Raising Wolves CHAPTER 26
Raising wolves
Chapter 26
Translated by : DANMEI HEAVEN
Chapter 26
Perhaps because the fright had been so severe, Ningjuan’s seasickness improved remarkably quickly, with no further violent episodes.
That night, under the weight of extreme emotional highs and lows, Ning Juan revealed a rare moment of vulnerability. Lu Qingze never brought it up again.
The little peacock was always so concerned with his pride. After crying in front of him once, once he regained his composure, he would likely feel uneasy about it again.
Over the years, Ning Juan had clung to him relentlessly, probably because he was the first person to treat him unconditionally well during his most lost and helpless moments.
But he never expected that Ning Juan would cry for him.
The genuine tears of an emperor were the rarest of all.
The tower ship was well-stocked with resources and sailed day and night without stopping, following the current downstream. Half a month later, the scenery on both banks shifted from flat plains to lush, distant mountains, dense bamboo groves, and towering willows—a summer landscape of Jiangnan gradually unfolding before their eyes.
The tower ship dropped anchor near the shore. The area had long been cleared, and the Jiang-Zhe Regional Commander, Provincial Governor, Administration Commissioner, and Prefect were all waiting at the dock. Before anyone disembarked, some officials couldn’t help but exchange glances.
His Majesty was young and inexperienced, not yet fully in power. Court affairs were still controlled by Chief Grand Secretary Wei, yet he dared to leave the capital…
It was said that the young Imperial Tutor, personally appointed by the late emperor, had also come—and was originally from Lin’an Prefecture.
Should they try to win his favor, or simply ignore him?
Ignoring him seemed a waste, but trying to befriend him might offend Chief Grand Secretary Wei, who held sway over the Ministry of Personnel. Promotions and transfers all depended on his approval…
As the officials wrestled with their thoughts, the gangplank was slowly lowered. Dozens of imperial guards in flying fish uniforms led the way, their waists adorned with swords, stern and imposing. Moments later, His Majesty finally appeared.
Contrary to their expectations of a timid, cowering figure living under the shadow of a powerful minister, the young emperor was tall and slender, noble and handsome. Dressed in a narrow-sleeved robe embroidered with four dragon medallions, a jade belt, and black boots, his posture was straight, his gait steady, exuding an air of calm authority. His expression was unreadable, revealing neither emotion nor depth.
The Jiang-Zhe Provincial Governor, Li Xun, was inwardly startled and instinctively stepped forward to greet His Majesty. But the young emperor didn’t even glance at the crowd on the shore. Instead, he turned slightly and helped the person behind him onto the gangplank, his gaze fixed entirely on the other. His previously expressionless face even softened into a faint smile: “The wind is strong, Teacher. Be careful.”
That must be Imperial Tutor Lu.
Everyone couldn’t help but steal glances at him.
The pale blue robe draped over the young man’s thin, frail frame. The sickly pallor of his skin, visible at his sleeves and neck, confirmed the rumors of his poor health. But the lips and delicate jawline visible beneath the silver mask hinted at exquisite features.
What a shame—his face was ruined, and now he was a monster whose mere glance could give one nightmares.
The officials sighed inwardly, momentarily forgetting their earlier dilemma about whether to curry favor with Lu Qingze.
As the two descended, the crowd promptly knelt in unison, announcing their names and positions before chorusing, “Long live Your Majesty!”
Ning Juan lowered his eyelids, sweeping a glance over the scheming local officials, and gave a noncommittal “Hmm.” “Rise.”
Provincial Governor Li Xun was the first to step forward, his face alight with enthusiasm. “Your subjects and the people have eagerly awaited Your Majesty’s arrival. I took the liberty of preparing a welcoming banquet at the Breeze Over Lotus Pavilion by West Lake…”
Before he could finish, Ning Juan replied indifferently, “I will first retire to the temporary palace to rest. The banquet can wait until evening.”
Li Xun hurriedly assented.
The wind at the dock was strong, and Lu Qingze accidentally inhaled a gust, turning his head to cough lightly. He smiled and nodded slightly at Li Xun. “The journey has been exhausting, and His Majesty is tired. Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements. We will certainly join you all for a pleasant evening.”
