Chapter 96 Prefect Wu and the Salt Merchant

Chapter 96: Prefect Wu and the Salt Merchant

Xue Sheng followed them all the way to the West Gate. He had initially worried that the gate would be guarded, forcing him to turn back empty-handed, but to his surprise, the gate was wide open, with only a single soldier waiting at the entrance to attend to them.

Gritting his teeth, Xue Sheng took advantage of the soldier kowtowing to Prefect Wu, silently slipping from the roadside to the back of the procession.

The soldier didn’t suspect a thing, though a maid nearly turned and spotted him. Fortunately, Prefect Wu spoke up just then, ordering that after leaving the city, he and his wife would take a carriage and needed someone to attend to them, so the maid hurried forward.

Once outside the city, the surroundings grew increasingly desolate. Unlike the neat, clean roads within the city walls, the dirt road was lined with tall trees and wild grass. Xue Sheng took the chance to hide behind a tree, using the thick spring foliage for cover. As he drew closer to the line of Taoist priests ahead, he finally got a clear look at the bound person in red.

The person in red, surrounded by the Taoists, had an ordinary face and an average build, a half-head shorter than his master, Meng Fulang. A vivid red pregnancy mole on the forehead stood out prominently, and under the glow of the torches, it was the first thing Xue Sheng noticed.

“A male bearer?” Xue Sheng marveled.

The male bearer was encircled by the Taoists, who chanted spells and wielded their ritual instruments all the way. Traces of tears lingered at the corners of his eyes, his face a look of confusion and innocence—nothing like a bloodthirsty demon.

Xue Sheng moved through the woods as the group traveled along the official road. Not far from the West Gate lay a ferry crossing.

Though it was late, boats still came and went at the dock, with laborers unloading cargo.

The Taoists bypassed the dock and headed north along the riverbank, stopping at a spot they had calculated with their fingers.

Hidden behind a tree, Xue Sheng watched as the Taoists surrounded the young male bearer, walking in a Bagua pattern. They first formed hand seals and brandished swords, then burned talismans and chanted incantations, terrifying the young man so much that he trembled all over, tears streaming down his face. If not for the cloth gag in his mouth, he would surely have been screaming.

After completing their rituals, the Taoists ordered a small boat to be brought over. The coffin bearers first carried the coffin onto the boat, and Xue Sheng noticed that the coffin was wrapped in thick hemp ropes, tied securely around it, with the other end tied to the young male bearer.

It was obvious what was coming. The young male’s eyes widened in utter despair, but his frantic struggles only got him thrown onto the boat.

One of the Taoists stepped onto the boat and took up the oars, rowing about forty meters into the river. He then picked up a stone he’d prepared and smashed a hole in the boat’s hull. River water immediately poured in through the hole.

Before the boat could fill completely, he jumped into the river, abandoning the coffin and the young male, and swam quickly back to shore.

Madam Wu, sitting in her carriage, watched the scene with a flicker of dissatisfaction in her eyes. “Why not row farther out?”

The remaining Taoist hurried forward to explain, “Madam, my colleagues and I calculated the position carefully. This is the most suitable spot for sealing the demon. Any farther or closer would not work.”

A mocking smile curled Madam Wu's lips. These charlatans were truly infuriating—clearly afraid that rowing too far would get them abandoned, yet now they blather about calculated positions! This so-called “demon” was something she had personally handed over to them!

Watching the coffin and the man sink together into the river, sinking silently, only the splashing of the young male’s struggles briefly disturbed the water. But that, too, was fleeting. Madam Wu was somewhat satisfied.

Beside her, Prefect Wu, whether he'd seen what happened or not, simply gave a faint order, “That’s enough. Return to the residence.”

Xue Sheng did not follow them back. Afraid of being caught going through the gate, he chose to wait in the bushes, watching the Wu family leave.

Only after the city gate closed did he emerge from the woods. The river surface was calm, as if no one had ever been there.

The next morning, Song Tingzhou stood at the city gate with a household register, waiting. When he spotted Xue Sheng in the queue of people entering the city, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Xue Sheng had not returned all night, and he and Meng Wan had guessed he had followed them out of the city. But not seeing him had made them worry for his safety.

“Sir.”

“It’s good you’re safe. Eat first, talk later at home.”

After bringing Xue Sheng into the city, Song Tingzhou took him to a breakfast stall and ordered two bowls of noodles.

Xue Sheng had been outside for three hours, cold and exhausted. After two bowls of hot noodles, he warmed up and grew even sleepier.

Once they had eaten and returned home, Xue Sheng recounted everything that had happened the night before. Meng Wan told him to go rest.

It was early morning, and the household’s breakfast was just being prepared. Bi Yun and Chang Jinhua were busy in the kitchen. The meal was simple, but Chang Jinhua couldn’t sit still and insisted on taking charge of everything herself.

“This is utterly absurd. Could there really be a fox spirit?” Meng Wan, a staunch materialist, was baffled by the Wu family’s antics.

