Chapter 44

Approaching a Turning Point, a Step Away

Fortunately, this time Ming Fu was dressed in black, seemingly in mourning for her brother, yet had shed the white mourning clothes. Sitting there, lost in thought, she looked utterly exhausted.

Shi Mei didn't feel sympathy for her, just thought she wasn’t an easy person to deal with. She had planned to be somewhat stern to teach Ming Fu a lesson, but seeing her current state, she decided against it.

"Ming Fu?" Shi Mei called out to her as she entered the room and saw her daydreaming. She sat down beside her on the guest seat, "Did you want to talk about something?"

Ming Fu looked up at Shi Mei, surprised by her courteous demeanor.

"I have a question for you." After hesitating for a moment, Ming Fu finally spoke up.

"Hmm," Shi Mei sipped the tea Xiang Er brought and looked at Ming Fu, waiting for her to continue.

"Yesterday, when I was cleaning up my brother's house, I found something," Ming Fu said, handing over several sachets to Shi Mei. "I found one on my brother's body too, and there are several new ones at home. Are they from your shop?"

Shi Mei examined the sachets and frowned; they were similar in style to the ones found on Qiao Lao Kuan, except for the color.

She shook her head. "We don't sell this style of sachet here."

"Can you tell what kind of herbs are inside these sachets and their uses? It's odd for a man to carry a sachet, especially one he kept so close," Ming Fu asked hesitantly, clearly needing Shi Mei's expertise.

Shi Mei opened the sachet and glanced inside, noticing several well-prepared medicinal pills with a faint fragrance.

This posed a challenge for Shi Mei; so far, her expertise was limited to identifying incense. These were already made into scented balls - how to discern their composition?

Resignedly, she poured out a few to smell them, her brow furrowing. They appeared to be ordinary scented balls, but as Ming Fu pointed out, it was indeed strange for a man to use such items.

"Can you give me a few days?" Shi Mei asked Ming Fu. "They've been made into scented balls. I'll need to dissolve them to identify the incense inside and speculate on their purpose."

Ming Fu, relieved to see Shi Mei willing to help, thanked her cheerfully and quickly left.

Shi Mei gathered the sachets and headed to the fragrance workshop. She found a small porcelain bowl, filled it with water, and dropped in a scented ball, waiting for it to dissolve.

Sitting on a stool, Shi Mei propped her chin on her hands, resting her elbows on the table, and blankly stared at the scented ball in the bowl. Her mind was empty, fixated on nothing in particular... Gradually, the water in the white porcelain bowl turned red.

"Huh?"

Standing up, Shi Mei fetched a silver needle and placed it in the water. In no time, the needle turned black.

"It's poisonous, isn't it?" someone asked from behind.

"Yes," Shi Mei nodded.

"Is the toxicity from the incense itself, or is it just a poisonous pill?"

"For poisoning, a colorless and tasteless substance is preferable..." Shi Mei mused, stroking her chin. "It's probably from burning..." Mid-sentence, she realized something was off. Who was she talking to?!

Startled, Shi Mei turned around to find Bai Shu's face close at hand.

"Ah!" Shi Mei, startled, stumbled backward. Bai Shu quickly reached out to steady her. "Be careful."

Once she steadied herself, Shi Mei scrutinized him for a moment before pinching his prominent nose. "Why didn't you knock before coming in?"

Bai Shu gently removed her hand, trying to hold it, but Shi Mei withdrew. He managed a slight smile, "You didn’t close the door."

Shi Mei narrowed her eyes.

"I came in through the front door," Bai Shu shrugged, "but no one seemed to notice."

Shi Mei felt helpless, wondering why Shi Hua and the others didn’t inform her of Bai Shu's arrival. It was a relief that she hadn’t said anything absurd in her unawareness.

"What brings you here?" Shi Mei inquired.

"I matched the map on the sheepskin with the pattern on the steaming basket... I plan to follow the route to search for it."

"Hmm," Shi Mei nodded in agreement.

Baisha looked at her, "Are you going?"

Shimei hesitated slightly, "Hmm... going into the mountains again?"

"Things are bound to get chaotic lately. It might be better to take a break and go out," Baisha suggested, playfully pinching Xiaofuzi who had jumped onto the table and was wagging its tail at him.

"Chaotic about what?"

"Fu Si has hired someone to catch Guan Luori," Baisha said nonchalantly. "It's going to be a hassle when it happens."

"I see..." Shimei pondered for a moment, "I need to visit the palace first to see the Empress Dowager. Shall we go after I come out?"