His voice was clear and soothing, like a babbling brook flowing over stones, a calming presence in the sweltering noon heat. The officials, who had waited under the scorching sun only to be brushed off, felt their resentment dissipate. They clasped their hands in acknowledgment.
Looking at Lu Qingze again, they couldn’t help but think that the Imperial Tutor had the grace of the moon. Though his face was ruined, his extraordinary demeanor made him worth befriending.
Carriages had been prepared at the dock. Zheng Yao inspected them first before respectfully inviting Ning Juan and Lu Qingze aboard. He personally drove the carriage, while imperial guards and the Embroidered Uniform Guard formed a tight protective formation around it. The grand procession headed toward the city of Lin’an Prefecture.
Inside the gently rocking carriage, Lu Qingze took a sip of tea to soothe his throat and glanced at Ning Juan. “Is everything arranged?”
Ning Juan smiled and nodded. “Just waiting for tonight.”
The temporary palace built by Emperor Chong’an in Lin’an Prefecture wasn’t particularly large but was exquisitely ornate. Unlike the imposing, grand Forbidden City, it followed the delicate, understated style of Jiangnan gardens.
As Lu Qingze stepped inside, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. In his past life, visiting such a place would have required queuing for tickets and passing through security…
The temporary palace was heavily guarded, with imperial guards and the Embroidered Uniform Guard patrolling inside, while the Jiang-Zhe Regional Commander stationed troops outside day and night, terrified that something might happen to the young emperor on their turf.
As the sun set and the sky darkened, a cool breeze rose.
Ning Juan changed clothes and, accompanied by Lu Qingze, Zheng Yao, and Changshun, arrived at the Breeze Over Lotus Pavilion by West Lake in a carriage.
Over a dozen officials attended the welcoming banquet, most bringing their families—specifically, their marriageable daughters. At a glance, the gathering was a riot of color, with young women dressed in their finest.
As Ning Juan entered, the crowd dropped to their knees in unison. Several girls peeked up at the emperor from afar, their cheeks flushing when they saw that Ning Juan was far more handsome than they’d imagined.
Before leaving that evening, they’d been instructed on how to make a good impression.
His Majesty’s harem was empty—not only was there no empress, but it was said he didn’t even have a single concubine. If they could catch his eye and be taken back to the capital, perhaps they could become imperial consorts—or even empress?
They had been nervous about meeting the emperor, never expecting the new ruler to be so strikingly handsome.
Lu Qingze walked beside Ning Juan and, with a single glance, understood the officials’ intentions. Shaking his head inwardly, he glanced at Ning Juan, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he idly pondered.
Though he looked down on those who sought power through their daughters, if Ning Juan took a liking to any of the girls, it wouldn’t be a problem.
He wasn’t some school disciplinarian—he had no objections to young love.
Teenagers in their adolescence should naturally develop crushes on girls their age. Why was there no sign of that in this little peacock at home?
Lu Qingze’s interest was piqued. While the others were still kneeling, he leaned toward Ning Juan and remarked meaningfully, “Jiangnan truly produces beauties.”
Ning Juan’s steps faltered.
To his ears, Lu Qingze’s words took on a different meaning.
What? Had Lu Qingze taken a liking to one of the girls?
His chest burned with an inexplicable fire. The moment he sat down, he felt restless, a shadow flickering in his eyes.
These social climbers actually dared to bring people to seduce his teacher!
He wanted nothing more than to whisk Lu Qingze away immediately, far from this place. But reason held him back. Suppressing his anger, his voice dropped a notch. “They’re just mediocre. Nothing special.”
Lu Qingze clicked his tongue and chided quietly, “How can you say that about young ladies? They’re all quite lovely.”
The words were like oil poured on the flames of Ning Juan’s inexplicable fury.
After exchanging a few whispers, they took their seats—Ning Juan at the head, Lu Qingze to his left.
Provincial Governor Li Xun offered the first toast, first praising Ning Juan, then expressing the warm welcome of the Jiang-Zhe people. Ning Juan, seething inwardly but unable to show it, drained his cup in one gulp.
Lu Qingze, aware of his health, abstained from alcohol, focusing on the food and scenery instead.
The Breeze Over Lotus Pavilion stood by West Lake. Under the night sky, the music of strings and flutes filled the air, accompanied by a gentle breeze. The willows on the shore swayed, and the moonlit lake rippled with waves, the fragrance of lotus blossoms carried on the wind—a truly splendid scene.