Song Tingzhou’s gaze dimmed, his expression sorrowful. “He was just an innocent, pitiful soul. I never imagined that an Imperial Official of the fourth rank could be so careless with human life.”

Meng Wan was not surprised at all. While folding the bedding on the kang, he said, “People can be good or bad, and officials are people too. There are good and bad ones. Right now, we’re still too weak.”

Song Tingzhou felt the same. He couldn’t even help his own friend, let alone a stranger he had never met.

“I’ve asked so many doctors in the city. Without being able to see the patient, they all say it’s just a cold. But I don’t believe it.”

Meng Wan pulled him down to sit beside him. “The doctor was silenced. How could it be just a simple cold? For now, we can only wait to hear what Juren Zhu has to say. You got up so early; lie down for a while.”

Song Tingzhou couldn’t sleep. “I took the day off today. I heard there’s a village doctor in Daguan Village north of the city who is highly skilled. I want to go and consult him.”

Meng Wan found a long robe for going out. “I’ll go with you after breakfast. If we have time, we can also ask the doctors in the city we haven’t visited yet.”

After their meal, they didn’t wake Xue Sheng. Song Tingzhou unhitched the cart and took Meng Wan on horseback to Daguan Village. Whether it was due to exaggeration by others or the limitation of not seeing the patient, the doctor gave the same diagnosis.

Song Tingzhou couldn’t help but feel disheartened. Fortunately, Meng Wan stayed by his side. They asked a few more doctors in the city, all gave the same answer, without exception.

If not for the suspicious death of Dr. Zhang, Meng Wan might have believed that Wu Zhaoyuan was simply gravely ill.

The two returned home in low spirits, only to encounter an unexpected visitor.

“Uncle Yi? Why are you here? Where is Ze Ning? Has he returned? Did he bring the doctor?”

Seeing Uncle Yi, Song Tingzhou was so excited that he blurted out three questions in a row.

Uncle Yi chuckled. “Juren Song, don’t worry. The young master is still recuperating from his injuries in Gulin County, but our Third Master has returned with Doctor Fan. The young master specifically instructed me to inform you, fearing you might be anxious.”

Surprise flickered in Meng Wan's eyes, and he chimed in, “Third Master Zhu personally brought the doctor back? That’s good news.”

Hearing this, Song Tingzhou grew worried about Zhu Zening again. “How did Ze Ning get hurt?”

Uncle Yi looked gratified. “Thanks to your concern, Juren Song, the young master only suffered a minor scratch. He should be back in a couple of days. Worried about Juren Wu’s condition, he had Third Master bring the doctor back first.”

“Then I’ll go to the Wu residence to visit Zhaoyuan.” Song Tingzhou’s emotions were stirred, and he started to leave for the Wu house.

Uncle Yi stopped him. “Juren Song, Third Master said he would handle this matter alone. Once there’s news, this old servant will surely come to report.”

Song Tingzhou looked into Uncle Yi's eyes, seeming to understand something. He bowed to Uncle Yi. “Then I’ll trouble you, Uncle Yi.”

Uncle Yi quickly returned the bow. “I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Juren Song, rest assured and wait for my news.”

As they walked Uncle Yi out, Meng Wan suddenly remembered something. He whispered a few words to Uncle Yi.

Seeing the other’s surprised expression, he added, “I’m not sure if this is true or not; I might be mistaken. The rest is up to Third Master Zhu.”

This was the first time Uncle Yi had met Meng Wan. He gave him a long, thoughtful look and sincerely thanked him. “Thank you for the reminder, Meng Fulang. This old servant will return and report to Third Master.”

After seeing Uncle Yi off, Meng Wan said with some surprise, “I didn’t expect Third Master Zhu to come back, and he’s quite principled.”

Not letting Song Tingzhou go along was to avoid the risk of Prefect Wu venting his anger on the Song family if things went badly. The Song family had a weak foundation and was just a small household—how could they afford to offend a prefect?

Song Tingzhou’s furrowed brow finally smoothed a little. “I hope everything goes smoothly. Was what you just told Uncle Yi true?”

Meng Wan pulled him back into the room. “Last time, Mother said the salt she bought was different. Since then, I’ve been the one buying salt for the household, and I paid close attention. It’s true. And with Second Master Zhu’s close dealings with Prefect Wu, it’s hard not to suspect something.”

If it were in the past, he wouldn't have guessed this, but now he really feels there is something going on between the two of them.

Third Master Zhu brought Physician Fan back and first returned to the Zhu residence. Uncle Yi followed right behind him and hurriedly reported the news.

"Is this true?" Third Master Zhu, looking exhausted, was so shocked by the news that he stood up from the couch.

In the old Zhu residence, there were inevitably many confidants of Second Master Zhu, so speaking and acting required caution. Uncle Yi lowered his voice and said, "I have already sent someone to the salt firm to check, but the person hasn't returned yet. However, I observe that Meng Fulang seems like a man with a plan; he wouldn't just make up something like this."

