After Rescuing The Sickly White Moonlight - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The night deepened, and a faint, yellowish candlelight flickered within the Zheng ancestral manor.

The group had just returned to the courtyard. While Zheng Zhili went to the storehouse to look for medicinal herbs, Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun were preparing to wash up and sleep. Suddenly, several knocks sounded at the door, echoing clearly in the quiet night.

Lin Yu opened the door to find a young lady. She wasn’t very old and was followed by two maidservants carrying lanterns.

Hearing the commotion, Zheng Qingyun came out as well. He exclaimed in surprise upon seeing her, “Cousin Mingtang? Why are you out so late? Is something the matter?”

Zheng Mingtang bit her lip, stealing a hesitant glance at Lin Yu. Lin Yu, catching the hint, tactfully excused himself: “I’ll go fetch some hot water so you can soak your feet.”

Once Lin Yu left, Zheng Qingyun invited Zheng Mingtang inside. As they walked toward the stone table in the courtyard and prepared to sit, Lin Yu’s urgent voice rang out: “Wait! Don’t sit yet.”

Startled, Zheng Qingyun and Zheng Mingtang froze. Lin Yu hurried out from the house with several cushions and two cloaks. He handed one to a maidservant and draped the other over Zheng Qingyun’s shoulders, carefully tying the laces and patting them down. He exhorted, “It’s cold at night; be careful not to catch a draft.” He then gave Zheng Mingtang a smile. “You two take your time chatting.”

Meeting Zheng Mingtang’s teasing gaze, Zheng Qingyun felt a flush of embarrassment and let out two awkward coughs. “He… he just likes taking care of people. Cousin, tell me the truth, what’s happened?”

Zheng Mingtang took a small wooden box from her maid and placed it on the stone table. She took a deep breath and explained, “My father left this before he passed. He entrusted someone to deliver it to me, asking me… to hand it to my eldest uncle if possible. But as you know, my mother and I are powerless. Since you happened to return, I thought I would bring it to you to look at.”

Zheng Qingyun stared at the wooden box, his mind drifting back to his second uncle. He hadn’t had much contact with Zheng Hong; his remaining impressions were of the few letters sent over the years and a few meetings buried deep in his memory. The memories were blurry as his fingers unconsciously stroked the box.

Zheng Mingtang’s fingers twisted the corner of her clothes as she continued, “Before he died, Father told me: ‘A wind rises from the tip of the duckweed; one must see the grand in the minute.’ Later, he died in the mines. My mother’s shop was suddenly ransacked recently, and several ledgers were torn to pieces. Fortunately, my maternal grandfather found some people to help, so it should be safer now. Also… ever since I returned, there have been strange peddlers circling the manor. I… I’m a bit scared, which is why I came to find you so late.”

Zheng Qingyun’s hand paused.

“A wind rises from the tip of the duckweed; one must see the grand in the minute” was a line from the Zheng family ancestral precepts. When Zheng Heng taught them, he would often recall the scenes of studying alongside his younger brother.

Ledgers torn to pieces? Strange peddlers?

Who was targeting the Zheng family again? What had his second uncle discovered?

Zheng Qingyun’s fingertip lightly tapped the hidden mechanism of the wooden box. The box clicked open, revealing the contents inside.

It was a nameplate and a paper packet.

His pupils constricted—it was that nameplate again. Inside the paper packet were several fragments of stone mixed with cinnabar and something that looked like medicinal herbs.

Zheng Qingyun couldn’t identify them, so he called out, “Brother Xiao Yu, come here for a moment.”

Hearing the call, Lin Yu wiped the water from his hands and walked out. Zheng Qingyun showed him the items. Lin Yu examined them closely, sniffed them, broke a small piece off to look inside, and was even about to put it in his mouth before everyone present stopped him.

Zheng Mingtang said anxiously, “We don’t know if this is poisonous. How can you just put it in your mouth?”

Lin Yu explained, “It’s fine. This is Morinda officinalis (Ba Ji Tian), a medicine for tonifying kidney yang and strengthening bones.”

The two cousins breathed a sigh of relief. Zheng Qingyun gave Lin Yu a slight shove. “Don’t scare us like that next time.”