In his past life, his poor health had kept him from traveling much. This was his first time visiting Lin’an and seeing West Lake in person.
Once Ning Juan consolidated his power and secured his position, he could travel freely too.
Lost in thought, Lu Qingze gazed outside. Ning Juan’s peripheral vision remained fixed on him, and seeing that he wasn’t looking at the beauties at the banquet but at the scenery outside, his mood improved slightly.
After three rounds of drinks, the Jiang-Zhe Administration Commissioner stroked his beard and said jovially, “Your Majesty has traveled far and likely hasn’t tasted Lin’an’s specialty, Nü’er Hong wine. Perhaps my daughter could offer you a cup.”
The demure young lady behind him looked up shyly, her eyes brimming with tenderness.
Ning Juan’s grip on his cup tightened. He instinctively glanced at Lu Qingze—only to see him turn his gaze from the window and watch with keen interest.
Again!
Ning Juan’s heart burned with fury, his expression turning icy. “No need.”
The words, sharp as cracking ice, instantly froze the atmosphere. The young lady looked at a loss.
Lu Qingze shot Ning Juan a disapproving look.
If he wasn’t interested, there was no need to embarrass her.
Catching Lu Qingze’s gaze, Ning Juan grew even more frustrated. But he suppressed his anger, his voice cooling. “The night is chilly. I cannot bear to see the young ladies exposed to the wind. They may retire to the adjacent room.”
The words eased the tension slightly, and the humiliated girl’s blush faded, though she still seemed bewildered.
Only the seasoned officials understood: His Majesty had no interest in their daughters.
Since the new emperor was indifferent to women, it was best to cancel the planned dance performance to avoid displeasing him.
Once the room was cleared of beauties and Lu Qingze had nothing left to look at, Ning Juan finally relaxed.
After the banquet, the officials eagerly invited His Majesty and the Imperial Tutor aboard a painted boat for a night cruise on the lake.
This time, Ning Juan didn’t refuse, granting them face. But Lu Qingze couldn’t join—as they left the pavilion, he began coughing softly and regretfully excused himself.
No one found it strange. Lu Qingze was clearly a sickly man. For such a frail figure to last through the banquet was impressive enough.
Some of the Embroidered Uniform Guard escorted Lu Qingze back to the temporary palace, while the rest boarded the painted boat with Ning Juan.
Due to Ning Juan’s arrival, West Lake had been cleared for the night. The usually bustling scene of painted boats was reduced to a single vessel, gliding alone through the lotus blossoms.
Under the moonlight, West Lake was serene and breathtakingly beautiful.
Though it was all part of the act, Ning Juan’s mood improved at the sight.
West Lake was renowned throughout the land, and Lin’an was Lu Qingze’s hometown. He couldn’t help but feel a fondness for it, idly thinking that once the Jiangxi matter was resolved and he’d paid respects to his mother, he could return and take a boat ride with his teacher.
He could also ask Lu Qingze to show him where he’d grown up and tell him about his childhood.
The mere thought eased his irritation at being surrounded by scheming officials.
Among the crowd, several pairs of eyes watched Ning Juan, filled with doubt.
Had the Chief Grand Secretary overestimated this young emperor?
He seemed so engrossed in leisure—almost as if he’d forgotten his duties in his delight.
After making his rounds, Ning Juan returned to the temporary palace.
Late that night, the imperial physician was suddenly summoned to the inner palace. Soon, news spread that His Majesty had caught a chill, developed a headache, and was now vomiting and suffering from diarrhea.
The accompanying officials paled in terror, trembling with fear, and hurriedly sent people to inspect the Breeze Over Lotus Pavilion.
By daybreak, the imperial guards finally allowed the sleepless officials into the temporary palace.
The room reeked of medicine. Through a gauze curtain, the officials saw the emperor, who had been full of energy the day before, lying listlessly in bed. His voice was hoarse, likely from vomiting all night. “It’s just acclimatization. No need for alarm. You may leave.”
Changshun reassured the crowd and personally escorted them out. On his way back, he bumped into Chen Xiaodao, who had come to fetch medicine. The two exchanged a glance and nodded imperceptibly.
