Raising Wolves CHAPTER 35

 Raising wolves  

 Chapter 35

Translated by : DANMEI HEAVEN

  Chapter Thirty-Five

Lu Qingze slept soundly that night.

In his dreams, a gentle breeze accompanied him until dawn.

When he woke, his spirits, weary from days of poor sleep, felt much refreshed.

The space beside him was empty—Ning Juan had already risen.

Though Pan Jingmin’s case was resolved, there was still much for the emperor to attend to.

Lu Qingze lay dazed for a while, vaguely sensing something different about the room. Rubbing his temples to shake off the grogginess, he glanced around and finally spotted the change: a basin of ice had been placed in the room, emitting a cool mist that tempered the stifling heat.

Where had the ice come from?

Squinting, Lu Qingze immediately guessed whose doing it was. He washed his face, brushed his teeth with his homemade toothbrush, and pushed open the door.

Chen Xiaodao, well-rested and fed, was already outside, trying to chat up the stoic guards.

Leaning against the doorframe, Lu Qingze observed for a moment before calling out with a smile, "Xiaodao, you’re in high spirits."

The guards, unlike ordinary ones, remained expressionless no matter how much Chen Xiaodao rambled. For the first time, his charm had failed him. Undeterred, he turned at the sound of Lu Qingze’s voice, bright-eyed. "You’re awake, Young Master! Would you like breakfast now?"

Lu Qingze wasn’t particularly hungry and shook his head. "Where’s His Majesty?"

Chen Xiaodao ignored his refusal. "His Majesty went to inspect Jianchang Prefecture. Before leaving, he had the kitchen prepare mung bean soup to beat the heat… Oh, and there’s watermelon! It’s chilling in the well water now. His Majesty ordered me to watch you—you’re only allowed two slices."

Before Lu Qingze could protest his two-slice watermelon ration, he was struck by confusion. "Where did the watermelon come from?"

The farmland in the area had been flooded. Had Ning Juan sent someone racing hundreds of miles overnight to fetch watermelons from elsewhere?

Chen Xiaodao grinned. "Some old farmers brought them to the government office this morning. The watermelons were grown on the mountains and survived the floods. The elders had hidden them at home, planning to use them as food if supplies ran out. But since His Majesty arrived in Jiangxi, the disaster victims have been able to eat. Grateful for His Majesty’s kindness, they brought a cart of watermelons—big and round ones! The Imperial Guards checked them thoroughly before bringing them in. His Majesty had rice and grain given to the farmers and sent them home."

Lu Qingze felt a mix of emotions, touched and gratified.

As they spoke, the kitchen delivered the mung bean soup and a plate of sliced watermelon, seeds meticulously removed. The sweet, refreshing aroma of the ripe fruit was irresistible.

The heat was so intense that even sitting still made one sweat profusely. Chen Xiaodao eyed the chilled watermelon, swallowing hard. "His Majesty said to keep the best ones and distribute the rest, asking for your opinion."

Lu Qingze pondered for a moment and shook his head. "Discontent arises not from scarcity but from inequality. There aren’t enough watermelons for everyone. In this heat, everyone’s working hard. If some get watermelons and others don’t, it’ll breed resentment toward His Majesty."

Chen Xiaodao, his brain fogged by the heat, had only been thinking about the watermelon. Hearing this, he scratched his head. "Then what should we do?"

Lu Qingze glanced at the ice basin by the bed. "Where did this ice come from?"

"From the homes of those wealthy merchants the Imperial Guards hauled in yesterday," Chen Xiaodao replied, having already inquired. A gleeful look crossed his face. "Early this morning, His Majesty sent Commander Zheng to ‘investigate’—or rather, politely inquire. Those merchants were quite cooperative, opening their ice cellars for Commander Zheng to take what he needed."

No wonder.

Lu Qingze couldn’t help but laugh.

Though Ning Juan was of noble birth, his childhood experiences had left him unpretentious about material comforts. If not for Lu Qingze, he likely wouldn’t have bothered with the merchants’ ice cellars.

