roccoschili Chapter 60 Background
Chapter 60 Background
Chapter 60 Background
The Ming River makes a bend more than ten miles north of Handan City, where the current becomes gentle.
There was a farmland that had been cultivated in the early years, but the owner moved away and it gradually fell into disrepair. Several mud-brick houses with tiled roofs stood quietly in the rain, the plaster peeling off, half of the courtyard wall collapsed, and wild grass sprouted from the cracks in the bricks, drooping wetly.
The innermost main room was barely intact. The furnishings were dilapidated; apart from a wooden table with one leg and a few reed mats, there were no other decent items. Some hay was piled in the corner, and there was a faint musty smell in the air.
Wu Ji sat on a reed mat at the back, repeatedly adjusting her clothes, glancing occasionally at the half-closed door, and then at the window that had been haphazardly patched up with wooden strips.
But outside the window was a hazy curtain of rain, and nothing could be seen clearly.
The atmosphere inside was somber, with only the incessant sound of raindrops pattering against the tiles.
Luan Ding stood with his arms crossed on the porch outside the door, his back to the door, watching the rain without moving.
Ji Cheng stood guard inside the door with his hand on his sword, his back against the earthen wall. He would occasionally glance at Wu Ji without saying a word.
After a long pause, Wu Ji finally couldn't hold back any longer. She swallowed hard, forced a smile, and said softly, "This brave man Ji—didn't you say that it was Young Master Heng who invited me here to discuss matters? How come we've ended up in this desolate place?"
Ji Cheng grinned: "Madam Wu, what are you saying? My young master invited you here to discuss matters. Look at this place, the scenery is beautiful, and no one will bother you. What's wrong with that? It's much better than a crowded place like Zuiyue Tower, isn't it? It's also more convenient to talk here."
Wu Ji chuckled, her eyes darting around: "That may be true, but if I don't return soon, the music hall will probably be looking for me. There are still quite a few miscellaneous things to take care of at the hall today—"
Ji Cheng waved his hand and said gruffly, "There's no rush. Besides, who in the music hall doesn't know that your Miss Xue Nu is now a guest master in my young master's residence? Madam Wu is Miss Xue Nu's elder. What can others say about her association with my young master's residence? Just wait and see."
Wu Ji's face paled slightly. She wanted to say more, but the door was gently pushed open from the outside.
Luan Ding stepped in sideways, glanced at Ji Cheng, and whispered, "Young Master hasn't arrived yet, so don't say anything more."
He then turned to Lady Wu and said politely, "Please rest assured, Madam Wu. Since the young master has invited you, he must have something important to discuss. Although this place is remote, it is safe and undisturbed. Please wait patiently for a little longer."
Wu Ji opened her mouth, but seeing that Luan Ding's words, though polite, left no room for negotiation, and Ji Cheng also crossed his arms and remained silent, she could only nod awkwardly and sit down again.
About fifteen minutes later, the sound of carriage wheels rolling over the muddy ground could be heard from outside, growing louder as it approached, and finally stopping outside the courtyard gate.
Then came the sound of footsteps wading through the water; it was more than one person.
Luan Ding's eyes flickered, and he said to Ji Cheng, "You stay here with Madam Wu." Then he turned around and pushed open the door to leave.
Wu Ji subconsciously stood up and craned her neck to look towards the door.
A moment later, Zhao Heng entered through the door, flanked by guards Luan Ding and Meng Ben.
Wu Ji barely recognized Zhao Heng at first glance.
The boy wore a dark gray coarse linen cloak, the hood removed to reveal a matching brown turban underneath. His hair was not tied up with a crown, but simply tied back with a plain strip of cloth, with some rain-dampened stray hairs falling across his forehead. He had little expression, a stark contrast to the elegant and refined prince of Zhao he was usually.
Meng Ben, holding a long sword, stood half a step behind Zhao. He first sharply scanned every corner of the room, finally stopping at the window patched with wooden strips, and peered out for a moment.
Seeing this scene, Wu Ji's heart sank for no reason. She quickly forced an even more ingratiating smile and curtsied, "This concubine greets the young master. Your arrival in the rain has truly made this concubine feel overwhelmed—"
Zhao Heng waved his hand, took off his cloak, which was slightly damp from the rain, and handed it to Luan Ding. Then he walked over to the wooden table with legs and sat down before looking at Wu Ji.
"Madam Wu, there's no need for such formality or fear. I've invited you here today because I have some private matters I'd like to discuss with you in person. As long as you tell me the truth, we'll all be fine. I will then send someone to escort you home safely."
Wu Ji's heart pounded like a drum. She forced herself to remain calm and sat down again, placing her hands properly on her knees: "Please ask, sir. I will answer whatever I know."
Zhao Heng nodded slightly and said to Meng Ben and Luan Ding, "You two go and guard the entrance, keeping an eye on the surroundings."
