Di Ming

Chapter 102 Qingchen's Grudge

Madam Tian instructed her maid to lift the carriage curtain, revealing a well-maintained and dignified face. She bowed in return to Zhuang Tingjian, nodded, and smiled.
"So this is the residence of Zhuang Zan. Please forgive my rudeness; I cannot dismount to meet you."

She was Lady Tianyi, a titled Lady Gongren, so she didn't need to get out of the carriage to greet Magistrate Zhuang. She could simply return the greeting with a bow from inside the carriage.

“How could I trouble you, Madam, with such a disturbance?” Zhuang Tingjian said respectfully. “However, I have a serious matter concerning bandits that urgently needs to be discussed with Lord Tian in person. I cannot delay even for a moment…”

Madam Tian understood his meaning; he hoped that she would take them directly to see him, saving them the trouble of waiting.

Perhaps it was truly an urgent matter. But Madam Tian was used to hearing such alarmist talk from officials, so she naturally couldn't empathize.

She wasn't in a hurry, and nodded, saying, "Your Excellency is loyal to the country and diligent in serving the king. Although I am just a woman and don't have much experience, I admire you very much."

After saying a few polite words, he looked at the little girl with unbound feet behind Zhuang Tingjian.

He met the little girl's bright and beautiful eyes, which were clear and serene.

She's such a rare and wonderful girl.

"Master Zan, is this young lady your daughter? Why are her feet not bound?" Madam Tian couldn't help but ask.

"Hmm?" Zhuang Tingjian was surprised that Madam Tian would ask about Ning Caiwei.

Sigh, women really do ruin things. Can't you see how anxious I am? And you're still rambling on and on about this nonsense.

Ning Caiwei did not expect that Madam Tian would take the initiative to ask about her and even bring up foot binding.

Could it be that he dislikes the fact that he has unbound feet? That doesn't seem likely.

“Replying to Madam,” Zhuang Tingjian could only patiently reply, “this woman is not my daughter; her name is Ning Caiwei. As for why she did not bind her feet, I have no idea. She is here to testify.”

"Huh? This child also has the surname Ning?" Madam Tian was genuinely surprised, because she also had the surname Ning.

The surname Ning is not a common surname like Li, Zhang, Wang, or Liu; it is quite rare.

Meeting someone with the same surname as Ning is considered fate.

How quick-witted was Ning Caiwei? She immediately stepped forward, gracefully offered a deep bow, and smiled sweetly and brightly:
"This humble woman, Ning Caiwei, greets the old lady. May the old lady enjoy boundless blessings."

His words, actions, demeanor, and temperament were all perfectly executed, leaving no room for criticism.

Madam Tian was even more delighted upon hearing this. "Judging from your accent, you're also from Guanzhong? Where in Guanzhong?"

Ning Caiwei knew that Madam Tian's surname was Ning and that she was also from Guanzhong. This was not surprising, because Guanzhong was the place with the most people with the surname Ning in ancient times, and it was considered the ancestral home of the Ning family.

Moreover, Ning Caiwei knew that almost all the Ning families in Guanzhong came from one family: the Ying family.

The Ning clan of Guanzhong are descendants of the royal family of Qin.

Ning Caiwei answered truthfully, "Replying to the old lady, I am from Chang'an County, Xi'an Prefecture."

In later generations, she was actually registered in Yanta District of Xi'an City, but there is no Yanta District now, so she can only be referred to as Chang'an County.

She didn't actually speak Shaanxi dialect; she just deliberately revealed a hint of her hometown accent.

"So you're from Chang'an!" Madam Tian exclaimed with emotion. "I'm from Huayin, not far from Chang'an. We're truly fellow townsmen from Guanzhong!"

"What a fellow countryman!" Ning Caiwei was genuinely pleased.

Just because of the word "fellow villager".

Zhu Yin was also pleased. Madam Tian really liked Caiwei, so what would happen next…

However, although Madam Tian felt a strong connection with Ning Caiwei and liked this fellow Guanzhong native who also had unbound feet, she made no other gestures.

She had no intention of inviting Ning Caiwei into the car to talk, nor did she condescend to get out of the car and chat with Ning Caiwei about everyday matters.

She simply nodded to Ning Caiwei, said kindly "good child," and then ignored Ning Caiwei, turning instead to Zhuang Tingjian and saying:

“Since you, Lord Zan, have urgent business to attend to, please come inside with me. There’s no need to wait here.”

Zhuang Tingjian relaxed and bowed, saying, "I thank you for your convenience, Madam."

After Madam Tian finished speaking, she lowered the carriage curtain, and the carriage continued on its way.

Ning Caiwei's smile froze slightly.

Huh? What's going on?

No…we both share the same surname, Ning, and we're from the same hometown, so is this the end? That's it?