But this made things easier for him.

Seeing Chen Xiaodao’s eager expression, Lu Qingze pushed the plate of watermelon toward him. "Have the kitchen peel and chop all the watermelons, then put them in a bucket with ice and some crushed mint leaves. Add water and sugar, mix well, and serve it chilled to everyone. Say it’s His Majesty’s idea."

If they couldn’t each have a slice of watermelon, they could at least enjoy some chilled watermelon juice.

Chen Xiaodao, munching on watermelon, nodded enthusiastically. "Great idea, Young Master! I’ll go find Commander Zheng right away."

"No rush, finish eating first," Lu Qingze said, sipping the mung bean soup. "Why didn’t Commander Zheng go to Jianchang Prefecture with His Majesty?"

"His Majesty said he was worried about you and left Commander Zheng behind for your protection."

Lu Qingze was speechless. "I’m perfectly safe in the government office. Who’s the one in danger, really? I’ve heard many in Jiangxi were forced into banditry, looting grain shipments meant for other prefectures."

Chen Xiaodao, not daring to argue with the emperor, focused on his watermelon. "You’ll have to take that up with His Majesty. We can’t sway him."

Lu Qingze finished the mung bean soup and ate a slice of watermelon before wiping his lips. "Let’s go. I’ll come with you to find Commander Zheng."

Though Zheng Yao had been running errands since arriving in Jiangxi, his primary duty was still protecting the emperor. Thus, his quarters weren’t far from Lu Qingze and Ning Juan’s courtyard.

As they made their way over, they didn’t encounter any other Imperial Guards. Entering the courtyard, they found everyone gathered around, erupting in cheers now and then.

What were they watching?

Chen Xiaodao, ever the enthusiast for a spectacle, eagerly squeezed forward. "Brothers, what’s going on? Make way, let me see!"

Having spent half a month on the boat south from the capital, Chen Xiaodao had befriended all the guards. They greeted him warmly.

Noticing Lu Qingze, they quickly made way. "Lord Lu!"

"Lord Lu, what brings you here?"

The scorching sun made Lu Qingze’s mask feel uncomfortably hot. He waved weakly. "I need to discuss a small matter with Commander Zheng."

As the crowd parted, Lu Qingze saw what was happening: Zheng Yao was sparring with Lin Xi.

Both wielded unsharpened blades. Likely due to the heat, Zheng Yao had stripped to the waist, revealing a muscular, bronze torso crisscrossed with scars—an intimidating sight.

In contrast, the slender Lin Xi looked like a scrawny chick. Yet, though not as strong as Zheng Yao, his agility kept him on par.

Someone shouted, "Boss! Lord Lu is here!"

Zheng Yao had been eager to spar with Lin Xi since their first meeting. Busy as a spinning top the past few days, he’d had no chance—especially with Ning Juan around. Now, finally able to indulge, he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Without turning, he called, "Brother Lu, is it urgent? If not, give me a moment!"

Dizzy from the heat, Lu Qingze admired Zheng Yao’s energy and retreated to the shade with a smile. "Take your time."

Zheng Yao grinned and intensified his attacks, not wanting to keep Lu Qingze waiting.

Lin Xi, skilled as he was, was still a teenager. Zheng Yao hadn’t been serious earlier, but now, under the veteran’s relentless assault, Lin Xi faltered. With a tear, his shirt split at the shoulder. Even with the blunted blade, Zheng Yao’s strike—swiftly altered from a slash to a slap—packed considerable force.

Zheng Yao immediately withdrew. "Oof, sorry, Brother Lin. Got carried away."

Lin Xi winced slightly, clutching his shoulder and shaking his head.

Lu Qingze’s brow twitched.

With Zheng Yao’s bear-like strength, Lin Xi was lucky his bones were intact. His shoulder would likely be swollen for days.

Feeling guilty, Zheng Yao grabbed a bottle of medicinal oil handed to him and made to pull Lin Xi’s shirt off. "Shouldn’t have hit the bone. Let me rub some of this on you—it’s a Northern Bastion Office specialty. A few days of this, and you’ll be good as new."

