Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 169 A Misunderstanding

Upon learning of the misfortune that had befallen the master's family, a pall of gloom hung over the mansion.

The four servants had only been hired recently. They had heard that the house was unlucky and were already a little worried. Now, after living there for only a few days, their master had been inexplicably imprisoned, which made them even more fearful and uneasy.

Chang lowered her voice and said, "This house has been abandoned for so many years, and no one has dared to rent or buy it. But the Queen didn't believe in evil spirits and just moved in so brazenly without even asking someone to perform a ritual to cleanse it of its impurities. Now look what's happened, Lord Shentu is in trouble, isn't he? He's only been in office for a short time, and before he's even made a name for himself, he's been locked up."

Yan Yatou glanced at the backyard and rubbed her arms: "My grandmother said that none of the families who lived in front of this house had a good ending. Officials were demoted, businessmen lost a lot of money, and someone even died from an evil spirit in the past... My mother originally told me not to come, but I thought the Queen was kind and paid generously. What kind of evil spirits would have been gone after all these years? Who would have thought..."

"Is it really that bad? I don't believe in these ghost and spirit stories anyway," said the burly Apeng. "I think this house is quite nice, big and bright. It doesn't look like it's haunted by evil spirits at all. Besides, we don't even know for sure what happened to Lord Shentu. Let's not scare ourselves."

“You’re always loitering around the woodshed courtyard. Young people are hot-tempered, how could you possibly see anything?” Old Bing said, putting down the basket he was weaving. “It’s clearly not leaking, but that west wing room is always damp and cold. After working in there for half a day, my legs are stiff and sore. I think it’s probably because of some pent-up resentment, some lingering ghost…”

Pei'er couldn't stand it any longer. She threw down the wiping cloth, put her hands on her hips, and scolded sternly: "What nonsense are you spouting! Is it any of your business to discuss the affairs of the master's household? The Queen has been kind to you, but you've developed a habit of gossiping. If I hear another word of nonsense, pack your bags and get out to do hard labor!"

Immediately, everyone fell silent, hunching their shoulders and scattering to get back to work.

In the evening, Tan Huaike returned from the Tao residence, and Pei'er busied herself serving a hot dinner.

Tan Huaike waved his hand, indicating that he had no appetite: "Don't waste it, take it down and give it to everyone as an extra meal."

Seeing her exhausted face, Pei'er could only remove the food and serve her tea and snacks instead: "Your Majesty, please eat something. Don't worry too much and harm your health."

Tan Huaike rubbed his temples: "Lord Tao said this action is mostly a deterrent and won't really do anything to my uncle... but he has ultimately fallen into the hands of someone with ulterior motives, and I wonder how much suffering he will endure..."

The night was long, and the lights in the house stayed on all night.

How could she sleep soundly if Shentu Zhuo didn't return for a day?
-
The next day, a group of soldiers suddenly knocked on the door. Tan Huaike did not go to the shop, but went to greet them in person.

As soon as the gate opened, more than a dozen soldiers rushed in, the leader shouting loudly, "By order of the Prefect of the Capital, we have come to search the residence of the Grand Master of Ceremonies!"

Pei'er hurriedly tried to stop them: "What are you searching for? Officials, what crime has our young master committed? Not only are you arresting him without any reason, but why are you also going to confiscate his house?"

The soldiers shoved her aside, saying dismissively, "This isn't ransacking, it's a search. What do you young ladies know about government operations? Come on, search thoroughly, don't miss a single corner!"

Tan Huaike helped Pei'er up. Seeing that more than a dozen people were about to rush into the mansion, he calmly said, "It's fine. I've long heard that this old house is ominous. The previous two owners also suffered misfortune. Yesterday, I specifically went to ask a master, who said that there might be some powerful evil spirits in this house that ordinary people cannot suppress. It just so happens that you officials are here, so you can take the opportunity to thoroughly search it for us. You officials are hot-tempered, so perhaps you can scare away the evil spirits, and we can finally have some peace."

The leading officer sneered, "Do you think we're here to exorcise evil spirits and ward off evil? Aren't you afraid we'll find some incriminating evidence and put Shen Tu Zhuo to death?"

Tan Huai Ke clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves, pretending to be indifferent: "Sir, I am a widow who married into the Shen Tu family. Without a husband to protect me, and without the favor of my aunt, I have to rely on my own business to make a living. How can I care about others?"
"I finally managed to get my uncle recommended for an official position, but who knew he'd be such a good-for-nothing? Now that he's in trouble, I'm desperate to distance myself. Search all you want, find whatever you want, convict him whatever you want, as long as it's not some heinous crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of his family. Oh, sir, you're not really going to execute nine generations of your family, are you? My life as a widow is so miserable, sob sob..." "Not at all, it's a small matter," the soldiers scoffed. "A box of tribute from the south has been stolen, and it passed through his hands. Our lord suspects him of dereliction of duty and embezzlement, so naturally we're here to search for the stolen goods. Are you his sister-in-law? You'd better explain clearly, did Shentu Zhuo bring back any suspicious boxes of goods today?"

"Boxed cargo? No, we don't have any..."

Chatting casually with the officers and soldiers, Tan Huaike felt somewhat relieved. Just as Lord Tao had said, it was indeed a minor charge fabricated under a pretext. They could accuse him of dereliction of duty and embezzlement, but if they found what the other party was looking for, they could convict him. If they didn't find it, they could simply apologize. They had a backup plan; it was all just a formality.

Just as the search of the mansion began, another group of people arrived and knocked on the door.

Judging from their attire, they were the Commandant of the Andu Guard. The leader said, "The Imperial Censor has ordered that the search be stopped immediately!"

The officers and soldiers quickly stopped their men and asked, "What's going on?"

The Commandant of the Guards explained, "The box of tribute has been found. It was a mistake during the inventory and transport in the warehouse; it was truly a misunderstanding. This matter has already been reported to the Prefect of the Capital, and the person has been released. I heard that the King of Qin is furious and will come to hold us accountable. Before we completely offend him, let's hurry back home."

So everyone rushed out again.

The officers and soldiers, no longer arrogant as before, spoke to Tan Huaike in a friendly manner: "I knew it! How could a talented man like Lord Shentu be so confused? It turns out it was all a misunderstanding. We were just following orders, so please don't take offense, Madam. We've heard that the Prince of Qin has quite a bit of business with your family. If the Prince of Qin asks about it, please be lenient with your words, Madam."

He then ordered his men to put everything back in its place before leaving in a hurry.

After seeing off the two groups of soldiers, Tan Huaike instructed Pei'er to lead the sedan chair bearers to fetch the person, while he waited at the gate. He had just said that the person had been released, and it would be best to bring them back quickly.

A short while later, the sedan chair bearers brought Shentu Zhuo back.

He was perfectly fine when he entered, but as soon as the door closed, Shen Tu Zhuo staggered two steps, then his vision went black and he collapsed.

Tan Huai Ke was shocked and quickly told the servants to help him into the house. He also told Pei'er to go to the suburban clinic to invite Fu Feng over.

Standing by the bedside, she wrung out a damp cloth and placed it on Shentu Zhuo's burning forehead, asking with concern, "What exactly happened in the past day and night?"

Shen Tu Zhuo closed his eyes, took her hand and placed it on his heart: "I'm fine, don't be anxious and lose your composure."

"What did they do to you?" Seeing that he was still conscious, Tan Huaike asked, "You have no injuries all over your body, so why did you develop a high fever?"

"Sister-in-law, have you looked me up and down?"
-
Next chapter: I was lying to you... about sharing a bed with you.