Am I not cute enough?
Ning Caiwei watched the carriage start moving, then touched her head, feeling as if she had punched a piece of cotton.

Originally, as long as Madam Tian let her get in the car, she could easily make the old lady happy.
However, to everyone's surprise, Madam Tian showed no intention of continuing to be intimate with him.

Zhu Yin followed behind, giving Ning Caiwei a look that meant to take it slow.

Lady Tian was the wife of the garrison eunuch and the minister of the Southern Zhili frontier.

In later generations, she would be considered to have a status half a rank higher than that of the First Lady of a province.

How many sycophants and flatterers have these powerful and wealthy women seen?
They are not naive young girls, nor are they people who act on impulse.

They are used to the mindset of those in power and are not easily moved by ordinary people, nor do they readily become their supporters.

It can only be done slowly and meticulously, like a slow-cooked, water-milling process. But leaving a good impression today is a crucial first step. Without this step, there's nothing to talk about afterwards.

Ning Caiwei didn't fully grasp this point because she also had the mindset of someone in a position of power. Unlike Zhu Yin, who came from a humble background and was willing to compromise with those in power.

When she was in charge of the Ning Group, even the big bosses treated her with utmost respect, addressing her as "General Manager Ning" and "General Manager Ning" as if they were afraid of offending her, their benefactor.

Even some heads of state from small foreign countries fawn over her.

She herself is from a powerful and privileged background, so of course she doesn't have the patience to deal with such people.

But now that Zhu Yin has reminded her, she understands.

Sigh, I still haven't fully adjusted my mindset.

I am just a powerless, penniless girl, a commoner from the bottom of society.

Don't think of yourself as someone special, assuming that everyone loves you and everyone admires you.

With Madam Tian's help, the group entered the heavily guarded garrison headquarters without having to wait.

However, only the investigator Zhuang Tingjian, the whistleblower Zhu Yin, and Ning Caiwei, who served as a "witness," were allowed to enter.

Warriors like Ding Hongying and Mehe, who carry swords and bows, are definitely not allowed to enter.

Zhuang Tingjian led his two children and followed Madam Tian into the outer government office, where they saw a familiar face emerge.

It turned out to be his colleague, Han Canyuan, the Left County Magistrate.

Han Canyuan's fair and respectable square face now carried an undisguised air of smug satisfaction.

He was dressed in a crisp, starched blue official robe, looking quite spirited. He had clearly just paid his respects to Tian Yi, so the outcome should not have been bad.

"I am Han Canyuan, the Left Vice Minister of Jiangning, paying my respects to Madam Tian!" Upon seeing Madam Tian, Han Canyuan immediately bowed to the right.

Madam Tian returned the greeting with a gentle smile:

"What a coincidence! First I met the Right Chancellor of Jiangning, and now I've met the Left Chancellor of Jiangning. I'm getting along with everyone."

Han Canyuan smiled and said, "Madam, this is a good omen. I am truly honored. Please, Madam."

After saying that, he greeted Zhuang Tingjian and said with a playful expression, "Brother Zhuang has come too?"

Zhuang Tingjian said sarcastically, "I was busy with official duties, so I arrived a little late."

He thought to himself, "You're always scheming and trying to take shortcuts, isn't it all just so you can become the county magistrate?"
Han Canyuan thought to himself, "You can't beat me for the position of county magistrate. If I really become the acting county magistrate, let's see if you'll bow your head then."

The two exchanged a knowing smile and bowed to each other as they passed.

...

Tian Yi was not in the garrison hall, but in the duty room of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

In the living room outside the office of the Directorate of Ceremonial, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and palace lanterns shone brightly.

One by one, the officials, dressed in their official robes, sat upright, waiting to be summoned.

A group of fire-bringers were busy in and out of the corridors, serving tea and water, and relaying messages.

In Zhu Yin's view, these minor eunuchs were just like secretaries in government offices.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but chuckle to himself when he saw the solemn and imposing Directorate of Ceremonial.

By observing their expressions and demeanor, one can tell that these officials and eunuchs are unaware of the changes at the Confucius Temple.

How long has the fighting at Confucius Temple been going on?

An hour and a half.

An hour and a half later, the matter at the Confucius Temple had not yet been reported to the garrison eunuch who was also in Nanjing!

This shows that Nanjing's crisis response mechanism was extremely lax.

This also shows that the Nanjing Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Nanjing Eastern Depot were indeed, as historical records indicate, parasitic units that arranged career paths for the sons of the powerful and wealthy and placed their cronies in positions of influence.

A group of people holding official titles in the Nanjing Imperial Guard, receiving staunch government support, did not attend shifts or perform any duties as Imperial Guards.

As a result, the entire intelligence system of the wartime capital became a mere decoration.

They became playboys, businessmen, and scholars... but never spies.