Lin Yu nodded and added, “Where did this come from? The quality of these pieces is quite good, but the smell feels off. Was it mixed with something else?”

Zheng Mingtang shook her head. “I don’t know. This was what Father left behind.”

Lin Yu pondered for a moment. “Second Miss, if you don’t mind, could you take me to see the place where your father lived tomorrow?”

Zheng Mingtang agreed.

As they were talking, Zheng Zhili entered with Guanyi and Guanyue. Their arms were full of supplies. They greeted everyone briefly before heading back inside with the items. Zheng Zhili brushed the dust off his clothes and leaned in. “What are you talking about?”

Zheng Qingyun gave a brief summary of their conversation.

Zheng Zhili shook his head and said, “It’s too dangerous for us to go alone. Eldest Brother sent word that he will be back in two days. It would be safer if he accompanied you.”

Understanding the risks involved, Zheng Mingtang agreed. She then bid them farewell: “I’ve troubled you with this late-night visit. I will come to find my three cousins again tomorrow afternoon to discuss this further. However, I haven’t told my mother about this wooden box, so please keep it a secret for me.”

With that, she prepared to leave. Lin Yu called out to her, saying he wanted to chat for a moment. The two of them whispered in a corner for a while, and no one heard what they said.

Zheng Qingyun stared at Lin Yu, who was beaming as he chatted with Zheng Mingtang, and felt an indescribable sensation in his heart.

Zheng Zhili patted Zheng Qingyun’s shoulder, snapping him out of his daze. The two brothers waited in silence for the pair in the corner to finish. Finally, Lin Yu and Zheng Mingtang ended their talk. Zheng Mingtang thanked Lin Yu with a smile, bid everyone goodbye, and left with her maidservants.

Zheng Qingyun gave Lin Yu a fleeting glance and said to Zheng Zhili, “Second Brother, let’s get some rest early.”

Zheng Zhili nodded. “Tomorrow, you stay in the manor. I’ll go with Uncle Zhang to look for more herbs.”

Lin Yu took out the copy of the prescription written by Court Physician Chen and handed it to Zheng Zhili. “Thank you for the hard work, Second Brother.”

Zheng Qingyun and Lin Yu entered the room one after the other. A wooden basin sat before the bed. Zheng Qingyun naturally removed his shoes and socks and placed his feet in the water. Lin Yu looked at the expressionless Zheng Qingyun and felt a bit helpless; this person was throwing a small tantrum again.

“Qingyun, do you want some water?” Lin Yu asked.

Zheng Qingyun shook his head. He looked at Lin Yu as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t open his mouth. Lin Yu placed his hands on the other’s legs and began a slow massage. He found the acupoints and applied a bit of pressure. Zheng Qingyun seemed to feel a sharp pain and recoiled slightly, but then paused and put his leg back.

He opened his mouth, finally letting out a single sentence: “You’re a bully.”

Lin Yu was stunned by this accusation. He froze for a moment, then laughed. “Qingyun, I’ve always massaged you like this before, and you never said it hurt.”

Zheng Qingyun felt the warm hands on his calves and watched as those hands picked up a clean towel to dry the water droplets from his feet before tucking him into the quilt. Zheng Qingyun also felt his own words were somewhat nonsensical, but he didn’t want to speak, so the two stayed in a brooding silence.

After Lin Yu finished tidying up and returned, he saw Zheng Qingyun buried under the covers. He lifted a corner, only to see that the person inside had turned red from the lack of air.

“Come out. Aren’t you afraid of suffocating?” Lin Yu pulled him up, tucked the quilt under his chin, and then lifted a side to lie down as well.

Zheng Qingyun didn’t roll into Lin Yu’s arms as he usually did. Noticing this, Lin Yu pulled the other into his embrace himself and patted his back. The candle was blown out, leaving only the moonlight to illuminate the room.

Lin Yu thought Zheng Qingyun had fallen asleep and was about to check if he had kicked off the covers when he heard his voice: “Brother Xiao Yu, what kind of person will you marry in the future?”

Lin Yu’s body stiffened. He turned back to see that Zheng Qingyun’s eyes were clear, with no hint of sleepiness.

