Chapter 100: From Ruin to Reunion

It was already noon by now.

Xiao Nanyan took Wei Lan and Lu Zijin to settle in the adjacent courtyard, then sent someone to prepare the meal.

 

Wei Lan and Lu Zijin could finally rest for a while.

They hadn’t expected the Lu residence to be occupied, leaving them unable to return to their own home.

 

Lu Zijin’s mood was even worse.

Her beautiful home had been reduced to such a state.

Even though all those people had been beheaded, her heart still felt blocked.

 

On the other side, Lu Feng learned that Wei Lan had beheaded over eighty people in one go, including those who had occupied the Lu residence and Chen Zhou.

He knew this had struck a nerve with Wei Lan.

If this matter was not handled properly, he himself would likely be in grave danger.

 

After receiving Wei Lan’s instructions, Lu Feng quickly allocated a large number of personnel to escort the Chen family to Lingnan.

 

The Chen family totaled nearly two hundred people.

The bailiffs tied them all with long hemp ropes to prevent escape.

 

Zhou Yu’e wailed incessantly in the procession.

“What are you doing?

Where is my son?

Give me back my son!”

 

The Chen family members were numerous and chaotic to begin with.

Moreover, escorting these people to Lingnan was a hard task, and the bailiffs had no good expressions for them.

One of them kicked Zhou Yu’e directly.

“Old hag, stop wailing!

Let me tell you, your son was taken to the vegetable market and beheaded long ago.

If you don’t want to die, get moving!”

As he spoke, the bailiff struck her with his whip, making Zhou Yu’e scream and cry.

 

Although these people now numbered nearly two hundred, perhaps only about a hundred would actually survive to reach Lingnan.

After all, many of these prisoners would fall ill or encounter difficulties along the way.

The bailiffs wouldn’t care about their fates.

 

Inside the Chen residence, Meng Bai was leading the soldiers in confiscating property.

All valuables were seized.

The remaining deeds, fields, and shops were also put up for sale.

The silver obtained would all belong to the nation.

 

Because these were properties left behind by criminals, the sale price was much lower than the market rate.

Many people came to inquire, and some even bought on the spot.

Meng Bai sent people to handle the paperwork with these buyers.

 

Wei Lan and Lu Zijin had lunch with Xiao Nanyan.

They had no time to rest in the afternoon.

Wei Lan sent someone to find over a dozen craftsmen.

Lu Zijin took the map of the Lu residence and explained in detail to these craftsmen where repairs were needed.

Of course, the most important thing was to first fill in the several gates of the Lu residence, then commission new doors.

The plaque was the same; it also needed to be re-commissioned.

 

In short, the two were busy and overwhelmed.

The day had passed in a flash.

 

Wei Lan hugged Lu Zijin, preparing to rest early.

But Lu Zijin couldn’t sleep, sighing from time to time.

 

Wei Lan hugged Lu Zijin tighter and said softly, “All those who deserved to die are dead.

We’ll deal with Lu Feng tomorrow.

We’ve already hired the craftsmen to repair the Lu residence.

Don’t worry.”

“Mm.

I hope that when we return from the south, the Lu residence will be mostly repaired.”

Lu Zijin sighed.

“It should be about done.”

Wei Lan comforted her.

After all, the main structure of the buildings wasn’t damaged.

It was mainly the contents, doors, and windows that needed repair.

The inside also needed cleaning.

A few months should be enough to finish.

 

Early the next morning, Wei Lan had the maidservants and servant boys they had brought from the capital go back to the Lu residence first to clean up, removing all the thugs’ belongings and the human waste from the courtyards.

Then, she planned to have these maidservants and servant boys stay behind to help.

After all, she had originally intended to leave these people in the Lu residence to care for the old home.

 

Soon, someone came to report that Lu Feng was outside, requesting an audience, with some people in tow.

 

Wei Lan had Lu Feng brought in.

She and Lu Zijin sat at the round table, drinking tea.

 

Lu Feng had lost the energy he had the day before.

He quickly knelt before Wei Lan and Lu Zijin.

“Your servant greets the Prince of Ning and Her Highness the Grand Princess.”

 

Wei Lan glanced at him and said calmly, “How goes the investigation?”

“Your Highness, I began searching with all the bailiffs in the city yesterday.

We have already recovered over fifty pieces of furniture from the Lu residence from some citizens’ homes.

They have been transported to the gate of the Lu residence.

Additionally, over twenty pieces of furniture and ornaments were voluntarily turned in by citizens.

They have also been sent to the Lu residence gate.

However, time was short; we only searched a small portion of places.

Many places have yet to be searched.