Third Master Zhu's thoughts were turning rapidly, and he quickly ordered him, "No, Old Yi, this matter is too significant. You must go to the salt firm yourself immediately. If it's true, then the speech we prepared earlier will have to be changed."

...

Later, Second Master Zhu returned to the residence and hosted a banquet for his third brother in the hall. The atmosphere was not good, nor was it openly hostile.

Second Master Zhu sat upright in the main seat, squinting at his half-brother.

"Have you thought it through? Are you really willing to divide the family property?"

Third Master Zhu was extremely humble in front of Second Master Zhu. He lowered his head slightly and said, "Second Brother, what are you saying? After the division, I'll still bear the surname Zhu. It will be enough if you can leave me a few shops to support my wife and children."

Second Master Zhu neither agreed nor disagreed. He said, "After the division, a concubine's son can only get one-tenth of the family property. Forget about the shops; I'll give you an extra share of silver and farmland."

Third Master Zhu clenched his fist by his side and then slowly released it. "I will leave everything to Second Brother's decision."

"Since Third Brother is dividing it up, I'll go with him," said Fourth Master Zhu, who had rushed back upon hearing the news and happened to overhear Second Master Zhu's words.

He was similar in build to Third Master Zhu, both very tall, with a rugged appearance and a full beard, looking quite fierce.

Fourth Master Zhu lived away from the old residence all year round and didn't manage the Zhu family's businesses. Third Master Zhu and he were full siblings, so naturally, he would follow when his elder brother divided the property.

Second Master Zhu snorted. "I couldn't ask for more. I also find this main residence getting too crowded."

Dividing the family property was a major event, especially for a large clan like the Zhu family. The patriarch had to be invited to open the ancestral hall, and the entire clan had to be summoned to witness it. It couldn't be done in a short time.

But since Third Master Zhu had already agreed, to get Second Brother to act, he had to first press his fingerprint on the document.

Once the fingerprint was on the division document, Second Master Zhu immediately led his third brother and the physician to the Wu residence.

Prefect Wu, whom Mr. Song and the others rarely got to see, personally received Second Master Zhu.

Second Master Zhu put on a different face in front of Prefect Wu. He respectfully said, "I heard that your second son, Zhao Yuan, is ill, and I feel deeply worried. This child and my third brother's son, Ze Ning, grew up together. My nephew sought out a famous physician from afar to treat Zhao Yuan."

Prefect Wu's expression was cold, and in a tone that revealed neither joy nor anger, he said to Third Master Zhu, "You raised a good son, loyal and true. Not bad."

Third Master Zhu perched nervously on the edge of his chair. Upon hearing this, he quickly stood up and said, "Prefect, you flatter me."

He had come after bathing and having a meal with Second Master Zhu, but just this one sentence from Prefect Wu made him break out in a cold sweat, soaking the fabric on his back.

Prefect Wu said calmly, "I have matters to discuss with your second brother. You may go with the physician."

He neither told Third Master Zhu where Zhao Yuan's courtyard was nor sent someone to guide the way, showing such indifference that it seemed as if his own son was not critically ill.

Third Master Zhu dared not ask any more questions. He could only take Physician Fan and bribe people for information along the way, taking about half an incense stick's time to finally find Zhao Yuan's courtyard.

Qiu Ying had packed away the herbal residue from today's decoction and drained and set aside for reuse the next day. Looking up, he saw someone barging in. He recognized Third Master Zhu and, seeing the man beside him carrying a medicine chest, understood that they were here to save Zhao Yuan. Tears began streaming down his face again.

"Third Master, my young master is about to pass away. Please hurry and save him!"

Third Master Zhu frowned and said, "Let's go inside first. Bring in the herbal residue and any unused medicine."

Qiu Ying picked up the herbal residue and followed them inside. Wiping his eyes with his sleeve, he explained, "Since Mr. Song and Young Master Zhu came three days ago, no one has fetched or prepared medicine for my young master. They watch me closely and won't let me go out. There hasn't been any unused medicine in the room for a long time. Only the residue remains, which I have been decocting repeatedly these past days."

Physician Fan first poked through the herbal residue and then immediately examined Zhao Yuan, who was already critically ill and unconscious.

Qiu Ying was quick-witted and brought a stool for Physician Fan. Physician Fan examined Zhao Yuan's mouth, nose, ears, and eyes, and then sat down to take his pulse.

He let out a sigh of relief and said, "He can still be saved."

Hearing this, Qiu Ying's knees gave way and he fell to the ground and kowtowed several times to Physician Fan and Third Master Zhu. "Thank you, physician! Thank you, Third Master!"

Third Master Zhu, who had just received kowtows from his son and now from Zhao Yuan's servant, was touched by the sight. "You are indeed loyal. Physician Fan will stay here these days to treat your young master. Use this silver for any necessary arrangements. If you need anything, just go out and buy it. No one should stop you now."

Third Master Zhu tossed a money pouch to Qiu Ying. It was heavy, containing around a hundred taels of silver.