A flock of white birds passed overhead.
Changshun looked up, his face grim.
Your Majesty, Lord Lu… please, don’t let anything happen to you.
While Changshun fretted, Lu Qingze and Ning Juan, having slipped away after their appearance, were already crossing into Jiangxi by carriage.
The carriage had traveled all night. Though Changshun had prepared the interior to be as comfortable as possible, sitting in a carriage for so long was taxing even for a healthy person—let alone someone as frail as Lu Qingze.
However, Lu Qingze didn’t make a sound. Shortly after boarding the carriage, feeling slightly unwell, he consciously wrapped himself in a blanket and lay down to sleep, ensuring he got enough rest.
Originally, Lu Qingze had planned to go to Jiangxi alone to assess the situation. After all, he was notorious throughout Da Qi as a sickly figure, so even if he claimed illness to avoid meeting people, no one would suspect anything. But Ning Juan, worried, chose to accompany him.
Aside from guarding against Wei Herong, the officials in Jiangxi had undoubtedly also received news of Ning Juan’s southern journey and were keeping an eye on Lin’an, fearing the young emperor might suddenly appear in Jiangxi.
To avoid suspicion, Zheng Yao, Changshun, Chen Xiaodao, and others had to remain in the temporary palace in Lin’an to cover for them and deceive prying eyes—in the eyes of many factions, if Ning Juan were to go to Jiangxi, he would surely bring Zheng Yao as a precaution.
Thus, with few people available, Lu Qingze couldn’t afford to fall ill.
At dawn, Lu Qingze woke from a fragmented, chaotic dream. The carriage beneath him was still jolting along, but he didn’t feel overly exhausted or uncomfortable.
Lu Qingze always needed a long time to fully wake up in the mornings. After regaining some clarity, he opened his eyes and realized he was practically lying on top of Ning Juan, with a pair of arms tightly encircling his waist, holding him firmly.
The boy’s breath was warm, enveloping him intensely, with a faint lingering scent of alcohol.
Most children of this age had frail frames, but Ning Juan exercised daily. His seemingly slender body was covered with a thin layer of muscle, firm and strong. His grip was almost constricting, tight enough to make Lu Qingze feel slightly breathless.
Lu Qingze drowsily lifted his head and noticed Ning Juan was still asleep.
Was this to prevent him from falling off?
…No wonder he hadn’t felt too uncomfortable.
For a moment, Lu Qingze’s emotions were complicated. The dignified emperor was acting as his human cushion.
Occasionally, the carriage curtains fluttered in the wind, letting in slivers of morning light that slanted across the sleeping boy’s striking features. His clean face was half-lit, half-shadowed, the interplay of light and dark outlining a breathtakingly handsome profile.
Lu Qingze took a moment to admire the beautiful youth, then worried that his considerate Guoguo might be squashed into juice. He pushed himself up, intending to move off Ning Juan.
Unexpectedly, the carriage hit a bump, likely rolling over a stone. Barely awake and lacking strength, Lu Qingze thudded back down, his head colliding with Ning Juan’s chin. The arms around his waist tightened abruptly, and Ning Juan hissed lightly, waking from the pain, his dark eyes glistening with innocent hurt.
Lu Qingze, also dazed from the impact, rubbed his forehead and groaned softly, amused and exasperated. “Guoguo, let me go. I’ll really crush you.”
The soft groan wasn’t intentional, carrying a nasal tone of pain, followed by a warm breath that faintly brushed his ear, sending a tingling sensation down to his earlobes.
Ning Juan instantly felt something was amiss and immediately released him.
Still groggy from the rude awakening, Lu Qingze’s mind wasn’t fully clear. He didn’t notice anything amiss and floated off Ning Juan like a wandering spirit, sitting down dazedly.
Ning Juan’s face paled slightly, his clenched fists almost trembling with tension, a mix of unease and self-disgust swirling in his heart.
Though it was a natural bodily reaction—he had still disrespected his teacher.
How could he, like that fool Ning Cong, disrespect his teacher?
Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths. When he opened them again and glanced at Lu Qingze, he remembered that Lu Qingze always needed half a cup of tea’s time to fully wake up in the mornings—Lu Qingze jokingly called it “rebooting time.”
So his teacher probably hadn’t noticed.