I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.

Over the next few days, we will continue searching.”

Lu Feng didn’t dare look at Wei Lan’s expression, keeping his head lowered.

 

Wei Lan’s expression was not good.

Many people had taken things from the Lu residence.

But this matter was clearly not suitable for further investigation.

Otherwise, too many people would need to be executed, which could cause unrest.

Of course, the items taken from the Lu residence must be returned.

 

Wei Lan glanced at Lu Feng.

“The reason this happened is because you, as the local official, did nothing.

Lu Feng, from today onward, you are dismissed from your position as city lord.

Xi Ye will temporarily take your place.

I will report this matter to His Majesty and request that a new city lord be appointed.

Do you accept?”

“I…

I am guilty.

Thank you, Prince of Ning and Her Highness the Grand Princess, for being lenient with me.”

Lu Feng was so scared he broke out in a cold sweat.

He had been afraid Wei Lan might, in a fit of anger, have him beheaded.

“Of course, all costs for repairing the Lu residence will be borne by you.

You will also act as a supervisor.

You must restore the Lu residence to its former state.

Otherwise, if I return from the south and find the Lu residence not properly repaired, I will still hold you accountable.”

Wei Lan said coldly.

“Yes, yes.

I understand.

No, this commoner understands.

Thank you, Prince of Ning.

Thank you, Her Highness the Grand Princess.”

Hearing Wei Lan’s words, Lu Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

He had been truly afraid that Wei Lan would, in one sentence, have his entire family exiled as well.

 

Wei Lan glanced at him and said calmly, “You should also thank your daughter.

If not for her, I would not have only removed you from office.”

“Yes, yes.”

Lu Feng hadn’t expected that it was his daughter who had saved the family.

Then he remembered that his daughter had always liked the storybooks Wei Lan wrote, always supporting her, and often mentioning Wei Lan in front of himself and the family.

He hadn’t expected that these connections would end up saving his family.

“Dismissed.

Prepare the silver and go supervise the work at the Lu residence.

When we return from the south, we will come to inspect.”

Wei Lan waved her hand, not wanting to waste more words on him.

“Yes, this commoner will go now.”

Lu Feng quickly left the Xiao residence and headed to the Lu residence.

 

Wei Lan had already written a memorial to Fan Chuan, informing her that the city lord of Panyang needed to be reassigned by someone else.

Then she sent someone to deliver the memorial to the capital by fast horse.

 

After that, she called Xi Ye over and instructed her to temporarily act as city lord.

She wouldn’t need her for the southern matters.

 

After handling all these matters, Wei Lan finally breathed a small sigh of relief.

The situation in Panyang City was finally straightened out.

 

***

 

In the afternoon, soldiers came to report that an old woman had been lurking around the Xiao residence.

She had been skulking near the main gate all afternoon, peeking inside.

The soldiers, fearing she might be an assassin, had directly arrested her.

 

Wei Lan’s brow furrowed slightly.

She said, “Bring the woman here.”

 

She had no personal enemies in Panyang City.

If someone was seeking revenge, perhaps it was a family member of the over eighty people she had just executed?

Wei Lan wasn’t sure.

She would see who it was.

 

Soon, the woman was brought in by the soldiers.

When Wei Lan saw the woman, she was also stunned for a moment.

She hadn’t expected it to be Zhao Xinlan.

 

She waved her hand, signaling the soldiers to let go.

She stood up and asked, “Why are you here?”

“I…

I just wanted to see how you were doing.

And your sister?

Is she well?”

Zhao Xinlan’s eyes held tears as she asked carefully.

 

Wei Lan nodded.

“She’s fine.

She’s in the capital and didn’t come this time.”

“That’s good, that’s good.

With you protecting her, I can rest assured.

I just wanted to come and see you.

Did I cause you more trouble?”

Zhao Xinlan rubbed her somewhat blackened hands, hiding them behind her back, afraid of provoking Wei Lan’s disgust.

“It’s fine.

How have you been?

Have you been alright this past year?”

Wei Lan sighed, but still asked.

“Fine, everything is fine.

I found work.

The family I work for also provides meals.

Everything is good.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xinlan still said, “I heard that your father, no, Wei Wenyuan, is no longer alive.

I heard he was beaten half to death for owing money for drink and gambling.

He had no silver for medical treatment and died in a rundown temple.”

 

Wei Lan nodded.

She had also guessed that Wei Wenyuan would die.

Once a person got involved in gambling and drinking, they were finished.

It was no surprise he had such an end.

“He brought it upon himself.

It’s just as well, so he won’t drag others down.”

