send them over."

"There is no need to buy new things. If you have any surplus at home, just send some over. My mother is accustomed to frugality; if she knew I had asked you to purchase things for us, she would be displeased."

Wu Renpin pondered for a moment and nodded. "That is true. Yueniang was always the most compassionate."

Su Yunqing seized the opportunity. "If you don't mind, Commander Wu, could I go to your residence to select the things we need? Of course, if you find that inconvenient, forget it."

"No, no, I don't mind at all. Come, let us go now. Follow me."

The two of them, both limping, headed toward the main gate one after the other.