Just then, the carriage jolted again.
Ning Juan sat up, pressing a hand to his forehead, and said coldly, “If you can’t drive steadily, switch with someone else.”
For this secret journey, they had only brought fifty men. Ten of them had quietly left for Jiangxi with an experienced imperial physician upon arriving in Lin’an, leaving only ten to escort them while the rest were sent to search for someone.
These fifty weren’t Imperial Guards but the most elite and loyal individuals Ning Juan had selected from the Imperial Guards and other places—usually hidden in the shadows, referred to by their surnames and rankings. They were the so-called “shadow guards” often mentioned in common folk tales, blending in with the Imperial Guards and army, having followed them south.
At these words, the carriage immediately became much steadier.
Lu Qingze was still half-asleep when he felt a warm hand under his chin. Ning Juan turned his face toward him, gently rubbing his temple with his other hand, his voice still husky from sleep. “You won’t crush me. Teacher, you’re very light.”
This was in response to Lu Qingze’s earlier comment.
After a pause, he added softly, “It’s red.”
Finally fully awake, Lu Qingze sensed something indescribably awkward in Ning Juan’s tone and posture—a hint of ambiguous tension.
At the very least, this posture shouldn’t exist between teacher and student.
When he saw Ning Juan open a hidden compartment and take out a box of snow-white ointment to apply to his forehead, Lu Qingze suddenly understood and inwardly scolded himself.
Dirty adult, what were you thinking!
Feeling deeply ashamed, Lu Qingze glanced at Ning Juan’s reddened chin and took the ointment, making amends: “Let me apply some for you too.”
Teacher and student each reached out to apply the ointment to the other, sitting one tall, one short. When their gazes accidentally met, they couldn’t help but laugh simultaneously.
The shadow guard driving outside spoke up: “Master, the official road ahead is blocked by soldiers. The carriage can’t pass. Should we rest for a while?”
Since they were traveling incognito, they couldn’t reveal their identities immediately. Without an official pass, they’d have to detour.
Ning Juan hummed in acknowledgment. “Rest here for the time it takes an incense stick to burn.”
The accompanying shadow guards were all on horseback. Ning Juan stepped out first to issue a few orders. They quickly started a fire and began roasting the dry rations they’d brought.
Conditions outside were far from home. Lu Qingze followed, broke off a willow branch, chewed it to expose the fibers, and used it as a makeshift toothbrush. After washing his face, a warm, hardtack biscuit was handed to him.
Even roasted, the biscuit was tough. Lu Qingze could only gnaw at it slowly.
As a child in the cold palace, bullied and neglected, Ning Juan had even fought dogs for food. He wasn’t pampered and had no issue with such rations. But watching Lu Qingze struggle like a kitten, he couldn’t help but consider ordering someone to prepare hot food.
Without even looking up, Lu Qingze guessed Ning Juan’s intention. “No need.”
Sending someone to hunt, prepare, and cook would waste too much time. Moreover, Jiangxi had suffered floods, and clean water was precious.
Ning Juan frowned, still hesitating.
Lu Qingze lifted the corners of his eyes slightly, his teardrop mole strikingly visible in the morning light. “There’s sesame on it. It’s quite tasty to chew.”
Ning Juan’s heart skipped a beat. Silently gazing at the mole, he reached out after a moment, brushing away a sesame seed stuck at the corner of Lu Qingze’s lips, his voice unusually gentle. “Mm.”
His cool fingers grazed Lu Qingze’s lips like a light peck.
Lu Qingze silently wiped his mouth. Embarrassing.
After half a biscuit, his stomach was full. He wrapped the remainder in oiled paper and tucked it away. “Let’s not waste time. Let’s go.”
Ning Juan had ordered a half-hour break mainly for his sake.
But he wasn’t that fragile.
Lu Qingze sighed inwardly. Likely, his near-death state during their first meeting had left a deep impression on Ning Juan, making the boy still see him as a delicate porcelain figure.
It wasn’t that exaggerated. He wasn’t that frail.
But Ning Juan remained unmoved, even putting on a stern face. “Teacher, the emperor’s word is bond. A break for the time an incense stick takes means exactly that.”
Lu Qingze: “…”
Since when were you so principled? What about all those times you wheedled me into staying longer with you?