"Sure, I'll take you there," Baisha replied, reaching to hold her hand.

Shimei scooped up Xiaofuzi and ran off.

Baisha smiled and waited for her at the Fragrance House.

Soon after, Shimei returned, having changed into a long dress with gathered sleeves, looking more agile. They left for the palace, where Baisha waited outside while Shimei went in to meet the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager greeted Shi Mei with a smile, "I'm sorry for not standing up for you this time. Did anyone mistreat you?"

Shi Mei was momentarily puzzled, then realized the Empress Dowager was referring to the incident with Ming Jie. She quickly shook her head, "No worries, I can handle it myself. Mother, please don't be concerned about this matter."

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, noticing Shi Mei's hurried demeanor and chuckled, "You haven't been visiting me lately. Have you been busy with Bai Shu?"

A bit embarrassed, Shi Mei sat next to the Empress Dowager and began peeling lychees for her.

"Bai Shu is a decent man. Are there any ladies from the Jianghu competing for his attention?" the Empress Dowager suddenly asked.

Shi Mei paused, recalling Fu Ying, "Well... there might be. I met one before, and I’ve heard he’s quite popular."

"The hearts of people in the Jianghu are perilous. You're smart enough to handle it, so I won't lecture you," the Empress Dowager pulled Shi Mei closer, whispering in her ear, "Be careful not to let anyone take advantage of you, especially those with ill intentions, understand?"

"Yes," Shi Mei nodded quickly, feeling somewhat uneasy. Why would the Empress Dowager suddenly say this? Did she know something unfavorable? She asked, "Empress Dowager, has something happened?"

The Empress Dowager gave a small smile and handed her a petition from the stone table, "Read this for yourself."

Shi Mei, upon seeing the conspicuous brocade surface and the prominent character for 'memorial,' instantly recognized it as a petition for the emperor's review. Unfolding it, she grew increasingly alarmed as she read.

The document was an anonymous accusation, alleging Bai Shu of harboring the notorious fugitive Guan Luori and plotting treason.

"This..." Shi Mei's heart raced. Could the person impersonating Bai Shu that night have been an official? How else could a petition materialize so swiftly?

"This was intercepted en route to me this morning. We may not be so lucky next time," the Empress Dowager shook her head. "The powers within the court are intricate. As my daughter, you must be cautious... my actions may affect you, just as yours may affect Bai Shu. If you truly care for him, protect him, and don't let others exploit him."

Realization dawned on Shi Mei. She had assumed the white-robed imposter acted out of personal vendetta. Now, prompted by the Empress Dowager, she understood: the target was not just Bai Shu or Ming Jie; it involved her and possibly the imperial family.

"Troubles are brewing," the Empress Dowager whispered. "Tell Bai Shu to keep this matter within Jianghu and not let it reach the imperial court. Once it does, escaping the trap becomes difficult. This clearly looks like a scheme by someone in Jianghu in cahoots with court factions, using your relationship with him. The ultimate target is unclear, be careful."

Shi Mei felt a chill. Bai Shu probably underestimated the gravity of the situation, typically indifferent to such political intrigues.

"Empress Dowager, how can we prevent this from escalating to court matters?" Shi Mei was anxious, momentarily at a loss.

"Ah, fight trickery with trickery," the Empress Dowager scrutinized Shi Mei, nodding. "Who can't impersonate someone? Don a white robe, wield a silver sword, and anyone could pass as Bai Shu! Overdoing things can backfire; make the clever move appear clumsy, and it becomes clever, right?"

Shi Mei clapped her hands in understanding, "I see now!"

The Empress Dowager, sipping her tea with a smile, expressed her satisfaction with Bai Shu as a son-in-law. "I am quite content with Bai Shu as my son-in-law. I hope he can protect you throughout your life, which would put my mind at ease."

Shi Mei felt moved in her heart, appreciating the unique concern of a mother. In crucial moments, her mother always thought ahead for her daughter's well-being.

……

Bai Shu, waiting outside the imperial palace, didn't have to wait long before Shi Mei hurried back, quickly mounting her horse and urging, "We can't go to the mountains now!"

Bai Shu, puzzled, asked, "Why not?"

Shi Mei carefully explained the situation and its implications to Bai Shu.

Bai Shu's brows furrowed. Being highly intelligent, he quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. "I understand... let's go back," he decided.

However, as they approached the alley near their Fragrance House, they saw numerous soldiers at the entrance to the Bai residence.

Shi Mei quickly pulled Bai Shu into a nearby alley and anxiously inquired, "Where have you hidden Guan Luori?"