Wei Lan’s emotions remained unchanged upon hearing of Wei Wenyuan’s death.

 

Zhao Xinlan carefully observed Wei Lan’s expression.

Seeing that her face was completely calm upon hearing of Wei Wenyuan’s death, her heart ached.

She had been an inadequate mother.

If she died, would Wei Lan also be completely indifferent?

 

Zhao Xinlan stopped thinking wildly.

She had just come because she heard Wei Lan had returned.

She wanted to hide by the gate and wait, to see from a distance if Wei Lan was doing well, and then leave quickly.

She hadn’t intended to try to curry favor with Wei Lan.

But she hadn’t expected to be caught by the soldiers.

 

She looked at Wei Lan cautiously and said, “I just wanted to see you and then leave.

Now that I see you’re doing well, I’ll go.”

 

Wei Lan looked at Zhao Xinlan’s retreating back.

In the end, she couldn’t bear it.

Zhao Xinlan had been somewhat thoughtless before, but the real culprit, after all, was Wei Wenyuan.

“Wait.”

 

Zhao Xinlan turned her head to look at Wei Lan.

“Is there something else?”

“Quit that job.

I’m having people repair the Lu residence.

Zijin and I rarely return to Panyang anyway.

You can go live in the Lu residence.

You can also help supervise the work.

If Wei Qing misses you in the future, she can come back to visit.”

Wei Lan said calmly.

 

Zhao Xinlan’s eyes reddened, but she still felt she didn’t deserve her daughter’s offer.

She said, “I’ll just work in this city.

If I hear you’ve returned, I’ll come to the Lu residence to see you.

I’m really fine like this.

You and Xiaoqing don’t need to worry about me.”

“Stay.

Wei Wenyuan is dead.

Let the past be the past.

I’ll have someone clean up a clean courtyard for you to move into.

This is ten thousand taels in silver notes.

Someone else will pay for the repairs to the Lu residence.

This silver is for daily expenses and to pay the servants.

You hold onto it.

I will send silver notes regularly.”

Wei Lan placed the ten thousand taels in Zhao Xinlan’s hand.

 

To be honest, Wei Lan had no intention of taking Zhao Xinlan back to the capital.

Allowing her to live in the Lu residence was already the most she could do.

“Alright, alright.

In the past, I let you and your sister down.”

Zhao Xinlan couldn’t help it and started crying.

 

When her emotions had calmed down a bit, Wei Lan sent someone to escort her to the Lu residence.

 

After staying in Panyang City for a few more days, Wei Lan and Lu Zijin set off for the south.

After all, the situation in the south was tense.

Those who had been dismissed from office, along with the students, were constantly causing trouble.

They needed to go and resolve it quickly.

 

On the other side, Xi Ye, who had just taken over the city lord’s office, was also busy and overwhelmed.

But fortunately, the officials below knew she was one of the Prince of Ning’s people and were very obedient, afraid of making a single mistake and being killed by the Prince of Ning again.

 

After half a month, Xi Ye gradually became familiar with the various affairs of Panyang City.

She wasn’t as busy anymore.

After all, many matters were still handled by the officials below; her main role was to oversee the overall situation.

 

Moreover, unlike Lu Feng, she didn’t attend any banquets.

She was just waiting for the court to send someone to replace her, so she could return to protect Wei Lan.

She was used to being by Wei Lan’s side and didn’t want to be a city lord.

 

Xi Ye had actually been thinking about Zhou Yufu for a long time.

When she left Panyang before, she had deliberately written a letter and sent someone to deliver it to Zhou Yufu, warning her to be careful, that Panyang might experience some chaos.

 

Now that she was back, and after being busy with administrative matters for half a month, everything was now in order.

She wanted to go see Zhou Yufu.

 

So, Xi Ye changed into plain clothes, didn’t bring any guards, and went to the rouge shop Zhou Yufu owned.

 

Xi Ye had been there once or twice before.

But after Zhou Yufu gave her those indecent storybooks, she was too scared to come back.

Plus, she had left Panyang City with Wei Lan for nearly a year, so the shop clerks no longer recognized her.

 

Somewhat shy, Xi Ye walked to the counter, pretending to browse the rouge, while secretly looking to see if Zhou Yufu was in the shop.

Finally, the female Qiankun shop assistant couldn’t stand it anymore and asked, “Miss, are you here to buy something, or to find someone?”

 

Xi Ye’s cheeks flushed.

She cleared her throat and lowered her voice.

“Is your boss in?”

 

The female Qiankun gave an ‘I knew it’ look.

People who came to buy rouge and powder in their shop were either genuinely buying or Qiankuns trying to hit on their boss.