The two then turned and walked to the porch outside the door, standing one on the left and one on the right. Ji Cheng remained inside the room, standing slightly behind Zhao Heng, his hand on the hilt of his sword, waiting.
The door was not closed so that people could keep watch between the inside and outside, and also to observe the situation in the outer room in the rain.
The rain pattered softly, making the room even quieter.
Zhao Heng leaned forward slightly, placed his hands on the table, and began to carefully examine Wu Ji.
Although the woman was over thirty and had fine lines around her eyes, her features were still quite striking. She had delicate eyebrows, long eyes, and a straight, elegant nose, and one could still vaguely see the charm she possessed in her youth. No wonder she was able to establish herself in the music hall back then, and even attract the attention of wealthy patrons.
His gaze wasn't fierce; it was even quite calm. Yet, Wu Ji felt as if his gaze were tangible, scraping across her skin inch by inch, sending chills down her spine. She couldn't understand why this young master was so different from the ones she had seen before.
"In that case, I'll get straight to the point," Zhao Heng said, looking at Wu Ji. "In two years, I intend to take Xue Nu as my concubine."
Upon hearing this, Wu Ji was clearly stunned.
She blinked, her mouth slightly open, seemingly not quite understanding. After a long while, she hesitantly asked, "Is what you say true, young master?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"But the Snow Maiden—" A strange expression appeared on Wu Ji's face, as if she were surprised and doubtful: "She is of lowly status, how dare she presume to be worthy of you, young master—"
Ji Cheng couldn't help but snort, "My young master's word is law, would he lie to you? Just answer honestly when I ask!"
Zhao Heng raised his hand to stop Ji Cheng, his eyes still fixed on Wu Ji: "Although taking a concubine is not the same as marrying a wife, one must still know her background. What is Miss Xue Nu's name? Where is she from? Is she truly from a respectable family? I must find out these things carefully before I can inform my mother, and avoid any future troubles."
Wu Ji felt slightly relieved, then forced a smile and said, "It's a blessing for Xue Nu to have caught your eye, young master. But—why did you suddenly have this idea, and why are you asking these questions here—?"
"It's quiet here, so it's convenient to talk. Answer my question first. I've heard rumors that she's the daughter of Madam Wu's husband's deceased elder brother and sister-in-law? So, what is Miss Xue Nu's surname—"
Wu Ji lowered her eyes and said, "The Snow Maiden's surname is Zhu. Her ancestral home is Pingyuanyi in the Qi region."
"Qi? Pingyuan?" Zhao Heng suddenly chuckled, then slowly repeated, "Is Madam Wu deliberately exaggerating the location to avoid me sending someone to investigate?"
Wu Ji's face paled, and she quickly waved her hands, "No, no! I had no such intention! It's just that during those turbulent years of war, I was separated from my husband's family and left that place for many years. I really don't know if there are any old acquaintances or relatives left there now—"
"If you don't believe me, sir, you are welcome to send someone to investigate."
Her tone was hurried, with a hint of explanation, and she unconsciously leaned forward slightly.
Zhao Heng looked at her quietly, and after a moment of silence, he slowly nodded: "Yes, I see."
Seeing that he seemed to believe her, Wu Ji breathed a slight sigh of relief, then tentatively asked, "So—have you finished asking, sir? If you have, could you please have someone escort me back? There are indeed some trivial matters to attend to in the ward—"
Zhao Heng shook his head.
"If that's all you're asking, why bother Madam Wu to brave the rain and come all the way to this secluded place?"
Wu Ji's heart, which had just been at ease, was raised again.
Zhao Heng stood up.
He paced slowly in the somewhat cramped room, turning his back to Wu Ji for a moment. Outside, the rain pattered softly, and silence fell. After a moment, he turned back, his gaze sharp, fixed directly on Wu Ji.
"I have another story here. Madam, you may wish to listen to it and see if it sounds familiar."
Wu Ji's heart tightened, her throat went dry, and she could only manage to force a smile: "Please speak, young master, I am all ears."
Zhao Heng began his narration in a calm tone.
"It is said that many years ago, when Handan was a prosperous and thriving city, there was a pair of courtesans in the music hall who were as close as sisters."
One was a skilled dancer with a graceful figure; the other was not only an outstanding dancer but also a master flute player, possessing exceptional talent and enjoying a small reputation in Handan, where he was quite popular with some wealthy patrons.
Wu Ji's smile froze for a moment.
"Later, one of the sisters had a stroke of good fortune. She caught the eye of a member of the royal family. Even though she was a courtesan, the nobleman defied all objections and married her, making her a noblewoman and finally settling down."
Wu Ji's breathing became slightly rapid.