Lin Xi hadn’t flinched at the strike, but his face turned crimson at the prospect of being stripped. Frantically shaking his head, he was at a loss—unable to speak and faced with Zheng Yao’s brute stubbornness.

Zheng Yao wasn’t one to take no for an answer.

Lin Xi looked on the verge of tears, clutching his collar like a maiden being accosted in broad daylight, desperately seeking Lu Qingze’s help.

Lu Qingze couldn’t bear it either. Lin Xi was shy around crowds, clearly a socially anxious kid. This was social suicide.

He stepped out of the shade to intervene. "Brother Zheng, if you feel bad, just give Lin Xi the oil to apply later. No need to undress him in public—"

Before he could finish, there was a ripping sound.

The courtyard fell silent for a beat.

Zheng Yao’s brute strength had torn Lin Xi’s shirt clean off.

Lin Xi’s face turned beet red, his pupils trembling violently.

Lu Qingze: "…"

Zheng Yao’s mouth fell open. He let go, raising his hands in surrender. "I was about to stop… Don’t be mad, Brother Lin. I’ll buy you three—no, thirty new shirts!"

Lu Qingze suddenly understood why Zheng Yao was always getting scolded by Ning Juan.

He was about to comfort Lin Xi when his gaze froze.

Beneath the torn fabric on Lin Xi’s shoulder, a birthmark was faintly visible.

Zheng Yao’s sharp eyes caught it too, his expression shifting.

Both men had the same thought.

Seventeen or eighteen years old, highly skilled in martial arts, a crescent-shaped birthmark, and from the Jiangnan region…

Zheng Yao reacted swiftly, stepping forward to continue undressing Lin Xi while apologizing profusely. "Brother Lin, I really didn’t mean it. Don’t take it to heart. I’ll have someone fetch you a new shirt right away. If this one’s special to you, I’ll stitch it up myself. Don’t let my rough exterior fool you—I’m quite handy with a needle…"

Amid the chaos, Lin Xi twisted away, revealing the birthmark more clearly.

On his shoulder was indeed a crescent-shaped mark.

Over a decade ago, during the joint invasion by the Tartars and Oirats, the northern frontier was in chaos. Emperor Chong’an turned a blind eye, while eunuchs ran amok at court. Duke Shi Rongfeng, resolved to die at the front, secretly sent his personal guards to escort the young heir back to the capital. They were ambushed en route, the guards all perishing—only the heir’s body was never found.

In the original story, the heir ended up in Jiangnan with a crescent-shaped birthmark.

Lin Xi matched all the details.

In the original, the protagonist found the heir years later, by which time he could speak.

Could Lin Xi’s muteness not be congenital?

Lu Qingze pondered briefly but didn’t jump to conclusions. Seeing Lin Xi still cowering from Zheng Yao, he gently pulled the boy behind him. "Brother Zheng, spare young Lin, won’t you?"

Lin Xi hid behind Lu Qingze, eyes brimming with grateful tears.

Lu Qingze turned his head and sympathetically patted the child's head, then glanced at his exposed, swollen shoulder: "It's so swollen; we need to apply medicine quickly. If you don’t want to be seen, go inside to apply it, change your clothes, and then go back. How does that sound?"

Lin Xi hesitated.

Lu Qingze said gently, "Your clothes are torn. You don’t want Madam Yu and Miss Yu to worry, do you?"

Hearing this, Lin Xi finally nodded, carefully took the medicinal oil handed by Zheng Yao, covered his shoulder, and walked toward the room.

Zheng Yao, still uneasy, stretched his neck and called out loudly, "Brother Lin, it might be hard to do it yourself. Should I help you apply it?"

Lin Xi was terrified and quickened his pace, darting into the room and slamming the door shut.

Zheng Yao scratched his head in confusion: "Am I really that scary?"

Not just scary.