She was used to it.

“Miss, I think you should save your effort.

Our boss has no intention of remarrying.

She’s rich, has plenty of free time, and her husband is dead.

She’s living like a goddess.

She wouldn’t make herself miserable by remarrying.”

The shop assistant laughed.

 

Xi Ye nodded, but still said, “Could you please announce me?

I am a friend of hers.

She knows me.

Just tell her my name is Xi Ye.”

 

As she spoke, Xi Ye offered a piece of loose silver.

The shop assistant, seeing her offer money so readily, leisurely went upstairs to deliver the message.

“Boss, there’s a female Qiankun downstairs who says she’s looking for you.”

The shop assistant said.

 

Zhou Yufu was currently lying on her side on the soft couch, resting.

She didn’t even open her eyelids as she replied, “Send her away.

I’m not interested.”

 

Ever since she had parted with Xi Ye, she had lost interest in other Qiankuns.

Half a month ago, she had heard that Wei Lan and the others had returned, and she had been happy for a while.

But she hadn’t expected Xi Ye to become the new city lord.

That made her unhappy again.

 

Xi Ye’s status had risen.

How many Kunzes in the city were pining after her?

There was no place for her, a widow who had been married before.

And it had been half a month, and Xi Ye still hadn’t come to see her.

She didn’t want to go and make a fool of herself.

 

Thinking this, Zhou Yufu lost all desire to talk.

 

The shop assistant had received the money and said one more thing.

“That female Qiankun said her name is Xi Ye.

It seems to be the same name as the current city lord.”

 

Zhou Yufu’s eyes snapped open.

“What?

Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

 

With that, Zhou Yufu quickly got up, put on her shoes, straightened her clothes, looked at herself in the bronze mirror, and then hurried downstairs.

 

When she reached the ground floor, she saw Xi Ye standing at the counter, seemingly afraid of being awkward, holding a few boxes of rouge and looking at them, but her eyes kept darting towards the stairs.

Just then, their eyes met.

 

Zhou Yufu smiled at her and quickly came down the stairs.

“Oh, what brings the City Lord here today?”

 

Xi Ye’s ears reddened at being called ‘City Lord’.

She cleared her throat, then said, “I just got the affairs at the city lord’s office sorted out, so I thought I’d come see you.”

“It’s rare that the City Lord still remembers me.

From now on, I’ll have to rely on the City Lord for my business in Panyang City.”

Zhou Yufu smiled.

She just wanted to exchange a few words and catch up, not tease Xi Ye like before.

After all, in her eyes, with Xi Ye’s current status, it was highly unlikely she would choose to be with her.

 

Xi Ye saw that Zhou Yufu was not as warm as before and was being quite polite to her, which made her feel strange.

“Can I have a private word with you?”

Xi Ye hesitated for a moment, but still said.

 

Zhou Yufu was also surprised for a moment, but still smiled.

“Of course.

I have a tea room upstairs.

Let’s go up and sit.”

 

With that, she quickly instructed the shop assistants to serve tea, then took Xi Ye upstairs.

 

The female shop assistant who had taken the silver earlier was now huddled like a quail behind the counter, afraid that Xi Ye might notice her.

She was bold, taking the city lord’s silver, but now she was behaving.

 

Xi Ye followed Zhou Yufu upstairs.

There was a private room on the second floor where Zhou Yufu rested.

The door was open, and Xi Ye could see a soft couch inside, with a blanket messily lying on it.

Next to this room was a tea room for receiving guests.

 

Xi Ye pressed her lips together.

In the past, Zhou Yufu would have teased her and pulled her into the private room.

But now, she was treating her like a guest and leading her to the tea room.

This made Xi Ye feel a bit uneasy.

It was her own fault; she should have taken the time to come see her as soon as she arrived in Panyang.

“Please, City Lord.”

Zhou Yufu’s voice interrupted Xi Ye’s thoughts.

 

Xi Ye nodded.

“Alright.”

 

The two entered the tea room.

Soon, an attendant brought hot tea.

Zhou Yufu smiled and poured a cup for Xi Ye, handing it over.

“City Lord, please have some tea.”

“Thank you.”

Xi Ye took the tea, drank a sip, and then said, “You don’t need to be so polite with me.

It feels strange.

Just call me by my name.”

“Alright.

Since you say so, I’ll call you by your name in private.”

Zhou Yufu wasn’t sure of Xi Ye’s intentions.

She didn’t know why Xi Ye had come.

 

Xi Ye saw that she was still being polite and asked, “Are you angry with me?

I was away for a long time.

But it was due to important matters.

I had planned to come see you after I finished them.”