“Is there a girl you like, Brother Xiao Yu?” Zheng Qingyun continued. “Eldest Brother and Second Brother say they will only consider marriage after they have gained fame and a position. What about you?”

Lin Yu tapped him on the forehead. “We’re still young; how would I know? Besides, these things depend on fate. Does Qingyun have a girl he’s interested in?”

Zheng Qingyun shook his head. “If you ever have a beloved, remember to tell me.”

Lin Yu laughed. “You’re staying up in the middle of the night thinking about this? Is there anything I don’t tell you? Go to sleep.”

Zheng Qingyun blinked, watching as Lin Yu lay back down beside him. Once the familiar, slightly heavy breathing sounded from beside him, Lin Yu knew Zheng Qingyun was fast asleep. He carefully turned onto his back.

He had never been in a relationship in either of his two lifetimes. In the first life, he was busy studying, rising through the ranks, and seeking revenge. Colleagues tried to set him up, but he refused them all; he never thought he would marry or have children. In the second life, he was busy studying, studying, and studying. Some of his friends already had children, yet he was still alone.

Lin Yu suddenly smiled. Perhaps the time just hasn’t come yet.

Early morning, at the Changzhou Prefect’s manor.

Liang Yi’an and Cheng Yizhong hadn’t needed much effort to coax information out of the three men. After organizing the evidence, Cheng Yizhong saw Liang Yi’an in a daze and asked, “Crown Prince?”

Liang Yi’an snapped back. “Lord Cheng, what is it?”

“Your Highness looks a bit weary. Why not go and rest?”

Liang Yi’an rubbed his brow and stood up. “It’s nothing. Liu Yang and the others are just small fry. The mastermind, Prince Yin, is already in prison; this is just one more crime to add to his list. Suo Lou didn’t take a direct hand in this, and the evidence in Liu Yang’s hands can only prove his brother was framed as a scapegoat—it can’t prove he took the fall for Suo Lou. Let’s leave this matter here for now. Lord Cheng, when do we set out for the capital?”

Cheng Yizhong replied, “In three days.”

Once the Palace Examination was over, the Ministry of Personnel issued the official documents. With the positions of the new graduates fixed, the court granted them up to three months of leave to return home.

Zheng Yanzhang wanted to return to the ancestral home. No matter the duration, he wanted to see his three younger brothers. Zheng Heng couldn’t sway him and eventually agreed. Zheng Yanzhang applied for one month of leave.

On the day Liang Yi’an and his group set out for the capital, Zheng Yanzhang boarded a boat to head south, having sent a letter home in advance. Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was waiting to have a drink with him back in the capital, only to find he had missed him. The gifts he brought back would have to wait until Yanzhang returned.

Liang Yi’an gritted his teeth, tidied himself up, and went to the palace to see Liang Jin. On the first day of his return, he and Cheng Yizhong had already reported to the Emperor. Liang Jin issued a decree—those who deserved prison were imprisoned, and those who deserved death were executed. Poor Prince Yin gained yet another crime while in his cell.

Liang Jin was reviewing memorials when he was told the Prince had arrived. He called him in and handed a memorial to Liang Yi’an. “What does my son think of this?”

Liang Yi’an opened the memorial and found it was written by Suo Lou. His eyes darkened, but he said nothing and continued reading. Suo Lou was petitioning for a reform of the Six Ministries.

Liang Yi’an quickly stole a glance at Liang Jin, who had his eyes closed as if in deep thought. To be fair, there was nothing wrong with the memorial; one could even say it showed a great concern for the nation and its people. But what was strange was why he chose to propose a reform at this specific time.

Liang Yi’an couldn’t figure it out. He carefully chose his words: “Lord Suo’s suggestion isn’t bad. Since the new graduates are about to enter the various ministries, they can be the first to experience it.”

Liang Jin gave a small smile. “The idea is good, but it needs fine-tuning. Very well, come with me to see your Mother.”

Liang Yi’an complied. The memorial was left on the table. Outside the window, a breeze blew as if coming from the south.

That night, Wang Fu rushed into the hall and said to Liang Jin, “Your Majesty, Prince Yin has died in prison.”