Many people couldn't help but glance at Zhuang Tingjian as he entered the office of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Is there any such thing as first come, first served?

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei did not enter the duty room, but waited at the door to be summoned.

Zhuang Tingjian entered the Silijian duty room, which had a smooth, mirror-like floor. He saw a large table on the east side, with books covering all four walls. In the center sat a eunuch in a python robe who looked to be about fifty years old, and several high-ranking eunuchs around him.

Zhuang Tingjian knelt down, lifting his robe, and said, "This junior greets Lord Tian."

"You may rise, Magistrate Zhuang." Tian Yi put down his brush, stood up, and bowed in return. "Please be seated, Magistrate Zhuang."

Zhuang Tingjian did not sit down, but went straight to the point, cupping his hands in greeting, and said, "Reporting to Lord Tian, a major event recently occurred at the Confucius Temple..."

He quickly recounted the whole story, sweat beading on his forehead as he spoke.

"Such a thing has happened!" Tian Yin slammed his fist on the table and stood up, while the other eunuchs also paled in shock. "What I said is absolutely true!" Zhuang Tingjian said decisively, "Twenty-three bandits were killed and fifteen were captured, right there in the square outside!"

"The person who reported the adultery is right outside the door!"

Tian Yi said, "Quickly, bring it in!"

Immediately, a young eunuch came out and said to Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei, "The master has summoned you! Be mindful of your manners! Remember? Don't ask for a beating!"

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei cursed under their breath and said, "We've got it."

Following the young eunuch into the duty room, we passed a large screen and then a beaded curtain.

Lifting the beaded curtain reveals a room filled with the fragrance of books, its walls lined with books, and a row of polished floors so smooth they could be used as mirrors.

Feeling several gazes sweep over him, Zhu Yin lowered his head, took five quick steps forward, and then obediently knelt down.

Ning Caiwei followed suit and knelt down as well.

Tian Yi is at least fifty years old, so kneeling to him is like kneeling to an elder.

"Your son, Zhu Yin (Ning Caiwei), greets the Garrison Commander! May the Garrison Commander enjoy boundless blessings!"

Tian Yi was surprised to find that it was two children who came in.

Moreover, these two children are like a golden couple, full of intelligence and quick wit, and so well-mannered, making them very likable.

“It’s autumn. The ground is chilly. Get up and answer me,” Tian Yi said gently.

"Yes! Thank you, Lord Garrison Commander!" Zhu Yin immediately scrambled to his feet, not even daring to brush off his clothes.

He carefully sized up Tian Yi and saw that this Jin Dang was tall and imposing, with a fair complexion and no beard, bright eyes, and an air of scholarly refinement. He exuded an aura of authority that had long been in a high position, making people dare not look him in the eye.

He didn't have the effeminate air one might imagine a eunuch to have, except that he didn't have a beard.

Tian Yi asked, "Did you discover the thieves' plot and take the initiative to report it to Zhuang Zan's residence as a warning?"

His voice wasn't deep, but it wasn't high-pitched either.

"Yes, sir!" Zhu Yin replied.

Tian Yi solemnly said, "Tell me what you heard back then."

"Yes!" Zhu Yin was not flustered at all, and immediately repeated to Tian Yi what he had said to Zhuang Tingjian earlier.

After listening, Tian Yi asked Ning Caiwei, "Little girl, is what he said correct?"

Ning Caiwei said, "Yes. We did overhear the thief leaking information by accident. We were really lucky."

Tian Yi nodded, clasped his hands together, and said, "May the saint protect us! May the saint protect us!"

"You are good children. Zhu Yin, I will not shortchange you for your contributions."

"Remember, this matter must not be publicized. If the remaining members of the thieves find out that you ruined their plans, they might retaliate against you."

"Yes! Thank you, Father!" Zhu Yin said gratefully. "I understand and will remember your words. I dare not take credit for this, and I will not publicize it."

Zhu Yin tilted his little face up, hoping Tian Yi would remember his face. At the same time, he emphasized his name, telling Tian Yi not to be forgetful and to remember his name.

Tian Yi nodded. "It's not easy for someone so young to have such loyalty and righteousness. Zhu Yin, you can all leave now, this is no longer your business."

"Yes!" Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei knelt down again. "Your children take their leave. May you rest in peace, Father!"

He kowtowed, stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, took five steps back, and then slowly turned and left.

After that, he was no longer needed.

He just needs to wait.

We're waiting to dig out the remaining accomplices of the thieves and wait for the reward.

Just as I stepped outside, I heard Tian Yi's voice coming from the guardhouse: "Someone! Convey my military order! Immediately seal off the entire city..."

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei immediately quickened their pace.

We must get out of the city before the gates are sealed!

The two left the garrison office and immediately took Ding Hongying and Meihe, carrying Black Tiger, and sped out of the city.

