Chapter 22: Past Shadows and the Beauty's Tribulation (Part Two)

There are few in this world who dare address the Emperor of Southern Xi directly as "Emperor Tongsheng." Aside from the ruler of Northern Xi, who stands as his equal, perhaps only the master of the Marquis of Lixin estate and the head of the Yun family would be bold enough to utter such a title.

The monarch of Southern Xi, of the Nie lineage, seized power as an external relative, splitting the Great Xi Dynasty in half. Yet, even after nearly a century of division, many common folk still consider themselves loyal subjects of old Xi. The people of the realm may not acknowledge the new rulers of North and South, but the Lixin Marquis estate, with its centuries-old legacy, is respected by all.

Within the Yun family flows the most noble bloodline, and they hold the reins of the realm's economy as the "foremost magnate." Moreover, they possess the promise left by the founding emperor and empress of the Great Xi Dynasty: "to share the empire." Whether North or South, the Yun family is inextricably linked to both, having fought alongside the ancestors of the two nations to carve out their lands.

Remembering the bond between the Yun family and the imperial lineage of Great Xi, this deep-rooted kinship spanning generations ensures that none dare slight them. Today, neither Northern nor Southern Xi possesses the most legitimate bloodline of Great Xi; the divided realm sits uneasily. Should the Yun family aspire to claim the splendid rivers and mountains, the world would surely rally to their cause.

For this reason, the Yun family holds a pivotal position in both nations, coveted by both courts. Yet, for centuries, they have upheld ancestral teachings, bearing the nominal title of "Marquis of Lixin," devoting themselves to commerce and staying clear of politics.

Such wise self-preservation leaves both emperors powerless. Publicly and privately, they can only hope for the best, never daring to let harm befall the Yun family. Otherwise, it would be a slap to their own ancestors and a gift of the Yun family's immense wealth and prestige to the rival nation.

In the current tense standoff between North and South, it can be summed up simply: Whoever wins the Yun family, wins the empire.

Such renown and fortune, even the reigning emperor struggles to match.

At last, Ming Cui awakened from Yun Ci’s words, trembling as he asked, "Are you the heir apparent?"

It was widely known that the Marquis of Lixin had passed away two years prior, and all matters of the estate were managed by the lady of the house, awaiting the heir Yun Ci to come of age and inherit the title.

But this Yun heir before him was no equal to the heir of the Marquis of Wenchang. The title "Marquis of Lixin" had stood for centuries in Great Xi, and the lords enfeoffed by North and South after the split could not compare.

Upon hearing Ming Cui’s question, Yun Ci did not reply. He simply glanced at him and said to Bamboo Shadow, "See the guest out." With that, he turned and slowly made his way back toward the Eastern Pavilion.

Though Ming Cui was accustomed to dominance in Jingzhou City, as the second son of the Right Minister, he knew well not to overreach. If the Ming family truly offended the Yun family, the emperor would surely sacrifice them to curry favor with the Marquis of Lixin estate. Of this, Ming Cui had no doubt.

Thinking thus, Ming Cui’s arrogance evaporated. He hurriedly apologized to Bamboo Shadow and Light Heart, and even Tea Tea received some newfound respect. The more he considered it, the more fearful he became, not daring to linger further, and rushed back to report to his father, Ming Cheng.

Light Heart and Bamboo Shadow, seeing the Ming household depart, left Tea Tea and returned to the Eastern Pavilion. Before leaving, Light Heart’s gaze lingered on Tea Tea, as if warning her, while also gloating.

Tea Tea collapsed to the ground in fright.

*****

Once the outsiders had gone, Bamboo Shadow and Light Heart nearly ran to Yun Ci’s side, supporting him left and right.

At that moment, Yun Ci’s face was covered with cold sweat, his lips pale, the pain he had endured finally showing through.

"Master..." Light Heart called softly, unable to find words for her distress.

Bamboo Shadow’s face was grim, silent.

Yun Ci seemed oblivious to his loyal servants, commanding quietly, "The wheelchair is under the eaves—take me back to the study."

"Master! You’re in this state, why go to the study? Let us help you to rest," Light Heart pleaded, voice choked with emotion.

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"It’s nothing," Yun Ci replied, offering no explanation. The firmness in his tone left Light Heart and Bamboo Shadow unable to argue. They could only help Yun Ci into the wheelchair and push him into the study.

"Where’s Chu Xiu?" Yun Ci asked, frowning as he found the room empty.

Light Heart and Bamboo Shadow hadn’t understood their master’s insistence until now. Hearing this, they realized: it was because he could not rest easy about Chu Xiu.

Light Heart felt a surge of resentment, but said only, "Perhaps she’s in the side hall, I’ll go look." With that, she hurried off.

Moments later, Light Heart returned, uneasy, shaking her head. "I searched the whole study, no sign of Chu Xiu."

Chu Xiu was missing? Yun Ci’s face paled further, his brows drawn taut, betraying his endless worry.

Bamboo Shadow had served Yun Ci since childhood, for over fifteen years. He knew his master was always generous to servants, concerned for their welfare, yet always reserved—not distant, not warm—just enough to inspire gratitude.

But with this mute girl, whom he’d known only three months, Bamboo Shadow sensed a change. Yet he couldn’t pinpoint what was different.

Teaching servants to read and write—Chu Xiu was not the first; treating their ailments—not the first; defending them—not the first.