Ning Juan seemed to read his mind. Leaning closer, he whispered in a tone he’d never use in front of others, sticky and coquettish: “Teacher, I’m tired. I want to rest a bit longer.”
Ning Juan had been half-crushed all night in the jolting carriage. It couldn’t have been comfortable.
Lu Qingze glanced at him and fell silent.
The break passed quickly, and the group prepared to set off again.
To sneak into Jiangxi, they had to take a detour through mountainous paths—narrow trails where even horses couldn’t pass, let alone carriages.
Jiangxi had been experiencing frequent heavy rains lately, with another downpour the previous night. The muddy, slippery ground made it easy to lose footing, so they couldn’t move too fast.
As soon as they started, yellow mud splattered their boots and trousers, heavy and sticky, making squelching sounds with each step.
Lu Qingze and Ning Juan were in the middle of the group, with Ning Juan carefully watching Lu Qingze’s steps from behind.
Surprisingly, Lu Qingze walked quite steadily, requiring no special attention.
One young shadow guard couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the usually ethereal yet frail Imperial Tutor and was taken aback.
Even with his trousers soiled by mud, the young man’s back remained straight, his demeanor as pristine as snow and moonlight, still awe-inspiring.
He began to vaguely understand why the emperor revered and adored Lu Qingze so much.
Ning Juan’s gaze darkened.
Lu Qingze was pure, and it was precisely this purity that had moved him during their first meeting, prompting him to spare Lu Qingze from killing someone with his own hands.
He disliked anything tarnishing Lu Qingze’s purity.
Swallowing this inexplicable emotion, Ning Juan’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
Their scouts had previously traversed this route and made several trips back and forth, identifying the quickest path. The ascent didn’t take too long.
But going up was easier than coming down. The unmarked mountain path was even slipperier, and through the dense forest, the foot of the mountain was obscured by mist and rain, its distance unclear. A misstep could send one tumbling down who knew how far.
The lead shadow guards cleared the way, occasionally calling out warnings. The rest of the time, only the sounds of mountain insects, birds, labored breathing, and squelching footsteps filled the air.
If the path hadn’t been so narrow, Ning Juan would have tied Lu Qingze to his belt.
Though they’d anticipated difficulty, the reality was worse. Gripping Lu Qingze’s hand tightly, Ning Juan feared he might slip, regret gnawing at him.
Wouldn’t it have been better to leave Lu Qingze in Lin’an and fetch him after resolving matters in Jiangxi?
But he also knew that once the situation in Jiangxi was investigated and the incompetent officials dealt with, Lu Qingze’s assistance would be crucial.
And… privately, he simply wanted Lu Qingze by his side at all times.
This internal conflict made Ning Juan purse his lips, his frown deepening, his grip unconsciously tightening.
Lu Qingze noticed and assumed Ning Juan was afraid—perhaps of heights. He gently squeezed Ning Juan’s hand in reassurance. When they paused on a relatively flat stretch, he turned, his gaze gentle, and mouthed silently: Don’t look down.
Ning Juan froze, realizing the misunderstanding. Lowering his lashes, he smiled faintly and nodded.
His teacher was so good.
By evening, they finally descended.
Shadow guards who’d arrived earlier were waiting at the foot with fresh clothes, a carriage, and horses.
Past this checkpoint, they still had a way to go.
Fortunately, Jiangxi’s local forces weren’t extensive enough to set up checkpoints between prefectures—if they had been, this trip might have had an additional complication.
Lu Qingze and Ning Juan changed out of their muddy clothes and boarded the carriage, heading for Ji’an Prefecture.
After nearly a day’s journey, exhaustion was inevitable. Lu Qingze was barely holding on, gnawing at the remaining half of the tough biscuit. After a few bites, he leaned against the carriage wall and drifted off.
Ning Juan’s heart ached. Gently pulling Lu Qingze into his lap, he noticed Lu Qingze wasn’t fully asleep, murmuring drowsily, “My biscuit…”
This made Ning Juan chuckle. He tucked the half-biscuit away, smiling. “I’ve put it away. Rest well, Teacher.”
The muscles under his head were firm, not soft, but far more comfortable than the cold wooden wall. Lu Qingze turned slightly, his breathing gradually evening out.