To a socially anxious person like Lin Xi, you’re downright terrifying.

Lu Qingze shook his head helplessly: "Brother Zheng, you..."

Zheng Yao, drenched in sweat, felt a bit embarrassed in front of Lu Qingze.

A thought flashed through his mind—if the Emperor found out he’d been shirtless in front of Lu Qingze, would he be in big trouble?

Zheng Yao’s instincts in this regard were sharp. He quickly took the clothes handed by his subordinate and put them on, lowering his voice: "Brother Lu, did you see it clearly earlier? Brother Lin indeed has a crescent-shaped birthmark on his shoulder. Could he be the person His Majesty is looking for?"

Though he wasn’t entirely sure who the Emperor was searching for, stumbling upon the right person by chance would still count as a merit.

Lu Qingze pondered for a moment: "His age and physical characteristics do match, but we need further confirmation. Xiao Dao."

Chen Xiaodao responded promptly and ran over: "Young Master?"

"I have a task for you," Lu Qingze patted Chen Xiaodao’s shoulder, entrusting him with the responsibility. "Go chat with Madam Yu and discreetly inquire about Lin Xi’s background. Be subtle."

This task was perfect for Chen Xiaodao.

It was just a matter of leveraging his strengths. Chen Xiaodao perked up, rolling up his sleeves: "Got it! I’ll head over now. Wait for me, Young Master!"

Zheng Yao chuckled and casually pointed to someone: "Take Xiaodao there."

Watching Chen Xiaodao follow the guide into the distance, Zheng Yao remembered another matter: "By the way, Brother Lu, what did you come to find me for earlier?"

Lu Qingze nodded: "There’s something."

He explained the watermelon situation to Zheng Yao, who clapped his hands after hearing it: "That’s a great idea! Such a small amount of watermelon isn’t enough to share. Who wouldn’t want something icy in this heat? Now everyone can taste it. I’ll have someone arrange it. You don’t need to worry."

Lu Qingze followed him under the corridor to escape the scorching sun, unable to stop worrying about Ning Juan: "When will His Majesty return?"

"Probably not until later." Zheng Yao wiped his sweat. "Don’t worry, Brother Lu. Jianchang Prefecture isn’t far from Ji’an Prefecture. Nothing will go wrong."

Lu Qingze nodded, thinking he’d tell Ning Juan about Lin Xi once he returned.

Originally, this trip south was solely for disaster relief, a chance for Ning Juan to establish his authority and showcase his abilities. Both of them had forgotten about the search for the young heir, but they’d coincidentally stumbled upon him.

After chatting for a bit, Lin Xi emerged from the room, having applied the medicine. Seeing Zheng Yao still outside, his pupils trembled again, and he quickly signed: Thank you for the medicine, sir. I’ll take my leave now.

Lu Qingze also prepared to leave, smiling: "Let’s go together."

Though he was always approachable, people often seemed nervous around him. He didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.

Lin Xi had a good impression of Lu Qingze and nodded eagerly, walking out of the courtyard with him and letting out a huge sigh of relief.

Lu Qingze comforted him: "Commander Zheng means no harm. He’s just a bit rough around the edges. Don’t take it to heart."

Lin Xi signed: I know. I’m just not used to it.

Lu Qingze wasn’t in a hurry to return and chatted with him: "You’re quite skilled in martial arts. How old are you?"

Lin Xi, unsuspecting, signed: Seventeen.

Lu Qingze probed further with a few questions, but Lin Xi couldn’t answer some, looking confused.

Though it was almost certain, Lu Qingze didn’t plan to tell Lin Xi about it yet, not wanting to cause unnecessary distress. After stalling for a while, he bid farewell to Lin Xi and returned to the courtyard.

Since Ning Juan wasn’t around, the subordinates couldn’t make decisions and had sent all the documents to him. He needed to handle them.

Before long, Chen Xiaodao returned, carrying a bowl of watermelon ice water: "Young Master, the kitchen has prepared it. It’s so refreshing! They added mint, making it even cooler. It’s been distributed, and everyone’s delighted. I brought you a bowl."