Bai Shu spoke in a low voice, "I've had someone take him away; he's not in the Bai residence."

Shi Mei nodded, "Shall we make arrangements now?"

Bai Shu agreed, and the pair took a detour to enter the back door of the Bai residence. Bai Shu discussed briefly with Qin Duo, who promptly acknowledged, "Understood," and hurried off.

Shi Mei and Bai Shu then circled around to another side and returned to the Fragrance House.

Hong Ye and the others were anxiously waiting. Upon seeing them return, they quickly reported, "Mei Zi, several officers have arrived insisting that the Bai residence is harboring a criminal wanted by the imperial court."

"Aunt Huo is not letting them in," added Zan Yue, anxious. "Both sides are at a standoff. What should we do?"

Bai Shu was about to step out, but Shi Mei held him back, "I'll go. You do as I instructed."

Bai Shu raised an eyebrow, and both Hong Ye and Zan Yue stuck out their tongues, impressed by Shi Mei's authority over the head of the Ghost Blade Clan.

"Did you hear that?" Shi Mei asked, a bit sternly.

Bai Shu nodded, "Alright."

Shi Mei went to change her clothes before heading out.

Accompanied by Zhong Bo and Xiang Er, Shi Mei approached the chaotic scene at the entrance.

"Who's causing a ruckus in front of the Fragrance House?" Zhong Bo shouted authoritatively. "Do you know where you are?"

The uproar quieted down at his voice, and a leading official approached Shi Mei with a respectful salute, "Vice Commander Liu Hai greets the Princess."

Shi Mei, not entirely sure of his rank, simply nodded, "Vice Commander Liu, what brings about this commotion?"

"Princess, we received a report that the Bai residence is harboring the fugitive Guan Luo Ri. We've come to apprehend him, but the people of the Bai residence are denying us entry."

"Ridiculous," scoffed Aunt Huo. "Do you think you can just barge into the Ghost Blade Clan's territory as you please?"

"Do you have any evidence?" Shi Mei inquired Liu Hai. "Surely you can't raid a place based on mere accusations?"

"There were witnesses who saw Bai Shu and Guan Luo Ri together last night, not just one person."

"Last night?" Shimei shook her head, "Impossible, Baisha was at my Fragrance House the entire time."

"Uh..." Liu Hai looked awkward, asking, "Princess, can you confirm that?"

Shimei nodded, "Ever since someone impersonated Baisha to kill Minister Ming Jie, there have been suspicious figures near my Fragrance House. Baisha is temporarily staying there to ensure its safety and to catch the imposter."

Liu Hai nodded awkwardly, realizing he had misunderstood, thinking, "I almost thought the princess was being too casual."

"Is Master Bai still at the Fragrance House now?"

"He did encounter someone in white last night, who was impersonating him... Master Bai is currently resting," Shimei said, then instructed Xiaoxiang, "Go see if Master Bai is awake. If he is, ask him to come here and tell him that the person impersonating him is causing trouble again."

"Yes, Princess," Xiaoxiang replied and went inside.

Shortly after, Baisha walked out slowly, followed by the wiggling Xiaofuzi.

"Uh..." Liu Hai was somewhat at a loss.

"Auntie Huo," Baisha addressed her, "Let them search."

"Master?" Aunt Huo frowned, "How can we let them just barge into the Ghost Blade Gate?"

Bai Shu smiled faintly, "Anyone who intrudes on the Ghost Blade Gate without permission shall be shown no mercy. Let them in. If they find Guan Luo Ri, they can hold me accountable for my crimes. If they don’t, we’ll handle it according to the rules of the Jianghu."

Liu Hai froze, hesitating and looking back at Shi Mei, who seemed displeased, "Commander Liu, do you not trust my word?"

"Uh..."

Liu Hai was caught in a dilemma.

Just then, perhaps coincidentally or deliberately, a group approached, led by Fu Si, followed by a number of Jianghu figures.

"What are you officials up to?" some of the Jianghu folks shouted.

Shi Mei tugged at Bai Shu’s sleeve, glancing at him – what a coincidence!

Bai Shu nodded slightly in agreement, indeed it was.

Fu Si arrived at the gate and dismounted, greeting Bai Shu with a fist salute, "What's happened here?"

Before Liu Hai could speak, Shi Mei asked, "Are all these heroes here for my Fragrance House?"

Fu Si smiled, bowing to Shi Mei, "My apologies for disturbing the princess. We came looking for Brother Bai... What seems to be the issue here?"