Yet something felt off, as if his master cared too much for this mute girl. Like on the night of Mid-Autumn Festival, when he personally guided her hand as she wrote; and today, when he endured the pain in his legs to seek her, and grew anxious at her disappearance.

Such actions were not typical of the heir of the Marquis of Lixin, known for his reserved nature. Yet, for this mute girl, he had done so, repeatedly.

With these thoughts, Bamboo Shadow’s resentment grew. He said, somewhat petulantly, "Chu Xiu is a grown woman, she won’t go missing. Rest, and Light Heart and I will search for her."

Yun Ci’s expression darkened further. "I told her to wait for me in the study. If she’s not here, clearly someone was lurking in the shadows."

At these words, the three recalled the earlier trouble at the Ming estate. Could it have been a diversion? Had Ming estate lured everyone to the Eastern Pavilion while secretly abducting Chu Xiu?

The more they considered, the more plausible it seemed. But would the Ming estate dare such a thing? Their master had revealed his identity—would they risk offending him? Bamboo Shadow and Light Heart exchanged uneasy glances.

Just then, Yun Ci commanded, "Prepare a carriage. I’m going to the palace to see Emperor Tongsheng." His voice was icy and resolute, sending a chill through the autumn air.

"Master!" Bamboo Shadow and Light Heart protested together.

"You came to Jingzhou in disguise—must you risk yourself for a mute girl?" Bamboo Shadow’s tone was urgent.

Meanwhile, Light Heart urged, "Let’s wait a bit longer. Let Bamboo Shadow investigate the Ming estate first. The second young master Ming may be reckless, but the head of the Ming family will surely give you an explanation."

...

Despite their repeated pleas, Yun Ci remained unmoved. "Chu Xiu said she does not belong to the Ming estate. Now she’s been abducted in secret—who knows what the Ming estate intends? Zi Feng is away; we cannot delay."

With that, he disregarded his own leg pain and ordered again, "Bamboo Shadow, prepare the carriage. Light Heart, help me change."

Knowing Yun Ci’s temperament, neither dared argue further. Bamboo Shadow, frustrated but unable to disobey, reluctantly went to prepare the carriage.

But as he stepped across the threshold, Bamboo Shadow collided with someone. A delicate fragrance wafted to his nose as a splash of warmth landed on his robe.

It was Han Chu! Entering with a bowl of medicine, she had collided with Bamboo Shadow, spilling the decoction onto his clothes.

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Han Chu apologized repeatedly, bowing. Bamboo Shadow, staring at his soaked robe, was unsure whether to be annoyed or relieved. Quickly, he withdrew and excitedly reported to Yun Ci, "Master! Chu Xiu has arrived!"

Han Chu was bewildered by Bamboo Shadow’s reaction. As she entered, she sensed two gazes upon her: one from Light Heart, half joy, half resentment, tinged with reproach; the other from Yun Ci, calm yet deep, like the surface of a boundless sea—seemingly tranquil, but concealing hidden waves.

Han Chu noted their expressions, feeling even more at a loss. She freed a hand and gestured to the bowl, indicating she had gone to prepare medicine.

"Chu Xiu! Next time you leave, could you say something first?" Light Heart finally blurted out her complaint.

Yun Ci continued to gaze at Han Chu in silence.

Hearing Light Heart’s sharp words and seeing Yun Ci’s lack of response, Han Chu assumed their anger stemmed from the Ming estate’s disturbance. Guilt overwhelmed her; she forced a smile, lowered her eyes, and bit her lip, standing quietly as if she were a plant.

Light Heart, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, seeing Yun Ci calm, dared not push further, merely snorted, "Not being able to speak has become an advantage!"

Han Chu bowed her head even lower, unable to hide her self-reproach.

An uneasy silence settled over the room, broken only by Light Heart’s uneven breathing, betraying annoyance and restraint.

After some time, Yun Ci broke the mood, speaking lightly, "Chu Xiu will serve here. You two may leave."

"Master, your legs..." Bamboo Shadow voiced his concern.

"The medicine is here, is it not?" Yun Ci’s words were gentle yet brooked no opposition.

Light Heart caught Bamboo Shadow’s eye, tugged his sleeve, and said, "We’ll take our leave."

With that, the two withdrew, closing the door softly behind them.

Han Chu remembered the medicine in her hands, quickly placing the bowl on the small table, ladling a portion and offering it silently to Yun Ci.

Yun Ci’s face remained pale, but his demeanor had improved. He glanced at the medicine and asked, "Didn’t I say you were not to leave the study?"

Han Chu said nothing, bowing in apology. Yun Ci had insisted on going to the Eastern Pavilion door; worried about his leg pain, and seeing the storeroom deliver fresh herbs, she had taken it upon herself to prepare medicine, hoping to ease his suffering.

In her moment of guilt, Yun Ci took the bowl from her hands, murmuring, "Since you went to make medicine..."

The rest of the phrase was left unsaid as he drank the bowl in one motion. Setting down the empty bowl, his expression gave no hint of discomfort as he regarded the silent girl.

Han Chu continued to stand respectfully. The events at the Ming estate were fresh in her mind; she expected a reprimand, perhaps a questioning, but nothing came.

After a while, Yun Ci’s gentle voice sounded again, reassuring Han Chu: "From now on, you need not fear the Ming estate or anyone else."

He sat in his wheelchair, posture unwavering, though with a hint of regret on his pale face. "Today my identity has been exposed; I cannot remain in Jingzhou any longer. Chu Xiu, I must leave."