Lu Qingze took a sip. The cool, sweet taste of watermelon washed over him, and with each sip, it felt like his pores were opening up. He drank half the bowl greedily before looking at Chen Xiaodao: "What did you find out?"

Chen Xiaodao plopped down: "Madam Yu was easy to talk to, but Miss Yu was quite wary. It took some effort to learn that over a decade ago, the missing Master Yu once escorted goods in the north. That’s when he found Lin Xi. When they first picked him up, Lin Xi couldn’t speak, was covered in blood, and seemed dazed, unresponsive. Madam Yu thought he was a simpleton."

"They found something on Lin Xi and, seeing him covered in blood, suspected he might be someone important. The couple feared it would bring trouble, but they couldn’t bear to abandon such a young child. After much deliberation, Madam Yu agreed to adopt him."

"However, Lin Xi seemed to remember nothing and never spoke of his past. Later, Yu Zheng opened a martial arts school in Jiangzhe. It wasn’t until last year that he brought his family back to their hometown in Ji’an Prefecture."

Lu Qingze exhaled.

Everything matched.

However, without modern paternity tests and blood tests being unreliable, Lin Xi was only five when he went missing. There had to be some token to prove his identity.

Perhaps it was the item the Yu couple found on Lin Xi.

Chen Xiaodao guessed what Lu Qingze was thinking: "Madam Yu said the token was hidden by Master Yu. They planned to return it to Lin Xi in a couple of years after telling him about his past. But now that Master Yu is missing, no one knows where it is..."

When mentioning "missing," Chen Xiaodao’s voice faltered.

He’d learned the details. It had been over a month since Yu Zheng disappeared. What were the chances of surviving a fall from a cliff?

Though Ning Juan’s men hadn’t found a body, in this weather, it might have rotted, been washed away, or eaten by wild animals... The odds of survival were slim.

Lu Qingze rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

The battle in Mobei over a decade ago had likely drained General Shi’s trust and passion for the imperial family. If they brought Lin Xi to the general and claimed he was the young heir, would General Shi believe them?

Even if they explained Lin Xi’s background, General Shi would probably suspect it was another imperial scheme to seize his military power.

Would they have to rely on the power of blood ties and hope for some spiritual connection between the general and Lin Xi?

Forget it. They’d discuss it after Ning Juan returned.

Lu Qingze snapped out of his thoughts and nodded approvingly at Chen Xiaodao: "Well done, Xiaodao. You managed to find out so much."

Chen Xiaodao puffed out his chest proudly, scratching his nose with a grin: "Are you helping His Majesty with official business, Young Master? Let me grind the ink for you!"

Lu Qingze said, "Just handling some miscellaneous tasks. Important documents still need His Majesty’s personal attention."

He paused: "The phrase ‘helping His Majesty with official business’—you can say it in front of me, but don’t say it in front of others."

Chen Xiaodao realized his mistake and quickly agreed.

As the sun gradually set, the air became less stifling.

Chen Xiaodao had sat with Lu Qingze all afternoon and was drenched in sweat. He stood up dizzily: "Young Master, I’ll go to the kitchen to see what’s for dinner and take a cold bath."

"Go ahead." Lu Qingze dipped his brush in ink without looking up. "Don’t overdo it with the cold. Be careful of catching a chill."

Shortly after Chen Xiaodao left, Zheng Yao arrived.

"Something’s happened, Brother Lu!"

Zheng Yao stormed in, his brow furrowed, speaking rapidly: "His Majesty was supposed to return by now, but there’s no sign of him. I sent people to Jianchang Prefecture to investigate and ran into a passerby who said a group of mountain bandits ambushed a party on the official road a quarter of an hour ago. From the description, it was His Majesty’s group!"

Lu Qingze’s brush clattered to the ground, his face paling instantly.

________________________________________

Author’s Note:

Guoguo: Though I didn’t appear in this chapter, (in Teacher’s eyes) I’m everywhere.

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