"Your timing couldn’t be better." Shi Mei, not forgetting the accusation of harboring a fugitive, indignantly said, "Recently, someone has been impersonating Bai Shu, causing trouble. It's infuriating!"

"Someone impersonating Master Bai?" The Jianghu figures behind Fu Si frowned.

Bai Shu remained silent, while Fu Si's eyes flashed with surprise as he looked at Shi Mei.

Just then, a sergeant ran over from the distance, "Commander Liu, there’s urgent news!"

"What is it?"

"Guan Luo Ri has been spotted at Dongshan."

"Is that so..." Liu Hai glanced at Bai Shu, relieved that he hadn’t stormed into the Ghost Blade Gate to search.

"Also, there was another person with him," the officer continued, "a masked man in white with a silver blade. They’re still fighting the officials. He claims to be…"

"Who is it?" Liu Hai asked.

"He claims to be... Baisha," the official said, glancing at Baisha somewhat helplessly.

……

"Who would stoop so low as to impersonate and tarnish the reputation of the Ghost Blade Sect?!" Auntie Huo exclaimed. The other martial artists were also in uproar, finding the scheme sinister.

"Let’s go catch Guan Luori!" Several martial artists mounted their horses and galloped towards East Mountain.

Fu Si smirked slightly and asked Baisha, "Brother Bai, want to join in capturing Guan Luori?"

Baisha replied indifferently, "You go ahead, I'm not interested."

"Aren't you curious who's impersonating you?" Fu Si countered.

Fu Si arrived at the gate and dismounted, greeting Bai Shu with a fist salute, "What's happened here?"

Before Liu Hai could speak, Shi Mei asked, "Are all these heroes here for my Fragrance House?"

Fu Si smiled, bowing to Shi Mei, "My apologies for disturbing the princess. We came looking for Brother Bai... What seems to be the issue here?"

"Your timing couldn’t be better." Shi Mei, not forgetting the accusation of harboring a fugitive, indignantly said, "Recently, someone has been impersonating Bai Shu, causing trouble. It's infuriating!"

"Someone impersonating Master Bai?" The Jianghu figures behind Fu Si frowned.

Bai Shu remained silent, while Fu Si's eyes flashed with surprise as he looked at Shi Mei.

Just then, a sergeant ran over from the distance, "Commander Liu, there’s urgent news!"

"What is it?"

"Guan Luo Ri has been spotted at Dongshan."

"Is that so..." Liu Hai glanced at Bai Shu, relieved that he hadn’t stormed into the Ghost Blade Gate to search.

"I have something for you," Baisha said, leading Shimei inside, through a long corridor to the courtyard filled with fallen paulownia flowers and an empty bamboo cot.

"I owe you my thanks this time," Baisha started, expressing gratitude to Shimei, "Otherwise, my Ghost Blade Sect could have faced major trouble."

"It was my mother’s foresight," Shimei replied, glancing at their joined hands and then thinking of the steamer basket. If it was indeed a token of commitment, then Baisha might truly be her destined partner.

Lost in her thoughts, Baisha led her to a nearby pavilion. "I’ve prepared something for you here."

Upon entering, Shimei couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the sight of various types of steamer baskets arranged on the table.

"You..."

"You seem to have a special fondness for steamer baskets," Baisha remarked. "I had some collected for you. Though I don't quite see their appeal, if you like them, how about I build you a house out of steamer baskets?"

Annoyed, Shimei stepped on Baisha's foot.

Baisha looked down at the dark shoeprint on his white shoe, raising an eyebrow at Shimei, "That means I've succeeded again, right?"

Shimei, both amused and irritated, retorted, "Don’t pick up bad habits from Qin Dai! I still prefer someone more straightforward."

Baisha nodded, "Hmm, so I'm still quite successful."

Shimei gritted her teeth.

Baisha pulled her hands towards his chest and leaned in closer.

Shimei looked up at him...

Falling flowers, flowing water, a cool pavilion, their gazes meeting, and a slight breeze carrying the scent of flowers – everything seemed just perfect. Shimei took a deep breath and was about to close her eyes when she suddenly heard an official’s voice from the entrance of the courtyard, "Master Bai, Fu Ying is here."

Shimei felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, infuriatingly interrupted!

Opening her eyes, she saw Baisha also looking somewhat embarrassed and displeased, "I’ll send her away..."

Before Baisha could finish, Shimei pushed him away and ran off.

Baisha rubbed his chest where Shimei had pushed him hard... Was this also a kind of success?