"Although this woman married into a wealthy family, she did not forget her old sisterly bond. Feeling that she had climbed the social ladder, she wanted to help her sister, hoping that she too would meet a benefactor, escape her life of prostitution, and share in the wealth and prosperity. But alas—"
Zhao said with a hint of regret, "Unexpectedly, her dancing sisters had no interest in this. They didn't covet money or power, but were instead captivated by a wandering knight-errant, and were determined to elope with him."
Wu Ji's fingers, hidden in her sleeve, began to tremble slightly.
"Although the woman who married into the wealthy family felt regretful, she still secretly helped her sister raise travel expenses out of consideration for their years of friendship. She may even have pulled strings to help her elope with the wandering knight and leave the city, thus fulfilling their sisterly bond."
Upon hearing this, Wu Ji's face turned pale. Her lips trembled slightly, but she still forced a dry laugh: "Young master's story is vivid, but it's a bit too bizarre; I don't quite understand it—"
Zhao Heng ignored her interruption and simply took half a step forward, getting closer to Wu Ji.
However, times have changed.
"The dancer who eloped with the wandering knight didn't enjoy the peaceful life she had imagined for the next few years. For some reason, after the knight left home one day, he suddenly disappeared without a trace. Before leaving, he may have hastily settled her in, but in chaotic times, how difficult is it for a lone woman, without anyone to rely on, to survive?"
Wu Ji's hands had already crumpled the hem of her skirt into a ball.
"Perhaps unable to bear the covetousness and humiliation of the locals, or heartbroken by the wandering knight's abandonment, this dancer ultimately refused to stay in the knight's hometown and began to wander. But the world was vast and she had nowhere to go. After many twists and turns and hardships, she finally returned to Handan, the city she knew best."
"Fortunately, when she was at her wit's end," Zhao Heng stared into Wu Ji's eyes, "she remembered her sister who had married into a wealthy family years ago, so she managed to contact her."
Wu Ji's breathing became completely erratic. Her chest heaved, her eyes widened, but her pupils shrank considerably.
Zhao Heng's gaze was fixed on him.
"To the dancer's surprise, her sister, who had married in such a glorious way years ago, had also experienced a dramatic change in her circumstances. The nobleman who had married her had died young, and she had become a widow."
"Fortunately, this woman's luck was not yet over. Before long, she was noticed by another royal nobleman of even greater status. As a widow who had not left any children for her deceased husband, she had no status in her original family and might even be restricted from remarrying. At this time, a new nobleman of no less or even higher status than her deceased husband appeared, and she would naturally do everything she could to curry favor with him."
Wu Ji's shoulders began to tremble uncontrollably.
"But this presents her with a problem," Zhao Heng shook his head and said, "Although she did not bear any children for her deceased husband, she actually gave birth to a daughter in the same year he died."
Wu Ji dared not look up, staring intently at the hem of her skirt as if it were her only lifeline.
"This girl was born with white hair, and coupled with her father's recent death, she was seen as an omen of bad luck by some fools." For her, who was determined to climb the social ladder, erase her past, and claim a new title, this daughter's existence was undoubtedly a thorny problem.
Just as she was racking her brains about how to deal with this trouble, Zhao Heng's boot tip stopped in front of Wu Ji's peripheral vision: "By chance, her good sister who had been separated from her for many years and had nowhere to go had returned."
The room was deathly silent.
Zhao Heng looked down at Wu Ji, who was sitting on the mat, and continued, "So, this newly widowed noblewoman generously extended a helping hand. She used her connections and wealth to smooth things over for her returning sister, not only resolving the debts and troubles left behind by her elopement with the knight-errant, but also helping her to find a job as a manager in the music hall and settle down. And the condition for all this help was simply that this sister raise her white-haired daughter on her behalf."
"The two hit it off immediately. The noblewoman claimed that she had miscarried the child she was pregnant with when she was a childless woman, and thus had no heirs and no ties, allowing her to focus all her efforts on winning the favor of the new nobleman. The dancing sisters, on the other hand, claimed that the girl was the daughter of their husband's deceased elder brother and sister-in-law, from a respectable family, and that they had been entrusted with raising her by their husband's family, thus preventing the girl from falling into a lowly status."
"From then on, this secret was kept hidden until now."
The story of Zhao Heng is finished.
The room was deathly silent.
Wu Ji sat there blankly, her face pale, fine beads of cold sweat trickling down her cheeks. She stared at the boot tips so close to her, but dared not look up at the owner of the boots for a long time, as if the other party were a messenger from the underworld, and that looking at them for even a moment would cause her soul to be annihilated.
After a long silence, she managed a forced, dry laugh: "Young master's story is indeed fascinating. But it's still just a story, and somewhat unrealistic—"
Zhao Heng wasn't in a hurry. He simply leaned down slightly, closing the distance between them, and looked directly into Wu Ji's eyes, calmly asking, "Is Xue Nu's birth mother currently in my uncle Gongzi Yan's residence?"