 

Zhou Yufu’s heartbeat quickened a few beats, but she still held back.

“Come see me for what?”

 

Xi Ye was a bit embarrassed, but still took a brocade box from her pocket.

She handed the box over.

“A gift for you.

Open it and see if you like it.”

 

Zhou Yufu hadn’t expected Xi Ye to give her something.

She opened the box and saw inside a lotus-pink jade bangle, carved with a ring of little rabbits, and beside it, a lifelike lotus-pink jade rabbit pendant.

 

Xi Ye had bought this piece of jade material in the capital.

Whenever Wei Lan finished handling political affairs, she would always carve small items in her spare time.

So Xi Ye had begged Wei Lan for help, saying she wanted to give her sweetheart something special.

 

Wei Lan, sensing gossip, had immediately agreed to help.

Knowing Zhou Yufu’s zodiac sign was the rabbit, Xi Ye had asked Wei Lan to carve a jade rabbit pendant and a bangle with rabbits on it.

 

Seeing these two items, Zhou Yufu was also a bit surprised.

The craftsmanship of these two jade items was very fine, clearly done by a master carver.

She hadn’t expected Xi Ye to give her such a valuable gift, especially one carved with her zodiac sign.

“What’s the meaning of this?

Did you have someone carve this for me?”

Zhou Yufu asked tentatively.

 

Xi Ye, somewhat nervous, nodded, her gaze burning as she looked at Zhou Yufu.

“Mm.

I wanted to give it to you when I confessed my feelings.

So, I asked someone in the capital to help carve these jade items.

I’m sorry for making you wait a year for me.

Are you still willing to be with me?”

“Are you serious?”

Zhou Yufu asked.

 

Xi Ye nodded.

“Of course.

When have I ever spoken carelessly?”

 

Zhou Yufu still found it hard to believe.

“But you’re different now.

You’re a close associate of the Prince of Ning.

Even if you don’t stay as city lord, you’re still someone many Kunzes would want to be with.

Are you sure you want to choose me?

I’ve been married before.

My husband is dead.

Even though he died before we consummated, in the eyes of others, I’m still not worthy of you.

Are you really sure?”

 

Xi Ye nodded again.

“I’m sure.

I don’t care what others say.

And the Prince of Ning knows about this too.

She also supported me coming to find you.

Are you still willing?

Or are you angry with me and really don’t want to be with me?”

 

Xi Ye asked cautiously.

After all, she had been away for a year.

Even though she left a letter, it wasn’t much different from leaving without saying goodbye.

Had she really become unwilling to be with her?

 

Just as Xi Ye was lost in thought, Zhou Yufu covered her lips and laughed softly.

“Of course I’m willing.

I didn’t expect my little Qiankun to be so devoted.

Did you miss me when you were in the capital?”

 

Xi Ye’s ears reddened at her words, but she still nodded shyly.

She felt that the Zhou Yufu who used to tease her was back, and she was a bit overwhelmed.

 

The smile on Zhou Yufu’s face grew even wider.

She stood up, took a few steps over to Xi Ye, and then sat down directly on Xi Ye’s lap.

 

Xi Ye also hadn’t expected her to be so bold, sitting on her lap in broad daylight.

But afraid she might fall, she quickly put her arm around Zhou Yufu’s back.

 

Zhou Yufu naturally felt her movement and smiled.

“Oh, hugging me already?”

 

Xi Ye’s face grew even redder.

Zhou Yufu was amused by her honest appearance.

Her little Qiankun had been away for a year and was still so easily flustered.

It seemed Xi Ye hadn’t turned bad since going to the capital.

That was good.

She liked it.

 

She leaned in and gently pressed her lips to the corner of Xi Ye’s mouth, laughing.

“The City Lord has kissed me, so now you must take responsibility for me.”

 

Xi Ye only felt a softness at the corner of her mouth, and a fragrance invaded her nose.

Then, laughter like silver bells rang in her ears.

 

Her face suddenly flushed, and even her neck reddened.

Had Zhou Yufu just kissed her?

 

Meanwhile, the shop assistant who had come up to deliver tea and pastries was also startled.

Because the door was open, the assistant came up with the snacks and saw her boss sitting on the city lord’s lap.

In her shock, the plate fell to the ground with a crash.

 

Zhou Yufu’s ears reddened slightly.

She cleared her throat, calmly got up from Xi Ye’s lap, and said to the assistant, “What’s with all the panic?

Hurry up and clean this up.”

“Yes, yes.

I’ll clean it up right away.”

The assistant was scared to death.

Having discovered the affair between her boss and the city lord, would she be silenced?

 

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