Ning Juan draped his outer robe over Lu Qingze and, after a moment’s thought, covered his ears before summoning a shadow guard for a report.
The hidden guard who came forward didn’t dare to glance at the two men’s posture, bowing his head and lowering his voice as he reported the situation in Jiangyou: “The heavy rain hasn’t stopped, and multiple sections of the Gan River have burst their banks. The number of disaster victims continues to rise, reaching tens of thousands, with countless dead and injured.”
Ning Juan’s eyes were icy and dark: “The banks are still bursting? Are the local officials in Jiangyou all dead?!”
“Replying to Your Majesty, several magistrates from affected counties attempted to bypass protocol and report directly to the court, but their petitions were intercepted, and they were imprisoned. The few remaining officials are overwhelmed and ineffective. Other unaffected counties, fearing the spread of disease, have set up checkpoints on their own, refusing to accept refugees.”
Ning Juan frowned. Though he wished he could drag out these incompetent officials and execute them, he had to suppress his cold fury for now and address one of the most pressing issues: “Has Imperial Physician Chen proposed any solutions for the epidemic?”
Based on the current reports, wherever the floodwaters reached, disease spread. Those infected initially showed no symptoms, but after a few days, symptoms such as chills, fever, and diarrhea would gradually appear, followed by rashes and unconsciousness. Seven out of ten would die, with fewer than three survivors. Even if the flood didn’t drown them, the ensuing epidemic would kill them.
“Not yet,” the hidden guard lowered his head.
The few imperial physicians Ning Juan had brought south were all his trusted men. They had secretly discussed the symptoms on the way, but without seeing the patients firsthand, they were powerless. Thus, Ning Juan had ordered ten hidden guards to escort one physician ahead.
To resolve the situation in Jiangyou and allow the people of Lin’an Prefecture to come openly, they still needed more time.
Ning Juan took a deep breath, reminding himself of what Lu Qingze had told him, and spoke calmly and steadily: “Have you intensified the search for the person I ordered you to find?”
The hidden guard’s head drooped even lower: “Not yet.”
“Send more men. Search the Jiangsu and Jiangyou regions thoroughly. Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, find that person for me.”
“Yes!”
Ning Juan glanced down at Lu Qingze and said irritably, “Quieter.”
“…Yes,” the hidden guard whispered.
After speeding along the way, when Lu Qingze woke from his exhausted slumber, the carriage had already stopped, and Ning Juan was no longer inside. The faint sound of water could be heard around them.
The soreness throughout his body made him wake up faster this time.
Lu Qingze rubbed his temples and looked down, realizing he was still wrapped in Ning Juan’s outer robe. Given the circumstances, this was the most comfortable fabric the hidden guards could find, but it still couldn’t compare to the finest materials from the palace.
Yet his child hadn’t even frowned once.
Lu Qingze smiled slightly, lifted the curtain, and looked outside. Ten hidden guards stood watch, the carriage parked on a wide road. The sky was dark, making it hard to tell the time.
Lu Qingze took off the robe, stepped out of the carriage, and glanced around. Ning Juan wasn’t sitting by the fire but stood with his hands behind his back by the roadside.
The young man stared intently into the distance. In the dim light, it seemed to be a lake, its dark waters reflecting faint glimmers like an irregular black crystal refracting light.
Ning Juan was so absorbed that he didn’t notice Lu Qingze approaching.
Or perhaps he had noticed but was so at ease with Lu Qingze that he allowed him to come close.
Lu Qingze draped the robe over Ning Juan’s shoulders, his voice still hoarse from sleep: “What are you looking at?”
Ning Juan continued to gaze into the distance. After a long pause, he suddenly said, “Teacher, that used to be a village.”
Lu Qingze’s fingers stilled.
He fell silent as well, staring at the village swallowed by the floodwaters. After a long while, he asked quietly, “Your Majesty, what are you thinking as you look at all this?”
“I’m thinking about how to settle the people,” Ning Juan’s voice was soft but laced with a dense, cold killing intent. “And how to make an example of those responsible.”
Author’s note:
Ning Guoguo: "I don't like anything else dirtying Teacher, but if it's me who does it, that's fine."
Lu Qingze: "Now you know why I ran away, right? Old man on subway looking at phone.jpg"
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