The lanterns had already been lit, and Nanjing was ablaze with lights. Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the city wouldn't have been locked down even if the first watch of the night had sounded.

But with such a major incident, the only option is to leave the city as quickly as possible; otherwise, one can only stay at an inn.

Staying at a guesthouse is fine. The main problem is that Dr. Ning at home will definitely get angry.

Zhu Yin and his men hurried along, and had just exited the nearest Tongji Gate when the order to seal the city gates arrived.

Originally, sealing off a city could have served as a warning or a signal for action.

But doing so would alarm the entire city and cause panic throughout Nanjing.

Zhu Yin and the others turned around and saw the city gate slam shut, and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhu Yin himself was a little dazed. He left early in the morning, went out of the city at night, and actually solved a major case!
……

When they returned to Qingqiao Village, they found the village bustling with activity.

The moon hangs high in the sky, its clear light like water, and the Milky Way stretches across the heavens.

Every household was enjoying the moon and eating mooncakes, and the sounds of singing, dancing, and music could be heard from some homes.

Under the bright moonlight, the laughter of the village girls could be heard from time to time.

Lanterns bearing prayers floated in the clear streams everywhere.

The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafts in, mingling with the aroma of rice, intoxicating the senses.

Such a clear moonlit night, it truly feels like a dreamlike paradise.

Zhu Yin and the others returned home bathed in moonlight and adorned with the presence of Ye Hua.

Upon returning home and entering the inner courtyard of the vermilion tower, one finds Ning Qingchen lying on the bed, writing crookedly with a quill pen.

Zhu Yin carried the black tiger and entered the room with Ning Caiwei. The baby didn't even lift its head, but just kept writing.

Ning Caiwei smiled and said, "Little sister, we're back. We knew you were waiting anxiously at home, so we rushed back overnight."

Ning Qingchen ignored her completely, her face expressionless, and focused intently on writing.

Zhu Yin put down the black tiger and said with a smile, "Qingchen has only just learned to talk and walk, and he can already write."

"What does it say? Let me see?"

Ning Qingchen covered the words on the paper, not even lifting her eyelids, as if Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei were invisible.

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei looked at each other, shaking their heads and smiling bitterly.

Suddenly, Ning Qingchen looked at the little black cat on the ground and said in a childish voice:
"Xiao Hei, you're back? Are you back to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with me?"

She reached out and patted Xiao Hei's head. "Xiao Hei, you're the best. Are you hungry, Xiao Hei? I'll get you some mooncakes."

As he spoke, he wobbled along with his small legs, opened his arms, walked to the table, and picked up a mooncake.

"Little Black, here, have some mooncakes."

She placed the mooncake next to Little Black's paws and stroked its head. "Little Black, isn't the moon outside beautiful? Isn't the lantern festival in the city beautiful?"

Little Black sniffed the mooncake, wagged its tail, and scratched at it with its paws. After taking a bite, it wagged its tail even faster.

Ning Caiwei shook her head, walked to the bedside, and saw the crooked words on the paper, which read:

"The fifteenth day of the eighth month of the fifteenth year of the Wanli reign, clear, night."

"It's Mid-Autumn Festival today. The two of them went to the city to have fun, without taking me with them."

"Can you believe it? You didn't take me with you. Haha."

"Of course, they have their reasons. There are too many people, it's too crowded, it's unsafe. Anyway, they're not three-year-olds with big mouths."

"But actually, they just didn't want to hug me! They thought I was a burden!"

"I waited and waited, hoping they would come back at noon. But they didn't. Then I hoped they would come back in the afternoon, but they didn't."

"I hope they can be with me during the Mid-Autumn Festival, eat mooncakes, and watch the moon."

"But I'm overthinking it."

"They haven't come back this late; they're probably having so much fun at Confucius Temple that they've forgotten all about home... The person eating mooncakes with me is Aunt Gu..."

"Little sister." Ning Caiwei was speechless and felt a little sorry for her. "I had something to do in the city today, so I couldn't come back to be with you."

As he spoke, he handed a piece of paper filled with "resentment" to Zhu Yin.

Zhu Yin was also speechless after reading it.

"Don't read my diary!" Ning Qingchen shouted fiercely, clenching her small pink fists. "I've already asked you to read it!"

She grabbed her diary and exclaimed, "Who are you guys?! I don't know you!"

Zhu Yin sighed, "Something really came up today..."

"Bullshit!" Ning Qingchen sat down on the ground with a thud, her mouth pursed, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

"It's a holiday, and nobody cares about me!"

"Two people and a dog, leaving me all alone!"

"Mid-Autumn Festival! I'm superfluous! Waaaaah..."

"I'm too small, so you all look down on me... Waaah!"

Ning Qingchen sat on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, feeling extremely wronged.

Tears fell onto the diary, wetting the paper.